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’.

 

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

You may see Matchstix and say, “hey, they’ve had that awhile” or “I’ve seen that in the store before” or even better, “I have that already and I want MORE!”.  Yes, it’s true – we have carried Matchstix frames for a few seasons now, and they are STILL going strong!  As soon as we have displayed our latest re-order, it’s time to place another. 

Matchstix frames, plax and message boards are a fun & unique way to showcase what’s dearest to you.  We often hear parents or grandparents tell us that they started a little ‘collection’ of their own with their children or grandchildren’s photos, but often come back as another precious face has been added to their brood and thus, they need another frame for their collection! 

However, if you’re ‘new’ to Matchstix…let us familiarize you!

Matchstix is a unique collection of non-traditional, distressed wood frames, “plax”, message boards and display stands.  Each stacked/layered frame of different mediums comes in various sizes (4×6, 5×7, 8×10), quantity combos (single, double or triple photo) in one of four color combinations and are capable of complimenting almost every mood of home decor.  Not into frames? No problem…check out the fun message boards, word plax (“Believe”, “Pray”, “Love”), or Happy Crosses that Matchstix also creates!  Bellamy Saia, Matchstix creator, always strives to keep family and religion in all parts of her life, including her unique creations…just look for the sweet photos of her own family displayed in the products!  We promise you’ll want to take one home, but we bet you won’t be satisfied with just one!

The wildly colorful  Dana Wittmann Collection comprised of whimsical nautical and gulf-inspired inhabitants, is one of our newest collections added to the Vaughn Road store.  You’ll find the beautiful platters, plates, trivets & spoonrests are an ideal addition to any kitchen as function or fashion.  Each piece is guaranteed to add life & zest to wherever it is used or displayed with its vibrant colors and designs!  Be sure to look for the special “cross” marking, Dana’s symbol for the thanks she gives to God for the talent He has given her.  Add any piece of the Dana Wittmann Collection, to your home or table and fall in love for life!

However, don’t blame us when you suddenly have a undeniable urge to head to the beach, or crave seafood upon viewing Dana’s work!  Just promise us that you’ll invite us first!

Dana, a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, wanted to share the culture of the south in her designs: shrimp, crab, colorful fish & more. As Dana so expertly explained, “I am a coast girl, as a little girl I grew up on the water.  I love beaches and the bayou’s.  They are God’s expression of beauty. I love fun art, things that bring joy and color into people’s homes.  My hope is that these pieces will bless people’s homes like they have mine and my family and friends.  Home is where the heart is.”

 We’ve added a few new artist collections to the store lately and we thought we should introduce you!  For the next few days, we hope you enjoy getting to know the artists and their amazing designs and projects!

If you’ve shopped our Vaughn Road location lately, you’ve no doubt noticed the gorgeous  & majestic “Faceless Angel” canvas paintings.  These amazing works of art are the inspirational designs of Montgomery native, Donnie Sasser!  According to Donnie, “iInspiration and angels are everywhere, if you’re ready to appreciate them” – we couldn’t agree more.

 

You may be wondering what most first time viewers of his work wonder, “why faceless angels?”  Donnie explains, “the answer is both simple and complex, one that requires a great deal of reflection or the most simplistic thinking”. Donnie goes on to say, “ I like to think that each of them is as different as the angels among us that they possibly represent.  To one person, a group of angels might be their family, another might be their best friend, a teacher or caregiver”.

 

We love that such an individual feeling is really quite universal in meaning.  Now, like Donnie, when we view his works of inspirational art we should pause to consider, “who was my angel today” or perhaps even better, “was I someone’s angel today”?

Donnie’s Faceless Angels make gorgeous and meaningful additions homes in just about any room: family room, children’s rooms, nurseries, & more.  Shop our wide selection of varying sizes of “ Faceless Angels” in wrapped canvas or flat canvas.  Give the gift of a Faceless Angel and watch the delight and gratitude spread across the recipient’s face!