Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Look what was waiting when I returned!

My daughter has some pictures of their wedding vow renewal on her blog. Be sure to stop in at Sassy Southern Mom and take a peek! I love the pictures that she selected and hope you will visit her to see them.

After returning from Gulf Shores this past weekend, I have been really busy! I brought Cooper and Connor home with me when I left, and Cooper spent the night at my house while Connor spent the night with Chad's mom.
We wanted them to have at least one day to themselves!

So late Sunday night I began unpacking and dividing up the stuff that my guests bought at my Southern Living Party. My orders totaled over 600 dollars and filled up 5 boxes. I earned lots of free and half price merchandise which I'll show you a little at a time after I figure out how I'm going to use it. I'm glad I had the party, but I'm not sure if I'll do it again! For one thing the products are a little pricey especially after adding the shipping charges. And I'm sure I ended up spending too much myself just to get some 'free' stuff~

This picture below is a Southern Living product that I found recently at a garage sale. I'm not sure what the exact retail price was, but it was probably around 50 dollars. The handle was missing, but I still bought it for 4 dollars. I think this piece has been discontinued, but I really like the classic look of it!
And here is how I'm using it now-with a candle in the middle, small pumpkins and gourds from the grocery and small votives on each side. I think it would look great used lots of ways-maybe plants, guest towels in the bath, etc! I've also seen a suggestion that it be used as a serving piece-bread for example with dipping sauces in the votive holders.
Some of you mentioned before not having heard of a Southern Living at Home party. You can visit their website here, and browse the catalog. One other tip-lots of the merchandise is available on Ebay!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

morning Diane

I love it, like you though 50 dollars and it probably wouldn't have made it home with me, but at $4 a no-brainer, I am looking for something just like that for my study which I am currently collecting things for to makeover, at the moment I can hardly move in here! eek!

sounds like you had a successful party, $600 worth! I never know whether those parties are good or not, once I had a Tupperware one and earnt some good commission but I dunno something about them I don't enjoy...

Sarah

Southern Lady said...

Hi, Diane ...

I love your iron basket -- it has a "French country" look to me ... and what a bargain for $4.00!

I'm looking forward to seeing Kelli's pictures and am going to visit her now.

Sincerely,

Janie

SmilingSally said...

I know what you mean, Diane, about spending a bunch to get "free" stuff. That's why my cubboards are chock full of Tupperware; I had a bunch of those parties years ago.

Southern Living has some nice things, but I've never been to a party.

Darlene said...

I haven't been or had one of those "type" parties in a long time because it does seem like you spend an awful lot just to get something. Everyone will love their items and it looks like your party did great!

I really like how you are using the iron/wire basket!! That was definitely a great buy on it for $4.00!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Diane, I'm glad you think I'm crafty but I copied that project from my gift, (first pic) so copy it. It is so easy and inexpensive.

I love your $4.00 purchase. I have one very like yours. I will fall it up today. I love the look. I will copy you. LOL

Hugs...Jeanne

Lorrie said...

Hi Diane, I'm so glad I found your blog. Love the arrangment you made in the iron basket. I just love all of your photos of the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival. It looks like you had a wonderful time there!

Missy Wertz said...

Diane, I am with you. SL is a little pricey for me. And YS prices fit my budget much better. ;-) And if my mood changes and I need to make room in this house, I don't feel guilty donating it to the thrift store (we never have a yard sale. We always donate.) But if I pay retail for it and shipping with SL, I will keep it long after it has outlived it's usefulness b/c I will feel guilty about getting rid of it...

Anonymous said...

Morning, Diane. Oh, I would love to be tearing into those boxes with you, even if I couldn't keep the stuff!! I've never heard of a Southern Living party either, but love parties!! Your metal basket is very nice and I just love how you're using it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Bo said...

Hi Diane...it was nice of you to host a SL party...I've been to a couple of them and they are pricey!
How could you go wrong buying the iron piece...and I love the way you have it decked out now. I'm on way to visit your daughter's site.
;-) Bo

santamaker said...

So pretty....$4 is a great price! Just love what you did with it. There are a lot of possibilities for using that, good for all seasons...summer with candle surrounded by shells... Christmas with candle surrounded by pinecone and evergreen or magnolia leaves...
Love SL, but have to agree, I'm too cheap ...

Anonymous said...

Morning Diane! Can't wait to see what you got (teasing us with those boxes - shame on you!lol) I know what you mean about $$ I've been to SL parties and purchased things to be polite/help hostess but would never have spent that $ normally. I've never paid around $40. for any accessories but they are pretty and good quality!Love what you did with your basket; its a versatile piece! Have a great day off to Kelli's - Jeannette

Dawn said...

That piece you got at the yard sale is just gorgeous!!! I just love the way you decorated with it. I want to hire you to come to my house and make it all pretty for fall!!!

take care,
Dawn

Unknown said...

This post is so funny! I am actually going to do a post later today about how I got suckered into purchasing something at one of these parties! I TOTALLY LOVE the purchase you got at the yard sale! It's gorgeous. Who cares about the missing handle! I didn't even notice that! This is such a pretty centerpiece! You are inspiring me to decorate for fall!

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of that company but I'll take a look and see whats there. You sure did receive a lot of sales...whew. Now I gather you have to sort out all the products and get them ready to picked up by all the ladies who purchased?

I can't wait to see the free goodies you received.

Hope you've had a great day so far.
Judi

I can't wait to see wedding pics...

Tootsie said...

love that basket and the way you used it! great idea. have a wonderful week.
I have been trying to leave you comments and it won't let me...today is the first in a while. Not sure if it is just my computer...tried to leave a comment about the bible being returned and how it is good to know there are at least a few good people in the world!

Jules from "The Roost" said...

What a lovely centerpiece! :)

Ramona said...

Diane ~ I too agree with you on the SL prices...ouch~ola! I love your garage sale find...score! I love what you have done with it and your idea with the dipping sauces...fantastic!

Smiles ~ Ramona

Anonymous said...

I love going to Southern Living parties until it comes time to pay. I just have to plan ahead what I can and can't buy. I would never be lucky enough to find a piece a garage sale for $4.00. What a great find!

Gretchen

nikkicrumpet said...

The handle would just get in the way of your adorable display. What a deal at $4 !!!

Angie said...

That SL at Home stuff is GORGEOUS, but not cheap! I have looked at their catalog and drooled over all the stuff I'd love to have. I love that basket you found for $4 and love how you decorated it!

Shell in your Pocket said...

I love Southern Living...that iron basket is so wonderful!
-Sandy Toes

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Wow, I love that piece with the pumpkins in it. So pretty!
Carrie

Kimba said...

How fun! Looks like you had a great party! I hosted one a couple of years ago and got tons of great goodies for myself and gifts for my family. Great find on the basket. I have the same one and use it all the time.

I found one of the SL wall baskets at goodwill the other day for $5. Woohoo!