My First Bloggy Give Away!

As many of you may have read in one of my earlier posts, I am hosting a Taste of Gourmet Valentine Open House, Tuesday night. I am so excited! Taste of Gourmet was started in my home town of Indianola, Mississippi, by Mrs. Evelyn Roughton. Mrs. Evelyn is one of the finest southern ladies I know. She has a deeply rooted faith, a strong love for her family and a gift for good food and entertaining. Growing up in the Delta, Mrs. Evelyn offered us, as young ladies, an oasis in the desert, or rather in the middle of a cotton field. In the 1970's, she opened The Antique Mall, which brought antiques from England, right to the Mississippi Delta. It also offered the Crown Tea Room, serving lunch and afternoon tea. I have many a fond memory of having lunch there with girlfriends, or attending a bridal or graduation tea. I even hosted a special bridesmaids' luncheon at The Crown myself, when I got married. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Mrs. Evelyn earned quite a reputation for her food and The Crown, even winning several awards. So when she asked me personally back in 2003 to become apart of the family, which is her business, I felt very honored. I said yes!!! Although at the time, my schedule only allowed me to be a casual consultant. I was already teaching, working retail some nights and weekends, and teaching voice lessons. (At the time, Hugh was a full time medical student, with no source of income.) I was also serving as the president of the Student Associate Auxiliary for Hugh's medical school. So, to say I was stretching myself a little thin is putting it lightly. And life happened, as it does. My father passed, we were transferred here to Ohio for Hugh's internship- now residency, my mom passed, and I had two beautiful children. (Phew! It makes me tired just thinking about it!) Now that my life has somewhat settled down, I am excited to have the opportunity to venture into this business again. I adore Mrs. Evelyn and I am excited about being able to share a part of myself and where I come from with others. So, in honor of my own grand re-opening, I would like to offer Taste of Gourmet's All American Apple Cake (which is the product of the month!) as my first Bloggy give away! "What is the product of the month?" It is a fund raising project Taste of Gourmet started to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN. The Hospital is devoted to research and treatment toward eliminating chronic childhood diseases like leukemia and is the only childhood cancer research center designated by the National Cancer Institute. So, not only will I be able to pamper someone special, but I will be helping with a cause that is dear to my heart!
If you'd like to participate, here are the rules....

1. Click on the following link, and visit our official Taste of Gourmet website.

2. Come back here and leave a comment about something that interests you, - (a product, recipe, maybe becoming a consultant yourself. If you are already acquainted with Taste of Gourmet, tell me about your experience and something new you learned by visiting the website!)

The feedback will be of a great help to me, and I hope will generate new interest in this special company. I will be choosing a winner Wednesday. If you do not have a blog and would still like to enter, that would be great! I am not knowledgeable about Mr. Linky yet, so you'll have to check back here on Wednesday. And if you're chosen, you can leave me your address at my e-mail. Let the FUN begin!!! Blessings on your day!