Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

Enjoy meeting Timothy Penland

author of 

The True Night Before Christmas

during a holiday book signing:

Saturday, November 3rd                10am til 1pm

Southern Homes & Gardens, Vaughn Rd.

Timothy Penland has been an author with 20+ years writing experience with a growing number of children’s stories and curriculum – 11 of which are presently in print.  Timothy resides inWestern North Carolina with his wife, Joyce, and together they enjoy their two children and three grandchildren.

In 1999 he wrote the poem, The True Night Before Christmas and dedicated it to his first granddaughter, who was about to celebrate her very first Christmas.  Several years later the decision was made to publish the poem as a children’s picture book.  Savannah (the very same granddaughter for whom the poem was written) became the illustrator – as a nine year old.  This book has become a best seller, and is cherished as a Christmas treasure in thousands of homes across the nation.   Timothy’s book entitled, The True Night Before Easter debuted in 2010, attracting a national audience.

The Night Before Series is gaining widespread attention from children and adults – and will have 60 titles in its entirety, including both Bible and American History stories.  Mr. Penland’s second series, the Lamplight Series, is a compilation that will include a retelling of 10 Biblical parables.

When not writing, Timothy often spends his time traveling across the country speaking to groups of all ages.  He has enjoyed speaking a various venues including churches, public and private schools, educational conferences and has had the privilege of speaking atFortMcHenryNational Monumentand Historic Shrine.

{ Sold nationwide, Mr. Penland’s other children’s book titles include }

The True Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Columbus Sailed on the Sea

The True Night Before Easter

The Night Before Noah Rode in the Ark

The Night Before Jesus Fed 5000 Men

The Night Before Francis Wrote a New Song

The Night Before Jonah Slept in a Fish

The Night Before Jesus Ate with a Thief

The Night Before Patriots Filled the Harbor with Tea

Dorothy and the Good Shepherd

{  Join Jerry Thrash of Rosemont Gardens, as he demonstrates how to decorate for the holidays utilizing various themes and materials – all while offering helpful tips, tricks & techniques to making an effortless transition from Fall to Christmas!  Holiday decorating inspiration abounds in this annual favorite seminar, so be sure to bring a camera, notebook…or both!  Free admission – Arrive early for best seating }

Deck the Halls { like a pro }:

 Early starts, Inspiration, Learning Curves & Devising a Plan

It’s October.  You might be wondering how on earth anyone can begin to think about decorating for the holidays – before those sweet ghosts, goblins, princesses & fairies come trick or treating, right?  We know.  However, after the holiday rush (somewhere around New Year’s perhaps?) you silently vow to yourself . . .

“ I’ll start much earlier next year! ”

So – let’s make it happen this year…start early.  Start now.  Start by finding inspiration -  just stop into our Vaughn Road store to browse our ‘living’ look book (catalogs are so blah anyways!).  You’ll find a store full of various themes, decorations, colors, textures –  all things merry & bright!    As you browse, you’ll notice we tend to break tradition using unconventional items and materials in our looks – we love being inspired by various avenues and we hope you are too!  We love hearing customers’ reactions to  the different looks and themes each year – some are decidedly bold enough to replicate an entire look at home, others are not.  Many customers love certain aspects of the look and want to incorporate it at home, but are unsure how to work it into what they have already.   Finding your decorating ‘comfort zone’ and learning curve is when the real magic happens {we love this part}:

Decorating is as individual as you are – be inspired by what you love!

Needing a little more structure?  Someone to show you the ‘how-to’ part of it all?  We’ve got it your secret weapon right here…

  Meet Jerry Thrash, our talented creative designer, beloved by many here in the River Region (including many First Ladies’ ofAlabama!) and instructor at our FREE seminar this Saturday (“Holiday Decorating”, 10am – Vaughn Rd. location only): 

Jerry Thrash started his career in the floral industry at Rosemont Gardens Florist & Gift Shop in 1980 during his tenure atAuburnUniversity inMontgomery.  Post graduation, Jerry and his family opened Sylvia’s Flowers inPrattville,Alabama – operating until its closing in 2001, after which Jerry forged ahead in freelance floral design.  Jerry re-joined theRosemontGardens family in 2003 as the creative designer responsible for seasonal floor designs in addition to implementing and executing special event designs.  Jerry’s 30+ year career in the floral industry includes creating thousands of unique floral designs for weddings, receptions, and various special events includingAlabama’s Governor’s mansion.  Jerry’s expertise has also driven him to lead various workshops for hundreds of community-based groups and organizations as well as teach continuing education classes at Auburn University Montgomery.  

Got a design question for Jerry?  Contact him by calling Rosemont Gardens at (334) 834-7731.    

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Count us IN!

We’ve been pretty darn excited about Christmas and the holiday season in general coming, much like many small children we know!  The difference is that we have been anticipating this seminar like kids who wait under the Christmas tree for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!  We’re talking about Aaron Shiver, Monrovia’s head Boutique Designer (and Alabama native!) coming to our Vaughn Road store location on Saturday (Oct. 29^th) to share his garden and design expertise on unique containers, indoor displays and landscapes with gorgeous holiday and winter interest.  Aaron promised to even tell us how to  incorporate the season’s yummiest flavors & colors into  the mix….or as he put it,

“ . . . a Martha – in –t he – garden at the holidays ! ”

Ooo, la, la!  We simply cannot wait!  Catch Aaron in action tomorrow (Friday) as he transforms the Monrovia Plant Boutiques at our stores into something truly magical! 

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Rich blends of turquoise, silver, white, mercury glass and more make a grand entrance at our Vaughn Road location

Save the Date…

Christmas Open House

November 4^th – 6^th 

{ both store locations } 

Enjoy storewide specials, tastings, door prizes, special guests and much more!

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Christmas Tradition:

A holiday decorating seminar

If you have shopped with us recently, then you have noticed that despite us being only half-way through October, we are completely decked out for the holidays!  As you were vacationing at the beach, we were busy little elves processing all of the gorgeous goodies that were arriving daily at our back door – we could hardly wait any longer to show you!  Now that our designers have completely “set” our stores with beautiful, awe-inspiring themes and magical displays, they’re going to show you just how they achieved it!

Get in the know. . .

Each year, we offer what’s become a customer (& staff!) favorite seminar – ‘Holiday Decorating’.  Our designers, Jerry Thrash and Phil Easter, show you just how to create show-stopping trees, centerpieces, mantle displays & more…all with items found in our stores.  It’s time to get brave, take the plunge, and try something new this year with your holiday decorating, right?  Of course!  Our experts will even show you how to seamlessly transition from the fall & harvest seasons into Christmas too…

Who, what, where, when & hOW much?