When!

They say that's the trick . . . knowing when to say "when." Usually you hear it in reference to the consumption of alcohol, but in this case I'm referring to decorating our house for the holidays. I said I wasn't going to go overboard, then I started pulling everything out of storage and couldn't figure-out where to draw the line.

So, up went the silver tinsel tree in the dining room. Complete with a gift from Lisa and Ricki last year--homage to my dream of an Airstream trailer to renovate.

Up went the new hydrangea tree in the parlor. (A special thank you to my friend, Linda, for the dried hydrangea blooms--she grabbed more than 40 blooms out of her garden and dried them for me!)

Up went the 9' tree in the family room (back in it's location next to the fireplace).

(Sorry no picture yet--it's not finished getting dressed!)

The banister decorations . . .

and the mantel decorations.

So, where did I "cut back?" Well, there's still no garland on the big tree. There's no ribbon on the banister. There are no pine boughs or pine cones hanging from the chandeliers. There are no decorations on the top of our kitchen cabinets. The Santa and Nutcracker collections remain wrapped and packed.

The big question . . . will anyone else notice or care? At first, the kids were a little disappointed about the Nutcrackers, but after hours of decorating--they gladly carried the boxes of '08 rejects back to the storage space.

Here's hoping you've been able to say "when" and you're already enjoying the blessings of this wonderful Christmas season.

Thanks for your indulgence~Paige

Are You Done with Your Decorating?

Pine, pearl berries & ice twigs--$155

I'm still trying to get my house pulled together. I've got the three trees downstairs done--well, still no garland on the big one . . . I can't decide what I want to do this year. I just got in a gorgeous silver, over-sized hops garland. It's amazing, but it really won't work on my tree--too much gold.

Those folks at Meravic make some gorgeous artificial florals. When I first started carrying them, it was just to use as accents throughout the shop, but so many people started asking about purchasing them, I started buying enough to share. Then folks started asking for prices for entire arrangements . . .

Magnolia, pomegranates & oranges--$107

(SOLD)

While Nikki was here in November, I asked for help to put together some arrangements for the holidays. We used my favorite container, the french flea market vase--which also holds candles.

If you're in need of a a beautiful centerpiece or floral accent for the sideboard, you might consider one of these. They will all carry you through the winter, as they have enough-but-not-too-much of a Christmas touch.

Sarracenia w/ succulents--$110

Winter Nest--$105


Platinum & Blue--$155

Fern w/ Silver--$137

When you by the arrangement, you'll save 20% off the price of each individual item and there is no fee for the creative genius (aka: assembly).

I hope these ideas help you with your plans. Oh yeah, one more to show--piece of cake for anyone to do-it-yourself. Grab one of these two-tier baskets with candle holders--fill the base with ornaments (these are faux stone ornaments from our Mary Carol Collection), pomegranates (in this case, they're real)and a length of ribbon twisted around everything, add candles and spirali grass (in this case, platinum, which work great with the faux stone). The grass stems just poke through the wire mesh--easy peasey!

You Can Do It!

Alrighty, then. That's all for today.

Talk to you again soon!

Thanks for your indulgence.

Paige

in the nick of time

They're here! Fresh out of the box . . . The long sleeve Femme de Junque t-shirts and sweatshirts.

The t-shirts have a great, silky vintage feel with a chick cut. They are available in small, medium, large (back-ordered) and extra large. They're $18 each.

The sweatshirts are available in medium and large. They're $32 each.

They're not available online, but you can call the shop (931.647.0444) and we'll take care of you.

Thanks for your indulgence.

Paige

to blink or not to blink

Not a typical question, especially with regard to our Christmas tree. Yes, folks, we actually have a Christmas tree standing in our family room! Well, for that matter, in the parlor, dining room and the upstairs landing. (This is me "not going over board" this year.) Oh, and the staircase banister that I wasn't going to decorate . . . the first layer is already on. (See last year's post for the details of what's involved there.)

So, back to the question . . . to blink or not to blink? I am referring to the multi-functional lights on the tree. I'm not even sure how they got in the house--it must have been a purchase made by Darren last year and put away with the rest of the stuff. Anyway, all of the other lights from last year were dead--we had to use them. We can set them on a variety of settings--from fading in-and-out, to a seizure-inducing blinking. I decided to give it a try, but the blinking has been changed to the fade. I don't know why, but I thought I could achieve the Rockefeller Center tree look with a few blinking lights, but I now know its a matter of scale. You can get away with it on a tree that's 75 feet tall.

So much for my relaxed approach to decorating for the holidays. Four trees and the banister notwithstanding, I am holding back in some areas. I'm not pulling out the nutcracker or santa collections. The only reason the "Wornitz Haus" collection has made the cut is because it was never put away last year! (True confessions!)

Okay, I'll try to include some pictures when one of these items is actually complete. Oh yeah, I'll also be decorating the mantle in the family room. I better get busy. The kids are holding out hope for at least a delayed start for school tomorrow. The reports were warning about ice or freezing rain. Maybe I can get some stuff done if/then.

I hope you're having fun preparing for Christmas.

Paige

We Have a Winner!

STACY LAMM, come on down!

Stacy is the winner of our "Got a Gimmick" contest.

Come on down at your convenience and we'll have your prizes all wrapped-up and ready for you.



That was a lot of fun! Thanks for participating.

And . . .thanks for your indulgence!
Paige

Great Day in the Morning!

I hope I can say that tomorrow. The day will start bright and early--well, early anyway--when I meet Hank Bonecutter of WJZM (1400AM) at the shop for an on site broadcast for many of the shopkeepers and restaurant owners downtown. We'll have an opportunity to talk about our business and the festivities planned for tomorrow afternoon.

Today started much like the above picture demonstrates--brrrrrr! As Patty said, "Those children look so cold."
Don't forget that the parade starts tomorrow at 5 P.M. The streets will start closing around 2 P.M., but the businesses will remain open throughout and into the evening. Most shops will remain open until 8 P.M. tomorrow night. There are all kinds of festivities planned throughout the downtown.
Then on Sunday, you may want to visit the Smith-Trahern Mansion for their annual Christmas Open House from 5 - 7 P.M. This is a special event when they ask various businesses and agencies to decorate trees and various areas of the house for the holiday. Each year they develop a theme to use as an inspiration. This year, the theme is "The Songs of Christmas." I decorated the dining table with the amazing talent and help of David Presley for the centerpieces. Here are a few photos of the we grabbed as we put the finishing touches on the table.

A little simple for my normal table settings, but I needed to make it movable--for special events. I started with layers of burlap (surprise, surprise); then I scattered vintage sheet music all over the table; then a layer of royal blue tulle (to set-off the Royal Copenhagen dishes). The actual place setting stars with a silver charger, then a blue glass charger, a dinner and salad plate from the flea market collection by TAG. Finally, the inspiration for this table, the Royal Copenhagen dishes. I brainstormed with Patty for the setting and ideas for incorporating more sheet music. David's arrangements are gorgeous and can be purchased--just give me a call for pricing and delivery (after Sunday)!

I was going to post pictures of some of the trees and the staircase (amazing!), but as I forgot to ask permission, I think I better just encourage you to go see for yourself!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Paige

ARTifacts: open for business

Well, we did it. ARTifacts: an arts & antiques emporium is open for business.

Kendall and the vendors have been working double time to get it open. We are almost at max capacity with vendors, but several have yet to set-up due to scheduling conflicts. (This is what we call a "soft opening;" you don't make a lot of noise about it until you've got it running smoothly!)

Tonight it the perfect night to capture a first glimpse--during ArtWalk, from 5 - 8 p.m. You can start at the Downtown Artists Co-op for their $99 and under show; visit ladies at Visions Metaphysical Boutique (they've got several artists tonight); The Roxy has a performance of A Christmas Carol at 7 PM (tickets are available); Rogate's Boutique will host Judy Lewis; then head on over to Hodgepodge to see the work of talented Jillian Legg Romano. Jillian likes to "art-up" her photography--here's her artist statement:

"I am a graduate of Austin Peay University, where I received my BFA in photography.
My process begin with photographs, I then manipulate the images.
My pieces consist of hand colored silver prints, photo and media collages, digitally altered photos and scans, and painted photographs.
Many of my pieces relate to religion and current events that concern me as well as finding pleasure in just making beautiful things."
http://jillianleggromano.carbonmade.com/

Then, you'll head out onto Strawberry Alley, capture a glimpse of our amazing new fountain, then head-up stairs to ARTifacts. We're not hosting any particular artist this month--we just want you to enjoy are new shop.

I understand that on the next floor up, the ladies at La Bella Luce will have their ribbon cutting at 5 pm and host Kristin Sibley, a vocal artist. Stop in to see their beautiful antique chandeliers.

So, you can see, tonight is a night you don't want to miss downtown!

Thanks for your indulgence.

Paige

A Full Day

I hope you guys enjoyed your holiday. We had a very nice Thanksgiving--although it wasn't my ideal. Darren is gone. I didn't get to have my time in the kitchen preparing my favorite meal of the year. I was a little out-of-sorts most of the day. We had a lovely meal at our church and were finished and home by 3 P.M. A quick stop at the shop for a few details, home for some work in the yard (unseasonably warm), then family and friends for desserts. Oh, and a little Grinch, a la Jim Carrey--funny stuff.
Thanks for all of the comments (entries) for my"gimmick blog." There's still time for you to get in on the contest, so be sure to make your comments so we can learn about each others favorite holiday traditions.
I'll tell you what might become my favorite tradition. It's coming home to a clean house. Thursday I made the momentous decision to invite someone into my filth--to clean our home. Jen Stewart of Jen's Housekeeping, introduced herself to me a few short weeks ago. As I get to know her, I feel a real kinship with her--so it was difficult for me to then engage her to clean my house (it's like baring your soul). We are pigs--you can write the word on any given surface in this house! Having to walk around--turning on lights which normally remain off (self-preservation) in order to truly reveal the daunting amount of dust which has accumulated and gathered it's closest allies--bunnies formed from the hair of dog, cat, rabbit and hamsters! Gah-ross! As Jen didn't run screaming from the place, I decided to treat myself to her services. I credit her for her fortitude, but I am so fortunate and pleased I decided to give into, and recognize, my limitations. She only had time for my living room today, but what a treat to look at our beautiful plaster ceiling medallion and see it free of the cob webs!
Really, that's what made me decide to ask her for help. It was listening to her be so complementary about our house and realizing that it wasn't showing at it's best potential because we have let it fall into such decay. I feel fortunate each day I walk through our door--it's a beautiful home, but you wouldn't know it to see it most days! Darren has taken great care in preserving our roof and working to remove layers of paint--to restore it's original splendor. The least I can do is keep it clean--yes, it would appear so, "the least I can do." My love affair with this house is restored, thanks to Jen's help--not just her cleaning skills, but her ability to see through the filth to the potential. She got a great philosophy and I enjoy our conversations. You might enjoy checking-out her blog.
Well, enough about that for now. I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggles with trying to balance home, family and work. I know I can't enjoy Jen's services every week, but I can easily see how it could become habit forming. If you've got any tips to help me keep the dust bunnies at bay--in between Jen's efforts--I'd love to hear them!
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope to see some of you tomorrow.
Thanks for your indulgence.
Paige

Got a Gimmick?

Yup, yup . . . I believe I do!


You're reading, I know you are.


Okay, I don't know, but I do hope you are.


In order to find out, I've put together a prize package to celebrate the season and bring you out of your blogging shells. Any blog reader is eligible. Just read through to see the rules.


This package includes seasonally scented counter top spray and dish soap from Caldrea (because we're constantly in the kitchen);



a beautiful ornament from Wendy Addison (because we need some glitter);





a Femme de Junque t-shirt (because I need some gratutious advertising); a large take-out box of Mountain Cedar potpourri from E Barrett (because it smells like the Christmas tree lot);


a stretchy rhinestone ring (see item 2 for justification);

a package of mulling spices (because they're tasty in cider or wine);









a vintage holiday apron (because we all want to look cute while we're prepping in the kitchen);


and, finally, the December issue of Romantic Homes (because it's full of decorating ideas and recipes for the season).

I'm going to make you work for it though . . . you need to leave a comment here on my blog (not in an email) regarding your favorite fall/winter holiday tradition. We'll toss all of your names in a hat and choose a winner on December 7th. Heck, I'm giving away so much stuff, I may enter!

If this works out well--I may do another one before the holidays! After all, 'tis the season to GIVE!

Happy Silver Friday!

As always, thanks for your indulgence!

Paige

Can I Have that Recipe?

Well, you asked for them and here they are . . . the much sought after recipes for some of the most delicious treats you've ever popped into your mouth!

For those of you who weren't able to make it down for my Open House, we had some incredible cookies. I asked my dear friends for help and, as always, they came through for me--baking their favorite treats to share with my wonderful customers. Based on the numerous requests, I asked for their recipes and here is a sampling:

Chocolate Fudge Meringues

(Absolutely weightless, these fluffs of chocolatey goodness melt in your mouth.)
24 cookies

· 3 egg whites (or egg white powder and water to equal three whites)
· ½ tsp cream of tartar
· ¼ tsp salt
· 2 cups powdered sugar
· ½ cup unsweetened cocoa
· 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1. In a medium bowl beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt, beat to soft peaks. Beat in sugar gradually beating until stiff shiny peaks form. Fold in cocoa powder. Fold in chopped chocolate.
2. Drop mixture by tablespoon onto parchment lined sheets. Bake at 300 degrees until cookies are crisp to the touch. 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pans on wire racks.
3. Make a double batch.

Lace Cookies from Paula Deen & Friends
"This is a lacy, crisp, buttery cookie. The batter spreads considerably due to the high butter content and the small amount of flour."

(These were the hands-down favorites at the Open House!)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line cookie sheets with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or nonstick baking mats. (We used parchment paper.)
2. Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the flour, salt, and oatmeal, mixing well with a spoon. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. (Remove parchment paper with cookies still on it from cookie sheet and place on counter top seems to work best.) Let cool before removing from the sheets; peel cookies away from the paper.
Makes 2 1/2 dozen

Graham Cracker Bars

(These tasted like pralines--yum!)
Spray cookie sheet with non stick cooking spray. Fill entire cookie sheet with graham crackers (break them on the score line to make the smallest rectangular bars.
Bring 2 sticks of margarine to a boil.
Add 1 c. sugar then boil (reduce to lower heat but still boiling) for 10 min. Stir frequently.
Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.
Pour mixture over graham crackers.
Bake @ 300 F for 10 min. Let cool.

Pumpkin Cookies

(These are the favorite cookies in the King household.)
Mix together:

2 eggs

1, 1 lb can pumpkin

1 C oil

2 C sugar

Add:

4 C flour

2 1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1/4 t ginger

2 t baking soda

2 t salt

1 T vanilla

Mix well.

Stir in one bag butterscotch bits.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 mins.

Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

(This is a recipe I gleaned from the file of Darren's Grandma--an absolute requirement for those who hail from Ohio! Go Bucks!)

Mix together:

1 1/2 C peanut butter

1/2 C butter, softened

1 t vanilla

1 lb. confectioners sugar

Mix well, then shape into balls. Refrigerate.

Melt together:

1, 6 oz pkg chocolate chips

2 T shortening

Stir until smooth.

Dip chilled peanut butter balls in chocolate to coat one half.

Keep refrigerated.

Well, that is it for now. Still waiting for a few more recipes--I'll publish those as they come in.

Thanks for your support and, as always, thanks for your indulgence.

~Paige

Got Plans?

It seems like I spend all year planning for this time of year--then when it gets here, I plan some more! Never more so than since I've become a shop owner, though. Not only do I have to plan for the shop, but I also want to plan for our home. The shop is fun because there are so many possibilities. Home is special because I want to create happy memories for my family.

When you’re preparing for the rapid fire holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years—you’re probably planning a lot of entertaining. Now is a good time to inventory you tableware and what you’ll use to set the table. Something I did many moons ago was to decide to use a place setting which would see me through all of those holidays—I set my table with Friendly Village from Johnson Bros. It isn’t season specific and sees our family through Fall and Winter. I feel the same is true of the plates we have at Hodgepodge from the Mary Carol Home Collection. Specifically the "country manor" plates. We have them in black--as in basic goes with everything.

In addition to the shop and our home, I'm working on plans for decorating a table at the Smith-Trahern Mansion for their holiday display. As I make these plans I'm trying to think of ideas that will inspire and be something those who visit the mansion might be able to use when they get home.

How do you get ready for the holidays? Have you planned your menu(s) and table setting(s)? I remember one year while we were living in Richmond Hill, GA, just outside of Savannah, my sister Nikki and brother-in-law, Bill were planning to come see us for the holidays. Nikki and I started planning the menu in September! In addition to the food, the wine was an added ingredient in our planning. Nikki and Bill volunteered to research the wines suggested for our planned menu (was it from Elizabeth Terry--Elizabeth's on 37th?) and brought them all with them to Georgia. I can't remember how many they brought, but I do remember it was a significant amount!

I'd love to hear how you approach this time of year. When do you start your planning? Will you have company or just immediate family? Got any tips or special decorating ideas you plan? Please leave your comments here about your plans.

As always, thanks for your indulgence.

~Paige

Recovery in Progress

It's amazing to have it behind us. I can't believe we pulled it off. Since my last post we've added final touches on the decorations, baked goodies, participated in Art Walk, hosted a special event for our very best customers and an open house.

Thursday my sister, Nikki, arrived for a visit (Kendall--the sister who lives here--went to pick-her-up at the airport). Kendall helps out at Hodgepodge anytime I ask and Nikki was happy join us is our activity. The fact is, I begged her to come. She's a great cook and always puts together a great menu for entertaining.

Little did she know she'd be cooking our entire menu on a griddle, intended for pancakes and bacon. Kendall cooked the turkey in her oven--the rest was on the griddle! Amazing! I left the house with a broken stove/oven and a call into the electrician. I spent the day at the shop tweaking the displays and wondering how the cooking was going. Then, around 4:30 they show-up--everything is done and looks beautiful! We had a great turn-out. My voice was gone before it started and really done by the end of the night.

Then we went home and baked some more (oven was fixed) for day two of the festivities.

More to follow--to include some recipes for our open house.

Thanks for your indulgence.

~Paige

What a Day!

Oh my gosh! Several days of working behind plain brown wrappers can give a girl a skewed perspective. I actually pulled up to the house, where the corn stalks and pumpkins still reign, and thought, "oh my--I need to get those down!" YIKES! I am the "Christmas Creep."


I can't believe we were able to get the shop transformed in three days. There's still a mess I need to tackle in the morning, but I had to get out of there!


Kendall and Charly wanted to have an election night dinner so we could watch our candidate become the President Elect of the United States of America.


I hope to see you in Hodgepodge in the next few days.


One note before I go, if you haven't had the opportunity yet, please, please make the time to go see The Crucible at The Roxy. Don't even think about the assigned reading you had in high school. This is an amazing production. I can't get over how amazing this cast is and the way they told this story of a terrible, frightening and embarrassing time in America. Unfortunately, the concept isn't foreign in this day-and-age; the "witch hunt" is alive and well, but you truly appreciate our mature judicial system after experiencing this play. You only have a few more opportunities to experience The Crucible. Contact The Roxy for tickets.

Thanks for your indulgence.

~Paige

PS--Go America! I love ya'.

Halloween, Christmas Thanksgiving--perhaps in that order

I'm jumping on before we join friends for trick-or-treating fun, to remind everyone about my schedule for next week. It's that time--I'm sorry, but I've got to do it . . .

Christmas decoration are coming out.

In order to get everything done and do it right, we need to spend a few days on the process, so we'll be closed on Monday and Tuesday (the 3rd & 4th).

We'll re-open Wednesday, the 5th.

Thursday night will be ArtWalk and Wine--we'll feature Gabrielle Wardeiner, a Hodgepodge regular, with a few additions to her inventory.

Friday is our special event--invitation are in the mail!

Saturday is our Open House Event--regular hours of 10 am - 6 pm.

Fall Decorating

Brrrr! Nothing like a brisk morning to wake a person up!

We had a great time last night figuring out "How Do They Do That?" Our project was inspired by a beautiful arrangement I found on a favorite blog, http://www.heatherbullard.typepad.com/.

This was our inspiration:

This was too beautiful not to try it, so . . . we did!

Martha regularly participates in our How Do They Do That programs.

Here I'm helping Karen with her ribbons and final touches as Taylor watches. That's Michelle in the foreground--a first time HDTDT participant.

Working on an arrangement.

The basic principals of floral design are easy--you just need to decide what appeals to you for your own designs.

Charly is also a regular--naturally creative and talented, she put together a beautiful arrangement!

Karen's arrangement is stunning.

Everyone looks happy with their finished products.

Well, I had a few requests for one more How Do They Do That class before the holidays--we'll see what we can squeeze in. Once we get the shop decorated, I can refocus on those possibilities. If there is anything you'd like to explore with one of these programs, please let me know.

Thanks again to Heather Bullard for her creative spirit.
Thanks, also, to you for your indulgence.
~Paige