MONDAY MADNESS WITH WILLOW HOUSE

We had a fabulous weekend with family and dear friends. Lots of  shopping, fun, food, and laughter!! Not too much sleep though : )
Enjoyed much time snuggling my sweet grandson too!!

Here are the deals for this week with WILLOW HOUSE. REMEMBER THESE PRICES ONLY LAST 1 WEEK SO ORDER BEFORE THEY ARE GONE.

LIDDED URN was $59.96 now this week$19.96

LUMINOUS MARTINI GLASSES $12.96 SET 2

Set of two bowls and one tray; Bowls are 5 3/4" square x 3" tall; tray is 15 3/4" x 8 1/2" x 1 1/2" tall.) $18.96

Canister $12.96  5.25" diameter x 6" H

Jackson Pedestal Neutral color ensures our pedestal coordinates with anything.
 Line for use with food. (8 3/4" diameter x 9" tall) $14.96


See all the weekly specials here!!

A recipe

It's time for our annual Memorial weekend with great family and friends. You can read my post from last year about it here  One of our traditions is to make these cookies

I am reposting the recipe for you 

MONSTER COOKIES         

12 eggs

2 lb. brown sugar

4 c. white sugar

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 tbsp. white corn syrup

8 tsp. soda

1 lb. butter

3 lb. peanut butter(6 cups)

18 c. oatmeal

1 lb. chocolate chips

1 lb. M&M'S®

Mix eggs, sugars, vanilla, corn syrup, butter, soda together until smooth. Add peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips and M&M'S®. Place 6 cookies per cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Enjoy  

I have found the best way to do this is to divided it all in half and do it  2 bowls( much easier for mixing)

Linking to a few parties: 

Oprah's last show

Are you an Oprah fan?  Celebrate her last show by treating yourself to this great book 
Just $4.96 in the Willow House Outlet  This is a hard cover book!! 

It’s the ultimate coffee-table book. Enjoy an amazing collection of the greatest stories of O Magazine, grouped according to topics like diet and exercise, faith, and family. 336 pages. (9" x 11 1/8") Hardcover.$4.96 Buy several for girlfriend gifts 
Any purchase qualifies you to be put in a drawing to win this

Reminder

Just a reminder, that if you place any order from my Willow House store through tomorrow, you will be entered in a drawing to win this:

Use as an organization piece for coupons, baby announcements and recipe cards, or to display special mementos. Diamonds can hang separately. Hanging hardware included; hangs on wall or over a door. :: 19" x 52 3/4" tall

NEED NEW DISHES? MARIO BATALI FOR A STEAL!!

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE FOR NEW DISHES AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE:
WITH OUR GREAT SALE YOU CAN GET A 4PC PLACE SETTING THAT INCLUDES DINNER AND SALAD PLATES, BOWLS AND MUGS WITH 1 EXTRA PLATTER FOR JUST UNDER$95.00!! UNHEARD OF FOR THIS KIND OF QUALITY

$11.96 for this 12x12 platter

$8.96 set 4

And remember when you place an order through Wednesday you are put in a drawing to win this:

More details here

Jewelry and It's Party!!

Hi there

I wanted to share with you some news from Willow House. We are adding a Jewelry line in the fall. I am so excited about this!! I have decided to attend the big convention in July and I will get to preview the new line!! Then I can come back and give you all a sneak peek.

So this is where the PARTY comes in!! I'm asking for your help. I am having an online party with Willow House to reach some goals and incentives they are offering for the convention.  It is so easy to order. All you have to do is click here and begin shopping. The order will ship right to you. There is so much to choose from. From the outlet to our Weekly Deals and our May sale to the regular line there is a price point for every budget. Please remember to add my name (Debbie Smith) as the Host when you check out.
And, everyone who places an order will be placed in a drawing to win this fun prize!!

Thank you all so much for supporting me in this venture I appreciate you all so much!! Order soon this party is over on May 25th

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Galveston memo board

How about the Hyacinth mixing bowls

The simone pitcher is adorable

And you know me and aprons

Love it!!

OH AND I LOVE THIS FRENCH WIRED STAND

Also this month we are offering a start your business incentive of just $49.00 

If you would love to get in on the cutting edge of the growth this company, send me a message and I will tell you more

A Vintage Treasure

I took a little break from blogging this week. It was nice.
It gave me a chance to focus on some other things that needed attention.
I have been wanting to share with you another treasure from my dad's home. This was handmade by my grandfather in 1928. Grandpa was quite the artist. There are many paintings in the family that he did over the years. None of those date back as early as this chess/checker board. I don't know the history of it any more than that he made it for his father, when growing up in chicago. When his father passed he got it back, when grandpa passed it went to my father and now that he is gone, I am the proud owner. I am sure the photo cannot capture the real beauty of this piece. There is Mother of pearl and many other things I do not know the names of in it. Don't know if it was grandpa's own design or a kit type of thing. Would love to know more about it, but sadly there is no one left to ask.

Just a little closer peek at the detail

If you look closely you can see my grandpa's signature and the date 1928 

My father kept it wrapped in protective fabric and stored in the garage for years, I find that so sad. I am planning on putting a hanging device on the back and mount it on the wall. It is just too pretty not to have on display. It really isn't my decorating style but I am going to make it work somewhere.
I am link this to:
Show and tell Friday

Spring!!

I just walked out into the backyard and the strong wonderful smell of lilacs was wafting through the air.

Hubby got the waterfall going and a wind chime was blowing softly in the light breeze. Birds were chirping and a dog barking occasionally. It was  the perfect combination of the music of spring after a very long winter. God's way of reminding us once again of the beauty of his creation surrounding us.

We have some very dear lifelong  friends coming to spend the weekend with us. I am so looking forward to their visit and enjoying more of the music of spring. Hope you have a blessed weekend too.

Planting Garden Pots

I spent yesterday morning planting all of my garden pots.  I think the temp actually reached the high 70's. It was the kind of day we wait all winter for. While playing in the dirt, I started thinking about planting and how you might fill your outdoor pots. Do you fill them with greens and grasses? Do you like lots of color?
Do you use specific color?  Mine are much the same from year to year. I usually use Geraniums, Petunias, Trailing Verbena, Potato Vine, and many other trailing things. Usually pinks, purples and a pop of yellow. I stuff them really full and by mid summer they are just beautiful.


The Lowe's Creative ideas Magazine has a segment in the latest issue called  "1 Container three ways". I loved these!! Thought I would share them with you.

One Container, Three Ways

Lush container gardens are easy to create with this simple plant formula: A thriller plant + a filler plant + a spiller plant = a killer container garden.

Gorgeous, lush container gardens are easy to create when you follow this simple planting guide: Start with 18-1/2-inch Standard Terra-cotta Pot, fill with a moisture-control container potting mix (I like Miracle Grow) and plant it up with a tall, dramatic thriller plant + hardworking fillerplant + trailing spiller plant for a killer container flower garden.

Lush container flower gardens create instant impact on a patio, porch or deck. Try one of these three planting schemes for a sure-fire container garden.

Shade Lover's Container

This bright container adds color and texture to shady yards and patios.

For one 18-1/2-inch pot:

Thriller: 2 large-leaved coleus plants (Coleus x hybridus 'Kong' series)
Filler: 4 begonias in assorted colors (Begonia 'Super Olympia' mixed)
Spiller: 5 licorice plants (Helichrysum)

---

Not-So-Mellow Yellow Container

Choose this design for a cheery container garden that is sure to turn heads.

For one 18-1/2-inch pot you'll need:

Thriller: 1 foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Cream')
Filler: 3 marguerite daisies (Argyranthemum frutescens 'Madeira Primrose')
Spiller: 4 yellow calibrachoa (Calibrachoa Superbells 'Yellow Chiffon')

---

All-White Moon Container Garden

This monochromatic container garden adds a stunning glow to your garden at night.

For one 18-1/2-inch pot you'll need:

Thriller: 1 white pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Filler: 3 white petunias (Petunia Supertunia 'Mini White')
Spiller: 4 white bacopas (Sutera cordata Snowstorm 'Giant Snowflake')

More Fabulous finds!!

More great weekly deals  here is a favorite of mine

Just $15.96 click image to order and for more details

Florentine Large Floral Bucket

Tuscan Canisters: Medium and Small

Abingdon Rattan Caddy

Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee or Burnt Cream Is one of my favorite desserts.

I have tried many recipes  but this one by Paula Deen is by far the best one I have found

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup white granulated or light brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a heavy-bottomed medium non-reactive saucepan, heat cream with vanilla bean over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring to ensure it does not burn; do not let boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the vanilla bean, or save for another use. Strain cream through a fine mesh sieve.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixeron high speed for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar. Add about half the creammixture, a little at a time, to the egg mixture, whisking until well blended. Then pour the egg mixture into the remaining cream mixture. Stir until completely blended.

Pour the custard into 4 (9-ounce) ramekins or custard cups. Place the dishes in large baking pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the mixture is set in the center (it should still wiggle when shaken). Carefully remove the dishes from the baking pan. Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. Let creme brulee stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.

Divide 1/3 to 1/2 cup white or light brown sugar in a thin, even layer over each custard, covering it completely. To caramelize the sugar, light a propane torch* and hold it so the flame just touches the surface. Start at the center and spiral out toward the edges of the ramekins. If the sugar begins to burn, pull the torch away and blow on the sugar to extinguish the flame. Serve immediately. 

Cook's Note: A propane torch can be bought at your local hardware store. If you don't have one, caramelize the topping under the broiler, watching carefully so as not to burn it.

linking to the following parties:

Rainy Day and more random things

Well, It's rainy here...again.... won't be able to work on that cedar chest. So just for fun I am sharing a few more things about me you may not know.

1)  I almost never go without nail polish. My nails are always filed and polished unless I am camping or painting.  Every color in the drawer no matter what the brand the color is, is pretty much the same hue (can you say creature of habit)

2)I have never had fake nails. I have always been told I have pretty nails so I just didn't want to mess them up

3) I played the clarinet in grade/middle school. Hated every minute of it. My dad would sit me in front of the Lawrence Welk show and make me watch the man(don't remember his name) who played beautifully and tell me "see with a little practice you can play just like that"  Eww ( much like my singing it was not a joyful noise)

4) I love to cook and I enjoy trying new recipes. (I like eating them too which is why I go to the gym four days a week) Please don't get an image of a skinny person here (I am not)

5) My first "real job was at a Mcdonalds where I worked all through High School and beyond.
  My boss was a wonderful man who saw potential in me and nurtured it so much so, that I was a manager at just age 17. He recently passed away, but it is to him I owe a strong worth ethic, great customer service skills and so much more about leadership and responsibility. He had a huge part in making me the person I am  today.  Thank You Fred!!

6) I live in a mid size town but we are shopping deprived. No Target, Costco, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Macy's, Hobby Lobby... nothing. The nearest ones of those are at least 70 miles away, so shopping is very well planned ahead. We do however have a Lowe's and a Starbucks less than a mile from my home so that makes me happy.

7) I love a good surprise and I like to be surprised. (Although I am just a bit apprehensive about what my friends may be scheming for my "BIG" birthday next month.

8)  If we were to meet for coffee, within minutes, you would know that I am very real and down to earth and that I love my life. We would laugh a lot.
So there you have it  more tidbits about me you may not have known
Please feel free to share about you too!!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY

It is beautiful day today in the Pacific Northwest. Maybe spring has finally sprung. 
I am busy getting ready for a huge Yard sale this weekend, but I am hoping to get some time to tackle this Project.

This is a Lane cedar chest that my parents got when they purchased their wedding rings back in 1959 
They gave it to me when I was in High School. It has housed many things over the years. Household goods as I used it for a hope chest, toys for our children, linens etc. It has been in a closet stored away most recently. I always wanted to do "something" with  it and use it for a coffee table.
I am hoping to lightly sand it down, give it some new "feet" and paint it to use as a coffee table in front of my new sofa. If the weather holds this will be my today project.
 What are you going to do for fun today?
Linking to :


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Sofa Series part 2

Welcome back to part 2 of my sofa buying guide. If you missed part one 
go here.
When it comes to buying a new sofa make sure you know what you are getting. Many sofas may have the look you want, but if the quality is not there, it isn't going to be worth it in the long run.
Much of what separates a good sofa from the best in a sofa, is happening inside. It's the things you can't see that really affect how well your furniture will hold up to everyday use. You may have heard the terms 8 way hand tied, Kiln dried hardwoods, sinuous springs, or a webbing system.
What does it all mean?
Kiln Dried hardwood: The best frame is made out of kiln-dried hardwood. The process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time. In a good quality frame, the joints, are glued, dowelled and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks. These things provide extra support to the frame.

Eight way hand tied: The best seating support is the eight-way hand tied 

springs system. The craftsman connects each spring to the adjoining one with a 

strong twine. The twine passes front to back, side to side and then diagonally in 

both directions thus tying each spring securely 8 ways.

Sinuous spring construction. Sinuous springs are “S” shaped and run from the 

front of the seat to the back. These springs are supported by additional wires 

that cross from side to side.

 Webbing system: bands of webbing cross the seat and back. These are then 

attached to the frame to make a platform for the cushions. Webbing can be 

made of either natural or man-made fibers, and if used alone doesn’t make for 

very strong support. However, in better quality sofas, it is used with a tensioner 

that fastens the webbing securely to the frame. 

The web suspension least preferable of the seating support options.

     Don't be afraid to ask the sales person questions about the construction of the furniture lines they carry. You need to know you are getting the best quality for the money you can spend. More information coming about cushion cores and fabric grades in the next day or so