The Rice Family Thanksgiving

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!!!!!!

Stella & Dot Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

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!

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)

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!!

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

A little bit of cleaning got done

I've got company coming for Thanksgiving, so I need to get busy and get this house cleaned! I'm easily distracted, mostly when doing tasks I'm not fond of. So what started out as grand plans to clean the kitchen cabinets out, and organize their contents, ended up being organizing the counter tops and changing the window treatment. I've still got two more weeks to clean!

Close up of the Tea Towel I found in this quilt shop I love in Branson, Mo. I have all of these colors in my kitchen, so I was really excited when I found these, and napkins. Here's what I did with them:

I used a tension rod, and hung the napkins over it - no sewing necessary! I started with the center one, then the two ends, and finished up with the two in betweens. It looks really cute, and much more fall-ish than the white Battenburg lace that I had there.

Then I decided that all of the pretty pottery and glass in my bay window really needed to be washed, so I pulled all of that out of the window and gave it a bath in some warm soapy water. The window looked so bare, and I got to thinking about Thanksgiving, and that I would need to set up the Dining room table as a buffet, so I would have to clear my centerpiece off and put the pretty dishes away, so where would I put that centerpiece? AHA! The bay window!

Looks kind of pretty, don't you think? Now if I could just get that excited about the inside of the cabinets!

Turkey and Dressing - for Halloween!

It's after 5 PM and you just got home and you want a quick meal before the Trick or Treaters start ringing your doorbell - What to do? If you have these ingredients in the pantry and the fridge you can have a fantastic meal in thirty minutes! Rachael Ray would be PROUD! Here's what you'll need:

Turkey breast Cutlets
Stuffing mix
Whole berry cranberry sauce
Applesauce
flour
salt and pepper to taste
Canola oil

Salt and Pepper cutlets. Dredge in flour. Heat 1-2 Tablespoons of Canola oil in a large frying pan. Place the floured cutlets in hot oil and brown on both sides.

Next, open the cranberry sauce and add approximately 1 cup of applesauce to it. Stir together and warm over low heat. While this is heating, prepare the Stuffing mix according to the package directions.

Remember those Bolillo rolls from our pizza the other night? I had a couple of those left, so I sliced them in half, buttered them, sprinkled some garlic powder and Parmesan cheese on them and stuck in the oven at 400 degrees until they were brown.

The turkey is ready...

And here is the finished product!

Plated up...

I managed to cook all of this with one hand while taking pictures with the other! Larry isn't the only one that thinks I'm crazy! To think, before I started this blog I used to just cook, never giving any thought to whether that would look better setting over here or over there...

Do you think I'm pretty??

Would you believe that this...

Could become this?

You will need a few supplies. A pair of scissors to cut your ribbon, some wired ribbon and a pair of wire cutters.

Two packages of copper pot scrubbers. Six Individual scrubbers.

The container of your choice. I got this one here. It is called the Renaissance Hurricane, item 40804 on page 25!

Your choice of fall foliage. Go out in your yard and get some clippings from trees! I don't like bugs, so I went with fake - thus the need for wire clippers. Trim the ends once you have the shape you want. I just kept adding a stem, one at a time, building a "bouquet" in one hand. I bent the stem where I wanted it cut and then trimmed them all at once. If the thought of this scares you, buy a ready made bouquet!

Unroll those scrubbers! Kind of like unrolling a pair of pantyhose! Push down in the center and the wire should pop loose fairly easily. Line the glass cylinder with the scrubbers, leaving room in the center for your stems. If you are using fresh flowers, I would put half of the scrubbers in, arrange your flowers, and then fill in with the remaining scrubbers.

Cut the wired ribbon to your desired length, and tie a bow! I like the ribbon with wired edges because it is much easier to get the bow to stay how you want it! Wasn't that easy? You can do it!