Inside {FM} – Idea Treehouse Blog

What's the Treehouse all about? Think of it as a clubhouse for small business owners, or wanna be small business owners.

This blog is everything I wish someone had shared with me when I started my business.

Come hang out - We've got lots to share!


Haile

P.S. - Also check out Lavender & Lilies for some more bloggie love!

Recipe Card – Pink Salad

Say what you will about congealed salads. They were all the rage in the 30s (and again in the 60s) for a reason.

This little pink delish-dish is a winner! And it reminds me of something..…something Pink ….

Pink Salad

Ingredients
• 1 16.5 ounce can pitted Bing cherries, drained, juice reserved
• 1 15 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
• 1 6 ounce package cherry gelatin
• 1 3 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 6 fluid ounces cola-flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions
• In a sauce pan, combine cherry juice and pineapple juice to make 1 cup. Bring to boil, and then add gelatin and whisk.
• Remove from heat and add cream cheese. Blend together until smooth.
• Add in cola and beat until mixture becomes fluffy.
• Fold in cherries, pineapple, and nuts. Pour into molded container, chill 6 to 8 hours or until firm.


Cheers!
{FM}

Month-O-Monograms

Alas, we are at the end of our Month of Monograms celebrating our retail launch.

BUT!

There’s a BUT!!!

We’re not done giving things away… navigate on over to Nautical by Nature for some inspiration, and one last code!

{FM}

All About Etiquette – The Gym

As we head into the holiday season, and think of how we are NOT going to gain 5 - (10?) - 5 pounds at Aunt Hessie’s Thanksgiving trough, er, table, we’re probably thinking about hitting the gym. At least we’re thinking about it.

And, as we get back into the routine that was undoubtedly thrown off by our summer vacations and getting the kids back in school, here’s a little refresher, courtesy of dear Emily Post:

• This is the number one “do” and the most important etiquette rule at the gym:
Wipe up your sweat, please! This includes mats and machines. Keep a towel with you at all times. No one wants to sit or lie in someone else’s sweat.

• Don’t hog the weight machines.
When others want to use them, agree to rotate your sets.

• Do reset the weight machines back to a low setting.
Otherwise, the next person may have to spend resetting them—or worse—could injure themselves by trying to lift a weight that’s too heavy.

• Do limit your time on the treadmill or other cardio machines to 20-30 minutes if others are waiting for a turn.

• Don’t flirt. If you’re into flirting, and you find a receptive party, flirt only when you won’t be disturbing others around you. If you try to strike up a conversation with someone you find attractive and he or she gives you the brush off (no matter how politely), drop your overture then and there.

• Don’t stare. Staring makes people very uncomfortable and most people want to work out unnoticed. If another person becomes aware of your “look” then you are looking too hard.

• Do think about how you smell!
Arrive clean, remember to apply deodorant, and lay off the perfume and cologne (the aromas get stronger as you work up a sweat).

• Be careful using sprays in the locker room. Out of concern for members with asthma or allergies, limit the use of perfumes, hairsprays and other spray products to a minimum.

• Don’t be late for personal training sessions and group fitness classes.


Cheers!
{FM}

Monday Inspiration

In these days of cutting back and tightening belts, it’s inspiring to see a little less Layoff and a little more Love coming from a company.

Here at FM, Haile wanted to do something special for the office, and something healthy. She decided yoga was a good fit for our all-female staff. Twice a week we offer yoga before work and that keeps us centered, healthy and happy. It also keeps us turning out perky designs and cheery service!

Hope you're having a healthy Monday!

{FM}

FM Buzz!!

What’s better than being featured in a magazine?

Being featured in 2!

Our stickers have been tweeted by Greetings, Etc. – and just in case you haven’t heard – we’ve been featured in Real Simple!

The stickers are only available through our oh-so-fine retailers (find one here), and you can order the monogrammed trays online here.

Cheers for the weekend!

{FM}

Recipe Card – Pucker-Up Pink Honey lemonade

We’re still thinking pink and celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if you haven’t dropped by the Pink Section, drop everything and click on over now!

Here’s a little refreshment while you shop-

Pucker-Up Pink Honey Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey

• 7 cups water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 slices orange

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, strawberries, honey, white sugar and brown sugar. Bring just to a boil. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature, cover and chill.
2. In a large pitcher, mix water, lemon juice and orange slices. Stir in the cooled syrup and chill. Serve over ice.

Cheers!

{FM}

Month of Monograms– More Bloggie Love!

All month long, in addition to supporting breast cancer research, we’re celebrating the launch of our retail site!

Today we got some bloggie love from Preppy 101 – at Southern and Preppy!

Aaaaaannndd……. She’s got a coupon code for our fab water bottles! Check her out and start following her blog!

{FM}