Orange Day in Holland, The King's Birthday, Part 1.

It's the King's Birthday in Holland this weekend ( formerly known as Queen's Day). With the new King, the first male monarch since 1890: King Willem-Alexander ....., the holiday was renamed to King's Day. It's a weekend of grand partaay-ing, lots of festivities, Parades, flea- markets, and if you're going to participate in the mayhem, wear ORANGE. It is without question, the biggest national holiday in Holland. Come along with us,on Orange Day, 2012.

 First step, figure out how to buy train tickets in Dutch, from a  machine. Took us a while to figure this out.

Onto a bigger train, note to self, they did not take credit cards here, only cash, so another trip to the cash machine.... In Holland, cash seems to be the preferred form of currency.

But wait a minute, are you dressed in something Orange? You must wear Orange on Orange Day. This stems from the Dutch monarchy, the House of Orange. To find out more about King's Day, visit http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/article/queens-day-will-be-kings-day.htm

Too funny, Dutch high-heeled clogs. Might be a tad uncomfortable for all the walking you'll be doing today.

Here we are in the town of Berkel, which is near Pijnacker...... The King's Birthday is also a day when all the kids ( and grown-ups) can sell their unused items in the Town squares without any fees or taxes. of course, I am totally excited about the prospect of finding old stuff, aka, antiques. I've been warned that it's mostly kids toys and strollers, but you 've heard the saying, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure.'

Yes, there is lots of kid stuff, but in between, some treasures, I had to have those old watering cans. 

And we snagged an old typewriter, complete with original case. Love the pots with the green moss on them. At this point, my Dutch relatives are asking, but how are you going to get these onto the plane...? Good question, indeed! I wasn't thinking about that part.
Onwards to the Markets in Delph, in Part 2, to follow.

Here at #TheCamellia, we are celebrating King's Day with lots of orange merchandise!

Come visit us at The Camellia,
30 Hacquoil Rd. p-807)475-3551
Open Wednesday through Sunday. Open today, Saturday, 11-5p.Sunday, Noon-5p.

Spring is here at The Camellia!

Spring is definitely here! The Robins have returned! Even though we still have 2 feet of snow on the ground, it is melting away nicely. A big Thank You to all of you who stopped by our booth at the Spring Home & Garden show, we enjoyed meeting all of you.

We are inspired by Yellow -such a cheery colour. Our Forsythia Birch wreath.

Such a fun purse with the polka dots, and look at that wonderful grey & yellow Bedding - 100% Cotton, which makes it washable and breathable.

 We have loads of realistic Spring Flowers - blue hydrangeas mixed with white Tulips.

 Like our take on Spring?

 Need a great lace Runner for your Easter table? We have lots, in many sizes.

 Our much-loved Tablecloths -water repellent and stain-resistant. Great price - $24.95 and $27.95, and we have sizes up to 126", and 70 "Round. Come into our store on Hacquoil Rd. to get one.

 Just arrived - Kate Bedding. In a wonderful grey and blue washed palette.

 

 Great Easter bouquet for someone - no-care, no fuss, a great gift for someone in long-term care.

We showed this dresser at the Spring Home & Garden show - a Cottage Paint make-over.

Come into our store at The Camellia, to get some, or take a class in Beginners Cottage Paint.

The Camellia, 30 Hacquoil Rd. 

p-807-475-3551

Open Wed. through Sunday. Sat. 11-5. Sunday 12-5p.

How to bring the smell of Christmas into your Home, with scents from The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Want a fresh-smelling Home? Come visit The Camellia for a great selection of scents to bring Christmas into your Home.

We have Lavender from Matanzas Creek Organic Farm in Sonoma Valley. 

30, Hacquoil Rd. Oliver  Paipoonge, Thunder Bay, On

Open Wednesday  through Sunday. 

P-807)475-3551

Easter Fuzzie-Wuzzies, The Camellia, Thunder Bay, On

 It's almost Easter! Time for Rabbits hip-hopping along and funny Easter jokes. Why couldn't the rabbit fly home for Easter?
He didn't have the hare fare!   

  The flower above is a Camellia blossom. We so wish they would bloom here!

Hand-made Tulip Square - just in time for your Easter table. Buy online here at http://www.thecamellia.com/shop-farm-goods.html

So what if there's still snow on the ground! It's Spring, look at this lovely quilt! Come visit The Camellia to purchase in store or shop online at www.thecamellia.com

 Bunches of Gomphrena which we grew last Summer, drying on the porch.

 These were made into a lovely wreath, with dusty miller as the base. We have 2 available for sale.

 New Spring purses have arrived, look at those colours!

I can see this with white jeans, and a navy blazer...love yellow!

Easter is coming....don't forget to order Flowers . Call 807)475-3551, or toll-free in Canada 1-877-523-7444.

You can also order on-line at http://www.thecamellia.com/fresh-flowers.html

 Don't forget to add a fuzzie-wuzzie..they are so cute.

 

 Send Spring potted bulbs.

These stars are so Jeanne D'arc looking. Stars are not only for use at Christmas. Buy these and other goodies at The Camellia.

Open Wed. 11-5, Thur. 12-6. Fri. check for hours. Sat. 11-4. Sun. 12 -5.

30 Hacquoil Rd., South on Hwy. 61, left on Hacquoil Rd.

Visit often, Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home/145600168837975

Spring Fever, The Camellia, Thunder Bay

 It's Spring Fever Thyme!! Some of us are tired of Winter, and want the snow and the grey to GO AWAY!  Today we're sharing Spring Flowers with you, Flowers are Magical. They transport us to SPRING!!

 These vases are Bulb forcers , very popular in Holland, when Tulipmania was on.

 Forsythia Blossoms ...softening the lines of this houseboat. You should plan to visit Holland in the Spring thyme, there are flowers everywhere.

 Tulips and muscari , at the entrance to Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Holland.

 Paperwhites..... they smell wonderful.

 Green moss....we love moss, and use them in a lot of our floral designs.

 Ranunculus blooms  - one of my favourites.

 Star of Bethelem (the tall bunch to the left), such a long-lasting bloom.

 Simplicity .

Have an old Fiat laying around? Plant it up!

We are busy making up Spring Wreaths to decorate your Doorways. Visit The Camellia at 30 , Hacquoil Rd., Oliver Paipoonge, Thunder Bay.

Open Wednesday through Sunday.

Wed. Fri. Sat. 11-5

Thurs. Sun. 12-5

P-807) 475-3551

California Dreaming, The Camellia, Thunder Bay

  We're back after taking a short break...just going through California withdrawal right now. You know those TV commercials you see for California ...well, they're true!! Here's a peek into TESORO, a wonderful Flower shop in Sonoma Valley. They are at 23566 Arnold Drive, Sonoma CA 95476. p-707.939.6931.

www.tesoroflowers.com

 Another incroyable shop in Sonoma Valley. The owner sources out antiques from all over the World. His displays are awe-inspiring. ARTEFACT Design & Salvage at 23562 Highway 121, Sonoma , CA 95476.

p. 707-933-0660. www.artefactdesignsalvage.com

 No coats needed in the Valley. It feels like you're in Tuscany or Provence. Pinch me, I must be dreaming...

 And yes, there was a Winery, way on the top of the hills, that grows Lavender. And you are so lucky, if you come into our store, you can purchase their products right here at The Camellia.

  We were able to tour the Barn where the lavender is very carefully dried.

 The shops, well, they are over the top. It is after all, California. The largest number of billionaires in the  whole world apparently reside in California. This is a french-themed store in Sonoma.

 A visit to the San Francisco Flower Market, yes, here I am, lusting after the Manzanita branches...oooh..I would so love to be able to get these home!! 

 Everywhere you go, the Camellias are blooming..and the Gardenias..and the Magnolias...sigh..

 A visit to the Alameda Antiques Fair, here is the booth of Atelier de Campagne. So many treasures, 800 vendors, so little time...

 The view of the Vineyards, framed by an Olive tree. Looks like a postcard...

 What did I see as we were driving along in Napa Valley? There was a house Tour at Cardinale Winery, sponsored by the magazine Traditional Home, and I GOT TO GO ON THE TOUR!! Here is a peek into the entranceway..

A panorama of the view from the Show house, which is the Guesthouse of Cardinale Winery.

The fabulous Veranda......

The rooms were a wonderful mixture of rustic elegance and traditional elements.  Cardinale is at 7600 St. Helena Highway, in Oakville, CA. They are open for tours until November 11th, 2012. For more information and tickets, visitTraditionalHome.com/napashowhouse

We hope you'll be as excited and inspired by this little peek into California as we were!

Visit Camellia's soon to see how you can incorporate Napa style into your Home.

Camellia's, 30 Hacquoil Rd.

Open Wednesday through Sunday. 

Wed. 11-5, Thurs. Noon-8p. Fri. 11-7. Sat. 11-5. Sun. 12-5p

p.807-475-3551

Have a relaxing Sunday!!