Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

All of us here at SH&G either experienced yesterday’s terrifying weather that brought deadly tornadoes through our state firsthand, or have very close ties to family members or friends that did in areas surrounding Montgomery, the cities of Tuscaloosa & Birmingham and other cities devastated by the storm.  Needless to say, we are all  in disbelief and we send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by yesterday’s tragic events – near and far.

When we spoke to the Red Cross of Central Alabama who provide service to the several counties (Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Pike, Crenshaw, Bullock, Dallas, Perry, Marengo and Wilcox Counties) this morning, they confirmed at least 10 fatalities in Marengo County alone and are offering damage assessment and trying to meet immediate needs of victims such as food, shelter and mental health support.

The Red Cross also confirmed that Elmore County has at least 25 families that need direct assistance and has 5 confirmed fatalities.  They (Red Cross) are instructing victims and volunteers alike to go to the Elmore County High School if possible, as this has been set up as an official Red Cross Service Center providing basic needs and medical/mental health assistance. 

If you’d like to help victims of Wednesday’s tornadoes, you’ll have the chance to do so today.  When we contacted the American Red Cross of Central Alabama to find out the latest, they expressed they’re greatest need is collecting monetary donations at this point – they are trying to build the funds to purchase what will ultimately be needed to provide aid and relief to disaster victims. 

Please consider donating – regardless of denomination – each dollar is maximized by the Red Cross in their efforts to provide relief to victims.

Here’s a few ways to donate now:

• Online donation via The American Red Cross of Central Alabama
• Mail checks to The American Red Cross of Central Alabama at 5015 Woods Crossing, Montgomery – 36106 (Please add “Donation to Alabama Tornadoes”  in the memo line)
• Telephone donation by calling the The American Red Cross of Central Alabama at (334) 260-4017

WSFA (NBC) is even partnering with the Red Cross to hold a phone-bank fundraiser today (April 28th) on Alabama Live! from 11am – 1pm, and again from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.  WSFA will post the telephone number to dial in and donate directly on the television screen during the above hours. 

Interested in volunteering?  Contact the Red Cross by going online or by calling (334) 260-3980. 

We encourage you to share this post with friends, family, and co-workers – whether they are Alabama residents or not.  The need is far too great and far too urgent to go ignored.

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You may see Matchstix and say, “hey, they’ve had that awhile” or “I’ve seen that in the store before” or even better, “I have that already and I want MORE!”.  Yes, it’s true – we have carried Matchstix frames for a few seasons now, and they are STILL going strong!  As soon as we have displayed our latest re-order, it’s time to place another. 

Matchstix frames, plax and message boards are a fun & unique way to showcase what’s dearest to you.  We often hear parents or grandparents tell us that they started a little ‘collection’ of their own with their children or grandchildren’s photos, but often come back as another precious face has been added to their brood and thus, they need another frame for their collection! 

However, if you’re ‘new’ to Matchstix…let us familiarize you!

Matchstix is a unique collection of non-traditional, distressed wood frames, “plax”, message boards and display stands.  Each stacked/layered frame of different mediums comes in various sizes (4×6, 5×7, 8×10), quantity combos (single, double or triple photo) in one of four color combinations and are capable of complimenting almost every mood of home decor.  Not into frames? No problem…check out the fun message boards, word plax (“Believe”, “Pray”, “Love”), or Happy Crosses that Matchstix also creates!  Bellamy Saia, Matchstix creator, always strives to keep family and religion in all parts of her life, including her unique creations…just look for the sweet photos of her own family displayed in the products!  We promise you’ll want to take one home, but we bet you won’t be satisfied with just one!

Bellamy Saia, creator of Matchstix

The wildly colorful  Dana Wittmann Collection comprised of whimsical nautical and gulf-inspired inhabitants, is one of our newest collections added to the Vaughn Road store.  You’ll find the beautiful platters, plates, trivets & spoonrests are an ideal addition to any kitchen as function or fashion.  Each piece is guaranteed to add life & zest to wherever it is used or displayed with its vibrant colors and designs!  Be sure to look for the special “cross” marking, Dana’s symbol for the thanks she gives to God for the talent He has given her.  Add any piece of the Dana Wittmann Collection, to your home or table and fall in love for life!

However, don’t blame us when you suddenly have a undeniable urge to head to the beach, or crave seafood upon viewing Dana’s work!  Just promise us that you’ll invite us first!

Dana, a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, wanted to share the culture of the south in her designs: shrimp, crab, colorful fish & more. As Dana so expertly explained, “I am a coast girl, as a little girl I grew up on the water.  I love beaches and the bayou’s.  They are God’s expression of beauty. I love fun art, things that bring joy and color into people’s homes.  My hope is that these pieces will bless people’s homes like they have mine and my family and friends.  Home is where the heart is.”

Did you know that SH&G recycles the plastic grower pots that our plants & flowers are sold in?  We sure do – we even have collection receptacles conveniently located at both store locations!  Look for the signs below on the collection bins at each store and simply deposit any plastic grower pots in them…voila!  You’re part is done!  Rather than throwing those plastic pots away after you’ve done your planting, toss them in your trunk and drop them off in the bin the next time you’re in our neighborhood! 

Not sure if we can recycle a certain plastic pot?  No big deal, deposit in our bin and we’ll sort it out!

Now isn’t being ‘green’ easier than you thought?

 We’ve added a few new artist collections to the store lately and we thought we should introduce you!  For the next few days, we hope you enjoy getting to know the artists and their amazing designs and projects!

If you’ve shopped our Vaughn Road location lately, you’ve no doubt noticed the gorgeous  & majestic “Faceless Angel” canvas paintings.  These amazing works of art are the inspirational designs of Montgomery native, Donnie Sasser!  According to Donnie, “iInspiration and angels are everywhere, if you’re ready to appreciate them” – we couldn’t agree more.

Donnie Sasser, the master artist behind his "Faceless Angels"

You may be wondering what most first time viewers of his work wonder, “why faceless angels?”  Donnie explains, “the answer is both simple and complex, one that requires a great deal of reflection or the most simplistic thinking”. Donnie goes on to say, “ I like to think that each of them is as different as the angels among us that they possibly represent.  To one person, a group of angels might be their family, another might be their best friend, a teacher or caregiver”.

"Heaven's Blessing"

"Joyful Chorus"

We love that such an individual feeling is really quite universal in meaning.  Now, like Donnie, when we view his works of inspirational art we should pause to consider, “who was my angel today” or perhaps even better, “was I someone’s angel today”?

Donnie’s Faceless Angels make gorgeous and meaningful additions homes in just about any room: family room, children’s rooms, nurseries, & more.  Shop our wide selection of varying sizes of “ Faceless Angels” in wrapped canvas or flat canvas.  Give the gift of a Faceless Angel and watch the delight and gratitude spread across the recipient’s face!

Just when you’re getting all comfy with Vera Bradley’s latest colors & styles – they introduce more great collections!  Meet Criss Cross, City Look & Frill as they debut April 21st!

Criss Cross

This exciting new offering will be a hit with Vera fans of all ages!  Soft cotton shapes are artistically embellished with our unique woven panels.  The look is casual, but very smart.  Cross over to the Criss Cross Collection, and see for yourself!  Available in Viva la Vera, English Meadow, Watercolor & Deco Daisy.

City Look

Hot style, summer in the city!  Vera’s popular nylon designs take on the Big City with new great shapes in sleek Caviar or fresh Lilac (both with oversized plaid linings).  New skyline-inspired quilting combined with tonal patent trim and dinstinctive metal hardware create a fashion look that goes uptown, downtown, day into night.

Frill

Introducing the Frills of Summer, each with the softly laminated cotton and cool looks that Frill fans love!  Functionality focused, the newest styles feature totally fun elements like scalloped patent trims, ruffles and a Frill logo lining.  New Frill Hair Clips and the collectible Frill charm complete the collection.  Available in new Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow!

Check out Vera’s latest promotions…

Little Princess, April 14^th – 24^th

For a limited time only, purchase the Little Princess handbag for just $24 (reg. $34)!  This sweet handbag is completely adorable, and all dressed up with cute ruffles!  Ideal for making a “First Vera” for a special little Princess – or even as an Easter basket from You-Know-Who!

Available in Watercolor, Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow – limited quantities, while supplies last!

Mother’s Day Bracelet, April 25^th – May 8^th

Purchase this limited edition bracelet for just $28!  Fashionable printed beads strung on elasticized cording, this is a gift that fits every Vera Bradley fan’s fancy!  Available in English Meadow, Watercolor, Viva la Vera and Deco Daisy.

Slim Tote, May 5^th – 8^th

This limited edition Slim Tote is available to purchase for just $38 (reg. $49) beginning May 5^t.  Specially designed and available only through this special offer, the Slim Tote lives up  to its name.  Lays flat against the body and sits easily on the shoulder with its long handles.  But hurry – quantities are limited!  Available in English Meadow only.

Free Gift with Purchase*, while supplies last

Make a $65 or more Vera Bradley purchase and receive a free gift!  Choose from limited edition Tape Measures, Mini Kisslock coin purses, and Listen Up cases for iPods and earphones– hurry in, while supplies last – quantities are limited!

*One (1) free gift with purchase per customer, per  transaction per day please.  Not valid on previous purchases.  In-stock colors only – while supplies last.

Ready, set, taste! 

We’re gearing up for our annual “Taste of the Gardens” a benefit supporting The American Red Cross of Central Alabama on Thursday, May 5th from 5-8pm!  Join us at our East Montgomery store location (8820 Vaughn Rd) for an evening filled with delicious tastings from Montgomery’s finest restaurants and caterers, a silent auction featuring work from local artists, a 20% shopping discount (valid during event hours only), and special guest….author and baker extraordinaire, Patricia “Sister Schubert” Barnes!  Sister Schubert will be on-hand signing copies of her latest book (filled with fabulous recipes…including her famous rolls!), Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters.  If the book sounds familiar, it should – we carry it at both store locations and even have a few signed copies available.  However, we highly encourage you to come get your copy signed by Sister in person – she’s a fantastic local woman (originally from Troy, Alabama),  who turned a simple idea into an entrepreneurial empire! 

Regardless of your preference to orange & blue or crimson & white, both Auburn and Alabama fans alike will be thrilled with the chance to bid on 2011 season tickets to all home games during the silent auction! 

We love getting involved with our community – especially with folks like The American Red Cross who aid millions of people victimized by natural disasters and tragedies.  The critical work and help The American Red Cross provides to victims and their families is vital both physically and emotionally – without their steadfast mission, humanity would be at a loss.  Proceeds from “Taste of the Gardens” directly benefits The American Red Cross of Central Alabama – a resource we cannot afford to lose, should the unthinkable happen. 

Let’s celebrate an irreplaceable resource, The American Red Cross of Central Alabama, with an evening of fundraising, delectable tastings, special guests and more!

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by check or cash at either Southern Homes & Gardens locations, The American Red Cross of Central Alabama (5015 Woods Crossing) or by calling them at (334) 260-4016.

Watch for emerging details online by following us on Facebook and Twitter!

We came. We saw.  We bought. 

Oh, we conquered too. 

When spring rolls around each year, we know it means warmer weather, cheery planting season and High Point market.  We love all three, but in the throws of spring, tackling all three can be a bit much.  But, we conquered nonetheless!  And when you’re a bit fatigued from walking all over creation from one showroom to the next, ‘trying out’ those chairs & couches in showrooms isn’t such a bad perk .  It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

Traveling and buying at the High Point market is definitely different than other markets, like Atlanta for example - we can’t quite put our finger on it, but the atmosphere is invigorating.  Rather than seeing collection in piece-meal form, you see the whole story in High Point.  It gives us a renewed sense of finding the best and most unique trends for SH&G… and a great sense of accomplishment when we find those “it” pieces! 

Look for some of these gorgeous new picks to arrive very soon!

Halo's showroom always does it up right!

Check out the fun pendant lights made from bowler hats!

You like? We like too! Look for it to arrive in the near future!

Inspiration was everywhere!

See anything that looks familiar (ahem, tufted ottoman/coffeetable!)?

Double duty: Use a buffet table as an office area behind a sofa! Tuck garden stools underneath, then use as chairs!

We L-O-V-E these fixtures on their own, but when grouped they're simply ahh-mazing. Look for these styles to arrive soon!!

Pillow talk: lovely linen and canvas pillows that are coming your way!

Check off another successful day in High Point!

Baubles & Bling: new jewelry arriving soon!

Surprise market find: new scarves in gorgeous colors!

Come socialize with us on Facebook and Twitter!