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!

 

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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Baked Goods Make Delicious Gifts!

Baking pies, cookies and more can be an easy way to add a little Christmas cheer to someone elses holiday.  There’s nothing like being on the receiving end of a fabulous home-baked pie, or basket of cookies, muffins or scones.  Add a beautiful platter or basket and you’ve created a masterpiece that is certain to add to anyone’s holiday.

A great gift idea why not buy your favorite sweet-tooth a wonderful cookbook, then bake  something out of it.  Give the book, along with the scrumptious recipe you chose.  It’s a great twist on a holiday favorite.

One of our favorite books The Cake Doctor, has been keeping our customers happy for years.  And our favorite recipe The Pumpkin Pie Crumble Cake! 

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Cake -Oh so yummy!

• Solid vegetable shortening for greasing the pan

• Flour for dusting the pan

• 1 package (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter or margarine, at room temperature

• 4 large eggs

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pumpkin

• 1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk

• 1 1/4 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, chilled

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• Sweetened whipped cream for topping

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with solid vegetable shortening, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pan aside.
2. Measure out 1 cup of the cake mix and reserve for the topping. Place the remaining cake mix, the butter, and 1 egg in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low-speed until well combined, 1 minute. Using your fingertips, press the batter over the bottom of the prepared pan so that it reaches the sides of the pan. Set the pan aside.
3. For the filling, place the pumpkin, evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, remaining 3 eggs, and cinnamon in the same large mixing bowl used to prepare the batter and with the same beaters (no need to clean either), blend on low-speed until combined, 30 seconds. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the mixture lightens in color and texture, 1 to 2 minutes more. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan, spreading to the sides of the pan with a rubber spatula. Set the pan aside.
4. For the topping, place the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the chilled butter, and the reserved cake mix in a clean medium-size mixing bowl. Rinse and dry the beaters. Beat with an electric mixer on low-speed until just combined and crumbly, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stop the machine and stir in the pecans. Use your fingers to thoroughly knead the pecans into the topping mixture. Distribute the topping evenly over the filling mixture. Place the pan in the oven.
5. Bake the cake until the center no longer jiggles when you shake the pan and the pecans on top have browned, 70 to 75 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack, 20 minutes.
6. Prepare two recipes of the Sweetened Cream from page 432. Slice the cake into squares and pass the Sweetened Cream to spoon on top.

Try it this holiday, or make two, one to keep and one to give.  Stop by today to get your copy of our favorite cookbook, they make great gifts- the gift that keeps on giving, so to speak!

Tips for creating the Perfect Holiday Cookies for Gift Giving:

• Don’t struggle with dough sticking to your rolling pin when making cut-out cookies.  Instead, roll out your dough between two sheets of waxed paper. This will eliminate the sticking problem and eliminate the need for too much flour, which can make your cookies dry and hard.
• Having trouble with the store bought cookie dough rolls crumbling as you try to slice them? Start with a log that has been frozen for several hours. Then use a very sharp knife to slice them and allow them to defrost on the cookie sheet before baking.
• Cookies too brown on bottom?  Always line your cookie sheet with parchment paper for more even browning.
• Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before trying to lift them, or else you’ll end up with broken or smashed cookies.
• Don’t stress over last-minute baking, set aside one day prior to Christmas for all your baking.  Store cookies by type in air-tight containers and freeze.  Then take them out several hours before you need them for gifts and or parties and they’ll taste like you just popped them out of the oven.

Happy Holidays- and Happy Baking!

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Secret Santa Gifts- Guidelines to Follow

December brings with it many parties and Secret Santa exchanges at work and within organizations or groups of friends.  Some dread the annual Secret Santa ritual, while others embrace the challenge of finding the perfect gift for their recipient.  Here are a few guidelines that will help you navigate your way through without feeling overwhelmed while giving someone a special feeling when they unwrap their treasure.

• STICK TO THE $$$ LIMIT: While overspending might be tempting if you pull the name of a favorite fellow employee, or someone who you know deserves something out of the price range, don’t do it!  This is the first rule broken, and can leave others feeling left out.  Stick to the agreed upon amount for your exchange.
• DON’T GET TOO PERSONAL: Especially for a work exchange.  Avoid buying clothes items.  These are gifts that are a little too personal for gift exchanges.  Wrong sizes, styles and personal preferences may make for an awkward reaction.
• BE OBSERVANT:  If you don’t know the person that well, take a look around their workspace.  Do they display pictures of children and family, perhaps something showing their favorite sporting team, or a hobby?  Engage in conversation that might lend clues to their likes and dislikes.
• GIFT CARDS & CERTIFICATES ALWAYS PLEASE: These are always a good option.  Almost everyone loves to go out to eat on someone else, or perhaps to a favorite Coffee spot or Bakery.  If you know the person has a favorite little store in town a gift card to pick out his/her own selection will always be enjoyed.
• SHOP LOCAL:  Support your local business community when possible. If the person loves coffee, find a great local Bakery/Coffee shop to create a fabulous gift.  Perhaps a delicious pastry wrapped up with a Gift Card for their own enjoyment at a later time.  Or a little ornament from their favorite Gift Shop with a Gift Card tied to it so they can make their own selection.

Whatever your Secret Santa needs are, at Diana Dee’s we have many options for your Gift-Giving needs.  Whether it’s ornaments or kitchen towels, Santas or snowmen, or the beautiful papers, bows and ribbons to wrap it all up with, we are stocked for all of your Holiday needs.  Call us today so we can help you find that perfect Secret Santa Gift.

Happy Shopping!

Diana Dee’s

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