Exciting New Favors for a Winter Wedding

Dear Friends,

It's winter and those georgous Winter Weddings are here and as usual Kate Aspen has some really pretty favors to complete your plans. These favors are available now for those winter nuptuals. Let me show you some of them:


1. This is the Snowflake Bottle Stopper in Shimmering Gift Box:

Like icicles on a crystal clear winter day, these chrome snowflake bottle stoppers bring the essence of the season to any occasion. Imagine the winter wonderland created for your guests at every table when they see this beautiful and practical favor, crowned by an ornately crafted snowflake, just waiting to be taken home. Features and facts:

• Kate Aspen's chrome bottle stopper is solid chrome, with a notable weight and lasting quality
• Bottle stopper measures 4 ½” x 1 ½”
• A pearlescent white gift box surrounds the stopper with a shower of silver snowflakes
• Gift box is accented with a sheer white organza ribbon and a snowflake-studded "For You" tag
• Priced as low as $2.80
• Can be seen at http://www.dogwoodsquare.com/wedding_favors/

2. This is “Embossed Elegance” Snowflake Favor Box (Set of 24):

Remember those glorious snow showers on a chilly winter’s day when you were young, and you’d catch those gently falling snowflakes on the tip of your tongue? Bring that heartwarming ambience to your beautiful winter wedding reception, Christmas dinner table or holiday party buffet table with “Embossed Elegance” Snowflake Favor Boxes! Features and facts:

• White snowflakes feature a delightful, embossed design
• Fill with gourmet chocolate or other sweet treat
• Snowflake measures 2 ¾” h x 3” w x 1 ¼” d
• Die-Cut favor box measures 1 ¼” square
• Easy assembly
• Priced as low at $18.00 for a set of 24
• Can be seen at http://131253.brightwebsite.com/store/show_product/?product_id=41526648

3. This is Crystal Snowflake Glass Coaster with Ribbon and Thank You Tag

These beautiful coasters make winter weddings especially elegant, and seasonal parties even more festive. Offer them on your reception tables, or give them away at holiday parties. Either way, your guests will walk away charmed.

• Each glass coaster set includes four 3.5" x 3.5" substantial glass coasters frosted with delicate snowflakes. (We've even worked romantic little hearts into the design!)
• Perfectly packaged in a clear gift box complete with sheer white organza ribbon and elegant silver and white "Thank You" tag.
• Priced as low as $2.50
• Can be seen at http://www.dogwoodsquare.com/store-products-KACSGC-Crystal-Snowflake-Glass-Coaster-with-Ribbon-and-Thank-You-Tag_31247744.html

There are other wonderful, unique and elegant wedding favors available on our site. Please come and see Wedding Favors and Accessories

Until next time...

Della

After Christmas Bargains

Dear Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah with your families and are now enjoying your gifts.

We had a rather quiet Christmas this year. Our son and his family came over for Christmas eve and the baby (now 20 months) opened her presents. She is not quite old enough to know what all the fuss is about just yet. Next year will be a different story. She will understand and "Katie bar the door." From then on, it will be Christmas lists and all manner of begging and pleading for toys, etc.

They went to the other grandparents for Christmas Day so we had a very quiet day.

I am also writing this to let you know that I have put a Sale Items Page on the Dogwood Square website for all those items which are seasonal, discontinued, or retired. I have been holding on to them and selling them as folks requested them, but have decided to offer them all the time at discounted prices.

You will find old Claire Burke Fragrance Warmer Refills which have long been retired, also Claire Burke items in retired fragrances. There are Thymes items I still have left -- some retired some not, but all of them are in very limited quantities. As well as several other former items I have been holding on to for no apparent reason. I'm sure you will be able to find something you like or have been looking for, for a long time.

Well, it's time to wrap this up and wish each and every one of you a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Safe New Year!

Until next time...

Della

Roll Tide Roll!

Dear Friends,

Well, I have to do a little braggin'...after all, I do live in the State of Alabama. And even though I truly am a Tennessee Fan, and by the way, good bye to a great coach, Philip Fulmer.

Anyway, back to my adopted state...after a dismal decade or more, we finally have some pride back in the state. I guess all that money Alabama spent on Nick Saban has really paid off. Who would have ever guessed that in just two short years he would have turned the program around and crafted a team which went from position 26 at the beginning of the year to position 1 now for at least the last 4 weeks.

But the next game will really show what this Cinderella team is made of. Florida has worked its way to number 4 in the BCS and is a formidable opponent. If Alabama wins in the SEC Championship, they really deserve to be number 1.

So until next time...Roll Tide Roll!

Della

Stock Up for the Holidays

Ahhh...don't you love the holidays!! The sights and sounds and oh, the smells of the holidays. It's that time of year: the days are getting shorter, school is back in session, everyone is talking about what their going to wear to the football game this weekend and for that matter, who is going to be there and who is going to win the big game. Memories or those summer beach parties are fading into the sunset.

Soon it will be time to start thinking about Halloween followed quickly by Thanksgiving and finally Christmas.

Let me tell you about some items we have at Dogwood Square which will get you in the mood for all that holiday festivity.

First of all Tyler Candles. Tyler candles come in so many wonderful holiday fragrances they are bound to make even the grouchiest person feel good. Fragrances like:

• A Christmas Tradition
• Candy Cane
• Christmas Cheer
• Eggnog
• Holiday
• Homecoming
• Mulberry Moments
• Mulled Cider
• Pumpkin Spice
• Seasons Greetings
• Snickerdoodles
• Vintage

Then we have more candles by Sweet Grass Farms:

• Baked Apples & Cream
• Coastal Bayberry
• Maple Sugar
• New England Woods

Then, of course, we have our famous Claire Burke fragrances that everyone loves:

• Apple Jack & Peel
• Pumpkin Strudel
• Christmas Memories & Oh Christmas Tree

So now is the time to start stocking up on all those holiday fragrances so when you are ready for those holiday get-togethers your house will smell as great and it will look.

Until next time...

Della

Honor Thy Mother...

Dear Friends,

As Mother's Day approaches I think back to my dear Mom who "went home" nine years ago. I miss her very much. Her mind was sharp up until her death. So we were able to carry on many lively conversations.

I especially miss her during the spring because she knew and loved so much about flowers and we would talk about many of them during this time of the year. When she was able, she had a huge flower garden and knew every one of the names and all about each of the plants in her garden. I, on the other hand, did not inherit that "green thumb" gene from her so all my attempts at growing plants unfortunately turned into disasters. My brother is the gardener in our family. No matter where he has lived -- apartment or house -- he has always managed to have some sort of garden.

I also remember how she treasured each and every gift that either my brother or I gave her. We had a hard time getting her to use many of them, she just wanted to keep all of them intact. She was not a very outwardly emotional person, but was extremely sentimental about us, her children. It was a true pleasure to give her a gift because you knew she would treasure it, no matter what it was.

I wish for all of you the kind of relationship with your Mothers that I had with mine.

Until next time...

Della

Easter Wishes

Dear Friends

As the seasons change from for cold and wet or snowy months to the warming up of spring, we want to wish all of our customers both frequent shoppers and new a wonderful and blessed Easter.

Our little sweet granddaughter, Brynlea, has just turned 11 months and is right on the verge of walking. Her mom thinks she will take that first unassisted step this weekend as she chases after her cousin while hunting Easter eggs. We will see.

It is such a beautiful spring day here in middle Alabama and tomorrow, Easter, promises to be just the same.

Again, we hope you all have a blessed Easter.

Until next time...

Della

Wedding Belle Favors™ Featured in The Bridal Guide

Canby, Oregon, March 15, 2008.

Wedding Belle Favors™ is featured in the current issue of The Bridal Guide. In a feature covering lavender-themed favors and gifts, their Embroidered Lavender Sachet is showcased.

The eco-friendly favors features a muslin bag embroidered with a bouquet of lavender flowers. The sachets are filled with fragrant French lavender and rose petals. These sachets can be purchased at Dogwood Square for $4.50 each.

Embroidered Lavender & Rose Sachets

"These sachets are perfect for tucking into dresser drawers, stashing in a purse or car, and even using as a 'dryer sheet'" states Meg Hodson, owner and designer for Wedding Belle Favors™. "The fragrance lingers."

Wedding Belle Favors™ was founded by owner and senior designer Meg Hodson. For her 2002 nuptials, she found the wedding market limited in its selection of creative favors. Fusing together her artistic background and business sensibility, Wedding Belle Favors ™ was founded.

The evolution has brought the company to specialize in original and personalized wedding favors and gifts. The company has continued to grow and expand by launching their favor and gift line, as well as their custom order Belle Favor Portfolio, to retailers both domestically and internationally.

Until next time...

Della

Can Spring Be Far Behind...

Dear Friends,

I know the Groundhog saw his shadow and all that, but when you drive along and see daffodils in bloom -- can Spring really be that far behind? And, of course, what does Spring signal, but planting season, of course. So for you gardeners out there or if you are like me, gardener-wanna be's, Dogwood Square has a real treat for you this year. We are now carrying not only SeedBallz and HerbBallz but also some really neat products from Potting Shed Creations.

If you have not heard about either of these products let me tell you a little about them:

SeedBallz and HerbBallz are packages of 7 clay balls each. Each of these clay balls contain a full package of seeds mixed with the clay. There are 9 different varieties of flowers and 3 different herbs to choose from. Each package costs $6.75. Remember that's like getting 7 packages of seeds in each SeedBallz or HerbBallz package.

And another really great thing is these are made by folks with disabilities so you are giving these folks a job while you are beautifying your yard, deck, patio or whatever.

Now that I've introduced you to these unique products, let me talk a little about how you use them. These were made for me (remember I said I am a gardener-wanna be.) All you do with these little clay balls is spread them on prepared dirt (either in a flower bed or a pot) and water them. Oh yeah, they need a good amount of sun.

You don't have to bury them and if you are putting them outside, you don't have to worry about birds or other animals eating the seeds. The clay is a deterrent. By watering them, the clay will eventually "melt" away and the seeds will germinate and soon you will have plants. Could it be any easier???

And at these prices, a variety of them would be a really nice gift for that gardener in your life.

Until next time...

Della

Just in Time...

Dear Friends,

I know I have mentioned this before, but I am going to talk about it again. As you know, if you have read any of the older notes on this blog, we have discontinued our relationship with The Thymes Limited. I just want to put in a short comment about that. We still have a very limited amount of stock and have marked it all down to 30% off retail. Which means, if you are a fan of their products, now is the time to buy at a discount you will not see anywhere else.

Now, on to other things...

We have been looking for a line of products to replace The Thymes and while we are still not completely satisfied, we have decided to offer Vitabath®. These products are also sold by Rich Brands (the folks who bought the Claire Burke brand.) Both Tania and Levica, our sales reps at Rich Brands, have finally talked me into carrying Vitabath®.

In case you have never heard of Vitabath, here is a little bit about these products:

After more than 40 years, the Vitabath® gelee formula remains unequaled for skin cleansing and skin conditioning. Developed by European Skincare Specialists, the Vitabath® moisturizing gelee has nearly twice the essential ingredients and half as much water as the nearest competitor. Its performance simply cannot be matched.

The Vitabath® brand represents the utmost in quality and care for the skin, spanning an array of product forms that support the classic Moisturizing Bath & Shower Gelee. These include the Moisturizing Lotion, Moisturizing Gelee Soap, Refreshing Aloe Gel Spray and Exfoliating Sugar Scrub.

As more and more consumers seek benefit-driven products, the quality ingredients and invigorating fragrances offered in Vitabath® products will allow them to take an active role in caring for their skin and develop healthful skincare routines. The Vitabath® brand is clean and confident: classic yet contemporary and is for the active consumer who takes care of themselves today, knowing it will affect how they look and feel tomorrow.

They have 4 fragrance formulas:

Original Spring Green™ - The gelee is the original Vitabath® formula developed by skincare specialists in Europe over 40 years ago. The Original Spring Green™ fragrance continues as the favorite among loyal consumers who prefer a bold, refreshing sensory experience.

Plus For Dry Skin™ - This formula is perfect for the consumer who prefers extra moisturizing benefits for dry skin. The formulas remain unequaled for skin cleansing and skin conditioning. The nourishing formula which includes vitamins along with rich, moisturizing emollients and natural extracts all work together to help condition and protect the skin.

Spa Skin Therapy™ - Infused with natural sea kelp, these nourishing formulations with vitamins, minerals and aromatic botanicals provide a transcending sensory experience. As fresh as an ocean breeze, it is a perfect choice for consumers seeking to soothe both body and spirit.

We have chosen to begin our association with Vitabath® with only the first 2 (Original and Plus for Dry Skin.)

We just received our shipment on Friday, Feb. 1, and will be busy this weekend putting everything up on the website. It should all be ready and "Just in Time" for Valentine's Day giving.

We hope you enjoy Vitabath and if you would like for us to stock the other fragrances, please let us know.

Until next time...

Della

Oddity, Inc. Comes to Dogwood Square

Dear Friends,



Not so long ago I found a web site which carries seasonal home decor items, accent pieces, candles, candle accessories and flameless fragrance products. I have been wanting to offer you some of these kinds of items, but didn't know which ones to order and this company just seemed like they had many of the things I was looking for. Plus they have a service where I can set up a sister web site and link it to Dogwood Square.

By doing that, it would allow you to click on the Oddity link on the Navigation bar on the left of the home page of Dogwood Square and it will take you directly to the sister site.

You can browse through their entire online catalog of items and place your order right there. They keep everything up to date and you can always tell what's in stock and what's not.

Once you place your order, they will handle the payment and shipment right on the sister site. Then, if you want to return to the Dogwood Square home page, you click on the "back" button on your browser (at the top) and you are back to the familiar home page of Dogwood Square.

The items you will find on this sister site are just like many of the items you would find at Michael's and Hobby Lobby at a very reasonable price.

We hope you will enjoy browsing through their extensive selection of items. Let us know what you think.

Until next time...

Della

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Better Late Than Never!!

Dear Customers and Friends of Dogwood Square,





HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I have so many new ideas for this year, it's scary!

I hope that the promised change over to the new site can be
accomplished during the 1st quarter of this year. We put that on
hold for a while, but are now gearing up to move the site to a new
hosting company.

Many of the companies we have contacted have told us that because we do not have a "brick and mortar" location (in other words we are only found on the Internet, we do not have a physical store) they won't sell to us. We don't think that is fair, but we must adhere to all the rules. So we continue to look. If any of you reading this, have any suggestions of new products you would like to see us carry, please post a response to this entry and we will investigate.

We are seriously considering carrying Vitabath products since they are also distributed by Rich Brands who bought the Claire Burke franchise last September.

Speaking of Rich Brands and Claire Burke...the fragrance warmer refills still have not come in. However, we understand that they are going to be shipping in the next week or two. We still are taking orders and have maintained a large and growing backorder queue.

Don't worry! If you ordered refills and your order was put in the backorder queue, it WILL be filled just as soon as possible when our stock comes in. We have ordered 3 times as many refills as we need to fill our backorders.

Other new products looming on the horizon:

• I am working on an arrangement with a company called Oddity to create a sister site which we would link to. They offer beautiful seasonal home decor items such as: beautifully designed floral wreaths and garlands, candles, candle rings, and many other items such as you would find in Michael's or Hobby Lobby in the floral and home decor departments.
• There are many more baby monitor items which we have access to and have not had an opportunity to place on the site. We will try our best to add to this area in 2008. Likewise, we have advertised the Halo collection of baby clothing and have not had the time to update the site with our stock. That will be remedied this year.
• We have also started promotion of a new product for us -- Fragrance Lampes. The company we are working with is growing by leaps and bounds and we will be offering more styles and fragrances as time goes on. The lampes and fragrances we will carry are now and will be quality lampes and fragrances, but will be offered at a very reasonable price.

So as you can see these and perhaps some other things I am working on should make Dogwood Square an exciting place to shop this year.

We hope this year is going to be an exciting and prosperous one for all of you!!

Until next time...

Della