Wednesday, October 19, 2022

When you have a 2-car Garage but you can't park your car in it.

Thunder Bay Flower, Gift shop, and Decor.
It's getting chilly out there, and for those of us who live in a cold climate, we know that snow is coming. All that summer stuff now has to find a home somewhere, kayaks and Camping gear, Gardening and lawn care stuff, sports equipment, and the list goes on. 
House with garage, image from Pexels

Some of us are lucky to have a Garage, however, stuff gets thrown randomly in there, causing a gigantic mess. . And, of course, no one wants to clean it up and organize it. Which leads to a lot of ...'Do you know where the  -------- is?' Which may lead to "IDK- I don't know." 
Some of us forget that the Garage is an expensive dumping ground... it can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 and up to build a garage, and this is a very low estimate. 

So what is in your Garage today? When the temperature drops, will you be able to park your car in it? No-one enjoys scraping ice and snow off their windshield. With our minus 30 C temperatures, it would be much better if you were able to park your vehicle in your Garage.

snowy winter in Northern ontario

Let's see what is in a typical Northern Ontario garage. Since we just finished Summer, random items from Camping and fishing trips are strewn everywhere. Once the Camper gets back from the lake ( hopefully soon), then all the Fishing and Camping gear can get stored in the Camper. Of course, we are in Northern Ontario where Hunting season has started, and then, there is Ice fishing. Wait, there are also a couple of Kayaks and lifejackets over there. 

Lake Superior Thunder Bay Marina

Systems for storing everything in a garage are all important. Slatwall is our # 1 tool for organization. You can buy Slatwall in a Building supply store, and cut it to fit your wall space. I recommend painting it with a dark coloured Paint, like Serenity Cottage Paint. Buy Cottage Paint here  https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/cottage-paint/products/grey-taupes-serenity-silk-cottage-paint. You can also Shop for Cottage Paint instore at The Camellia, at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. in Slate River, Ontario. 
 
sporting equipment on a garage wall



kayaks and snowshoes  stored on a garage wall

Maybe one member of the household likes Sports cars, and of course, that definitely cannot be parked outside in the cold! ( Most sportscars are taken out maybe once or twice a year, just saying!)

red corvette image via unsplash

Then there are the random belongings of other people that somehow end up in your garage. Sentimental items that belonged to a family member who passed away. Parents who died and left their belongings for their children to sort out. 

Projects that were started and not completed. Mouldings left over from your house which was built 30+ years ago. Flooring that was bought, and never installed. Cork underlay which was leftover from a flooring project. 

covered couch in garage

With Winter coming up, snow tires have to be installed perhaps. What is THAT in the way? It's a 9ft. long couch, that couldn't fit through the doorway of a rental home.  You may have been asked to help someone move, and now, you've messaged them several times about their couch, and yes, their couch is still in your Garage. Now you can't put the stove on to warm up the garage....

When you have a 2 car Garage, but can't park your Car in it. 
Come shopping at The Camellia for Cottage Paint, Decor, Bedding, and perhaps to chat about Garage organization! 
The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On. 
p. 807-475-3551
@camelliafromnaturetohome. 


Friday, October 7, 2022

Thanksgiving 2022 Celebrations, The Camellia hours, Thunder Bay, On

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

Potted Mum plant with hand painted "Gather" wood sign

It's time to gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving with Family and friends! Now that our borders are open again ( no need to worry about the Arrive-Can app. when entering Canada), families can get together again, yeah!! There is so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. 

Blue hydrangea flowers

We have just received a shipment of Blue Hydrangeas from B.C. These will be used in dried floral arrangements, to beautify homes in the depths of Winter. We have been hard at work all Summer growing Flowers and grasses to use in our Dried bouquets. 

Harvest Fern Water repellent Tablecloth

Getting together for a Thanksgiving meal this weekend? Visit our store to shop for a seasonal Tablecloth, these ones are stain resistant, and can be washed. This pattern is called Harvest Fern, and we have many sizes in stock at The Camellia, up to 108" and 126". Prices range from $24.95 to $36.95 + hst. 


Fall Redwood trees

This is a perfect weekend to go for a drive in Slate River Valley, to see all the fall colours, and take some Fall photos! We are OPEN for in-store shopping, Sat. 11-5, and Sunday 12-4p. 


Thanksgiving Pie with wooden letters "Happy Thanksgiving"

Happy Thanksgiving! We deliver potted mums, Wreaths and Dried flower bouquets in Thunder Bay, and Slate River. Shop here at https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/home-decor-and-gifts-for-delivery
The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. ( off Hwy.61, past the Thunder Bay Airport)
p- 807-475-3551
Open Wed. 11-5
Open Thurs. 12-5
Open Fri. 11-5
Open Sat.11-5
Open Sunday 12-5p. 



Friday, September 23, 2022

Autumn Days in the Country event, The Camellia, Thunder Bay, On.

oak leaf on a person's knee

You are invited to :
"Autumn Days in the Country,"  hosted by The Camellia. 
A Celebration of Fall Home decor, Dried Flowers & Wreaths, Bedding, Tablecloths, and much more. 
Ask about how we grow and dry our Flowers and grasses, and view many simple ways to add Autumn decor to your Home. Have you heard about Cottage Paint and would like to learn how to use it? Enquire abour our free Demos and upcoming Fall Classes. Do bring your photos of any Decor/Paint projects you need help with, and measure your doors ( for Wreath size) and Tables ( so you know what size of Tablecloth will fit). Bring a friend!

Cottage Paint Furniture projects

Kitchen cabinets painted with Cottage Paint

It is not too late to get your Furniture or Cabinets painted with Cottage Paint! Clean up is a breeze as Cottage Paint is water-based, and is low voc. Choose from close to 60 colours. 

tumeric soap benefits

As Winter approaches, we must take care of our skin, this is our fav Tumeric Soap. A healing Soap, in stock at our store, the Camellia. 

Coco d'or reed diffuser

A fresh smelling Home is what you will have when you use our Reed Diffusers from Coco D'Or. 



Waterfront at the Marina in Thunder Bay, Lake Superior. 

image via unsplash.com, road winding and mountains

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Open Wednesday through Sunday, year round
p 807-475-3551
IG@camelliafromnaturetohome

Friday, September 9, 2022

Doors Open event, West Thunder Community Center Corn Roast, Fall events, The Camellia.

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop
The "Doors Open" event is happening in Thunder Bay, and area on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 10am-4pm. Visit St. Benedict's Church at 21, Boy Scout Rd. in Neebing Township. For more information: https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/thunder-bay
Stop by and visit us here at The Camellia, we are open Saturday, Sept. 10th. from 11-5p. Turn off Hwy. 61 onto Hacquoil Rd. we are 1.6km.on the left hand side, #30/32.  

Fall colours Hacquoil Rd. Slate River



St. Benedict's Church Neebing, Ontario

Quoted from Doors Open.."This quaint clapboard church was established by the Jesuits with Reverend P.G.S. Lebel first conducting its services. Built in 1915, many of its local parishioners contributed to the construction. Come for a visit during Doors Open Thunder Bay and explore the church with local parishioners available to guide you along, share stories, and answer any questions. A special performance will happen from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with the Thunder Bay Jane Austen Society singing in tribute to Jane Austen and her life living with a father who was a minister. Come listen as they sing period hymns that were sung in her father’s church in England. Further site details can be found at https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/.../st-benedicts-church


2 friends walking in a field

We will be at West Thunder Community Centre Corn Roast/Vendors Market, on Sunday Sept. 11th. from 11am. to 3pm. at 915 south Edward St. Plenty of food, entertainment, vendors, and a Children's zone to enjoy. 

Entertainment
11.30am. Kaminari Wan Taiko Drummers
12.15pm. Jack Nelsomn
1pm. The Macgillivray Pipe Band of Thunder Bay
1.45pm. Fuji Odori Dancers
Vendors: Cold slate creamery, LBL Woodworking, Zero Gravity Pantry, Melodies in motion, Epicure, Magnetic Jewellry, Usborne Books, Hillside Candles and Creations, The Camellia( that's us!), Superior Baits, Northern Nougat, Mary Kay, Colour street, Westfort Village association, plus more.
Come for a fun filled afternoon!

image via unsplash, roasted corn

For more information, and to shop online, Visit us at https://iwindowshop.ca/
p. 807-475-3551







Monday, August 8, 2022

August vibes, The Camellia, Thunder Bay, Ontario

                                                  Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop



We are fortunate here in Thunder Bay, as far as this Summer's weather. It has been sunny and a few hot days, but no heat wave, with Lake Superior keeping things cool, and a little shower every day, keeping things green. This photo above was taken in Sister Bay, WI, as you can see the grass around the planter is all burnt up. How has your summer weather been? 



Ferry crossing to Washington Island, WI.

Everyone has been travelling, with driving to your destination being very popular. (No wonder with the current mess at Pearson airport, in Toronto. Read about it here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/toronto-pearson-airport-winnipeg-passengers-1.6544249?fbclid=IwAR23_iFL2lYAGtjt_I0gFQuGqawCS1GYFAolwUjSKkIBnG1uJ7WjZW-HRX4).

This is the Ferry to Washington Island, in WI. It takes about 30 minutes to cross over to Washington Island. 


Ferry crossing to Washington Island, WI.

With the prospect of Winter looming ahead of us ( we all know how long last Winter was!), it's important to go travelling, or go to Camp, while the weather is warm and there is no snow and ice on the ground. Where have you travelled to this Summer? 

Archway at Fragrant Isle Farm, Washington Island

There are many Weddings taking place this year, and for the next few years. We have been busy designing Wedding flowers, and are now booking for 2023 Weddings. Those of you visiting Thunder Bay for a wedding celebration, stop by and shop in our store, the Camellia, at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. in Slate River, just outside Thunder Bay. Visit our Wedding website at https://www.lakesuperiorweddings.ca/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
This beautiful arbor above is at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, on Washington Island, WI. https://fragrantisle.com/



Pink garden peonies, The Camellia, Thunder Bay

Beautiful pink Peonies, grown in our gardens. 


August is the best time to get at your Furniture pieces that need Painting with Cottage Paint. The weather is warm, and if your pieces of Furniture are big, it is easier to paint them in your garage. We do not recommend painting if your piece is directly in the sun. The colour above is Hidden Lagoon, by Cottage Paint. We have a large selection of Cottage Paint in-stock, and are excited to be offering Paint classes again. There are 58 colours in Cottage Paint, for more information, shop here https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/cottage-paint

Bunch of purple Lavender


The Camellia, Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5p. 
p.807-475-3551. 
IG@camelliafromnaturetohome


Friday, July 8, 2022

Mid-Summer SALE, & Strawberry season, The Camellia, Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop


Hello! It's July and local Strawberries are just starting! There is nothing better than fresh, local Strawberries. Book your own spot online at http://belluzfarms.on.ca/
Do stop by The Camellia on the way out to pick Strawberries, Hacquoil Rd. is on the left off Hwy. 61, before the Pioneer Village & Founders Museum. Check out the new Russ's Garage at Founders Museum, Open Friday to Sunday 12-4.30 p.m.


Belluz strawberries


summer sale graphic

It's Mid-Summer, and we are having a 30-50% OFF Sale on selected Bedding & Blankets, Runners, Cushions and Heritage Lace curtains. Come into our store to see what's on Sale, or phone us at 807-475-3551 to ask. 

a fabric curtain sewn on a sewing machine

blue burlap fabric for sale at The Camellia



orange provencal fabric

 Colourful Provencal fabrics. 

weighted blankets Clara Clark

Weighted Blankets, from Clara Clark . 

 
Hockey word pillow
30-50% off Cushions.



We are Open Wed. through Sunday, 11-5, except for Thurs. and Sun. 12-5p. 
p 807-475-3551
https://iwindowshop.ca/  



Thursday, June 30, 2022

The Camellia, Slate River, On., OPEN Canada Day Weekend 2022.

Thunder Bay Flower & Gift shop

It's hard to believe it's already July, those of us who live in Northern Ontario spend most of our Summer waiting for warmer weather. This year the weather has see-sawed between extreme heat and humidity to cooler than normal nights, with lots of rain. The mosquitoes and blackflies are plentiful, along with the ticks. It is part of living in Northern Ontario, we have lots of forested areas. 

Happy Canada Day! 

We will be OPEN this Canada Day weekend, Friday 11-5, Sat. 11-5, Sunday 12-5p. Stop by and see us at 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. in Slate River. just outside Thunder Bay. 

Old set of drawers redone in Cottage Paint

Most of you have old pieces of Furniture waiting to be refinished, we sell Cottage Paint at The Camellia, a water-based, easy to use chalky Paint, which is available in 58 colours. Buy instore, or online at  https://iwindowshop.ca/collections/cottage-paint


heavenly blue morning glories

Our Gardens are full of blooms, French Lilacs are blooming at the moment, with Peonies about to bloom. These blue flowers are morning glories, called Heavenly Blue. We started these from seed a few months ago. 


Elephant ears potted planter

Have you finished planting all of your Summer pots? 



It's been a busy season with Graduations, and Weddings happening again. Here are some dried Lavender Boutonnieres which we made for a Wedding party. 


image via Burst by Shopify, women holding hands


Canada is made up of many Nationalities, and we are proud to be Canadian. Happy Canada Day!! 

The Camellia, 30/32 Hacquoil Rd. Slate River, On. 
p-807-475-3551
Find us on IG @CamelliafromNaturetohome