Fargo anyone?

So, it has been decided that my husband is accepting a new job that is moving us to Minneapolis, MN. Just found this out & confirmed it late last week. Wow! That is definitely not one place I thought I would ever live. The nice part is that as I share our news I am getting so many people confirming what a wonderful place this is and how much we will love it. Really? I'm always up for a new experience and I must say, this is going to top them as one of the least sought after but I'm up for it. Who knows.. maybe with all this extra weight I've worked so hard to put on I don't have to worry about not having a bathing suit ready figure since I'll be covered up for at least 9 months out of the year and so will everyone else. Yay! As for the move... I am seeking your help in deciding what "community" of Minneapolis is going to be a good one to check out. We are needing to cut costs on housing this time so no extravagences in homes but still want to be in a fun part of town with things to do, places to eat and feel like we are living in Minneapolis, not the suburbs of America. Any ideas?

So one of the "services" I'll share with you is my notes from magazines I am reading... think of me as reading so you don't have to. Hee Hee.  Although, I strongly believe in the value of print media & encourage you to continue to subscribe to magazines (I even know where you can re-new your subscriptions to popular magazines if you need to, that's a plug).

So the March issue of "Southern Living Magazine" caught my eye at the newstand because it had a tagline on a topic I was just talking about with my Willow House sponsor- the value of updating your home's exteior because it is the 1st impression we give others.  In realty speak it's your "curb appeal".  What did "Southern Living" have to say about that... "Instant  Srping Makeovers, 87 Secrets to Great Curb Appeal".  Great minds really do think alike!

Throughout the month I'll be sharing what some of those 87 tips are and how easy it is to do them.  With the weather just being idealistic these days (I mean 63 degrees on March 4th?) & my daffodils being in full bloom I've been getting the color buzz.  Flowers are such a great way to refresh an exterior and so inexpensive too.    One tip the article shared was (3) types of flowers that are great to get us started for Spring...

1.  Tulips (one of my favorites):  My girlfriend Leigh does such a great job of taking potted plants and nestling them inside her planters- it's an easy way to avoid the dirt of planting and after their season so quick to remove.    If you don want to plant them, just remove from the pot and some great neighbors for containers with tulips are 'Lavendar Blue' and 'Purple Wing' pansies, variegated ivy and types of boston ferns.

2. Snapdragons:   I've always loved the look of these but they seem so exotic, not an easy plant, but maybe I'll prove myself wrong.  Snapdragons are a great way to add height to your containers.  These also look great with tulips, ivy and even parsley plants .

3.  Twinspurs- these are ones if you don't know the name you'll probably recognize their look.  These are great in March because they can take the unpredictable weather swings. These look great with violas & kale for a 3 plant container.    Both these & the snapdragons need full sun so keep them out frong or back.

Containers are really the key to pretty arrangements.  Often unique ones can be found in antique stores and for a much less price then the big box stores.  Plus, their aged look makes them already weathered and a beautiful accessory to your garden.

I challenge each of us to do just 1 container this March and see how some pretty flowers can brighten any mood, even if we still get a few more cold days.

Have you heard about SNAP?

So SNAP is the latest type of "party" that I am offering to my Willow House friends & customers... it's a party in a SNAP.  The idea is that for those that want to shop for 50% off & FREE but don't have the time, desire or energy to host a party then they can do a SNAP party.  Here's how...

~ Schedule the party no more then 7 days out
~ Pick a place- a coffee house or local casual restaurant / bar
~ Invite 5-10 friends by phone, email & text to meet you for no more then 1 hour
~ I will bring a small amount of samples of product to showcase and share 3 design tips

That's it... Party in a SNAP.

So let me know what you think?  I'm hoping this is a fun & easy way to get what you love from Willow House but also give a fun 1 hour escape for your friends to shop & learn something new about home decor & design OR the latest in jewelry trends. 

Added a new "page" to my blog.... Check out Design Shows to see what I shared in the previous month's design shows with my Hosts & their friends.  For March I'll be doing Organizing Made Easy  tips- it's time for the annual Spring Cleaning!

So this is my first day of creating & posting to a Blog.   Please be patient.  This is new to me but I am excited about the opportunity to connect with you, share ideas, and express my ideas & activities with you.  Any suggestions you have I invite you to send to me.


Thank you,
Robyn