Fabulous uses for the Hot Raspberry Chipotle Sauce

I am in love with this sauce!  It has a wonderful blend of sweetness with a touch of chipotle at the end.  I could almost drink it right out of the bottle, but that might be a bit much.  Here are a few serving suggestions my friends and I have come up with:
~ Serve with cream cheese and Wheat Thins.  I use a butter knife to score the top of a block of cream cheese so that the sauce stays on the cheese rather than the serving plate.
~ Serve with baked Brie and water crackers.  I am looking forward to trying this one myself using phyllo dough to wrap the cheese with the sauce before baking.
~ The Hot Raspberry Chipotle Sauce is incredible when you use it to baste chicken or pork on the grill.  My friend Camille used it on salmon steaks last night and loved it!
~ Thin the sauce with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar to make a delicious salad dressing.  Catherine used this last week to dress a spinach salad with fresh button mushrooms, red onions, candied walnuts and pomegranate seeds.  It was as wonderful to look at as it was to eat!

I would love to hear your suggestions!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

Did you know that the Biltmore Winery is THE most visited winery in the United States and our wines receive numerous awards every year?  This is a great way to enjoy a bit of the vineyard in your own home with the Reserve Wine Label Coaster set.  This set of four coasters uses authentic Biltmore Wine labels on these aged resin beauties.  Get yours for only $21.98 or plan a party to get them free!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

My website is up!

I received my Starter Kit this week and am just IN LOVE with the product line.  The design is gorgeous and the quality is exceptional!  Check out my new website HERE and tell me what you think.

30 Days of Faves

I just love the antique feel to these items in our Vineyard Ceramics selection.  If you have any heirloom dishes or serving pieces that you love then this collection is for you!  The red bowl is shown here used as a planter, but you can use it for serving or as a unique centerpiece.  It would be so pretty filled with silver Christmas balls at the holidays, don't you think?  The white vase is shown used for a woody florals here.  Wouldn't you like to use it as an eye-catching wine carafe? 

These items are of course food safe and prices start at $24.98.  Check out my catalog HERE for more details. 

You can earn a FREE shopping spree by hosting your own party.  Connect with me for details and schedule.

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

One of my fondest memories revolves around bread.  My mother is a wonderful cook and has always made breads from scratch.  If you are looking for moist cornbread, fluffy biscuits or melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls, Mama's house is the place to go.  As a kid, I always loved homemade loaves of bread right out of the oven with butter.  The pieces would be almost too hot to hold but just cool enough to chew.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons I love to cook although I'm nowhere near her caliber.  I am looking forward to the Biltmore Inspirations Quick Mixes to bring these savories to my family on my crazy schedule!

We have six delicious items in our Quick Mix collection:  Hearty White Bread, Popover, Savory Tuscan Bread, Oatmeal Pie Crust, Hearty Wheat Bread and Sweet Delights Bread.  Each Mix is sold in sets of two or in special variety sets of three.  Stock your pantry so that you can create memory making meals for your family.  I know they're worth it!

Selection information is available HERE.  

~Be Inspired Today~

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

You already know how much I love this gorgeous design from our Breakfast Room Collection!  Pictured above are (top to bottom) Mini Bowls (2 for $29.98), Appetizer Plates (4 for $39.98) and Dessert Plates (2 for $39.98).  I can't wait to share these with you.  Contact me for information on  preordering, hosting a party or to join my team.  Qualified consultants can earn the a set of the bowls free in your first month.  Ask me how!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

I have been on the run all day today and most of it has been outdoors in blazing 98 degree heat, and I'm THIRSTY!  I've chugged water all afternoon, but the craving for something ice cold and sweet has been overwhelming this evening.  I just wish I had the Summer Harvest Set of Flavoring Syrups from Biltmore Inspirations.  This variety package of flavoring syrups includes Red Raspberry, Wild Blackberry and Southern Peach flavorings that you can add to a number of recipes to enhance taste.  But the best use of these syrups on a hot summer day like today is to mix a little syrup with club soda and serve over crushed ice with a thick slice of lemon and maybe a few frozen berries!  I so wish I had one right now!

Don't be shy about trying them in other recipes.  Mix the Southern Peach syrup with a little honey and coarsely ground mustard for a wonderful glaze on ham or thin it a bit with little apple cider vinegar for a great marinade on pork chops.  Use the Red Raspberry syrup to create a lovely dressing to top a summer salad to serve with your entree.  And sip your Wild Blackberry "fizz" while you keep an eye on the grill.  Oooh.  I'm getting hungry!

This variety set includes all three syrups listed above and can be yours for just $39.98.  Or you can take advantage of our fabulous (and delicious) July Customer Special and get all three for $19.98 with any $29.98 purchase from our catalog.   Better yet, invite a few friends over for a Biltmore Inspirations party and it can be yours FREE.  Contact me for details or to schedule your party, but don't delay.  My calendar is filling fast!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

Better late than never, right?  I find the Fleur de Lis design so simple and lovely.  In the Biltmore Inspirations Chateau Collection, we have selected a perfect Fleur de Lis which is found carved in the limestone on the front of the Biltmore House and translated it into kitchen linens and other home decor items.  It's so simple and elegant.  It's shown in the photo above in our embossed leather Coaster Set ($39.98 for 6) or check out our catalog HERE.  I just bet that some Saint's fans will want these for their homes!

Email or call me directly to preorder!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves



OK. OK.  I know the purpose of "30 Days of Faves" is to highlight my favorite items from the Biltmore Inspirations collection by choosing and blogging about one each day.  But today, I just can't make up my mind so I am going to show you several beauties that work perfectly together and let YOU choose your FAVE!

Pictured above are the Medium (9x12) and Large (12x18) Damask Platters from the Breakfast Room Collection I featured in yesterday's post.  In this picture, you'll notice that the Large Platter is elevated on the Condensation Tray from the Fleur de Lis Wine Chiller (June 2 blog post).  What a wonderful way to serve at your next party!  The platters are priced at $46.98 for the Medium and $94.98 for the Large Platter.

The Platters also fit perfectly on the 5th Avenue Rectangular Tray shown below.  Items from the 5th Avenue Collection are inspired by the Vanderbilt's plush 5th Avenue apartment in Manhatten and feature cast metal details on the corners and handles.  Use the Large Damask Platter alone or place two Medium Damask Platters side-by-side to serve appetizers, breads or desserts!

 


The 5th Avenue Rectangular Tray is priced at $89.98, BUT when you host a qualifying Biltmore Inspirations party in July you can purchase it for only $35.98.  This beauty is a STEAL at this price so be sure to contact me to reserve your July party date NOW!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you my favorite color is RED.  It is in every room of my house and quite notably in the kitchen.  This may be why I'm in love with the Breakfast Room collection from Biltmore Inspirations!  If you have visited the Biltmore Estate, no doubt you will recall the lovely damask chairs in the family's Breakfast Room.  The original fabric was specially cut and woven in Lyons, France and is now featured on items in the aptly named Breakfast Room collection.

I often cook with my six year old daughter and cannot wait to get these matching Mother/Daughter/Doll aprons.  I know we will have a blast (and look fabulous) while making a big mess cookies!

The adult apron is $39.98 and the child/doll apron set is $34.98.  Preorder now by calling me at 864-979-9116.  For those interested in the Biltmore Inspirations career opportunity, the adult apron is included in our Starter Kit.  Let's get cooking!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

By the time the Biltmore Estate was formally opened at Christmas in 1895, a railroad spur had been added and hundreds of workers and artisans had been part of the construction of the great mansion.  Many of the artisans settled in Asheville becoming a foundation for the vibrant art community which exists even today. 

As the Biltmore Inspirations catalogs are created seasonally, one such local artist will create a featured collection inspired by something at the Biltmore Estate.  In our debut catalog, N.C. artist Lisa Conard (also the current Artist-in-Residence at the Biltmore House) has created a lovely collection of stoneware with incredible oak leaf detailing.  My favorite part of this pottery are handles!  At first glance the handle appears to be wood, perhaps an old scrap of driftwood.  But on closer examination, you will see that the handles are sculpted and an actually part of the pottery itself.  The detailing is incredible, and it is literally an item you must see to appreciate!

Pieces have a reactive glaze giving them unique variation and making them oven, microwave and even dishwasher safe.  Prices range from $19.98 per Mug or Bowl to $139.98 for the Large Round Platter pictured above.  Other pieces in this collection include a Wine Chiller and Oval Platter.  Check out my Biltmore Inspirations Catalog LINK HERE to view additional photos of this lovely pottery collection. 

Collectors:  Hosting a party is an excellent way to amass this entire collection for little or no money!  Connect with me for details.

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

Since I had an OOPSY yesterday and didn't post, I'll have TWO faves today.  I love the Olmstead Oak Serving set which consists of three "paisley shaped" bowls which sit like a little puzzle in the Breakfast Room 5th Avenue Circle Tray.  As always, our products are steeped in rich Biltmore tradition. 

The Olmstead Oak collection is named for Frederick Law Olmstead who designed the exquistely landscaped grounds and gardens at the Biltmore Estate as well as Central Park in NY.  This oak leaf and acorn stoneware collection is reminiscent of the lovely gardens at the Estate.  Each item has a reactive glaze giving it a unique variation.  These are microwave, oven & dishwasher safe.  The set of three bowls is $45.98.

The Fifth Avenue collection is named for William H. Vanderbilt's famous Manhattan mansion.  The Circle Tray is a rich, dark wood with cast metal accents inspired by details in the Breakfast Room at the Estate.  The Olmstead Oak Serving Set nestles in it perfectly, or use it for serving mimosas at your next brunch.  The 5th Avenue Circle Tray is $69.98.

Love it?  Want to get it FREE?  Simply host a qualifying party and earn a shopping spree from our fabulous catalog!  Contact me for details.

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

ONLINE CATALOG

...OOPS AM I STILL SCREAMING?  Sorry, it's just that I'm so excited that the Biltmore Inspirations debut catalog is now online!  Click HERE to view 60 pages of loveliness for your home!

Connect with me to plan your party, preorder for our July launch or for information on starting your own business with Biltmore Inspirations.

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

I'm so glad to have a brand new Biltmore Inspirations catalog, but I am not sure I'll be able to stop listing my FAVES at the end of June!  Today, my favorite item is the Fleur de Lis Wine Chiller.

This lovely metal bucket is perfect for chilling drinks at your next party or for stowing towels in the bath.  It would be gorgeous on a porch with a small herb garden as well.  The metal stand is a separate piece designed to control condensation and protect your furniture.  It can be used on its own for elevating platters on a buffet - the Damask Platter from our Breakfast Room Collection fits perfectly!  This item is priced at just $129.98 or get yours FREE by hosting a qualifying home party.  Contact me to schedule your show or for ordering information.

30 Days of Faves

I'm so excited to participate in the 30 Days of Faves Blog Party with the fine ladies at Party Plan Divas!  Each day, we are to list our personal FAVES from our own Direct Sales Business.  Without further ado...drumroll please...today's favorite is the ANTLER HILL WINE STOPPER SET.

If you are a facebook fan, you've seen this picture before and heard me gush about how adorable this little BUCK-a-roo is!  The stag and acorn are reminiscent of the nature and wildlife on the Biltmore Estate as well as representing the Vanderbilt family crest.  Priced at $29.98 for the pair, you can keep them both or share one with a bottle of Biltmore wine for a unique hostess gift.

Our online catalog just came out TODAY.  Check it out at www.biltmoreinspirations.com/catalog and email me any order requests.  Our company will officially launch on July 1 and I can place your order then!

Gina Smith
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

30 Days of Faves

Starting tomorrow, and going through the month of June, I will be blogging "The 30 Days of Faves" sponsored by Party Plan Divas.  I will be discussing each day MY favorite things with Biltmore Inspirations.  Feel free to contact me for clarification or information on anything related to my company!

See you tomorrow!

Gina Smith
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com
864.979.9116

Biltmore Inspirations Catalog

Our debut catalogs have been printed and will be on the way SOON.  Send me an email with your mailing address to reserve your copy NOW!  I'm sure I'll have to reorder more as soon as I get them in so don't wait.

Gina Smith
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing each of you a blessed day with your families!

GIVEAWAY Alert!!

I've just reached my 100th fan on my FACEBOOK PAGE and have decided to give away a $10 gift certificate to the 20th person to comment on my last post.  Don't wait!!

Springtime

Spring is one of my favorite times of year ~ except for the DST "Spring Forward" nonsense!  It's encouraging to wake up in the morning to find determined flowers peeking through the leaves and reaching for the sun.  As the days get warmer and longer, I love to play in the dirt.  Right now, I have a tiny vegetable and herb garden tucked in the corner of my suburban postage stamp yard and am looking forward to my first dish of fresh steamed broccoli with dinner tonight!  I found this picture taken at the Biltmore House by my friends Yvette and Sabrina last month and am now "chomping at the bit" to go plant a flower or twenty!  Have a wonderful spring day, friends!

~Celebrate Every Day with Style~

Gina

864-979-9116

inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

Biltmore Inspirations Picture Book

I am so pleased to present this great photo book with our collections detailed.  I'm getting so excited!  Let's get this PARTY started!

BILTMORE INSPIRATIONS "Interest Book"

Props to a very talented Lori for creating this ;)

Gina

864-979-9116

inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

My WHY

Everyone has a WHY for what they do (or DON'T do).  For some, the WHY may be easy to answer.  Maybe you're a teacher because you love kids, love the schedule, have the degree and so on.  Maybe you fell into a job or career by accident.  For me, starting my own business with Biltmore Inspirations was no accident.  You can't possibly be successful in direct sales without being INTENTIONAL.

I first heard about Biltmore Inspirations on NPR back in August 2010 and researched them on the net to find out what their business plan and products were going to be.  I got myself on their mailing list and received company updates.  I researched home decor direct sales companies, average sales, average income and my local market and decided to take the plunge.  As of today, I've been with the company for one month and even though we are still officially in the "pre-launch" phase, I have one recruit on my team (so far!) and three launch parties and an Open House scheduled for July.  I'll save research and strategy for direct sales success for another day and another blog.  Today, on this auspicious "one month anniversary", I need to remember WHY I chose this avenue.

• I need a FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE.  I have a six year old child and am in the process of adopting another little girl this summer.  I need the kind of job where I can be on the computer at 5 a.m. for an hour, on the phone at 10 a.m. for an hour, and out of the house with other adults a couple of nights per week.  Which leads me to my next WHY~~
• I need the company of other humans over the age of 7 who do not want to discuss Taylor Swift, Barbie or iCarly.  Direct Sales is the perfect job for any SAHM or WAHM who enjoys making RELATIONSHIPS and SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS.
• I love decorating, redecorating, and rearranging my home.  I like being surrounded by things pretty things with a story.  What could be better than representing a company who offers my PASSION?  Every item by Biltmore Inspirations is inspired by something at the Biltmore House!
• I like the VALIDATION and success in exchange for my work.  In other words, I am as successful as I want to be.  If I work, I meet my goals.  This may not be important to some of you, but I am driven by this on many levels.  While I don't miss wearing stockings, suits & closed-toe shoes to the bank every day, I do miss a certain feeling of accomplishment.  This job totally satisfies that need.
• And along the same line~~I miss being part of a TEAM.  With Biltmore Inspirations, I have a wonderful support system from the home office, directors and peers.  It's a joy to "meet" with them via conference calls or web chat and share our goals, experiences, and suggestions.
• Finally, it would be a lie if I left these two off the list:  MONEY and OPPORTUNITY.  Honestly, I might work for free, but I wouldn't work as hard!  Biltmore Inspirations gives me a ground floor opportunity to earn a substantial salary.

Now I remember WHY I do this job and WHY I love it!  Think about WHY you do what you do.  Is it time for a change?  I'd love to share information about my company with you.  Give me a call and we can discuss your WHY!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

Ready, Set, INSPIRED

Check out this pic of all the great goodies in the Biltmore Inspirations "Ready, Set, INSPIRED" starter kit for new consultants!  The total value of the kit is almost $600, but you can reserve yours now for just $199.  Kits will ship in June and we can officially start "partying" in July.  Call me for details!

Gina
864-979-9116
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

More "Inspirational Meetings" ~ Mark your calendars!

Biltmore "Inspirational Meetings" are a time when you can meet some of the corporate staff and Home Office Directs while you touch our great new product line and sample some delicious food.  These are totally FREE events being held across the country. 

I will be at our Atlanta and Asheville sessions and would love to see you there:

May 9: Atlanta, GA

6:30 pm - Registration
7:00-8:30 pm - Meeting
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339 

May 15: Asheville, NC

6:00 pm - Registration
6:30-8:00 pm - Meeting
Lioncrest at Biltmore Estate
One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803

If you can attend, please call or email to let me know.  I'd love to meet you!

Gina

864-979-9116

inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com 

Biltmore "Inspirational Meetings"

Connect with us—in person! Biltmore Inspirations is hosting a series of informational meetings around the nation to talk about opportunities with Biltmore Inspirations. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about the company, see product demonstrations and taste delicious food inspired by the gourmet chefs at the Biltmore Estate. There is NO CHARGE and no obligation. This week, we are on the West Coast. I hope you can stop by and be inspired!

April 26: Los Angeles, CA
6:30 pm - Registration
7:00-8:30 pm - Meeting
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 West Century Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 310-410-4000

April 27: Seattle, WA
6:30 pm - Registration
7:00-8:30 pm - Meeting
Residence Inn Seattle Bellevue/Downtown
605 114th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425-637-8500

April 28: Portland, OR
6:30 pm - Registration
7:00-8:30 pm - Meeting
Doubletree Portland Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah Street
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-282-2511

April 28: San Francisco, CA
6:30 pm - Registration
7:00-8:30 pm - Meeting
Embassy Suites Walnut Creek
1345 Treat Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Phone: 925-934-2500

WIN this Vintage Grape Basket!

Welcome! How would you like to have this Vintage Grape Basket (Door Hanger) absolutely FREE? It's so easy. I am looking for YOUR design ideas. So tell me : "How would you use this item in YOUR home?"

The pail is made of metal and embossed with design "inspired" (of course!) by the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. I can just picture similar buckets being carried by workers in the vineyards! It features a leather strap and a flat back for hanging.

To enter the contest, simply comment on this post and tell me how you would use this in your home. Each comment will be entered in a drawing which will be held on May 6 at 7 p.m. EST.

Product will be delivered or shipped to the winner by July 31, 2011.

I can't wait to see all your ideas!

Gina
864-979-9116

So you want to be your own boss?

This is an excellent article about the benefits of starting your own home based business :15 Great Reasons to Start a Business with Direct Selling. For me, the greatest benefits are (in no particular order):

• Flexible Hours




• Unlimited earning




• Spending time with friends

Who wouldn't want to get paid for spending an evening with friends? If you are interested in more information about Biltmore Inspirations, we will be having a "Discovery Call" tonight at 8pm EST. Call me for dial-in instructions!

Gina Smith

864-979-9116

inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com

Biltmore in a storm

Thanks to my pals Yvette and Sabrina for making the trip to Biltmore today and for letting me share photos of Biltmore on a rainy morning. You have to do SOMETHING on a dreary day so it might as well be somewhere that's BREATHTAKING!

Biltmore Gardens

As I was scanning Facebook status updates for my friends this morning, I ran across this GORGEOUS photo where one of my friends had visited Biltmore House this week. Dr. Lori York was kind enough to let me share this pic of the "flower carpet" in full bloom with flowering bulbs - tulips, lilies and dutch iris. I think it's time for me to make another trip to stroll the spring gardens!

History 101 - The Gardens at the Biltmore Estate

In the shadow of the Biltmore House you will delight in some of the finest formal and informal gardens in the United States. Frederick Law Olmstead, a founder of landscape architecture, had completed Central Park in New York and had landscaped the campuses at Boston University, Yale and Stanford when he was approached by George Vanderbilt in the 1880s. Vanderbilt had begun purchasing land which would eventually total 125,000 acres around Asheville, NC. Amid construction of the well known estate, Olmstead transformed the surrounding grounds.

Today, Biltmore Estate’s forests, grounds and gardens reflect Olmsted’s plans from nearly a century ago. Estate staff manage approximately 5,000 acres of forest and woodland as well as maintain the estate grounds and greenhouses. Their jobs include pruning some 80 varieties of roses in the rose garden, planting 50,000 tulip bulbs in the English Walled Garden each year, raising and planting 20,000 bedding plants annually, and growing more than 1,000 poinsettias which decorate Biltmore House every Christmas.

Once you visit, you will have a hard time deciding which is your favorite season! Now is the time to see an explosion of tulips, azaleas, rhododendron and dogwoods. Plan your visit now and BE INSPIRED!

Gina Smith

864-979-9116

History 101 - The Biltmore House

In addition to being a beautiful home with incredible gardens and a breath-taking view, the history of the Biltmore Estate is also remarkable.

In 1889, George Vanderbilt traveled to the Asheville, North Carolina area, where he purchased land and began constructing a home for his family. Construction took over 5years and was completed by 1895. The 250-room mansion stands four stories high and covers more than 4 acres of floor space. An astounding 65 fireplaces were erected to heat the 34 bedrooms, 43 baths and 3 kitchens. Over 11 million bricks were placed during the construction. An impressive staircase made of stone contains 102 stairs as it spirals four floors high.

Visitors from all over the world continue to marvel at the 70,000 gallon indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, early 20th century exercise equipment, two story library, and other rooms filled with artworks, furniture and 19th-century novelties such as elevators, forced-air heating, centrally-controlled clocks, fire alarms and an intercom system. The estate boasts over 900,000 visitors each year!

Coming Soon: History 101 - The Biltmore Estate Gardens

Gina
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com
864-979-9116

Introducing Biltmore Inspirations

It's official. I am so excited to be part of the latest Biltmore venture called Biltmore Inspirations. We are a home based business featuring home decor items and yummy foods inspired by the fabulous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I will be using this blog to share information about the family and estate history, the inspiration for product lines, recipes, and decorating ideas. Click the option to "follow" my blog so you don't miss anything!

Effective immediately, we are processing new enrollments for anyone interested in becoming a consultant. This is a chance for work-at-home moms or retired ladies to earn some extra cash or just enjoy time out with other adults. And if you are looking for a career, you can certainly get that here too. Work as much - or as little - as you like. YOU can be among the first in YOUR area to take advantage of this GROUND FLOOR opportunity! Our products are gorgeous, the profits generous and the programs spectacular.

Contact me today for more info on how YOU can get involved!!

Gina
inspiredtraditions@yahoo.com
864-979-9116