If you’ve shopped at A. Dodson’s, you know we support a charity every month through our Round Up. It’s a program where we match a customer’s donation when they round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. It’s been amazing to see how our combined donations have been able to help animals that are in need, veterans who are disabled, the environment that is polluted and families who care for ill children. The list goes on and on. And while there never seems to be an end to the amount of need, there also never seems to be an end to our customer’s generosity.

But just in case you’re still wondering why we work so hard each month to bring attention to charities who are on the frontline, take a look at this short 3 minute video from Team Riverfront when they came to accept their $450 Round Up check last week.

When A. Dodson’s accepted the challenge of designing and decorating a house made entirely of 100% Made in America products, we knew we were in for an experience. We’re trying our darnedest to document every lesson we learn and every “No WAY!” moment we have because what we’re learning is stuff everyone should know. And so here goes…

Check out the cool ceiling in the bottom right photo. We're loving it!

When selecting trim for your home, American lumber is a much better choice because it’s just been milled versus lumber that’s been sitting around waiting for transport from, say, Chile for 6 or so months. When lumber sits around it begins to twist and warp making it much harder to work with and ultimately causing you to purchase extra or settle for subpar results.

And, of course, it goes without saying that buying lumber made in America supports American jobs. In an industry that’s been one of the hardest hit in the last 4 years, every single purchase makes a difference for our economy.

Stay tuned for our next installment of Made in America | What We’ve Learned when we talk about the difference 5% can make in Hampton Roads.

Grab this car magnet at A. Dodson’s for $2.99! If we spot you out and about, you may find a “You’ve Been Spotted” note under your windshield. In addition to making you our Spotlight Customer of the Month, you’ll also receive a gift certificate to A. Dodson’s.

These magnets are spot on, but quantities are limited. Get spotted today!

A. Dodson's You've Been Spotted Car Magnet

The big day is fast approaching and this is no occasion to wing it! Think of all those sleepless nights she rocked you, blustery little league games she cheered for you and races across town to deliver forgotten homework for you. In honor of the woman who first loved you, A. Dodson’s has compiled a top three list of Mother’s Day ideas for you – in order of priority!

#3: Nora Fleming Bread Platter – this brand new platter was just introduced by Nora Fleming last week. It’s sure to be a treasured serving dish!

#2: My Mom Book: Her Story, Her Words. This book isn’t a gift, it’s an experience. Create a family treasure for generations to enjoy.

#1: CALL HER!

Nora Fleming is coming to town (sung to the tune of Santa Claus…, never mind you got that). If you’ve never met Nora, you’re going to love her even more soon. She’s young, she’s fun, she’s funny and her creativity is inspiring!

Join us for a Cocktail Party with Nora Fleming on Friday, April 27th from 5-7pm at Wildwood (3809 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23321). All ticket sales go to the charity of Nora’s choice – the Children’s Craniofacial Association. To RSVP, email kim@adodsons.com or call 757.483.1344. Tickets are $50 per person. Bonus: Nora is giving a gift to each attendant.

On Saturday, Nora Fleming will be at A. Dodson’s from 10am until 2pm signing your platters and wowing you with her amazing talent. Go ahead and make your Mother’s Day, birthday, wedding and holiday gift list now. Nora will write your message on each platter and A. Dodson’s will gift wrap for you. It doesn’t get any easier or more thoughtful than that! Bonus: Free mini with each platter purchase on Saturday only compliments of Nora!

Here is an inexpensive way to display your favorite jewelry… And it is sooo easy to to do!

Supplies

You will need: a cutting board, hard bound books, an exacto knife, glue, a ruler, some decorative accents, dress maker pins… I found some great hard bound novels at a discount book store for a $1 each!!!

Next you will need to glue the book together. First, glue around the edges of random pages, DON’T OVER THINK IT! Once that is finished, glue the outside of the book together.

You will want to weight down the pages so everything adheres nice and smoothly. Let it dry over night.

Using your ruler lightly trace out the opening. Now you can start cutting, nice and slowly!!! Be sure to hold your exacto knife perpendicular to your book so the edges to the opening are nice and straight!

Now that you have created the opening, the world is your oyster! I used bent pins to hold earrings. You can add a decorative backdrop with paper, glitter or leave it plain! Every book is different so let the beauty of the pages inside you!

Now you are ready to set up your unique jewelry shop!

easter eggs 101…

 Craftgwaker has some absolutely killer examples of really far-out and different ideas to decorate eggs. It never ceases to amaze me how many crafty folks there are out there! I have compiled a few of my favorites below. Click on the image which will link you to the blog… Please send us your examples!!!

Vintage Book Easter Eggs

Glitter Easter Eggs

Lace Tights Easter Eggs

Ombre Eggs

All Natural Dye Easter Eggs

Dyed with Men's Silk Tie

thank you & credit to: Oleander and Palm, Sew and the City, Fab Housewife, Jany Claire & radmegan

The perfect chandelier adorns your dining room table like timeless Tiffany earrings. The pendant light transforms your kitchen from yawn to yummy. With the flick of a switch, the table lamp casts soft shadows creating an ambient room.

Use these can’t-go-wrong formulas for hanging your chandeliers and wall sconces!

CRYSTAL BUD SPHERE CHANDELIER

1) Sconce height should be 60″ from the floor to the center of the light.

2) Breathing space between your sofa and wall decor should be 6-8″.

3) Length + Width (in feet) = the ideal diameter in inches of a chandelier for your room.

4) The correct chandelier size for your dining room is equal to one-half the width of your table.

5) The chandelier should be hung 30″ between the bottom of the chandelier to the top of the table for an 8′ ceiling.

We think having a fab motorcycle jacket is one of the best things you can do for yourself! It’s that soft piece of timeless leather in your closet that gives you a sense of comfort. It’s that piece you can pair with almost ANYTHING! A few fashionable New Yorkers gave us inspiration…and here’s how we made these looks achievable with our own version for $69.99.

New York Version

A. Dodson's Version

This bright color pop look is all the rage! We love how she paired sleek stripes with color and made it look effortless. The key pieces: back & wihite striped tee, pop of red, pop of yellow, and motorcycle jacket! Here’s our take…its a little more laid back, so totally achievable any day you want! A. Dodson’s ‘Zip N Go’ jacket {$69.99}, striped tee, tight pencil skirt, a chunky yellow necklace, and the pop of red?…LIPS!

New York Version

A. Dodson's Version

      What BETTER use of your Summer maxi then to toughen it up with a motorcycle jacket?! We paired our ‘Zip N Go’ jacket with a floral maxi in the back of the wardrobe! SO cute. (Underneath are some biker boots & leggings).

A. Dodson's Version

New York Version

We love this “polished rocker” look! The key is pairing a cutesy full ABOVE the knee skirt + a fabulous motorcycle jacket! How we made it work: A. Dodson’s ‘Zip N Go’ jacket, a flouncy leopard skirt (this one was a thrift store find from the 90′s!), leggings, and high heels to complete it!