SUMMER SURPRISE!

TAKE ME TO THE SALE!  TAKE ME TO THE SALE!  TAKE ME TO THE SALE!

 

(image courtesy of:  www.123rf.com)

JUNE 2013

Salute to Dads!
There are so many things that dads bring to families, including some of the following from my favorite "dad" picture book... 

Image & "About this Book" Courtesy of:  
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/what-dads-cant-do

About This Book:  There are lots of things that regular people can do but dads can't.  Dads can't cross the street without holding hands.  They can push, but can't swing.  When dads play hide-and-seek they always get found, but they have a hard time finding you.  Dads really need to be kissed good night at bedtime.  It's a wonder they make it through life at all!




I have to share an amazing father that I found while searching for some fun, creative ideas for my students.  Not only did we have a blast with these creations in class, I began designing them for my own son.  Take a look at the following video for inspiration as well!

(Courtesy of David Laferriere and Flickr Blog)

 


At our home,  one of our favorite "dad" traditions is from the grill-master himself.  My husband makes our summer memorable with everything from mesquite steaks to pizza!  This may be the case in your home, too!  For those outdoor chefs, try our beautiful bamboo cutting board.  Sending a personalized Fathers' Day wish, complete with bbq accessories, and a gift certificate for his favorite meat palace, is a perfect token of love for those important men in your life!


As an accompaniment to your next outdoor feast, try our family's go-to baked beans (cooked to perfection in your bean pot!)

(Index card clipart courtesy of http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/festive-thanksgiving-table-ideas-serve-recipe-cards#slide-4)

Shabbyblogs.com

MAY 2013

I hope all of you had a joyous celebration this past Mothers' Day!  For me, this holiday has always seemed unique, personal...there's just nobody like your mom!  As I've gotten older, and life has taken those special, inspirational women from my life...grandma, mom and mother-in-law, I've realized that there has always been more to this time of year.  It's about the caring in good times and bad; the familiar companionship of an ordinary conversation as well as a life changing heart-to-heart; it's the perfect timing for a kind word, hug, or chocolate indulgence; it's wisdom, laughter, tears, faith, strength - in a word, it's love.  When you think about it that way, you too are blessed with many exceptional women in life!  "There are the families that we are born into, and there are the families that we choose; our circle of friends. While their faces may change over the course of our lives, the joy they bring us remains constant.” Anonymous

frame graphic by: vintagefeedsacks.blogspot.com

Here are some thoughts on ways to give back to those amazing women in your life:

Vintage Wall Photo Frame

~ I love to keep the wonderful photo cards I receive from friends and family at Christmas.  Returning them in a stunning frame is a great keepsake of those who are close in heart.  Instead of framing, I sometimes choose fun photo holders.  Currently there's a beautiful vintage ivory one in our Treasure Chest  that is super versatile, and only $11.00!  Check out the following ideas...

*Wedding Shower - attach black and white wedding photos of family members in addition to handwritten sentiments of love and well-wishes with wedding colored satin or organdy ribbon
*Gift Card Holder - gift cards easily nestle within the wire coils and provide a lovely reminder of your thoughtfulness long after the money is spent
*Garden Inspiration - use twine, string, or raffia to tuck in fun seed packets.  A favorite of mine since my son was a toddler is "son"flowers...an annual tradition that continues to this day!
*Feed the Body - treasured recipes and recipe cards (even with links to your most coveted Pinterest delights!) are a treat for those astounding cooks, bakers, and chefs
*Feed the Soul - quotes, Bible verses, words of encouragement, goal setting cards all inspire in style

Veranda Home pictured

 ~ I can't say enough about my obsession with dishes and pottery!  In my dream kitchen, I'd have tons of storage for dish sets fitting every occasion and season...whew!!  Our Celebrating Home line is outstanding quality and durability, as well as a beautiful addition to your own collection.  Keep in mind, especially for gifting, you can craft a handwritten message on our pottery pieces with a dry erase marker (washes off with soap and water!)


~ For lighting up our life, candles seem to be a girl's second, best friend.  During May, our new Penelope Ann line of candles are on sale for $7.50! These are 8 oz., palm candles which come in their own decorator box ready to gift! 

Try them all: Azalea, Sage & Citrus, Coconut & Pineapple, Mango Peach, Royal Cinnamon, Morning Forest

~ For so many of us, getting our hands in the dirt and nurturing something beautiful is the reward of spring and summer.  Be it garden or patio, these are my winners for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life:

Peace, Love, Prayer Plaques

Rejoice Yard Stake

Garden Frog Family

Quick-Craft-->  For adding that finishing touch or gift tag, look to paint chips at your local hardware store.  Cut into leaf, caterpillar, butterfly, or floral shapes and attach to natural elements from your garden...too cute!

~ Finally, for spoiling others or yourself, check out the Penelope Ann "FAB AND FREE" promotion going on right now!  Who doesn't love a GREAT SALE?!

Product images Celebrating Home™

APRIL 2013

Fresh, new, spring...I don't know about you, but that's what I'm craving as I look out my window at the snow still swirling about, racing toward the ground!  At least I can dream of warm weather by browsing through the Celebrating Home Summer Catalog brimming with citrus-hued pottery, picnic-ready totes, even more personalized items to give (and receive!!), as well as a walk on the wild side with the introduction of our new Zaza Zebra line.  This new catalog captures what we love most about summer; time to gather as friends and family be it for celebrations or just to reconnect!





Just in time for Mother's Day and all the fabulous women in our lives, Celebrating Home has added a new "department"... the Penelope Ann line of accessories, handbags, jewelry and more!

Three great catalogs to shop

ENJOY

An Ode to Simple Versatility; in Praise of the Bean Pot
A friend of mine has recently given me a copy of Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  This collection of reflections has given new perspective to common, oft overlooked daily routines.  One such example is "Artists of the Everyday:  Loving, Knowing, Doing".  See if the following excerpt rings true to you...
"You may not draw, paint, sculpt, knit, sing, dance, or act, but baking a cake could be as much a work of art as choreographing a ballet, if you approach it with as much dedication.  So is coaxing a tired, hungry toddler (with infinite patience and persuasion) to do whatever it is you need him to do at a given moment.  So is graciously entertaining unexpected company with what's on hand and turning it into a memorable feast with candlelight, wine, laughter, and lively conversation.  So is helping a friend through a personal crisis, comforting an aging parent, or planning a preteen's birthday party...Women are artists of the everyday."
One act of caring that we creatively provide ourselves and loved ones is that of cooking and baking.  So many occasions are marked with a special delicacy or feast, but even the smell of chicken soup on a cold day means comfort and love.  As I think about the ways in which I provide that artistry for my family, I turn to the versatile bean pot.  Many of us love its look, but what to do with it?  From soups to casseroles, cakes to mashed potatoes, oven to table, here are a few links with amazing recipes to sample.  May they help celebrate the artist in you!

Cheri Ward - includes conversion tips for conventional oven recipes

Bean Pot Cookbook.com - site dedicated specifically to the Celebrating Home bean pot

Check out Facebook and Pinterest, too, or post your own creation below!

MARCH 2013

 
W E L C O M E    S P R I N G!

March is a curious month.  With the weather of late being "in like a lion, out like a lamb", the shamrock greens of St. Patrick's Day, followed by subtle Easter pastels and vibrant spring blooms; now is the time we crave something new, fresh.  For me it's the annual "home project itch."  With the abundant spring inspiration surrounding me, I've chosen to repaint our main living area, you guessed it, GREY!
I used to think of grey as the last color standing in the "schoolyard pick" of the color wheel.  What I've realized is that it is a truly versatile neutral...from brown-grey taupe, to blue-grey slate...add sparkle and you've got silver!  In my cottage style home, grey has made my white trim pop while providing a tranquil backdrop for accent colors, and played advantage to no particular wood tone or metallic - all seem to fit together seamlessly.
In redefining this space, I wanted to add touches of black decor to my walls.  In particular, my Prestige HOME Wall Plaques were an item I wished to include.  What I've always loved about our Prestige metallics is the ability to easily alter colors.  With a quick spritz of black spray paint, no prep needed, I've transformed  this piece into the perfect accompaniment to my wall grouping!

CELEBRATING HOME'S POT O' GOLD!
Just a reminder to check out our Treasure Chest online.  Every Monday, this link is updated with great bargains.  Check back often for great on-hand gift items, or new favorites to add to your collection!

~ PASS ALONG PINS ~

If you haven't had a chance to lose yourself in Pinterest, it's a truly guilt-free pleasure!  No matter what you're looking for you'll find it there - from children's birthday ideas to fashion to inspirational quotes to delectable recipes...you get it, right?! :-) Here are a few timely ones to pass along...links are included to repin to your boards.  Enjoy!

Easter Smores

Quotes Worth Loving

Easter Decor

Don't forget to mark your calendars...Spring Fling Open House; March 9th 

from 10:00 - 2:00!  Details arriving in your mailbox soon!

FEBRUARY 2013

This is the time of year when the icy grip of winter just begins to thaw, and brings with it, the hope of spring.  Amidst these changing days we decorate February with candy hearts and red construction paper cards of affection.  To these traditions, I present ideas, sentiments, and products to add to your families' festivities - Enjoy!

I love NOSTALGIA...earlier this year I was blessed to attend a dear friend's 25th wedding anniversary.  What a joyous occasion to reflect on times past, as well as hope for the future!  In fact, it inspired me to dust off those wedding videos, and pour through scrapbooks of treasured memories.  I was even more thrilled that this fall we had chosen to make some new memories with family portraits...no special occasion required!  I am happy to recommend a talented photographer and friend, MICHELE FEELEY, www.michelefeeleyphotography.com    

She does an amazing job capturing the beauty and bond of family!  Her artistry coupled with my new favorite addiction, tinyprints.com (also available through Costco), brought our holiday cards to a new level of creativity I could never have done alone!



PRODUCT MATCH:  keep those scrapbooks nestled tidily in our SEAGRASS BLANKET BASKET.  Just the right size and look for $19.75 (Super Bonus Buy)!

 


I love GO RED FOR WOMEN...not only is this the month of Valentine's hearts, it's the American Heart Association's annual stand against heart disease in women, building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  We are so good about doing for others, but how do we help ourselves?  In an effort to live healthier (beyond the resolutions of January 1, that is!) I've found some healthy options to share.  Greek is the new standard in yogurt, and HEALTHY CHOICE GREEK FROZEN YOGURT (vanilla is my favorite) really tastes like a treat even though it's a mere 100 calories per serving!  Green tea has also been aligned with a great many health benefits, but I've finally found one I LOVE drinking - SUNRIDER CALLI TEA (my choices are mint or cinnamon).  It's a great relaxer after a busy mom/work day!  I hate to admit it, but growing up, I used to think that anything related to garbanzo beans/chickpeas were just a waxy "surprise" that your grandmother tried to sneak into family reunion salads.  I've had to literally eat my words with my new-found love of HUMMUS.  As an accompaniment to veggies, whole-grain crackers, or even a substitute for mayo on sandwiches/wraps...it's a low calorie, nutrient rich delight that comes in a variety of flavors.


PRODUCT MATCH:  Healthy eating made easy with our VERANDA DIVIDED TRAY & METAL STAND ($19.75 Super Bonus Buy) and this month's CUSTOMER SPECIAL; BEAN POTS, CASSEROLES, & SERVING BOWLS just $29 each!  Add our new COVERFLEX LIDS for food storage in the fridge, or FREEZER - dishwasher safe, too - (set of 3, $24)


I love FAMILY TIME...for me, coming home means cozying up our space with heartfelt touches of warmth and love.  Even though daylight is lingering, candles are a must...and why not add a sentimental song this time of year as well?  Think "Home" by Phillip Phillips, "When the Right One Comes Along" from the cast of Nashville, anything Norah Jones, the oldie "At Last" by Etta James, or my favorite "mom" songs, "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" by the Dixie Chicks and "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.  Finally, beyond shopping lists and family schedules, chalkboards are a great way to share encouraging words and children's artwork; nothing says love quite like it!!

PRODUCT MATCH:  GRATITUDE TREE & HANGING LIGHTS are perfect now and easily move outdoors for warm weather entertaining.  Try the seasonal scents of RASPBERRY LEMONADE, STRAWBERRIES & CREAM, and PINEAPPLE ICE...yum!  Use WET ERASE MARKERS on our MESSAGE CENTRAL CHALKBOARD or CHALKBOARD PHOTO FRAME for the rustic chalk look without the chalk mess.