Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Have you ever stopped to wonder how this holiday came into existence? In 1906, a year after her mother’s death, a Philadelphia woman, Anna Jarvis, began campaigning for a day on which all Americans would celebrate their Mums. Jarvis’s simple description of the day’s purpose: “To let (mothers) know we appreciate them, though we do not show it as often as we ought.” After spreading the word through church meetings and writing letters to government representatives and businessmen, she had nearly all 46 states observing Mother’s Day within 3 years, and in 1914 it became a national holiday. Nowadays mothers come in all shapes and forms as our family units change. So whether you’re recognizing your mother who has been there for you from Day 1 when you uttered your first cry or your stepmother who you finally appreciate, or maybe your grandmother who always baked you cookies – whoever your mother figure is – take a moment to recognize her. Call me today (807-475-3551) to help you choose the right Gift for your special Mum. Here are some ideas: Lavender Gift set - $49.95 Cotton Pajama set -loll around in these and feel like a Princess in a Chateau in France! $69.95 Wooden Planter Box $ 45.99, add Trowel ( $4.50), Garden Gloves ($4.99) and Plants (call for prices) If your Mum has passed away my sympathies go out to you. There’s no way to ease the inevitable sadness that hits as Mother's Day rolls around. Have you thought about creating a Memorial Garden in her memory? We have several Memorial stones which you can use in the Garden around which you can plant Perennials or a tree in her memory. Call us at 807-475-3551, or Toll-free at 1-877-523-7444. Delivery is available and we're open this week : Wed. through Saturday 11-5, Sunday: Noon-4

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Spring Indulgences







More truer words have not been spoken:


"Every once in a while, a girl has to indulge herself." Sarah Jessica Parker

And boy do I have indulgences for you! Blooms to awaken your home, twig wreaths, May baskets for a dear friend, Custom Window coverings, Heritage Lace, Memorial stones to remember a loved one, Fabulous Florals for Weddings, and of course the ultimate way to welcome the season - gorgeous purses and pashminas (after all you deserve a present, don't you?)



Here's a little taste of what you'll find at our Roots, Shoots, and Blooms show over the next two weekends:


Spruce up your entryway with a large signature floral.





Indulge in heart shaped Jonquille soaps from France, triple-milled and a great pick-me-up.






We have a limited number of Pussy Willow Wreaths and Twig Hearts which make great gifts for Mother’s Day.















Fab Spring Purses, Just for You!


Show Hours:


Sat April 24th & May 1st: 11-5p


Sun April 25th & May 2nd: Noon - 5p




Ring ahead if those times don't work for you (807-475-3551) and I'll set something up.




Thursday, April 8, 2010

Spring Home Garden Show

The Spring Home Garden Show is the largest event of its kind in Northwestern Ontario and I've probably driven my entire family insane preparing for it, but hey, I need all the help I can get.

We will be at the Coliseum Building on the CLE Grounds on Friday April 9: 4-9pm, Saturday April 10: 10am -6pm, and Sunday April 11: 11am-4pm. Take advantage of the FREE admission to buildings and seminars.

Here's a sneak preview of my creations this year:
Hanging Amaranthus which we grew last year for our Fresh Flower bundles
Hops which we use for Wreath making, this arbour started as 2 small 4" potted plants
Sunflowers for all our Country Birds
Moss Wreaths, use for making a living Wreath planted with Succulents
A May basket, great for Gift Giving:

See you at the Coliseum this weekend.













Friday, March 26, 2010

The Mad Hatter and Alice


Rabbits….are hoppin… at The Camellia!

I went to see the 3D version of Alice in Wonderland. I could so relate to her when she was slaying the dragon towards the end of the movie. Sometimes I feel like I too am slaying dragons, and that maybe, I should limit the number of dragons that I’m slaying at any given time.

I especially like the way she returned to her real life, and had the courage to stand up and follow a path of her own choosing, rather than the path which everyone else wanted her to follow. Great to see a movie which inspires as well as entertains.

Which brings us to Easter and Rabbits. Maybe you’re expecting a new grandchild, or a new baby, and your thoughts have turned to possible decorating themes for the wee one’s room. The element of fantasy, like in the movie Alice, can definitely be incorporated into the design of the room. One parents’ comment, “I wanted Taylor’s room to be like stepping into a dreamland.”

Why not an Alice themed room?

Pick some colours which will grow with the child and furnishings that are neutral. Then go to town on the fabrics, bedding, canopies, and Wall art. Here are some Wabbits from our collection for your special occasion:












Not sure how to put the room together, and don’t want to make a mistake?

Call me to book an in-home consultation today, we are booking into the 3rd week of April at present.

Happy Easter.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not...He Loves Me...

Valentine's Day is always greeted with an equal mix of anticipation and derision. From the, "Oh it's a made up holiday" or "It's a Hallmark holiday" or "It doesn't really mean anything anyway" to the "Oooh I can't wait to see what he has planned." And whether or not we admit to it, fact is, we all wait with bated breath to see if there are any deliveries - flowers, cookiegrams, something to indicate we are being thought of.
For some of us, Valentine's Day takes us back to the time when we first met, a time filled with excitement and romance, and, well, Flowers! Course now, what was once viewed with delight (back in the day when I received Roses every week much to the envy of my dorm roommates), now is viewed with a tiny bit of suspicion as in as "Ok what'd you do?"

Am I alone in this?

To ensure this doesn't happen to you, buy Flowers for your Beloved, often.

We also have a few Gift selections to include with your gift of flowers:

Green Thumb Gift Selection: $69.00

This package is perfect for an aspiring gardener, and includes faux African Violets
in a ceramic pitcher, garden spade, gardening book and gloves.

Weekend in Paris Gift selection: $66.00-$150.00

This package includes a few things one might pick up while spending a Weekend in Paris....Paris wall plaque, chambre keyholder,wall hook, Moulin Rouge flower holder, Cigale French milled soap with wooden holder, and a framed print. Nice additions to this package include Lavender Linen sachets, or perhaps a provencal tablecloth. Ooh la la!!

Mmmm Chocolates

But not just any chocolates...Belgian cocoa dusted Truffles - 1lb. box $13.99, Add their favorite wine, or some local Gouda cheese to this selection.

Can't wait for Spring Gift selection: $50.00

Feel like Spring will never arrive? This package includes faux or fresh tulips, with an inspiring book on Tulips, to cheer a person up!

We offer delivery (locally) or shipping (if needed). Delivery/Shipping charges will apply.

Call me at 807-475-3551 or toll-free (in Canada) at 1-877-523-7444.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I thee wed


You thought finding your soulmate and perfect partner was hard??

Try planning a wedding!

Caterers, marriage certificates, special occasions permit, toasting glasses, centerpieces, the list goes on and on.

Not to mention all the people you’ve to invite – and really it’s because your mother says you’ve to invite them.

While we can’t help you with any of those things, we can guarantee you’ll have the most memorable flowers, unique wedding favours, and a stunning location!

Always in bloom flowers


We will create the bouquet of your dreams with fresh-look, faux, botanical flowers.

Why choose faux?

Because it’s one less potential for disaster!

Let’s take a moment to explore the origin of flowers.

Last Spring, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Flower Markets in Holland . One of my in-laws is a grower and that spring her specialty was Campanula – in White, Lavender & Purple. I got to help with picking the blooms, bundling them, packing them in crates, and then taking them to the Market. There, her crop was put into the Auction, bought, and then shipped to various countries.

Although Canada grows a lot of flowers, the majority of our favourite blooms travel many miles before they arrive at your local florist (check out the video at www.ontarioflowergrowers.ca for an overview of the flower growing & buying process).

Going with faux blooms offers you an environmentally friendly and sustainable option – something you can feel great about and have a fantastic custom bouquet that looks so real you’d have to touch it to know it wasn’t. It also leaves less room for disaster – for e.g. your flower of choice isn’t in season; poor handling resulting in crushed and/or wilted flowers. They also travel well (for those of you planning a wedding moon).

Faux arrangements are finished ahead of time giving you one less thing to worry about and they’ll last long after your wedding day is over, leaving you with a lasting memento and keepsake. Choose from roses, lilacs, sweet peas, calla lilies, daisies, orchids, dahlias, zinnias, and so much more. Luxurious ribbons add the final embellishment and sparkle to your bouquet.

I'll transform this
Into this

And this


If you’re like me – creative, crafty, and a DIY-er then consider signing up for one of my Wedding Flower classes here at the Camelia. We’ve DIY supplies and flowers close at hand; knowledge of wrapping stems in floral tape would help.

Visitg dreamweddings.thecamellia.com to book your complimentary wedding consultation today or come visit us at the store. Our hours: Saturday 11-5 & Sunday Noon-5. We're also open by appointment.

Valentine's Day Contest:

Enter the draw to win a Spa basket from The Camellia and Brunch for 2 at the
Travelodge Airlane.. Draw to take place Feb. 11th. Entry box is in the Lobby at
the Airlane on Arthur St.
-----
Wedding favours

Traditionally weddings were considered a lucky occasion and by passing out bonbonnieres or wedding favours onto wedding guests, the Happy Couple felt they were sharing their good luck upon their guests.

They are a time-honoured tradition and we’ve the perfect wedding favour for you, now that you’ve hooked your perfect partner.

"Get Hooked" are unique fishing lure wedding favours!

Each lure is hand tied and locally assembled with 25 lure colors available. We have several label designs to choose from along with two packaging options.

For more information please ring 807-475-5388 or email overmeer@shaw.ca.

-----

Location Location Location

Meander slightly off the beaten path (35mins from Downtown Thunder Bay) to Taiga Ventures for the perfect wedding location. Our location is one of the healthiest Conference Centres in the world and is the perfect setting for your for engagement and rehearsal parties, bridal showers, and of course, your wedding day.

Taiga, perfectly private and secluded, sits upon a glacial esker created during the last ice age and features a 100 mile vista, several kilometers of cross-country skiing and hiking trails. During the warmer months, tents of any size can be accommodated in the garden allowing for any number of guests.

Lindsey and Damon Crack celebrated with an outdoor winter wedding, and a day of dog sled rides and tobogganing for guests. Dawn Marie and Michael Sabaz exchanged wedding vows in the warmth and beauty of The Grotto.

Our on-site caterers are committed to creating an epicurean feast for your wedding – fresh, healthful ingredients, locally grown in season whenever possible.

Evelyne is also a Wedding Officiant with All Seasons Weddings and can be contracted to officiate at your wedding, no matter where it's taking place.

For details regarding any of our activities or to book an event, contact us at 807-577-6972 or taiga @tbaytel.net.

Join us at The Camellia on Feb 27 & 28 for our Wedding Open House - we'll have floral and bouquet samples, wedding favours, and sign up sheets for Taiga tours.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Oops

So apologies are in order - I completely forgot about my part 2 of 2 on Window Treatments exploring Faux and Real wood amidst the kick-off of this year's wedding season.

I promise I'll be back to that shortly and thanks everyone for submitting your questions and pictures. I love the brainstorming and transformation part of the process.

Next up, getting ready for your big day.

If anyone in your social circle is getting married, please forward my blog to them.

Thanks and see you at The Camellia!