1/2 c. crushed graham crackers

1 1/2 oz. rum

3 Tab. pumpkin pie filling

1/2 oz. hazelnut liqueur

1/2 oz. half and half

Wet martini glass rim and dip in cracker crumbs, fill glass with crushed ice. Mix all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour in glass. Makes one drink.

       Mark your calanders!               

Thursday, September 18th, Vignettes will have an extended shopping hour from 5- 6p.m. 

I will feature quick autumn menu ideas, hostess gifts and tastings. Take advantage of the later shopping hour and pick up a few helpful tips along the way.  I look forward to seeing you.

Autumn is the perfect time to stock up on candles to burn on those chilly fall nights, but understanding the advantages of Soy wax over paraffin can get very confusing. Here are just a few reasons why Vignettes carries only Soy wax products and a few tips to help you get the most value out of each of your burns.

Soy candles burn clean,  emit 95% less soot and toxic fumes. They contain no petroleum and do not increase th CO2 level in the atmosphere, that is characteristic of paraffin candles. The black residue found in the jars of paraffin candles can stain walls, curtins and even lungs with prolonged use.

Soy wax is a biodegradable product which means easy clean up with soap and water and is safe around small children and animals.

Soy is a renuewable resourse that can support the U.S. economy instead of foreign oil. Soy is much cheaper then pariffin wax or bee’s wax and is able to hold a larger percent of fragrance making the candles scent last longer.

Soy wax has a a much lower melting rate, therefore, burn slower and last up to 50% longer then pariffin candles!

1. Keep out of the reach of children

2. Keep wick trimmed after each use to 1/4″.

3. Keep out of drafts.

4. Never leave candles unattended.

Vignettes carries a large selection of candles from Swan Creek Candles, Chestnut Hill Candles and Candles by Karen.

I have never been able to overcome the inner conflect I have with myself every Septemeber.

I love sending the kids back to school with the smell of new crayons. Cooler days excite me to whip up a pot roast and bake carmel cake. I look forward to  walking the dogs and smelling burning leaves at night, but BITTERSWEET it is knowing all that I look forward to, brings me to the end of another wonderful summer.

I am drawn to the rich reds, deep olive greens and warm browns that nature provides each fall. Though my home is dressed with these colors year round, it is the addition of spicy candles, warm soft throws and twigs with berries that make my house truely my favorite place on earth.

Vignettes is already filling with the sights and smells of fall. Fragrant new candles, handmade halloween cards, pumpkins, fall foliage, apples, witches, autumn sunflowers, squirrels, pheasents, acorns, fall dinnerware and serving pieces, cookie and dip mixes, outdoor decorations, baskets of mums and yes, of course BITTERSWEET.

Little “Vignettes” of sunflowers, gourds and pumpkins make a big impact.

Twig, branches and berries, OH MY!

Festive fall table setting with warm golds, olive greens, rich browns and lots of layers.

Bittersweet! Vignettes carries stems and vines to add to any arrangement to give it a fall feel. Wrapped in grapevine, placed in a vase of twigs or draped over a doorway. The perfect way to say welcome.

Round tables for ease of conversation!

Mixing soft fabrics (drapes), wrought iron (light fixture), leather (chairs), rich woods (mirror),  stone (wall), touches of greenery (floral arrangements).  It’s all about textures and warmth!

Saving money can cost you BIG when it comes to home staging. Spend a little to get big return on your investment. Home staging goes way beyond decorating, it is about creating a mood in the home. Most people can not stage their own home, because they cannot see it objectively. They see the area that the Christmas tree is placed, the family portrait wall or the kids favorite homework spot. A home stager can add small touches of plants, mirrors, area rugs, lamps, pillows, artwork, baskets and afghans to give your home the clutter free, yet homey feel that sells. They can rearrange the furniture you already have for larger looking rooms and better traffic flow.

Did you know that on average a staged home will sell 17% higher and 13% faster then an unstaged home? Vignettes can help you prepare for your home sale with full staging services or last minute details.

Wanted to let people know that Vignettes’ products are awesome.  
Very unique items in the store and ask Phyllis for suggestions on decorating. 

I could not be more excited about offering the following new items, all of which are exclusive to the Yorkville area!

Chestnut Hill candles, look, smell and burn better then any candle I have ever burned. A natural soy blend, clean with no waste and fragrances that are second to none!

Ella E Jewelry, unique one of a kind, hand crafted pieces of art! Vintage inspired with a contemporary feel. Metals are nickle free and never chemically treated. Many of the styles can be worn on two different sides creating a  completely different look.

SDG Artistry, hand crafted tiles made right here in Yorkville, by artist Sherri Ohler. There is a tile for every letter in the alphabet plus tiles of Sherri’s own artwork to create the perfect word art for any room in your home. The perfect gift for newlyweds, new parents, new home or for the person on your list that has everything!

Find these items online at www.vignettesonline.com 

Come relax and be pampered with new products, food samples and deep discounts! Vignettes and Blue Orchid Studio are getting together for an evening of fun! Thursday, August 21st from 7-9 P.M.  Blue Orchid Studio will play host but Vignettes will be there to showcase tons of new fall items! Plan on joining us and bring a friend!

So, lets start with the question that I am most asked. Vignettes means “little displays” and as you stroll through my store, web site or start to decorate your own home, think “little displays”! Home decor looks best in small groupings of odd numbers that have different sizes, textures and shapes. Stick with colors that are in the same family but different ranges from dark to light, or contrast completely using one bold color and one or two additional colors that will play a more secondary role. Look for items that can be moved from room to room or can be used in more than one way to get the most from your decorating dollars.

This rub is great for boneless chicken breasts or thighs.  We love it!

1 Tablespoon light brown sugar

1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic

1 Tablespoon Granulated Onion

1 Tablespoon Paprika

2 Teaspoons Dried Thyme

2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano

2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt

2 Teaspoons Coarsely Ground Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients.  Coat both sides of the chicken with the rub, then brush with olive oil.  Grill as you would normally, about 15 minutes per side on low setting if using a gas grill.