Soft Summer Lights

I've seen this idea before--and I love it! But in case you haven't come across it before, it's worth sharing. There are several reasons I like the idea of lighting by candles inside glass jars... it's rustic, it incorporates items you probably already have on hand--and if you don't, it won't cost a lot of money to get--and any soft lighting is romantic. Just gather up about a dozen glass jars or votive holders in different sizes. Try to get jars that have a wide rim (such as jelly jars). Wrap wire around each top and twist tight to secure. Bend another piece of wire into a loop and attach as a handle. Cut varying lengths of chain and attach a small S hook to the top of each chain. Slip the S hook over a spoke of your patio umbrella and secure it with some duct tape (EVERYONE has this!). Attach another S hook to the bottom of each chain and use it to hang the lantern. You can also use citronella candles to help keep the bugs away.

Marked DOWN!

homebodies has just drastically reduced these black and white pillows - they're just $7 each! We have 3 styles to choose from: paisley (14x14), geometrical (12x12) and the peacock (14x14). The pillows look great alone or grouped together.

New Arrivals!

homebodies just received a shipment of lots of new items for both your home and yard--or to give as a gift. One item is this dream yard stake (we've already sold the others that said love and smile...this is the only one left!!!). It's bright and small, making it just the perfect piece to add some pizazz to your yard without overkill... it's priced at just $7.99.

Our new decorative standing plaques ($17.99) come in two beautiful styles - one with a bird; the other with butterflies. They measure almost 14 inches high and look great paired with many of our smaller decorative accessories such as our wooden black and white birds, which are priced at $6.99.

For the Bedroom

homebodies has a few good deals going for bedroom furniture. These dark wood nightstands are priced at just $45 each. Each one features two drawers and an underneath-the-top storage area for your favorite bedtime reading.

We also have this bed set, which includes a queen-sized bed (headboard, footboard and rails) and a nightstand. They are priced together for just $75!

Asian-inspired bling for a bride to be

Our friend Gidget hosted an amazing bridal shower last night. It was in honor of Jenna, who is getting married next week. Gidget pulled together decorative accessories from around her house and effortlessly mixed them in with fun party favors. The theme, if there was one officially, was Asian bling. There were lots of pretty sparkly, shiny things... faux diamond rings, glitter, picture frames, crystals and crowns for eye candy. The food--prepared by our own private sushi chef--was just as creative...ranging from oldtime favorites such as California roles to what I call "sushi on the fly"--that's making it up as you go.

One of my favorites were the party gifts: chopsticks tied with ribbon and graced with a faux diamond ring. It wasn't just the thoughtful gift, but it was Gidget's story behind them that she shared that made them so special. She said that in China, chopsticks are given to newlyweds. It's a symbolic gift; the chopsticks must be used together to accomplish anything. And in the case of marriage, a couple must do the same. Great advice for newlyweds or those celebrating many, many years. Thank you Gidget for sharing your story and your hosting style!

Photos (from top): The main tabletop display puts the couple on center stage; the chopstick party favors; our sushi chef busy at work and some of his creations; delicious desserts (love! the cakestands!), and an adorable photo of the couple adds even MORE sweetness to the dessert display.

Summer's Hottest Seller

Our interchangeable decorative door hangs are very popular - and our flip flops have been our hottest seller yet. They're great for the summertime and fun with their bright colors--not to mention the ribbon and flower accents. You can hang them solo or the beadboard background. Best of all, they are handmade in Utah and cost only $14.95.

Just for Us Girls

I was lucky enough to get to tour the new Women's Center at Mountain West Medical Center today...wow! The center is spacious yet it is very inviting with rich woods, soft lighting and stylish furniture. The photo here is of a bed in one of the labor & delivery rooms... I think the luxurious bedding is an example of those extra special touches that have gone into this new center, and it is certainly an indication of the level of quality the hospital is striving for. In addition to a nice atmosphere, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The new Women's Center will start accepting patients next week - including moms-to-be and those in need of gynecological surgeries. Our community is lucky to get something so nice so close!

Unique Wedding Gifts

In addition to great home decor, homebodies also offers unique wedding gifts. Our selection includes adorable handmade cards, photo frames, newlywed luggage tags, artwork, blessing jars (these are handpainted jars filled with inspirational sayings) and custom vinyl signs and magnet photo holders. We also have beautiful serving pieces such as our wire wrapped salad servers and bamboo cutting boards and our decorative blessings measuring spoons. Lots of stuff to get the new couple off to a good start!

Our family just moved into our new home and we're starting to realize some things are missing, including somewhere to hang our clothes in the laundry room. I remembered seeing this idea some time ago, and asked Jeff to give it a try (BTW that's how most design projects go in our home...I come up with the idea but Jeff gets stuck with the work...I like the arrangement...Jeff probably not so much.)

In this case, the end result is perfect! For our clothes rack, we chose metal plumming hardware fastened together and into the wall. I love it because it's rustic, it serves it purpose and it only cost about $13.

Weathered Pots

here at homebodies, we like our flowers and plants to be full of life and our planters to look like they are decades old. Good news is that you don't have to wait years for your pots to look old, you can do it in just a matter of minutes. Here we show you 2 different finishes: lime and stain. See which one you like best (or try both) and soon your outdoor spaces will look like you've been at it for a loooonnng time.

For the lime finish, here's what you'll need: lime, water, terra cotta pots, natural brush, medium grit sandpaper.

The lime adds a lovely weathered texture to the terra cotta...but don't use the lime finish on pots that will be placed outside - the lime will wash away in the first rain.
Mix one part lime to two parts water. Stir until fully combined. Using a natural brush, brush the lime over the pot. It will dry fairly quickly. Once the lime wash is completely dry, randomly sand the pot to achieve desired weathered look.

For the stain finish, you'll need: dark wood stain, old rag/cloth, terra cotta pot. The wood stain gives the terra cotta a dark weather-beaten look. I love the texture! Dip an old rag into the wood stain. Rub stain evenly into the terra cotta. Rub off the excess. Let the stain dry and repeat for a mottled look.

Here's to happy gardening!

Food Co-op in Tooele County

I like the Utah food co-op because it supports local farmers and businesses and you get great stuff for a great price..... but one of the things I didn't like was pickup day - because of the food co-op's popularity, picking up your goods could be not only crowded but frustrating. Now, even that will improve - Tooele County is getting another pickup site. In addition to St. Barnabus Church, the Tooele County Senior Citizen Center will also now be available. If you are interested in learning more about The Community Food Co-op of Utah, check out their web site: http://www.foodco-op.net.

You must place your order by July 16.

Price Cutbacks!

homebodies has cut back its prices on lots of items... just in time to spruce up your place before your next guest arrives or the next family barbecue is at your house. Each item shown here has been recently reduced--most by 20% or more! But don't wait long... we only order a few of each item.. see ya soon!

Winged Accessories

Here are some fun and inexpensive gift ideas (or buy one for yourself) we just got in at homebodies. We have these handmade dragonfly necklaces ($9) and butterfly bows ($4). Both are the perfect accessory for this summer.

Scrapbook Creations

homebodies has several items that feature scrapbook paper to make creative, unusual gifts and home decor items. You can buy these products off the store floor, or you can custom order them in the size and paper/colors you need. Come check them out!