Sunday's meditation....

Sunday's meditation....

Busy planning for my Open House/Sample Sale...

If you are a local reader, please consider yourself invited to my Open House on Wednesday, November 3rd, from 9 to 2!  If you aren't local, then get your airline ticket and come on over!!

I am planning my annual Open House/Sample Sale, and as usual sell samples from my Willow House kit and things that may be retiring or that I can no longer store or share in my kit.  Good deals, and also, any orders that day will be 10% off.  If you are a reader and want to place an order, then I will take 15% off!  Just post a comment or email me to place your order.  Remember my website is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com.  The 15% discount applies to regular price merchandise, but also check out the eOutlet.....some great buys there as well.  There are weekly deals every week that could very well be called "steals"!!!  Check it out!

Also, hubby and I are planning a trip to Boston and would love any recommendations for places to go, things to do, restaurants to check out, etc! 
I'll post my menu later that I'll have at the Open House, but this year, it will be much simpler and much easier as this week is just crazy with much to do! 
I'll also post pics and any leftover samples that I still have for sale.  Y'all have a great weekend, and a great Halloween if you choose to celebrate that!  We always have busy Sundays with several church activities. 
Missing my baby Catherine today......we got the kids a video camera so they can record her growth and share with us!!

See y'all soon.....take care!

Busy planning for my Open House/Sample Sale...

If you are a local reader, please consider yourself invited to my Open House on Wednesday, November 3rd, from 9 to 2!  If you aren't local, then get your airline ticket and come on over!!

I am planning my annual Open House/Sample Sale, and as usual sell samples from my Willow House kit and things that may be retiring or that I can no longer store or share in my kit.  Good deals, and also, any orders that day will be 10% off.  If you are a reader and want to place an order, then I will take 15% off!  Just post a comment or email me to place your order.  Remember my website is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com.  The 15% discount applies to regular price merchandise, but also check out the eOutlet.....some great buys there as well.  There are weekly deals every week that could very well be called "steals"!!!  Check it out!

Also, hubby and I are planning a trip to Boston and would love any recommendations for places to go, things to do, restaurants to check out, etc! 
I'll post my menu later that I'll have at the Open House, but this year, it will be much simpler and much easier as this week is just crazy with much to do! 
I'll also post pics and any leftover samples that I still have for sale.  Y'all have a great weekend, and a great Halloween if you choose to celebrate that!  We always have busy Sundays with several church activities. 
Missing my baby Catherine today......we got the kids a video camera so they can record her growth and share with us!!

See y'all soon.....take care!

Willow House Weekly

A fall tablescape from our Product showcase at Convention

A lovely mantlescape from a fellow consultant

Notice the different heights on the tablescape-adds interest, and look how they tied the flatware up with the napkin!

I will try to do a normal blog post today w/o mentioning the adorableness of my baby granddaughter......now I know/understand why others can't stop gushing about their babies.  She's just so darned adorable!! Last night I held  her after her bath, and with eyes wide open, she gazed so peacefully.  Adorable, I tell you...oh, and I wasn't going to mention it, was I??

So whether you celebrate Halloween or not, do only fall decor or ghoulish, there are so many great ideas out in the world of blogs, aren't there?  I like just fall decor, but there are actually some stylish ways to decorate for Halloween.  I certainly don't go for gore, but I've seen some really CUTE ways to decorate for Halloween.  What have you seen that you like/ or what have you done?  I just have fall decor at my house, and it will last until it is time to decorate for Christmas.  That's always a fun transition, especially after I'm ready for a bit of a change.
Speaking of Christmas, have you begun your holiday shopping yet? All I have are some stocking stuffers and some baby toys for that little bundle I mentioned up above, that I wasn't going to get sidetracked with...it's just so darned hard!! Ha.

The Eclipse Platter

The Villla Server

A fun tablescape for Thanksgiving

So, if you are stumped for ideas, there are SO many places for inspiration...what are you favorites?
You can check out www.southernliving.com , www. bhg.com, and www.realsimple.com for good ideas for every season.  You can go to my website and if you check in the outlet, there are some REALLY good buys for stocking your gift closet, putting together a cooking basket for a foodie friend, decor items at inexpensive prices, and much more!  There are different "products of the week" that are marked down for just that week, so you'll want to check it weekly.  And we all know great blogs for inspiration right?  So many clever crafty blogs, so many inspiring decorating blogs and an overwhelming amount of handy, diy'ers that will gladly show us how to do it yourself!  What are your favs?
Just a few ideas from me:  something like the Eclipse Platter shown above can go from Fall Decor to Christmas decor in a matter of minutes.  For fall, you could thrown acorns or mixed nuts in and add a few pillar candles and you have an instant centerpiece.  For Christmas, simple change out the filler for small ornaments, fake snow, or red/green (or whatever your holiday color choice is) marbles/rock/glass and add a holiday candle.  You can also choose gold or silver and use jingle bells surrounding the candles.  add a few ornaments laying on top, and you've got holly, jolly decor!  In a container like the Villa Server, you can pile it full of pinecones, stick in a bow, or use it for fruits and nuts.....for Christmas, just pile it high full of ornaments with a sprig of greenery and you're good.  Or sit in a Christmas Cactus or pionsettia with some bright green reindeer moss stuffed around the edges.  Holiday Cheer for your centerpiece! What are your ideas for these products?

So I will close with a recipe......I am thinking of what I will serve at my Open House and Sample Sale coming up a week from today (yikes!!!) and what I will serve.  There is an awesome spread to put over cream cheese that many will enjoy.....you get a jar of apricot or peach preserves, put into  a bowl, stir in a Tablespoon (or more if you like a little more PUNCH!) of amaretto, and about a cup of chopped pecans.  Stir together and spread over a brick of cream cheese.  Serve with ginger snaps or wheat thins.....enjoy!  That's an EASY appetizer or treat and looks festive!  What are your favorite simple and easy appetizers???

Willow House Weekly

A fall tablescape from our Product showcase at Convention

A lovely mantlescape from a fellow consultant

Notice the different heights on the tablescape-adds interest, and look how they tied the flatware up with the napkin!

I will try to do a normal blog post today w/o mentioning the adorableness of my baby granddaughter......now I know/understand why others can't stop gushing about their babies.  She's just so darned adorable!! Last night I held  her after her bath, and with eyes wide open, she gazed so peacefully.  Adorable, I tell you...oh, and I wasn't going to mention it, was I??

So whether you celebrate Halloween or not, do only fall decor or ghoulish, there are so many great ideas out in the world of blogs, aren't there?  I like just fall decor, but there are actually some stylish ways to decorate for Halloween.  I certainly don't go for gore, but I've seen some really CUTE ways to decorate for Halloween.  What have you seen that you like/ or what have you done?  I just have fall decor at my house, and it will last until it is time to decorate for Christmas.  That's always a fun transition, especially after I'm ready for a bit of a change.
Speaking of Christmas, have you begun your holiday shopping yet? All I have are some stocking stuffers and some baby toys for that little bundle I mentioned up above, that I wasn't going to get sidetracked with...it's just so darned hard!! Ha.

The Eclipse Platter

The Villla Server

A fun tablescape for Thanksgiving

So, if you are stumped for ideas, there are SO many places for inspiration...what are you favorites?
You can check out www.southernliving.com , www. bhg.com, and www.realsimple.com for good ideas for every season.  You can go to my website and if you check in the outlet, there are some REALLY good buys for stocking your gift closet, putting together a cooking basket for a foodie friend, decor items at inexpensive prices, and much more!  There are different "products of the week" that are marked down for just that week, so you'll want to check it weekly.  And we all know great blogs for inspiration right?  So many clever crafty blogs, so many inspiring decorating blogs and an overwhelming amount of handy, diy'ers that will gladly show us how to do it yourself!  What are your favs?
Just a few ideas from me:  something like the Eclipse Platter shown above can go from Fall Decor to Christmas decor in a matter of minutes.  For fall, you could thrown acorns or mixed nuts in and add a few pillar candles and you have an instant centerpiece.  For Christmas, simple change out the filler for small ornaments, fake snow, or red/green (or whatever your holiday color choice is) marbles/rock/glass and add a holiday candle.  You can also choose gold or silver and use jingle bells surrounding the candles.  add a few ornaments laying on top, and you've got holly, jolly decor!  In a container like the Villa Server, you can pile it full of pinecones, stick in a bow, or use it for fruits and nuts.....for Christmas, just pile it high full of ornaments with a sprig of greenery and you're good.  Or sit in a Christmas Cactus or pionsettia with some bright green reindeer moss stuffed around the edges.  Holiday Cheer for your centerpiece! What are your ideas for these products?

So I will close with a recipe......I am thinking of what I will serve at my Open House and Sample Sale coming up a week from today (yikes!!!) and what I will serve.  There is an awesome spread to put over cream cheese that many will enjoy.....you get a jar of apricot or peach preserves, put into  a bowl, stir in a Tablespoon (or more if you like a little more PUNCH!) of amaretto, and about a cup of chopped pecans.  Stir together and spread over a brick of cream cheese.  Serve with ginger snaps or wheat thins.....enjoy!  That's an EASY appetizer or treat and looks festive!  What are your favorite simple and easy appetizers???

So hard to regularly post when I have such a beautiful distraction.

I will get back to normal posts, but I am doing a lot of cuddling baby, so that's all I have thought much about.  Isn't she a doll baby???
I am ready for some of that REAL fall teaser weather we had some weeks back.  I was wanting to make chili....but it seems too hot and humid!  How do you make chili?  Mine is super easy, and involves lots of cans.  I start out with my ground beef, whatever I happen to have.  I don't use 'Made for Chili" large ground beef...just whatever I have.  I brown it with onions, then drain.  I then add a can of tomato paste, a can of water, a can of tomato sauce, a can of ranch beans, a can of roasted tomaotes, diced and a good bit of chili powder, some salt, pepper and some brown sugar.  I know it's not helpful to not have amounts, but that's the way I cook so often.  You develop the right groove for what your family likes, and mostly do it the same way each time...anyway, here's to cooler, chili days!!!! Have a good day, and I'll see you back at the ranch, when I'm not busy cuddling!! :D

So hard to regularly post when I have such a beautiful distraction.

I will get back to normal posts, but I am doing a lot of cuddling baby, so that's all I have thought much about.  Isn't she a doll baby???
I am ready for some of that REAL fall teaser weather we had some weeks back.  I was wanting to make chili....but it seems too hot and humid!  How do you make chili?  Mine is super easy, and involves lots of cans.  I start out with my ground beef, whatever I happen to have.  I don't use 'Made for Chili" large ground beef...just whatever I have.  I brown it with onions, then drain.  I then add a can of tomato paste, a can of water, a can of tomato sauce, a can of ranch beans, a can of roasted tomaotes, diced and a good bit of chili powder, some salt, pepper and some brown sugar.  I know it's not helpful to not have amounts, but that's the way I cook so often.  You develop the right groove for what your family likes, and mostly do it the same way each time...anyway, here's to cooler, chili days!!!! Have a good day, and I'll see you back at the ranch, when I'm not busy cuddling!! :D

Friday Fives!!! and a baby peek!!!

I'm here in babyland soaking up all the soft baby scents, hugs and snuggles.  Ah, there is indeed nothing like it!  I'm not totally responsible for her every care, or for feeding her...wait, isn't that her only care right now???  Anyway, but I get to love on her and give her back when she needs to eat.  This is the life!!!

She is absolutely adorable, and I would say that even if she wasn't my brand new, very first grandchild.....she is hardly fussy, and really sleeps so well.  In fact, her mommy has a hard time getting her to wake up to eat!!
Here she is!

A newborn, taken in the hospital

1. Do you remember YOUR baby's first few days, or is a sleep-deprived faint and far-away memory?  Share something you remember.

Aren't those the CUTEST????

Sleeping soundly

2. What are your weekend plans?  I know what I am doing plenty of while I am here!!!

3. Are you looking forward to Daylight Savings Time going away or do you dread the colder, darker days?

4. What are you cooking since the weather is getting cooler?

5. Is there a touch of fall somewhere in your house, yard, or area?  What do you love to see?
Y'all have a great weekend!!

Friday Fives!!! and a baby peek!!!

I'm here in babyland soaking up all the soft baby scents, hugs and snuggles.  Ah, there is indeed nothing like it!  I'm not totally responsible for her every care, or for feeding her...wait, isn't that her only care right now???  Anyway, but I get to love on her and give her back when she needs to eat.  This is the life!!!

She is absolutely adorable, and I would say that even if she wasn't my brand new, very first grandchild.....she is hardly fussy, and really sleeps so well.  In fact, her mommy has a hard time getting her to wake up to eat!!
Here she is!

A newborn, taken in the hospital

1. Do you remember YOUR baby's first few days, or is a sleep-deprived faint and far-away memory?  Share something you remember.

Aren't those the CUTEST????

Sleeping soundly

2. What are your weekend plans?  I know what I am doing plenty of while I am here!!!

3. Are you looking forward to Daylight Savings Time going away or do you dread the colder, darker days?

4. What are you cooking since the weather is getting cooler?

5. Is there a touch of fall somewhere in your house, yard, or area?  What do you love to see?
Y'all have a great weekend!!

Willow House Weekly

Well, since Wednesday is almost over, and I am almost out the door to go see my g'baby, I can't resist telling you to go right on over to my Willow House webpage, and to the eOutlet, and see if there are any of these babies left!  Can you believe they are selling for only $3.96 and the rectangular ones to match only $7.96????? What a deal...and can you imagine how smart we'd all look if we had some quick breads and these wrapped together in cellophane for quick gifts for the holidays??? Whoa, girls!  Run right over and see if they are still there!  My webpage is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com. 

And here's the best banana bread recipe I've ever come across....fast, easy and delicious!
All Time Favorite Banana Bread:
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
 1/2 t. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1/2 c. margarine or butter (1 stick)
2 to 4 very ripe bananas
2 eggs
chopped walnuts or pecans

Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  In food processor or blender, puree eggs, margarine and bananas.  Stir into dry ingredients.  Stir in nuts.  Pour into greased loaf pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.  Test if done.  May need additional 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set for 5 minutes and remove from pan.  Makes 1 large or 2 small loaves.
Enjoy.
Hopefully I'll be back with some baby pics soon!!!

Willow House Weekly

Well, since Wednesday is almost over, and I am almost out the door to go see my g'baby, I can't resist telling you to go right on over to my Willow House webpage, and to the eOutlet, and see if there are any of these babies left!  Can you believe they are selling for only $3.96 and the rectangular ones to match only $7.96????? What a deal...and can you imagine how smart we'd all look if we had some quick breads and these wrapped together in cellophane for quick gifts for the holidays??? Whoa, girls!  Run right over and see if they are still there!  My webpage is southerninspiration.willowhouse.com. 

And here's the best banana bread recipe I've ever come across....fast, easy and delicious!
All Time Favorite Banana Bread:
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
 1/2 t. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1/2 c. margarine or butter (1 stick)
2 to 4 very ripe bananas
2 eggs
chopped walnuts or pecans

Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  In food processor or blender, puree eggs, margarine and bananas.  Stir into dry ingredients.  Stir in nuts.  Pour into greased loaf pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.  Test if done.  May need additional 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set for 5 minutes and remove from pan.  Makes 1 large or 2 small loaves.
Enjoy.
Hopefully I'll be back with some baby pics soon!!!

Excuse me, but have you seen Monday?

Wherever did it go?  I was on the go yesterday, running errands and such....I have some big things coming up, and I am getting ready for them!

So I have my Willow House Open House & Sample Sale  coming up.....and I am working on the menu.  It was have to be a little simpler this year, as I have a million and one things packed in the calendar all around the Open House.  Whoa, however did the calendar get so FULL already?  Do you feel like that sometime, that it doesn't do any good to plan things as the calendar gets darned full whether you plan things or not??? However, I have to say that many of them are joyous things in my life, so I am not at all complaining!
One of them is a visit to see my new grandbaby!! I am over the moon excited!  I cannot wait to snuggle her!!!  The baby smells, the soft baby skin, oh my goodness!!
I realize I am not the only grandmother in the world, and many around me are also having grandbabies, and even their first, but it all feels so wonderful so please excuse any momentary gushing that you may encounter.  I'll just add fair warning, that it may not be quite over just yet!!! Ha!

So some of what I did yesterday was baby shopping....oh my lands, there is a whole new retail area yet to discover.....shopping for grandbabies.  I can tell I am going to have to have a bonafide Baby budget!!!

Also, I need to get back to my Get It Done party that I had back in September! I don't know how much I got completed from that list, but I do know that I got a great start on getting the upstairs bathroom done.  The painting and de-wallpapering got done, thanks to my neighbor.  Just some minor repairs, and the trim painting and replacing the fixtures...and it will be complete.  Hubby will help get those things done. 
The rest of that list will be put on temporary hold.  I have a baby to rock and visit!!

Ingleside Luminaries--aren't they adorable?

I will leave by saying that there is a cool giveaway going on.  Our WH design team has a blog called Plate and Pattern, and every Tuesday, they have a giveaway from the Prop closet!  Go check out today's giveaway: in fact here's a sneak peek!  They have such fun things over there, so make it one of your favs!!!

Well, enough rambling for today....come back tomorrow for Willow House Wednesday!  See you soon!

Excuse me, but have you seen Monday?

Wherever did it go?  I was on the go yesterday, running errands and such....I have some big things coming up, and I am getting ready for them!

So I have my Willow House Open House & Sample Sale  coming up.....and I am working on the menu.  It was have to be a little simpler this year, as I have a million and one things packed in the calendar all around the Open House.  Whoa, however did the calendar get so FULL already?  Do you feel like that sometime, that it doesn't do any good to plan things as the calendar gets darned full whether you plan things or not??? However, I have to say that many of them are joyous things in my life, so I am not at all complaining!
One of them is a visit to see my new grandbaby!! I am over the moon excited!  I cannot wait to snuggle her!!!  The baby smells, the soft baby skin, oh my goodness!!
I realize I am not the only grandmother in the world, and many around me are also having grandbabies, and even their first, but it all feels so wonderful so please excuse any momentary gushing that you may encounter.  I'll just add fair warning, that it may not be quite over just yet!!! Ha!

So some of what I did yesterday was baby shopping....oh my lands, there is a whole new retail area yet to discover.....shopping for grandbabies.  I can tell I am going to have to have a bonafide Baby budget!!!

Also, I need to get back to my Get It Done party that I had back in September! I don't know how much I got completed from that list, but I do know that I got a great start on getting the upstairs bathroom done.  The painting and de-wallpapering got done, thanks to my neighbor.  Just some minor repairs, and the trim painting and replacing the fixtures...and it will be complete.  Hubby will help get those things done. 
The rest of that list will be put on temporary hold.  I have a baby to rock and visit!!

Ingleside Luminaries--aren't they adorable?

I will leave by saying that there is a cool giveaway going on.  Our WH design team has a blog called Plate and Pattern, and every Tuesday, they have a giveaway from the Prop closet!  Go check out today's giveaway: in fact here's a sneak peek!  They have such fun things over there, so make it one of your favs!!!

Well, enough rambling for today....come back tomorrow for Willow House Wednesday!  See you soon!

Friday fives......

Friday Fives today!! Yay, I love hearing from y'all!  I will do it with a twist today!

1.What is the neutral color in your home?  We have a lot of neutral builder beige, which I would slowly like to change! What about YOU?  Here's a link to Plate and Pattern blog that talks about gray being the new neutral and how to incorporate it!

2. Do you manage to cook healthy meals for your family and/or kids?  Here's a link to a website that addresses both!  KitchenBelleicious-- I'm advertising over there, and she is a La hometown girl, so check her out...she's adorable!
She also has a kids bellicious site you'll want to check out. AND she has a Lisa Leonard giveaway going on!  If you visit, please let her know that I sent you over!

3.Can I ask you a favor?  Would you "LIKE" my Facebook business page?  I am trying to build up my business page, and I would love to get the word out...if you pass it on to your friends, I would be delighted....yes, that's a selfless, selfish promotion, but you'll excuse the new grandma, won't you? Now, I realize some of you are not even on Facebook, so you can tell me you like me in the comments below if you want !! :D  I'd SO much appreciate it!

4. Do you have a baby shower coming up? Do you keep an idea of  files for just such parties? or do you know someone who does?  Check out this Diaper TRICYCLE that Southern Fried Dreams made....is that not adorable! Go ahead, I'll be here when you come back! http://southernfrieddreams.blogspot.com; she is a soul sister that sells Willow House, too....and a blog friend!  Let her know I sent you over to see!

5. Do you shop online? What is your favorite shopping site?  Have you ever shopped Zulily?  I am just beginning to discover how fun shopping for grandbaby is!! If you want some beautiful baby bargains, check out Zulily, and sign up for their site, via my referral and we BOTH get good deals!!
http://www.zulily.com/invite/sjoffrion496

Also, you can get an adorable black owl vinyl decal today at Wonderfully Wordy thru GroupDealz for only $5 

Well, that's enough for today's Friday Fives....hope something here has inspired you.....even though it's like flipping back and forth, I hope I haven't lost you to one of those other sites!! Do please play along and answer the questions!! Pretty please!
See you later, chicas!

Friday fives......

Friday Fives today!! Yay, I love hearing from y'all!  I will do it with a twist today!

1.What is the neutral color in your home?  We have a lot of neutral builder beige, which I would slowly like to change! What about YOU?  Here's a link to Plate and Pattern blog that talks about gray being the new neutral and how to incorporate it!

2. Do you manage to cook healthy meals for your family and/or kids?  Here's a link to a website that addresses both!  KitchenBelleicious-- I'm advertising over there, and she is a La hometown girl, so check her out...she's adorable!
She also has a kids bellicious site you'll want to check out. AND she has a Lisa Leonard giveaway going on!  If you visit, please let her know that I sent you over!

3.Can I ask you a favor?  Would you "LIKE" my Facebook business page?  I am trying to build up my business page, and I would love to get the word out...if you pass it on to your friends, I would be delighted....yes, that's a selfless, selfish promotion, but you'll excuse the new grandma, won't you? Now, I realize some of you are not even on Facebook, so you can tell me you like me in the comments below if you want !! :D  I'd SO much appreciate it!

4. Do you have a baby shower coming up? Do you keep an idea of  files for just such parties? or do you know someone who does?  Check out this Diaper TRICYCLE that Southern Fried Dreams made....is that not adorable! Go ahead, I'll be here when you come back! http://southernfrieddreams.blogspot.com; she is a soul sister that sells Willow House, too....and a blog friend!  Let her know I sent you over to see!

5. Do you shop online? What is your favorite shopping site?  Have you ever shopped Zulily?  I am just beginning to discover how fun shopping for grandbaby is!! If you want some beautiful baby bargains, check out Zulily, and sign up for their site, via my referral and we BOTH get good deals!!
http://www.zulily.com/invite/sjoffrion496

Also, you can get an adorable black owl vinyl decal today at Wonderfully Wordy thru GroupDealz for only $5 

Well, that's enough for today's Friday Fives....hope something here has inspired you.....even though it's like flipping back and forth, I hope I haven't lost you to one of those other sites!! Do please play along and answer the questions!! Pretty please!
See you later, chicas!

Willow House Wed. was obviously interrupted!

so I will bring that to you today instead....a grandbaby trumps Willow House ANYDAY, right???  Thanks for all your congratulations messages and for joining in and sharing my joy!!
I am praying today because they make the transition from hospital to home today.  They have two large dogs, and bringing the baby home will be BIG news to them. Here's what Heather's mom did, which was a fabulous idea!  She visited the hospital and brought home some clothing that baby Catherine had worn, and took it home to  let the dogs sniff it, and then put it in the baby swing so they could get used to it before the baby comes home....isn't that a great idea???

Oh, well, on to Willow House Weekly (on Thursday ) this week!  I wanted to let you know of a sale that we are having for October, which can be seen on my webpage....southerninspiration.willowhouse.com!  It is October Bonus Days here at Willow House!  We have a dozen or so products that are 25% off!  Here's a sneak peek:

For our regular customer special, which is if you buy merchandise worth 39.96 or more, then you can take a product valued up to $40 (reg. price) for half price; in October, the bonus is that if you spend 59.96, you can take a product valued at $60 (reg. price) or less for half off! Sweet deal, isn't it?
And remember that we now have an eOutlet to shop from as well.....your Christmas shopping can begin right now! If you decide to order, please put my name in the hostess field when checking out, if you don't mind.
Here's a picture of an idea for the Roxy Cheeseboard....put a vinyl message on the board and give it as a gift or hang it on the kitchen wall......

At the Willow House Convention, in our Product Showcase, the took the Jolly Christmas Runner and used it to make a window treatment for the kitchen....isn't that adorable?  And the stockings that match it hang nearby!

Are YOU looking forward to decorating for Christmas???

So I will leave you with a tip and a recipe for this edition of Willow House weekly!
The tip of the day: Have you heard about.....www.fancyflours.com-a vast emporium of cookie cutters (per Real Simple magazine), toppers and gift packaging will inspire even nonbakers to turn on the oven!  Not a cook, how about wrapitup-enter your gift box's measurements and find out how much paper and ribbon you'll really per present! Even has step by step tutorials for non-wrappers...not rappers, wrappers!

and so I leave you with a recipe for that first nippy evening

S'mores Hot Chocolate (found in Southern Lady Holidays magazine)
2 c. heavy whipping cream
1 (4oz) bar semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 cups milk
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. vanilla extract
1 (8oz) container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed
1 (7oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Garnish: crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings

In a large saucepan, combine cream and chocolate over medium heat, whisking constantly, until chocolate is melted.  Add milk, sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth.  Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently; do not boil.
In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping and marshmallow creme.  Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Add graham cracker crumbs, beating until well combined.  Spoon or pipe cream mixture on top of hot chocolate.  Top with additional crushed graham crackers and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Doesn't this sound like a fun dessert????  Enjoy!

Willow House Wed. was obviously interrupted!

so I will bring that to you today instead....a grandbaby trumps Willow House ANYDAY, right???  Thanks for all your congratulations messages and for joining in and sharing my joy!!
I am praying today because they make the transition from hospital to home today.  They have two large dogs, and bringing the baby home will be BIG news to them. Here's what Heather's mom did, which was a fabulous idea!  She visited the hospital and brought home some clothing that baby Catherine had worn, and took it home to  let the dogs sniff it, and then put it in the baby swing so they could get used to it before the baby comes home....isn't that a great idea???

Oh, well, on to Willow House Weekly (on Thursday ) this week!  I wanted to let you know of a sale that we are having for October, which can be seen on my webpage....southerninspiration.willowhouse.com!  It is October Bonus Days here at Willow House!  We have a dozen or so products that are 25% off!  Here's a sneak peek:

For our regular customer special, which is if you buy merchandise worth 39.96 or more, then you can take a product valued up to $40 (reg. price) for half price; in October, the bonus is that if you spend 59.96, you can take a product valued at $60 (reg. price) or less for half off! Sweet deal, isn't it?
And remember that we now have an eOutlet to shop from as well.....your Christmas shopping can begin right now! If you decide to order, please put my name in the hostess field when checking out, if you don't mind.
Here's a picture of an idea for the Roxy Cheeseboard....put a vinyl message on the board and give it as a gift or hang it on the kitchen wall......

At the Willow House Convention, in our Product Showcase, the took the Jolly Christmas Runner and used it to make a window treatment for the kitchen....isn't that adorable?  And the stockings that match it hang nearby!

Are YOU looking forward to decorating for Christmas???

So I will leave you with a tip and a recipe for this edition of Willow House weekly!
The tip of the day: Have you heard about.....www.fancyflours.com-a vast emporium of cookie cutters (per Real Simple magazine), toppers and gift packaging will inspire even nonbakers to turn on the oven!  Not a cook, how about wrapitup-enter your gift box's measurements and find out how much paper and ribbon you'll really per present! Even has step by step tutorials for non-wrappers...not rappers, wrappers!

and so I leave you with a recipe for that first nippy evening

S'mores Hot Chocolate (found in Southern Lady Holidays magazine)
2 c. heavy whipping cream
1 (4oz) bar semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 cups milk
1/4 c. sugar
1 T. vanilla extract
1 (8oz) container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed
1 (7oz) jar marshmallow creme
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Garnish: crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings

In a large saucepan, combine cream and chocolate over medium heat, whisking constantly, until chocolate is melted.  Add milk, sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth.  Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently; do not boil.
In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping and marshmallow creme.  Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Add graham cracker crumbs, beating until well combined.  Spoon or pipe cream mixture on top of hot chocolate.  Top with additional crushed graham crackers and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Doesn't this sound like a fun dessert????  Enjoy!