Friday, September 11, 2009

SOUTHERN LADY CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY!

I am thrilled. Yes ma'am I am! I was recently contacted by Wendy Blaszyk, PR Director for Hoffman Media, publisher of Southern Lady, Cooking with Paula Deen, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Victoria, Taste of the South, and Teatime Magazines. Ms. Blaszyk stated that Phyliss Hoffman chose moi to host a giveaway to promote the upcoming Southern Lady Celebration! Being a fan of all the Hoffman Media publications...and I just love 'em all, I am simply honored to host this giveaway!


The Southern Lady Celebration is a girlfriend "getaway" weekend that brings the pages of Southern Lady magazine to life and celebrates all things Southern. The dates are October 9-11th and will be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, Savannah, Georgia. The registration fee is $429.00 and includes four meals, all speaking programs, presentations, how-to demonstrations, tips from the editors of Southern Lady, on-site boutique shopping, a special 10th birthday dinner gala, and three days of relaxation and inspiration. To register for this exciting event, go here.

Y'all, I have been fortunate to be able to attend one of these celebrations and I can say that it is truly a great weekend for fans of the magazine and ladies who love to celebrate our favorite part of the country--the South!

WHAT'S THE GIVEAWAY????
The prize is a gift bag full of Southern Lady goodies...including the following books...all signed and personalized to the lucky winner.



Sister Schubert’s Cast Your Breads Upon the Waters-Recipes for Cooking, Living and Success--
A 160 page glossy hardcover book of coveted recipes on baking breads for everyday and special occasions! Read how Sister, with humble beginnings and as a single mother of two, began in her kitchen to build the thriving business which she was able to sell less than ten years later. Also included are inspiring stories about starting her family foundation to help those in need.


Discovering Home with Laurie Smith: Find Your Personal Style--Laurie uses her own home, personal design journal, and classical training to teach design techniques. Inspirational, full-color photos capture Laurie’s before-and-after design process. The book gives homeowners confidence to work with any home’s architectural "bones." Included are strategies to arrange furniture, choose colors, and play with patterns to create rooms that reflect personal interests and tastes.


Phyllis Hoffman’s Gracious Spaces--Creating the Perfect Sanctuary in Every Room
In the book, Phyllis takes readers on a tour of gorgeous Southern homes—her own as well as those of a few close friends—to feature areas that have become sanctuaries, treasured spots for retreating from the world, and finding solace. In her warm, encouraging voice, Phyllis explains how to employ a personal touch to craft and embellish a space that's both inspirational and functional.

Phyliss Hoffman's Honey, It's All in the Shoes--Phyliss takes you on a journey examining these defining moments, sharing what she learned when she was required to wear different shoes--from a mother to entrepeneur and businesswoman to publishing powerhouse to doting grandmother--and provides advice for women putting their best foot forward, no matter their role, circumstance, or stage of life. Hoffman's fun, nostalgic, and intriguing exploration of the phases of her own life and the virtues that she's lived by gives you hope, confidence, and pride in the life you are already living and the life you are planning ahead. Everything you need is all in the shoes!

Here are the speakers for the Celebration....
Laurie Hickson-Smith was one of the first designers to hit the airwaves on The Learning Channel's (TLC) hit show Trading Spaces. Now, in the show's ninth season, fans see Laurie's stylish designs each week as they remake a space in just 48 hours. Laurie's self-described "modern classic" design style blends tradition and modern with her signature uses of color for vitality. Staying true to her Southern roots, Laurie resides in Jackson, Mississippi, with her husband, Brad, 6-year-old son Gibson Witherspoon, and 2-year-old daughter India Dawson.

Horticulturist and author Erica Glasener has hosted A Gardener's Diary on Home and Garden Television (HGTV) for 14 years. As a Southern Lady contributor, Erica offers helpful advice for gardens large and small in her column "Garden Inspiration." In her own garden, Erica grows vegetables, fruits, heirloom roses, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Her creative ideas prove that, with a little thought and planning, any garden space can be both beautiful and functional.

Sister Schubert has become a Southern household name synonymous with her Parkerhouse Roll. Sister began making her delicious rolls in 1989, and now Sister Schubert's Homemade Rolls includes three bakeries, which together produce more than 5 million rolls daily. She credits her family, employees, and faith for the phenomenal growth. But Sister's story shows that her tireless enthusiasm for excellence is at the heart of her success.

Phyllis Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief of Southern Lady will reflect on the 10 years of the publication and highlight some of her favorite features and photos. She will also share an exclusive look into her two latest books, Gracious Spaces and Honey, It's All in the Shoes.

Diana Hansen was featured in the premiere issue of Southern Lady and is sure to inspire with her eye for beauty. As an artist and owner of White Flowers, Diana has created an ethereal world in her all-white shop located in Birmingham, Alabama. Her story will show that inspiration can come from the most unexpected and simplest of places.



Back again from the 2007 Celebration, Dr. Lael Melville is a gifted speaker who will encourage and motivate. She will offer her insights, humor, and practical applications on how to approach life's challenges. Lael is a Psychologist, wife, and mother of three teenage sons, and she lives and serves in Plano, Texas.




A North Carolina native, Bobbie Staten is a nationally recognized Southern motivational humorist, who's healthy and irreverent sense of humor focuses on people and the lives they lead. Her message reflects a universal theme as old as time, yet fresh and relevant to today's hectic lifestyle. When you have your health, family, and priorities balanced, life just seems to fall into place. For the few times when it doesn't--laugh!


HOW TO ENTER THIS FABULOUS GIVEAWAY:
It's simple...You just need to post about the "Southern Lady Celebration" above on your blog and also describe to your readers your definition of Celebrating the South....Is it the friendliness and hospitality of Southerners that makes you love the South?...Is it the delicious Southern food? What makes you love the South?

I will draw the name of one lucky blogger on Saturday, September 19th. Good luck to y'all!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

LILLY PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This week's "Lilly Photo of the Week" was sent in by Jennifer Hayden. Here's Miss Jennifer with her precious son Hank.

"LILLY PHOTO OF THE WEEK," JENNIFER AND MASTER HANK!
Jennifer says she always feels so pretty when she's wearing Lilly...Goodness gracious, don't we all?!!! I don't know about y'all, but wearing Lilly makes me feel a little more perky-er (Lord have mercy, is that a word?) All you busy mamas and Lilly Lovers can visit with Jennifer on her blog HaydenClan.

Thank you Miss Jennifer for sharing your precious photo with us...and I'm so happy you love my pimiento cheese recipe--yes ma'am, it is heaven on a piece of bread!

Y'all don't forget to e-mail me your Lilly photo...send it to me at Miss Janice {at} Miss Janice {dot} com. Thank you for stopping by today. Be sure to stop by tomorrow...IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME Y'ALL!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL CHILDREN'S GOOD MANNERS MONTH

It's back-to-school time. No more linen or white shoes...and no more flip flops--please! Autumn is just around the corner. Back-to-school time is a great time to start fresh with your child's behavior training.

Good manners should start at home. Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced world, parents rarely have the time to teach their children proper etiquette skills. Also, if parents don't know how to behave, then children rarely have a chance to learn etiquette skills. Nowadays, most parents send their children off to daycare or school with the attitude of "You fix 'em--I don't have time!"

On a visit to the library, I overheard this...A mother came in with three children--two teenagers and a small child, who was about three years old. Of course, the little one was squirming and fussin'. The mother and the teenagers kept putting their index finger in front of their mouths and shushing her. I looked up and giggled--well, she was a small child, after all. To my horror, a few moments later, I heard the mother tell the little girl to "Shut the **** up!" I simply cannot imagine my mama ever talking to me that way. The worse thing I ever heard my mama say was, "I swannee!" A genteel Southern lady like my mama would never even say "I swear," and that's what I swannee means in Southern talk. So, that was my mama's idea of cussin' and it was reserved for those times when she was about to explode with anger...she's soooo Southern!

Parents should set a good example for their children. They should also take responsibility and teach their children how to behave before they send them off to school. Remember that today's children are tomorrow's leaders. Here's some tips that might help you get started teaching your child how to behave:

~Teach your child to share with others.
~Teach your child to wait their turn.
~Teach your child not to interrupt while others are speaking.
~If you show respect to others, your child will learn a valuable lesson from you.
~Teach your child the importance of being honest.
~If you practice kindness by using kind words like "please, thank you, you're welcome, and excuse me," your child will learn another valuable lesson from you.
~Praise your child when they show good manners.
~Remember to lead by example!

Here's a couple of etiquette books I recommend to parents of small children and teenagers:

For little girls...this one is just the best...White Gloves and Party Manners, by Marjabelle Young (Stewart) and Ann Buchwald
Stand Up, Shake Hands, Say "How Do You Do?" by Marjabelle Young Stewart and Ann Buchwald...an excellent book for little boys

Teen Manners, From Malls to Meals to Messaging and Beyond, by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post...a must-have for teenagers. This book answers questions that come up in real life.


Any of these books would make a great gift for a child or teenager. Even better, study the book with them and brush up on your own etiquette skills!

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Thank you so much for stopping by today.

Monday, September 7, 2009

FRIENDSHIP GIFTS FOR SEPTEMBER

I'm relaxing today...sippin' some Apple Cinnamon Tea that I mixed together and browsing through this sweet book "The Art of Giving."

Gift-giving is a year-round event at my house and each month I make sure to have a "Friendship Gift" ready to give to friends who visit me or gifts to give as a last-minute hostess gift...just showing a little Southern Hospitality y'all.

In September, I'll be giving out Miss Janice's Apple Cinnamon Tea. I'm very happy with the flavor of this tea. I chose Twinings loose black tea, added some chopped dried apples and ground cinnamon, and voila...it is delightful! The mix is placed inside a small Mason Jar, with a sage toile cover and sage ribbon bow...inexpensive, but a kind gesture!

My September "Friendship Gifts"...


This is a wonderful time of year! I'm soooo ready for Fall . I can almost taste and smell the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbuck's, warm pumpkin bread with a cup of coffee, homemade pumpkin pie with cool whip, the decadent pumpkin cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, and the wonderful smell of my pumpkin candle. So exciting...and it's just around the corner:)

Thank you so much for visiting with me today...Stop back again real soon--I'm gonna have an exciting giveaway...maybe this week!

Friday, September 4, 2009

ETIQUETTE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE FALL

Etiquette with Miss Janice's Fall 2009 etiquette programs are now being scheduled. First up...Modern Manners for Children--ages 4-7.

Modern Manners for Children is an activity-oriented approach to teaching etiquette to children ages 4-7. The program is designed to foster children's growth through effective age-appropriate and play-nourished exercises. Early etiquette awareness offers many advantages to preparing children for their teen and adult years. Family involvement is encouraged through take-home handouts that reinforce and develop positive attitudes toward learning and applying good manners.

The Art of Introductions...oh-so important!
The importance of sharing and getting along with others...

Dining Etiquette...hands-on training! (Notice the little girls on the front row--legs are crossed at the ankles...yes ma'am!)
Yes little Miss, there is a proper way to eat bread...
Encouraging t-e-a-m-w-o-r-k!

Dates & Locations:

Saturday, October 17, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Port St. Lucie Community Center
Port St. Lucie, Florida

Saturday, November 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Stuart Woman's Club
Stuart, Florida

Investment:
$40.00, includes a light lunch tutorial, take-home handouts, a laminated age-appropriate table setting placemat, and a completion certificate.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in either of these classes, you may register online at http://www.missjanice.com/ or call Miss Janice at 901.833.7188.
Thank you for stopping by today.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

LILLY PHOTO OF THE WEEK

This week's "Lilly Photo(s) of the Week" were sent in by Courtney Dishman. Courtney spent a lovely holiday this summer in Sarasota, Florida at the Hyatt Hotel. Well, it seems the Hyatt is in a totally preppy mode!

Check out the Lilly in the Lobby....

The preppy hallway outside her room...

How beautiful is this door?
Welcome to the Hyatt-Sarasota, y'all!

Awesome tropical view from the hotel room... Lilly at St. Armand's Circle...love this store--had fun shopping there myself, last month!

More pretty shots of the Lilly store in St. Armand's Circle...

Courtney, thank you for sharing these photos from your holiday with us! I know that you enjoyed your trip to Florida...Sarasota has the most beautiful beaches ever!

Y'all don't forget to to e-mail me your Lilly photo...send it to me at Miss Janice {at} Miss Janice {dot} com. Thank you for stopping by today!