Spring will soon be upon us dear friends and of course this has me thinking several times a day about flowers. Perhaps because all the seasonal blooms in Portland are sprouting out of the ground to meet the sun! I am looking forward to February's first blooms of crocuses, snowdrops, camelias, hellebores, wild narcissis, daffodils, and the intoxicating sweet scent of daphne...  A few years ago, I was absolutely delighted to come across the work of British illustrator Kate Greenaway  who had a thriving illustration business during the Victorian Era and who mostly became known for depicting her subjects in early 18th century garments....

The oldest French perfume houses are that of Guerlain founded in 1828 by Pierre-Francois Guerlain and Molinard founded in 1848 and who had Queen Victoria as one of their devoted clients. Perfume and the use of essential oils dates as bar back to the ancient Egyptians who used it for religious rituals. In the 1650s, perfumed gloves became all the range in France probably due to the fact that Catherine Medici was quite a fan of them in her native Florence and brought them with her when she married the future king of France, Henry II.   France is known the world over...

Though we can't say our own table manners are up to Victorian code, we do like to borrow a bit of Victorian holiday magic to brighten up my home during the winter season. Something about the creativity they implemented in decorating, making ornaments and creating entertainment for loved ones inspires us to spend the holidays, or just simple get-togethers, with some kind of echo to the past.  In the way of traditions, there is a something sacred about carrying on those of your elders. However, we believe there is a special feeling of joy and future-oriented optimism that one experiences when creating "new" traditions as well. Whether you've...