Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Orchid Beauty



Some of the most beautiful orchids I've ever seen were at this year's Orchid Show.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Building a Nest



Take a small twig wreath, run twigs to and fro to make a bottom, then weave tiny branches of pussy willows around the edge. Line the nest with dried rose petals. Fill with an assortment of delights: a handmade sachet heart stuffed with home-grown lavender, a tiny clay flower pot filled with scilla blooms, and hazelnut praline chocolate eggs. Perch a sweet pink-tinted bird on the edge ready to greet the recipient. A medley of beige and pink to offer a friend for Easter.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Bunny Buns






A centerpiece for Easter dinner can be made from a wire Easter egg stand... with the additions of moss to each wire cup, some small candles, spring flowers tucked into dampened florist's oasis, and tiny eggs.

Also adding enjoyment to the table were these delightful bunny buns. The name alone brings a smile. What fun!

Saturday, April 23, 2011



The handwritten message on this vintage Easter postcard warns against eating too many Easter eggs.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Pastels



Easter baskets reminiscent of the soft pastel-coloured baskets of my childhood. How lucky to find so many matching coloured sweets to fill them.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Lightness of Spring


Sunny daffodils, in a pot the colour of a robin's egg, provide a simple display... bright and cheerful, yet with the lightness of spring.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Fruit Carvings - Thai Style








These fruit carvings, a Thai artform, are breathtaking in their precision and intricacy of design.

During yesterday's celebrations for the Thai New Year at City Hall, I watched in fascination as a women demonstrated how to turn a tiny red radish into a lovely blossom with delicate red and white petals.

Pictured here are some of the lavish carvings of melons that were created for the event. Are they not astonishing?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Floating Rose Petals



Hanging silk banners, an abundance of colourful fresh flowers, rose petals floating in ornate metal bowls, exquisite brightly coloured silk garments worn by Thai women... these were just some of the sights today at the Thai New Year celebrations.

Feasting, dance and beautifully carved fruit garnished with flowers were also part of these celebrations at City Hall, and everyone was invited to attend the event.

Thursday, April 14, 2011



Here's a handy idea for keeping the extra buttons for the clothes in your wardrobe organized and all in one place.

Monday, April 11, 2011

A Lovely Delight

Imagine coming home from work only to find a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers like this one at your door? Well, that is exactly what happened to me today. Dear L. next door, who is graduating from a floral design program, surprised me with this gorgeous "pompadour" style bouquet. Isn't it a vision? It's lovely delights such as this one, that come upon us unexpectedly, that make life so special.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Breathe and Grow



The crocuses are up. Time to clear away the leaves from the flower beds to let the spring bulbs breathe and grow.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Whispers of Spring


Long before the yellow stars of forsythia, the sweet scent of lilac or apple blossom clouds, pussy willows whisper of spring.

Cut and gathered into bunches tied with ribbon, they make a lovely way to proffer a taste of spring. Why not surprise someone with a bunch today?