The French Bee

I am always in search of inspiration...always. When I take the time to slow down and look, I realize it is everywhere. Last month I was so fortunate to find myself in Arizona for a lovely getaway. Once again I realize that I am a very lucky girl! Upon taking an afternoon stroll I stumbled on an unexpected treasure...

The French Bee

 Walking into this shop literally took my breath away. Nestled into an elegant shopping district in Keirland Commons sits this wonderland for the senses. The French Bee is the epitome of fantastic fantasy floral design for every home. All the arrangements are designed and arranged by the very talented and creative owner Michael Hansen.

If you are in Arizona you must visit one of their lovely locations...

It is almost hard to believe that each and every one of these incredible blossoms are artificial. The quality is truly spectacular and the attention to detail is extraordinary.

Every vignette is simply superb...

The florals range from wreaths to centerpieces to topiaries and the everlasting water arrangements are beyond imagination. 

Not only are the florals exquisite but they also offer an incredible array of accessories all displayed to perfection...

charming lamps, porcelain urns, European oil paintings, hand painted and fringe trimmed throw pillows, elegant case goods and upholstered furnishings, garden themed statuary and accessories, vintage inspired mirrors, delectable tableware and unique chandeliers.

Every square inch offers a true feast for the eyes... 

I feel so blessed to have ventured into this incredible shop. It is so worth a visit.

The French Bee

Keirland Commons

15220 North Scottsdale Road Suite 180

Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

602.954.2024

If you will not be in the area or would like more information, please visit their website...

www.thefrenchbee.com

I think I spent the better part of the afternoon wandering through the displays. I was lost in my own little fairy tale. I would like to send a special thanks to the wonderful "Bee family"  that took the time to share and present every little detail of the shop with such care.  

There will be more photos to come...

St. Patrick's Day

 As day after day passes us by, it is so easy to get caught up in the worries that continue to fill our lives. This week we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. It would have been easy to chalk it up as any other busy day in an already hectic world. However, for my family this day has cause to pause. I am blessed and honored to share in the Irish heritage thanks to my Irish Grandmother Anna Julia McMunn. Grandma was Irish to the core...and she even passed away on St. Patrick's Day. She was very creative and I believe she would have loved my little shop.

Here are a few St. Patrick's Day pictures from my shop...inspired by a red-haired, blue-eyed Irish lady named Anna Julia...Enjoy!

A soft palette of green and cream.

 Beautiful images from the past.

 Vintage Irish linens.

 A wheat wreath for prosperity and good fortune.

 And it would not be St. Patrick's Day without a beautiful bouquet of Bells-of-Ireland!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Grandma!

In loving memory of

Anna Julia McMunn

1915-1990

Take time to celebrate the people, the past and the heritage that make you who you are.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone...

Tea Party Favors

Are you going to host a tea party or a ladies luncheon and need a special favor for your guests?

Here is an idea I would like to share. I can't think of a more lovely way to recycle!

What you will need...

misc. vintage tea cups

misc. antique silver spoons

misc. vintage linen napkins

tea bags

cellophane corsage bags

plastic lollipop sleeves

organza jewelry sized bags

narrow ribbon of your choice

packing material: crinkle, excelsior or shredded paper

scissors

Note: Hit the thrift shops for the vintage items and a craft store for the packaging materials.

First...

Place a small amount of shredded tissue in the bottom of a cellophane bag. Create a "nest" and nestle the tea cup upright in the bottom of the bag.

Next...

Place a neatly folded napkin in the tea cup.

Next...

Take a tea bag and place it into a plastic lollipop sleeve leaving the string and tag free.

Next...

Tuck the tea bag and a silver spoon into an organza bag. Be sure to leave the handle of the spoon and the tag of the tea bag out. Pull the ribbon of the bag tight and secure with a single knot.

Next...

Tightly twist the cellophane bag (holding the tea cup and napkin) closed and secure with ribbon. Using the extra ribbon, tie the spoon and tea bag onto the cellophane bag.

Lastly...

Cut excess cellophane to make the final presentation neat and tidy. As an extra little touch you can hot glue a small vintage button onto the tea bag label!

Place one of the pretty packages on each place setting for your guests. Adding a card or tag will allow you to use the gift as a place setting marker on the table or you can simply use the space to write a special note.

Find a plain note card, gift tag or make your own. The vintage tea advertisement below is a great image to use as a label...

On the back of the card you could write someting sweet like...

Thank you for spending the afternoon with me...

I think you're as special as can be,

So I hope you will enjoy this gift of tea!