The Annual Weekend Retreat

Before children I would confidently say one of my hobbies was scrapbooking.  It was therapeutic to document events and even the mundane things in our lives.  I could spend hours trying to organize paper and photos in just the right spots to convey my idea.  I kept all of my materials out at a table downstairs incase the creative bug struck.  Today we laugh at my early books because they were so lame.  I was very formulaic and to use patterned paper was almost unheard of to me. 

Then we had kids. 

All the scissors and pretty embellishments were relegated to the storage room for safety reasons.  That was pretty much the end of my spontaneous hobby.  I would scrap from time to time, but it was a big hassle to take out all of the tools and papers.  Plus I had to fend off the kids who flocked to my table like a moth to a flame when the shiny and sharp objects came out of hiding. 

We’ve done day scraps before, and while they were an opportunity to scrap for the day, it was a lot of hassle to pack all of your gear up for just a few hours.  Plus you tend to get some odd groups of women at these things.  My sister told me about a place near her house that offered scrapbook weekends.  I was intrigued.

We booked our weekend at The Scrapbook Manor in Walworth, WI.  This weekend was our third (or is it fourth?) stay.  I cannot sing the praises of this weekend loud enough.  It is 48 hours of kid-free, spouse-free, cooking-free, getting up early-free, and creative-full extravagance. 

I would usually take Friday off so I could get there at 3:00.  This year was a no go since winter break started at the end of that day and taking time off is a no-no.  Regardless I was there by 5:30. 

Here are (just some of) the many reasons I love The Manor ........

Karen – She is the proprietor of The Scrapbook Manor.  She is a lot of fun to talk to, and has a quick wit that will keep you in stitches.

The Manor itself – The house is on the main street through Walworth and has gorgeous curb appeal.  The main floor consists of the kitchen, dining area, on-site store, and scrap area in the living area & sunroom.  I wonder about the families that lived here in the past and how they used the space.  

Work Space & Shop - each person has a dedicated area that varies in size depending on how many guests are at the manor for the weekend.  The tables are ample and the lighting is great.  She has many tools available to use, such as a Cricut, so you don't have to lug your own along.  Additionally Karen has an onsite shop that has an ample supply of things you might need.  She stocks plenty of cardstock, markers, and quality patterned paper.  
  

Music – Karen has her iPod going all weekend.  It is an eclectic mix of 70’s, country, jazz, and alternative.  I’ve been exposed to many new artists thanks to her playlists.  Every song is not my favorite, but when she’s trying to accommodate the likes of all her guests, you’ve got to hit all the genres.

Bedrooms - The upstairs bedrooms have two to three full-size pillow top beds and fluffy linens.  The rooms are decorated with candles and Scentsy warmers.  Each person gets their own bed, heaven!  All of the guests share one of the two bathrooms upstairs.  Since everyone is on their own time-frame, I’ve never had a problem with people having to wait for showers. 

Sustenance  – Karen provides dinner on Friday, three meals on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday.  Saturday and Sunday are catered meals.  In between meals there is an ample supply of snacks and bubbly beverages.  

P&Q – The only expectations for the weekend are those you put upon yourself.  Go to bed and wake up when you want.  Heck, you can even decide if you want to bathe.

Extras – On Saturday a massage therapist comes in for those who pre-book massages.  The cost of a massage is very reasonable and all you have to do is go upstairs. 

I’ve never been to another retreat-style scrapbook location, and I don’t think I ever will.  Karen has told stories of guests who fessed up to “cheating” on her at another place.  From what I’ve heard none are as nice and welcoming as The Scrapbook Manor. 

Did you know Christmas starts at 3:00?

Without going into tedious details, it’s been a long December.  Work has been more work than it has been in a long time.  I texted Matt on my way home yesterday suggesting that day’s theme song should be AC/DC’s Highway to Hell.  And, yes he obliged upon my return home.  However, he did not have time to pull the How I Met Your Mother version together (maybe next week).

So to save our sanity Matt and I took today off to wrap up our holiday shopping and to run on our own time zone.  We even let the kids sleep in so we could start the day off right, slow. 

I checked our list twice while Matt savored his coffee at Egg Harbor and we were on the road at 10:00. 

Mall – check (with a great sale at Bare Escentuals!)

Target – kind of check, out of the Matchbox track we wanted

Which leads us to that toy store with the backwards letter.

First of all, this is one of the dirtiest stores I’ve shopped in a long time.  Being a store for children, it should be ashamed of itself for the filth that covers the store.  Second of all, I can’t even begin to describe the employees for fear of slander. 

It started off quite well, our search for a Matchbox track and a bucket of action figure guys was quick.  The bucket-o-guys was even 50% off.  Major score.  We were pleased to see short lines at the checkout.

This is where it gets ugly.

The “employee” scanned our items, and the bucket-o-guys did not ring up at the right price.  When I alerted her to the wrong price, she said “Oh that price does not start until 3:00 today; our ad does not start until then.  You can bring your receipt back at 3:00 and we will refund your money.”  I think she read my skeptical facial expression and clarified that many customers are confused with the sale.  Before saying anymore to the person, I walked to the end cap to carefully read the sign to ensure that I didn’t miss any fine print of a start time before questioning her further.

The sign only stated Friday & Saturday as the sale date.  When I gently explained this to the person she stated again that the sale didn’t start until 3:00.  I said I wanted to talk to a manager because if the sign was there the price should be honored. 

She had the gall to tell me that I had to go to the customer service counter to talk to a manger.  Then she left the cash register to help the register next to her. 

Oh the adrenaline was flowing in full force now. 

I removed the purchases from the bag and walked to the customer service counter.  From what I can remember, I explained my concern to the people at the counter and asked that the discount be applied at this time.  After all if the sign is up they should honor it.  The lady sympathetically applied the discount and we could be on our way.  I decided that the customer service personnel needed to hear how un-customer service oriented the checkout girl acted.  His face dropped when I described the person connected with the behavior.  Maybe he’s heard these comments before?  To his credit he did express a sincere apology for her behavior and the missing discount.  I’ve never liked this store, and today solidifies my decision to never, never shop here again.

It warms my heart hoping that she gets a pink slip for the holidays.  

*The rest of the afternoon was fabulous, and we finished the list with time to spare before picking up the kid.  Shopping is done!