Today is Kev’s last day at the studio here in Canton, and it’s snowing! #ILoveSnow
The song is coming together beautifully, and we’re feeling very blessed to be here together.
I’ve been sticking pretty close to the studio while he’s been recording (’cause I’m scaredy like that), but it’s all good because there are so many fun places to keep me entertained within a 2 mile radius of where we’re at. Ikea, Target, and they have THE BEST HomeGoods here! Here are some of the pretty things I saw while I was there the other day…
I was mainly just “window shopping”, but I did have a HomeGoods gift card in my wallet from a while back, so I was pumped to scoop up two lamps to use on our bedside tables back home. I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it here before, but I’m sort of obsessed with lamps. I’m like Brick from Anchorman. I love lamp.
If you’re wondering what happened to the lamps we used to have on our bedside tables, well, one of the fellas that helped us moved into our new house accidentally dropped one of them, and I’ve been on the lookout for something similar ever since. I like these even better because the glass is thicker, and there’s a big cork at the top of each “jug”. (It’s hard to see in the photo above because there’s brown tape temporarily holding the lamp shades in place) Now if we can just make it home without breaking them, we’ll be in good shape- ha!
I also found this driftwood “wreath” while I was strolling around, and I promptly put in on the bottom shelf of my shopping cart…
I wasn’t 100% sure I had to have it though (especially since it didn’t function as a picture frame, and I had no idea where I’d hang it), but there was only one left- and I needed more time to think about it, ya know what I mean? Next, I did what any of us in that position would do.
I texted my BFF back in ‘Bama…
Unfortunately, I didn’t hear back from her while I was at HomeGoods- BUT, I did bump into a friendly gal named Carrie who, in an instant, helped me decide.
She was coming up the aisle I was on, and when she saw the “wreath” she said, “Oh, that is so cute!“.
Homegirl didn’t know what she had just walked into when she laid that sucker on me. I latched onto her with a quickness, but Carrie was a total sweetheart about it. She not only let me ramble on and on about why I was shopping 830 miles away from home, she also said the magic words when I told her I was on the fence about the driftwood wreath. (And keep in mind, she had never heard of our blog.)
“It would look great in a cottage-y type place, with light walls.”
Well, that there statement sealed up the deal for me, y’all- and after we were done chatting (for the second time), I marched up to the counter with my lamps and wreath and headed out to my car with confidence.
Then, as any e-scrapbooker would do, I ran-walked back into the store to find Carrie (for the third time) to see if I could take a cell phone photo with her. (#IAmBlogger #HearMeRoarReminisce)
I also gave her the only business card I had with me at the time. See it all warp-y/wet there in Carrie’s hand in the photo below?
Not only did I make a totally awesome new friend that day, I spilled an entire bottle of water in my purse that morning, too.
So glad you had a wonderful time in my home state. I LOVE Ikea….it’s about an hour south of me. i will have to check out that Home Goods….Lamps are great and the wreath is very fun. Happy shopping day!
It sounds like you are having a great trip. I’ve never been to a HomeGoods store, but it looks like my kind of place – I love that blue (gray?) rug!
I was at HomeGoods last weekend and saw one really similar! It’s definitely a must buy! It wasn’t in my budget, as I already had a few things in the cart 😉 But.. I did get the driftwood garland. I would have told you the same thing as Carrie. Isn’t it fun when you bump into friendly people?
Wishing you a merry, merry Christmas!!
Thank God for Carrie. You have purchased a one in a million accessory that people will oooo and aaaaa over every time they see it. I hope you will find just the right thing for the center and post a picture on your blog. Congratulations on a fine acquisition.
Layla . . . I LOVE that wreath and can so see it in your home!!!!! I wish my Homegoods had that one! Sooo different! Cool lamps too!
Congrats to Kevin on the song (and you too!)
Safe travels back home! xo
Must. Find. One. Of. Those. Wreaths! LOVE IT!!! 🙂 I’m going to have to hit Home Goods up here to see if one made it up this way. I also love the lamps…you had a very successful shopping trip! 🙂
Layla, I had to share this. So it’s been 3 weeks since your post, and my instant love affair with that wreath. I found myself in HomeGoods yesterday purchasing something else, and decided to make the rounds in the mirror and picture aisles to see if they could by chance have any similar to what you found, up this way (outside of Boston.) I wasn’t having any luck, and was chastising myself for not coming sooner. I was standing at the end of one of the picture aisles feeling a little disappointed, when forever what reason, I looked down and to my right. Sitting right there was an exact replica of your driftwood wreath. Seriously! RIGHT THERE on the floor, leaning against the end corner of the aisle. I had walked by it numerous times already, but somehow missed it…OR someone had literally just set it down. The wreath is identical to yours (craftsman and size) but unlike yours, mine has a mirror mounted in the center. I had it in my cart in a flash, and then couldn’t stop grinning. I actually made several more sweeps in the entire store to see if they had any others…and nope, not a one. Obviously you know that I purchased it…I felt it was a clear sign that it belonged in my home. 🙂 Thanks so much for the idea…and the resource!
I would be so excited if I just ran into you somewhere shopping…
We live in Comstock Park, MI & whenever we head to Ann Arbor to see the best football team in the nation, we go to Canton to IKEA & Home Goods! That little area has a lot of good shopping. Cute stuff you nabbed there!
You are too cute!
I love lamp to and i like the wreath too.
I love the way you write. Also that photo of your photo on your phone – genius! p.s. if I were rich I’d fly you to Australia to come decorate my home… maybe in a decade or so 😉
You are adorable! How cool that Carrie will now follow your blog and share in your adoption process, along with us all! So excited for you both!
Oh…we are sol a lot alike (except you take much better pics than me of yourself!). I want to explore new places but something holds me back if I’m not with my guy!
Love the lamps and the wreath, too. Sometimes your heart speaks but your mind just can’t catch up. Better than leaving it there and then having it keep you up at night! lol!
Don’t comment a lot but I wanted to say Yay on the new house and a very big Merry Christmas!
XO,
Jane
I love the driftwood wreath! I can certainly see it in your new home. I can’t wait to see where you decide to hang it! Loving your new home and all of the changes you are making to it.
layla, love you! I haven’t met you, but you are just so completely down to earth that I find myself so smiling every time I read your posts. Just thought I’d let you know:)
I love that you’re brave enough to ask her to take a picture with you. I always want to include people in my blog but, then I chicken out. Love the wreath and the lamps!
We used to live in Ann Arbor and Canton does have THE best Home Goods ever – we live on the west side of the state now and I still drive over there to shop! Wish I would have bumped into you 🙂 so fun. Can’t wait to hear the song and glad you are enjoying your time here in snowy MI!
LOVE! And ou could so make that into a picture frame! I know an awesome blogger named Layla that probably already has it figured out!!!
I LOVE that driftwood wreath! We purchased a cabin on a lake here in Iowa last Fall, (A major fixer upper by the way. And I often think, ‘What would Layla & Kevin do to this place?!’ 🙂 ), and I’m looking for fun pieces like that, along with EVERYTHING else you just showcased. I feel like I’m missing out, as I’ve never been in a Home Goods store!
Look forward to hearing, and purchasing your song. The child that’s going to come into your life, will be so blessed to have you as parents.
Safe travels home, and Merry Christmas! 🙂
OH Layla you just make my day!!!!!!!!!! I am from Michigan RIGHT near Canton, love that Home Goods store so I am so happy to hear you ran into some “niceness”!!! AND so happy you did purchase the driftwood wreath!!! Don’t ya just feel giddy when you find that yummy stuff!!!!! Hope your trip was safe, get home its almost Christmas. AND of course your always welcome to have Christmas here!:)
You are so darn cute….and that wreath needs a mirror in it, a perfect sunburst!
Oh Layla, I just love you! I love the treasures you foung. I am going to make me a wreath like that with palm bark I have been collecting!
Too funny. You are giving Joni Webb over at Cote de Texas some serious comic competition here. 😉
Layla, I hope the rest of your trip goes as well. Could you make that wreath into a picture frame by putting a photo in the middle? Just curious. Merry Christmas!
I think Homegoods brings out the lamp addiction in folks. Seriously. Very cute wreath (and lamps!)! You know it will work great in your new cute home.
Safe travels, girl (and hubby too.)
Great choice on all items. Can’t wait to see the wreath once it’s up. Merry Christmas!
You’re hilarious! Love that you write the way you think….I do that too, but never knew anyone else who did until blogs came along! I saw those lamps at our Home Goods too, and was tempted, but no money in the budget for them, so I passed. 🙁 As for the wreath, if it doesn’t work, you could always exchange it at your local Home Goods. Have a safe drive back home, and Merry Christmas!
I love that store…we go there all the time when we are shopping across the border…very cute finds – and yes the wreath needed to go home with you! – Did you shop in the Hobby Lobby right next door while you were there???
Sounds like you’re having quite an adventure!
I love IKEA, and could spend hours browsing and getting ideas. HomeGoods not so much. The two in my own state don’t have anything like what you found! Love those lamps you bought. I looked for ages for a clear glass lamp and though I found one at Target some time back, it wasn’t “quite right” so I didn’t buy it.
I meant to add that I wish I had someone to confer with when I’m out shopping. I usually have to think too long about something and when I go back it’s gone. I’m a thinker, not an instant buyer. lol That said, I keep trying to tell myself that I can buy now, return later (and hubby keeps trying to instill that in me too). lol
What fun you are! Good decision on the wreath. I have a soft spot for driftwood : ) I am a horrible decision maker so I love having someone to bounce ideas off of. Sorry about the water but glad to know you are normal (grin).
How cute are you!
My mom still has driftwood pieces from their honeymoon 52 years ago from Lake Superior. Your wreath is bound to become an heirloom. 🙂
So much fun! Glad you found a Home Goods buddy today!
Me and my sister in law were at the very same Home Goods when we took a road trip to Canton to hit up Ikea. I did not see that wreath there – you lucky girl! So fun and different. Lots of unique stuff at Home Goods. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Michigan. Come back anytime!
Layla, you make me smile…….
LOVE the wreath, (and the lamps). I, too, and a lamp-o-holic! 🙂
I have learned THE HARD WAY! If I even think I love it (while at HomeGoods) I put the item in my cart. It can always go back.
Recently I spied a big ole gorgeous glass jug. There were actually 3. I ran around the store trying to locate my honey, but he was in hiding. When I finally found him, I also saw a lady loading all 3 jugs in her cart. I wanted to go shake her and tell her that they would not look good in her home!
I was heart sick! Just not meant to be, I know.
When we did get checked out and started walking up to our car, I saw her hubby pull up in their fancy sportscar, I might add………..with Ontario plates on it………..and load up all three of the jugs. Those jugs should have stayed in FL, I’m telling ya!
NOW, the motto is “If I see it and I think I love it – I will immediately put said item in my cart and walk and talk to myself until I give in and tell me I love it and I can buy it.” Easy Peasy! I almost always agree with me.
You kids have safe travels coming home. I cannot wait to hear Kevin’s song! I have a new box of kleenex, right next to the monitor now. I am PREpared!
I agree! I once “lost” “The Perfect Pillows.” Who’d have thought they were perfect to someone else that day too. Then I kind of stalked the lady to see if she’d put them back. 😉
Living in Canton I have always wondered what that super secret recording studio looked like. Thanks for the pics. I am glad you enjoyed the town.
Oh man, my clear jar lamp just broke about a month ago. I’ve been looking for another. At least I know there is hope to find another one. Haven’t seen it here in MN yet.
P.S. Love the driftwood wreath! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!
Ha ha ha ha! I saw that driftwood wreath too and immediately checked out the back for “where you put the picture.” I loved it, but it wouldn’t work in my home. In your home, I think so! Maybe hang a cute trinket (shell) in the middle or somethin.
i would have bought that rug, i loved it, homegoods is the best
OH man.. I so wish a Home Goods was a bit closer to my home.. (we have one about 40 minutes away.. but they truly do have such neat stuff as you’ve shown.. Love the new lamp acquisition, can’t wait to see them in context. I also love the driftwood wreath and I can’t wait to see where it ends up living. Carrie was an awesome help and I hope she finds her way to your awesome blog. Neat to see her and her baby (who has taken such a great picture) … That was a fun trip!
Any Homegoods is one of my favorite places on Earth. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you do with the driftwood thingy.
OMG, I cannot believe you were here in Mi and I didn’t know it. I live not to far from Canton and I’m always shopping at that Ikea, HomeGoods and the Goodwill across the street. I would have probably peed my pants in excitement (and embarrassment) if I ran into you at one of the stores. Needless to say, I’m a fan.
Cool lamps, it’s always so nice when you get good feedback from other shoppers.
you crack me up. love that “wreath”!
Put a mirror in the center – voila! A sunburst mirror! 🙂
Now THAT is funny! I absolutely loved reading that. I thought I was the only one who had experiences like that! Once, while I was shopping at a grocery store, an elderly lady approached me. I had noticed her a number of times down a number of isles. I had smiled at her politely but was concentrating on whatever I was needing to pick up. I normally don’t write a list then find myself at the store trying to mentally put meals together & running around the store finding the ingredients & throwing them in my buggy. (I always seem to be in a hurry.) Did I mention that I tend to talk to myself?? Constantly? And I am a bit uncoordinated and clumsy?? Anyhoo- apparently I had been moving around the store in a rather odd pattern undoubtedly bumping into things and occasionally knocking things over. I don’t believe I actually physically FELL myself that day. Although, it is not completely out of my realm of possibility. All of this while talking to myself. Too loudly. So it seems I caught this lady’s attention. She had started kind of following my around the store just to see what I did next. (That would explain why I remember seeing her a number of times during my time there.) She approached me to tell me that she had been watching me for sometime and that she had rarely enjoyed a trip to the grocery store more than she had this one. I was, of course, a bit confused. Seeing the questioning expression on my face, she simply told me that Lucille Ball had nothing on me and that I should have my own show!! I was, to say the least, a bit embarrassed when I began to imagine what ridiculous things I had done & said not realizing I had an audience! However, in the years since then, every time I catch myself “being crazy”, I think of that sweet lady and what she said. It ALWAYS makes my whole body smile:)
That is what your post did for me today:)
Ack, you were in Canton?!? That’s so cool – I’ve been living in Wisconsin the last couple years, but I grew up practically in Canton (I grew up in Plymouth which is right next to Canton, but our high schools were actually in Canton and we were there a lot). I’m so glad you had some fun there!
Wow. I have never seen anything like that wreath before. I LOVE IT!!! I’m so glad she talked you into getting it!
I couldn’t find this when I looked before and just was thinking about you so checked again!!!! Love it! You better believe if we lived close we’d be rambling all the time!!!! It was so awesome to meet you, you left a lasting impression with me!