Comments : 43

Good morning! Hope you are well and enjoying a nice weekend. We were lucky enough to get away for 5 wonderful and relaxing days and now it’s back to the grind! We have a busy weekend on tap so I am very much looking forward to having a nice relaxing day on Sunday with no agenda whatsoever. We have several containers coming in over the next 2-3 weeks while we simultaneously continue to do our massive warehouse cleanup and making good progress, but it’s a lot of work. I am proud of our little team and how far we have come!

Crazy as it sounds I am already working on our fall collection and you will get to see a sneak peek down below of one of the potential items that I am quite excited about. With the way days are flying by, it will be here before you know it. But for now, I am very ready to enjoy spring and all that comes with it and then of course summer! Onward to my post…..

 

________________________________________________

 

1 OUR FRENCH WIRE BASKETS. I am just loving our French wire baskets. They scream spring and are perfect for orchids, topiaries, and fresh flowers. Made this arrangement the other day and must say it ranks as one of my all time faves.

Flower hack- I realized I didn’t buy enough fresh flowers (it was slim pickings that day) so got two mid sized mixed bunches. Then  filled in with our  exceptional faux hyacinths, oak leaf hydrangeas and a few of the blush peonies and it was the perfect finishing touch! Click here to see our wire baskets.

Started with a big bouquet of flowers from my local market, it was slim pickings that day, so I was happy I had some of faux on hand to fill in.

Got the French basket ready and lined it with some moss

Then took a simple white bowl which was going to be used inside the basket,  didn’t have floral tape so used scotch tape and made a “grid” for the flowers to hold themselves like below

Ta dah! Just love this so  much…..

We used it for a fun melamine flower shoot, and just wait till you see how beautiful it came out! We will have our new Hydrangea Garden melamine arrival sale on Tuesday:)

 

2 THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT This war is hard to not think about. I have curtailed how much TV watching I am allowing myself to do because it was weighing so heavily on me. But the human suffering is always at the forefront of my mind. It is so catastrophic and just hard to wrap my brain around.If there is a silver lining, it is that of Zelensky and his people, my God have you ever seen such brave and proud people? They take the word nationalism to a new level. I am in awe. It is hard however to square that with the apocalyptic scenes that we are witness to every day.

Then there are the Polish. I am so astounded and inspired by the generosity of the nation and it’s people.I am not sure if you saw this but what a beautiful and moving tribute to the fallen. Let’s all keep these innocent people in our prayers and pray collectively that this massacre ends soon. I don’t know where it will end, but let’s hope the world and the powers that be will not allow this genocide to continue any longer.

 

3 INSTAGRAMS OF INTEREST Guess if there is a theme this weekend, it’s flowers. So many gorgeous instagrams to choose from.

4 HEAVENLY LEMON PARMESAN BRUSSEL SPROUTS SALAD I made this the other week and it was so so good. Healthy, guilt free, super flavorful and as we are finally heading into the warmer months, this is a wonderful recipe to have on hand. You can also use a mandolin to slice up the sprouts. This is filled with flavor, could be a main with added protein like chicken or shrimp or a great healthy side dish for your next alfresco dinner or lunch!

  • 1 pound fresh brussels sprouts
  • 1-2 lemons for 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • cup olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese (I used 3/4 cup, more is more when it comes to Parmesan)!

 

  • Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the woody ends of the sprouts and thinly shave or shred the Brussels Sprouts into slices no thicker than ⅛ inch. If using a food processor, use the slicing blade.
  • Prepare the lemon dressing by first zesting one lemon into a small mixing bowl. Juice the lemon and measure out 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, using the other lemon if needed. Add the juice into the mixing bowl and whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl or serving dish, toss the Brussels sprouts with the dressing until evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  • Right before serving, grate or shred the Parmesan cheese over the Brussels Sprouts salad and toss.

 

5 NU FACE So dying to know if anyone has used this? I keep reading and hearing about it, it’s a big deal right now  and am tempted to give it a go. It is a mircotoning device that tones and tightens the skin, expected to be used daily for a few minutes.

There are lots of rave reviews out there. I am a chicken when it comes to any kind of a needle so if I can avoid having to do botox or any type of treatment, I am all in. Would love to know if you have this and what your experience is?

Here is what they are saying about it-

What It Is:

A Pro-Level, Award-Winning Microcurrent Facial Toning Device that tones, lifts, and contours the facial muscles while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a 5-Minute Facial-Lift®. Take your lift to the next level by swapping out attachments for the true, pro-level experience of microcurrent and red light therapy.

 

What Makes It Special:

  • Stimulates the larger surface areas of your face and neck with microcurrent to help improve facial contour, tone, and the look of fine lines and wrinkles
  • 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week provides instant and cumulative results
  • Get advanced treatments with the interchangeable Effective Lip & Eye and Wrinkle Reducer Attachments (sold separately)
  • FDA-Cleared, Aesthetician-Approved
  • Includes our Hydrating Leave-On Gel Activator, a must-have to ensure the microcurrent is conducted down to the facial muscle

 



6 A SNEAK PEEK INTO FALL One thing I love is dinnerware, I actually would say I have an obsession with it. And you are getting to be the very first to see something I have had in mind a while. I came up with another fall concept last year which everyone seemed to love but it was too late to get it started. I am starting earlier this year and as is, there is not time to waste.

You are seeing a concept which I am still putting final touches on but this is the overall concept, an  ivory plate with a wreath of fall accents, acorns, fall leaves, etc…and each salad plate having a different set of stag deer horns.

We will do a mossy green and possibly dark brown charger to go along with it. I am just about done with it and samples are being made. I am just loving it and can so easily envision a fall table with antler hardware and maybe colored glasses in browns or greens. Thoughts?

7 SUNDAY’S SURVEY So its movie time! I used to be a huge movie buff. Over the years, became a bit less enchanted with the movie business. All the special effects and sci fi flicks that seemed to be gaining popularity held no interest for me. Give me a good human interest story, a feel good Nancy Meyers film and I am first in line. I haven’t seen a really really good movie in a long time.

As a result, my interest in the Academy Awards has also waned. I remember years when I would anticipate them for weeks and plan an entire weekend around them. Now, I will probably tune in to the pre show because I will enjoy seeing the fashions but it is unlikely I will watch much of the awards themselves.

Granted, Covid had a huge effect on the movie business as well and I do hope they will bounce back. It will well known that the popularity of the Oscars has taken a huge dip so know I am not alone. The NY Times had an interesting article on movies and Hollywood, worth reading if you missed it.  So, how about you, where do you fall on the movie biz and Academy Awards? Check all that apply.

 

 


__________________________________________

We are offering 20% off our entire  basketweave and wicker collection today (ends tonight) use code- wicker click here

And that is a wrap! Hope you enjoyed my post, always fun putting them together. Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing day, hope spring has sprung wherever you may be! Until next time……


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tina,
I just received the latest issue of Victoria in the mail. Congratulations on the beautiful photographs of your home!!

What a beautiful post as always that video about the Polish people uniting is incredible. I bought two of your French baskets and have so enjoyed them I just planted small lemon trees and them,

In love with the fall dinnerware please put that in production I will be your first customer!! Thank you for this wonderful post to start my day

Thank you, happy you are enjoying the baskets. Yes, these dinner plates are a definite, just working on the finishing details. Goal is to have them by July/August.

I love anything with stag hornes but I had to expand the dish because the acorn bunch looked like the brain of the animal or something weird. Maybe you could do something else in the middle.

I love fall plates that are not trite. These will be a hit.

Still fine tuning details (small), the epicures shown today is not he latest but very similar, this is showing the concept. We are waiting for samples and with luck, we will have these here July/August!

Yes, I agree with Judi ~ Something like an antique crest would look so much better than the acorns with the stag horns…. I seriously love a beautiful fall plate like these!

Thanks for feedback, however being a lover of stag horns (for a fall theme) I am set on them with the fall foliage. There are already a number of crest designs out there. The dinner plate shown was not the latest rendition, it does not have the horns in the center, but a fuller wreath with leaves, acorns,etc…think you will love it!

Please do something for fall that is just acorns. I LOVE acorns. Also, there is a version of that shredded brussel sprout salad in the Wall St Journal that added the roasted chestnuts that are now becoming easily available in supermarkets (in foil packets, even Costco has them). Chopped in half, they are a great addition to the salad for taste and texture.

Unfortunately the minimums are huge and I wish I could do 100 different patterns, but when you are talking bout having to order 1000’s of plates, its one design at a time. I could not be happier with the final result (think you will be too), a beautiful blend of stag horns, leaves, foliage, berries and acorns. Something for everyone:)

Tina,
You must try roasted Brussel Sprouts cut in half with pine nuts and whole cranberries . Healthy and delicious!

That brussel sprout salad sounds wonderful. I must try that. I used to enjoy movies but now so much if filled with smut and violence that I’ve lost just about all interest. Hollywood produces less and less that I want to see. I much rather read a good book or watch the films I enjoy on DVD or streaming services. Yes to a good Nancy Meyers film. I just rewatched Something’s Gotta Give last weekend.

I agree that a crest would be better than the stag horns and acorns.
Also, I like the salad plate to be slightly different from the dinner plate and not the exact same design.
I do think that overall the plate is pretty and perfect for fall.

Thanks being a lover of stag horns (for a fall theme) I am set on them with the fall foliage. There are already a number of crest designs out there. The dinner plate shown was not the latest rendition, it does not have the horns in the center, but a fuller wreath with leaves, acorns,etc…think you will love it!

!!!! Your Fall dinner plates are fabulous !!!! Can’t wait to order. Where are they made? Hope to hear timeframe for dishes. Many thanks!

Thank you, going to get quotes from a few companies, one in China, one in U.S. and one in Phillipines.

My heart is pounding over those plates, they are spectacular!

I am very selective when it comes to movie watching, don’t remember the last time I saw something that I really enjoyed. But I do tend to tune into the Oscars to see what I’m missing and of course it’s fun to see the fashions even when they are a miss.

Love your floral arrangement!

I really like the textured green charger plate, but as wild as I am about acorns and antlers for fall this design fell short. Antlers need to be bolder, msybe oak leaves on the border not dainty flowers. I like seasonal dishes for my breakfast/lunch table.

As stated this is a concept, we just fine tuned small details and I could not be more pleased with the final result I think you will love it too!

Love your concept dishes with the stag antlers and fall detail. They would be absolutely perfect as I live in the foothills of Denver and have deer in my yard year round.

I love the idea of fall plates. Love the shape and acorn garland. The antlers are ok but not on both plates…….one or the other only.

This was not he latest rendition, the stag horns are only on the salad plates, the dinner plate now has a fuller wreathe design with more leaves, acorns, etc….think you will love it.

RE Movies: I enjoy watching productions from the British film industry found on Amazon Prime, especially period dramas. All those “modern” flicks with sound/special effects turn me OFF.

Those plates! Please do not change a thing, crests are so overdone, these are so sophisticated with the stag deer horns and beautiful leaves, acorns. I cannot wait for these to arrive. Now you have me wanting to move right to fall!

Tina, I am so disappointed in the movies. The last good movie I saw was Coda, and I highly suggest it if you have not already seen it. It is fabulous. But I do enjoy watching the Oscars, a good friends son works as a sound editor in Hollywood and always works on the biggest movies so we enjoy seeing it from that perspective. Sadly, though Hollywood has really changed (not for the better).

Lover your elegant flower basket, perfect for Easter.

Thanks, so happy you like them! We changed a few very minor details and I am overjoyed with the results! Agree about the movies, and Coda was amazing!

Tina,
Love the Fall plates, especially the one with the fall flowers and acorns. I love Stag horns too, I think these look a little Serpenty.
I do hope you order from US or the Philippines. I think everyone today is willing to pay extra for American made, just one step at a time, each of us can make a difference. Have a great week.

I see I am in the minority, but I am not a fan of the stag horns. I don’t understand the allure.
I do however love all of your beautiful flowers.

Tina…Love the fall dishes, can’t wait and the green charger too. Hope they move forward so they are available.

I have recently received my order of your Oak Leaf Hydrangeas. They are truly lovely! I have invested in many of your orchids and other faux flowers. I can’t say enough about the excellent quality and gorgeousness. I live near Seattle and they bring joy and beauty to my home even when it’s dreary outside. Just a break big thank you!

I wish the powers that be in Hollywood would look at your poll and take stock of the films they make! I’m with you, give me a Good Nancy Meyers film and I’d be back in a flash. Or a good old Julia Roberts romcom.

I also just received my issue of Victoria featuring your stunning home. Thank you for sharing with us.

As for the movies, although I met my future husband in a theater 61 years ago, I am not a fan of the movies. They are not what they used to be. What with the language, gratuitous sex, and plots in general, I have absolutely no desire to spend my money on that. I doubt that Hollywood will listen to us old fuddy buddies, so I will just stay home with a good book. Or maybe re-read my new Victoria.

I absolutely love the fall dinnerware. I’ve waited a long time to invest in a pattern…this may be it. So excited.

I am excited to look at the new Victoria magazine. So happy your home is featured.. I did have trouble
looking at the stag horn plates. I had to make the picture larger to see the acorns. Always love you flowers.

Love the plate with the small antlers and the acorn/berry surround! The color and design of the placemat accentuates the surround and makes for a very pleasant and interesting setting. The plate with the large brown antlers, brown dots and brown placemat is too dull and without much interest. Maybe acorns, pumpkins or different color leaves could replace the dots, or hang some some fall items from the antlers.

Appears there’s a better one there then Nuface and less expensive. Can’t think of the name but will post when I think of it. Academy Awards we’re so boring yesterday!

The movies have become too driven by a lower element. Too much violence, degrading sex, useless liberal proselytizing, dumbing down of speech, grooming, ethics. There is no message except to make people feel worse than ever about everything. I feel we need to protect our minds from the depressing hopelessness portrayed in movies or the equally depressing degradation of all that was worthy being exploited. How many times watching this graphic mess will it take until people turn it off?

Join the World of the Enchanted Home!

Subscribe

Instagram

Designed and Developed by BNV Digital Marketing