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Journey Jots #4

By Rachel

published 11/19/2023

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Welcome to Journey Jots #4!

In each weekly recap, I’ll share some of my most recent posts, favorite finds or things I’m currently shopping for, and an assemblage of home decor tips and decorating ideas from other bloggers. Settle in and join me for Journey Jots #4!

Journey Jots #4

Before we dive in, I just wanted to take a minute to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. It doesn’t matter if you have been here for one day, one month or one year, I am so, so grateful for you.

Table of Contents

Without you, there wouldn’t be The Antiqued Journey. Because you show up week after week and support my little blog, I can live my dream of writing and creating content. So, as we inch ever closer to this day of giving thanks, I’m thankful for you.

Life Lately

The weather here has been unseasonably warm the past week or so. It’s very strange to have temps in the mid-60’s in November in Minnesota but I’m also not complaining too, too much. We’ve been able to get outside for some lovely Fall walks with Tilly!

You may or may not know that I am an avid fly angler. My husband taught me how to fly fish about eight years ago now and I’ve never looked back.

It’s the most spiritual, relaxing, and peaceful past time. When you are a fly fisher, that ‘just one cast’ or ‘this last cast’ always turns into ten more because you never know when a fish could eat.

Last weekend, we went fly fishing down in Southern Minnesota. We try and go once a month, even when it’s cold out. We were walking along the bank and spotted this huge rainbow trout and literally couldn’t believe how big it was. It’s the largest trout either of us had ever seen. It was incredible.

That fish could see us so we kept walking and I took a few casts at a different spot up river. Then, since we had given that big trout some time, I thought I would walk back there and take a few casts at it.

Trout fishing is hard. You have to really think through each cast, where you are going to land the fly in the water, which fly to use, being careful to not get your fly line stuck in a tree and making sure to walk gingerly and place yourself in a spot where the fish can’t see you.

So, I snuck up to the pool where the massive fish was sitting. I positioned myself behind a tall spot of grass while sitting on my knees. I casted twice and saw it come out and swipe my fly. Shaking, not believing what was happening, I casted again and he ate it! I set the hook and boom! He was on.

I yelled “I CAUGHT IT!” SO LOUD and just started crying, trying my hardest to keep my line tight to it would stay on. My husband came running as fast as he could, knowing exactly which fish I had hooked. This beautiful 17 inch Rainbow Trout is the fish of a lifetime and what fly fishing dreams are made of. I still can’t believe this huge fish ate my teeny tiny little fly but I am forever grateful.

Also, I want to mention that we are catch and release anglers only. I could never keep a beautiful trout, especially one this large. These fish are ancient species and deserve to be put back in the river where they belong!

If you ever get the chance to try fly fishing, I highly recommend doing so. This sport gets you outside in nature, takes you to some beautiful places, disconnects you from social media and places you in the present moment. It’s such an incredible hobby and has truly changed my life.

Favorite Weekly Shopping Finds

Dip your toe into the world of air-frying with this affordable air fryer!
These boots are amazing for the men in your life.
Put these scent sticks in your Christmas tree for fresh pine smell all holiday long.
We use this dog car seat bed for Tilly when we have her with us in the car. I feel so much better knowing she’s buckled in!
These plaid gift bags are perfect for holiday wrapping.
For an environmentally friendly kitchen, try re-useable sponges!

On the Blog

Last week I shared a thrifted Thanksgiving centerpiece using a vintage wooden crate. This decor piece is super simple and affordable. You might even have everything you need to make it already!

If you are in need of an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your harvest table, this thrifted Thanksgiving tablescape will be super helpful! It’s full of affordable table decorating ideas that you can use for any size table.

Lastly, The Antiqued Journey Christmas candle collection is live in my shop! This is, by far, my most favorite candle collection that I’ve poured. I’m so proud of how they turned out and I hope you love them, too.

There are 4 brand new scents, each one smelling of a cozy and nostalgic Christmas. I hope you will take a minute to check them out. Candles make amazing gifts!

Coming Up on The Antiqued Journey

This week I’ll be sharing my first Christmas post of the season! Come back on Thursday to see how to make a DIY garland with vintage Christmas music. Then, the last week of November is the next Thrifted Goodies post and I will be sharing a thrifted Christmas decor haul.

Be sure you are subscribed to my e-mail so you are the first to know about new posts and merchandise updates!

Home Decorating Ideas from Around the Web

I also found a few amazing home decorating ideas and easy DIY projects from some other creators that I wanted to pass along.

You’ll never guess what Cara uses for a ‘trash to treasure’ Christmas decor DIY!
Have you watched XO, Macenna? She is in my top 5 YouTube creators to watch.
This copper table setting can be used for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
If you love thrifting for vintage, Left Coast Revivals on YouTube is another favorite channel of mine.
Rachel shares some beautiful ways of decorating with vintage milk glass for Christmas!

Closing Tidbits

Thank you so much for being here!

Mindful Tip of the Week: Give your attention to things that make you feel happy and at peace.

From my home to yours, I’m wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!