Summer lingered on this year. And then it was over. I had hoped that the fuchsia in my urn at the front of the house would keep blooming for a few more weeks, but suddenly, like the Summer sun, it started to fade. That in between season - we are still two months away from Christmas urn displays, summer flowers are wilting and fall wreaths are appearing on doors. So off I went to Sheridan Nurseries to see if I could find something beautiful to bridge the gap between late Summer and Winter. Sheridan never disappoints. Although there is very little for the designers to work with at this time of year, I found a beautiful display that I added a couple of pops of colour to with two faux yellow flowers and a sprig of orange (also from Sheridan Nurseries). Voila! Every time I open the drapes in the morning, or I am leaving the house or coming home, it fills me with with happiness. And isn't that what it's all about? Life's little luxuries that make every day a bit brighter!
Sherree Valentine Daines
A painting by Sherree Valentine Daines instantly transports you to a more sophisticated world of horse racing, cocktail parties and summer regatta's with women in hats and men in tuxedos. Divine.
Where to find these beautiful prints? One of my favourite shops, is Natasha Bradley. The owner used to have a shop right on Queen Street, in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a small, magical shop that sold a selection of gifts and decor for the home. Here I have purchased the most beautiful bead and crystal velvet decorative pillow, special cards, napkin rings and fine art. The owner usually has a few Sherree Valentine Daines prints displayed and will tell you if, and when, she is expecting new prints from the artist. I always looked forward to stopping in when I was visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. Last year I discovered that she had moved her shop to Fonthill, about a 40 minute drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake. I decided to visit. She has a much larger space now, at least double in size, so she is able to carry more furniture, and there is more space to hang her art collection. She misses the action a bit from being on the main street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but is thrilled that she can offer home owners a wider selection of furniture and decor. Local residents and visitors are too! While browsing her website recently natashabradleyhome.com, I fell in love with a new arrival called “Beach Beauties” So pretty.
