Savings for Sisters - A Little Bit Country

I realize I've been on a bit of an apple kick these last few weeks, but it's just that time of year!  We even tried our hand at Caramel Apples for Halloween, thanks to helpful instructions from Caramel Apple Guru, Sister Amy Johnson.  They weren't as lovely as hers, but not too bad for beginners.

This is how Amy's apples look.

These are ours.  Not quite as impressive, but we had fun doing them!

You know how when your favorite TV program runs out of episodes for the season they show re-runs?  Well, this week's post is kind of like that.  I am working extra hours at my job this week so I can enjoy a rare and long anticipated visit from my sister, Stacey, who will arrive from Wisconsin on Tuesday for a 3-day visit.  So instead of taking the time to photograph and give instructions for a new recipe, I chose to take a week off and refer you to a very popular apple recipe featured in Savings for Sisters last year at this time--Country Apply Dumplings.  Many people commented last fall about how easy and delicious these were, and I agree!  Click HERE to see this recipe.

In keeping with the Country theme and my sister's upcoming visit, I want to tell you a bit about her old-time Country Store located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  After many years of stressful, fast-paced employment in the corporate world, Stacey took a gigantic leap of faith by giving up her successful career so she could have more time at home with her children.  Three years ago she and her husband sold their home in Sandy, Utah, uprooting the family to move to the small resort community of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, where they purchased an old store that had been closed for years.  Over the next few months they worked day and night to transform it entirely into a darling, old-fashioned, country themed establishment called Hogan's General Store.

This is how it looks now, not so different than when it was a small-town grocery store in the early fifties, serving both residents and the many summer visitors who come to fish and boat on Manitowish Waters.  The exterior still has that charming mid-century appeal.

The store is designed to look like a small town General Store from the past, offering not only groceries and a full-service butcher shop, but a deli serving daily homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, with a comfy coffee nook where locals gather for a bite of food or drink and to catch up on events of the town.  (Here's an old photo from clear back when it was "Harry's Super Market."  Look at those old cars!)

 Stacey has worked her fingers to the bone to make all this happen, learning to live very frugally and giving up most luxuries the family once enjoyed.  I wanted to share a few photos of Hogan's General Store because I'm really proud of what they have accomplished.  My sister is a great example to me of reevaluating priorities and courageously setting off into the unknown to create a more meaningful life for one's family.

Stacey and her husband, Tom, redid the interior with new floors and shelving, featuring everyday groceries as well as local specialties.  An antique cast iron stove is the perfect centerpiece for the cozy seating area at the front of the store.  A dozen or so townsfolk, especially seniors, enjoy gathering here for breakfast each morning.

 My favorite part of the store is her gift shop area where she she sells vintage kitchen glassware and decor, hand-crafted items, and small toys.  A glass-enclosed case lines one wall, displaying her expansive personal collection of near-mint vintage Fisher Price Toys.  

 Even the tops of the coolers are a tribute to the "good old days."

Our whole family has enjoyed being involved in Tom and Stacey's venture. Mom keeps the store supplied with handmade items for sale.

Thanks to the Hogans for sharing their store with us!