4th of July Decorative Dessert!

Independence Day celebrations are on the horizon.  Don’t panic if you’re invited to a last-minute BBQ and don’t have the time for a fancy schmancy dessert baking session.  This quick and easy dessert will not only add a festive flair to any hostesses table, but it will provide for all day sweetness for her guests.

If you’re the hostess, rest easy knowing that you have created a little bit of heaven in every bite, while creating a patriotic focal-point for your table.

Twenty-four cupcakes will do, but twenty-eight will be perfect!  Bake them yourself, or pop in to your favorite bakery and ask for a couple dozen iced with fresh whip cream only.  A dozen fresh strawberries sliced in half or quartered for all but six of your cupcakes will create your stripes, while fresh blueberries arranged on 6 cupcakes will add your stars.  Arrange them on a platter and you are ready to go.

Want to get creative?  Make your cupcakes of assorted flavors, maybe red-velvet, chocolate, carrot cake, lemon or fudge and consider using mini-muffin pans instead.  It will double your fresh berries, and make for a little more work, but will also allow your guests to sample from several flavors, making your dessert the hit of the celebration!

Have a happy & safe 4th of July!

A New Way to Haul Your Groceries

The world is a flutter over the discontinued use of plastic shopping bags in many city’s.  Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags, and while maybe being environmentally friendly, at times these $2.99 wonders are less than attractive, and often a breeding ground for bacteria.

Recent reports have shown various agencies testing the safety of “BYOB”- bringing-your-own-bags.  While they now advise to keep separate bags for meats and veggies versus dry food.  Not to mention have you seen the shape of some of these bags after a few carries.  Ripped handles and flimsy bottoms that fall over with all your veggies spilling into the back of your car, not to mention the lovely wear and tear that these bags were obviously not made for.  What’s a girl to do while out shopping!

Enter Haul Couture totes!  It’s no wonder that The Next Iron Chef grabbed these practically as they were coming off the design board for their chefs to haul all their groceries in.  They are spectacularly stylish, yet functional.  They hold a whopping 75 pounds of groceries.  Holy gamoly, that’s a lot of guacamole!

And are you ready…wait for it….they’re INSULATED!  You got it, no more racing home worried that the milk is going to spoil while you dash into the cleaners to pick up the laundry.  Fully insulated to keep your food fresh.

So stylish, you can use them to carry your food to a picnic, or to Grandma’s house at the holidays.  Having a potluck at work, and worried about how you’ll get your favorite dish there….worry no more. Designed to include a stacker system so you can layer foods for on the go travel.

So functional that they were created to fit in an overhead bin on an airplane, or under the seat in front of you.  They fold flat for travel, so you can take them along on your favorite trip, then use them to carry all your purchases home on the plane.

Mom, are your kids too old for a diaper bag, yet you still need to carry a lot of “stuff” for them?  Why not carry it all in one place- in style.  Big enough to carry your purse, and their “stuff” while still looking sleek and stylish.

So sleek and stylish, carry them along on your next trip while out shopping for treasures to bring home.  No need to worry about the safety of your purchases or if you’ve left a bag behind.  All your treasures will tuck neatly into your tote, which has a folded down flap with velcro closure for safety.  You’ll be shopping in style. There’s a pattern for practically every personality.  And best of all, no need to freak out about bacteria…..the insulated liner can be wiped down with an anti-bacterial wipe to avoid germ build up.

So there you go…shopping with style!  What are you waiting for?  Head in today and find a style that suits your personality, and start hauling your stuff the couture way!

Bridal Gift Registry 101

The season of Weddings is almost upon us, and if you’re a bride planning a Summer wedding and you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to get moving on it.

Where, what and how you ask.  Do I need to include my groom?  It’s a lovely gesture to register as a couple.  Afterall you may be picking out your formal China that will serve possibly for generations to come.  Wouldn’t it be nice if he felt like he was a part of your traditions?

Heading to Macy’s might seem a bit overwhelming when you step into the housewares section.  Sheets, towels, formal china, informal dinnerware, pots and pans, stemware and flatware- Oh My!  To make sure that you are not overwhelmed here are a few tips for your registering experience-

• Make an appointment.  This makes it easier to get the help you’ll need when navigating through your store of choice.
• Make a list.  Many stores now offer you a scanning tool, but just going up and down each aisle like kids in a candy store many lead to scan happy hands. You’ll end up with a mish-mash of items that don’t necessarily coordinate.  Sit down and together decide the color scheme of your home.  Whether it will be traditional or modern, and what you love, and dislike.  This will streamline your registering experience and keep you focused.

 

• Never register for something  just to see if someone will actually spend the amount to buy it for you.  You just may end up with something that you aren’t that thrilled with, and that doesn’t go with anything else you have.  Stick to your list.
• Don’t go hungry!  Hunger leads to anxiety which can lead to grumpy verbal exchanges.  Remember this is a happy time in your life.  Set aside a day to do this.  Start with a beautiful breakfast or lunch out together, and make a day of it.
• And whatever you do, never mention your gift registry on your Wedding invitation.    That’s a no-no according to Emily Post.  With all the technology at our fingertips these days, guests will easily find your registry, or will opt for either a cash gift or gift card instead.

And whatever you do, remember that a timely “thank-you” note is a MUST. Preferably within 30 days of receiving a gift, but definitely within the 90 day period. And always keep in mind, that if you have delayed a thank you, a late thank-you is better than no thank you at all!

 

Wedding Invitations Unveiled

The love of your life popped the “big” question, you said yes, and now you find yourself in the middle of Bridalmania.  Venues, dresses, flowers, catering, and photographers oh my.  So much to do, so many decisions to be made.  

Our specialty lies with your invitations, which will be the first impression you give to your guests.  They won’t only announce your wedding, but will give subtle hints about the style of your wedding- formal, informal, casual etc.   So keep a few things in mind when choosing your invitations:

• Keep them appropriate to your theme.  Your invitation should complement your day.  A backyard BBQ celebration would not call for a formal invitation with script writing, but rather a more relaxed invitation.  A formal ceremony and evening cocktail party should not be announced with a whimsical cartoon drawn invitation.  So your first step is to make sure that your invitation coordinates with your setting.
• Many brides like to choose invitations that coordinate with their wedding colors, but keep in mind depending on your colors, this can get tricky.  If you have chosen wild colors or a rainbow of colors to use for your decorating, go with a simple, classic White or Ivory invitation with black or gray printing, which will lend an elegance to your announcement.      
• Make sure to allow plenty of time to choose your invitations, have them printed, addressed and mailed so they arrive 6 weeks before your Wedding Day, 8 weeks if your Wedding Day falls near a holiday as many travel at those times.
• Avoid sending your invitations out too early just to announce the date.  If you have been engaged and are planning your wedding for a future date, consider sending a ‘Save the Date’ card 12 months before your Wedding day so your expected guests can mark their calendars.  However, don’t get so excited that you send ‘Save the Date’ cards to everyone in your address book prior to making your guest list.  A major faux pas would be to send a ‘Save the Date’ card to someone who doesn’t get an invitation to the big event.
• Lend an elegant personal touch to your invitations by hand-addressing them. If you don’t have the nicest hand-writing, consider hiring someone to address them for you.  Either in a fancy script or calligraphy style. or someone whose penmanship you admire.  A hand addressed envelope adds a very personal touch for that first impression of your big day. 

June brides, it’s almost time to start the invitation process, so stop in soon so we can lend our expertise to your wedding planning.  We have been specializing in Wedding invitations for over 25 years, and our team of experts will make sure that your invitations reflect the spirit of your day.  From the very first announcement of ‘save the date’ to the final thank-you note, we will make sure you have set the tone of elegance with all of your wedding communications.

Diana Dee’s 

Good Employees Aren’t That Hard to Find!

Here at Diana Dee’s we consider ourselves blessed in many ways!  We’ve been serving the community of San Marino for 27 years.  Small businesses rarely last more than 10 years these days, but to be still going strong in our 27th year, humbles us.

What makes us a success?  We would like to say talent, but we believe that it truly belongs to the staff that we have assembled.  They have the same passion that we do for delivering quality products, with supreme customer service.  They take the time to get to know our customers personally.

Jo, Nancy & Diana

Last week marked a big milestone here at Diana Dee’s.  Our faithful “go to” girl, Nancy celebrated her 20th year with the Diana Dee’s family.  And we mean family! We feel like family, and Nancy has been with us for what feels like a lifetime.  We cannot thank her enough for blessing our business with her dedication and loyalty the past 20 years.  

Happy Anniversary Nancy- here’s to another 20!

A Wonderful Smelling Home Says Welcome!

There is nothing more inviting to the soul than to walk through a door and be captured by the aroma within.  The crispness of a fresh apple, the sweet aroma of lavender or the gentle hint of pine at the holidays.  We are creatures of habit, and our homes tell our story before we can even say a word to our guests.

One step inside, and we can either be drawn in by the delightful scents that surround us, or turned off by the musty aroma that hits us.  ROOT candles are one sure-fire way to make your guests feel at ease when entering your home.

Their Seeking Balance line will stimulate your senses and bring balance to your world with the use of aromatherapy.  Creating a welcoming fragrance all around and promoting peace from within.  Choose from 4 blends-

• RELAX – Pure essential oils of lavender and the geranium bud combine with the tranquil color of lavender to provide an atmosphere of comfort, calm and relaxation.
• ENLIGHTEN – Stimulate your creativity and create an environment for learning using the essential oils of cedar and verbena along with the stimulating color of yellow to create intellectual strength.
• DETOXIFY – Cooling spearmint and tea tree oil cleanses and relaxes the olfactory system, creating an environment for detoxification. Complementing fragrances of bergamot, geranium and jasmine mingle with the richness of the spearmint and tea tree oil to create a pleasing atmosphere
• ENERGIZE– The bright orange color along with the energizing essential oils of rosemary and eucalyptus give an immediate lift, touch of rejuvenation, energy and invigoration.

Made in the USA.  ROOT is a family run, Ohio based company.  Now in its 5th generation, the ROOT family prides itself on its committment to craftsmanship. Made of the purest beeswax with wood wicks, and an all natural color palette. They are the perfect complement for your home, and a wonderful gift for others.  We are proud to carry their line.  Stop in to see our selection.

Diana Dee’s

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Vera Bradley Spring Collection Arrives!

Vera Bradley leaps into Spring 2012 with four new patterns.  Bold, beautiful and vibrant colors will work magic with every girls wardrobe.  Styles that keep our high-tech lives looking stylish as we carry our latest and greatest gadgets everywhere we go.

On the go styles that are certain to keep everything at your fingertips, and looking stunning.  Accessories that not only bring our look together, but add a sense of style to our day.  Dress up your everyday look with a splash of color from your favorite Vera Bradley pattern.

Debuting this Spring:

• Rosey Posies–  An eye-catching combination of petite paisleys and oversized florals for the modern-day gypsy. Layers of colors from burgundy to berry, coral to cream and lemon drop set a happy pace for the optimistic traveler in all of us!

Rosey Posies in Laura

• Ellie Blue– Like the colors of a faraway marketplace, shades of indigo blue set the stage for papyrus white, golden saffron and a touch of blue-gray. Inside and out, the Eastern-inspired paisley motif is charmingly highlighted by majestic and lucky white elephants.

Laptop Travel Tote in Ellie Blue

• Island Blooms– Reflected in a crystal-clear aqua lagoon, intoxicating white blossoms and tropical chartreuse foliage recall a lively floral painting by Gauguin. Inside, a surprisingly modernist design blends beautifully, proving there’s a tropic hideaway anywhere you look. Paradise Found!

Essentials Cosmetic in Island Blooms

• Camellia– Evoking all the romance of a 19th-century garden, these soulful camellia blossoms offer a harmonious anthem of soft white, dusty taupe and shades of graphite gray. A wreath of laurel leaves bands the trim and repeats in the circular lining design.

Bowler in Camellia

Just in time for to get you ready for Spring, starting January 19th with any $75 Vera Bradley purchase receive a FREE gift of your choice- a Ditty Bag, a Tech Case or a Life in Progress Journal while supplies last.

Stop in today to view our entire Vera Bradley collection, or call us to reserve your favorite piece.

Diana Dee’s

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Guest Towels- Germ Friendly, Designer Ready!

Have you ever been invited to a friends for dinner, or perhaps even an acquaintances home.  Picture this: your husbands boss invites the staff and their spouses for an informal evening at his home.  You use the restroom and after washing your hands the only alternative to drying them on your dressy pants is a grungy, soggy towel that has obviously been used by everyone else that used the restroom before you.

Although many may make the argument that ‘paper’ guest towels are just one more way to hurt the environment [think paper plates here], they can serve several purposes for your home and the guests who visit.

Keeping a stash on hand with your monogram, makes it appear that you are always ready for guests, making your home more inviting.  Your guests will feel at ease when they use your restroom, knowing that they won’t be leaving their germs behind on your beautiful bath towels, and that they haven’t been subjected to any germs from others who went before them.  

Each January, stock up on paper guest towels for the bathrooms in your home.  Keep them handy, so when guests arrive you are prepared.  We have several brands available in many themes, and “grab & go” monograms already in stock.   They will send a welcoming message to your guests, and keep germs at bay.

Diana Dee’s

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Proper Table Setting for Dinner

The proper way to set a table has stumped many hostesses over the years.  Where should the fork go, do I need to set with a spoon?  What’s a girl to do when setting a table for an impromptu dinner party?

Unless you are throwing a completely casual party where your guests will dine on BBQ in the backyard, keep proper etiquette in mind when hosting a dinner.  Your theme should guide you.  Casual BBQ, then casual settings with lots of room for creativity.  Formal sit down in the dining room calls for formal guidelines.

If your guests all know each other, there is no need for place setting cards UNLESS you want to control who sits where.  If you have a mix of guests, it’s fun to seat couples apart, this will create more conversations and give your guests time to visit with those they rarely see.    

Selecting a theme for your gathering or for your table will create a fun and festive setting.   Don’t make centerpieces too tall as you want your guests to be able to see each other across the table.  Candles offer a nice touch, but never use a scented candle on a food table.  You don’t want it to interfere with the delicious aroma of your meal.  Small tealights add ambiance, but beware, they are also the #1 cause of fires.  Guests tossing their napkins on tables with a small candle can become a cause for concern, so take these factors into account when choosing your table decor.        

As for your actual place settings- opt for formal china if the occasion calls for it.  Set each place with a dinner plate, salad bowl or plate on top of it, Dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon [if your meal includes soup], butter knife and dessert fork, water-glass and wine glass.

A dinner plate is generally placed an inch from the edge of the table.  If there is a print or pattern on a portion of your plate, it should be placed on the persons right side.  The dinner fork should be placed to the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate with blades facing inwards.  The soup spoon is to the right of the knife.  The salad fork should be to the left of the dinner fork.   A general rule of thumb to remember is that  silverware is used from the outside in – so the first ones that will be used should be at the farthest side of the dinner plate, while the last ones are the ones nearer the plate.  The dessert fork is optional here, and may be placed at the top of the plate as seen above.  Never set silverware that won’t be used, this will only confuse your guests.  If there is no soup, then don’t include a soup spoon.  If there is no salad, don’t include a salad fork. Your napkins may be folded in a variety of ways, and should be placed on top of the dinner plate or to the left of it. 

A formal dinner is a great way to bring a family together.  With the hustle and bustle of today’s family schedules, dinner time rarely calls for special settings.  So look for an occasion to bring your family together.  Or perhaps make Sunday nights a family night and start a family dinner tradition.  

No matter what the occasion, a perfectly set table will set the mood for a fabulous dinner.  

Bon Appetit!  

Diana Dee’s

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Get Organized in 2012!

Our fast paced busy world seems to be flying faster and faster these days.  Before you know it January becomes June, then the Summer slips away and Halloween is before us.  We blink and the holidays have come and gone.  Don’t let 2012 slip by without getting your life organized.

I listen to so many people say they wish they had the time to be on top of things.  Birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions that sometimes quickly come and go before we give them a second thought.  So set your sights on getting organized in 2012.  Start now, and set the pace for the entire year, and  you’ll be sure to be on top of every special occasion.

Get a calendar NOW if you don’t have one.  Don’t keep putting it off.  I like a full-page Calendar for the kitchen, or office space with lots of area for writing.  After-all if you’re going to stay on top of it all, you’ll need plenty of space for writing.  Take time to label ALL birthdays and anniversaries and any special occasions that your family celebrates; perhaps Fido’s birthday or a religious holiday.

At the beginning of each month, make a list of the birthday, anniversary and any special occasion cards you might need and head on down to Diana Dee’s.  Purchasing your cards at the beginning of each month will keep you organized and ready for action long before they need to hit the mailbox.  Stamp them, and keep them in a card file, organizer or specialty envelope.  At the beginning of each week gather those that will need to be mailed for the next week and send them off.

Do the same with gifts.  If you purchase birthday gifts for certain friends, start a month before the date needed.  This will give you time to start thinking of a creative personalized gift for your recipient.  Last minute generic gifts often look like last-minute generic gifts, so let them know that they weren’t an ‘after-thought’ by choosing a gift that is specifically chosen for them.

Stop in today to gather your cards for January.  We have a huge selection, and the perfect card for that special someone on your list.

Stay organized in 2012!

Diana Dee’s 

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