September 2019 hours at The Camellia, Thunder Bay, On.

It's been a lovely summer here in Thunder Bay, and while we've had a few chilly nights, this coming week is supposed to be like a second Summer!! Yes for warm weather continuing! 

Here at the Camellia, we have been working hard all summer long, growing flowers and foilage which we then use to make our Handmade Wreaths & Swags. We have only taken off the occasional 2 days here and there. 

We are taking some time off  for the next 2 weeks, and The Camellia will reopen on October 3, 2019. 

We have lots of Classes planned for October. Learn how-to-make this Hunting themed Floral swag, on Sunday, October 7th. from 1.30 to 3.30.  Cost $65.00

http://www.thewalleye.ca/event/northern-ontario-hunting-fishing-floral-swag-class/

We also have some Cottage Paint Classes coming up, on Sunday, October 7th. from 10.30 to 12.30. 

http://www.thewalleye.ca/event/fall-wood-round-class-at-the-camellia/. Cost $40.00

Visit our website to see what other classes we offer  : https://www.thecamellia.com/classes-at-the-camelia.html

Have a great day, and we'll see you at The Camellia in October!

September 2019 Classes, and Fall Harvest show at The Camellia, Thunder Bay

Fall brings rich, warm colours and warm apple pie, and best of all, our FALL SHOW here at The Camellia starts today,  Wednesday and runs until this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. It's so important (as we head into colder, less sunshiney days) to turn our attention to the inside of our Homes, to help us cope with shorter daylight hours and cooler days. Our Happy Fall signs, a new Fall wreath, a cozy blanket and some new Bedding, these are simple pleasures that help ease us into Fall.  CLASSES     https://www.thecamellia.com/classes-at-the-camelia.html This past Winter was the coldest ever with lots of snow, so we will try to hold as many Classes as we can before the snow flies. Classes for the Fall/Winter season will be held on Sundays, and on Tues. Wed. or Thurs. evenings. No Classes in Jan. or Feb. Before class, you can preorder meals from Bliss Cafe. http:// blissrestaurant.ca/#bliss-menu Northern Ontario Hunting/Fishing Swag : Sun. Sept. 15th. 1.30 -3.30 ($60.00), or October 6th.   Wood Round Class ( word Gather), Sept. 15th. at 10.30am, or October 6th. ( $40.00)   COTTAGE PAINT INSPIRATION Our Cottage Paint palette has a lovely selection of Fall colours ( as shown above). Look at our FALL Pinterest Board for ideas https://www.pinterest.ca/thecamellia/fall-at-camellias/. CRIMSON RED is a deep, rich Red which adds drama to your Rooms. CRIMSON RED is ON SALE!! This is a great deal as red tints are very  expensive. Quarts of Crimson Red. Reg. $50.00 , SALE:$40.00 1/2 quarts Crimson Red, Reg. $30.00, SALE: $24.00

Come Visit The Camellia.  So often we hear.."I never seem to be able to get out to your Shop!" We know life is busy, but taking time to do something joyful for you is so worth it. We are here to inspire and help you to have a beautiful Home! We have had our store open at 30, Hacquoil Rd. for 20 years now. We are 10 minutes south of the Thunder Bay Airport, go past the Neebing Roadhouse and the Best Western Norwester Hotel, staying on Hwy. 61. Turn left onto Hacquoil Rd. we are 1.6 km. on the left. Look for our new signage  8' x 6 ' billboard, as shown below.  We love to see you at the store! HOURS: Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5,  Friday  11-5, Saturday 11-5, and Sunday 12-5p. WE ARE CLOSED for holidays from September 17th. and will reopen on Thurs. October 3rd. 2019. p 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/

The softest sheets to sleep on, Clara Clark in Thunder Bay at The Camellia.

When you sell sheets and Bedding, you hear all KINDS of things from people, things you make you squirm. Some things like:
- My partner sleeps in the nude. There's something in his body that stains the sheets yellow.
- You mean washing the sheets once every 3 months is no good?
- How do you remove the night dribble from dark coloured sheets?
- My mattress is 30 " thick, do you have a sheet for that?
- These sheets say wrinkle - free. I washed them and they have wrinkles!!
- What do you mean, I HAVE to wash my sheets separate from my towels? omg!

From a Design viewpoint, the Bedroom is the last place that people invest in because, well, no-one sees it, it's hidden and  they can just close the door. There, no need to look at that ugly room! 

You are the person that uses your Bedroom, and what could be more important than getting a good 7 hours of sleep? 

We'll go into how to pick a great mattress in another post, but today we want to let you know about  our Clara Clark Sheets, they are ever so soft, 1800 thread count, and come in 23 colours. They wash well and wear well. My first set is going into its 8th.year. It feels good at the end of the day to lay on some really soft sheets. They are made of microfibre which repels bedbugs. Did you know that Bedbugs can live in cotton sheets? You can stay in a really nice, new Hotel and be bitten by (this one was dog friendly) either fleas or bedbugs. Yet people sleeping in the other bed in the same room had no bites. 

At the Camellia in Thunder Bay, we stock Queen Clara Clark sheet sets. They are available in Double, Twin and King. 

You must pre-order these by certain dates- Sept. 15, 2019, Oct. 15, 2019, & Nov. 12th. 2019. 

You can come into our store to look at colours, and there is nothing better than being able to touch and feel sheets before you purchase. 

Many years ago, sheets were very practical, probably made from Flax which was spun into Linen. 

We have had a great Summer in Thunder Bay, and while our temperatures have cooled off lately, Fall is just around the corner. We are not ready for Fall. Not just yet. 

Take a short drive into Slate River Valley to The Camellia, at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Thunder Bay. 

Open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5, Fri. and Sat. 11-5, Sunday 12-5p. 

p 807-475-3551

www.thecamellia.com

The best " Magic" Tablecloths at The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Hello everyone! Our nights have been getting a bit cooler and we hate to say it, but Fall and colder temps. are coming!  We are working on our Fall and Holiday orders and want to know if there is anything you're looking for, and have trouble finding..?  We are just ordering Tablecloths, so let us know (now) if you need a certain size, or colour.  Many of you who have bought these Tablecloths have told us how much you love them, they are stain resistant and any spills just bead up on the cloth, allowing you time to easily wipe up a spill before it sets in.   WEIGHTED BLANKETS for Kids and Pets.  We are now taking orders for Kids' weighted blankets. The best weight is 10% to 15% of the person's body weight. DOGS with separation anxiety also do well with weighted blankets. Get your orders in to us by September 15th. Shipping to Thunder Bay is included in our prices. (HST is not). Kids weighted blankets do not come with a removable cover, the entire blanket can go into the wash. Prices range from $115.00 to $130.00. Phone (807)475-3551 for more information. COLORS:Charcoal/light grey, eggplant/lavender, navy/aqua, red/pink 5lb.   36" x 48" 7 & 10lb.  41x60" 10lb. 41 x60" 12lb. 48 x 72"  COTTAGE PAINT INSPIRATION For all of you COTTAGE PAINT Fans out there!  Our AUGUST special is : BUY $150.00 ( before taxes) of Cottage Paint , GET a FREE 8oz. jar of original Cottage Paint from our popular Fall Collection: Pumpkin, Canyon, Clay pot, Tamarind and Rust.    Our Cottage Paint CRIMSON RED is a deep, rich Red which adds drama to your Rooms. CRIMSON RED is ON SALE!! This is a great deal as red tints are very  expensive. Quarts of Crimson Red. Reg. $50.00 , SALE:$40.00 1/2 quarts Crimson Red, Reg. $30.00, SALE: $24.00  Do you have a garage full of Furniture waiting to be  painted and redone?  We will offer 2 sessions in September ( weather permitting) where you can bring your piece in, and paint it here. This will take place in a garage, and you must be able to lift your piece in. Message us here if you would like to bring your own piece in and paint it here. ( Workshop fees apply).

Visit our website for information at http://www.thecamellia.com  or phone us at 475-3551

I am Northern Ontario. Where the heck is Northern Ontario? The Camellia. Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Many years ago, I moved to Northern Ontario. I didn't have any plans of moving this far North, I had  come her to go to Lakeahead University. Fourty-two winters later, I am still here. So most people will ask where is Northern Ontario, their tone of voice implying, why would anyone want to live there? 

Take a look at this video to see WHY. 

https://vimeo.com/342118267

 Peace and serenity you will easily find here, in Silver Island, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. 

In 30 minutes, you can be one of one of our many inland Lakes. 

And the Fishing here, people come from all over to fish. 

Summers are hot and short, and usually are not as humid as Southern Ontario. We do have a lot of bugs in early Spring ( May, June), but by August, the bugs and ticks have died down. 

In short, why do we live in Northern Ontario? An abundance of freshwater, we are close to the Lake, clean air, an abundance of Nature and Parks, cheaper Housing, and a less stressful Lifestyle. 

When are you going to visit Thunder Bay, Northern Ontario?

Sending Gifts to Thunder Bay? Call us here at The Camellia, and we can deliver. 

www.thecamellia.com

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. (10 mins. from Thunder Bay Airport)

p 807-475-3551

August Long Weekend at The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario

We're heading into August long weekend ....what are your plans ? If you're heading along Hwy.61, turn Left onto Hacquoil Rd. and visit us here at #TheCamellia. What is The Camellia? We are a destination Lifestyle store in Slate River Valley. On August Long, we are open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5, Friday 11-5, Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5, and closed on Monday. 

What is a Camellia? A Camellia is a flower that grows on a shrub, the bloom looks like an overblown Rose.  We get asked all the time, " Why is your store called The Camellia? " It could have something to do with my name, Camille. 

There are great country views on Hacquoil Rd. Once you turn onto Hacquoil Rd. we are 1.6km. down Hacquoil Rd. and we are at #30/32 on the left hand side. 

You will head down our driveway and park, then head to the store. 

There may be a paint project or two going on, here at The Camellia, we are a #CottagePaint stockist. What is Cottage Paint? It is a low voc, water-based paint that goes onto varnished furniture or cabinets, with no stripping required first. Visit www.cottagepaint.com and www.paintoldkitchencabinets.com

You can use Cottage Paint to paint over Oak Kitchen cabinets, baseboards, trim, closet doors, interior and exterior doors, light fixtures and more. 

You will also find all kinds of hand-made, Lavender Bunches and Spa products from various family-run Lavender Farms. We have Lavender bunches, essential Oils, Hand lotions, Muscle rubs, soaps and more. 

This is the most incredible hand-made Soap you can buy. Hand made in St. Helena, from wine and grapeseed Oil. Oh yes, soaps are named after wine, such as Cabernet soapignon, Pinot Guava, and Soapignon blanc.

You will find an unusual mix of products, like these coir birdhouses from India. 

We carry a wide array of Pillows, Clara Clark Sheets and weighted blankets.

We would love to see you at our store, The Camellia. If you cannot get here, we do deliver in the Thunder Bay & Slate River area. Call toll-free at 1-877-523-7444.
What do we deliver? We deliver Plants, Gifts such as Spa baskets, Faux Floral designs, Cottage Paint and more.
www.thecamellia.com
Look for our sign on Highway 61, then turn left onto Hacquoil Rd.

Happy Summer Solstice! The Camellia, Thunder Bay

It's finally summer in Northern Ontario! We're so lucky to be surrounded by Lakes   ... the great Lake Superior and many inland lakes. Summer means Fishing season has begun. Time to head out to Camp. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year and there are many ways to celebrate Summer Solstice. Click on the link below to see how the Scandinavians celebrate Midsummer. 

https://www.calmmoment.com/escaping/how-to-celebrate-midsummer-the-scandinavian-way/?fbclid=IwAR03jPych7GMx1Xdg-5BhzU-oTtaPEN7d8rYuNiQyC1EjxtScWF32uBwubQ

We celebrate by planting in our gardens....so nice to see Green outside instead of white! What did you plant in your Garden this summer? Flowers or Veggies or both? 

This is a Danish Mid-Summer Rose bloom. It's a bit late this year, but is now starting to bloom. You remember that sweet Rose smell ....this variety has plenty of that. 

Photo by Danka & peter on Unsplash.com

Summer means heading to the Lake to enjoy some wave splashing activity, and some outdoor ME time. What day of the week have you set aside this Summer for outdoor hiking and sitting by the Lake? Or do you fill your days off with errand running, grocery shopping and cleaning? This summer is your Summer to make a change. After all, summer is a short 90ish days long. It does go quickly. 

Here at The Camellia in  Thunder Bay, we are purveyors of Napa soap which is handmade in small batches in St. Helena, Napa Valley, Ca. This is the best soap, it lathers up beautifully and is soft and silky feeling. The smell is not overpowering. New is Eucalyptus Spa - this bar is reminiscent of a Day at The Spa, with Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils. Come into our store at 30, Hacquoil Rd. to buy some Napa Soap. 

Our most popular bar is Lavender Napa Soap...this bar makes a great hostess Gift. Buy and keep a few at home for those occasions that come up suddenly when you need a thoughtful Gift. 

Another special Summer Gift is our #MusselsnMorePottery - all handmade, and most pieces are oven safe and dishwasher safe. Lovely dishes for someone who lives at the Lake, or has fond memories of  living by the Lake. 

Visit The Camellia, at 30, Hacquoil Rd. in Slate River, On. 

Open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5, Fri. 11-5, Sat 11-5, Sunday 12-5. 

p 807-475-3551

www.thecamellia.com

Adding summer to your Northern Ontario Home, The Camellia, Thunder Bay, On.

Well, it's June in Northern Ontario and everything is finally green, we have had so much rain and our rivers in Slate River are swollen to the point of over flow and flooding. Robins are busy nesting and chirping. And there are so many blackflies. Today we had sun, warm weather, wind, rain, and then hail. All in 1 day! 

Summer means hanging by the Lake, with a picnic lunch, and some loungers. It's refreshing to sit by the Lake on a really hot day, with the Lake breezes blowing in your face, whipping your hair around. No phones, nobody asking you to do something for them, just Peace and relaxation. Summer in Northern Ontario. 

Summer means that our Gardens are growing again... and the return of blooms, like this lovely Peony bloom which grew in my mother-in-law's Farm. We transplanted this peony bush into our Garden, and every year it blooms faithfully. This colour of Peony dries to a deep burgundy pink. Summer means lush Flower gardens. 

Summer means Kitchen renovations...look at this beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen! Cabinets are being painted with Serenity Cottage Paint, backsplash will be done in old brick, and counters are all solid wood. If you are thinking of painting your Kitchen cabinets, come visit us at The Camellia to take  a look at our sample paint boards for Serenity Cottage Paint. For information, go to cottagepaint.com and www.paintoldkitchencabinets.com

Are you thinking of updating your Lakehouse? If you have a mix of old and unwanted furniture, why not update by painting right over the fabric with Cottage Paint? Get the how-to in our store, The Camellia, and choose from 60 colours of Cottage Paint. 

Look at all these blues and greens and aquas.....take a look around you and see how you can Summerize your Home with Lake decor and Cottage paint from The Camellia. 

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

  Open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5. Fri. and Sat. 11-5. Sunday 12-5p. 

Bring your photos, measurements and swatches. 

p 807-475-3551

www.thecamellia.com

Kitchens take a beating - if I paint my Kitchen cabinets, will the finish last? The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Quite often, we get asked the following question: " If I paint my kitchen cabinets with Paint, will the Painted finish hold up in my Kitchen? "

Kitchens take a beating.... at least 3 meals a day are prepared and served in your Kitchen EVERY SINGLE DAY. Unless you work out of town, and are just home on the weekends. That's a lot of wear and tear on your cabinet doors, garbage cans, counters, floor and so on. Oil and grease are constantly spattered, water from the sink, mess from the garbage can, recycling, fruit and veggie peels, and raw meat waste......all of these add up to a big mess everyday. It seems like you never get out of the Kitchen. If you have small kids, aging parents or a retiree in your Home, hah! Need we say more?

Getting back to the original question, it depends. On:

• On how careful persons in your household are in the Kitchen.
• Does everyone clean up after themselves, and put things away? 
• Handles and knobs on your doors, can your finger fit comfortably in the handle without your nail scraping at the paint? are the handles on the doors located in a convenient spot? ( a handle in the middle of the door will not get used). 
• Are you racing around the kitchen ( usually), banging into your cupboards with  pots and pans?
• Are you unloading the dishwasher and stabbing the drawer front with the edges of knives and forks? 

You will probably say...."No, I don't do THAT!" Yet, most of us live an over-scheduled life, and there are many ways to procrastinate, so we end up being in a big hurry when we are using our Kitchens. Kids are hungry, people have to get to work, the dishwasher needs unloading...

We may be on our phones, and not really paying attention to meal-making....does anyone want some burnt dinner, you yell? We KNOW you don't do this...!

Spatters from Lobster shells ........every day, mess happens in your Kitchen. 

We often think that everyone else has a calm, peaceful Life where everything goes according to a timed schedule. This is usually a single person who has an executive job, with a chef who prepares her special meals at the Office. 

Here is our 33 year old oak Kitchen - the Before Cottage paint. 

Here is the same Kitchen - After Cottage Paint. The inside of the doors were flipped to become the front of the doors, displaying a perfect Shaker profile instead of the busy squares. 

So, how do you keep a painted kitchen looking great? Cottage Paint is a low voc, water-based paint. Most Kitchen cabinets that you buy new are finished in a factory with Paint that contains bad stuff for your lungs, but hardens and dries quickly. It's a trade-off between a paint that you can DIY and takes longer to cure, or a factory finish with bad stuff in it. 

With Serenity Cottage Paint, you should keep a small jar for touch-ups which you will probably do once a year. This is true for any painted cabinets. Serenity Cottage Paint is applied with a microfibre roller and a brush, it is self levelling.  Cleaning is done mostly with a microfibre rag and water, do not use anything abrasive on painted Kitchen cabinets. 

For information on Serenity, click here: https://cottagepaint.com/product-category/serenity/

For more information, visit our store, The Camellia at 30, Hacquoil Rd. Thunder Bay. 

We have 2 free Paint Demo Information nights, June 4th. or June. 11th. at 8pm. at 30, Hacquoil Rd. 

Visit paintoldkitchencabinets.com

You can also check out a small display cabinet at Superior Custom Granite, and pick up a Cottage Paint brochure, at 645 Hewitson St. in Thunder Bay. https://www.facebook.com/superiorcustomegranitetbay/

The Camellia, 30, Hacquoil Rd. Thunder Bay. 

Open Wed. through Sunday. 

p 807-475-3551