Closed for July

Petite Surprise will be closed for the month of July. I'll be taking full advantage of my time off from the shop, busy catching up on necessary matters of life. You know, like designing a nursery and such (pictures to be posted...I promise!), among other things.

I'll drop in here and there to update you, but until then - peace, love & stay cool (especially my fellow prego mamas!)!

Eye Candy

Hello lovelies. I know I've been no where to be found. But shortly, I'll have time to breath and I promise to visit here more often. Until then, a little kitchen eye candy for you.

And a really crazy, but fun succulent...hairpiece?

Chalkboard Paint!

As promised in my column, here are my favorite chalkboard paint applications. Hope you're inspired. :)

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Happy Painting!

A Succulent {Easter} Centerpiece

This column isn't running until Easter Sunday, but what good is an Easter centerpiece ON Easter?? And chances are you won't remember next year, so here's a little preview (shhhh don't tell anyone I've posted it here..).

My Easter centerpiece this year is both unique and practical – the ultimate combination in my opinion. It features an assortment of long-lasting succulents and orchids, contained in an old dough bowl I had on hand. Throw in a cute bunny, a nest, or some eggs and you are festive in no time. The result is a lush, hearty looking display of unbelievable textures. Here’s the how-to:

1. First of all, decide what container you will use to hold your succulent garden. I recommend something large and shallow (think casserole dish size), as well as earthy for the best results. Don’t get me wrong, porcelain or a terra cotta pot would get the job done, but I love the results of the natural wood look.

2. Gather an assortment of succulents and orchids in varying heights, textures, colors and sizes. I found Walmart to have a great selection of small sized succulents, and the low-sprouted orchids were a perfect addition, brought inside from my husband’s re-sprouted outdoor collection. I also threw in a moss rose, but if you plan to keep your garden in a dark area these delicate little things probably won’t open often, if at all.

3. If your container is not leak-proof or, as in my case, wooden, be sure to line with plastic. I simply cut open a gallon sized plastic bag and spread it over the bottom of my container.

4. Begin arranging the succulents and orchids. I found it easiest to start in the middle and work my way out. I used a combination of dirt, moss, and New Zealand sphagnum moss (the moss found in most orchid plants) to hold the plants in place.

5. Fill in the empty surface areas with dry moss (or live moss if you can find it!).

6. Add decorations until your heart’s content! Bunnies and nests go especially well this time of year, but you can always add a specific color or item to fit any party theme.

7. Enjoy your garden for weeks to come. (Okay, I haven’t actually had my garden for weeks yet, so I’m not quite sure how long it will last. I’ve had good luck with succulents and orchids indoors in the past, so I’m hoping for a good couple of weeks. I plan to lightly water once or twice a week and set outside in a shady location occasionally. If anyone has a better strategy, please let me know at info@petitesurprise.com!)

Just a little side not - I love, love, love the way this turned out. The pictures don't really do it justice. It's currently on our kitchen island and my little heart smiles every time I walk past. Go make your heart happy, you'll be glad you did. :)

*New Shop Hours*

I am sorry to inform you that Petite Surprise will be open on saturdays by appointment only, beginning April 23rd. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and hope to resume normal business hours again soon.

Appointments can be made by calling 772.631.2793.

a petite surprise among other things...

happy friday!

I have some big news and the best petite surprise EVER!

There's a little bun in our oven. :)

Patrick and I are thrilled and can't wait for our little one to arrive in September.

I'm going to go ahead and blame this on the pregnancy, but I have total creative block. It seems like sleep or food is all I think about these days, and those aren't topics I'm very good at writing about. I contemplated posting on the sheer goodness of an english muffin, or perhaps a recount of the Thanksgiving meal I prepared on Monday night - yes complete with ALL the fixings. (dang cravings!) Anyways, I didn't want to bore you to tears. Here's the problem: I've got nothin.

Except for this, which technically probably falls into the food category, but I'm sure all you non-preggers out there will enjoy it just as much as I!

Drum roll please....orangelimeade!

With no coffee or red wine in my diet anymore, I've been getting a little sick of water. This is a delicious (and nutritious!) treat.

1. Gather your oranges and limes. I used honeybells and temples which are super juicy right now. Barbour's Produce has them for 10/$1. Can't beat that.

2. Juice until you have 1 cup of orange juice, and then add 1/4 cup of lime. Depending on your sweet to tart preferences, adjust as needed. (If you don't have one of these, you need one!) I used 3 oranges and 2 limes.

3. Make a simple sugar concoction. Combine 1 cup water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Boil until the sugar dissolves.

4. Combine juices, 1 cup water, and 1 cup simple sugar in a blender. Pulse until pulp is pulverized.

5. Serve over a full glass of ice and garnish with orange and lime slices. Add a straw and enjoy!

Hope you have a {refreshing} weekend!

You're Invited!

Please join us on Thursday, March 17th for a Petite Surprise 1st Birthday celebration, paired with St. Patty's Day festivities!

Stop in and say "Happy Birthday" to receive 20% off any item!

We'll be celebrating from 5pm - 8pm, and would love for you to join us for some delicious treats!

courtesy of layla grace

I'm in love.

That color, the clawfoot, the fireplace, the ceiling....love it.

via nuevo estilo

Happy {Almost} Birthday!

Somebody has a 1st birthday coming up...That's right - Petite Surprise is turning ONE! I can't believe it has nearly been a year already. A celebration is in order. Stay tuned for details.

Calypso Palms

For all you local folk - be sure to get over to the 2011 Designers Showcase home -- Calypso Palms.

I had the privilege of viewing the home and interviewing the 16 local designers. Don't miss the chance to tour the home (Feb 26-Mar 18) and support a great cause!

Look for my room-by-room tour in this Sunday's Home Edition of The Stuart News!

Bedroom Inspiration

Here's a little bedroom inspiration I've been pondering lately...

Happy Wednesday!

My birthday's coming up in a week. I'll nearly be half way to 50. Wow.

If I were going to make a birthday wish list - IF -, here's a few things that would have to be on there... :)

1. This pretty little number.

2. Or this.

3. The WonderBar.

4. Amos Lee's new CD.

5. Sam's loafers.

6. Or maybe these shiny little guys.

7. This huge gold mirror to finish off our master bedroom.

8. Perhaps a new pair of jeans.

9. Although I'm not much of a watch person, this one could possibly change that.

10. What's a birthday without a cupcake? Especially from Magnolia.