Oops

So apologies are in order - I completely forgot about my part 2 of 2 on Window Treatments exploring Faux and Real wood amidst the kick-off of this year's wedding season.

I promise I'll be back to that shortly and thanks everyone for submitting your questions and pictures. I love the brainstorming and transformation part of the process.

Next up, getting ready for your big day.

If anyone in your social circle is getting married, please forward my blog to them.

Thanks and see you at The Camellia!

Shaking things up!

Well it's taken a few weeks to recover from the holidays, I actually had a little mini-break with husband (sans kids, kids' girlfriends, dogs, to-do lists, clients, family...you get the picture) and it was lovely.

It led to this revelation: I love January.

Sure, January usually means freezing temps (so cold that the mercury in the thermometer is off the scale), my skin usually resembles the Sahara desert during the dry season, and summer seems like a cruel joke. (I won't dwell on the fact that it is 26degrees C (36 with the humidity) in Antigua right now and my girlfriend who lives there, is out sailing as I write this.) I'll just ignore the mountains of snow in our backyard!

But here's the thing - after the hustle and bustle of the holidays January affords us time to stop and catch our breath, maybe even think (novel concept having a thought or two). And in that moment I stop and take stock, remind myself to be grateful for all that I have, as I envision the year ahead – full of white space, waiting to be filled in.

But sometimes, as you sit there thinking about the kind of year you’d like, your mind can wander...mine wandered to Window Treatments (probably because I was looking at my blinds thinking they’re a little dated).

Window treatments and Blinds have come a long way. Gone are the Wall-to-wall sheers that were so popular before, and in its place is a staggering assortment of new options - Panel Tracks, Skyline panels, Mandalay Multi-Shades, Sheer Vertical Wraps, Silhouettes, and the list goes on.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the plethora of choice and this is where I come in. I’ll do a brief in-home, walk-through consultation to assist you in selecting the best treatment for your windows.

Aesthetically, installing window treatments in coordinating styles and colors will finish your room; on the practical side they offer privacy,
help with keeping the warm air inside your house in the winter and the heat out of your house in the summer ($ saver), add to the R-Value of your windows - the higher the number the better the insulation effectiveness ($ saver), and help to prevent sun and uv damage to your floors and furniture. More importantly they'll help you qualify for the Home Renovation Tax Credit.

Maxxmar is one of two lines I carry and I was lucky to be able to tour the manufacturing plant of Maxxmar, a Canadian manufacturer of blinds. I’m going to say that again - Canadian manufacturer (when was the last time you heard that?).

Before I visited their facility, I hadn't given any real thought as to how blinds were manufactured, so it was quite enlightening to see the various steps involved in manufacture. I was impressed with the state of the art machinery, laser cutters, lighted testing stations, and the many hours of labour that go into the making of a blind or shutter.

Most of our customers love the Mandalay Alternative Multi-Shades featuring Light Filtering, Translucent, and Room Darkening, all in one blind. Have a look at www.maxxmar.com for more information.

Wooden blinds are making a huge comeback as we embrace our natural environment. Next week I’ll discuss Panel tracks and the difference between Real wood and Faux wood.

On an slight tangent, Maxxmar recently completed the Art Gallery of Ontario project, a Design Build Project that required a fully automated, operable louver system that incorporated over-sized custom louvers and panels for sections 10feet in width and 24 feet in height on three separate floors. The end result was the Aero Maxx System which allowed them to create 8 " wood louvers with 2" thick centers and 60" in length. I thought it was pretty impressive!

If you’re toying with the idea of shaking things up a bit, consider window treatments. If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, take a few pictures of the room and email them to me, along with approximate sizes. I’ll send over some recommendations. Alternately you can visit me at the store to review brochures and samples.

Rocking around the Christmas Tree

at the Christmas party Hop!

I'm so behind I've decided to forget the whole "Keep Calm & Carry On" adage and just go into full blown panic! (Which sometimes manifests itself by loud, off tune singing of Christmas music).

I know Christmas comes at the same time every year but why does it seem that this year it's sooner than ever?

I've received quite a few calls about last minute gift ideas so here are a few suggestions - scented and unscented whipped shea butter. It's easy to spread and the perfect cure for dry skin (I use it all the time on mine because it starts to resemble the Sahara Desert once Winter sets in). Don't forget No-Crack Hand cream , a great stocking stuffer especially with the cold and flue season upon us. Treat Your Doggyness to a jar of Sally Ander Dry Dog Shampoo, for when he or she starts to smell.

Great Gift Basket ideas: Chocolate Truffles and Biscottis, Relaxation and Spa baskets, and much more. They also make a great hostess gift. And yes, we do deliver (for a price!).

For those of us who're remembering our loved ones who've passed, consider evergreens. This year, to commemorate what would've been my Dad's 80th birthday (he passed in 2001) on Dec 23rd we're hanging an evergreen wreath on our french doors. The doors open out to our back deck and boast a glorious view of the Norwester mountains - he loved sitting out there when he visited in the summer. If you'd like to send a sympathy tribute consider an evergeen wreath or our fresh evergreen headstone saddles.

On the decorating front, refresh your traditional Christmas decora with Faux evergreen wreaths, garlands and branches; if you prefer fresh, we have a small selection of real wreaths - square evergreen and magnolia, small red willows, large red pine and Magnolia with Birch twigs, and Green Moss wreaths.

We also have a lovely selection of ribbons by the yard which are great to pair with plain brown paper for a wrapping creation all your own.

I'd love to see what you've done with your decor, so do send me some pictures. I'll feature them in January on the blog.

And if you've left the impossible person to buy for last on your list, email me - I'm sure I can help.

Hours this week:

Sunday, Dec. 20, Noon to 5
Monday , Dec. 21, and Tues. Dec. 22nd, Open by appointment, Phone 475-3551
Wednesday , Dec. 23rd. 11-6
Thursday, Dec. 24th. 11-4

See you soon!

Camille

ps. Here's what's on my Christmas wish list - a virtual assistant. They exist and I'd really like one!

Keep Calm and Carry On

This motivational slogan developed by the Brits during World War II was developed to offer reassurance during a time of great fear and stress.

I find it particularly à propos as we enter the final weeks of Christmas. We have 21 days of intense shopping, baking, cleaning, and decorating as we prepare for the invasion by family and friends.

However the holidays are also about giving, sharing, reminiscing and all that good stuff so folks, “Keep Calm and Carry On,” because I’ve a plan that may actually let you enjoy the holiday preparations!

Gifting

It’s always a rush, knowing you’ve found the perfect gift for your special someone; whether it’s your girly daughter who’s into lotions, potions, and soaps or your control-freak fiancée who prefers gift cards because you couldn’t possibly know what she really wants.

Come to our Winter Wonderland Show & Sale on Friday December 4th & Saturday December 5th and discover the treasures that abound. Choose from:
· Monogrammed Linens
· All things Lavender
· Handmade Soaps
· Gifts for your Doggyness (or in our case the Dogfather as he’s soon to be a Grandfather)
· Customizable Gift Baskets

Decorating

I find something intrinsically comforting, a sense of all being well with the world, when I see a Christmas tree replete with ornaments and lights. Maybe because it transports me back to simpler times – Santa, wishes, helping my Mum decorate the (excuse for) a real pine tree that my Dad had managed to find. (Pine trees aren’t native to Guyana).

Whether you’re thinking about recreating Christmas’s of your childhood or starting new traditions, consider our fresh and faux wreaths and garlands; fragrant evergreens, symbolizing enduring love and hope for a fruitful year ahead, are a lovely touch to spruce up planters and urns.

Ask me how to pair ribbons and bows with unusual wrapping paper, greenery, fruit, and flowers to create opulent and unique displays that shimmer and sparkle.

Hint Hint Cards

As a teenager, after my parents and siblings had immigrated to Canada, my sister would methodically compile her Christmas list and give a copy to everyone. She figured this way she’d get things she really wanted, rather than having to fake pleasure at things she didn’t want.

Our Hint Hint cards allow you to do the same thing in a much more elegant and graceful manner. Simply list the item you desire, include the name and email address of the person you’d like to receive it from, and we’ll make sure they get the hint.

Come out to the Camellia and be inspired by nature’s decorations of snow drifts and lush evergreens to create your own Christmas Winter wonderland in your home.

Show & Sale
Friday, Dec. 4th, 2009 11-8
Saturday, Dec.5th, 2009 11-5

Additional hours by appointment.

Santa's Newest Helper

Christmas is truly a magical time - a time of giving; a time to show our appreciation for each other; parties and bubbly.

It can also be extremely stressful.

Let us help you ring in the holidays with our Holiday Decorating & Gifting Service.


We have garlands for draping over doorways, mantels, staircases, and decks. What about doing up your planter boxes and Garden Urns in evergreens? We also make Wreaths & Swags of magnolia, birch, alder, and red willow. Our garlands and wreaths are made fresh from local evergreens, red and white pine, cedar, and balsam.

For me working with fresh evergreens helps me forget the stress of the holidays. Grab some friends and come out to the country for a wreath-making class; the smell will whisk you away (at least for a little while).

We have unique and useful gifts for your clients, staff, and business partners like a jar of No-Crack hand cream, perfect for dry hands (and especially perfect given the flu season). Boxed, gift-wrapped, and delivered to your door or shipped to your destination - what could be easier?

In fact we even have a present for you – a free 1-hr consultation.

Please call us at 475-3551 to schedule your free custom consultation and see how our Holiday Decorating & Gifting service can work for you. We are booking consultations through November 30th.

We're also at the Artisans Northwest show at The Valhalla Inn, Saturday Nov21st and Sunday Nov 22nd so come out and see us if you can. Remember that your best selection of products is at our store location on Hacquoil Rd, a scenic 10 minute drive form The Airport, south on Hwy.61, left on Hacquoil Rd. Phone ahead to check our hours.

See you in the country.

Preparing for the Holidays: Self Care

As a kid who hasn’t heard the refrain “make sure you wash your hands before…”? It was always such a pain because invariably I’d forget and get totally involved in what I was doing only to be interrupted by my mother or the maid saying “Camille did you wash your hands?” I’d contemplate lying for an instant before I’d sigh, decide it wasn’t worth the trouble, then go wash my hands.

Now with flu and H1N1 prevention being top of mind, washing my hands is almost as essential as breathing. The downside is that my hands can sometimes feel like sandpaper…not so attractive.

The upside: No-Crack Cream.

Containing allantoin, camphor, menthol, lanolin, corn oil, and urea, along with alcohol based sanitizers, the No-Crack cream works to moisturize the dry area and helps to restore natural oils.

“I am a physical therapist in a hospital. I wash my hands so frequently at work they quickly become dry and rough to the point where my fingertips will crack. I’ve tried numerous lotions, balms, etc. over the years, but always find them too greasy or the fragrance overpowering or it quickly washes off. I seldom “endorse” a product, but your hand cream certainly meets my needs.” K. L., Forks, WA.

Call or email me if you’d like a free sample.

In keeping with the prevention theme we also have essential oil blends as well as various elements to help you recreate a spa atmosphere within the privacy and comfort of your own home. Deepak Chopra says it best, “The mind and the body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the mental universe must leave tracks in the physical one.”

It’s amazing how much stress can impact on our well-being. I sometimes think we wear our busy-ness and stress like a badge of honour – “you think you’re busy? Well I have blah blah blah…” And the more we race to get everything done, the worse it is for our health and well-being.

Anyways, quick tips to keep you vital, help you reenergize, and stay in good health:
- Designate a room within your home (and only pick the bathroom if you’ve 2 in the house) for your treatment
- Make a date with yourself for at least 15 mins
- Place a few drops of essential oil in the diffuser of a cool mist vaporizer or warm air humidifier
- Gently lay a heated flaxseed and lavender pillow on the tense areas of your body
- Inhale deeply, allowing yourself to drift away to your happy place (for me it’s a tropical paradise)
- Breathe deeply, using deep diaphragmatic breaths, letting the belly rise up as you breathe in, and fall as you breathe out (note: do not tangent and think disparaging thoughts about your belly).

- Continue this deep breathing process for as long as you can, ideally to the soundtrack of water lapping on the seashore.

In stock right now: Peppermint (my favourite and great for getting me energized), Litsea Cubeba (similar to Lemon Verbena), Eucalyptus Radiata, Orange, Sinus Clear (fantastic for allergies), Respair Synergy, and Warming Winter Synergy.

Well I’m going back to the battle…ok not quite…I’m going to stretch and then back to the frontline (blind consultation, custom arrangement for a front foyer, and the list goes on).

Escape the bustle of your life…come out to the country (experience my hustle and bustle and I guarantee you yours won’t be as bad...oops there I go again wearing my badge).

Preparing for winter

This summer, my youngest son decided to take on the enormous job of redoing a pond (like most things we didn’t realize how long it would take) that had fallen in due to neglect and ignorance.

One week later, countless hours, numerous squabbles, and much questioning out loud about “whose idea was this anyway,” it was finished.

Soothing sounds of running water now wafted into our bedroom window.

It was a huge hit with my niece who visited this summer.

But here’s the thing – what do you do to winterize your pond? I’ve removed the pumps and drained some of the water out. We don’t have any fish (I couldn’t handle any more dependents) and all the information out there seems geared to keeping your fish alive in your outdoor pond.

If you’ve any ideas for winterizing a fish-free pond with a hard liner, please email me or post a comment.

I was wholly unprepared for that first bit of snow so I’m going to rewind and pretend it didn’t really happen. (Wouldn’t it be nice if that actually worked in real-life?)

Consistently plummeting night-time temps are a good indicator that it’s time to take look at your outdoor garden planters.

Winterize your outdoor planters in 5 easy and inexpensive steps:

Remove the dead foliage

Gather up balsam, pine, and whatever other Evergen boughs and twigs are readily available.

Dampen the soil in the planter, cut the stems off the evergreen boughs and twigs, and stick them firmly into the soil. When the soil freezes everything stays in place and your planters (or hanging baskets) now look like this:

If you don’t have bundles of balsam, pine, red willow, and magnolia readily available give us a call to order; if you’re not a DIY-er (like my sister…her philosophy is why do it yourself when you can just get someone else to do it for you), we’ll come over and do it for you.

This year I plan to grow winter garlic as part of our new commitment to knowing the origin of our food (it’s a small step but a step nonetheless). I’ve bought the bulbs and am planning on planting them very soon as it’s definitely the right time to get them in the ground.

Drain all water from your bird baths, garden statuaries, and decorative birdhouses to avoid cracking and breakage. Make sure there is no water left in them, to avoid cracking and breakage.

If you’re a bird lover or you’re looking for inexpensive entertainment stock up on birdseed as this is the time they’re scouting for winter backyards. A great gift idea for the bird lover in your life is our Gift Sunflower Seed Bag, sewn up in lime burlap and filled with sunflower seeds. If you’d like to encourage your child or grandchild to appreciate nature add a hand made birdfeeder.

And if you’d like an indoor reminder of the summer (that wasn’t) consider our hand-made, wooden decorative birdhouses with tin roofs – they also make a great place to drape your necklaces.

What are you doing to winterize your backyard and garden?

On a slight tangent we’re selling a few of our props - a lovely antique steamer trunk. Here's an open and closed view:

Also up for grabs is an old-fashioned Kenmore washing machine.