Memory Trends 'o7

Hi Diva's And Dukes,

I just returned from a "Diva Road Trip" with The Grand Duchess of Kandu, Jan Mollet Evans. We spent 2 and 1/2 quick days at Memory Trends in Las Vegas. Jan and I drove for the sole purpose of stopping off in Baker, Ca. It's claim to fame is the World's Tallest Thermometer and the home of "The Mad Greek" Cafe.

I saw a show on Food Network called "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" and I called Jan up and said we have to stop there. I'd always seen the signs and wondered what a Greek cafe is doing in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Lets just say we ate there on the way coming and going to MT. It was the best Shwarma I've ever tasted.

Ok,...Enough about the Mad Greek. Let's talk about Memory Trends. I loved the show. It was smaller than it had been in years. It reminded me of when MT first started. Manufacturers were able to spend quality time with store owners. Demonstrating and educating on some really great products. Store owners weren't rushing here and there to get thru the show and drop off orders. It was really nice to be able to have great conversations with different people in the industry.

We were able to do our show live from The Purple Cows Booth. They are the greatest group of people!!! We laughed and took pictures with Rick and Gary. Thanks for being such gracious hosts. Wait til you see what the Cow's are cooking up next for '08 .

Of Course all this wouldn't have happened if Rayme wasn't holding down the fort in The Lounge. You're the best Rayme!!!!

I know I promised to write down the Companies we spoke about. There were sooo many
other terrific products but we ran out of time. I promise Rayme and I will have them on the show ASAP.

So.... Here we go.....

Purple Cows www.purplecow.net
Glitz Design www.glitznow.com
Hambly Studio www.hamblystudios.com
Stanislaus Imports www.stanislausimports.com
Lasting Impressions www.lastingimpressions.com
Scribble Scrabble www.scribblescrabble.net
Be Blessed Scrapbooking www.beblessedscrapbooking.com
My Little Shoebox www.mylittleshoebox.com
Creative Impressions www.creativeimpressions.com
We R Memory Keepers www.weronthenet.com
Keller's Creations www.acidfree.com
Sparkle N Sprinkle www.sparklensprinkle.com
Impression Obsession www.impressio-obsession.com
Tilano Decorative Products www.Tilanofresco.com
Digital Scrapbook Place www.dspwholesale.com
Neatnix www.neatnix.com
Creative Options www.creativeoptionscrafts.com
Stone Creek Creations(Krafters Purse)www.stonecreekcreations.com
Brindy's Backyard www.brindysbackyard.com
Nicolette www.niclette-albums.com
Pazzles www.pazzles.com
Dezigns By Dezda www.dezignsbydezda.com

Wow......My fingers are exhausted!!!!!OK Divas And Dukes, have fun surfing the net. We'll be featuring some of these great companies soon. I'm going to make myself a cup of tea!!!! Typing is thirsty business!!!!!

Let me know you're favorites!!!!! Did I miss any Jan????

Rayme Royale says....

Hey Divas and Dukes ~

Looks like I'm FINALLY caught up to the 21st Century! After changing computers and all of the stuff that goes with it....I've never been computer savvy so this HAS been a chore for me. But, at last, here I AM!

I just came back from Monterey and visited the Aquarium there for the first time in my life. I must say, no matter where you live in the world, if you haven't been there, make a point of doing so! Truly magical, extremely inspirational, and VERY good for the soul! I sat in front of 3 huge windows of water with a kelp garden in it and watched the live anchovies literally do dance formations that even the greatest choreographer couldn't come up with! That with the light hitting their silver bodies at times had me truly awe-struck! (And gave me a GREAT idea for another Rayme Card!)

As we always talk about, inspiration can be found anywhere....ANYWHERE...and I knew that the Aquarium would be that for me.
AND the walks on the beach, AND the incredible Clam Chowder on the wharf....it goes on and on....

So I'm back in San Diego and rejuvenated and so looking forward to sitting down with all of my craft stuff to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE!

I look forward to hearing from many more of you and thank you all for listening to the Diva Craft Lounge!

We are ALL BLESSED!

Diva And Duke Recipe Swap!!!!!!!

HI Divas and Dukes,

OMG ! Where does the time go? I've been meaning to post and I can't believe it's been sooo long. For that I apologize.

Happy birthday to the Grand Duchess herself... Jan Mollet Evans... She told me "She's 29 again until she gets it right!!!!" I love that!!! I'm so blessed to have her as a friend.

I just returned from a great retreat in Dutch Flat, Ca. The town is as big as a postage stamp and a wonderful tribute to Americana. I met some amazing ladies and got to hang out with Miss Vicky which is always an added bonus.

We finally have our cruise dates which are April 14th-18th '08. I hope you can join us. We have a great time and get allot accomplished. We also learn many new techniques and love it when our Cruise Divas share some of there's.

Speaking of sharing. You know Rayme and I are always sharing recipes . So I thought it would be fun to start a Recipe Blog for all the Divas and Dukes out there. I hope you'll share some of your favorites with us.

Here's one of my favorites..... Don't count the fat grams on thjis one!!!!

Hot Artichoke Dip

2 cans of unmarinated artichoke hearts chopped
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 cup mayo
1/2 chopped white onion
1 clove of garlic chopped
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

mix all the ingredients together in a oven safe dish
cover with aluminium foil and bake in the oven at 350 for 1 hour
I usually double the recipe for a party. Serve with a sliced french baguette. Enjoy!!!!

Okay, now it's your turn ...... Rayme and I are looking forward to some great recipes!!!!