I'm BACK

Well, its fall and haven't been blogging much.  Life keeps getting in the way of my sitting at the computer and sharing what is going on.  Well business is booming and would love to share my willowhouse website with you as well as my facebook and twitter sites.  I have a new recipe that I want to share with all of you!  It's a really easy pasta recipe that Rachel Ray taught me.  I think you will really enjoy it especially for lunch...its easy peasy!
Ingredients

Salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
5 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 pound penne pasta
1/2 cup shredded basil
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 pound fresh salted mozzarella, sliced or cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

Put a large pot of salted water on for the pasta. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute or less. Add the tomatoes and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they begin to release some of their juice.

Cook the pasta in the pot of salted boiling water for 12 to 13 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta and basil to the pan with the tomatoes and toss. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve the pasta in bowls, equally distribute the fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan between the bowls. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the bowls of pasta and serve immediately.

Easter Dinner

Okay...so its been a long while since I wrote anything...but I took some pictures from Easter and I wanted to share.....my leg of lamb in my GP Alfresco Server...its a must have! This Lamb marinated for 24 hours than cooked for 3 hours at 300. I think the secret ingredient was dill! It was wonderful Easter!

Vidalia Onion side dish

Prep: 5 min., Cook: 10 min.
Yield
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2 medium onions
1 beef bouillon cube
1/2 tablespoon butter
Preparation
Peel 2 medium onions, and cut a thin slice from bottom and top of each one. Scoop out a 1-inch-deep hole from the top of each onion. Place onions, top sides up, in a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add 1 beef bouillon cube and 1/2 Tbsp. butter to shallow hole in each onion; cover with lid. Microwave, covered, at HIGH for 8 to 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley sprig and pepper, if desired.
We recommend only Vidalia or Texas Sweets for this recipe.
Be sure to use a microwave-safe lid only; plastic wrap will melt.
If you'd rather grill, wrap each filled-and-topped onion in heavy-duty aluminum foil (or a double layer of regular aluminum foil). Grill over high heat (400° to 450°) 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Let stand 10 minutes.

A Salad of Flowers and Herbs

One head red leaf lettuce, cleaned and torn
1 cup mixed herbs, picked over and cleaned
1 cup petals, daylilies, roses and nasturtiums
Dressing:
1/2 cup verjus (tart juice from an early
pressing of grapes)
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 turns freshly ground black pepper
Grated zest of one orange
1/2 cup canola oil
* Toss together in a large bowl the lettuce,
herbs and flowers.
* Combine all the dressing ingredients but the
oil in a 12-ounce jar with a lid. Cover and
shake. Allow to sit for about 15 minutes then
pour in the oil. Shake well again. Store chilled.
* Stream 1/4 cup dressing around the edge of
the bowl and toss to coat.
* Source: Kerry Downey Romaniello

Convention 2009

Hi Everyone,

Back from Texas and am so ready to take my business to the next level. Okay, so I have been a SLAH consultant for a little over 2 years now and have had some pretty intense training! Well, last week in Texas some of it finally stuck! The training was outstanding! Sponsoring training was key to building my business and the key is the list! I have been told this over and over and over again...but I have always struggled with where to go for the list! I now know...I have been told before, but somehow...it finally sunk in! So, onwards and upwards...and to the Bahamas I go..next year with Duncan.

Beergarita

24 oz. Beer (Corona)
8 oz. Tequila, white
1 can Frozen Limeade Concentrate
8 wedges Lime
1/2 Cup Salt
15 cubes Ice

Okay, I don't have a picture, but this is my drink of choice for summertime parties! It puts a smile on everyones face! Have it with some chips and guac.....and PARTY ON DUDES!!!!

Convention 2009

Hi Everyone,

I haven't been here in a while, but I am here with a whole new energy! Our new catalogue is coming on August 1st, and the new product is so great! I can't wait for everyone to see what Southern Living at Home has brought to us for the fall! Here are some pictures of our product showcase. The people at SLAH show us how to change a room from simple to simply fabulous. August 1st my new catalogue will be available to view online, but here is a preview of the new things I got to see in "action".

4th of July Salad

Thought I would bring a yummy watermelon salad to you for this sunny 4th of July! Have a great day, hug a veteran or someone who knows one!

Prep: 20 min., Bake: 7 min., Cool: 15 min. Mâche, a tender heirloom variety of lamb's lettuce, has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, but the salad is equally good prepared with baby lettuces.
Yield
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped pecans
5 cups seeded and cubed watermelon
1 (6-oz.) package mâche, thoroughly washed
Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette
1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.
2. Combine watermelon and mâche in a large bowl; add vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat. Transfer watermelon mixture to a serving platter, and sprinkle evenly with pecans and cheese.

Become a Consultant in July...and pay for Christmas in Cash!

Hey everyone, I love my job and how it has helped me pay off my credit card debt! Become a consultant in July for only $99.00 and pay for Christmas with cash! I would love to have you on my team!http://www.southernlivingathome.com/pne/pdf/announcements/200907_MiniStarterKit.pdf

FOODIE

"cause this is how we do it!

Cancun Mexico

Well, I can't say enough great things about the Cancun Palace and my 5 days in the sun. The hotel was beautiful, the drinks were flowing and the service was outstanding! I had such a wonderful time that I recommend it to everyone.

The highlight of my trip was zip lining at Selvatica. The whole experience from start to finish was life changing! I can't explain the feeling of power that you get after completing a task that was only a dream until last Wednesday. Thank you to Southern Living at Home for giving me the opportunity to make myself a better person. I would love to bring ya'll on the ride of a lifetime! if you want to learn more about zip lining go to: http://http//www.selvatica.com.mx/extreme_canopy_adventure.html

3 day Breast Cancer Walk

Hi everyone, Today I would like to talk about my mother. She was a beautiful woman of Italian heritage. She was one of 7, first child born in the USA. I don't remember much about her accept that she was a force! She died of breast cancer when I was 10. I look at my 10 year old and think how young she is....Anyway, if you know anyone walking and in need of raising money, I would love to do a party for her....or help her to do a party! I will donate part of what I earn to the walker to help her get closer to her goal. Please think of Mia Tremblay when you think of Southern Living at Home.

Fajita Turkey Burger

What beautiful weather we are having! This brings out the outside cook in me. I love cooking great meals not only because the food taste so great, but it is a good time to sit and chat with my husband and kids. Here is one of my favorite COOKING LIGHT recipes:

Ingredients
1/4 cup bottled tomatillo salsa
2 tablespoons chopped avocado
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 (1-ounce) slices white bread
Cooking spray
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons fajita seasoning, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pound ground turkey
1 egg white
4 (1 1/2-ounce) whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
Preparation
Combine tomatillo salsa, chopped avocado, and cilantro; set aside.
Place bread in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until crumbs measure 1 cup.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion and bell peppers; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon fajita seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cool.
Combine breadcrumbs, onion mixture, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons fajita seasoning, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, tomato paste, turkey, and egg white in a large bowl. Using damp hands, divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 3/4-inch-thick patty. Heat pan over medium heat. Recoat pan with cooking spray. Add patties; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Place 1 patty on bottom half of each bun. Top each serving with 1 1/2 tablespoons salsa mixture; top with remaining halves of buns.

Nutritional Information
Calories:
349 (30% from fat)
Fat: 11.5g (sat 3.1g,mono 1g,poly 1.1g), Protein: 30.4g, Carbohydrate: 34.5g, Fiber: 4.6g
Cholesterol: 71mg, Iron: 2.7mg, Sodium: 876mg, Calcium: 110mg,

Sparkling Sangria

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine with less acidity than Champagne; you may substitute another sparkling wine, such as prosecco, if you prefer. Top each beverage with a mint sprig for a fragrant garnish.
Yield8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients1 cup cherries, pitted and halved

1 cup blueberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup quartered small strawberries

½ cup chopped nectarine (about 1)

1/3 cup brandy

1 cup apricot nectar, chilled

1 (750-milliliter) bottle cava, chilled

Preparation1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large pitcher, and chill for at least 2 hours. Stir in 1 cup nectar and wine. Serve immediately

Friday Night

Hey everyone, I had an awesome party on Friday night! The margarita's were flowing, I had 2 women who had never been to a SLAH party before and booked 3 parties. The best part is, the money I earned will go to The Susan G. Komen 3 day walk! WOO HOO!

These are two tablescapes that easy and pretty for a summertime table.

Thanks Karin, we all had a great time.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE!

Its a big day here! Last day of school for the youngest, big speech for my middle child, dance in the afternoon and a BIG SOUTHERN LIVING HOME PARTY TONIGHT! I am the consultant at a party to raise money for the Susan G. Koman 3 day walk. I think it is going to be a lot of fun, girls night out, shopping and all to benefit a greater good! I can't wait.