Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Decorating my tree today

My Husband must have read my tree buying tips post yesterday. He came home last night with a new pre lit  7 1/2' tree. I was surprised. We have talked about "going to the dark side" for the past two years but never seemed to find the "perfect" tree. This is the first unreal tree we have ever had in all of our married years. I must say though, I am looking forward to not having to water a real one and with new carpet the water issue was a big factor. This tree is so beautiful, you really have to touch it to tell it isn't real. I am just starting to decorate it so I thought I would give you a sneak peek. 
Also wanted to say thank you to all of you who have purchased from my Willow House store this month. I am just a few orders away from my best month ever. I so appreciate your support of my business.
A reminder too that the November gift giving sale ends tonight

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Christmas tree buying tips

Before you head out to purchase your Christmas tree, artificial or real, there area few tips to help you so you don't end up with one that is too big or too small for your space. Many of us have done this before, you are in a lot and spot the perfect tree, you get it home and it seemed to have grown on the way. That is because when they are all together in the great outdoors, it is easy to think they are smaller than they really are. Here are some things to help so that doesn't happen to you.
1) you want to choose one that is at least 6" shorter than your ceiling. The standard height is 8ft so you would then want to choose a 7-7 1/2 foot tree
2) Measure the width of the space you are putting the tree then measure the width of the tree you want to bring home to be sure it will fit your space.  I can't tell you how many times I have had to "shave" branches to make it fit into the corner I had planned.
3) how will you be decorating it? if you have lots of ornaments, be sure there is some space between the branches to show off your ornaments. If you use lots of fabrics and ribbons the extra space is nice. If you are into more of a sparsely decorated tree, closer branch spacing may be better for you. Personally for me the fuller the better and I still load that baby up with all kinds of fabrics,picks and ornaments etc.
4) If buying real be sure to cute at least 1/2 inch off the trunk before putting in the tree stand. Water as soon after cutting as you can and water daily.
5) bottom line is buy a tree you love and have fun.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Winner and Cyber Monday deals

Here are the deals for you this cyber Monday. Just click on the photos to order
This beautiful Lantern is just $16.96. Couldn't you just see it all decked out in christmas greens, with a bow tied at the top and a candle lit inside?
Acanthus Panel Lantern
Already showing low in stock so order soon
How about this great serving set? perfect for you holiday parties too
Gallery Collection Serveware Set
(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.)
Here is a great centerpiece idea too. Set in the middle of your table and surround it with fresh greens
Light the candles and viola!!
Galveston Step-out Candelabra
Get into the swing of things¬ — four panels adjust so you’ll find the perfect angles for display. Add height to a buffet, draw the eye to an overlooked corner table or place it in your fireplace in the springtime. Versatile glass
holds flowers or tealights. Five tealight holders are removable and can be hung from tree branches or eaves. (25 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 20 1/4" tall; set of stand and five glass tealight holders)






For more deals go to my Willow House outlet 

And now for the winner of the runner:
Jolly Holiday Table Runner

Tanya at Frou Frou Britches
Tanya congrats. Email me your mailing info and I will get your runner in the mail.
If you didn't win and want a runner they are on sale through Wednesday in my store for just $20.96

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Last Chance for my Give away

Last day to enter my Thanksgiving giveaway!! Go here to enter and come back tomorrow to see if you won this darling runner
Jolly Holiday Table Runner
Stay tuned for CYBER MONDAY DEALS!!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

A few of my favorite things


Here are just a few of my favorite things from our new Jewelry line. Just click on any picture to be directed to my online store to order. Remember any Jewelry order ships for just $5.95 no matter how many items you order.
Soho: White Pearl Silver Necklace
Freshwater pearls are framed in beaded teardrops of sterling silver or brass on 16-18" chains.
Biji: Black Bead Stacking Rings
You’ll never take off these five stacking rings. Black resin beads set in shining bands of 18-karat gold plate.

Bali Scroll: Pearl Drop Earrings
Scrolled design accents sterling silver hoops; drop pearls complete the sophisticated look. 1" long.
Monaco: Onyx And Acanthus Necklace
Glimmering onyx beads and sterling silver acanthus accents sparkle along this 38" stainless steel chain.
Bali Scroll: Small Smoky Quartz Ring
Hardly petite, this 5/8" wide smoky quartz glimmers in sterling silver.
Bali Scroll: Labradorite Treasures Bracelet
Smoky quartz, pearl and cushion-cut labradorite in sterling silver with toggle closure. Fits up to a 7 1/2" wrist.


SO MANY MORE WONDERFUL ITEMS GO HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE LINE

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday deals and Giveaway extended thorough Sunday

We have some great deals going on now and everyone who places any order between now and Sunday night will be entered to win this:
Decorative Card and Photo Display
Decorative photo and card holder
Here are just a few of the deals you won't want to miss. Spend at least $40.00. and choose a regular priced item under $40.00 and get it for 1/2 off. Don't forget to check out the outlet too!






Go check out my online store and start shopping


I have extended the giveaway though Sunday. So go over and enter and tell your friends about it too
Winner will be announced Monday morning. Click here for details
Jolly Holiday Table Runner

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Blessing to you this day

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  
It turns what we have into enough, and more.  
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. 
Be thankful today to the One who created it all for us to enjoy
Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember my giveaway ends tomorrow so get entered today

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Giveaway in progress

Just in time for your holiday decorating. Click here for details on how you can win this.
Jolly Holiday Table Runner
JUST ANOTHER VIEW OF THIS CUTE RUNNER
Christmas Inspiration

Monday, November 21, 2011

Time for a giveaway!!

In honor of the Thanksgiving season, I am having a giveaway to thank you all for following me this past year. 
Here is what you can win
Jolly Holiday Table Runner
Set the scene with our wool runner, handstitched with white scrollwork and edged with green pom-poms. Coordinates with our Jolly Holiday Stocking. (16” x 86 1/2” long)
Nothing to do but leave a comment and be a follower to be entered.
 However if you want extra entries:
1 extra for  "liking" my facebook business page
2 extra for sharing it on your blog or face book page
5 extra entries for making a purchase from my Willow House Home decor store or Willow House Jewelry store

Winner will be announced on Friday November 25th.
If you just can't wait to see if you win this wonderful runner, It is on sale this month for just $20.96. Buy several for gifts

Jewelry on line store now LIVE!!

It is official you can now order our exclusive Sara Blain Jewelry by Willow House on line. It ships direct to you and shipping is only $5.95 no matter how many lovely items you order.
Go take a peek and start you Christmas Shopping today. Click here to get started
For all of the wonderful deals and to see our home decor line go here 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

I love whimsy

Do you love a touch of whimsy in you holiday gift giving and decorating? Here is a great little video with some great gift ideas with that touch of whimsy.

Many of these cute Roxy Reindeer items are on sale this month at Willow House
Roxy Reindeer Table Runner
Runner just $11.96
(16” x 90” long)

Roxy Reindeer Cheese Plate and Spreader
Cheese board also just $11.96

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Amazing deal of the Day

Willow House
Exclusive Fall Savings!

It's the deal of the day!!  Madeline Hurricane is just $7.96 today only!

  Madeline Hurricane is just $7.96 today only

Don't wait order now before they are gone!!
Click on the links to order!  Order ships direct to you
Offer good while supplies last 
Be sure and check out our November Gift Giving Sale 
going on now!

Chuck Wagon Chili

Mine, still in the dutch oven
Recently watched Emeril on Good Morning America and he made this chili. I decided to give it a try and let me tell you it is on the "list" to make again. It was amazing so here is the recipe for you.


1/4 cup chili powder

2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon cayenne
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons dried Mexican or regular oregano, crumbled between your fingers
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons light or dark brown sugar
4 pounds boneless beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2- to 2- inch cubes
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 medium onions, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery, including leaves
6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 jalapeno chiles, roughly chopped
One 12- ounce bottle dark Mexican beer, such as Negro Modelo
2 tablespoons tomato paste
One 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour, not cornstarch)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parley leaves
Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
Chopped green onion, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish

Cooking Directions
Combine the chili powder, cumin seeds, cayenne, cinnamon, oregano, bay leaves, and brown
sugar in a small bowl; set the spice mixture aside.
Add the beef to a medium bowl and season with the pepper and 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a 12- inch or larger skillet over high heat. Add enough beef to fill the pan and cook until nicely browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn the pieces over and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to the crock of a 6- quart slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding the remaining vegetable oil between batches as necessary.
Add the onions, celery, and 1 tablespoon of the remaining salt to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapenos, and spice mixture and cook for 1 minute longer. Pour in the beer, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes.
Stir in the chocolate, masa harina, and remaining 11/2 teaspoons salt and cook for 1 minute longer. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook the chili on high, undisturbed or stirring only once during cooking, for 6 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cilantro and parsley. Serve the chili hot in bowls, topped with grated cheddar, chopped green onion, and sour cream.
It was flavorful and delicious and we loved it
His all prettied up for TV 
Note: I used a dutch oven instead of a slow cooker


  • HookingupwithHoH

Monday, November 14, 2011

Purchase with a purpose

Roxy Reindeer Ornament

This cute Roxy Reindeer Ornament is on sale this month


for just $7.96, and  Willow House donates $2 from the 


sale of every one to fund Juvenile Diabetes research

Great tied on a bottle of wine or a cookie tray. 


Nice for the office ornament exchange


Click on picture to order


For other matching items like this go to my

Willow House store
Roxy Reindeer Cheese Plate and Spreader
Cheese tray and spreader  $11.96

More deals for you!!

Green Swirl 3 Piece Appetizer Set with Bowl

Great for your thanksgiving gatherings
and $12.96 for the 3 pc set

Platinum Nights Holiday Platter
Our perfectly proportioned platter is festooned with silvery snowflakes and iced with chocolate brown embellishments. Party-worthy porcelain is elegant but as unstuffy as it gets! Microwave and dishwasher safe. :: 10"*10"

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Your purchase of this Dove ornament helps...

Although last month was domestic violence awareness month the problem exists daily
Let's see how many of these cute ornaments we can sell today. It is just $9.96 and Willow House donates $2.00 from the sale of each one to
 CUT IT OUT 
A program that is dedicated to helping battered women escape abuse and rebuild their lives. This dove is hand painted porcelain and would be darling tied on a package or on your tree.  Order several for gifts. Click on the picture to order
Hand-painted on porcelain, Gail’s ornaments come boxed for gift giving or storage and each purchase benefits a good cause. (4 1/4” x 3 1/2” tall)
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE ON YOUR OWN BLOGS I WOULD LOVE TO SEE US SELL 100 ORNAMENTS TO HELP THIS CAUSE

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Everyone loves a deal!!

IN HONOR OF 11/11/11  I AM OFFERING YOU

MY VALUED READERS A DEAL!!

PLACE AN ORDER FROM MY


AND GET 11% OFF YOUR ORDER. 

EVEN OFF OF SALE ITEMS

ORDERS WILL SHIP DIRECT TO YOU BUT YOU MUST


MESSAGE ME YOUR ORDER AND INFO TO GET THE


DISCOUNT. OFFER VALID THROUGH 11PM 0N 11-11-11



GREAT TIME TO STRT YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!

MY FAVORITE ITEMS

Today I am highlighting my favorite deals from our huge Willow House sale this month
To order any of the items shown here just click on the photo of the item and to see more deals go here
Cordova Firescreen
Working door lets you access your fire safely. (44” x 33” tall, side panels 12 1/2” x 26 1/4” tall, center panel 24” x 29 3/4” tall; approximately 23 pounds; Unfolded, firescreen is 41 1/2” wide and 16 1/2” deep) was $119 now $59.96
Caitlin Standing Cross
 let our cross signify your spirituality and stand as a reminder of the important things in life. Will weather if left outside. (6 1/2” x 9” tall) $12.96
Wirework Treasure Trio
Dainty wirework hinges open so you can add greenery, berries or even tiny treats! Unadorned, they let the lights of your tree shine through. Set of three: one of each design. (Sphere 3” diameter; star is 4” x 2” x 4”; gift 2 3/4” x 2 3/4” x 3 1/2” tall)
$9.96 set of 3
Stiletto Pedestals
Step into style — fill with flowers, candles or snacks. Set of two: one of each size. (Large 5 1/2” diameter x 9” tall; small 4 1/4” diameter x 7 1/2” tall)
was $49.96 Now $24.96 for the pair
Berry and Bow Door Bucket
Spread good cheer to your entire neighborhood with a rustic door bucket complete with festive bow and sprig of berries. After the holidays, the bow can be packed inside the bucket for easy storage. Will weather if left outside; we recommend using under a covered porch. Not watertight; line with plastic for use with greenery or flowers. (9 1/2” x 4” x 18 1/2” tall) Just $11.96

Jolly Holiday Table Runner
Was $49.96 now $20.96
Set the scene with our wool runner, handstitched with white scrollwork and edged with green pom-poms. Coordinates with our Jolly Holiday Stocking. (16” x 86 1/2” long)
stockings that match available too!!
So many wonderful things to help you get started with your holiday shopping


Monday, November 7, 2011

Fall Decorating

 Here is  look at some of my fall decorations around the house. it was 14 degrees this morning so I feel like I should be thinking winter decor not fall : )


Love this  botanical tiered planter. The frost got to all of the things on the bottom last night. should have gotten a picture yesterday : ) I enjoy changing it with every season

My favorite pumpkins sitting on a Willow  House tray
Love this  cathedral from my Willow House outlet. I love changing it for every season

Don't forget the incredible November sale going on in my
Willow House store now
Here are the weekly deals as well: