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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Trends at the Las Vegas Market 2018

Are you familiar with the Las Vegas World Market Center? Twice a year it is host to one of the county's largest gift, home decor and furniture shows. This convention is only open "to the trade" meaning you have to work in the design or retail businesses focusing on home decor, furnishings, gifts, tabletop, jewelry, or seasonal items.

I've come for many years and it is always so fun to see the latest trends. This is what I saw this week.

Farmhouse is still going strong thanks in part to Chip and Joanna. I saw lots of "shabby" country items from farm animals on dishes to rustic serving pieces and linens. There were wicker gathering baskets and rag rugs, rusty pails and cotton bolls. 





 Next to farm animals I saw lots of  honey bees. Several showrooms featured bee themed  dishes, dish towels, napkins, aprons, artwork, and  bee skeps. I love decorating with honey bees (twice I've done events with the theme) so I was happy to see this as a new trend. 















Pillows are always a favorite design accessory and I saw many colors and styles, but the color that kept popping out to me was navy. In fact navy and white was the strongest color trend I saw.
 (Sorry Pantone color of the year - Ultra violet.)




  Dishtowels were everywhere! I can't tell you how many beautiful dishtowels  were on display. 


Maybe you've tried your hand at making some velvet pumpkins. These gorgeous creations are embellished with Swarovski crystals!  Plus I was told the artist grows her own pumpkins for the stems. They also make velvet pomegranates and corn with real corn husks.






There were two strong trends I saw in the Christmas showrooms. First red & white with black & gray. It's a very "cabin-y" look .



I started seeing "Scandinavian" gnomes  two or three years ago. They are so cute!





The other Christmas trend that was featured in many showrooms was a soft color scheme of 
turquoise and silver. It is so pretty and looks very much like a winter fairyland.



 Oh, and there were some darling Christmas decorations made of  wool felt. I bought some felt flowers in the cash and carry booth.





Because we are building a new house this year I was on the lookout for the latest in lighting. I may come back and order some  industrial chic pendants for my kitchen. 






While neutrals are still strong I saw several showrooms awash with color!

Coming to the Las Vegas Market is truly a shop till you drop experience. I logged 7 miles on my Fitbit yesterday!
What is your favorite new trend?

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Monday, January 8, 2018

Top 5 Posts of 2017

It's been a crazy, busy year finally moving from Arizona to Utah and that hasn't left me with much time for blogging. Right now I'm visiting with kids and grandkids in Pennsylvania which makes it even harder to find time! But the big kids have gone back to school, mom and dad are at work and the baby is napping so I'll squeeze in a moment to share with you my most popular posts of 2017.

#5   Charmed

It seems many of us have charm bracelets that we have loved over the years.



I was tickled to be featured in a national magazine this year.



Just a few ideas I shared on how to personalize your new home. 



These are my favorite places to shop!



My number one post of the year was technically posted in 2016, but it was at the end of the year so most of you saw it in 2017. I shared my Fontanini nativity at this year's creche exhibit in Midway.

Thanks to all of my followers. I do think of you as my friends! Have a happy and blessed new year!!

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Monday, December 11, 2017

MemoVase Review


This post sponsored by Splash Brands.– I was provided with a free product in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the developing company, and/ or its affiliates in any way.

Who doesn't love fresh flowers? And who wouldn't love a heart shaped vase with a personal message? I was recently contacted by Splash Brands to write a review for their new product the MemoVase. The clever thing about this flower vase is the removable, reusable message plaque on the front. You write on it with a dry erase maker and simply wipe off with a dry paper towel to change out your greeting. The plaque attaches with inset magnets.


 I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened my new vase. It was much larger than I expected, it measures 8 inches high and is made of white ceramic. Honestly, it is perfect for gift giving as you can personalize it, then the recipient can use it all year for any holiday or special occasion. 

So I had a little fun this morning playing ...

I even think it looks cute holding kitchen utensils. 

The MemoVase comes with a dry erase marker hidden behind the plaque but you can use any color of dry erase marker that you happen to have.

I think this product will be a big hit!
You can find out more about Splash Brands and their other products HERE.

The MemoVase is supposed to be available on Amazon but they are currently sold out :(
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Saturday, December 9, 2017

Nutella Fudge

I don't consider myself much of a candy maker. I'm more of a cookie person. But during the holidays I always make several batches of fudge, And by several I mean dozens, sometimes even hundreds! In New Jersey selling homemade fudge was  part of my sons' Boy Scout fundraiser for many years. Then when I moved to Arizona I started making it for my charity Christmas Idea House.

 Now in Utah, I don't have anyone to make it for except our family and new neighbors so I decided to try something different. Nutella Fudge.  I mean, who doesn't already love creamy, chocolaty fudge and rich Nutella? The combination seems perfect! I scoured Pinterest and came up with this version.




The ingredients are similar to my regular fudge recipe. However this uses some brown sugar along with the regular white granulated and instead of semi sweet chocolate chips substitute Nutella.

Into a large heavy bottomed pan melt the two sugars, butter, and  evaporated milk.

Over medium heat bring it to a full rolling boil and boil for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in a  jar of marshmallow cream and Nutella. Add vanilla.
 Now pour into small pans and sprinkle with sea salt.

The tins are actually my secret. I buy foil tins in bulk online. These are made to hold approximately one pound. They are more square than the mini loaf pans you find at the grocery store and they have a clear snap on lid, perfect for gift giving. Yes, I buy a case and split it with friends. The tins cost about 10 cents each. One source I've used is  HERE.

 I make labels for the lid, 

and bow up the fudge for gifts. 
Each batch made approx 4 pounds.


This new recipe is not as chocolaty as my original but does have that flavor of hazelnut coming through. It is smooth and creamy and makes for a sweet indulgence during the holidays!

Ingredients
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk
  • ¾ cup Nutella
  • 7 oz. jar Marshmallow Cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

  1. In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, brown sugar and evaporated milk together, stirring constantly and bringing to a full rolling boil. Continue to boil and stir constantly for 4 minutes.
  2. Remove sauce pan from heat and stir in marshmallow cream, Nutella and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Pour into prepared pan and evenly spread and distribute.
  4. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top of fudge.
  5. Cool completely before cutting.


Do you have a favorite fudge recipe? 

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