Tag: Iowa

Affordables – Mason City, Iowa

Affordables

315 N. Delaware Ave.

Mason City, Iowa

Phone# 641-423-7071

You gotta love Affordables in Mason City! I stop by this place every time I’m in town.  Affordables does restock over 300 different items daily and serves an average of 150 to 200 customers each day. For me during this trip, I saw some older style sweaters, holiday stuff (after all I was there during Christmas break), and there was some odd kitchen items. This trip I didn’t walk out with any purchases. But that’s okay since the fun of thrift shopping is the thrill of the hunt!

However, last year I walked out of Affordables with a fabulous jean jacket that I scored for a mere $5.00- how cool is that!!  That’s me wearing the $5 jacket. It’s so cute and I wear it all the time!

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This shop sits near the North End in Mason City and all proceeds benefit the North Iowa Vocational Center.  Affordables is a resale shop that provides training and employment for people with disabilities.  The people working there are friendly and it’s just good karma to support their cause.  Last year the store contributed donations to 25 families and 2 agencies to help people who suffered losses from fires and natural disasters.

Bravo! I’ll be back the next time I’m in North Iowa!

Wordless Wednesday – January 11

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Hy-Vee East Floral Shop – Mason City, Iowa –

Hy-Vee East Floral Shop – Mason City, Iowa

551 S. Illinois – Regency Square Mall

Mason City, Iowa

Looking for some cool plants? Or maybe a last minute gift? Need flowers for a special event like a wedding? I have just the place for you– the floral shop in Hy-Vee East in Mason City, Iowa.

I was pleasantly surprised to find this hidden treasure in a local grocery store of all places. When I was there late in the afternoon last Thursday I met the energetic floral manager Randy who personally assisted me in finding a lovely plant for my mom. A small thank-you gift as I stayed for a week and a half! (I know parents like their kids to visit but sometimes a small gift is never a bad idea.)

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I chose small pink begonia for $8.99.  Pictured above you can also see the Douglas Fir tree that was purchased in Hy-Vee Floral two years ago. It doubled in size and looks amazing.  All the plants here are healthy and well-cared for.  I was also excited to learn that Hy-Vee Floral is able to deliver and handle events like weddings and funerals.

Bravo!  I will definitely be back next time I’m in Iowa.

The Orange Possum – Hampton, Iowa

The Orange Possum

12 – 1st Street NW

Hampton, Iowa

Ph# 641-456-4777

Here I am– still in Hampton, Iowa. My actual first stop during the Hampton trip was a place called The Orange Possum. Kind of a quirky name for a shop and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The store offers an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, handbags, scarves and funny little gifts– you get the idea.

And, the prices are definitely right– I managed to get out of there for well under $50. (Perfect for someone like me with a semi-smoldering Visa card)

After thoroughly scanning the racks, I just had to buy something. I settled on a funky bling-bling belt and a gray lace trimmed scarf. As far as the belt I wore that right away much to the dismay of the TSA when I went thru airport security oh well– it sure did look cute!

Never been under that famous striped awning?? Take my advice, if you ever find yourself in Hampton Iowa let Mr. Orange Possum greet you with a whip of his tail. For sure I will be back the next time I’m in Iowa!

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Merry Bees – Hampton, Iowa

Merry Bees

117 1st Street NW

Hampton, Iowa

Ph# 641-456-2141

While in North Iowa recently I took a road trip to Hampton, Iowa. I wasn’t sure what to expect when my friend suggested we visit some of the small shops located here– after all it had been 15+ years since I had even travelled southbound on Highway 65. Curiosity got the best of me and off we went.

Merry Bees was fabulous! This place smelled delicious the moment I walked through the door. Even though it was a few days post-Christmas the holiday decorations were still up and looked amazing. Especially the trees with twinkling white lights.

I found some beautiful scarves, books, Burts Bees products and top of the line kitchen items all merchandised in an organized manner.

Lunch is served here from 11 am to 2 pm and it looks like you can also get a quick coffee or snack anytime.

Cute shop and a fun stop while in Hampton. (Sounds like Michele Bachmann liked it too as she made a stop there pre-Iowa Caucus)

Wordless Wednesday – January 4th

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