Business Spotlights: Hobby Lobby

It was July 4th. I went shopping with my Mom that day. Since it was a new place, we decided on Hobby Lobby. I had heard good things about Hobby Lobby, and so, we both went to check it out. Going in, I was especially eager for their Autumn decorations. I know. I know it was still summer. But when summer comes each year in my life, all I can think about it Autumn. And of course, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It's just my favorite time of the year. Anyways, we made our way in and walked down the aisles. So many things to look at! I was overwhelmed with excitement. Mom felt the same way.

Walking through, I noticed that the store was huge. It made me a little nostalgic because JCPenney used to be there in that same place. I used to do a lot of my shopping at the old JCPenney. It was my go-to place for clothes. Now, it's Hobby Lobby. While I miss JCPenney, I was and am happy to have Hobby Lobby. Hopefully, it'll bring more business to the mall where I live. Because there just isn't much left. I don't know if other malls are suffering the same way, but they used to be the place to visit when I was young. When most of the shops left the mall, I rarely stopped by. With Hobby Lobby here, I'll be more frequent. 💓

While looking around, I noticed there were Bibles and Christian books. I know that the owners of the Hobby Lobby chain are supposedly Christians. I think that's so awesome, especially to see that they had books and Bibles. This was comforting to see! And they had so many other products to look through. I walked with my Mom through the aisles. We found so much! I picked out a glass with a lid and straw - which was pink (one of my favorite colors is pink). I also grabbed a popcorn bucket, because my most-loved night-time snack is popcorn! We were both pretty satisfied as we plopped items into our cart.

I found some nice home-decor items for my place, too. I got a mat that has a bird design on it. A bird picture to hang on my wall in the living room. A lovely art piece for my cherry blossom bedroom. I got a few more things, as well. My Mom did, too. She found some items perfect for her. After a while, I kind of wandered on my own. I was eager to check out the Autumn stuff, since I knew they had it out. Indeed, when I found that section, I was in a wonderful mood. I picked out two candles and a few more things ready for the end of August (that's when I decorate). My Mom joined me. We were done shopping.

We left Hobby Lobby feeling good. Our first impression was that it's fun and a great store to find useful things for the home. I plan on shopping there a lot, especially for holiday stuff. I can see myself loading up the cart with Autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations. To be honest, I can't wait to go back. I'm already planning in my head when that will be.

So, yeah, I hope you enjoyed our first visit to Hobby Lobby. I was elated to be able to have some shopping time with my Mom. I'm sure we'll go together often to Hobby Lobby. It was the first of many trips to the store, I'm sure. And go, yourself, if you have the chance!

Thank you, and don't forget to follow this blog and on my Facebook page here.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Business Spotlights: SmasHouse Burgers & Tacos

I was at Art Under The Elms with my brother and his family. We had already explored all the vendors at the event. We were hungry so we made our way over to the food trucks and stands. While walking around, I spotted the orange food truck that was SmasHouse Burgers & Tacos. I had seen them on Facebook, so I was extremely curious. We all decided to try one of their special burgers. We got in line and waited for our turn. I was so excited to finally try one of their hamburgers since I had heard so much about them. 💓

Once it was my turn, I asked for the Smash Burger Combo with a fry and drink. I just had a feeling that it was going to be absolutely delicious, and I couldn't wait. I put my order in and stepped aside for my name to grab my meal. After waiting for a few minutes (not long at all), my name was called. I grabbed my hamburger, fries, and soda from the truck. We all made our way to a bench under some trees. It was evident that everyone was enjoying their meals. The hamburger was so good! I did hold the onions and pickles, because they're not my favorite, but it was yummy without! We all chomped down on those burgers.

We finished our burgers, and our tummies felt full. I almost ate the whole thing of mine. I really think that SmasHouse's Burgers lived up to the hype. I want to get another one! I also know they're located on Main Street in Lewiston, so I want to have another burger or just try something else. On that day, I'm so glad that we went ahead and tried them. I'll be back to pick up some for my family. So, yeah, if you get the chance, check them out! I highly recommend trying their burgers. I haven't tried the tacos, but I'm sure they're just as wonderful as their burgers. So grateful that we have them in the valley! 😀

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Event Spotlights: Art Under The Elms

Each year, I usually go with my brother and his family to Art Under The Elms. It's an annual event during spring in Lewiston, Idaho. The event is full of art, hand-made items, lovely music, and food. The event itself is held on the LCSC college campus. It's also part of the Dogwood Festival as there's plenty of beautiful dogwoods blooming during this time. It's essentially a 3-day highlight - which covers a weekend in April. But I digress, I always look forward to going with my brother and his family. It's a family fun event where everyone is welcomed to visit, and I love going with my family. So much fun to do with them! 🌼

Once there, we entered the campus grounds and wandered past the white tents. Stopping at the first thing we saw - which was the caramel apples and fudge. I vowed that I would be back to pick up some for my parents. We walked atop the green grass and met a few familiar faces while exploring. We then proceeded past the tents, checking out the available goodies. I stopped at a few to look over the earrings, soap, photography, and more. So many enticing things! I tried to keep in check with what I saw if I wanted to go back and get later. My brother's family also seemed to be excited about everything.

While we were looking, I discovered Autum from A Touch of Autumn. I had met her before at Art Under The Elms. She's an amazing artist! If you ever get the chance, be sure to go during April to see her work at Art Under The Elms. You can also find her here on Facebook. I bought a bookmark and a sticker from her. The bookmark shows a scene that she created from Lord of the Rings, and the sticker is of Nessie at Lake Loch Ness. Thanks, Autumn! I love your art! After buying the sticker and bookmark, we gazed at almost everything else that was there. We followed each other checking out various items in the white tents.

At the end of the white tents, we returned to the caramel apples and fudge. I purchased a caramel apple for my Mom and fudge for my Dad. It was a blast seeing what everyone had to sell. I really liked being able to support local businesses and people in their passions. That's why I try to spotlight local. After shopping itself, we proceeded toward the food and drink trucks. I won't write about our experience at SmasHouse Burgers in this post but save it for its own spotlight. We ate, and then I left. My overall experience of Art Under The Elms was like it always is - an exciting event. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend going next year. I'll most likely be there, too. Thank you, Art Under The Elms! 💓

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 16 - Museum Spotlight: Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum Part 1

There was a nativity showcase being shown at the Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum. It started on December 13th. I had seen the nativity once before, but I wanted to go again. On that day, I went in the afternoon to see the showcase and to look through the museum. With my camera in tow, I stepped up to the door leading to the museum. Once I got inside, I paid the $6.00 entrance fee. I then browsed the gift shop, knowing I'd also be back to purchase some items. I started off walking down a white-painted hallway that all led to another room. One of my favorite pieces was the mammoth fossil. Not many people know this about me, but I wanted to be a paleontologist. However, I had many interests as a kid. Still, I LOVED fossils and rocks. Science was actually my favorite subject in school.

I've been to the museum before, too. I always feel like there's something new to spot as I walk around. The museum pretty much covers everything from Lewison's history. I'm curious myself as to all the pieces, I'm sure some were donated to the museum. As I explored the room I was in, I noticed some of it was focused on World War II. When you think about it, it's crazy that there really was a world war. In this modern age, it's sometimes hard to put ourselves in that past era. What did people feel back then? Were they any different from those in this time period? I'm sure life back then was hard in different ways. They didn't have the conveniences that we have here now. I mean, I can't imagine a time without the technology that we have. Isn't history just so fascinating? We can learn so much from it. 

I didn't know much about the history of Lewiston. This museum was and is the best place to find out information about this town. So, whether you're really new to the area, or even a longtime resident, be sure to stop by here. I like to go every so often. It's good to brush up on the history. Plus, I'm looking to see if there's any new pieces that have been added, and I believe they do update it if they receive new stuff. And if you or your family haven't gone yet, you should go. Besides science, I also love history! So, reading from the little sections placed throughout the museum are full of interesting facts. I also like how they secured everything a certain way. There's much to look at and read, and I didn't have time to take in all of it. I hope to go back another day soon, so that I can really soak up all the info.

My favorite thing of history is the archaeology, another interest of mine. Because I love history, it was a special treat to visit the museum again. I really didn't take the time to read much, however, I plan on going back again during a less busy time. Then I'll fully be able to soak in everything. So, if you noticed, this post is only part 1. There'll be about 1 - 4 parts of this. I'll be posting the second part here soon, so please hang around for it. In ending this part, I hope you're enjoying it so far. I plan on sharing more about my interests with you, whether it's history or science. One or the other. What are some of your own interests? I'd love to hear them. You can leave a comment, and I'll get back with you. 💓

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Christmas Blog Advent: Day 15 - Event: Nativity Showcase

One afternoon, I drove to the Nez Perce County Museum. I had a specific purpose - which was to see the nativity showcase. I had gone another year and taken pictures (but this was before my blog). I also wanted to walk the museum, as well, again. Since I didn't get to write about both experiences before, I decided that I would do it. When I walked into the building where the showcase was being held, I was welcomed warmly by the collector - Dr. Dennis Ohrtman. He was really open and friendly. I asked him a couple of questions about his collection. His answer to how many he owns, was that he has over 400 nativity sets. 

While I asked questions, I took pictures of the various sets. Like before, I was struck with the immensity of them. There were so many to look at. I believe that you can't possibly take them all in one visit. I, myself, spent minutes trying to look at various ones. Some stood out more than others. He also had nativities from different countries. There were even sets that he or/and his daughter made. My favorite set from the others was actually one that he made (and possibly his daughter did, too). It's the set that's blue and white (in the photos here). Overall, in my mind, I think it's a wonderful collection - a must see.

After I was done taking pictures, I said goodbye to the collector, Dennis, and stepped out of the building. It was nice to see it all once more. Definitely was a lovely break from my day. Looking through my photos now, I'm reminded of how vast the collection truly is. If you want to do something fun and festive, I recommend seeing this nativity collection. It's going on until January 9th. And you can get tickets for $6.00 at the museum. Members are free. To find out times, visit the website here, get to the nativity showcase banner, and scan the QR code. If you have any questions regarding it, let me know. I'll help you.

I hope to see the collection next year, too. I'll be curious of any new sets. I would also like to thank the museum and Dr. Dennis Ohrtman for putting this together. The nativity sets mean something to me, loving the one that my parents would put out each Christmas. To follow tradition, I had to acquire my own nativity. The nativity, of course, also symbolizes Christ during the holidays. It's a reminder of what He did for us, willing to become a baby, and born into our human world. He gave up so much, just because He loved us - and you, my friend. He loves you. I hope you feel that right now. 💓 The nativity is a love-filled set that brings a sense of Christ's harmony and peace to our hearts. And may you experience that whenever you see one, my wanderer. Truly, a Merry Christmas. With His love. ✨

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson