The Leather Chair

I've never been a fan of leather furniture, but five years ago I found this great small chocolate brown leather chair that was priced too good to refuse. So I bought it, not really knowing what I was going to do with it. Worse case scenario I'd use it at the store in my front window display.

Well, not only has it never left the house, I have decided that every home needs one small leather chair.

This chair has been in my entry hall, family room, master bedroom and living room and it looks equally as well in all of them.

In the entry hall I placed it against the wall, next to a small piano, added a great rug and lamp...wow, instant warmth plus guest have a place to sit while taking their shoes off (which is a must).

In the bedroom I tucked into a corner, added a floor lamp, small table, a throw and some great prints on the wall behind it and again...was like it was made for the space.

It worked beautifully with soft blues, perfect with mossy greens and even added a pop to all cream/beige room. Whether your style is contemporary, country, coastal cottage, traditional or zen inspired, this chair works. So the next time you have an empty space, think about using a small leather chair (or better yet, two), you'll wonder how you ever lived without it and if you already own one try move it into another room and see how easily it transforms any space.

Summer's Best Sellers

I haven't posted anything lately, but that's a good thing. It means we have been so busy in the store that I don't have a minute left for anything else! What a summer, and what a nice surprise.

The melamine dinnerware is flying out of the store. I'm placing reorders just about every 2 weeks. The new patterns have been received with great reviews. In addition, our famous acrylic coated French linens look beautiful with the melamine patterns. Both, have been very popular items.

Ahava bath and body has also been a huge seller, and with good reason. The natural minerals from the Dead Sea used in the line are proving to be very healing for our skin. When I introduced the line into the store it was with a limited selection, but we now carry almost the entire line.

STAXX was introduced over a year ago, when the jewelry line first debuted in Dallas. Since then, the response has been overwhelming! Once you start building your rings, the possibilities are endless and with new pieces being added to the collection on a regular basis, there is always something new and exciting.

NEST candles....what can I say that I haven't already said. Laura Slatkin's line is a proven seller and my favorite candle line, which says a lot because of burned almost every candle thats ever been on the market. In just a short period, NEST has become my number one selling candle in the store. The holiday scent will be arriving in September, so be sure to get your order in now so you don't miss out. Even though I've placed a huge order for the holiday line, I am anticipating an even larger need from my customers.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and look forward to seeing you in the store at some point. I will post more after attending the shows for the fall/winter merchandise. As always, if there is a product that you love, feel free to drop us a line telling us about it. Our customers always have the best ideas!

Outdoor Living

We've been eating a lot of steamed blue crabs here, which means it's officially summer! I love to entertain outdoors and I've stocked the store with many great outdoor living items.

Our blue crab enamel tableware is perfect. Not only is it dishwasher and oven safe but you won't have to worry about breakage or chipping. Add the matching linen napkins and aprons and your on your way to having one great crab feast.

Another great seller is our outdoor rugs. We now have two rug companies that we are working with, both great products with very different looks. Our natural material outdoor rugs give a more casual feel, while our Polypropylene rugs offer a more "true" carpet feel. No matter which line you prefer both can be left outside, totally uncovered, and only need a hose to clean or refresh them.

And what better way to dress your outdoor table then with our acrylic coated French cotton indoor/outdoor tablecloths? We even eat crabs on ours then just hose it off! Did I mention we can have umbrella holes put in them too?

Both the tablecloths and the rugs come in a multitude of sizes. If we don't have the size you need we will custom order it for you, at no additional cost. So grab the mosquito spray, add some candles and enjoy the summer outside!

New Arrivals

I love spring. I love that the trees are green again, the flowers are blooming, my electric bill is lower and tourist are back on the streets of St. Michaels. But most of all, I love that all our new merchandise is arriving daily and the store looks fresh and new again!

Lollia is one of those new lines. It is a beautifully packaged bath and body line perfect for gift giving or enjoying yourself. With scents like Breathe, Relax, Inspire, Believe, Imagine and Wish how could you not need one of these? My favorite is the bubble bath, but the candles are wonderful too.

I think what drew me to this line in the first place were the names of each collection. As I was placing the order these thoughts came to mind: Take a deep breath, learn to relax, inspire to be your best, believe in the future, imagine a world of peace where wishes do come true. Need I say more?

Belle Fleur Has Arrived

Over the last 9 years the Scented Garden has evolved into an eclectic mix of gifts, home accessories, personal accessories and bath & body, but the one thing that has remained constant is our love of candles.

Belle Fleur is the newest addition to our candle line. Developed by Meredith Waga-Perez, owner of Belle Fleur, one of Manhattans most sought after floral and event design firms. My favorite scent is white orchid tea. Just the description of this candle is relaxing:

WHITE ORCHID TEA
Orchid, Peony & Asian Bergamot wrapped in Green Tea Leaves
Inspired by spiritual Zen gardens of the Far East, this rare and exotic fragrance invites tranquility and serenity. Enhanced with the delicate essence of bergamot and finished with the soothing aroma of tea, its lightness and purity will reinforce the balance between body and soul.

Other scents include Mayan Tuberose, Orange Blossom Pomegranate and Jasmine Verbena.

No matter which one you try, I promise you will not be disappointed as each candle releases just the right amount of scent to linger through your home without being overpowering. Even unlit, you will catch a scent of the candle as you walk by it.

They say the more things change the more they remain the same. I know that my love for perfectly scented candles will always be the basis for which The Scented Garden was born out of.

Spring!

Here on the east coast, March has lived up to it's reputation of "in like a lion, out like a lamb". We had 12" of snow and 70 degree weather, all within 5 days! Crazy.

I don't care what the weather does, I've moved right into spring with or without mother natures blessing. Our front window is decorated in pale blue and soft greens, our new lines are arriving daily and the spring handbags, both Melie Bianco and Big Buddha have almost sold out, and they haven't even been in the store for a full 2 weeks! I hope this trend continues because nothing makes my day better then reordering merchandise.

Tea Forte's arrival of cocktail teas has arrived, and I've now reordered on them two times. These are so much fun. Instead of adding hot water to the tea infuser, simply add your favorite alcoholic beverage. With a recipe card included in each box, tea time takes on a new meaning.

Belle Fleur is a new candle line that I just ordered. Meredith Perez is the owner of Belle Fleur Florist in NYC and she has developed a beautiful candle line. Just the box is pretty enough to give as a gift! She sent me a sample candle, jasmine verbena, and I have burned it every night. It reminds me a bit of the old Slatkin bamboo and jasmine, which was always one of my best selling scents. Thank you, Meredith, for introducing me to your line!

The Scented Garden is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, through March and then we go back to 7 days a week.

What's Up "Best Of" Voting

Can you believe it's been a year since we where voted Best Luxury Gift Store, Eastern Shore? I sure can't. I know that some people shrug such awards off, but for The Scented Garden, we were honored and would be thrilled to win 2 years in a row. We work hard on providing the best unique gifts and the best customer service. So, if you wouldn't mind voting again this year, we'd appreciate it.

Just go to http://www.whatsupmag.com/calendar/hosted-events/best-of/09-01-30/Best_of_Annapolis_Eastern_Shore_2009_Ballot_-_Voting_open.aspx

and click on Eastern Shore Link. I'm not sure why, but Best Luxury Gifts is not a category this year, perhaps because once the best wins, there is no longer a competition (OK, being modest is not one of my best qualities).

But providing "Best Customer Service" and "Best Unique Gifts" is!

2009 Trends

As I prepare to attend the Dallas Gift Show this week I will be focusing on how this current economy will impact retail trends. This is the hard part about retail. I know my capabilities and strengths when it comes to decorating, visual merchandising and customer service, but none of these qualities will do me any good if I don't focus on how the economy will effect what and how people buy and to do this I must anticipate how people will be living their lives.

My guess (and really, isn't that all any of us can do at this time?) is that people will be staying home more and entertaining at home more too. Therefore, I believe there will be a huge market in home goods, not necessarily big ticket items, but updating with home accessories that work with their existing large pieces. I also think outdoor living will see an increase, due to the fact that people will not be dining out in large groups, but staying in and having more casual get together.

The two buzz words that I keep hearing are "simplify" and getting back to the "basics" in life. The success of our bath and body lines have shown that people are learning to relax and enjoy the simple things in life such as taking a long bath or experiencing a French soap in the shower, even though grocery store soaps will accomplish the same, well, as far as getting you clean, not so much for moisturizing. Splurging on the little things that will make a big impact. Even the hot new colors are calming, simple and basic. Look for shades of pink, from pale blush to coral for both clothing and home. Beige, from metallic champagne to soft taupe will also be in the line up.

The point is, we don't stop living and we don't stop indulging in our wants and needs, we just cut back or simplify them to accommodate the changing ways of our world. I'm looking forward to this buying trip more then normally because I'm excited to see if the manufactures feel the same as I do and hopefully, that they will provide us, the retail sector, with lot's of new and fresh merchandise that will fulfill our customers needs. I'll be sure to report back and let you know as well and give you a sneak peak at the lines I've purchased for the upcoming season.

In the meantime, the new Tea Forte Collection will be arriving soon and, get this, it's all about tea infused cocktails! Goodbye afternoon tea, hello cosmopolitans, moijos and martinis!

Farewell, 2008

Some people are afraid of endings and new beginnings. Not me. I welcome them. Perhaps this comes from having moved all over the country for so many years. I either had to learn to welcome change or I would be faced with year after year of misery. I hate being miserable, it's so draining, so I learned to embrace change.

For me, the new year represents new beginnings, a chance to look back at what didn't work and make it right. A clean slate. It's exciting, it's refreshing, it's the universes way of cleansing. Ok, that may sound a bit zen like, but think about it? If you can be honest with yourself the start of a new year can be very therapeutic, and the world, especially now, could use some therapy.

We did a lot of things right at The Scented Garden this past year. The way I bought last January paved the road for success. While I never jeopardize the quality of our products, I did keep the price points at a more reasonable dollar amount, focusing on many items at $40 and under. In addition, our blog was started, our monthly newsletter was born, we were able to donate almost $4,000 to local charities, we bought "green" and our bath and body lines are now all natural and we were voted Best Luxury Gifts on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Not bad, considering the retail industry had one of it's worse years in decades.

Mostly, we are successful because of our loyal customers. When I attend the gift shows I'm always aware of my customers needs. It is not uncommon for me to see a line and think "Karen will love this" or "this is the type of gift that Linda is always looking for". So to my customers a big Thank You! The Scented Garden is only as successful as you make us.

2009 will usher in many new changes and hopefully they will all be for the good. A new President and administration will be met with some of the most difficult times our nation has ever seen. Our economy has taken on much stress, mostly due to fear and panic and but also due to greed. If you've ever noticed the pigs I have on the cash register and wondered why, it is to remind me that "pig's get fat and hogs get slaughtered". There is over 4 trillion dollars just sitting on the sidelines. People are afraid to spend, and I understand that, but WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE OUR ECONOMY. We are not helpless. We, everyday people, hold the power to make the changes that we need most. If you go into 2009 with no other goal, please, remember we have the power. Main street will always hold more power then wall street, we simply have to utilize this power.

So with open arms and a blank slate, I welcome 2009!!

Pink Christmas Tree - Breast Cancer Awareness and Wedding Cake!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Black Friday was very successful for us. We had a large turnout in St. Michaels and since I had no expectations on what to expect this year, it was a huge surprise and relief that our customers are still supporting their local retailors....thank you!

We are now preparing for Midnight Madness, Saturday December 6th. If you've never attended, you don't know what you're missing. All the stores stay open until midnight and serve food/drinks and have specials all evening. The town looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, with every storefront decked out in lights and decorations. Don't forget to stop by and see our pink Christmas tree in the store, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness.

We had our annual holiday party and, as usual, it was a fabulous night. My new in-laws surprised us with a beautiful wedding cake served with a case of very nice champagne.

And since I have a home full of guest, I'll make this short and write more next week, but for those of you who need special orders or items delivered for Christmas, Friday is our cut off date, so don't delay!

Change

I don't know about you, but I'm going through withdrawal from the election. It's a love/hate thing. All those commercials and debates bombarding us for months, suddenly coming to an end, but the one thing that both sides kept talking about is change, how it was needed and how it was good for us. I agree on both counts. So, I decided to make some changes to my home.

I wanted to buy new furniture for my family/sun room, but with the "recession" now totally underway and the retail season quickly coming to an end, I decided to make do with furniture and things I already own. First, I emptied out the entire room. Then, I brought in only my favorite pieces, some came from my living room (sofa), some from the bedroom (artwork) some from the office (large chair and half) and slowly the room started to come together. I thought if I could just have one entire room that looked put together it would be a start, instead of several rooms that were half done.

To my surprise, the larger L shaped sofa that was in the family room looks even better in the living room. So, I started working on the living room. Next thing you know, the artwork that I had in the hallway, looks great in the living room above the sofa. It was amazing how it all came together and the only item I had to purchase new was one jute rug, which I just happen to sell in the store.

Change can be scary, but in this case it motivated me to think outside the box. Sometimes when we live day after day looking at the same thing over and over we no longer see what possibilities are available to us. So, before you rush out and buy new furniture for a room, try taking everything out and slowly putting the room back together with items from other rooms. If it doesn't work, you can always put it back, that's the nice thing about change, it's always a work in progress.

NEST - Holiday Candle

I've been talking about this candle for months. It is, quite simply, the most beautiful winter/holiday scent I've ever burned...and I've burned many candles in my life. If you were a fan of the Slatkin & Co holiday candle from the past, then you will love this scent because it is the creation of Laura Slatkin. When I walked into Laura's home in New York and smelled this candle burning I knew immediately that I had to order double what I normally would.

"The aroma of a sparkling holiday season is created by blending pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber will fill your home". Nest burns clean, long and true to scent right down to the bottom. I know this because I burn one every night in my home. In fact, it is the only candle my husband request.

The Scented Garden stocks all 4 sizes available.

single votive for $12.00, 8.1 oz $32.00, 3 wick $68.00 and the gift set of 6 votives $32.00. Call today to order for both your home and your gift giving, but don't delay because this was a limited pour, meaning once they are gone, I will not be able to get more in this year.

Thanksgiving Table Decor

Wasn't I just writing about Easter?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love to cook (check out my sisters blog, where I am a guest writer, http://www.homecooksonline.com/) , I love to eat, I love to celebrate where gifts are not involved (yes, even a retail gift shop owner gets overwhelmed with gift giving) and I love setting a beautiful table.

One of the nice things about Thanksgiving is you can find most, if not all, of your table decorations in your own backyard or local farm stand. Think colorful leaves (perfect for name cards), magnolia branches spread down the center of the table mixed with bittersweet, berries, pumpkins, gourds, corn. I even have geraniums that will still be in bloom. I like to mix real and fake too. A large wooden bread bowl filled with oranges, apples, nuts and some decorative fall ornaments will make a beautiful display. Add some candles and you're done!

Don't forget about linens. If you never use real linens, this is one day you want to. I love the new fall colors on my French jacquard linens. One even has pumpkins on it. Our cut off date is approaching fast for guaranteed delivery though.

And lastly, bring out every bit of crystal and dinnerware that you have stuffed in those cabinets. Don't worry if it all matches or not, by the time you finish with the centerpiece, linens, candles and lots of wine, all your guest will notice is how festive your table looks. Enjoy, and remember, no matter how bad you think your life is, there is always someone who is much worse off, so be thankful!

New Merchandise New Husband!

Well....a lot has been going on since I wrote last. We are receiving all of our new merchandise, daily. From the much anticipated Nest Holiday Candle by Laura Slatkin to gifts from Tea Forte and I GOT MARRIED!!

Most of you know him, Alan Poore. He has been my soul mate and partner for the last 9 years and now he is my husband! We flew to the Bahama's and we were married on the beach. Very romantic.

Ok, back to the store. For those of you interested in new linens for your holiday table, the cut off dates for special orders is 11/05/08 for Thanksgiving and 12/05/08 for Christmas. Of course, you can place your orders now and we won't have to rush about!

Don't forget about PSA Essentials custom stamps. The Christmas cut off for guaranteed delivery is 12/10/08.

October 24-26th is Fall into St. Michaels. Always a great weekend filled with much fun, especially for the kids. Hope to see you all here.

And lastly, this years Christmas Tree theme in the store is PINK! With a portion of all holiday ornaments sales going to breast cancer awareness. I'll post pictures of our pink tree as soon as we get it up.

Handbags

I love fall! Not only the weather, especially on the east coast when the leaves start to change, there's a nip in the air and you can sleep with the windows open, but also because my colors are fall colors.

Chocolate brown, moss green, mustard and eggplant. And this year, those just happen to be the hot colors for handbags.

We just received two large shipments from Big Buddha and Melie Bianco, my favorite lines. It's so refreshing to see color in the fall line up. In NY for fashion week they were showing all of those colors with a different degree of shading. From plum to purple, cream to mustard yellow, taupe to chocolate and hunter green to army green......and now you can find the hottest shades in handbags at The Scented Garden.

9/11

Today, I won't write about new products, my store or shopping. Today, as I sit here remembering 7 years ago I can only focus on what was our nations biggest tragedy on our homeland.

There are certain events in our lives that remain so crystal clear that one can simply close their eyes and it's as though a movie begins playing in our mind. For me, September 11th, 2001 is that day.

It began as a normal day. I was getting ready for work, the exterior of our home was being painted and Alan had already been working for several hours. Every morning I call him to say "good morning", since I don't see him when he leaves. As I was reaching for the phone the TV in the background caught my attention. Good Morning America was reporting that there had been some kind of an accident involving a plane and the World Trade Center. At the time, they didn't know it was a jet. I sat down on the ottoman to watch and listen. I don't know how long I sat there that day. I never opened the store. I was frozen in place as the days horrible events unraveled. I remember calling Alan several times with updates, and he would pass the information on to the other waterman on the radio. I remember running outside a few times to tell the painters what was going on, and I remember sitting in total shock as I witnessed the second plane hitting the second tower. I'm not a terribly religious human being, more spiritual, but I know I said "oh my god" a hundred times that day and prayed that people were able to get out.

As the morning went on it would only get worse, with reports of a plane hitting the Pentagon (which is only an hour from St. Michaels), a plane going down in Pennsylvania. Never in my lifetime had I felt so vulnerable in my own country.

Seven years later and the pain is just as strong. I will refrain from any political viewpoints, although I must comment on my disappointment in how some political leaders have continued to use 9/11 to induce fear into our country for purposes other then protection.

I didn't know anyone directly involved with that day, but I grieved along with the families, friends and loved ones who did and my thoughts and prayers are still with them today.

New York New York

Well, I'm back from the New York International Gift Fair and do I have a ton of stuff to tell you!

Sharon and I left on Saturday. We love to drive to Wilmington DE and catch the train into Penn Station. From there we hop in a taxi and stay at the Sheraton New York Towers. Great location, 53rd and 7th. As usual, Sheraton did not upgrade us....even though we are part of their Preferred Guest program, oh well, I have to remind myself that I'm no longer a hotel princess as I was in my previous life.

Anyhow....rooms weren't ready (big surprise there) so we stored our luggage and off to the show we went. After receiving so many emails from my readers and customers, we focused on gift items under $50.00, as you requested. Sharon said we walked 5 miles that first day (she wears a counter, I prefer not to know why my feet are aching so badly).

We had dinner at a great little place that I can't remember the name of, but the steak au poivre was outstanding.

Now, onto the exciting news. Sunday night we were invited to attend a private cocktail party at Laura Slatkins home to preview her new line of candles called NEST. If you were a fan of the Slatkin line from the past, you are going to love this new line. Holiday is back in the collection and I swear it smells even better then before, if that is possible. The everyday scents will amaze you. Pink Jasmine and Bamboo are my two favorites, but honestly, I love them all. The entire line will begin arriving at The Scented Garden next week, with the Holiday collection shipping October 1st. We are excepting pre-orders on the Holiday line to ensure that everyone who wants it gets it. Place yours today 410-745-4006. For those of you who requested The Scented Garden's private line soy blend candle, it's coming back to, but in limited supply, so be sure to reserve your's today.

As the new merchandise starts to arrive, I'll be sure to post updates here on the blog site, so be sure to check back often for sneak previews of all the new lines we bought.

I need your advice!

Most of you are enjoying the final weeks of summer, but here, on the retail front, we've been finished with summer for months now. That's the downside of retail, one never gets to truly enjoy the season we're in because we are always buying and planning for the following season.

I'm already into the holiday season.....can you believe it? I did most of my buying for fall and some holiday in Dallas last January, but now I'm off to the New York International Gift Fair. My goal is to find more great holiday gifts so my customers won't have to fight with the huge crowds at the malls. That's where you come in. I figure who better to ask then my customers.

So, if you wouldn't mind taking a few minutes to answer the following questions, I would greatly appreciate it.

How much do you plan on spending, on an average, for gifts this year?

What type items do you find the hardest to find? (hostess, girlfriend, gifts under $25.00, etc)

Will you be purchasing any gift cards or gift certificates?

When do you expect to purchase the majority of your gifts? (by thanksgiving, a week before Christmas/Chanukah, the day before you have to give it:)

I was recently interviewed by a major retail magazine on the subject of gift cards: http://www.giftshopmag.com/2008/summer/gift_retail_management/gift_cards_at_your_gift_shop

I feel since my target is more women buying for women, that gift cards and certificates tend to be to generic. I have found my customers would rather give a gift that shows how well they know the recipient and that they took the time to shop for them. I look forward to hearing what my readers and customers think.

You can leave your comments here or feel free to email me.

Thank you for your feedback, and I'll fill you in on my gift buying when I return!

Parting With Objects That Don't Work

We have all been there. Whether it's regarding decorating, relationships or clothing. We have something that we keep trying to make work, but it doesn't.

I'm not really qualified to give advice on relationships, and I hate buying clothes so I'll stick to decorating.

Many times a customer will come into the store and I sense that they are torn about a certain item, should they purchase it or not. I usually start the conversation with "tell me about the room you're considering this item for, colors, style etc." and most of the time they begin with "well, I have this rug (or artwork, or sofa) that I really don't like so I'm trying to make it look better". At the risk of losing a sale, but gaining a trusted customer, I tell them, DON'T! Buying more stuff in an attempt to make something you hate look better never works. All you end up doing is dumping more money into a room that will never give you a feeling of satisfaction, so just get rid of it and start new.

I'm guilty of this. I bought a large piece of artwork that I fell in love with. After hanging it in the room I was convinced it was perfect for, I realized that it didn't work with the sofa (which I've always hated). So, I bought new pillows for the sofa...still didn't like it. Maybe it needed a new rug, so I brought in a new rug...nope...still hated it. Ok, perhaps if I hung some other artwork in the room that complimented the new piece it would work...hate it. By the time I finished buying new stuff (right down to new placemats and napkins) I stood back and realized the sofa just had to go. I had already invested enough money trying to make this sofa work that I could have bought a new one (see picture above, my new dream sofa)

So, if you find yourself constantly trying to make a room work, be honest and step back, look at the room, keep the things you love and get rid of anything that is not bringing you pleasure no matter how much sentimental value it holds or even if it's still functional. Hmmm, perhaps I could give relationship advice.......

Snakes & Specials?

So, you ask, what the heck do snakes and special deals have in common? Well....let me tell you about my morning.

I had planned on taking the day off and relaxing by the pool. No work, no worries, no phones. Everything was going along as planned until my yellow lab, Mushka, started barking. As a dog owner, you learn to understand what each bark means. For example there is the "I have to potty NOW" bark, or the "Hello, is anyone going to feed me today?" bark and of course the one that melts our hearts "Yeah!! Your Home!" bark.

Today, I didn't get any of those, but rather the exclusive "Oh my god, come quick" bark. Startled, I lifted my head from my comfy lounge chair and OH MY GOD, there is a huge (and I mean at least 8 feet) black snake slithering out of the pool, while a frog is swimming around the deep end going crazy!!

I'm going to guess the snake followed the frog into the pool, in hopes of having dinner, because next to the pool was a dead fish which I'm guessing the snake ate but then realized live frogs looked tastier so, up with the fish and into the pool for the frog.......(and you guys thought my life was so glamorous). Being the animal lover I am (snakes aren't animals, though, are they?) I quickly rescued the frog and placed him back into the large pond where he lives. The snake...I have no idea where he went, nor do I care, as long as it was far far away from my house.

Ok..so, what's all this have to do with special offers? Nothing really, except after the above incident took place, I decided I really shouldn't be spending time in the sun (or the yard or anywhere close to where that damn snake might be hiding), so, I came into the house and sent out a new newsletter from The Scented Garden, and in it, we are having email only special deals along with random monthly email giveaways. But, you have to sign up for (see the sign up box below) the newsletter to be a part of all these great savings and deals!

Hope everyone is having a great snake-less summer......

Unclutter Your Life

We had company over the weekend (loved seeing you Trevy & Bill!) and although it was family I wanted the house to look nice. I decided to tackle my home office first. Since I don't have an office at the store, this is where I run my business from.....and it looks it. Stuff everywhere! Somehow I do manage to find what I need and I even have a pretty good system going, but to an outsider it simply looks like the "junk" room.

Standing in the doorway, feeling totally overwhelmed with my project, I tried to think of a way to make my office look better, and then I remembered I had the perfect solution...a new line of storage bins that I brought into the store last month called Bungalow! These bins are the best...sturdy, cute and boy can they hold a lot. After I brought 3 home, I had the office uncluttered, organized and looking great in less then 2 hours.

Now I'm trying to think of other uses and the possibilities are endless. One in the mudroom for dirty flip flops, one in the laundry room for clothes, be it dirty ones or folded ones. One in my bathroom for my hairdryer, curling iron, flat iron, blow dryer (ok..I know, no one person should have to use all of those devices, but you don't know my hair). I love these bins...so much so that I just placed another huge order for the store, so be sure to stop by soon and get one to help make your life more organized.

Vera Bradley Outdoor Rugs

Finally!! Someone has come up with an outdoor rug that looks and feels just like the wool indoor ones and leave it to Vera Bradley to be the one to accomplish this.

I have bought so many outdoor rugs in my endless journey to find one that not only looks and feels good but can withstand mother natures elements in addition to Marley and Mushka's elements (my dogs, in case you didn't know) and these new 100% mod acrylic with a latex-reinforced backing fit the bill. I just hose them off and they are good to go.

They are available in 6 of her most recent and popular patterns (think quilted handbags) and I'm in love with all of them. So much so that I now have to buy all new cushions to match my new rug. Thankfully, my Le Cadeaux melamine plates still work.

The Scented Garden stocks the 2 smaller sizes and can drop ship the 2 larger ones. Call for details...but hurry, they won't help much in the snow!

The Art of Tea

I had always been anti tea drinking. I think this came about after having attended a corporate wives "tea party" in my previous life. I remember sitting there all dressed up in the middle of the afternoon, a cool 100 degrees of pure Dallas heat, a group of women who I had nothing in common with, sipping hot tea and the smallest sandwiches I've ever seen (canapés, if you are serving them, tiny sandwiches if you are eating them).

Driving home that afternoon, I almost had a car accident, and after I stopped shaking, it dawned on me how upset I would have been if this is how I had spent my last day on earth. I made some life changing decisions that day...all of them for the good, including learning to enjoy tea, both for the flavor and the benefits.

Tea Forte is a beautiful line of teas. I personally enjoy the green tea collection. As most of us now know, studies have shown that antioxidant-rich green tea can reduce heart disease, cancer, signs of aging and overall mortality. I figure two cups a day of this miracle drink and I can keep at least 2 bad habits and still be healthy!

For those of you who don't like hot tea, Tea Forte has developed "tea over ice". A beautiful heat resistant double pitcher set. Pour boiling water over the infuser in the top pitcher, steep for 3-5 minutes, pour over ice in the bottom pitcher and enjoy the most perfect ice tea!

What ever your feeling on tea is, I encourage you to try this line. Who knows, maybe it will even bring a life changing experience into your life.

The French Farm

In my quest to always find the perfect gift, I came across a line of French foods that are perfect!

Two of my favorite items are the French honey and the old fashion citrus hard candies. Both, make the perfect hostess gift.

The honey is unlike anything I've ever tasted before. Creamy with a buttery texture, it comes from the lavender fields in France. I never realized the flower in which the bees pollinate would make such a difference in the taste of the honey.

The hard candies are smooth and soothing, not to tart, not to sweet. They come packaged in an old fashion candy jar with a ribbon.

We also carry Fleur de sel, or sea salts, that come from the salt ponds in France as well as many different whole peppercorns. And don't miss the butter cookies...just the cute tin is worth buying!

When looking for your next hostess gift, think outside the box and try something new from The French Farm. Sometimes I think we get invited to parties just for the hostess gifts we bring, so don't be surprised if your gift guarantees a return invite.

We Won!

Congratulations to us and thank you to our customers who voted The Scented Garden "Best Luxury Gifts" in What's Up magazines Best of the Eastern Shore.

This is a huge compliment considering all the wonderful stores we have both in St. Michaels and Easton along with the rest of the Shore. We are thrilled that our many years of commitment to our customers has been recognized.

If I had to sum up our success it would be:

Treating our customers as though they are guest in our home.

Researching new merchandise lines for the best quality at the best price point.

Visual merchandising our products.

Commitment to the community.

Best sales staff I've ever had the privilege of working with.

Great Customers!

Thank you again, to all who voted for us. It is truly an honor.

Recession Proof

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. Here in St. Michaels the weather was perfect and the tourist were plentiful. I love seeing the town come to life.

This first long weekend of the summer was a little unpredictable, with all the warnings of recession. I was concerned that we would experience a shortage of visitors as well as a shortage of buyers. I was pleasantly surprised on both counts. I'm not denying that we may be headed toward a recession, or as Mr. Buffett announced today, we are already in one, but like many of you I'm a bit tired of this fear factor that the media and even our own government continues to instill upon us daily. Yes, gas prices are climbing, but Europe has dealt with rising gas prices for a long time and the Euro is strong. Maybe I'm being naive, but I think recessions are the result of Cause and Effect.

Cause:Media/Politicians report we're in a recession, even though economically there is no proof.

Effect: People panic and stop buying goods.

Result: We fall into a recession.

It's a bit like "what came first, the chicken or the egg".

We can still support the economy and cut back. Set the thermostat on the A/C a few degrees higher, and close drapes/blinds to keep the sun out. Run your pool a few hours less each day. Make a list of items you need so when you do run errands you can be gas smart about it. Use coupons at the grocery store, but only for items you normally would buy, otherwise they cost you money. The TV is not intended to be background noise, if you aren't watching it, turn it off. Unless you are reading, lights are not necessary during daylight hours. These may be small changes, but overtime they will add up.

As a retailer I anticipated people cutting back...but not to the point that they stop shopping. So, when I bought last January for the summer season I made sure that I bought items that were of high quality, but more affordable for my customers. I did not bring in the $80.00 candle line, but instead I found one that cost $30.00 and I must admit I think it's even better then the more expensive ones. I bought in larger quantities to keep my shipping cost low and took advantage of show specials like a cap on shipping, free shipping or 10% off specials. I'm happy to report that I was able to pass these savings on to my customers. The only price increase has been a slight one on the French linens, due to the Euro exchange.

Have I recession proofed my business? I've tried to do what I can, but life goes on, and I would rather look at these times as a necessary economic adjustment that will result in positive change. Besides, I'm in it for the long run. And as the owner of the business in the above picture has so brilliantly stated "I refuse to participate in a recession".

Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware

As I sit here writing this my grass is being cut, the pool water is finally blue, my flower boxes are in full bloom and I have sweet white corn on the cob shucked and ready to steam for dinner....all this means one thing, it's SUMMER!! Ok, it's not officially summer, but close enough for me.

We don't entertain that much in the winter months, but come summer our home is filled with good friends, good food (always including steamed blue crabs) and frozen drinks, poolside. I'm not a fan of paper plates, so when I found this line of heavy duty melamine dinnerware I knew if my customers didn't find the practicality in using them for outdoor dining, I would. Not only is it now the only dinnerware I use all summer, but many of my customers are hooked too, especially the boaters.

La Cadeaux has brought us some of the most beautiful Italian inspired patterns that I've seen. Dishwasher safe, heavy duty, and very inexpensive, with pieces ranging from $10.00 to $24.00, not to mention kinder on our environment then paper plates. Our acrylic French coated tablecloths match perfectly and can be used both indoors and out.

The Scented Garden stocks at least 4 patterns, and more can be custom ordered. Be sure to stop by soon and see the latest patterns, Havana (cute blue roosters) and Sunflower.

Cool Pillows from Catstudio

It's hard to find handmade - made in America - merchandise that doesn't break the bank, but somehow Catstudio has done just that.

These HAND EMBROIDERY pillows from their geography collection offers a pillow for every state in the country, 14 different regions, 19 cities, 7 countries and 4 parks. Each pillow is done by HAND (yes, I said it again, by hand, I'm still blown away by that) being unique in nature, since each embroiderer incorporates a certain flair and signature to their work.

Now, you're most likely thinking...ok, Helen, how much? Well...take into consideration that each one is done entirely by hand (I'm still amazed, especially since I can't even sew a button on) the $148 to $205.00 price is a steal.

I have so many friends who live in other states that these pillows will be at the top of my gift giving list. Dallas for my girlfriend who hates it, but lives there, Palm Springs for my mans brother who has everything one could imagine, Virginia for my sister who left me here in St. Michaels, Texas for all my Ex's :) the list goes on.

Let me know where your favorite person lives and we'll have at least one pillow that will make the perfect gift.

History of the Hat

There seems to be no grey area when it comes to hat lovers. Either you are, or you're not. Either you look great in one, or you don't. Personally, I've always loved hats and thankfully, I fall into "look great in one" category, if I do say so myself, but my real reason for loving hats is their ability to cover my frizzy big hair on the most humid of days.

Funny how the hat has come full circle. Initially, hats were worn as a protective device, then they became a sign of authority, later, as a form of art and etiquette, followed by a fashion statement, and now, once again, we return to a must have protection against the elements of nature.

My pet peeve is people who don't know how to wear a hat. I have to restrain myself from going up to strangers and fixing the way their hat is sitting. A hat should skim the eyebrows, since you want it to frame your face and accentuate your eyes. A hat should NEVER be worn where the rim is standing on top of your head, unless, of course, you are going for the "don't I look ridicules" statement. And, if you have long hair, please, pull it back so it does not look as though your hair is growing out of the side of your hat. I'm sorry, I know that sounds cruel, but some things are just not acceptable, and improper hat wearing is on the top of my list.

Buying hats for the store is one of the highlights for me at trade shows. I will spend hours trying on every hat before placing an order. From basic straw hats, to one of a kind custom hats, ranging in price from $20.00 to $400.00. I even found a wedding hat once, that was so breathtaking and strikingly beautiful that I considered getting married again, just to wear it!

As if protection from the sun and preventing premature aging isn't a good enough reason to start wearing hats, perhaps the fact that men love women in hats is. There is something mysteriously sexy about a woman who covers her head.

The secret to wearing hats actually has nothing to do with facial features or body type...it's all in the attitude of the person wearing the hat, find that, and every hat will look great on you.

Sensual Products from Jimmyjane

I love massages, mostly receiving them, but on occasion, giving them too. I've never been a fan of massage oils, finding them to be overpowering in scent (they all smell like medicine or vanilla extract, ick) and greasy. So in the past I've reached for the body butters, but they are cold on contact and you have to apply so much of the product to make the massage last longer then 10 minutes (of course, if I'm the one giving the massage, this is plenty of time:).

When I read about Jimmyjane's massage candles, EMBER, I had to have one. I ordered the Ginger & Date (The crispness of fresh Ginger is warmed by the burnt sugar hint of sun-drenched Date. This pair of aphrodisiac scents entices with its rich notes and warm embrace) and anxiously awaited for my new product to arrive.

Three days later I receive my candle. The first thing I noticed was how soft the wax was, but this turned out to be a good thing. After lighting the candle and letting it burn for about 15 minutes until there was enough of a "puddle", I blew it out and poured the hot wax into the palm of my hand. It was perfectly heated to the most comfortable level for a hot oil massage. I quickly phoned my man and told him about my new purchase and the rest of this story will stay....ummm...private, except for the part where I purchased the entire line for my store.

Jimmyjane's massage candles are made with the highest quality natural cosmetic-grade waxes and other plant extracts. During a massage, EMBER nourishes and hydrates the skin.

The Scented Garden sells all 6 scents available, each offers a unique pairing of aphrodisiac scents - a base note that leads the way, plus a charismatic top note to set the tone. As the company claims "our candles put sexy in the air, where naughty is nice and sexy is smart". No denying that statement, especially if you purchase one of the personal massager's that are offered within the line.

With products like this, every night can be a special occasion (well, maybe 3 nights a week)....