More Food from the Galleries Open House

These recipes are from Raelynn McCormick, so you know they are delicious. Just reading them makes my mouth water.

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Ingredients

2 Packages of Cream Cheese 8 oz each

1 Can (8 1/2 oz) crushed pineapple drained

1/4 Cup diced green pepper

3/4 TBS Seasoned Salt(Lawrys)

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Directions

Mix together cream cheese, pineapple, green peppers, and season salt. Roll in chopped pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill.

Luscious Fudge



Ingredients

12 oz. Milk Chocolate Chips

2 Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 Jar Marshmallow Cream (7 oz)

1 Can Evaporated Milk (12 oz)

4 1/2 Cups Sugar

1/8 tsp Salt

2 tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Chopped Walnuts

Directions

Pour chocolate chips and marshmallow cream in a mixing bowl, and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan mix milk, sugar, and  salt. Bring to boil over medium heat for six minutes. Pour over chocolate marshmallow mixture, and stir until melted together. Add vanilla and walnuts.

Pour into a buttered 3x9 pan. Let stand for 2 hours

Makes 5 lbs.

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Margarine

3 Eggs

2 tsp Vanilla

1 Tbs Baking Powder

3 1/2 Cups Flour (or more)

Raspberry Jam

Butter Cream Frosting

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cream together sugar and margarine. Add eggs and vanilla. Next add baking powder and flower. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Bake about nine minutes. Frost with raspberry jam, and a butter cream frosting border.

 

I don't know about you but right now I am in the mood for some baking! Raelynn thank you for sharing.

Food from The Galleries Holiday Open House

We have been asked to share the recipes from the open house. We are thrilled to have a blog where we can share with so many so easily.
Pretzel Turtles
Ingredients:  1 bag Small Pretzels
                      2 bags of Rolo Candies(about 110 candies)
                      1 bag Pecans, or any other nut that you may like,(110)
                      2 squares of white candy coating
Directions:  Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place 110 pretzels on parchment paper. Place one rolo on top of each pretzel, and put them in the oven for about three minutes. The chocolate should be shiny. Quickly press one pecan on top of each rolo. Melt candy coating in the microwave for about one minute. Drizzle candy coating on top of the pretzels. Allow to cool, and devour.

This recipe originally came from Our Best Bites Mormon Moms in the Kitchen(a wonderful cookbook). I made a few changes myself, and I am sure that you will add your own unique twist. If you come up with anything that is truly amazing please share with us. Thank you!

One Day!

At The Galleries it doesn't matter if you have been naughty or nice! We want everyone to have sensational holiday and home decor, at affordable prices.
Remember our Holiday Open House will be tomorrow from 10:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M., and Saturday from 10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. We hope to see you there!



Two Days

I just wanted to share a picture of these darling little fellows! They look as though they are asking, "Who will be coming to The Galleries Holiday Open House?" I just adore owls.

      The Galleries Holiday Open House

Friday November 4 , 10:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M., and Saturday, November 5, 10:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.

Three Days

It is already November 1st! I don't know where October went or why it left in such a hurry, but now there is just one thing on my mind...Only Three days until The Galleries Holiday Open House! I wanted to share a little something. A little post Halloween trick-or-treat surprise, that you don't have to feel guilty drooling over.

All jewelry will be 15% off!

Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5

The Galleries Holiday Open House

Seven Days!

Yes, that is right just one week until The Galleries Holiday Open House. This link should take you to our online invitation. Please feel free to add your name, and email address to our guest list.
http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/2676584-holiday-open-house

Eight Days

If there is something special at The Galleries that you have had your eye on for a while The Holiday Open House is the perfect time to buy. On November 4 & 5 you will receive 10% off of the entire store.

The Galleries Holiday Open House
Friday, November 4- Saturday, November 5, 2011



Nine Days and Counting

I am so excited for The Galleries Holiday Open House. I can hardly contain myself. After yesterday's post I think I will continue with the count down motif, just a little thought or sample each day.

Today I would like to talk about digital printing onto canvas. A few months ago I convinced my little family that we needed new professional family photographs taken. We were able to find a photographer who gave us the copyright release so that we could print as many pictures as we wanted, and although I have printed a few of these pictures, I want something that is truly spectacular.

During The Galleries Holiday Open House you will receive 20% off of all digital printing onto canvas. I can safely say that I will be among the first in line to take advantage of this very generous offer.

The Galleries Holiday Open House

November 4 & 5

Special Treat!

I would like to take a little detour from favorites. I am far from finished with that topic, but today I would like to give you a little taste of what is in store for the Holiday Open House(November  4 & 5). I am sure that those on the mailing list have started receiving their invitations.
Everyone has been working together and doing their best. There is an excitement in the air that I can't even describe.

 This is a sneak peek. I know I am cruel. Check the blog for more goodies. The count down is officially on. Ten Days until The Galleries Holiday Open House!

Sherry's Favorites

Lampe Berger

These lamps are more than just beautiful to look at. They have the power to transform your home. They will clean freshen and fragrance the air you breath.

 

                                                  These are some our favorite fragrances.

                                                      Sherry loves all of the Parisian items.

This couch is just adorable. It is Sherry's most favorite item. She talks about wanting to put in in her master bedroom. I think it looks like the perfect spot to curl up with a blanket, and a book for an upcoming winter storm. I also love this color.

My Top Three

I will admit this was a much more difficult task than I thought it would be. Trying to pick my top three items was not easy. The other problem I encountered was knowing that once people see these items they will buy them, and I won't be able to day dream about then anymore. But here we go...

 I love this piece of furniture. In fact I am crazy about it. I love the color. I love the texture. Whenever I see it I am compelled to touch it. Even the feel of the wood beneath I fingers brings a smile to my face.

 Everything that Raelynn designs is beautiful. This is my favorite Fall floral. It is breath taking! I could look at it for hours. I can picture it in my house on the sideboard in my kitchen. Gorgeous!

I adore the jewelry, and hair accessories. These are some of the new bows. They are handmade, and just darling. My little girl has one in every color.

I do have one item that is my absolute favorite, but I am saving it for later. It is the top item for many people at The Galleries.
Stop by The Galleries today, and pick your top three. let us know what they are, and your favorites may be featured on the blog.

Favorite Things

I live for Autumn weather, cooler and sometime erratic. It reminds me of me. I adore these down right chilly nights when I can wrap up in a soft warm blanket, enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, singing to myself, and anyone else who might be fortunate enough to hear me. The song, "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music has been running through my head. Rain drops on roses, and whiskers on kittens are great, but let me show you a few of my favorite things.

Breathtaking fall floral custom design,

Reclaimed barn wood bench colors intertwine,

Wall art of Venice and Paris, and such.

These are the things that I love very much. 

Clocks with a hiding place for my car keys,

Digital printing on canvas please,

Big rolling wire baskets, just the right touch,

These are the things that I love very much.

When it's cold out, when it's windy, when I'm feeling sad,

I think about shopping  at The Galleries,

and then I don't feel so bad.



This month the blog will be all about favorites. We will be posting pictures of all of our favorites things. Be sure to check the blog regularly. You just might find some new favorite things. We would also love to hear about your favorites. Comment on the blog. Tell us about your favorite items from The Galleries, the ones that are in your homes, that you are in love with. You could even post pictures on facebook if you are feeling inspired. Make sure to tag The Galleries Vernal.

Time to Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a reminder of the fight against breast cancer the blog will be pink for the month. Most people know someone who has fought against breast cancer. Post a  tribute to these people just the title and first name will do the trick. Feel free to share your stories. Think of those you love, those who have been lost, and anyone who has been effected by breast cancer. Please take five minutes to give yourself a self breast exam each month, and if you are 35 or older(30 if you have a family history of breast cancer) schedule a mammogram this month. Remind your grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends to do the same. Early detection is very important. Please take care of yourselves, and those you love.

Question of the Month

Thank you to everyone who submitted a question this month. Even though we could only choose one I assure you that every one's voice was heard, and that we will do our best to answer each and every question.
The question we selected was just perfect for this time of year, and something that we feel many people struggle with.
Kristen Baumgarten asked:  I struggle with Halloween decorations because I try to find more fall ones that I can keep out for longer. What do you suggest I do to pay homage to the kids' favorite holiday?

Kristen, This is one of my personal struggles too. I want my house to feel warm and cozy in the Fall months. I want it to feel inviting, and comfortable, and I sometime feel like the eight foot inflatable witch, or zombie crawling out of the flower bed, even the shrieking candy dish with the severed hand might detract from that feel. Maybe that is just me. That being said, I also like my home to feel care free, and fun not just for the kids, but for everyone that enters my house. Halloween is mostly for the kids... I guess I am just that, a very big kid. Here are a few things I do to appease my daughter, and both sides of my somewhat split personality.
1. Pumpkins for Fall Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween. The more you have the better in my opinion. I love real ones, or ones that look very real, and can be used year after year. I love all different shapes and sizes. Keep some plain for you or even better add in some black and white, and even gray ones. Carve some right around Halloween, and enjoy the rest through Thanksgiving.
2. Keep it Simple. A few tasteful decorations can go a long way. Each year I pick one or two Halloween items I truly love. Things that I feel are both fun and timeless. Things that my child enjoys, and things that bring out the child in me.
3. In October Halloween is King. I refuse to put up even one Halloween decoration before October first, and they are gone again November first. I love to be a kid for a month. I love to have my little one get excited about something that is very important to her. I love to have her help me decorate the house, so bring on October. Bring on the fun. Host a Halloween party, complete with creepy foods. Dress up your kids, and dress up yourself. Be one of the kids again.

In The Mood

Those of you who have been reading this month have probably noticed a specific theme. This is the last post for September so I just wanted to mention one more amazing power that scent has to offer. Aside from it's ability to act as a time machine, and it's ability to teleport us from place to place and one season to the next, it can also alter our moods. Scent has the ability to sooth and calm, energize and invigorate. Scent can make us feel more happy and content, and even more romantic.
If you have ever had one of those days when it feels like your world has gone completely insane, the house is a mess, the kids are screaming, you have piles of work to do, the husband is hungry for a snack and for some reason doesn't seem to understand that pouring a bowl of cereal is something even he might be able to manage on his own. Before you turn into Monster Mommy, and start biting of the heads of innocent bystanders, reach for a calming scent. Absinthe Daydream, or Lavender Fields for Lampe Berger are perfect. Take ten nice deep belly breaths, and you can instantly feel the stress and tension melting away. An added bonus, use these around bedtime, and your little ones wont even know what hit them. 
Now think about your morning routine. Mine consists of trying to force myself to be a  healthy and responsible adult, and then trying to drag my daughter feet first from her bed when she refuses to get up. This is something I would rather not do most mornings. Here is a little trick I am going to try next week. Since my husband is usually the first one up I am going to ask him to get the fragrance going so that I wake up to a scent that is pleasant, and invigorating. My favorite pick me up is Lemon Flower( I have had a friend say that my house smells "Yummy" when I use this scent. Is there any better compliment?). Other scents include Grapefruit Passion, Orange Blossom, Green Apple, Sweet Pear, and Zest of Verbena. All for Lampe Berger, all equally yummy. These scents also induce a feeling of happiness.
And last but certainly not least, for all the romantics out there try scents that are floral and a little bit exotic. Scents that are a little sweet are good too, but I wouldn't recommend anything that makes you want to run to the kitchen for a big slice of cake, or a sandwich. Wild Orchid, Radiant Iris, are lovely in small doses. Vanilla Gourmet is a more subtle foodie scent, and in my opinion perfect.  A scented candle like Moon Struck is also nice.
So there you have it everything you have ever wanted to know about scent, and then some. October is going to be a very exciting and fun month in The Galleries, and online. We are choosing our Customer Question of the Month today at 11:59 P.M. If you would like to submit a question message Galleries Vernal on Facebook today. We will be posting this question on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

Warm Up, Cool Down,

After the last post I did a little research about different scents. As it turns out scent not only evokes memories, it can also make you feel warmer, or cooler. Here is a quick guide to help you find the fragrances that can help you feel warm and cozy, or fresh and cool. I will also write about another fun way to use scent.
Seasonal Scents are the fastest way to welcome a new season into your home. Right now some great choices are Apple, Apple Cinnamon, Apple Pie, Cinnamon buns, Cranberry, Pumpkin Delight(which may be the most welcoming scent ever), Red Hot, Gingerbread, Orange Cinnamon or Spiced Cider. I don't know if I am feeling warmer right now, but I do know that my mouth is watering. Which brings me to another point scents can also make you hungry. If you are watching what you eat you might prefer, Winter Wood or Heavenly Spruce. All of these scents make the house seem warm and inviting.
For Spring and Summer think light fresh scents like Grape Fruit Passion, Lemon Flower, Orange Blossom, Zest of Verbena, Fresh Eucalyptus, Fresh Linen, Lilac Blossom, Summer Rain or Paradise Punch. All of these scents make your home feel refreshed, light, and breezy.
Travel isn't always easy,or even a possibility, but since scent is closely tied to memory you can use it to stay on vacation permanently(if only in you mind). With fragrances like Atlantic Tide, Caribbean Tonic, New Orleans, Borneo Teak Wood, and Sea Mist a trip around the world is just a breath away.

All of the fragrances mentioned are available for purchase at The Galleries.

The Power of Scent

Lately I have been thinking about the power of scent, and how it can evoke memories. When I smell apple pie I instantly think of my Grandma Annie's house on Sunday afternoon's. How even when I wasn't hungry I knew that I would be eating that pie or pay the consequences. She never made pumpkin pie, but a fall favorite for our family was squash pie. When it was time to leave we always got a big kiss that we were not allowed to wipe off until we were well out of Grandma's eagle eye view.
Then there was my own home. To say that my parents worked full time would be an understatement. They worked nonstop, and never took a vacation. My parents owned a little drive in burger joint, a local legend for those who remember, many in our little community do. You could find my mom there cleaning at daybreak, and my father would close every night. My parents would come home from work and smell like The Polar King. We were greeted by the smell of delicious hamburgers, and fresh cut french fries.
Another scent that reminds me of my mother is Est`e Lauder Youth Dew in the Blue bottle, and it really does smell different in that blue bottle, no matter what anyone says. While on a cruise a few years back I was seated four tables over from a woman about the same age as my mother who was wearing this same scent. After dinner I was compelled to walk up to her and tell her that I loved her perfume. I also asked her if it was from the blue bottle. Yes, I probably looked like a nut, but that didn't stop me from asking.
As for my father there is no scent on earth that I miss more than Marlboro Reds. I know it seems strange but whenever I smell someone smoking his brand I get teary eyed, and miss him painfully. A few months after his passing I was in a common outdoor area of the USU campus, walking from the bookstore to my history class, when suddenly I walked through a cloud of smoke. I had a knee jerk reaction, and turned around expecting to see him. Of course it wasn't him, just some undergrad quietly pondering life's mysteries. I made the time to sit down on a nearby bench for just a minute or two, and breath in that scent.
One last example, every Wednesday a neighborhood friend would come over to help my mom with the laundry, ironing and some household chores. I always loved Wednesdays. The house always smelled like crisp clean laundry, a little bit of bleach and a spicy scented candle. I could smell it from the street, and would rush to the door and take a big deep breath. The house smelled like Wednesday.
Now That I have a family of my own I wonder what kind of scent triggered memories I am creating. What will my own daughter remember? Will she notice that I light my White Cotten candle when I clean or work on laundry? Will she remember that I like the house to smell like baked goods when we have company? Does she notice that I only use my Lampe Burger Lemon Flower scent to chase away a fowl mood?
These are my memories, and my favorite scents, but what are yours? Tell us your story.

Wall Flower

This morning as I woke up at the usual time and noticed a change in the light outside the bedroom window. Yes, I believe that Autumn is really here. The changing of  the seasons is a very exciting time at The Galleries, and tonight I had the most amazing experience. I invited myself to help out after hours.
There was an electric, creative energy in the air. I only intended to stay for a few minutes, but the excitement was so contagious that I quickly became caught up in it myself. Everyone that I have the opportunity of working with is unbelievably talented. I am constantly inspired by their artistic visions.
As I mentioned earlier I only planned to stay a few minutes, but two hours quickly passed before I even looked at a clock. I had to leave soon after I realized the time. Everyone else was just getting started. I couldn't wait to write about my evening.
Tomorrow The Galleries will look fresh and new. Ready for Fall, and  one step closer to the exciting events looming on the horizon. I would just like to thank everyone who worked so hard tonight. I will be posting pictures very soon.

Imagine...

Imagine a place where you feel inspired, a place where you feel at home, a place where you are treated like family. Now imagine that place is just around the corner, just down the street.

Welcome to The Galleries.

We offer the latest designs in Home Decor, Kitchen, Bath, Floral, Framing, Lighting, as well as a lovely selection of jewelry, and unique gift ideas. We also offer registry for weddings and bridal showers.

Visit the Galleries in person
450 North Vernal Avenue
Monday- Saturday from 10:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.
Let one of our friendly designers help you make your house a home.