An east side staple, Granny’s Sweet Freeze Shoppe is a small ice cream shop hidden in plain sight! You’ve likely driven down the frontage road, Hubbell Ave, dozens of time but if you’re not from the area it’s likely you don’t know what the cute building with the pink trim is. Having grown up on the […]

When was the last time you visited a general store? That’s what Des Moines Mercantile is (only a super cool 2020 version!), and you’ve got to check it out! There used to be hundreds of small general stores – also called local mercantiles – all around Des Moines. Owner Mallory Richardson wanted to open up a […]

The Union Park neighborhood holds a special place in my heart. My Grandma lived in the neighborhood and I spent my childhood at Union Park, otherwise known as “the rocket slide park.” You definitely lived a deprived childhood if you didn’t get to experience 3rd degree burns from that slide! Fortunately it’s been redone in […]

Looking for a great place to enjoy an outdoor patio while practicing social distance? Captain Roy’s at Birdland Marina has one of the best scenes in town. This neighborhood spot offers cold beer, awesome food (their fish & chips are approved my British hubby) and gorgeous views overlooking the river. It’s an experience you won’t […]

In addition to having conversations with family and friends who don’t understand why this movement is so important…another way to help the #BlackLivesMatter movement is to support local Black owned businesses. You can view a full list of options put together by the Des Moines Black Lives Matter organization HERE. My list below is just a few […]

Show off your Des Moines pride with our official flag, thanks to Flag of Des Moines. This city symbol was revived in 2018 after almost a decade by husband and wife duo, Mason and Emily. After learning about the flag and its history, they worked to bring it back as Des Moines’ official flag and […]

If you’re looking for a fun and creative experience in Des Moines, you have to check out the JJ Gaffers Glass Blowing Studio. You’ll be amazed by the hand-blown glass art you can create or shop! Located at Mainframe Studios on Keo Way, JJ Gaffers offers classes for all ages. With such a great teacher […]

Let’s debunk the myths about selling Whenever anyone mentions that they’re thinking of putting their house up for sale it seems that everyone wants to give their opinions on the subject. Just like when you have a baby.. all of a sudden EVERYBODY becomes an expert and wants to tell you what you should and […]

New listing: Urbandale home for sale! Looking for Urbandale school district? Don’t miss one of the few 2-story homes in the Urbandale schools for under $300K. This updated two-story is located on a large corner lot with a fenced-in backyard. Enjoy the spacious, open kitchen with new granite countertops and plenty of cabinet space. The […]

New condo for sale in Des Moines! You’re going to fall in love with this updated downtown condo with an impressive list of updates. The south-facing unit has large windows that flood the space with natural light. Enjoy 12-foot ceilings, newer paint, refinished bamboo floors, updated lighting & fixtures throughout. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining with a large […]