We are OPEN at The Camellia, it's Summer and Ontario is opening up!

At long last.....Everything is opening up! You can come into our store, the Camellia, and SHOP!! ( Wear a mask, and follow all the usual safety protocols). No more guessing at the wrong paint colours. There are a lot of products which just can't be ordered online. Cottage Paint colours on the computer are not the same as the actual colour in the can. 

Ontario is 75% vaccinated with their first dose, and 25% have had both doses. We know everyone is ready for Life to return to some sort of normal. At least, it's Summer now and everything is lush, and green. Time to leave our homes, and get outside!

Who can't wait to go a longish Road trip? Parents wanting to be able to see their children. Grandparents wanting to see their grandbabies. Those waiting for the U.S./Canada border to open up ( supposedly we are weeks away from borders opening up ). Here in Northern Ontario, most of us have been out Fishing and Day Camping. 

Twilight at Thunder Bay's marina ....Summertime is here!

Summer is a good time to change out your Floral arrangements in your Home or Camp. so many of us have missed our winter vacays in the Tropics, why not decorate with our real-looking Hibiscus and Ginger stems? No water or extra care needed, they have long stems so they are suitable for use in a tall vase. 

Here at the Camellia, we stock Cottage Paint which is a water-based chalk-like Paint that transforms Furniture and cabinets. Cottage Paint has a wonderful palette of 60+ colours, and we can tint here at our store. 

Summer gardens have their own spectacular array of lovely lavenders and purples, and off-whites. 

We have been working on some DIY sign kits which you can purchase if you have a small Craft party in your Home. Letters are black or white Vinyl, kits include a wooden board and Cottage Paint. Phone us at 807-475-3551 for prices . 

Cottage Paint is perfect for Garden projects. Gardens look lovely with the addition of Birdhouses, and small obelisks, and ornaments. This colour is Robin's egg blue, and pairs up well with our patio tablecloths. These have a hole in the middle for the umbrella and a zipper up to the hole. 

Here is a work-in-progress. A deco mesh Wreath which would look great out at Camp, this will be  a DIY kit you can purchase to make your own. It is time consuming, but the end result is worth it.

You can clip on photos of your family onto this wreath. Which brings us to another topic, take lots of photos. You never know when that photo is all you have left of someone.  

Visit us here at the Camellia, at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Ontario. 

Open Wednesday through to Saturday, generally 12 to 5p. 

Phone 807-475-3551. 

Shop online at https://iwindowshop.ca/

Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/camelliafromnaturetohome/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home

Stop the Lockdown of Small businesses in Northern Ontario!!

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

It is grossly unfair that Small local stores are forced to be constantly under Lockdown, especially in Northern Ontario, where our Covid cases are low, and our vaccination rate is over 50%. Not to mention our vast amount of land and Lakes where we can easily isolate, and it is Summertime. 

People utter new words like ..Pivot, if we hear the word Pivot one more time....!! Pivot to websites....? Here's what that looks like:

- customer makes an enquiry, orders on website (maybe after 15 emails or text messages back and forth), someone has to make the product, pack, and label, then set up a time for pick up or delivery. The whole process is very time-consuming. 

The reality is that business owners want to be Open, most of us have a few clients a day, if we are lucky. We are much safer than walking into Walmart or the grocery store. 

Here in Northern Ontario, our winters are cold, and everyone looks forward to Summer, to doing Outdoor activities, to painting, and decorating their homes, and going into stores like mine that sell Home decor and Paint. Our clients like talking to a real person, rather than dealing with a virtual AI assistant. ( Artificial intelligence or shall we say artificial insanity???)

If we lose our Summer season, as well as our Spring and the whole of last year, many of us will not survive. We haven't learnt the Art of making money grow on trees. 

It is to be hoped that we can be open on June 14th. or 16th. or whatever date the Southern Ontario gods decide upon. 

The Camellia, 30, Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Ontario

p 807-475-3551

https://iwindowshop.ca/

When you have upgraded your Home and the people you live with are intent on destroying it.

Sometimes you wonder ...will this sh%% lockdown ever end? Everyone is at home, in your face, indefinitely. And no matter how much everyone tries to sugar-coat it, having your family around all the time is a challenge. 

A ginormous challenge. 

Phrases like ....'You are the worst parents and this is the worst Family ever!' get thrown out there by adult children who randomly decide to move back into their parents Home. In the meantime, parents who thought their parenting days were done, are thrown into complete chaos:  clothes and belongings pitched onto floors, bathrooms that are filthy, and driveways that are packed with trucks, and campers and boats, among other things. 

The only place left to go is the bathroom, and your vehicle, yes, you can go,  and just go sit in your car. (sounds like someone has watched Too much Cat in the Hat....). You just want to run away from it all. but wait, you CAN'T go anywhere because of Covid and lockdowns. 

If some don't get sick from Covid, they will surely feel the effects of prolonged isolation, and may suffer prolonged mental health issues, depression, alcoholism and drug addictions, and sadly death by overdose. If someone in your family has died, you can't have a funeral as Churches are closed. 

Let's talk about your Home. Since the outbreak of Covid, Home renovations have increased to the point where wood and building supplies have jumped upwards in price. Supply chain challenges have hit every industry and product, which is why this is not a good time to do Home Renos. What renos are the most popular? Decks, Kitchen redos, Bathroom redos, Home Gyms, and Home offices.  House prices have jumped, partly because of low interest and mortgage rates. For most people, their Home is their biggest asset. Which is why it makes no sense when people who live in your Home are intent on destroying it....it takes money, time and a lot of upheaval when doing Home renos. No-one is anxious to redo a room you have already done. 

Have you renovated rooms, only to have to redo them after a couple of years? What is your take on this? While your children are growing up, wear and tear of a Home is inevitable, but when they are adults and have moved out, then decided to move back home, it is very difficult. When they start yelling at you, in your own Home, because you dare voice your opinion, then something is very, very wrong. 

Who decided that parents should forever look after their children ...? Until the parents enter the Nursing Home, or until said parents are dead....surely it is not too much to expect that adult children can adult? 

Parents don't want to parent for the rest of their lives, maybe they have things they would like to do, like travel, or learn to paint, or whatever... They have earned the right to some time off. They are not responsible for the choices an adult child has made. It is not their job to FIX everything that is lacking in an adult child's Life. 

Somehow, in the midst of all the chaos, we must struggle to keep our sanity, and to choose to be Happy. Baby step by baby step. Self care is of the utmost importance.

 

Mother's Day Gift delivery, Thunder Bay & Slate River, On

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms! If you need some ideas for a Gift for your Mom, read on. This is our Joanna Gaines Gift package, with her first Cookbook and our black ash Charcuterie board with live edge. There is also a small tin of Culinary Lavender buds, for making Lavender lemonade, or Lavender cupcakes.  

For your Mom who loves Camping, but hates all the bugs we have here in Northern Ontario. A pair of handmade Flannel pillowcases, a No-see-um Mosquito net, camo leggings with Bug spray, and a stencilled Lake sign. Phone to order at 807-475-3551. 

What are No-see-ums? They are pesky things that are tiny, they come out in the evening, their bites sting and are very itchy. This netting is very fine, 210 threads per square inch. Price is $49.95 +hst.

 A  Gift of Dried Roses will last for a long time, and as long as you place then in a spot that's away from light, there is no upkeep!

For all you Plant-Mommas out there, this Coconut Plant holder is a unique Gift, and will hold 2 Air plants. Buy online at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/handmade-vintage/products/coconut-husk-birdhouse-air-plant-hanger?variant=39833827442840

Being a Mom is hard. Sometimes a shower is the only place to sneak a break from taking care of others. Here at the Camellia, we have a fine selection of hand-made Goat Milk soaps, like this Fish themed soap. 

Moms need all the sleep they can get ( their job is a tough one!), so why not treat  her to our Sleep well package? it has a Clara Clark cooling pillow, a set of very, very soft microfibre sheets, and a Lavender sleep spray from Neob Lavender farm in Niagara-on-the-lake. 

Lavender helps with anxiety, and as children get older, Moms will be fighting anxiety. We have Lavender bunches grown in France ( these really smell wonderful1), Lavender soap from Napa soap company in St. Helena, with Pillow spray and Muscle aches reliever roll-on from Neob Lavender.

If you need Mother's Day gift delivery in Thunder Bay and surrounds, ( Slate River), phone us at 807-475-3551. Shop online at https://iwindowshop.ca/

Parking lot pick-up at this time of Covid Lockdown. 

30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On. 

Shop The Camellia, at iWindowShop.ca, Vendor at Craft Revival Tbay May1, May 2, 2021

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

Craft Revival Virtual is on this Saturday and Sunday, May 1st. and 2nd.  SHOP at : https://www.thecraftrevivaltbay.com/ . From there, you click on each Vendor's link to their individual website, pay online, and either pick up, or we are offering FREE delivery within the City!

Hello everyone!  How have you been?  It's Craft Revival Virtual, on this Saturday and Sunday only.

So how does it work?  You shop online on each vendor's website, pay online, then either pick up at each vendor's pick up location, or we are offering FREE Delivery within City limits  for this event. 

To see a Vendor list , click here: 

 https://www.facebook.com/craftrevivaltbay/photos/pcb.271303408040870/3953192691394399

We are listed under the T's , the Camellia, and our website link where you can shop for Craft Revival goods  is https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/handmade-vintage.

Once you go our Website, I window shop.ca,  look on the right and go to the section labelled Craft Revival, Handmade & Vintage.  You can also shop on the other sections on our website. 

If you have any questions, pick up the phone and call, we are here all weekend!! It is a new way of Shopping, and can be confusing.  We get it!  p.807-475-3551

WHAT DO WE HAVE FOR SALE THAT IS NEW & EXCITING? 

• Charcuterie Black Ash boards, $20-$25.00 ea.
• Curly willow Bunches (  5 stems per bunch at $30.00 a bunch) . Lavender bunches, Bunnytails, and PAMPAS GRASS 40" tall.
• Dried Sauna bundles of Eucalyptus
• Handmade Hare
• Nautical Pottery
• Burlap Lake wreaths
• Dried Bunches and Dried floral swags
• Coconut husk air plant hangers
• Magnolia Wreaths
• Painted signs & Furniture
• AND MUCH MORE!
• 
  

----------------------------------STAYING SAFE 
You can purchase and shop for Paint, Handmade items and Floral, and some Bedding online at our new website: https://iwindowshop.ca/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/camelliafromnaturetohome/
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/The-Camellia-From-Nature-to-Home-145600168837975

What's in store at the Camellia? April, 2021

Hello to Spring, warmer weather, green grass, and yes, surprise, surprise, another Lockdown!!  I know some of you are finding it difficult to remain optimistic, given the current state of affairs. We all long to get out of our homes, and just want things to be 'normal' again, whatever that may be. Who knew a virus would last this long......  Especially at a time like this, we have to treat ourselves to small luxuries, like planning our summer Garden. These roses are at the Rose Garden at Leif Erikson Park, in Duluth, Minnesota. they are stunning! ( Oh when will our Canada/U.S. borders open up? )

On another note, there are all sorts of supply chain problems with getting fresh flowers into our shop, that is just the way it is with the pandemic. Some growers have gone bankrupt, warehouses are short staffed and flights are not running as often. What does this mean for you? If you need to order Flowers for Mother's Day, order ahead, at least 1 to 2 weeks. We are closed to having the general public in our store, but open online for delivery and contactless pick-up. Phone to order at 807-475-3551, or shop online at https://iwindowshop.ca, or at https://www.thecamellia.com and at https://camilleovermeer.square.site/

So many of you have been updating your Kitchens, and have been painting your Kitchen cabinets with Cottage Paint. These cabinets have been painted with Serenity Cottage Paint in the colour Driftwood. Such a beautiful colour. Not sure about what colour you need? Phone us at 807-475-3551, ask for a sample paint swatch, or you can borrow a cabinet door to take home, and return it in a few days. Buy online at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/cottage-paint/products/kitchen-cabinet-paint-package

We stock a lot of Cottage Paint, and we have a paint tinter here on-site, so no fears that we will not have Paint in stock. 

Are you needing a Spring refresh? Try a preserved Moss bowl, like this one. We have some for sale, and we also sell the moss and supplies to make your own. There is no upkeep involved with the moss, as it has been preserved in glycerin and dye.

Sending Flowers to someone who is allergic to the pollen in fresh flowers? Or are you sending flowers to someone who has cancer? The bacteria that develops in the water of fresh flowers is not the best for those with immune-compromised systems. We design beautiful silk floral arrangements, such as the one above, using the most realistic of Flowers and foilage. 

A touch of green, as in some new plants for your Home, adds instant spring to your home. This is a Pothos vine, and plants do make a nice gift for someone. 

Some of you may have Air plants, which are plants that can survive without soil. Most of these plants are native to South America, and are used to a lot of moisture in the air. These handmade coconut husk birdhouses make a good home for your air plants. Coir is a renewable resource and environmentally friendly. They can be used indoors or out. Coconut husk does well in moisture.

They also are available in a double birdhouse, and we have both types in stock here at The Camellia. You can buy them online at IWindowshop.ca

It's a new season ( even though it seems like presently there are 2 seasons -  BV before the virus, and AV after the Virus), and here is a beauty of a Wreath. This is a custom order for a front door. Call us today if you need to order a Gift for delivery in Thunder Bay.

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Thunder Bay

p807-475-3551

Reminder that the World is still a Beautiful place. Flowers bring us Joy.

It feels sometimes that we are suspended in time, waiting for this virus to go away and for things to return to normal, whatever that is. Life and Death marches on, whether we are ready for it or not. 

To those of you who have lost loved ones, and cannot have a funeral, we get that this is very difficult. For those of you planning a Wedding, there have been so many ups and downs. 

Expectant mothers are worried about giving birth in a Hospital with Covid cases.

Many of us are worried about the length of time it's taking to vaccinate everyone in Canada.

It is time to remind ourselves to take a deep breath....and just breathe. It will be Spring soon, we can sit outside on our decks and visit, taking care to stay the required distance from each other. Remind yourself that flowers will bloom again. 

We will be ok. We will get through this.

Our world will become green again, and trees will be awash with blooms. It will be so nice to be able to walk outside without mushing in snow and ice. Who will you visit first, once it's safe to do so?

Here at The Camellia, we have been concentrating on healing after Knee replacement, and we are in lockdown because of Thunder Bay's high Covid numbers. If you need any product, phone us at 807-475-3551, or shop online at http://iwindowshop.ca/

Happy Spring! 

the Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Ontario