wishing you and yours a very happy 2016!! how did you ring in the new year? any fabulous resolutions or still working on it like we are? after traveling, entertaining and enjoying the holiday hustle and bustle we’re feeling ready to get back into our routine with a fresh start. definitely inspired to try new things in our home, be it a rearranged room, fresh paint, a new cozy white sofa, a new candle scent, a warm new soup recipe or a new reading nook to cozy up in; we thinking its time to freshen up the home.

we are loving the inspiration found on lean and meadow for winter floral arrangements.

this outdoor table in vogue has us craving a clean setting, warm sun and good company.

this splash of rosy pink in a sea of black and white, grey and indigo; so calming, seen on french by design.

cheers and design inspiration your way!

{image no. 1}

after making this twice and planning to make it again, i thought i should probably share. i have tried quite a few pizza recipes at home and am never satisfied. this one was different. for ‘banana hammock’ pizza, you make dough preferably the night before but in the morning if you want. easy i promise. then you top with bechamel, shredded mozzarella, thin sliced red onion, italian sausage, red pepper flakes, garlic slivers, banana peppers and top with cilantro at the end. its knock your socks off delish. if you want the full recipe you can find it in ‘milk bar life’ sold in the shop. also, i paired it with an arugula salad, cutie oranges, feta, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, quinoa and balsamic vinaigrette. just thought you might need some dinner inspiration to get your mind off shopping for a bit. cheers.

do you have a sweet garden loving friend you need a gift for? we have some beautiful things in the shop right now. paperwhite narcissus is blooming in some darling little zinc containers, and gorgeous french baskets. small ones are perfect for teacher gifts or hostess gifts! we also have some great zinc containers a customer recently planted with a variety of herbs and strawberries for a fun gift. our ornaments and fresh greens are also 40% off right now (excluding wreaths)!! we hope to see you soon!

it is one of the most beautiful times of the year for sticking to and perhaps just pondering on some of your family traditions. be it food, parties, outings, we absolutely love those we hold dear and continue to do year after year. passing on these traditions for generations can make them all the more special. some of our favorite traditions around the valley include: iceskating at night in downtown’s cityscape, picking out the perfect tree at whitfill nursery while enjoying hot cocoa, cookies and popcorn by the fire, zoolights with the kiddos, the nutcracker of course, and driving to see some the best lights in town. we hope the willows has been part of your yearly traditions and wish you a merry christmas season!

if you are looking for a quaint and unique little spot to take those holiday visitors, or just need a quiet moment to sort out your shopping list, you should check out ollie vaughn’s  on mcdowell. they have unreal croissants and great coffee, yummy sandwiches and seasonal salads as well as a nice selection of pastries. there is a lovely little back patio graced by the warm winter sunlight. perfect for this time of year. give yourself a break and meet a friend, enjoy a moment! and many thanks to all of you who came to our annual holiday open house! it was a huge success and we are so thankful!

its a crazy time of year but we hope to be a welcome bit of peace and calm amidst it all. please come join us for mimosas and treats tomorrow morning. local jewelry artists jewel ya, dos fannies, danya hall and ripe goods will be in house. a few sales going on as well! 20% off Christmas ornaments, 20% off all bedding and tableware, and 10% off all apparel. fun food and giveaways all day!! fill out your wish lists and then send your man in for the evening men’s night out…mexican food, beer wine and tapas! everyone wins! wishing you peace and joy this holiday season and hope to see you stop by tomorrow!