Beautify your bare walls with Custom floral Designs from The Camellia

Are your walls looking a bit bare? Head to #TheCamellia for help. We can design a unique Floral custom made for your decor. Bring in your paint chips and photos of your room to help us get an idea of what your style is. We have a large selection of silk Botanicals, succulents, Wreaths, Farmhouse and much more. Your rooms will thank you! 

The Camellia is open Wednesday through Sunday.  We are located 10 mins. from Thunder Bay Airport, heading south on Highway 61 . 

www.thecamellia.com

30, Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On

p 807-475-3551. 

Determined not to miss one minute of Summer?...move your Office outside! Summer at The Camellia

Hello July!! It's been nice and warm this Summer - a big change for us here in Northwestern Ontario. Our past few Summers have been cold and not so great. I am determined not to miss a single minute of Summer so today I am blogging from the screened Porch. As with some areas of a Home that are not used on a regular basis, a Porch can become somewhat of a dumping ground for stuff. Do you have a spare room in your house where stuff gets tossed, then you get the phone call from a relative..."we're passing by your place en route to Toronto...can we sleepover, do you have room for us? " Of course! it'll be great to see you all! "  you answer, then mass panic ensues as soon as you put the phone down.

This is what the guest room is supposed to look like. So not the case right now!

 A few years back we toured Google campuses in Mountainview and saw Google employees working outside on their laptops. Bright blue skies and Royal Palm trees, leaves rustling in the wind , totally awesome to work in Nature! It helps your creativity, you can come up with ideas easier, and as you become totally engaged in your work, there is way less of a chance of you falling asleep. I have to say way back when I was in university, I would regularly fall asleep in some classes. Even if you did fall asleep at Google, you can do so in style in one of their Nap pods. Check out this You Tube video of Google's Mountainview campus.
https://youtu.be/7zj7RfqLy-w

We love meetings in California...walking meetings, meetings seated on large exercise balls. No chance of falling asleep while balancing on an exercise ball. Contrast that to a Meeting indoors, in a stuffy, windowless room, with the CEO droning on endlessly. Working outdoors is so much better. Don't you get fed-up of attending Meetings? Especially when someone can't get TO THE POINT!!!

It would be nice if we all had Summer reccess...just like our Members of Parliament, school aged kids,  university and college students. It is so difficult to work when it's a beautiful hot, sunny day. You would much rather be at the Lake, or in your Garden, or kayaking in Lake Superior. 

Summer in Northwestern Ontario is so short.....Home renovations have to be done in the Summer, Painting, roofing, and many other projects are so much harder to do in the Winter when it is 30 degrees below. What Home or Camp renos are you doing this summer? We are repainting our Oak Kitchen cabinets with #CottagePaint. Renovations are a big job when you are living in the house being renovated. 

This is our 32-year old Oak Kitchen, so this is the Before. 

Can you believe these are the same Oak cabinets...!! ( we used Serenity Cottage Paint - colour White). Once the job is done, and you have a brand new kitchen....wow!! There's no feeling like it! Thinking about repainting your Oak Kitchen Cabinets? Visit us at The Camellia to see Cottage Paint, we also have sample doors painted with Cottage Paint, and offer DIY Kitchen Cabinet painting classes. 

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

www.thecamellia.com

 www.paintoldkitchenabinets.com

We are Open Wednesday through Sunday!! Stop by and shop! 

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