Treehouse News

Breaking Bread with Chris: Bucket of Bread Friday, July 23rd

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

We're excited to break bread with Chris Wysong of La Crosse, WI and his company Bucket of Bread! Join us in store to meet Chris in person Friday, July 23rd from 10 am - 2 pm. Chris has literally dreamt up a brand new way to bring you fresh breads.
Cinnamon Buns
Order a bucket filled with all the dry ingredients to make fresh cinnamon rolls, pizzas, homemade calzones, dinner rolls, bagels and more! Fresh bread is made easy with Bucket of Bread! Simply add 3 cups of water, cover and let the dough rise for 2-3 hrs, and you'll enjoy fresh dough for making bread for up to two weeks! Come buy a bucket when Chris is here, or special order one for free local home delivery or in-store pick up. We also ship everywhere in the US.
We have options in Traditional White Bread, Hearty Wheat, and Seven Grain.  Get creative and make fresh donuts for the family.  Anything you can dream up with dough is made possible no matter what your skill level with baking!

Cinnamon Buns Recipe: 

By Bucket of Bread

After having these treats, you won't think they're just for breakfast anymore. Grab lots of napkins because you're going to want to lick your fingers. This is going to be a rich and sweet experience for your taste buds.

Cinnamon Buns

Serving Size:

8

Time Needed:

40 Minutes

Preparations:

Items Needed:

  • Mixer

  • Baking dish

  • Spatula

  • Rolling pin

  • Parchment paper or non-stick foil

For the Buns and Filling:

  • Traditional White Bucket (risen)

  • 1 stick of softened butter

  • 4 tablespoons of cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream (lukewarm)

  • 1 cup of brown sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick softened butter

  • 1 8-ounce pack of softened cream cheese

  • 2 cups of powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Start Making Cinnamon Buns:

  1. After your dough is risen and cooled in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour, reach in and grab a handful of dough weighing around 1 pound.

  2. Using a rolling pin roll out the dough evenly.  Don't press too hard as this may force the dough to stick to the surface.  If it sticks, just gently lift it off the surface and flip it while continuing to roll it out.  If you're looking for fluffy, bread-like cinnamon rolls, you want it about 3/4-inch thick. If you want softer more gooey, chewy cinnamon rolls, get it to about 1/4-inch thick. 

  3. Cut temperature appropriate parchment paper to match the shape of your baking dish and place it inside.

  4. Get out the mixer and add the really soft butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.  Mix this until everything appears moist and spreadable.

  5. Spread the filling evenly onto your rolled out dough.

  6. Roll the dough up into a tube shape.

  7. Cut the tube into about 2 inch pieces wide and place them onto the parchment paper in the baking dish.

  8. Gently and slowly pour lukewarm heavy whipping cream over each of the buns letting it fill all the nooks and crannies of the sweet spirals.  Dipping a brush into the liquid and basting these is also an effective means to get these to soak up all the cream.  

  9. While the soon to be buns are bathing in cream, preheat the oven to 450 F.  

  10. Clean up the mixing bowl and utensil for the frosting to be made later.

  11. Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish into the oven and set a timer for 18-20 minutes (ovens vary so use your best judgement).

While Baking, Prepare the Frosting.  

  1. Add the softened (almost melted) butter and cream cheese to the mixing bowl.  

  2. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice.

  3. Slowly add the powdered sugar.

  4. Mix until everything is smooth and silky.

When the Buns are Done:

  1. BE VERY CAREFUL.  The filling will have melted a little bit and if you get this on your skin, it will burn you really badly.  It is sticky and EXTREMELY hot.

  2. Carefully, removing the baking dish from the oven.

  3. Let cool.

  4. Cover the buns in frosting.

 

Want to add nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or anything else–and/or other extras to the filling. What about adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chunks (or both)? Make this recipe yours by adding your own special touch and share!

Hear more about Bucket of Bread from chef and developer Chris Wysong:

Read more

Breaking Bread with Chris: Bucket of Bread Friday, July 23rd

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

We're excited to break bread with Chris Wysong of La Crosse, WI and his company Bucket of Bread! Join us in store to meet Chris in person Friday, July 23rd from 10 am - 2 pm. Chris has literally dreamt up a brand new way to bring you fresh breads.
Cinnamon Buns
Order a bucket filled with all the dry ingredients to make fresh cinnamon rolls, pizzas, homemade calzones, dinner rolls, bagels and more! Fresh bread is made easy with Bucket of Bread! Simply add 3 cups of water, cover and let the dough rise for 2-3 hrs, and you'll enjoy fresh dough for making bread for up to two weeks! Come buy a bucket when Chris is here, or special order one for free local home delivery or in-store pick up. We also ship everywhere in the US.
We have options in Traditional White Bread, Hearty Wheat, and Seven Grain.  Get creative and make fresh donuts for the family.  Anything you can dream up with dough is made possible no matter what your skill level with baking!

Cinnamon Buns Recipe: 

By Bucket of Bread

After having these treats, you won't think they're just for breakfast anymore. Grab lots of napkins because you're going to want to lick your fingers. This is going to be a rich and sweet experience for your taste buds.

Cinnamon Buns

Serving Size:

8

Time Needed:

40 Minutes

Preparations:

Items Needed:

  • Mixer

  • Baking dish

  • Spatula

  • Rolling pin

  • Parchment paper or non-stick foil

For the Buns and Filling:

  • Traditional White Bucket (risen)

  • 1 stick of softened butter

  • 4 tablespoons of cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream (lukewarm)

  • 1 cup of brown sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick softened butter

  • 1 8-ounce pack of softened cream cheese

  • 2 cups of powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Start Making Cinnamon Buns:

  1. After your dough is risen and cooled in the refrigerator for at least 1/2 hour, reach in and grab a handful of dough weighing around 1 pound.

  2. Using a rolling pin roll out the dough evenly.  Don't press too hard as this may force the dough to stick to the surface.  If it sticks, just gently lift it off the surface and flip it while continuing to roll it out.  If you're looking for fluffy, bread-like cinnamon rolls, you want it about 3/4-inch thick. If you want softer more gooey, chewy cinnamon rolls, get it to about 1/4-inch thick. 

  3. Cut temperature appropriate parchment paper to match the shape of your baking dish and place it inside.

  4. Get out the mixer and add the really soft butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.  Mix this until everything appears moist and spreadable.

  5. Spread the filling evenly onto your rolled out dough.

  6. Roll the dough up into a tube shape.

  7. Cut the tube into about 2 inch pieces wide and place them onto the parchment paper in the baking dish.

  8. Gently and slowly pour lukewarm heavy whipping cream over each of the buns letting it fill all the nooks and crannies of the sweet spirals.  Dipping a brush into the liquid and basting these is also an effective means to get these to soak up all the cream.  

  9. While the soon to be buns are bathing in cream, preheat the oven to 450 F.  

  10. Clean up the mixing bowl and utensil for the frosting to be made later.

  11. Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish into the oven and set a timer for 18-20 minutes (ovens vary so use your best judgement).

While Baking, Prepare the Frosting.  

  1. Add the softened (almost melted) butter and cream cheese to the mixing bowl.  

  2. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice.

  3. Slowly add the powdered sugar.

  4. Mix until everything is smooth and silky.

When the Buns are Done:

  1. BE VERY CAREFUL.  The filling will have melted a little bit and if you get this on your skin, it will burn you really badly.  It is sticky and EXTREMELY hot.

  2. Carefully, removing the baking dish from the oven.

  3. Let cool.

  4. Cover the buns in frosting.

 

Want to add nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or anything else–and/or other extras to the filling. What about adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate chunks (or both)? Make this recipe yours by adding your own special touch and share!

Hear more about Bucket of Bread from chef and developer Chris Wysong:

Read more


3 Tips for Choosing Candle & Room Spray Scents

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

The right candles, room sprays, and diffusers can enhance the atmosphere of any room. When selecting a fragrance, aim to select a scent that pleases your nose and suits a certain purpose in the room. This helps guests and family members enjoy the smell and connect it with certain ideas and feelings. Below are several strategies to help you determine the best scents.

How Can You Find the Right Scents for Your Home?

1. Consider the Room

The first consideration should be which room you plan to place the candles, room sprays, or diffusers in. For example, strong scents, such as citrus and peppermint, may be too overpowering for guest bathrooms and walk-in closets because they are enclosed. However, these fragrances are well-suited to open and lively areas, like hallways and living rooms. Smaller rooms can be elevated with fresh, subtle scents, like spring rain, cashmere, and floral aromas.

Also, consider the type of room. Kitchens have a variety of smells because of the food you cook, so floral or perfume-like fragrances tend to clash. Food-related scents, such as spices, herbs, fruits, vanilla, and honey, blend well with existing aromas.

2. Think About the Mood

candle

Next, think about the type of atmosphere you want to create, as fragrances are excellent for setting moods. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lilac create a relaxing ambiance for a bath, while rose and jasmine are perfect for a romantic dinner. For more energizing scents, go with cinnamon, citrus, and ginger. If your goal is to mask odors, lemon and cedarwood are strong scents that can transform the smell of a room.

3. Select the Category

After picking the room and reason for your candle or spray, select the scents. There are four main fragrance types to choose from: floral, woody, fresh, and exotic. Most people have their own preferences and gravitate toward one or two of these categories.

Floral scents tend to be soft, clean, and calming, and they include gardenia, rose, and peony. Fragrances in the woody category, such as balsam and pine, are warm, earthy, and cozy. Fresh scents like bergamot and citronella are bright and energizing. The exotic scents, including vanilla and nutmeg, bring to mind luxury, comfort, and indulgence.

 

Read more

3 Tips for Choosing Candle & Room Spray Scents

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

The right candles, room sprays, and diffusers can enhance the atmosphere of any room. When selecting a fragrance, aim to select a scent that pleases your nose and suits a certain purpose in the room. This helps guests and family members enjoy the smell and connect it with certain ideas and feelings. Below are several strategies to help you determine the best scents.

How Can You Find the Right Scents for Your Home?

1. Consider the Room

The first consideration should be which room you plan to place the candles, room sprays, or diffusers in. For example, strong scents, such as citrus and peppermint, may be too overpowering for guest bathrooms and walk-in closets because they are enclosed. However, these fragrances are well-suited to open and lively areas, like hallways and living rooms. Smaller rooms can be elevated with fresh, subtle scents, like spring rain, cashmere, and floral aromas.

Also, consider the type of room. Kitchens have a variety of smells because of the food you cook, so floral or perfume-like fragrances tend to clash. Food-related scents, such as spices, herbs, fruits, vanilla, and honey, blend well with existing aromas.

2. Think About the Mood

candle

Next, think about the type of atmosphere you want to create, as fragrances are excellent for setting moods. Lavender, eucalyptus, and lilac create a relaxing ambiance for a bath, while rose and jasmine are perfect for a romantic dinner. For more energizing scents, go with cinnamon, citrus, and ginger. If your goal is to mask odors, lemon and cedarwood are strong scents that can transform the smell of a room.

3. Select the Category

After picking the room and reason for your candle or spray, select the scents. There are four main fragrance types to choose from: floral, woody, fresh, and exotic. Most people have their own preferences and gravitate toward one or two of these categories.

Floral scents tend to be soft, clean, and calming, and they include gardenia, rose, and peony. Fragrances in the woody category, such as balsam and pine, are warm, earthy, and cozy. Fresh scents like bergamot and citronella are bright and energizing. The exotic scents, including vanilla and nutmeg, bring to mind luxury, comfort, and indulgence.

 

Read more


5 Tips for DIY Outdoor and Garden Decor

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

We've gathered together a 5 tips to inspire your creativity for decorating your outdoor spaces with ease.  When it comes to your garden, for some of you it's your happy place, a place for peaceful getaways and a place for your mind to unwind.  With all the extra time you've spent at home, you deserve to spruce up your space this summer.

1. Add a bit of sound and beauty with wind chimes

Let the sound of hand tuned Corinthian bells get you in the mood to unwind in your garden.  Adding beauty and sound could change your whole outlook on the day by putting you at peace early in the morning. 

 

2. Harness a little wind energy by adding a garden spinner

Just watching the wind turn your spinner is can be truly mesmerizing. These colorful metal spinners can show you which direction the wind is coming from, add some form and color, and show you approximately how windy it is all by just looking watching it spin. With many different sizes and designs, they add a bit of personal style to any outdoor space. From bright blues and pinks with butterflies, to red, white, and blue simplicity, you can really choose a look that fits your personal style.

3. Garden Mailboxes

A fellow garden lover once suggested a unique idea to me. She holds all of her gardening tools protected near her garden, in a beautifully hand-painted mailbox.  With Treehouse Gift & Home Local Artist, Scott Archer, you too could order a hand painted floral mailbox/garden toolbox. (Plus it gives you another

Hand_Painted_Garden_mailboxes

reason to plant around the garden mailbox!)

4. Add lights

No garden decorating project is complete without a bit of old fashion mood lighting! Adding lighting right really will transform your garden sanctuary from just pretty to truly beautiful. Try adding garden string lights over a pergola or trellis, or glass solar lanterns and torches.  Adding light can create a cozy ambiance to any outdoor space. Edison style garden light bulbs are my personal favorite. We even have some solar powered string fairy lights in store. Better yet, even the thriftiest decorators will find a variety of price points available for adding outdoor lighting. 

Garden Solar Torches

Staking solar lights along your outdoor walkways and shining them up at nicely groomed bushes and trees can really transform your outdoor space. Try a realistic looking solar flame behind colored art glass for a classy artsy and fancy feel.  For more lighting inspiration, combing through Pinterest could inspire you to jazz up your outdoor lighting.

5. Add a bird bath or fountain

With a touch of water, you'll start to attract all sorts of garden friends and listening to the birds chirp and sing could add a whole new element of enjoyment to your yard.  If you enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water, adding a beautiful dripping fountain or floral fountain can really enhance your enjoyment of your garden and outdoor spaces.  In Wisconsin, our summers and fall are the time to make the most of the nice weather days, and anything that allows you to enjoy that space more is worth it!  Adding a colorful glass bird bath or a beautiful dripping fountain could just be the change your garden needed to become your outdoor sanctuary. 

For more ideas, come visit the professionals at Treehouse Gift & Home! You'll find benches, stakes, solar lanterns, wind spinners, bird baths, birdhouses, bird feeders, wind chimes, and more.  Give us a call at 608-433-7896 today or drop by 9546 E 16 Frontage Rd, Onalaska, WI. 

 

 

Read more

5 Tips for DIY Outdoor and Garden Decor

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

We've gathered together a 5 tips to inspire your creativity for decorating your outdoor spaces with ease.  When it comes to your garden, for some of you it's your happy place, a place for peaceful getaways and a place for your mind to unwind.  With all the extra time you've spent at home, you deserve to spruce up your space this summer.

1. Add a bit of sound and beauty with wind chimes

Let the sound of hand tuned Corinthian bells get you in the mood to unwind in your garden.  Adding beauty and sound could change your whole outlook on the day by putting you at peace early in the morning. 

 

2. Harness a little wind energy by adding a garden spinner

Just watching the wind turn your spinner is can be truly mesmerizing. These colorful metal spinners can show you which direction the wind is coming from, add some form and color, and show you approximately how windy it is all by just looking watching it spin. With many different sizes and designs, they add a bit of personal style to any outdoor space. From bright blues and pinks with butterflies, to red, white, and blue simplicity, you can really choose a look that fits your personal style.

3. Garden Mailboxes

A fellow garden lover once suggested a unique idea to me. She holds all of her gardening tools protected near her garden, in a beautifully hand-painted mailbox.  With Treehouse Gift & Home Local Artist, Scott Archer, you too could order a hand painted floral mailbox/garden toolbox. (Plus it gives you another

Hand_Painted_Garden_mailboxes

reason to plant around the garden mailbox!)

4. Add lights

No garden decorating project is complete without a bit of old fashion mood lighting! Adding lighting right really will transform your garden sanctuary from just pretty to truly beautiful. Try adding garden string lights over a pergola or trellis, or glass solar lanterns and torches.  Adding light can create a cozy ambiance to any outdoor space. Edison style garden light bulbs are my personal favorite. We even have some solar powered string fairy lights in store. Better yet, even the thriftiest decorators will find a variety of price points available for adding outdoor lighting. 

Garden Solar Torches

Staking solar lights along your outdoor walkways and shining them up at nicely groomed bushes and trees can really transform your outdoor space. Try a realistic looking solar flame behind colored art glass for a classy artsy and fancy feel.  For more lighting inspiration, combing through Pinterest could inspire you to jazz up your outdoor lighting.

5. Add a bird bath or fountain

With a touch of water, you'll start to attract all sorts of garden friends and listening to the birds chirp and sing could add a whole new element of enjoyment to your yard.  If you enjoy the relaxing sound of flowing water, adding a beautiful dripping fountain or floral fountain can really enhance your enjoyment of your garden and outdoor spaces.  In Wisconsin, our summers and fall are the time to make the most of the nice weather days, and anything that allows you to enjoy that space more is worth it!  Adding a colorful glass bird bath or a beautiful dripping fountain could just be the change your garden needed to become your outdoor sanctuary. 

For more ideas, come visit the professionals at Treehouse Gift & Home! You'll find benches, stakes, solar lanterns, wind spinners, bird baths, birdhouses, bird feeders, wind chimes, and more.  Give us a call at 608-433-7896 today or drop by 9546 E 16 Frontage Rd, Onalaska, WI. 

 

 

Read more


5 Father's Day Gift Ideas

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

Every year, Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June; this year, people throughout the United States will honor their dads on June 20. This day is your opportunity to celebrate a husband's or father's contributions to the family. A thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to express your appreciation and love while also giving him something he'll use over again. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

What Are Some Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Love This Father's Day?

1. Sports Memorabilia

If your dad or husband is an avid sports fan, buy him a piece of memorabilia or a decoration for his favorite team. A flag or a back-lit wall plaque is great for an office or man cave. If he is always spending time with the family dog, buy the furry family member a jersey so the two can match on game day.

2. Bible Cover

Father's Day Gifts

For the father who is always thumbing through his Bible, a cover is a perfect gift. This protects the book and keeps it in good condition—especially if he carries it with him. Covers come in a variety of designs, and picking one in camouflage or his favorite color allows the Bible to reflect his personality.

3. Beverage Chiller

Buy beverage chillers for the dad who likes to enjoy cold refreshments. These stainless steel cubes are cooled in the freezer. Your husband or dad can place them in a drink to keep it cool without watering it down the way traditional ice cubes do.

4. Best Dad Ever Keychain

A "Best Dad Ever" keychain shows just how proud you are of your father, and he'll be reminded of that appreciation every time he uses his keys. The added size also makes it easier to locate a set of keys, which is ideal for a dad who is always misplacing his.

5. #1 Father Travel Cup

A travel cup with a handle and secure lid makes taking a hot or cold drink on the go even easier. They are designed to fit most vehicle cup holders, making them perfect for commuters. A "#1 Father" ceramic travel cup is a daily reminder of how much his family appreciates him!

 

Picking out a Father's Day present is easy at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. Our locally owned and operated gift shop has a wide selection of items for every type of man, so you're sure to find something your dad or husband will love. We also offer online ordering and convenient shipping to make shopping as seamless and stress-free as possible. Start browsing gift ideas on our website, and call (608) 433-7896 to have your questions answered by a friendly team member. 

Read more

5 Father's Day Gift Ideas

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

Every year, Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June; this year, people throughout the United States will honor their dads on June 20. This day is your opportunity to celebrate a husband's or father's contributions to the family. A thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to express your appreciation and love while also giving him something he'll use over again. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

What Are Some Gift Ideas Your Dad Will Love This Father's Day?

1. Sports Memorabilia

If your dad or husband is an avid sports fan, buy him a piece of memorabilia or a decoration for his favorite team. A flag or a back-lit wall plaque is great for an office or man cave. If he is always spending time with the family dog, buy the furry family member a jersey so the two can match on game day.

2. Bible Cover

Father's Day Gifts

For the father who is always thumbing through his Bible, a cover is a perfect gift. This protects the book and keeps it in good condition—especially if he carries it with him. Covers come in a variety of designs, and picking one in camouflage or his favorite color allows the Bible to reflect his personality.

3. Beverage Chiller

Buy beverage chillers for the dad who likes to enjoy cold refreshments. These stainless steel cubes are cooled in the freezer. Your husband or dad can place them in a drink to keep it cool without watering it down the way traditional ice cubes do.

4. Best Dad Ever Keychain

A "Best Dad Ever" keychain shows just how proud you are of your father, and he'll be reminded of that appreciation every time he uses his keys. The added size also makes it easier to locate a set of keys, which is ideal for a dad who is always misplacing his.

5. #1 Father Travel Cup

A travel cup with a handle and secure lid makes taking a hot or cold drink on the go even easier. They are designed to fit most vehicle cup holders, making them perfect for commuters. A "#1 Father" ceramic travel cup is a daily reminder of how much his family appreciates him!

 

Picking out a Father's Day present is easy at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. Our locally owned and operated gift shop has a wide selection of items for every type of man, so you're sure to find something your dad or husband will love. We also offer online ordering and convenient shipping to make shopping as seamless and stress-free as possible. Start browsing gift ideas on our website, and call (608) 433-7896 to have your questions answered by a friendly team member. 

Read more


Meet our Newest Local Artist: Scott Archer June 5th 10 am - 2 pm

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

Come watch Scott Archer, our newest local artist, show you how he paints on Terra Cotta Pots Saturday, June 5th from 10 am - 2 pm! We're excited to have such a talented artist with such giftable painted terra cotta pots, painted birdhouses, and a painted mailbox. 

Scott started Dakota Brushworks in 1995, doing much of the same floral

Scott Archer painted pots

photography.  He recently semi-retired and has had more time to appreciates the brushstrokes and process to create a fine piece of art. Terra cotta pots can make great birthday gifts, housewarming gifts, thinking of you gifts, and more! We hope you can come watch him paint and shop his collection of art!

Read more

Meet our Newest Local Artist: Scott Archer June 5th 10 am - 2 pm

Posted by Cassandra Birdd on

Come watch Scott Archer, our newest local artist, show you how he paints on Terra Cotta Pots Saturday, June 5th from 10 am - 2 pm! We're excited to have such a talented artist with such giftable painted terra cotta pots, painted birdhouses, and a painted mailbox. 

Scott started Dakota Brushworks in 1995, doing much of the same floral

Scott Archer painted pots

photography.  He recently semi-retired and has had more time to appreciates the brushstrokes and process to create a fine piece of art. Terra cotta pots can make great birthday gifts, housewarming gifts, thinking of you gifts, and more! We hope you can come watch him paint and shop his collection of art!

Read more