Prized Possessions

... Remembering Christmas Past ...

Family Gatherings

Silvery Snow-Covered Branches

Smoke & Crackle of a Late-Afternoon Fire

A Child's Anticipation of Jolly Ol' St. Nick

Now, more than ever, when you visit The Cypress House, you'll enjoy the twinkling lights, the smell of fresh pine and the sounds of Christmas Past.  Alleviate the hustle and bustle of long lines and lack luster sales people.  With your list in hand, order up a tall Toasted Marshmallow Mocha.  You'll find unique presents for everyone, custom gift bags and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.  

You'll see that: We're Close to Home, But Far From Ordinary. 

Each year, I have a short list of treasured gifts that even Santa would have a difficult time finding.  So, fill your sleigh with stunning bountiful gifts from our exclusive Cypress House Top 10 Prized Possession List: 

#1)  Mistura Timepieces:  Up to 85 hours of lovingly hand-crafted labor in each watch.  Exotic woods, like teak, leather straps and striking dials.  Combining style, elegance, quality & sustainability - Truly one-of-a-kind timepiece for the perfect keepsake gift.

                                                          

#2) Tangerine Fig Balsamic : Gluten Free & 100% Natural.  This Italian aged balsamic vinegar is blended with Mission Fig and California Tangerine for a true culinary experience.  Enjoy with a salad, add to olive oil for a delicious bread dipper.  My favorite...Drizzle over Feta Cheese on a Baguette.

#3)  Mosey Handbags:  Committed to the environment, the primary textile used in this collection is recycled plastic - Known for durability, lightweight and comfort.  With such strict standards, they also use lead and nickel -free hardware pieces.  Water-Resistant Fabric.  Beauty and Simplicity.

                                        



#4)  Kurn's Candies:  Fine Chocolates, made locally, less than 40 miles from our shop.  Premium Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels & Marshmallow Coconut and Turtle Pokies.  Made fresh to order and hand delivered to our door.  Delicious Classic Confections make the prefect stocking stuffer.

                                                       



#5) Bloom :  The Cypress House Exclusive Seasonal Flower of the Month Club.  Choose a six or twelve month membership.  Our delightful bouquet of seasonal fresh cut flowers, expertly arranged, are delivered to the recipient of your choice.  The perfect gift for that special someone who already has everything.  Brighten their year with beautiful fresh cut flowers from The Cypress House.

                           












#6)  Samomaya Fair Trade Mittens, Scarves and Hats:  Samomaya creates fashion, born from the meeting of South American & European Cultures, with warm colors.  Let yourself be wrapped in softness and in comfort of the finest wool of the Andies Mountains. All items are entirely handmade with natural materials.

 

#7)  Custom Holiday Decorations: Exclusive Cypress House permanent seasonal decorations.  We use re-purposed & vintage containers ... Add in snowy pine, balsam and berries, along with ornaments & beautiful quality ribbons.  All are one-of-a-kind, truly unique decorations made by our team of talented designers.  A gift the recipient will treasure for many years to come. 

#8)  Cocktails. Cheers. Entertaining.:   The perfect assortment for Holiday Entertaining.   Cranberry Tangerine Beverage Elixir. Wake Up Crabby Bloody Mary Mix. Dirty Martini Cheese Ball. Spicy Apple Garlic Jam. Ancho Read Bell Pepper Jam. Holiday Caramel Corn Crunch. = YUM!  Adorn the table with "Cheers" Cocktail glasses, Stated in 3 Other Languages,  Numbered Wine Markers & Serving Utensils make the party festive...Cheers!  Make your hostess gift memorable and let us do the gift wrapping!   

             

#9) Stone Jewelry: This stunning jewelry collection is brand NEW for Holiday 2012.  Adored by all age groups, rings & bracelets are adjustable, so one size fits all.  Select your favorite color pallet and watch her glow on Christmas Morning.

#10) Tiny Tannenbaums:  Adorable living plants and trees.  Norfolk Island Pine, Shapely Rosemary Trees, Colorful Poinsettias, Canadian Miniature Cypress Trees: All adorned with ornaments, ribbon treatment and re-purposed containers. 

  

   

Gift Certificates . Layaway . Gift Wrap . Delivery 

Fresh Flowers . Gourmet Coffee . Trendy Boutique . Fine Gifts

The Cypress House

718 10th Ave   Rochelle, IL 

815.562.4159

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Joyful 2013!

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Smitten With Earth & Vine

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I've been putting together some ideas of what I would like to serve for Thanksgiving Dinner.  Our family will spend the Thanksgiving Holiday in Northern Wisconsin at a small cabin on Moen Lake.  You can view photos of the cabin, lake and surroundings on our previous blog titled ... North-Woods.

Besides a Thanksgiving Day Menu, I would also like to prepare seasonal delicious appetizers for days while we play cards or watch old family movies on 8 mm.

If you haven't tried Earth & Vine Provisions from California, you should.  Many of their Jams, Elixirs, Culinary Sauces & Curds are Gluten Free and 100% Natural.  We stock several of their products at The Cypress House.

       " Northern California's moderate climate produces year round growing opportunities.  With the onset of autumn, the nights become chilly with sunny days.  The local farmers markets are bursting with jewel toned fruits and vegetables.  The magical transformation from summer to fall inspires us to return to the kitchen to cook comforting foods for our family and friends.  Our Farm to Table Provisions are harvested at their peak of flavor to preserve the season in every bottle.  We hope you enjoy the season, slow down, and remember to appreciate the important things in life:  Family, friends, food and love. "  Earth & Vine Provisions

Thanksgiving Menu: 

Brine Turkey Stuffed with Orange and Thyme
Sourdough Bread & Mushroom Stuffing

Garlic & Chive Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Baby Brussel Sprouts with Slivered Almonds

Naturally Sweetened Apple Pie 

Appetizers: 

Using Earth & Vine Products

* Feta Cheese Spread & Tangerine Fig Balsamic

* Camembert Cheese Apple Fondue & Spicy Apple Garlic Jam

* Red Bell Pepper & Ancho Chili Jam Meatballs

Tangerine Fig Balsamic: 

Gluten Free    100% All Natural

Brush on Chicken or Steak.  Add Olive Oil & Use as Salad Dressing or Bread Dipping

Drizzle over Gorgonzola Cheese or Feta Cheese  

Mediterranean Fireside Pizza

(1) 14" Ciabatta Loaf

4 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 TBS Earth & Vine Tangerine Fig Balsamic Culinary Sauce

2 Medium Onions, Caramelized 

6 Oz. Crumbled Blue Cheese

6 Oz. Crumbled Goat Cheese

6 Slices Parma Ham, Sliced Thin

3 TBS Fresh Basil, Chopped

Place oven rack in center of oven and preheat broiler. Slice ciabatta loaf in half length wise. 

Brush both sides of loaf with olive oil and Tangerine Fig Balsamic Culinary Sauce, layer with onions, cheese, and ham slices.  Place loafs in oven under broiler and cook until cheese is melted and bread is toasted around the edges.  Keep a close eye on pizza so not to burn.  Take out of oven and sprinkle with fresh copped basil and drizzle a little more Tangerine Fig Balsamic Culinary Sauce.  Cut each loaf into 6 slices and serve warm.  Yields 12 pieces. 

Meyer Lemon Curd: 

Serve with Scones, Breakfast Breads

Fill Baked Phyllo Dough Cups with Greek Yogurt and Top with Curd

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Squares

1 Cup Cream Cheese

9 Oz. Earth & Vine Meyer Lemon Curd

9 Graham Crackers

1/4 Lb. Butter

Preheat over to 375 degrees.  Whip together cream cheese and Meyer Lemon Curd until smooth.  In a separate bowl, crush graham crackers into a course flour texture.  Heat butter just until melted.  Pour butter into graham crackers and mix.  Press graham mixture into a 9 inch square baking dish.  Gently spread cream cheese mixture over crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is lightly browned around edges and set in center.  Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tressa's Tip:  This is a great dessert to cut into small squares for a cocktail/appetizer party.
Arriving to The Cypress House in November. 

Red Bell Pepper & Ancho Chili Jam

Gluten Free & 100% Natural

Excellent with Smoked Turkey or Grilled Chicken 

Pour Over Cream Cheese or Warmed Brie for Outstanding Appetizers

Spread Over Meatloaf, Stuffed Bell Peppers or Meatballs

Goat Cheese Crostinis

Sour dough or French baguette

Olive oil

Soft goat cheese, pepper flavored

Red Bell Pepper & Ancho Chili Jam

Slice baguette, brush with olive oil and toast under broiler or on hot grill.

Spread soft goat cheese on baguette rounds and top with Red Bell Pepper & Ancho Chili Jam.

Spicy Apple Garlic Jam

Gluten Free & 100 % Natural

Serve With Chicken or Lamb

Sear Pork Chops and Finish Under the Broiler with a dollop of Jam

Wrap a Brie in Puff Pastry Dough and Bake

Serve with Gorgonzola or Sharp Cheddar Cheese on Crunchy Baguette

Camembert Apple Fondue

8 oz Gorgonzola cheese

16 oz Camembert

9 oz Earth & Vine Provisions Spicy Apple Garlic Jam.

1 loaf crusty French bread or walnut sourdough bread, cut into cubes 

2 apples, cut into cubes

Remove rind from Camembert and cut cheese into cubes. 

Over very low heat melt both cheeses until soft and completely melted,
continuously stirring so cheese does not burn.

When melted stir in jar of Spicy Apple Garlic Jam. 

Place fondue in a heat proof dish over a low flame or in a fondue pot and serve with cut bread and fruit.

Cranberry Tangerine Beverage Elixir

Gluten Free & 100% Natural

Holiday Cranberry Cocktail

Italian Soda

Cranberry Spritzer

Cranberry Vodka Punch

Holiday Martini

1 oz vodka

1 oz Earth & Vine Provisions Cranberry Tangerine Elixir 

1 oz water 

Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled glass. 

SAMPLE 
Earth & Vine Provisions  

The Cypress House Holiday Event 
November 29th - December 2nd

Let The Cypress House help you prepare for a memorable Thanksgiving Holiday.  From a new harvest wreath to welcome guests to a beautiful fresh flower centerpiece.  We have grand hostess gifts, including Earth & Vine Provisions . Harvest Candles . Wrapped Fresh Flower Bouquets . Gourmet Coffee and Chocolates.

Wishing you time to relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving Season

Sincerely,
Krista Stewart
The Cypress House

Welcome Autumn Into Your Home

A few weeks ago, I set aside a full weekend to prepare our home for autumn.  I had been looking forward to the "event" since fall is my favorite season.  The warm harvest color palette, smell of Pumpkin Butter candles, boots, scarves and sweaters, and of course, chai tea.
I began outside by reworking my urns with kale, fountain grasses and pansies.  I was able to salvage the dark potato vine and arborvitae evergreen.  I added birch branches for height and a colorful exterior fall bow.  Bows are an inexpensive way to add seasonal color and provide additional curb appeal.

Do you need help with the curb appeal at your house?   Did you know.... at The Cypress House we offer home decorating consultations?  We also carry fall planters, kale, hardy mums, urns, birch branches, custom bows and broom corn.  Many of the items I found helpful while working on my own home.
*TIP:  Often, bows can be reused the following year.  Simply hang them on wire hangers and store in a dark location.

My wreath for the front door was several years old, so I decided to revitalize it and relocate it to the gate door on the side of the house.  I replaced the front door wreath with a custom arrangement one of our designers made: A Harvest  Berry Wreath adorned with Black Butterflies and Wine Corks.

I added multicolored bows to our outside lamps, crows in the planters, a hanging lantern and new crow door mat.  Ahhhh...Ready to welcome Autumn inside now...

Since I had two days set aside, I decided to scrutinize my fall decorations so- one by one, I brought up all of my storage totes labeled "Autumn".  As I sifted through them, I wondered how my decorating style had changed so drastically.
*TIP: Holiday decorations don't need to take over the home.  It's nice when they blend in with everyday items.

I have a handful of absolute favorites that I can't ever imagining giving up:
No. 1 - Vintage Orange Sparrow on a Perch
No. 2 - Acorn, Pine cone and Nut Wreath
No. 3 - Bethany Lowe Witch and Calderon

This year, our designers made several arrangements with cigar boxes, wine bottles, footballs and vintage hard covered books, which I'm very fond of using as decorating accents.

One of my favorite ways to usher in the season is ... House Plants.  Crouton, Dark Rubber, Blooming Mums & Ivy to name a few.
*TIP:  Add fall leaves, moss, birch branches, cat tails, pine cones and bows to house plants to convert them into the season with little cost . Take a look around your property- you'll enjoy the time in nature.  Why not bring a little indoors to celebrate the season?

I boxed up the decorations that no longer caught my attention and I plan to make a trip to our local thrift shop to make a donation. Once you eliminate out dated items, drop by The Cypress House and take home a new wreath, arrangement or fall candle.  Just a couple of new seasonal decorations will sweep you into the season.

By the time I finished the exterior and interior fall decorating, it was time for clean up and to head to dinner.  We took a relaxing, country drive to Oregon, IL for dinner at LaVigna with friends. Its an Italian Restaurant with homemade soups, salads and authentic pastas and a perfect finish to my day.

Saturday morning, I woke up early and went for a long walk.  It certainly feels and looks like fall outside.  The corn stalks are changing colors and the squirrels are busy hunting and gathering.

I dropped by the shop (The Cypress House) for a TALL Pumpkin Spice Latte with a double shot of espresso - going to need it if I plan to tackle my closet!

I got lost in the project ... I removed all of my tired summer items, again separating out designated items to donate to our local thrift shop.   Next, I scoured through previous years' accessories, shoes and boots, sweaters and scarves, vests and coats. (Safe to say, I'm infatuated with down-filled vests)  In the past, I've arranged my closed by type of clothing and color.  This year, I decided to take a different approach.  I hung the clothing by outfit- first a sweater, then a skirt or cords to match.  If you are like me, time is precious in the morning and having my closet organized by outfits should cut down on the time it takes me to get out the door in the morning.
*TIP:  Try hanging belts, necklaces and tights with your outfits.  You will always look accessorized, even when you are short on time.

If you get in a pinch, The Cypress House is a "Fully Stocked Closet" for fall.  We are bursting with beautiful fall sweaters and jackets, affordable jeans and boots, and new trendy jewelry lines to accessorize with.  Did you know we have a layaway plan?

This year I selected a few of my favorites to take home: a couple sweaters and a new pair of leggings- along with a Mistura exotic wood watch, which I LOVE!

Conveniently, I have a mini refrigerator in our closet and coffee pot (I use the coffee pot to boil water for herbal tea) and stock the fridge with lemon water.  Having the coffee upstairs cuts down on time in the morning.  Anything you can do to keep you warm on those cool fall mornings....Tea is a great way to warm you up.  We carry a variety of Tea Forte and Yogi Teas at the shop which I know you will LOVE.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the time preparing our home for Autumn.  It created a sense of peace in this chaotic world we live in.   I feel more organized and ready for the new season.  Let us sweep you into fall this year at The Cypress House.

Vibrant PLANTS

My grandfather (Chris Andersen) was a landscaper.  Growing up, my parents (Neil & Ann) always had a variety of indoor house plants.  They also enjoyed seasonal outdoor patio containers.  If you've seen their backyard lately, you know that they still enjoy plants.

Working at the shop, I've learned that some have a great knowledge of plants and others have none at all.  I like to think that I was born with it - similar to how most guys have an understanding of cars or guns from birth - I understood plants.

This past Sunday morning, I counted how many houseplants are in our home - Nineteen!  I personally have a real addiction to jade & ferns and lately any type of succulents.  At the shop, we have two employees (Ann & Sara) who care for our plants. We're heading into fall, so you'll find beautiful seasonal planters in Autumn colors. We have three different plant vendors and we're picking up a fourth soon - so new plants often arrive a couple times each week.

Basic Plant Care

Plants need basic necessities to survive, such as sunlight, water & love.  I encourage the following:
1. Read the back of the plant care card.
2. Research your new plant on-line.
3. Purchase a water guide that will tell if the plant's soil is wet, moist or dry.

Be sure to let excess water drain into a saucer.  You don't want the plant to ever sit in water.  Always remove dropped leaves from the top of the soil.  To make your plant shine, use a soft damp cloth and wipe the leaves.  Monitor your plants on a regular basis to check for new changes.  You can often find the answer quickly on-line, or give us a call and we would be happy to try and help.

* Tip - It's easier to revive an under-watered plant than an over-watered plant, which will have root destruction.

Feng Shui & Plants

Plants are excellent because they bring vibrant energy into your home.  The plants need to be kept healthy in visually pleasing containers.

In Feng Shui, they say to place a jade plant in the South East sector of your home to accumulate and radiate positive energy.  This a known as the wealth sector of your home.  Why not give it a try?

Feng Shui also says that it is important to be aware of your indoor air quality.  What better way to purify the air than by decorating with house plants!

Here is a list that's sure to clean the air and bring in the oxygen:
1. Palms
2. Rubber Plants
3. Dracaenas
4. English Ivy
5. Ficus
6. Ferns
7. Peace Lilies
8. Scheffleras
9. Orchids
10. Philodendrons

There are a few plants that give off oxygen at night.  They are, therefore, beneficial for the bedroom.
1. Succulents
2. Orchids
3. Bromeliads

One final note... Be sure to research house plants that are harmful to young children and animals.  I Googled this topic and found 3,660,000 results.