Getting lost is part of the deal buddy...

After volunteering this morning, I decided to wander around the city and see what I might find.

By wander, I mean get lost.

I was down on Gravois in South City and decided to turn right....and go for at least 10 miles.

It's amazing how you can discover certain ethnic areas just by venturing down a street you don't know (Bosnian grocery anyone?).

Though I didn't find the "next it thing" it was pretty cool taking in all of the different shops available...

...a vintage toy shop  (going back there)...oriental rug shops...gyro shops...consignment stores galore...

You name it, I probably passed it.

Ok, probably not. But there was a lot of diverse options.

Getting lost is part of the process of tapping into your world. I figure the more I get lost, the more I will find.

What good news! It totally makes up for those slight moments of panic and bewilderment at whether or not your GPS will decide to work.

Totally unrelated in every-way...besides the theme of "lost"...is this Katy Perry video. It'll resonate with you in an unexpected way...especially if you have ever felt lost.



Much Love,

Reward thy self...

As a reward for using up the last of my magnetic notepad...and for braving Super-Walmart to stock up on the weeks groceries...

I stopped at Move it On & More Consignment in St. Charles, MO.

I have been more than ecstatic to discover the plethora of consignment/resale shops in the St. Louis area. 

Not only does it provide inexpensive ways to brighten your home/closet, it also, as Doug at Move it On & More pointed out, is a great way to cut down on waste and to re-use. 

Here is a shot of some of the house-wares they offer:

Like most re-sale shops, Move it On & More, offers a variety of goods; a majority of which are home-goods. I particularly loved their collection of area rugs. (Sorry no picture!)

Here is a set of china that I absolutely adored:

Visiting Move it On & More has proven that consignment stores always hold more treasure than you imagine.

I think I might be embarking on a journey to and through all area consignment stores.

I will need your prayers a) to resist all the fabulous bargains I will come across and b) to write honest and thoughtful reviews of them.

Move it On & More is up and coming. Born only 2 months ago, it's goods are still being built up. One pleasant surprise was their locally/handmade soaps available. A very nice touch to set them apart from the crowd.

Don't be afraid to go on a treasure hunt. If you have a particular item in mind, consignment shops are a great place to start.

Cheers to good finds!

Contact Information:
Move it On & More
2031 S Old Highway 94 St. Charles, MO 63303
636.724.3600

Climb every Mountain...ford every stream!!

After eating this:

...for dinner last night, it was important that we do this:

...to redeem ourselves.

"What are you doing?", you may ask...

Here, we are about to embark on a 5.2 mile hike over in Weldon Springs, MO.

...so we climbed a mountain (river bluffs count)

and we crossed a creek (which is definitely the same as fording a stream).

And let me tell you, it was good.

Here is a picture of the view about a mile in:

It felt so freeing to be outside for almost 2 hours, trekking up and down hills...stopping to appreciate the views...having good conversation.

I have spent the weekend trying to be outside as much as possible, and this experience delivered. It even got me thinking about taking up trail-running...which really intimidates me...but is a possibility.

About 3 miles in, we were wondering if we had made a wrong turn and some-how gotten onto the 8 mile trail...we pressed on and were very grateful when our suspicions were proven wrong...it turns out 5.2 miles is strenuous when you're not really a hiker...or trail runner.

We had a blast talking about plans for the future and being out in God's creation. It was both challenging and inspiring. We're hoping to go on more hikes in the future. They are too fun to pass up.

If you are interested in hikes in the St. Louis area click here; if you are somewhere else in the world you can click that link too.

Go enjoy your Sunday!!

Victory is mine!

I would just like to let you guys know that I (meaning Red and I) were successful in fooling our friends last night over a delicious dinner.

We have recently been talking about getting out of the country and just going...where ever we are led.

And, with some freedom in the the world of work, we were able to make a believable case for us leaving for London at the end of the month.

Not only were they beyond stoked for us, they were sad when they found out it was a joke! So, this year marks my first successful April Fools' day in...well, forever.

This victory has made the weekend sweet.

 As has the fact that it is supposed to be 65 today and 80 tomorrow! My mind is turning trying to think of ways for me to live outside the next 48 hours. (Does anyone have a tent?)

Totally wish I was camping here to tonight!

We're headed to Wentes in Chesterfield, MO tonight to help with a Diabetes fundraiser. (By help, I mean eat and let our 10% go to the foundation...that's helping right?)

What are your plans for the weekend?

April brings showers, pranks, and Spring

As a kid, I was always fond of April. And, well, I'm not really sure why.

There was always the saying "April Showers bring May Flowers"...which is true, so surely it wasn't because of the rain...

http://pixdaus.com/single.php?id=151205&from=email

Perhaps it was because April is the unofficial start of Spring;  or that Spring break was typically right around the corner; or that I was busy preparing for the church's Easter pageant; or that I got to wear bright colors...

Neither here nor there, I love April.

And in turn, today is April Fools' Day and unfortunately I stink at April Fools'.

April's most famous day stumps me.

I've always had friends that come up with clever ways to trick me or their loved ones...and I, with all my gusto, can not come up with a believable joke to play on anyone.

The whole "I'm pregnant" thing has no appeal, and, really, I don't want to have too much shock value...

No. I long to create an April Fools' Day joke that is subtle enough to be believable and not easily detected...one that slips under the radar...until..

BAM. They are slayed by the humor of it all.

Well, I have nothing figured out so far, but I'll let you know if I pull one of these ideal pranks. And in the   meantime, if you happen to pull an awesome prank, let me know! Maybe you can help me out of my prankster pit.

Also, if you are interested in the history of April Fools' check out this site. I had no idea that it was first recorded in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales!

Happy April Fools'!!