Showing posts with label wisteria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisteria. Show all posts
2011/05/03
Party Time!
You are cordially invited to a party celebrating the forthcoming blooming of the Wisteria, a rare sight that has taken 7 years . Last year there was one lonely little bloom .
This is a Chinese Wisteria which is pretty finicky in Chicago's climate. I purchased this standard ( vine grafted onto a tree trunk ) 7 years ago when it was reduced from $500 to $100. I was about to whack it down when I decided to go all out in a last ditch effort to make it produce blooms. I root pruned it severly and cut back the branches to within a few shoots and applied triple phosphate . Of course I think I also threatened it with " Bloom dammit ! " My efforts finally paid off.
Now if we can have some sunshine please and get the celebration started.
Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved
The First Showing 2010
Today while out in the garden I couldn't believe my eyes. The Wisteria tree was full of buds!
This is a Chinese Wisteria which is pretty finicky in Chicago's climate. I purchased this standard ( vine grafted onto a tree trunk ) 7 years ago when it was reduced from $500 to $100. I was about to whack it down when I decided to go all out in a last ditch effort to make it produce blooms. I root pruned it severly and cut back the branches to within a few shoots and applied triple phosphate . Of course I think I also threatened it with " Bloom dammit ! " My efforts finally paid off.
Now if we can have some sunshine please and get the celebration started.
Written by Carolyngail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago All rights reserved
7:18 AM 0
2011/03/28
GIVING GIFTS~ WITH FLAIR
There is truly JOY in giving gifts and, not only giving a gift....giving a well thought out gift. Celebrating with others is truly a DELIGHT. A wedding, a new baby, a friend's birthday....there are numerous wonderful occasions to celebrate all year long. I have been keeping a "GIFT PANTRY" for over 17 years. I find items all year long and, store them for family/friend birthdays, baby gifts, and gifts to take to a hostess whenever we are invited over for a dinner or a party.
Several times each year, my best girlfriends and I have celebrated one another's birthdays with a birthday breakfast or luncheon. We ALWAYS exchange gifts....yes, even "big girls" need fun presents! These birthday luncheons are one of the highlights of my year.
Take time for CELEBRATIONS in your life! Give gifts, small or large and, for EVERY budget. * You can find AMAZING items for less than $5 or, spend more.....gift giving is ALL ABOUT the thought! Thoughtfulness in giving gifts is a wonderful way to make a friend or family member feel special.
Do not forget a wrapping station or a wrapping supply cabinet in your home. My mother has always had a wrapping station in her garage and, she is able to wrap any gift in a quick minute. Keep tissue paper, ribbon and gift bags on hand at all times. Upon finding that perfect gift, you will have the supplies to wrap at your fingertips.
Yes indeed, gift giving is truly an art form. Why not cultivate this in yourself, starting today?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Several times each year, my best girlfriends and I have celebrated one another's birthdays with a birthday breakfast or luncheon. We ALWAYS exchange gifts....yes, even "big girls" need fun presents! These birthday luncheons are one of the highlights of my year.
Take time for CELEBRATIONS in your life! Give gifts, small or large and, for EVERY budget. * You can find AMAZING items for less than $5 or, spend more.....gift giving is ALL ABOUT the thought! Thoughtfulness in giving gifts is a wonderful way to make a friend or family member feel special.
Do not forget a wrapping station or a wrapping supply cabinet in your home. My mother has always had a wrapping station in her garage and, she is able to wrap any gift in a quick minute. Keep tissue paper, ribbon and gift bags on hand at all times. Upon finding that perfect gift, you will have the supplies to wrap at your fingertips.
Yes indeed, gift giving is truly an art form. Why not cultivate this in yourself, starting today?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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| Baby gifts that are personalized are SO special! I have been ordering from ALPHABET SOUP GIFTS for years! They have quick shipping and, you can even request their wrapping and, they will send it to you in an adorable cellophane bag, complete with bow. A GREAT website! |
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| From RED ENVELOPE . Who wouldn't LOVE a silver plated compact mirror with their name or monogram? This would make a lovely graduation gift or, a birthday gift. |
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| Stationary! ALWAYS a nice gift idea! I love these notecards from KATE SPADE . |
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| From SEPHORA. A wonderful lipgloss set and, a great price, only $18. This makes a GREAT birthday gift! What girl doesn't LOVE her LIPGLOSS?? Age does not apply.....lipgloss is always a great gift!! |
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| Do you have a special man in your life for whom you need a gift? This money clip is CLASSY and, a great buy! COACH. This will be sure to please any man you need a gift for. |
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| A GREAT salad bowl from WEST ELM. This would make a WONDERFUL wedding gift! |
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| Personalized gifts are an extremely thoughtful gesture. Any time I receive something with our monogram on it, my heart just melts. SO THOUGHTFUL! These cocktail napkins from WISTERIA would make an wonderful wedding gift, graduation gift or birthday gift for your best gal pal. LOOK AT THIS COLOR! AWESOME! May you find pleasure and FUN in being a great and thoughtful gift giver! GIVING GIFTS WITH FLAIR...NOTHING LIKE IT! - KINDEST REGARDS, Beth |
11:47 AM 0
2011/03/01
Decorating With Mirrors
Adding a mirror to a room is one of my favorite decorating focal points. A great mirror looks wonderful over a mantle, or, above a sofa. A great mirror can also be the 'anchor' for a neat wall display. For instance, hang the mirror and then a collection of plates on either side of it....an instant 'pop' and, a quick way to warm up your room.
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| Awesome look! From Ballard Designs. Notice the way the four mirrors are hung side-by-side...very CHIC! |
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| Ballard Designs |
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| From WISTERIA |
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| ANTHROPOLOGIE |
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| In our family room, from ANTIQUES WITHIN |
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| Our entry hall: Mirror from WORLDS AWAY |
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| Our Living Room: Mirror from ANTIQUES WITHIN |
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| This mirror hangs in our dining room: From STEINMART |
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| Gorgeous mirror: From WORLDS AWAY *FLAIR TIP: A great looking mirror always adds a custom look to a bathroom. Select a mirror with nice and clean lines to hang over a sink and vanity. The mirror will instantly update the room and add interest. Always avoid plain cut pieces of mirror in a bathroom. A mirror that is hung over a bathroom sink looks MUCH more professional and adds character and flair to the space. |
6:48 PM 0
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