Botanic Bleu Market

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Snowy Blue Skies From Yesteryear

Monday, November 30, 2015

The clear blue skies 
belied the true temperatures outside
the first week of December 2013. 


What appeared to be a bright warm day was 
a frigid day with temperatures well below freezing, 
not even approaching 32°. 

Oh, yes, it was definitely Christmas-feeling weather. 



The bright sunshine provided solar heating to the 
kitchen and added cheeriness to the 
simple Christmas touches in the sunspace. 

A sparse cedar tree, cut from the woods around the house, 
held a small bird's nest, and  
a multi-branched bare limb helps supported the spindly cedar 
standing in a blue and white ceramic crock.  

A small Santa box and ornaments hanging in the window 
offered Christmas touches to the green flower pot holding 
new and vintage gardening tools. 



Looking through the cedar tree out the window, 
the sunshine sparkled off the garden shed, 
giving an impression of balmy weather. 

Not balmy, however.  

Still weeks away from Christmas, 
the cold wintry air arrived very early 
the first week in December 2013. 



Snowy blue skies 
filled with sunshine... 
The spinning snowflake ornaments dancing on ribbons inside 
were reminders of the snow and ice that were outside. 

An Arctic-blast barreled through in the middle of a 
Thursday night dropping only a few inches of mostly ice, 
but enough to cover the roads and ground.  

Three days later the snow and ice still covered the ground. 
Three days is a long time in Texas for frozen precipitation to last. 
Usually the bright sunshine quickly warms the ground 
and melts away the snow and ice. 


But not in December 2013. 
Beautiful snowy blue skies 
were filled with freezing air. 


A small unadorned fir tree on the deck 
had patches of frozen snow and ice as its decoration. 



A mix of brown leaves and snow in brilliant sunshine 
illustrates the unusual overlapping of fall and winter seasons in Texas. 



Inside, the lone bird's egg in its nest was snug and warm in the sunshine. 



The gardening tools were enjoying a rest from their normal routine. 



The old Santa box from Hallmark years ago 
had a woodsy Santa listening to a bird on a snow-laden fir tree. 



The old clay pot added a Christmas feeling with its 
green paint and gold-lettered script 
that I painted several years ago with a quote 
about the flute. 

... next was the flute, the second oldest instrument in the world, 
emulating the sound  of the wind in the trees and 
the birds in the air, nothing but breath against wood or bamboo. 
Victoria magazine

Though the deceptive blue skies harbored freezing temperatures outside, 
the sunspace inside was warm from sun and simple touches of Christmas. 
❦
~~~~~~~~~~
Can you believe it is time to begin decorating for Christmas this year? 

This time next week look for Christmas inspiration from all over Texas 
when 26 Texas bloggers share a window into Christmas in Texas. 

Stacey at Poofing the Pillows
is hosting
December 7-11, 2015

I was thrilled when Stacey invited me to be part of this 
first-ever Christmas blog hop of 26 Texas bloggers, and 
am honored to be on the first day line-up on 
Monday, December 7, 2015. 

Several of the bloggers have shared their plans with all of us, 
and this is going to be a great Christmas blog hop! 
You don't want to miss any of the posts 
that include decorations, crafts, recipes, and even a fashionista. 

~~~~❦~~~~


Magnolia, Part 2 - Shopping and Inspiration

Saturday, November 28, 2015

HGTV's Fixer Upper, hosted by Joanna and Chip Gaines, is a popular series for showing older homes that have been remodeled and turned into a couple's dream home in Waco, Texas.  Late last season, the Gaines revealed plans to remodel their biggest project ever, the Silos in Waco, and to turn part of the unused industrial site into their own store, Magnolia, that sells home decor in Joanna's trademark style.  See a link at the end of the post for Magnolia, Part 1 that features the vintage store's architectural details. 

Several friends and I discuss Fixer Upper remodels and enjoy getting ideas from the show.  With just a casual comment about wanting to visit The Magnolia Market, a road trip was born since we only live about an hour and a half from Waco. We excitedly planned our day for getting Fixer Upper inspiration in person. 



A decoration inspiration with a big impact was the faux fireplace.  Seeded eucalyptus appears to be available throughout much of the United States this year.  The gigantic scroll with O Holy Night lyrics appears to be handwritten, but probably not.  Look at how uniform the letter r appears throughout the words.  But who has a printer big enough to print the scroll? 



Magnolia has a very large selection of artificial plants and flowers that are realistic looking. The mason jar attached to a rustic board began my decorator wheels a-turning thinking about some Christmas decorated coke bottles from a few years ago. 



These artificial narcissi have bulbs and roots with multiple florets atop dark green foliage. In a clear container filled with pebbles, these could pass for the real thing, but without the strong scent some people dislike. 



The store offers many small Christmas ornaments including my favorite, a red Noël.  



A popular item is a souvenir scented Magnolia candle. In red or green, this is a perfect Christmas gift for fans of Fixer Upper, and the scent is not overwhelming. 



 With its signature label, the glass container can be used again after the candle burns down, either as a candle holder once again or as a small vase for flowers/greens. 



Realistic artificial greenery around the green candle is the perfect size for adding a touch of Christmas to a guest bath or bedroom. 




Look how Joanna Gaines mixes styles.  The checkout area blends the rustic industrial look of the galvanized duct work with a more polished modern Western lodge look of smooth wood planked walls and sleek metal letters. The unadorned artificial trees add a Christmas feel that fits with both styles.  Now, even those who are not fans of rustic white chippy planked walls have to love this wall. 



Too far to travel to Waco for in-person inspiration at Magnolia?  Visit the online store at The Magnolia Market.  As convenient as online shopping is, there is something lost by not visiting a store in person to soak in the atmosphere and to feel the inspiration. If you are within driving distance, the drive is worth the trip. 

For a glimpse of the in-store atmosphere, see Magnolia Part 1 - Shopping In Waco at Jo's and Chip's New Store.  

Watch for my purchases and how I use them and Magnolia's inspirations in my home in upcoming posts. I have so many ideas swirling in my mind, there may not be enough time to get them all done before Christmas! 


❦
Can you believe it is time to begin decorating for Christmas? 

Mark your calendars for Christmas inspiration from all over Texas 
when 26 Texas bloggers share a window into Christmas in Texas. 

Stacey at Poofing the Pillows
is hosting
December 7-11, 2015

I was thrilled when Stacey invited me to be part of this 
first-ever Christmas blog hop of 26 Texas bloggers, and 
am honored to be on the first day line-up on 
Monday, December 7, 2015. 

Several of the bloggers have shared their plans with all of us, 
and this is going to be a great Christmas blog hop! 
You don't want to miss any of the posts 
that include decorations, crafts, recipes, and even a fashionista. 

Watch for more details in the days to come. 
~~~~❦~~~~

Magnolia Part 1 - Black Friday Shopping In Waco at Jo's and Chip's New Store

Friday, November 27, 2015

black friday 
shopping 

Reading blogs, saving photos to Pinterest, and watching home decorating television shows are this generation's (and recently, many of my generation's) way for discovering what they like, for keeping a record of their favorites, and for finding ideas and sources for styling their homes.

HGTV's Fixer Upper, hosted by Joanna and Chip Gaines, is a popular series for showing older homes that have been remodeled and turned into a couple's dream home in Waco, Texas.  Late last season, the Gaines revealed plans to remodel their biggest project ever, the Silos in Waco, and to turn part of the unused industrial site into the new home of their own store, Magnolia, that sells home decor in Joanna's trademark style.


Magnolia trees are part of the landscaping.  Is it a surprise? 



Weekends are very busy at Magnolia, with lines just to enter the store.  Black Friday must be a mad house!  We visited on a Tuesday and walked right in without waiting.  There were other shoppers, but not too crowded. One of the sales people had time to visit with me and to share how she came to live in Waco.  Her husband works at Baylor University. 



Just outside on the porch is a chalkboard where customers can record how far they traveled to visit Magnolia.  No, we did not travel 4040 miles; Waco is just an hour and a half south of the Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas metroplex.  An easy day trip with lots of time for shopping. 



The store is decked out for Christmas with lots of inspiration for the season. 



While shopping was fun, equally appealing for me was seeing the architecture of the old warehouse and seeing the displays. 



The massive chandelier-like ceiling fixture hangs above a large round table at the entrance to the store.  



Hardwood floors, paneled counters, turned-wooden base tables, industrial-style ceiling lights, and exposed electrical channels and ductwork retain the original style of the old warehouse. 



A long wooden counter fitted with storage drawers fits in with the existing structure's style. 



Most of the display furniture appears to be vintage pieces, not reproductions. 



Vintage books 
are one of the main decorating themes throughout the store. 


Hung on walls... 



Stored in vintage wood crates... 




Stacked on chairs... 



Seasonal messages written on individual pages... Are you looking at the beautiful black Merry Christmas sign and thinking, like me, "I can make that."?  Wait.  How would I ever scallop the edge? 



Glitter pens on old pages from a book written in Danish... Yes, I can make this.  No problem tearing the edges of a book page. 



A page with all four edges torn to fit on top of the salad plate in a place setting...  Inspiration. How to adapt this idea?  Pages written in French with the word joyeux in gold?  



Too far to travel (4040 miles or more) to Waco for in-person inspiration at Magnolia?  Visit the online store at The Magnolia Market.  As convenient as online shopping is, there is something lost by not visiting a store in person to soak in the atmosphere and to feel the inspiration. If you are within driving distance, the drive is worth the trip. 

See Magnolia Part 2 - Shopping and Inspiration for more Fixer Upper ideas and how to use them in your own home. 

❦
Can you believe it is time to begin decorating for Christmas? 

Mark your calendars for Christmas inspiration from all over Texas 
when 26 Texas bloggers share a window into Christmas in Texas. 

Stacey at Poofing the Pillows
is hosting
December 7-11, 2015

I was thrilled when Stacey invited me to be part of this 
first-ever Christmas blog hop of 26 Texas bloggers, and 
am honored to be on the first day line-up on 
Monday, December 7, 2015. 

Several of the bloggers have shared their plans with all of us, 
and this is going to be a great Christmas blog hop! 
You don't want to miss any of the posts 
that include decorations, crafts, recipes, and even a fashionista. 

Watch for more details in the days to come. 
~~~~❦~~~~
Please join me at these inspiring sites...

Being a Gracious Guest & a Little French

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Is there any time in the year more filled with invitations for parties, family gatherings, and get-togethers than the next five weeks?  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years invitations fill our social calendars.  Dinners, luncheons, cookie exchanges, ornament parties, and overnight stays are routine happenings during late November through the first week of January.

Several great bloggers offer wonderful tips on how to welcome others to our homes so that our guests will feel special and wanted.  Excellent advice that makes me examine how to be a better hostess. What about being a guest? Could we talk a little about how to be a gracious guest for the next five weeks...  and beyond?


The very first thing on the road to being a downright irresistible guest is to be on time.  However, in your enthusiasm, please, please, please do not be way early.  Your hostess has worked days, probably even weeks, getting everything just right, but there are always last-minute details that must be done, and your hostess needs those last few minutes free to do them without having to entertain and to socialize with early guests. 

On the other hand, please do not be late.  Whenever it is à table! (time to eat), hot food needs to be served hot.  If the party guests have to wait for a late guest to arrive, the hostess has to find a way to keep hot food hot without it over baking, drying out, or turning soggy.  If you find you are going to be fifteen minutes (or more) late, call to let the hostess know to start the meal without you. 


Speaking of food, in today's world, there are all kinds of diets.  Low-fat, heart-conscious, vegetarian, gluten-free, and sugar-free all come to mind.  A gracious guest knows that a hostess cannot provide all variations for all guests. (My mother, however, spoiled us unbelievably and always cooked way too many dishes just so each of us would have our favorites.)  Very likely, the hostess spent hours researching cookbooks for a tasty meal that may even include watercress soup or le poivron grillé (grilled pepper). 

If you have a life-threatening allergy, please share this with the hostess as soon as possible after receiving your invitation.  An email or quick phone call will help the hostess avoid placing your life in danger.  Your allergen may still be on the menu, but the hostess can let you know which dishes to avoid and to provide some dishes without it.  



Whatever your dietary needs are, a gracious guest never utters, "Beurk!" (Yuck!) aloud or under her breath at what is served.  Nor does she expound on 1] the poisons other guests are ingesting by eating sugar, fat, gluten, etc... and 2] the problems her body has from sugar, fat, gluten, etc... 

A gracious guest chooses from whatever choices of food and drink are offered without requesting an alternative.  If you think the meal may not have enough choices to satisfy your hunger, do like Scarlet O'Hara in Gone With the Wind.  Have a little snack before you go to the party or after getting home. Be sure to eat some of what is on the menu. And, don't place your serviette (napkin) over your plate to hide what you didn't eat. 



To be a truly gracious guest, offer compliments on the meal, the table setting, the flowers, the company with sincerity, not flattery.  Thank the hostess for the invitation while at the party, and within a couple of weeks afterward follow up with a written thank you.  Emails and texts are de regueur (etiquette or current fashion), but there is something very special about receiving a handwritten thank you in the mail. 



While medical problems are not appropriate table talk, a gracious guest sits wherever the hostess indicates (never rearrange place cards) and talks to other guests on either side.  You may not be able to participate in shop talk with a pro, but you can ask the pro to explain something in his/her area of expertise.  La bonne idée (a good idea) for a gracious guest is to brush up on details of stories, such as sources for the brownie story, to have something interesting to add to conversations. 



Cell phones?!  Mon Dieu! (My goodness!)  Does it really have to be said?  Silence cell phones before joining the party.  If an important call that cannot wait may occur, a gracious guest places the cell phone in vibrate mode.  Should the important call come, a gracious guest excuses herself and leaves the table and room to complete the call as quickly as possible.  Routine calls should be allowed to go to voice mail. As they say in the movie theaters, "It can wait." 



Lâcher le morceau (to tell the truth), family members often forget these basic principles of good manners at family holiday gatherings.  Nevertheless, all of these guidelines are important for family gatherings.  We teach our children by example.  Furthermore, what we practice every day, not just on special occasions, become part of our behavior and routine.  Then, to be a gracious guest becomes second nature to us.  

There are many other practices for a gracious guest, but these are among the most basic.  Do you have any other things you would add as most basic? 

For a little French on a regular basis, visit Kristin Espinasse @ French Word-a-Day, author of the book Words in a French Life. 


~~~~❦~~~~