Supporting, Cooking, Shopping & Zoo-ing - All in a Weekend

Wow - what a whirlwind weekend this was for me but 100% fun and enjoyable too! It went by way too fast as most weekends do, but here is a quick recap.

It started Thursday with Good Friend Inc.'s Holiday Open House to show off the new digs. Quality Fireplace purchased a building on North Grand Ave. in Waukesha and Good Friend Inc. is renting the bottom of the building for their offices. Finally brick and mortar for the non-profit!!!

Using the term fixer-upper doesn't justify the time and effort put into making "Lady Grand" what she is today. The house was in complete disrepair with water damage and more, and what the team did to make this building what it is today, is purely remarkable. They worked with the Historical Society of Waukesha to keep it a historical site in the city and show off the building's amazing features. A Facebook page was created for the progress on the home and I'm absolutely amazed with the amazing work done to make "her" who she is today.

Original fireplace

Parlor all decorated for the holidays

Amazing appetizers by Jolanta and team :)

Friday night consisted of watching Frozen finally (great flick, very cute), and packaging up goodies or the #mkefoodies Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale. The sale was a HUGE success and we were almost sold out in 1 1/2 hours. We definitely want to have more bakers next year, so if you are interested and want to donate to this great organization, I will gladly deliver your cookies to them. Just let me know if you are interested :)

Oreo Cream Brownies - more on these later this week

Applesauce gum drops - more on these later this week

#mkefoodies bake sale goodies

Saturday I worked the bake sale in the afternoon and then met up with my guy for dinner and some holiday shopping at the Art Crawl in downtown Waukesha. Although he has lived in the city for a while, he isn't too familiar with all the downtown shops, so after dinner at La Estacion that he described as PHENOMENAL (more on that later), we hit up the Art Crawl.

La Estacion Raspberry Margarita

It was so cute seeing the horse carriage around downtown and we made stops at Allo! Chocolat, Poppin' on Broadway, Picky Picky Resale Shop and Antiques & Uniques on Main. I helped my guy put together a great gift basket of goodies from downtown Waukesha for him to give to his parents that are from out of town. We would have shopped more, but we were both pretty tired from the day.

We started the next day bright and early (OK.....9 am because I wanted to be a little lazy) and grabbed a satisfying breakfast at Broadway Cafe in Waukesha. Another hit for us that I will share about at a later time.

Broadway Cafe Texas French Toast

Then it was off to the Milwaukee County Zoo. The zoo is open year round and yesterday there weren't too many folks on the grounds. This allowed us to see everything we wanted too and enjoy a nice walk on a brisk December day. So much has changed at the zoo, but some things really brought back the nostalgia for me. These monkeys all cuddling together were just too cute to not get a picture.

And I found Nemo in his anemonnemonee (saying that just how Nemo did in the movie!). I didn't find Dory so they can continue production on the movie.

I think the last time I was at the zoo was 9 years ago when the Big Cats area was being redone. That area looks great now, but the giraffe area is really awesome. Before it had leaves painted on the walls that the giraffes would lick and it was all glassed in. Now it's gorgeous with beautiful wood and it's open with just wires dividing us from the giraffes. I have always been fascinated by them and glad they have a great new facility. Hopefully the hippos & rhinos will get a redone home soon; it's looking quite dated.

 The little guy in this pic was so playful and adorable. I wanted to take him home.

There was no Packer game yesterday, so it was a great day to swing through the zoo and get some exercise and fresh air. The trains weren't running anymore for the season, or that would have totally made my year! But the whole trip made me quite sleepy and I needed a nap while watching a movie.

Next weekend I have more fun planned because I am helping my mom prep for her big Christmas party that is the next weekend and I'm going to see Tim Hawkins at River Glen Christian Church. He is a hilarious and clean comedian and I'm so excited to see him live.

Holiday Happenings in Downtown Waukesha

Mark Your Calendars as there are some great events coming up in downtown Waukesha for the holidays. I highlighted a few of the bigger events but I see that OurDowntown.com & Waukesha Silver Bells have rather extensive calendar with great events each night of the week in Waukesha. Live music, trivia nights, poker, karaoke, open mic, dance lessons and so much more fill each night of the week in Waukesha. There is always something going on.

11/21 - TREE LIGHTING - 8 PM - 9:30 PM
I have actually never attended this but I enjoy taking pictures of the gorgeous tree every year. I might just have the opportunity to be downtown during the tree lighting and might sing a song or too with the crowd. Listen for the tone deaf girl - that's me! 

11/23 - HOLIDAY STROLL - 12 PM -4 PM
Enjoy the wonderful shops that will be all decorated for the season and take advantage of some great sales and discounts.

11/23 - PHOTOS WITH SANTA - 12 PM - 3PM
Leticia Guzman American Family Insurance Agency on South & Grand.

11/23 - OPEN HOUSE AT THE WAUKESHA COUNTY MUSEUM - 1PM - 4PM
Enjoy a FREE afternoon at the museum before the Parade! 

11/23 - 52nd ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE - 4 PM - 7PM
I have made it a tradition with my friends to watch the parade every year. For the last few years we have watched the parade from the warmth of a local business on Main Street but I want to keep that a secret for fear of the place getting overcrowded. And the Packers game is at noon so no interference there. Maybe we will have to make it a day-long event with my friends again.

11/28 - BLACK FRIDAY
I'm sure the shops in downtown Waukesha will have some sort of specials for the day after Turkey Day but I haven't heard of anything specific.

11/28 - 12/20 - HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES - $5 per person or $12 for a family of 3 or more.
Fridays - 6 - 9 PM
Saturdays - 1 - 5 PM

11/29 - SANTA'S BREAKFAST - 8 AM - 10 AM
Martha Merrill's Bookshop - Advanced Reservations Required - 262-547-1060


11/29 - SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
You better believe I will be in downtown Waukesha on Saturday supporting our local shops and buying my holiday presents. I cannot think of a better way to personalize gifts than buying local. And you truly can find something for everyone. I urge all of you to Shop Local for at least some of your gifts this year. The more money you spend locally, the more stays locally to benefit the local communities.

11/29 - FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA - 1 PM - 3 PM
Waukesha Wireless Store - They are offering this every Saturday until Christmas

12/6 - GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS CELEBRATION - 4 - 5 PM
Last year, Downtown Waukesha broke the record for the most carolers in one area singing together and we are celebrating that amazing feat this year. 


12/6 - ROCKIN' KRINGLE ART CRAWL - 4 - 10 PM
The downtown shops stay open extra late and offer great deals and discounts to get that one of a kind, unique gift for that special someone in your life. 

12/7 - SANTA RUN/WALK - 10:30 AM
I participated in this a few times and both times there was a snowfall. Last year, it was even snowing during the run and I truly had snowflakes that stayed on my nose and eyelashes. I plan to participate again this year with friends.

12/13 - UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER SATURDAY- ALL DAY
If you are wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, local establishments in downtown will offer you a special discount. If you have ever needed a reason to wear an ugly sweater more than just to the office party or friend's holiday party - this is it.

Christmas Time in Waukesha

In just 4 weeks, it will be Christmas, so I hope you got a good start on your holiday shopping.

I heard from my parents that downtown Waukesha was really hoppin' on Saturday for Small Business Saturday shopping. The only dislike was the two -hour parking. Sure they knew about the structure but by the time their two hours was up, they were all the way on the other end of town and realized they needed to move. They decided to just call it a day and come home. But they did go back on Sunday and enjoyed brunch at People's Park and bought a few more things they eyed up on Saturday.

So with just 3 weekends left until the big day, here's what's going on in Waukesha.


Energize Zone Wellness Center is having a Countdown to Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair on Dec. 7 from 10 am - 3 pm. Details on the Facebook page.

Not in Waukesha, but the #mkefoodies are hosting a Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale at the Hudson Business Lounge in the 3rd Ward on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1 - 4 pm. I have baked a bunch of treats for this event and each year we have sold out, raising tons of money for a great organization. Please help us sell out again this year and check us out in our new location.  And I'll be there :)

Waukesha Art Crawl - Saturday, Dec. 7 - 4 - 10 pm
You can bet that there will be plenty of great deals and merchandise from our local shop owners

Montecito is having ladies night and DJ Flacko on Saturday and they are also collecting winter clothing for those in need. 

The Lucky Rabbit is having some live music: Robert Allen Jr. on 12/7 and DJ Devast8 on 12/13

Carroll University presents Silent Night, a concert at Shattuck Auditorium on Dec. 7 & 8.

The Santa Run is Sunday in downtown Waukesha. It's supposed to be pretty chilly, but my friend Tory and I are going to brave it and run it :)

Not in Waukesha, but this is still a great event - Buy Local Gift Fair at Lakefront Brewery on Dec. 8

Boscos Social Club is having an Ugly Sweater Party & Contest on 12/14. Prizes, giveaways and another Facebook contest!

My friend Christmas Party is on the 14th and I can't wait to bring some delicious treats and share in the holiday cheer with all my friends.

Spurs Saloon is getting close to opening and hopes to announce their opening date soon! 

Save the Date: Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub is having their Christmas Party on Jan. 18

Shopping Local: Waukesha Edition

This year, I am making a very solid effort to SHOP LOCAL for Christmas. I would say about 90% of my items for Christmas were purchased at local stores in and around Waukesha/Milwaukee. I have had a few of the items for a few months now in preparation for the holidays. But I'm still finishing up in the next few days finding that gift for the hard-to-shop for. I'm hoping tomorrow I can find some goodies at the Indoor Waukesha Farmer's Market held at Montecito Restaurante.

So are you trying to shop local this year? When you shop local, more of you dollars stay in the community and help that community grow. Downtown Waukesha is an excellent example of shopping local. The shops, restaurants and businesses all have many options for gifts and buying these gifts will keep Waukesha prospering. And we all want that!

Image from GreaterSpokane.org

If you aren't familiar with Waukesha - let me do a brief breakdown of the types of stores that I am familiar with. (I'll be missing a few most likely as the list is long, so please don't be mad if I forget a few).
 

For the food lover, there are so many options, restaurant gift certificates, food items, kitchen accessories and more. Some of my go-to shops for my foodie friends:
-Poppin On Broadway - gourmet popcorn (more on this shop after the holidays, but you must get in here!)
-Allo! Chocolate - chocolates and candies
-The Steaming Cup - tea
-Cafe de Arts - coffe
-RiverMill Foods - breads & cheesecakes 
And then a gift certificate to one of the restaurants is always a great option (People's Park, Magellan's, Sprizzo's, J. Lotti's, Bernie's Tap Room, Divino Gelato - the list goes on and on)

For the accessorizing friend, there are many shops with purses, scarves and jewelry. Some of my go-to shops to glam it up:
-Bangles & Bags - purses, scarves, jewerly
-Plowshare Gifts - scarves, purses (fair trade)
-Restyle Studio  - scarves, jewelry
-Copacetic - hats & shirts

For the cocktail connoisseur, Waukesha has watering holes to wet everyone's whistle. My favorites are:
-Nice Ash Cigar Bar - new expanded whiskeys and great cigars and hookahs
-Boscos Social Club - nice lounge bar with a little bit of everything
-House of Guinness - Irish bar
-Discount Liquor - support the independently owned shops. It's not Wal-Mart! Get personal service and help picking out the right wine, beer, liquor for that loved one. The staff is spectacular with this (especially Tiffany!!!).

Image from Exceptions to the Rules

For the art lover, Waukesha has a million art galleries! Ok, not a million, but they have a gallery for everyone's taste.
-Almont Gallery - really cool salt & pepper shakers on cars to zoom down the table
-Clinton Street Gallery - great Raiku pottery
-River's End Gallery - Beautiful paintings and glass art

And then there are a few more shops that fit into categories all on their own.
-Waukesha Tattoo Company - although I am un-inked still, there work is so beautiful from what I have seen. The team over there is really active in the community and the company shows great morale amongst the staff by going out together.
-Martha Merrills - for the book lover in everyone, this shop features stories by many local authors.
-Beading Hearts - a bead store, recently expanded to offer yarn and classes

There are sooooo many more shops in Waukesha that I cannot list them all. So if you have time, take an afternoon to stroll the streets. Waukesha is even offering horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends to get you around town.

Hope this list helps you out and maybe tempts you to come visit my town - I hope so!!! Happy Shopping!

EXTRA Edition - Wauk Wednesday: Holiday Events

It's approximately six weeks to Christmas and I don't know about you, but I'm already in the festive mood. I have started to do a bit of shopping and I really hope to do the majority of it locally this year. There are so many shops in downtown with such great variety that you shouldn't have to go to the big box stores at all to find something for everyone.


In fact, this week Downtown Waukesha kick off to the holidays with many festive events. Let me highlight a few that got my attention.  Disclaimer: These are just a few of the many great shops & events in downtown Waukesha and just my opinions. I was not compensated in anyway to mention these. 

This Thursday, Beading Hearts Studio is teaching a Slip Stitched Brimed Hat class. Everyone loves hats, come create one with them. 

Friday is the tree lighting at the Rotunda with holiday carols sung by the Waukesha Coral Union. 

On Saturday, the Springs Gallery and Studios is hosting the Handmade Holiday Bizarre Bazaar! from 2 pm - 8 pm. From the website: Please join us for this unique holiday shopping event! Handmade gifts, many under $30, made by local artists and crafters.

UPDATE: I can't believe that I forgot to mention this - the Indoor Farmer's Market begins on Saturday and will be held the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month thru March from 8 am - noon. The wonderful Montecito Restaurant has graciously offered to host the Farmers Market. The restaurant has space for about 25 vendors and Montecito will serve breakfast. 

 

 

Waukesha Holiday Parade

Sunday marks the 50th Anniversary of the Waukesha Christmas Parade at 4 pm. Come down early and stroll the shops in Waukesha from noon - 4 pm and get some holiday shopping done. 
    Where to shop you ask: Some of my fave shops to buy gifts in: 
     Allo! Chocolate - nice boxed chocolates, or a gift certificate to attend a chocolate class
    Metropolitan Antiques - many holiday treasures and great wine dip mixes
    Poppin' On Broadway - gourmet popcorn, need I say more?
    RiverMill Foods - put in your order now for a cheesecake for that holiday party!
     Bangles & Bags - jewelry, scarves, purses and other accessories - what woman wouldn't want this for xmas?
 
If you can't make it to Waukesha this weekend, stop by for Black Friday and the weekend that follows as some stores are having a holiday open house - can't find the details on this but Metropolitan Antiques had a flier in their store about it when I was in there last. It's also been deemed Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24 and customers are encouraged to buy local and help keep their money local on this day around the nation.


December 1 marks the final art crawl of 2012 and these are always crowd pleasers. (Website needs to be updated with details but its from 4 - 10 pm)

Are you a runner? Or a walker? Come decked out in your holiday gear and run with the elves for the Santa Run on December 9th. I'm hoping to be healed from my running injury by then to partake in this uber fun run!
    

Wauk Wednesday: Good Friend, Inc. Drop'n Shop

I have worked for Good Friend, Inc. as a marketing & events volunteer for three years. I could not have asked to work alongside a better group of ladies with such an amazing passion for their organization. This year, I was asked to join the Board of Directors and I didn't hesitate in submitting my application. I just attended my first meeting and the coming year looks really exciting for Good Friend Inc.

From GoodFriendInc.com
Good Friend’s mission is to create autism awareness, teach acceptance of differences, and foster empathy among typically-developing peers.

The co-founder's, Chelsea & Denise, go to schools around the area and present their message in assemblies, staff in-services & peer sensitivity workshops. They have produced two DVDs and a third is in the works. These DVDs have been ordered around the nation to help others get the Good Friend message out. 

These events are not possible without financial support from grants and fundraising. Each Spring, a large Hawaiian-themed bowling event takes place as the major fundraiser for the organization. Last year, the Drop'n Shop was started and due to the amazing success of the event, the Drop'n Shop is back for year two!!

The event takes place on Oct. 27 from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Steinhafel's Community Room on Hwy F in Waukesha. The Community Room is located on the first floor of Steinhafel's (thru the theater doors) and we ask that attendees park a little farther from the entrance to the store because we are privileged to use the room for Free and should allow Steinhafel's customers the closer spots.

Details from Good Friend's Facebook page:

All your favorite entrepreneurs in one festive space! Vendors from Kiefer's Kreations, Lia Sophia, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, PartyLite, Pepper It Up pottery, R U Puzzled, Tastefully Simple, T.F. Woodworking, Thirty-One, Tupperware, and Uppercase Living will sell on-hand and catalog items, with 25% of the sales benefiting Good Friend's autism awareness-acceptance-empathy mission! Demonstrations! Door prizes! Refreshments! Mini-massages! Free admission! Bring your giving holiday spirit, checkbook/credit card, and a friend for this girls' day out!

What a great way to get a jump on your shopping. Have the opportunity to see all these home entrepreneurs without having to book a party yourself and find people to come to it - we booked it for you :)