Belleville News Democrat: Suzanne Boyle

Calvary Lutheran will hold big yard sale this morning

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:16 CDT

I hope you're reading this bright and early this morning because from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today you can shop at a big yard sale at Calvary Lutheran Church in Belleville.

It's a peach of a day for summer pie, cobbler

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:10 CDT

On Friday, I got the notice from Eckert's Orchards that its first crop of tree-ripened peaches was ready.

Show your patriotic spirit by purchasing a flag for downtown

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:09 CDT

Belleville Main Street is inviting the public to adopt a flag through its Adopt-A-Flag Program.-The city's existing American flags are tired and worn and need to be replaced.-

What's out there

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:14 CDT

Wine stoppers: Even if you buy cheap wine, guest will ogle over the bottles when they're topped with pretty glass wine stoppers that come in a rainbow of colors. With three rubber gaskets to ensure sealing on the heavy-duty stems, they're $18.99 at Rachel's Tea Room and gift shop in west Belleville (Illinois 15 and Frank Scott Parkway).

Columbia shop celebrates 2 years with cool specials

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:10 CDT

Elements Off Main, 107 W. Gundlach, in Columbia is a combination home-decorating and consignment shop, plus jewelry, handbags, candles, serviceware and gourmet foods in a really cool building called the Old Distillery on Main Street. Consignment merchandise varies, but the shop is organized so you can appreciate color coordination and style.

All this and Daisy, too

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:45 CDT

Carved wood: What is your decorating style outdoors? If you prefer a more woodsy, natural ambience to your deck, patio or backyard, Gordman's in Fairview Heights has a limited selection of beautiful wood planters and small benches. Hewn from a single log, the planters ($49.99) are one-of-a-kind, with knarled edges but a smooth, curvy finish. The bench is $149.99. These unique pieces will definitely be a conversation-starter at any outdoor summer gathering.

Major League Baseball has gifts for Dad

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 05:02 CDT

With Father's Day quickly approaching, finding the perfect gift is surely on the to-do list. For baseball fanatics, an autographed baseball or game-used jersey might be at the top of their Father's Day wish list. But how can you find the coolest and truly authentic merchandise to give to dad this year? Turn to Major League Baseball.

Get a jump on plant sale

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:29 CDT

I know spring is really here when it's time for the annual Plant Sale at Southwestern Illinois College. It begins Friday and continues April 19 and April 20. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the greenhouse at the Belleville Campus. It's usually a mad dash for the best plants (and there are plenty of them), so my advice is to pay a visit Friday for the best selections. ...