Just What I Needed "An Unexpected Delight"

A friend of mine, Jennifer, recently said "I love how women take care of women".  I had one of those lovely moments a week ago.  I had just taken my husband to the airport (San Fran bound) and he'd be gone for a week.  I asked my children after he left, "Did Daddy have anything set up for me for Mother's Day?"  They blankly looked at me and then each other, shrugged their shoulders and said "No".  Hmmm...  really?   Crap.  I thought maybe he'd hand them a $20 and tell them to take me out to Sheridan's for ice cream.... or something.  My daughter said she made something at school and my son said he had something of his own too... and that's wonderful!  I was also hoping for something a little "grown up".  Does that make sense?

The day was fully under way and by noon, a knock at my door by a lovely delivery woman holding a large box, smiled and handed it to me saying,  "Looks like a winner to me."   

I hesitated opening it thinking for a moment it came to the wrong home.  The box was so beautiful and besides, the driver quickly drove away. I couldn't resist.  So I tore into it.  Lots of beautiful tissue paper (only a woman would appreciate that, right? LOL) and the first thing I pulled out was a gorgeous green etched glass pitcher!

Wha??  Certainly this isn't for me.  Who is this from?  I found a gold card with a hand written note from my friends via social media (and one from SME too) Christine Hamele and Kelly Cooper of Parris Communications.  "We wanted to recognize all of your efforts as a social media maven and Mamapreneur.   Hope you enjoy the exceptional gift experience from Cambria Cove!".   I had to sit down.


I was so excited and so happy they did this for me... just when I was feeling on the verge of neglected... and they saved the day!  I didn't open anything else but instead went right for the phone to thank Christine.  I was gushing, talking too fast and I hope she could tell just how appreciative I was.  Keep in  mind, I hadn't even seen the rest.  LOL!   Here is the jackpot they sent me... 

A wonderful candle in a pink ceramic container, WITH lid.  A gorgeous set of notecards that remind me of Amy Butler fabrics.  A gold and white zenia patterned journal that has a nifty built in pocket in the back.  Christine never could have known, but I love that stuff!  I tuck things away all the time ... now I have a spot with my journal!  Brilliant.  The two white doves are soap!!!! They came in the cool bird nest and there's a white ceramic little bowl they are sitting in too.  

Now look at this gorgeous bracelet!  KABLAM!  There's my Mother's Day jewelry I always secretly want!  Bonus: It's silver!


I am thrilled to the core with my unexpected gifts.  They were just what I needed.  You have no idea.  Well... maybe Christine and Kelly actually did.  I have been online with Cambria Cove this last week and on their Facebook Page which looks relatively new... so "like" them if these type of goodies are right up your alley.  The website has great ideas for Father's Day... calling them "Handsome gifts for dashing dads".  Love it!  


Thanks again Christine and Kelly for your timely thoughtfulness.   You are a shining example of people doing things right...  making someone feel valued.   MWUA!  XOXOXOX  

I'm a forever fan of Christine and Kelly. I'm a new fan of ...

How to Keep Me Coming Back for More

Despite being able to shop online, at my convenience, in my underwear at 3AM, if I choose... I'm still an "in person" product browser.  I'm in the minority of people that enjoy walking through Blockbuster Video because truth be told, I don't really know what I'm looking for and even if I do, I can be swayed into getting something else.  So when it comes to shopping for items for my home, I'm happy to piddle around a store and just look.  Besides nothing replaces a truly helpful hint or piece of advice from a smiling human being.  Lord knows I love a great salesperson too!

Last Friday, I stopped by Nell Hills in Briarcliff Village, Kansas City, MO.  I had been reluctant to swing on by, because I had heard this location carried primarily big furniture.   However, as I walked in, I was thrilled to see it's much like the original Nell Hill's in Atchison, KS... but with more room! All decked out with Spring decor, there were lots of tchotchkes reasonably priced, yes there was large unique furniture, but it's the store's incredible merchandising I find inspirational.  Right away, I was so glad I came in.

I was greeted by none other than the owner, Mary Carol Garrity and her COM, "Chief of Merchandising", Becky Taylor.  We chatted a bit about the new location and I told her this was the first time I had come to this location and she seemed genuinely happy for me.  I was a little surprised that in light of her busy schedule, the growing amount of other customers coming through the door and my lack of the "I've got a discretionary income" appearance I was sporting, she still gave me plenty of undivided attention.  

I actually thought in that moment... this will never get old.  This will never go away.  One on one, when done right, is the main attraction in selling.   She wasn't outright selling anything, but rather she was getting to know me.  Even with  social media... keep it personal, keep it genuine and be engaged in the conversation.  Much like Mary Carol does, in person.

Here are some shots I took with my phone ...  I sent this first one to my friend Susann who is looking for pink flowers for her daughters rooms.  I loved these big pink peonies!  I thought I sent them to her, but turns out I sent them to my husband, Matt, who I had just dropped off at KCI airport.

  My husband quickly shot back a text asking "Where are you?"      *gulp*

I text'd back "Nell Hills.  Not the one in Atch.  It's great!  Look, we could have a room like this one..."

"very masculine.  And check out the shoe-shine chair..."

Matt texted back "No mas!"      LOL!  "But honey, look at these shelves!"

"or a booze on wheels beverage cart!"   (insert cricket chirps from my husband)

The nicest thing about the new space is, you can really check out the paint colors Nell Hills offers!  The large windows and open spaces really showcase their true colors. My daughter would adore this green apple color on the wall.

I hope to head back to Nell Hills in Briarcliff this week some time... with my 8 year old daughter in tow.  She'll choose the green apple, which I will probably have to barter with Matt a bit, to get him to paint her walls.

I was approached by 4 different sales associates/designers the entire hour I was there.  Each in their own professional and very approachable way, subliminally sold me.  They did not sell anything but rather struck up a conversation with me to discover what I like and why I liked it.  Mary Carol has cloned herself.  She's made more of her and they do exactly what she does... build relationships!   

I did not buy anything this trip, but they all know, I'll be back... 

with friends.  

Brilliant.