Cappuccino Country and Gifts

New Gifts, Fashion Accessories, Kids Games

2011-08-16T20:35:00.000-05:00

Cappuccino Country now offers the following brands:

Pretty Angel - Women's clothing.
Angry Birds - Yes, that's right. I have kids and I even play the game. T-shirts, backpack accessories, large and small birds and pigs and everything else...
Pottery and Glassware
Antique Jewelry
Women's footwear
Holiday Fenton
New jams and jellies
Florals, including lighted branches and stems
Self Defense Products

We are happy to send pictures of any of the above products until they are offered on our website. Please call our store at 417336-4438 and any of our sales associates can help you!

Store Hours

2011-07-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

We are open Monday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cappuccino Country Welcomes Tosha!

2011-05-28T20:01:00.003-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am really happy to write about our new manager, Tosha. Tosha and her family moved to Branson about a year ago and are adjusting quite well. I remember moving here a few years ago and it's a big change from the Chicago area. Things move slow here and that can take some getting used to! Tosha and Rick and their two great kids have become our friends and family as well.

For the months of January and February most businesses shut down and business owners and entertainers try to get some rest. The last quarter of the year is fast and furious and a break is well deserved. To be honest, I'd stay open year round if our town was busy, but it's really quiet and most, if not all, businesses close for the winter. Even though we were "closed" there was still a ton of work to be done and Tosha and I spent the few months getting the store ready for our tourist season and getting the business back on track. We are now open 7 days a week and will stay open until the end of the year.

Tosha has an extremely diverse work history with many of her positions in management and sales. She has a proven track record of managing and leading people and has more than 14 years' experience in accounting and sales. She completely understands all aspects of a small business as Tosha and her husband owned a successful small business in the Tulsa area. She shares that knowledge, dedication, work ethic and commitment to her job each and everyday. I am thrilled to have Tosha working for us and as my friend. I know you will enjoy meeting her.

I hope you can stop by and see the fantastic transformation of Cappuccino Country. Our store is just beautiful. From her leadership skills to managing our staff as well as her analytical strengths with accounting and business operations, she is well deserving of management in our company.

Thanks and see you soon!

May 28, 2011

2011-05-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Cappuccino Country 2011
1st BLOG of the Year

Dear Family and Friends,

The store has changed quite a bit over the past few months, from employee changes to merchandise, some might say we're not even the same store! We still carry the same brands that customers have grown to love over the years like the Caffe D'Amore, Bellagio, San Saba, and other great brands, but we have expanded the store to include fashion accessories, women's clothing and so many more great items.

We also have some important news about our staff. At the end of last year, during our peak season, we had several part-time employees that worked for us. I'm happy to say that Katie, who many enjoyed talking to and hearing her hilarious military stories, is now working on her nursing degree and raising her four great boys. Even though she is no longer with our store, she is pursuing her dream and we couldn't be happier for her. Conrad is now a licensed insurance agent and is busy travelling the Midwest. Brenda, a dear friend, is busy doing what she loves to do most - taking care of her family and prayer group. Kendra still works for us, quite a lot actually, and attends College of the Ozarks and is working on her marketing degree. She is currently out on summer break so she spends a lot of her time working at the store making some dynamite drinks and she is still adorable as ever! Our other employees have moved on and we wish them the best.

In addition to Kendra staying with us, we have some new hires that I'm excited to write about. You learn a lot being a business owner. The first year is difficult, to say the least, but the lessons learned each and every day are invaluable. Tosha, our new manager, is a perfect fit for our family business. I will write a blog just about Tosha because she is that deserving! :) Pat recently started working for us part-time. She was the manager at the previous location and we are thrilled she's back. Lisa and Carol help us out from time-to-time and you will find them to be a great asset to the company.

We hope you will find time to stop and visit us on your next trip to Branson! We truly have some great items to show you and believe you won't be disappointed. See you soon!

New Lines

2011-01-27T23:54:00.000-06:00

We now carry Miche, Nicole Lee, Jessica Simpson and Marie Osmond handbags. New summer sandals are here and are on sale for $39.99.

Revised Hours

2011-01-27T23:49:00.000-06:00

We will now reopen February 11th, Weekends only. Friday 10-7:00, Saturday 10-7:00, Sunday 12-6.

Off Season Hours

2010-12-18T23:22:00.001-06:00

We will be open year round, limited hours, except for a few weeks in January.

Here is a tentative schedule:

Closed January 2nd - January 20th.

Open weekends in February.
First week of March we will resume regular business hours! Come see us anytime!

Year End Clearance Sale

2010-12-18T23:15:00.002-06:00

Hi Folks!

The year is coming to an end and I'm thrilled to write it's been a truly wonderful, exciting, exhausting, fulfilling year. I have met so many funny, silly, interesting, kind, caring, friendly and giving people. Several of you have come back many times over the past year. We've shared stories that made us laugh and even cry.

I will never, ever forget the customer from Texas who came in my store, fell on the floor (on purpose) on a cell phone conversation with a family member and made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes! She was in town for a family reunion and shared stories of her family that just made me laugh about my own. I will never forget the customers that came in and were sad after losing a beloved australian shepherd and we got to share time together just talking about their loss.

I won't forget the customer who decided to have a tea party with his daughter, or the 1st time I made a smoothie to celebrate a boy turning 7 years old and he told me "it was the best smoothie he ever had" and asked if it was a family recipe.

I won't forget the moment I came back from the store, exhausted, and a man told me how thrilled his wife was we were open and that they had driven across 4 counties and two states just to find me again. His wife was an oncology nurse and prayed with me and for my mother during one of the toughest weeks of the year for me.

So many wonderful customers and kind words. So many of you coming back, time and time again, complimenting me on my progress and how far I've come. Thank for your business and continual support.

The year was a success. Merry Christmas! See you next year!

Tracy

P.S. Year End Clearance Sale 30% - 70% seasonal merchandise

Home of the Free Because of the Brave - Veteran's Week November 5 - 11

2010-11-03T23:26:00.002-05:00

Welcome all Veterans' to Branson this week! I am proud to be a sponsor for this weeks activities and encourage you to visit our store and receive a special discount as a way to say thank you for your service.

Thank you for serving our Country!

Home of the Free Because of the Brave - Veteran's Week November 5 - 11

2010-11-03T23:24:00.000-05:00

Where Has The Time Gone!

2010-10-09T22:26:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it's October! I haven't posted since August. So sorry! I guess we've been busy or something. :)

Well, I hope you've had the opportunity to visit our store in person over the past few months - it has changed significantly! We offer so much more than just one month ago. Everyday is like Christmas as we unpack new inventory such as designer handbags, fun and outrageous jewelry, fantastic shoes (don't miss these!), sweaters, aromatherapy, and of course, all our great foods from soups to desserts. A complete entree' awaits you!

It has always been our company's mission to give our guest a shopping experience they will remember and want to share with their friends and family.

The best part of visiting Cappuccino Country is our staff. We've hired three new women, who are so knowledgeable - from china to food to home decor. And, my husband is even chipping in. He is quite the expert on hot sauces! We have two full-time Baristas to serve the best cappuccinos and frappes in town. With no set menu, you can be as creative as you feel.

I can guarantee you will enjoy shopping with us. We have a lot of fun and all of our customers feel the fun atmosphere when they walk in the door. I have to admit, there are some days we are more silly than usual, so husbands beware! I know you will not find a staff more helpful, knowledgeable, or friendly to assist you with all your shopping needs. And ladies, we even have a "Wish" book to make shopping super easy for your husbands. We even gift wrap!

We work hard to find great gift and food items that are nowhere else in town and we work with our local artists to bring you unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. Stop by and see us today. Mention reading this BLOG and get 20 percent off one item in the store.

See ya soon!

New items this week:

Franz
Fenton USA
Fitz and Floyd Christmas
Cuff Bracelets - Outrageous
Designer Handbags
Sweater Sets - Have to see these. Soft, long, ruffles and great color.
Shoes
Soups
Desserts
Sauces
Marie Osmond Bags - always 25 percent off retail!
Marie Osmond Tabletop - Black and White dishes
Fireside Coffee - Now in Bulk
David Rio - Now in Bulk
Christmas Decor - where does one start with so many items????
Fall Decor - trays, plates, tabletop, aprons, napkins

Franz, Fenton, and Fitz and Floyd

2010-08-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

Cappuccino Country now carries Franz and Fenton USA glass. Our orders will be shipped mid-September. Fenton items include the new 2010 ornaments and bells as well as some other beautiful collectibles. Franz will arrive mid-September and will include many colorful, beautiful and elaborate hand-made pieces. Fitz and Floyd, holiday, arriving early September.

More than Cappuccino.... A lot more....

2010-08-05T23:29:00.000-05:00

Cappuccino Country and Gifts started in 1993 by Nancy and Earl Apprill from a small coffee cart outside a grocery store here in Branson, MO. Thanks to a local entertainer and radio personality, Jessica James, the small business made enough sales to sign a lease at their 1st location the Engler Block on Hwy 76. Jessica tried Earl's famous Cappuccino's and couldn't stop raving about them on radio and live shows. The small business soon became a well-established destination shop for many tourists and locals. People could always find the perfect gift or just grab a coffee or cappuccino, browse the store and relax with family and friends. The little company that once started with a coffee cart opened two locations and employed approximately 20 people.

A few years ago, the owners sold their great business to another couple and tried to open the store's 3rd location in town. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 3rd location never opened and the new owners had to move out-of-state to care for family. The business was on the verge of closing, and almost did.

Many of you that have met me or read my blogs know how I became the new owner of the store and my love for Cappuccino Country. A few months ago as I was experiencing my own beginning bumps and bruises of the store - mainly dealing with delays with the City - and I was becoming more and more discouraged, a beautiful woman walked in my store one afternoon and introduced herself as Jessica James. She wanted a cup of coffee. As I told her my story and the challenges I was facing with gaining the right permits, she left my store, no coffee. A few days later, she came by again. Asking for another cup of coffee. Still no coffee. Any customer would probably have gotten upset by this point and just given up on the store. With a friendly smile and wave, she left. A few days after that, she showed up again. This time telling me her story and her love for the store as well. She told me she called the Mayor, aldermen, the City, the Health Dept., and some local big name entertainers. And a few days after that, I had my permits, my store was open, coffee was being made, food samples were sampled and Cappuccino Country was open once more. Today, the business is doing great. We have so much more than food and coffee. We have jewelry, purses, designer and one-of-a-kind gifts, furniture, Fenton, Fitz and Floyd, blown glassware, Lomonosov china, fine bone china, exclusive china, women's apparal, children's books, original art, and so much more. I am so proud of my store and I truly appreciate all of our wonderful customers.

Thank you Jessica James.

Spring and Summer Clearance Sale 20-50% off!

2010-07-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

All our spring and summer items including furniture, home decor, and gift items are now 30% off. Our spring jewelry is 50% off or buy 3 for $12.00. Regular price on some are $48.00. Don't miss out!

New Items

2010-07-22T07:57:00.002-05:00

Just got in our new fall/winter scarves, throws, designer purses, Christmas Fitz and Floyd, Pandora Month bracelet and necklace/earring sets. Our pandora sets include the month stones, with crystals and then a hand painted notecard by our artist about the special meaning of your month with a beautiful christian verse. This is my favorite gift-giving item in my store.

The Legend of Kung Fu

2010-07-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

I just had to write about the new show in Branson called "The Legend of Kung Fu." Wow! With so many shows in Branson to choose from (I think there are now 83) and so many of them are good, but a few stand out, at least in my opinion.

I have my favorites like Peter Pan, HamnerBarber, Dixie Stampede, Branson Belle, SIX, Neil McCoy, Clay Cooper, and a few of the Christmas shows, but The Legend of Kung Fu is amazing.

Locals in Branson have been talking about this new show for awhile. There was some disappointment when the show was delayed due some issues with visas but the show did open June 28th at the White House Theatre.

Saturday night I closed my store a little early and took my sons to see it. I was expecting something similar to Cirque or Acrobats of China but in no way was this show like that. It is a story of a young boy who has to leave his mother and has to sever all ties to the outside world to become a monk and kung fu warrior. Many years go by and you see him learning all the kung fu skills and living a holy life. As he becomes a man, he cannot resist the temptations of the outside world and leaves the buddhist palace. He is deeply saddened by his decision and only after learning the news about his mother's death does he come back and continue his holy ways. After more intense training and when his body turns into "iron" he is honored as a Master. He is then asked to be the new Abbott as the Abbott passes and finds "nirvana."

Here's why I recommend this show. It tells a story thru dance and music. This is a full-scale production with a large cast. The show is only in Beijing and Branson, MO. You cannot miss this show. Even if you don't like Kung Fu, it is an opportunity to see unbelieveable talent, and a show that I believe is better than some I've seen in Las Vegas and New York.

At the end of the show you have an opportunity to meet the cast in the lobby. They do not speak english, but you can have your pictures taken with them and they will sign their names in your program. The ticket prices are $34.00. We saw the 7:30 p.m. show and it lasted about 2 1/2 hours.

Hope you can see it while you're in town. Let me know what you think!

Just a quick HELLO....

2010-07-16T22:58:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends,
I have been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY. Since the store reopened in May, there is not much time to write about all the new and exciting things happening in Branson. But there is so much to tell! We have new shows, new shopping, new restaurants and new routes (ha ha). And there will be new food items and gift items coming to our store by the end of the month.

I'll get caught up tomorrow so I imagine my BLOG will be long. I do want to mention I am updating the website with new products, gifts, furniture, china, gift baskets (these are great!), jewelry designed by our own Branson celebrity featuring the Pandora bracelets and necklaces and many more items. I think you'll be impressed by our selection. We're getting ready to go international as well. With as much that is happening in Branson, there's so much going on right here at little Cappuccino Country!

Gourmet Coffee Flavors

2010-05-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

In-store and on-line specials! Coffees Buy 2 Get 1 Free - More than 110 coffee flavors to choose from and available in regular, decaf, or 1/2 caf.
Almond Joy, Almond Roca, Amaretto, Apple Strudel, Apricot Creme, B-52, Banana Nut, Banana Split, Blackberry Brandy, Blackberry Cobbler, Black Forest Cake, Blueberry Muffin, Blueberry Pie, Buttered Rum
Butterscotch Toffee, Cappuccino, Caramel Creme, Caribbean Colada, Cashews and Creme, Cherries Jubilee, Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Cappuccino, Chocolate Caramel Truffle, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Cherry,
Chocolate English Toffee, Chocolate Fantasy, Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate4 Irish Creme, Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Orange Cordial, Chocolate pecan, Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Sticky Buns, Chocolate Toasted Praline, Cinnamon Creme, Cinnamon hazelnut, Cinnamon Sticky Buns, Cinnamon Vanilla Nut, Coconut Creme, Coffee Creme Brulee, Cookies and Creme, Cranberry Creme, Death by Chocolate, Egg Nog, English Toffee, Frangelica, French Apple Pie, French Toast, French Vanilla, Fuzzy Navel, German Chocolate Cake, Gingersnap Cookie, Hawaiian Macadamia Nut, Hazelnut Creme, Highlander Grogg, Hot Toddy, Irish Creme, Jamaican Me Crazy, Jamaican Me Nuts, Jazzy Java, Kahlua Supreme, Maple Pecan, Marshmallow Nut Creme, Orange Chiffon, Ozark Mountain Turtle, Carrot Cake, Peach Brandy, Peaches and Creme, Peanut Butter Truffle, Pecan Praline, peppermint Twist, Pralines and Creme, Pumpkin Creme Pie, Raspberry/Cranberry, Raspberry Creme, Rocky Road, Sinful Delight, Southern Pecan, Southern Whiskey, Spiced Buttered Rum, Sticky Buns, Strawberry Shortcake, Strudel Cake, Swiss Chocolate, Tiramisu, Toasted Almond, Toasted Coconut, Toasted Praline, Totally Nuts, Vanilla Almond Bark, Vanilla Creme, Vanilla Hazelnut Vanilla Nut Creme, Vanilla Rum, Victorian Caramel, White Chocolate, White Chocolate Almond, While Chocolate Mousse, White Chocolate Raspberry, White Russian, Creme Brulee.

New Items Added to Shopping Cart

2010-05-24T21:03:00.001-05:00

Check out our new bracelets and necklace sets from Rebecca Ray Jewelry - beautiful, hand-made bracelets in stunning colors like pink, purple, orange, black, silver, green and blue. Our necklace sets are available in fantastic spring and summer colors with flowers, butterflies and other misc. charms.

We also have added our homemade muffin mixes, pancake mixes, brownie mixes, fudge mixes, shortcake and scone mixes. You can mix and match them to make the perfect gift basket. We'll gladly wrap them for you too and ship to family and friends. I'm making two baskets for my kids teachers!

We're currently working on adding our hot sauces, soups, and pepper jellies. Stay tuned! As time permits, I will continue to add products to the website. Thanks for your patience and appreciate your business!

What a Weekend! 30,000 Motorcycles!

2010-05-24T08:09:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a weekend! With my store across the street from Area 57, I get to enjoy all the fun festivals just like this past weekend when they had the motorcycle rally with more than 30,000 visitors! There was so much to do - Plumb Nelly Days, The Car Museum Show, and of course the Harley rally. We worked long hours this past weekend but still got to enjoy the festivities across the street.

This is the last week of school. My boys will soon become kindergarten and 2nd graders. I gave them extra hugs this morning and told them to stop growing up! They just laugh. My mom used to tell me that she loved every age of my brother and I growing up. She didn't have a favorite. I understand that now. I just adored my kids when they were 1 and 2 and 3, etc., but yesterday, on "Family Day" (every Sunday for my family) we went to a few places and I was just so proud of them and just thought to myself how easy things were getting. They are 5 and 7, and so far this my favorite age! :) (Of course I loved all the other ages too.)

Back to work! Getting ready for Memorial Weekend. I'll post some activities, so if you're coming to the area, check back on my BLOG.

New Food Items and New Gift Items

2010-05-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,

Our own Cappuccino Country homemade muffins and desserts are here. The yummy flavors include cappuccino chocolate chip, cherry, blueberry, banana, raspberry, huckleberry, peach, apricot, carrot, chocolate chip as well as ice cream coffee cake and cinnamon coffee cake. We sell them at $5.95 each or you can mix and match for 5 for $25.00.

We are excited to tell you about Rebecca Ray Smith, a lovely woman who is often seen in Country Living magazine and has her own PBS show called Lifestyles with Rebecca. Her purses, bags. belts, and other accessories are recognized across the country. All hand made, all original. She has selected our store to exclusively sell her beautiful items. Our 1st order is here and we have just a few of her purses, belts and bags - superior quality, rich fabric colors, and design. Our store currently offers choices for the outdoor woman with bag and belt designs like horses, boating, fishing, animals, etc. Her designs can be customized as well but require about an 8-week lead time. With more than 2,000 images to choose from, you can have the exact bag you're looking for. Prices range from $85.00 - $400.00.

Talk to you soon!

Grand Opening Friday May 30th Part 1

2010-05-01T04:32:00.002-05:00

Okay, so technically, it's 4:15 a.m. Saturday morning......
Yesterday was an amazing day. I arrived very early at work to prepare for the days' events and was actually pretty nervous. The Branson Chamber of Commerce arrived (quite an enterage) about 10:30 and started the cutting of the ribbon ceremony. What an experience. There I stood, along with my husband with friends and neighbors standing behind us with a beautiful red ribbon with the words "Cappuccino Country" on them and the largest pair of scissors I've ever seen. I asked my husband if he wanted to cut the ribbon and he smiled and said, "no...this is your baby." Holding back tears of joy, we smiled for the camera and then I cut the ribbon. What an emotional experience. To cut the ribbon, of my new business....a dream and opportunity of a lifetime standing next to the love of my life. I missed my small boys terribly, but knew they were probably having the time of their life with their own friends that day.

At about 11:00 a.m., the local radio stationed arrived and my dear friends who own the store next to me, shared a two-hour live radio broadcast from our stores. How fun! My first experience with live radio. Thank you to Janet who supported me and helped me along the way. And Jenny for moral support.

Earl made coffee (thank you Earl) and Nancy helped tremendously with customers. Rebecca Ray came down for the grand opening and it was a thrill to meet and work with her.

Thank you to my friends, especially Cynthia and her two wonderful daughters and family for your support and continual words of encouragement. Thank you to all the previous Cappuccino Country customers who came out to see the new store. We really enjoyed meeting you, listening to you and sharing our special day with you.

We have had some hurdles, no doubt, but passion and hard work does have its rewards.

Savannah Cinnamon and Cookie Company

2010-04-14T20:18:00.001-05:00

Good news -- Savannah Cinnamon drink mixes and chocolate brownies are in. I'll be adding those to our shopping cart pretty quickly as I know some of you are anxious to order them! The yummy flavors include Cinnamon, Praline, Blackberry, Raspberry, Peach, Black Cherry and Chai. In minutes you can make great appetizers, and dips. You can use them as marinades for your favorite entree too.
We also have the triple chocolate brownies.

Happy baking!

Closer to Sampling and Making Coffee

2010-04-13T22:21:00.001-05:00

Another day at work and another day trying to get my permit from the City to sample foods and make coffee. But, I believe I see the light at the end of the tunnel. If all goes well, by tomorrow a.m., we will have our permit and we can schedule the work to be done.

The Elvis Festival is this weekend at The Legends Theatre. The Tea Party is also this Saturday, next to The Legends theatre. There should be a lot of excitement across from our store. I will be wearing my red, white and blue supporting our troops and country. If you are reading this, and are in the area, The Elvis Festival begins Thursday and goes thru the weekend, with the King himself crowned best Elvis in the U.S., and The Tea Party is on Saturday and momentum is really growing for that.

I don't believe Betty Platner will be attending our grand re-opening of our store. She has agreed to reschedule for the Fall. However, the other activities are still as planned and maybe with my great neighbor next door with Shane & Co., he can jump onboard our fun day and have a fashion show highlighting his new purses, jewelry, shoes, boots, etc.

No matter what, it will be a great day for Cappuccino Country. We are open every day from 10:00 - 8:00 p.m. and the 30th and May 1st, is just a weekend to officially introduce the store to our customers. Products and food are arriving every few days. We still love to hear from our customers what your favorites are. We hope to carry Fenton Glass, Fitz and Floyd, more china, unique gifts and home decor in the very near future. As we continue to grow the business we will continue to invest in the business. Thanks for another great week!

Thank You for Finding Us!

2010-04-06T22:17:00.001-05:00

First, Thank you to the very loyal Cappuccino Country customers who have enjoyed this store for so many years and without any signage on the strip, lack of advertising, and having just opened, have found us again. In the last few days, we have had families from Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Canada, Los Angelos, Portland as well as Tennessee, Arkansas, Kansas, Texas and South Dakota. One on the wonderful things about Branson is that people from all over the U.S. make Branson their family vacation destination. We appreciate your business and enjoy knowing and listening to your stories of what Cappuccino Country meant to you.

My story is like a lot of yours, too. I'd like to briefly share it with you. I have always enjoyed Cappuccino Country, for many, many years and was thrilled at the opportunity to open it. Before I lived in Branson, we would vacation there and always stop in the store and find something unique for friends, teachers, and family. However, the store became much more meaningful to me one summer when my mother and I decided to go on a small vacation together. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and for 4 long years she bravely fought her cancer. Even after her treatments and experimental drug tries, the cancer was too smart and she became ill, quickly. In an effort to spend one last vacation together, we drove to Branson and spent four days here, and had the time of our lives! We laughed, saw some great shows, got lost, ate everything we wanted (and didn't worry about any of the calories), and shopped (and shopped). My mom wanted to get me something special...and neither one of us knew exactly what that was. She didn't want it to be Grandma's china or crystal...She wanted me to have something that was mine that I could treasure and remember her always by. After some time shopping, we came across Cappuccino Country again. We both knew instantly what she wanted her gift to be and me too. My 1st teaset. It was not an easy decision. It took a few days and many hours to decide on the perfect pattern and eventually I did and needless to say my teaset from my mother is one of my most treasured possessions. I have it in my store, along with a memory quilt I made for her, and enjoy the memory of our time together every day. It's a constant reminder of our time together, the special memories we made and shared during our last vacation together, her life, and her brilliant legacy. I have such special memories of my mom from Cappuccino Country, and my hope is that everyone that reads this takes some time to make a special memory with their loved one. It doesn't have to be at our store. My wish and hope is that there is time and opportunity for you to share something beautiful with the people who mean the most to you - family and friends. Even after the people we loved so deeply are gone, memories can and do last a lifetime.

Looking forward to a great season!

The GHOST - The Hottest Pepper in the World

2010-04-03T18:21:00.000-05:00

I did it! I ordered the hottest pepper sauce I could. It's called the GHOST hot sauce. A pepper known as the Bhut Jolokia from India. Several customers have come into the store wanting a "hot" sauce and even though the ones we currently have are a 10/10 on the HOT scale, to a true "Pepper Head" it's still not hot enough. This is the one if you want hot - the one that some restaurants have waivers for. I can't try it - no way (too wimpy). But, we will sample it in our store and offer some crackers to help with the ghoulish bite. What does that "hot" even taste like?

What we're doing for Easter

2010-04-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

Last Easter, my family went to the RecPlex and watched 25,000 candy-filled eggs drop from a helicopter. What a fun day. I have no idea what we're doing this year. I just know that my boys are excited about the Easter Bunny.

I go shopping for them and have no idea what to get them anymore. My youngest son loves everything which should be easy but it's not. My older son is so picky. His older brother is in Iraq so military toys are always a hit. It's just I don't know the difference between all the airplanes, helicopters, etc. But he does - everything about them.

The holidays always remind me of family, friends, tradition and especially my mother. Little boys love the Easter Bunny. I loved the family get togethers. I need to find a way to make both happen. We have a small family - just the 4 of us now. I've met some wonderful ladies lately thru my store, all with similar stories like myself. So as I work thru the Easter dilemma on this BLOG, I think I have the answer.

Happy Easter!

We now offer catalog shopping!

2010-04-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do, before owning a small business, was shop. I would go to my favorite home decor store, sit down with a cup of coffee, browse the catalogs and do some shopping. That was in Illinois and now I am in Missouri and want to offer the same, fun experience in my store.

I am an authorized dealer of Hooker Furniture, Uttermost, Elegant Accents, Southern Furniture Co., and HomeElegance. All my favorites stores. These are great lines that offer beautiful accent pieces including handpainted furniture, pictures, mirrors and lamps, fine furniture and tapestries and so much more. I have a few pieces of each company in my store, but we're not that big. A sofa would fill up the back part!

I'm thrilled to offer these lines. It's difficult to find that perfect piece, picture, or chair for your home. And, you can enjoy lattes and cappuccinos while you shop. When you're in Branson, come visit us.