Yay ..it's June...but still Spring in Thunder Bay..

 For those of you who love Spring, you can understand the agony of having snow well into May, and when the going gets tough, well some of us run away to warmer climes. Where to? Perhaps Sunny California, or maybe  Lush Vancouver Island. This lovely tree seen in a picture-perfect Yard on Vancouver Island is called Golden Showers.

 Here's a close-up, looks like hanging Wisteria blossoms.

 Sweet peas are so fragrant.. these were at the Farmers Market in  Mountainview, California.

 And the Lavender is just starting to bloom, this variety is Spanish Lavender.

 Roses are blooming everywhere you go ... in Topiary form, in Bushes rambling over fences....

 Then there are the Vineyards of Napa Valley, the grape clusters are just starting to form.

Wine Tours and tastings...all amidst rolling hills and valleys. 

 

So many wines  to choose from!

 One by-product of wine making is Grapeseed Oil, which is one of the main ingredients in Napa Valley Soap. We are pleased to announce that we now carry this wonderful Soap at the Camellia. We have tried it, and I should tell you, it feels like silk on your skin.

   

 We also stock a wonderful liquid Soap, and room diffusers.

 Next time you buy Strawberries, look at the label, chances are they were grown in Watsonville, Ca.

 Here's a close-up of the berry patch.

Field upon field of Strawberries.

Well, the strawberries will soon be ready in Thunder Bay at Belluz Farms. Stop in and visit us at The Camellia. Ask about the Napa Valley Soaps, and our Cottage Paint line. 

We are open Wed. through Sunday.

Wed. 11-5. Thurs. 12-7. Fri. 11-6. Sat. 11-5. Sun. Noon-5p.

We are at 30, Hacquoil Rd. 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!!