Upcoming June Events in Galena, IL

Are you planning to visit Galena, IL this June?  Here's a couple of events you may be interested in.

Tour of Galena Bike Races, June 8-10th.  Click here for additional info.

Great Galena Balloon Race, June 15-17th.  Click here for additional info.

Never visited Galena, IL?  {What are you waiting for?} Click here for visitor information.  There's something for everyone!

P.S.  I'm going to be opening the shop up for summer hours very soon, stay tuned for the official announcement.

~Shirley

"Cheater" German potato salad

I have discovered a way to make a quicker german potato salad and smaller version.  Have you ever used a can such as this on a whim??   I have, very little potatoes and more dressing than needed.  So I decided to cook 2-3 potatoes ahead of time.  When I wanted a quick salad I would peal the potatoes and dice them. Then add them to the contents of the can.  I also add some real bacon bits.( Hormel makes a good brand.)  A little salt and pepper and heat it up. It is delicious.  Depending on how large you potatoes are, this would feed an average of 3-4 people as a side dish.                 Try it sometime and let me know what you think.

While I'm here, as of this coming Friday, I will be opening the shop daily except Tues. until the 2nd week of January.                                                                         Shirley

Vintage Red Rocket Ice Crusher and the Spacecraft Dragon

Have you watched the news today?  The private spacecraft named Dragon was successfully berthed at the International Space Station.  Good news for future spaceflight studies.

In regards to that news look at this.  It's a Dazey Red Rocket Ice Crusher.  It would come in handy for your summer picnics.

Have a fun and safe Memorial Weekend.  The shop will be open Monday, May 28th, 2012 from 11-5pm.

~Shirley

R e t i r e m e n t !!!

Just recently retired from my nursing job and it feels so good!!!  Didn't plan to retire quite this soon but after much thought, I knew I made the right decision.  Planning on spending more time at the shop and getting some of my projects done that I have been saving for years! Eventually they will be in the shop for sale.  Wish I could share this cake with you. (It was delicious!)  If you follow this blog and stop in the shop, say Hi and introduce yourself!!!            Shirley      

Vintage Inspired Wedding Display Window

Have you seen the new window display in the shop?  I received a lot of compliments today in regards to it's theme.  I appreciated each and every one.  The display windows are my favorite part of the shop.

Please excuse the glare on this photo.  Have a great weekend!

~Shirley

Happy Mother's Day

I have devoted one of my windows as a tribute to my Mom.  I am so glad she was able to come and see my store before she passed away 2 years ago.  I think she was pleased.  Today is Mother's Day and usually I am planting flowers in her garden but instead we are planting in our garden to follow the tradition.  I am posting my favorite picture of her, not sure how old she was in this picture.  The forget-me-nots on my store sign are for her also.        So, Happy Mother's Day Mom!!   Miss you

Mad Men and Tennis

Could you see Peggy Olson from Mad Men wearing this?  Or maybe Joan Harris.  What do you think?

Which character would best fit the vintage tennis outfit?

As I was preparing this blog post a customer stated that her friend has Mad Men themed parties.  Interesting.

~Shirley 

Galena's May Daze Sale

Just a reminder that we are open Fri-Mon 10-5pm.  I will be opening for summer hours soon.  I will post here when that changes and also on my facebook page.  If your traveling from out of town remember that if you park on Main Street the limit is three hours.  There is unlimited parking along Bench Street and over against the flood wall.

Some of my larger items have found new homes, so you know what that means!  I get to rearrange the shop to give it a new look and make room for more vintage goodies.  I'm always bringing in new merchandise every week but it's fun to give the shop a makeover.

This weekend is May Daze Sales.  Friday (11th) - Sunday (13th).  Come downtown and see what deals you can find. 

Enjoy your Tuesday!

~Shirley

Vintage Wedding Cake Toppers

Vintage themed weddings are becoming more and more popular.  Here's a collection of cake toppers that I have in the store.  They date back to the 1940's to the 1960's.  Add a little piece of the past to your special day.  Maybe I'll create one of my shop windows for the bride and groom.

~Shirley

Follow Up: Social Networking in Galena Illinois

Social Media is a powerful tool for marketing.  Do you have a business in Galena, IL?  I highly recommend that you visit the Social Media Meeting that is held the first Tuesday of the month at the Grape Escape. The group is sponsored by Inter7.com.  Dinner and beverages are provided.

Due to previous time constraints this was my first meeting.  Jolene, from Galena Reservations, Robyn Davis, from Slumber, my daughter, Jennifer (Eightymillion), and Catherine Kouzmanoff (owner of the Grape) were also present.  Catherine shared her knowledge of networking our businesses and strategies to support other local shops, restaurants, lodging, music events, etc.

We discussed the benefits of Pinterest and Twitter.  Catherine assisted Robyn with setting up her new account for her business on Twitter.  Slumber's page can be found here.

Next months topic will cover blogging. 

Will you be there?  I sure will.

~Shirley

New spring window and brunch

Here is a peek at one of my windows.  This is my garden theme for spring.  The old metal doll bed would be great to use a a "flower bed" with plants. The pink shutters are to die for!  I have also recently added some statuary that would look good in anyone's garden.   Just saying-------------  been on vacation for a while and this morning I decided to fix a nice brunch for my hubby and myself.  It is a sausage and egg casserole that you mix the night before. Along with some berry muffins and fresh strawberries. I "plated it" for the photo.  (My grandson Sam watches Chopped on TV and likes the food plated before he eats!)  How cute! THIS IS FOR YOU SAM!!!