Willow House $50 Shopping Spree

I did a little math tonight and did you know you can earn a $50 Willow House shopping spree with just thirteen (13) $20 magazine orders this month? I sent out an email to a few friends and got several responses back! You can do the same!

Don't forget our fabulous 2 years of Southern Living Magazine for $20 offer! This is good for this deal and available for new subscriptions and renewals.

We also offer magazine gift cards which are great to stock up on for those last minute gifts. We have a magazine for everyone - the golfer, the sports fanatic, the home cook. the thrifty, the disorganized, the health nut, the foodie, the crafty - everyone!

So what are you waiting for? Reach out to your friends with this offer today and see what kind of response you get. With $250 in orders you will get a $50 shopping spree, a 70% item, and a 50% off item! Collect more to earn more! Hurry - I will be accepting orders for this offer through 8 pm CDT on Wednesday, September 29th.

~Southern Fried Gal

To take advantage of this offer, collect 13 or more $20 magazine orders with name, address, and magazine selection for each order along with payment by 8 pm CDT on Wednesday, September 29th. Send to southernfriedgal @ gmail.com with SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE PARTY in the subject line. I will need full payment for each order. I accept PayPal where you can pay securely with your credit card, debit card, and/or check.

More Fall Cheer

I think the fall decorating bug is back! Today I tackled my sofa table area. This reminds of a Pottery Barn tablescape for some reason. I just got my new Lady Jane Vase from Willow House this week - love it! I dropped a couple of fall branches in for height, color, and cheer.

For some reason I have renewed my love for my lanterns over the past year. I love them all year long and most especially in fall. Look at that warm glow of the candles inside. Yum!

My obsession with burlap bags continues. I took the last one and angled it on the table just to add texture and interest.

For perspective, this is how this area relates to the entry table I showed you last week. I am still on the lookout for a longer, skinny table. A sofa table is too large, alas. I hope to score what I want on my girl's trip to Northwest Arkansas this week.

And speaking of fall and cheer and Northwest Arkansas, one last thing...last week's prayer worked so well I will do it again this week. Dear Lord, we are praying for an Arkansas win against number one ranked Alabama. In your name we pray, amen! (And when that happens my husband will be praying I remember I am not in college anymore - ha!)

These are a few of the things I'm loving this week. I'm sharing this post with Tidy Mom...

And Amanda over at Serenity Now. I am so grateful that Amanda takes the time to round up some weekend reading for us! She is also hosting a giveaway this week.

Hope you have a fabulous first weekend in fall! What's on your agenda?

It's Finally Fall!

Woo Hoo! I guess because I'm a September baby I LOVE fall. I always spend my fall money on seasonal decor. Last year I bought a LOT of realistic gourds and pumpkins. Slowly but surely they have been popping up all over my home...

Like in this iron centerpiece in the dining room. I left the vines on there from spring, tucked a few leaves here and there and topped with a mix of gourds and pumpkins. This screams fall bounty to me.

This morning as DH was putting out trash he said, "I am disturbed by the number of pumpkin spice latte containers in the trash this week. You have to find a substitute." I told him that was why the house spelled like pumpkin spice and Starbucks. He wasn't buying this as the end-all be all fix.

So as an experiment I brewed an espresso coffee blend. Added a touch of cinnamon, a touch of organic brown sugar and a swirl of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon. Now don't get me wrong - it was no pumpkin spice latte - but it was pretty tasty nonetheless.

Note: Black pepper often comes in the same looking container as cinnamon. I made this mistake again this morning. One of these days I'll look before pouring. At least I noticed before tasting!

So now that it is officially fall and most of my decor is out and about, could someone please let the Arkansas weather know? It's been HOT! I think we are getting a cool down over the weekend and I hope that trend continues!

How are you celebrating the first official day of fall?

~Southern Fried Gal

WHW: Pumpkin Spice Latte

I know what you are thinking - I thought Willow House Wednesdays was about sharing ideas. So why in the world are we talking pumpkin spice latte?

Of all the fall treats, a pumpkin spice latte is the most enjoyable for me. However my pocketbook (and my hips, too) can't take a daily dose of this delicious treat. SO...

A bag of Starbucks whole bean coffee (erroneously purchased instead of ground) plus a pumpkin spice candle plus our Galveston Hurricane (pg 78 , Fall 2010 Catalog) equals an enjoyable substitute that's light in calories, easy on the pocket book and something I can enjoy daily!

If you like our Galveston Hurricane, check out this post for other ideas and inspiration.

Sometimes it's the little things. What little things are you enjoying in your home today?

~Southern Fried Gal

They Say It's My Birthday...

It's official - I have to tack another year onto my age today.

Some highlights of the day so far:

• Overslept
• Cried over spilled milk (or at least my son did)
• Didn't have a "good" shirt clean for picture day (and now I will have a reminder for all eternity)
• Helped BBC with first tardy of the year (that's ok - he still has four more before d-hall)
• Several friends have called, sent texts, and left messages with happy birthday wishes (thank you, Lord, for sweet friends!)
• DH brought me a Pumpkin Spice Latte in bed (with covers over head)
• I'm still alive and kicking!

I'm a numbers gal and as you can see I'm batting less than 500 for the day (smile). The day can only improve from here, right?

I hope you have gotten a good laugh from this post because it is [mostly] tongue-in-cheek. With the way the day has gone so far I need some laughs! Help a girl out by leaving a funny comment. Do you have a nice, clean joke? What about a funny birthday memory? Blond moment? Lay it on me!

~Southern Fried Gal

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And now for a quick, shameless plug...

This is a quick reminder of my gift to you through my Willow House business. Today is the last day for this offer. I've had a few people take advantage and I would really love to hook up a few more before the day ends. Here are the details if you are interested!

Through September 21, 2010 I am offering the following specials to my readers...

1. Spend $39.96 or more and choose a product under $40 for half off*!
2. Get 2 years of Southern Living Magazine for $20*!
3. Enjoy FREE Shipping to your home*!!!

PLUS spend more to SAVE more! Additional half price product at $125, $50 FREE product plus 70% off product at $250 and so on!!!

To place your order...

Browse my online catalog. Send an email to southernfriedgal @ gmail . com with HappyBirthdaySFG as the subject. Include your name, address, phone number, and item number of the items you want to order. I will send you a detailed invoice with payment information.

Friday Hodge Podge

It's Friday. Yay! This week has been gloomy for me. I'm glad to put this one in the history books. Nothing really significant happened - just a funky week. Do you ever have those?

Anywho - I've got a few finds I want to share before the weekend. Do you love Southern Living magazine? It's chock full of yummy recipes, beautiful home decor, and fun finds that capture the charm of the south.

In September I have a BOGO offer - buy one year of Southern Living at $20 and get the second year FREE!!! Yes - you read that right - two years for just $20!!! It's easy to place your order - just shoot me an email to southernfriedgal@gmail.com with September BOGO in the subject and I'll reply with details on how to place your order!

Tidy Mom has a fun Friday party each Friday where we can share things we are loving. In addition to my Southern Living magazine, I'm loving pumpkins and urns this year. I'm gathering all my urns from around my house so you will see plenty more vignettes like this soon!

I also love all the help y'all gave me about my problem area yesterday. Sounds like I need to start a savings fund for a new table in there! Thank you again - y'all rock!

Here's the official button to her party. There are several links out there with everything from recipes to kid projects to fall wreaths!

And of course I will be snooping around over at Amanda's Weekend Bloggy Reading Party. I think of her every.single.day when I scream out Serenity Now! There are already a few links that I can't wait to check out - especially the online encouragement party. Maybe that will help my funk!

Well that's how my week is shaping up! I plan to get caught up on some bloggy reading, watch the Razorbacks beat Georgia (in Jesus name, I pray), and hang out with my family.

What are your plans for the weekend?

~Southern Fried Gal

Fall Foyer Table & Need Your Help

I don't know how this happened, but I'm bored with my fall decorating. I haven't been inspired much since doing the breakfast area a couple of weeks ago. I have bins of fall decor just sitting in the hallway begging to be put out.

Here's what I did with a little table in my foyer this morning. I mostly like it but there is just a little something that is off. You may very well see these urns on the mantle in a few days.

Don't you love that little Arkansas outline with the heart in the Northwest area? I grew up in that area and have a goal to get back there one of these days - hopefully sooner rather than later. My best friend bought me that picture. The caption at the bottom says "Home is Where The Heart Is" - isn't that precious?

Anywho, this is a problem area for me. I change this area all the time because I'm still not satisfied. I have tried this wall a light color. I tried it a bright color. It is now dark as you can see and that sucks the life out of the area. I have not been happy with any of the results, really.

There is also a huge white vent and the ugly thermostat in this area. I bought this little accent table to try and keep that all camouflaged. I guess it kind of serves its purpose and is a friendly little greeting for guests as they walk in our home. Maybe the scale is off? Do I need a longer table for the area? Should it be rectangular instead?

HELP! Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

~Southern Fried Gal

WHW: Our Future is Bright!

Today I am excited to share some of the upcoming enhancements to my Willow House business! I have been hinting about some of the these changes and can now share a sneak peek !

In addition to our party plan business model, we are incorporating an enhanced eCommerce experience that all begins in October. Be on the lookout for links to my new eCatalog and eOutlet!!!

Later this year we will launch our media-rich online community that will offer new and fun ways to experience simply good design! Take a look at a sneak peek of an online series with our very own Melanie Grant!

This video is about 9 minutes long. The first three and a half minutes are about creating your own style story. The middle four minutes are about making stylish statements in your home with blank canvas pieces and sit-abouts. The final minute of style shows additional uses for our French Wire Tiered Stand.

Do you want to pick up some of our great products and save a bundle? I have extended my birthday celebration through next Tuesday, September 21.

Through September 21, 2010 I am offering the following specials to my readers...

1. Spend $39.96 or more and choose a product under $40 for half off*!
2. Get 2 years of Southern Living Magazine for $20*!
3. Enjoy FREE Shipping to your home*!!!

PLUS spend more to SAVE more! Additional half price product at $125, $50 FREE product plus 70% off product at $250 and so on!!!

To place your order...

Browse my online catalog. Send an email to southernfriedgal @ gmail . com with HappyBirthdaySFG as the subject. Include your name, address, phone number, and item number of the items you want to order. I will send you a detailed invoice with payment information.

What is your feedback on our video segments? Did you find any useful tips?

~Southern Fried Gal

p.s. Our Mini Starter Kit includes everything you need to kick off your business and start earning income immediately! Through September 30 you can join my team for only $99 plus shipping and tax. Let's chat to see if this is a good fit for you!

Fall Breakfast Area

Confession time. Remember how I said I was going to work on fall decorating last weekend? Didn't happen. Instead I got on an INSANE deep cleaning streak inspired by the return of my Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner. I was also obsessed with painting everything I could get my hands on with Oil-Rubbed Bronze spray paint. I did manage to knock out a few projects in my breakfast area. Here are the fruits of my labor...

I'm trying something a little different with my tablescape in the breakfast area. I am usually a formal, symmetrical arrangement kind of gal so I'm trying to grow outside that comfort zone. I kind of like this arrangement as is and I kind of want to center the tray. I liked the red bird on the burlap bag and wanted that to play into the arrangement.

I'm also playing around with a low arrangement. I usually like something big and dramatic (you know, like me). By the way I finally got my new breakfast table to my home and I love it even more!

You can see a recent project that I've been working on in the kitchen. It's very subtle - I painted the trim work white. It was a 1985 varnish color. It's amazing how a gallon of white paint can transform a space!

Over the the left of the table you can see another project that I posted about in April FINALLY completed. Who in their right mind frames a burlap bag? I do. and I like the way it turned out. The total project cost about $15.

I bought this little shelf a year ago and had know idea where I was going to use it. I just liked it. Hallelujah! It's a perfect accent in this area! I don't know how it escaped the painting frenzy! The F did not. I'm going to lower the shelf and hang the F on the wall so you can tell what letter it is and then this grouping will make me happy. I also put a fun little fall vignette there.

Well that's my fall breakfast area (for now anyway) and the evidence of progress on my project list! I'm going to link to Melissa's Fall Nesting party over at The Inspired Room. If you still need fall inspiration head over to the party!

How about you? What projects have you knocked out lately? Doesn't it feel good?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House French Wire Tiered Stand

My NEW favorite Willow House product is our French Wire Tiered Stand (pg 36, Fall 2010 Catalog). I never would have thought I would fall in love with this product like I have. It is super versatile and it totally collapses for easy storage - that is if you don't leave it out for all to enjoy!

As we get ready for fall entertaining...

As a stunning centerpiece at your next party...

To encourage healthy eating...

To display cupcakes at your next party...

Or break it apart for even more fun!

You can find all the details of this stand on page 37 in the current catalog.

This has been one of my best sellers this fall because of the versatility in style and use! Purchase of this product qualifies you to SAVE 50% off an item under $40! To place your order visit my Willow House Online Store today!

~Southern Fried Gal

Fall Door Decor Inspiration

Here are a few of my favorite fall door decor ideas from years past...

Early October 2009 - Spooky Birds

Late October 2009 - Boo!

November 2009 - Gobble, Gobble

September 2009 - Transition from Summer to Fall

Fall 2008 Wreath

Fall Circa 2005 - Fall Festival

Speaking of Fall Festivals, I'm linking this post to Roeshel's DIY Fall Festival this week. Be sure to head over there and check out her darling burlap leaf garland and all the other fun projects her readers have posted!

Now the pressure is on - what am I going to do this year??? Do you have your fall decor planned for this year?

~Southern Fried Gal

Weekend Bloggy Reading

This weekend I'm doing the bulk of my fall decorating. I'm excited to have PLENTY of inspiration from the linky parties that have already happened! Here are a few of my favorite ideas and parties...

I love this Burlap Leaf Garland from DIY Show Off!

Fall Inspiration Party over at Thrifty Decor Chic!

The kid in me totally wants to make these Corn Dog Muffins from Once a Month Mom!

My smart friend, Amanda, is also hosting a Weekend Bloggy Reading party. She always has the best party ideas. She spotlights a few fun projects and others link up to share (like me)!

Well that's where I am finding inspiration this week!I've got my work cut out for me if I'm going to do all this reading, decorate for fall, and bake. I better get to it!

What do y'all have planned for this long weekend?

~Southern Fried Gal

Green with Envy

Have you been watching On the Road With Austin & Santino? If not be sure to watch tonight because you may get a glimpse of my bestie hanging with these two gorgeous fellows...

I have watched Project Runway from the beginning season. Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice were two of the most entertaining designers on the show. In fact, I got Kendra hooked on the show in the second season because I would tell her of Santino's quips.

I was thrilled to hear that these two designers were coming out with their own show on Lifetime following Project Runway. And I was green with envy when Kendra called me out of the blue to tell me she was heading to a party with them. Seriously - how did I miss out?

Oh well. Green brings out my eyes but no one looks good wearing envy. I will celebrate this episode with Kendra. She looked gorgeous that night. Be on the lookout for her! The guys are creatively talented and quite entertaining to boot. I think you will enjoy this show!

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Wednesdays: Living Room

It's September 1 - time to get ready for fall!!! One of my favorite rooms to switch to fall is my living room. Here are a few ideas to get me going - much more to come over the next week!

This wall has been empty since we moved in 8 years ago! It became the perfect space to display our Heritage Wall Art (pg 41, Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog). Of course I will leave this here year round but the colors just scream fall for now.

With school back in session I decided to display pictures and projects on our Decorative Card and Photo Display (pg 54). This comes with two diamonds, a connector, and a hanger but I decided to change it up a bit by dropping the diamond from cute ribbon on the french doors.

Tip: That ribbon was on a package I received last Christmas - never toss out ribbon! It can always be re-purposed.

Here's the other diamond on the opposite french door in my favorite little nook. I often sit in this chair to just chill - it's hidden from most traffic in the house and I usually can catch a just-me-moment or two before I'm found.

Do you see our Sedona Sconce (pg 41) greeting folks as they walk into our home? Right now I have pearly green vellum in the glass cylinders to add a pop of color.

Soon it will be dressed in my favorite look for Halloween! Just for the record, it's too early for spook, right?

I have my buckets of pumpkins, gourds, and other fall trinkets out of the dormers ready to add more fall cheer. Have you started decorating for fall, yet?

~Southern Fried Gal

p.s. Love what you see? Why not get it for FREE? I can help you do just that!