Hi Liz, I know -- was so disappointed in Robb & Stuckup, expensive as all get out and it's still that overblown stuff. I did find one sofa in there I liked though. I've been to Thomasville as well and theirs seemed a little less bloaty but I didn't find anything I liked. Honestly, I have not found a furniture store I like here yet per se. My designer uses one called Brendan Bass over in the design center but you need a designer to buy from them, they have some gorgeous things and are somewhat pricey IMO. He also has things custom made a lot, which is more reasonable considering the quality. I'm having a pair of wingback chairs made and was surprised they were no more expensive than high-end ready made. I found some fabulous club chairs that Brendan Bass carries but decided against clubs. I shop a lot at On Consignment, the only consignment store I've found that I like. They have some really good things and of course some other kinds of things too. Have gotten some gorgeous lamps and a couple good pieces of furniture there. Good prices. They're on Fairmount in Dallas. I found my dream furniture store when we visited Chicago last summer. It's called Toms-Price. Their furniture is the non-puffy style, lots of traditional, contemporary as well. They carry the brands that are still made the right way, much of it in the USA. I discovered that Stickley actually has a traditional (non-mission) line, and am getting a Stickley sofa special ordered that I found there. Have heard of Hagerty's but haven't gone in since finding my designer and having my situation solved that way. Let me know if you want my designer's name. He can have anything made for you that you want, and they will treatr you like a queen.

Don't get too excited. It's not over until it's over. The bail may be lowered. The case will probably hinge on a new law in Illinois that permits use of 'from the grave' testimony -- deceased told others she feared for her life or that the accused told her he'd committed a crime. Then, since this will be the first test of the new law, there's immediate cause for appeal. I hope they can keep him locked up until the trial and during any appeals. We are all sick of his smirking face and antics designed to prejudice as many potential jury members as he can.

All the new reports say that it is not Stacy. The size of the woman, the clothing she was wearing, her hair color, what was found in the wallet none of to links to that case. Bodies are found all the time around Chicago. Here is a link that might be useful: CNN

The bigger issue with all of these tainted products is what is not being said or revealed. There is no way to know if the item you just bought that says "product of the usa" or "made in canada" contains by products that were manufactured in China. As food agencies don't force companies to list where their ingredients come from, any food product we consume could have a risk attached to it. It's smart to not buy any food products produced in China. There are also some problems with food coming from Indonesia at the moment. It would be a lot closer to a solution if companies were forced to list where those products that make up the finished product come from. Suzan J