Laura's Wicked Awesome Salsa

Our friend Laura brought this over the other night and it is soooo good! You've gotta try it!

In a large bowl, combine:

2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can corn (drained)

1 cup cherry/grape tomatoes--diced

3 green onions--chopped

1/2 cup red onion--chopped

2 avacadoes--diced

fresh cilantro (as desired)

In a small bowl, whisk together:

1/2 cup canola or veggie oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (she uses 1/2 cup)

1 pkg. dry Italian dressing mix (like Good Seasons)

Pour over salad, stir, eat, enjoy :)

Candy Buffet

My "sweet" set-up for our adult Sunday School gathering.

Taco Soup Recipe

Warm up with this easy-to-make soup. Add a salad and bread and you've got supper in a flash!

TACO SOUP

3 (15 oz.) cans beans, 1 black and 2 any other, drained and rinsed

2 (15 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 can corn (don't throw away the can, you'll use it to measure water)

1 lb. ground beef (or turkey)

1 onion, diced

1 pkg. dry ranch dressing

1 pkg. taco seasoning

Brown ground beef with onion and then drain. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, Ranch dressing mix and taco mix. Add one can of water. Simmer on stove for 30 minutes. Makes about 6 servings.

Fun Ideas for Serving Food

A "candy bar" for a Sunday School gathering.

The Stiletto Pedestals are so cool for displaying colorful candy.

An Entertaining Bucket atop a beautiful Iron Stand makes a statement while keeping beverages cool for special occasions.

My friend Christy made a welcoming display for a Mommy and Me play date.

I thought it looked so nice and welcoming!

Use our Napa Tray to corral dishes for your buffet

(Thanks Christy for the pic!)

Add lots of levels for a fun ladies' tea. I love the Double Dish Stand for serving goodies. I also used the top portion of my Red Mountain Iron Entertaining Stand and placed it upside down to hold my sugar and milk (pictured on the left).

Add a pedestal for height

Use the French Wire 3-Tiered Stand for a triple-threat!

I used it here to serve cupcakes and chocolate.

I used these candle holders at Christmastime to hold brightly-colored candy.

Serving pretzel rods out of a tall, narrow container adds height and interest even at snack time.

(Featuring the Villa Stoneware Salad Plate, the Gramercy Ribbon Plate, and an Ingleside Luminary.) See, I can serve healthy snacks too!

Adding color, height, and a touch of the unexpected can really punch up your table or buffet. You know you're cooking is fabulous, so why not take an extra few seconds to really make your table pop with these fun ideas?

I'm Loving MyStyleShare.com!

We're in the beginning stages of our new online community at MyStyleShare.com. At this time, only Willow House Design Consultants can post, but soon, everyone will be able to sign up and share decorating ideas (not just with WH products, of course). Check out some of the videos and pictures if you need a little inspiration today!

Check out this great video: Winter to Spring Table!

and/or this one: Happy Boards for your Family

You can check out some of my pictures here: Snack Time

My Mom, the Style Diva

Here she mixes materials beautifully, using shiny colored glass, a rustic table and a pierced-tin lantern. These textures all really come together to add interest.

Using her Jamestown Tray, she created a lovely, fresh spring centerpiece. The little bird tucked into the grass is so cute!

Using a white terrine, stones and white tulips she creates another springy look.

She calls her sunporch her "conservatory". Here's a great example of how differing heights and using reflective glass and mirrors can really add "pop" to a table display.

My mom loves to decorate and is constantly changing up her displays. As you might have guessed, she also LOVES Willow House. Here are some pictures of some of her vignettes. Thanks, Mom, for the inspiration!

A Touch of Red for Valentine's Day

My mom's winter display. Good job, mom!

(Featuring the Jamestown Tray.)

2-Tiered Stand and Villa Stoneware Plates enhance my love-dovey XO display.

The Eclipse Serving Platter adds some contrast to the red pebbles and candle.

Yes, I still need to purchase my Valentine cards, write a mushy love note to my hubby and make his gift, but at least my house is ready for February 14th! How about you? Have you made some fun plans for you and your sweetheart? Make those dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant if you haven't already! Happy Valentine's Day!