Old Man Weather... Go Away!

Uhhh.... hello Spring?  Are you there?  I have been eager to become one with the earth.  I know I  sound like a hippy, but that's what a concrete jungle will do to you after five years!  Here in Philly it's a bit too soon to start filling my window boxes with jubilant perennials, so I have been tending to my succulents and other indoor plants instead.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

These neat Chinoiserie teacups were left behind by one of my previous neighbors.  I'm worried that they may have been part of  his mother's collection.  Yikes!  I couldn't bare to see them get  chunked by the clean-out crew.  Therefore, they have found a happy place in my home as plant containers, and I am quite proud of how they turned out!  If anyone can tell me any information about them you will be my new BFF for the day!  I have searched the internet and have found nothing!

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Like any normal city-slicker in Philadelphia, I head outside the city to Terrain for some much needed inspiration.  I am loving the look of these anemones... so much that I have already purchase a bundle of bulbs from Lowe's.  I'm wondering if I should start them indoors, or wait until April to plant them like the instructions direct. Where do you go when you need inspiration? 

Photo: The Tiny Abode

I foresee a beautiful window box in my future. 

SPRING MEANS BIRTHDAYS!

Despite the frigid weather, spring is a reminder of new life and celebrations.  All of my sisters (I am one of three) have spring birthdays.  My younger sister just recently gave birth to yet another spring baby.  Well technically it's autumn in New Zealand.

Designed by: The Tiny Abode

 We are so excited to have a new baby in our family!  Thank you Brittany and Scott for  giving our parents a grandchild... we owe you big time!  Like any crazed aunt, I am pinning, tweeting, and yes blogging about any amazing deal or cute baby item that I lay eyes on.  One of my favorite places to shop online for great deals is Zulily.  These are all items that I have personally purchased for family and friends.  I am not getting paid to say this.  If you are interested in other online stores, check out the listings on the left of this page.

Designed by:  The Tiny Abode

If you are one of the lucky ones who received one of these gifts, you can vouch for me. Are there any online shops which you love to shop?  I'd love to hear your secrets too. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to birthday shop.  I have lots of nieces and a nephew too.  I'll leave you with this display from the Macy's Flower Show from a recent trip that the hubs and I took to NYC.

Photo: The Tiny Abode

Stealing Orchids is Legit!

One great thing about the dead of winter, is the sales you can find on indoor plants.  Yesterday, while visiting Lowe's (again feeding my fixation), I brought home three orchids for only a dollar each.  THREE!! I couldn't pass it up!  That's a whooping $3.00 or you could just think of it as a very cheap center piece.  It doesn't get any better than that, unless you find some for a quarter each (doubtful).

 

 Don't skimp on indoor plants.  They can really bring any ol' drab room to life!  One of my favorite design bloggers, Emily Henderson (yeah you remember her... she's only the most awesome Design Star winner, EVER), gives tips on styling here.  I plan on taking Emily's advise and re-potting these into something a little bit more interesting, but for now they are definitely helping out my otherwise naked kitchen table.

Here are some interesting ways to decorate with orchids.... 

Eclectic Living Room design by Los Angeles Media And Blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

 Photo: Daily Dream Decor

I'm considering adding my collection of orchids to the mantle.  Pretty predictable, I know, but it is a no brainer. 

Photo: J.K. Place via Villanueva design

 Now that my terrariums have made their way to the window seal, the fireplace needs some jazzing up. I'll let you know how it turns out, but first I need to find an interesting pot!

Without further adieu... The Flower Show Part 2

Springtime in Paris has officially come to an end.  As promised, here are some final shots taken from the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

Schaffer Designs

Any movie fanatics??  Bill Schaffer's design's are based on the classic film "An American in Paris," appropriately addressing this year's flower show theme.

Waldor Orchids

You cannot have a bad display when orchids are your subject matter.  Orchids by the dozens, or quite possibly by the hundreds, leaves the crowd with dropped jaws.

Michael Bruce’s Urban Graffiti Shadow Art

(823 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108)

Michael's designs add new meaning to the popular idiom, one man's trash is another man's treasure.  Constructed out of metal soup cans, plastic bags, and other pieces of "junk", these individual shadow art displays stop the crowd in their tracks as they try to make sense of what's dancing before them. 

There is so much more to see and share, but I'll leave you with what inspired me the most.  It's not an extravagant exhibit, a purse made of plants, or carousel flowered animals.  

It's a terrarium.

I'd really like to take my chances at cultivating one of these babies!  I'm so sad to say that I don't know the source, but isn't it lovely?

The Philadelphia Flower Show: Part 1

By now many of you may have had your fair dosage of Flower Show happiness, but we're here to bring you a few final dosages.  It would be cruel not to share these beauties.  So here are some of what I found to be the 2011 International Philadelphia Flower Show highlights, but you can be the judge of that. 

Carousel Animals by Valley Forge Flowers

These creatures by Valley Forge Flowers were really spectacular!  Each animal was so intricate and carefully constructed with beautiful flowers, ferns and even bark (or at least that's what I could make of it).  The carousel animals were the main feature of the show residing at the front entrance and near the Eiffel Tower.

 

I really like this picture.  Not only does it reflect the grand scheme of the flower show, but it also creates a sense of nostalgia as the little girl admires the creatures in front of her.  A little Alice in Wonderland.

Flowers by David

Flowers by David really wooed the crowd.  Walking around the exhibit you would hear sudden gasps, "Look a bed of roses!"  In actuality this bed of flowers and the rest of the exhibit includes amaryllis, orchids, carnations and other husband and wife team, David and Robin Heller, favorites.

There is a total of thirteen pinwheels resembling dream catchers surround the room creating a whimsy space.  Being an interior lover myself, I quickly feel in love with this exhibit!  Such detail took place in this design.  As if the rose covered blanket isn't enough, check out the bed skirt!

My ab-solute favorite, hands down! 
Here's a final shot at another angle.  I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Too much for one sitting.
I'll be posting more flower show favorites soon!

XoXO!

Philadelphia Meets Paris!

Bonjour, mes disciples belle!

Last night I saw the Eiffel Tower for my very first time!  It was absolutely stunning!  Such beautiful architecture... the gardens were GORGEOUS... the crowd was energizing!  All of this excitement was held under one giant roof.  The Philadelphia Convention Center hosted Springtime in Paris for the Philadelphia International Flower Show.  It did not disappoint!

Here Jason is doing a live painting demonstration with another Studio Incamminati artist, Allison.

Later I plan on posting all my favorites of the show.  In the meantime, here's a teaser.

Until next time... au revoir!

The Philadelphia International Flower Show: Studio Incamminati Artists Painting in the Garden

I am absolutely thrilled about this years Philadelphia International Flower Show!!  Since moving to Philly, this is one event that I've always wanted to attend, but for some reason or another have not been able to make it the show.  

Photo:  The Flower Show

This year is very special and close to our hearts.  Jason Espey, Studio Incamminati artist as well as my AWESOME husband will be one of the artists painting throughout the gardens.  Please join us Monday from 3:00 to closing to see a live painting demonstration!  Here's a self portrait of my handsome hubby!

Photo: Jason Espey, All Rights Reserved

  Here are some of our other artist friends, Jen Hagen and Katya Held, performing a live painting demonstration during last nights PHS Members' Preview. 

Photo: Donna Fisher via The Morning Call

If you aren't able to join us on Monday night, other artist will be painting at the show throughout the week.  To see more of Studio Incamminati's artists work click here.  For further details regarding show information go here.  We hope to see you there!!

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Philadelphia Flower Show: Itching for Spring!!

Like most of the country, I am wondering: "How long is this snow going to stick around?!"  It just will not go away!!  Even Texas and Alabama are getting snow!  This overload of snow has made me develop a craving for spring!  A HEALTHY craving.  I want a loooonnng, glorious spring!!  So you can imagine my excitement for the upcoming Annual Philadelphia International Flower Show!

Photo: The Philadelphia Flower Show Blog

Since moving to Philadelphia in 2008, I have wanted to attend this event and have yet made an appearance.  This year Jason, the hubster, will be painting at the show itself!  I am thrilled!!  I really like to bum off of his benefits of being an artist!  Can you blame me? 

This is no ordinary stroll through the garden.  

Check out last year's entrance to Passport to the World.

Photo: The Washington Post

And these shoes!!

 Photo: PhillyChitChat

 Can it get more glamorous than that?!  Why yes, it can. Here is the 2009 winner...

Photo: Bloomery via FloristBlogs

This year's theme is Springtime in Paris, and will take place March 6th -13th.  Has anyone ever been or participated in the flower show?  How was your experience? 

For more information about the show visit the Philadelphia Flower Show website.