How to enjoy your Summer before it's all gone, The Camellia, Slate River

Hello! It's Summer in Slate River Valley.  We are enjoying some beautiful Summer weather and we should be laying around on the patio, reading a book, and enjoying ourselves, with a glass of Lavender lemonade or wine.  Wait a second, you said, you're not laying around? But why not? You've waited all Winter for Summer! 

You reply: 

THE GARDEN! Someone has to plant it, all the planters have to be planted and watered. The lawn needs cutting. Take a look at Thomas Jefferson's Kitchen Garden in the above photo, at Monticello. He didn't do it all by himself, he had workers. When one of our kids was little, he loved to mow the grass...he would be begging to use the lawnmower with snow on the ground. That did not last! Maybe it's time to hire a company to do yardwork, or bribe someone else to do it...

HOME RENOVATIONS! Your Kitchen may have needed Renovating years ago, and you put it off, until finally, this is the year. You order flooring, look at a million paint samples, and you press on. Of course, you've forgotten that you are still using the kitchen every mealtime...and now, the contents of your cupboards are in boxes, and you can't find anything. 

We may run a Kitchen Cabinet Class, so let us know if you are interested, just click, reply on this email. We are repainting our Oak kitchen cabinets, as we speak. Here they are below, you can see our Before (Oak) doors, the uppers are being painted white, and the lowers will be Asphalt Grey Cottage Paint. See that white door, can you believe that is the same oak door as the door behind it? 

KIDS ACTIVITIES AND YOUR JOBS. Ever wonder why you can't get stuff done? You are at work all week, then the weekend comes, your kids are in Hockey or Soccer, and you spend most of your weekends out of town at Tournaments. Let's not mention cleaning your Home, laundry, etc. Then Monday comes all too quickly, and you walk into work, wondering what fresh hell awaits you this week.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENJOY YOUR SUMMER NOW? 

Decide what is most important on your To-Do list.

If you're planning on painting your Furniture or your cabinets,  plan it around a long weekend, head to our store, the Camellia, to get colour advice and help. 

If jobs are being piled on your head, stop, and blow your Horn ( just like you do when you're in traffic and some idiot pulls ahead of you and puts you in danger). Speak up and let people around you know what you are willing to do, and what is clearly their job. ASK FOR HELP.

 Set aside an hour every day to sit outside, without feeling guilty. Work will always be there. Summer in Northern Ontario is fleeting. Take some time for yourself, and treat you skin to our Goats Milk Lavender products from White Oak Lavender Farm!  

Your Home, your way, get the look with Cottage Paint and DIY advice from The Camellia. 

Visit our store at 30, Hacquoil Rd. Slate River. Open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5, Fri. and Sat. 11-5, and Sunday: Noon to 5. 

www.thecamellia.com

p. (807) 475-3551

Hello June! Quick weekend Cottage Paint projects, The Camellia, Slate River, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Hello! It's June 1st., where is the Summer weather we have enjoyed for the past 2 weeks?  Break out the sweats (again!), it was quite cool this morning, so on with the fireplace, and the heat in your car.  Good news...It's the weekend, and we know you have the usual must-do list, but don't forget to include a Fun Cottage Paint project ! It's Yard sale season, and you can pick all kinds of beautiful pieces like this seashore oil canvas ( a score at $5.00). However, the frame was hideous ( see left of middle row in photo), we simply painted over it with Cottage Paint ( colour Cottage White) You may have an old desk laying around...why not plant the drawers, first paint with Serenity Cottage Paint ( 2 coats), line the drawers with heavy garbage bags, then plant. Add our Tap handles, and you have a unique Porch treasure! Play around with great colour combinations like Waterdrop Cottage paint with orange begonias.  Have some old metal that's seen better days? Paint with our URBAN PAINT , shown above is Copper. Why buy new? just transform an old piece you already have! UPCOMING   CLASSES : Bee Stencil Class . 7-9p. $55.37 , happening on probably a Thursday night within the next 2 weeks. In this class you will learn advanced Stencilling, and hand lettering. Call us if you are interested. We may run a Kitchen Cabinet Class, so let us know if you are interested, just click, reply on this email. We are repainting our Oak kitchen cabinets, as we speak. Thanks to those of you who came out to last night's Cottage Paint class.  Photo via Pinterest.  http://www.thecamellia.com/classes-at-the-camelia.html Your Home, your way, get the look with Cottage Paint and DIY advice from The Camellia.

OPEN: every day except Monday and Tuesday.  Open Wed. Thurs. Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Wed. 11-5, Thurs. 12-5p. Fri. and Sat. 11-5p. Sunday 12-5p.       Visit our website for information at http://www.thecamellia.com

Mommin' ain't easy - The Camellia, Mother's Day delivery 2018 Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Being a Mom is the hardest job on the planet. I am sure you have had a few 'Mom' moments, good ones and not-so-good ones! As a Mom of 2 boys, I spent many hours at the Fracture Clinic and the Hospital. Agonizing over whether  the boys would grow up to be 'normal', whatever that is. If they would ever stop fighting. If the one kid would be able to walk after his ATV landed on his leg, and took a chunk out of it. Then one day, they do grow up, and they invite you to their house for Supper. You get a chef-style meal, and you pinch yourself, is this really happening? You notice that his house is cleaner than yours ( another surreal moment).
Then one day, your sons have babies. And you're at the Hospital again, looking at your tiny, just born, Grandson. And you start crying. And understanding dawns in your sons, once they have their own babies. And it's all worth it.

Tell Mom, "Thanks!" this Mother's Day, Sunday May 13th. 2018.  Bring Mom out for a visit to The Camellia, to our 'Mommin' ain't easy - Mother's Day, the Camellia.' We have hand-made coconut houses, Pottery, wreaths, Cottage Paint and so much more. 

Watch this video below to see how our Pottery is made at Mussels 'n More on the lovely Vancouver Island. Best of all, you don't have to get on a plane to see this Pottery, we carry it right here in Thunder Bay at #TheCamellia. The colours so remind you of the water, you can just see this using this mug at the Lake, enjoying a cup of morning coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/MusselsandMorePottery/videos/1564393023576477/



 We have many Gifts for the Home Decorator..especially if Mom loves Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Home. Gather signs, burlap cushions with black stars, black and white bathroom signs, and faux air plants for her wall decor. We have lovely cloths embroidered with hummingbirds. Our hummers are back, so it's time to put your feeders out.  

DIY Lavender sugar Scrub- make your own with 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tbsp. lavender florets, and 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil or olive oil. 

For the full how-to, click on this link below. You can buy Lavender from our store, the Camellia, and if you like to cook with Lavender, we carry tins of Farm culinary Lavender.
https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/projects/all/homegrown-lavender-sugar-scrub/

Our favourite Robert Munsch saying...
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." 

If your mom lives in Thunder Bay, or Slate River, and you need  a Gift delivered for Mother's Day, call us at toll-free at 1-877-523-7444 to order. We have Planter baskets with hand-made Spa products, Pottery mugs, plants grown in local greenhouses, and so much more. 

If Mom doesn't want more stuff to take care of, send her an Air plant. These just need water, no soil. 

If Mom loves Vintage, we have Vintage chenille throws for her. These look beautiful draped at the end of a bed, or she can keep it near her favourite chair. 

You can order Fresh plants and flowers for delivery in Thunder Bay and Slate River, Ontario. Call us at (807)475-3551 to order. 

Show Mom you care with a Gift from the Camellia, we also deliver Gift cards in $50.00 to $250.00  amounts, you can order these by phone or on our website, http://www.thecamellia.com/gifts-for-mom.html. 

Stop by and Visit us here at The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. slate River, On

Open Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. and Sunday. 

p (807)475-3551

Bachman's Spring House tour 2018

Hello there! Today we are touring Bachman's Idea house, Spring version. Don't you just love blogs? Many people generously sharing their travels and experiences with the rest of us. It's inspiring and just what we need to get going with decorating and cleaning up this spring! Changing seasons always seems to make me want to clean, and redo things around the house and yard.  Do you feel this way when Spring rolls around? 

https://itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.ca/2018/04/more-from-bachmans-2018-spring-ideas.html

So now that you've toured the Bachman's Spring Idea Home, and you're full of ideas, you may wonder ...where do I find vintage pieces? I can't afford to do this look! Yes, you can. Head to the nearest  Thrift store... this oil painting  from Teen Challenge in #ThunderBay. 

Teen Challenge, Thunder Bay. 

401 Syndicate Ave S

(807) 345-2277

Add colour with Spring plants and potted hyacinths... these smell wonderful! Get them at any of your local florists. We sell #pottedplants at #TheCamellia, with different varieties available seasonally. 

#CottagePaint is a great way to do a custom #Makeover on decor and old #furniture. Visit our website for more information on upcoming Classes www.thecamellia.com.

#CottagePaint comes in over 60 colours...and here at TheCamellia  we offer help, in-store, or at your home ( design fees will apply to in-home consultations). 

Vintage Bedding - like this chenille throw, you can find in our store, or at yard sales, and secondhand stores. Check your closet, you may have some old quilts in there. 

Old fabric Lampshades can also be changed by painting with #CottagePaint, 2 thin coats plus 2 thin coats pf flat wax, colour used here is Country Manor. You can see the before area which is taped up with the cabbage roses. 

Crochet Tablecloths gave a time worn and old look, they add so much to a small end table, or a bedroom nook. We have these for sale at out store, the Camellia. 

Our vintage looking GATHER sign....which sums up this blog post.... have agreat time Gathering Vintage finds for your Home. Visit us at #TheCamellia for Vintage home decor, linens, and Cottage/Chalky Paint. 

Camping essentials....getting ready for May long weekend in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

It's 11 C today, a veritable heat wave for us here in Thunder Bay. It has been such a looooooong winter here, so being able to go outside without a coat, well, we are doing a happy dance!

We start to dream of the May long weekend which for us in Northwestern Ontario, signals the start of Fishing season and Camping . For those of us who live in Thunder Bay, we are blessed with many nearby Lakes, and we joke about leaving work and being on a Lake( provided our gear and boat are loaded), in an hour. 

Even if you are not a fishing kinda person, it's still wonderful to be out on the Lake with a sunny blue sky, and Nature all around you. 

Boating , fishing and Camping...great activities for #FathersDayweekend, which is coming up on June 17th. 2018. So many of us take our Fathers for granted. What are you planning for this #FathersDayweekend? 

These hand-tied fishing lures would make a great Gift for Dad ( and Mom). Buy here at https://yourperfectcatch.com/collections/fathers-day

So peaceful and tranquil...until you get bitten by a mosquito or blackfly. The redness and itching and swelling....not so great. Our weapon is #RockyMountainsoap #BreakoutBuster. 

Getting out and Hiking is great, however, be aware of our large Tick population, which peaks in the springtime. Follow the usual precautions of no exposed skin, and thorough checks when you go back indoors. It isn't uncommon in Northern Ontario to see a car stop suddenly, and a person exits and starts madly ripping their clothes off. Usually it's not an exhibitionist, but a tick on the person. 

We joke about the weather on long weekends..... it's raining, of course, I should have guessed, it's  a long weekend! The smart camper packs a raincoat, just in case. This one from Ikea  (Knalla Rain poncho) looks big enough to hold Cupcake the dog under it, as well as keeping you dry.  Priced at an affordable $12.99, click for more information: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/60283421/

You need a place to pack all of your Camping essentials, like this Ikea Starttid Backpack, it comes in 2 colours, green and black, priced at $39.99. Click here to purchase:  https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20410628/

There is no IKEA store in Thunder Bay, but you can easily shop online, or if you are visiting Winnipeg, there is an Ikea store there.  

Heading out to go Camping...? Click on this link to download a checklist. Most of us get everything ready on Wednesday evening, do grocery shopping on Thursday, so that we can head out right away on Friday. 

https://www.sunset.com/travel/outdoor-adventure/camping-checklist?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=deringhall.com-external&utm_term=pubexchange_module-sunset-dering_hall

I'm swooning over the Ikea Forfina travel bags, a set of 6 for $12.99. Click here to buy https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10328177/

The more organized you are, the easier it is to find your Camping essentials, and the more likely you are to actually be able to enjoy your Camping trip. ( less of ..'do you know where the**** is? ). Photos of Ikea products provided by Ikea. 

Going Camping? Stop by and see us at #TheCamellia for #Mosquitonets, and #Noseeumnets. Pick up some #BreakoutBuster , some Camo leggings, and #Bughats. 

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On

Open Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. and Sunday.

p(807)475-3551

www.thecamellia.com

Thinking about an IKEA Kitchen? Ikea Kitchen Ideas 2018

Are you dreaming of a sleek, modern Kitchen? Then think about getting a Kitchen from IKEA. Spring is a  perfect time to think about refreshing and revamping your space. IKEA kitchens would be completely at home in an Urban loft, a contemporary Condo, or in anyone's home  who has a modern sensibility. Clean, pared down, and timeless. This is the JUTIS frosted glass door from IKEA starting at $50.00 each. Base and high cabinet door front starting at $79.00/linear foot. 

As always when planning a new Kitchen, you must take into account how much cooking will take place in the Kitchen.  Does the Homeowner love to cook, or are they making snacks and heating up take-out? Does the homeowner prefer an open shelving system where everything is in plain sight, or does the homeowner like everything out of sight and organized behind doors? This is the TINGSRYD front door from IKEA starting at $69.00 per linear foot. 

And the big question is: can you do-it-yourself? For help with planning your Ikea Kitchen, go to https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/planning_/?icid=ilp|ca|en_kitchenpg_howtoplan|201707031556585728_3

Measure, Dream & Plan, Order, Install.
This photo shows the VOXTORP ( walnut) high cabinet door front, with the VOXTORP beige island door front starting at $145.00 per linear foot. 

Do I know anyone who has ordered an IKEA Kitchen? Yes. They used the online planning tools, ordered their Ikea cabinets, and arranged for a local qualified Tradesperson to install them. Custom counters were ordered locally, and installed. Some custom adjustments had to be made to make everything blend and look streamlined. They commented that their main objective was to have a very functional Kitchen. Are they happy with their Kitchen? Yes! 

Are there any options if you can't order a new Kitchen at this moment, but still want an updated look? Yes, you can paint your existing cabinets with #SerenityCottagePaint. 

Here are some of the greys in the #SerenitycottagePaint line. There are 63 colours and more in the palette, and various sheen levels in this line.  

Here are Maple sample doors being painted with Cottage Paint (above) and (below) is a custom bathroom vanity painted with Country Manor Cottage Paint, and drawers are finished with satin varnish. 

Think about painting your Kitchen cabinets - yourself. 

Here at The Camellia, we sell Serenity Cottage Paint, a low voc, clay-based Paint that is a DIY product, which you can use for painting your cabinets. Just clean and paint, no need to sand and strip before painting. Cottage Paint has a 30-day cure time. 

Do visit our store The Camellia, at  30, Hacquoil Rd. to see samples, and look at Serenity Cottage Paint. You can also take a Cabinet painting class. 

Open Wednesday through Sunday. 

www.paintoldkitchencabinets.com

You can buy Serenity Cottage Paint online at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/cottage-paint/products/kitchen-cabinet-paint-package

Opinions in this post are my own, photos provided by IKEA. 

Spring flowers just make you SMILE! Send some flowers this Easter, the Camellia, Thunder Bay.

Hello! Easter is just around the corner, and it's time to think about sending Easter Flowers! These are our favourite - Ranunculus blooms. It's always so nice to receive Flowers at Easter, especially in Thunder Bay, there is still snow on the ground here. 

Freesias are another Spring favourite to send for Easter ...they have a wonderful fragrance, especially the white freesias. Maybe you have a special Aunt in Thunder Bay , or a Sister or a Mom who would love some Spring flowers. Call us here at the Camellia, to order Spring Flowers for delivery. The sooner you order, the better. Call us at 807-475-3551 or toll-free at 1-877-523-7444. 

Gerbera daisies are also quite lovely, and come in a variety of colours. 

Ranunculus come in several beautiful pinks, oranges, reds and whites. Which colour do you love the most? It seems like time is flying by, and Easter will soon be here. Tomorrow, start by making a list of what you would like to get done by Easter weekend, and slowly work through your To-do's.

The Easter Bunny...if you have little ones in your Family, we have fuzzy-wuzzy Bunny Wabbits, and hand-made Rabbits, which are perfect Easter gifts. 

For a no-fuss, low maintenance alternative, send succulents or Air plants. These need minimum care, and are perfect for those on your list who don't have a green thumb.

Happy Easter! We also have beautiful hand-made willow wreaths and crosses for delivery in Thunder Bay. Call 807-475-3551 or toll-free at 1-877-523-7444 to order.
The Camellia, 30 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On, P7J0E2
www.thecamellia.com