Poof....Happy Home

Farmhouse Brunch Baby Shower

2011-05-04T14:43:00.001-07:00

Another sweet idea for using our SIPPY STIXS….:)
Little bottles of cold milk with our Bubble Gum Pink Striped Straws clustered together in an antique wooden tray and being served with French Toast….!!!

And a beautiful table full of delicious breakfast savory and sweet treats.

Compliments of Trish …… Frilly Milly Events
Visit her here: www.frillymillyevents.blogspot.com

Cheers,
Dianne

Cupcakes and Pink Lemonade

2011-04-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

When I spotted my Yellow Striped and Pink Polka Dot paper straws in the beautiful pictures below, I knew I had to share them with YOU….:) Perfect setting for an afternoon garden tea with family and friends.

LOVE the cupcakes tucked in those pretty glass dessert dishes.

A pretty lemon slice coated with sweet glazed sugar makes the perfect cupcake topper. Love the adorable paper straw tucked to the side to make it look like an old fashion soda. How Cute…!!!!

Beautiful flowers and pretty props add sweet charming touches to this inviting spring and summer tabletop.

It’s time ladies to start planning your tea parties on the porch or an afternoon with friends to share giggles, laughs and yummy sweet treats and cool refreshing drinks.

Sometimes the BEST PARTIES are the ones you put together quickly and what could be easier than making your favorite batch of CUPCAKES and squeezing a few lemons to make a cool pitcher of Pink Lemonade.…. Grab a pretty table cloth, pick a few fresh flowers and call a friend or two. Time spent together is priceless.When life gives you lemons……Squeeze something good from them….. Share a Smile…!!!

This beautiful party setting was created by Melissa Lester at A Little Loveliness. Visit her here where you will find many charming ideas and the recipe she used for those pretty cupcakes…..!!!!

Yellow Striped Paper Straws and Pink Dot Paper Straws can be found at The Sugar Diva.

Bake Me Happy

2011-02-14T15:19:00.001-08:00

I’m in LOVE….!!!
It’s Valentines Day and what a SWEET SURPRISE I got in my email today. One of my customers mentioned that she saw our Red Heart Paper Straws on Bakerella’s web site today. I’m sure you ALL know this talented gal. I quickly checked it out and was thrilled with how she used them.

Big Sweet Kisses….:) How fun and cute are these..!! Instead of using lollipop sticks, she use Our PAPER STRAWS …..How Perfect…!!!

She even Shows You how she made them….Looks easy and I’m sure they are delish…!!!
If you don’t already have her new book then be sure to look for it on your next trip to the book store. It’s filled with beautiful and creative CAKE POPS that will inspire you to try some of her wonderful tasty treats. I’ve made my share of them for family and friends and everyone LOVES them..!!! Of course mine were NOT pretty, but they sure did taste good.

Be sure to visit Bakerella to see MORE of her Creative Cake Pops….It’s no wonder she caught the eye of publishers. This in one talented gal…!!! Check our her schedule to see if she signing books in a store near you. Thank you BAKERELLA……You Bake Me Happy…
Happy Valentines Day to YOU….
Hop over to our web site to see our entire line of these pretty PAPER STRAWS: www.thesugardiva.com

I have MORE exciting things to share and PROMISE to be back SOON.

Happy Valentines Day everyone…

Queen of Teen

2011-02-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

YES…it’s true…!!! Our little Carly has turned 13..!!! This party is a VERY SPECIAL one for me since Carly is my granddaughter. She rounded up her friends and made the one hour trip to OUR HOUSE and it was such a joy having all those Giggly Girls around for a couple of days. Yes…they ALL spent the night..!!!

My daughter did a fabulous job on the Party Decorations and most of you know her from PARTY POPS….so let me turn the party over to HER while she guides you through all the events of Carly’s Special Day…

My daughter turned Thirteen last week, she was so excited to finally be officially called a “Teen” and I am thinking that I can‘t believe that she is a teen. We decided to play up the “Teen” for a theme and a chance to get all glamorous like girls like to do. My sister owns a Salon so she was the first one I called to book a day at the Spa for manicures and pedicures and then had our cousin who is great at styling hair and makeup come in to make the girls over. The girls had he best time and left feeling very special and beautiful. Serious picture overload here….

The Decorations

Each of the girls got a spa treat box, to keep them energized during a long spa day.

Hair bling and Jewelry. We had some hair accessories for the girls to wear to add some sparkle and each girl got a Crown necklace to feel like a Queen.

The Girls Before.

Then it was OUT TO DINNER…

And Carly was surprised and maybe a little embarrassed when the wait staff came out and placed the Big Mexican Hat on her head…..She took it all in stride and we all had a BLAST…!!!

She may have been QUEEN for the DAY here, but she will always remain My Little Princess…:)
Visit Sherry at Party Pops…..to see more creative parties
and for these CUTE PAPER STRAWS… The Sugar Diva

I KNOW I’ve been away TOO LONG…So sorry. The Sugar Diva is keeping us SO BUSY..!!! PLEASE SEND PHOTOS of your parties…!!!

I’ll be looking for them…:)

your creative party hostess,

Dianne

www.thesugardiva.com

I’m in LOVE….!!!

2010-12-31T10:53:00.001-08:00

Yes, I’m in LOVE with our NEW PAPER STRAWS……Just arrived and in stock now…!!! Ummmm, where do I start…:) Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, guess this one should take first place.
Red Heart Paper Straws

Sweet little HEARTS…..just waiting to be shared in your favorite Valentine drinks….

AND ……Drum Roll Please….:) Introducing our

Fun and Happy ….

Confetti Dots Paper Straws…!!!!

Yummy and delightful ……
Precious Pink ….. Yummy Yellow ….
Blissful Blue ….. and Gorgeous Green
and all on one Paper Straw…!!!!

Orange you So Happy by now, you will be with our new ORANGE Striped Paper Straws
Soft … Colorful … Sweet
Shown here with our new Green Gingham Party Favor Bags …. and waiting for the Perfect Party
And there’s MORE …. Sitting over on my work space just waiting to get their picture made….

SO come on back a little later to see MORE Paper Straws that have just arrived at THE SUGAR DIVA….. Visit our web site to order your pretty straws and watch for SMILES at your next event..!!!

I predict there will be LOTS of Paper Straws in my future….we’re taking paper straws to a whole new level…:)

Happy New Year Everyone…!!!!

I have tons more pictures to take..:)

Merry Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to take a moment to tell my sweet blogging friends MERRY CHRISTMAS…..and share a few special moments made with my girls these past few weeks. Life around here has been far too hectic leaving me with little time to play and create. I was able to make time for a fun weekend with my girls……We made CHRISTMAS COOKIES……

Katie was so excited and couldn’t wait to get started….We took a few shortcuts, using “ready to roll” gingerbread cookie dough. After all, it’s the cutting out and decorating that really counts…right..???
I put the dough into a mixing bowl so it would feel more homemade..LOL…!!!
In serious thought, she carefully rolled out the cookie dough

Ta Da……the FIRST COOKIE….a cute little gingerbread house…..and a Happy Doxie…:) We HAD to make one for Pearl Girl..!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone….!!!!

Bragging Rights

2010-11-30T20:26:00.001-08:00

I KNOW it seems that all I’ve posted here lately is ALL ABOUT ME….and I do seem to be bragging a bit lately. Remember when I promised to share some EXCITING NEWS…..well ok, here it is…!!! While in Atlanta at market back in July, Clay, the Creative Stylist for Hoffman Media came into our showroom and LOVED our fun colorful product line. He ask me to send samples of my goodies to him to include in these Wonderful Magazines..!!! And I’ve already posted on ONE of Paula Deen’s Magazine’s….BUT THERES MORE…..!!! We are featured in 4 Holiday Magazines!!! And what a fabulous job he did with our products. Here is where you’ll find us…:)

Cooking with Paula Deen Christmas Magazine
Our Holiday Party Poppers were placed on her table as party favors for her guest.
Then again under….Paula’s Picks…..a close up of our Candy Poppers..
Her home is shown in this holiday issue with decorating tips and ideas and it also gives you the name and source of the paint colors she chose for her rooms……GUESS WHAT…..Was I surprised to see MY BREAKFAST ROOM paint color used to paint her Master Bedroom…!!!

OK….next up….Phyllis Hoffman’s CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS Magazine
They went OVER THE TOP for us here. First under Favorite Products you will find our Christmas Cupcake Kit…..Includes charming cupcake papers and fun holiday cupcake toppers for decorating…!!!
And just check out this Beautiful Holiday Party Table….Look real close at the Place Setting Party Favors…..Yes, our cute & fun Cupcake Kits

Flip over to the next page and you’ll find an Entire Page showing our fun CupCake Kit…
And it keeps getting better…..One more page flip and you’ll find almost a Two Page Spread…… I was completely wowed…!!!
Three Bowls Full of our Cupcake Papers….Party Poppers and Paper Straws….We were so honored and thrilled. Then in Southern Lady Magazine, our pretty Cupcake Papers were shown as part of the Favorite Things Favor Bags that were handed out at their recent ladies event in Atlanta..

THANK YOU Hoffman Media and Clay for showcasing our products and sharing with your readers THE SUGAR DIVA….!!! You can find all of these beautiful magazines in stores near you. Look us up and find exciting Holiday Helpers, Entertaining Ideas and loads more…!!!
So there you have it…..Our BIG NEWS….!!!! I just couldn’t wait to share.
With Christmas just around the corner, things here are starting to become a bit more relaxed and I hope to get back to puttering around HOME and share with you some FUN IDEAS FROM MY HOME…:)
I’m off to digging out Christmas stuff…!!!

We are featured…

2010-11-20T07:32:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone, Just a quick little note here and wanted to share…..We are FEATURED on Martha Stewarts home page at Dreamers Into Doers…!!!
Check it out HERE: http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/
Scroll down a bit to find us in the left column…!!!!

Thank You…..Martha’s Team….!!!!
We have had some fantastic media coverage this year
and we are THRILLED….I’m be back later to share these
MAGAZINE FEATURES with you…!!!
So I’m off to get those pictures made and will be back soon to post them.

Where’s my camera…!!!!

Show Time

2010-11-17T20:16:00.001-08:00

It’s that time of year again and we’ve been away setting up and showing off some of our holiday goodies in Charlotte, NC at The Southern Christmas Show. Each morning shoppers are lined around the building waiting for the doors to open, excited to see what’s new this year. Let me show you a few of our Favorite Things..!!!

How adorable is this fun mug…!!! One of my New Favorite Things..:)
And of course, I kept some of these for ME..!!!
How CUTE is this mug filled with our new Yummy Yellow Striped Paper Straws. Look how pretty it is with our fun Ribbon Plate…..
This was the first time to SHOW our PAPER STRAWS in public to shoppers. Until now, they were only available on our web site. We were excited to see the reaction and hear all the wonderful exciting comments over them.
Ok…let’s keep moving around for glimpses of our little store at the Christmas show…:)
And NO…..we won’t be adding these fun holiday items to our web cart. We only ordered for our show, but we WILL hold something for you if you’d like and ship it next week after the show. Just email me…!!!
You WILL find these fun Christmas Cupcake Papers and Favor Bags on our web site…and our charming Party Poppers that were featured in Paula Deen’s Magazine
Cake Stands and Serving Dishes in colorful holiday designs…So Pretty.

Not the best picture here but you get an idea what our shop looked like.
OK…The show runs through the rest of this week. If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area and get a chance to attend the show, please stop in and tell my sweet TIRED hubby, hello…!!! He’s there finishing up while I came home to catch up and finish my new designs for winter market……!!!!
Hope you’ve enjoyed my little tour through our Christmas Shop.
Be back soon with more news to share…:)

Thrilled to be seen……in Paula Deen

2010-10-20T15:57:00.001-07:00

To say I was THRILLED, well just doesn’t describe my excitement when Hoffman Media’s creative stylist, Clay Chaffin, stopped in our showroom in Atlanta and fell in LOVE with our colorful sweet products. When he ask me to send some things to him to be included in Paula Deens Christmas Magazine he didn’t have to Twist My Arm…:)))
Clay sent me some copies of Paula’s Christmas Magazine last week and I Squealed with Delight..!!!! My Party Poppers are featured on Page 15.
Clay used My Party Poppers on Paula’s table as party favors on the plates in each place setting. The close up shows them displayed on a pretty serving tray.
They were also used on Paula’s Christmas Tree that sits on her kitchen counter seen there on the opposite page.
Here’s a close up of our Party Poppers….They make the PERFECT Party Favor and will make your table settings..POP…!!!!
Thank you Clay for including Our Sweet Products in Paula Deen’s Christmas Magazine….Be sure to pick up YOUR COPY of this beautiful Holiday Book where you’ll find recipes for your holiday meal, gift giving ideas and look for ME there too..!!!
I’m thrilled…!!!!

And The Winner IS…

2010-10-17T19:32:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Joy Hager…!!! YOU have won my Halloween Give-A-Way…!!!
I couldn’t find your email address though, so when you SEE THIS, please send over your shipping address so I can get your goodies on their way to you..:) Here’s a few fun pictures I made while putting out my Halloween decorations the other week. A Spooky Hostess holds a cluster of Paper Straws….Grab one if you dare…!!!
And this fuzzy dude is dangling from my chandelier over the table in our breakfast room….Keeping watch on anyone who ENTERS THE SIDE DOOR…!!

Thanks EVERYONE who visited me while I was away last week Celebrating our 30th Anniversary. And I just HAVE TO SHARE this with you. Our anniversary was 10-10-10 which added up to 30. ( 30 Years)…But our TENS continued the next day when we flew away. Our seats on the plane were on the 10th Row……then when we arrived in Vegas, and got in line for a taxi to our hotel, we were directed to TAXI NUMBER 10…..And then when checking in at our hotel, we were put on the 10th Floor….!!!!

OK…I KNEW right then that WE would be bringing home a BIG JACKPOT….!!! So I looked for and played every X10 slot machine I could find…..However, the only BIG WINNERS were of course The Casinos….!!! But I still had my wonderful sweet hubby that I won 30 years ago, so I just brought HIM on back home with me….:) I’m a LUCKY GIRL…!!!!

Stop by Joy’s blog to congratulate her on winning my Give-A-Way. Visit her at: www.joyhager.blogspot.com

I have some VERY EXCITING NEWS to share with you next time. Maybe in just a couple of days. So keep checking back. Actually I have several fun things to share.!!!
I’ll be back Real Soon…:)

Celebration Give A Way

2010-10-10T19:51:00.001-07:00

Today is 10/10/10 = 30 Years of marriage to the BEST HUBBY on earth. Happy Anniversary to MY SWEET HUBBY who has pampered and spoiled me for 30 years. He is simply THE BEST…!!! We are flying away together in the early AM and I’m leaving something here for YOU…!! It’s a Halloween Give A Way for one Lucky Blogging Friend…!!!
This fun collection of Halloween Treats will certainly get your Spooky Party off to a good start. The Lucky Winner will get an assortment of 72 Halloween Party Treat Bags as shown above. And to go with those are 50 Lime Green Cupcake Paper Liners….
And you just gotta have some of our charming GRAY STRIPED PAPER STRAWS, so I’m including 50 of these fun Sippy Stix…!!!
And every party needs some of our CUTE Polka Dot Balloons…These are SO Adorable and Fun…:) You will get 20 balloons, 10 of each color.

NOW….All you need to do to ENTER MY GIVE A WAY is leave me a comment and ONE LUCKY FRIEND will receive this Fun HALLOWEEN PARTY PACKAGE..!!!
So while I’m away CELEBRATING 30 Wonderful Years with my hubby, leave me a comment and some lucky blogging friend will be announced on Friday when we return home….GOOD LUCK….!!!
I’m off to finish packing, gotta get up at 2:30 AM…Yikes…it’s close to midnight….Be back soon…:)

Favors For A Lady

2010-10-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

We were ask to Do A Favor for a special group of Southern Ladies. If fact we were ask to make 400 of them. Of course we were delighted to offer some of our charming items to be included in their Favor Bags of Favorite Things from Phyllis Hoffman...I”m sure most of you know Phyllis, I mean how can you not.
She’s the beautiful Southern Lady who creates and publishes all those FAVORITE MAGAZINES we’ve all grown to LOVE…:)

Southern Lady Magazine, Victoria Magazine, Tea Time Magazine, Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine, Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee Magazine, and MY FAOVRITE….Celebrate Magazine…..!!!
These colorful and fun Cupcake Paper Liners in Lime Green Dots and Red Gingham Checks are all packaged up to be included in Phyllis’s Favorite Things Favor Bags and will be given to HER GUEST at the upcoming Southern Lady Event in Atlanta in November.

If you are “Lucky Enough” be one of the attendees, Then look for our charming little Cupcake Papers to help with your Holiday Baking…!!
Now you’ve had a glimpse of what 400 Favors look like. If you’d be interested in going to their event, just call them or check out their website for dates and ticket information. Sweet little Cupcake Papers standing up all prim and proper like a true Southern Lady…:)
And if you’re not attending The Southern Lady Event and would love to purchase some of these Sweet Little Cupcake Papers, just go to our website and you’ll find them there along with our Paper Straws and other baking and entertaining products…!!! www.thesugardiva.com

NOW….I DO have MORE exciting news to share, however I must leave something for another day, right??? So stay tuned…:)

Come back on Friday for an exciting Give A Way…..Leave a comment and you’re entered…!!! Its that easy…:)
I’m back to designing…!!!

A Treat for YOU..!!

2010-09-16T18:39:00.001-07:00

With Fall about to get all settled in and hopefully cooler days ahead, our customers have been getting ready EARLY for the next big season….HALLOWEEN….!!! Our new TREAT BAGS have been making their way into homes and getting ready to be filled with homemade treats for handing out to Spooky Guest who will soon be arriving.

This cute bags are perfect for filling with candy, cookies, fudge, popcorn and other snacks. And they are SO charming and fun when mixed together with different designs
Fun Polka Dots and Stripes all mixed together with our Scary Cat Face
makes a perfect Halloween Party pop of color and fun…!!!

Add some of our adorable POLKA DOT BALLOONS for an even BIGGER POP of color and fun…..

Then be sure you don’t forget the one of the most charming NEW items we have…..our Fun and Cute….Barber Pole Retro Striped Paper Straws.
These fun paper straws are so adorable to use at your parties or gatherings……They will also add a charming touch to your kitchen counters….Just load up a pretty container and place them out where you can walk past them and SMILE….:)

We also have SWEET CUPCAKE PAPERS and TOPPERS for making your homemade treats festive and fun…!! Or use one of our Polka Dot Cupcake Cones for decorating your cupcakes.
Don’t have time for baking…no worries, just place your store bought goodies right inside these pretty cups, decorate and enjoy…!!! Or you might want to choose some of our FUN & FRESH GOURMET DELIGHTS to hand out to your SPECIAL little TRICKER TREATERS….:) Frightful Cone of Hot Cinnamon Candy Corn….The candy that BITES BACK…!!!
And we have to have our Halloween WITCHES….
No matter Witch treat you choose….I hope you’ve enjoyed all the TREATS and ideas I’ve shared with you…!!! But be careful….
SOME ONE MAY BE WATCHING……YOU….:)
Come on back again for more Treats and some Exciting NEWS I have for you…!!!
I”m back to work…!!!

Sippy Stix

2010-09-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

Look what’s got me SO excited and feeling like a KID again. We just got them in and I’m IN LOVE….!!! We call them Sippy Stix…..
These retro Barber Pole Stripe Paper Straws are SO CUTE and Fun…:) Use them at your next party…..Weddings….Baby Showers….Birthday

Your guest will SMILE with delight when they see these fun straws. These were used long ago in Soda Fountain Shoppes across America. Oh so Vintage…!!!
They come in several colors……The pretty Pink ones above and this Blue…

And just LOOK at these fun Gray Striped Straws……

Perfect for your HALLOWEEN Parties….

These Fun Stripe Straws will add so much charm and whimsy to your table decor.
Mix them with our NEW Party Loot Bags……...for handing out to all your SPOOKY GUEST…!!! We have matching favor bags and SWEET TREATS too that will make your entertaining EASY…
Come

back soon to see the entire line of our new Party Treat Bags….or visit our web site if you “Just can’t wait”..!!! And if you need some SIPPY STIX, you can find them on our web site too…. Thanks for stopping by and please come back SOON…:)
I”m pulling out FALL…!!!

Something Fishy

2010-08-24T06:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Happy Birthday to our Little Katie…!!! And SHE Celebrated in style at her Little Mermaid Party.

Sherry went all out creating the PERFECT PARTY for Katie and her guest….She made all the Party Hats…Banner and Favor Treat Bags

We provided the adorable POLKA DOT BALLOONS….!!!
They add SO much FUN to your Party Tables……
A little note here: The person blowing up the balloons did not fill them entirely up. They should have been SO MUCH BIGGER….
But they were Still SO Adorable…!!!!

Sweet little PB & J Sandwiches cut out like little Fish….

Sweetly wrapped eating utensils with custom stickers and an adorable
Birthday Party Sign

And of course a Banner for the Party Table…..LOVE IT….!!!
Just look at those adorable fish

Sherry made the cutest FISHING GAME for the girls to Go Fish…!!!

The girls had So much FUN FISHING…and catching cute Mermaid prizes

And look at these CUTE CUTE Buckets with their names on them
to put their Catch in…:)

And then there was the BEAN BAG TOSS game that Sherry made….
Another FUN activity for the girls to enjoy….

Then on to the CAKE and other party treats….!!!

Yes….Sherry made these fun Cake Toppers too…

And Sweet Little Mermaid Cupcakes….Yummy…!!!

Katie made her WISHES….Then blew out her candles

Then on to the HER Favorite thing ….. Opening PRESENTS…:)

It was finally TIME to GO SWIM like a Little Mermaid…!!!!

I can’t believe SHE is now FOUR…Has it really been that long. Thanks for a wonderful party and precious time spent among family and friends. I’m SO proud of my daughter and her amazing talent.

And so the PARTY GIRL giggles and squirms in delight as she becomes a Four Year Old…..and off to enjoy being a Big Girl now…!!!

Hug YOUR Little Ones and keep them close….for all too soon they’ll Grow Up and so the circle continues…:)
For all these wonderful custom Party items, visit Sherry at:
www.partypops.etsy.com

For the cutest Polka Dot Balloons and more …. Go to My Store at
www.thesugardiva.com

Come back SOON for more Party and Decorating Ideas…
I’m off to create something NEW…!!!

Invitation To Nibble

2010-08-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

Meet me on the Porch….:)

Pink Lemonade is waiting in the tea pot and sweetly reminds you of HOME.....This treasure is from my Susan Branch collection. Vintage glasses with jaded filled edges wait to be filled. They are proudly perched on my Martha Stewart Cake Stand from her wonderful collection of jade ware

A home made oatmeal cookie tied up in soft Pink Ribbon might be looked upon by friends as not to disturb it's beauty. No problem though, save it to be enjoyed later.....ALONE......:)
Among the clustered pots of luscious blooms.....the afternoon treats are tempting and begging for whispers of long overdue secrets......Among Friends.....:)
Lady Fingers fill the Rose topped jar and keeping company with French vanilla Crème Filled rolled Wafers....
Nibble slowly on these delicate tea delights.....Flip through Favorite Magazines and share your entertaining style. Plan an ice cream social.....Plant some flowers together.
And you are NEVER too old to lick the icing from the middle of the cookies.....then dunk the rest in your yummy CHOCOLATE shake.

I know Pearl.....YOU want one of those cookies really bad....And you've been So Sweet....Waiting with manners...I PROMISE I'll give you one..

OK......I KNOW I've made you WANT one too.....Grab your cookie jar and a Cold Delicious Drink.....Head on out on the porch.....Kick off your shoes and enjoy.......A few LAST DAYS OF SUMMER…!!!

Gracefully Speaking........ " Now in a Cottage built of lilacs and laughter, I know the meaning of the words " ever-after "......:) Sweet words wrap themselves around the upper edge and makes you feel comfy and cozy relaxing on a Lazy Summer Day.

Just be Happy spending time together....talking about old times.....
Pull out the seats and gather round. Listen to the sounds of a nearby fountain.....
Watch geese splash in the distant pond.....

And as the Teakettle says.......
Where ever the teakettle sings from Happiness .....
THAT IS HOME......!!!!

Thanks for Nibbling with me.....:)
I’ll be back soon..:)

Join Me

2010-08-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

When I was invited to an End of Summer Garden Party, I knew it would be fit for a Queen.......so I gathered my sun visor, sun glasses and my favorite pink silk purse, oh and of course my camera.

Celebrating an end to Warm Days on the porch….what a pleasant way to end the season.....:) Here is a little friend that sits quietly on my back porch. He keeps good company with another fellow who watches over things when I'm away....

Most of you know that I do NOT use Real flowers. No I have to admit that I am NOT a Real Gardner like so many of you.....But I LOVE beautiful flowers and fill my home and porches with them....Why worry with watering when they LOOK THIS REAL…:)
Instead of taking you into a garden at my home, I decided that when you visit me you can take a little break and enjoy a glass of tea and maybe a sweet summer treat out on MY PORCH…

I have it all set up for you and when you arrive, I will just need to fill up the pitchers and tea pots with refreshing tea and bring out the sweet treats. Just PICK your favorite and enjoy....!!

You'll feel right at HOME being served from these Charming Dessert Plates.....I LOVE the metal shoe planter with the colorful flowers poked inside.....

The linen tablecloth is another treasure from my April Cornell collection.
Just look at all the detail.....:)

The soothing sounds of water trickling from our water fountain sets the mood for a lovely Garden Party......

Ok…a few more Containers of Happy Pots and then it’s TIME for Treats…!!!

And the one that makes me SMILE the most, is the one my daughter gave me last year on Mother's Day.......FLOWER POT......how sweet....:) :)

I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit today. Please stop by and…..
If I don't answer the door, please come in and you'll find me waiting for YOU.....out on the PORCH.....:)

I must HURRY….There are tasty treats to bring out….So please join me next time for lovely chats on the porch and share a glass of Sweet Iced Tea. For SOON, Summer will be fading away as we invite Crispy Afternoons with Fall Delights and begin to enjoy MORE time…Out on the Porch…!!!
I’m off to grab the treats…!!!!

Just Peachy

2010-08-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

On our way HOME from the beach last Sunday, we made our usual stop at the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh, NC. to pick up some HOME GROWN produce and fruit. And oh YUM were we in for a TREAT…!!! We stuffed all we could into every nook and cranny that was left between, around and on top of suitcases and bags..:) And we have been munching on all that HOME GROW GOODNESS for a week now.!!! TODAY…I tried using up the rest of the half bushel of PEACHES we bought and decided to make a BIG PAN of PEACH DUMPLINGS…!!! Some of you have ask me HOW I make mine. There is NO RECIPE….Just a method I came up with that is SO EASY and DELICIOUS….!!!! SO…hold your on to your tummies cause I’m about to SHOW YOU step by step MY WAY of making dumplings. Of course you can use ANY FRUIT you wish….TO begin, get ALL your ingredients, bowls, pans, etc. OK…Let’s get started…
Wash and peel your PEACHES and Slice them in quarters or smaller. I usually have a smaller bowl handy and slice them up smaller as I go.

The MOST IMPORTANT ingredient I use is the PIE DOUGH….NOT Canned Biscuits…!!! I use the “Ready To Use” pie crust dough that comes in this little red box….It’s SO EASY….

It comes rolled up in two per box….. ONE BOX MAKES 8 DUMPLINGS…. Open up one at a time and keep the other one in the fridge to keep it cold. Otherwise, it likes to get sticky and hard to work with. So open one pie dough roll and unroll it on a cutting board or clean baking surface…

Then, using a knife, cut the round pie crust into four sections. Place three sections to the side and with your rolling pin, gently roll out the triangle just enough to make it somewhat larger and thinner.

Using a small round bowl that isn’t too deep, place this rolled out piece over the bowl and make a little “cupped out” area to fill with your fruit.

Place your fruit inside in the center. Use enough fruit to make a nice size dumpling. Then sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of sugar over the fruit and add a pat of butter.

Then start to….TUCK AND FOLD your outer edges up and over the fruit.   Be sure to cover it all up making a nice snug pouch. Pick up the bowl and flip it over into your hand with tucked side down and place it into your baking dish…
And repeat this for the all the rest until you have a full pan.

Once your pan is filled…..Sprinkle quite a bit of SUGAR…. I use a lot , they don’t call me the Sugar Diva for nothing…LOL ) on top of dumplings and add a pat of butter on top of each one…..
Then pour enough water in the pan around the dumplings so that it fills up the pan to about half full. It should come on up at least half way or more on the dumplings. This is what makes them JUICY…!!!
Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 35-45 minutes or until as golden brown as you like them. We like ours Light Brown”…..

And Oh My Goodness….They are Delish….!!!! Can you SEE them STILL BUBBLING…!!!! There was only ONE THING LEFT TO DO…:):):)
Yep….you guessed it…..:)  DISH them out and ENJOY…!!!!
It didn’t take long for them to disappear….and after making a special delivery to a few special family members, we STILL have some left for TODAY…:) YUM…!!!! OK, no more excuses for YOU not to make your own Dumpling Dish…and I’ll be waiting to hear all about it….
Good Luck…:)
Have a Happy Monday,
Life is GOOD….:)

It’s a What….???

2010-07-30T15:58:00.001-07:00

It’s a Sandwich…it’s a Cake…it’s a WHAT….???? It’s been a while since I baked or even cooked for that matter but a couple of months ago when my girls were here, we decided to try out a NEW CAKE PAN that I had bought. And Katie got to take it out of the box.

She was surprised to see that it wobbled…and was flimsy…guess she was expecting one of those hard metal pans like we normally use.

This fun cake baker is shaped like a SANDWICH…..But bakes up a CAKE…!!!!!

After the mix was dumped in by Miss Katie, Carly helped with the measuring and Katie took over as any 3 year old would…. I can DO IT…!!! All by myself…:)
Then came some SERIOUS MIXING…!

A few more ingredients and it was getting close to the most important part…and we weren’t Monkeying Around…:)

You guessed it….."Gimme that beater…..!!!!

Once she got that beater, it didn’t matter if we “Baked the Cake” or not…..SHE had what she wanted…
And THIS picture was worth all the time spent together…..Making and Baking…….In Gran’s kitchen…:):):)

Batter in pan…..Cake into oven…..And Katie has moved to the SPOON…!!! Look at that face. I’m not sure she got any in her tummy…:)While we were making the cake, sweet hubby and Cassie were making hamburgers to put on the grill and OH MY the SMELL of those potatoes with onions frying in the skillet on the stove….We were in for a yummy treat…!!!

So In went the Batter……and OUT came the CAKE….

This was my FIRST TIME to bake in a silicone pan…..and I’ll admit I had my doubts…But LOOK…it was PERFECT…!!!!   WOW, I was SO impressed…:) And SO easy…Just spray the pan with a non stick cooking spray….and POOF…it just Popped right out…
And I’m SO SORRY…..I forgot to take a picture BEFORE I cut it in half….Bummer…!!!

So here is the cake AFTER I cut in in half…..The recipe in the box suggested you could fill it with Peanut Butter and Jelly….but we are CHOCOLATE GIRLS so forget the PB&J…..We whipped up some Chocolate Saucy Frosting….and started to drizzle it between the layers….

We packed on as much as it would hold and then topped the chocolate layer with STRAWBERRIES……YUM….!!!!! Now you KNOW I’m NOT a cake decorator so we didn’t spend time Fussing Over It…..Nope, we poured on that chocolate, added our strawberries and we were READY FOR DESSERT…..
And pretty or not…..it was OUR MASTER PIECE…..Now who wouldn’t want THIS SANDWICH on their plate…:) It looks kinda small, but it’s a whole cake just like any other two layer cake.
The girls wanted to use my NEW CANDLE FORKS, so we poked one inside the cake, lit the candle, made wishes, and POOF, ate it all up…!!!! And YUM, it was delish…!!!

The cake may be gone, but the Memories of MAKING and BAKING it will stay with us forever……..… Life’s too short……Eat Dessert FIRST….!!!!
Then it was Clean Up Time ……and that little Diva In Training was no where to be found….
With her belly full of CAKE, she’s found something else to keep her occupied. Well at least for now…..And back to It’s A Cake….It’s a Sandwich…..
   It’s a CakeWich….!!!!

All WORK and NO PLAY

2010-07-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yes....I've always heard......"All work and no play" makes for a very dull gal.....Quilty as charged...!!!! So to all my blogging friends, and I HOPE you're still out there somewhere, I've MISSED YOU..!!!!

THANKS so much for the emails you've been sending my way. I haven't answered most of them and for that I"m SO SORRY...!!!! This past year has been a blur with my knee injury and then Bill's illness. Wow, talk about lifetime changes, we've certainly had a little more than our share. BUT...we are doing well and things are finally getting back to NORMAL.

And then there is WORK...!!! Yes, work....and THAT'S where I've been. WORKING...Designing Products...getting ready for wholesale market in Atlanta...and planning a brand new permanent NEW SHOWROOM....what was I thinking...LOL...:)

However, it's all behind us now. We're back from market with no broken bones and although we have lots of orders to ship and things are still very hectic, I want nothing more than to get back to my blogging.

You really haven't missed very much....unless you consider WATCHING ME WORK a thrill...:) Since that's all I've done for the past few months, maybe you'll enjoy seeing some of the goodies I came up with.

I'll share a few now and DO MY BEST to keep them coming your way and have my fingers crossed that I can SOON get back to my regular fun post filled with charm and creative ideas to share with you.

I also have some VERY exciting NEWS to share, but you'll have to wait a while before I can tell you.....:)

OK....let me go find some pictures to share. Oh where did I put them...Found them and much to my surprise, they are all at the TOP of my post...LOL...!!!

Looks like I'm going to have LEARN HOW to post all over again....UGH...!!!

The pictures above are of our new permanent showroom in Atlanta. It just about killed us to get it all done, but it was oh so nice to LOCK THE DOOR AND LEAVE....!!!! And when we go back for next market, it'll all be there just as we left, making next market SO EASY...:) So I guess it was worth the effort and hard work..!!!

My Favorite Thing was my life size FAIRTY cutout we had made for our window. She was SO Adorable....blowing kisses on our Paper Tissue Flower Poms...!!!!

It's late, I'm tired and so the pictures will stay at the top. I hope you still enjoyed seeing some of what's been going on in my world lately. And to all of you who emailed me....THANKS A BUNCH....It's nice to be MISSED...!!!!

Until next time....and I HOPE it won't be long,

I'll be back to PLAY...!!!!

Duck For Cover

2010-04-27T07:24:00.001-07:00

While the girls were spending a few days with us during Spring Break, we decided to take our dinner to the park…feed the ducks…and just have some fun Outdoor Time… I was SO nice to get outside for a change and enjoy the beautiful weather we were having.

Katie had fun trying to catch Butterflies or anything she found flying around with her new net that the Easter Bunny had left her…

After a few “picture taking” moments, the girls grabbed the bread and we were off further down the walking trail to FIND THE DUCKS…Katie just couldn’t wait. When we got to the place where most of the ducks gather, there were only a couple. But that changed VERY QUICKLY….!!!

Suddenly, they were coming from EVERYWHERE…And honking their horns in glee…Hey Guys, FOOD…!!!…Yikes…!! After all, it had been a bad winter and I’m sure they were ready for People Food…:)

As the Flock Grew….and MORE were coming as fast as they could from across the river, the girls got a little nervous and suddenly headed for safety….Katie couldn’t throw her bread very far and the ducks got closer and closer….and the girls started to RUN….!!!
The bread was soon gone…but they Ducks were Still Coming and we knew it was time to head back to the car…:)
At that point, Katie was tired and didn’t want to WALK…!!! Oh my, it was getting cloudy and it started to thunder and I was wondering if we would make it back without getting rained on. We quickly started back down the trail with Katie on Cassie’s back. Thankfully, we made it back with only a few drops of rain coming down. We headed for our favorite ICE CREAM SHOP and snuggled in the car to ENJOY..!!! And just before we arrived HOME….we were caught in a horrible RAIN and HAIL STORM….with no where to DUCK FOR COVER…!!!! It was really scary and I truly thought the hail was going to break the windshield…But soon we were pulling into the garage and safely closed the door behind us…
We were HOME…!!!!

Flowers for ME…!!!

2010-04-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

Last October my sweet hubby and I took off down the road for a “Day Trip” to celebrate our anniversary. Since we STILL needed rugs and a few accessories for our home, we headed to High Point, NC to some of the large furniture stores and design centers there. While there, my EYES fell upon a BEAUTIFUL FLOWER arrangement and I knew…I HAD to HAVE it….!!!! And I also knew, based on the size of it, that it would be very expensive. OK…STILL….I wanted it. I LOVED it…!!! SO….after working with the salesperson trying to get the BEST PRICE….. We were ready to purchase….!!! Only to find that in order to get the best price, we had to pay cash….!!!! Using our CC meant NO Discount…BUMMER…!!! So we walked away with intentions of coming back later…OUT OF TOWN….just to pick it up. Well of course that never happened. We were in the middle of our busy season and never found the time.. Another Bummer…!!! HERE is a picture of that beautiful arrangement that I FELL IN LOVE WITH…..High Point Price….$475.00…Pay with cash deal…$425.00……
WOW….Don’t you agree that it is indeed……BEAUTIFUL…..!!!! AND BIG….:) OK…I NEVER got it but I THOUGHT about it all fall and winter and am STILL thinking about it NOW…LOL… I simply LOVE it… However, while out shopping for SPRING FLOWERS in Feb., before my hubby became ill, I found some pretty tulips that looked good, maybe not as real as these, but I thought they just might work. SO…at 40% off of all flowers that week, I scooped up a bunch of tulips to hopefully create something similar to my inspiration piece. I STILL needed a container though. No Worries…A few weeks later when in MY FAVORITE STORE…..I Found It…:)
And THIS is what I ended up with…Ta Da….!!!!
Love this large container….Cost $19.95…..from…..HOME GOODS..!!!
Flowers….Cost about $22.00…..Total $42.00….Happy Me..:)

I’m off in search of MORE containers to put my other flowers in. I’ll keep you posted on where they land…:) Have a great Monday..
I’m gone…!!!

Happy Return

2010-04-19T05:22:00.001-07:00

It’s been such a long time and I’ve MISSED YOU…:) And just to let you know….Bill is doing MUCH better. It’s been a very long last two months with complications and a few set backs, however I think he is on the road to a complete recovery now…!!! SO…with that said, let’s move on to more HAPPY news….I have LOTS to share but for today it’s all about TEA On THE PORCH…..with little Katie…:)

We took advantage of the beautiful weather during Easter and enjoyed a TEA PARTY the girls… We dug out colorful dishes and pretty linens to make our pretty SPRING TEA TABLE burst with Color and Charm…

Sherry created all the charming Tea Party Decorations which added such a special touch.
Notice all the flowers there….they look pretty good considering they’ve been exposed to SNOW and COLD weather during the rough winter months…:)

Katie was SO thrilled and LOVED every minute of sipping tea and filling her belly with yummy delights….She carefully serves herself more tea with Daddy's help.

We LOVE to “Ding” our cups and do it at every meal…LOL…It’s our way of celebrating Good Times…..CHEERS…!!!!

We had a wonderful afternoon….just giggling and enjoying the beautiful day and each other….Katie was SO HAPPY…and so was I…..:)

Thanks for joining us for Tea and please take a favor with you as you leave.

Happy Home….Happy Me….:)
See you SOON….Promise….

He’s HOME…!!!!

2010-03-07T11:28:00.001-08:00

After 13 days in the hospital and a few scares and complications, HE’s finally HOME….!!! Yes he is…I brought him home late yesterday afternoon. I’ll admit I was a little “nervous” to have him here. He came home with a few extra attachments and tubes, but hopefully in a few weeks all those things will be taken away and he’ll be a free man….!!!

He will go back for more surgery in about two months to reverse the colostomy and repair his colon. Then he will be as good as new..!!! I have my SWEETHEART back…:):):) Thank you God…!!!! This is his FIRST DAY HOME and he is doing SO WELL…!!! At 40 lbs. lighter, He even stopped to smile for the camera..:)

Even the Rainbows in our kitchen seemed to be much BRIGHTER this morning…and I KNEW everything was going to be OK…:) Like Sunshine dancing on the walls…

Thank EACH of YOU for all the Prayers…Thoughts…Comments…and Emails you sent our way. Through the miracle of prayer and a Great Doctor, my hubby’s life has been saved. Even though he STILL has a way to go, by summer, he’ll be READY for vacation and back to work as usual…!!!! For THIS…I am Blessed…:)
In the meantime, I’ll be helping HIM get back on HIS FEET….learning HIS DUTIES at work…and WE TOGETHER, will get through this one too. We ALWAYS do…!!!

Hug the ones you love and maybe a few you don’t….:) Life’s too precious to let one moment go un-noticed or enjoyed…!!! Keep Bill in your prayers while he continues to improve and get well.
Life is…Once again….GOOD..!!!!

Prayer Request….

2010-02-24T05:36:00.001-08:00

In my last post, I mentioned my sweet hubby being sick on our trip last week. We hurried back home on Friday in time for him to see HIS doctor and was told it was a bad viral infection……Go home…take this medicine and let it run it’s course….!!!! Although I was quite “uneasy” about this diagnosis, since he was SO SICK and had been for the past few days, I TRUSTED what we were told.

Nothing changed with him and by Monday morning I INSISTED he go again. We went to the Emergency Room and a few hours later HE was having emergency surgery. He had a hole in his colon, tons of air and bile in side him which had inflated his abdomen into a HUGE balloon and was literally being poisoned by it all this entire time.

I’ve NEVER seen my hubby THAT SICK or in that much PAIN…EVER…!!! The surgeon told us he was a VERY SICK man and it was serious. His 3 hour surgery was over at midnight Monday and of course he spent yesterday in ICU. They’ve moved him to a regular room now and will be there for about a week. They had to do a colostomy which is temporary and he will need to go back for a second surgery in two to three months to remove it and repair his colon. Thank God it’s not cancer….!!!

He has a long road in front of him and one that really has me scared. PLEASE keep HIM in your PRAYERS…!!!!

He’s my knight in shining armor, my sweetheart and he took such great care of ME the past few months with my broken knee and surgery. He was there every second, helping me get back on my feet…waiting on me, babying me…taking me to physical therapy three times a week, doing it ALL… EVERYTHING…!!!

He’s simply THE BEST and everyone LOVES him…!!!

We are a TRUE LOVE STORY and I’m a LUCKY GIRL to have had this man sent to ME…!!!

Now it’s MY TURN to take care of him …!!! …. And I will….. I’ll do my best to keep you posted with the very short time I’ll have at my computer.

Please keep Bill in your prayers for a complete recovery so our Love Story may continue for many more years to come. Thanks SO much…!!!!

Dianne……

Put that in FRENCH, please

2010-02-21T19:10:00.001-08:00

We were THRILLED when Canadian Book Stores….Indigo Books…contacted us about putting our gourmet products in all of their stores. They are considered the Barnes & Nobles in Canada. After working with them for quite some time, our products are probably sitting on the shelves all across Canada by now.

Notice the words on the tag. They required the tags to be written in French and English. No worries, we just had Tim at Captain Copy to do the translations for us. And after a few emails back and forth with the buyer, The Sugar Diva was speaking FRENCH…!!!
This was a new experience for us, one that was exciting and fun…:) Want some French Chocolate…. Here’s our Cocoa Cone below.
And a Cocoa Cone for Spring with pastel colored marshmallows….Yummy…!!!
And then one of My Favorites…..our little bag of…Cotton Tails…filled with white gumballs…will make the perfect touch for your Easter baskets….. and Oh, we’ll be sure to tie on an English speaking tag for YOU…:)
So in case you wonder WHY it takes ME…so long…in between post, well, I have to put my work first. I’ve designed several new products that I’ll be sharing with you this week. AND…I’m getting ready to start decorating for SPRING….So stay tuned, come on back and see what’s new around here.

We took a mini vacation last week. It was MY FIRST real get a way since breaking my knee seven months ago. Unfortunately, my sweet hubby became extremely ill and spent the entire time in our room…UGH…!!! And talk about another horror trip home….I swore I’d NEVER leave home again…!!! He went straight to the doctor when we got home and was told he had a really bad case of an intestinal virus. I’ve NEVER seen him this sick…ever…!!! Thankfully, he is finally feeling a tad better today. I just pray that I don’t get it now..!!

So, here’s to happy, healthy days ahead, filled with MORE Blogging and sharing with YOU….Life around my home…!!!

I’ll be back Soon…promise…:)
I’ll have a Surprise….:)

Happy Hearts

2010-02-12T21:08:00.001-08:00

My HEART is HAPPY…..yes, happy with thoughts of those I LOVE and things I LOVE….!!! I LOVE snow, however, since our yard has been WHITE since before Christmas, I’m not loving it quite as much right now…!!! This is what my poor porch looks like...

And I LOVE my porch….it’s frozen and just waiting for SPRING to arrive. And I LOVE this banner that I use in our breakfast room during the winter with my collection of Snowmen…

This winter has put a new meaning to this word….Glisten…I’ve actually had to close my blinds on those few sunny days we’ve had, to block out the glare of the snow. So, I’m ready to take “glisten” down and change it to this….
YES….Listen….for the birds to warm up their voices and whistle us a Happy Song….a clear sign that SPRING is just around the corner. I do LOVE my banner though and my Happy Snow Dishes with Wintery Words written all around them….
I keep my Red and White lights out too since they are are one of My Favorite Things….SO cozy and warm….and they compliment my snowman collection.

But they will all be packed up SOON…!!! This gal is READY for Sunshine and Green…. I’ve already bought fresh new flowers and I’m putting Winter to rest and will start early on Spring decorating.
My hubby just opened the back door and said….It’s snowing..!!! Ok, it’s dark and I refuse to look..!!! I will instead, concentrate on warm sunny days that can’t be too far away. And for YOU…..I’ll leave you a HEART to wish you A Happy Valentine’s Day and a warm Happy Week End with those you LOVE….
Until then, keep a Happy Heart
It’ll soon be SRPING…!!!
Warmest wishes,
Dianne

Happy Sunshine

2010-01-27T11:26:00.001-08:00

Have you ever gotten Excited just seeing the SUNSHINE beaming through your windows….. Well I sure did this morning.

Because of our covered porches and the position of our home, we don’t get a lot of SUNSHINE coming directly into our home. So when I glanced up from my desk, I instantly noticed the beauty of this BRIGHT Beautiful Light that seemed to be Smiling At Me…:)
I grabbed my camera to capture it because I knew that before I could get back to my desk it would be fading away.
We have beautiful Rainbows that Dance on our kitchen walls, ceiling and cabinets every Sunny Morning…!!! They bounce off our chandelier through the glass prisms and scatter themselves ALL OVER the room. It is SO BEAUTIFUL….I wish you could see them for real.
The pictures just don’t show the rich colors that are really there. Like Small Little Rainbows….and they ALWAYS make us SMILE…:):):)

When the girls are here, we PLAY with them, we grab them and pretend we’re putting them in our pockets to KEEP FOREVER…!!!
So whether you’re Stopping To Smell the Roses…..Or Catching a little SUNSHINE….The important thing is to just STOP…and savor all the Happy Sunshine moments that surround you each and every day…!!!
You’ll have a HAPPY DAY…!!!

Stay warm and I’ll be back SOON…!!!….Dianne

Party Time

2010-01-24T16:51:00.001-08:00

SHE turned 12….growing up so fast. SHE brought her friends to our house this week end to Celebrate her Birthday. SHE chose a Movie Theme for HER PARTY…… Although they were bringing all the food and treats, I wanted to set the counter up to make the night Fun and Festive….So this is where I began and then I just waited for them to arrive….

Soon a house full of Giggly Girls burst through the door and I knew right then, it was going to be a night of fun and laughter….I was right…:) We started getting all the Party Decorations that my daughter made, put in place. Love this Party Banner she made and found the perfect place to hang it.
Soon the Party Table was All Ready…..Filled with Birthday Party Fun….

Sherry did such a good job on all the Party Signs…They added the perfect touch to the party table…..

The Pickles were a hit and the girls enjoyed the cute little Pickle Bags to put them in.

Then the PIZZA arrived and it was time to EAT..!!!

Finally……Birthday Presents….and the ONE she had waited Soooooo Long for was the Biggest Surprise of the night….Just look at that SMILE when the BOX Started Ringing she knew what was INSIDE…!!!! YES…it was True…At last, SHE had a CELL PHONE…:):):)
Of course she loved ALL her gifts and all the girls had a blast. After gifts, cupcakes and ice cream, they headed upstairs to the theater for a Movie and so the party continued…..There were more goodies upstairs and Cassie cranked up the Popcorn Machine and oh how good it smelled when it began to POP….

When I was taking this picture of the sign for the Theater Entrance, I didn’t SEE Carly’s face peeping out the door…LOL
She was a HAPPY GIRL……She had her Friends….Her Party….AND…Her PHONE…Life is Good…!!! Everyone had so much fun. We all stayed up LATE, enjoyed homemade waffles for breakfast this morning and later this afternoon, THEY packed up and headed back on the one hour trip HOME…..:( I miss them already…!! But, They’ll be back soon
We’ll make More Memories…!!!
We MISSED you Mallory…!!!…:(

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T04:53:00.001-08:00

Hi Everybody….Just wanted to take a moment to wish you a wonderful New Year. It’s been an amazing last year for us, that’s for sure. Part of me is SO happy to see it leave. The other part of me is still counting all the Blessings that have come our way. As we say Goodbye to the OLD and anticipate the NEW it’s with a refreshed mind and spirit that I sit here this morning, eager to see what lies ahead. Here are a few last photos of 2009 in our home.
Mallory saved the day with last minute wrapping Christmas Day…
The Sweet Chocolate Bowls were finally filled with creamy fudge and Cake Truffles….
Instead of CAKE….I used my favorite dessert stand for serving our Cheese ball…

Then some last minute shots of Christmas while waiting for the girls to come running through the door…:)

As you can see out the front window, we had a White Christmas…I set up the dining room to seat us all. Normally, we are spread out in other dining areas, but not on THIS day…!!! It was so nice to have us all together in the same room for dinner…:) Below,Mallory’s sneaking a few bites BEFORE dinner and Katie playing with the door bells.

Then a few family photos and it was TIME for Gifts…Food…and Fun….!!!! All of us GIRLS..!!!!
And me and Bill with our grand girls……
And so we say Goodbye to 2009 and and look forward to another year of Family…Fun…Work….and best of all….Memories….!!!!
I wish for each of YOU….the best New Year ever.
Happy 2010…!!!!!

Santa Claus is Coming Tonight

2009-12-24T20:36:00.001-08:00

The stockings are hung and but not all is wrapped. And we’re still in the kitchen preparing for our Big Day tomorrow…!! Santa’s tea pot is still empty and the Dessert Bowls are all lined up….waiting to be filled with yummy chocolate treats for tomorrows holiday feast…

I’ve spent the last two days….Making and Baking…homemade goodies for our neighbors and friends. Other than finishing up a few Christmas Dinner Dishes and wrapping more gifts, we are READY for our family to arrive…..
The tables are set and yummy sweets are stashed away in the fridge. And tomorrow this fancy High Heel Cake Stand that I got for Christmas last year will be holding REAL desserts…No more “fake cakes”…for a while at least...!!!
This year I bought MYSELF a gift….ok, I do that every year, but LOOK what I found….Yes, the matching dessert tray….I love it…:)
Just couldn’t resist those fancy Red High Heels…The polka dot bowls will be filled with Sweet homemade treats tomorrow…..And you know what they say….A girl can NEVER have enough shoes, right..???…and no food bar would be complete without Salt and Pepper...so here’s one more “Gift for ME”….
So now you see why I just “Had to Have them…Adorable..!!! But this IS the season for “Giving”…so I’ve been busy making Sweet Homemade Food Gifts to carry to neighbors and friends….

The problem with making these ahead of time…..BOTH pies have disappeared one was taken away by my sneaky Son in Law…yes Nick, I’m talking about YOU…LOL And my sweet Hubby enjoyed most of the other one. SO we are making MORE TONIGHT…!!! We made Chocolate Fudge Sauce….Fudge…and Chocolate Cake Truffles for the neighbors.

This is a Paula Deen recipe and it is Delish…!!! And very easy to make…I’ll share the recipe with you later. After all the jars were filled, I cut out circles of pretty paper and tied them up with Red Polka Dot ribbon…
Then I tucked the Truffles and Fudge inside red boxes and tied them up with green satin ribbon. We packed it up in a basket and my Hubby made the Christmas Eve deliveries.

     We were So excited to have Mallory here spending time in the kitchen with us. As soon as she saw the Fudge Sauce, she grabbed a spoon, bringing back precious memories of her growing up and the two of us….Making and Baking…..!!!

It’s getting late now meaning It’s almost Christmas Day. I’ll leave you with a few more pictures of holiday touches and I’m off to bed…Mallory will be calling EARLY in the morning for us to come over to spend Christmas morning around Her Tree as she opens the her Santa Gifts…I want to WISH YOU…the Merriest Christmas and a wonderful New Year….Be safe, stay warm and savor each moment as you make more holiday memories with YOUR Family and Friends..

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year….!!!
Remember the Reason for this beautiful season.
Love and blessings to all,
Dianne

All Snuggled In

2009-12-18T17:15:00.001-08:00

THIS is what it looks like..Outside

And This is what it looks like ….. Inside…

Yes…..It’s our FIRST SNOW…and predicted to be a deep one…and I’m all Cuddled up by the fire enjoying a beautiful quiet evening. I love the warm peaceful quiet feeling when it snows. It’s like the world just goes away. I have my candles lit and the fire is keeping me toasty warm. Garlands of red and white lights and soft flickers of candles are keeping me warm inside as I glance from room to room.
Keeping the Polka Dots and Stripes flowing through the house, I pulled out some of my Favorite Collections of dishes and added a few Sweet Vintage Snowmen….
A softly lit Gingerbread House and a plate for Santa’s Cookies….

One of my Favorite Treasures are the Susan Branch Mugs here on the left…..
This room Makes Me Smile…:):):)

It warms my heart and makes me HAPPY…!!!

So SMILE….Be Merry…and Snuggle Up with someone YOU love…
As for ME….I’m moving Closer to the Fire…:)
Let it Snow…!!!

Gingerbread and Polka Dots

2009-12-15T08:12:00.001-08:00

I LOVE Polka Dots….and checks and ribbons and Warm Cozy Spaces that make you SMILE…:) I tied up these fun and charming felted ball ornaments on the light fixture over our kitchen island and bunched it up with red and white dotted ribbon….

This was very easy to do since I just poked and tucked the greenery up into the fixture….made my bows and added the ornaments….
I carried my Polka Dot theme over to the table with fun red dotted mats and added More Dots in Happy Lime Green to make it all POP…!!!
Found these cute little Christmas Tree napkin holders while out shopping. Love the bow topper and red and green DOTS…!!!! I always use TWO Napkins on my mats. It just adds much more charm and texture when mixing patterns and colors together. This is HOW I POOF my Napkins…..
I open them up….grab the center and laying one on top of the other, just crunch it all up and insert though your napkin ring….and POOF…it’s Fluffy…Prissy…and adorable…!!! Here is each napkin used alone. See the difference it makes…..

I used the same bowl of greenery that I move from place to place and poke different flowers and embellishments in to suit the season….
All I did was tuck these cute little Gingerbread Boy and Girl snuggled in on each side of a Red Stripe Candle….:)

And POOF….It was done….
Almost time to….Celebrate….!!! Just a little more Shopping and Poofing to get done.
More Holiday Poofing in a day or so…See you then..:)

Back to work….!!!

Glimpses of Glitter……

2009-12-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

Our home is starting to Sparkle and Shine with glimpses of shinny glittery ornaments that bounce off the tree as you walk by….
One of my Favorite Trees is the white Feather Tree I use in my dining room. It sits in on a buffet in front of a mirror, creating beautiful reflections to Double the Joy…!!!
From glass to rhinestones….This BOW ornament is one of my favorites. I am definitely a BOW gal…:)Another favorite find is the Glass and Beaded garland I got from Anthropology a few years ago…..It’s SO pretty, see those little glass birds….All strung up with pearls and beads….!!!
I tucked in some sweet charming vintage style Snowmen…Adorable..:)

This is my Elegant Tree….it makes me Stop….Sigh…Smile…
It makes me HAPPY….!!!

OK…we’re headed out shopping today…be back soon for more Glimpses of Christmas….:)

I’m gone…!!!

Home at last….

2009-12-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

Yes, once again we are HOME….after being away ALL last week at one of our Holiday Shows, we’re HOME and TODAY we are starting to decorate for Christmas. I know, it’s getting late so we must hurry. No worries though, I’m going to ENJOY every little minute of just being HOME and Playing House...!! In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve gotten really PICKY lately….

Our little Cupcake Picks were a HIT at our show….from our cute little holiday picks to the adorable Cupcake Paper Liners….shoppers fell in LOVE…!!!

Another item that was a HIT….was our New Line of handbags and totes. I’ve never sold purses before and when I found these at market, I fell in LOVE….Let me show them to you and you’ll see for yourself…!!! Below is ONE BAG….when you buy this ONE BAG, you get all three looks….

OK….Shown here is just ONE BAG…..Yes, that’s right…ONE BAG.
The Cover comes off so you can Flip It Over for a whole new look…!!!! OR use it without a cover and you have a Classic Black or Brown Bag……One Bag….Three Looks…!!!!
How fun and clever is this….and the BEST part is that you can buy extra Covers to change it again. And so on, and so on, and well…you get the idea…

The fabrics and designs are So Upscale and Modish….Classy and Classic…

And look at the TOTE….Perfect for travel…15” wide and will hold most computer lap tops….I used mine to carry all my show stuff and supplies. Use it with the classic handbag for a smart look…
Now you see why I Flipped over these bags….Just “Unzip and Flip” and you have a new bag….One of my New Loves…:)

OK….my sweet hubby is dragging all the Christmas decorations from downstairs, which means It’s Time to Deck the Halls…!!! So you know what I’ll be doing All Day….Making HOME Merry and Bright…. I’ll be back tomorrow to start showing YOU some of My Holiday Spaces…:)
I”m Decorating…!!!

A Season of Thanks

2009-11-14T11:12:00.001-08:00

As this season of Thanksgiving draws closer, my heart is FULL today….Full of many thanks for so many blessings. Yesterday I finished my physical therapy…YAY…:):) At last, after four long months of being “down”, I feel a renewed spirit and it’s SO wonderful to be back on my FEET…!!!

After packing up Halloween, it was too early to put out Christmas, so what do you do to just fill in for only a couple of weeks. I just grabbed some of my favorite dishes to reflect how Thankful I am. For so long I could only DREAM of what it was like to just get up and WALK…
I would try to imagine how I’d feel, just to be “Normal” again..!!
I never new I’d MISS cooking and cleaning so much, and oh how I missed my Blogging…!!! I missed taking pictures and making pretty spaces to share with you. Do you know that we never put Not One Decoration outside for fall or Halloween this year. Some of the neighbors who did not know about our accident, thought we had moved…LOL Guess they missed my decorating too…!!!
Now I want YOU to Imagine…..imagine that the pink and red flowers there are vibrant shades of orange and yellows….It’s taking me a little longer to get things done now, but I’m not complaining. Match or no match, doesn’t bother me. I just had fun getting this done…:)
Today we’re in the kitchen preparing….Dinner…. Mallory is coming home from college for the week-end and is bringing Friends with her. She wanted to come have DINNER with us…:) My heart is FULL as I Make and Bake…and look forward to seeing her pretty smile and getting Big Hugs…!!! We'll all just Relax…have Dinner and enjoy our time together
And just like the prayer below….as the seasons come and go, it’s Time to Give Thanks and always be reminded of the “Little Things” in life…after all, THEY are the ones that are most precious…!!!
It’s TIME….to get back in the kitchen, I have a Big Chocolate Cake to make. Wish I could share some with you…
I’m Back…!!!!

A Spooky Good Day

2009-10-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

Friday was a very special day for me. Not only did I make the hour trip to my girls house for their Halloween Party, I rode in the FRONT SEAT…!!! Yes, for the first time in three months since breaking my knee, I can bend it enough now to get in the front. Not only that, I don’t need a walker anymore. I feel like a “Free Spirit” and new gal….:) It was SO good to visit my girls. They were all decked out in their Spooky outfits and Sherry had the house spooky and fun…!!!
Mummy Carly with her poor little puppy and escaped prisoner Cassie were ready to party….

The table was all set with Bloody Punch, bread bones, cupcakes with cute festive picks and Live Bait, if you dare.

Spider webs swept across the room…and a tub of Bloody Punch awaited guest…...

Bottoms Up…!!!! Halloween Cheers….:)

Just LOVE those costumes…..Adorable…!!!
Left the “red eyes” there….thought it was the perfect fit…!!!

It was a FUN NIGHT and I’m so happy I could go. And on the way home, we stopped by Barnes and Noble….Bill let me off at the front door, I got out of the car…BY MYSELF….and walked into that store to shop….with NO HELP…!!! Wow, I was feeling so good…:) Except for several more weeks at PT to work on “Bending”, I am so much better and can get around a lot faster now. I feel as if this nightmare is at last “Behind ME” and things are getting back to normal. THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and sweet comments and concerns. What would we do without each other….!!! Thank you my sweet friends….You’re the Best….:)

I’ll be back with pictures of Halloween Night at Missy’s house. Don’t miss it…
Life is Sweet….!!!!

Happy Messy Home

2009-10-20T20:26:00.001-07:00

I’ll just bet MOST of you think my home stays neat and clean. Am I right…Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. No it doesn't..!!! The reason I haven’t posted in a while is because I’ve been getting in New Products and they are taking over MY SPACE. Most of them are in the garage and I’ve been dragging in boxes, a few at a time, trying to get pictures made to put on my web site. So here’s a little glimpse of what my butler’s pantry looks like right now. It’s a MESS…!!!!

Ok….I know what you’re thinking, this is not SO messy…!!! So let’s keep going around the room.

Have you noticed that I’m getting “Really Picky”…. picky, picky, picky.

Yes, I’m getting PICKY….Just got in a TON of Cupcake Picks and now I have to take pictures of all of these, YIKES…!!! They are all over the place. But I think they will be Fun to use at special events or parties. And look at the new fun treat bags….for popcorn, peanuts and even pickles…..Fun Party Supplies…:)
I even have some NEW APRONS in…..they are a little on the “wild side”….here they are, still in plastic, waiting to be ironed and photographed…..Sigh…maybe tomorrow…!!!! Party Animal….Wine Diva….and 100% Party Girl….Too Cute…:)
And on into my kitchen, LOOK at what else came today. My battery operated CANDLES….I’m in love …again…!!!! The solid natural color candles came today and I LOVE these. Oh how I wish YOU could see these lit up. They look just like REAL CANDLES…..And they Flicker TOO…Seriously, SO Pretty. I placed them in several places to show you how they look. Watch for these on my web site SOON…!!!!

I can’t wait to Group Several of them together…when I find Time To Play…..!!! As for now…it’ll just have to wait. Until I get all my pictures taken, clean house, and then, just maybe I’ll be back with some Pretty Pictures to share….Ok, I promise I will…:)
Until then,
Back to WORK…!!!!

Celebrating 29 Years….

2009-10-10T21:08:00.001-07:00

TODAY…we CELEBRATED 29 Years of marriage….and I have to tell you, I am truly blessed to have my sweet hubby….Yes I am….:) They just don’t come better than HIM….He’s the Best…!!! Yesterday, these beautiful flowers arrived at my door.And they HAVE to be the prettiest fall arrangement I’ve ever seen. Really….Look at the sunflowers. Each flower was so perfect.
And the SWEET card that read…..
I’m wishing for 29 more too….:) It was a beautiful fall day here and we took a little shopping trip out of town. HERE’s to My Sweet Hubby…..I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART….!!!!
For THIS…..I am Blessed…!!!!!
I’m in love…:)

Falling In Love

2009-10-01T21:01:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Fall….Leaves floating down and gently landing on still green lawns, Pumpkins on porches waiting to be carved into silly personalities, Haystacks adorned with giant orange ribbons and fireplaces stacked with fresh cut wood….A time to dig out our sweaters and cuddle up with a steamy cup of Hot Cocoa….!!!

AND…..I truly DID fall in LOVE in the fall. With my wonderful hubby of almost 29 years. Our anniversary is October 10… It’s such a cozy season, a time to “Snuggle Up” close to someone you love.

Cozy candlelight and bright warm colors of yellow..red..orange and browns.

Gather round the kitchen for hot plates filled with “Comfort Food”…
I LOVE cozy spaces filled with some of My Favorite Things…
And groupings of seasonal treasures to set the mood….

Fall ribbons wrapped and tucked around cake stands and plate holders…Yellow and green layered napkins placed on a French Country placemat…

I don’t know about YOU, but I’m ready to put a Big Pot of Stew on the stove and take it out on the porch to slowly enjoy the warmth of this beautiful season…!!!
I’ve already used my fireplace this week…So cozy and warm…AND I have my sweaters handy for nippy mornings and cooler nights. Snuggle up close to someone this week. Light a candle and make a yummy dish to share. I think I’ll try a New Recipe this week…maybe a casserole. And I’ll be back to Share it with YOU…:)
I’m in LOVE…!!!

Boo To You

2009-09-25T01:09:00.001-07:00

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks finishing up some urgent business projects and making New Pictures for our web site. AND…as New Products are starting to arrive, they seem to be piling up faster than I can rip those boxes open to see what treasures are tucked inside. One of My Favorites is this charming Candy Apple Candle…!!!
It’s battery operated and has a Warm Flickering Candle Light……SO Charming…!!!! To add more Charm and Whimsy to BOO YOU, how do you like this fun and funky Halloween Sisal Tree.

Black and Orange Stripe and is complete with Dangling Black Spider…..

Just too adorable..!!!
I made the Boo Banner that will end up with my Halloween collection in my breakfast room hutch…

My sweet hubby has carried all those tubs of treasures from the basement and placed them all around the room to make it easy for me to decorate this year. It’s a “Real Bummer” not being able to get around at a normal speed… So this week end, I’ll be digging out my goodies and adding them to all my New Finds…..

Other new items we’ve added are these Sweet Cupcake Papers and Picks….Simply Adorable…..!!!

AND…..I just know you are going to Love these whimsical ceramic Halloween Place Card Holders….I do…:):):)
Tip for making your Cupcake Papers show up Really Pretty…Just bake them in ordinary inexpensive papers and when you’re ready to serve them, remove those papers and place your Sweet Treats inside one of these Pretty Liners….
and POOF…you’re ready to Party..!!!

These pretty Cupcake Paper Liners come in lots of pretty colors and designs and can be found on our web site at www.thesugardiva.com

Watch for more ideas using fancy Cupcake papers and picks…:)

OK…I’ll be back on Monday with some Fall and Halloween decorating around our home. So come on back and visit me again for MORE….Boo To You…!!!
Until then…watch the leaves falling…visit an apple orchard… make a yummy pumpkin pie…sip on a cup of Hot Chocolate….Spend some precious time with your family……and Most of All…Find time for YOU..!!! See you soon,
Life is Good…!!!
OH, I almost forgot, these new products can be found on our web site at, www.thesuardiva.com Thanks..:)