A Mess of Things

09/17/2026

What are you waiting for?

09/16/2026

Featured Shopping: A Mess of Things

Looking for something fun to browse while you’re in town? Add A Mess of Things to your Ottawa shopping stop.

This local shop is full of unique finds, fun gifts, home goods and those “I definitely didn’t come here looking for this, but I need it” kind of treasures. You know the ones.

Spend the day exploring downtown Ottawa, pop into the local shops, grab a bite to eat, then head back to your Harbor Inn home with your new finds in tow.

Because sometimes the best part of a getaway is finding a little something to bring home with you.

📍 Downtown Ottawa, IL

09/16/2026

Restock of our popular Halloween shirts! Get them while they’re hot!

09/14/2026

Happy Monday! It’s Bagel Week 🥯 Pre-orders will open today at 4:00 pm for pickup or delivery on Friday. You’ll be able to choose between pickup at our house on the south side of Ottawa or A Mess of Things in downtown Ottawa. Delivery is also available.

The menu this week will include:
🌾country loaves: our classic artisan sourdough loaf made with fresh milled spelt and locally-grown rye flour
🍞soft sandwich loaves: kid approved to replace your store-bought sandwich loaf. Each week we are investing in more pans to make this loaf easier to order. We will have double the amount this week!
🥯bagels: build your own box and choose between plain, pretzel salt, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, everything seasoning, black sesame, white sesame, and Parmesan + rosemary

🍪browned butter chocolate chip cookies: 6 or 12 packs
🎃browned butter pumpkin cookies with brown sugar frosting
🤎Big Debra: our take on an oatmeal cream pie
🍫brownies made with 100% pre-fermented whole grain flour
🥞fresh milled flour cinnamon pancake mix

Text messages for pre-orders will be going out today at 4:00 pm. If you’re not already signed up to be noticed you can click here to add your name to the list: https://app.simplybread.com/ciaobellabreadsbakes/signup

09/13/2026

Just had a brand new Oh Polly dress in the store. Found it on my treasure hunt a few weeks ago. Sweet girl popped it on and bought it. She looked stunning in it.

09/13/2026

09/13/2026

Beautiful Fall Style

09/12/2026

Hurry… People are lining up for our Pay What You Can bakery stop here at the store. All of this goodness is provided by
Ciao Bella Breads & Bakes!

09/12/2026

Today’s the day!

🍹 TOMORROW. 24 hours. THAT'S IT! Can you believe it?! 🥹

After months of planning, countless committee meetings, competitor spotlights, vendor announcements, ticket reminders, countdowns, and answering the question "When is Mix'd & Mingle again?" approximately 7,000 times...

it's finally here.

And we're wrapping up our countdown with the man everyone will be chasing: Nate from CatsEye

🏆 Two-time Judge's Choice Champion. Back to defend his title, looking for a three-peat.

Will Nate make history? Will someone finally take his spot? Will we spend the next week talking about all the amazing cocktails and who YOU thought should have won?

24 hours until we find out 😎

We'll have a limited number of tickets at the door tomorrow, so if you want to be part of the action make sure to get there right at 3pm for check in!

We'll see you tomorrow Ottawa!

09/11/2026