POPPIES and MUSCARI

I've been always told am a bit different, but it has never stopped me from doing the things I like. Although I did enjoy a typical childhood of pretending to be wonder woman , lassoing my younger sister and dragging her across our backyard, I would much rather spend time gardening with my dad and grandpa and learning how to cook with my mom or grandma. I looked up to them and they were my real super heroes.
Today at 38 my life is full of things to be grateful for and I've acquired a new hero. I want to be just like her when I grow old! England's Valerie Finnis one of the great ladies of gardening, renowned as a plantswoman and flower photographer. Her mother was Constance Finnis, who raised the strain of Iceland poppies that bears her name. She noticed her small daughter's fascination with plants, and gave her a prominent plot in front of the house when she was only four.At 18, Valerie entered Waterperry Horticultural School for Women near Oxford. She surrounded herself with her beloved plants, pictures and loved ones. She gardened with her husband ten hours a day until he died. A variety of blue Muscari was named after her after it appeared inexplicably in her English garden. She wore crazy hats and loved to gossip about the plant world. I give anything to spend a day investigating her brain over a pot of Earl Gray.

ACCESORIZE YOURSELF

Here are some fun spring inspired accessories we now have available. Have fun and create your own look with the handmade pieces that are sure to add some individuality to your wardrobe. Each piece is unique, so find your own little treasure.

SAIPUA

Saipua has been making olive oil based soap since 1999.They are a small family owned business located in the Hudson Valley NY.

Their soaps are carefully crafted in small batches using food-grade vegetable oils, butters, herbs and extracts. Each bar is hand cut, air dried and cured in their workshop.

Dedicated to small business, they continue to produce soaps in small batches to assure quality and sustainability. They are an amazing addition to our shop and we can't wait for you to try them!

All images courtesy of Saipua.

ONLINE shelter publication

For all those mourning the loss of so many shelter publications including Domino, House & Garden, and Blueprint, there’s Lonny, an online magazine founded by Domino alumni Michelle Adams and photographer Patrick Cline. It’s a novel idea, a true home design magazine with pages that turn at the click of a mouse. The fashion shoots and even the featured homes are chock-full of clickable images that link to online shops where you can buy the items. Lonny launched in October of 2009 and you can look forward to the next issue in early April.

MUSIC TO MY EARS

I have always been drawn to music, but over these past few years, I have made it an important hobby of mine. Finding a great album is like striking gold, so when I found The Fleet Foxes, I felt as if I was the wealthiest person alive. They where first discovered from one of those free Starbucks cards you pick up at the counter. The free itunes download led to me purchasing the entire album and obsessing over their folky melodic voices. You will find only one
complete album, but it is worth every penny.

I have a confession: My brother in law loves to record concert performances, and this year, I was able to view the Fleet Foxes performance at Glastonbury. If I wasn't already in love with their voices, I became obsessed with them as a whole band. Calm and collective on stage, the band looked as if they came straight out of the forest with their straggly beards and plaid button up shirts, but wait- they where also wearing Wellies!!! I had wanted the Hunter rain boots otherwise known as wellies for some time, but now that the fleet foxes had them (they looked so cool!) I had to HAVE them too. A few months later, I received the nicest pair of Merlot colored wellies under the Christmas tree.

As embarrassing as that story is, I truly feel that this album is an enjoyable listen on a relaxing afternoon, so let their voices be heard!

Favorite song: Mykonos & Your Protector

HAPPY VALENTINES

Image found here.

THE POWER OF MARKETING

After I read the way these lovely lip balms from MOR cosmetics were described I had to have them!!! They will be in the shop next week and I can't wait! Read on! You'll want then too!


Brightly colorured tins, filled with delectable glosses, beckon to be sampled like sweet confections. Kaleidoscopes of colour, like the plume of the regal peacock, recall Bollywood nights and harmonious fantasy. Like music to the mouth, the sheerest of sheens provides rich indulgence for lips that dream of being quenched.
OK!!! I want it! I want it!

NOT YOUR OBVIOUS VALENTINE

This Valentines try thinking outside the box. Instead of going for the red, reach for something that is luxurious, passionate and unique. Don't get stuck on a color or the hugeness of things. Simple, thought out and well executed is always better. Get creative and have fun with it!

SPRING INSPIRATION

Do you throw out the little left over buds because they are too small to fit in your vase? Over a year ago, I was fortunate enough to travel through Amsterdam. I fell in love with their delft blue tulip vases. These pieces of art display the countries symbol (the tulip) in a unique way and inspired me to find my own modern, American version.

The clear saguaro vase is simple and elegant. I love how the green stems become the focus. There are a few sizes available for this vase, but depending on the type of flower, you may need them all!

The vase below was found while treasure hunting. It is handmade and one of a kind. I love the organic arm-like shapes erupting out of the body of the vase.

For me, they represent a memory. For you, they can transform your garden greens into little pieces of art!