Monday, August 17, 2009

An Amazing story - to me anyway!

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??

Monday, August 10, 2009

Fall Catalog Reveal Party

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!!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

NW Arkansas Blog Buddies, You are Invited!



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

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

They are here!

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!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Kitchen Makeover - Phase One

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!!!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Change is gonna come...

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!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Southern Living at HOME Super Summer Sale

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!