Sister Sunday

Last year, Auntie Stacy and I began a little 

tradition the first weekend of December called, 

"Sister Sunday" - mainly because Max was at 

my parents and also because we love to shop

and spend time together. It went so well in 2015

(read here if you want a recap) - that we were 

eager to have a repeat in 2016. 

Papa Rob and I had a birthday party to attend in the morning

and then I had strict instructions to be at Stacy's house

no later than 1:00. I arrived on the dot, helped myself

to a chocolate chip muffin and we were out the door.

We both agreed the first stop should be 

"Zassy's Treasures" in Grove City. 

This was about 30 minutes from where Stacy lives...

but did not disappoint. We had both been following

their shop on Instagram and Facebook for awhile...

so we were excited to see their stuff in person!

They had adorable reclaimed pallet wood

Christmas trees, antique house fixtures, 

pillows, garland, ornaments, and wall decor!

After picking out some new holiday treasures...we

both agreed coffee was necessary. 

Lucky for us, we had passed "Jolly Pirate Donuts" on

our way into the store.  My co-workers RAVE 

about this place...and now I know why. 

I purchased a dozen donuts (for my co-workers)

and they threw in a free one and we loaded up on coffee.

Friends, the chocolate cake donut was maybe 

the best donut I've EVER HAD. 

And, I'm pretty picky.  It had a true

cake texture with just the right about of 

glaze crackle on top...melted in my mouth. 

I'm already thinking of going back!

With food in our bellies and coffee in hand, 

we headed over to the city of Worthington in search

of a shop called "Sew to Speak". Stacy was searching

for fabric for some new pillows and I was just

dreaming about future quilt projects. 

We spent quite a bit of time in the store...

day dreaming of sewing projects (or in my

case the time and energy to complete them). 

On the way out of town - I convinced Stacy

to stop in another local boutique called Vernacular. 

It did not disappoint. They had the CUTEST

clothes...and home accessories...and best part?

The prices were so, SO reasonable. 

We took turns in the dressing room...

picking out dresses and sweaters to try on.

(This is one of the many perks of shopping

with your sister - she keeps it real about

what looks good and is willing to go get

a different size if need be). It was hard to 

narrow down our choices...but we both

eventually settled on some items

(and scarves for a scarf exchange we were

each part of)....and were off again! 

This time we were headed to Easton...so Stacy

could do some returns (she mostly online shops 

and then makes one big return trip for the things 

that don't work out). While she returned items

at the GAP, I shopped at Baby Gap for a friend's

new little one! I mean, how can you not, when

stuff is like 40% off?  They were practically

asking me to take it. 

We also made a quick run through of Abercrombie kids

(to stock up on stuff for Max....great deals!) - and also 

the regular store to try on coats!  We both loved

the "Boucle Pea Coat" but only time will tell

if Santa brings it to either of us. 

I have to say...there was a time I would never

set foot in that store (loud music, annoying workers,

and clothes that were not marketed toward my age)...but

they have really come a long way in trying to step up

their quality and the pieces they are putting out. Truly - 

I didn't even need Stacy's encouraging (I mean, she 

works for them after all) to find about ten more pieces

I wouldn't mind having in my closet. Bravo A&F!

It had started to rain at this point...but that didn't stop

us from finishing up our shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods

for Papa Rob.  We both picked out some clothing

to hopefully encourage him to keep up with his yoga classes

(didn't know Rob enjoyed yoga?  that's a whole different

blog post).  Are you tired yet from all our shopping? 

We were - so we got pizza from Pies and Pints

(gorgonzola and grape with bacon and a drizzle

of balsamic dressing) and brought it back to Stacy's

to eat from the comfort of her couch. 

I also tried to capture the perfect Christmas

card photo for Stacy. It was harder than I thought

to wrangle Penny into position! haha! 

Perhaps she will just go the non photo route :)

I don't care so long as I receive a card. 

Growing up - it was fun to have a sister...but

I have to say that it only gets better as we age. 

Stacy is my best friend. She is my constant

encourager (heck, she got me to work out again!), 

fashion consultant, in town babysitter, 

and generally just always has time for me. 

Truly - she never says no to me, or my ideas

(hey, let's make a quilt! hey, can Max and I 

come grocery shopping with you? hey, 

can I have this purse/borrow this dress/copy

your exact look?) well - you get the idea. 

I loved every minute of spending the day with her. 

Looking forward to the next Sister Sunday

xoxo