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Archive for the ‘Easy Elegance’ Category

Big-Impact Birthday Bouquet

In Easy Elegance, In the Garden on November 24, 2017 at 1:25 pm

 

KikuFlowersHappy Birthday to all my Scorpio friends! Not only do I love November but my daughter’s birthday also happens to fall in this month. So, I made her this lovely floral bouquet featuring chrysanthemums, which to me are synonymous with fall but are also the birth flower for November babies.

Those of you who have your local florist on speed dial, simply phone your order in. The rest of us can head to the grocery store, yes you heard right! Stroll right past those pre-made grocery store bouquets with the garish dyed flowers in neon colours and discover your other options. Choose a few flowers you love – here I found two types of mums and a freesia in the same colour family and voilà – a beautiful bouquet.

Once I got the three bundles home, I cut the stem of each flower on an angle and then arranged them freestyle in a large container. For these types of arrangements, try to vary the heights and keep turning your vase so it remains balanced looking with no visible “holes.” Another suggestion, if you prefer something more angular, you could also have made circles using the same flower for each ring in various heights – think three-tiered flower cake. A visible feast for the eyes!

Something to Bark About!

In Easy Elegance on June 28, 2017 at 10:18 pm

Canada Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with these commemorative sheets we found by City Chic. 

 

Dashhounds are all the rage in home decor these days, and who doesn’t love these adorable, little sausage doggies! My daughter will enjoy sweet dreams counting dogs, and the cool and crisp cotton will keep the dog days of summer at bay. Happy 150th Canada!


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Spring Forward

In Easy Elegance on March 22, 2016 at 1:13 pm

OK, it’s officially spring and I’ve already reset my clocks (what a pain) and even seen my first robin. Sure there have been some beautiful sunny days — just don’t forget your winter coat as you step outside! Where did that warm weather go that we had a week or so ago?

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Now, I don’t know about you but I am so ready for the change of season. Forget the February blahs…this is March madness already! Time for a little refreshing pick me up – aka some inexpensive retail therapy. In my mind, nothing screams spring quiet like tulips but there were slim pickings in that section – hey, what can you expect from a corner store? A quick scan of their offerings and these bright yellow mums caught my eye. Yes, I know chrysanthemums are more of a fall flower but they were fresh and I thought the great colour would take me through to Easter.

Once home with my flowers, I happily discovered they would easily divide into two bunches, which is great since I always like pairs. Found some pretty, matching containers, ditched the plastic container in the recycling, repotted the plants, and topped the soil with moss stolen from my Christmas arrangements. Voilà – simple, spring tables cape. Paired with white accents like the tablecloth and milk glass, they read fresh, spring vibe. (I’ll add the chocolate eggs and bunnies later.) Now if only the temperature would cooperate…

Mock Orange: A Study in Dark and Light

In Easy Elegance, In the Garden on July 2, 2015 at 9:18 am

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Our mock orange shrub has exploded this year with its fragrant white blossoms. So lovely to see and smell.

It amazes me how a plant can remain dormant or somewhat unnoticed in the garden and then, suddenly when the time is right, thrusts itself into the spotlight. Perhaps it’s an analogy for us all. Mind you, the endless rain we’ve had of late probably made a huge difference, too.

In any case, we’ll enjoy its splendor while it lasts and hope that with proper pruning it will be just as magnificent next year!