We Have Joined Forces with Red Hat Society Store!

Greetings Fellow Red Hatters-

Now that I have your undivided attention, I have an important announcement ladies. Redhatsandmore.com has joined forces with The Official Red Hat Society Store!

Because of this exciting move, this will be my last blog entry on this site, but don't worry ladies- I'll be continuing to dish the latest Red Hat chatter on our new site blog at www.redhatsocietystore.com/v/blog!

Don't fret, you will still be able to stock up on all your favorite red hat apparel, jewelry and more at the new store. There will also be fabulous new products for you to choose from, to add even more flair to your already awesome Red Hat Chapter Events and Ensembles.

See you soon at The Red Hat Society Store Blog!

Until Next Time-
Queen Diva Dishberry

Support Go Red Month!

Red Hat Ladies,

I don't know if you all have heard but National Wear Red Day is quickly approaching. Well actually it's already here, as in it's today and everyday...and it's just one more great excuse to wear red!.

National Wear Red Day is part of the American Red Cross' Go Red for Women Movement, which is encouraging women to wear red in support of their hearts. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and as women we want every other women to be healthy and stay healthy!

So let's put our fabulous red outfits, red hats, and red hat accessories on to make a statement in support of all the women we love. It's a great idea for your next Red Hat Chapter event.

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Get Organized

Hello Red Hatters!

Lately, I have been trying to get organized. Sometimes it seems like my home and my life are so cluttered that I can't even think! I noticed that much of my precious red hat apparel, including my red hats, have been carelessly scattered across the bedroom floor and thoughtlessly thrown into the closet. This is not how I want to treat my delicate treasures, and I'm sure you feel the same. So let's get organized starting today.

One of the easiest and quickest ways that I have found to keep all my red hats in one place is by storing them in boxes when I'm not wearing them. If you find a large enough box, you will be able to fit even your most extravagant red hat inside. I own the Fancy Nancy hat which is big, bold, and beautiful. I found a box that will easily store this hat, along with many others.

It isn't a difficult task to organize your home. You will be able to breathe easier, and maybe even find that one red hat that has been missing since last year. So c'mon red hatters--now is the time to start re-organizing and taking back your space!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Red Hat Christmas Gifts and Ideas

Red Hatters!

I just finished baking my one of a kind sugar cookies and the oven has radiated a luscious fragrant throughout my kitchen. With my red hat cookie cutters, creating cookies into fun size dresses, hats and tea cups is essential! Plus, decorating the red hat cookies with some red and purple sanding sugar adds a sweet touch.

These red hat treats always make the perfect gifts for my red hat sisters! For cookie protection and detailed presentation, I simple wrap each cookie in red hat treat bags and tie them closed with red and purple wraphia. A simple yet tasty red hat gift of goodness.

As a proud Grandmother, my favorite Christmas shopping to do is for my grandchildren! I'm not sure if the gift will consist of a cuddly soft animal or a mini tea set, but toys for children and teens are definitely at the top of my shopping list.

There are plenty of inexpensive purchases to embrace this gift giving season such as red hat apparel from the red tag sale, exclusive red hats, and red hat socks!

Happy Holiday Shopping Red Hatters!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Thanksgiving Parades!

Red Hat Ladies!

Nothing kicks off the holiday season like America's Thanksgiving Parade. This holiday procession has award-winning floats, helium filled balloons and papier-mâché heads marching down packed streets, and I would not miss it.

My red hat sisters and I peruse the parade together, keeping warm in our red hat jackets and red hat sweatshirts. To spruce up my outfit and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, I pair my red hat outfit with a red sequin floral fedora and red hat shawl for added warmth and style.

Huddled together with my red hat sisters on the street, we always bring along tasty treats and fill our red hat coffee mugs to the brim with hot chocolate.

I know the holidays are defiantly underway when I see Santa close the parade when he rides through on his sleigh. My red hat sisters and I grow fond of this cherished holiday moment we are thankful to share together.

Have fun cheering on the parades my Red Hat sisters!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

The Holiday Is Upon Us!

Red Hat Sisters,

I am so excited for the Holidays this year! My children are coming into town, my house will be decorated to the nines with decorum like my red hat bear wreath, and the smell of Christmas cookies are soon to fill the air.

We all know the happiness of the holidays is derived from those subtle, yet special moments like watching a child's face gleam at the joy of what Christmas morning brought, or gathering around in a pair of comfy red hat pajamas to watch classic movies like "A Christmas Story" and "It's a Wonderful Life."

For this red hatter, the holidays are about tradition. Every year, my husband and I trek through a Christmas tree lot to discover the perfect pine. I cover the tree with silver tinsel and strategically place ornaments like my eyeglass and red hat ornaments.

My most treasured tradition is shared with my grandchildren. A few years back I presented them with an elf on a shelf set. We have cherished the story book together each year while cuddling with the darling elf doll.

For me, these are the moments that make up the holidays. Put on your holiday sparkle hat ladies and head out into the snow to experience the joy and merriment this holiday season is sure to endure.

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you - RedHatsandMore.com is giving a free Purple Silky Scarf with any order over $30, just enter the code 'scarf' at checkout!

Happy Holidays Red Hatters!

Until Next Time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Throw A Red Hat Halloween Party!

Trick or Treat Sisters!

I am preparing for my annual Halloween Spooktacular and things are busy! I am so excited for my red hat sisters to flaunt into the party with their different costumes. The one rule is that each costume has to have a red hat twist. I am going to be a rockin' red hat cowgirl and wear the Red Uptown Cowgirl hat.

In the meantime, I have been preparing a haunted display of fun. At the front door, there is a cauldron of spiked spooky punch surrounded with dry ice. I also just created a CD of spooky music with classic favorites.

My red hat sisters love tasty treats more than anyone I know, so I've created a unique bar and an apple making station complete with all of the fixings. My sisters will simply take a red apple from the front of the station and make there way to the end decorating it with caramel, chocolate, sprinkles, M&M's, and red and purple sanding sugar.

As party favors, I have created treat bags that are filled with various chocolate Halloween chocolates, candy corn and tied closed with red and purple wraphia for a special red hat touch!

Happy Halloween ladies!

Until Next Time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Go Visit Local Spekers and Events

Dearest Red Hat Sisters,

I had lunch yesterday afternoon with my granddaughter who has started college classes again this fall. She told me about events that her college, Oakland University, provides for students and also for the community. I never knew that Universities had so many notable and intriguing guests. Whoever you decided to hear speak, make sure you wear your best red hat, like the delightful Alice, and lovely purple outfit.

Local colleges and universities in your town are not the only places to discover these free and captivating speakers. Book stores frequently host similar events with popular and influential authors. This could spark a book club within your red hat society chapter too. Choose some of our fantastic red hat books, or venture out and pick one of your favorite books from childhood.

The best part is that most of these speaking events are free to the public. Which, to my red hat sisters and I, only means one thing: more money to spend on a new red hat!

Until next time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Start Dancing Lessons With Your Chapter!

Red Hat Ladies!

One of my favorite television shows is Dancing with the Stars (that Mario Lopez is too cute for words!) and lucky for me, my friend TIVO has them all stored in my television archives. Wearing my red hat pajamas and purple socks, I watched the former Saved by the Bell muscle man get twirled around the dance floor by his Ukrainian partner, Karina Smirnoff. I began to think, just because I don't have Mario Lopez to dance with doesn't mean I can't salsa with the best of them!

So I searched online for a local dance studio that offered salsa lessons! It was an authentic and fun series of events for my chapter and I to perform. We created many memories, had lots of laughs, and even found a reason to fasten those red hat fish nets.

It's show time sisters!

Until next time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Go See "HATS-The Musical"

Hello To My Dazzling Red Hat Sisters!

This past weekend, I took a little trip with my chapter to see “HATS- The Musical,” and it far surpassed my expectations. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, I highly encourage you to plan a day trip with your chapter to go and enjoy this masterpiece.

The musical is a story of a woman named Mary-Anne, who is dreading her big 50th birthday. However, her whole view on her age changes after she meets the vivacious ladies of the Red Hat Society. She finds a new life with her friends, and enjoys the exciting and fun new happenings in her life.

I found this story to be so inspiring, that I went out and bought myself a new ensemble for my the next time I go to see this fabulous musical. I am so proud to be affiliated with such a vibrant and admirable group of ladies that I want to show my pride. I treated myself to the Purple 3/4 Sleeve Dress paired with the Summer red hat, and a brand new Feather Boa. I can’t wait to step out for the show in my brand new regalia. Ladies, take my advice and go see “HATS-The Musical” as soon as you can. I promise it will be an experience you will never forget!

Until Next Time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Charity Functions For Your Red Hat Chapter

My Dear Red Hat Sisters,

I was just thinking about all of the wonderful things we do together with our chapters, and I realized all of the potential we have to spread this joy! Why not plan a fabulous event that is exciting and fun like usual, but this time incorporate a charity into it? We can volunteer our time at a soup kitchen, bring some sparkle to a nursing home, or plan an entire bake sale to raise money for a charity.

My favorite activity is a bake sale, and RedHatsandMore.com has some great tools for a simply spectacular one! The Instant Diva Apron would be absolutely perfect for you to start baking cookies, cakes, and other desserts. Plus, the Diva High Heel Cookie Cutter is just perfect for adding a personal Red Hat touch to our cookies.

Please let me know about the charities your Red Hat Chapter has helped, and best of luck to all my Red Hat sisters on all of their philanthropic endeavors!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Get Your Convention Gear!

My Radiant Red Hat Sisters,

Our annual convention is just around the corner, and I am absolutely unable to contain my excitement! This year is especially rousing because it is our 10th anniversary of Red Hat merriment! There is even a special name for this year's convention, Decades of Sparkle, and as you know, it takes place June 19 - 23, 2008.

I have already started thinking about the Red Hat regalia I am going to pack for this marvelous event, and Redhatsandmore.com has all the gear we need. I have already been perusing the site, and I have found some amazing deals. I have been waiting for the longest time for the Royal Mermaid Dress to go on sale, and it finally has! I will be wearing that to the Glitz and Glamour Ball along with my brand new, and especially fancy, Calypso. Its soft red and purple fringe adorning the edges of this straw hat make it absolutely stunning. I just cannot wait to show off my new adornments while meeting my Red Hat sisters from across the globe.

Don't forget to register for the convention and get all of your convention accessories and gear. It is the place to show your Red Hat pride, and what better way to do that then to always dress your best. I will see you all at Decades of Sparkle, and I cannot wait to see what fabulous Red Hat gear you find for yourselves!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Introduce Your Mom to the Red Hat Society

I was just reminiscing about the excitement I felt when I attended my first Red Hat Society function, and I had an epiphany! I realized the perfect gift to give to my dear mother is the Red Hat Society!

You all should give this gift to your mothers or loved ones as well. Introduce them to your Red Hat Society chapter and get them involved! I just cannot think of a more rewarding gift. Not only will it give you the chance to bond with them, but you will be introducing them to so many lively and vibrant women who will surely brighten their days. Perhaps you could even buy them their very first Glittering Red Fedora and a Mini Red and Purple Fan so they may look as stunning as all of the other ladies!

Just think of the wonderful memories they will make on the fantastic outings, and all the wonderful new friends they will now have. Certainly, there could not be a sweeter thing to do for your mother or loved one than to bring them into the vivacious world of the Red Hat Society. I am going to call my mother right now and invite her to the Tea Party my chapter has planned for next week, but I must hurry up and order her a Gwendolyn from Redhatsandmore.com so that we can match!

Until Next Time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Hello to my lovely Red Hat sisters!

My favorite time of year is just around the corner, and I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas about this special day. Mother's Day is May 11th, and as a proud mother myself, it is certainly a day I cherish. Most of us Red Hat sisters are mothers, so this is the perfect time to load up on some of the Red Hat adornments you have been so anxiously waiting for! It never hurts to drop some hints to get the frills that you truly desire. Your kids are probably trying hard to decide what to get for you on your special day, so I thought I would offer some suggestions.

I have asked my daughter for the Baker's Hat Basket because I just love to make cookies! What better way to bake some tasty treats than with a full set of Red Hat baking accessories? If you would rather have a gift that makes you dazzle, there is some stunning jewelry on RedHatsandMore.com that will look delightful with any of your Red Hat attire. My personal favorite is the Plum Pearl Set because it would go quite well with all of my Red Hat regalia but the Red Hat Pearl Set is fantastic too! Red Hatters everywhere should be asking their children for the gifts that they truly want, so take a load off your kid's minds and tell them they must look no further! The perfect gift is one that will make you look and feel merry on your special day! I just can't wait to start baking with my Baker's Hat Basket- I can almost smell the delicious baked goods now!

Until Next Time,
Queen Diva Dishberry

Get A $5 Hat

Red Hat sisters-

I just found out some truly wonderful news! RedHatsandMore.com is offering $5 hats to promote the unity of your chapters. This means that every chapter member can afford to purchase the same wonderful hat. I happen to think this is just the sweetest idea for those of us who love to look glamorous, but are also on a budget. This is a true contribution to our sisterhood!

I urge you to tell all of your chapter members about this outstanding offer so that you can all benefit from it too. Just think of how nice it would be to see all of your sisters in such unity, wearing a red Sally at your next tea or parade. The thought of such fedora coordination and solidarity brings me glee. Take advantage of this offer, fellow Red Hatters, and bring this great prospect to your chapter!

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Win A $50 Gift Certificate

Ladies, I stumbled across something and I just had to spread the word. There is a $50 gift certificate available to one lucky lady per month on the Redhatsandmore.com homepage! All you have to do is sign up for the newsletter- which I am sure you are fervently awaiting to read anyway! If you haven’t signed up yet, now is certainly the time. Why wouldn’t you want to sign up and learn about the latest and greatest in Red Hat adornments while also having the chance of winning $50?

If I win, I will buy a pair of their Silky Red Hat Pajamas, and I would still have plenty left over for some of their marvelous scrapbooking supplies! I have just been waiting to get more scrapbooking supplies so that I can finish my book, and those pajamas look so comfortable.

Best of luck ladies, and to whomever wins- I do hope you buy something marvelous! I always like to hear from you, so let me know if you win and what fantastic Red Hat frills you buy.

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Show Off Your Easter Bonnets

I happen to love the holiday of Easter simply because I get to wear my Easter bonnet! An Easter bonnet is a wide brimmed hat, usually straw with wide ribbon around it. The Easter bonnet may match your dress to show off your taste and stand out from the rest.

My favorite bonnet is red with all the frills upon it. Flowers, ribbon, bows, and glitter adorn my lovely Easter bonnet. Instead of buying one, just make a bonnet of your own. In fact, make two or three and give them as gifts to your dearest Red Hat sisters.

If you are like me, making a hat is not an easy task. Just head over to www.redhatsandmore.com and check out the ultimate fun Calypso straw hat with purple and red fringe accenting the edge. There is also the Spring Fling straw hat enhanced with tulips and a satin ribbon. Whatever your taste, don’t forget to flaunt your fabulous Easter bonnet and let me know how everyone liked it.

Until Next Time,

Queen Diva Dishberry

Give An Easter Gift Basket

Ladies, I don’t believe there is anything better than receiving a great basket filled with goodies, especially Red Hat goodies. Why don’t you surprise one of your Red Hat sisters with a basket exploding with treats for Easter, what red hatter would refuse a gift basket, certainly not me.

There are some wonderful gift baskets from www.redhatsandmore.com that are waiting for you to purchase. I mean a gift basket for a chef, what a perfect idea for that special friend who loves to cook. It even comes with one of those fancy chef hats in my favorite color, the marvelous shade of red.

Alright, so what if you’re a little more crafty than I am. Well, just throw together your own basket to add your personal touch. Include some Luscious Red Rhinestone Glasses for the spring and some Red Hat Beads that are perfect for any party! Wrap it up with red and purple cellophane and curl some ribbon for the finishing touch.

I know I will be grabbing some of those dazzling gift baskets and giving them to my fabulous sisters of the Royal Reds of Rochester! Whether you purchase an Easter gift basket, like me, or come up with one by your fabulous self, I love to hear your great ideas!

Until next time!

Queen Diva Dishberry

Scrapbooking With A Red Hatter

I love living life to the fullest and so do my Red Hat sisters of the Royal Reds of Rochester! The memories that we make together through those “full” moments are simply irreplaceable, and we like to keep those memories alive through the art of scrapbooking.

Honestly, I am not a crafty gal by nature, but scrapbooking is as easy as 1, 2, 3. One, print out some great pictures from special events. Two, pick out some cute paper and cardstock, such as Red Hatter Craft Paper. Three, add embellishments like stickers, glitter, feathers, and stamps and begin building the perfect scrapbook page.

I’ve picked out some fantastic products from www.redhatsandmore.com to start you on your way to creating artistic pages and falling in love with scrapbooking yourselves. If you ladies already have the scrapbooking passion, grab a sister by the hand and show her the wonders that this glorious art can hold.

Scrapbooking can bring some great parties, and what red hatter doesn’t like a party involving food, friends, and gossip. Have everyone bring their supplies and a dessert to pass, and all you have to do is provide the house, coffee, and tea. Let everyone know that if they need a great dessert recipe to check out the recipe of the week found on the bottom of the homepage. Let me know how things turn out, as always I love to hear from you!

Until next time!

Queen Diva Dishberry

Passionate About Purple Hats

Hello lovely ladies of the Red Hat Society!

So ok, I don’t know about you, but I was SO confused about this whole “purple hat all year round” thing, that I was about to have my freshly dyed do go all in a tizzy.

But of course in traditional Diva Dishberry style, I nosed out the scoop and am now here to share it with all my lovely Red Hat sisters. So here it is; Her Royal Highness, The Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen Cooper, has announced that in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Red Hat Society we are now, and going forward, for the entire year of 2008, allowed to wear purple hats any time our sweet little red hat hearts desire.

Now ladies, you all know what that means… IT’S TIME TO GO SHOPPING! So lets hit the purple hat section of Redhatsandmore.com and do a little damage! In all seriousness, I do adore purple hats so I am extremely excited. I picked out a couple of my favorite bad hair hiders to share with you gals. Be sure to check out the glorious Amelia Purple, I do love a good hat with feathers, and the swanky Purple Sequin Floral Fedora, I feel so very J.Lo in this one!

Even though I personally think my taste is fantastically fabulous, you sisters might have some other ideas of your own when it comes to red hat fashion. You know I love hearing from you, so tell me how you are going to change things up for the celebration.

Until Next Time!

Queen Diva Dishberry