By Ken Gaidziunas
Staff Writer
Ever want to spend an enjoyable hour or so in a tearoom? Or pop into a custom bakery? Maybe visit a unique gift shop or pick out some embroidered items or a special handbag?
Most people probably don't have enough time to run around visiting five different stores, but one stop at Home Sweet Home Treasures in Van Alstyne could take care of the whole list.
"We have a little bit of everything," owner Ladonna McAbee said. The store offers unique and custom sewing, embroidery, handbags, children's T-shirts, tutus, children's bedding, knitting, crocheting, hair bows, jewelry, women's clothing and home decor.
"I do all the sewing; I've done this for many years," McAbee continued. "Three ladies make custom jewelry. A lady in Van Alstyne makes tutus. Another one makes handbags, and others do knitting and crocheting."
And, of course, there's the charming tearoom serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate and desserts daily. By the way, the tea room is the perfect place for baby or wedding showers, birthday parties or that special party for a little girl.
But wait, there's even more, including custom cakes and cupcakes for every occasion.
"We don't run out and buy a frozen cake at the warehouse store," McAbee said. "The cakes and cupcakes are custom-baked by two ladies. Everything is fresh. Order today, it will be baked tonight, decorated in the morning and ready for your pickup."
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, Home Sweet Home Treasures is your holiday headquarters. Guests can order Valentine cakes, cookies and cupcakes as well as Valentine gift baskets for the special people in their lives.
Open since Jan. 5, McAbee is pleased with the response from area residents.
"I picked Van Alstyne to open my business because I didn't want to be stressed out in big-city environment," she said. "You can't beat the charm of a small town."
McAbee lives in Westminister with her husband, Mark. They are the parents of two daughters, Mistee and Kristee, and "we have three gorgeous grandbabies."
Home Sweet Home Treasures, at 176 E. Jefferson in Val Alstyne (214-455-2106), is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. They store will open Sundays and Mondays for booked parties.