April – 2010 – Fly Through Our Window

60 In Life

Like a Kid in a Candy Store {take 2}

I thought I’d post these back to back or at least close to back to back… but I thought wrong. I think I need a blogging “secret agent” who can take care of my house while I blog or take care of my blog while I do house! 🙂 If I had such “secret agent” I would have posted these back to back, like I intended!

A few weeks ago we went to Bellamia and today we’re going to Moore Warren Restaurant Equipment {I interrupt this message to tell you that the word “restaurant” is a word I can NEVER spell correctly… quite possibly the hardest word to spell on the planet. Thankfully my computer is smarter than me.}

Before I get started I browsed my Flickr archives to see what pictures I could muster up that show a few of my favorite things from the restaurant supply store… giant cooling racks, indestructible little people glasses or cocktail glasses {that I also have in GIANT sized big people cups, like Pizza Hut cups that are clear, not red}, melamine plates & bowls, heavy duty coffee mugs … and and lots more that I don’t have pictures of!

I’m not sure if you have a local restaurant supply store but if you do, you should call and see if they sell to the public because ours does and if you need anything for your kitchen I would go no where else to buy it but there!

It’s not fancy by any stretch but it is absolutely chocked full of industrial grade cooking, baking, serving, and eating gadgets.

I also feel compelled to share that the guys who work there gave me grief. But it was good grief, I suppose. And as often as I’ve been in, I should have expected it! I can only assume that they’ve never had a someone come in before with their camera and ask permission to take pictures around the store for a blog. Now, I will say, I’m not necessarily a shy person but I it does make me a little squeamish to drop in a store with camera in tow and ask, “Ummm, I have this blog and I’d like to write about your store, do you mind if I take pictures?” They of course didn’t decline but they sure did give me grief… “Is she with the newspaper? No, she writes a blog. What’s a blog? Are you going to tell us what your blog address is? What are you going to write about us?” In all seriousness, they were very kind and we had a small spelling bee at the end over word “melamine” {even though I can’t spell “restaurant”, I can spell “melamine”}… and they’ve always loaded my car for me!

I have two of these and LOVE them. They are giant, round cooling racks with legs that fold under. Perfect for a big batch of cookies or cupcakes. Speaking of big batches… they cater to big batches of almost anything. These muffin pans have not 12 but 24 cups so that you can bake all your cupcakes or muffins in one fell swoop.

Somehow I left with out it… not sure how, but I did. Don’t worry little muffin pan, I’ll be back.

There is this wall at the end of the store and if you need any type of serving, stirring, pinching, straining, whisking instrument and they don’t have it… you’re being way too picky.

I also have a few of those heat resistant spatulas and stainless steel spoons.

I don’t have but think I ‘need‘ a pie/cake slicer and about 5 industrial grade pots & pans.

They have an unbelievable amount of shakers for all your shaking needs.

They also have restaurant grade coffee makers, food processors, ice machines, and blenders; all of which I’d like to own but can’t quite justify. They also have tables, chairs, high chairs, booster seats, table settings, silverware, cups, mugs, pitchers galore, cutting boards, knives {good knives}, bright colored plastic mesh baskets/trays {the kind you put a piece of paper before you put the sandwich, chips and pickles in}, adjustable leg stainless steel food prep tables that make great craft tables, laundry room tables, or kitchen islands!! Basically I love this place. My SIL gave me two industrial baking sheets for Christmas from Moore Warren and they are the biggest, nicest baking sheets I’ve ever owned! My current babysitter/friend Mickey said that the first time she left my house she thought I had been to a local cafeteria closing sale to stock my kitchen! I’m very much okay with that! If had a wedding registry to do all over again… I’d put Moore Warren at the top of the list and I’m not even sure they do that sort of thing, if they don’t, they should!

If you’re local, they’re located between downtown and the Medical Center. They do have a website that isn’t near as cool as they are but you can check it out here… Moore Warren. And if you drop in or call them, you can tell them I sent you! 🙂

And I will leave you with the handiest little offset spatula {I think it’s a few dollars} that I use at least once a week…

…if you ever ice or spread anything you need one.

And last but not least… here’s a teaser for my final stop!

April 8, 2010

31 In Life

He is Risen & Spring is Alive

The weather has been wonderful for weeks now! We are covered in thick yellow pollen but I’ll take it if it means sunshine and upper 80’s! Easter weekend was beautiful this year, as I almost always remember it being.

The children hunted eggs on Saturday and loved every minute of it.

The little Rover would stop after he found each egg, open it and eat whatever was in it. If it had coins in it he would get mad and throw them on the ground.

We hunted at Justin’s parents house… which is like having an Easter egg hunt at Calloway Gardens… everything was pristine and already in bloom!

The children enjoyed opening Easter baskets on Sunday morning.

…followed by a beautiful Easter service at church to celebrate our risen Savior and lunch with family!

Now, I’m going to switch from pretty Easter decorations to what I saw this morning, which is slightly disturbing…

This is Ariel getting her hair washed, according to Raiger. If you look close you will see that in fact it is only her hair that is wet. I was assured that she needed her hair washed and liked having her hair washed in this manner.

And last but not least… we’ve been outside a lot lately, swinging, sliding and picnic’ing. I learned today that if you give a young man a hose he’s happy as a lark, he’ll get soaking wet, but he’ll undoubtedly be happy regardless.

Hope that each of you enjoyed your Easter weekend… we sure did!!

April 6, 2010

10 In Sponsors

April Sponsors

I hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend celebrating Easter! I’m so excited to share this month’s sponsors with you. They all have absolutely lovely things {some with great discounts too!} so be sure to click over to their sites. I asked each of them to share a little bit about their businesses below and each company name below links directly to their sites!

::Stella & Dot::

In Paloma’s own words…

Stella & Dot’s gorgeous line of jewelry has been featured in countless magazines and publications including InStyle, Lucky, Elle, The New York Times, as well as on the Today Show and is a favorite of celebrities and women everywhere. So what makes Stella and Dot special? It’s our line of versatile, high-quality (the jewelry is made by the same people who make jewelry for Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Barneys), celebrity-coveted jewelry with many options under $50. We carry everything from bold statement necklaces to glamorous chandelier earrings, to delicate, customizable chains and charms. Our new line of children’s jewelry is launching this month and it is filled with pieces your little girl is sure to love!

::Birdy Blue Invitations & Design::

In Rachel’s own words….

Birdy blue is a blog and design business specializing in unique invitations for the special events in life. I think interesting color & type combinations can really make for some stellar invitations. Custom design is something I love to do, but I also offer pre-made designs in my etsy shop that are a beautiful and affordable option. For the month of April, if you place an order and mention the Fly through our window blog, you will receive 15% off. Come stop by and say hello! https://birdybluedesign.com or visit our etsy shop HERE!

::Devon Baer Designs::

In Devon’s own words…

As a designer living in New York City, I am constantly inspired by all the visual beauties this city has to offer. From the creative store fronts to the fine dining, to the beautiful people and the unique architecture, NYC inspires me to create chic, wearable accessories that appeal to a wide range of customers, however still reflect my personal style. In my belts, jewelry, and soon to come Tunics, you will find hints of the interior design world, bold patterns and prints, luxury silks and whimsy vintage like details.

::Stella Bella::

In Rachel’s own words…
Stella Bella Boutique is an online jewelry boutique that offers pieces that are dainty, bold, and everything in between. All pieces are vintage inspired and hand-made. Stella Bella Boutique also offers custom orders for individuals and wedding parties – all you need to do is ask!

Special Offer: Buy three necklaces, get one of equal or lesser value for FREE!

::Needle & Thread Sewing Studio::

In Stacey’s own words…

Attention to detail and quality makes anything from The Needle n Thread so special! We feature baby and children’s items, personalization, embroidery, applique, home decor and more. Check out our website for new fabrics, designs, and items. Visit https://theneedlenthread.com/order.html to see all of our offerings. And as a Fly Through Our Window reader, you’ll receive free shipping on all orders in April. Just add FLY in the comments section at check out and shipping will be reimbursed.

::Smitten & Co::

In Tara’s own words…
Smitten & Company is gearing up for summer with precious new designs for both boys and girls. I have also added a few new design options for bigger kids! Don’t miss out on cute ruffled bloomer sets for little girls, as well as short sleeve dresses that are perfect for beach trips, park trips, and everything in between! This month I am offering free shipping on orders of 3 or more!

::Harris Properties Beach Rentals::

In Melise’s own words…
The weather is warming up and you’re starting to feel it aren’t you? That call of the soft white Southern Sand wiggling in your toes? Harris Properties is a family operated business renting beach homes in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, AL. Give me a call to book your vacation now! www.ourgulfshoresvacation.com 877-4GO-GULF

::Spencer Morgan Designs::

In Rebecca’s own words…
Spencer Morgan Designs is a unique handmade jewelry company that specializes in creating modern pieces from vintage jewelry. I also love custom designing jewelry for people to complete an outfit, re-invent a family heirloom or create special pieces for a bridal party. The majority of the pieces are one-of-a-kind so you won’t have to run into someone with the same necklace.

::jaC jewelry::

In Janna’s own words…
I design and make unique jewelry for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for something special for yourself or a gift, you’re bound to find something you’ll love in my shop. Custom orders are always welcome. Celebrate spring with these adorable Little Acorn earrings! They will make a great Mothers’ Day gift! They are available in several colors and stones; you can purchase a matching necklace as well. You can find the earrings pictured {which I {Darby} have & love} above HERE.

::The Rusted Chain::

In Beki’s own words…
The Rusted Chain specializes in simple inspirational jewelry. Each piece is hand stamped and looks great worn alone or paired with other necklaces. Start dropping hints to your hubby for Mother’s Day! Darby’s fabulous readers will receive a 15% discount with code window15. You can find TheRustedChain blog and newsletter sign up here.

::pixelimpress::

In Pam’s own words…
I love paper, patterns and colors, modern and traditional, and fonts. I love trying to find the unexpected yet beautiful way of mixing all of those to create a look that’s unique. I’m environmentally conscious and use recycled materials as much as possible. And I strive to always give excellent customer service. Readers are extended 20% off pixelimpress items to celebrate spring, just mention “fly through our window” upon checkout and I will send them a revised invoice to pay.

::Toddle Tags::

In Debra’s own words….

These cute and colorful bag tags are perfect for back packs, lunch boxes {especially those with peanut allergies}, sport bags, suit cases or even purses! Toddle Tags make a great gift for anyone! Tags can be customized to your specifications. Name, just initials, address, phone number, or contact information, you choose. The shape makes it easy to identify your bag in any situation. Each tag is handcrafted with the highest quality materials available. Heavy duty 10 mil., military strength laminate makes these id tags extremely durable. Sizes vary due to handmade production however the approximate dimensions are; 2 3/4″ x 2 1/4″. Each tag comes with a plastic loop for attaching to almost anything!

::EngLady::

In Kat’s own words…
Hello! My name is Katherine or Kat, as most friends refer to me. I create classic jewelry with a touch of vintage charm. Most of my pieces are versatile, easily transitioning from casual weekend wear to special occasions. I work primarily with semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls paired with sterling silver, fine silver, or higher quality gold vermeil and gold filled. I adore watery blues and greens, which is often reflected in my work; but I also love working with other colors. If you have a special request for a design or stone combination or need multiples for your bridal party, simply ask!

Save 10% on any order this month. Simply mention code springflight10 in the message to seller field and complete your order; I will promptly refund the discount

::Lisa Leonard::

In Lisa’s own words…
Our exclusive, hand-drawn vintage frames {pictured above with Lisa and her twin sister} are a little funky and a lot of fun! Wear a single charm or layer the charms ($22 for each add’l charm) for a casual, up-to-date look. lightweight sterling charms are strung from sterling chain and sweetened with a cream, freshwater pearl. Customize each frame with the initial of your choice. starting at $38!

::Blessed Be The Name Children’s Clothing::

In Ashley’s own words…
I am the owner and designer of Blessed Be the Name (a children’s clothing offered through trunk shows) & Favorite Laundry (offered to vendors in the Atlanta Apparel wholesale market). Since the last sponsor post, Favorite Laundry has a new retail store in Birmingham in a town & development neighborhood called the Town of Mt Laurel. Both lines are full of whimsical simplicity and wonderfully soft cotton, a great way to celebrate childhood and dress your children for your greatest memories….If you’re in the Birmingham area please come by and see us! Store address: 100 Croft Street Birmingham, AL 205.533.7861 Also, Ashley’s blogs here.

::Kendall Boggs Fine Art::

In Kendall’s own words…

I use a mixture of molding paste and acrylic to compose an interesting style of art. Sometimes even throwing coffee grinds into the mix for extra texture! The angel paintings and trees are some of my most popular. I am doing a series of shows this spring including the Wesleyan Artist Market in Atlanta on April 27 – 29. Fairly new to the art world, I just had my first Solo Show in Jackson, MS which sold over 10 paintings! You can visit my blog or KendallBoggs.com for more info!

::Noteworthy::

In Christy’s own words…
Noteworthy has been in business for over ten years carrying lines such as Sweet Pea Designs, JW Daigler, Polka Dot Pear, Dinky Designs and more! We are excited to announce that we will soon be selling Stacy Claire Boyd! These items will be added to our online store in the next few weeks so please keep checking back! We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter! Enjoy 20% off your entire order by using coupon code “Easter” at checkout!

Happy Clicking! 🙂

April 5, 2010

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Newer Posts

April 2010

Like a Kid in a Candy Store {take 2}

He is Risen & Spring is Alive

April Sponsors