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!