Last Thursday, I enjoyed a lunch and books day with my mama. It had been a while since we went to lunch, just she and I, so we headed downtown to a local bistro. It’s right across the street from our local arts alliance, and they always have quotes and cute sayings on their marquee. I explained in a past post how this building used to be an old movie theater built in the 1930s. This was last week’s quote:
We headed inside to order our lunch and had a nice visit. I ordered my usual wrap with ham and turkey and a side of fruit. It was delicious and very filling! The other half of the wrap made for a great lunch the next day!
After lunch, I wanted to pop into our new local bookstore to see if they had a book my son was looking for. He was reading a series and needed the next book, so we stopped in Storybooks. I am a big fan of this new bookstore and was so excited to see that they had the next couple of books in the series, so I purchased them both! Being a newer store, they have not disappointed me once in having exactly what books my son wants, even when it’s an older title. The store is beautiful and spacious, and I can’t wait to see how they grow!
I was super excited to see that they also sell puzzles because…speaking of puzzles….
I finally completed this puzzle this weekend! Let me tell you, it was an actual labor of love because I almost quit this one about ten pieces in! I haven’t done an actual jigsaw puzzle in years, and I had no idea that all puzzles are not alike. I have been doing puzzles on a screen in an app I use. This is a puzzle I picked up at Dollar General just because I thought it was cute. I quickly learned there was a reason this puzzle cost $2. The pieces were super small and very flimsy. If you bumped one side of the puzzle, all the pieces would shift or fall apart. To say this was frustrating would be a complete lie. It was MADDENING!! But I did it! And never again will I buy a Dollar General puzzle! I then went online and researched some of the best puzzle brands and found a Ravensburger puzzle on eBay that I am currently putting together. I’ll have it finished by this weekend, I hope, and I’ll share it here.
Other than that, our weekend was pretty quiet. Lots of resting and puzzle-working and laundry! I hope yours was great as well!
Éva says
Hello Mandy, I am sitting with my early morning coffee in front of my computer and reading your blog. Thanks for the experience. Greetings from Hungary. Éva
Mandy says
Thank you so much, Eva! Happy to have you here!
Mari says
That looks like a great store – books and puzzles!
Your puzzle is very cool, but I can’t imagine how frustrating it was. I’ve done Ravensburger puzzles and they are good quality.
Mandy says
Thanks, Mari! Yes, that puzzle was definitely a learning experience.
Carol Slater says
I love White Mountain Puzzles. That looks like a cool puzzle, but sounds like a pain. I am glad you were able to finish it though.
Mandy says
Hey Carol! I will definitely have to check out the White Mountain brand! I think I read that it was a great one as well! I’m so glad you stopped in. I am new to your blog but I will be reading along now!
BillieJo says
Hello! I love your new bookstore! And am so happy to see a new bookstore opening! So nice to hear about your lunch date too. I would have ordered that exact same thing because it looks delicious! Have a cozy day, my friend.
Mandy says
Thanks so much, Billi Jo! And yes, I always love a bookstore! We are fortunate to have two in town. They are small, but that’s what I love about them!
Deb says
YAY for puzzles! You know I’ve been all about puzzles for months now. LOL I thought I was done with them for the season but nope, I hauled another one out when I hurt my arm. Ravensburger is indeed a good brand but spendy. I got one this past Christmas. I’m so happy someone else is joining me in puzzle doing!
Mandy says
Deb, I actually thought about you while putting this puzzle together! And yes, I couldn’t believe how much some puzzles cost while I was researching them. I found the Ravensburger on eBay for a great bargain! Unless it’s one I have to have, I think I’ll purchase them second hand.