Cool off with Percale

We've already had a lot of hot summer nights in St. Louis. Sometimes so hot, it's hard to sleep. But I find with great Percale sheeting, it's easier to have a good nights rest during the summer. Percale isn't a type of fabric, rather, it is the weave of the fabric. Percale is a tightly woven, plain-weave fabric, be it cotton, polyester, a combination of both, etc...

This type of weave makes for a crisp, but soft, texture. What more, it is very light weight and though it has a tight weave, it is still one of the most breathable weaves. It is invigorating to slip under these covers...somehow these sheets always feel cool to the touch. Percales are the perfect sheet for the summer!

Sallie home's favorite percales include, Peacock Alley's Lryric and Calypso; Scandia Home's Classic Natural Percale, and Sferra's Celeste Sheets!

Kim Kardashian's Bridal Registry Revealed!

This week, Kim Kardashian's bridal registry was revealed! She is set to marry NBA player, Kris Humphries, and like every bride, she looked so excited as she created her bridal registry! As you may expected, this reality star, known for her stylish, sophisticated taste, has chosen some great luxury items! From brands like Christofle to Hermes to SFERRA to William Yeoward - she covers the whole house.

From Kim's list, check out these personal favorites. For her dinner partys, guests will be wiping their mouths and protecting their laps with Sferra's Festival Table Linen - she chose the color, butter. Kim must be a Martini Girl, from William Yeoward, she has requested two types of Martini glasses: Country Martini and Vesta Martini, plus a crystal Jerry Cocktail Shaker. You can register yourself for these items, at Sallie home's bridal registry!

Best wishes to Kim and Kris from Sallie home.

(Image: From left: Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries and Kris Jenner. From Trovarelli/Biagi/AKM Images)

Summer Entertaining Recipe, An O-list Favorite!

Entertaining at home is so much nicer than going out to a restaurant. It is more relaxed, comfortable and conducive to conversation. But, there is no need to stress about creating a gourmet meal, there are ways to cut corners. Here is a great appetizer recipe from Bella Cucina for Hot Artichoke Dip that requires minimal cooking skills and supplies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix one 6 oz jar of Bella Cucina's Artichoke Lemon Pesto with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Put mixture into a baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly. This takes approximately 25-30 minutes. Serve with dipping crackers or rustic bread.

Voila! You have a great tasting, amazing appetizer! The Artichoke Lemon Pesto has even received nods from Oprah on her O-list. Bella Cucina makes cooking simple and is now available at Sallie home.

Don't Forget your Father!

1. We the people...say this is a great Father's Day Gift, "The Constitution of the United States of America" illustrated and inscribed by master calligrapher Sam Fink. Fink adds sense of humor and a profound touch to the rights we were given as a citizen of the United States 219 years ago by our founding fathers!
2. Let the games begin! Impressionist, Edgar Degas' painting, 'Before the Race" appears on the backing of each card. These "Before the Race" playing cards class up a boys night out of poker, cigars, and booze.
3. On the Rocks. Steuben Glass' mid-sized Verve Double Old Fashioned is an excellent match for any rocks drink or whiskey straight-up. Pair this with your Dad's favorite liquor and what could be better?
4. Extremely smart. Put your favorite father/daughter, father/son memory in a handsome William Yeoward frame. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.
5. Grill with the best of em'. Over the years, the Vagabond House BBQ has become our number one "Dad gift." Made of naturally shed antler, it just makes grilling look so manly.
6. Birds! 50-60 million Americans count birding among their hobbies. Whether he is a bird hunter or just an avid bird watcher, the book, "50 Places to go Birding Before You Die" is for him! Gorgeous images and great travel destination ideas. And if he's not a bird-man, we have a book for Fly Fishing hot spots, too!

For more information or for other Father's Day Gift ideas, visit www.salliehome.com

What did Matt Give the Pope on the Today Show?

Two days ago, Matt Lauer from the Today Show met with Pope Benedict XVI. Matt gave the Pope a grey box with a light grey ribbon as a token of his appreciation. Being a connoisseur of nice things, I know this was definitely a signature Steuben Glass box! But what was inside? According to Steuben, Matt gave the Pope Steuben's "Curious Cat." I guess the Pope is a cat lover?! Either way, it is a beautiful crystal glass sculpture - fit for a pope! You can purchase this same cat at www.salliehome.com, the same store who provided the bedding for Pope John Paul II during his 1994 visit to St. Louis, MO!

Sallie Says...

"Father's Day gifts always seem to be the hardest gifts to find. Until now! Something very interesting has happened at our store. I brought in the book, "The Constitution of the United States of America." It is inscribed and illustrated by master calligrapher, Sam Fink....and it is flying out the door. We even has a law office call us for book orders. It is so beautifully executed. A true masterpiece! Every father would be happy to receive one this Father's Day!"