Baby New Potato, Homegrown Rosemary, Fresh Ground Nutmeg, Cheddar, & Parmesean Quiche

Here's what I've been using my Longaberger bakeware for lately: Baby New Potato, Homegrown Rosemary, Fresh Ground Nutmeg, Cheddar, Parmesean Quiche. Yummy! I love one-dish meals....

Dreams Live Here Tour 2011 in Ontario, CA

Hello, my name is Ellen, and I'm an addict. Today I met Tami Longaberger! If you don't know (how could you not!) she's the CEO of The Longaberger Company, and daughter of its late founder Dave Longaberger.

I journeyed to Ontario, CA, about an hour and a half from my house, for the Dreams Live Here Tour 2011. It was held in a lovely banquet room, and featured talks by Longaberger staff, motivational speeches by National Sales Leaders, as well as a basketmaking demo from a Longaberger artisan. Add to that tips & tricks for fall & holiday entertaining, gifts, and decorating from a sales leader, and photos and signings with Tami were just the icing on the cake! Plus, there was FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed there. Needless to say, I came in with my wallet and walked out without it. But I got sales credit for all purchases I made, as well as the 25% discount, and free shipping, so I couldn't resist a few special gifts to myself.

I walked away with the Dreams Live Here Basket, which benefits Joplin, MO reconstruction and cleanup from the May 2011 hurricane. It's woven in the Crimson Hill weave of heather gray, crimson red, and golden yellow. i know it will have a long life in my home. And best of all, it's now signed by Tami!

(the National Sales Leader who introduced Tami as a speaker)

(Claire was tired out by the crowd!)

(Tami speaking--my apologies for the awful camera)

(Tami and I together)

(a beatiful display of fall items)

(A grouping of Holiday 2011 items: I love the way the Santa Belly Tall Tissue basket is used as a base for a "tree" sprig of fir.)

(A special Horizon of Hope display)

(The delicate Collectors Club items on display)

(A Masters Studio basket)

(My favorite Collectors Club items--especially the Gourd!)

My Longaberger Cake Basket in Action

I wrote about my experience in KCRW's 3rd Annual Good Food Pie Contest on my personal blog, but I wanted to highlight my Longaberger pottery and baskets that I used in my presentation.

I love the sage green cake basket that I got last fall, but don't have occasion to use it often. It definitely came in handy on this day! Underneath the riser I had my apron for the Apron Fashion Show, as well as a book to keep me busy in between check-in and the competition itself. It was so easy having everything right at hand!

I've been collecting the Traditional Holly pottery for under a year, and am finally acquiring some major pieces, thanks to the spring sale bringing back retired pottery. I was glad to have Grandma Bonnie's Pie Plate for this year's competition. I think the bright red filling was shown off well by the ivory and holly pottery.

After the contest, the Good Food Blog featured an article on pie transporters. While they mentioned baskets, they didn't use any brands. Of course I left a comment on the post as a testimonial to my love of Longaberger!

What's your favorite basket to transport baked goods? Please leave a comment below.

What's in a Signature?

Here's the email signature I use for my Longaberger correspondence:

Ellen Rosentreter
Independent Longaberger Home Consultant
etrets@gmail.com
323-447-XXXX
GoldenHourGlass.blogspot.com
etrets.etsy.com

Shop with me 24-7 at
www.longaberger.com/ellenrosentreter

View the Wishlist or Flyer at
www.longaberger.com/wishlist/ellenrosentreter

www.longaberger.com/flyer/ellenrosentreter

Like my page on Facebook to get the latest sales, recipes, storage and decorating advice automatically in your news feed!
www.facebook.com/LongabergerBaskets

And follow my blog about Longaberger living for more tips and ideas!
yourlongabergerconsultant.blogspot.com

My signature is long but gives lots of easy links and invites communication in whatever form one prefers. I've heard of consultants using graphics, changing their signature daily or weekly to feature specific products. What small touches do you add to correspondence?

The First Longaberger Party of the Holiday Season

My mom was hostess for my first home party of the holiday season over Labor Day weekend. We had a great turnout of at least eight or ten ladies, some that mom hadn't seen in quite a while! My folks have just returned from a cruise, so it was a fun way to share her trip memories, chatting while looking over the latest Longaberger catalog.

I was excited to share the new Golden Fields line through my Small Flare Basket, as well as highlight the 2011 Christmas Collection Holly Berry Basket and 2011 Tree Trimming Little Holly Berry Basket. On display was the new shape of the Travel Cup in the Sisters Black Medallion design. Several ordered napkins and placemats after seeing the Crimson Hill fabric.

I've also invested in new signage that will be great at other fairs and boutiques. In the invite for this party, I offered to repair Deep Brown baskets using my new stain stick. At the party, I walked everyone through the online "wish list" function and encouraged everyone to think about their own gift lists.

I donated a copy of Entertaining with Longaberger: Celebrating the Seasons as a raffle item. Mom used her hostess benefits of two half price items and $50 in credit towards two lamps and a set of candlesticks that had been on her wishlist for a while, so I know she'll enjoy them.

Mom made Audrey's Chocolate Cream Pie (pictured above ~ recipe on my personal blog) for refreshments, and I made her Chocolate Marble Cheesecake (below) as a practice for an upcoming pie contest, so stay tuned for that recipe!

Let me know if you'd like to book a home or catalog party! It's a great way to catch up with friends.

Blackberry Cobbler & Cooking for One

I posted the recipe for this lovely Blackberry cobbler on my other blog, since I incorporated it into a gardening post, but it looked so scrumptious in my Woven Traditions 8x8 Chocolate Bakeware that I had to post a photo here as well. I've just started using my bakeware over plain clear Pyrex more often lately, and it really does add an elegant touch even to meals for one. I'm realizing it's so important to treat myself as well as I would a guest in my home.

What habits do you practice to treat yourself well at home? Please leave a comment on the blog.

4th of July Decorations

Here are my favorite baskets to bring out for 4th of July. How do you decorate for summer? Do primary red, white, and blue figure prominently in your decor or do you highlight bright, vibrant tones including pink, orange, green, yellow?

Wrought Iron Organizational Unit, Woven Traditions Divided Wave Bowl,
American Celebrations Divided Wave Basket 2011,
2011 Hostess Appreciation Vase Basket,
Little Star Hostess Appreciation Basket 2001 with Old Glory Liner

Little Star Hostess Appreciation Basket 2001 with Old Glory Liner

Woven Traditions Divided Wave Bowl,
American Celebrations Divided Wave Basket 2011,
2011 Hostess Appreciation Vase Basket

How do you decorate for summer? Do primary red, white, and blue figure prominently in your decor or do you highlight bright, vibrant summer tones including pink, orange, green, yellow?

I love to share how Longaberger fits in my home. Please check out my flickr photoset here to see more.