Where’s Mary

Good morning! Remember the books Where’s Waldo?  Lately I’ve been feeling like Waldo without the red striped sweater. It seems like my presence in the store has been leaving you all wondering, “Where’s Mary”?  I’ve been around but more like everywhere!

Last March Bill and I made an offer on a farm house that was accepted, listed and sold our house in Boone and moved to the apartment above the shop.  It’s been a whirlwind ever since.  We will be renovating the old house and are excited to meet with contractors to get things rolling.  The kids have come out a few times to hang out and help out.  We  look forward to many gatherings in the years to come.

Around Mother’s Day my mom had a medical issue and spent 10 days in the hospital.  I’ve been helping her along and attending all of her doctor appointments with her to stay informed! For and independent gal it’s been frustrating for her to have to stay home and recover.  She’s doing great and getting out and about on her own and even helped run the shop last Saturday.   She’s bored and I’m busy so you can expect to see her in the shop from time to time.  Stop in and wish her well!

I’m trying to find some consistency for store hours but it’s been hard lately.  I wanted to make sure I could go with mom to her appointments and meet  with the contractors. Unfortunately, the store has had to get on the back burner during this crazy time.  I love my little shop and honestly miss it and miss all of you!  I know a lot of you travel from great distances to visit our place so please shoot me a message on Facebook, send me an email or call the shop and let us know when your coming.  If were available we would be happy to open up for your own private shopping.

Twice the Story will be open up during Ogden Fun Days!  Friday, June 22nd we’ll be open from 9 am – 7 pm or so.  It’s our two year anniversary at the shop and we get to celebrate with the car show right outside our door on Walnut St.  The car show officially runs from 5 to 9 but they start lining the streets around 11 am.  So, when you visit on Friday, plan to park a block or two away and take in all the shiny old cars while you stroll.  Join us Saturday, 9am – 3pm. You can watch the parade at 10:30 in your lawn chair  outside the shop or hang out with us in the air conditioning and watch through the window.

Thanks for all of your continued support during such an “ish” time for us.  Stay tuned for some fun in July.

Mary

 

 

 

 
 

Great. Amazing. Now Hurry !

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Wow! Time really does fly by when you’re having fun!  I realized that I haven’t kept all of you up to date on the what what with the store. It’s been great in October, great in November and great in December!  We have met some amazing people, seen some amazing items find new homes and enjoyed amazing times with our family!  I am so ever grateful for the experiences and yes, lessons I’ve learned over the past year.

Christmas is quickly approaching and I can’t wait!   We have decided to take a winter break again this year and have decided that Saturday, December 16th will be the last day the shop will be open for 2017!  Only nine more days…so hurry in and get your stocking stuffers, unique gifts, white elephants and tell your loved ones exactly what you want from Twice the Story.

Lastly, if we don’t see you before the 16th, we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Mary

 

 
 

Best Thing This Side of the River

  • Date:
  • Filed in: Fun Finds
  • Comment:
DIY ORB
DIY ORB
Rings $10  Come to our shop to find stuff to make stuff!

Ya ever find that one piece of junk you will turn into the best thing this side of the river?  Me too! All the time!  Barrel Ring Orbs is one fo sho!! I seriously love these things! I bought these crazy gorgeous rings just about a year ago with the world’s greatest intention to make me one! I have to own my crazy and say “it’s never going to happen”.  Why?  Well, because I have so… much…. junk …  I have to literally reset myself!  Like seriously!

So, while I focus on gathering up “good idea” junk,  for a Back Alley Tent Sale during Lincoln Highway Junkathon, give this big idea a try!

Barrel Ring Orb:   tutorial by: for the love of a house

 

Barrel Rings @ Twice the Story $10 each

 
 

Go Shopping! Seriously!

It seems like July can be such a tough month to get through. We’ve all been to our family reunions, ball games are over, and most vacations have been enjoyed.  So, what is there to do besides stare at the brown grass and water plants?  Go shopping!  Seriously!

Retailers are ready for the next season and slashing prices. Before you say “I don’t need anything and most certainly don’t need summer stuff.” Let me make a few suggestions. Many summer items can be used in the fall and even winter.  For example: a red wagon filled with a straw bale and pumpkins for fall; sprigs of pine, berries, and burlap for winter. A teacup bird feeder can be brought inside for a pretty ring holder by the sink, a tealight holder or a sweet little winter hostess gift.

It’s a great time to start on your Christmas list.  Where are you going to find a special “Jump in the Lake” wood sign in November?  Or how about an old boat oar for the cabin?  Who wouldn’t love a little something that says summer when it’s 20 below in February?  I know I would!

My point is, take stock in all the sales going on around you right now, locally! This weekend Boone is hosting their annual Crazy Day Sale,   Country Blessings will be doing a sidewalk sale, and Twice the Story is having a… 

Reader Exclusive Clearance Sale!! 

 Thursday, 7/27 9-5   Friday, 7/28 9-5    Saturday, 7/28 9-3.

Receive 40% OFF Merchandise

Buy 3 get 1 FREE Bags of Coffee and Gourmet Cupboard mixes/spices.  

You must use CASH ONLY and coupon code: READERSALE at checkout to receive discounts.  Restrictions:  Signed by Laurie Wood Signs and already discounted items not included.

 
 

Graduation

As many of you know we are scrambling to get ready for our son’s graduation next week! We’ll be in the store mostly mornings this week and closed next week so we can celebrate this fun time for Austin. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this crazy and awesome time for our family.

2017 Grad
 
 

The What What

Wow!  I cannot believe it’s been a month since we closed our store for a winter break!  It’s been kind of juggling act around here between being at home and trying to get some work done at the store.

Austin, our son had ACL surgery mid December and is doing pretty well. I have been taking him to school, Dr. appointments and  PT two times a week.  Mom’s taxi service has been great but I think he’s ready for his independence again.  Well, mom too, honestly!

I have been really excited to get over to the store for a few hours at a time to pack up the Christmas stuff and totally make a mess! We took full advantage of the warmer temp’s a few weeks ago and got the trailer all loaded up with some new fresh picks.  As of right now were waiting for mother nature to cooperate a little bit so we can get it unloaded.  Meanwhile, I have been doing some small projects and getting into the swing of things again.

We will be changing our hours just a little bit through the rest of the winter and will be post them soon at the bottom of our Home Page  and  Facebook.

I have missed all of you and I cannot wait to get the doors open on January 20th!  Who’s ready to get out of the house for some girl time?  I am! I am!

See you soon,

Mary

 

 
 

Top 10 Central Iowa Antique, Junk, Vintage Stores

top-10-img

People often ask me if I have any recommendations for junktique shops around Iowa. You can’t go junking as often as I do without picking a few favorites along the way so I put together a list of my top recommendations. These shops come to mind for their fresh selections, friendly owners, or pleasant ambience. Check out my top 10 and let me know what you think.

 

1. Gypsy’s Alley – Nevada, Iowa

1472606581_location 922 Lincoln Way Nevada, IA, 50201   1472607844_phone (515) 382-4283  1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookGypsys-Alley

vintage, antique, historic, lincoln, rustic

Don’t be fooled by their size, this tiny shop is filled to the brim with fun and interesting displays full of vintage finds, antique relics, re-purposed and upcycled items, and made goods. Their consignment really helps bring variety to the store, they literally have something for everyone. I’m often surprised at how much they are able to pack into the small space in a cute and inviting way. I love walking through this shop time and time again and I never leave empty handed. Between their welcoming displays and their friendly demeanor, the owners have created a space that will make any junk lover feel right at home. This is one of my favorite stores to go into right now and I know it’ll become an instant favorite of yours when you stop in.

 

2. Country Blessings – Jefferson, Iowa

1472606581_location 1263 Pioneer Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129   1472607844_phone (515) 386-2999  1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookCountry-Blessings

Country Blessings Jefferson Iowa, Rustic art industrial, shabby chic

Right off Highway 30, between Grand Junction and Jefferson is a wonderful shop with a unique collection of home decor. Leave your expectations at the door, this isn’t your usual vintage shop. They’ve got a fresh blend of primitives, junk, and made items. Plus, their Junkpalooza event has an ideal country style that makes you want to drink sweet tea and spend the day taking in the atmosphere, music and “just be.” When the day is done, you’ll be begging for more. Your first trip won’t be your last.

 

3. JB Knacker – Gilbert, Iowa

1472606581_location 123 Main St, Gilbert, IA 50105   1472607844_phone (515) 233-2600   1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookJBKnacker

JB Knacker, Gilbert, Iowa, Ames, Iowa, Vintage, Home Store

Located smack dab in the center of Iowa, just a few miles north of Ames is JB Knacker, a vintage home store you must stop and see. They’ve got ephemera, antique furniture, vintage home decor, salvaged pieces, rustic finds, and more. Not to mention every time I go, I’m greeted warmly by the shop owner, Brenda, and she always surprises me by asking about my family. You can tell that she has a love for junk and an even greater affection for her customers. She’ll make you feel like you’re coming home every time you stop.

 

4. Thumbprint Cottage – Cambridge, Iowa

1472606581_location 60159 290th St. Cambridge, IA 50046   1472607844_phone (515) 382-4279 1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_Facebookthumbprintcottage

Thumbrpint Cottage, Cambridge, Iowa, Vintage, Country, Home

Just a hop, skip, and a jump southeast of Ames, Thumbprint Cottage is a quaint shop full of shabby love to the core. They’ve got a romantic country home feel that speaks to me. I love their girly and feminine displays and pieces, it makes me feel like I’ve walked into my own private she-shed. The owner is always friendly and makes me feel welcome. Worth the trip for sure. 

 

5. Old New & Things 2 Redo – Boone, Iowa

1472606581_location 809 Story St, Boone, IA 50036 1472607844_phone (515) 520-0237 1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookOldNewandThings2Redo

Old_New_And_Things_2_Redo_Boone_Iowa

Recently opened up in a new location in Boone, Old New & Things 2 Redo has stocked their store full of great painted furniture, vintage items, rustic junk, and re-purposed pieces. I absolutely love just walking through their store and gazing at all of their fun finds and whimsical displays. This is truly a place where every item has the potential to be the centerpiece of your collection. Let me know what you find in the shop and what you do with it!

 

6. Uptown Funky junk – boone, iowa

1472606581_location Location 817 8th St, Boone, IA 50036   1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/UptownFunkyJunk/?fref=ts

From the moment you step on the curb outside Uptown Funky Junk you can tell the owners love to refurbish and upcycle furniture and vintage pieces. Take your time browsing their furniture, creative solar lights and even an old bank vault filled with soaps and lotions. If you’re into DIY, they offer a large selection of chalk paint and the owner is always willing to give you some tips on getting the most from them. It’s always a pleasure to visit this quaint store when I’m looking for something special.

 

7. Antiques Iowa – Story City, Iowa

1472606581_location 1639 Broad St, Story City, IA 50248   1472607844_phone (515) 733-9311   1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_Facebookantiquesiowa

Our list wouldn’t be complete without the largest Antique Mall in Central Iowa. With over 125 different vendors, you could spend the entire day here going through all of the merchandise and still not see everything. Bookmark this one for sure and stop into Antiques Iowa next time you’re on the hunt.

 

8. Red Barn Rustics – Boone, iowa

1472606581_location 2035 205th St. Boone, IA 50036   1472607844_phone (515) 432-8421 1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookRed-Barn-Rustics

red-barn-rustics

This isn’t a normal stop-and-shop junk store. Red Barn Rustics in Boone only opens for occasional sales, so watch their Facebook page. They’ve been in the business for 10 years and it’s obvious they know their rustic treasures when they see them. I love the touches of shabby they bring to their shop and displays, plus they’ve got a great collection of straight up vintage and antique items. Not to mention, the owner is always friendly. One of the best barns I’ve visited in the area. Like them on Facebook and make a point to head out the next time they have a sale.

 

9. Broad Street Market By Carter Station – Story City, Iowa

1472606581_location 515 Broad St Story City, IA 50248   1472607844_phone (515) 450-8887  1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_Facebookbroadstreetmarketiowa

broad-street-market

Located in Story City, Broad Street Market is an amazing space that will hit right to the soul of any rustic and vintage lover. Every time I go in I day dream about what my home would look like with their upscale vintage benches, cupboards, and salvaged finds. You’ll find rustic wind mill pieces, farmhouse style tables and cupboards, and lots of other excellent vintage items here. Worth the drive, and a must stop if you’re already in the area.

 

10. Gravy Home Goods – Jewell, Iowa

1472606581_location 630 Main St Jewell, IA 50130   1472607844_phone (515) 231-5058   1472607967_Socialmedia_icons_FacebookGravyhomegoods

Gravy Home Goods, Jewell, Iowa, Vintage, Home, Rustic, Antique, Junk

Just 15 miles north of Story City is a vintage home goods store with a twist of humor. Every time I go in there they have something that makes me chuckle. Their eye for unique finds and an intuition for re-purposing old junktique items into modern works of art means they can truly hit all types of design styles. Whether you’re on the look out for an Iowa Barn Wood table, some handmade soap, or even a chair covered in moss they’ve got you covered. Check them out if you’re on the hunt for home goods in the realm of modern, farmhouse chic, shabby chic, vintage, antique, or rustic. You won’t be disappointed.

 

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Mom & Daughter Day

Just like her mom, Jessica has a love for DIY driven by a sense of frugal that puts even me to shame.  Her husband Kory, loves to see the fun things she brings home, puts her touch to and glad she gets her projects done pronto, unlike her mom.  So naturally our most recent Mom & Daughter day involved the HWY 141 Garage Sale again this year! Like always we write our list, plan our trip and start the day with coffee.  This year we decided to start in Ogden and head West. Bopping around from town to town you see and hear so many things I thought I would highlight a few fun moments of the day.

Our very first garage sale was so much fun.  I found out one of the ladies running it was a devote Pride & Prejudice fan just like me. I bought a bicycle wheel nailed to a board priced at $1.00.  Come to find out the 8 year old boy made this little piece of work and was so happy someone “saw” his project and bought it. I walked away from that sale feeling like I made his day!

20160806_131925
Jessica & Her Barn Door Treasure

We enjoyed a quick lunch and shopping at the Dawson Fire Station.  Outside of Dawson we stopped at a farm sale.  This farmer had such a fun personality and let us pick and makes piles right out of the barn. He even asked me if I had a “Pile License”.  At another farm sale Jessica found a barn door for her house!  I think the owners were shocked how we could be so in love with a barn door.  We carried that heavy thing all across the yard and had to completely unpack the Trailblazer to make that baby fit!  I almost bet they enjoyed the entertainment we gave them.

Another fun stop was at a little roadside style flea market.  We found some good junk, fresh cooked kettle corn and Cattails for the shop.  We finally made it to Coon Rapids about 3:00 only to find most of the sales were already closed up for the day.  However it was well worth it because we were able to visit Gary’s Antiques and hear the player piano he rebuilt. What a pleasure it was to see Jessica’s eyes light up with her fist experience.

The very last sale we went to, Jessica found a buffet that she could paint and make it her “own” for her home.  Again it involved almost completely unpacking the trailblazer to make room!

Before heading home we stopped for gas and a double dip ice cream cone. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

 

 

 
 

So Far So Great

Mary
Mary

It’s amazing how quickly time flies when you’re having fun! We feel so at home in Ogden, like it was meant to be. The community has been very welcoming. We love the word-of-mouth advertising from Made to Gaze right here in Ogden and one of our favorite stores, Country Blessings in rural Jefferson. And that’s not to mention the individuals who continue to recommend us to their friends and family. We’re noticing some people returning for their 2nd and 3rd visits with their friends at their side. I love getting to know our repeat customers! We’re over the moon at how much everyone talks about us and helps us spread the word. A big “thank you” to all of you!

We’re also gearing up for some exciting events:

  • Boone Pufferbilly Days – Saturday, September 10th: The store will be closed since we’ll be floating our way down Story Street in Boone during the annual parade. Read all about it here.
  • Pick & Pie Night – Thursday, September 15th 5-8pm: Fall is Mary’s favorite season! Come see how we celebrate the changing leaves and crisp days of fall with our fresh picked relics! While you shop enjoy a free slice of pie and cider from Deals Orchard in Jefferson.
  • Junktober30 – October 1st 8am-6pm: Ogden will be taking part in the Junktober30 junk’n event this October. It’s going to be a full day of junk love. Watch this blog and our Facebook page for more details.
  • Fort Dodge Vintage Market – October 14-16th: Keep an eye out for our space. Read about the vintage market on their Facebook page.

Despite all the hustle and bustle we’ve still been able to do lots of shopping for the store. So much, in fact, that our storage is packed to the brim! We’ve been bringing out little things here and there so you’re likely to see something new every time you come in. We’re looking forward to flipping the store to prepare for Fall, our favorite season!

 

 
 

20 Days

We’re finally closing the book on Renovation!  Words just cannot describe all the thoughts, mental and physical feelings,  the highs and lows of emotions and checkbook balances.  “What a Ride”!

Over the next 20 Days:

  • We will have some amazing family events.  Sam & Jeff will welcome their new baby into this world, I get to celebrate my Birthday, Jess & Kory celebrate the purchase of their home with an Open House Party and Bill will welcome hugs from the kids on Father’s Day.
  • Bill will finish some things around the building.
  • I will continue to get the store all ship shape and set up my working and retail areas.
  • Post on Facebook more information about our Opening Day! Don’t have Facebook?  Visit our Homepage for more information about store hours or contact us and we’ll send you all the info.

It’s Go Time!

Mary

 
 

June is Coming Fast

Hello everyone!  I realized today it’s been quite awhile since I posted.

April turned out to be a busy month for us.  My brother got married and we attended three baby showers for our daughter and son in law. It’s so hard to believe our first grandchild is due in just 4 weeks.

As far as the store goes we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!  In the next week or two I will start moving in!  Ahhh! I’m so excited! So, as soon as I can get organized and spend some time with the new baby we will host our Grand Opening!  No dates are set as of yet but keep watching, we’ll post just as soon as we know!

June is coming fast!

 
 

My Number One Glue

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  • Filed in: My 5 & Me
  • Comment:

IMG_20140111_095455_208-1Today I wanted to tell you about my number one glue!  My husband, Bill.

When this all started my good friend asked me if my husband was on board with my business adventure.  I acknowledged he was.  Lately, I have realized what that really means.

Bill works a full time job, spends every evening working in the shop after working all day, rarely gets to enjoy a home cooked meal, endures far more aches and pains than I do, has to listen to me, a great dad to all our kids, makes sure all our bills are paid at home, takes care of so much more than one could realize, still has a sense of humor, keeps the motivation truck moving, and somehow finds the love in his heart to give me a hug when I need it most.

Thank you for holding us all together!  I appreciate everything you do and I love you!

Go on everyone, tell your glue how much you love and appreciate them today!

 
 

Quick Update

Progress seems a little slower these days.  We focused our attention on getting the apartment projects done.  New appliances were delivered last week, Austin installed new cabinet hardware, bathroom floor installed, and we are almost done painting.  Wow! Painting! A tough job!  The ceilings are high and there is trim everywhere.  I can honestly admit I was scared climbing up the ladder to 12′ ceilings. On a funny side, there are 26 steps up to the apartment and I might have worked off a few pounds in certain areas going up and down. My hips are telling me all about it today.

We returned to the shop late yesterday afternoon and started working on some projects.  I still have not decided what color I’m going to paint but found some colors I really like from National Trust Historic colors by Valspar.  I don’t think I can go wrong with anything I pick from this line.  Kind of fitting for an 1890 building. We have exposed brick walls, replicated hardwood vinyl flooring, and barn wood accents. Any ideas? Suggestions?

Today, the window replacement project starts!  I don’t know how those old windows stayed together for so long.  It seems like caulk is all that is holding them together.  I found a gap I could put my finger through and quickly stopped messing with it for fear the window would go crashing down to the sidewalk.

Well that’s it for this update!  I’ll tell more again soon.

Mary

 

 
 

Renovation Update

It’s been three weeks of renovation I figured it was time I post an update on how it’s going. We have seen so much change in such a short time with the demo process. Green carpet pulled up, barn board taken down from the walls and window display areas and saved for a future project, brick wall exposed and treated, loft area torn down, ceiling tiles removed, retail counter moved near it’s new location, sugar plum wall paper all removed, kitchen wall opened up into the office area, and apartment wallpaper torn down. Whew!

Throughout this process we have found some fun things.  A piece of old map hidden behind the drywall, amazing color wallpaper from long ago, an imprint of an old wall sconce, and my favorite of all, the old vent grate hidden behind the dishwasher in the apartment which we relocated to the brick wall downstairs. I have been saving little pieces of this and that and taking lots of pictures to make a renovation scrapbook to share with all of you when you visit.

Bill has done a great job keeping us organized! He implemented a “Scrum” board that shows us what needs to be done, what we are working on, impediments for getting something done, group decisions to be made, and finally what’s done.  It has really helped me to look at the big picture and pick and choose things I know I can do.  Not to mention how amazing it feels to see that done list growing and growing.

We all knew window replacement was going to be a biggie and tackled that job first.  We met with four different contractors and chose an amazing crew and company. Farm & Home Builders, Inc. offered such a great product, warranty program, and a crew with nearly 60 years of experience.  We are really looking forward to working with them.  (check them out and mention Mary Kelly sent ya) We will be replacing the retail windows, upstairs apartment windows, adding a window to our office area and a storm on the backside of apartment level.  I can’t wait for the project to start mid to late March.

The kids have been great helping when and where they can and adding fun to a pretty hard job, mom (Sue) is biting at the bit to get back to work in the shop after some minor knee surgery, and so far we only have band aid level injuries. All in all things are moving along faster than I anticipated.

A great big thank you to the Ogden area residents for stopping in to say hello, mentioning us in the paper, passing along news about us, late night drive-by (yes I see you :)) to check in on our progress, and welcoming us into your community.

We are truly blessed.

 

 
 

Happy 2016!

New Year= New Start!
Just a few quick updates: I’m going to be a Grandma! Bill and I are so happy and excited for Sam & Jeff! Our new little one is expected June 3rd. So, you know what that means.. another fun filled summer for our family!

Santa was goood to me this Christmas!  I got a Cricut and a Cinch binding tool! It’s been fun messing around with them. I’ve wire bound two journals from old book covers I was saving. Sorry no pictures, yet. The Cricut is turning out to be a little bit of a learning curve but I’ll get that baby mastered soon.

Twice the Story. We have been doing some creating for Spring, doing lots of shopping, organizing and tossing!  Cleaning everything out and getting organized is a lot of work but so refreshing.   It really feels like I’m on the road to a new fresh start with my business and creativity.

Another amazing year came to a close.  Another story unfolding.  Today is Day 1. New start. Ready…set…go!

Happy New Year,

Mary

 

 
 

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