Merry Christmas!!!

Saw a cute t-shirt that said, "All my mommy wants is a silent night"....but I wish "Silent Night, Holy Night" reality for each of you!

Willow House wishes YOU a Merry Christmas!

May your fires burn brightly, and it be cool enough for a fire!  It currently is near 80 in Houston, but will be colder by Christmas!! :D

Merry Christmas from Me to YOU!

Merry Christmas!!!

Saw a cute t-shirt that said, "All my mommy wants is a silent night"....but I wish "Silent Night, Holy Night" reality for each of you!

Willow House wishes YOU a Merry Christmas!

May your fires burn brightly, and it be cool enough for a fire!  It currently is near 80 in Houston, but will be colder by Christmas!! :D

Merry Christmas from Me to YOU!

Insanity!

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I can be a bit impulsive.....or spontaneous, depending on how you look at it!  I am bad about starting a project and taking a long time to finish it because I am an idealist and I want it to be perfect.......hmmmmm....
So I had this dream last night.....(any Dr. Phils out there, feel free to analyze!).  In my dream, we were in this strange house, and the bedroom was literally covered in a small floral.....and I mean covered.  So in my dream, I began to peel it away, wondering how difficult it would be.  It peeled away so easily, to reveal clean and plain everything.....I mean everything was covered!  So in my dream, I continued to peel away, loving the clean, fresh feeling it was leaving.  And then BAM!, right before I woke up to the sound of the dog scratching on the door to want to come in, it hit me.  There was a very lovely molding around the ceiling of the large bedroom (I have that NOW) and there was a lovely, deep baseboard all around the floor ( I would love that NOW).  And it occured to me....."hey, if I take all of this off now, then I could do board and batten all around the room!" And then,   I woke up!
And I said to self...."NOW is not the time to take on a project right before Christmas and right before you have shoulder surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!"......so what does this say about me, Dr. Phil????

Thought you might enjoy a DIY laugh today, just as I did.  I have PLENTY of DIY to finish up in the next six days, what about YOU?????

Insanity!

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I can be a bit impulsive.....or spontaneous, depending on how you look at it!  I am bad about starting a project and taking a long time to finish it because I am an idealist and I want it to be perfect.......hmmmmm....
So I had this dream last night.....(any Dr. Phils out there, feel free to analyze!).  In my dream, we were in this strange house, and the bedroom was literally covered in a small floral.....and I mean covered.  So in my dream, I began to peel it away, wondering how difficult it would be.  It peeled away so easily, to reveal clean and plain everything.....I mean everything was covered!  So in my dream, I continued to peel away, loving the clean, fresh feeling it was leaving.  And then BAM!, right before I woke up to the sound of the dog scratching on the door to want to come in, it hit me.  There was a very lovely molding around the ceiling of the large bedroom (I have that NOW) and there was a lovely, deep baseboard all around the floor ( I would love that NOW).  And it occured to me....."hey, if I take all of this off now, then I could do board and batten all around the room!" And then,   I woke up!
And I said to self...."NOW is not the time to take on a project right before Christmas and right before you have shoulder surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!"......so what does this say about me, Dr. Phil????

Thought you might enjoy a DIY laugh today, just as I did.  I have PLENTY of DIY to finish up in the next six days, what about YOU?????

don't you LOVE great customer service???? Keurig's got it!

Recently I discovered that my Keurig coffeemaker had a crack in the plastic housing....so that's why I was getting coffee grounds in my coffee!!!!!!

I received this Keurig (this is the coffeemaker that makes one cup of coffee at a time, using K-cups) LAST Christmas from my kiddos.  It has a one year warranty.  GREAT, I will call them, although I am not quite sure exactly when the kids bought it last year.  Anyway to make a long story short, they have GREAT customer service and they are sending me a brand new machine.  I cannot tell you how impressed and excited I am!
Yay, for Keurig and their great customer service! Who have you had great customer service from?  We need to spread the word and shop these companies that offer good customer service to reward them for doing so!

don't you LOVE great customer service???? Keurig's got it!

Recently I discovered that my Keurig coffeemaker had a crack in the plastic housing....so that's why I was getting coffee grounds in my coffee!!!!!!

I received this Keurig (this is the coffeemaker that makes one cup of coffee at a time, using K-cups) LAST Christmas from my kiddos.  It has a one year warranty.  GREAT, I will call them, although I am not quite sure exactly when the kids bought it last year.  Anyway to make a long story short, they have GREAT customer service and they are sending me a brand new machine.  I cannot tell you how impressed and excited I am!
Yay, for Keurig and their great customer service! Who have you had great customer service from?  We need to spread the word and shop these companies that offer good customer service to reward them for doing so!

Monday's motivator.....

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.....are you baking or shopping today?

  Do you mail out Christmas cards?
  Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!  Enjoy your day!

Monday's motivator.....

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.....are you baking or shopping today?

  Do you mail out Christmas cards?
  Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!  Enjoy your day!

Friday Fives......they're BACK!!!

I've missed my Friday Fives and hearing from you, my blogging friends!  Please participate and let us get to know one another a little better and have a little fun. It will not involve any  picture taking nor revealing of any Christmas decorations, but could possibly include another recipe that might be just right for the holidays.
I have done minimal decorating this year, and it's going to be just fine.  I look forward to spending it with all my children and my first baby girl grandbaby....I did just get to take a four day trip over to see her....it was wonderful...and now I'll get to see her again!!  How exciting!


So the Friday Fives first ....
1. The most exciting thing that I could unwrap on Christmas morning would be.........

2. Name a fun family tradition that you and your family do or would like to start.

3. Name a favorite Christmas song or hymn.

4. How do you celebrate Christmas?  Is it a formal holiday for your family or a very informal one as for as your meal goes?

5. What sounds do you hear right now as your read this blog and type your answers?

Ok, so a recipe for you.......another Christmas morning breakfast favorite from our household.....

 Old Fashion Butter Rolls

3 c. all purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1 t. salt

1/3 c. shortening (it's a very old recipe and actually calls for lard, in case you are so inclined....)

1 c. milk

3/4 c. butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla (nutmeg can be substituted if you'd rather)

Mix all together with fingertips. Knead until smooth on biscuit board. Roll out 1/4 inch thick on board. Spread with 3/4 c. softened butter, sprinkle 1 1/2 c. sugar on top. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a 9 x 13 cake pan; slowly pour enough boiling water over the rolls to cover them. (this is important because it makes the yummy, yummy sauce). Sprinkle 1 t. vanilla over the top. Bake 350 degrees for one hour until browned. Serve with whipping cream. Serve 8-10. We never use the whipping cream because we like them with just the sauce......don't be afraid to lick your fingers.......it's basically a Christmas tradition for us, so we look forward to them all year long.

Merry Christmas Y'all!!!

Friday Fives......they're BACK!!!

I've missed my Friday Fives and hearing from you, my blogging friends!  Please participate and let us get to know one another a little better and have a little fun. It will not involve any  picture taking nor revealing of any Christmas decorations, but could possibly include another recipe that might be just right for the holidays.
I have done minimal decorating this year, and it's going to be just fine.  I look forward to spending it with all my children and my first baby girl grandbaby....I did just get to take a four day trip over to see her....it was wonderful...and now I'll get to see her again!!  How exciting!


So the Friday Fives first ....
1. The most exciting thing that I could unwrap on Christmas morning would be.........

2. Name a fun family tradition that you and your family do or would like to start.

3. Name a favorite Christmas song or hymn.

4. How do you celebrate Christmas?  Is it a formal holiday for your family or a very informal one as for as your meal goes?

5. What sounds do you hear right now as your read this blog and type your answers?

Ok, so a recipe for you.......another Christmas morning breakfast favorite from our household.....

 Old Fashion Butter Rolls

3 c. all purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

1 t. salt

1/3 c. shortening (it's a very old recipe and actually calls for lard, in case you are so inclined....)

1 c. milk

3/4 c. butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla (nutmeg can be substituted if you'd rather)

Mix all together with fingertips. Knead until smooth on biscuit board. Roll out 1/4 inch thick on board. Spread with 3/4 c. softened butter, sprinkle 1 1/2 c. sugar on top. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a 9 x 13 cake pan; slowly pour enough boiling water over the rolls to cover them. (this is important because it makes the yummy, yummy sauce). Sprinkle 1 t. vanilla over the top. Bake 350 degrees for one hour until browned. Serve with whipping cream. Serve 8-10. We never use the whipping cream because we like them with just the sauce......don't be afraid to lick your fingers.......it's basically a Christmas tradition for us, so we look forward to them all year long.

Merry Christmas Y'all!!!

One of our family favorites and traditions.....

The original recipe for these biscuits I found in the 1984 Southern Living annual recipe book. And I've been making them for a long time. They freeze well, so we'd both do well to get some in the freezer and then forget about them until Christmas morning. If we don't forget about them, we'll be too tempted to pull them out and eat them EVERY MORNING from now until then. They are THAT good.

So dear reader, here are my (well the original recipe came from Martha Martin in Vardaman, MS....If I knew Martha, I'd send her a thank you note!)

Sausage Biscuit Bites

3/4 pound hot bulk pork sausage (or just regular is what I use)
2 2/3 c. all purpose flour
2 T. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 c. buttermilk***
Melted butter or margarine

Cook sausage in a skillet until browned, stirring to crumble; drain well and set aside.
Combine the next 5 ingredients, mixing well; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until mixture looks like coarse meal. Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add yeast mixture to buttermilk, stirring well. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Knead in sausage. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 3 or 4 times.
Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with a 1 3/4 inch round cutter. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 3 dozen biscuits
Note: To freeze, place uncooked biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet; cover and freeze until firm. Transfer frozen biscuits to plastic bags. To bake, place frozen biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet ; bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Thanks, Martha!! These are one of our favorites!!!
***I always keep Buttermilk Powder in my fridge, but don't always have real buttermilk. Many times I have substitued dry buttermilk powder mixed in the dry ingredients and add the appropriate amount of water to the liquid ingredients. Also I have doubled this recipe many times and it always turns out great! Enjoy!!!!

Here is what my brand of Buttermilk powder look

One of our family favorites and traditions.....

The original recipe for these biscuits I found in the 1984 Southern Living annual recipe book. And I've been making them for a long time. They freeze well, so we'd both do well to get some in the freezer and then forget about them until Christmas morning. If we don't forget about them, we'll be too tempted to pull them out and eat them EVERY MORNING from now until then. They are THAT good.

So dear reader, here are my (well the original recipe came from Martha Martin in Vardaman, MS....If I knew Martha, I'd send her a thank you note!)

Sausage Biscuit Bites

3/4 pound hot bulk pork sausage (or just regular is what I use)
2 2/3 c. all purpose flour
2 T. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 c. buttermilk***
Melted butter or margarine

Cook sausage in a skillet until browned, stirring to crumble; drain well and set aside.
Combine the next 5 ingredients, mixing well; cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until mixture looks like coarse meal. Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add yeast mixture to buttermilk, stirring well. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Knead in sausage. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 3 or 4 times.
Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with a 1 3/4 inch round cutter. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 3 dozen biscuits
Note: To freeze, place uncooked biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet; cover and freeze until firm. Transfer frozen biscuits to plastic bags. To bake, place frozen biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet ; bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Thanks, Martha!! These are one of our favorites!!!
***I always keep Buttermilk Powder in my fridge, but don't always have real buttermilk. Many times I have substitued dry buttermilk powder mixed in the dry ingredients and add the appropriate amount of water to the liquid ingredients. Also I have doubled this recipe many times and it always turns out great! Enjoy!!!!

Here is what my brand of Buttermilk powder look

Tis The Season......

to ponder This!

Tis The Season......

to ponder This!

Why is it that Willow House Wednesday always happens on Thursday?????

It's crazy, but it usually happens that way....is it because I am in a perpetual state of being behind.....well , there could indeed be an element of truth to that!  Or perhaps we could say I am always six days ahead for NEXT week's Willow House Wednesday...yes, that's it!

I saw this new ad for our Spring 2011 (can you believe it? Even just typing it seems unreal that we are about to be in 2011.....it was just yesterday that we wondered about Y2K! and here we are today, more online than ever!)....oh, yes, back to the Starter kit for new consultants in 2011....And...I just had to show you because it's a really cool, sneak peek into a few of the new OH.SO.AWESOME products that you can expect to see in the catalog that I hope will be on my doorstep next week sometime!  I am super excited!  So many good things, especially the new things coming out....well, here take a look for yourself....

You should be able to enlarge it by clicking on the picture.....but just a few comments....isn't that the most adorable apron EVER???  And a new cookbook stand that's making me wish I could sell the one I have and get that one!  oh, and how about that adorable wire memo board and card holder....sigh.  Too, too cute, right???
Also, I have a list of things that will be discontinued.....if you have a collection that you want to finish out, it may be the time to do it.....The list will be on  my  website, so go on over and check to make sure that nothing you have to have will be on that discontinued list.  Remember that you can order anytime with no minimums on my website, which is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com.
Y'all have a good day whatever it is that you have planned.  I have a feeling it's going to be a GOOD, GOOD day!
I might get some pics of any Christmas decorations I have put out by New Years....and remember, we're all just way ahead ......I'll be ready by NEXT Christmas!

Why is it that Willow House Wednesday always happens on Thursday?????

It's crazy, but it usually happens that way....is it because I am in a perpetual state of being behind.....well , there could indeed be an element of truth to that!  Or perhaps we could say I am always six days ahead for NEXT week's Willow House Wednesday...yes, that's it!

I saw this new ad for our Spring 2011 (can you believe it? Even just typing it seems unreal that we are about to be in 2011.....it was just yesterday that we wondered about Y2K! and here we are today, more online than ever!)....oh, yes, back to the Starter kit for new consultants in 2011....And...I just had to show you because it's a really cool, sneak peek into a few of the new OH.SO.AWESOME products that you can expect to see in the catalog that I hope will be on my doorstep next week sometime!  I am super excited!  So many good things, especially the new things coming out....well, here take a look for yourself....

You should be able to enlarge it by clicking on the picture.....but just a few comments....isn't that the most adorable apron EVER???  And a new cookbook stand that's making me wish I could sell the one I have and get that one!  oh, and how about that adorable wire memo board and card holder....sigh.  Too, too cute, right???
Also, I have a list of things that will be discontinued.....if you have a collection that you want to finish out, it may be the time to do it.....The list will be on  my  website, so go on over and check to make sure that nothing you have to have will be on that discontinued list.  Remember that you can order anytime with no minimums on my website, which is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com.
Y'all have a good day whatever it is that you have planned.  I have a feeling it's going to be a GOOD, GOOD day!
I might get some pics of any Christmas decorations I have put out by New Years....and remember, we're all just way ahead ......I'll be ready by NEXT Christmas!

In which I talk about snow, even though we don't get SNEAUX in Texas!

Nope, we don't get snow or even sneaux in Texas.....except the occasional four flakes that might fall every few years!  But I do have a recipe that's fun for kids, and especially fun to give children as a small gift.  If you add a Dollar Store mug, it makes a cute little gift even for adults!
I'm referring to Snowman Soup....have you heard of it?  Here's a post on it I did last year, and since it's a timely gift-giving idea, I thought I'd share again.  Here's the poem that goes along with it....Put the mix in a ziploc bag, stick in a mug, tie with cellophane and a bow. 

Snowman Soup

I was told that you’d been good this year
Always glad to hear it.
With freezing weather drawing near
You’ll need to warm the spirit
So here’s a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, stir it slowly
It’s sure to do the trick!

Ingredients: Hot chocolate mix,
Snowballs (shhh, marshmallows!) , Snowman kisses (shhh, chocolate chips)  and
Stirring stick  (Peppermint Stick)



 Here's some examples, but there are a lot online if you google Snowman Soup.

And I am a little patchy about my posting these last few days, in case you noticed....lots going on.  However, I do have a quick visit with the Princess coming up that has me pretty excited! Yes, that would be Princess Catherine......look at how she is growing!  I really must check this out myself, so I'm going to make a quick three day house visit!  She needs to see her Peaches, you know!!! :D
Take a look:

In which I talk about snow, even though we don't get SNEAUX in Texas!

Nope, we don't get snow or even sneaux in Texas.....except the occasional four flakes that might fall every few years!  But I do have a recipe that's fun for kids, and especially fun to give children as a small gift.  If you add a Dollar Store mug, it makes a cute little gift even for adults!
I'm referring to Snowman Soup....have you heard of it?  Here's a post on it I did last year, and since it's a timely gift-giving idea, I thought I'd share again.  Here's the poem that goes along with it....Put the mix in a ziploc bag, stick in a mug, tie with cellophane and a bow. 

Snowman Soup

I was told that you’d been good this year
Always glad to hear it.
With freezing weather drawing near
You’ll need to warm the spirit
So here’s a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Add hot water, stir it slowly
It’s sure to do the trick!

Ingredients: Hot chocolate mix,
Snowballs (shhh, marshmallows!) , Snowman kisses (shhh, chocolate chips)  and
Stirring stick  (Peppermint Stick)



 Here's some examples, but there are a lot online if you google Snowman Soup.

And I am a little patchy about my posting these last few days, in case you noticed....lots going on.  However, I do have a quick visit with the Princess coming up that has me pretty excited! Yes, that would be Princess Catherine......look at how she is growing!  I really must check this out myself, so I'm going to make a quick three day house visit!  She needs to see her Peaches, you know!!! :D
Take a look:

It was a great Thanksgiving!

For Man and Beast......heehee.......Hope you are enjoying your "recovery" from the holiday and know you are blessed!  I know I AM!!!

Psalm 100
Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise!

It was a great Thanksgiving!

For Man and Beast......heehee.......Hope you are enjoying your "recovery" from the holiday and know you are blessed!  I know I AM!!!

Psalm 100
Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise!

I guess I'm just tired...

and I didn't even do any Black Friday shopping! We enjoyed a delightful day at the home of some friends of ours....it was a very nice day and meal.  My part of the meal was Carrot Souffle (one of our favorite traditions), an Apple Cake and the rolls.  I just bought frozen roll dough at Kroger's....delicious but oh.so.simple!
There was a feast!

So today, I am trying to get order to my house before I can even think about getting any Christmas decor out of the attic.  I have asked son #2 to get the boxes down before they leave again tomorrow.  He has to get back early to study for a big test coming up next week. 
I am feeling so unmotivated to get all the Christmas decor out. I am having my shoulder surgery on the 29th of December, and I keep thinking, "what I put out, I will have to put away and not sure how fast that will happen after my surgery....this is the first year, I think I will buy a small artificial pre-lighted tree!
Have you ever had a year where you purposefully cut back on how you decorated for Christmas? I am struggling with making this decision and feeling sort of overwhelmed already! 

I guess I just need to get the Christmas music going to get into the spirit!  At least the weather cooled off and it is so nice now.  I'll be making a big pot of chili tomorrow! YUMMO!  Love cold weather and chili, don't you?

I guess I'm just tired...

and I didn't even do any Black Friday shopping! We enjoyed a delightful day at the home of some friends of ours....it was a very nice day and meal.  My part of the meal was Carrot Souffle (one of our favorite traditions), an Apple Cake and the rolls.  I just bought frozen roll dough at Kroger's....delicious but oh.so.simple!
There was a feast!

So today, I am trying to get order to my house before I can even think about getting any Christmas decor out of the attic.  I have asked son #2 to get the boxes down before they leave again tomorrow.  He has to get back early to study for a big test coming up next week. 
I am feeling so unmotivated to get all the Christmas decor out. I am having my shoulder surgery on the 29th of December, and I keep thinking, "what I put out, I will have to put away and not sure how fast that will happen after my surgery....this is the first year, I think I will buy a small artificial pre-lighted tree!
Have you ever had a year where you purposefully cut back on how you decorated for Christmas? I am struggling with making this decision and feeling sort of overwhelmed already! 

I guess I just need to get the Christmas music going to get into the spirit!  At least the weather cooled off and it is so nice now.  I'll be making a big pot of chili tomorrow! YUMMO!  Love cold weather and chili, don't you?

Wednesdays with Willow House...

Tis the eve of Thanksgiving
and all thru the house,
The mammas are cooking
And thinking,  "where is my spouse?"
He's likely in hiding, remote close by AND
Gearing up for football, with a beverage in hand.

So Mamma is cooking and all the while,
Thinking of the shopping to come, going aisle after aisle!
With Christmas only weeks away......the lists are so daunting
The decor, the parties, and the gifts are so haunting!
But a great solution for a Mom OR her spouse?
It's shopping online with Willow House!!!

We have a season of savings sale, (good thru November)
And a Very Merry December Sale, you'll want to remember
Add in eOutlet sales and you're in for a treat
You can shop from your seat on not on your feet!!!

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving my friends, and when you're too stuffed to move, check out my website, to find some mighty terrific deals without having to fight the Black Friday crowds.......easy!! Ordering online never was this GREAT until now!  Let me know if you have any questions at all...I'd love to help get your shopping done!  For anyone who shops from my website, and leaves a comment below, I'll have a drawing for a Decorative Card and Photo Display, perfect for using your Christmas cards as part of your decor!!!  It looks like this:

visit my website at southerninspiration.willowhouse.com, and check the eOutlet, the Weekly Deals as well as the regular catalog pages, and the specials on the pics above....there's a WHOLE LOT of Black friday specials, at your leisure!!  Have fun, y'all!