Welcome, HomeGoods, to the Upper West Side!

We're so happy you're here!

When I was growing up one of my favorite day dreams was that I could go to the toy department at G. Fox & and Company, the nicest department store in Hartford, and pick out anything I wanted. Anything! We weren't wealthy -- far from it -- but I wasn't deprived either. But there were lots of things in the toy department -- the entire 11th floor of a big store -- that just weren't on my parent's list for my birthday gifts. I might have chosen an elaborate wooden doll house or one of the Madame Alexander dolls I loved looking at. 

I haven't thought of that memory in years but it came back to me after a fabulous shopping spree at HomeGoods on Saturday morning a week ago. A branch of one of my favorite stores opened several weeks ago across the street from my local Michaels. Thanks to one of the nicest bloggers anywhere, Pat of Mille Fiori Favoriti, I was part of a promotion from BlogHer and HomeGoods.  It was my shopping fantasy grown up and come true. 

What a treasure trove! I'd been thinking about what I would choose and was pretty sure it would be new bathroom hand towels, but it was a tough choice. 

There was a wonderful assortment of serving pieces...

Sophisticated black and white dishes...

And adorable baby things. I did fall in love with a sweet pink teddy bear and I took her home for baby Gabriella, who is due in September. 

I did find my towels and picked out two pair. They are on the bottom shelf on the right and go with the green in my bathroom. 

The best part of the day was meeting Pat and her terrific family. If you are not a reader of Pat's blog, I encourage you to stop over and say hello. 

It's not often I have the chance to live out a childhood fantasy and meet a great blog buddy! Hope you all had fun this weekend and have a good week ahead.