Sunday, April 26, 2009

The adventures of Elizabeth...a small kitchen make-over





As I was reading a private retailer blog from a blog group I belong to we were discussing store/ employee policies...Deb from Curious sofa was telling a funny experience she had with Elizabeth.(I can imagine those two together, what a riot!) I clicked onto Elizabeths blog and would love to share her blog with you.

She is a contributing editor to Romantic Homes and much more. This kitchen makeover will be featured in Junes issue of Romantic Homes.
Here it is: www.elizabethhousestlouis.blogspot.com

On her blog "about me" she states: I want to keep learning and growing...I'm excited to find out what is around the next corner...and then the next...

One talented lady and her last blog post is her small kitchen make-over...enjoy!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Where women create...Perspective

Jayna and I have always read our magazines from the back to the front,do you? We noticed that today, funny thing isn't it? So this evening I finally got to the END...page 2 & 3, there Jo packam did her Kitchen table article on Perspectives. You must read.

She talks how difficult it sometimes can be to be an artist and have so much creativity inside of you. Some moments ( or most) you are exploding with it and other times you would just like to wake up and not have it.Sometimes we hurry and get the necessary things done to have the rest for our necessary creativity She was candid, down to earth and honest about private self. You'll find yourself relating.

Another thing inside I found was a quote from the FAMOUS Leonardo da Vinci, page 95:

Life is pretty simple, you do some STUFF, most FAIL, some WORKS, you do more of WHAT WORKS, IF it works BIG, others quickly COPY IT, then you do SOMETHING ELSE, the TRICK is the DOING SOMETHING ELSE.
So true then...even MORE true today as we have much more technology and media to speed the process along. Quoted from Gwendolyn Evans artist, designer of one of a kind vintage clothing pieces.
History repeats itself... Or life has always been full of human art & weakness'. Progress can be made, and it's always a good thing to move on, keeps us at our artistic best!

WHERE WOMEN CREATE...summer issue is IN!





When these books arrived I quickly scanned and had to peek all day long as they were the most beautiful pages I have ever seen!

I called the company and said "I don't know how Jo Packam will be able to out do herself on this book as it is beyond spectacular and send me 18 more copies...fast!"
Marie Osmond on front cover with her sewing & doll studio is wonderful, especially if you love marie, her dolls and sewing.

Candy Moger, a new artist to me stole my heart as we seem to love the same colors and designs, don't you agree, I mean the pink/black and dots and florals...love them you will too!
Her motto: Be true to yourself. Follow your OWN path, not the path another made.

Amy Hanna, first picture, isnt that page scrumptious! Her motto: in life is that there always has to be a pearl in an oyster. Her first book: rejuvenated jewels. Which reminds me that although we have tons of jewelry in the shop that's everchanging, I must make appt. with my two vintage jewelry suppliers so we have plenty for your summer projects!

And I love Elizabeth Clah, a Navajo weaver and the program thats Adopt a native elder program, learn more about that in the book, its wonderful.
And for you who love bright colors...there are many pages to drool over!
What I loved was pages 45-80 to be honest, I want to just crawl inside of those pages and live there! Beyond your imaginations.

So here I present to you just a "sneak peek" because I can't let you see these pages before I do...lol! And that's exactly what I am going to do, right now.
If you can't get one in your area email me at justabedofroses@hotmail.com and I will send you a copy. I will drop in mail box next day.

Now I wish you a fabulous summer and i hope you get lots of ideas for THE WORKSPACE of YOUR DREAMS...and can make them come true. Me...I would have to become two people to have my workroom be the one of my dreams right now, has anyone figured that out?

Okay...off to inspiration land, see you Saturday!!!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

3 Friends/relatives,guests & strangers...appreciate your help



We at Just a Bed of Roses are still in our growing years and quite simply we would LOVE your help in ADVERTISING OUR SHOP.

It's easy...would you mind passing our name along to 3 of your friends and yes... even strangers when you have a chance once a week or so...If each of our wonderful customers would do this our growth would be rewarding. We know that sometimes it's fun to keep our shop "your little secret", but in this economy we need all the help we can get from our loyal customers. Our plan is to stay right here in Farmington.

Our advertising dollars can only go so far and we know "word of mouth" has gotten us to where we are now. Farmingtons Historic area is a quaint & charming place for lunch at Franciscos authentic Mexican grill or Pamper yourself at Teas 'n You, then treat yourself to alot of visual stimulation (as most customers comment)in our lovely shop.

We promise to still provide great customer service, unique everchanging vintage inspired home decor & gifts, free gift wrap and a comforting place to "escape AND enjoy!"

Okay...3 friends/relatives, guests or strangers... lunch & shopping in Historic downtown Farmington!

P.S. come in now for your 20% off coupon for one item purchase in May.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Pick YOUR color of rhinestone PEACE BAG






Check out www.jennydoh.typepad.com Everything is amazing, nobody is happy...a utube funny!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Susan Boyle tasts the wine untasted:

One blog I am an avid daily reader of is www.jennydoh.typepad.com

Jenny is the editor and chief of Somerset publishing at Stampington, my favorite books! She just posted about Susan Boyle the singer that was on America's got talent, check it out.

Preparing for Mothers Day & Christmas? What's up with that?


We are preparing for Mothers Day & Christmas (that's what shop owners do)... Jayna will bring her new pieces of jewelry by Friday afternoon and I can hardly wait to see the backsides of them...wonder what saying is on the "walking shoes" picture? Maybe something like: "she walked out the front door and just kept walking!" lol!

Since its A SNOW DAY TODAY I will tell you an important event to mark your calendars for in November. Is it ever to early for you to start preparing for Christmas? Yes, it is and if the sun was shining today you would throw rocks!

Here it is: SNOW DAYS: A holiday shopping Tradition... Nov. 12-14 SHOP HOP

Our JenniBoriginals.com (remember she taught Martha Stewart!)friend is excitedly putting this event together in remembrance of her experience (turned Tradition) growing up in Lehi and taking a SNOW DAY with her mom and sister,shopping the fun boutiques and shops filled with Christmas. She remembers laughing, chatting, dining and just getting a heads up on Christmas presents and decor.

Just a bed of roses is definitly participating along with shops from Provo up to Layton. If you know of a wonderful boutique shop that we may not know about email us. www.justabedofroses.hotmail.com

It will be a ticket event, there will be a charm bracelet and a charm to get at each shop. Prizes for going to the most shops...MUCH MORE to be announced. Wanted you to mark those days NOW for Snow day shopping in UTAH.

Important note: we are closed Thursday...it will be BUSINESS AS USUAL Friday, and I hope no rain water has entered the shop.

PICK 3. SPEND $50. SAVE YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY



What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

If half the employed population spent $50.00 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that.

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68.00 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.

The number of people it takes to start the trend...you.

Just a bed of roses is a proud supporter of this program.

PICK 3. SPEND $50. SAVE YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The WHITENED DESIGN...by Human Art

Whitened designs important values are change sociability, multitasking, fun, spontaneity. On the other hand can sometimes be annoying, indecisive, inconsiderate.

Warm colors...more pastels, are extroverts as they look outside themselves. Enjoys groups excitement, parties. good at doing things and taking action. You like newness and change. Spontaneous.
When she walks in the door SHE greets YOU, its like sunshine coming into the room. Doesn't sit long, talks wth her hands, always seems youthful.Creates enthusiasm and makes things fun. She is social and everyone is important to her. This person in their older age would be out roller skating at 103!

They are cherry trees in a burst of pink, children splashing in a puddle, Marilyn Monroe, energy, involvement, discovery, adventure and exploration.

This would make a wonderful Mothers Day gift as this book is so valuable to your everyday life experiences. The art work by Donna O Kearney is magnificent.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Spring ideas...AGAIN!



I STILL WANT these shudders...last year I wanted them too!
These were on a new home recently being built...so I snapped the picture, showed Mr. Bed of Roses last night, we took measurements...so lets see if it will happen this year. (I think he was excited, wink wink!).
Now, are they knotty alder or a real knotty pine? Anyone know? And where do you buy the knotty alder? Wouldnt the knotty alder hold up better? I am clueless. Any help would be appreciated.

24...the tv show

Do you watch 24? Could you believe lasts nights show at the ending? I had always suspected the head of the FBI being the terrorist...not You know who! Shocked?
Jack will have a miracle happen, I heard he signed on for another year...so he just has to live...doesn't he? Have you ever seen him eat of sleep?

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Saturated persons design...from Human Art:

Saturated person's natural description...Chrome & glass, clean lines, high fashion, orchids, stained glass windows, sharp definition, Geisha.I always think oriental.
Color wise they like the pure primary colors. Tend to be introverted. Focusing on what they are thinking, rarely expressing themselves freely.
Good at concentration, prefer individual sports, needs personal space, comfort, cleanliness and order.
Confusion and noise make you uncomfortable.
Saturated people think black and white, not gray. They make a decision and that is the final answer, liking things more simple and clinical. They wont decorate with clutter.They can be intimidating, perfectionist, demanding and all business.
There is so much more, wanted to give a glimpse of the saturated person. We have the book "human art" available in the shop. Towards the end of the week I will tell a bit about the Whitened persons design. You will love this book!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

EASTER SUNDAY...what it really is all about


"The great Atonement was the supreme act of forgiveness. The magnitude of that Atonement is beyond our ability to completely understand. The suffering so great, the agony so intense, that none of us can comprehend it when the Savior offered Himself as a ransom for the sins of mankind." Gordon B. Hinckley

"Sometimes we carry unhappy feelings about past hurts too long. We spend too much energy dwelling on things that have passed and cannot be changed. We struggle to close the door and let go of the hurt. If, after time, we can forgive whatever may have caused the hurt, we will tap "into a life-giving source of comfort' through the Atonement and tapping into that higher power the sweet peace of forgiveness will be ours." James E. Faust

Today our family had the priviledge to hear Russell M. Nelson bear his testimony of the truthfullness of the Atonement and what a blessing it is. He also told a story of an experience he would never forget... he and some other Prominant Dr.s were in a foreign country and their friend a Dr. also was bleeding to death inside his body, they were helpless as surgeons. All they could do was pray for this man, he was given a blessing that he would live,that the bleeding would stop. He could have immediatly died, but his bleeding stopped and he was transported home and lived. God lives and loves us, he died for our sins and for the principal of repentance.

Hope you too had a beautiful Easter Sunday with your loved ones, and also time to contemplate what the real meaning of the Atonement means to you in your life.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

May & June VICTORIA





Victoria and new florals arrived today...really do love the inside of this Vicoria, beautiful pictures in whites etc. Its really raining hard Thursday morning, the shop may get a late opening, say by 11:00-noon. Friday and Saturday 11:00-4, although closing a little early on saturday, maybe 4:00 latest.
You may call to check: 801-628-0890
I'm hoping for a new big purse shipment today...come see if you need a pretty pink Easter Purse.
Our Easter items are 20% off or more, antiques 20% off and jewelry (excluding consignment) is 20% off. florals 10% off
Lets not forget our spring special: blingy ball caps reg. 18.95 are 16.00! Only thru this week. Lets do our zebra and giraffe wallets 10% off too. Why not! Rainy day sales.

Have You been listening?




Isn't it glorious to hear the birds singing to us?

We invite you to come in an enjoy Spring at Just a Bed of Roses during your spring break.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

STRESS TEST...should your business fold?


Here is an informative article from Jay Goltz printed at cnnmoney.com Stress test: should your business fold? If your'e tempted to throw in the towel, you're not alone. But drastic measures may not be necessary:
find this article:
http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/01/smallbusiness/stress_test.fsb/indes.htm?postversion=2009040310
You will enjoy and relate to this article especially if you are a business owner.

A little background...I have loved the shop www.curioussofa.com in Kansas for sometime. I was reading her blog article on her fear of what the economy was doing and what steps she wanted to take to stay in business. And them Jay goltz found her.She started the curious retailer: serious education for the retailer who wants to love what she does and do more than survive.
I must tell you that it has been a blessing to me to have received an invitation and be included with 99 other national retailers similar to myself who participate daily in a the private curious retailer forum. We are taught by Jay and Deb some important lessons on taking charge of our shops, taking ownership of it, running a business not a job and then chatting with 99 other shop owners who bring new ideas to the table with each lesson and also lending a place to do a little venting, problem solving that we encounter each day and discussing this new economy. Participating shops are all over the United states. Some of us are very similar and some very different, some have high rent, some have low, some have lots of sq. footage, some are tiny. some are seasonal, some year round. we all have commonality, in that we love our business' and are determined to do whatever it takes to stay...oh...and the one thing we want is a paycheck or to keep one! Yes, even in this new economy...Some of you shopowners, don't start laughing too hard!
Please visit Debs website and also some of the shop owners who comment on my blogs, visit their online blogs/shops.
We are all ambitious and determined learners and we are staying in business, living out our passion through our business, and together we have learned and are learning new ways to make our business better not only for our customers but us.
Thanks for letting me share a bit of "shop talk" with you.

Friday, April 3, 2009

SPRING BREAK eating out places...


I have heard of a few new places to eat...and tried out a few...plus heard of others through customers...

Don't forget Mini's cupcakes: www.mini-cupcakes.com East of Sears around 8th south in salt lake city. Very pink shop too! Their logo: change you cup size! Her website is showing easter basket cupcakes.
The Pizza Factory out west on antelope Drive was way fun and good and just North of the Smiths food kind out that way amd on the east side of the road, just past 7-ll is an affordable Chinese place called: Dragon Hill,very nice presentation, good flavors plus fairly new. These are both in Syracuse.

The Melting pot was spectacular for a fun night out with a group of friends. Its downtown salt lake city like Main and 4th? and you MUST make reservations, seriously, no drop ins.even for lunch. They valet your car. It's all fondue...so plan on spending some time there and its so fun to dip you things in so many types of fondues, a unique experience as each fondue is mixed in two pots right at your table. Not cheap, a special event, children welcome and you dont have to be too fancy, just have a good time.
I had a customer raving over this place on State street in Salt lake city...for egg rolls, they were like a dollar and the best she swears. It was I think Lacai noodle house more south of sears.
She mentioned Decades in Salt lake more south of sears...or was that a shop? might be. I get things mixed up sometimes and write quick notes.
Dont forget our neighbor Franciso's Mexican grill, customers rave about whatever they love in mexican food.
Would LOVE to hear new places you have discovered...please! It's the time of year to get out of hibernation and meet with friends and family for good dining

The BLACKENED design... from HUMAN ART. Celebrate Spring with a new read!


The blackened designed person...earthy colors deep and rich, tera cotta, copper, dried grasses, leather, tweed, old castles, Niagara falls, jagged mountain peeks, lightning bolts the Grand Canyon.
Personalities are extroverts and express emotions open and freely. You love newness and change, your decisive and enjoy taking risks...meeting challenges. You need to release energy. You love alot going on, physical contact and groups of people.

Your good at doing things...not talking about doing, but doing. You are confident and assertive.
The colors you love are primary colors dumped with black...dk plum, burnt orange/reds, mustard and olivey greens.
If you don't like a wall in your house...you bulldoze it down, get it done and move on. If someone has spinach in their teeth, you will be direct and tell them. You just know how to deal with life.They compartmentalize, and don't like to be thrown off schedule.
The Human Art book teaches alot more about the physical features of each design and also how each design relates with each other. It also teaches that you have a dominant design and also some mixes...so next we will talk about the SATURATED PERSONS design.
This book is for sale in the shop written by Brooke and Rod Thornley...makes a wonderful gift and good reading for the spring break. It's one of my all time favorite books, its very valuable to me in my life, in my business and relating with others and helping them to pick out products that are best suited to them.I wish it were available when I was raising my children, I could of understood them alot better if I had realized their own personal design. Now I do, and it's much easier to relate to them and their needs and value them for who and what they were born to be.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

For the Blackened designed person...


Arriving Friday will be this "wow" of an eclectic neclace from Jayna...I say its for the Blackened design person as its more bold, rustic and in darker colors.Neat for your Easter outfit!
I will talk about the blackened design tomorrow and also be adding more of the Mexico trip in the next few days.
Store is buzzing with shoppers whom are wanting to brighten their day inspite of the cloudy weather. They are shopping Easter, hanging out with their friends for lunch & shopping, or finding something to brighten their homes after spring cleaning a room.
Spring break...officially has begun, see you soon!