God's Not Finished With Me (or You!) Yet

Like most people during the holidays, I find myself running from one place to the next, hurly-burly, without thought of the true spirit of the season. Gift for my sister? Check. Christmas party at the Jones's? Check. Stocking stuffers for the kids? Check. Turkey for Christmas dinner? Check.

But, where is Jesus in all of that running around? When do I take time for Him, to worship the coming of my Lord and Savior? Poor Jesus...he's always getting the short end of the stick, just like in that manger scene. He gets my left-overs. 

Most people can relate to what I'm saying. The peace and calm of the holiday songs never seems to reach my doorstep, much of it from my own doing.

The Holiday Boutique is pleased to welcome Oklahoma Christian Authors Carol Round and Lorraine Holman, who will be bringing their wonderful books, perfect for gift-giving or to speak to your own heart.

Lorraine has written the book, "Trials: Thanks a Lot!" and also "Queen Lou's Thank You," a children's book about remembering to say "thank you" to the important people in your life.

Carol Round will also be in attendance with her children's books "Nana's Three Jars." You may remember that Carol was at the Holiday Boutique last year with her first book in the series, hot off the presses, about giving generously. This year, she's added two new titles to the series, one on spending wisely and the other on saving.

Stop by the Oklahoma Christian Authors booth to get a breath of fresh air and a reminder of the REAL reason for the season!

For tickets to the Holiday Boutique, please call Angela at (918) 637-4129.

And remember, we'll be at the RSU Centennial Center Thursday evening (November 12) for the VIP Shopping Event from 5 to 8 p.m.; Friday (November 13) from noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday (November 14) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See you there!

My Hands Shall Be Dripping In Jewels

File this Holiday Boutique offering in the category of the beautiful and unusual: candles, wax tarts, body scrubs and soaps, and fragrance beads - all of which contain a beautiful piece of jewelry - a ring worth anywhere between $10 to $7,500.

Yes, you read that correctly. I said each item contains a ring and said ring could be worth upwards of $7,500. What lady wouldn't love a gift like that?

This reminds me of those Saturday mornings where I would try to eat all of the Frosted Flakes so that I could find the toy prize that came with each box. On second thought, those are not good memories. Too much sugar...

This product line is called Jewel Scent and I'm really excited to get a candle or two to give to the lovely ladies on my gift list. Because really...who doesn't love something useful and beautiful that - SURPRISE! - has a sparkling little bauble contained within?

Check out this booth and the 24 other vendors at the 2015 Holiday Boutique November 12 - 14 at the RSU Centennial Center. If you'd like to be among the first to shop this event, you'll want to be in attendance Thursday, November 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. for the VIP Shopping Event. Bring a girlfriend!

All of the proceeds benefit United Way agencies (you're shopping for a good cause!). And, you can have a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres with a friend (bonus!), all while getting your Christmas shopping done all in one location. You need to be at this event!

Tickets for the VIP Shopping Event are going fast...they're just $25 each. Call (918) 637-4129 to get yours today!

Let Yourself Get A Little Wild With These Headbands

Are these headbands not the cutest thing you've ever laid eyes on? These beauties are handmade by Kristi Erwin, owner of Wild Prairie Bloom, one of the vendors at the 2015 Holiday Boutique.

The cutie-patootie model is her daughter, Gentry. What a sweetie-pie! Kristi always has her dressed to the nines!

Last year was the first year Wild Prairie Bloom was at the Holiday Boutique. I snatched up a bunch of headbands in an assortment of colors and my daughter and I have been swapping them around with our own outfits. Perhaps you think only little girls can wear these jewels. Not so...I actually like to throw one on around my ponytail or bun. Instant upgrade! 

Miss Gentry is ready for Christmas...are you?

Get your pretty little self down to the Seventh Annual Holiday Boutique November 12-14 at the RSU Centennial Center Ballroom. Tickets for Thursday's Exclusive VIP Shopping Event are just $25 and there are only a few left! Get yours now by calling (918) 637-4129.

General Admission tickets are just $5 and are good for both Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14.

Hotter Than a Two-Dollar Pistol...

Sing along with me..."Lord, she was hotter than a two-dollar pistol...She was the fastest thing around..." I remember listening to that song on KVOO on my Pop's transistor radio back in the day while he'd make me breakfast. Those were the days.

Another pistol is planning to come to the Seventh Annual Holiday Boutique November 12-14, 2015 at the RSU Centennial Center, The Crystal Pistols Boutique.

Owner Ashley Chapman and her partner in crime, Jennifer True, handcraft the cutest jewelry in Oklahoma using some of the most unusual and commonplace materials. My OSU-loving self is going to have to have this Copenhagen top bauble. Pistols Firing, indeed!

The Crystal Pistols Boutique also has a variety of clothing and other accessories. I dig these tank tops that say "Muscles and Mascara" and "Proud Supporter of Messy Hair and Sweatpants." You've gotta love a shirt with a little attitude.

The best part about Crystal Pistols Boutique is the affordability of their jewelry and accessories. This beauty is just $15.

There's something for everyone at Crystal Pistols Boutique...and if you can't find something you like, I'm positive that Ashley and Jennifer can make you whatever you'd like. Stop by their booth at the Holiday Boutique next weekend to get your hands on some unique jewelry and accessories!

Need a ticket? The $25 Thursday VIP tickets are going fast...call (918) 637-4129 to get yours now. General Admission tickets for Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 are just $5 and get you in the door both days.

Grab a girlfriend and come Shop United at the Holiday Boutique.

SHOW HOURS:

Thursday, November 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Tickets $25)

Friday, November 13, 12 noon to 8 p.m. (Tickets $5)

Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tickets $5)

RSU Centennial Center

Now That's Italian!

If you, like millions of Americans, love nothing better than a delicious bowl of pasta with a decadent Italian sauce, look no further than Oklahoma's own Pastamore.

This is the second year for Pastamore at the UWRMC Holiday Boutique, and once again they'll be bringing pastas like the Artichoke Heart Linguine and Ginger Sesame Finishing Sauce. Owner Danette Floyd will have samples available so you can try all of her gourmet delights.

Last year, I purchased some Balsamic Vinegar and it was so deliciously thick and sweet, I swooned. I love to slice strawberries onto a dollop of ricotta and drizzle with the syrupy balsamic vinegar for a quick and easy dessert. Yes...it's that sweet and that good.

It's also exceptionally delicious in an Italian vinaigrette dressing or drizzled over the top of Pizza Margherita fresh from the oven.

If you're a busy mom like I am, these delicious pastas and sauces are a great launching pad for a quick, delicious, and easy meal.

Taste all of the sauces and visit with Danette about recipes you can use to get a yummy dinner on the table faster at the 2015 Holiday Boutique November 12-14, 2015 at the RSU Centennial Center. VIP Shopping Night is November 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. General admission hours are Friday, November 13 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for those days are $5.

Call Angela at (918) 637-4129 for tickets.

Everything Old Is New Again at J&J Pharmacy

J&J Pharmacy and Gifts has been Claremore's go-to gift store and boutique for decades, and a staple of the United Way of Rogers and Mayes County Holiday Boutique.

Earlier this year, founders John and Patsy Daniel decided to retire and sold their business to new owners, who have expanded into the space next door that formerly housed Madalyn's Hallmark. The new, expanded J&J Pharmacy has the same great product lines that discerning gift-givers love - Tyler candles, Vera Bradley bags, and The Vintage Pearl jewelry.

Among the new items in the store is the popular and colorful mix-and-match Fiesta Ware brand of kitchenware and pottery.

And these essential oil-based candles whose healing scents renew and refresh while cleansing the stale air in your home.

With football season in full swing, there's still time to wear one of these cute baseball shirts celebrating fall's favorite spectator sport.

Cheer on the Claremore Zebras all year long with this bracelet from The Vintage Pearl.

Showcase your southern roots with this sassy trucker's cap...perfect with a pair of blue jeans and cowboy boots.

What new Momma in your life wouldn't love this precious picture frame hanging on their wall, capturing the special moments of pregnancy and birth.

In fact, there are so many wonderful new things at J&J Pharmacy, we can't wait to see what they'll bring to the Holiday Boutique.

I hope you've got your lists going and your billfold and credit cards at the ready, because it's time to start thinking seriously about those holiday gift lists, ladies. Tickets for the 2015 Holiday Boutique are $25 for the VIP Shopping Night Thursday, November 12th and $5 for General Admission on Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th. VIP tickets are going fast, so call Angela at (918) 637-4129 to get yours now.

Hats and Scarves and Ponchos, Oh My!

Who doesn't love a cool, crisp fall day? And this weather we've been having! It was 41 degrees a few mornings ago, and I wanted to kick my heels up in the air and go running through the piles of leaves!

When the weather turns cool, I immediately begin thinking about scarves, hats, gloves, and boot socks. If this describes you, too, then you're going to love new Holiday Boutique vendor Knits N' Purls by Stephanie.

Just imagine this beautiful blue scarf draped around your neck. Tres chic with a pair of blue jeans!

Or this gorgeous scarf with just a hint of blingy glitter...you'll be the talk of the town in this one.

Capelets and ponchos are all over the runways this season, and this lovely capelet in a deep merlot is the perfect topper for any autumn outfit.

I'm in love with this baby blue cable-knit cap, perfect to wear to a chilly TU football game.

This Minnie Mouse cap will have the little girl in your life turning heads. All items are handcrafted by Stephanie McMillian-Kirkland, and she will have an amazing selection of hand-knit, one-of-a-kind items for shoppers to choose from.

Don't forget your tickets for the VIP Shopping Event Thursday, November 12 and General Admission tickets for Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14. VIP Tickets are $25 each, General Admission are just $5. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the United Way at (918) 343-1165.