Southern Inspiration

Perspective......a gift you can give yourself!

2012-02-09T09:24:00.000-06:00

This is a blog post I wrote some time ago, but in reading it this morning, I decided it really spoke to me yet again, and I thought it might speak to you as well......when I wrote this, blogs weren't what they are today, and there was NO Pinterest then either. Times, they do change, yet this topic is even more relevant today as blogs are so much more prevalent and so easy to try to keep up with the Jones, the Smiths and the others out there in blogland....so enjoy and let me know what you think.

I was over visiting the Nester's blog this morning, and her blog post today was about perspective--something I've been mulling over in my head for the last few weeks....a coincidence, perhaps? Nah, I don't think so. We get nudges all the time from the most unexpected places to remind us who we are, who we belong to, who we are called to be, and who we show others we are and/or portray ourselves to be......yea, especially that last one. In the blog world, it's easy to show the side of ourselves that looks good, looks crafty, chic, or crazy organized. It's easy to show the one decorated table or buffet that looks really good and have others assume the rest of my house looks just as good, or that the rest of my food is just as awesome as the one or two recipes I just shared. It's easy to show the good and pretty yet sweep the rest under the proverbial oriental rug. What's for real?????

In reality, I'm just a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a church goer, Bible believer, wanna be decorator.....just to name a few. I'm really not even a writer, nor a photographer, and there are days when I'm hardly even a cook. Sometimes I'm lazy and can spout great ideas, but not follow through with any of them. Somedays I forget to pray, yet I find myself promising to pray for many others. Somedays, I get discouraged and want to just run away. Does that make me any different than anyone else? You answer that.......I'm thinking it makes me just like you...and you, and you. Now, maybe you don't have a lazy bone in your body, and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone, but surely you get tired. So tired you just.can't.move. Sometimes I read blogs, books and magazines and wish my home were something that it isn't....something that looks like a magazine, when in reality PEOPLE LIVE HERE, and it will never look like a magazine. Then I remember how God has provided a place for us to live, be warm and full, and to offer in hospitality to others. Yep, then I remember that it's really not about us, NOT ABOUT ME.......ouch. OUCH......sometimes the stick of reality hurts. But in the same turn, it is refreshing. To realize I am so abundantly blessed is such a comfort. My perspective turns from pain to prosperity, knowing that if all the material things were stripped away, I have riches untold that are sure and will never go away. My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and will indeed provide for me what I need. It's just that need sometimes gets a little turned around in my head......yep, you know that feeling.

The reality is that the Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease; they are new every morning! Indeed, great is HIS faithfulness, no matter how wobbly and inconsistent mine may be. I am SO VERY THANKFUL that it doesn't depend on me...that His gift is just that....a gift. Were it dependent on me, I would lose out every stinking day. I would be just a few hairs short of what I need......

.......and so back to the perspective issue. I know what keeps me grounded. I know what makes me real.....I know I need daily reminders of "it's not about me"......because I so easily get side-tracked. I need a double dose of that before the holiday season kicks in.....to remind myself what truly is important. Whether I have a Christmas tree that looks like that one I drooled over may not be the most important issue. It may not be worth the energy it will take me to "OVER- deck" the halls if it means that something important doesn't get done. This may be a year that I need to decide it's okay to scale back a little if it means I have a little energy left over for the people in my life........ouch. So really what this means for me is a little more planning of what is reality for me this year, this season. A realization that my expectations may be too big is really a gift to myself. I can only do so much and to dwell on it and be sullen because I cannot do it all and have it all, truly hurts those around me. So perspective, while sometimes it reveals what may initially be disappointing, is in truth a gift we can give ourselves. It is helpful to remember we are human and have limits. It means, in my case, I have to be less idealistic and more realistic. But the cost of that gift is worth it to me and my family. And I also have to remember there are others with bigger battles to fight, who need me to come along side them and gird them up for the battle. That is worth a whole lot more than a lovely tree, my friends.
Perspective......it's what's real.

Friday Fives........

2012-01-27T06:54:00.000-06:00

So glad you made it for FRiday Fives........let's dive in!

1. When is the last time you had a sleepover party?

2. What is your favorite thing to sleep in?

3. What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

4. What's your drink of choice in the a.m.?

5. Do you like breakfast? What's your favorite breakfast food?

Cheers! Have a great Friday!

Are you ready to welcome spring??

2012-01-21T20:49:00.000-06:00

I don't mind the cooler weather we have in Houston; however lately, we've not had a lot of cold weather; in fact, our weather has teased us with more spring like temperatures. And of course the craft stores are full of spring flowers, ribbons and such anyway........I told someone the other day, if you want Easter things (like faux rye grass for decorating with plastic eggs.....you know in my business I have to think longer lasting displays for home parties!) Anyway, I told someone that if you want to buy Easter things you better get them, because by the time March and Easter are actually here, they are going to have red, white and blue for the 4th of July already on the shelves and the Easter things will be sold out or picked over!

So I got a few new Willow House products in the other day, and I was itching to try them out! And my front door needed a new door decoration. So I took my new Willow Welcome Basket and went to Michael's. I found some lovely faux flowers, some cute ribbon and came home to get busy. So here's my newest creation....do you like it???

It comes with it's own little slate chalkboard, which I wrote on with a chalk pen....which reminds me, I forgot to get another white one....looks like another trip to the hobby store!!
Next week, I'll show you some ideas for our Grand Monarch Lantern!!!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries....

2012-01-14T08:59:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love them?? Here's five easy steps from Real Simple toward these beauties!!!

And they are healthier than just PLAIN chocolate....
1. Chop the chocolate (coarsely chop 4 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate then wash and dry 1 pound of strawberries (about 20)

2. Melt the chocolate (Place the chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth)
3. Dip the strawberries. (holding the strawberry by the stem end, dip in the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off. Your strawberries must be DRY. Repeat with remaining berries)
4.Place on a pan. (transfer the dipped strawberries onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. As you set each berry down, slide it 1/2 inch to the side to prevent formation of a chocolate foot)
5. Chill, then enjoy! (refrigerate the strawberries until the chocolate is firm, at least 30 minutes...go for a walk if you need to! They will keep for up to 3 days, covered in the refrigerator.

Enjoy! What about you?? Do you like chocolate covered strawberries??

Definition of a Palooza.....

2012-01-10T07:47:00.005-06:00

Well, since dictionary.com doesn't even HAVE a definition of this word, looks like I will have to make my own entry!!!

Puh-loo-za- a heap of fun, surprises, good training and lots of girlfriend time!!!

As I mentioned in my last entry, I was scheduled to go to Dallas for a Willow House meeting, to get us started for the new year......and it was dubbed a Palooza! Is that related to an Oompah Loompah or what??? So I spent the day on Saturday learning just what it was !! Did I mention free prizes, too!?!

We met to learn the location of our incentive trip this summer........I am working to earn a trip to a brand new all-inclusive resort in Playa Del Carmen!!! It is called the Paridisus, and just opened in November....take a look!

I want to be there in June!!! So I really need to focus on my business, so I can earn that trip! Wanna come earn it with me????

Also, I won a pair of Sara Blaine Earrings at our meeting! Want to see those??

And we learned that our Willow House websites were going to be getting a fresh, new look! You simply MUST go over and see how beautiful it looks!! You can find it HERE !

Willow House truly is an amazing company for which to work...they have tons of new incentives to start you off right....right now there is an amazing offer to start your new business for a low, low price and the ability to earn lots of FREE product. It's the most FUN job I've ever had.....I have plenty of free, no obligation info for anyone who might want to add some FUN to your life, or better yet, get PAID to have fun!!! Let me know if you would like to know more!

I'll be bringing some new ideas for glass containers soon, and they will go right along with the Glorious Glass Sale we have going on right now...you can find that on my website, too....GREAT prices for decorating with glass, and make things look fresh and new post-Christmas!! Clean and fresh is my mantra for January! Won't you join me???

Oh, oh, oh......and hop on over to Plate and Pattern, our design blog to enter to win the new Aldredge Cloche...it's adorable......I saw it in person, and I am waiting for my own to arrive.....of course, I could always add one to make it a pair!!!! Go see, and leave a comment....YOU might be the lucky winner!!

Is that adorable, or WHAT????? Go on over and enter!!!

Friday Fives....

2012-01-06T12:50:00.000-06:00

Let's dive into the New Year with FRIDAY FIVES!!!!

1. Have you taken down all your Christmas Decorations and gotten them stored away already?

2. Did you, like me, find at least ONE or two stray items that didn't get back into the Christmas boxes before they were put AWAY????

3. Do you like to clean after your put all your Christmas decor away and before putting things back to normal??

4. Do you enjoy the "minimalist" look you find that comes when you take all the Christmas decor down??

5. Do you know what a Palooza is?? I'll be back Monday to tell you all about the one I am attending tomorrow!!! It's a Willow House Palooza...and rumor has it, that it's going to be GREAT!!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

GREAT ideas to share....

2012-01-05T09:47:00.002-06:00

Let me begin by saying, y'all are too sweet...so glad I've been missed!! It's fun to reconnect with blogging friends after a hiatus!

I love when I find great ideas to share, like so often I find in Real Simple magazine. This blogger found and compiled some great ones...

http://angelaadkins.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/25-clever-ideas-to-make-life-easier/

Coring a strawberry with a STRAW?? Genius!

Which ones do you love? I love the one with the tension rod hung under the cabinet to store the spray bottles on....what a great idea. I just read one on Pinterest to run tension rods vertically to store trays and cookie sheets....good idea also. I just LOVE smart, out of the box ideas.....what about you?

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-04T08:49:00.000-06:00

Hi you three.....yes, the three of you that might still be reading my blog!!
I have not been a consistent blogger, and I cannot promise that I will be a LOT better, but my hope for the New Year, 2012, is to be a little more consistent with posting to my blog. I didn't say everyday, but more consistent. I think we all have changed our blogging habits since we first started, and mine certainly have. How do you see that yours have changed? And with so many bloggers now active on Pinterest........well, that certainly changes the game, too!
I am excited this year about my Willow House business...new catalog, new possibilities, etc. I'd love to see my business continue to grow. I will spend a good part of my days working on that. You'll find me over at Pinterest, too......just can't resist all the pictures of great ideas, decorating, recipes, inspirations, etc!
We had a GRAND Christmas, even though we were finished with our family Christmas celebration by the time most of you were buying the food for your Christmas dinner! It was wonderful having everyone here!! Especially having my granddaughter here!
For 2012, we look forward to adding a new grandbaby to the family at the end of March, we will add a new daughter in law to our family in June, and hopefully a new Vet school student will be on his way.....my son interviews for Vet school next week, and I pray he is successful in getting admitted. It is SO competitive!! 2012 is a BIG year! Hope it is for you, too!

my precious.........what a wonderful time!

Friday Fives!

2011-12-08T22:22:00.000-06:00

How are your Christmas preparations coming? I have been busy getting my house ready for the family to come home. My son graduates on the 17th, so everyone will be here for a few days after that....so essentially, I have to be ready for Christmas by next Friday!! AAACCCKKKK!! Along with all the prep and finishing up Willow House business, too, I haven't had time to be on the computer much! I haven't read a lot of blogs, nor have I posted to my own blog! How does everyone else do it ALL??? I decided to come say HI really quickly and come up with some Friday Fives for you all!

So here goes!

1. What is your favorite Christmas carol or song?

2. Are you finished decorating your house for the holidays?

3. What is your favorite Christmas treat? Do you make it or just enjoy it?

4. What is a favorite Christmas tradition?

5. Have you completed all your holiday shopping??

Hubby and I plan to shop all day tomorrow and hopefully get that part behind us....I have some busy hours ahead!! Merry Christmas, y'all!!!

My name is Southerninspiration...

2011-11-30T23:06:00.000-06:00

and I'm a bloggy dropout. Where did the time go? How has it been so long since I've posted on my blog?
Oh, dear, is anyone still reading this???

A giveaway to tell you about!!

2011-11-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

Are you aware of Plate and Pattern?? It's a blog written by our lovely design team for Willow House. Do they promote our Willow House products?? You BETCHA!! But do they also give you a behind the scenes look into product design, product and catalog development, and great design ideas?? You BETCHA!! AND,
what you might not know is that EVERY Tuesday is Prop Closet Giveaway day over there at Plate and Pattern.

For instance TODAY, they are giving away a set of (three) Trilogy Mirrors...have you seen them??
Here they are:

Aren't they gorgeous??

Use them in a bookcase or shelf!


Just yesterday Plate and Pattern told us how to recreate this look! check it out!

And ALL YOU HAVE TO DO, is go on over to Plate and Pattern and leave a comment about how you would use them if you are chosen the winner!! How simple is that?? NOW go on over and tell them I sent you and leave a comment. Tomorrow, I'll let you know the winner or you can check on their Facebook page if you are on Facebook.........I would LOVE for one of my readers to win....in fact, if one of my readers wins, then I WILL DO A GIVEAWAY on FRiday....how about that? That would be SO COOL!! So go on over and help us ALL out! Have a great Prop Closet Tuesday!!!!

Have I mentioned???

2011-11-08T07:15:00.000-06:00

That my son got engaged in October?? So the wedding will be next June! It's going to be a big year! He and his fiancee have been dating all thru college and they both graduate this December. We are so proud of them and look forward to their future together! He is waiting to get accepted to Vet School and she is a linguistics major. We anticipate such great things for them!

And did I mention that the grandbaby is going to be a big sister?? They just found out yesterday that this baby is another girl! We will be IN THE PINK!
What a big year 2012 will be for us!

Some linkies.....

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-06:00

Y'all, I have just been swamped. I have not blogged. I have been so crazy busy and then I took two glorious days to do NOTHING and be with my daughter. Home, doing little, just being and resting. It was so good to have her home, and enjoy seeing her with her boyfriend, just relaxing, and being family. I had a really busy week last week getting set up for my Willow House Annual Open House and Sample Sale, and then hosting it on Thursday. We had a GREAT day. Then on Friday, I packed up my things and set up at a local country club holiday market. Then came HOME......I was really tired and so glad to have a family weekend of simply being. I am so thankful for my home and for my family. So here we are on Monday, and I've got catching up to do for all the time I spent getting my house ready, visiting with great customers and friends. Now I've got to finalize by wrapping up everything and putting away all the things that didn't sell......if you are interested in what I have left, let me know and I can send you the list.

So I thought I'd share a few linkies with you today that I found so helpful! I don't know about you, but table setting isn't always easy. It's hard to remember where to place the fork, the water goblet, the wine glass, etc. So I rejoiced today when I saw that House of Fifty has a perfect diagram to download and never have to doubt again if you've done it correctly!! How about that??? i LOVE it!

And Layla, over at The Lettered Cottage, has a preview of what's to come for the holidays, with a list of bloggy holiday decorating parties that they are sponsoring when you have a minute to be inspired. Yes, I realize that blog reading may only come in minutes.....so this link will be helpful in seeing the big picture and honing in on just what you want to read. Be inspired.

And lastly, for some good bargain hunting, and online shopping, head on over to my website, and check out the Weekly Deals for Willow House. These deals will run from Monday to Sunday at midnight, or until they are sold out. There are some GREAT buys, so you'll want to check them out....

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you about any of the products. Thanks, and happy Monday!

Willow House Wednesday!!

2011-11-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

I suppose many people consider this the start of the Holidays, since we're into November. I am not one to pass over Thanksgiving, because I really love the season before Thanksgiving. But since I am also in retail sales, direct sales with Willow House, I also have to keep a step ahead of my customer's needs and think like a retailer, no matter how difficult that is!

Sooooooo, I want you all to know about all the bargains that are available thru Willow House right now. Seriously, even if I were not the business owner, and I ran across this sale, this is something I would want you to know about!!! Willow House is running a November Gift Giving Sale, and prices start as low as $3.96! There is a section of gifts under $10, under $20, and under $30. A few other things are beyond that, too. We're talking some items are up to 75% off! There are number of things that will sell out, so I urge you to shop soon, because I want you to be able to get the things you want!
One more thing, before I finish, is that Willow House also runs a series of Weekly Deals from Monday to Monday from the eOutlet sales. They are even further reduced. So, I would highly recommend to you to look at BOTH. Go to my website www.southerninspiration.willowhouse.com

The PDF file for the November Sale can be found here:http://www.willowhouse.com/pne/assets/pdf/201111_sale.pdf

The Weekly Deals can be found here:
http://southerninspiration.store.willowhouse.com/category.aspx?zcid=289

Let me know if you like hearing about WH news and sales, and I can add you to my monthly newsletter, also. Thanks, friends!

getting ready this week for my Willow House Annual Open House and Sample Sale....

2011-10-30T22:30:00.001-05:00

If you are local, I'd love to have you come by! It's this Thursday from 9 to 3. I sell samples from my kit at a reduced price and any orders made that day are 10% off, including the new jewelry line...have you seen that, by the way?? Oh my goodness, it's so gorgeous!

I'll be posting pics, of course and posting some recipes for you. So here's a few questions for you.....if you don't mind answering for me in the comments. When you go to an Open House, would you rather walk away with cash and carry items, or do you mind placing your order and waiting for it to come in? Do you get your holiday shopping done at events like this? and lastly, when you go to an Open house, what kinds of foods do you like? Savory, sweet, a good mix of the two?

I'll be looking forward to your comments!
So here are a few pics for your inspiration.......let me know if you want to place an order, as all orders that day will be discounted by 10%! You can always shop my website and my eOutlet at www.southerninspiration.willowhouse.com! Let me know if you have any questions. Both catalogs can be viewed there on my website, and it's not too late for you to conduct a virtual or catalog party to get YOUR hostess benefits to help with your holiday shopping!

Happy Halloween, everyone! Have a fun, safe, day!

It's time for Friday Fives!!!

2011-10-28T11:47:00.001-05:00

Join us in getting to know one another better today with this session of Friday Fives!! Hope you have fun, and enjoy your weekend!

1. What project of yours is needing some attention that you need to muster up an "I CAN do it" spirit?

2. Is it cold where you are today?

3. When do you start your Christmas shopping?

4. What's on the menu for your weekend?

5. What are your Halloween plans?? do you even celebrate it?

A Serendipitous Meeting!

2011-10-26T06:56:00.001-05:00

I have known about Christy Jordan for what seems like a long time. She is a cookbook author and hometown cooking girl extraordinaire! She is the author of The Southern Plate, and is recently affiliated with Southern Living as an editor, and has appeared on a number of television segments....so, in my book, she is on her way to be a SUPA star!

Recently, as many of you know, my husband and I took a little trip over to see the g'baby, and her parents.....and what you may not know, is that they live in the same town as Christy. Last week Christy mentioned on her FB page, Southern Plate, that she had been invited to be on Good Morning, Houston!. She was scheduled to be on the show for Tuesday morning. I was disappointed that I already had two appointments that day and couldn't plan to go.
So Monday morning my husband and I were getting on the airplane to come back to the Houston airport, when I spotted Christy at the front of the plane. She had posted on Facebook that she had boarded the plane to head to Houston, and I , in my least stalkerish fashion, posted that I was on the same plane!! Long story short, we met in the Houston airport and she told me that several friends/followers were meeting up that night to have dinner, and she invited me to join them. She is so sweet and hospitable, y'all really need to check out her website, if you haven't. She can be found at www.southernplate.com. And if you don't already have her cookbook, The Southern Plate, this would be a great investment or a gift for the cookbook lover on your holiday shopping list! She has a way of telling stories that is very endearing, and she has some good home cooking recipes!!!

In fact, to further introduce Christy, this is what she says about herself, over on About Me on her website:

Who am I?

For starters, my name is Christy Jordan and I want you to know right up front that I’m nobody special, but I come from some awfully good people, a long line of Southern cooks who were some of the poorest folks around but rich in every way that mattered. I was raised to appreciate the real wealth in life : Family, Friends, Faith, and Good Food. My Mother and Grandmothers used their talent in the kitchen to bring us all together at each meal. Most of the stories I know of my ancestors were passed down to me around that dinner table. Through our mealtime conversations we learned who we were, where we came from, and what was expected of us as we went out into the world.......

In my mind, she's JUST like the girl next door....

I want y'all to go on over to Christy's site and Facebook page and tell her I sent y'all to say hi. She is such a sweetie pie, and I so enjoyed meeting her and having dinner with her.....and I will be visiting her again next time I go see g'baby!!

Anyway, back to my story, we all sat at Lupe Tortillas in Houston for the several hours getting to know Christy and one another and just had the best time! She is such a sweet, Southern lady that I really want all of you to know her....so go on over and check out her site, buy her book, and become a friend of hers and her wonderful recipes.......you'll SO enjoy it! The link to purchase her cookbook isn't live here, but it is thru her website, so head over there and purchase it through her links on her website.......y'all have a great Wednesday!

Here's a picture of her cookbook, and she has another one in the works for next spring!

She is ONE year old!

2011-10-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

A definite BLESSING from my weekend.....

2011-10-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel you near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if each promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win, we know
That pain reminds this hearts,
That this is not, this is not our home.....
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy.
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise?

Because one can never really have enough....

2011-10-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

of white pumpkins...I don't know if it's because we've looked at orange ones forever, or if there really is something more romantic, or cute or eye catching, or whatever, but white pumpkins just make me smile....I mean, really, really grin. I love them. I guess they are becoming more and more popular, because look at these gorgeous pics I found that really make me smile.
I'll be away for the weekend attending a church conference, called Amazing Grace 360, in case any of you may have heard of it. I am looking forward to being in Atlanta with some sweet friends. So I'll be back Monday with more fall festivities!!!

and the CUTEST little punkin EVER!!!!!!!

G, H and I.....more ABC's of decorating for FALL....

2011-10-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

Have you decorated already?? I am seeing that I may have done these posts just a little late........I may have to shortcut and hit the highlights!!

For G, of course, I would add that you can be using GOURDS in your home decor. Is that a no brainer??? There are so many varieties as there are varieties of pumpkins!! The colors are just gorgeous, though, right??

How cute is this gourd VASE?

I LOVE the varying colors and shapes found in gourds of all kinds!

Willow House Renaissance Hurricane filled with pretty gourds!

Isn't this an inviting front porch area??

Inviting place to snuggle?

Aren't the colors and textures gorgeous??

For H, of course, is HAY! You can use hay inside if you use sweeping as your daily workout, but there are multiple uses to have it look great OUTSIDE!!
And have you ever been on or hosted a hayride?? How fun!!!

just tied with jute around a hurricane or mason jar!

dried corn and a candle...how easy is that?

These are cupcakes, y'all....decorated with jelly beans!!! LoVE!

Plop and Drop into a hurricane and be done! You could tie jute or twine around middle if you wanted.

And lastly, for I, we have Indian Corn....again, such gorgeous colors, texture, and it is not expensive. Use it on hurricanes, on wreaths, laying in a basket.....how do YOU love to use Indian Corn? There's a funny story on www.plateandpattern.com about how Josh has a thing about Indian Corn....it just makes me laugh. He is so funny!
If you haven't decorated, may you be inspired to do so....hope you are enjoying cooler weather, and Indian summer days! So relieved here in Texas to have said goodbye to triple digits...the summer was brutal! Happy Days, y'all!

thought I'd show you a few pics before we move on with the ABC's.....

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

I've been doing the Pumpkin thing at my house, so I thought I'd show you a few pics of the fall decor I've accomplished at my house. I had a Willow House Fall Extravaganza at my house last week, so I had reason to get it done earlier this year. I enjoyed it! Hope you do, also!

Fall wreath in family room hung on the mirror; love the way this turned out. I had gotten two leaf garlands at Pottery Barn at the end of the season two years ago...and I just wound them onto a grapevine wreath...added a burlap wreath I made from burlap garland found at Michael's....LOVE this product! Drake Lanterns from Willow House.

This is the Coronado Stone Pedestal from Willow House, and I found this candy corn a few years ago at a local nursery.......

The loyal and faithful Jamestown Tray....have had so long and it's timeless! The acorn bells I found at Hallmark many years ago.

These acorns came from PB also, as well as Kohl's end of season. On the left, the bell jar is full of fall colored jingle bells I found this year at Hobby Lobby. They are so fun! They are sitting in the Parisian Ottoman Tray...one of my favs!

More of the burlap garland (It's really thick and I love the way it drapes!) on the Montcrest Adj. Hurricanes....filled with sand and a flameless candle.

I LOVE that it's time for mums and pumpkins!

Welcome fall and Y'all; come on in!

Monarch Lantern filled with mums and feathers!

Never underestimate the power of Fall foliage on sale at the end of the season.....this bunch probably cost about $10 at the end of the season last year.


I moved things around a little this year, and ended up with this.....like it?

Friday Fives......

2011-09-30T10:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, the week has gotten away. With my Willow House Fall EXtravaganza this past week, that's ALL I paid attention, too......poor bloggie was unattended. And afterwards, took some recouping time....ahh....but no blogging. So let's get back into the bloggy groove with Friday Fives!!! Who will join in?? I hope I haven't lost ALL my readers with the neglect of my blog!! Will you comment at least with a HI to let me know that SOMEONE out there is still reading??? thanks!

So let's get to know one another thru our Friday Fives!!!

1. Where are you in birth order of your family?? One of many, oldest, youngest, etc?

2. Where were you born?

3. Do you live in a small town, suburbs, or large city?

4. What do you WISH was in your town? particular store, museum, more parks, etc?

5. Have you done any FALL gardening?? Tell us about it!

Happy Friday, y'all..........looking forward to some much needed cooler weather to come!!!

More ABC's of decorating.....

2011-09-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

Let's see, we covered A for apples, B for burlap, C for candles, so today we are moving on to D, E, and F.

How did you like the centerpieces I had pictured for A?? Weren't they lovely? I have been working on decorating my own home for fall....my FAVORITE time of the year to bring out the decor. I do love Christmas, but it's just not the same as fall. I'll bring you a few of those photos as well.

For D, let's take a look at DRIED things......for fall, there is an abundance of dried things you can use in your home for decorating. There is a wealth of supplies just on the "dried" aisle at your hobby store, not to mention what's FREE and out there in nature! Wheat stalks, dried artichokes, dried fruit as in orange slices and pomegranates, and those little putka pods that look like tiny pumpkins?? LOVE those!
Take a look:

Dried acorns, right outside!

Putka pods

gorgeous dried wreath

For E, let's consider all the fabulous EARTH tones we bring out for the fall.......for some reason, I'm drawn to the rusty orange that becomes abundant in the fall.......LOVE the colors of the earth, although I tend to use more green and blue in my home than any of the rest.

So what do YOU like in Earth tones??? It's possible to use either very warm earth tones or more cool colored earth tones....I guess my choices fall within the cool colored earth tones...what about you?

Finally for F, think about all the dried fall foliage that is available for home decor. It can be as simple as taking a walk and collecting some branches of leaves, or buying packages to bring home and display in vases, urns and bowls. It is abundant and many times free....so get out and go for a walk and see what's out there for you and your home! Enjoy this special time of the year.

Come back tomorrow and I'll be bringing some pictures of my own home and decor for fall. See you then!

Friday Fives!!

2011-09-23T06:05:00.000-05:00

So glad you are here for Friday Fives!!! It's a way for us to get to know one another as bloggers and just have a little fun! So here goes.....

1. What's your favorite kitchen appliance?

2. Do you watch cooking shows on television? Which one do you like?

3. Have you done any fall decorating?

4. Do you like to use candles? Favorite scent?

5. What is on your bedside table?

Join the fun and let's talk about ourselves and enjoy getting to know one another. Thanks for participating!

It's all elementary, my dear Watson....

2011-09-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do you feel overwhelmed by the ideas offered in the blogworld, media, design tv shows, and such? I thought I would offer a series of posts to show you how you can come up with some great design and decorating ideas simply by using things learned in elementary school, and maybe even in kindergarten!

I'd like to do a Series of Decorating Ideas using the Alphabet, Shapes, and Numbers..does that make it sound elementary enough for even the decorating challenged readers out there???

So today, I'd like to show you some ideas (and you'll have to forgive me if they have a lot of Willow House pics in my illustrations)...you know that I love me some Willow House--anyway, I'll show you some ideas that begin with A, B and C.......as not to overwhelm you, I'll go slowly. We'll talk about the rest of the alphabet, as well as shapes and numbers!! You'll not want to miss out!

For the letter A, I'd like to suggest decorating with APPLES! Here is a link to a website that shows you just how to build this centerpiece......love the mixed colors and textures here, don't you??
Apple Centerpiece

Or how about this lovely one?? You can mix pumpkins, apples, pears, Indian corn, Pine cones, you name it! Again, instructions can be found HERE.

You can core them and put votive candles in them,

either by floating them in water, using them as placecard settings for your table, or simply using them on the mantle or tabletop.....take a look, with instructions found HERE.

How about mixing them with flowers?


they look outstanding on their own, either in this GREAT Cinnabar footed stand or in a hurricane!!!

For B, let's consider the uses of Burlap! Burlap has been a favorite in blogs across the waves for sometime now. You'll find people make curtains, pillows, table runners, etc out of the long ignored burlap. It's now back in STYLE!!!

Consider that it adds great texture to your displays and who doesn't love that? NOW you can get it in multiple colors from off white, to tan, to green and red. There's bound to be a burlap to meet your decorating needs! I even have one that is red and tan plaid, although I haven't seen it around in a long time.

wrap around a plant or vase!

Multiple colors of burlap for your decor!

A collection of fun from Tip Junkie!

A great burlap monogrammed lampshade

For the letter C, let's consider the use of candles.....do you actually use candles? Some do, some don't. Do you like scented candles or unscented? Last year at Sam's, I got a set of Flameless Candles, and I've loved using them this year in my Willow House party display. They have a glow about them that I love and they even are lightly scented. And I don't have to worry about the flame when I am in someone else's home! So if the flame is a concern for you, try out some of the flameless ones available now...some even have a remote control (on QVC, I think) so that you can use them up high conveniently.....

remote control flameless candles

Candles in a hurricane are so beautiful, aren't ' they?

available as tealights

So there are some elementary uses of ordinary things you can consider for your fall decorating.....stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet . It's really quite elementary!

Friday Fives

2011-09-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

1. Have you ever had a pajama party?

2. What's your favorite all time movie?

3. When is the last time you went on a DATE?

4. What's for dinner?

5. Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes......

Friday Fives are all over the place today, right?? Just random questions designed to get to know one another better....have a FABULOUS Friday!!!

So Inspirational!!!!

2011-09-15T15:12:00.001-05:00

This group came in 2nd and was just incredible.....Silhouette

Terrific inspiration!!

2011-09-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

An online magazine that is chockFUL of great ideas and inspiration??? YES, there is a new one that you simply must check out!!!

Open publication - Free publishing - More event planning

9.11.11

2011-09-11T13:56:00.001-05:00

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLj4akmncsA&feature=share

Friday Fives!!!

2011-09-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

I do love Friday Fives...for some reason, I get more comments on Fridays, so I guess you like them, too!!
I hope you have a great weekend planned.....even though it is supposed to get warmer than it's been, having had a week of cooler days has been SO refreshing, and gave me a resurgence of hope that summer will not last forever!! I do look forward to getting out all my fall things to begin decorating with. I see so many have already begun, but I haven't had time this week, and knowing that it's just not quite fall here yet, has caused me to hold off......anyway, enjoy your weekend, whatever you are doing and enjoy the Friday Fives!!!

1. Do you feel fall in the air at your house??

2. Do you feel like your decorating preferences in color and style have changed over the last ten years?

3. What is your favorite fall scent that you enjoy in your home?? Do you use candles, reeds, sprays or how do you add scent to your world?

4. What is your favorite thing about fall?? More than ONE?

5. Are you excited that FOOTBALL is back???

Enjoy your day!

A whole lot of workin going on.....

2011-09-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

As if I didn't have enough moving and shuffling going on around here, my husband and I went out furniture shopping on Labor Day (with the REST of the world, I might add!) and ordered some things. First of all, our kitchen chairs have just had it. They are 30 years old.....and keep coming apart. We've repaired them over and over and now they are just ready to retire! So we shopped online for unfinished chairs and then we went out looking at a few furniture stores. We found a great little pub style table and four chairs for our kitchen for less than the price of what we would have paid for those chairs. I am ready for a new look anyway, so I am glad we did it.
While we were looking, we found a lovely bedroom suite, with a sleigh bed, which I've always admired....and decided to update our son's room, so that it would be available for a guest room as well. We've really not been equipped very well for having guests....just a single bed downstairs. If we had a couple all we could do was move in a trundle.....so now we are going to have a nice outfitted room that we won't even mind having guests stay in. But we had to move out all of my son's stuff so that I could clean the carpet and give it a new coat of paint. Well, I got the room emptied and the carpet cleaned today. OH my word...it was a mess. I handled the empty nest and missing my son by not really going in his room very often....and when I moved all the furniture and found all that dirt, boy oh boy, did I get a work out!! It is officially going to be clean for a change!! I am excited. Now I need to go and find some new bedding!! That part is the FUN part!

So I did some moving things around in my living room also, when we moved in the new couch. I am so thrilled with the way things are shaping up in there. It turns out that our WH Meditaranean Bowl and the Olivia Antiqued Bowl paired together are a perfect match to the pillows!! I couldn't wait to show you. I decided to use the Cordova Nesting Tables that I've been using as side tables, and put a third with them for a different look for the coffee table...tell me what you think. I am still adjusting accessories, and still need to get my blue chairs reupholstered, but I've got to get upstairs done before the rest of the living room falls into place....whew.....lots of work going on, like I said. So here are a few pics I snapped of the sofa...not a great photo, since I shot it with my Ipad, but it gives you a good idea.
So that's why I've been a little scarce......too much to DO!!! I'll catch up, hopefully and be back full swing. See you later!

Friday Fives!!

2011-09-02T10:51:00.002-05:00

Yay for Friday Fives!!!!

1. It's Wear your School Colors day...what color represents your school???

2. If you were given a $500 gift card to a store of your choice, what store would you choose?

3. You walk into an ice cream store--will you choose your same favorite, or try something adventurous?

4. Coffee, Tea, or something else? Sweet or unsweet?

5. What are your plans for Labor Day ?

I finally got my couch!!!

2011-09-01T07:25:00.000-05:00

Happy September 1st......here's to COOLER Days, hopefully!!!

It looks like my house is under construction since I've sort of turned everything upside down, with the new couch coming yesterday and all........boy have I got some work cut out for me!
I LOVE, LOVE the couch....you'll remember it looks like this....

When we picked it out, they really had no red accent fabrics that I liked for the pillows, so I decided to go a different route, and if I didn't like them, or couldn't make them work, I had the option to purchase or make some different pillows. Well, I REALLY like them. It requires me changing out some accessories and doing away with some RED things I had in that room, but I decided the change is good and I really like that colors. I had already two areas of green accent walls, and it goes perfectly with those. I have two blue wing back chairs in there that must be covered anyway, so I'll be trying to find some fabric that coordinates with it all and get those done. I'm planning to replace the drapes, too, so I'm hoping it all falls in to place easily......what do you think....what kind of fabric would you choose to go with this??? In the photo, it doesn't show as well, so I will try to get some photos later of it actually in my room...but in the meantime, I have to get everything reasonably put back together as my son and his girlfriend are coming for a visit this weekend.......yikes, I better get moving!!!

The latest news!!!!

2011-08-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

The Grammy-hood is growing!!!

Friday Fives!!!!

2011-08-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

1. What are your weekend plans??

2. If you could play any musical instrument, which would it be?

3. What color is most predominant in your wardrobe??

4. How long is your hair? Have you ever worn it long?

5. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

Restless spirit.....

2011-08-24T07:40:00.000-05:00

My house is empty...in more ways than one! There is a spot missing where we moved the twin bed out of the office/guest room and into my daughter's new apartment. There is a gaping hole in the living room where the old sofa was, that went to live in her new apartment, and awaits our NEW sofa. My daughter's room upstairs is in the process of being cleaned and painted...we waited too long to get the experimental paint design of blue and cantaloupe ( I know!!! , right???) from her teen aged years into something more calm, more serene and more grown up!! So I took most things out (the junk), moved large pieces of furniture to the center of the room, and it's ready to paint. I'm thinking a calm, neutral, hint of taupe color...... but it's clearly NOT lived in right now. My office has yet to be put back together......so no guests can come for now...if you come, you will end up on the sofa, the one in the family room!

And most of all, after my husband has gone to work for the day, there is an emptiness in our house....both college kids are off on their own, with play time before classes actually start and they then have to do their jobs!
Not that I mind the quiet, nor the emptiness....it's a playground for the mind.....yet it leaves this mamma just a little bit restless at the moment. I have LOTS to do to keep me busy, yet I feel restless.....do I tic off the items of my TO DO list, and make them TA-DA"s?? or do I shuck all the responsibility and go off and shop or play?? Oddly enough, that doesn't draw me like it used to........
I have enough to do each day that I am never bored...I have work to do...yet I feel restless. A restless feeling in my spirit, that longs for completeness of lists, a feeling of accomplishment, and a sense of my own calling. A yearning for settledness. Do you have that?

While the washer runs in the background, I make my mental list of what I want to accomplish today. And sometimes I wander about my house, stirring the creativity of my mind and what project I'd like to tackle next. Some projects have prerequisites, you know?? I want to do Project A, but need to do THIS first. I am sure you have areas like that also.
So in the quietness of the morning, I rest in the fact that God is with me, He is always near. I rest in the fact that what I accomplish doesn't earn merit with Him, He loves me regardless. He desires for me to LOVE HIM. And I must rest in that and do so.
As well, I long for this hot dry summer to be done......I wish for cooler days, and the feeling of fall, for autumn smells and sights, and for the renewed feeling that school and football season brings. It's really my favorite time of the year...and I love to decorate for fall......but really don't want to do so when there are still triple digits showing on the thermometer!! So I am restless for cooler weather, for sure!

What about you?? Are you longing for something in your soul? What is it?

Remember in the trials.......

2011-08-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

For those who face a trial today.......

Friday Fives

2011-08-19T08:19:00.002-05:00

It's time for Friday Fives....I always get lots of participants, so join on in!! Would love to have you participate!

1. What's been your go to meal for the summer?

2. What do you look forward to cooking in the fall?

3. Is there a spice that you do NOT like?

4. What's your biggest food/meal prep challenge?

5. Would you enjoy having a personal chef???

Enjoy your weekend, folks and take some time to smell the roses!!!
I'll leave you with a GREAT recipe, a No Bake chocolate chip cookie pie.......it's quick and yummy!

Prep time:7 minutes or so...
Chill: 8 hours

1 (15oz. or 18 oz.) pkg of chocolate chip cookies (I use Chips Ahoy)
1 c. milk
1 (9oz) commercial graham cracker crust (extra serving size or deep dish)
1 (8oz) container of frozen whipped topping, thawed

Dip 8 cookies in milk, and place in a single layer in graham cracker crust. Top with one third of the whipped topping. Dip 8 more cookies in milk, and place on top; spread with one-third of whipped topping. Repeat with 8 more cookies, milk and remaining whipped topping. Crumble 2 or 3 cookies and sprinkle over surface of pie. cover and chill for 8 hours before serving. Serves 8.
For cookies, we used Nabisco Chunky chips Ahoy. You'll need 26 cookies for this recipe (you may have a couple leftover cookies from the package. What will YOU do with them?)

Productivity around here!

2011-08-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

well, a little bit. My daughter is moving into her first apt. this year. We've been doing a little preparation to make her space fun. She saw this fabric and just had to have enough to make a pillow out of it! And I whipped it up for her last week. She and her roomies will be using our our old couch (because remember I have a new one coming!! Yay!) and they plan to get an off white slip cover to put on it.

I also made the little burlap one with buttons for her....have you EVER worked with burlap? It sheds everywhere!! This little pillow will sit in the chair we had redone for her...remember it?? Here's a reminder....


This was my Granny's chair.....

So we will be doing a little moving this weekend. Into her big girl apartment. It's kind of bittersweet. It's fun to decorate with her and have her growing up, but on the other hand....well, this mamma kind of misses her little girl.

Tuesday........

2011-08-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh........I am closing my eyes, and dreaming of being sitting right in the middle of the picture....wanna join me? The temperature is about 68 degrees and we are comfortable sitting with our lightweight sweaters wrapped around us. Can you smell the coffee and the pumpkin muffins I want to invite you to share? And the breeze is gently moving the cool, fresh air as sit and enjoy our conversation.......I can smell cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, as well as coffee and fall leaves....what do you smell? The birds are perhaps singing a fall melody and time is suspended as we linger over our time together........and THEN....I open the door!! AAACCKKK...................
Some of you in the Southeast have mentioned the pleasant temps this week.......are you KIDDING me?? We are in triple digits with no moisture to be found anywhere!! We are scorched and still hot! They say that there really are four seasons in Texas...they are summer, super summer, still summer and Christmas. I am longing for Christmas if that is the case!!
So I am choosing to dream today of cooler days....it will be at least eight or ten weeks for us before we really do have fall mornings......and I'm living for those...what about YOU?

It's time for Friday Fives!!!!

2011-08-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

It's been way too long since we had some fun doing our FRIDAY fives!! Won't you take a minute to participate, and play along, so that we can get to know each other better??? I would love it!

1. What state do you live in? (Chaos doesn't count, I mean geographical!!!)
2. How many siblings do you have?
3. How tall are you?
4. What is your favorite room in your house?
5. If you could blink and be ANYWHERE for the weekend, where would you choose?

Happy Weekend, my dear friends! Hope the weekend is relaxing for you, and that you are able to accomplish just what you have in mind!!

Eager to play with some of my NEW Willow House Fall 2011 one products.....

2011-08-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

How fun to open the boxes and play with the new products from Willow House each season! I'll be playing sometime this week, and wondered if YOU have any ideas of ways to use these products?? Do share!

Riverstone dinnerware...I wonder if there is a color that does NOT go with these??? I'll be playing with a few.


Spooky? Nah, but yes, indeed very versatile!!	The Lyric Candleabra, the Eclipse Platter.....what else do you see?

These may just be my FAV.......is there any limit on the ideas for this Wireweave Basket Trio?

Dynamite comes in small packages?? Isn't this the cutest? The Demibottle trio will work hard!

What is it with Wireweave Baskets that grabs me?? I love this French Wire Convertible Basket, too; can use it divided or as a whole...so versatile!

The Athena Crackle Vase.....ahh!!!! top right corner

Marisol Wall clock, Cottage Garden wall art, OH My!

Our cover girl, the Monarch Lantern, as well as the Lady Jane bottleneck vases...what would YOU put in the them??????

2011-08-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Always looking for a healthy alternative?? Try this one!

Willow House Fall 2011 Catalog is now on my website......

2011-08-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in seeing the new catalog, it is now on my website, as is the current Weekly Deals and the eOutlet. My website is www.southerninspiration.willowhouse.com

Also, here is the flip version, if you'd rather look at it that way
http://www.willowhouse.com/willowhousecatalogfall2011/catalog800/dynamicContentLauncher800.html

Our lovely Monarch Lantern graces the front of it....so tell me...what's your FAVORITE product in the catalog?
I might just have a drawing going on for those who tell me your favorite item in the catalog!!! Anyone?

Feel the need to be organized??

2011-08-04T21:37:00.001-05:00

Willow House has a GREAT deal for you. Just this week on the Weekly Deals in our eOutlet, they are running some GREAT organizational tools that might just help you corral the clutter. School is coming and all the barage of papers will begin to flow back into your home. Or maybe you're past that stage yet you still feel the need to conquer the paper monster??? Well, I've got a great deal for you!

Check this out. The Estate Wall Organizer has a removable toilet paper roll holder, so it is multi-functional, and the holder can be removed and used as pictured here....Paper Central!!! Everyone's papers so that you always know where they are!! How cool is that idea???
And to coordinate with this, and keep the file folders in their places and things filed so that you don't lose them??? Check out its companion piece, The Estate Tiered Rack.....both on sale this week as a WEEKLY deal. The price of $11.96 each is good until Sunday night and can be purchased at my online eOutlet store....have you been to check it out? It's some GOOD shopping!!
Check it out at www.southerninspiration.willowhouse.com
Would you mind adding me as the Party hostess when asked?? Thanks, y'all!

Estate Tiered Rack

Paper Central, where everything has a place!!

Estate Wall Organizer

Help me decide!!!

2011-08-04T07:35:00.001-05:00

I am excited to say that I get to start selling Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine, starting in October!! It's really gorgeous, and Sara has outdone herself by designing jewelry that is gorgeous and I believe will meet the needs/desires of many types of people. AND.....I have earned some FREE jewelry (our company is the best!) so I'm setting up my "kit" to be ready to sell. But it's soooooooo hard to decide what to get. If I had my "druthers" I'd just get one of everything.......oh, but I can't do that.....the family still wants to eat. Hmmm.....

So I am picking out my kit pieces and decided that maybe I should ask you all what your favorites are......would you be so kind as to take a few minutes and let me know what you think....of course I can't put the pics of ALL the pieces, but I'll show you a few that represent the collections and you tell me what you would pick. I am excited that later on I just might be able to do a GIVEAWAY!!! How cool is that??

So I"ll show you some of the pieces and you tell me what you like...m'kay??? thanks!

And let me just apologize for the pictures and text being all wonky.......Blogger loaded the pics in a funky way.....but hope you will enjoy nonetheless......thanks, y'all!


Biji collection

Tuesdays thoughts...

2011-08-02T09:58:00.001-05:00

I am so out of the blogging loop, it's not even funny. I can't seem to post regularly. I've lost my blogging mojo to the 100 degrees days we are having...it is FRIED!
KNOW what I mean....I am sure that you do, although some of you blogging heroes seem to slog through and come up with entertaining, if not heroic!, blog posts. Not me, I'm fresh out of heroic juice.

Y'all were so nice to make sweet comments about the vignettes in my house.......but you might have been mistaken that the couch from the Willow House product showcase was mine....oh heavens, no. It was indeed lovely, but that was not it. I"ll show you the mock up and you can compare when it actually gets here and what I am going to do with the stinkin' pillows. I could NOT for the life of me pick out fabric for the pillows to go in my living room, so I settled for something I like, but will either have to change out accessories and fluff the room differently (which I do not mind at all) OR just cover those babies. I'm leaning toward covering the pillows. But I do love the shape of the sofa...I'm told by the furniture people, we don't call them couches anymore.....who KNEW??? We call them sofas.

There she is.....although the name of the sofa is Jefferson, so maybe I should say HE???
And while I am thinking about moving furniture, like sofas and chairs, I am thinking it's just going to be more sweating....is anyone else HOT???
I just want to be here....

Anyone up for a road trip??? Have a great day and stay hydrated, and under the air conditioner/fan!

PS....another COOL thing you may want to check out is the Prop Closet giveaway that goes on every Tuesday at Plate and Pattern...they are giving away a double place setting of our handsome new Riverstone Pottery......that's a $90 value or more! Go on over and enter and check their FB page to see who wins tomorrow! Or I will check it for you if you're not on FB.

Riverstone dinnerware

Some things around here.....

2011-07-27T20:55:00.000-05:00

In my foyer

Well, the good news is I FINALLY ordered a couch!! Can I get an AMEN?? Haha....it seems that I"ve been looking forever! In about a month or so, I'll be glad to show you what I ordered. I am not sure I'll like the pillows I ordered, but I'm already planning what I want to cover them with! I'm going to see what they look like in my living room then make a decision. I'll be asking your opinions!!

So, I thought I'd show you a few things I've got around my house, like a few small vignettes.
Here is my coffee table in my den...

These are from Southern Living at HOME....doesn't almost EVERYONE have these??? Yet, I love their style!

this is sitting on top of the heirloom rolltop desk we got two years ago

In my kitchen....I love this vignette!

Gee whiz....

2011-07-26T08:26:00.001-05:00

Time flies, doesn't it?? Yet when we want something to get here ALREADY, it seems to take forever....for instance, cooler weather........would LOVE for it to be here, and break this summertime heat !! Yet some of you think, but then comes winter, and I am SO not ready for that.....just for the record, TEXAS is ready for fall and winter!
So days fly by and I haven't had a chance to blog.......catching up from travel time, house needs attention, clothes need to be washed and these people want a meal or two!! I know you, too, have faced such challenges as well.
I am eager to show you more pictures from our Product Showcase from the national Convention for Willow House. Do you want to see them?
I'll start with a few and you let me know if you want to see more, m'kay?

We had not only our Simply Good Design Home Decor Product Showcase, but also the Jewelry by Sara Blaine jewelry display that we were all so anxious to feast upon! Boy, were we wowed, and in no way disappointed!!! Our design team totally ROCKS and really showed us some great ideas.
You be the judge!!

Hard to get a shot of the mirror w/o someone's reflection...that's not me, but would you look at these TRIVETS surrounding the mirror?? How clever is that???


Isn't this FUN and colorful???

This fashioned headboard is done with Paint and three Cottage Garden Wall decor!!

Stunning with purples and grays!

Ingenious...this is a window box planter, turned into a wall sconce! See, ingenious, right?

Doesn't this make you want to have a PARTY??

who would have thought to surround a round mirror with our sconces and make a starburst?? They DID it! Cool, huh? And notice the smaller framed items are framed COASTERS!!! The architectural lamps are made with garden trellises!

how did ten days go by with NO posts???

2011-07-22T08:31:00.000-05:00

Isn't this FUN????

EASY, creative way to add a headboard!!!

Who wouldn't love a craft room as beautiful as this??

isn't the purple and gray a great combination???

Well, all my business and busyness had me all in a tizzy!! SO MANY great things to share with you all.......IF you want to hear about Willow House and all the GREAT things in store. AND IF you want to see eye candy from the product showcase that our great designers (who blog by the way over HERE) come up with each year to both pique our interest and give us spectacular ideas for our products...you just won't believe some of them!!!
While I hate to inundate those of you who don't like to decorate or be inspired with such great ideas, I just don't see how I can do anything else......so let me know if you like the ideas!! And remember that on Plate and Pattern, they give away a product every Tuesday on Prop Closet Tuesday....so check in every week, and you might just WIN something great!

They just wowed us with both the Product Showcase for the HOME as well as the display for our new line of Jewelry by Sara Blaine....I did mention to you that we are the first direct sales company to be multi-divisional, right? We are launching a line of beautifully hand-crafted jewelry this fall......it is hand crafted in Bali! Sara's designs are phenomenal, and I think you will agree that they are just downright gorgeous.
So why don't I just show you some pictures???
I'll start with the product showcase, and then tomorrow or the next day...(SO MUCH to do to catch up from being gone!) I'll show you the jewelry.
Hope you enjoy!! I have much more to share!!!

The lovely Monarch lantern...do you like it?

Do you LOVE this vase?? The Athena Crackle Vase....$34.96!

Isn't this a beautiful, calming tablescape??


The Monarch Lantern....just gorgeous and huge!

terrific Tuesday!!

2011-07-12T08:51:00.001-05:00

What's going on in your world today? Me, I'm getting ready for another ADVENTURE!! I get to travel to the Willow House convention on Thursday, and stay over and visit a girlfriend or two after it's over. So I am busy getting my suitcase packed and my duds in order!!! I'll be learning all about the new Fall 2011 products in store for us, as well as the new line of Sara Blaine jewelry in store as we launch our SECOND division of Willow House--a new jewelry division!! You can go HERE to see a little sneak peek........

I am over the TOP excited to see it all. They always, always blow the roof off with creativity in displaying the new products in the product showcase for us! We always come back charged and ready to go/share/party when the convention is over!!
Wahoo!

So, I'll be in and out, offline and online from the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta!! So fun, so exciting....so much to do! Y'all have a Terrific Tuesday!!!
What's up with YOUR day?

and a few more......

2011-07-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

Hope you don't mind......I'm sure missing seeing her adorable, smiling face and showing her to you helps with my lack of seeing her....it's therapy, you know??? Thanks for indulging me!!!

Her two pearly whites!! Loving the poolside with Aunt Allison!

As promised.......

2011-07-04T20:04:00.000-05:00

Pics of the G'baby.......baby Catherine. What a doll! She has such personality, and most of the time is all smiles. What a fun thing for a Grammy to experience is the grin a darling little girl has for her! She is eating table food, and crawling, and playing with toys. She is interactive and fun, and has such vigor and excitement and a love for learning all about this world! She bounces up and down when she is excited! One can't help but smile at her when she is so, so excited!

So our time here comes to an end....what a great time we've had. So fun to be with the kids and their family......it's

Happy Fourth of July, friends!!!

2011-07-04T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hope you have a safe and fabulous holiday!!! I"ll be spending it with Sugar Britches......see you soon, and I will have some pics!

Friday Fives!!

2011-07-01T07:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone....I know so many are excited to have a three day weekend!
I am enjoying mine immensely being with the G'baby!!! She is simply adorable and so, so sweet. However, I have to say, it's a lot easier to get pictures when you are not the sole caregiver.........I've only been able to take a few--life is busy. Her mamma and daddy are enjoying a getaway so once they get back, I"ll get some good pics posted.

So let's do our Friday Fives today!! Are you in???
Also, wanted to let you know that Willow House will have a great big, huge, ginormous sale starting today as we clear our shelves in anticipation of our NEW catalog products!! Of course, it is such an exciting time, but a time to get some GREAT prices on products that will be discontinued. I'll post more later.

1. What are your plans for the 4th of July??

2. Do you have vacation plans for the summer?

3. Do you enjoy swimming....would you prefer a lake or a pool?

4. If you could visit anyone this weekend, who would it be?

5. YOU ask the fifth question in the comments......anything you want to ask me or ask anyone else????

Here's to adventures!!!

2011-06-28T06:09:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I are embarking on a ROAD TRIP......how fun! Our destination is seeing the G'baby!!! We will be staying with them for a few days.....and loving on baby C!!! Her Mom and Dad even have a short getaway planned! I'll be blogging from the road!! Haha.....you can bet there will be pictures!! Looking forward to seeing them all and seeing how much she has changed. She is a baby on the go now since she has begun to crawl!! Let the fun begin!!

need some salad inspiration????

2011-06-25T19:36:00.000-05:00

Southern Living comes to the rescue again with some yummy looking salads....what is YOUR favorite kind of salad???

Friday Fives!!!

2011-06-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

What's on tap today, my friends?? I've got some housecleaning to do. I love the results, but I don't like to clean house. I love the results, in fact, but not so much the steps getting there....what about you, do you enjoy cleaning??

Hey, let's make our Friday Fives about cleaning........wanna play along??

1. Do you enjoy cleaning?

2. What's your favorite cleaning tool or product? Do you love it enough that you could do a commercial about it???

3. What do you remember about your mom or your grandmother cleaning?

4. What is your favorite "clean" smell?

5. What's your LEAST favorite chore/cleaning step?

There are some chores that I enjoy toward cleaning my house, but not all.....I do love a clean house. There are time when I'll see a gorgeous house, beautifully decorated, and I"ll come home and just want to clean and beautify my own space. I love my home and enjoy making it look nice. So sometimes, it just feels good to give it a once over. Other times, it just seems overwhelming. I KNOW that it can feel that way when the kids are going twenty seven different ways and there is stuff associated with that. In fact, my daughter's room upstairs....well, I just don't go upstairs a lot!!! I am hoping, like me, that with age and maturity, she will love cleanliness a little more!!

As I've gotten older, I have realized that I like more order than I used to. There are areas that have piles and every once in a while, I can't take it any more......I wish I thought in a more organized way, so that those piles didn't build up, and that I was more diligent to not let the piles build up. But, I'm not there yet. I'm a work in progress!!!

My favorite cleaning tool might be a vacuum. I cannot imagine having to clean w/o it! Not that I love to use it, but I can't imagine not having one!
I don't remember a lot about my mom cleaning, although I am sure she did. My granny had a fairly large house for her, and I am sure she cleaned a good bit, too...but I don't remember seeing her clean. When we were there, she was just enjoying visiting. What I do remember is having chores at home, and my step father, who used to be in Navy, had high cleanliness standards!! We oftn h

There used to be a Windex product that was potporri scented.....I used to love that scent. But unfortunately, they don't make it anymore. I do like Lemon scented cleansers, and some light scents of lavendar. There is also a comforting smell of PineSol, if it isn't too heavy.

Cleaning floors and bathrooms is my least favorite chore. But the end result is worth it, right? It was a little bit of a challenge with my shoulder after surgery, so I did have some help with that. I hired a girl who still comes once every two or three weeks.....it's just nice to have some help, isn't it?

Hope y'all have a great weekend!!!

Do you have piles?

Do you love HAIR day???

2011-06-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

Yippee, it's hair day........may or may not involve color, as only my hairdresser knows for sure, but it sure does involve a hair cut, blow dry and style and little mini massage....ahhhh.........love for someone else to do my hair, don't you?????? Have a good one, friends!!!

REAL SIMPLE comes thru again!!

2011-06-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

Traveling?? Real Simple has great ideas for traveling using everyday household items....y'all know I love the publication REAL Simple......and I love their brilliant uses for everyday items....well, here's a list for traveling to use your everyday items to organize your travel needs....

http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-travel/index.html

Got any travel coming up?? I know I do and I am excited....going to get to see the GBaby!!! Can't wait to see her eight month old self!!! OOZE alert forthcoming....you know I am going to have pictures!!! HA!

What's on your agenda for the coming weeks?? Looking forward to a get away????

grown up styles.....

2011-06-18T13:12:00.002-05:00

Artwork by Susan Branch....

Just today, I discovered that Susan Branch has a blog now. I have always loved her artwork and her way of thinking!!! I've always love that she lives on Martha's Vineyard and tells all about it! I have followed her page on Facebook (Friends of Susan Branch) for a while now, and always think that her life is so inspiring. I actually think the life of anyone who has artistic tendencies and follows them, and may even have grown a business around them, is quite inspiring!

She has a section on her blog called I Love England.....and within that section is a post she wrote about Laura Ashley. Boy, did that take me back!!! I remember being a young woman, right about the time I got married and shortly thereafter, and I LOVED Laura Ashley. I loved going into the stores and soaking up the atmosphere.
Had we not been poor graduate students, I am certain I would have used more of their fabrics and items in my life!!! I love the way their colors looked so fresh, all so coordinated, and just the perfect combination of cottage but classy. I remember making some dresses that were much inspired by Laura Ashley and wore them proudly! Small cotton print, tucks, white color.....maybe you remember the style?????

I used some Laura Ashley fabrics in my daughter's nursery and bedroom later on in my life....so dainty and pretty. Until my daughter outgrew them and said she didn't want "dainty and pretty".......sigh.

Perhaps you remember some similar sentiments!!
Here is a copy of vintage Laura Ashley fabrics from Susan Branch's blog......

thanks, Susan for taking me down memory lane.

Now, I really only have one room that is similar in style......I guess you might say my tastes have changed and grown up a little. But soon it will be time to freshen up the college kids rooms/guestrooms, and perhaps I'll find more Laura Ashley"ish" fabrics coming back into my home......hmm.....what about you? Remember styles that you used to use/love that maybe you've outgrown?? Tell me about some of them.......

A whole lot of giggling!!

2011-06-16T21:37:00.000-05:00

Today, I had the pleasure of picking up some precious little three year olds to bring them to my house.... 3/5 of the quints!! They are nearly three now...and you can read about them at their mommy's blog HERE

First birthday pics

I decided since my husband was going to be out of town, that I would invite all three girls (in the past I've only kept Sidney whenever I helped out) to stay overnight. It gives their mommy a break, and it sure is FUN! So they came over, and brought some fun and joy to our household. My daughter helped us get thru bathtime...and then she read them books. It is hectic --but their mamma does this every day, with FIVE of them. They are such a miracle, and so darned cute!!!

This is them from when they were oh so little....gee, next week they will be THREE!!!


this was last summer, and they are two......they are growing, growing!

I am blessed to be a part of their lives!!! If you checked out their blog, you'll see them currently, almost three!

Willow House Wednesday!!!!

2011-06-15T16:39:00.001-05:00

Her name is Fiona and she is our Mystery Deal of the Day today on Wed. June 15th! She holds 2 quarts and is creamy white!
Today only (and maybe until about 8:00 in the morning on Thursday, she is only $9.96!!! I bought this at full price (well, ok, outlet price for $24.96 and it was worth it...it's a STEAL for only $9.96. Get two or three for gifts even!!
Order at my website, and do it quickly because these sweeties will go quickly!!
Order at Southerninspiration.willowhouse.com www.southerninspiration.willowhouse.com, and get your Mystery Deal today!
Take care!!

A Cinderella story....

2011-06-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

I've had this chair that used to be my Granny's. I guess I've had it for 30 or more years, now that I think about it.....geez, where does time go? And when I first got it, I refinished it, and it was in our newlywed apartment....oh those were the days! Very little furniture, all hand me downs. But this chair, was very special, since it belonged to my Granny. I fixed it up and we used it for a number of years until someone came to visit us and sat in it.......and the bottom broke out of it. We made a semblance of a repair but couldn't afford to have it fixed professionally at the time, since we were poor graduate students!! Over time, thru a few moves, the fabric got ripped and it became a sad, sad chair that I had plans to fix "one of these days". Now that I actually remember how long I've had that chair, I can't believe I said that for so long!! I am a procrastinator at heart as well as an idealist, so I never quite figured out how I wanted to finish it--paint it, or restain it, which kind of fabric, where to use it, etc.
Here it is in its sad little state.....(don't judge....look at the great potential!! )

Recently my husband wanted to clean out the garage, and I knew the chair (which he confirmed!) either needed to be repaired and used, or well, it needed to be repaired and used....shudder the thought of getting rid of it!!!
So I asked my daughter, who will be moving into an apt. in the fall (out of the dorm!) if she wanted to use it, and we decided to get it fixed so she could do so. We picked out a fabric that went with the things she wants to use, I found an upholsterer on Angie's list....and here she is, all prettied up, and ready for the ball!!
Now, I am not sure how much wear it will get in my daughter's room, other than a place to pile clothing, but I am so glad to have it repaired and useable again...makes me sad to think it had to be so long in coming....but I am not getting myself into a guilt trip over this.....now she is pretty again, and will be used. It might have been a better idea to paint it, but if it's used again somewhere else, maybe that will be the case. For now, she looks good again, and is in a repaired state so that she will be useful.
Here she is, in her new gown!!


Sorry for the blurry pictures!!!

We will make her a fun burlap pillow and there is enough of the fabric to make a sham for her bed......we are good to go!!!

Friday Fives......

2011-06-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

Well, here we are at Friday AGAIN!!! It seems time just flies by. I've been getting my yard work finished up and by finished up, I mean, that there's really not much left that I can do that's worth getting out in the heat for!! I will save the rest for fall, y'all! It's sweltering already, and we need rain!! What's weather like in your neck of the woods?

Friday Fives again! Yay!
My son is coming home today for the weekend...sure have missed him! So I'll try to cook up some of his favorites!!

What about your weekend?? Got big plans??

Friday Fives:

1. How many blogs do you read? Is your blog list longer than your ARM??? :D
2. How much time do you spend on your blog?
3. How often do you leave comments?
4. What do your favorite blogs have that you like? What do you dislike?
5. Does it bother you when people blog about their businesses??

and for bonus today!!!
6. What makes you HAPPY today???

An exciting giveaway!!!

2011-06-07T11:31:00.001-05:00

Today, our designers (at Willow House) over at Plate and Pattern are giving away a PAIR of Bradford Lanterns!!! Talk about a FABulous giveaway!!!! In fact, every Tuesday is Prop Closet Tuesday where they do a giveaway for a Willow House product!!! You may just want to bookmark that blog so that you head over there EVERY Tuesday to see what the product of the day is!!!!

Head on over and see what they do behind the scenes to bring about our catalog features, design our products and pull together terrific displays and ideas!! Simply leave a comment about how you would use them and you are entered to win! Have a great Tuesday!!!

The Bradford Lanterns

Friday Fives.......

2011-06-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

Friday Fives....(you may find these fairly personal, so if you don't want to pariticipate today, that's okay.) This is just a come clean party for me today! LOL.

1. Do you consider yourself a nutrition conscious person?
2. Are you happy with your weight?
3. Are you happy with your level of fitness?
4. What is your area of weakness for food?
5. What nutrition/fitness goals would you like to achieve?

The reason behind these Friday Fives is a long story, but one I will begin telling you about today. This is not easy for me, but I figured some accountability taken to another level would be good for me...so here is part of my story.

.
This is today's entry.....moving forward.

Recently I started getting more serious about losing weight, healthy living/lifestyle and getting more active. After finding out I have thyroid disease, going through menopause, and a serious weight gain because of some medication I was taking, my ongoing battle with my weight was kicking me in the boo-tay!! It was getting bigger, I was getting more unhealthy, and I was getting more discouraged. Hmmm...ever been there?

I realize that there are a few people who don't struggle with this, who don't have a problem with a sagging metabolism...let me just say, I envy you. I know that many of you consistently exercise and keep your weight at bay.....and love it. I have never really LOVED exercise and sweating. It's hard work! But I have finally come to the realization, that this ever on-going struggle, which is only complicated by aging, and the three factors I mentioned above (thyroid disease, menopause, and medications) was only bound to continue and get worse if I didn't get moving. I am tired of shame and tired of feeling frumpy. So I have embarked on a journey of getting back to a more healthy, energetic lifestyle. I stopped taking the offending medication ( pain be damned!) but just because you stop the meds doesn't mean the weight falls off! I found SparkPeople.com and have loved the ease of keeping track of my nutrition and fitness via their FREE website. Even if you don't want to lose weight, I can see the value of it just to keep track of your exercise progress or keeping on track with good nutrition.

I have been reading a really good book on thyroid disease, and I would encourage anyone having it to read the book. It's called The Thyroid Solution by Dr. Ridha Arem. It has opened my eyes to so many things, and truly comforted me that I am indeed not going insane. I wish more doctors would read the info he includes, in order to better understand their patients!! It's THAT good. Having thyroid disease is very complicated. This book helps one understand how it affects the body in so many ways.
Well, at the risk of either losing you here, or writing a post that takes two weeks to read, I'll stop here and pick up the story at a later date. I hope I haven't lost you; I hope I have encouraged you. This does not mean that my blog is now a weight loss blog, but I wanted to be open about my journey and a part of who I am.
I hope you enjoy your weekend. See you soon!

Announcing a NEW sparkling and exciting part of Willow House....

2011-06-01T15:48:00.001-05:00

Our new jewelry by Sara Blaine.....simply good design. I am thinking we are going to have to add another tag line, Simply GREAT and DAZZLING design to this jewelry line. Take a look for a sneak peak...looks like some of our design girls (www.plateandpattern.com) got together for a little Willow House/simply good design jewelry party!! Watch and see and tell me what you see that you like!!! (You can click the bottom right hand corner button with arrows in all directions if you want to get a full screen picture....)

Thru the month of June, the opportunity exists for someone to join Willow House for only $49 and be able to reserve a spot to also sell our new jewelry line. If you'd like more info, go to my website and view the opportunity or leave me a comment and I can get more info for you. Would love to have YOU join ME in this exciting new adventure that Willow House is embarking on!!
Southerninspiration.willowhouse.com...there is a video on my site that has a few more close up pics of the jewelry by Sara Blaine. Enjoy!

The Gardening continues...

2011-05-31T08:08:00.000-05:00

I'm outside a lot lately, so not doing a lot of blogging. I'm trying to get my yard under control again. Have definitely made progress, but not done yet!!! I did hire a guy at my church to help me, and they worked all day on Saturday......finally it's shaping up. It no longer looks like a war zone. It's a very large yard, so while it won't be a paradise when it's done, at least it will be under control again. You can again see the dirt in flower beds as opposed to the blanket of weeds that somehow shouted mutiny and overtook the flower beds. Right now, I just want to get all the weeds out....and slowly decide what I want in some of the beds. Some of them are done....I'll have a few pics in the next couple of days. In the meantime, I'm burning calories (YAY!) and working in the yard....

See ya soon!

Simple treat for Memorial Day....

2011-05-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for Memorial Day? Looking for a FUN treat!! Try these!!

Red, White and Blue Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
1 pint fresh strawberries (approx 12 oz)
4-oz white chocolate
......Blue sanding sugar or sprinkles
Line a baking sheet or cutting board with wax paper or parchment paper.
Chop up the chocolate roughly with a knife if it is in block form. In a medium-sized, microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in 45 or 60-second intervals, stirring between each time to ensure that the chocolate is melting evenly and not burning. Meanwhile, place blue sanding sugar into a small bowl and set it aside.
When chocolate is smooth, dip the berries 3/4 of the way into the chocolate, dip the tips into the blue sprinkles, and place on wax paper.
Berries can set at room temperature if you live somewhere cool, otherwise refrigerate them until ready to serve to allow the chocolate to set up.

A fellow Willow House Consultant posted these on Facebook, and I just had to share with y'all!!!

Have a blessed Sunday, my friends.....

2011-05-29T07:20:00.000-05:00

Friday Fives!!!!!

2011-05-27T12:53:00.001-05:00

Yea, It's Friday!!! (And for many, a long weekend, due to Memorial Day on Monday.)

1. Will your holiday weekend involve a pool, a beach or a lake???

2. Will you host a group or will you go to someone else's house?

3. Who do you WISH you could spend the weekend with?

4. Will you work part of the weekend (either work or DIY projects) or will totally take off and rest?

5. If you could re-do a room in your house this weekend, which one would it be???

Happy Friday, y'all!!! Have a great weekend!

Wednesday!!!

2011-05-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted about Wednesdays with Willow House, so I thought I'd catch you up on some things that are going on.
Our eOutlet: is meeting with HUGE success! It contains retired items at a bargain savings. For even better savings, check out the WEEKLY deals that come out every Monday morning. These are marked at 60 or 70% off! The weekly deals are only good for a week, and then they will go back to regular outlet prices. Also, there is now a MYSTERY deal a couple of times a week. It is ONE product that is a GREAT buy for ONE day. If you want to LIKE my page on Facebook, usually I will post the mystery deal once I know what it is. There is not a prescribed day for it, so it's always a happy surprise!! Willow House, Simply Good Design is my FB page....I would LOVE for you to go on over and choose to like it!! I'll wait....

The last Mystery Deal to run was this past Sunday....the Tuscan Olive Jar was only $18.96 for that day......wow, what a deal!!! I have a friend who ordered one, and she said...."I was almost resigned to the fact that if I wanted an Olive Jar, I was going to have to pay $60 or $70!! I am SO glad I found this deal!"

You can, of course, order from our regular catalog as well, 24/7. If you are up at 3 AM and decide to shop for a wedding gift, you can do it on my webiste!!! HA....southerninspiration.willowhouse.com
And MAY has some awesome specials sale prices going on here......

Click on the picture and you will be able to see the full sale, and in a larger size!

I am trying to meet some sales goals for May so if there is something you want to order, you can do so at my website......Southerninspiration.willowhouse.com. The customer special will also apply to any of those items on the May sale, so if you spend $39.96, then any item valued at $40 or less can be yours for 1/2 price, even the sale items.....so those canisters up there??? You could get one of them for 1/2 off if you spend $39.96!!

Other news is that Willow House is becoming the first direct sales company to be multi-divisional....in the fall, we are launching our second division of Simply Good Design by adding a JEWELRY component under our umbrella of Simply Good Design....we just got a sneak peek at some of the products...well, here take a look! And on June 1, the designer of our exclusive WH products will be announced...so exciting!!!


A sneak peek at some of our new Willow House jewelry to be offered in FALL 2011

Yes, I did mention multi-divisional!! We are told there is a third division in the works!
It is all so very exciting...and you can actually be a part of it as well....for May and June only, an individual just like YOU can sign up for only $49!! That $49 gets you a mini-kit and the business supplies to get you started...and it secures your place to be set to sell our new jewelry in the fall, as well. So now, hostesses can choose whether they want to have a jewelry party or a home decor party!! If you'd like more info about the opportunity for getting in on this great opportunity, just let me know in the comments and we can talk. Never before has this opportunity been offered for such a low price, and now it is not only low investment, but the outcome of your investment has the potential to be doubled with our TWO divisions!

If you've gotten this far in reading this long post....I hope you don't think I am self-serving....I REALLY want to get this opportunity spread far and wide.....AnYwaY, if you are still reading, I am hosting a giveaway for the person who goes to my website and tells me what your favorite WEEKLY deal item is......
The Giveaway will be held on next MONDAY, so get the word out....yes, if you want to spread the word via your blog, your FACEBOOK page, your twitter account or sending an email, just let me know in the comments and you will get an entry for each thing you do.
The GIVEAWAY prize will be a Willow House product of my choice.........the more entries we get, the bigger the prize will be!! So go spread the word!!!

That's the Willow House Wednesday Report for today!! If you'd like to get my monthly newsletter, the Inside Design, by email, just let me know in the comments. Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

the Thriller, the Filler and the Spiller!!!

2011-05-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not writing a mystery novel, but I thought that the article on Container Garden I recently received from Lowe's was a fabulous way to remember how to make a beautiful container garden........If you don't regularly receive Lowe's Creative Ideas for Home and Garden publication, you might want to go to their website and sign up for it. It's free and it's chockful of inspirational projects and ideas for your space!!
Go HERE and you can actually read it online or subscribe.
This month's edition has an article on container gardening. It suggests that a good way to make a great looking container garden is to have a formula of three types of plants for your container....a thriller, a filler and a spiller. Quite clever, I must say. So what does that mean??
They say fill an 18.5 inch pot with a container potting mix. (A tip I've used before so that the pot is not so heavy is to fill the bottom third of a large pot like that full of styrofoam peanuts, or some other filler that will allow drainage but take up some of the room so that you don't need that much dirt. It must be able to drain, however) . Then they suggest choosing a tall, dramatic thriller plant, a hardworking filler and a trailing spiller for a stunning display in your pot. You'll find their combos in the Creative Ideas publication. They suggest for an all-white container, the thriller being One white pampas grass (tall), the Filler being three white petunia plants (will grow full and eye catching!) and the spiller being four white bacopas, that will spill over the side and are covered with tiny white flowers. This combination also gives you varied textures, which is pleasing to the eye.
Another example they show is the Shade Lovers Container, which includes Two large leaved Coleus Plants, four begonias in assorted colors, and five licorce plants that will spill over the sides.....beautiful.

The third selection they show is a not so mellow Yellow filled pot. The thriller is Foxglove, which grows pretty tall, the filler would be marguerite daisies and the spiller is a plant called Calibrachoa, superbells, similar to million bells. They all look so pretty and allow you to use various kinds of plants to enjoy and play together sweetly!! You'll want to check out the Creative Ideas publication.
I've made a few container pots for my porch and they contain impatiens, and a trailing ivy...the guara I tried to transplant for height died, so I need to go get something for my thriller behind those impatiens.....caladiums might be a good solution!

What about you? Do you have some container gardens you can tell me about??? What are some of your favorites???

Friday fives!!!!

2011-05-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

Yay, the end of the week!! Are you glad it's Friday? It's been a busy week for me, and it will be a busy weekend......but I guess that's better than the alternative!!
So here we are at the end of May....gee, time flies. Weren't we just discussing winter and how cold it was?? No longer cold here......it's hot and humid, but hopefully we are in for some rain....we have drought conditions and could use it so badly!

So onto our Friday Fives.....

1. Do you have someone finishing school so that your summer schedule will be altered? Is that a good feeling for you??

2. What do you like best about summer?

3. What do you like least about summer?

4. Do you have big plans for Memorial Day Weekend?

5. What one goal do you have that you'd like to complete by the end of summer?

Thanks, y'all for playing along, and have a great weekend!! See you soon!

Upstairs friends???? Do you know what she means???

2011-05-19T14:40:00.002-05:00

Many of you probably already read Kimba's blog, A Soft Place to Land......I've not been over to see her in a while, but when I read this, I again so appreciated who she is and how she is transparent and real....I loved this post she wrote and posted today. Check it out....she is so real and so funny at the same time.

A SOFT PLACE

What's behind your fences?????

A moment on perspective and choosing your words......

2011-05-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

Please watch. You will love this!

Ingenious ideas!!

2011-05-13T20:14:00.001-05:00

I know you all know that I LOVE Real Simple Magazine....especially the way that they come up with new uses for common things.....like these ideas...READ them and you won't be disappointed! You can also sign up to get their ideas, which are often tidbits to just do today.......taking ONE step toward getting done all those little things that add up to keep us organized and keep life a little simpler!!!

Not the current cover, this is from the Archives....

Check out these GREAT ideas!!!
http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-home-office/picture-frame-as-dry-erase-board-00000000049958/index.html

Mother's Day gift....

2011-05-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

While I do indeed love my new iPad2 that my husband gifted me with, I also got a TRUE treasure from my son and daughter in law in the mail for Mother's Day.......a canvas that Heather purchased from Shutterfly, after having a photo shoot with the most gorgeous baby ever!!! Well, I am perhaps a tad bit biased!! Heather and Russell got a new camera recently and we are all benefitting from it's wonders!! Then Heather went to Shutterfly and had this canvas made for both the grammies.....and I thought I'd share it with you. GREAT job Heather, and thanks so, so much. I love it...how can I not smile every day when I walk past this???

It was indeed a Happy Mother's Day in 2011!!!!

Well.....about that shopping trip!!

2011-05-10T13:10:00.001-05:00

Well, my sweet husband told me he wanted to take me shopping to let me get something that I may have wanted for awhile. So sweet, right??

We were just talking the other day after I got rid of every phone book in my house. I don't know about where you live, but here, we had phone books that were about two feet tall!! I was sick of them taking up valuable space! When we need to look up a number, we can just go to the computer! And I use some recipes that I have stored on the computer, so we were thinking how nice it would be to have a small laptop or such for just that. I love to take my laptop when I am traveling, too, but it tends to be a little bulky since I have a longer one with the numbers on the right......(there's a name for that, isn't there???)
So to make a long story short, I decided that an IPad or small laptop would be good. Talk about a splurge! I've had an iPhone for some time...(got a refurbished one some time ago) and I love how easy it is to use...so it was an easy transition to think about getting an IPad2. So guess what he bought for me??? Wow, I never expected to own one of these!!! And I knew he would get a lot of use from it as well....so that's the big secret! We've used it already and I even took a one hour workshop for orientation.....however, I would have benefitted more from a more advanced class, since I have my history of using the iPhone.

So, I will be working on adding apps and deciding what exactly I can use my iPad for . If you have one, tell me what apps you like!! We 'd all benefit from that.....oh, and one of the cutest ones is called Cuptakes....an app that gives you cute, girly, girl backgrounds for your wallpapers on your iPhone or iPad. Check it out, they are adorable!!
So what are YOUR favorite apps???

And then Sunday night, as my hubby and I were watching television, in walks my daughter to surprise me for an overnight visit!! She had to go back to finish up finals, but she will be home for the summer this Wednesday night.....Isn't that a nice surprise????

Mother's Day weekend....

2011-05-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

It's the day before Mother's Day and the kids can't come home as they are preparing for the last few days of finals. I am ok with that, as I really do want them to be able to concentrate, study and do well. My daughter will be home Wednesday night, but not sure when my son will come home as he's gotten a job there in College town! We are indeed glad for that, to give him more experience while he waits to apply to Vet School again.
So two days ago, my hubby tells me to plan four hours into my Saturday to go shopping........??? He WANTS to go shopping??? And he won't tell me any more of the details until we leave to go shopping.....in about an hour and a half?? My mind has been spinning, wondering what in the world he wants to take me shopping for!! I have a tiny idea, but who knows what he's got up his sleeve??? I guess I'll be able to report back and let you know if it's as I suspected!! Or if it's something totally NOT what I expected!!!

So, do YOU like surprises?????
What will you do for your Mother's Day weekend???

Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely ladies!!

Friday Fives!!!!!

2011-05-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

It's Mother's Day weekend!!! What do you have in store??? My younger kids are at college preparing for Finals....so no visit from them this weekend. I am praying that they do well on their finals!!
It will be a quiet weekend....but that's okay. After having my friend, Sidney the three year old toddler, visit this week, a quiet weekend will be great. She is precious, adorable and some kind of chatty!!! Loved so much having her here. What fun!
She is one of the quints that I helped take care of for two years....when I had to have my shoulder surgery, I stopped going once a week to their house, and I sure have missed them. Thankfully, I get to see them at church most Sundays!

I am working on trying to get my yard in shape after a few years of not doing so...it's incredible how just one season of missing yardwork can turn everything toward chaos!! After getting a bid of about $6000, I decided I'd get out there and see what I "could" do since I'm recovering from my shoulder surgery. Who knew it would take THIS long??? Anyway, I am able to do quite a bit, with a few limitations. So I've been cleaning out flower beds, and have a guy coming today to bid on what's left. I have rediscovered how I love to be outside on cool spring mornings, as our weather here has been phenomenal! Hot, humid, not so much, but these past few days, I have LOVED!

So onto our Friday Fives.......Mother's Day theme, of course!!!

1.Is your mamma still living? Are you close? (Mammas and daughters can be a challenge, yes??)

2.Do you have children?

3. Do you get along well with your mother in law? (mine's a GEM!!)

4. What are your plans for Mother's Day?

5. What smells remind you of your Mamma?

Have fun and have a WONDERFUL Mother's day!!!!

Essentials!

2011-05-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Do you have numbers written on post it notes all over the place?? What about business numbers or contacts that you need to call once or twice a year??
How about keeping track of all your appliances and who to call if one breaks?? Do you have a household inventory in case something happens and you need to account for everything??

Well, Real Simple ( I heart their emails that keep spurring me on to organization!) sent me an email today with a few organizing lists to keep me organized. I need all the help I can get. They aren't all applicable to me, but some will prove to be very helpful...take a look for yourself and see if some of them will help you!!!

REAL SIMPLE keeps us organized!!!!

Let's tackle this chaotic world one step at a time!!! I'm in, are YOU???

Tuesday ramblings......

2011-05-03T13:10:00.001-05:00

There are crazy things going on right now, aren't there?? We have weather patterns that are just phenomenal. Tornadoes, tsunamis, floodinger and cool weather patterns in May, and TEXAS is so dry that there are fire bans across the state. We can't GET any rain. But it was 53 degrees here this morning!!!
I wish we could divert some of the flood waters toward Texas so that places like my hometown would be safe and not flood from all the melting snow up north. Vidalia, La., is my hometown and they are seeing the river at highs that haven't been seen since 1927, when the whole town flooded. Now thanks to the Corps of Engineers, the levees are higher, but let's just pray they stay intact. Pray that the strength of the levees will not be compromised and the efforts further north to break levees and ease some of the flood waters will help those further south.
And Osama Bin Laden.......well, there are LOTS of thoughts on this, but as I said yesterday, his death doesn't mean we can relax and be carefree. No, I think it means we must pray diligently that God would be our Defender against any extremists who might want revenge or to take the place of him.

In Willow House news, we are embarking on yet a new adventure, in that starting in the fall, we will also be carrying a line of jewelry. So you can dress your home OR yourself!! The designer of the jewelry is yet to be unveiled, and I am so anxious to see what we will make available to you. Right now, one can buy a $49 mini starter kit to get in on the ground floor opportunity to sell our WH jewelry line. The kit is available thru June at that price...so if you EVER found yourself wanting to know more about it, now is the time to check it out!
AND for those of you who are lovers of our products, we have an aMAYzing May sale going on with some fabulous prices that can't be beat.....I'll attach the flier just so you can see; if someone wants to give you a gift certificate for Mother's day, I can arrange that, so if you want to leave my blog open on your computer and make a few hints to those who might be considering what they might surprise you with for Mother's day, feel free to do so!! Ha. They can be seen larger by clicking on my newsletter link below, Inside Design, or click on the left picture to see the larger. My website is always available, also, at Southerninspiration.willowhouse.com southerninspiration.willowhouse.com.

My friend and fellow consultant, Susie, shows some of the specials and ideas on her blog, today. Go over and encourage her, as she is a new blogger!! Your Best Accessory
And for those of you who don't already subscribe to my Willow House newsletter INSIDE DESIGN, you can take a look right now......if you love it, you can subscribe by choosing the link at the bottom of the newsletter.....it usually includes specials and sales, a recipe and a decorating idea. The aMAYzing sale is in there, as is a recipe for yummy Lemon Bars...and a fun idea from Melanie Grant about designing your office space!

And then there is the fun news that beginning Friday, Starbucks will run a Frappucino special from 3 to 5 every day until the 16th, with half-priced Frappucinos......what's YOUR favorite????

I'll be back with some inspiring ideas for Mother's day. What are YOUR plans???

We must continue to PRAY!!!

2011-05-01T22:47:00.001-05:00

PRAY that our nation will stand in unity, and be protected. We can thank GOD for avengence, and pray that HE will continue to guide our nation. We will continue to pray for our troops and our servicemen.

Friday Fives!!!! Wedding style

2011-04-29T08:25:00.000-05:00

1. What year were YOU married??

2. Did you watch the wedding this morning???

3. What did you think of the dress?

4. Would you like hats to be back in fashion? Would you wear one?

5. If you could do a second honeymoon, where would you go?

There were just a "few" more pictures of Paris I didn't show you....

2011-04-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

Wanna see them????
I didn't show you any from inside Versailles, which was AMAZING........why don't I show you just a few???

the Golden Gate

The King's Chapel

Inside the courtyard

Marie Antoinette's dishes....well SOME of them!!

Can you imagine just keeping everything DUSTED????

It was an amazing palace and grounds.......hard to imagine living like royalty!! Just to give you an overview, here's an artist's drawing of the complete grounds...which equals nearly 1000 acres. Totally magnificent!

The ROYAL princess.....

2011-04-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well, at least she's royalty in MY book!!!

the ROYAL wedding.......

2011-04-25T16:23:00.000-05:00

Will YOU be watching......the national news certainly has it covered.....what do you think about it all? Will you be getting up to watch???? Um, that would be 4 a.m. my time.....hmmm.....

You can read ALL the details HERE....or just turn on the tv!!
How would you handle going from being a simple commoner to being royalty????? I'm not sure I could stand all the media coverage!!!

---or you can visit this site...there is NO end to the places you can go and read everyone's prognostications of what will actually happen on Friday....so what about you...will you be watching?? I doubt anyone reading this will actually BE THERE!!! If you are, give up the details!!!!

Were you actually one of the ones who watched Diana's wedding??? I remember being a newlywed myself watching all the tv coverage of her wedding!
What would you like to see about the festivities....ALL of it, or just the coverage afterward???

Okay I need to finish my Paris posts.....

2011-04-19T15:06:00.001-05:00

Sacre Couer (Sacred Heart)

People will do many things to make money!

???

Money makers??

going down was not as hard as going up!!!

St. Sulpice

The Funicular.....beat climbing up the stairs...our legs were already so tired, and it was hurting my knee to climb. Walking was ok, but climbing, not so much!

A harpist at Sacre Couer, played beautifully!

Yes, I need to finish up and finally blog about something else. The few of you reading my blog have been so gracious and seem interested....but I have a feeling I've lost readers!!! I must find something interesting to blog about!!! ha. This was the day we went up to the Montmarte area.....known for its Bohemian culture, and for Sacre Couer. It was magnificent but no pictures were allowed. We bought a book to remember all the pictures we would have taken! Behind it was a very active tourist area...this was the one place I felt very, very wary of pickpockets because the crowds were thick. A lot of people come up here and there are dozens of shops, restaurants and tourist catering services! We did do most of our souvenir shopping up here, though.
Afterwards, we strolled over to the Pigales area and caught a glimpse of Moulin Rouge. Our next stop was St. Sulpice, which is the cathedral mentioned in The Da Vinci Code. The brass line that runs through it is mentioned, and they make it clear by posting a typewritten disclaimer that there is no truth to the mystical nature of what is mentioned in the book. It was gorgeous architecture as well, and a sight to see!!! I will have to have at least ONE more day to show pics....I just can't cover them all in one blog post!! See you soon!

Moulin Rouge....a famous cabaret, and the line to get in!

The Pipe Organ at St. Sulpice

the Brass Line and the disclaimer