Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)

Japanese Beetle
(Popillia japonica) 
Aaugust 26, 2010 
A couple of days ago I posted about velvetleaf that is considered a noxious weed in some locations.  I noticed that despite a bad reputation with reducing yields in cash crops that my peppers didn't seem to be adversely affected by the velvetleaf in the beds.  I have been pulling before the velvetleaf was able to flower.  Upon closer

Friday Madness

While remerchandising the other day, I noticed an abundance of lonely items whose partner had sold and they were left all alone. Feeling kind of sorry for these single items, I decided to have a fun Friday Madness to find homes for all of them.

Euro pillow covers

one candlestick left!

60% off all "Singles" TODAY ONLY!

We have tags around the store marking each of these items as a "single". Items include lamps, artwork, pillows and more. Come take your single home today!

As a last mention, my very good-looking nephew Kevin who is a fireman, young and 6'3" - is also single! He lives in Phoenix for all you interested ladies. Did I mention he's single?

Katallic Shack Miracle Party and Amazing Giveaways!

Just to avoid confusion, I am turning comments off on this post. Remember to enter the giveaways for the custom made mosaic cross and all of the other giveaways, you need to visit Kelee at The Katallic Shack and leave a comment there.



Kelee Katillac from The Katillac Shack has something special going on.  Here is what she has to say:

A "MIRACLE PARTY" INVITATION FOR YOU--PLEASE JOIN US...Lets Celebrate Colette's Makeover Reveal Video & Story! Janome Sewing Machine GIVEAWAY! And Much More....

Colette Gauthier was suffering with cancer. She had moved into a tiny and dismal rental home. And, she was almost out of hope.


I decided to take a crew up to Michigan, in the middle of last winter, to create a healing room in which she could recover. Friends and volunteers became "Design Angels." A miracle resulted. The story is featured in the September issue of Guideposts Magazine.


The makeover video documenting Colette's project is deeply inspiring. A must see. And it all started with the comments, cards, thoughts, prayers, and actions of many of the blog community and readers like you.



That included The Pink Saturday & Country Wings in Phoenix bloggers. To name only a few. Now, Spiritual Sunday has become a part of the effort.


If you are just finding out about the project--join in now! Share in the joy and inspiration. Please tell folks about the event. There are plenty of great design ideas and the heart warming video should inspire many. It is amazing and Colette shines!


You have to see the room to believe the transformation. It brings HOPE. Colette was given a 5-15% chance of survival. God has given her different odds though! You can see her journey in the reveal video.

To find out more about the Miracle Party, visit Kelee at The Katillac Shack.  There you will be able to enter some wonderful giveaways.


I am giving away a Mosaic Cross like the one seen here.

 Except it will be custom made for the winner.  To win this cross - you need to visit Kelee's blog and leave a comment on HER blog, not mine.  Just click on her link, highlighted in purple.

I am also linking up with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday. 

A Cute Headboard

We had to show off this adorable twin headboard that one of our designers who shops with us did for a client's bedroom - using our burlap rugs sold at The Willows! What a creative idea Michelle!

What creative ideas have you come with from items you bought at The Willows? If you send in your pictures, they may just be featured on our blog!

Noxious Weeds

Yesterday I wrote about my experience so far with velvetleaf.  This weed is classified as being noxious in British Columbia and several US states.  To be classified as a noxious weed the plant has to cause harm to human via toxicity or cause an agricultural loss however every municipality has their own definition of noxious weeds.  In some localities a weed (eg. water hyacinth) can be classified

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)August 25, 2010
As a gardener my style is not to get too bent out of shape with respect to weeds.  Some weeds act as companion plants in a garden while others are edible.  I only get concerned if the weeds present the potential to choke out the fruits or vegetables.  My preferred way of dealing with weeds is pulling.

Earlier this year I noticed a suspected weed

girls in tutus

When little miss Ruby pulled up in front of the store and saw a little mannequin wearing our new tutu she gasped and said, "Oh, Mama!" Needless to say, we didn't have to twist her arm to try it on for a few pictures... and her cousin Lucy was more than happy to oblige as well...

When the excitement of dancing wears you out and you need a little break, leave it to the Willows' to always have a "coze" hanging around (anything silky will do)...

Let's be honest, what could be cuter than girls in tutus...

Oh, and Ruby's friend Carrots was so kind as to pose for a few pictures as well...

So, come check out our new tutus at the Willows' in our kids section, Vanilla Chair...

but try not to forget your shoes...