Treehouse News
3 top Favs from our Atlanta Adventures and more
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Going to market each year is one of the adventures we love most. We find it so refreshing to see all the newest and hottest trends hitting the marketplace for the coming year! With three buildings towering 20 stories high, we have so much to see in a four day window. Cathi, Kelli, and Cassandra just have such a blast choosing each season's new decor. Scope out just a few of the photos from this year's trip and our Top 3 Favorite new gifts. (It was so hard to choose!)
Our Top 3 New Gifts for 2023 would have to include the following:
- Silhouette Touch Lamp & Melt Warmers
Available in Silver, Black, and browns, and even more styles, these lamps not only have a touch option for 3 different brightness modes, but if you so choose, you could also use them as a melt warmer to add a refreshing scent to the air!
#2 Personalizable Crystals
We can now take a photo you have and turn it into a lasting personalized memory within two weeks! 3D images in Crystal create lovely gifts for all different occasions, weddings, birthdays, baby gifts, anniversaries, and more.

We can't wait to help you personalize your photos in Crystal. Give us a call at 608-433-7896 to order today.
- Lotion Candles – our new lotion candles by Kara from creative energy candles were developed from a unique recipe featuring 100% soybean wax, organic extra virgin coconut oil and essential oil blends. Lotion candles are a hand-
poured, scented soy candle that when lit, melts to create not only a beautiful scent, but also a luxurious lotion for your skin. Because it is made with all plant-based ingredients, it is suitable for all skin types. Naturally occurring vitamins A, E and K, minerals, antioxidant and anti-aging properties fill the candles with great benefits for your skin. These earthbound properties play a major role in protecting our skins elasticity and maintain an overall healthy balance.
We found everything from new sunglasses, to beach towels that never get sandy, to flavored savannah honeys with tester pumps! We loved the light up touch lanterns and the new paint by number kits. Check out the cool new Jen & Co purses and wristlets, and the beautiful scarves for this year.

Music speaks is the new Willow Tree® for this year and just looks beautifully graceful. We have been wondering too if the Willow Tree Ornaments would be nice to carry for decorating gifts and also for another price point in the Willow Tree® collection. The Beach towels have already arrived! We will also be getting in new bath and body line called Lollia that features beautiful gift packaging including hand creams with the key turns, decorative bubble baths, and luxury perfumes. Be looking

for these and more to be coming in soon!
Read more
3 top Favs from our Atlanta Adventures and more
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Going to market each year is one of the adventures we love most. We find it so refreshing to see all the newest and hottest trends hitting the marketplace for the coming year! With three buildings towering 20 stories high, we have so much to see in a four day window. Cathi, Kelli, and Cassandra just have such a blast choosing each season's new decor. Scope out just a few of the photos from this year's trip and our Top 3 Favorite new gifts. (It was so hard to choose!)
Our Top 3 New Gifts for 2023 would have to include the following:
- Silhouette Touch Lamp & Melt Warmers
Available in Silver, Black, and browns, and even more styles, these lamps not only have a touch option for 3 different brightness modes, but if you so choose, you could also use them as a melt warmer to add a refreshing scent to the air!
#2 Personalizable Crystals
We can now take a photo you have and turn it into a lasting personalized memory within two weeks! 3D images in Crystal create lovely gifts for all different occasions, weddings, birthdays, baby gifts, anniversaries, and more.

We can't wait to help you personalize your photos in Crystal. Give us a call at 608-433-7896 to order today.
- Lotion Candles – our new lotion candles by Kara from creative energy candles were developed from a unique recipe featuring 100% soybean wax, organic extra virgin coconut oil and essential oil blends. Lotion candles are a hand-
poured, scented soy candle that when lit, melts to create not only a beautiful scent, but also a luxurious lotion for your skin. Because it is made with all plant-based ingredients, it is suitable for all skin types. Naturally occurring vitamins A, E and K, minerals, antioxidant and anti-aging properties fill the candles with great benefits for your skin. These earthbound properties play a major role in protecting our skins elasticity and maintain an overall healthy balance.
We found everything from new sunglasses, to beach towels that never get sandy, to flavored savannah honeys with tester pumps! We loved the light up touch lanterns and the new paint by number kits. Check out the cool new Jen & Co purses and wristlets, and the beautiful scarves for this year.

Music speaks is the new Willow Tree® for this year and just looks beautifully graceful. We have been wondering too if the Willow Tree Ornaments would be nice to carry for decorating gifts and also for another price point in the Willow Tree® collection. The Beach towels have already arrived! We will also be getting in new bath and body line called Lollia that features beautiful gift packaging including hand creams with the key turns, decorative bubble baths, and luxury perfumes. Be looking

for these and more to be coming in soon!
Read more
3 Tips for Using Candles Safely
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Candles create a unique mood in your home and release fragrances for all occasions. As you place them throughout the rooms, it’s important to remember that the open flame must be handled carefully. Candle-related accidents are responsible for many home fires each year. Keep these safety tips in mind so you don’t face any problems.
How to Use Candles Safely
1. Look for Fire Hazards
Before you set a candle down, look for fire hazards. Drapes blowing in the wind, a decorative tablecloth, paper materials, and combustible cleaners are just a few items that can ignite quickly. Ideal, the candle should be on a flat surface with no items beneath it and no flammable items around it.
2. Never Leave Candles Unattended

It only takes seconds for a fire to break out, so never leave candles unattended. Should a pet knock the candle over or a nearby flammable somehow ignite, you’ll be able to act quickly to extinguish the fire. You can avoid many problems by placing candles on shelves where curious pets can’t reach them and by teaching young children to never play with an open flame.
3. Dispose of Matches Properly
Sometimes it’s the spent match, not the candle, that creates the fire. Matches can still combust paper and other materials if an ember remains.
After lighting the candle wick, run the matchhead under the water faucet for a few seconds. Then, place them in a glass or fire-resistant dish to completely cool. You can toss them in the trash after 10 minutes, knowing that there’s no fire risk.
Treehouse Gift & Home offers a wide selection of beautiful candles perfect for a gift or decorating your home. Based in Onalaska, WI, this gift shop carries, fragrances, lanterns, rugs, and other home décor to match a wide range of design styles. Start exploring their selection by visiting their website or call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a sales associate. Connect on Facebook to receive deals, updates, and more tips.
Read more
3 Tips for Using Candles Safely
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Candles create a unique mood in your home and release fragrances for all occasions. As you place them throughout the rooms, it’s important to remember that the open flame must be handled carefully. Candle-related accidents are responsible for many home fires each year. Keep these safety tips in mind so you don’t face any problems.
How to Use Candles Safely
1. Look for Fire Hazards
Before you set a candle down, look for fire hazards. Drapes blowing in the wind, a decorative tablecloth, paper materials, and combustible cleaners are just a few items that can ignite quickly. Ideal, the candle should be on a flat surface with no items beneath it and no flammable items around it.
2. Never Leave Candles Unattended

It only takes seconds for a fire to break out, so never leave candles unattended. Should a pet knock the candle over or a nearby flammable somehow ignite, you’ll be able to act quickly to extinguish the fire. You can avoid many problems by placing candles on shelves where curious pets can’t reach them and by teaching young children to never play with an open flame.
3. Dispose of Matches Properly
Sometimes it’s the spent match, not the candle, that creates the fire. Matches can still combust paper and other materials if an ember remains.
After lighting the candle wick, run the matchhead under the water faucet for a few seconds. Then, place them in a glass or fire-resistant dish to completely cool. You can toss them in the trash after 10 minutes, knowing that there’s no fire risk.
Treehouse Gift & Home offers a wide selection of beautiful candles perfect for a gift or decorating your home. Based in Onalaska, WI, this gift shop carries, fragrances, lanterns, rugs, and other home décor to match a wide range of design styles. Start exploring their selection by visiting their website or call (608) 433-7896 to speak with a sales associate. Connect on Facebook to receive deals, updates, and more tips.
Read more
3 Essential Tips for Giving the Perfect Gifts
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
One of the best parts of the holiday season is exchanging thoughtful gifts with your friends and family. When choosing a gift, you want to find something that is meaningful, useful, or otherwise significant to the person receiving the gift. Learn more below on how to become better at choosing presents for every person in your life.
How to Be a Better Gift Giver
1. Consider Their Interests
Does the person have any sports or hobbies worth noting, or are they a fan of any celebrities, films, or books? Perhaps they are a more religious individual and love to receive gifts that remind them of their faith. Knowing something as simple as what a person likes to do, can give you great insight as to what kind of gift they would enjoy.
2. Get Creative

Sometimes people don't want material objects, and they would better appreciate something more personal. Consider purchasing an empty scrapbook or sketchbook and filling it with memories.
If you don't have the time to invest in such a large project, you could even get them a picture frame with one of your favorite photos of the two of you. The beauty of personalized gifts is that you can alter them to perfectly fit whoever you're trying to gift, whether it's your dad, sister, or a close friend.
3. Observe Their Personal Taste
Look at how your friend or family member dresses, decorates their home, and accessorizes their car. This gives you better insight as to what they find pleasing to look at, whether it's more chic, rustic, or minimalistic in design. Knowing what they like can help you find home decor or other gifts that better fit with the style they currently have.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the holiday season? Visit Treehouse Gift & Home, a gift shop in Onalaska, WI. This store is locally owned and operated and features over 100 local artists in their product selection. It is a Christian-friendly atmosphere, and you can call (608) 433-7896 or visit their website to learn more about their current stock.
Read more
3 Essential Tips for Giving the Perfect Gifts
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
One of the best parts of the holiday season is exchanging thoughtful gifts with your friends and family. When choosing a gift, you want to find something that is meaningful, useful, or otherwise significant to the person receiving the gift. Learn more below on how to become better at choosing presents for every person in your life.
How to Be a Better Gift Giver
1. Consider Their Interests
Does the person have any sports or hobbies worth noting, or are they a fan of any celebrities, films, or books? Perhaps they are a more religious individual and love to receive gifts that remind them of their faith. Knowing something as simple as what a person likes to do, can give you great insight as to what kind of gift they would enjoy.
2. Get Creative

Sometimes people don't want material objects, and they would better appreciate something more personal. Consider purchasing an empty scrapbook or sketchbook and filling it with memories.
If you don't have the time to invest in such a large project, you could even get them a picture frame with one of your favorite photos of the two of you. The beauty of personalized gifts is that you can alter them to perfectly fit whoever you're trying to gift, whether it's your dad, sister, or a close friend.
3. Observe Their Personal Taste
Look at how your friend or family member dresses, decorates their home, and accessorizes their car. This gives you better insight as to what they find pleasing to look at, whether it's more chic, rustic, or minimalistic in design. Knowing what they like can help you find home decor or other gifts that better fit with the style they currently have.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the holiday season? Visit Treehouse Gift & Home, a gift shop in Onalaska, WI. This store is locally owned and operated and features over 100 local artists in their product selection. It is a Christian-friendly atmosphere, and you can call (608) 433-7896 or visit their website to learn more about their current stock.
Read more
A Guide to Decorating With Rugs
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
When it comes to home decor, there isn’t much that is as versatile, affordable, and effective as rugs. The right rug can completely revitalize the appearance and atmosphere of a room while protecting the floor, increasing comfort, and offering an opportunity to add a touch of your personal style to every space. Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind before you get to work choosing rugs for your rooms.
3 Tips for Decorating with Rugs
1. Stick to a Color Scheme
A good rule of thumb in home decor is to pick and stick to a color scheme for overall decorative consistency. If you’ve already decorated a room, choose a rug that reflects the existing color scheme or that complements it.
For example, bright, warm yellows and oranges and simple whites contrast cleanly with darker-colored furniture and decorations. If you’re decorating a room from scratch, a good option is to pick the rug first and build the decor around it.
2. Choose the Right Size

A rug that reaches right up to the baseboards can make a room feel cramped or crowded, whereas a rug that is too small can look out of place and make the space feel uncomfortably large. You can avoid these common pitfalls by subtracting about three feet from the length and width of the room you’re decorating and choosing a rug that fits the resulting dimensions.
Leaving a small amount of space around the perimeter of a room will help it feel slightly larger. When placing rugs under dining tables or desks, leave at least 24 inches of material around the edge of the table for chairs.
3. Match the Rug to the Room
It’s also important to consider how each room is used and which activities ordinarily take place in them before choosing rugs. For example, kitchen and bathroom rugs should be warm, absorbent, and easy to wash. Hallway runners and rugs placed at entryways should be made of hard-wearing materials to accommodate foot traffic.
Whether you’re looking for elegant home decor or the perfect gift for a friend or family member, you can turn to Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. Locally owned and operated since opening their doors in 1988, we offer an extensive selection of quality gifts, home decor, and books to customers throughout the area. Call (608) 433-7896 or visit today.
Read more
A Guide to Decorating With Rugs
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
When it comes to home decor, there isn’t much that is as versatile, affordable, and effective as rugs. The right rug can completely revitalize the appearance and atmosphere of a room while protecting the floor, increasing comfort, and offering an opportunity to add a touch of your personal style to every space. Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind before you get to work choosing rugs for your rooms.
3 Tips for Decorating with Rugs
1. Stick to a Color Scheme
A good rule of thumb in home decor is to pick and stick to a color scheme for overall decorative consistency. If you’ve already decorated a room, choose a rug that reflects the existing color scheme or that complements it.
For example, bright, warm yellows and oranges and simple whites contrast cleanly with darker-colored furniture and decorations. If you’re decorating a room from scratch, a good option is to pick the rug first and build the decor around it.
2. Choose the Right Size

A rug that reaches right up to the baseboards can make a room feel cramped or crowded, whereas a rug that is too small can look out of place and make the space feel uncomfortably large. You can avoid these common pitfalls by subtracting about three feet from the length and width of the room you’re decorating and choosing a rug that fits the resulting dimensions.
Leaving a small amount of space around the perimeter of a room will help it feel slightly larger. When placing rugs under dining tables or desks, leave at least 24 inches of material around the edge of the table for chairs.
3. Match the Rug to the Room
It’s also important to consider how each room is used and which activities ordinarily take place in them before choosing rugs. For example, kitchen and bathroom rugs should be warm, absorbent, and easy to wash. Hallway runners and rugs placed at entryways should be made of hard-wearing materials to accommodate foot traffic.
Whether you’re looking for elegant home decor or the perfect gift for a friend or family member, you can turn to Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. Locally owned and operated since opening their doors in 1988, we offer an extensive selection of quality gifts, home decor, and books to customers throughout the area. Call (608) 433-7896 or visit today.
Read more
The Real Reason The Treehouse Reopened, Happy Treehouse Anniversary Sale!
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Looking back over this past five years has been a nice reminder to me of when God said how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those that ask him! The truth is, when the Lord led me to reopen Treehouse Gift & Home, he really knew an unspoken desire of my heart. I'll tell you the real reason the Treehouse Reopened...the newspaper hinted at the full story...
It all started with a prayer. My family and I were returning from a weekend away in the Wisconsin Dells November 13, 2016, when we decided to stop by the Culver’s in Mauston, WI. Next door to the Culver’s at that time, I ventured inside a small shop called the Red Geranium to spend a little time shopping while waiting for our food. While wondering through this gift shop, I was praying for direction from the Lord.
I had a great job as the Senior Store Manager for the La Crosse Helzberg Diamonds, where I had been working for the prior 10 years. I really enjoyed helping couples get engaged and celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, but I had begun to wonder if God wanted to use me in any other way over these next 10 years. I had not seriously asked him for direction in some time about my job, so I decided to pray while wondering through the Red Geranium. I just prayed, “Lord, I have enjoyed my time with Helzberg Diamonds, and I would do it for another 10 years if that’s where you want me, but if you have any other way that you want to use me, please, let me know.” In my heart, I really committed myself to whatever he might throw my way. Half of me thought he would send me on an African Missions trip or some other place half way across the world, but whatever it was, I was really wanted him to lead me and had committed in my heart to wherever he would take me.
As I was checking out at this adorable shop, I got to talking retail with the owner a bit. She was very friendly and mentioned she loved what she was doing. Then she said to me, “Well, you’re from the La Crosse area, and you know, I’m friends on Facebook with businesses like mine, and it was so strange, this morning, the Treehouse Gift & Home over by where you live announced they will be closing.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. I had lived in La Crosse for over 12 years by then, and had always loved shopping at the Treehouse for all my gifts and home decor finds! In fact, the Treehouse had begun their legacy way back in 1998. On my drive home, my wheels were spinning about this recent information I had been given five minutes after praying for a new direction. I asked my husband about what he thought after I checked the Treehouse Facebook and read the closing letter to their followers. My husband said to ask if it was for sale. So, I reached out to them on Facebook, and they said it would be for sale after their going out of business sale that Christmas. So I thought, fair enough, I would never want to leave my employer right before Christmas anyway. They had been far too good to me. Treehouse had a huge going out of business sale, while, I finished out 2016 with Christmas at Helzberg Diamonds. In February, my husband planned to go ask our banker about a loan for buying the Treehouse. I thought to myself, well, I felt like God had answered my prayer question back in November with this opportunity, but then again, that was a long time ago. I thought I had better pray about it again.
So, on a lunch from Helzberg, while walking down to the Barnes & Noble Starbucks, I said another 2 minute prayer. I thanked God for what I thought was his direction back in November, but I told him that I could really use one more confirmation before I uproot my entire life’s career since college. Sure enough, as I’m standing in line at the Barnes & Noble Starbucks, I noticed a mother with several kids running around trying to decide what they wanted, and several more ladies in front of them. I started looking at the time, and thought, I only had 30 minutes for this break and began to leave for the food court instead. Just as I turned to leave, I almost ran into a gentleman and told him to go ahead because I was just on lunch and couldn't wait in line and that he should go ahead. To my surprise, this kind gentleman said to me, “No, no. Why don’t you go ahead of us. This is my family here in front of you. They will take forever to decide anyway.” I thought well, that was sure nice of him. Normally, I wouldn’t budge ahead, but this time, maybe I should just accept his kind gesture. So, I did. While I was standing in line ahead of this husband-of-the-year, I overheard his wife ask him what book he had brought to read for lunch today. He said, “Oh, I found this really good book called, "How to Build a Treehouse!” I turned and stared again at him in awe. God’s timing truly is perfect. I couldn’t believe my ears. If that wasn't enough, he cracked the book open while I was eating my soup and sandwich and started reading it out loud saying, it starts with finding the right tree! To think of how many things had to come together perfectly for me to overhear this conversation at just the right time truly shows me how God knows the intricate details of our lives with such perfect timing. Of course, I quickly called my husband who was on his way to the bank to discuss a loan for the Treehouse building and shared the story with him about the unique timing and the situation.
We then discovered, the Treehouse building was tied into a pending bankruptcy and foreclosure sale. It was a long drawn out process for it to shake out. Even my husband’s lawyer told us to just wait it out. By July, I was losing hope again that my prayer would ever come to fruition. I had also become unusually sick that year. I hadn’t used but maybe a day of sick time in 11 years with Helzberg, but 2017, was quite different. I had come down with an infection that needed surgery to find and fix, twice. Even after the surgery, I had to revisit the hospital weekly for special maintenance to get rid of the infection for good. Then I came down with pneumonia for two months and thought I was truly dying. I could feel my dreams just slipping away from me. Looking back, that sickness did give me a lot of separation time from the job I was so used to going to for 11 years and plenty of time to ponder my next move.
I explained the situation to my pastor and asked him to pray for my health and for direction with this business, and he did. The next day, he sent me a text message at 7:20 a.m. saying, “I’m praying for you to get healthy, and for you to have very, very clear direction with this business venture.” My husband and I were headed up to Minneapolis for the day, and on the way we stopped at a gas station to fill our windshield washer fluids. While we stopped, he was checking some of his emails, and he found this one from the prior owner of the Treehouse. The prior owner went on with a one page long email about how he knew the pending lawsuit would settle in his favor, and he just decided he would give us keys to the building to go in and store some of the displayers we had purchased at the Macy’s going out of business and then just get immediately started on prepping for the holiday. I looked at my husband, and said, "That’s strange, we haven’t even bought anything yet, and he wants to give us keys?" So, I asked my husband, what time that email was sent. My husband said, “The email came through at 7:20 a.m.” Wow, God had just given my 3rd confirmation, and his timing was so perfect. Since then countless prayers have been answered for us to move forward with God's plan including us bidding on and receiving our building at the Sheriff Sale six months after stepping out in faith and moving into the building that was under foreclosure. I have never been more sure that God has me right where he needs me for now. God really does know the desires of our hearts, and he writes an even better story for us than we can imagine if we just ask for his guidance. So, I would invite you to come visit us and see what God is doing with Treehouse Gift & Home! Come see the prayer corner I feel He has led us to provide and pray for our community's requests when you come.
May God Bless You with Direction and Answers to Your Prayers,
Cassandra Birdd
We're Celebrating 5 Years reopened, and 24 Fabulous Years total! Come SAVE on your Christmas Gifts during the Treehouse Anniversary Sale, Nov. 17th - 19th, 2022. Thank you for all of your support! Come enjoy Free Hot Cocoa, a Buy One Get One 30% OFF Push Flame Candles offer, $10 OFF Light up Dancing, Singing Gnomes, and sign up for the Door Prize. Valid Nov. 17th - 19th, 2022. Happy Treehouse Anniversary!
Read more
The Real Reason The Treehouse Reopened, Happy Treehouse Anniversary Sale!
Posted by Cassandra Birdd on
Looking back over this past five years has been a nice reminder to me of when God said how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those that ask him! The truth is, when the Lord led me to reopen Treehouse Gift & Home, he really knew an unspoken desire of my heart. I'll tell you the real reason the Treehouse Reopened...the newspaper hinted at the full story...
It all started with a prayer. My family and I were returning from a weekend away in the Wisconsin Dells November 13, 2016, when we decided to stop by the Culver’s in Mauston, WI. Next door to the Culver’s at that time, I ventured inside a small shop called the Red Geranium to spend a little time shopping while waiting for our food. While wondering through this gift shop, I was praying for direction from the Lord.
I had a great job as the Senior Store Manager for the La Crosse Helzberg Diamonds, where I had been working for the prior 10 years. I really enjoyed helping couples get engaged and celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, but I had begun to wonder if God wanted to use me in any other way over these next 10 years. I had not seriously asked him for direction in some time about my job, so I decided to pray while wondering through the Red Geranium. I just prayed, “Lord, I have enjoyed my time with Helzberg Diamonds, and I would do it for another 10 years if that’s where you want me, but if you have any other way that you want to use me, please, let me know.” In my heart, I really committed myself to whatever he might throw my way. Half of me thought he would send me on an African Missions trip or some other place half way across the world, but whatever it was, I was really wanted him to lead me and had committed in my heart to wherever he would take me.
As I was checking out at this adorable shop, I got to talking retail with the owner a bit. She was very friendly and mentioned she loved what she was doing. Then she said to me, “Well, you’re from the La Crosse area, and you know, I’m friends on Facebook with businesses like mine, and it was so strange, this morning, the Treehouse Gift & Home over by where you live announced they will be closing.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. I had lived in La Crosse for over 12 years by then, and had always loved shopping at the Treehouse for all my gifts and home decor finds! In fact, the Treehouse had begun their legacy way back in 1998. On my drive home, my wheels were spinning about this recent information I had been given five minutes after praying for a new direction. I asked my husband about what he thought after I checked the Treehouse Facebook and read the closing letter to their followers. My husband said to ask if it was for sale. So, I reached out to them on Facebook, and they said it would be for sale after their going out of business sale that Christmas. So I thought, fair enough, I would never want to leave my employer right before Christmas anyway. They had been far too good to me. Treehouse had a huge going out of business sale, while, I finished out 2016 with Christmas at Helzberg Diamonds. In February, my husband planned to go ask our banker about a loan for buying the Treehouse. I thought to myself, well, I felt like God had answered my prayer question back in November with this opportunity, but then again, that was a long time ago. I thought I had better pray about it again.
So, on a lunch from Helzberg, while walking down to the Barnes & Noble Starbucks, I said another 2 minute prayer. I thanked God for what I thought was his direction back in November, but I told him that I could really use one more confirmation before I uproot my entire life’s career since college. Sure enough, as I’m standing in line at the Barnes & Noble Starbucks, I noticed a mother with several kids running around trying to decide what they wanted, and several more ladies in front of them. I started looking at the time, and thought, I only had 30 minutes for this break and began to leave for the food court instead. Just as I turned to leave, I almost ran into a gentleman and told him to go ahead because I was just on lunch and couldn't wait in line and that he should go ahead. To my surprise, this kind gentleman said to me, “No, no. Why don’t you go ahead of us. This is my family here in front of you. They will take forever to decide anyway.” I thought well, that was sure nice of him. Normally, I wouldn’t budge ahead, but this time, maybe I should just accept his kind gesture. So, I did. While I was standing in line ahead of this husband-of-the-year, I overheard his wife ask him what book he had brought to read for lunch today. He said, “Oh, I found this really good book called, "How to Build a Treehouse!” I turned and stared again at him in awe. God’s timing truly is perfect. I couldn’t believe my ears. If that wasn't enough, he cracked the book open while I was eating my soup and sandwich and started reading it out loud saying, it starts with finding the right tree! To think of how many things had to come together perfectly for me to overhear this conversation at just the right time truly shows me how God knows the intricate details of our lives with such perfect timing. Of course, I quickly called my husband who was on his way to the bank to discuss a loan for the Treehouse building and shared the story with him about the unique timing and the situation.
We then discovered, the Treehouse building was tied into a pending bankruptcy and foreclosure sale. It was a long drawn out process for it to shake out. Even my husband’s lawyer told us to just wait it out. By July, I was losing hope again that my prayer would ever come to fruition. I had also become unusually sick that year. I hadn’t used but maybe a day of sick time in 11 years with Helzberg, but 2017, was quite different. I had come down with an infection that needed surgery to find and fix, twice. Even after the surgery, I had to revisit the hospital weekly for special maintenance to get rid of the infection for good. Then I came down with pneumonia for two months and thought I was truly dying. I could feel my dreams just slipping away from me. Looking back, that sickness did give me a lot of separation time from the job I was so used to going to for 11 years and plenty of time to ponder my next move.
I explained the situation to my pastor and asked him to pray for my health and for direction with this business, and he did. The next day, he sent me a text message at 7:20 a.m. saying, “I’m praying for you to get healthy, and for you to have very, very clear direction with this business venture.” My husband and I were headed up to Minneapolis for the day, and on the way we stopped at a gas station to fill our windshield washer fluids. While we stopped, he was checking some of his emails, and he found this one from the prior owner of the Treehouse. The prior owner went on with a one page long email about how he knew the pending lawsuit would settle in his favor, and he just decided he would give us keys to the building to go in and store some of the displayers we had purchased at the Macy’s going out of business and then just get immediately started on prepping for the holiday. I looked at my husband, and said, "That’s strange, we haven’t even bought anything yet, and he wants to give us keys?" So, I asked my husband, what time that email was sent. My husband said, “The email came through at 7:20 a.m.” Wow, God had just given my 3rd confirmation, and his timing was so perfect. Since then countless prayers have been answered for us to move forward with God's plan including us bidding on and receiving our building at the Sheriff Sale six months after stepping out in faith and moving into the building that was under foreclosure. I have never been more sure that God has me right where he needs me for now. God really does know the desires of our hearts, and he writes an even better story for us than we can imagine if we just ask for his guidance. So, I would invite you to come visit us and see what God is doing with Treehouse Gift & Home! Come see the prayer corner I feel He has led us to provide and pray for our community's requests when you come.
May God Bless You with Direction and Answers to Your Prayers,
Cassandra Birdd
We're Celebrating 5 Years reopened, and 24 Fabulous Years total! Come SAVE on your Christmas Gifts during the Treehouse Anniversary Sale, Nov. 17th - 19th, 2022. Thank you for all of your support! Come enjoy Free Hot Cocoa, a Buy One Get One 30% OFF Push Flame Candles offer, $10 OFF Light up Dancing, Singing Gnomes, and sign up for the Door Prize. Valid Nov. 17th - 19th, 2022. Happy Treehouse Anniversary!