Tuesday, April 15, 2014

AS RANDOM AS RANDOM CAN GET






Have I ever shown you how different our Target is.  You know, in the city, everything is built up up up.  Space is a commodity.  So is parking so we have underground parking and you take an escalator up to the store.  Now this may make you wonder, well, how do you bring your cart and purchases back down?






shop and left loyal shoppers (and employees) scrambling.  So I have been going from store to store for weeks; Mom and Pop stores, Big Box stores, and one other chain.  None were as nice as the one I loved.  It had a little Starbucks in it, a wonderful bakery, really nice employees that were familiar with me and the kids (from when they were little!!).  I was really sad!

So I finally settled on this market.  I've been in it before just to pick up a few things but I thought it was expensive.  Much of the inventory is cultural and I can't read the labels.  But they have the best produce department, meats and bakery.


 





  


These arrived in the mail from Amazon.  I was perusing my bookshelves and I felt that my little collection of gardening books was a bit outdated (if that's possible).  And I wanted to celebrate my renewed spirit of getting back into the gardening so I treated myself to these.  I can't wait to sit down with them.  I have a diagram of all the perennials I planted last fall, thank goodness because right off the top of my head I can't remember, so I'm going to read up on those and highlight them.  The Internet is wonderful, but nothing beats books like these.


And in a bit of a different direction, if any of you ladies follow Susan at Between Naps On The Porch, she has a weekly feature of taking you into her library to have a look at a particular book she loves, most of them decorating.  She wrote about this one a few weeks ago and I promptly found it and it arrived with the gardening books.  

I would say I am more of a neutral decorator and that is more of what this book is about although the title doesn't imply that.





End of my decorating lecture.  I have no expertise or credentials whatsoever as you all know.  I wonder where this post would have gone if I had added a shot of whiskey to my lemon/honey tea as my dear daughter suggested.  



I was really pleasantly surprised to receive an email the next day from Judy, a representative of Pottery Barn.  She wrote to me directly regarding my problem and gave me a viable explanation as to how they estimate what to keep in inventory, etc., and then how sorry they were that this occurred.  Since it was not possible for me to return the napkins since it had been 30 days, she offered me a merchandise card of equal value to use at the store.  I thought that was wonderful!  And I told her she had me looking at Pottery Barn in a whole new light.  I also said I was going to rave about this on my blog and I gave her my link.  She said they loved when bloggers shared what they (PB)offer on their website.  So thank you, Judy.  Now doesn't that make you want to run out to the nearest Pottery Barn (outlet??).

Thank you all for reading this far if you have.  I now have to get a good night's sleep and get out tomorrow with my shopping list and hunt down a ham for a crowd.  Thankfully I got this bug this weekend and not next.

I wish all of you a happy and blessed Easter.   Enjoy what will hopefully be a beautiful spring day with the ones you love.  :)

XO,
Jane

53 comments:

Beth said...

My son is ill with the same thing! Take care of yourself and get better quickly!

podso said...

Sounds like you've had an awful bug. You probably don't even care that you had more snow. Take it easy and have a nice Easter.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Have a wonderful Easter with your family Jane...I hope you are feeling better every day!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I hope you feel better soon...and seriously, a cart esculator!! What will someone think of next!!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Feel better soon! I thought your escalator story was fun. I have never seen such thing here in the suburbs :-)

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Loved your random bits here - and so so sorry you are under the weather.

Get well soon. Hugs.

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I am glad that you are feeling better. Hubby has had the same thing that you had, but he is not over his. It is getting better. I have been trying to catch up with friends and working on a commission that I need to finish up. It is hard when you are so use to where you like to shop and then have to start over. Crazy weather. We went from 81 on Saturday to 29 this morning. Snow rain you name it. Just take care of yourself. Have a wonderful Easter. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Debra@CommonGround said...

that cart escalator is a whole new concept, I don't envy you having to shop in a city. Everyplace I want to go is within a 5 mile radius of me, but rats, no Pottery Barn around at all. Hope you're feeling better as it sounds like you have Easter Dinner to make for your crowd. I can so identify with your husband's wardrobe. My CPA comes home and wears penguin fuzzy pj's and a Bass Pro T-Shirt from 10 years ago.

Wanda said...

Enjoyed your post. Wish you were feeling better.

BTW several of our Target's have escalators.

Yeah for Pottery Barn, that was good Customer relations.

Nancy's Notes said...

Goodness, you've really had it bad, I just could feel your agony! I'm hoping you are on the mend! Get well soon and get out and get that ham! Happy Easter!
Nancy

Lynn said...

Sorry to hear you've been sick Jane, I hope you're feeling 100% by the weekend! While still not cute plates, sounds like PB did the right thing! Happy Easter Week:@)

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

So sorry that you are ill Jane - the flu can really make you sick. Take care of your self.
Loved the post and all your wrote about. Glad you found a market that you liked.
I had a time today trying to get a ham that wasn't so expensive - good luck with that.
Have a wonderful Easter and I hope you are well soon.
Mary

Rita C at Panoply said...

Well, Jane, I sure hope you're out of the woods with that flu / cold. I've known of at least two people, personally, with severe cases that ended up with long hospital stays. Your books look like the best company (not to mention the dog). Happy Easter, and try not to have a relapse over the work getting ready.

Theresa said...

I hope you feel better real soon! Love seeing your Target and the cart escalator! WOW! I love my Grocery store mainly because I know where everything is:) Hope you find the PERFECT one since yours closed! Enjoy your day dear friend, BIG HUGS!

Anonymous said...

oh i'm so sorry to hear you are so sick but it sounds like it may be short lived??? I know some have had it two weeks, The Potter Barn sounds like a great place to shop, I love the napkins, cooking for a crow will be a challenge after being so sick, that hubby's car is amazing!!!!I laughed when you called it " Precious" ,, that crreepy little guy from Lord of the Rings flashed before my eyes!!!!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

UGH sorry that you got sick :(

I am in awe of the escalator for grocery carts! :)

Susie said...

Blondie, Oh yea, I'd be stealing the husband 's little car !! LOL. Sweet. I like your pile of napkins. I love cloth napkins and use them a lot. I have been so good about staying healthy this year...it's the clean hands thing. But no children here. Hope you get well soon. xoxo,Susie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You are so funny, Jane! I hope you are starting to feel better now. I think that it is so cool they have an escalator for carts. I've never shopped at a store like Target in a city environment before, so I've never seen anything like this.

Primitive Stars said...

Oh oh Jane, sure hope you are feeling better, not good.... I have never seen the cart escalator, funny looking....wishing you a Happy Easter, Hugs Francine.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sorry you are not feeling well! Hope you feel better soon. That grocery store looks like a great place to shop.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, hope you are feeling much better by now... love your new books, and Kniphofia... I have a few of those in my back yard... we call them "Poker Plants" here... my sister has a full yard of them with her southwest landscaping that suits her home... they are kind of a desert plant here and so many people have them... they are beautiful in Summer!... your Target looks really fun!... and Layla looks so sweet laying with you... healing doggie... wishing you a very happy Easter, xoxo Julie Marie

Bliss said...

Feel better soon so you can take a spin around town.

Lulu said...

Jane, you continually amaze me with how you can find a story in everything! I may find the story but haven't the patience to write it all down. I am sure readers all feel like they are having a real life conversation with you. Take good care and feel better soon.xox

April said...

Sending prayers that you feel better real soon, Jane! Rest easy!

Vel Criste said...

So sorry for you sick days Jane, but the good weather will get you moving faster than you think!

I've been to that target! Is that the one close to Christ Hospital? I had a rotation there years ago during residency and I remember their awesome Target.

Glad you got a great experience with PB, I love their items, sometimes a bit pricey but knowing what they did for you, makes me love them more!

Lynne said...

Oh...gosh...the 10 thousand step pressure is on you too!

Yesterday, we finished our "300 thousand steps in two months event at work." I felt pretty damn good finishing over by a little.
...then I read that someone in our organization did over TWO MILLION!
...are you freaking kidding me?

My goal is a solid 8000.

Jane, love...you are way ahead of me on pounds down! Rock on!

I am so sorry to hear that you have been ill. Mr D was home with the same crud for two days last week! I work in a petri dish so I usually avoid most of the strains.

Gosh...more snow? As always, we ride the roller coaster of sunshine and raindrops here. April showers again!

Get Well!
withLove!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I am so sorry you've been sick. There is nothing worse than being sick in the spring! Boo!!!!

We have a target like that here in Birmingham, and the weird thing is you get lost in the store…there aren't any signs telling you what section is below it!

I saw the Country Living White book at the library last week, and I almost checked it out. I'll see if it's available next week.

That is the very cutest mug, and I hop you'll continue refilling it with delicious tea so you can get well!!!

Happy Easter!
xo,
RJ

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

Gosh, what a great post for a sick girl! I hope you feel better soon, nothing worse that being sick any time of year.

Love that grocery store. Your car is adorable and what a thoughtful hubby to bring you those perfect books a great way to recupurate.

Get well soon,
Sue

Poppy said...

Hi Jane,

Hope you're feeling better! Gosh, I could never write such a detailed post if I were sick, kudos to you!

How sweet of your hubby to give you a 'future' garden!:) Just kinda makes it so special, already, doesn't it? I'm sure you'll enjoy planting, tending, and watching your garden grow during the upcoming months.

Great that you got that whole thing worked out with Pottery Barn; nice to know your email was read and looked after.

Hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family!

xx
Poppy

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

So sorry you've had that bug. Keep drinking your tea, it's so good for you. :) I just had ginger tea for the first time recently. I bought a chunk of ginger and put a few slivers in my tea with a touch of maple syrup. Yum! Ginger is so good for you. I'm so glad you showed that cart escalator! I never would have known those existed if you hadn't shown us. I love seeing things like that. :)

Sue said...

I hope you are feeling better...although I have to say that the bug has lasted forever at our house. The feeling bad and fever left quickly, but the cough and wheezing is sticking around for weeks (and I had 2 rounds of strong meds). Of course with our capris one day and snow the next, how are we supposed to stay healthy?

I think your grocery store looks like a piece of heaven...you should see what we have to do downstate!

Melanie said...

So sorry you've been sick...hope you're better by the weekend so you can enjoy the Easter holiday! I never knew that about the Target stores in the city (underground parking and the escalators), but makes sense since space is so limited. I love when stores have great customer service (re. your PB experience) - makes you want to return to them. One reason I love amazon. Well, while you've been sick, I hope you've had a chance to look through some of your new gardening books and get some ideas. xoxo

Beth said...

Feel better soon, Jane! Hope you will be well enough to enjoy Easter with your family. I like your husband's car! And I admire your efforts to improve his wardrobe. :)
Hugs, Beth

Leslie Harris said...

I'm so sorry to hear you're sick Jane. My son still has it too, although he actually lost his voice. Please get lots of rest, and I love your little furry company. I agree, dogs are such a gift from heaven. In the meantime I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts for a speedy recovery. Hmmm maybe a shot of something stronger in your tea and honey is a good idea. :)
I love your daughter.
Happy Easter,
xo
Leslie

farmhouse-story said...

feel better soon, jane! that target is wild! have a wonderful easter!!

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Oh no girl! I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick. Hopefully you're feeling better. And YES you can walk 10,000 steps in one day friend! Just start with 5000 and work your way up. I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend. Enjoy your family :)

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Oh Jane! Nothing worse than feeling terribly sick :(. I've been thinking about you and feeling bad I haven't dropped by, but I know you understand. We moved on Tuesday and talk about being exhausted! And we got caught in a blizzard during the move. Who would have thought in April that would happen?!

I've seen those escalators at our local BB&B and I think they're super cool also :). I can relate to how your husband dresses when he comes home, the only difference is now that Fisherman is retired he thinks plaid flannel is mandatory. lol Our daughter suggested I throw them away without telling him. I may just borrow that idea.

I'll be back up and running soon I hope. Just as soon as I can get my Mac connected and get most of these boxes I'm surrounded by out of the way!

xxx

Jacqueline said...

So sorry you have been sick! I hate that. We aren't supposed to be sick when the weather is nice!!
Wow, that is fabulous service from Pottery Barn! So nice to hear something good about a store. I hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Mary said...

Sorry to hear you've been under the weather, Jane. Your bits and pieces were fun to read. I hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Betsy Brock said...

What a very fun bunch of randomness! Hope you feel better soon. Glad Layla was there to comfort you! :)

chateau chic said...

Oh Jane, please feel better soon. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself...probably by need, not necessarily by choice. There is so much going around here too and my husband and I seem to be passing things back and forth. No fun!!
Mary Alice

Lori said...

Hope that you are feeling better sweetie. I laugh when you talk about hubby's car ~ precious ~ lol. My hubby has an antique truck that barely makes it out of the garage in the summertime let alone the winter ~ men ~ gotta love them. At least he knows the way to your heart. That cart escalator in Target is pretty cool ~ I was impressed so it was worth the post. Hope your weather is warming up and that there is some action in your flowerbeds ~ my tulips starting coming up under the snow which is gone now ~ thankfully ~ let's keep our fingers crossed.
Happy Easter Janie to you and your family. xo

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, I so hope you feel better soon. That nasty crud likes to hang on and on. So enjoyed your post and all that is going on in your world. I also have Decorating with White. Got it about a year ago and loved it. It is my coffee table book in my white and textured living room.

Wishing you a blessed Easter.
Sending hugs your way!!
XO

Sarah said...

Jane, sorry you are down with a bug. Hope you are on the mend and able to enjoy Easter with your family. I'm still kicking myself for not getting some of those adorable plates when we first saw them. I should have rushed out to the store and bought them. Now I see them listed on eBay for $19 a plate. Doesn't seem right. Glad to know PB is listening.
Happy Easter!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I do hope you are feeling much better by now. And that you are having a lovely Easter with family.

I've never seen a Target like that before. Or an escalator that carries your cart down separately.

Glad to know that big businesses like PB still believe in customer service. All companies should strive for that. I work in a school and am surrounded by people who have never thought of that concept and then they wonder why people come to me for answers and help. They know that if I don't know, I will find out and will do so as quickly as I can.

Most people in this country can't imagine that I would actually want to clean or do things for myself. Everyone has maids and drivers and cooks and nannies for their children. Honestly, you wonder what they do when there's someone else living their lives for them. I find it all very sad. Especially since the way the system is set up, it's akin to legalized slavery. At least that's the way I see it. Not everyone treats them as such, but many do. And they get paid lowly ages. Yes, more than in their own country, but still ... I see it as taking advantage and not necessarily giving them a better life. I tend to think differently than a lot of people.

When I first came to Kuwait, I enjoyed trying all the new to me foods. Of course, now that I am vegetarian and mostly vegan, I don't eat a lot of it anymore or make it, plus my choice of foods has changed a lot and the way I cook, for the better, of course. Thought my husband thinks I am depriving him by not buying or cooking or serving meat. Ha! He's used to it by now and if he wants some, then that is what restaurants are for. :) I like going to different stores where there's new items to check out.

Okay, before this turns into a book, until next time.

Best wishes, Tammy

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I sure hope you're feeling a lot better!.. and I love Pottery Barn. I could easily decorate my whole house with their things and I do have many pieces, but never enough! I also love neutrals, and am slowly turning my house decor back to those hues...

Moore Minutes said...

I hope you're on the upswing now Jane! It's not fun to be sick anytime, but especially after winter is over...it feels like we should be out playing in the new sunshine, not curled up in bed. bleh. ((hugs))

I am in awe of that Target escalator. Seriously?! lol My boys would love to see that.

Traci said...

I hope you're feeling better soon. I love when a store actually cares enough to repsond! That Target is really cool. I've heard about the cart escalator but I've never seen one.

Stacey said...

We've had a share of illnesses to. Apparently there is some type of stomach bug going around. Zion brought it home from school and then little Ian got it. Thankfully, I've been able to escape it(knock on wood!). I hope you're feeling better and that you were able to enjoy your Easter weekend. Love your Target btw:)

RURAL said...

Oh I hope that you are feeling better now, it's been a few days, and I am so late in returning your comment. But maybe you are now over that nasty virus.

Jen

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I hope your feeling better now.
I e-mailed you back, it's taking me awhile to get caught up.
Minneapolis has a target like that. Of course, that's where they started and are home based.
I love the bag of bulbs Al got you,, and the books too.
Hugs friend...check your e-mail.
Cindy

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that you have been so ill, I hope you are feeling a little better and getting your strength back. I enjoyed everything about your randomness other than your being. sick.

Balisha said...

I missed this post somehow.....sorry about your "bug."
Maybe it's a warning to slow down. You always seem so busy.
How thoughtful...he brought you things that you love. Doesn't it make you feel better...when someone cares when you don't feel good?
His little car is darling...
Take care and rest...
Balisha