Ladies, how many times has a fashionable scarf or trendy purse caught your eye — but you decided not to purchase it because of the price, or because you really didn’t need it? Meanwhile, at home your closet has several accessories that haven’t even been worn yet?
Well, grab those accessories from your collection and plan to attend the “Blessings and Bling” Ladies Night Out winter event hosted by the Rochelle Area Women’s Connection, Friday, Feb. 2. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church social hall.
RWC chairman Theresa Crystal welcomes women from Rochelle and all surrounding communities to attend the “bling exchange,” which has become a popular event.
“Most women have a plethora of accessories that just sit in their closet, untouched,” Crystal said. “Our planning team imagined the delight of exchanging their bling for a found treasure from someone else’s closet.”
Participants should choose a few unused or gently used, quality unwanted items such as purses, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings and bring them to the event. A ticket will be issued for every item brought, and the treasures displayed for everyone to view.
“Everyone will get a number and be called up to the bling tables randomly where they can pick and choose the same number of treasures they brought,” Crystal said.

Blessings included
Crystal said every women’s connection event is an opportunity to not only connect with others, but also listen to a trained motivational speaker who incorporates life experiences in an entertaining way.
The women’s connection has been meeting quarterly since 2009, typically incorporating interesting topics or craft activities. The fall event featured the topic of women’s self-defense. There have also been topics in financial planning, stamping, card making, and home decorating.
“The purpose of our women’s gathering is simply to offer women the opportunity to connect with other women in a safe, warm, friendly environment, network with others, and eat a light meal or dessert,” Crystal said. “[This event’s speaker] Sue Tunberg, a Stonecraft speaker, will bless us with her enlightening talk on ‘Angels’. She will also share life skills that can help us move beyond challenges and move forward in life with a positive, faith-filled perspective.”
Crystal said she enjoys the feedback, especially from young mothers, that remark about the free childcare given by students at Rochelle Township High School who also provide fun entertainment for the kids.
“As chairman, this event is a highlight in my schedule. Seeing each person and visiting with others is pure joy! It truly makes me feel that I am a part of my community and I walk away encouraged. Our planning team of nine women feel the same, we love throwing these parties,” Crystal said. “We hope others will join us for a break in the winter cold and find warmth, friendship, and some lovely accessories. We’d like to pack the house, so warm up your car and bring on the bling.”
Details
The event, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 2 will be held at the First Presbyterian Church social hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The $5 entry fee includes sweets, treats, and refreshments. Please RSVP to Angie at 815-751-9001 or reply YES to the Facebook event.