Here's the Dirt..."Lonny Magazine"

"Lonny Magazine"

Check out the new online magazine,

Lonny Magazine,

at

www.lonnymag.com.

Yes, that's right...an online magazine.

No running to the store to pick up the latest copy...

it's right at your fingertips...

on your computer.

I just checked out the premier issue.

Wow!

The magazine is beautiful with great design features.

I love how they post links in each article for "the designer's favorites".

This is such a great idea for endless resources!

Even more ideas are just a click away.

"Country Chic" designed by Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar

demonstrates how to mix eclectic objects

to create a home filled with charm and character.

Can't wait to read more of "Lonny Mag"

I'll be sitting at my computer waiting on the next issue!

Here's the Dirt...Holiday Music Favorites

Some of my "Holiday Music Favorites"

I'm loving the new David Archuleta's "Christmas from the Heart",

holiday CD. It's a great mix of traditional holiday songs with a few new songs included. His voice is so smooth and works well with this style of music. The orchestrations are not overdone and the emphasis is on David Archuleta's great voice. When he sang "Imagine" on American Idol, everyone loved the simplicity of the song and the power of his voice. "Christmas from the Heart" is done in this same style, showcasing his wonderful talent.

Another holiday favorite of mine is

Lorrie Morgan's "Merry Christmas from London".

This CD came out in 1993, but stills shines as a great holiday music CD.

Lorrie Morgan performs with "The New World Philharmonic".

This CD is should be in everyone's holiday collection.

Both are available from Amazon.com.

Here's the Dirt...Reindeer at The Clay Pot

Reindeer

at

The Clay Pot

I think these reindeer are such cute gifts for the holidays.

They are made by Jeremie out of Atlanta.

They have so much character with their antlers

filled with leaves, a bird and a nest of gilded eggs.

They are available in natural and white.

Fill their backs with goodies and you have a fun holiday gift!

I put a bag of "Marmalade Rose Hips" in these!

Reindeer are $37.00 each.

We ship!

Here's the Dirt..."Giveaway Contest" continues until Friday, December 4th!

Check out the great ideas I have been receiving in my

"Literature Candle Giveaway Contest"!

It's going to be difficult to pick a winner!

The contest ends Friday, December 4th at midnight!

Make sure you submit your

"favorite inexpensive holiday gift idea"

and get the chance to win two "Literature Candles"

worth $58.00.

Check out the fun ideas submitted already at:

Here's the Dirt..."Literature Candles Giveaway"

Here's the Dirt...from The Clay Pot..."Distressed Lanterns"

"Distressed Lanterns"

at

The Clay Pot

I love these versatile lanterns.

They are great for the holidays and for everyday use.

The lids raise up so they can be filled with

plants, candles or holiday ornaments.

Pair them on a mantle or sideboard inside your home or

use them outside on a fireplace mantle.

The lanterns are available at The Clay Pot

and come in three different sizes.

Call The Clay Pot for more information.

Here's the Dirt...Happy Thanksgiving!

Flowers by Joe Jumper

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's the Dirt..."Stock the Pantry" After Thanksgiving Sale at The Clay Pot!

Join us this Friday and Saturday for our

"Restock the Pantry" After Thanksgiving Sale!

All donations will help The Chattanooga Area Food Bank

restock their shelves for the holidays!

Here's the Dirt...Cranberry Blondies

This is a recipe I tweaked a little to make it nice for the holidays.

Cranberry Blondies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate morsels
1 cup fresh cranberries

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Coat a 9x9 pan with cooking spray. In large bowl beat butter, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Beat in eggs and vanilla and flour. Stir in dried cranberries, and white chocolate morsels. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle fresh cranberries on top and press into batter. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...Ann Jumper's Toasted Pecans

It just wouldn't be the holidays without Mother's toasted pecans. They always seem to appear right before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Boy, are we lucky! I eat them by the hand full, on salads, on ice cream with just a dab of chocolate syrup.

Ann Jumper's Toasted Pecans

Preheat oven at 300 degrees. Spread pecans on a cookie sheet. (You can use pecan halves or pieces) Dot with butter. About every 20-30 minutes stir pecans, add salt and more butter. Continue until desired brownness. It takes about 1 hour. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt..."Literature Candles Giveaway"

Win two Literature Candles

Compliments of

"Dirt from The Clay Pot"

A prize worth $58.00!

Win two 3x6 "Literature Candles"

in A Christmas Carol scent.

Here is all you have to do.

Submit your favorite

"inexpensive holiday gift idea".

Comment on this post with your best idea

and I will pick my favorite gift idea submitted.

The contest ends Friday, December 4th at midnight.

Yes, it's as simple as that.

Need inspiration...check out my my holiday gift idea at

"Here's the Dirt...Joe's Christmas Gift".

View everyone's comments on this post

to get ideas for that perfect inexpensive holiday gift

you might be looking for.

Be fun, be creative and share your wonderful ideas with others!

May the best idea win!

I will notify the winner by email.

To find out more on my "Literature Candles" go to

"Here's the Dirt...Literature Candles".

Here's the Dirt...Easy Holiday Decorating Idea..."Boxwood Mounds"

Easy Holiday Decorating Idea
"Boxwood Mounds"

Here is a simple decorating idea that anyone can do for the holidays.

Find some boxwood to cut.

If you don't have boxwood, ask a friend...

boxwood likes to be trimmed anyway.

Cut multiple tips about 6 inches long.

Depending on how many pots you would like to fill,

cut quite a bit...

you can always use the extra somewhere else in your home.

Find a pot or container you would like to fill.

(We have these silver pots at The Clay Pot in 5" and 7")

Soak and cut some florist oasis to fit snug in your container.

Cut all your stems about the same length.

Decide how high you want your stems to be.

Start in the middle of the oasis and begin sticking your stems

into the oasis, working your way out towards the edge of the pot.

Make your boxwood thick and full.

Add some sheet moss around the edge to hide any oasis showing.

Your "Boxwood Mounds" will last well past the holidays

and eventually just dry.

(I made some last year for the holidays

and ended up throwing them out around March)

These arrangements look great in multiples

grouped down a dining room table.

If using larger containers, do a pair

and place on your mantle or sideboard.

Happy Boxwooding!

If you need some help...give us a call and we can make them for you.

265.2007

Here's the Dirt...REVIVAL at Warehouse Row

REVIVAL at Warehouse Row

Today I got the chance to visit the new location of REVIVAL at Warehouse Row in Chattanooga, Tennessee. WOW! Rodney Simmons and Billy Woodall and the entire gang have created a shopping experience like no other! There is not another store that compares to the styling and merchandising of REVIVAL. It's cozy, creative, bold, exciting and unexpected. The new store is much larger than their last location. You go from room to room and wonder...how can someone even imagine this and make it all look so great. There are so many wonderful items to see. Chandelier after chandelier...all very unusual, huge cylinder vases covered in burlap, teal trash cans hanging on the wall, an 8 foot round clock on the wall, laundry bag throw pillows, industrial desks...believe me, you just have to go see it for yourself. I wish Rodney and Billy all the luck and good fortune they so truly deserve. They have created a masterpiece right here in the heart of Chattanooga. Make sure you make a purchase, too! The gift wrapping is a work of art in itself. Go, Go, Go!

Here's the Dirt...Main x 24

MAINx24

Make sure you visit the Southside in Chattanooga

during it's fun MAINx24 Festival, December 6th.

I attended last year and was amazed at all the new

and exciting things going on in this

completely revived area of Chattanooga.

You feel like you're in a different city.

There are new shops, restaurants, businesses,

and wonderfully redone buildings.

Check out the web site at http://www.mainx24.com/ for a schedule of events.

Check it out and see what the Southside is all about.

Pretty neat!

Here's the Dirt..."A Wonderful Wreath Alternative"

"A Wonderful Wreath Alternative"

Are you looking for an alternative look for your holiday door?

I created this bountiful magnolia and fruit arrangement

for this wonderful red door in a wall basket.

I added pines, pine cones and berries to complete the look.

This is a great idea if you are looking for

something other than a wreath

to use on your front door this year.

Once I finished this arrangement, I added the family's "D" initial

to welcome all their friends and family.

Here's the Dirt..at The Clay Pot...Votivo Red Currant Candle

Votivo Red Currant

Aromatic Candle

If you've never tried a Votivo Red Currant Candle,

then you are truly missing something special.

This candle has been my number one

selling candle for many, many years.

Just ask some of my customers who buy them four or five at a time!

Red Currant Candles are available at The Clay Pot.

They are great for the holidays, too!

Here's a candle burning tip...

Trim your wick each time

before lighting candle.

This makes your wick smaller...

smaller flame...

candle burns longer.

Here the Dirt...from The Clay Pot...Thanksgiving Centerpieces

"Artichokes and Flowers, Oranges and Greens...

Call The Clay Pot to fulfill your table's dreams."

It's not too late to order your

Thanksgiving Centerpieces.

Give us a call at The Clay Pot...

265.2007

Here's the Dirt..."Kitchen Series" Photography by Joe Jumper

Photography by Joe Jumper

To all the great cooks this Thanksgiving...we give thanks.

Here's the Dirt..."Whimsy Antiques" in Carpinteria, CA

"Whimsy Antiques"

Whimsy Antiques has a fun blog everyone needs to check out, http://whimsyantiques.blogspot.com/.

Whimsy Antiques has two stores located in Carpinteria, CA. I had never heard of Carpinteria until I got an email from Karen, owner of Whimsy Antiques. How much fun are the eclectic items featured on her blog? Her shops are filled with many, many treasures. What fun! The California lifestyle is so different than what we are accustomed to here in the South. Not many "Avocado Festivals" in Tennessee. It's neat to discover talented people and neat shops in other parts of the country. May Karen's blog bring a little "Whimsy" to your holidays. Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt... "Literature Candles"

"A Christmas Carol" Votive

"A Christmas Carol" in Houndstooth 3x6 Candle in Glass

"A Christmas Carol" in Glenn Plaid Can

"A Christmas Carol" in Houndstooth Can

"Literature Candles"

I am very excited to announce the launch of a brand new candle line,

"Literature Candles".

I'm especially excited because Joe Jumper,

yes that's me, is the creator of the line.

With the help of a local candle manufacturer

I have created "Literature Candles".

The candles premiered at our recent Holiday Open House

and were a hit.

First on my list when creating the line, great scents!

Second, creating a candle packaging pleasing to the eye and home.

As they all say...it's all in the presentation!

How did I come up with "Literature Candles" for the name?

Each collection is named after a form of literature...

English Lit...American Lit...Chic Lit...

Collections consist of different scents

named after famous works of "Literature".

Every candle is embellished with our signature

"Literature Button",

prose found in vintage books.

Our holiday scent, "A Christmas Carol" is shown above.

We offer various sizes to accommodate all your gift giving needs.

Visit or call The Clay Pot for "Literature Candles".

Wholesale inquiries contact, Joe Jumper, 423.265.2007

Here's the Dirt...Cranberry Crunch Pie

Just in time for the holidays, here's the recipe for "Cranberry Crunch Pie". If you're looking for a different pie to make this year for Thanksgiving or Christmas add this one to your recipe file. It's tasty and something different!

Cranberry Crunch Pie

3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1 frozen pie crust
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 oz. white chocolate baking bars, chopped

Soak cranberries in orange juice, cover and chill for 1 hour. Drain and reserve 1 tbsp. of orange juice.
Preheat oven at 325 degrees.
Mix together butter, sugar, eggs and salt. Add walnuts, flour and chopped white chocolate baking bars until combined. Stir in drained cranberries and reserved orange juice. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 65 minutes, loosely covered with foil for the last 30 minutes. Cool and serve.
Enjoy!

Here's the Dirt...from The Clay Pot..."Amaryllis in a Bag!"

"Amaryllis in a Bag!"

This might just be the perfect gift for the holidays

and they are available only from The Clay Pot.

Amaryllis are my favorite holiday flower.

We have packaged ours in a fun fabric bag

that we had custom designed. The bags are available

in an assortment of patterns and colors.

Each "Amaryllis in a Bag" is finished off with

pine, pine cones, moss, magnolia leaves and tied with a ribbon.

The "large houndstooth pattern" bag shown in brown and white

adds to the festive look.

Our amaryllis come in a variety of colors

and all have double stalks.

What more can I say?

Yes, these are the perfect gift!

$35.00 each.

We deliver daily throughout Chattanooga.

Call 265.2007

and stock up now!

Here's the Dirt...from The Clay Pot...Metal Snowmen Sculptures

"Metal Snowmen Sculptures"

I love these metal snowmen sculptures

made from found metal parts by local artisan,

Shane Wood of "Has Been Metal Works".

I've collected one for each grandchild in our family.

I group mine inside on our mantle at the cabin,

but they also would look great outdoors.

Great prices for original art!

No two are the same.

Available in different sizes.

These measure from 28" to 35" tall.

Available at

The Clay Pot.

424.265.2007

Here's the Dirt...Warehouse Row

Warehouse Row

I can't wait to visit the new "Warehouse Row" now open in Chattanooga.

REVIVAL, Amanda Pinson Jewelry, Embellish,

Cosmetic Market and Level 10 Salon

are all great reasons to visit this new shopping destination!

How exciting for Chattanooga!

Warehouse Row is located on Market Street.

Here's the Dirt...at The Clay Pot...It's a Retro Christmas!

"It's a Retro Christmas"

at

The Clay Pot

One of the trends I see this year for the holidays is the retro look.

The look brings back memories of Christmas when I was a child.

I remember my Grandmother setting out whimsical decorations

in the same style of this fun Santa.

With the national trend of families spending more time together now,

this retro look adds to the look

of simple times of Christmas past.

Here's the Dirt...from The Clay Pot...Elements for a Natural Holiday Wreath

Elements for a Natural Wreath for the Holidays

I gathered these items out of my yard to create this

"Natural Holiday Wreath".

Pine cones, magnolia leaves, hydrangeas, nandina berries,

magnolia pods, moss and a simple

bird's nest are just a few items that I used

to create this simple wreath.

Hang a natural wreath with a

simple brown ribbon loop

to keep the focus on the natural elements.

Call The Clay Pot for more information.

265.2007

Here's the Dirt...at The Clay Pot...Robots for the Little Boys on your List

Robots

for all the little boys on your list.

We have a cute selection of robots at

The Clay Pot.

Nightlights, laser guns, robots and planets

are just a few fun items any little boy

would like for Christmas.

Check them out at The Clay Pot.

Here's the Dirt...at The Clay Pot...Count the Cranberries Contest Winner

"Count the Cranberries Contest"

Winner!

Congratulations goes to Carol Rickith

for having the closest guess in our

"Count the Cranberry Contest".

Her winning guess was 1850 cranberries.

There were 1841 cranberries in the container.

She was only off by 9.

Congratulations!

Carol wins a $150.00 gift certificate from

The Clay Pot.

We received a total of 274 guesses in the contest.

Way to go Carol!

Here's the Dirt...Gigi's Cupcakes were a hit!

"Gigi's Cupcakes"
were a hit at
The Clay Pot Holiday Open House!

A special thanks to Mike Irwin at Gigi's Cupcakes for providing their wonderful mini cupcakes for The Clay Pot's Holiday Open House.
They were a huge hit!
Make sure you stop by, or call Gigi's Cupcakes in Chattanooga
located at
1906 Gunbarrel Road near Hamilton Place.
Phone: 468-4803

Here's the Dirt...at The Clay Pot...Preview Party a Hit!

"The Clay Pot"

Holiday Preview Party was a Wacky Affair!

What a fun night at The Clay Pot! Our "Holiday Open House"

was a wacky affair with over 300 people attending.

I wanted to create a fun theme for this year's open house and it definitely was!

We all had fun creating our costumes.

We made "be-u-ti-ful" party hats and used almost

every piece of tinsel in Chattanooga.

Needless to say, all our guest were shocked and surprised

when they arrived.

We had "Sexy Santa's" and "The Jumpettes" for everyone to pose with.

And boy, did they have fun posing!

We ended up taking over 200 photos.

It was a definitely a night to remember!

I would like to personally thank everyone who attended

and thank everyone who

worked so hard to make it such a special night!

Thanks,

"Santa Joe"