Thankful for yesterday’s sunrise… but today’s?… not so much. I was hoping that these clouds might turn into something cool as the sun came up… but the sun NEVER came up! Instead, it was just gray, cloudy & SO WINDY!!! But I kept thinking…. with every mile I pedal, I can eat more PUMPKIN PIE!!!

After a string of uneventful, not-a-cloud-in-the-sky freezing cold mornings, it was great to finally get a beautiful sky show worthy of tackling the chilly winds! Incredible sunrise colors this morning across the horizon while the wind was in my face the whole way. But once I turned around, it was an amazing ride with the strong tailwind pushing me all the way home!!!

You gotta love when your friends come to the Holiday Home Show bearing gifts… and super sweet gifts at that!!! Keith & Julie brought me a yummy goodie bag from their candy store in Eureka, Illinois!!! Homemade fudge & marshmallow s’mores pops from MAURIE’S SUGAR SHOPPE!!! Let me just say… the goodie bag is a little “lighter” than it was when they dropped it off… burp!

HUGE THANKS to everyone who came out this weekend for my Holiday Home Show… and thanks to the sun for shining in & hitting the pots on the dining room table just right throughout the day. We’ve officially kicked off the holiday shopping season… giddy-up!!!

After a couple hectic days at my own HOLIDAY HOME SHOW… it was a great way to relax watching Mike Stumbras throwing large plates in his studio on Instagram Live! I could easily watch people throw on a wheel forever… so soothing, so mesmerizing… especially when it’s a talented thrower & teacher like my friend Mikey!

Just spending a little time this morning restocking & replenishing shelves for Day Two of my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW… including the “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” shelves on the back porch! Don’t forget, we’re open again today from 10:00am-6:00pm!

Just spending a little time this morning restocking & replenishing shelves for Day Two of my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW… including the “Tired Of Shlepping Sale” shelves on the back porch! Don’t forget, we’re open again today from 10:00am-6:00pm!

All clean and ready to go for Day Two of my HOLIDAY HOME SHOW. The apple cider is already in the crockpot… aroma wafting through my condo! Getting ready to kick-off Day Two in about an hour or so!

Funny story… I went through years of Holiday Home Shows while serving warm apple cider in styrofoam cups. Suddenly, a few years back, the light bulb went off and I “realized” that I should make mugs for the apple cider. Save the planet & promote my product. I’m kind of embarrassed that it took me so long to figure that out. Sometimes it’s hard to see the obvious!

After a long day of holiday sales & a LOT of warm apple cider served at the `… my cider mugs are in the dishwasher for the night. Getting ready for more warm apple cider for the customers stopping by tomorrow!

Sometimes the best way to choose a good textured wall piece or two… is to plunk yourself down right there on the floor to lay them out to visualize how they might look on your wall.