Hello New Year 2019, 'Bye to old nonsense.

Welcome to 2019! The start of a New Year is a new beginning, a fresh page, a clean slate, a chance to begin new patterns of behaviour. Going forth into this New Year, what will you leave behind? Say good-bye to old ways of thinking, old perceptions, old reactions to the behaviour of others....

A New Year is like freshly fallen snow where no one has walked.... fresh, clean, white, untrodden. 

What new adventures await you in 2019? Some of us are fed-up with jobs, or relationships, maybe our eating habits, or we can't stand the homes or towns we live in. However, sometimes we lack perspective, which is why you talk to as many people as you can who are in the place you are trying to get to. Let's say you want a job in Public Relations at XYZ Company, you may find it helpful talking to someone who has that position today.  They may be able to offer their perspective on the job in XYZ Company.  "The grass is always greener on the other side", as the old saying goes. 

A lot of us will vow to eat a healthier diet, exercise more, and take better care of ourselves. A hot cup of peppermint tea always helps. 

saying via Pinterest. 

Some of us may vow to take more vacation time....maybe a tropical vacation. Yeah!! Especially easy from Thunder Bay, as direct flights to Mexico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic start in January. 

image via pinterest

Take a moment to write down a few ...what you want to do in this coming year. 

Maybe you have a bunch of Furniture waiting to be painted. Winter is a great time to paint with Cottage Paint. Cottage Paint is water-based and low-odour, so you can paint away...indoors. 

You can also sign up for one of our Winter classes at http://www.thecamellia.com/classes-at-the-camelia.html. Escape to the Beach Class, learn how to paint your Oak cabinets, and much more. 

Amazing things will happen in 2019 for you ! Happy New Year!

The Camellia From Nature to Home 

30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On

p (807)475-3551

Winter Classes at The Camellia, January 2019

Hello! We know a lot of you are preparing to host Christmas dinner and family get-togethers, and will be using our water-repellent and stain-resistant Tablecloths. Pattern shown above is in stock now, and other colours and patterns are in stock, with sizes from 70" round to 94" or 108" rectangles. Most spills clean up easily with a damp rag, and tablecloths are washable.  We are Open Sat. Dec. 22. 11-5. and Sun. Dec. 23. 12- 5.  Christmas Eve, Mon. Dec. 24th. Open 11-2pm.  Then we will REOPEN in 2019, on Wed. Jan. 9, 2019.  Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, and a Happy New Year! We have started to post our Classes For January and February 2019. Keep checking on our website http://thecamellia.com for dates and times. It's tempting to hibernate in January and February, however these are the perfect months to do your Cottage Paint projects and take Classes (best of all is that CP has low voc's so there's hardly any smell!).    JAN.10th. 2019.  (Thur.) - Beach escape class JAN. 12th. ( Saturday) - Beginners' Cottage Paint JAN. 13th. (Sunday) -  How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets FEB. 9, 2019 ( Saturday) - Make your own Lake burlap/ribbon Wreath      Exciting news!! We will be offering PAINT POUR CLASSES!! We also plan to have Design sessions on various Topics such as: Easyupdates to your Home and how to get started, How to start your ownBlog, etc. Do you have a topic you would like us to cover? email us at thecamellia@hotmail.com

Visit our website for information at http://www.thecamellia.com  or phone us at 475-3551   Twitter Website Email Come Visit The Camellia.   How do I get there?   We are 10 mins. from the Thunder Bay Airport, heading south on Hwy. 61. Turn left onto Hacquoil Rd. We are 1.6km. on the left.    Phone 807) 475-3551.  Look on Google maps for directions.      Shop online at http://www.thecamellia.com, and http://www.paintoldkitchencabinets.com Visit our blogs at https://fromnaturetohome.blogspot.ca/ http://camelliasdreamweddings.blogspot.ca/​http://opaovermeersfarmgoods.blogspot.ca/​ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home/145600168837975 http://pinterest.com/thecamellia/boards/

Camille's Gift picks, the Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Hello! It's December and it's time to think about Gift buying. If you're a DIY'er like myself, you may have had grand plans of painting some signs, like this one below, but well, it's December 11th. and it's probably not happening.  This sign is from Willow Springs Creative studio in Thunder Bay. 

But wait! If I get some rooms cleaned up, and the shopping done, and the Tree up, and ...and...then maybe, I can get this sign painted. that is, if no emergencies come up.....

Here are Camille's Top Gift picks.

A beautiful Hand made Northern-inspired Twig Wreath. In Northern Ontario we have long, cold winters, and this wreath can stay up all Winter. A wreath makes a lovely gift for the whole family.  $129.00+hst. and delivery charges. 

Fresh evergreen Wreaths bring the smell of Christmas to you...there's nothing quite like the smell of fresh pine and balsam. $65.00 to $95.00 . These are made from local evergreens, you can place an order by calling us at 807-475-3551. 

A Winter spa basket is a welcome gift for someone who suffers from Dry skin...Winter can be harsh on skin with a lack of humidity, and the constant cold which makes aches and pains flare up. Order a Winter spa basket with Lotions from Silly Goat Company, and Lavender sore muscle rub from White Oak Lavender Farm.   $49.00 and up. 

Gift the gourmet Cook on your list a gift of culinary Lavender from Neob Lavender farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

The cook on your list will love Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines. 

A fresh evergreen Wreath in a large size - order at The Camellia. $69.00 and up. 

Cotton teatowels priced at $9.95. Pair up with your fav muffin recipe. 

A bottle of Lavender Honey - perfect for toast on Christmas morning! 

Visit The Camellia at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. or call to order Gifts and ask about our Gift delivery in Thunder Bay and Slate River. 

Open Wed. 11-5. Thurs. 12-5. Fri. 11-5. Sat. 11-5. Sun. 12-5. 

www.thecamellia.com

www.paintoldkitchencabinets.com

Meaningful Holiday Gift delivery in Thunder Bay and Slate River for those HGTV obsessed.

The holidays are coming soon, and it's so hard to focus on what actually needs to be done and bought, in order to get ready for the Holiday season. We are inundated with sales flyers from big-box stores, pushing goods at 50 -70% off, but off of what? There is no 'regular' price anymore, and if it's on sale who knows why it is on sale. (Like those luggage sets at 75% off, upon checking the sizes you notice that they are too big to fly with current luggage rules on planes). 

Who has gone shopping with a Gift list, and returned with several items for yourself, but nothing for those on your list? I have! And how do you know what to buy for them anyway? 

Well this HGTV inspired Gift set is sure to be a hit with someone who loves watching HGTV, I mean for some of us, this is the only TV channel we watch! Magnolia Home is a favourite show of many, with Joanna Gaines's easygoing Modern Farmhouse style being so in tune with today's homeowners. 

This gift package consists of Winter 2018 Magnolia Journal, a sherpa lined blanket 60"x 80" which is washable, a 'I love Naps' pillow with feather insert, and a Winter ornament. This package is priced at $95.00 +13%hst. You can call us and order this Gift for delivery in Thunder Bay, and Slate River Valley. p-807-475-3551 or toll-free at 1-877-523-7444. 

For those person on your list who loves to cook,  we have the most amazing Lavender Honey from Neob Lavender Farm in Niagara-on-the-lake. Pair up with one of our beautiful aprons for a thoughtful gift. 

Culinary Lavender for making yummy Lavender Shortbread. 

Printed cotton Teatowels for making up Gift baskets.... we can add in Gouda from Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Organic crackers and so much more. Gift baskets are priced at $65.00 to $150.00, and we can deliver here in thunder Bay and area. 

Here at The Camellia, we can help you with Gift-giving. the best Gift is something the person doesn't realize that they need. Small indulgences that help us get through our Dry winter: a bar of Napa Valley soap, Silly Goats rich Hand lotions, and Neob Lavender Lemongrass and Shea butters. We also have Lavender buds which you can make into millet seed packs that can be heated in the microwave or frozen for ice packs. Our Spa Gift sets are priced at $49.95 , $89.95 and $149.00. Taxes and delivery are an additional charge. 

Gift a special someone with our hand-made Mussels 'n More Pottery mugs. these make a great Gift for a Lake lover, you can add in some tea or coffees. $49.00 and up. 

A fresh evergreen wreath is always a good Gift for the whole family to enjoy, these are made right here at The Camellia, with local Boreal forest greens. Priced at $69.00, and $89.00. 

Visit us here at the Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On. Order Gifts for delivery in Thunder Bay and Slate River, Ontario.

30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On

Open wed. 11-5. thurs. 12-5. fri. & sat. 11-5. sun. 12-5p. 

p 807-475-3551

www.thecamellia.com

Merry & Bright Holiday Open House at the Camellia, Thunder Bay, On

Winter has arrived in Thunder Bay.... with snow! It is pretty and white and reminds us that the Holiday season is fast approaching. Time to Fa-La-La-La-La and be merry! You are warmly invited to our Merry & Bright Holiday Open house at The Camellia. This is the view from our deck, isn't it peaceful? 

We have been gathering boughs to fill planters and make Wreaths to adorn your doors. Have you dressed your winter planters? 

Here at The Camellia, we carry metal stars, these are great for all-year round. You can dress up your stars or leave them plain. 

Warm scarves & Toques make great Gifts, and feel so great on a cold day! 

You can buy or order fresh Wreaths for your Home or for Gift giving. We can deliver for you.

We have so many unique Gift ideas for all those hard-to-buy-for on your list. 

It's  that special time of the year when we start searching for the perfect Gift - why not give them something which adds much needed moisture to winter skin? Come into our store and try silly Goats Milk Moisturizing Lotion. It comes in Peppermint & Eucalyptus, Oatmeal & Honey, and Pure & natural unscented.

Meet their herd of LaMancha Goats ( they have no ears, but are so cute!). 

Where would we be without our Pets? Pamper them this Holiday season with Neob Lavender's Pet shampoo in a wonderful lemongrass scent. 

Wrap it all up with beautiful ribbons, or ask us to make a Bow to add to your Gifts. 

These warm & cozy Slipper socks are sherpa-lined, and so warm! They keep your feet toasty warm, and make perfect Reading socks. 

We were so lucky to hear Erin and Ben Napier (from HGTV Hometown!!!!!!) talk at the recent launch of their Furniture line at Bassett Furniture in High Point in North Carolina. OMG!! They look just like they do on TV.
Plan to attend our Holiday Open House at The Camellia. It starts Friday, Nov. 16th. 2018, we will be open from 11-8p. There will be draws and lots of ideas to get you into the Holiday spirit!
www.thecamellia.com

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. p 807) 475 3551

Christmas preparations at Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, Part 1.

Winter is almost upon us, and our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and planning for the Holidays. Visions of Christmas Trees, Gifting, and Family get-togethers all come to mind. We were so lucky to be able to tour Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. I had read all about it and it is  definitely on my bucket list.  We drove from Raleigh into Asheville, taking the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we stopped numerous times to breathe in that fresh mountain air, and gaze at the beautiful views all around us. Usually the mountains are cloaked in Fall colours, but this year was unusually warm, and there were just a few leaves turning. We visited Biltmore Estate on a weekday, and it did not disappoint.  

This is the entrance to the building where you purchase tickets...which are $75.00 U.S. a person, but keep in mind that prices vary. 

I am already enthralled with the ornate woodwork, and large floral wreaths and green garlands encircling tall pillars. We watch a short film about Biltmore Estate, and then take a bus along meandering pathways leading to the large Home, this estate is large, 8,000 acres. 

One can imagine these large evergreens all lit up and decorated at Christmastime. 

The above photo shows a small part of the outside of Biltmore. It reminds you of the chateaus in France! Watch these 2 videos below which show you all the work that goes into decorating at Biltmore. 

https://youtu.be/g68T5AOZpIo

https://youtu.be/t74gjryxciQ

At the entrance to Biltmore, you are greeted by beautiful urns filled with a mix of preserved leaves, hops, dried grasses and hydrangeas. They are simply stunning. Flowers add so much to our lives. 

These floral urns are a work of Art. 

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees are almost in every room. Each tree tells its own story, and has its own colour scheme. 

Teams of people are working on each tree, with multi level trays beside them, filled with ornaments. 

It seems strange to see people dressed in shorts decorating trees, but this is North Carolina, and it is a rather warm day today. Ladders and Lifts are in place as this tree is very tall! 

Outside Biltmore, beautiful views are plentiful. One can't help but feel refreshed by the mountains. 

How often do we have a 'Bah, Humbug' feeling about Christmas? It's too much work to put up a tree, I don;'t want to put up any decorations, it's so much work, etc. 

Visit The Camellia in beautiful Slate River Valley, and see how you can add Winter decor to your Home, with minimal effort. 

The Camellia at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River. 

Open Wed. 11-5. Thurs. 12-5 Fri. and Sat. 11-5. Sun. 12-5

p 807-475-3551 

www.thecamellia.com

We will be at Artisans Northwest Show which takes place Nov. 10 & 11th. 2018 at the Valhalla Inn.