Sherri's Southern Style

Trina Rose

2011-06-30T13:57:00.004-05:00

On June 25th we welcomed Trina Rose to the world! Our nephew Matt and his wife Amber had the first girl in our baby boom.

For Trina's quilt I chose fabrics from the trunk that Granny Rice gave to me for my birthday. I had at first tried to find fabrics to go with the nursery theme of sea creatures, but they are using pastel colors and evidently fabric designers think that the sea is only bold, primary colors. HA! I think that my use of Granny's fabric makes this a pretty special quilt.

Once I had the quilt sewn, I felt like the solid blocks needed a little embellishing. I had some nice sized scraps left, so I decided to make some yo-yo's and attached them with some vintage buttons that I had.
I started by just placing a few yo-yo's here and there, but quickly became addicted to how cute they were making these blocks look!

So some of the blocks are Super embellished!

Don't you think they look wonderful?

I think this pink quilt looks like a "Trina Rose"

And here is one of the first photos of the beautiful little girl! Welcome to the family Trina Rose!

Tristan Alexander

2011-06-28T11:50:00.006-05:00

I started making quilts this year because we are having a mini baby boom in our family! In May our niece Misty and her husband welcomed their first child Drexel. This month our nephew Josh and his wife welcomed their third son, Tristan.

Here are some pictures of the quilt I did for Tristan's jungle themed nursery.

Monkeys and leaves on the back!

Stripes, jungle babies and giraffe print.

Once the quilt was complete, I had some fabric left over and I thought it would be fun to make some bibs and burp cloths.

I learned how to make yo-yo's to embellish the bibs.

I did three bibs with matching burp cloths and I love how they turned out.

Getting things ready to mail off.

All packed and ready to go!

The package arrived just in time for this sweet bundle of joy! It looks like Tristan likes his quilt.

Tattered Treasures: Rag Quilts by Sherri Rice

2011-06-17T12:03:00.009-05:00

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner "Show us your Life" today to show you a few of the rag quilts I make. These are perfect as a throw for the couch or as a baby gift for some one special! I do take special orders, so if you have a certain color or theme, I would be happy to work with you.

For those that are local, I have several quilts available at Vintage Glam and Junque in down town Rogers. I can also ship for an additional fee. All of these quilts are machine wash and dry, so you don't have to be afraid to use them! I think they get better after each wash.

Pink and white floral with a nursery rhyme toile. This one can be seen in person at Vintage Glam and Junque.

For the back I chose a Mary Engelbreit fabric, green checks and pink flowers.

For the Hog Fan. Enough said!

Burgundy, brown and tan.

Turquoise, Lime Green, Black and White.

I also make burp cloths and bibs to coordinate with the quilts.

Jungle Babies theme.

I made this quilt extra fancy! I embellished some of the squares with yo-yo's and vintage buttons.

I think the Mom-to-be will be pleased with the results!

If you are looking for a special, hand-made gift I would love to work with you! Leave me a comment and I will be in contact with you.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T10:18:00.003-05:00

We had a great day! After church we went to my brother's house to enjoy a cookout with my family. We didn't let the never ending rain spoil the day. We are blessed!

Returning the Gift

2011-04-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

For my birthday in February, my Mother-in-law surprised me with a wonderful gift. She used to make quilts, but is no longer able to work on them. She said she was waiting for the right person to come along to appreciate all of the fabrics she had collected when she was quilting. I am SO BLESSED that she felt that person was me! When my Handsome Prince came home with this trunk FULL of fabric I was like a kid in a candy store! The trunk is so full that the lid won't even shut. I had so much fun just going through the trunk and folding the fabrics, sorting by colors and stacking them back in to the trunk. There are so many BEAUTIFUL pieces to work with. I could hardly wait to get started. I knew what I wanted my first project to be - a quilt for Lois, made from some of these fabrics.

It turned out very pretty I think! I purchased a little bit of new fabric to help tie in the color scheme, but the majority of this quilt is made from scraps I found in the trunk. It is just the right size to keep your legs warm while watching tv or reading a book.

See how pretty the burgandy, brown and green works together? (The cross and fish fabric was new, the others came from the trunk)

This is the back of the quilt. There were two large pieces of this fabric, so I was fairly sure it was a pattern that Lois would like. Sure enough, when I gave her the quilt and she saw that fabric on the back she said it was one of her favorites.

I loved how the quilt turned out and so did my Mother-in-law. It was the perfect way to return the gift that meant so much to me!

A Quilt for Drexel

2011-04-05T09:25:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I was honored to be invited to a VERY special baby shower. Our Niece and her husband are expecting their first child next month, a wonderful reason to CELEBRATE! Saturday was a beautiful day, warm temperatures (for a nice change!) and sunny skies made for a perfect Spring day to celebrate Misty and their new little addition. I found the perfect gift bag to coordinate with the nursery theme!

This is the bedding that Misty chose for Drexel's nursery. (Sorry, I don't know who to credit for the photo) This was all the inspiration that I needed to get started on my gift for them.

I think I came pretty close matching the fabrics with the look Misty is going for.

I made Drexel a rag quilt to snuggle in! It is washable, so he and Mommy can be fashionable on the go. The nice part (I think) is that every time you wash it the "rags" get a little fluffier.

A little closer view, ready to give to the Mommy to be!

And a little extra surprise for Mommy! She had seen photos of the first quilt I did for her - I was too excited to wait! So I purchased some lime green flannel and added it with the extra fabric I had left and made a smaller 5 square quilt for her too. I think you can tell that she liked it!

Congratulations Mike and Misty! I can't wait for that baby to get here now.

Purple Floral Quilt

2011-03-14T11:17:00.003-05:00

Here is my latest quilt!

Each one I finish is "my Favorite", but I really like how this one looks! Purple is one of my favorite colors, so when I spotted this flannel fabric I knew I had to make something with it. I wanted to try a little smaller sized quilt, and I am pleased with this 5 by 5 block size. It will be perfect to snuggle a beautiful baby girl!

The back is this pretty lilac flannel.

Close up of the front of the quilt.

This quilt is for sale for $55.00. The finished size is approximately 36" by 36".

I am taking custom orders! You may choose whether you want cotton, flannel or a combination of the two in your colors. Just leave me a comment and we can work out the details!

A New Hobby

2011-02-28T14:02:00.006-06:00

I have always been a "crafty" sort of person - I love making something out of nothing! When I was growing up I loved watching my Grandma as she would take scraps of fabric and create a beautiful quilt. She was very proud of the fact that she made a quilt for each of her grandchildren as a wedding gift.

I tried to quilt once before, but I started out thinking I could make a king size wedding ring quilt and I quickly became discouraged and gave up. Recently I came across instructions for a rag quilt. It was just the right size project to try. Especially considering that there is a mini baby boom going on in our family right now!

The weather this winter has been CRAZY! However, it has made it very enjoyable to sit at the sewing machine and create some custom gifts for babies, and a special lap quilt for when you need "just a little something" to take the chill off. I thought I would share a few pictures (Okay, a LOT) of my new hobby.

These are the colors my Niece is using in their son's nursery. I took this photo when I just about had it all cut out. I am SO GLAD I have the rotary cutter and mat!

My little sewing center :)
Here are the blocks all pinned together and ready to sew.

I had to lay it out on the floor and number each row so that I was sure to sew them together in the right order.

And here it is ready to give to the Mom-to-be!

That project got me so excited I decided to try one in flannel fabrics too. It turned out VERY cute!

I chose greens and yellow for this quilt since I didn't know if it was for a boy or girl.

It is so warm and snuggly!

The baby feet fabric on the back is adorable!

I have been officially bitten by the quilting bug! I did this one just because I loved these prints together.

Clipping all of those seams takes time, but gives the quilt such a unique look.

I love how this turned out!

My Mom loves yellow and blue, so it isn't hard to figure out who this is for! Butterflies are also one of her favorites, so when I saw this fabric I knew I had to have it.

It turned out very pretty I think!

I am selling the cotton quilts for $55.00 and the flannel quilts are $65. I would be happy to ship to you for an additional fee. I currently have about a two week turn around on new orders. Leave me a comment if you would like more information or would like to place an order.

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Eight

2010-12-16T10:18:00.008-06:00

On the eighth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me; Eight Metro Chic Metals,

Seven Soiree's shimmering,

Six cuffs for layering,

FIVE Golden Rings,

Four Clover Bling,

Three Flower Rings,

Two Ladybugs,

and a Necklace with a Clover key!

N161 Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace $198

An unexpected menagerie of street chic chains accented with 4 unique vintage brooches. This necklace will kick up your wardrobe a few notches—from daytime casual to evening couture. Measures approximately 18¼” in length with 2” extender. Toggle clasp closure.

N159 Liv Multi Charm Necklace $69

The key to layers of style, this charm necklace combines a Maltese cross, a key, and a vintage inspired coin. Measures approximately 30" in length with 2" extender. Lobster clasp closure.

N1009S Avery Chains & Pearl Necklace $69

Five antiqued silver plated chains dripping with freshwater pearls. The combination of pearls with chain in this necklace updates the classic pearl for a rocker chic look. Measures approximately 18½” (shortest) and 24" (longest) in length. Toggle closure.

N114S Collette Necklace - Silver $138

Ultra-feminine with a rocker vibe, this pastiche of braided reproduction pearls, silver-plated chains, and a CZ cupchain is all tied up with a pretty, blush grosgrain bow. Measures approximately 14” in length(cupchain and pearl) and 18" of ribbon on each side. Self tie closure.

Celebrity Style: Actress Stephanie Pratt wore this at an Award Show event!

B101S Bardot Spiral Bangle - Silver $49

A playfully metallic coil of silver-plated nuggets dangle with our tiny signature heart. Measures approximately 2⅜" -- 2½" inner diameter. Stretchable bracelet - fits small to large wrists.

E1006S Adrienne Chain Earrings $39

Antiqued chains and rhinestones makes you an instant fashionista. These eye-catchers are certain to be the coveted earrings this season. Measures approximately 3 - 3½” drop length with sterling silver fish hook closure.

N1012S Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace - Silver $118

Antiqued chains and rhinestones wrap together to create a stunning lariat.
Mixed chains are one of the top fashion trends this season. The Adrienne Mixed Chain lariat is certain to be coveted by all. Measures approximately 42½” in length. Also available in gold.

N1012G Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace - Gold $128

Antiqued chains in warm gold tones wrap together to create a stunning lariat. Measures approximately 42½” in length.

You and Your True Love can shop online - anytime! I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 30th.

Here is how: Go to www.stelladot.com/sherririce Enter “Junior League” as your Hostess to receive our $5.95 flat rate shipping. Stella & Dot accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Your order ships within 24 hours from our Houston, TX facility and will come directly to YOU (or the address you choose) via Priority Mail in just a few (2 to 3) days. Place your order by noon on December 22nd and still receive in time for Christmas!!

NEW MARKDOWNS! Up to 50% Off Fall Favorites, Limited Time Only, While Quantities Last!In order to make room for the gorgeous new styles coming up, we have to say goodbye to some styles that are not going to be featured in the Spring 2011 Look Book. Beginning today, many of these styles are on sale (who doesn’t love a great sale – especially during the holidays?), and we still have ample supply on lots of items.Since these items are in limited supply, no backorders will be taken.

Contact me for more Details!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Seven

2010-12-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

On the seventh day of Christmas my True Love gave to me; Seven Soiree's shimmering,
Six cuffs for layering,
FIVE Golden Rings,
Four Clover Bling,
Three Flower Rings,
Two Ladybugs,
and a Necklace with a Clover key!

E1001S Soiree Earrings - Silver $39

Hand set Czech crystals adorn a delicate silver ball. Measures approximately ½” drop length with sterling silver fish hook closure.

E1001G Soiree Earrings - Gold $39

Rose gold drops in the metal hue of the season, studded with champagne crystals. The perfect way to toast your everyday celebrations. Measures approximately ½” drop length with gold vermeil fish hook closure. Also available in silver.

B900TU Soiree Pave Bracelet - Turquoise $29

Beachy turquoise glass beads turn swanky with the glint of a single hand-set Czech crystal bauble. Measures approximately 2½" inner diameter. Stretchable bracelet - fits small to medium wrists.

B817I Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet - Ivory $29

The bracelet of the season in shimmering glass pearls with a hand-set Czech crystal bauble. Stretchable bracelet adjusts to fit with a 2.5" inner diameter. Available in brown, gray, and ivory.
As Seen in Cosmopolitan Magazine, October 2010

B817G Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet - Grey $29

B817BR Soiree Pearl Pave Bracelet - Brown $29

B817BK Soiree Pave Bracelet - Black $29

Perfect for any soiree, this shimmering black glass bead bracelet with a hand set pave crystal bauble is a Stella & Dot favorite. It's the perfect gift for anyone on your list or better yet, for you!
You and Your True Love can shop online - anytime! I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 10th.

Here is how: Go to www.stelladot.com/sherririce Enter “Junior League” as your Hostess to receive our $5.95 flat rate shipping. Stella & Dot accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Your order ships within 24 hours from our Houston, TX facility and will come directly to YOU (or the address you choose) via Priority Mail in just a few (2 to 3) days.

Contact me for more Details!

Winter Dreams Tour of Homes 2010

2010-12-04T08:40:00.003-06:00

Winter Dreams is Tomorrow!

If you haven't already made plans to do this, I think you will REALLY enjoy this years Tour of Homes. There are eight homes on the tour this year, four in Benton County and four in Washington County. They are all dressed up for the Holidays and ready for you to enjoy and get inspired just a bit for your own decorating! If you have never done the Tour before, this year is the year to start a new tradition.

Here are some important details:

Sunday, December 5 · 11:00am - 5:00pm Tickets are $20 each.

Benton County Homes:
Carter home, 12 Fiddlesticks Way Rogers (Pinnacle)
Layton home, 6111 Bainbridge Dr. Rogers (Liberty Bell subdivision)
Fackler home, 906 NW Princeton Sq. Bentonville (Heathrow subdivision)
Davis home, 11933 Beau Chalet Dr. Bentonville (Beau Chalet subdivision)

Washington County Homes:
Carter home, 2631 Firewood Dr. Fayetteville (Candlewood subdivision)
Hodne home, 4792 N. Maple Grove Dr. Fayetteville (Copper Creek subdivision)
Lefler home, 611 Razorback Rd. Fayetteville (University adjacent)
Autry home, 2400 Johnson Rd. (near First Baptist Church, Springdale)

***After party at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse begins at 4 p.m. Your ticket gets you a complimentary beverage up to $12 in value!

Purchase tickets at any tour home on the day of the tour or at the following businesses: Impressions; Riff Raff; Signed, Sealed, Delivered; IO Metro; B LaRue; Arvest bank (Pleasant Grove & Wedington exits), Gracious Living Interiors!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Six

2010-12-03T07:00:00.004-06:00

On the sixth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me; Six cuffs for layering,

Five, Golden rings

Four Clover bling, Three Flower rings, Two Ladybugs and a Necklace with a Clover key!

For the Style Maven, this season's Hottest trend is Layered Bracelets. Our Clover single and double wrap leather bracelets are made by Luxury handbag craftsmen with fine Italian leather and finished with our signature clover studs.

The possibilities are limited only to your imagination!

Silk Charm Necklace and Bracelet Wraps $14
Wear as a silk chiffon necklace or as a triple-wrap bracelet. Available in Grey, Red/Purple or Teal Ombre. Grey Ombre includes a silver leaf charm. Red/Purple Ombre includes a gold flower charm. Teal Ombre includes a silver horseshoe charm. Personalize with more charms for a perfect way to express your signature style or create a personalized gift for a loved one. Also goes perfectly with our other layering bracelets. Made of 100% silk.
Approximately 32" long.

Nugget Wrap Bracelets - Silver or Gold $39

Layered bracelets are making a huge statement this season, and the Nugget Wrap Bracelet is a must-have. This faceted double wrapped leather bracelet is adjustable to fit wrists. Looks great layered with the Clover Double and Single Leather Wrap Bracelets, Vintage Twist Bracelets, Devi Bangles, Mira Bangles, and more. Available in brushed silver or brushed gold.
Measures approximately 14 ¾” (end-to-end) in length. Button closure.

Clover single wrap leather bracelets - assorted colors $39
Worn alone or layered with bangles, this bracelet is simply striking. Gorgeous leather is studded with our signature clover motif. Adjustable to fit wrists. Available in three colors: metallic, purple or teal. Looks great layered with our Clover Double Wrap Leather Bracelets, Vintage Twist Bracelets, Devi or Mira Bangles, Signature Scallop and Leather Bracelet, and many more.Measures approximately 9¼" in length. Gold stud closure for purple bracelet. Silver stud closure for metallic and teal bracelets.

Clover Double Wrap Leather Bracelets - Black or Brown $59

Worn alone or layered with bangles, this bracelet is simply striking. Gorgeous leather is double wrapped and studded with our signature clover motif. Adjustable to fit wrists. Available in black leather with gold studs, or brown leather with silver studs.
Looks great layered with our Nugget Wrap Bracelets, Clover Single Wrap Leather Bracelets, Vintage Twist Bracelets, Foundation Bracelets, Mira Bangles, Devi Bangles, Signature Scallop and Leather Bracelet, and much more.
Measures approximately 16" in length. Stud closure

You and Your True Love can shop online - anytime! I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 10th.

Contact me for more Details!

FIVE Golden Rings!

2010-12-02T02:00:00.001-06:00

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me; Five Golden Rings!

Four Clover bling, three flower rings , two ladybugs and a necklace with a Clover key!

N175G Pave Elipse Necklace $69
Designed by celebrity designer Maya Brenner. Delicate 14kt gold vermeil chain with handset pave in an oval shape adds the perfect amount of sparkle to the side of your neck. Wear alone for a casual look, or layer it with longer necklaces for a more glamorous style. This necklace pairs beautifully with the Pave Double Bar Necklace and Together Forever Necklace. Each piece is handmade in Thailand.Measures approximately 16" in length with 2" extender. Lobster clasp closure.

E485 Gilda Hoop Earrings - Gold $49

Live the good life in these fabulous earrings. This sterling silver piece is dipped in 14 kt gold, hand crafted, hand burnished and hand soldered by artisans in India. So stylish, versatile and well made.Measures approximately 2¼” drop length with gold vermeil fish hook closure.

E104G Fringe Hoop Earrings - Gold $44
We've updated your go-to hoops with the motion of softly clinking gold-plated discs. Very lightweight and very every day. Measures approximately 1¾” inner diameter with post backing. Also available in silver.

N136G Stella Vintage Link Necklace - Gold $89

Boldly graphic and sophisticated, this on-trend collar chain links together any casual or professional look. Worth its style weight in gold, with a vintage brushed finish. Measures approximately 18" in length with 2" extender. Lobster clasp closure.

B110G Stella Vintage Link Bracelet - Gold $79

Jingly links of vintage-finished 14kt gold have our signature heart stamped on the clasp. For wearing your heart on your sleeve, of course. Measures approximately 7½" in length. Fold over clasp bracelet - fits small to medium wrists

Contact me for more Details!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Four

2010-12-01T02:00:00.004-06:00

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four Clover "Bling"

three flower rings

two ladybugs

and a necklace with a clover key

N101G Signature Clover Necklace $59

Doubled or long, this gold plated chain is accented with our signature clover motif. 38" length. Lobster clasp closure.

E105G Signature Clover Drop Earrings $49

Gold plated brass is made to dangle in our signature clover cut-out motif, with warm citrine colored glass stones. Approximately 1.75" length, excluding ear wire. Gold vermeil ear wire.

E106S Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings $49
Lady luck smiles on you in style with these dramatic silver plated earrings featuring our signature clover motif. Sterling silver ear wires. 2.18" drop, excluding ear wires.

B107S Signature Clover Cuff $64
Wear your luck on your sleeve with this silver plated bangle in our signature clover motif.
2" inner diameter, width on wrist approximately 2.25". Fits small to medium wrist.

You and Your True Love can shop online - anytime!
I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 10th.

Here is how: Go to www.stelladot.com/sherririce Enter “Junior League” as your Hostess to receive our $5.95 flat rate shipping. Stella & Dot accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Your order ships within 24 hours from our Houston, TX facility and will come directly to YOU (or the address you choose) via Priority Mail in just a few (2 to 3) days.

NEW MARKDOWNS! Up to 50% Off Fall Favorites, Limited Time Only, While Quantities Last!In order to make room for the gorgeous new styles coming up, we have to say goodbye to some styles that are not going to be featured in the Spring 2011 Look Book. Beginning today, many of these styles are on sale (who doesn’t love a great sale – especially during the holidays?), and we still have ample supply on lots of items.
Since these items are in limited supply, no backorders will be taken.

Contact me for more Details!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Three

2010-11-30T02:00:00.002-06:00

On the Third Day of Christmas my True Love gave to me, three flower rings,

two ladybugs and a necklace with a clover key.

R106G Charlotte Pearl Ring $39

Textured petals and pearly center make an exquisite gesture.

Adjustable band fits ring sizes 5-9

R105H Belle Fleur Ring - Hematite $49

Handset pave crystal petals on blackened metal show off a faceted stone

center for a ring that is truly opulent. Adjustable band fits any finger (sizes 5-9)

R105G Belle Fleur Ring - Gold $49

A statement flower ring that sparkles with handset pave petals and a faceted crystal center. Adjustable band fits ring sizes 5 - 9

E112G Ladybug Studs $24
A spot of whimsy, our handset pave ladybug studs use one of our favorite motifs for starting conversations. .38" with posts

N171H Clover Key Necklace $54

The Perfect layering piece! A blackened metal chain with an ornate key pendant adorned with black and white CZ's. Approximately 19" length with 2" extender. Lobster Clasp closure.

You and Your True Love can shop online - anytime! I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 10th.

NEW MARKDOWNS! Up to 50% Off Fall Favorites, Limited Time Only, While Quantities Last!In order to make room for the gorgeous new styles coming up, we have to say goodbye to some styles that are not going to be featured in the Spring 2011 Look Book. Beginning today, many of these styles are on sale (who doesn’t love a great sale – especially during the holidays?), and we still have ample supply on lots of items.

Since these items are in limited supply, no backorders will be taken.

Contact me for more Details!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day Two

2010-11-29T01:00:00.002-06:00

On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two Ladybugs

and a Necklace with a Clover Key

E112G Ladybug Studs $24

A spot of whimsy, our handset pave ladybug studs use one of our favorite motifs for starting conversations. .38" with posts.

N171H Clover Key Necklace $54
The Perfect layering piece! A blackened metal chain with an ornate key pendant adorned with black and white CZ's. Approximately 19" length with 2" extender. Lobster Clasp closure.

Here is how: Go to www.stelladot.com/sherririce Enter “Junior League” as your Hostess to receive our $5.95 flat rate shipping. Stella & Dot accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Your order ships within 24 hours from our Houston, TX facility and will come directly to YOU (or the address you choose) via Priority Mail in just a few (2 to 3) days.

Contact me for more Details!

The Twelve Days of Christmas! Day One

2010-11-28T01:00:00.003-06:00

On the first day of Christmas my True Love gave to me, a Necklace with a Clover key.

N171H Clover Key Necklace $54

The Perfect layering piece! A blackened metal chain with an ornate key pendant adorned with black and white CZ's. Approximately 19" length with 2" extender. Lobster Clasp closure.

Your True Love can shop online - anytime! I would LOVE for you to do your Holiday shopping with me! I will be donating 10% of my Retail Sales in December to the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas to help towards their MANY service projects. You can participate in this online “trunk show” and help our local community from now through December 10th.

Here is how: Go to www.stelladot.com/sherririce
Enter “Junior League” as your Hostess to receive our $5.95 flat rate shipping. Stella & Dot accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Your order ships within 24 hours from our Houston, TX facility and will come directly to YOU (or the address you choose) via Priority Mail in just a few (2 to 3) days.

Contact me for more Details!

The Rice Family Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T08:11:00.002-06:00

The Rice's. Larry, Janet, Mom Lois and Connie. Back row Robert, Curt and Roy.

We started a new tradition this year with Larry's family and planned our family get together for the weekend before Thanksgiving. Most of us have at least one other obligation on Thanksgiving day, so we were just eating as fast as we could to run to the next meal, and no one was really getting to ENJOY being together. Since we aren't getting any younger, we decided we needed to really TAKE TIME for our family while we are still here!

We had beautiful weather on Saturday and LOTS of GOOD FOOD. Larry's oldest sister Connie and her husband Darryl were our hosts this year and it was such a nice day. I wish I could have stayed much longer, but I woke up on Friday with a sore throat and I was miserable. I really didn't want to spread any cold germs on, but I wanted to see everyone too.

After Chris' accident we were going through some of his things and found his bible. I was going through it one evening this summer and found a poem he had written. Of course it made me cry. It was full of wonderful memories of the Rice's and it reminded me of our first holidays after Larry and I were married. I thought the poem was really good, so I made a copy for all of the brothers and sisters and framed it for them. We gave each one their copy before we gave thanks to our Lord for our wonderful day together. Here is the poem:

Well I remember my brother Roy
who always brought the family lots of joy.
I remember my sister Connie
who is always smiling and saying I Love You Honey

Well I remember on Thanksgiving Day
when my Mom would tell us go outside and play
Me, Calvin & Janet just a waiting
as my brother Curtis was in his room painting

Well I remember my sister Debby
that would always bring all kinds of weird food
but she made the most famous thing we call the Green Junk food
I remember my nieces Angel and Misty
that would not let anyone think they were sissies

I remember my brothers KC & Robert
they will be a part of my heart
Well I remember on Thanksgiving Day
my brother Larry was laughing and had games to play

Well I remember on Thanksgiving Day
when we would bow our heads and Dad would pray
Even though some are gone
God has blessed us all with someone

So before you eat and before you pray
Look around at each other and remember this Thanksgiving Day
God has blessed us with near family and friends
so make sure that we hug all of them

Well before I go I would like to say
I love you all on this Thanksgiving Day.

Thank You Chris for the wonderful memories. We miss you!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Saying Goodbye

2010-08-02T21:19:00.004-05:00

Christopher Allen Rice
August 19, 1968-July 31, 2010
Bentonville, Arkansas

Christopher Allen “Chris” Rice, 41, of Bentonville, Arkansas died Saturday, July 31, 2010. He was born August 19, 1968 in Hurst, Texas to William Miles Rice and Lois Norris Rice. He worked for All-Weather Heating and Air Conditioning as an installer. He was fun loving and adventuresome, yet was a serious, hard worker. Chris was also a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father William; one sister, Deborah and one brother, Calvin.

Chris is survived by two sons, Levi Rice and Keenan Rice both of Washburn, MO; his mother Lois Rice of Bentonville, AR; five brothers, Roy Rice of Azle, Texas; Kenneth Rice of Elm Springs, AR; Larry Rice of Bentonville, AR, Robert Rice of Bentonville, Curt Rice of Garfield; two sisters Connie Scroggins of Rogers; Janet Carpenter of Jay, OK; two very special nieces Angel Slinkard, Misty Underwood; and one grandson.

Graveside services will be at 11:00AM Monday, August 2, 2010 at Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville with Pastor John Dean officiating.

We Love You Chris.

Stella & Dot Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

2010-07-25T18:24:00.006-05:00

It was like Christmas this week at our house -my samples arrived for our Fall/Winter Collection! So I have spent some time today playing with my display. I thought I would share a few pictures with you.

I found the perfect tablecloth while shopping in a flea market in Branson recently - VERY vintage, oh so Stella!

A closer look at some of the silver styles and our Little Girls line.

The Natasha Bib, Turquoise Sea and more of the Little Girls line.

A wider view of the silver styles I have. At a Stella & Dot trunk show you get to try on anything and everything that catches your eye - see anything you like?

The gold styles I have and also the charm collection.

Rings, charms, necklaces and earrings.

My charm collection.

New La Coco accessories...

Lots of earrings!

The Alexa Fringe necklace, Sofia Pearl Bib and the Charlotte Charm Necklace.

The La Coco concept! The style concept YOU create. Inspired by Coco Chanel, this collection is designed to transition from business suit to little black dress. Start with a La Coco Brooch and Necklace, add dimension with mix and match brooches, charms and layering strands. Express yourself for any mood, look or occasion.

Like what you see? Treat yourself! As the lucky hostess with the mostess, you invite some girlfriends. You pop open some sparkly drinks, share some style tips, gab. Best of all, try on jewelry as much as you want. It's the ultimate in personal shopping, wouldn't you say? And, you're rewarded with $100's in free jewelry, plus more shopping at half off.

Let me shower you with attention and jewelry! Let's schedule your trunk show today! Get an additional $50 in free jewelry during Hostess Bonus Days, going on now through August 31st.

Stella & Dot Sample Sale!

2010-07-11T08:29:00.008-05:00

I know - it's 100 degrees in the shade and summer has just barely begun BUT, it is time to start thinking Fall Fashion - and time for a SALE! I need to make room in my display for these beautiful new styles,

so it is time to sell some of these gorgeous pieces! I have marked down many of the items from my current display, some items that are being discontinued, some are already no longer available and I am passing the savings on to you. These are a few of the pieces that I have that are retiring, if you are interested in purchasing or would like more information about more of the items I have for sale, please leave me a comment with your contact information and I will be in touch with you ASAP! OH! Did I mention - NO TAX and NO SHIPPING (for local customers) on these items I have in stock!!

Sofia Cluster Ring - Smoky WAS $39 NOW $29

Rich cashmere hues in freshwater pearls and smoky glass beads. 1.25" cluster. Adjustable brass band fits ring sizes 5-9

Della Triple Strand Necklace WAS $98 NOW $73

Triple the beauty with luxe glass pearls and faceted smoky glass beads. Shortest strand is 22.75", longest strand 25" with extender. Toggle closure.

Sofia Cluster Bracelet - Smoky WAS $79 NOW $59

Hundreds of hand wrapped freshwater pearls and smoky glass baubles cluster together. Stretchable bracelet adjusts to fit with a 2.5" inner diameter.

Uma Silk Wrap Necklace WAS $49 NOW $37

Irresistible eye candy of dip-dyed silk-covered beads create one of a kind gradients of hot pink to light pink. Can be worn long or doubled, or add the Uma Flower for a stunning look. Approximately 30" bead length. Self-tie closure. 14.75" ribbon length.

Uma Flower WAS $39 NOW $29

Not for shrinking violets, this fuchsia silk brooch with chic frayed edges sparkles with hand-set Swarovski crystals. Pin on your lapel, hair or necklace. Shapeable petals. 4 - 4.5" diameter, brass pin.

Sayulita Statement Necklace WAS $178 NOW $98

Warm wood beads, cool Swarvoski crystals, and turquoise beads - hot couture style on a grosgrain ribbon. Individual as you are, each bead is sewn by hand, each stone is handset. Strand length: shortest 20", middle 23", longest 25.75". Ribbon - 15" length, 1.25" wide.

Cortez Bib Necklace WAS $148 NOW $74

Bold and oh-so boho, a mosaic sea of glass beads and malachite adorn luscious chocolate suede. Handmade in our couture embroidery factory. Approximately 19" of suede on each side of 3.25" wide bib. Self-tie.

Cortez Cuff WAS $118 NOW $59

An off-the-cuff statement of turquoise, glass and wood beads on supple leather. Handmade in our couture embroidery factory. Approximately 7.5" length, 3" width. Adjustable, 2 settings. Fits small to medium wrists.

Palm Necklace with Starfish Brooch WAS $98 NOW $73

This season's hottest color, chartreuse, looks Palm-Beachy with the Starfish brooch dotted by hand-set pave crystals. Glass beads on hand-knotted silk thread. Length approximately 59.5". Lobster clasp closure.

Boca Necklace with Bee Brooch WAS $98 NOW $73

Create a buzz with this whimsical brooch dotted with enamel beads. Worn attached to the glass bead necklace on hand-knotted silk thread. Length 59.9". Lobster clasp closure.

Even if you don't live near me, you can take advantage of the summer Style for a Steal Sale! Just go to my website - www.stelladot.com/sherririce and click on the "sale" tab. I can save you some on shipping - just enter my name when it asks for your Hostess, then your shipping will be a flat rate of $5.95. Your order will ship directly to you (you choose the address!) Priority Mail and you will receive your order in just a few days (usually 3 to 4 business days)

Where have I been???

2010-05-11T11:30:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have checked in with y'all! (I hope I still have more than one person that checks in on me!) Things have been a little crazy around our house. Let me catch you up on our family.

On Sunday April 11th we had an absolutely beautiful day. The weather had been very cold up to that point, and it seemed that it either rained or snowed every weekend! So on this particular Sunday my Handsome Prince decided to take full advantage of the warm, sunny day and get some much needed yard work done. He cleaned the front porch and pulled weeds out of the flower beds and even mowed the lawn.

At about 11 in the morning he didn't feel good. Sort of short of breath and just not "good" so he decided to take a little break. He grabbed a bottle of water and sat on the porch for a little while and started feeling better so he went back to working. That happened a couple more times and the shortness of breath became more of a tightness in his chest. Hmm, maybe this is something more than just 'working in the yard for the first time this year' aches and pains.

He decided it was time to call it a day with the yard work around 2. Came in, cleaned up and then sat in the chair for a few minutes. Still didn't feel good. I began with the list of questions - "Does your left arm feel numb? Are you nauseous? Dizzy?" No, to all of the above. He decided maybe he should check his Blood Pressure - it was 166 over 100. Okay, we are going to the Emergency Room - NOW! We arrived at the hospital a few minutes before 3 and by 3:05 we were in a room and he was hooked up to more monitors than I could count.

We were VERY fortunate that we didn't wait any longer than we did. The first blood test they did showed no enzymes, but because they couldn't rule out the heart as the source for his discomfort they decided to admit him overnight for observation. They did three more blood tests during the night and each time the enzyme level was a little higher. My Handsome Prince had a Heart Attack. They scheduled more tests Monday to determine where the blockage was and how much blockage he had. They had thought they could just do a stent (stint?) and all would be fine. Unfortunately, the blockage was 95% in his main artery, and 40 and 45% in two other arteries on the left side. Bypass surgery was the best option and scheduled for Tuesday Morning.

The Medical Staff at Mercy Hospital is just phenomenal! We were so Blessed to be cared for by highly qualified Doctors and Nurses. Everyone was so kind to us and very good to explain all of the different procedures and what we could expect. This is scary new territory! We are getting through it though, and Larry is feeling MUCH better. He even went back to work for a few hours yesterday! (We both work for my Parents, so you don't have to worry that he overdid it. He went to the office to get caught up on the projects we have going on and then came home to rest.)

This has certainly caused us to put things in perspective. You really can not take ANYTHING for granted! Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. We are making some changes for the good in our lives. There will be a LOT less stress and a LOT MORE family time. Larry and I want to Thank all of you that carried us through this in prayer. We appreciate you! I'll check in again soon!

Stella & Dot Trunk Show

2010-03-21T22:58:00.003-05:00

Stella & Dot recently released their spring jewelry line, and I am currently hosting a Trunk Show at our art gallery, Big Red Gallery & Gifts.

It is the perfect setting for this beautiful jewelry!

I have a large area to display the jewelry along with the gift items that the Gallery carries.

The framed and unframed art work is on the second floor.

I have a little "Sale" area set up just inside the door.

These are pieces that have been discontinued from the fall line. I have them discounted and I am offering them as cash and carry for my Customers. Several of these pieces are sold out and no longer available through my Stella & Dot website - Collector's items!!

Stella & Dot has many items that are perfect for your casual every day wardrobe, and can easily transition to a fabulous date night or special occasion accessories. If you know of someone getting married soon we have several items that are perfect for the Bride and Bridesmaids.

Necklaces, Bracelets, rings and our charm collection!

These are just a few of the gold chains and earrings.

A little something for everyone!

Bracelets and charms.

Soiree Bracelets in every color!

Our Charm Collection continues to be one of our top sellers. Available in Sterling Silver or Gold Vermeil (ver-may) you can create a look that is unique for you, or someone special!

The Palm necklace with Starfish Brooch and matching Starfish earrings.

A few of our Sterling Silver chains and earrings.

Looking for something to go with your Easter outfit? I bet we can find the perfect accessory for you!

At a Stella & Dot Trunk show you can try on all of the jewelry so you are sure to fall in love with something that is just right for YOU! Once we place your order it will ship directly to you in just a few days and arrive in your mailbox within the week. Everything ships in adorable little boxes - just add a ribbon and you are good to give!

Each month we have a few special offers for our Customers. We call these Trunk Show Treasures and this month you can take advantage of a 25% discount on these smoky styles. The Smokky Drop Earrings, Della Triple Strand Necklace and Smoky Cluster Bracelet look great with a variety of colors.

I would LOVE to help you earn FREE jewelry while you and your friends enjoy a Girls Night IN!

There is no boring presentation to sit through, just a fun couple of hours trying on jewelry and gabbing with the Girls. Schedule your personal shopping date and get an extra prize from me - it could be up to $30 off of your order!!

If you want to see more please visit my website - www.stelladot.com/sherririce

or leave me a comment and I will be happy to answer any questions you have!

Northwest Arkansas Wine Opener

2010-02-26T12:30:00.005-06:00

If you live in NW Arkansas and you are wondering what to do tonight I have a suggestion for you! The Northwest Arkansas Wine Opener to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is being held this evening at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Bentonville. The event is business casual attire and begins with a VIP Reception at 6:00 pm and the Wine Opener begins at 7:00 pm. Participants can bid on auction items, sample wines and enjoy gourmet cuisine by Crabby's, Mimi's Cafe, Johnny Brusco's Pizza, Table Mesa, Basil's and Happas Hawaiian Grill.

This is a casual and fun evening where participants can Sip Fun Wines at various tasting stations presented by international and domestic wineries. The area's hottest chefs prepare their specialties so that guests can Savor Great Cuisine. Guests that purchase the VIP ticket will be treated to a special tasting of exclusive reserve wines and exquisite food pairings furnished by Ruth's Chris at the VIP Reception.

A Silent Auction is also held during the event. Volunteers gather donations from various businesses throughout the area. I became involved with the Wine Opener a few years ago. A friend of mine has an amazing daughter that is fighting CF. Mackenzie is an inspiration to everyone she meets! This year I have donated the Charlize Wood Necklace from my Stella & Dot business. I will also include the matching Charlize Teardrop Earrings for the winning bidder when they invite a few of their friends over for a private showing of the Stella & Dot collection.

So if you are out and about this evening and would like to contribute to a wonderful cause I hope you will consider stopping by The Wine Opener. If you would like more information about the event you can go HERE. If you would like more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation please visit their website or call 1-800-FIGHT-CF

American Idol Top 24: Men's Night

2010-02-24T21:11:00.003-06:00

Last night we were a little disappointed with the Top 12 girls, so tonight is the guys night to shine. I don't really remember any of the male contestants that were chosen, so I am looking forward to tonight's show. So without further ado,

THIS is American Idol!

First up tonight is Todrick Hall from Arlington TX. He is a 24 year old writer. Actor. Dancer. You will remember that Todrick is the one that auditioned performing an original song he wrote "Todrick is my name" Tonight he chose the Kelly Clarkson hit "Since you been gone" I'm afraid Todrick may be tomorrow.

Aaron Kelly is 16 years old from Sonestown, PA. He performed Rascal Flatts "Here comes goodbye" and we really liked it. The Judges did not. The disagreement begins early tonight!

Jermaine Sellers is a 27 year old Church Singer from Joliet, IL. He sang "Get here" and parts it of were good, but parts of it were really pitchy. I think he can sing, just maybe wasn't the right song, so I hope he gets another chance.

Tim Urban is 20 years old from Duncanville, TX. He was originally cut during Hollywood week but caught a break and was called back to replace someone. After his performance of "Apologize" I think he should-TO US! Didn't care for this at all.

Joe Munoz from Huntington Park, CA is 20 years old. He performed "You and I" and did a terrific job! I really enjoyed his voice. I did not agree with Simon at all on this one.

Tyler Grady from Nazareth, PA is a 20 year old caught in a 70's time warp. All during Hollywood week he caused quite a stir with his fashion statements and performances. Tonight he stayed true to form with "American Woman" I think he is in trouble.

Lee Dewyse is 23 years old from Chicago, IL. I like the song he sang, but I was "farming" on Farmville and trying to take notes and alas, my multi-tasking caught up with me! So sorry.

John Park was next up. He is the 21 year old from Northbrook, IL that auditioned with Shania Twain as a guest judge and she just loved him. Tonight he sang "God bless the child" and I don't think it worked for him. Bless his heart.

Michael Lynche is the 26 year Personal Trainer from St. Petersburg, Fl whose wife had their first child while he was auditioning. He sang "This Love" by Maroon 5 and the judges weren't crazy about his song choice. I thought he did good and I think his personal story will get him at least one more chance next week.

Alex Lambert is 19 years old from North Richland Hills, TX. That's all I've got. Oops.

Casey James is 27 years old from Fort Worth, TX. Here's the one to beat folks! He performed the Bryan Adams classic "Heaven". And we were! OH.MY.GOODNESS!!! LIKE. A LOT.

Andrew Garcia was the final contestant tonight and bless his heart he had to try to top that performance by our next Idol. Andrew is 24 years old from Moreno Valley, CA. He performed "We're going down" Yeah, I think you are.

Okay that does it for the boys! Who do you like? I would have to say Crystal Bowersox is my favorite girl this week and Casey James is my favorite over all. What are your thoughts?

Let's discuss!!

It's time for Season Nine! Top 24, Girls Night

2010-02-23T21:07:00.004-06:00

It's time for some Idol! I don't know about you, but I'm excited about the talent this season! I am also pleasantly surprised by the newest Judge, Ellen. There seems to be a much more relaxed, easy and constructive discussion among the four Judges this year. It's nice to be able to watch the show and listen to their opinions and not do the eye roll every time Paula opened her mouth.

We've enjoyed watching the tryouts and the gruelling Hollywood week drama. Now we are ready to get down to business! It's the Top 24 and the women will perform hits from the Billboard Charts first. According to Simon this is the Girls year! So let's get down to business...

Paige Miles is 24 years old from Naples, FL. She started the night out with It's alright now by Free. I thought she did pretty good considering the first one to go HAS to have a case of nerves.

Ashley Rodriguez is a 22 year old student from Chelsea, MA. She chose Happy by Leona Lewis and I don't think it was the best song choice for her. I think she may be UNhappy on Thursday night.

Janell Wheeler is a 24 year old Wine Sales Rep from Orlando, FL. Janell made another poor song choice by going with What about Love by Heart. How many seasons are we going to have to tell you DON'T choose a song bigger than you!

Lilly Scott from Littleton, CO has seen the most dramatic change in her life since auditioning for AI. She is a 20 year old and has been living out of her car and performing anywhere and everywhere. For her performance tonight she chose Fixin a Hole by The Beatles. I didn't care for it and I didn't like the strange facial expressions she made while she was singing, but the Judges loved it. This won't be the only time we disagree tonight!

Katelyn Epperly from West Des Moines, IA is a 19 year old College Student. She sang the second Beatles song of the night, O Darlin. She did good enough that I want to hear her again next week.

Haeley Vaughn is the baby of the group at 16. She is from Fort Collins, CO and she performed the third Beatles song of the night, I want to Hold your Hand. I'm not sure it was good enough for another chance next week.

Lacey Brown is a 24 year old Event Coordinator from Amarillo, TX. She tried out last year and was cut during Hollywood week. She SANG Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Her performance was the first one that I really enjoyed of the night and the Judges were not fans. I hope she makes it through.

Michelle Delamar from Miami, Fl is 22 and works in a clothing store among other things. She chose Falling by Alicia Keyes and I thought did a great job.

Didi Benami is a 23 year old Waitress from Knoxville, TN. She has had a very emotional journey - her friend died and she is doing this to honor her memory. She kind of reminds me of Brooke White from a few seasons back (7? with Cook?) I like her and I liked her performance of The Way I am.

Siobhan Magnus was the surprise of the night for me. She is 19 years old, a Glass Blowing Apprentice from Cape Cod, MA. She chose Wicked Game by Chris Isaac and I thought it was FANtastic! Very Good.

Crystal Bowersox is 24 years old, a Musician and a Mom from Ellistan, OH. I noticed her in the audition show, and also during Hollywood week and really liked her. I think she will really do well. Her performance of Hand in My Pocket was just incredible tonight. Did I mention that she played the guitar AND the harmonica? She is definitely talented.

Katie Stevens was the final performance of the evening. She is a 17 year old High School Student from Middlebury CT. She sang Feelin Good by Michael Buble' and I felt like she did very good, but the Judges disagreed with me again on this one. They thought the song was too old for her, that she needed to be 17. I hope she gets another chance!

Over all I thought the night was pretty good, started out a little slow but by the end of the night it was very entertaining. I think that Ashley, Janell and Haeley are probably in the most danger. I would say that Didi and Crystal are my favorites right now, and Siobhan is my dark horse!

Now it's your turn - let's discuss! What are your thoughts on Season 9? Leave me a comment with your Idol thoughts.

Stella & Dot: Your Passport to STYLE!

2010-01-14T15:45:00.000-06:00

I am SO excited about the new Spring 2010 line that will be released by Stella & Dot on January 15th! The theme for this Look Book is "Your Passport to Style" and is inspired by the vivid colors, rich cultures and strong women around the world. Bold. Worldly. Whimsical. Fabulous!

Here are just a few of my new favorite things...

Azure Couture Earrings

The Cortez Bib Necklace and matching Cortez Cuff

Summer Soiree bracelet

Bardot Spiral Bangle

Palm Necklace with starfish brooch. The necklace is LONG and can be worn so many ways! The brooch is removable.

Matching Starfish earrings

The Uma flower can be clipped in you hair or pinned on to anything!

Like the Uma Silk wrap Necklace

I would love to assist you and your Girlfriends at your own private trunk show. Everything is SO MUCH prettier in person! I am currently scheduling shows for February and March. You get to try on as many of my samples as you like and earn FREE and half-price jewelry just for inviting me. The orders will ship directly to your guests, so you don't have any delivery hassles. This is great Customer Service, especially if you have family and friends all over the country, they can order from your show so that you get credit for the sale and their order goes right to their home for no additional shipping fee.

I am also available for fundraisers. If your group or organization is holding a fundraiser this spring I would be interested in talking with you about a donation! You can leave me a comment here on this post or go to my website www.stelladot.com/sherririce and contact me there.

***EDITED TO ADD***

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

I feel a little silly for being so excited about this jewelry when there is such devastation in Haiti right now. I want to do something to help, so I have decided to donate my commission from my show sales for the rest of the month to Compassion. If you would like to do a little shopping and in the process help me to raise some money for the disaster relief effort just go to my website and in the top right hand corner click on "find your hostess" Type in Sherri Rice and then begin shopping. Because the need for funds is urgent NOW, I will close this party on the 31st of this month. If we have a good response I will create a new fundraiser the first of February.

If you would prefer to just contribute to Compassion, go Here to make your donation.

Thank you

Holiday Shopping Open House

2009-12-05T06:16:00.003-06:00

I was invited to take part in an Open House this week and it was SO MUCH FUN! There were five vendors participating, and all of these Ladies have home-based businesses. I think it is wonderful that there are so many options for women to have a creative outlet - and make some money while doing it.

My Stella & Dot jewelry display. I thought it looked very pretty - don't you?

I wanted to have a little treat for my guests so I made some Stella & Dot mints! I have some labels that I got from the company store, and I found these Hershey's Miniatures in mint for the Holidays. The wrappers were the perfect shade of Stella green :) I served them on a pretty Christmas dish.

A little closer view of my display. I would LOVE to have one of everything, but for now I think I have a nice assortment of the beautiful vintage, modern jewelry that is Stella & Dot. It is hard for me to choose a favorite, but I would have to say I love the charm collection! There are SO many options for personalizing your own look at a VERY affordable price.

I will be Hosting a Holiday Open House in my home this coming week. If you are local I would LOVE for you to stop by! Leave your email address in the comments and I will send you more details.

I would be honored if you would help support my new business venture -even if you don't live close to me. You can shop directly from my website! You can visit my e-boutique at www.stelladot.com/sherririce At the top right hand corner click on "Find your Hostess" and type in my name. The jewels are shipped via Priority Mail and come directly to you (or whatever address you choose) in less than a week. Shipping is a reasonable flat rate - just $5.95. If you are doing some Christmas shopping you can order through December 19th and Stella & Dot will guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Your order arrives in adorable little boxes ready for gift giving!

It's Winter Sale Time!

2009-12-01T12:31:00.003-06:00

It is time for the Southern Living at HOME Winter Sale!! Twice a year they discount the discontinued items and put them on sale, just in time for Christmas shopping! Over 90 items are in the flyer so I can not list all of them here, but check out the link - it's worth it!

You may place an order by going to my website www.southernlivingathome.com/withsherri

and click on "our products" to shop. Contact me if you have any questions!

It's beginning to look...

2009-11-15T21:13:00.005-06:00

a lot like Christmas!

Yes, I have already started to decorate our home for Christmas. I like to take my time and move things around a bit, so I needed to get started. Especially since I am planning on doing some entertaining during the Holidays! Here is a little sneak peek at what I've been up to!

This what you see as you enter through the front door...
I love Nativity scenes, and this Santos Nativity from Southern Living at HOME is one of my favorites.

Looking back in to the entry from our Living room...

We got this Santa at a craft fair several years ago and I still love him!

I love this print by Mike Capser appropriately titled "Snow Angels". I got it from Santa a few years ago and it hangs in our Dining room year round. It remind me of my Brother and I when we were kids. We grew up in Nebraska, and we made our share of snow angels!

Sorry the picture is a little blurry, my phone usually takes great pictures! I have a couple of my snowmen overlooking the table...

Here is my dining table all ready for guests! I LOVE the Filigree iron candlestand! I use this centerpiece for EVERY holiday.

A little closer look...

That's it for now! I will post more as I make progress later this week.

Look who got haircuts today!

2009-11-09T18:34:00.002-06:00

Baby, it's COLD outside...

2009-10-23T07:47:00.002-05:00

But it's WARM in this house we found!

Hi! It's Lucy and Gatsby. We've taken over pretty much everything else, so today we are taking over Mom's blog to tell you what we've been up too. Mom hasn't done a very good job of posting lately! Mostly because not a lot is happening! We've done a lot of this...

We follow Mom and Dad around everywhere they will let us. We think we did good when we found this house to adopt us! They even let us run around the house all day with no fences (AKA baby gate) locking us in a room. We had to promise not to make any messes or leave any "surprises" for Mom to clean up. We kinda like this big dog bed they have...

Mom got Lucy some new clothes this week when she went to the store. She said it was going to get cold and Lucy tends to shiver alot. Gatsby is hot natured and doesn't like to snuggle. Lucy likes to be the center of attention and can get a bit crabby if she thinks you are ignoring her.

She really likes her new hoodie!

That's all for now. Mom is getting ready for work and we'll get to go for a walk before she leaves. We'll see you later!

Shop Pink!

2009-10-15T11:55:00.011-05:00

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So many of us either know someone or have been personally affected by this devastating disease. We need to find a cure so that we don't lose any more Sisters, Moms, Daughters or Friends! That is why I am very excited about the "Shop Pink" offer that Stella & Dot has available until the end of this month. When you purchase an item featured in our Pink Boutique, Stella & Dot will donate 20% of the net sales to Breast Cancer Research.

To shop for the items in the Pink Boutique, click on the "Shop Pink" photo and go to my e-Boutique. Once you are there just scroll down to the "Think Pink" image and click on it to see this offer. The awesome part is it doesn't matter where in the US you live because your purchase comes directly to you via Priority Mail - usually in just 3 to 4 days! At the top right of the page it will prompt you to find your Hostess, click there and enter "Sherri" to begin your shopping. Once you have chosen the items you would like simply follow the instructions to check out. Your items will ship to you in the cutest little boxes! Perfectly suitable for gift giving.

There are several very affordable pieces to choose from. Our charm collection is a favorite starting at only $14 and they are available in either sterling silver or 14kt gold vermeil. (vur-may)

The Vintage Clover Charm Necklace features faceted glass, freshwater pearl baubles and the sterling silver charm.

The Rose Quartz Cross pendant can be added to any chain so you can dress it up or down, depending on your mood!

The Rosie Semi Precious Necklace is a mix of fresh water pearl, labradorite, agate, rose quartz and crystals. The 37" length makes it so versatile!

The matching bracelet is stackable, and will stretch to fit just about everyone.

The Perfect faceted earrings in Rose Quartz complete your look!

I hope you will visit my e-boutique and check out this fabulous offer - and all of the beautiful baubles available. The Holiday items are now available - and oh so Stella & Dot!

Introducing Stella & Dot

2009-10-03T06:44:00.007-05:00

Happy Saturday y'all!

I am so excited to tell you about my new business! I am now an Independent Stylist with Stella & Dot Jewelry. Jessica Herrin is the CEO and Founder of the company, and Blythe Harris is the Chief Creative Officer. The name Stella & Dot comes from their Grandmothers. I think that is very neat that they are honoring their Grandma's this way. AND I just LOVE the logo! So CUTE!!

If you know me at all, you KNOW I love me some Bling! As I was flipping through the fall Look Book, there was something on EVERY page that I just loved. I want to share a few things here today! (Okay, maybe a LOT! I'm excited about this!)

Our Signature charms are a chic way to create a personalized gift - for you or someone you love! You can choose your base, and mix and match the charms to create a custom piece that is VERY affordable. Choose Relationship charms in sterling silver or gold vermeil.

Add an Inspiration Charm...

And an Initial...

How about a Birthstone briolette? Also available in sterling silver.

Wouldn't you be proud to give this to your BFF?! I love that you can mix and match them, so if you want to wear the necklace today and tomorrow you are more in a bangle sort of mood you can have a completely different look! SO FUN!!

You may not have heard of Stella and Dot, but you have probably seen the jewelry before. We have been featured in People, InStyle, Lucky, Rachael Ray and O magazines. Our jewelry is Celebrity-coveted - Debra Messing, Penelope Cruz and Paris Hilton, just to name drop a few! Do you watch "The Bachelorette"? Jillian wore several Stella and Dot pieces last season! We have even been recognized by the New York Times and the Today show!

Some of my favorites! This is the Della Triple Strand Necklace.

The Grace Pearl Earrings.

The Veronica 4 Strand Necklace - LOVE the 1930's inspired pave buckle clasp!

Want to see more? Check out my website here. You can order online (enter my name as the Hostess) and your choices are mailed directly to you (Priority Mail) in just 2 to 3 business days! Instant Gratification!!!

I would also like to invite you to my very first Trunk show! Next Saturday, October 10th from 10 until noon you can stop by my house and see the samples that I have started with. Try them on and we can mix and match styles, share some ideas and have so much FUN! Bring your friends and we will have a blast.

My samples arrived yesterday and it was like CHRISTMAS! I unpacked them and tried everything on and then played with making a small display...

I can't wait to share this with you! If you would be interested in hosting your own trunk show and earning 100's of Free jewelry please let me know! It only takes about an hour and a half, I don't bore you with a formal presentation - we just play with the samples and have a fun time with you and your friends!

Saturday with Southern Living at HOME: Bathroom project

2009-09-19T08:11:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday y'all! Are you ready for our SLAH Saturday? I bet you were beginning to think that I had forgotten about our little home improvement project. In reality, I had ordered some things to complete the project and I was waiting for them to get here before doing the big reveal!

Remember this?

We hired someone to tear all those little fishies off the wall, scrape the popcorn off of the ceiling and paint our laundry room/bathroom a lovely shade of Sherwin-Williams "Yarrow".

SO much better! I have some ideas for this side of the room - the design wheels are turning...

We were more than a little concerned about this color when it first went on the walls. There was a LOT more orange in it than the paint chip told. I was hoping that once I started adding the accessories I had collected for this room that it would tone it down a bit. I think it has! I wanted chocolate brown for the towels and rugs - it's a mud room for heavens sake! But it also needs to be cheery enough to keep me motivated on laundry, AND the dogs call this "their" room. LOTS going on in here - it is the first room we enter and it is visible from the kitchen and dining room.

I have used the Estate bathroom collection in here. In this picture above I have used the following Southern Living at HOME products:

Estate Towel bar Item #40798
Galveston tray Item #41083
Estate Wall organizer Item #40797
Estate Canister Item #41069
Ornate Iron two-tiered stand Item #41145
Covington Accent tray Item #41150
Villa stoneware Salad Plates Item #41176

I made the cross stitched picture of the deer for my Handsome Prince.

The shower curtain was our inspiration piece and I really love it. It is a reproduction of a Terry Redlin painting called "The Birch Line". In this photo you also can see the Estate hand towel stand (item #40799). I created a little cell phone charging center using the Estate Vanity tray (item 41161).

Doesn't that ceiling look CLEAN! I love it! Found both of these light fixtures on clearance at Lowe's.

The mirror that was above the sink was very loose and almost fell off of the wall when they were tearing off the wallpaper. Since they had to take it down anyway, I asked them to just leave it down and paint the wall above the sink. I had a plan!

This Medallion mirror (item #41003) looks PERFECT in here! This is what I have been waiting on before showing reveal pictures. LOVE IT!!

We are VERY pleased with how this room turned out! I will update you on the second part of this project, the dining room, as soon as I have made up my mind what I want for a window covering in there...

Prayer Request

2009-09-16T19:55:00.002-05:00

Well, we had an eventful weekend - and NOT the fun kind. My twelve year old Nephew Blake is on a fall baseball team and they had a game on Saturday. Blake was at bat and got hit in the face by a wild pitch. Thankfully, his only injury is a broken nose. It looked a lot worse, and we know it could have been MUCH more dangerous.
His Doctor has scheduled surgery to repair his nose this Friday morning. I would SO appreciate if you would remember our Blake in your prayers on Friday!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

2009-09-12T08:46:00.003-05:00

I took a BIG step this week y'all! I got a hair cut. More than one actually, and quite a bit for me!

When I was sixteen years old I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. The Doctors that were caring for me decided the best course of treatment would be Radiation Therapy followed up with Chemotherapy. I am so thankful for these Doctors and I know that GOD deserves ALL the Glory that I continue to be cancer free over thirty years later.

I tell you that so that you can understand my affection for my hair. Since I was a little girl, I have always loved long hair. Crystal Gayle fascinates me! I also have an older cousin(my namesake) that had thick, beautiful long brown hair. I wanted that hair! What I have is a lot of thin, straight, baby fine hair. It of course fell out shortly after they began the radiation treatments. Just in the back, from the crown of my head back. Weird stuff, that radiation! As a young teen I was devastated. We did find a cute wig, but it just isn't cool when you have to wear it, no matter how cute it is. So once I was finished with my treatments and my hair was long enough to cover my bald head, I ditched that wig and set about growing me some LONG hair! It took a LONG time, but I have some hair now!

Forgive the poor picture quality! Have you ever tried to take a picture of yourself backwards?? LOL!
I have been contemplating what to do with my hair for MONTHS. I was getting very frustrated with it. The majority of the time I was twisting it in a knot and clipping it up because it was always in the way. Bend over to pick something up, here comes the hair. Sit down, move the hair. Lay down, move the hair. I was OVER it! So I talked it over with the Handsome Prince and he was very encouraging (I think he was tired of the grumping!) I took a deep breath and called my hair stylist. She was very surprised when I told her how much we were cutting - she asked several times if I was SURE I wanted to do this. Yes, I am sure.

It feels SO MUCH better! We put a few highlights in there too. I MAY have some gray...

I think it looks great! AND I am donating the ten inches we cut off to Locks of Love, so that a child in need can have a cute wig!

9/11

2009-09-11T06:49:00.001-05:00

We will never forget.

My First Award!

2009-09-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

My friend Lindsay has nominated me for my very first blog award! Hooray for me!!

Here is how the "Honest Scrap" award works - I share ten random things about myself, and then nominate ten blog friends to do the same. Since the people I would nominate were already chosen to take part in this, I nominate anyone reading this that would like to take part in the fun!

Let's see, ten things about me...

Food segregation is important to me! I don't like my food to touch. Everything has a place, veggies, potato and meat. I don't want corn in my potatoes. I don't want soggy bread because it got in the sauce. I know it all ends up in the same place - don't try to reason with me! We have big plates so I can keep everything separate.
I love office supplies. I can spend hours looking at file folders and paper clips. And Pens! I love Back to School time because everyone has great sales on their "stuff". Too bad my office is always a disaster! I should be very organized!
I also love dishes. I have a set of every day dishes, Christmas dishes, and china. Twelve place settings each. I had four other sets that I gave away. It is a sickness...
I like to keep the dining room table "set" all of the time. It looks pretty, and it justifies #3 for me:)
Blue is my favorite color. Followed closely by purple and red.
I LOVE FOOTBALL!! Nebraska Cornhuskers and Minnesota Vikings - if they are playing, I am watching!
I've lived in eight houses in my life. Which means I have moved only seven times. Four of those moves came after I was married.
I dated my Handsome Prince for only ONE month before we became engaged. We were married three months later. We'll celebrate 26 years in December!
The first job I had when we moved to Arkansas was at McDonald's. I lasted one day. I was not cut out to be a fry girl.
My Grandma taught me to do counted cross-stitch. It is a hobby I really enjoy, and wish I spent more time doing. Unfortunately, I'm figuring out what Grandma was talking about when she used to tell me she did her hobbies in the morning "when her eyes were good".

Okay, now it is your turn!! If you would like the "Honest Scrap" award, I nominate you! Just copy the picture and add it to your blog, tell us ten things about yourself and then nominate ten friends to share in the fun! Be sure to leave me a comment if you participate - I want to learn more about you too!

Southern Living Saturday: Unique Wall Art

2009-09-05T10:27:00.005-05:00

The cooler weather we have been experiencing has me in a "nesting" mode! I enjoy every season, especially the beginning of each of them. I get very excited to dig out the decor for each new season and give our home a different look. I try not to be too Holiday specific with the decorative items I choose, opting for items that will look nice for longer periods of time. A lot of the items I decorate with can be changed for each season just by adding different flowers or "fluff" to them!

I love our brick fireplace, but I would LOVE to have a mantel that looks like this! If you would like to create the look in the above picture in your home, these are the items you will need from our fall Southern Living at HOME catalog:

2 - Cordova Candle Sconces (item #40974)

4 - Filigree Iron Wall Sconces (item #41116) Instructions below!

2 - Jackson Square Lidded Urns (item #41233)

1 of the Olive Jar Trio set (item #41027)

2 sets of the Drake Firefly Lanterns (item #41208)

The Cordova Firescreen (item #41108)

Our Entertaining Bucket and Tray (item #40672) a Customer Special this month!

It will take four of these Filigree Iron Wall Sconces to create the circle. The votive holder is completely detachable (it slides into a bracket in the back) If you are like me, you don't want a million nails holes in the wall, so start by laying out the design you want to create on a piece of paper on your floor. To create the circular pattern lay each of the wall sconces at an angle, points touching at the top and bottom. Mark on the paper where the nails need to go. (hanging hardware is included with each sconce) Tape the paper to the wall and pound your nails according to your marks. Tear the paper off, hang the sconces and WA - LAH! You have unique wall art!

Wouldn't something like this be pretty hanging in the center of your new wall art? Or a simple grapevine wreath - the possibilities are endless!

Home Improvement Update Part Two: Bathroom

2009-09-02T07:36:00.003-05:00

It all started because I was really tired of this look:

I loved it when we first decorated it this way, but that was 8 years ago. It was time for a change! So while we were in Branson for our Anniversary weekend I found this shower curtain and some other accessories:

The Handsome Prince is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to get all camo'd up and sit out in the woods for hours. He has several trophies on the wall to show for his patience. This is the room you come in to from our garage. When we remodeled our house we added the shower in here because it works so great when you have been out in the yard working, or in his case covered in "Scent" so that the deer won't smell him.

Down came the wallpaper and all those little fish I painstakingly cut out and pasted all over the walls. (I am pretty sure Joe and Terry were mumbling about those by the time they peeled the last one off!) It took way longer than I thought it would, and the color isn't exactly how I envisioned it would look, but I am very pleased with the new look.

I really like how the color looks with our oak woodwork. It has a bit more orange than I saw in the paint chip, but I really like how warm this room feels now. "Yarrow" was the right choice!
It looks different depending on the light and shadows.

I still have so much work to do to get everything looking like I want! I have a wrought iron mirror I am going to hang above the sink instead of the big mirror that was (barely) there. I think it will look nice with the towel bars and other rustic accessories I have found to go in here. Lucy and Gatsby are thinking I am going to a LOT of trouble making their room pretty:)

I hope to be able to share completed room pictures with you soon!

Home Improvement Update: Part One

2009-09-01T07:48:00.003-05:00

I know, I promised an update on Saturday, but the work was supposed to be done by Noon too.
Neither thing happened. Joe thought they would be done in half a day, but things just kept happening and they were finally able to finish after five on Saturday. It looks beautiful and I am VERY happy with the colors we went with. I wish everything was back in it's place now, but it is not. I am trying to get a little done each night so I can finally get back to normal!

I took a bunch of photos, so I will do a Dining Room post, part two will be the bathroom progress and hopefully part three will be completed photos of both rooms!

Here is an action shot - Paint is finally being rolled on! "Notable Hue" looks a LOT darker here than it is.

You can see in this photo that the color is just a shade darker than what was there. This color is very close to the same shade of blue that our tile is.

Just a small mess compared to the rest of the house right now. They had to put stuff somewhere!

It seemed like we spent most of Saturday watching paint dry. We did go purchase a new chandelier. I'm really glad I waited to purchase this light, because I had a stained glass fixture picked out, but I don't think I would have like it once we got the paint on the walls.

I love the one we picked out! No more ugly brass with a chain that was too long!

I love this! Simple, but elegant.

See how pretty those ceilings are now? The kitchen is next on my project list!

With the money I saved by NOT going with the stained glass fixture for the Dining room we were able to replace two more fixtures that I have hated almost from the day we put them up! Yes, THREE for the price of one! The ceiling fan in the Kitchen is now gone, as is the ugly little can light that was above the sink.

Much better! Don't you think?

Bathroom photos tomorrow...

Southern Living Saturday: Gail Pittman pottery Sale!

2009-08-29T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have mixed emotions about the following announcement from Southern Living at HOME:

We are thrilled to announce our first Gail Pittman sale for September! Everyone will want to take advantage of our 30-day price reduction on these beautiful Gail Pittman products.We're also running a sale on Gail Pittman to make room for new Gail designs and extensions of highly successful recent product introductions. We won't be going forward with any Provence pieces or Sienna dinnerware in spring, but we will continue to carry almost all of the Sienna accessory pieces. Gail feels it's time to move on to new and exciting concepts, and we agree. Make sure your customers complete their collections this fall.

In October, you can count on a fall "White Sale," but you won't find any pillow cases or sheets on special. Instead, we will run a Gallery dinnerware sale with a few select accessories and related items. Again, we plan to make room for new designs that couldn't be introduced in the past because this slow-selling dinnerware occupied too much space. We won't be continuing it with the new spring catalog.

I know they have to make room for new things, but I LOVE these Collections! So for your planning purposes, here is the link to the sale flyer . I do plan on sending an order on September 1st. Since it says that quantities are limited I am assuming that the Provence items will go fast. If you are wanting some of these Hand Painted items to complete your collections PLEASE don't wait. You do not have to have a minimum purchase to take advantage of the pottery sale, AND your pottery purchase counts towards your $29.95 minimum purchase for the September specials!

Check back later today for a Home Impovement update!

Day Three

2009-08-28T19:48:00.002-05:00

Well they didn't get done today, but it will be done tomorrow!

I walked in the house to see this:

The light fixtures are out, so it is too dark to take good pictures. Sorry.

The dining room is taped off and ready to paint.

The ceiling got painted, but as it dried Joe saw some spots that he didn't like. So he repaired it and the mud needed to dry overnight. It will get another coat of paint and then they will do the walls!

So by noon on Saturday, we will have two new rooms! I can't wait:)

Day Two Update

2009-08-28T09:12:00.003-05:00

Thursday's progress reminded me how I feel when I spend all day cleaning out closets and organizing cupboards, only to have the Handsome Prince come home and ask "what did you do all day?" Joe got a LOT done, but they are the sort of tasks that are not as noticeable. They got the ceiling in the Dining Room sprayed with the "Knock Down" so it and the walls are ready to paint.

The ceiling looks so much better already! I can not wait to see it completed. I think we will go tonight to pick out the new light fixture. I have one in mind, I just want to re-visit it to make sure it is the one I want.

They got the rest of the nasty wallpaper down in the bathroom. The adhesive that was supposed to be holding the mirror in place had come loose so when Joe was working on the wallpaper around it, the mirror started to fall forward! He got it down with no breaking - YAY! Now I am not sure I will put it back either...

Today the ceiling in the bathroom gets done, and hopefully painting in both rooms. Joe and Terry want to finish today but will come in the morning if they can't get done. I hope they finish today too, because I am so EXCITED! It is going to looks so much better.

These are the colors I went with. I tend to choose colors that I like the name - dumb I know, but I do! On the left is the bathroom color, Yarrow. (the one with the "B" on it) The paint chip in the middle is the "Autumn Surprise" that I had thought I wanted in there. I'm so glad I didn't go with that dark of a color! It would have been a cave in there. For the dining room I chose "Notable Hue" (the one with the smudged "D") It is just a little darker shade than what is in there now, but I think it will look SO pretty. I can't wait to get home tonight!!

Day One Progress

2009-08-26T21:07:00.000-05:00

I am so very pleased with the progress made on Wednesday! The dining room ceiling looks so good! Joe said he thought one more round of mud and then paint on Thursday. And yes, there will be painting on the walls too:)

Progress in the bathroom is going a little slower than they had hoped. The wallpaper is being stubborn. Have I mentioned how glad I am that we HIRED someone to do this? I know we would have given up and I would have had to deal with a half done room.

The wallpaper is off, but there is still the sticky paper left to steam and scrape.

It looks so much better already!

I am so impressed with Joe and Terry. I really expected to come home to all that nasty white dust every where. Instead I came home to find the floors swept and no signs that workers had been here (other than the progress made) I can't wait to see what gets done on Day two!

More Change...

2009-08-26T11:25:00.004-05:00

Is it just us, or does everyone have home improvement projects that just seem to snow ball?

Remember when I told y'all about the Bathroom re-do? Well, I had finally decided on a color (Valspar Autumn Surprise) and had convinced the Handsome Prince that we really needed to get busy tearing that wallpaper down. Somehow that motivation never happened.

Then my parents had some ceilings repaired at their house. The painters are a couple that go to church with them and they did a fantastic job for a very reasonable fee. So I decided I would have them come by and give me an estimate on repairing this ugly water damage in my Dining room.

We have been growing really tired of the "cottage cheese" ceilings in our house. So we thought as long as we were going to fix it, maybe we should change it. Something else that will be changed is this ugly chandelier. I am SO over it.

Joe the painter came this morning to start scraping that ugly ceiling. Which means that I spent last night clearing everything out of the china cabinet and putting it back in the spare bedroom. Hopefully I can get everything put back where it belongs, and not break anything!

What does this have to do with the bathroom re-do? That is where the snow ball thing comes in. The fish bathroom is right beside the Dining Room. As long as you are doing the ceiling in the Dining Room, you may as well do the bathroom too - Right? And, since Joe is a Painter, he could probably tear that old wallpaper down for you since he has the tools. Not that the lack of the proper tools has been your excuse to put this project off or anything...

Joe wasn't too sure about my color choice for in here. He thought it was a bit dark, and too orange. Since there isn't much light in this room, I think I have to agree with him. So now I will have to make up my mind shortly, but I am leaning towards SW Yarrow. It has more of a yellow/brown hue.

This is the view standing in the Dining room, so you see why the two rooms really had to be done at once. I just think it is funny that we started out wanting to fix a nasty stain on the ceiling and now we are scraping two ceilings, removing wallpaper, repairing and re-texturing the walls and painting, probably two rooms. (as long as everything is out of the Dining room you may as well paint it too - right?)

Progress pictures to come...

Saturday - Southern Living Style

2009-08-22T12:59:00.004-05:00

I know I have been a little absent from my blog this summer, but I am going to attempt to get back in to a routine now that some cooler weather is upon us. Since I love a good theme, I think we will do a little decorating "How to" on Saturdays - sound like fun? I think so!

I love to rearrange things in our home all the time. When you have as many collections of things as I do, it is fun to move them from room to room. It is always amazing to me how it gives the room a new look, and also the collectibles. I will shop my house and try things in a lot of different places (and drive My Handsome Prince nuts!) before I will settle on a certain look. When I get bored with that look I just move things around again!

Storage seems to be a challenge no matter what size house you have. In our Master bathroom the only storage we have is under the sinks, which is clear across the room from the shower. Not very convenient! Where do you put the towels? My solution was this Baker's Rack. It is slender enough that it doesn't block the doorway and it holds a TON of stuff! Even though it is serving a very useful purpose, I still like for it to be decorative. I'm all about "The Drippage" :)

Along with the towels and wash cloths folded neatly on their shelves, I have added a few Southern Living at HOME accessories to make the room seem more warm and beautiful. (In my opinion anyway!) I have used the Camille Vases, Francesca Frames, Signature Flowerpot and a Jamestown votive.

The Camille Vases (item 41155) are hand blown glass and come as a set of two. I am using the taller one to hold a bouquet of flowers, and the smaller one works perfectly as a reed diffuser - and keeps it smelling good in here! You could also use these to hold cotton balls, makeup brushes, a candle - you name it. They are pretty and versatile!

The Signature Flowerpot (item 41183) is just the right size to tuck in the corner. It can be used indoors or out, and comes with its own little coaster to catch any spills from the drainage hole. My fake plant stuffed in here won't have that problem! It would work in the kitchen to hold utensils, or line with a napkin and make a unique serving piece for breadsticks - whatever! I think my glue gun and I may create another little topiary with one of these!

The Francesca Frames (item 41106) come in a set of three. The tall one will hold a 4"x6" photo, the medium a 3 1/2"x5" and the round opening is 3 1/2" diameter. I love the distressed finish, and the fact that they can be hung on the wall if I want. This set would make great gifts - put the new school pictures in them and you have three very affordable gifts that anyone would be happy to receive. I am printing a couple of my favorite Bible verses on pretty paper to put in mine!

Here is the view as you enter from our bedroom.

I hope you have enjoyed my first edition of Southern Living Saturdays! I hope I will give you some ideas that you can put to use in your own home. If you would like more information about any of the products I have featured today, leave me a comment or you can go to my website and click on "Our Products" for more information.

Have a great weekend!

An Amazing story - to me anyway!

2009-08-17T07:40:00.005-05:00

Let me tell the story about my Miniature Schnauzer, Teke (pronounced teak). I was 21 when I got him as my very first pet. He was just 6 weeks old and so adorable! He went everywhere with me. When I met The Handsome Prince it was definitely a case of "Love me, Love my dog" - and he did! Since we did not have children, he was treated like our baby.

On August 11, 1993 we had to put him to sleep because of a tumor I found in his ear that had spread in to his brain. He was 11 years old. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, and I was sure at the time I would never have another pet.

Then came a few cats, and although I tried really hard not to get attached, I did - I guess that's just how I am! Our latest kitties, Sylvester and Tweety seem to like it here okay, and the two of them can find all sorts of mischief to get into.

On more than one occasion Larry and I have discussed that we would like to get another dog. Last spring we even went and looked at a litter in a town near us, but we did not feel a connection with any of the pups and decided we just weren't ready to commit. Last week - on August 11th - I had just come in from work and Larry and I were talking and getting our dinner ready when I glanced out the bay window and TWO Miniature Schnauzers were in the back yard. They were obviously lost pets because I could see their collars and tags, so I flung open the sliding glass door and they came running in the house. We got them a bowl of water and put them in the laundry room while I called the vet from their tags. They gave me the owners information so I called her. She said she didn't own the dogs anymore, but would have the new owners call me. About a half hour later a lady called and got our address and said she would send her husband over - they were about a mile from our house.

While we were waiting on him to get here, Larry and I were discussing the possibility of keeping the dogs. When he got here he said they had only had the dogs 9 days and they had already run off twice. He said they didn't know what they were going to do. Larry and I looked at each other and Larry said to him we would be interested in keeping them. He wanted to go home to discuss it with his wife and we agreed. But we made a trip to Wal*Mart while we waited on his call! We bought bowls and a bed and dog food and a baby gate. Oh, and 2 stakes and leashes. At 8 O'clock that night we adopted Lucy and her son Gatsby. Lucy is 7 years old and Gatsby is 6 years old. They are very loving and already act like they have lived here forever. Larry doesn't like the name Gatsby, so he is calling him Max and he will come to either name. I call him Gatsby!

Here he is the first night we had him. Worn out from his bath and the excitement of the day.

And here is Gatsby after he went to see the Groomer on Friday! He is very proud of his new 'do! (sorry about the picture quality, I was using my phone)

This is Lucy before her haircut.

And loving her new look.

They seem to be adjusting very well. We have made them a "room" in the Laundry room for while we are at work. So far they haven't had any accidents so we may expand their living space. We are very excited pet owners, and spoiling them rotten already! Sylvester and Tweety still aren't very sure about them, so we have deemed the back yard their space and the dogs have the front yard!

So that's what is new at our house - what did you do this weekend??

Fall Catalog Reveal Party

2009-08-10T23:06:00.001-05:00

As a Collector, and an Independent Consultant with Southern Living at HOME, I look forward to the new catalog, and all the beautiful new products that come with it! Two times per year the Designers and Stylists amaze me with the creative ideas that they come up with for entertaining, organizing and decorating our homes. August 1st was the debut date for the Fall 2009 catalog, and it did not disappoint!

I ordered a few of the new products, and patiently waited for everything to arrive. While I waited, invitations were sent and our house was given a mini fall makeover. I planned the menu, wanting to keep the food simple (for me!) and made a buffet of fresh watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon, along with red and green seedless grapes. They were SO GOOD! I had to have something fattening, so I grabbed some of those frozen cheesecake bites, because I love them. I also had an antipasto platter with some yummy cheeses and crackers. It looked very pretty I think!

Everyone seemed to enjoy it! The dishes you see here are part of the Gallery and Cinnabar Collections, and the Gail Pittman Hand Painted casserole in Siena.

Of course I had to show off some of the classic pieces in our product line! I wanted my display to show how all of the collections mix and match beautifully. Everyone went on a tour of our home and I showed some different ideas for product use. One guest had to whip out her phone to take a picture so she wouldn't forget!

Then we settled in to our seats for the "unveiling" of new products! I used a piece of fabric to cover my display, and nearly broke the new Astoria dispenser when a string got caught on the pump. I wanted to create some drama, but this was not what I had in mind! All was well, it landed on the carpet unscathed.

Finally, I had a drawing for three Door Prizes - Congratulations to the winners!

Jackson Square tray - Michelle

Cinnabar Baker - Lisa

O's Big Book of Happiness - Denice

Thank you Ladies for coming and making the afternoon very enjoyable! I hope you enjoy your prizes!!

NW Arkansas Blog Buddies, You are Invited!

2009-08-01T16:01:00.004-05:00

Autumn is (almost!) in the air… Let’s get together for a fall affair!
You and your guest are cordially invited to attend my Southern Living at HOME
Fall 2009 Catalog and Product Reveal party. Come see the latest in our beautiful product line! I can’t wait for you to see these items, I know you are going to LOVE them!!

WHEN: Sunday August 9th, 2009 2-4 PM
WHERE: Our Home, leave me a comment and I will contact you personally with directions

A little “Homework assignment” - I will have a drawing, giving away FREE PRODUCT! You can earn as many chances to win as possible by doing the following:
*RSVP --1 ticket
*Come to the party--1 ticket
*Bring a friend--2 tickets for each guest
*Bring a meaningful photograph—2 tickets
*Shop!--2 tickets for each $30 purchase
*Schedule a Party for: September--7 tickets
October--5 tickets
November--3 tickets
*Bring $100 in outside orders from your friends who couldn't come--10 tickets

My “theme” for the day is “Photographs and Memories” I hope you will bring a special photograph and make some memories! I will be sharing a few decorating tips, and of course appetizers, desserts, and drinks will be served in Southern Living style! I hope I will see you Sunday, August 9th

They are here!

2009-07-22T11:35:00.007-05:00

The new Fall Southern Living at HOME catalog has arrived! It does not go in to effect until August 1st, but I CAN NOT WAIT to show these items to you! There is truly something for everyone in this product line. I will share just a few of my favorites...

This is the new Gail Pittman Alfresco Collection pictured above. The neutral color palette will work with any decor! The large Server holds 14 cups and the Accent plates would work great for a child's lunch plate or for a luncheon salad or dessert. I can SO see these in a certain someones Purple kitchen and her Mommas Green kitchen...

I have collected the Astoria Collection since I became an Independent Consultant three years ago. (They look SWEET with my new appliances!) This is the new Astoria Versatile Caddy and two of the Astoria Dispensers. How cute will this be beside the sink for your dish washing liquid and hand soap or lotion? The Cream and Sugar set will work in here too, or if you are setting up a buffet, just use two of the glass inserts from the Flatware caddy.

Our new Bistro Votive Holder. The rust-brown iron compliments the Galveston Collection, Covington Accent trays and the Drake Lanterns. You are going to want more than one with all the uses this little baby has! I can see these filled with different jellies and jams for a bagel buffet. Decorating cookies? Sprinkles and toppings will work perfectly. I bet we could find 101 uses!

I need more canisters like I need a hole in my head, but OH MY WORD! Are these Cinnabar Canisters not the most gorgeous? LOVE THESE!! MUST. HAVE. THEM.

Gail Pittman Hand Painted Canister in Provence and Siena. Beautiful!

The new Cross by Gail Pittman. This would make a perfect gift - for you and someone special!

Last weekend was the Annual Convention. Unfortuately I did not get to go this year, but another Consultant (Thanks Nancy!) shared some photos from my favorite part - the product Showcase! The Design team comes up with so many fabulous ideas! Here are a few that caught my eye!
I love to mix and match the Tuscan and Cinnabar Collections!

Convention was held in Dallas, so there had to be a Texas BBQ!

I Love how clean this looks. The Gallery Collection, Villa and Verde Collections are featured.

A great Fall Mantle idea. More proof that a Hurricane doesn't have to just hold candles!

If you haven't taken advantage of the Super Summer Sale yet, there are SO MANY items still left! The sale will continue through the end of July. If you would like to take advantage of the bargains in this sale flyer, please leave me a comment or send me an email and I will contact you privately!

Kitchen Makeover - Phase One

2009-07-04T21:25:00.004-05:00

Our Extreme Makeover, Kitchen Edition has officially begun!
Good Bye old, white appliances. You served us well.

I had forgotten how much I hate having things torn up! I have to keep reminding myself that the end result will be worth it! That is the new dishwasher waiting patiently for the plumber to install her on Friday afternoon.

Isn't it pretty?!

Saturday morning, July 4th, 2009. With no call or fore-warning whatsoever, the delivery truck showed up with the remaining appliances. I was NOT happy. At 8:00 on a Saturday, that also happens to be a HOLIDAY, would it be a good idea to call and make sure someone was up? Home? Out of the shower?? Trying to focus on the big picture, deep breath. Good Bye old side by side...

They had already changed the old range out by the time I was out of the shower and presentable. Good thing the Hubby was home!

New View from the Living Room...

And from the Dining Room. The Handsome Prince and his Brother installed the Microwave!

I am SO HAPPY with how these look! And it helped make the decision about the Granite pretty easy too - MUST HAVE!

Another cool thing I found out today - when the dishwasher is done this blue light shines on the floor! It is so quiet you can't hear it running

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Change is gonna come...

2009-07-03T12:24:00.007-05:00

We bought our home back in 1990, largely because of the location and land that came with it. A bachelor was selling it, and it needed a LOT of love, but was priced right. It had really good "bones" - hardwood floors throughout, three nice sized bedrooms and lots of potential. We knew our first projects were going to be remodeling the only bathroom and the kitchen. The bathroom HAD to be addressed immediately, so that was where we chose to spend the majority of our budget at the time.

As money allowed, we made little changes here and there. We eventually decided it was time to make a big change and basically gutted the house to add a Master bathroom and a Family room, make the existing garage the entry and an additional bathroom/utility room and dining room. The kitchen finally got it's makeover when we did this remodel. We chose very up to date appliances, tile and countertops at the time, and they have served us well.

Lately, we have been watching way too much HGTV and dreaming about making some changes again. The 90's called and they want their kitchen back!! I want to give it to them! Here is a view of our kitchen from the Dining Room. It's nice, but could be better...

The view from the Living Room. Still love my bay window...

So we've made a few trips to the Home Improvement stores and have started making a list of things we would like to do. Here is the Sensa Granite I am looking at. Blue Pearl - beautiful. Still making some tile decisions about the backsplash. We'll see...

These should be delivered this week, hopefully! A nice start to our Kitchen Makeover! I have wanted Stainless Appliances for what seems like FOREVER. I like the clean, timeless, classiness of them. Here is the Fridge I picked out. Samsung, French Door - Gorgeous!

Samsung Above the Range Microwave/Convection Oven. LOVE IT.

Samsung Range. The oven is a convection oven, with a warming drawer. Self Cleaning with STEAM. All I have to do is wipe it out!!

Electrolux Dishwasher. If I made the money Kelly Ripa does, I would have had the very cool range that came complete with a food thermometer/probe built in and the racks were on door glides like your dishwasher has. For the difference in price I could afford this dishwasher. Installed.

Progress Pictures coming soon!

Southern Living at HOME Super Summer Sale

2009-07-01T13:30:00.003-05:00

The summer sale has begun! Click here to get the Sale Flyer

Call me to place an order, or leave me a comment letting me know you would like more information!

Our American Idol is...

2009-05-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

The songs have been sung and the votes have been cast. Another season of American Idol is coming to a close tonight. Yes, I was one of the just under 100 MILLION votes cast last night. It took me until 10:15 to get through, but I was bound and determined that my favorite was going to have my vote! I have to wonder how many millions of people gave up because they had better things to do? Like sleep:) Some people actually have a life...

The two hour show began tonight with a look back at our journey this season. They had some cute video clips of the Judges and their little "quirks". Randy with his "For me, For you, for me", Kara and how she always says "Sweetie", Paula with the way she butchers the vocabulary and Simon - "What?"

The Top 13 started us out musically tonight with "So What?" Man this was a great group this year - lots of talent!

Our reigning Idol, David Cook is performing for the last time as the American Idol. "Permanent" was a VERY powerful, emotional song. David's older brother lost his battle with brain cancer earlier this month. This song will be available on iTunes and proceeds from the downloads will go to ABC squared to help with cancer research. It is a great song, and it reminded me why I loved him so much last year!

Every year they have the Golden Idol Awards that they hand out to those memorable contestants or wannabe's. The first award of the night was for the Outstanding Male, and went to Nick Mitchell - AKA Norman Gentle. I am still shaking my head on this one. WHY he wasn't dismissed during auditions I will never understand.

Next up is the first duet of the night. Lil Rounds got to sing with Queen Latifah. They did "Que the Rain" and Lil did great. She just needs to relax and she'll do fine. Jason Mraz stopped by to sing "I'm Yours" with Anoop, Alexis and a few of the other Top 12.

Kris Allen and KEITH URBAN y'all! performed "Kiss a Girl" Oh my GOODNESS! That was such a treat. I bet if you asked Kris right now, he would say that was one of the highlights of the season for him. Win or Lose.

Oh my Gosh! I forgot about Jasmine! OOPS!

Time for another Golden Idol. This time for Outstanding Attitude. The award goes to Bikini Girl. She comes out in a bikini again to prove she can sing (she still can't) and is joined by Judge Kara proving that she can. And then Judge Kara surprises us all by flashing open her dress to reveal a very nice bikini body. We then learn as she is clutching the dress closed that she did this on a dare with proceeds from the bet going to her favorite charity. The Handsome Prince then turns to me to ask, "We are recording this, aren't we?" LOVE this man.

OH! My little Danny Gokey is singing "Hello". LOVE me some Lionel Richie. OH MY!! There he is! Two of my very FAVORITE people! I will totally buy Danny's CD. sigh

Now Adam is singing one of my favorites, "Beth". What the heck is he wearing? Some sort of black alien costume. Oh, his performance is with KISS. Not at all obvious who the Judges, Producers and everyone affiliated with this show are for. Come on.

WOW! They have some great guest performances tonight. Santana people! Now THAT. That is good music! No screaming, no weird noises and grabbing at themselves. Just good old fashioned guitar and great vocals.

Jorge'! I forgot about him too. Now you know why I have to take notes...

Somewhere in there the Top Idol girls got to perform with Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas. And Adam and Kris were presented with new 2010 Ford Focus Hybrids. I got bored and my kitties were lonely and wanted to come in and snuggle with their new Mama awhile. That whole "not getting attached to them" speech I gave? Out the window. They are just too sweet. I digress...

Rod Stewart! Another favorite - "Maggie" This has been like being at a star packed concert tonight! How fun!

The Final Golden Idol goes to the Outstanding Female. And the winner is Tatiana Del Toro. I'm not sure how, but I had managed to wipe her memory from my mind. She's back like a bad dream. Handsome Prince says "She is like a cockroach - hard to kill" THAT my friends, is why I love this man! He can make me do the "snort laugh" when you least expect it:)

Finally, we have Adam and Kris performing"We are the Champions" with Queen. Wow.

And now, what we really want to know! Who won this thing?? Our American Idol for 2009 is:

KRIS!

He is shocked and doesn't even know what to say. I am screaming and whooping and hollering! I am surprised but SO SO HAPPY!!

YEAH!!!

And there you have it. Another season for the record books. Tuesday Treats will be back next week. The pressure is on...

American Idol Finale

2009-05-19T20:00:00.003-05:00

Tonight is the final performance night for Season Eight. It makes me a little sad to see it come to an end. We have our little routine down, rush home from work on Tuesday night, cook something quick and take our positions in front of the TV. Handsome Prince has the recliner, and I have a big comfy chair. I have my make-shift office - TV Tray with the laptop, pen and legal pad for note taking. Typing that, we sound like we might be a bit pathetic! We do enjoy us some Idol!

Wow! What a talented bunch of young people there were this year! Did I just sound like my Mom? There were several Contestants I really liked this year. Scott was an inspiration and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him - I bet as a singer/songwriter/producer he will be successful. Anoop had a lovely voice, and I don't think we have heard the last of him. I was really sad to see my little Danny go last week, but I know he will get a record deal and I can't wait to buy it!

There were a few that were disappointing. I really thought Michael and Matt had more potential than we saw from them. For Lil, I think she never got comfortable with the big stage and Alexis was a victim of the fact that there was just SO MUCH talent this year. Allison is just a young'n - you KNOW we are going to hear more from that fiery girl!

Then there are those that I am still shaking my head at. Nick?Norman? WHAT were they thinking?? Megan Joy, had a last name, lost a last name stayed WAY longer than I ever thought she should. What a journey this has been!

And it ALL boils down to the Final Two tonight. Adam and Kris will sing three songs each - one of their choice, one that Simon Fuller chose for them, and the song written just for the winner, to be their first single. Judge Kara was one of the co-writers. They flipped a coin backstage, and Adam will perform first.

Adam went with "Mad World" for his personal choice. Mr. Fuller chose "Change is gonna Come" and the song that was written for the single is called "No Boundaries". Y'all, I just can't imagine listening to an entire CD of this guy. All that screaming just gets on my nerves, and I can not watch him sing. The whole black nail polish, tight pants and tongue sticking out just grosses me out. I can't get past it.

Kris was at the piano for his personal choice, "Ain't No Sunshine". For Mr. Fuller's pick, "What's Goin' On" he played the guitar, and for "No Boundaries" he just belted it out. Now with Kris, I can totally imagine spending the money and listening to his CD, OVER AND OVER. He has a beautiful, pleasing voice. Judge Kara described it best tonight - Kris draws you in and makes you feel as if he is singing just to you.

I'm not even going to pretend to be impartial - I think you know me better than that by now! I REALLY want Kris to win. LOVE HIM! And I am hoping that it took me until 10:15 to get through to cast my vote is a good sign! We'll find out tomorrow!

What do you think? Let's discuss your Idol thoughts!

And The Winner Is...

2009-05-15T07:25:00.006-05:00

Those of you that have stopped over from Kelly's Show Us Where You Live Tour - Welcome! I have a tour of my Guest room too, but I need to take care of a bit of business first. I had a little giveaway this week to celebrate my One Hundredth Post, and I need to announce the winner!
We went really high-tech determining the winner:) I put every one's name in a dish, and my Handsome Prince drew one name out. Congratulations Lisa!! Thank you for your sweet comments, and I will be delivering your prize to you soon.

Now for the reason you are here!
Welcome to our Guest Room! This is one of my very favorite rooms in our house. LOTS of very special things are in this room. This is the view as you come down the hall from the Formal Living Room. I spent a weekend painting the walls a cheerful shade of pale yellow and all the wood work is painted Gloss White.

I am VERY Blessed to have several of the quilts that my Grandmother and Great-Grandma made. This pretty pink rose quilt on the bed was made by my Grandmother Johnson and given to Larry and I when we were married. Grandma was very proud of the fact that she made each of her grandchildren a quilt as a wedding gift. This quilt is special to me because Grandma taught me to cross-stitch and she cross-stitched the squares and then hand pieced the squares together. She also made the crocheted throw pillows you see on the bed.

I also love Bunnies! There are many in this room. Here is a close-up of one of the tassels I got from The Nester. LOVE IT! He looks so proud hanging there with all his lush frilliness! I also love my white crocheted curtains I found at WAL*MART! They are perfect in this room.

The Bed from the other side of the room. I have a few babies too...

The wall opposite of the bed. We got the vanity and dresser from Larry's sister Deborah. It was painted Bright blue with white trim before we were able to have it refinished. I am very pleased with how it turned out. The baby carriage was a gift from my Mother-In-Law.

Special Family photos. Top Row: Left to right we have my Grandparent and Great Grandparents on my Daddy's side, three Generations of wedding photos (My Great Grandparents, my Parents and my Grandparents on my Mom's side) More old family photos of my Mom's family. Bottom row: The Handsome Prince's Family photo, the smaller photograph is the last Thanksgiving before his Sister Deb passed away. The long skinny one is my Great Grandma Eckman's farm. The family is standing in the yard, and my Grandma was just a young girl. The Baby picture and shoes are my Mommy's, along with a more recent photograph of them.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great weekend!!

American Idol Results Show and a Reminder! Giveaway is Friday!

2009-05-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

Over 88 MILLION Votes.

And less than One Million separate the Top Two.

**SPOILER ALERT** Go read my Monday post, leave a comment to enter my Giveaway, and come back after you have watched tonight's results show! I'll announce the winner of the Gail Pittman Bountiful Cross on Friday:)

It was a busy night on Idol tonight. Lot's of "Fill" for the hour show. Alicia Keyes stopped by with an Idol gives back update and she introduced a young man named Noah who performed a song that he learned this week. Jordin Sparks, Season 6 Idol performed her new single "Battlefield".
And Katy Perry sang "Wakin' up in Vegas".

Remember when the results show was only 30 minutes? I want that back...

We were treated to video footage from each of the Top Three going on their home town visits. Danny got to be reunited with his good friend Jamar when he went home to Milwaukee. Jamar SO should have been picked instead of that crazy Norman/Nick guy. Danny has overcome, and grown alot during the last 10 months. He is my favorite, and I can't wait to buy his album! I know it will be good. I love his voice.

Kris came home to Arkansas and we gave him the royal treatment. His Daddy cried when he saw Kris the first time since he's been in Hollywood. (I did too!) I think Kris was most excited that he got a gift from his Favorite Restaurant - free cheese dip for LIFE! It's the little things in life, isn't it?

Side note - I'm so excited about GLEE next week!

Adam had some crazy big crowds in San Diego. He visited the local FOX station where he shared eyeliner application tips with the weather girl. He got to go back to The MET where he performed when he was a 10 year old. He even had a girl jump up on stage and pull her top off at one of his appearances. It takes all kinds...

Let me just say I have not had a good feeling about how the results are going to go this evening. My "dream finale" would be Kris and Danny, but I just don't see that happening. Even though my Danny has never been in the bottom three, I am worried for him tonight.

Okay, Dim the Lights, here we go...

The First Contestant that has made it to the Finale next week is:

KRIS

His Daddy is crying again. So am I. The local boy is making us proud! Even though I wasn't on board from the very beginning, Kris has really won me over more and more every week.

So it comes down to Danny and Adam. Many thought this would be the final two. I am now really certain I am not going to like this next announcement.

Who will it be?

ADAM

Yep. My Danny's going home.

And I cried again when he sang "You are so Beautiful"
I know Sophia is looking down on him, beaming with pride.

American Idol: TOP 3

2009-05-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

Tonight marks the 300th episode of Idol. Congratulations! And thank you for for all the enjoyment you have brought to our living rooms! After the Top Three were treated like Royalty during their home town visits, it's time to get down to business. They must sing two songs tonight, one that the Judges choose for them, and one they chose for themselves.

Up first is my favorite - Milwaukee native Danny Gokey. Paula chose "Dance, Little Sister" by Terrence Trent Darby. Not what I would have picked, but They didn't ask me. I don't think Paula should have gotten to choose either. Danny did a good job with the hand he was dealt. Randy and Paula both thought he did really good. The most negative thing Kara and Simon could come up with is they didn't like his dancing. HELLO! This is a SINGING competition.

For Danny's personal choice he went with "You are so Beautiful" by Joe Cocker. He changed the arrangement up a bit and it was nice. Good Job! VOTE!! VOTE!! VOTE!!!

Local Guy, Kris Allen is from Conway, AR. Kara and Randy chose " Apologize" by One Republic for Kris' first performance tonight. He played the piano and did a really good job. The Judges were all impressed too.

"Heartless" by Kanye West was Kris' personal choice. He went with the acoustic guitar and no band. Great Decision. VOTE.

Time out for a mini Rant. I don't think it is fair that Adam got the coveted last spot again this week. (his duet with Allison last week) I also think it stinks that the Judges have all but crowned him Idol Goddess. I think they are stacking the deck by having Simon choose the song for Adam too.

And I am hoping he chose to do a repeat performance of "Ring of Fire" for his personal choice song tonight.

Adam Lambert travelled home to San Diego this week. Simon called U2 personally to request permission for Adam to perform "One". For me it was just more screaming from him, and more gushing from the Judges.

For his personal choice, much to my dismay, Adam chose "Crying" by Aerosmith. Again, with the screaming. We get it. You want to be a rock star. I'm sure someone will pick you up.

In a perfect world, Danny and Kris will be the two Finalists, and then I will be happy no matter who is declared the winner. But I'm very afraid I will be sad tomorrow evening.

What do you think? Let's Discuss!!

My 100th Post - It's a Giveaway!

2009-05-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

In October of last year I started a little experiment that has grown into a really fun hobby for me. A few of my "Real Life" friends have blogs, and I enjoyed reading them. Then I began reading some of my friends favorite blogs, and I was discovering so many women with wonderful recipes and decorating ideas! I found myself drawn to some of these blogs on a daily basis, and began considering them my "friends" too. Soon, like it does for almost everyone I suspect, I found that I was hooked. I needed to try this too!

I have had so much fun watching Mason and Mackenzie and Peyton grow in real life, and keeping up with their activities through the blog world too. Even though I have never met her, I was so excited for Kelly as she and Scott looked forward to the birth of Harper. Like you, I cried and prayed like crazy in January when Harper was so sick when she was born. And I rejoiced and Praised God as HE performed a Miracle and Harper is now healed and home. My Husband can't understand this. "Have you ever met her?" No, but I know we would be friends if we did meet! Just like I know Shannon, and The Nester and The Mama's - Big and Boo, would be a blast to have over for a girls day out. Someday. Maybe!

No one is more amazed than I am that today I am posting for the 100th time. Did I really have that much to say? Wow. I started out with big plans for daily or weekly "themes". So far the only thing I have done consistently is my weekly American Idol thoughts. But you know what? Nobody is going to fire me because I haven't posted a Tuesday Treat every week! And if I need to take a few days off because "Real Life" happens - that's okay too! I'm still having fun, and I am documenting little pieces of our life along the way.

SO -

How would you like to win this beautiful Gail Pittman Bountiful Cross? To celebrate my 100 post milestone, I will give one special reader this beautiful cross to call their very own. All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me how much you LOVE my blog, and how much you would LOVE to have it! Or just leave me a comment! I'll draw for the winner and announce it on Friday.

Show us where you live Friday! Living Room Tour

2009-05-07T21:45:00.006-05:00

Welcome to our Home!

Kelly started a fun theme last Friday. Each week she is hosting a little linky party touring different rooms in our homes. This week is the Living Room and this sounded like fun to me, so I'm joining the party! I haven't put the Easter Decorations up yet, so you get to see those too! Just keeping it real. HA!!

When you come in the front door, this is looking in to our Living Room from the Entry. I am a big collector of things - art, crystal, Cobalt Blue Glass, Precious Moments. I got this Sofa Table from my parents. A few of my collections are here. I made the floral arrangement on this table.

This is the view from the hallway on the other side of the room. I love my Curio cabinet! It was a gift from Santa a few years ago. Yes, Santa still comes to our house.

View from the Kitchen.

I love antiques, but I don't have as many as I would like. I am very fortunate to have a few very meaningful pieces. This drop leaf table was my Great Grandmother's. Mom and Dad had it refinished and gave it to Larry and I when we were married. Very Special. We got the wonderful rockers at the Amish Store in Branson. That was a funny sight if you saw us hauling them home! Worth every bit of the grumbling I heard too! :)

This table belonged to Larry's sister Deborah. She passed away in 1996. She gave it to us when we were first married and it was used ALOT. It was in sad shape, and one of Larry's brothers likes to refinish furniture so we asked him to see what he could do with it. LOVE what he did with the black and natural pine. We just got it back a few weeks ago and I like how it looks in here.

This old Barrister Desk is a rescue from someones garbage. When Larry was a little boy his Dad found this by the curb and hauled it home. When we got it, it looked like it should go back to the curb. Little bit of love, and this is another one of my favorites. The Chair is a Flea Market find.

Sorry about the glare! Some of my Precious Moments and Cobalt glass. You can't see them, but the Rudolph Collection is on the bottom shelf for safe keeping through the year. I get them out at Christmas so they can be seen.

I really like the window treatments in this room. It's a HUGE window, on the north side of the house. I didn't want to block what little light we get in here, so I did sheers across the window and panels on each end.

SEE? It's dark in here most of the time! I wanted to try and show you how big the window is, but I'm not sure you can tell from this. It runs almost the entire length of the room.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed the tour. Hop on over to Kelly's Korner to check out some other beautiful homes. You can click on the link below.

On Monday I will be posting my 100th post! To celebrate I'm doing a giveaway. I hope you'll stop by to check it out!

American Idol Results Show

2009-05-06T20:52:00.002-05:00

**SPOILER ALERT** Come back later if you haven't watched the results show yet!

Well I've suffered through another hour long show that could have been done in 5 minutes.
Tops.

We've heard Slash.

We've heard Paula. Yeah, she's been on the show for EIGHT seasons and NEVER performed.
Huh.

No Doubt stopped by before going on tour. No new material, just going on tour. Probably why they were available.

Daughtry (one of my favorites, he SO got ROBBED) sang "No Surprise" from his new album. All of this while we are sitting on pins and needles waiting for them to JUST. TELL. US. WHO. THE. TOP. THREE. ARE.

Pretty Please.

The top three get to go on a hometown visit. They are treated to parades and get to do interviews - generally get the STAR treatment. WHO will it be?

Ryan points to the stools at the side of the stage. Tonight, you want to sit in one of those three stools. Side note: Don't they look UN comfortable?

The first Contestant that is safe and sent to the stool is Kris. WOW! I'm happy, but surprised.
And more nervous than ever.

Second person that is Safe and going home this week for a visit is Adam. Not surprised at this, and getting very scared for my Danny.

Allison or Danny? Who is safe? Who is headed home for good?

DANNY! He is SAFE!!! Happiness!!! He admitted that they could not hear on stage last night, and when he listened to his performance afterward he said he laughed at how bad that last note was! I'm so glad he's safe.

Have I mentioned Danny is my favorite?

Next week each contestant sings two songs - Judges choice and their choice. I can't wait!

So what did you think? Were you happy with the results? Let's Discuss!

American Idol: Top 4

2009-05-05T19:53:00.005-05:00

I know, it's only Rock-n-Roll, BUT I LIKE IT!

Tonight is rock week with Slash as the mentor. Are you like me and didn't know that Slash was a who, and not a what? Good thing Ryan filled us in that Slash was the lead guitarist for Guns-n-Roses. Now THEM, I know! This should be interesting, because we have two contestants who are obviously rockers, and two - not so much. I think it will be interesting to see how everyone does!

Adam started things out tonight in typical Adam style. He chose "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. Side note: this is the first time this song has been approved to be heard on Idol.
Let's be honest. At this point in the competition, your opinion has most likely been formed. Unless the performance by the contestant just really flops, it probably isn't going to sway your vote at this point. That is, if you vote. I do, but not for Adam.

Allison is up next with some "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. Our local FOX station had audio problems through most of her song, so we didn't get to hear it. I did hear the part where she told Ryan about going to Adam's hair stylist this week. You could tell - she has the longer version of Adam's hair now. I like her, but no vote.

Next, we were treated to yet another First for this season. Tonight there will be two duet performances. The first duet tonight is Kris and DANNY singing "Renegade" by Styx. I think this is a neat new addition to the show, but WHAT are they thinking putting the two, not so much rockers together? Rubbing salt in the wound? No voting on the duet performances (thankfully). I do think they harmonized well together.

Kris is next with "Come Together" by the Beatles. He had originally wanted to do Revolution and I have to wonder if that would have been better. I really like Kris, but he could be in trouble. No vote.

My FAVORITE! (I told you, opinions have been formed!) Danny chose "Dream On" by Aerosmith. Not his best performance to date, but I think he'll be safe. I VOTED

The final performance tonight was Adam and Allison performing "Slow Ride". I have to say that this was my favorite performance tonight. Their voices really compliment each other. No huge surprise, since these are the two obvious rockers. I enjoyed it because Adam wasn't screaming.

So what do you think? Who is your Favorite? Who do you think is in trouble this week? Let's Discuss! For more thoughts on this week's Idol, hop on over to BooMama's Blog. She graciously hosts a little Idol Linky party every week!

American Idol: Top 5

2009-04-28T21:47:00.004-05:00

The theme tonight is the Rat Pack, and we have a surprise Mentor! Jamie Fox stops by to offer advice to the Contestants. WOO HOO! We're getting down to the nitty gritty! No time for chit-chat, let's get to it! **SPOILER ALERT** Come back later if you don't want to know what happened tonight!

Kris Allen went first tonight with "The way you look tonight" WONDERFUL. Best yet IMO. Randy,Kara and Paula liked it, Simon did not. VOTE

Allison Iraheta turned 17 yesterday. She sang "Some one to Watch over me". She looked a LOT better tonight. Vocals were just okay for me. Randy, Kara and Paula liked it. Simon thinks she is in trouble. I think Simon may be right. No vote here.

Matt Giraud has been looking forward to this theme week. It's his thing. He chose "My Funny Valentine". Big song for the Dude that has spent so much time in the bottom three. I'm not sure he did enough with it to be safe. The Judges opinions were split - Randy and Kara were not fans and Paula and Simon were. No vote here.

Danny Gokey sang "Come Rain or Come Shine" SANG IT!! LOVED IT. Loved the vintage-look glasses too! Randy said Danny was the only one that could make and album and WIN. Kara told him he had been missing his swagger, and tonight he found his swag. Paula said he was STELLAR and he could see the finish line and Simon said he came out to prove a point. He felt like Danny was the best so far - Outstanding! VOTE!!!! VOTE!!!! VOTE!!!!

Adam Lambert sang "Feel Good,Feel Right" Randy thought it was a little theatrical, (ya think?) Kara said he was shocking, in a good way. I started voting about the time Paula started talking and didn't catch what she or Simon said. Didn't matter to me because my opinion has been formed. No vote here.

Danny and Kris were the Best tonight. Matt, or possibly Allison go home.

What did you think tonight?? Let's Discuss!!

Sopapilla Cheesecake

2009-04-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

***EDITED TO ADD*** 9/25/2009
Welcome Visitors from Kelly's Korner! I'm linking to an older post - this is one of my FAVORITE recipes! This is SO EASY - and so good! Very rich, you will want to cut it in to smaller squares, they don't look like much, but it is just enough!

At Bunco a few months ago the Hostess served the most fabulous dessert. It was still warm when she served it and OH. MY. GOODNESS!! Some of the girls called it "Heart Attack in a pan" and I've decided that is partly due to how yummy it is, and partly because there isn't one thing in this that could be described as healthy!

It sure looks pretty in my Gail Pittman Hand Painted Casserole...

Sopapilla Cheesecake

2 Cans Crescent Rolls (I used Great Value, Flaky crust style)

2 (8 ounce) Cream Cheese, softened

2 cups Sugar, divided

2 Tablespoons Vanilla

2 Tablespoons Cinnamon

1 stick of BUTTER

In a 9 x 13 pan, lay out one can of the crescent roll dough, pinching seams together. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, one cup of sugar and vanilla. Spread mixture across crescent roll dough. Cover with the second can of crescent rolls. In a saucepan, melt the stick of butter, one cup of sugar and cinnamon. Stir until well blended and pour over the top of crescent dough, spreading evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

New Additions and A GIVE-AWAY!

2009-04-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Meet Goldie and Sylvester... **EDIT** TWEETY and Sylvester...

While the Handsome Prince was out and about on Saturday (Staying away from the "Girl Party") he happened across a lady giving away these sweet kitties. After my traumatic experience in December, I wasn't sure I would have another pet. But we live in the country, and I can't stand mice, so cats are necessary! We talked, A LOT, after Baby was killed that when we did get another cat, we would get two. That way they would have a playmate, and hopefully not wander too far away from the house.

Sylvester is the livelier of the two. Very curious and spunky. He'll be mischievous!
Goldie is very laid back. Loves to have that spot right behind her ear scratched! Look out Goldie! He's gonna get you! I'm going to try very hard not to get so attached to these two. I'm not sure how that will work out for me, considering I spent the afternoon on the back porch taking pictures of them! And I've already named them. We'll see!

Now for the Giveaway news! I will soon be making my 100th post! What started out as a little experiment has turned in to a really fun hobby. Today's post is number 94, so I am estimating by next Monday, May 4th I will hit #100. I'll have details in that post about what you will have to do to win a basket of goodies! (I'll BET that it will be SL@H related!) Stay tuned for more details!

Party for the Cure 2009

2009-04-25T20:27:00.005-05:00

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held in NW Arkansas on Saturday. For the third year in a row I held my own little Fundraiser, A Party for the Cure. I donate a portion of my commission in Memory of my Sister in Law Debbie. She lost her battle with breast cancer on January 8th, 1996.

I had a little product tour around my house, showing some ideas for how I use the products in our home. These are the Camille Vases. I've taken some of the glass beads that you can buy at Wal*Mart or Hobby Lobby and created a diffuser in the smaller vase, and just added a candle to the taller one. You could easily use these in any room with tons of uses and they are on sale this month for only $9.95 with a $29.95 purchase. Wouldn't they make a great gift for Mother's Day?
Of Course I had some good food! You have to have snacks when you shop! Something salty, something sweet and something to drink. I've got it all covered! I bought some pink tulle and a lighter pink fabric remnant at Wal*Mart to set my "THINK PINK" buffet. I made Brownies and Sopapilla Cheesecake for my sweet choices. For my salty selctions I had some mixed nuts and dried beef and pickle roll-ups. So salty, but so GOOD!

The Sopapilla Cheesecake. I'll share the recipe on Tuesday for my Tuesday Treats!

I made Kelly's Cherry Limeade punch. So yummy! And EASY.

A closer view of the roll ups. A jar of dried beef, a tub of spreadable cheese, and baby dill pickles. Careful, they're addictive!

Throughout the year I accumulate more product than I should. Some items retire, so I don't need them for my kit to show anymore. Sometimes they are on special and I'll grab an extra to meet a personal sales goal. I pass the savings on to my customers, and donate a percentage of the sales. Here's some of the loot I have for sale.

It was a good time! Wish you could have been here!

American Idol: Now there are 5

2009-04-22T20:25:00.002-05:00

We had a Double Elimination tonight on Idol. The 45 Million Votes have been counted and the results are in. We got to watch Paula be Drill Sargent as she choreographed the Contestants for this week's Disco Group Number. I guess the producers wanted to remind us that Paula has Skilz, that's why they put up with her rambling each week.

Dim the lights, let's get started.

Lil Rounds. Ryan asked her to go take a seat on the far side of the stage, she is in the Bottom 3.
Something distracted me, and before I knew it Ryan was announcing that Lil was in fact, eliminated from the competition. Well at least they aren't dragging it out.

Next up was a medley of disco songs performed by some classic artists. (Respecting our Elders, I am). Freida Payne performed "Band of Gold", Thelma Houston did "Don't Leave me this Way" and KC, without his Sunshine Band "Did a Little Dance, Made a little Love". Let me just say, it appeared that it had been a while since KC last busted a move. He was relieved that it was commercial time.

Speaking of commercials, I'm loving the "Super Freak" Visa Debit card commercial! FUNNY!

Okay, Dim the lights, Let's get back to it.

Kris Allen, is safe.
Adam Lambert, is Safe.
Danny Gokey, is Safe. YAY! Happiness!!
Anoop Desai, is in the bottom three.
Allison Iraheta and Matt Giraud are asked to stand at the same time. Matt was saved last week by the Judges, but he didn't need their help this week. He is safe. Allison joins Anoop on the stools of doom. (Would you call them elimination stools?)

Little David Archuleta was back tonight! He performed "Touch my Hand" and then gave Anoop and Allison some words of encouragement. It was good to see little Archie!

Bring down the lights, here we go.

Anoop is going home. He knew he didn't do his best last night, so he was disappointed.

So what are your thoughts, do you think the right ones went home tonight? Who are your picks for the Top Three?

Let's Discuss!!

The 5 Finger Prayer

2009-04-22T10:38:00.003-05:00

You know those e-mails.

I get them all the time. Lay a guilt trip on me to forward to everyone I know. Every once in a while I get one that is SO GOOD I feel like I MUST SHARE. This is one of them.

This is so neat! I had never heard this before - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

American Idol: Top 7, Revisited

2009-04-21T19:20:00.003-05:00

It's Disco night on Idol! Since the Judges used "The Save" on Matt last week, Two Contestants will go home tomorrow night. No Mentor this week, No silly introduction for the Judges. I like this! I think they are trying to save time and they may have figured out how to edit some of the "Fluff" - Yay!

Up first tonight is Lil. She looks fantastic tonight! Lil chose "I'm Every Woman" and I had high hopes for her. Chaka Khan is exactly the type of artist Lil should be singing. I really liked this performance, and I would even go so far as to say it was her best to date. You could tell she was having fun. The Judges must have heard something different than I did, because they didn't care for it. Randy thought it was wild, Kara said that she had been waiting for Lil to do some Chaka and it wasn't worth the wait, Paula clued us all in that Lil had no voice yesterday, so she thought it was a great recovery, but Simon said it was her last performance. No Vote for us.

And please don't talk back to the Judges!

Kris is next. I was prepared to be disappointed when Kris revealed he was going to sing "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer. I just didn't see how he could pull this off. I've got to tell you though, Kris knocked my socks off! This performance was SO COOL! He completely changed the arrangement, slowed the tempo, played the guitar, and I loved it. I would buy this single. It reminded me of David Cook last season with his rendition of "Billie Jean". (How he made it his own) Kara told Kris he took a risk and it paid off - BIG TIME, Paula said it had a Santana feel to it (She was right! The only thing she said all night that made sense) Simon said it was Original, well thought out and a Fantastic job and Randy told Kris he was ready for the BIG TIME. VOTE

"September" by Earth, Wind and Fire was Danny's disco tune. I liked this performance. It was very high energy from start to finish and his vocals were fantastic. Was it my favorite Danny performance? No, but this isn't the type of music I see him making either. I don't think he hurt himself any with this song choice and performance. Randy said he was worried about the song choice, but felt that Danny worked it, Good job! Kara agreed with Randy and said Danny's pitch was SO RIGHT ON, Paula said he had a Sexy voice (Okay, two things Paula got right tonight! Must not have put the additive in her Coke glass yet) Simon said he couldn't fault the vocals at all, but he didn't get "Star Power" from the performance. WE VOTED!

Allison was next with "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer. WHO is dressing this child? Her outfit was a Hot mess, and so was this song for me. I don't like what she did with the arrangement and I'm ready for this to be OVER. This girl can sing, but this performance didn't do it for me. Randy didn't like the arrangement either, but he said he loved Her, and thought she was one of the best singers in this thing, Kara agreed with Randy(She does that a LOT) Paula babbled and Simon said he thought it was a Brilliant Performance. No Vote for us.

Adam chose "If I Can't Have You" from the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever. Randy said Adam is ready. RIGHT. NOW. Kara said he was Brilliant, Paula cried, She could FEEL him, (She's found the additives for her Coke) and Simon thought he made it something original and it was memorable. I think you know by now, No Vote for us

Matt is back with his hat! He went with the Bee Gee's "Stayin' Alive". One problem, Matt isn't the Bee Gee's and I don't think he is Stayin Alive. Randy didn't love the song choice or the arrangement, but thinks this is a talented group of kids this season, Kara thought he brought Disco back, Paula said Matt picks songs like she bowls - sometimes you get a gutterball, and sometimes you get a strike. Tonight was a Strike. Simon didn't like it. No Vote for us.

Anoop finished the show tonight with Donna Summer's "Dim all the Lights". I didn't like this either. Maybe I'm too tired tonight, these songs are just making me crabby. Randy, Kara and Paula liked it. Simon said it was Mediocre at best. No Vote for us.

So that's it for Disco week. The Best Performance for me tonight was Kris. Hands Down. I think we will see a repeat of last week's bottom three - Lil, Matt and Anoop. I predict Lil and Matt go home.

What did you think? Let's Discuss!

The Topiary Project - Complete!

2009-04-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend.

We went out to eat on Saturday evening with our good friends Bob and Lisa. We wanted to try Crabby's because none of us had been there yet, and we like to try new places once in awhile! OH! MY GOODNESS! The food was so good! I would HIGHLY recommend.

Last week I showed you how I made a Topiary. I told you that I needed another fern for the tall one, and I had not done the shorter one yet. For accountability's sake, today I present the finished products!

A closer view of the shorter one...

The taller one with it's extra fern...

Such an easy project, and so much fun! Plus I have the satisfaction of knowing I spent less than $50.00 for supplies to make TWO (with leftover supplies to make at least one more) and the inspiration for this whole project was priced $169.95 and wasn't as tall as the base of my shorter one. HA!

NW Arkansas Party for the Cure!

2009-04-17T20:39:00.007-05:00

Think Pink!
It’s time for my 3rd Annual Party for the Cure!!

Please help me raise money for
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Saturday, April 25th 2 PM
Southern Living at HOME party
**in my home - contact me for details**

Shop with your friends for a good cause!
If you bring a friend, you will both receive a gift!
Wear Pink and I will give you $5.00 off of your order!!!
I will have many current and retired items here for you to purchase –
PRICED TO SELL! (Starting at $5.00)
A donation of 10% of the retail sales from this Southern Living at HOME party will be made to our local Ozark affiliate in Memory of Larry’s sister Debbie.
Together, we can help eradicate breast cancer through the advancement of research, education, screening and treatment.

If you are unable to attend, I hope you will take a few minutes to check out the
April Only Spring sale Flyer. There is NO MINIMUM purchase required to take advantage of these specials! Quantities ARE NOT limited! At these prices, it is a great time to stock your gift closet. AND, these items count towards your $29.95 purchase to qualify for this month’s Specials. It just doesn’t get much better!

So that I can plan the snacks, please e-mail me,
Sherri Rice, Independent Consultant

Southern Living at HOME

American Idol: TOP 7 Results Show

2009-04-15T20:41:00.002-05:00

Who is going home tonight? I have formed my opinions, and visited several of my friends blogs to discuss their thoughts with them today. That is the fun part about this show for me. Everyone has their favorites by now, and some of us have VERY strong opinions about them! Tonight we will get to hear Idol Alum Jennifer Hudson and Hannah Montana is in the house! You know the drill, **SPOILER ALERT** Come back later if you are behind on your DVR watching!

Ryan reminds us that The Save is in play for only two more weeks. Will the Judges use it tonight? The Finale is a little more than a month away. It seems like just yesterday we were listening to the try-outs! The Top 7 performed "Maniac" from Flashdance for their group number this week. In my opinion, it is a good thing they weren't being judged on that! Not so good for me.

Alright, let's get down to business! Dim the lights, we are building the Bottom 3.

1. Allison - SAFE
2. Adam - SAFE
3. Anoop is in the Bottom 3 for the third week in a row. You can tell he is getting frustrated. This surprises me, because I didn't think he was bad last night.

Jennifer Hudson performs "If this isn't Love". Such a pretty girl. She has had a roller coaster year. Loving the bling she is sporting on her fingers tonight. When the song is almost over, My Handsome Prince said he "Hoped the album didn't cost more than a dollar" Causing me to snort as I laughed until I had tears! My man, he has his moments.

Who will join Anoop? Dim the lights and we'll get back to it.

4. Kris and
5. Lil are asked to stand at the same time. Kris is finally told that he is safe, and Lil will join Anoop.

6. Matt (IS That a huge zit in the middle of his forehead?) and
7. Danny stand at the same time. I really dislike this drama that Ryan tries to build - just TELL US WHO IS SAFE!
Please.

Danny has not been in the Bottom three yet, and he is safe again this week. Matt joins Anoop and Lil .

When we are back from what seems like an hour of commercials, Ryan is going to give one of the three some instant relief. Anoop is sent back to the couch. So Matt and Lil have to wait until after Miley Cyrus sings to learn their fate.

Man! Those Quiznos Toasty Torpedo sandwiches look good! Only $4 - Cheap Lunch!

Okay Dim the lights, let's get to it. After 36 Million Votes, America has spoken and Lil is...

SAFE. Matt is singing for his life, while the Judges deliberate whether or not to use The Save.
And MUCH to my surprise, the Judges DID save Matt. That means that TWO Contestants will be sent home next week - AND it is DISCO week. Ouch!

So what did you think? Did America get it right? Did the Judges? Let's Discuss!

THIS! Is American Idol! Top 7

2009-04-14T19:05:00.003-05:00

It's Idol Night! Tonight the theme is "Songs of the Cinema" with the great Quentin Tarantino acting as Mentor this week. This theme can be a bit scary - Big songs, BIG shoes to fill and the talent isn't always there to support the expectations. We are down to an hour show, so the Judge's will be giving their opinions in teams tonight. I guess they learned their lesson last week! Let's get this thing going! **SPOILER ALERT** Come back later if you haven't watched and don't want to know!

Allison is first tonight. She chose "I don't want to miss a thing" by Aerosmith. LOVE this song! She can usually sang, so this should be good! Um, kind of a shaky start for me. Not my favorite performance by Allison. Paula thinks she has a special sauce, Simon thinks it's BBQ? Simon said he thought she was the girls' only hope left in the competition. No Vote for me.

Anoop chose "Everything I do, I do it for you" by Bryan Adams. LOVE this song too! Quentin suggests to him that he "rough it up" a bit. Anoop listened to him, and I LOVED IT! This was one of my favorites, EVER from Anoop Dawg. Randy said "WOW! Anoop Dawg you have found your zone!" And Kara thought this was his best performance to date. VOTE!

Adam is next and is singing "Born to be Wild" from Easy Rider. You never know what you are going to get with Adam. He's back with the spikier hair and manscara. And the screaming. I loathe the screaming. Paula babbled something, but I think she liked it, Simon didn't think it was as good as some of his performances have been. No Vote for me.

Matt is doing another Bryan Adams song. "Have you ever really loved a woman" is another of my favorites. So far I didn't need to worry about their song choices! Matt started out really good with this song, and then it just went downhill. Randy said he felt like Matt fell down more than he won, and Kara pretty much agreed. No vote for me.

MY FAVORITE, Danny is next. Danny bought a guitar this week. He's going to learn how to play while they are on tour this summer. And he chose one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME! "Endless Love" brings back all kinds of good memories for me. sigh I think Danny has some good memories too, because you could feel his emotion as he sang. I loved it. LOVED. IT. Paula thought he started out a bit off, but about midway he hooked it and slayed the end. Simon thought it was good, but he was disappointed that he didn't do anything different. I LOVED IT - VOTE

Kris picked a song from a movie I had never heard of. "Falling Slowly" was a perfect song for him. Maybe it was because I don't have anything to compare it to, but I thought this was WOW! Really good job! Randy didn't think it was quite it for him, but Kara thought it was one of his best moments ever. VOTE

Last up tonight is Lil. She chose "The Rose". Hmm. A little scared for her. This was actually a pretty good performance. Poor Lil has struggled and I think it is do or die for her and she is feeling the pressure. Paula thought it was a beautiful lyric. I'm still not sure she was complimenting Lil with that comment though. Simon said he was annoyed and Lil tried to defend herself but we were out of time. No vote for me.

Top 3 tonight for me are Anoop, DANNY and Kris.

In trouble are Allison, Matt and Lil. I think Matt or Lil go home.

What did you think? Let's discuss!

Another Craft Project: Topiary

2009-04-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday!
I hope you had a great Easter! We had a wonderful weekend. Got a lot of things done around the house, and shared a fabulous meal with my family. Mom had ham and potatoes - Yummy!

On a recent trip to my favorite project store - AKA Hobby Lobby - I spotted the most gorgeous topiary, EVER. Then I saw the price tag, and was certain I was reading that WRONG. Over $100.00 instantly put it out of my price range, even if it did ever make it to a Half Price sale, or a 40% off coupon. The things I loved about it were the iron base, and a Fleur Di Leis finial they had put on top.

I put my "thinking cap" on, and went to the 80% off aisle! I found two heavy iron candle sticks marked down to $6.00 and $8.00. NOW We're TALKIN'! Off to the floral department where I grabbed some of the green Styrofoam balls in two different sizes and a few kinds of moss. The silk bushes were 50% off and I found a fern that looked fairly realistic. Now I needed a finial, so off to the aisle with the drawer pulls, also 50% off. I couldn't find a Fleur Di Leis that would work, but for $2, I liked this one just fine! So for less than $30.00 I have enough materials for TWO topiaries! Much better price, and my Good Friend HGG (hot glue gun) has been missing me anyway! Here's what I started with:

I used Spanish moss on the larger ball that I will use as my base. Work in small sections, putting some glue on the Styrofoam and CAREFULLY place a handful of moss on it. Remember, it is called a HOT glue gun for a reason! :) But it also works the best. I tried the spray adhesive and it doesn't hold as well for this project. For the top ball I used a lime green Reindeer moss.

Once I had the moss glued on both of the Styrofoam balls, I had the Handsome Prince bring me in a stick from the yard. He whittled it a bit on each end to form a point, making it easier to stick in to the foam ball. I cut the silk fern apart, and stuck it in to the Styrofoam. I actually think I need one more, so that will be an outing later this week. To finish it off, I stuck the drawer pull on top!

One down, and one (the shorter one) to go! This is where I decided I had better glue this to the candlestick, because we were leaning just a bit. The picture below is after the glue.

I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. I'll finish the other one this week, and hopefully have after photos for you then!

American Idol: Top 8 Results

2009-04-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

Frankie Avalon started the show out tonight. Ryan thought we should go ahead and carry this week's theme over to tonight. It seems that Simon's birth year is 1959 and Frankie had the hit "Venus" that year. They started out showing an old video clip, and before you knew there he was - Frankie in the flesh!

I guess I should issue my **SPOILER ALERT** Come back later if you want to be surprised about tonight's Results show!

Next we were treated to some behind the scenes footage of the Contestants making this week's Ford commercial. They all look like they were having fun! We also learned that Anoop is not a fan of the glitter. He only wore it because they made him! Okay! Dim the lights, Let's get to it.

1. ADAM - safe
2. KRIS - safe
3. ANOOP - Bottom 3

He has to squirm and worry while a bunch of people come out on stage. This is where I remind you once again that I RARELY listen to anything other than Contemporary Christian or Country music. The audience seems really excited that someone called FLO RIDA is about to perform. I would have spelled it Flow Rider, but the kind people at FOX put it right up there on the screen for me. Are they a group? Or is it just the guy with lots of back up? If Ryan had not said the name, I would have thought we were going to see a vacation video for the Sunshine State. All I know for certain is that if the "songs from the year they were born" theme didn't make me feel sufficiently old - this performance was the icing on the cake!

Bring down the lights, back to the results.

4. DANNY - safe YAY! Happiness!
5. MATT - safe
6. SCOTT - Bottom 3
7. ALLISON and 8. LIL. One is safe, the other joins Anoop and Scott on the stools. Allison is safe, and Lil has to join the boys on the other side of the stage.

Ryan asks Simon about "The Save" and if he thinks they may use it this evening. They can only use it once, and they only have 3 more weeks that it is good. (kind of humorous to me, The Save has an expiration date) Anyway, Simon says that there are one or two that they would consider using it on tonight. I'm guessing he was referring to Anoop and Lil.

Season 5 Contestant Kelli Pickler stopped by tonight. She is cute! I'm not sure I'm liking her new 'Do, but I wish I had that Bod! Not my Favorite performer, but she's cute. And she helped fill the hour.

Time to send one Contestant back to Safety. Ryan quickly puts Lil out of her misery and sends her back to the couch. So we're down to Anoop or Scott. Who is it going to be? There were 34 Million votes last night, and only 30,000 seperate these two. Gee, I bet that makes them feel better - NOT! Anoop is Safe, Scott is singing for his life.

I actually think Scott sang a little better tonight. The Judges were split 2-2, so Simon had to make the final decision and Scott is going home. He showed a lot of class. I am really conflicted about this. I was pretty sure he was going home, but it still makes me sad. He is very talented, but Scott isn't the American Idol. I hope that he has caught the attention of the industry, and can have a successful career.

That's it for this week! What did you think? Agree? Disagree? Let's Discuss!

THIS! is American Idol! Top 8

2009-04-07T21:41:00.004-05:00

We're down to eight tonight. The theme this week is "Songs from the Year the Contestants were Born". This is always a fun week, and we are starting right off tonight with Baby pictures - OF THE JUDGES! And Seacrest. HA! Ryan is a redhead, who KNEW!? I never would have guessed that he colors his hair. (snicker snicker) It's only an hour show tonight, so I will issue my ** SPOILER ALERT** and warn you to come back later if you don't want to know about tonight's show. Let's get down to business!

Danny Gokey started us out tonight with a song from the year I graduated High School. I'm feeling really old admitting that! Danny was born on April 24, 1980. He chose "Stand By Me" by Mickey Gilley. I loved Urban Cowboy, but this song choice immediately made me nervous. And Danny stepped up and made this song his own! I've made it no secret that Danny is my Favorite, and I LOVED this performance tonight. The Judges all thought it was a great way to start the show tonight. VOTE!

Kris Allen was born on June 21, 1985. He chose the Henley classic, "All She wants to do is Dance". Good song, but I did not like this performance AT ALL. Kris has been winning me over the last few weeks, but tonight I had to get back on the fence. Judges didn't like it either. I like how Randy explained to him that HE got lost in the song. I hope he stays around a little longer, but I did not help his cause tonight. No Vote.

October 20, 1984 Lil Rounds came in to this world. Lil is her real name, named after her Grandmother Lily. Her Mom shortened it to Lil. She went with Tina Turner's classic "What's Love got to do with it" I thought this was MUCH BETTER than Lil has been the last three weeks, but the Judges still weren't pleased. I'm getting very worried for Lil. No Vote.

Here's some Idol Trivia for the books - Anoop Desai shares a birthday with DAVID COOK! They were both born on December 20, 1986. Anoop made points with me tonight, because he apologized for his reaction to the Judges criticism last week. He chose Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors". And I was completely surprised, but I LOVED it! Judges loved it. VOTE.

Scott MacIntyre was born June 22, 1985. He surprised me tonight because he did NOT play the piano, and he did play the Electric Guitar. "The Search is Over" is the song he chose. It wasn't good. This could be the final week for Scott. No Vote.

The baby of the group was next up. Allison Iraheta's birthday is April 27, 1992. Her Mother was worried when she was younger, because she talked ALL the time. She sang one of my very favorite Bonnie Raitt songs, "I can't make you Love Me". Very Good! VOTE.

Matt Giraud was born on May 11, 1985. He went with "Part Time Lovers" by Stevie Wonder. I can't remember a thing about this performance. I know I didn't vote.

Adam Lambert was born on January 29, 1982. It's been a "Mad World" ever since. Simon gave him a Standing Ovation. I can not, and will not deny that it was a great performance. I just can't vote for this guy.

So, my Top three tonight were DANNY, Anoop and Allison. I would guess that Lil, Scott and Matt are in the Bottom three, and I think we say Goodbye to Scott. What did you think? Let's Discuss!

AMERICAN IDOL: Top 9 Results Show

2009-04-01T20:14:00.002-05:00

**Spoiler Alert** I'm about to tell you everything that happened on tonight's show. Come back later if you don't want to know yet!

36 MILLION Votes last night - another record! Ryan asked Simon who should be worried tonight. He responded (rather quickly) Anoop, Matt and Megan. I'm hoping Megan. We'll see in a little bit. The first performance tonight was the Top 9 doing the classic Journey song, "Don't stop Believin' ". One of my favorite groups, and songs. They did a good job with it!

The Ford commercial was pretty good again this week. Then we were treated to a short video of what the contestants do all week. They all seem to genuinely get along very well. They do impersonations of each other. Very FUNNY!

Okay, Dim the lights, here we go:

Ryan asks Megan, Matt and Kris to stand and move to the far side of the stage.

Adam, Lil (LOVE her outfit tonight), and Allison go to center stage.

Scott, Danny and Anoop form the third group near Ryan. He teases us that one of these three groups represents the bottom three. Who could it be? We will have to wait until after our current Idol, David Cook performs his latest single! I'm so excited for this - I LOVED Cookie last year! "Come Back to Me" is a great song, and after his performance Ryan presented him with a plaque representing his Debut album going Platinum! He has sold over a million copies in just three months - WOW!

Okay, Bring down the lights, let's get to it.

Kris - SAFE
Matt - take a seat. He thinks Bottom 3, then Ryan tells him he is SAFE
Megan - She tells Simon she doesn't care about his opinion. Ryan tells her she is in the Bottom 3, and she does some sort of chicken dance and that "Caw-ing" noise. Good Grief I hope this is it for her.
Lil - SAFE
Allison - Bottom 3
Adam - SAFE
Danny - SAFE (YAY! Happiness!)
Scott - SAFE
Anoop - Bottom 3

The next performer tonight is some chick named Lady Gaga (sp?) singing (Screaming) a song called Poker Face and it just made me feel old. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Ryan asks the Judges if they would consider using The Save on any of these three? Simon says only One of them. Alright let's find out who is going home.
Allison is Safe.
Anoop is

SAFE!

Which Means MEGAN IS GOING HOME! Thank you Jesus!! Simon told her when she said she did not care, nor do we. They will not consider The Save for her, so this is her swan song. She did graciously Thank everyone, and then got emotional when she said "Baby, Mama's coming home"

Next week the Top 8 will be performing "Songs from the Year they were Born". Should be a good one! So what did you think? Did America get it right? Who do you think is in trouble next? Let's discuss!