Glitter, Glitter Everywhere And Not A Prop In Pink!

Well, boys and girls, I am back again with more photos of our Christmas open house. I hope you've got your Visine handy, 'cause good gosh-a-rover but I got a bunch to show. I'm going to be showing mine and Cat Daddy's area today and what do you know...there he is, the big cheese...the one, the only, incomparable man who really needs no introduction...Cat Daddio, my main squeeze! Commercial Break...This photo is courtesy of David, who by the way, has his photos up (so much better than mine) and are ready for your viewing. I failed to get any photos of live people, but thank goodness David is such a friend to let me borrow his!

Now on with the show..... Y'all know how hard I worked on these spaces...after all, you had to listen to me whine about it for the past two weeks, but I think I managed to pull if off without doing any serious bodily harm to myself or anyone else. Anyway, you know that feeling you get right before you go to sleep at night? You know...the one where you sleep peacefully knowing you've done you're best...well, I never got it! I kept thinking if I just had two more days or even one more day. Problem with me is you gotta give me a deadline when it comes to Christmas decorating or I won't stop. Thank goodness Gloria put a time clock on me or I'd still be swinging from the ceiling. Speaking of time...I was almost caught with hair curlers in place, but I got them out before anyone came in. Whew! Safe...or so I thought. Margo had her own little idea. So much for protecting the rep! There are details that didn't get finished, but heck, I got the whole month of December to finish 'em, right? Please agree with me so I'll quit fretting!

Y'all, I gotta tell you...this is probably one of my all time favorite purchases ever! When C.D. and I bought this mantle, I was over the moon and the big wheels were turning. All I could see from that point on was silver! Talk about a twinkle in the eye...doncha just love it when a plan comes together?

Would you believe I actually passed up these white hydrangeas at Kroger's (of all places!)? Y'all, I was kicking myself big time until Cat Daddy went back and got them for me. He is my knight in rusting armor...there were only two left and he guarded them with his life! (BTW, Mindy, this glass store display sure has your name on it!)

I swear up and down, these sweaters were neatly in place when the doors opened Friday at 4:00! They were handled quite a bit and I sold some of them. I gathered these '50s sweaters for a year with this little germ of an idea in my head. Jenn made the chair corsages for me. Do you love 'em? (They are for sale and she can make more! How's that for slipping another commercial in on y'all?) She also made the darling party hats for me. I felt just like a boutique thanks to my number one, crazy mad, talented Trashette! (BTW, she didn't get that gene from me!)

Every year in our home, I hang snowflakes in the hallway. C.D. hung chicken wire for me that he attached twinkle lights to and we leave that up all year. I just climb my trusty ladder with my snowflakes and cuss up a storm while untangling the fishing line. This is just one of the many fun sounds of Christmas at our house...and yet once again, y'all let me digress! Point is, I thought it would be fun to replicate at W&T's but the ceilings there are at least 12' and Debbie doesn't do 12' ladders. So instead, I had poor Miguel hang this naked umbrella for me. I'm sure he thought I had lost my mind until I started hanging snowflakes, then he started having fun helping in the hanging of them! Betcha at first he wanted to hang me!

Remember that hot mess I showed y'all on my dining room table? Well, this is the end result. (Fun Fact: I'm always on the lookout for black & white or sepia toned church plates. I love them!) I have to admit, I placed everything just so...then decided I wanted a runner and had to pull it all off and start over! The menu mirror was from a wedding shower Jenn and I did for a friend's daughter. We just used a sharpie to write with and with a little fingernail polish remover, you can create your own menu!

This is my favorite! Debra and I both collect sheep (although my collection is nothing like hers) and this is some of my excess. I think the large lamb was part of a nativity scene. Charisse was sweet enough to bring me the little, wild cedar trees, risking life and limb to do so...her poor arms broke out in an allergic rash. Somebody give that girl a medal for going above and beyond the call of duty!

Are you not in love with these deer? C.D. bought them just a couple of weeks ago at an estate sale. The eyes are glass and the little fawn have tiny spots on them. Aren't they gorgeous? He says I am making him sell them, but y'all have met my man. Can you imagine me making him do anything?

My version of the little brown church in the vale.

You've seen her before, but never has she got to fly this high! I should mention, while she is for sale, her lingerie is not. Sweet T gave me this little piece of ooh-la-la a couple of shows ago and there isn't enough money in the world to pry it out of my hands...but I couldn't have her flying around nekkid, now could I?

I bought these great Neiman's boxes several years ago at one of the Red Shed's Christmas sales. I used them primarily for my "Santa Baby" mantle last year complete with a Tiffany box and fishnet stocking. Sadly, they are empty (in spite of the fishnets), but a girl can dream can't she? (Fun Fact II: If you or anyone you know, has any Neiman's dress sacks/bags, I'm looking for some!) And speaking of the Red Shed...they are going to be on Good Morning Texas at 9:00 Monday morning, the 30th on channel 8 in Dallas. Michelle has the most inspirational story of courage and determination, so be sure and watch. Also, they have another show this coming weekend. You can get all the details here! Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find the contents to my boxes there!

Before y'all think I went crazy with the glitter...we bought Rudolph this way!

I needed something to balance my mantle vignette and Lily was on hand to lend a hand. She gave me the paper white to put in my mercury glass candle holder. Have I mentioned what a great group I get to play with at W&T's?

OK y'all, that wraps up Phase II of the Christmas tour. Be sure and gas up your shopping buggies, 'cause Phase III is just around the corner!

What a Christmas miracle that would be to have gas at this price again!

A Little Christmas Prestidigitation

Y'all...I am tired...to the bone/dead on my feet/need a hot soak/barely can walk/happy to be alive tired! The Christmas open house at Winnie & Tulula's and Sweet Peas was a huge success. I know those of y'all who couldn't attend are going to hate yourselves (and maybe me) after you see some of my photos. I do have a little confession to make...we were so busy at the start, I didn't get a single photo last night. All of these were taken this afternoon, so try hard not to imagine what got away...'cause there were some doozies!

It's no secret that photography is not my forte' and that y'all are all waiting with bated breath for David to post his...heck, so am I! After all, he is the king of the camera and we are all but his lowly subjects...literally, but I'll show you what I got. This is going to take several posts to get all the photos in. You really can't imagine it all...let's just say we kept throwing the breakers with all the shiny! So hold a buddy's hand and let's get started, 'kay? Oh, and try to remember to breathe...I don't know CPR!

Upon entering the front door and to your right is Peg & Jon's (French Vanilla) space. Do you see they're interpretation of a Christmas tree? What about the hanging lights? Would someone please help Anne off the floor...she seems to have swooned! I told you girl, breathe! I'm tired and y'all will just have to keep up the best you can...darn...I knew I should have had smelling salts on hand!

To your left, you will see part of Gloria's custom bedding collection. Good grief...now we've lost Tami! How on earth are y'all going to hang with me to the end if you keep this up!

To my right...that's my right, Gale (Squirrel!)...is the checkout. Believe me, by the time I get through with all my posts, you will be hunting the checkout in a mad rush! So make a map or take notes. Oh heck, leave a trail of bread crumbs if you have to...wouldn't want to lose you in the dash to the finish line!

Temporary snow blindness has set in, but for those of you wearing shades, this is Linda and Ludmil's area. Beautiful, isn't it? I warned y'all...deep breaths!

Peeking through a canopy of white (Sweet Pea Collection) you are adrift in a snowbank of loveliness. Never want to leave, do you? Psst...neither did I!

Believe me, this is only the tip of the iceberg. I promised you white and white is what we delivered! For those of you who have been to Gladewater, I'm sure you are already familiar with Diana of Country Girl fame. Her pillows are 2die4 as you can see for yourself. Bonnie, please tell Dixie to quit drooling on the pillows...unless she plans on buying all of them...and that could be arranged! All major credit cards are accepted along with checks and cash! We love the color of green as well!

This concludes the cook's tour of Sweet Peas! Tomorrow, I'll take you over to the Winnie and Tulula's side, but for gosh sake...eat something! I can't have y'all slowing me down with all this fainting!

Hmmm! I wonder who is just beyond the door?

What... A Hippopotamus...Really?

Hello boys and girls! It's me, Old St. Nick, coming at ya straight from the Texas Pole!

Time's a wastin', the clock is ticking...have you made your lists for what you're wishing...that I could bring you from the Christmas Open House at Sweet Pea's/Winnie & Tulula's, that is! What that's...you're having a hard time making up your mind? Just remember y'all...I'll be making a list too and checking it twice...gonna find out who's naughty (I've got my eye on you two, Mal and Robelyn) or nice (and that would be you, sweet Lee and of course, Adrienne)!

Why don't you come on over and sit on Santa's lap and tell me everything? I'll even help you get started! Sue, don't cut in line...I know if you could get away from your big grrrl job, you'd be here in a heartbeat. Besides, Ol' Santa knows what you want...all the ephemera in the world, right? What do you think Shel...is this your shade of white? How about you Laura...can you get this color out of a can? Well, maybe you could...but no one else can...can can. That's why you're on the nice list! Don't worry Sue, there is plenty of white for everybody. Just leave that store in the boys hands and come on over to Texas for a vacation! Fancy, my little rodeo queen, I just know this would be right up your alley or back forty! What about you TOT...wanna arm wrestle for a better look? Ho, Ho, Ho!...just having a little fun with you. Mrs. Claus won't even let me pinkie wrestle with the elfettes! Don't you worry one little bit, My darling honey baked...Santa and Mrs. C are sending you all their love for Christmas!

Now which one of y'all loves rust? Whoa...one at a time...didn't mean to start a riot! Ok, Ok, I'll see to it that if you come by between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. each and every one of you will get a chance at some great rust...even you Sharon!

C'mon Debra...don't be bashful...whisper in Ol' Santa's ear and he'll do his durn tootenest to see that you get it!

Tootsie dearest, there is still time to jump on a plane and scoot on down here for a heckuva good time. No excuses...if I can fly around the world in one day, you can make it from Canada to Texas in two!

Ahhh! I can just hear the wheels turning as you try and figure this one out Amy my girl, but believe me...('cause if you can't trust Kris Kringle, who can you trust?)...you're gonna want it! What do you think Troy...wanna flip for it? I mean a back flip of course! Think you're gonna get off easy? Not on my watch!

Gina, oh queen of bling...tell me you're coming and I'll be sure and put something sparkly under your tree for sure! All you other good little boys and girls...remember I'm watching and taking notes!

Well kiddies, Ol' Santa Pop has got to run. Gotta go press the suit and trim the 'stache, but I'm sure hoping I see you Friday evening in Athens! Peace out and...

Happy Thanksgiving one and all from me and the Mrs.!

Happy (Tired) Feet!

I just got in from working on my space at Winnie & Tulula's and it occurred to me that y'all might be looking for your invitation to the Remembrance of Christmas Open House, Friday, November 27th from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. If it got lost in the mail, consider this a personal invitation from me to you...signed with a kiss. I promise you up and down, everything that could possibly be done has been done to turn this place upside down and topsy turvy!It's all so wonderful...kinda like the Sears Christmas Catalog...but for grownups! Grownups with impeccable taste for the unique and unusual!

It has also occurred to me that I never told y'all who the surprise guests were going to be either, did I? I do believe the cat's out of the bag, but just for the record (because I always keep my promises) and with no further delay...drum roll please! To titillate and entice you to come spend Friday evening with us, I first would like to present Jon and Peg of French Vanilla! Oh mylanta...y'all are just not going to believe what they have brought. I've seen it and I still don't believe my eyes! Photos are not going to do it all justice....in fact, there are just three words to describe it! Are y'all ready...on the count of three, say it with me...1, 2, 3...Fab U Lous!!!

What? You want more? Well, hang onto your derrieres, 'cause I'm just getting started! In addition to the in house talent AND French Vanilla, Gloria has also brought...are you ready...wait for it...Willow Nest. Yes, you read right. Linda and Ludmil (or Prince Charming as I like to call him) are going to be showing their lovely wares as well. Can it get any better than this? Well, I'm glad you asked...YES, it can!

Lily has brought a gentleman to join in the mix who is in dire need of a name. He's dressed to the nines in his tux but alas and alack...he has no moniker! Gloria and the girls thought it would be fun to let y'all help give him a title. So put those thinking caps on and when you arrive, you'll get to suggest a name. The winning name will receive a prize! How much fun is this?

I've said it before and I'll say it again...this won't be like any open house you'll attend this year! Just wait until you get a load of some of the Christmas attire that's being worn. You think Mr. No Name is dressed up? Wait until you get a gander at Cat Daddy...think spiffy, real spiffy!

Gotta run now. I think there is a shower cap with my name on it. Be sure and check out all the others who are posting on this soon-to-be front page, tony event. I'll be back one last time tomorrow with photos or at least a few little sneaky peaks! Ssshhh! Don't tell Gloria I'm going to give y'all a little looky look! Keep that just between us...after all, you know you're my favorite!

Talk Is Cheap...Vote Instead!

I just had to stop what I was doing and send out a call to arms! Sandi at the Green Pea Boutique has made a special request and I want to get the word out. Her daughter, Brandy, if one of ten finalists to win this table! She was selected out of 170 entries to design a room around it in her style. Don't you just love it?

Now this is where y'all come in. Shoot right on over to Sandi's to get all the 411 because to win, Brandy needs votes...our votes. Think of it as exercising your rights. Believe me, this girl has mad skills!

Don't question me...just do it! In the words of Mammy Yokum..."I has spoken!" After you see her work...you can thank me later!

Ho Ho Hoing With A Capital H!

Just a quick post to let y'all know we are all in picture perfect health and hard at work getting everything ready for the big reveal, Friday at 4:00 p.m. for our Christmas Open House!The snow is flying and things are beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Winnie & Tulula's and Sweet Pea's! With silver bells aplenty and frosty whites everywhere, y'all are in for a treat guaranteed to make your teeth hurt or at least lose your upper ones! The reindeer are running on high octane Ethyl or as we like to call it....mimosas!!

All the elfettes are swinging from the ceilings to ensure nothing is left undone or unwrapped! You know Mindy, Theresa, Daphne and Ethel...Gloria, Charisse, and Lizzie and Frannie...but do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?

Cat Daddy, the tricked out reindeer!!

We're calling in all the troops to help with the preparations including my oldest melon head and his darling girl, Graycie!

I was framed, I tell ya!

The resident trashette was working the place making sure there weren't any slackers. Everyone had to tote that barge and lift that bale with Grayzilla on the job!

So I'll close for now, but I'll be back with more snippets of Remembrance Of Christmas and full disclosure on who our guest vendors will be. You won't want to miss that one! For now, I must hurry to the Texas Pole and get back to glittering anything that doesn't move!