November Drawing

To get the holiday season off to a good start I am going to gift a Dress-Me Bear and Holiday outfit to the comment chosen from the blog. So , it is easy just leave a comment about your favorite holiday outfit of the Dress-Me Friends!

The shop is well undr way going from pumpkins and gourds to snowmen and mittens. Santas are in the works and warm ladies hats as well as adorable baby and toddler items are filling the shelves. New items will be added weekly to the site and my Etsy shop.

Pattibears.com

Oktoberfest plans

Pattibears Place and the rest of Montello are sprucing up for some upcoming events. The first is of course our ongoing Great American Moose Hunt. A great way to visit Wisconsin one town at a time and one shop at a time. Think of the places you can find along the way.  October 17th will be Oktoberfest with activities at different businesses around town. You can almost hear the polka music already ! Then a visit from Channel 57's own EMMY FINK to help us show just what the Great American Moose Hunt is and how much fun it can be! There is always something new poppping up so come on out and visit.....collect a Moose Hunt ticket at each stop and enjoy an afternoon in Montello.

We are busy here with Halloween costume alternatives for the little ones, from a frog hat to an adorable little skunk, what a great way to trick or treat and have the little one warm and snug.

Personalized gingerbread are coming together as well as a new shipment of 6 car wooden trains, what a wonderful Xmas gift!

So stop in and say hello while you are in Montello !

It not only feels like fall but smells like fall in downtown Montello this weekend. Traffic has been fairly heavy but I am sure as the leaves change and people travel back from Warrens Cranberry Fest we will see customers take some time to stroll through town.

I have been busy as can be crocherting little skunk and frog hats. I sometimes amazes me at what items catch on. The model is adorable, that's true but so are the hats. Pair up one of these with a pair of soft warm sweats and the little one is ready to trick or treat. A great and inexpensive costume alternative. Then use the hat all winter.

Gingerbread men are also coming along as the holidays will be here long before I am ready. The personalized ornaments and family are a big seller and everyone loves to get personalized gifts.

The Great American moose Hunt is well under way and we are seeing people come in now from across Wisconsin to play. This is a wonderful idea for businesses and for those playing, they will find some really great shops that have been overlooked and the prizes are great.

If you get a chance come on out and visit us at Pattibears Place and see all that Montello has to offer!

This little "Stinker" was amazed at how many Moose Hunt players came to Grandma's shop !     Saturday found us very busy at Pattibears Place with more than 40 people getting in on the Great American Moose Hunt. It has been alot of fun chatting with visitors and finding out where they are from and sending them on their way to find more Moose Hunt tickets around town and then throughout the state.

    I was also shocked when I listed this adorable skunk hat on Craigs List and got orders almost instantly. So I am off to paint and crochet and get the orders out.

Thank you to all my new customers and those who come back time and again for a great weekend!  See you soon

A new idea for Halloween...

Over the years I have dressed my fair share of kids for Halloween. Being from the Chicago area many of those years the weather was so bad, you did'nt even see the costume hidden under the winter coats. Then there were alwyas those so small they came along for the ride in the stroller. So with 2 new little guys in the family I have set out and come up with a few hats that could double as a halloween costume for the little ones. The adorable bright green froggy hat, that also has a sweater to match  and this morning finished a little "stinker" skunk hat.... too cute, I can't wait to get the photos uploaded. We have a puppy hat and a cow hat in the works complete with a cow bell.  I can't wait to get home and finish up a few more.

The shop is filling up and everyone just loves these hats, my latest request was to make groggy hats in sizes for the teens at school!!! At least I know that their ears will be covered!Keep checking back to see the new hats posted.

Join us for Harvest Fest

The leaves are beginning to change and that makes this the perfect time to go on The Great American Moose Hunt. What a fun idea to find and visit so many special places throughout Marquette County and the rest of Wisconsin.

The timing for this seems perfect! Harvest Fest is Sept. 19th and 20th right in downtown Montello . There you can find 9 Moose tickets and a few just down the road. Crafters, food, shopping specials and MOOSE HUNT TICKETS !!!! Join us for some fun and enjoy the fall scenery. From fresh produce and fall decorations to that perfect Christmas gift for the early shoppers to scenic bike trails and a canoe or kayak ride. Montello has it all ...fun for ALL seasons !



How do you play? All you have to do is visit the participating businesses (see Where to Hunt) and pick up a free Moose Lake ticket. That's it! Each business has it's own unique Moose Lake ticket. The more unique tickets (with no duplicates) you have at the end of the hunt (July 31, 2010), the better your chances to win. Plus, attach a sales receipt from that business you picked up the ticket from, and the tickets' value doubles... it's now worth 2 tickets. It doesn't get any easier!







Mega-Moose Ticket: "Find the Cartoonist"! That's right folks, find Steve Krueger (the cartoonist of Moose Lake) at a retailer and receive the Mega-Moose Ticket worth 20 tickets instead of that retailer's normal ticket. When making a purchase or adding a Moose Receipt with the Mega-Moose Ticket it will double to 40 tickets! The Mega-Moose Ticket can be turned in for the final count along with that retailers normal ticket also! "Find the Cartoonist" dates and locations can be found right here and will be updated as needed.



September 19, 2009 - Go Wild With Birds, 192 Main Street, Menasha.

September 20, 2009 - Pattibears Place, 66 W. Montello Street, Montello.

For more information on Harvest Fest of participating in the Moose Hunt call 297-9079

Weekend Fun for the whole Family

Father Marquette Days comes to Montello this weekend with great food, baseball, parade, crafters, music and more. The City Park comes to life with whole families coming out to enjoy the chicken cookout and check out all the great vendors and enjoy some great summer weather. Not that that isn't enough but this is the kick off weekend for THE GREAT AMERICAN MOOSE HUNT fun for all the camping families in the area. Come on out to town and check out all the participating businesses and get your moose hunt tickets. Check out their website for all the details ! We are celebrating August with a 25% off sale so stop in and look around and get a moose hunt ticket while you are here. You get a bonus ticket at each business if you make a purchase. There are great prizes from the hunt so visit us and get in on the fun!!!!

There has been much going on here in Montello and along with other concerned citizens we have beeen trying to draw attention to the state of our Dredge Bank Road. After many flyers were handed out and posters hung around town. Locals spread the word of a meeting last night and with much surprise to those planning this meeting Montello showed up in force. Last nights meeting with local government , Senator Olsen, Rep. Fred Clark and 2 DNR spokesman was well attended. With standing room only we heard how this all came about, a little history of the Dredge Bank, a proposal by the City of Montello for moving the boat launch and repurposing the Dredge Bank. The DNR then explained how they came to their decision to close the Dredge Bank, what needs to be done and that they do not intend to close it completely but need to find a way to repair it so it could be used in case of emergency. I think we made great strides but don't think it is over. We need to keep on top of this and move forward. Committees need to be formed to start planning revitilazation of the area and start looking for funding to help pay for this. Rep. Fred Clark said he would also assist in this process. We hold all the officials to making this plan work. We would also like to thank NBC15 for their coverage, as in the past they have helped us in Montello get our word out.

Open and working hard

We are open for business and working hard to help atttract new visitors not only to our shop, but also to Montello. We are right in the middle of some of the best fishing and camping in all of Wisconsin. But, with money tight and so much to do in the Dells we have our work cut out for us. Last years visitors have returned and are sending friends who have seen their signs or solar lit logs and that is great. Word of mouth is the best advertisiement. Yet, I think we need more. After spending three days at a grant writing seminar, I am hopeful we can take some bigger steps to help revive our downtown and get back on our feet. There is money out there but we, as a town need to step up , ask for it and then follow through. So, between painting I am on the computer working to (what seem like a one man show) save our town!

Christmas in July ???????

WOW when we (The New Montello Group)decided to have Christmas in July we had no idea that the weather would be more like fall than JULY. So with that crisp fall air came the taste for fall pies. And with so little time for baking I found this wonderful Apple Pie Muffin recipe which made the whole family happy and the house smelled wonderful! I have been so busy painting Santas and getting ready that I had to squeeze a black bear or two in just to relax. I am hoping to get the photos up soon so everyone can see the totem pole I painted. I just love it.







APLE PIE MUFFINS
SERVES 18

Ingredients

Topping
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Muffins
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups diced peeled firm tart apples (such as Spy, Granny Smith)
Directions
Note:.
cinnamon could be added to the batter ( about 1 teaspoon or less).

Topping: In a small bowl toss together sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon until crumbly; set aside.

Muffins: In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda and salt.
Stir oil mixture into flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fold in apples, mixing just until combined.
Spoon into greased muffin cups filling 3/4 full.
Sprinkle topping over evenly.
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and tops spring back.

Chrsitmas in July fast approaching

I am busy painting Santa beards and getting the snowmen put together. Each summer we like to run this event for the campers and visitors who are only here once a year. A great chance to try out some new items and get a jump start on their holiday shopping. July 17th through the 26th we will play Bingo games in the shop, have tasty holiday refreshments and fabulous inshop specials . I added aspecial or two to the website for those who can't get away to Montello, so stop in eaither online or in persona nd let us know what you think! Have a great weekend!!!!

Pattibears for online my etsy shop

66 W. Montello St. downtown Montello in person

Getting ready for the weekend

The 4th of July is a big event in our small town. Saturday is also Taste of Montello where local restraunts fill the City Park and show off what they do best. Following all the great food and entertainment the Rotary Club has a fireworks display at dusk. A great day to be out and about in Montello. Having a shop right on the main street means lots of traffic , so I am busy finishing up some logs and rocks and breaking out the Santas ( yes, I said Santa) A local campground has a Christmas in July celebration and we all like to join in. A great time to start your holiday shopping and find some neat items. I am going to go out and paint the front windows with red, white and blue stars this afternoon to help dress the place up as well as fill the pots with small flags and hope they don't disappear ! I will add some window photos later in the day as I finish up .

http://thehouseholdhelper.com/blog/clean-house-using-the-focus-formula/

http://ow.ly/f2pI

Classic Potato Salad Recipe

With Father's Day coming up on Sunday, there has been alot of talk about what to buy Dad.....and what to feed him. The answers vary. Some up camping for the week tend to lean toward fisihng gear and cribbage boards, while other are getting him that T-Shirt with the clever saying. But, dinner seems to have one thing in common....potato salad so I looked up some and this one seemed most like what the shoppers were talking about. Enjoy and have a great Father's Day

Classic Potato Salad Recipe: "Scroll down to see more potato salad recipes
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
5 to 6 med. potatoes, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, peeled, cubed, cooked
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 eggs, hard-boiled
1 to 2 Tbs chopped green onions, optional garnish
1 tomato, cut in wedges, optional garnish
Preparation:
Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar, and pepper in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine well. Cover; chill for 2 or more hours for best flavor. Garnish with chopped green onion and tomato wedges if desired.
Serves 6 to 8.
More Potato Salad Recipes"

It's a Berry Nice Day.....

I am busy getting ready for this weekends Open House Tour during Berry Dairy Days. We have tour maps made up and during the day each of the five locations will offer refreshments, instore specials and fun. There is also a sidewalk art contest open to all ages starting at 10:00 and the HULA Hoop contest at Daggett Park by the waterfall at 1:00. This should be alot of fun , so grab your hoop or use one of ours, or if you are not that brave just come and watch. Montello is a great daytrip destination. Juat about 1 hour north of Madison, the weather should be great, the fish are biting and you can almost smell the burgers on the grill. See you there!

Lodge decor

It seems that customers are still looking for those unique pieces of home and yard decor for their place"up north" or homes and I am busy painting away to get the orders from last week done. Most of the time I paint cute little black bears or raccoons on log pieces and then add a sloar light for a nice piece for your deck or yard. Recewntly, though we have had some new requests...eagles and once again a family pet. Those are always different as people bring me in a photo of the family pet to work from. Added to the logs and slabwwod wall art and signs are the handpainted rocks. Right now I am working on 6 rocks to be used for an animal shelter fund raiser...3 cats and 3 dogs. They are alot of fun as I am open to which breeed and color and size. When I get them finished I will post some photos. We are also getting ready for Berry Dairy Days here in Montello where we will be part of the Open House Tour and serving refreshments and having some great specials to highlight our work and upcoming classes. June 13th 9 to 4 Downtown Montello

June begins classes

With June just around the corner I thought I would post a little about our summer classes. First and probably the most fun for all ages is the rock painting class. Now, not just any rock.....when you leave each person has created their very own bunny rock . It is so much funa nd not all that hard to learn. We provide the paint, rocks and brushes, you bring you imagination !!!!! The cost is just $10.00 per person for the 2 hour class. Saturday mornings are when we schedule most classes but special days and times can be arranged!

We are also offfering beginners crochet classes, just bring a hook and a skein of yarn and you will be on your way to making something grand all on your own@! The cost for this cl;ass is also $10.00 and it lasts about 2 hours!

By the way I hope you are all practicing with your HULA HOOP because June 13th is fast approaching at at 1:00 that day at Daggett Park right in front of the waterfall we will have our contest open to all age groups, come out and join us or just watch.

Memorial Day Weekend....was good

Montello saw alot of traffic and not just passing by. People were out enjoying the great weather and checking out all that's new in the shop. The logs are always a big hit and we did get a few special orders over the weekend. Now not only bears and raccoons, peoples pets from photos but I am working on an eagle for the latest order. They are always alot of fun to work on and everyone appreciates the handpainted work that goes into them. The fact that we are one of the only shops in the area that carries so many handcrafted items makes it a bonus when shoppers can find a little something for almost anyone on their gift giving list, or that just perfect addition to their home, garden or weekend retreat. With all the new visitors the summer is looking up and I am off to add to the handpainted items so those who visit next will find something right for them! With us being just a short rifde from the Madison are and the new word this season is day-cation and Montello is a great location for that. Fishing, biking, oh and shopping at Pattibears Place and the other great shops. For a list of upcoming events and what's happening in Montello visit http://montellohappenings.blogspot.com
http://www.Pattibears.com

You can feel it in the air.....

People are buzzing around and the town is coming to life. Why ? The campers and cabin owners are once again coming up to enjoy the fishing and great weather we have had. Along with that they come to town to see all that has changed over the winter months. What new businesses might have opened, which old favorites have gone away and all the new items added to each shop since they were here last!
So I have been busy painting away. Logs are being finished and the painted windows are complete. Everyone who stops in just loves the handpainted gift items we have here. Just yesterday a group of ladies spent quite awhile oooing over the handmade baby sweaters and cute caps. It is hard to find handmade shops around anymore so this is a treat for them. I am adding more Dress-Me Friends outfits and just got a delivery of field stone for some new and larger animal rocks. People are always amazed at how it goes from a dirty stome to a rabbit, raccoon or even family pet. If you are looking for a nice destination trip, comew on up. Besides Pattibears we have a handfull of really nice and unique shops to visit. Montello, Wisconsin is more than just a waterfall LOL

Montello Daze next weekend !

Stop by Montello this upcoming Saturday and try your luck with the fishing for a sale special going on. Each of the participating shops will have special "fish" with sales, discounts, coupons or freebies on them. Stop at any or all of the shops and get a catch of the Day! aLL THIS WHILE mONTELLO dAZE IS GOING ON RIGHT DOWNTOWN. dj BBop will keep the music playing al day while the crafters show off their latest aand the food is served up all around town. Kids activities as well as the city wide garage sale and $500.00 tagged crappie contest will also be going on . So grab a friend for a day trip or the whole family and come out and enjoy all that Montello is blessed with! Hope to see you there !