Where have I been???

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

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!

Stella & Dot: Your Passport to STYLE!

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

New Additions and A GIVE-AWAY!

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!

Spring has Sprung!

Welcome Spring, 2009!

I love the change of seasons, but I especially LOVE spring. I've been busy (in between watching all this Reality TV) putting out some of my spring decorations. I enjoyed the Spring Fluffing tour that Rhoda from Southern Hospitality hosted earlier this week. LOTS of GREAT ideas there, if you haven't checked it out, you should! Another of my Favorite Blogs is Bless our Nest. Shannon has been busy fluffing her nest this week too! Everything looks so cute, but I am always inspired by her! She is one very creative Lady. She is showing off some of her work on her blog, check her out too!

In Honor of the First Day of Spring, I thought I would show off a little bit of my spring decor. This is my Entry. I have my Cross Collection in here. I added Easter grass and eggs, along with a few silk Forsythia stems to my sconces on either side of the painting. I love how this looks against the dark blue-gray paint we have in here. You can click on any of the pictures to make them bigger.


Remember my Easter Egg Project? A few of them showed up here! The small framed cross I found at Lifeway a while back, it has "My Verse", Jeremiah 29:11 on it.

Sorry these are a kind of dark, the Living Room is on the north side of the house, it's always dark in here. This is our Formal Living room, and I love me some flowers. (as if you couldn't tell!)

For the sofa table I made an arrangement in one of my Southern Living at HOME canisters. I used the Forsythia stems to hang some glitter eggs I got at Walgreen's a few years ago. The flash made them look glow-in-the-dark!

A couple more of my painted eggs for the table in front of the window.

Moving on to the kitchen, I love changing the bay window display. I hung a new cross in the middle window too. The bloom in the center symbolizes "New Life", an appropriate message for any time of year!

Here is our Dining Room. I'm all ready for company! If you like the centerpiece, you can see how I made it Here.

Another of my painted eggs made it's way to the mantle in the Family room. I made the "moss" ball last year, another simple project! A bag of moss, some hot glue and a styrofoam ball.

I rearranged the furniture in here too. I wanted a different look, so I moved the couch over in front of the fireplace, since (I hope!) we won't be using it for awhile now! I did not move our art work though, because I wasn't sure I was going to like the furniture this way. So Please overlook that it isn't centered, okay? I'm still finishing up on last large egg, and I'm in the process of painting some miniature eggs. I have all my craft supplies surrounding my chair, so I can watch TV and work on my project. A multi-tasker, I am!

I hope you enjoyed my little tour! Happy Spring ya'll!

Painted Easter Eggs

I love Spring!
Easter is right up there with Christmas and Thanksgiving for my FAVORITE Holidays. So when I ran across these eggs at The LOB I knew I just HAD to have them! They are in the Easter decor aisle, right at the front of the store. I'm not certain what they are made of, I think they are paper mache that they have painted all different pastel colors. The egg is very light weight. I think they are cute just as they are, BUT I wanted to make them even BETTER! I am a firm believer in MORE is BETTER!

I purchased some regular acrylic craft paint. Make sure that it says it works on any surface. I got out some brushes and let my creativity flow! I wanted them to all be different, so I just started free hand making lines and flowers.

My glitter glue pens added a little Bling to each egg. I would draw the glitter on over the paint, and then I used a toothpick to move the glitter around where I wanted it. This also helped to get the air bubbles out. The pens I used were Elmer's, I found them at Wal*Mart with the children's coloring supplies.

See how pretty those swirls are now?

For the Polka dots, I used the other end of the brush, dipped it in the paint and just randomly made the circles all over the egg. I could make all different sizes just by moving the tip of the brush around a bit. Of course, it had to have a little glitter too! The circles actually took a LOT longer to add the bling to, so that would be why I only did one color :). The toothpick is your best friend with this project! You can see where an air bubble blew out too much glitter, I had to improvise a bit!

My Handsome Prince wanted me to try a patchwork egg. I used a pencil to make my square "pattern". The eggs are erasable too! It did help to have a guideline, and then I just randomly painted squares different colors. If I ended up with a certain color side by side, or too close together, I painted over it once it dried. DON'T be SCARED! You could do this too!

The glitter helped to cover some of my lines that weren't exactly perfect! This is probably my favorite!

Easter eggs always have zig-zags on them! I'm not quite finished with this one, but I was far enough along to share it with you. I used the pencil once again to help me make the bands. I made three different sizes, top, middle and bottom. I painted the bands first, then came back and made V's all around them, letting each color dry before adding the next.

I'm just finishing up with the glitter on this pretty baby, and then it will be done. I think I am going after two more eggs tonight. This has been so much fun, and I still have a few more ideas I want to try!

This was really an inexpensive project. We don't do the colored, boiled eggs at our house since we don't have any little ones. And these will last me for years - without the SMELL!