Just a Saturday in Watertown & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #110

February 19, 2019 / 68 Comments
This is not a sponsored post.

At the end of my last post, I briefly mentioned a tragedy that occurred in my town on Valentine’s Day that has left us all overwhelmed, sad, and numb over the past few days. I haven’t felt like doing much of anything all weekend and am struggling to get back into the swing of things. I don’t really want to rehash the details, but if you are interested, you can read the story here. In an effort to get back to some sense of normal, I am going to instead share with you the events of the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day which I had been saving for today’s post anyway. But please pardon any lack of enthusiasm that may come through my writing. My entire community is trying to find a new normal with a great big cloud of sadness hanging over it.

As most small communities are, we are a supportive, caring, and loving one. So many people have come together to support the family directly effected by the recent event and the outpouring of sympathy is beautiful to witness. And like most small communities, we are one that is made up of an abundance of small businesses. So many of these businesses have been doing wonderful things in support of the family as well. So today, I want to focus on a few of my favorite businesses in Watertown, New York.

My good friend, Lindsey Paranzino, just celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of her art studio, SmitKit Studio, at its new location in the historic Paddock Arcade in Public Square. In her new location on the second floor of the Paddock Arcade, Lindsey will be offering a host of events like the Young Adult Artists Club and Mommy and Me Painting Sessions. To celebrate her Grand Re-Opening, she invited us to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with open painting for the kids. So I headed out with the boys last Saturday to show my support and have a little small town fun.

Stephanie as Alice (Left) and SmitKit Studio Owner, Lindsey as The Mad Hatter (Right)

My kids had a great time painting, taking photographs, and eating all the sweet treats!

A sampling of the artwork available for sale in SmitKit Studio
A sampling of my children’s artwork

After painting, we headed downstairs in the Paddock Arcade and paid a visit to my good friend Monica Atanasova, owner of Europe Cakes. Every time I visit her bakery, I can never decide what to get and I end up taking home a huge selection of delicious treats. Nothing ever goes to waste either.

Deconstructed cupcakes in cups
Giant eclairs
Assorted cake balls (2 of every flavor to be exact)

Monica has this habit of popping into the consignment shop every now and then with cookies and brownies in her pocket. She very casually will say as she is about to leave, “Oh, wait, I have cookies in my pocket. Here. Enjoy.” Because, I mean, when you make fabulous desserts, why not deliver them to your friends who are trying to lose some weight? And enjoy them I do. I definitely do.

After hauling our bags of desserts to the car, the boys and I grabbed a quick lunch at Cracker Barrel then back home so I could get ready for a girls’ dinner date with another good friend, Laura Nicol, who is also my New York Life financial advisor. Yes, she handles my money and we have fun doing it! Then we go for drinks. We went to my favorite drink spot on the Square, Spokes Craft Beer & Tapas, and enjoyed a wonderful night of great food, fantastic drinks, and even better conversation. And seriously, if you need some help getting on track financially, Laura is your girl. She and her business partner, Nichole Wall, are so amazing. Down to earth, realistic, sensitive to your needs and they genuinely care about doing the best thing for their clients. I literally cannot recommend them enough.

Laura and my flight of craft beers

This small town living is really starting to grow on me. I love hopping around to all these fun places, connecting with old friends and making new ones along the way. Actually, all three of the businesses mentioned in this post have been featured in their own dedicated posts on my blog before. You can check those out below.

Do you have favorite places in your town? I would love to hear about them. In the meantime, please continue to send thoughts and prayers out for my community as we grieve and heal.

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood shared an adorable look in her post, Merlot Mini and Heather Pink Sweater.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

And Edwige of Hypnoz Glam is rocking her look in her post, A Cool Way to Wear a Kente Print Bomber Jacket.

Edwige of Hypnoz Glam
Inlinkz Link Party

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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68 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 19, 2019 at 11:25 am Reply

      Thanks, Nancy! I love getting out into the community and making friends! It definitely makes one feel special when you walk into business establishments in town and you know the owners on a personal level. Have a great week, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    February 19, 2019 at 12:15 pm Reply

    What a fun place to visit with your sons, they look so happy with you in the pics! Those desserts look absolutely delicious too.
    Your small town is just precious and I’m sorry for the sadness that has befallen all of you. Prayers for healing my friend.
    xo,
    Kellyann

  • jodie filogomo

    February 19, 2019 at 2:15 pm Reply

    I think that’s why you are such a fabulous person, Shelbee. You take the time to get to know these people and their small businesses. You enjoy the small community. And you are kind.
    Sending tons of hugs and prayers. And thank you for these wonderful introductions.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  • Patrick Weseman

    February 19, 2019 at 3:37 pm Reply

    Wow, what a sad thing for your community. Prayers go out to everyone there. What a great town you live in. What a cool family day that was.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

  • Ada

    February 19, 2019 at 6:19 pm Reply

    I will keep you and your community in my prayers. It is so sad when things like this happen. About a month and a half ago an entire family (both parents and 3 kids) were killed in a drunk-driving car accident on their way back to Michigan from vacation. It hit us like rocks.

    But on a sweet note, thank you for sharing this post, complete with scrumptious sweets too. The mad-hatter party sounds amazing and you wore the right outfit for it! Your boys have grown up so much and they are quite little artists, too.

    Last, thank you for sharing the love on that monochromatic merlot and light pink look I shared last week. Both you and Laura surprised me by featuring it, today. =) Thank you!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2019 at 11:30 am Reply

      Ada, thanks so much. What an awful tragedy for your community as well. It leaves a giant hole, doesn’t it?

      You know I love sharing all the wonderful little things around my community! And of course, it was my pleasure to feature your pretty monochromatic look. I have a special post I am preparing for tomorrow (Thursday)…I would love for you to stop by and check it out!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Darlene

    February 19, 2019 at 7:47 pm Reply

    Hi, Shelbee,

    What a nice acknowledgment of local shops! The painting studio is wonderful and such a great way to spend time with your kids. They are pretty creative, it appears, from the quality of their artwork!

    Sorry about the sadness in the community. It sounds like the strong bond from people like you will help it to heal over time.

    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2019 at 11:21 am Reply

      Darlene, thank you so very much. I definitely need to get my kids out and about and more interactive in the community and I think SmitKit Studio is a great place to start. And I agree that with time, my community will find a way to heal but the void will be felt for some time, I’m sure.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    February 19, 2019 at 8:03 pm Reply

    So sorry to hear about the sadness in your community, it is so hard to grasp what happens in our world sometimes. But, I am sure those delicious sugary treats helped some. I always love seeing your kiddos smiling faces in this space!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2019 at 11:18 am Reply

      Carrie, thank you so much. Sugary treats definitely uplift one’s spirit when feeling sad. I went to the grocery store the other day and bought $15 worth of Swedish Fish and Hershey Bars and told the cashier that I was going home to eat some feelings. It works!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    February 19, 2019 at 9:54 pm Reply

    How fun that we both featured Ada! I’m so sorry to hear of the tragedy in your town! I live one town over from Aurora, IL where the tragic shooting recently occurred. It’s so hard to cope as a community after a tragedy, but it is heartwarming to see how people come together to support one another and the families of the victims.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2019 at 11:17 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Laura. I can’t even imagine the emotions that result when a shooting like that occurs. So much anger and frustration at the pointless aggression. But these events do end up showing the resilience of a community that bonds together. Sending prayers to everyone effected.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Deborah Stinedurf

    February 20, 2019 at 10:40 am Reply

    My daughter and I spent Saturday wandering around one of our nearby small towns doing some shopping. Sometimes it’s just nice to get out and talk to new people. We also suffered a major tragedy in our area last week and the way in which everyone has pulled together has been a beautiful thing. It was nice to do something normal this weekend.
    Hugs,
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 20, 2019 at 11:10 am Reply

      Debbie, I am so sorry to hear that your community also suffered a tragedy. It is all so sad. Trying to get back to normal is good for the soul. I love making my way around my little town…I feel a bit like a Gilmore Girl when I know everyone running the small businesses! Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and have a great day.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan Marinelli

    February 20, 2019 at 2:14 pm Reply

    I spent last Saturday morning with the cable man, and Saturday afternoon binge watching Hunger Games.
    So it’s very nice to see that others dress up (wonderful outfit Shelbee Hatter), go out, and talk to people. Bravo!
    I am hibernating today again, since we are getting two inches of snow per hour. Snow Day!

  • Maureen

    February 20, 2019 at 6:12 pm Reply

    Shelbee, I am so sorry for what had happened to your little community. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family and to all that is part of your community. I love these photos of you and your boys enjoying some time together. Their smiles are so priceless and how amazing is that deconstructed cupcake?! It looks so yummy! I hope that you are doing a bit better today Shelbee and if not, that’s okay too. It will take some time and take all the time that you need. Thinking of you and sending you big hugs.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Maureen. It has been a rough week, for sure, but we are managing to get through and get back to normal. The boys are heading to Gramma’s today for the weekend and I am looking forward to some much needed rest and quiet. And Gramma hugs will benefit the boys very much as well!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elle

    February 21, 2019 at 1:26 am Reply

    Shelbee,
    I am so sorry for the recent tragedy. I will read the prior post to see what happened. I certainly can understand your upset.
    It is nice, however, when a community pulls together. This looks like a fabulous place to be to celebrate the whimsy and joy of every day life.
    In my big city many of the smaller stores are going out of business. It is very sad to see. And there are tragedies here quite often but it gets diluted with the enormous population here. BUT we should never be numb or insensitive to troubling events.
    I do almost all of my shopping in the local stores and nearby consignment shops. There is a favorite bakery near me that specializes in petit fours… yum.
    One bite and I am cured.
    Wishing you lots of love and a warm hug.

    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 21, 2019 at 11:54 am Reply

      Elle, thank you so much for this lovely comment. I am so glad that you shared the big city take on events like the one my community is currently dealing with. I did wonder how tragedies such as these effect a larger community like NYC. I love that you shop in consignment stores and support the smaller businesses in the city. I think even in small towns, small businesses still struggle against the competition of larger retailers. It is kind of sad really, so it is important that we do our best to support local, small business owners. And now I want some petit fours! They for sure will cure most things!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Helen C.

    February 24, 2019 at 1:15 am Reply

    I went to the link and read about what happened. Oh my… Tragedy is the only word describing it. . . So horrible!

    Well, I am glad you have a beautiful community and you support each other. Also, I have to say, Watertown seems beautiful, t least from all the photos you are posting!

    And..your kids are so cute always!

    I am not commenting a lot these days, I feel I have little to say, dealing with a little of depression that keeps coming back and making me not socializing a lot, but I am always reading 🙂

    Many hugs !!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      February 24, 2019 at 1:07 pm Reply

      Helen, thank you so much. You are so sweet. I am so sorry to hear that you are having an episode of depression. I have been cycling madly from mania to depression a lot lately, so I totally understand. I really want to write more about it on the blog but in the midst of it I seem to have lost my motivation and inspiration for writing. But I will try better because it is important to be open about. I do hope that you have someone that you can talk to. Just know that it is a temporary state of mind and that it too will pass. Just sit in it for a moment, and then try to release those feelings to the universe. Sending you lots of positive energy and hugs, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Helen C.

        February 26, 2019 at 12:07 am Reply

        Shelbee, I totally understand what you are describing. I know you have similar phases in your life, I remember your posts (it helps to know you are not the only one), and I am also sending all my love to you 🙂 We can only move forward.
        And I´ll be ok, just not now, but in the future. It´s just a repetitive cycle for the last 20 years. I know it will go away. I was avoiding going to my psychologist for a few weeks now, but I know I have to, soon; there are some thoughts only professionals know how to help you with.

        By the way, I am mentioning it casually, the ¨psychologist¨, but in my origin country (Greece) it´s a huuuge taboo!! I have been visiting psychologists and psychiatrists since I was 18 because I have had depression in the past and I can´t believe people there having all kind of mental issues and are discouraged from asking professional help because of the stigma!

        Anyway, I hope you are having a good week!
        Hugs 😊

        • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

          February 26, 2019 at 11:25 am Reply

          Helen, I am so sorry that you are struggling right now, but I am also so glad that you are openly sharing that struggle even in the face of the stigma attached to seeking help. It also validates me to know that I have created a safe space here where you are comfortable sharing. It is the only way we can get rid of the stigma attached to mental health issues. I am glad that you are getting the help you need. You know that these times cycle back out and there is so much happiness on the other side. I’ll be thinking of you and sending you lots of positive thoughts, my friend. By the way, when I wrote my post for today, you were one of the people I had in mind…Hang in there, my friend, You’ve got this.

          xoxo
          Shelbee

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