Feast Your Eyes on This...

Ladies, I hope you've got your pocketbook, your cash, your checks, your credit cards, WHATEVER!, and you're ready to shop. In just two days, the door will open on the best Holiday Boutique yet. We're full to the brim with vendors, ready to bring you the very best they have to offer.

This blog posting will be a hodge-podge of delights, because frankly I am running out of time. The doors open in just 51 hours!

Tiny Cakes and Truffles, a lovely little bakery in Claremore and Owasso will be bringing their sweets and decadent goodies like these princess crown cookies. Don't those look mouthwateringly tasty? Nobody can resist a sweet treat for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Our favorite Chrome Cowgirl, Melissa Kanten, will be back with her blinged-out gorgeous stuff. Melissa always has cute boots, jeans, jewelry, and t-shirts. Last year, she had these darling t-shirts that said, "Define Good," with an obviously spoiled woman depicted on the front of the shirt. I just had to have it! Wore it several times throughout the Holiday Season. It might even make a comeback at this year's Holiday Boutique...you just never know! Melissa, we can't wait to see what else you've got, girl!

New to the boutique this year is KynLeigh's Designs, an embroidery boutique out of Inola that has absolutely  darling baby layette items, such as embroidered onesies, burp cloths, and blankets. I just love this Sooner-inspired onesie with the matching hair bow. Some little OU cutie will be all dolled up in that one! Don't worry, Cowboy fans, KynLeigh's has OSU stuff, too!

The ever-popular Designer's Choice will also be back this year with cute purses, wallets, sunglasses, and other items for the trendy fashionista. You won't want to miss this booth...there's always something cute and must-have for sale.

Last, but certainly not least, is CS Jewelry Design, a new vendor that will be bringing vintage jewelry designs for the discriminating jewelry shopper. The Holiday Boutique has always had lots of jewelry (and this year will be no exception!), but I don't think we've ever had anything quite like this. You're going to love CS Jewelry Design, guaranteed!

There are just a few tickets left for Thursday night. Call now if you want one - (918) 637-4129! They're going fast...Otherwise, you can get a General Admission ticket at the door Friday morning at 10 a.m. That's when the Holiday Boutique officially opens for business at the RSU Centennial Center. We can't wait to see you!

Two Of My Favorite Things...

The mere sight of this purse had me scanning my closet wondering what I had that was purple, or a complementary shade. I love it. I've not seen anything this gorgeous in a while.

Join me in welcoming Grace Adele and Velata to the 2012 Holiday Boutique. Both of these companies, affiliated with the company that first brought us Scentsy, will be represented in two separate booths at the boutique. Grace Adele is the purveyor of this gorgeous purple purse.

And I know quite a few Claremore ladies who would love this zebra-stripe inspired tote.

Or this lovely red leather satchel...

And, oh my goodness. My inner leopard is leaping around thinking about this lovely animal-print confection.

Next, to Velata. I was wondering one day, while melting wax into my Scentsy pot how long it would take someone to figure out a way to put fondue in one of these amazing pots. Alas, it very clearly states that it is not suitable for food use.

Someone at the company was picking up on my vibes, though, because now we have Velata, Scentsy's answer to the chocolate fondue pot:

And into this lovely little pot, you put this delectable confection...this one is called caramel milk premium Belgian chocolate...

It is, of course, the Food of the Gods. Speaking of Food of the Gods, have I mentioned how much I love dark chocolate? Particularly premium Belgian dark chocolate? Where are the strawberries when I need them??

Velata knows how to speak my language...this is one of their starter kits. I just might have to have this for Christmas.

Purses and chocolate, just two of my favorite things! Oh, how I am looking forward to the Rogers County United Way Holiday Boutique!!!

For Gifts and More, See Tiffany's Store

It's always Bedlam at Tiffany's Gifts in Catoosa. Whether you holler for the crimson and cream or the orange and black, you're sure to find just what you're looking for in collegiate-themed gear, like these unique OU and OSU tree ornaments.

For the home, Tiffany's stocks a wide array of wall art, like this wood and metal fleur-de-lis wall plaque, perfect for a French-inspired room.

Tyler home fragrances are available as well in all of the popular scents, such as Diva and High Maintenance.

Every hostess needs serving platters for holiday parties and get-togethers. This black damask-patterned serving piece has two generous bowls - one for dip, one for dipping devices - and a spreader is included.

Need decorating ideas or color inspiration? Tiffany's can help you out with that, as well. There are a variety of cleverly staged displays throughout the store, including this display of red pottery.

These heart adorned measuring cups are just a small part of Tiffany's wide selection of beautiful and functional kitchen tools.

This display shows how to elegantly marry turquoise, brown, and white accents in your home.

Visit Tiffany's Gifts at the Rogers County Holiday Boutique Friday, November 9th and Saturday, November 10th! Tickets are still available. Call the United Way Office at 918-343-1165 to get yours now!

Feather Your Nest With The French Nest

It started out as a girl's trip...my sister, sister-in-law, and I out for a Saturday jaunt to our old stomping grounds in Bartlesville. We had a hankering for a Murphy's junior hot hamburger and a chopped salad with garlic dressing. We were on a mission.

We ended up at a really cool antique and craft show in Dewey...and that's where we found it...the cutest little boutique I'd ever seen. I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous fall florals, the birdcage lamps with decorated lampshades, and some of the cutest home decor items I'd seen in a while.

It's called The French Nest and just feast your eyes on all the lovelies this store contains...

Did I tell you they had florals? They do! Oh, so pretty!

And lots of bird-inspired artwork and birdy dust-collectors...

I laughed out loud when I saw this little plaque...it says, "If I die in Wal-Mart, please drag my body over to Neiman Marcus." You gotta admit that's funny!

I love all of these lamps! Yes, please...I'll take one of each.

Just take a quick gander at this gorgeous store! Trust me when I say that you are in for a real treat. The French Nest in Bartlesville is a treasure-trove of beautiful and stately items just waiting to go home with you and freshen up your decor!

Holiday Boutique tickets are still on sale - $12 general admission. Call (918) 343-1165 for yours today!

Hone Your Sweet Tooth at The Nut House

I have a terribly errant sweet tooth. Do you have any idea how hard it is to take pictures of peanut brittle and not tear into one of the packages? I'm telling you...it really doesn't pay to be the Queen of the Blogosphere for the Rogers County United Way Holiday Boutique.

They sent me to The Nut House.

No. Not THAT Nut House. Stop that! I hear you snickering...

The Nut House in Verdigris, silly!

It had been a while since I'd been out there. Oh, my goodness! They have the cutest kitchen stuff! Like these darling measuring spoons and the ceramic mixing bowl full of all sorts of yummy things to make blueberry pancakes.

And the fudge counter. Oh, I did some damage at the fudge counter. I just had to try one of everything. My pants aren't going to fit after this. Did I mention that Hazel, the proprietress of The Nut House will be bringing her yummy fudge to the Holiday Boutique? Well, she is. 

She's also going to bring some wonderful kitchenware with her, like these cookie cutters, which will be just perfect for making cookies for Santa.

And all of these terrifically tasty mixes, jams, and syrups from Stonewall Kitchen. They're to die for!

Hazel has already started decorating for Christmas, and she's planning to bring along some of these cute snowmen, Santas, and elves. They'll be perfect for gift-giving!

I love the sequined trees and the snowman advent calendar!

While I was there, I found this precious little red bird, and I was totally planning on adding him to my Christmas tree later on, but when I got home, he looked so sad and lonely and he made my heart feel so warm inside, that I decided to tuck him into the flower arrangement on my bedside table. I think he looks just perfect there.

He makes me smile.

Don't forget - you, too, can shop at The Nut House during the 2012 Holiday Boutique. It's less than two weeks away! Get your tickets now! (918) 343-1165.

Rehabilitate Your Image With Image Rehab

We've all lived through a moment like this. You stand in your closet, naked, scanning the possibilities. You want to look sensational, but all you see is row after row of boring, mundane, and been-there-done-that.

If you're like me, your closet is terribly monochromatic - lots of safe black, brown, and navy blue. Oh, there are a few pops of color, but accessorizing has never been my forte.

If you can relate to this story, then it's time, my friend, for a closet makeover. And, I know of no better place to get one than at the 2012 Rogers County United Way Holiday Boutique November 8-10 at RSU's Centennial Center. There, you will find more than 30 booths full of new and exciting fashions for both you and your home. If your wardrobe or your surroundings are begging for style, it's style you shall have. In spades.

Returning to the Holiday Boutique this year is Image Rehab, a cute little boutique from Catoosa, Oklahoma. Tucked into a salon on Cherokee Street, this extraordinary store is known for it's contemporary clothing and jewelry that boasts an upscale look without the upscale price.

Check out these darling scarves made by the owner's mother:

Here's what the text on the scarf says:

Isn't that precious? Wouldn't that make a great gift for that special teenager or young adult in your life? 

My jaw literally dropped when I saw these stunning sequined kicks.

Oh. My. Goodness. SWOON!

You simply must check out this booth at the Holiday Boutique. You will be sure to find something wonderful there to freshen up your wardrobe.

I adore the message on this scarf as well...

"Take chances. Abandon all the rules. Ditch the recipe. Color outside the lines."

Words to live by, don't you think? See you at the Holiday Boutique.

If You're An Okie, You're Either Crimson and Cream or Orange and Black...Pick Your Poison

If you're from around these parts, you understand that there's two schools in this state that just don't get along. It's not that either school is necessarily bad. Both have great academic programs, beautiful campuses, and turn out fine folks who go out into the world and do amazing things with their degrees.

But, when it comes to athletics, it's Bedlam. And every time the two schools get ready to meet on the gridiron or the court, the smack-talk begins, people start wearing their "colors," and friends and family who just mere weeks before were as friendly as two ducks in a pond suddenly stop speaking and wait for the battle to begin.

So, we hope you'll all welcome Fishwater Tees, a company out of Norman, Oklahoma (now don't hold that against them, Stilly fans), to the 2012 Rogers County United Way Holiday Boutique. Fishwater will be bringing an array of fun t-shirts for fans of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions.

For the intrepid OU fans out there who enjoy annoying their Bevo-loving friends, here's a little something you might want to have hanging in your closet...

OSU fans will certainly prefer this orange offering...

Thankfully, we now have a sports team in Oklahoma that we can all root for and that has helped many an OU or OSU fan to sing "Kumbayah" and hold hands...

Now, you, too can "Thunder Up" your wardrobe. Don't you think these t-shirts would make a nice stocking stuffer? I'd love Santa to bring me one!

Don't miss Fishwater Tees  - new to the Holiday Boutique - November 8-10 at the RSU Centennial Center. The exclusive shopping event is Thursday, November 8th from 6-8 p.m. and the General Admission hours are Friday, November 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 10th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Be there or be square!

A Hoot of a Tale About A Little Orange Owl...And His New Roost at Savannah's

Once upon a time, there was a little owl, but not just any old owl. This owl was orange. He had one eye that was bigger than the other. But, he was still really cute. Some time ago, the little owl rented a perch on a tiny side-street just off of downtown's main drag. He started feeling lonesome, wishing his perch was nearer to all of the action in town. He took some time off to check out all the other perches in the downtown area, until he found just the right space.

The little owl settled on a perch in a precious little boutique in downtown Claremore. He said it caught his eye because it had darling tops like the blue paisley number up above. And sweaters like this taupe tunic-styled stunner...

And this Navajo-styled poncho. Then the little owl told me about the soaps and lotions in this little store. He particularly enjoys bathing with the loofah sponge/soap combos. They really make his feathers shine...

The little owl said this new perch he found, a place called Savannah's Boutique, liked to sell bling to the pretty ladies who frequent the store. The owl especially likes this super-cute t-shirt and Savannah's array of lovely baseball caps.

Savannah welcomed the little owl and his lovely decorations from his previous perch just around the corner. The owl particularly enjoys decorating for Christmas. He always has a tree set up like this one...

The little orange owl laughed as he showed me this door hanger, saying, "I know several chicks who could hang this on the door of their perch."

The Orange Owl is an interior decorator at heart. He loves wall hangings and artwork and he isn't afraid to feather his nest with them. He'd love to help you feather yours, too...

The little orange owl especially loves pillows and tiny wall plaques, perfect for decorating the perches of baby owls. Can you spot the little owl in this picture?

The Orange Owl stays very busy, so he likes to be organized. He always keeps a selection of reusable tote bags, notepads, accordion folders, and clip boards handy. Owls are very thoughtful about those sorts of things, you know.

You can visit my cute little owl friend, too, at his new perch in Savannah's Boutique. The two of them go together like peas and carrots.

Look for Savannah and The Orange Owl at the 2012 RCUW Holiday Boutique. Tickets are on sale now. Call (918) 343-1165 to get yours now!