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Celebrating A Slice of England

July 6, 2018July 5, 20182 Comments

I immediately wanted to host an event after seeing this beautifully decorated table (and photos below) on the Instagram account of @IndiaHicksStyle. The accompanying comment said “This time last week. Slice of England.” After a bit of digging around online, I came to learn that this lovely table was designed for a dinner held last week in the garden of “American Farm”, the country English home of India Hicks and her partner David Flint Wood. The event celebrated India’s new book “India Hicks: A Slice of England” released earlier this year. Every guest received a copy of the book. But you don’t have to feel left out…you can purchase your own copy here.

images via @indiahicksstyle

Spring Has Arrived

March 20, 2018March 18, 20185 Comments

Today officially marks the first day of Spring. Happy Spring! I have been eagerly awaiting Spring because one of my main goals this season is to tackle the design of our small backyard garden. Mr. B and I opted to tackle the project ourselves (what are we getting ourselves into?) by planting a new row of privet to create a nice tall hedge and star jasmine as a pathway border. A simple, low maintenance green and white garden is what I’m going after. I am also looking to accentuate this area with a new garden bench. Do you have any great resources for garden furniture and accessories?

In the meantime, I am loving the New Orleans garden of the aunt of Jane Scott Hodges who is the owner of Leontine Linens. More of the garden can be seen here on Bettie Bearden Pardee’s website, Private Newport.

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. –Ruth Stout

I am also looking forward to all the beautiful flowers that will be in bloom this season. I was hoping to plant more in the garden for the purpose of having my own cutting garden but, frankly, it seems like too much of a commitment. Instead, my goal is to visit the farmer’s market more often to pick up more fresh flowers. The arrangement below is stunning, isn’t it?

What are your goals this season?

Fascination with Orchids

September 20, 20175 Comments

I received an email recently about the upcoming Fascination with Orchids show that, regretfully, I will have to miss. But I have a good excuse and you’ll have to read tomorrow’s post to learn why I won’t be able to attend. I digress…There are countless varieties of orchid plants that come in a variety of beautiful shapes, colors, and sizes. They get a bad rap for being known as difficult to grow. My mother-in-law had the magic touch when it came to orchids and I always enjoyed seeing her collection. I will admit that they can be finicky. But if I can grow them anyone can. They need just the right amount of light and if you find that sweet spot where they are happy do not move them. Years back they seemed like the “it” plant in home decor and they would show up in almost every magazine spread. To me, they will always be a classic and one plant that I consistently keep in my own home and on my desk at work. If you live in Southern California and are looking for something to do this weekend shop by the show this weekend, September 23-34, from 10 am to 5 pm. at South Coast Plaza. There will be orchid vendors from around the world offering an array of unique varieties, as well as displays and helpful seminars. And if you need a few ideas on how to display your new orchids then here are a few bits of inspiration. decorating with orchids_Reviving Charm

Celebrating Vogue

May 18, 2017May 18, 20172 Comments

One of my first assignments during my freshman year of high school (circa 1986), was to create a “collage”, now often referred to as a mood board or inspiration board, as a way of to helping students get to know one another. I remember my creation vividly. It was the largest in the class and impressive in size measuring in at 24″ x 36″. It was a single sheet of white poster board completely plastered with images and headers clipped from the September issue of Vogue magazine. This is my first memory of Vogue although I have been interested in style and fashion from a very early age (as a fourth grader I remember asking Santa for a pair of diamond earrings). I’ve been fond of collage ever since that first assignment and realize that I’ve used this method of presentation and graphic design in a variety of ways in various personal and professional projects throughout the years. When I decided to update my office I intentionally designed and made an oversized white linen covered bulletin board solely for the purpose of pinning inspirational images and to serve as the focal point for one wall in the space. I can’t help but think how those clippings of Vogue used for my high school project many years ago helped establish my love for the creative art of collage. Here’s a close up look at a few of the images currently on my board. reviving charm office inspiration board

Speaking of Vogue…this year actually marks the 125th anniversary of the magazine. That is quite an impressive run for a magazine, especially in today’s digital world. So how does a magazine decide to commemorate such an amazing milestone? Features Director Eve MacSweeney came up with the idea of cultivating the Vouge Anniversary Rose. After a tedious process and years of planning, the new bloom is introduced in an interesting multi-page article in the current issue Vogue. However, don’t fret if you don’t have a subscription since you can read an excerpt from the article on their website.
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The new Vogue Anniversary Rose was a collaboration with Jackson & Perkins and will be available starting next month through their website. When it comes to flowers, it’s the latest and greatest. I might even have to consider adding it to my very own garden.

A Mother’s Day Wish

May 13, 2017May 13, 2017Leave a comment

The lack of posts lately hasn’t been intentional. But given that it is Mother’s Day weekend I wanted to pop in to honor my readers that may also be mothers. I’m not a mother myself, and that’s probably a good thing, but it gives me a great reason to a celebrate the mother’s in my life. If you’re a mom I sure hope you are pampered and spoiled rotten today! What does the day hold for you?

Mother’s hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

For me, Mother’s Day and flowers go hand in hand so I thought I would share some of the flowers that recently adorned our home. If I could, I would most definitely gift you with a bouquet or bloom to call your own. Consider the lovelies in this post a virtual gift. Happy Mother’s Day!

reviving charm at home with flowers on coffee table The white orchid has been sitting on the coffee table for a couple of months. The spotted orchid is a new addition that I purchased at a garden show a couple of weeks ago. I was immediately sold after seeing the combination of butter yellow and magenta (my favorite color).

I took some of my own advice which I posted about in one of my Tuesday Tips. Last weekend I pulled some branches from a front yard tree to place on the living room fireplace mantle. When in bloom, the tree provides the most beautiful purple flowers. But the interesting foliage makes for a great display any time of the year. This arrangement keeps the mantle from looking naked since it’s one of many rooms in the house that is still “in progress”.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve seen this picture of the entry table in our living room. It is decorated with a few of my favorite books and a pretty springtime arrangement. decorating with books and flowers

There is one particular rose bush in the corner of the backyard garden that I ignore but it always manages to produce the most beautiful flowers. I happened to walk outside one day to find this cluster of beautiful blooming roses. I thought to myself, “when did that happen?” Luckily, I was able to notice in time to enjoy them before the blooms faded. garden roses Reviving Charm

Kindness Is Always in Style

April 27, 2017December 30, 20185 Comments

Yesterday was Administrative Professionals Day. Did you do anything for your staff or were you treated to something special? As a way of saying “thank you” for all my staff’s hard work and helping make my job a little bit easier there were several treats arranged for them throughout the day. One of them included a delivery of beautiful flowers. My regular florist couldn’t deliver to the office as early in the morning as I had hoped and I did not want them delivered a day before. I opted to reschedule some dinner plans in order to pick up the flowers myself the night before. I’ve used my florist for many years and when they heard of my dilemma, they offered to make a special arrangement for me to stop by after normal business hours to pick up the floral arrangements myself. It was a wonderful gesture, an act of kindness, and fabulous customer service….which reminded me of the many reasons I continue to be a loyal customer. When I got home I carefully unloaded the flowers only to have to reload them in the morning. I also got up extra early yesterday morning to allow time to pick up some breakfast treats and get into the office before anyone else. I wanted to make sure each arrangement was placed perfectly on the recipients desk so they had a pretty surprise to look at first thing when they walked into the office. What they didn’t know about was all the behind the scenes activity that took place to make it all happen. Hopefully, I made it look effortless.

When I loaded the flowers into my car I couldn’t help but notice that they matched the red leather interior perfectly!

To put it simple: “Treat others as you would want to be treated”. Words to live by. If you search the internet you can find countless quotes about kindness. Here are just a few that I wanted to highlight for you today.

Kindness is more than deeds, it is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person. –Plato

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention. –Kahlil Gibran

Kindness. One of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon another. If someone is in need, lend them a helping hand. Do not wait for a thank you. True kindness lies within the act of giving without the expectation of something in return.

Kindness is behaving in a way that makes people feel good when they are around you.

flowers for administrative professionals day

I couldn’t end this post without specifically mentioning my florist, White House Flowers. I couldn’t have pulled this off without their assistance. The owner, Mary, and her assistant Fernando always take great care of me and always remember my preferences.

If you are in need of a florist in Southern California, then definitely give them a try. They really care about their customers, provide the freshest flowers and offer great customer service. Don’t forget to tell them that Vanessa sent you!

White House Flowers
9855 Flower Street.
Bellflower, California 90706-5408

Phone: (562) 925-1238

Tuesday Tip No. 6

March 28, 2017March 26, 20172 Comments

As I was putting this post together I realized that several of my Tuesday Tips involve the use of fresh flowers. I guess that’s because flowers can create instant impact, often on the cheap and easy. With Spring officially here, I am already starting to see blooms appear on the trees in our front yard. A recent article in Victoria Magazine (that includes the photos highlighted in this post) reminded me that twigs and branches shouldn’t be overlooked as a decorating touch. Those with beautiful blooms can be particularly stunning when brought indoors. With very little effort you can create a stylish arrangement using something readily available right outside your own door. decorating with branches via Reviving Charm tuesday tip no 6 via Reviving Charm decorating with branches 3

bouquet to arts de yound fine arts museum_reviving charm blog

Bouquets to Art at the de Young Fine Arts Museum

March 20, 2017February 24, 20182 Comments

The de Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco is one of my favorite museums in California. I’ll admit that I’m not a big fan of the architecture but the Museum has been host to some wonderful exhibits, including the Oscar de la Renta Retrospective that took place almost exactly one year ago. The museum’s observation deck is also a “must see”, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the City by the Bay.This year visiting the annual Bouquets to Art exhibit at the de Young Museum was on the list of things to do while in San Francisco these past few days. The week-long art and floral event took place from March 14 – March 19, 2017, and celebrated its 33rd year. This is an event that calls upon some of the most talented floral designers to come up with fanciful arrangements inspired by the artwork and sculpture housed at the Museum. Given that today is the first day of Spring, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to share a few of the floral displays there were exhibited at the Bouquets to Art this year and in years past.

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Three images above: courtesy of the de Young Museum of Fine Arts.

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Image via kellyvorves

Image via samazamasf

Image via llaveronica

Image via shelbsdilli

Image via femiyogi

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Image via elisabethrene

TUESDAY TIP NO. 5: A UNIQUE CONTAINER FOR FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

February 21, 2017February 24, 20181 Comment

Flowers have been on my mind since my recent visit to the world famous Nuccio’s Nurseries. It’s hard to think about Spring at the moment but it will be here before you know it. Fresh flowers are my favorite part of the season and I can’t wait for all the springtime blooms and freshly cut flowers to bring indoors. I am always looking for creative ways to display flowers and I love the idea of using old cans as a container to display them. tuesday-tip-no-5-floral-arrangement-ideas-via-revivingcharm-1 This photo features a vintage oyster can that would be perfect for a seaside home although any metal can will do. Whether the can is vintage or new, be sure to select one that has a particularly unique graphic design. A centerpiece like this is sure to become a fun topic of conversation.
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If you ever decide to use a Tuesday Tip I’ve shared here, be sure to drop me a note and let me know. I’d love to hear how you’ve incorporated these tips into your own lifestyle.

Image via Coastal Living Magazine.

WORLD FAMOUS NUCCIO’S NURSERIES

February 12, 2017February 24, 20187 Comments

In Friday’s post, I mentioned wanting to buy a few new varieties of camellias for our garden this past weekend. I was keeping my fingers crossed that it wouldn’t rain because Mr. B and I planned on paying a visit to Nuccio’s Nurseries located in Altadena, California. We headed out to Nuccio’s yesterday. It was gloomy and wet but we had no rain during our visit. Mother Nature was on our side. We were off to a great start!

Since 1935 the Nuccio family has grown their nursery business into a one that has become somewhat of a horticultural niche specializing in camellias and azaleas known across the globe. We traveled over an hour to Nuccio’s and while we were there we encountered another couple from Montecito, California who happened to be repeat customers. That’s easily over a two-hour drive away…on a good day. And while speaking with one of the owner’s he mentioned something about an out of state customer. Even domestic goddess Martha Stewart has paid a visit.

As you walk up to the main entrance of the nursery you are greeted by a sign asking you not to start picking out flowers without the help of a salesperson. I was happy to see this because I came armed with specific questions and the help of a professional is something I already knew I would need.

When we walked in, Mr. B and I made a beeline for a display table filled with a wide array of camellia cuttings. We oohed and ahhed over the beautiful flowers; most of which we had never seen before. We were greeted by one of the owners, Jim Nuccio, who was very friendly and so very helpful. We mentioned a few qualities and characteristics that we were looking for in a camellia. Base on our needs, Jim was able to immediately narrow down a few varieties for us that were located on the cutting table. The cutting table is genius as it makes the selection process so much easier with so many varieties in one central location. Jim also brought out a huge photo album full of pictures for additional options. The book is not tabbed nor does it have page numbers but Jim went straight to the pages that would be most helpful for us and highlighted a few additional plant options. He definitely knows his stuff! I was originally concerned that the process might be a bit daunting but Jim made it easy-peasy. Thanks, Jim!

Here is the cutting table showing off the dazzling array of colorful blooms. Each flower is labeled by name. Below are some of the famous Nuccio’s Jewel variety.

We decided to purchase a couple of the Ferris Wheel camellias because of their beautiful show-stopping color and pattern.

Camellias are slow growing and they tend to grow upward. There is one area in our garden that we were hoping for a smaller variety. With the assistance of Jim, we selected Bonanza that has a smaller flower and grows bushier rather than upright. We debated about purchasing it in white but we selected it in red as shown below.

After we made our purchase, we wandered through the nursery and took a ton of pictures. Everywhere you turn there is something beautiful to look at.

I love that I was able to capture a few bees in my pictures. I have read that the bee population is declining so adding flowers to the garden is a great way to do our small part in helping them. Actually, it is something we mutually benefit from.

Nuccio’s Nurseries also has a cutting table for many of the azalea’s they offer up for sale.

I particularly liked the Green Glow for its unusual color and Baker’s Lavender for its feminine frilly petals.

We didn’t come to Nuccio’s expecting to buy azaleas. However, when we saw Duc de Rohan we fell in love with its unusual salmon/pink color and decided to purchase it also.

We ended up purchasing a total of six plants so if anyone needs me this morning you can find me in the garden planting our new lovelies.

If you are unable to visit Nuccio’s they will ship to you. However, if you are in Southern California I strongly urge you to visit Nuccio’s Nurseries for yourself. It’s tucked off a tiny road that we actually missed but once inside you will be rewarded with a beautiful selection and wonderful service.

Important note: Nuccio’s only accepts cash or check. If you find yourself short on cash they will allow you to mail in a check. Yes, you read that right! This is truly a family operated business and it is refreshing to know that they operate the good ‘ol fashion way.

To learn more about Nuccio’s check out this video segment by Martha Stewart and visit Nuccio’s website.

Reviving Charm

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Tag: flowers