Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

 

If you have shopped our Vaughn Rd location recently, then you’ve noticed a few new ‘angelic’ additions – we’d like to let you in on the story behind these beautiful works of art…

 

Most Londoners have known all their lives about a special area of sacred ground (Highgate) situated within its northern boundaries but unlike many, Jeff Cane had never visited it.  As an expatriate living in the US, he had on one recent journey home been drawn to see and photograph the Victorian ‘Place of Angels’.  It is a place of tended wildness set aside by Queen Victoria in 1839 in which angelic statues stand powerful, noble, serene and ever-watchful.  We hear it is one of the most magical places in London (we wish to visit it ourselves!).  Jeff was brought to a ‘Place of Angels’ to look for new material of a spiritual and atmospheric nature, little did he realize that in this old and somewhat overgrown place he would witness such unequivocal splendor and beauty.

 

England being typically England, it was pouring rain the day of Jeff’s trip and he said his prayers for the weather and headed out.  The journey took about an hour, by which time his request seemed to have been partially answered, the rain had begun to stop.

 

As the last raindrops pitter-pattered on their journey from leaf to stone his eyes caught the most amazing sight – there was a mad fumble to fix the lens and at the same time figure the exposure, and an attempt to focus before a drip of water left the nose of the most exquisite angel!  Jeff had the uncanny feeling that the angel was crying; the camera reeled off about ten shots before the drip made its final and fateful journey downward.  Amazingly, as he stood there taking in the moment, no further rain touched the angel!

 

There was something very magical indeed that allowed Jeff one gray and rainy day in London to capture these angelic figures on film, we hope we have been able to share the spirit and emotion of that moment with you.

 

Funny thing is that Jeff actually resides in California…and more specifically, Los Angeles. 

 

The ‘City of Angels’.

 

Outdoor Living Essentials:

Enjoy them every season

 

One great benefit we have living in the South? Enjoying glorious warm weather (much warmer than our northern friends!) almost year-round.  Now don’t get us wrong, when Fall and Winter roll around, we experience frigid weather too – luckily we’re not buried under several feet of snow for months on end, right!? 

 

We’re privileged to live in a climate that allows us to sit on our patios, porches, and decks most mornings, noons and nights – all year long.  As the season begins to change from the hot, humid summers to the crisp, cool Fall, don’t forget to take a few minutes (or hours!) to sit outside and enjoy Mother Nature and all she has to offer!  Perhaps you aren’t so sure about relaxing on the rickety old patio furniture – or perhaps what’s left of it – all in the name of enjoying the view, but we would like to make a sweet summertime offer that you’ll surely love…

 

 

Save 50% off our entire selection of patio furniture, beautifully crafted to withstand the elements, offered in several distinctive collections including:

 

Dining sets

Deep seating sets

Chaise loungers

Sectionals

& more

 

Enjoy 30% off savings not only on our vast array of outdoor patio umbrellas (color selection may vary) but on our timeless indoor/outdoor rugs too. Available in several sizes (2’x3’, 3’x6’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’ and 8’x10’) to suit your favorite outdoor living space, our outdoor rugs are offered in five classic color palates including:

 

Black & Chocolate

Emerald & Honey

Chocolate & honey

Orange & honey

Blue & honey

All discounts are valid August 8-13, 2011 with your Garden Rewards card on in-stock items only.  Excludes previous purchases and special orders.  Cannot be combined with any other discount, coupon or offer. 

Mother’s Day – it happens every year.  Just as annual as the holiday is, you forget to find Mom something “special” every single year.  Until the last minute that is.  Does this sound oddly familiar?  If you’re nodding ‘yes’ as you read this, no worries…we won’t tattle on you!  Our mothers taught us better than that. 

 

So in honor of all of those husbands & children that search for something “perfect” and “special” each year for dear Mom (but always settle for the “that’ll work” last minute purchase), we’ve put together our very own SH&G Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help bail you out of such a pickle this year!  We’ve even broken it down into categories: Going Green, Eco-Chic, Fashion, Bath & Body, Home Décor, Entertaining, Outdoor Living & Vera Bradley.  Browse the categories below and we guarantee you’ll say “A-ha! Mom will LOVE that!” all the while knowing that Mom really will love this year’s thoughtful gift!

Here’s a few things to remember as you browse:  All prices listed are valid with your Garden Rewards card through Saturday 5/7/11 only, and style/ selection of items may vary upon store location. 

We will be closed Sunday May 8th for Mother’s Day.

 

Going Green:  Gifts for the Greenthumb

14” Mixed Container Gardens $29.99

Add instant color anywhere!

 

Annual Flats $9.96 per flat

Great for containers, beds and more – choose from Begonias, Marigolds, Vinca, Impatiens, Petunias & more.

 

 

 

10” Boston Fern Hanging Baskets $10.99 each

Proven to help improve air quality in home or office!

 

 

 

Selected Nursery-Grown Hydrangeas – 20% off

*Including Endless Summer Hydrangeas

 

 

 

All Roses 25% off

*Excluding Drift Roses

 

Shop more great in-store specials!

 

 

Eco-Chic:  Show Mom (& Mother Earth) the Love

 

 

 

Napa Firelite - prices may vary

Get the crackle & ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace, but with portability! Choose from a wide variety of colors & styles…don’t forget the gel fuel (psst! It’s the only certified “green” gel fuel on the market!).  The gel fuel burns completely clean without giving off fumes, smoke or soot.  Flame will not extinguish in wind or rain either – read more about Napa Firelites here.

 

 

 

Market Totes – prices may vary

Great for picnics, tailgates, grocery shopping and general ‘catch-all’ for the car.  Great to take to your favorite embroiderer to monogram too! Available in various sizes, patterns & colors -  monogram for show only.

  

 

Scout – prices may vary

Mom’s love to be organized, so give Mom some colorful new reusable storage bins with fun names like “Shouldah Bin”, “Junque Trunque” or “Trash Cache” – or reusable lunch bags and cooler totes that are completely insulated.  Assorted bright colors, styles and sizes.

 

 

Fashion: Style for the Trendsetters

 

 

Jewelry – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Shop our wide selection of uniquely hand-made pieces comprised of freshwater pearls & colorful gemstones all strung on woven silk thread.  Choose pieces that range from classic to modern to traditional with a twist – available in earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs & rings.

 

 

Scarves – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

A fashion must-have the past few seasons (winter or summer!) are great scarves! We have a wide variety of colors, textures, & fabrics to choose from.  Mom will love the versatility of this trend and wearing it seamlessly from one season to the next!

 

 

 

Beach/Pool Tunics & PJ bottoms – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

New this past Spring, cool cover-ups for beach/pool arrived and we can’t keep them in-stock!  Got a Mom who loves to lounge in her pj’s while sipping a cup of java? Pick her up fashion-forward patterned pj shorts or pants (with cute ruffles too!) in invigorating & fresh colors.  Sizes include: Small, Medium and Large (tunics & pj bottoms)

 

 

 

Purses & Totes -  prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Whether she’s all about business, kids or relaxation, we’ve got something that’s just her bag!  Trendy handbags, carry-all totes, and classy clutches are just a few of the fashionable finds – wide variety of fabrics, finishes, colors, styles & sizes.

 

 

Bath & Body: Spa-like Spoils

 

 

 

Shelley Kyle Collection – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

One of our decadent new arrivals, the Shelley Kyle Collection boasts an olfactory experience like non other.  Take in a small breath of any one of the 3 fragrances (Tiramani, Da Ma Mere or Sorella) and Mom will quickly drift away into a spa-like la-la-land!  She’ll feel so spoiled by the luxurious scents offered in foaming bath gel, hydrating lotion, body powder (splurge & get her the fancy powder puff to complete the experience too!) and hand-poured glass jar candles.

 

 

 

Crabtree & Evelyn’s La Source – prices may vary

We love the serenity that the 60-second Fix for hands or feet offers – a true spa-like treatment that Mom can experience in the comfort of her own home for a fraction of the cost (even though she IS worth it!).  Let her rejuvenate in 60 seconds or less at home or on the go – we promise that she’ll appreciate this one!

  

 

Home Décor & Accessories:  Magazine-Perfect Elements

 

Preserved Greens – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

One of our BEST sellers, hands down and one of our favorite recommendations!  Nothing says ‘classical chic’ quite like a gorgeous richly-hued green boxwood, now get the look in perfectly manicured ball topiaries, wreaths and balls.  Simply spritz the boxwood with a gentle misting every few weeks to maintain it’s beauty – how easy! 

 

 

Wall Art – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd location only)

Mom loves art and is always looking for a new piece to add to her walls?  Have no fear, we have a great selection of wall art to choose from.  We offer a wide variety of styles including: distressed canvases, framed art, painted canvases, & more.  Styles include modern, vintage, traditional, & even whimsical.  One of our new favorites (&  new bestseller) is our Donnie Sasser “Faceless Angels” collection…buy one of these and you’ll never go wrong!

 

 

Furniture – prices may vary

We’ve scoured high and low to bring furniture that is spot-on-trend, quality-made and durable.  Go for the gusto this year and surprise Mom with a new dining table & chairs set, armoire, occasional chair, banquette, sideboard or coffee table!  Shop our wide variety of wood finishes, leather, and upholstered furniture available in everything from tables to storage to seating. 

 

 

Entertaining:  Hostess with the Mostess

 

Beatriz Ball – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Hand-made in Mexico, each piece is a unique piece of art – another staff favorite to recommend!  Mom will love that each piece of Beatriz Ball servingware can go from freezer to oven to table – a feature only Mom’s can truly appreciate.  She’ll be wanting to serve any and everything on these pieces.  We can’t blame her – with their luxurious luster and genuine ‘sparkle’, it totally transforms any casual get together into a feast fit for royalty.

 

 

 

Dana Wittman Collection (prices may vary)

One of our newest arrivals, and by the looks of it, a new customer favorite too!  Brightly colored ceramic serving pieces adorned with the Gulf inhabitants make fun conversation starters or will help Mom remember all those fun trips to the beach.  Collection includes large serving platters, trivets, spoon rests and more.

 

 

 

Embroidered Handtowels (prices may vary) (Vaughn Rd only)

Moms never have enough hands for all the jobs they juggle, and never enough handtowels either.  We have a wide variety of embroidered and monogrammed handtowels that she will surely love.  Whether she needs one in the kitchen, powder room, or ‘just because’ – she will no doubt appreciate the thought.  Selection includes linen handtowels with various embroidered crosses, waffle-weave dishtowels with single initial, or linen handtowels embroidered with inspirational phrases or messages from the heart. 

Outdoor Living:  Living Inside-Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patio Furniture (prices may vary – 30-50% off selected sets)

We know Mom never goes out and treats herself, so give her a BIG surprise with a new set of patio furniture!  She might just faint from the surprise, but with our cushy sofas, chairs & loungers, she’ll recover just fine.  Shop Montgomery’s largest selection of patio furniture including sofa sets, dining sets, chaise loungers & more.  Save 30-50% on selected sets too! 

 

Outdoor Umbrellas (prices vary)

Mom will have it made in the shade under a new patio umbrella…we’ve got great new arrivals in assorted colors.  So crank one up for Mom as she relaxes sipping ice cold sweet tea in the shade!

 

Indoor/Outdoor Rugs (prices vary)

She will love the versatility and durability of our indoor/outdoor rugs – whether utilized in the kitchen, entryway, or patio these rugs were made to withstand everyday wear (including rain & sun!).  Select from various sizes and colors.

 

Vera Bradley:  Perfect Patterns for Mom

Just when you’re getting all comfy with Vera Bradley’s latest colors & styles – they introduce more great collections!  Meet Criss Cross, City Look & Frill as they debut April 21st!

 

Criss Cross

This exciting new offering will be a hit with Vera fans of all ages!  Soft cotton shapes are artistically embellished with our unique woven panels.  The look is casual, but very smart.  Cross over to the Criss Cross Collection, and see for yourself!  Available in Viva la Vera, English Meadow, Watercolor & Deco Daisy.

 

 

 

City Look

Hot style, summer in the city!  Vera’s popular nylon designs take on the Big City with new great shapes in sleek Caviar or fresh Lilac (both with oversized plaid linings).  New skyline-inspired quilting combined with tonal patent trim and dinstinctive metal hardware create a fashion look that goes uptown, downtown, day into night.

 

 

Frill

Introducing the Frills of Summer, each with the softly laminated cotton and cool looks that Frill fans love!  Functionality focused, the newest styles feature totally fun elements like scalloped patent trims, ruffles and a Frill logo lining.  New Frill Hair Clips and the collectible Frill charm complete the collection.  Available in new Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow!

 

 

Check out Vera’s latest promotions…

 

Little Princess, April 14^th – 24^th

 

 

For a limited time only, purchase the Little Princess handbag for just $24 (reg. $34)!  This sweet handbag is completely adorable, and all dressed up with cute ruffles!  Ideal for making a “First Vera” for a special little Princess – or even as an Easter basket from You-Know-Who!

 

Available in Watercolor, Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow – limited quantities, while supplies last!

 

 

Mother’s Day Bracelet, April 25^th – May 8^th

Purchase this limited edition bracelet for just $28!  Fashionable printed beads strung on elasticized cording, this is a gift that fits every Vera Bradley fan’s fancy!  Available in English Meadow, Watercolor, Viva la Vera and Deco Daisy.

 

 

Slim Tote, May 5^th – 8^th

 

This limited edition Slim Tote is available to purchase for just $38 (reg. $49) beginning May 5^t.  Specially designed and available only through this special offer, the Slim Tote lives up  to its name.  Lays flat against the body and sits easily on the shoulder with its long handles.  But hurry – quantities are limited!  Available in English Meadow only.

 

 

Free Gift with Purchase*, while supplies last

 

Make a $65 or more Vera Bradley purchase and receive a free gift!  Choose from limited edition Tape Measures, Mini Kisslock coin purses, and Listen Up cases for iPods and earphones– hurry in, while supplies last – quantities are limited!

 

*One (1) free gift with purchase per customer, per  transaction per day please.  Not valid on previous purchases.  In-stock colors only – while supplies last.

 

We came. We saw.  We bought. 

Oh, we conquered too. 

When spring rolls around each year, we know it means warmer weather, cheery planting season and High Point market.  We love all three, but in the throws of spring, tackling all three can be a bit much.  But, we conquered nonetheless!  And when you’re a bit fatigued from walking all over creation from one showroom to the next, ‘trying out’ those chairs & couches in showrooms isn’t such a bad perk .  It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.

Traveling and buying at the High Point market is definitely different than other markets, like Atlanta for example - we can’t quite put our finger on it, but the atmosphere is invigorating.  Rather than seeing collection in piece-meal form, you see the whole story in High Point.  It gives us a renewed sense of finding the best and most unique trends for SH&G… and a great sense of accomplishment when we find those “it” pieces! 

Look for some of these gorgeous new picks to arrive very soon!

 

 

 

Come socialize with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Hot! Hot! Hot!  Meet Vera Bradley’s newest Summer colors & styles that debut this Thursday, March 24th!

Watch Vera Bradley’s own ‘Liz on Location’ in New Orleans as she introduces you to the ‘it’ colors of Summer 2011!

Viva la Vera :  With this festive swirl of bold flowers, you can’t help catching the summer spirit!  Exaggerated motifs in hot pink and purple, sunny yellow and bright green float on a background of white sprinkled with confetti leaves.  A sweet trellis lining adds to the party.

Deco Daisy:  What’s black, white & red all over?  This deliriously fun daisy design!  Simply striking, it combines both Asian and art deco influences into a bold, lively arrangement that’s a delight to carry through summer, fall, winter and spring.  Inside, a statement making, classic houndstooth pattern.

Watercolor:  As sweet and romantic as a watercolor, this ultra-feminine design depicts soft floral bouquets in two very trend-forward shades – purple (here in its lilac and pink-lavender forms) and pale grey.  A simple, modern lining also echoes hand-painted style.

English Meadow:  Picture a field of summer wildflowers in a quaint English meadow.  Now, cary it with you!  Inspired by vintage prints and the current mircro-floral trend, this countryside-fresh bouquet of periwinkles, greens and yellows feels bright as a sunny day against the white background.  Inside, a tiny millefleurs (“thousand flowers”) garden blooms.

Enter to WIN some sweet Vera swag when you tell us your favorite new color on Facebook or Twitter by 9pm CST Wednesday March 23rd!  We’ll announce the winners on Thursday, March 24th – the day the Summer colors & styles debut at our Vaughn Rd store location! 

Tune in to Facebook & Twitter to find out if you’re the lucky winner!!

Spring is right around the corner for the River Region and that means many good things are on the horizon:  warmer weather, brighter days, gentle breezes and the chance to reclaim the traditional Southern outdoor lifestyle!   Spring is the ideal time to rejuvenate not only ourselves after a long winter, but our landscapes as well.  During winter, garden beds and landscapes often go neglected,  leaving them looking tired and sparse. 

What’s the cure? 

Receiving a healthy dose of inspiration and trusted expert advice!  Visit our stores anytime and you’ll be inspired by the visual ”treats”, or pick the brains of our experts and you’ll feel empowered with new knowledge – but visit us this weekend during our 5th annual Home & Garden Show and you’ll get a great jumpstart to your Spring planning and planting!  

 
Here’s what we’ve got lined up for the show:

• FREE seminars (Click here for seminar schedule)
• FREE consultations with Southern Homes & Gardens Landscape designers
• Introductions to special plant varieties
• Idea & Inspiration Gardens
• Debut of our Monrovia Boutiques
• Store-wide specials & MORE!

Follow us on Facebook!

Meet Linen & Boxwoods, our newest blog highlighting trends in interior & exterior design.  Learn what’s hot and on the horizon through our in-the-know bloggers at Linen & Boxwoods – don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!

Read Linen & Boxwoods latest blogpost - we hope you LOVE it as much as we do!

Our current blog that you are reading will still remain and be your source for the latest happenings, product debuts, sales, tips and more at Southern Homes & Gardens…we just couldn’t resist the chance to grow!

Home is where the heart is – and where we outwardly express our personalities through color schemes, home decor and furniture style.   Each home and its interior style says a great deal about who lives inside and what happens on a daily basis…our homes are very personal spaces, but speak so loudly on our behalf.

Style sense comes to homeowners through magazines or catalogs received in the mailbox – often spurring flourishes of “make-over madness” in one area of the home.  Style sense can hit us by a fabric we touch, a wooden chair we sit in or even a place we visit.  When incorporated together, these special style and design elements make up the very ‘personality’ our homes express – way beyond the numerical address that is assigned to it.

Traditionally speaking, most people cannot afford to completely make-over an entire room or house all in one shot – rather doing it piecemeal instead.  Whether it is painting the walls a new color (or going neutral), adding an occasional chair, rug or other piece of furniture, we all can transform a drab room or home into our own stylish masterpiece. 

For several years, Southern Homes & Gardens has carried high-quality, durable, unique and stylish furniture and home decor.  We have many varieties of furniture from dark & dramatic wood, to bleached, weathered and rustic too.  We search high & low for unique, comfortable and beautiful chairs – whether they are for dining or lounging, we carry styles suitable for every palate: wood, upholstered, woven, and leather.   We are inspired to bring high style to our customers each and every season by offering furniture and decor that is unique, yet affordable.

If you have been bitten by the interior ‘make-over’ bug recently and are itching to get started, we are offering our customers 20% off all furniture* now through December 31st, 2010!  Now that is one great way to wrap up 2010 and begin fresh in 2011…

*Discount valid 12/22 – 12/31, 2010 with Garden Rewards card.  In-stock items only – includes wooden tables (dining, side, end & coffee), chairs (wood, upholstered, woven & leather), wood armoires, chests, & cabinets.  Excludes patio furniture – other exclusions may apply – see stores for details.