OH! I LOVE BLUE AND WHITE DISHES!

I have been doing quite a bit of "spring cleaning" and organizing at our house the past month. Every year, from Jan. through Feb., I seem to "catch the bug" of getting the house more "together" ---from the inside out! One job that I have been avoiding for many months is re-arranging our china cabinet. For over a year, it has looked terrible, more like a storage cabinet vs. a cabinet for display. Last week, a LOVELY book that I had ordered came in the mail----one of my favorite and most admired authors, Carolyne Roehme's new book: A Passion for Blue and White. I ordered the book because, I too, have collected and ADORE blue and white china and dishes----everything from antique Flow Blue, antique English blue/white dishes and even, total 'fakes' (cheap!) of Blue Willow. Many years ago, my sister and I gathered an entire dish set of Blue Willow ( I still use it today!) from Kroger! They were running a "special sale" and, my beloved sister and I collected an entire 12 piece place setting (12 each!) of these wonderful looking dishes........one of the best set of dishes I have ever owned---and, we still use them OFTEN! So-----I am posting this entry as my "Ode to Blue and White" dishes........I was reminded, while arranging my china cabinet, that I DEARLY adore ALL dishes blue and white and, SILVER---the two together make such a PRETTY display! My Mother has quite a fabulous collection of sterling and, she has "passed down" the love of silver pieces to me! Thanks Mom! I highly recommend starting or extending a collection of blue and white dishes----the dishes look SPECTACULAR on a table- for an elegant dinner party or a spring luncheon. The blue/white is quite versatile because ANY linen accent color will go with it- a hot pink tablecloth and napkins, lime green linens or, for a really elegant table- the blue and white dishes with white table linens and a simple arrangement of white roses (in a crystal compote) in the center. DIVINE! Collecting blue and white is really fun and, I hope you will begin your own collection soon of something you love!

My Sales Hero! Kyle Ogle

One of my BEST friends on the planet (Darla Ogle) wrote the following letter, re: her late husband (passed away 10-29-08) and, it is because of Kyle that I entered medical sales in the first place! Kyle really encouraged me and, inspired me to get into this field. Thank you Kyle! You are my sales HERO!
As you know, Kyle was the top sales representative for his company for 2008 and was honored at the sales meeting for this accomplishment.They invited me to the meeting to accept his award. I got to say a few words about Kyle and got to thank the people who helped make that goal possible. They showed part of the hunting show where Kyle spoke about not letting the disease define him and several pictures.

To honor Kyle's extraordinary life and achievements, the company created a new award that will be given each year to an outstanding rep who exhibits integrity professionally and personally. I had the honor of presenting the Kyle Ogle Outstanding Achievement Award to the first recipient. Of course, both awards got standing ovations from the crowd of 150 and there was not a dry eye in the room. I couldn't help but think of Kyle's big grin! He loved to win and I am sure would have said something like, "I can't believe you guys let a one armed man with cancer outsell you". By God's grace, and sheer determination, he outsold them all from a sick bed with headset on. :)Like he always used to quote:"Can't never did a thing!". He was all about "can".

With love and pride,
Darla

This time of year gets my heart beating....spring is just

around the corner! Some of you may know....I am a little

bit of a "clothes horse" and, I have a hobby of keeping up

with the latest fashions.....have been finding some CUTE

shoes and "fashion forward" items at Target lately and,

online at www.forever21.com. Here are 10 items to get

you up-to-date for the coming spring......FUN!

1. A striped shirt

2. Strappy flat sandal- really cute ones at Target.com!

3. Gold or silver metallic shoes or purse

4. A large slouchy purse

5. brown eyeshadow ( I love to look at www.sephora.com)

6. A bright yellow or green trench coat

7. A plaid blouse with belt around your middle....super cute!

8. One shoulder blouse or dress

9. Rolled up jeans w/ holes in the knees

10. Gold jewelry!

FASHION is FUN and, you can find GREAT deals at Target and, many other stores!