With my mind on my money

I'm up to my eye balls in paper work, I really wish I had payed more attention in grade 11 accounting. Instead I passed notes back and forth with my best friend Brittany Smith about how fabulous our lives would be when we grew up and got out of that godforsaken place. That was true. We are leading fabulous lives and still best friends but gosh, I'm a terrible accountant. I just want to play with flowers all day but if I'm going to build this business into something worth anything I've got to be able to wear the business lady hat and, like a doctor, work my laser like a pro. I should be able to shout out stats at any given moment. "Today's sales are down from yesterday by 3.2%." "I'm forcasting, based on my calculations, a very prosperous 2019." But I can't confirm this yet.
Kids, pay attention. One day, you might want to run your own business...successfully.
Did I mention, I'm tired. Sorry, I'm usually sunshine and dance parties.
But today, "I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind." Snoop Dogg said it best but this is awesome.
Alison xo

Dance Sunday

This morning I had an important meeting with a lovely couple getting married this summer. I prepared samples of possible arrangements in various sized vintage jars and bottles.


This process has affirmed for me that this is what I was born to do. The joy I feel while working is overwhelming. I'm so blessed. I feel that my style is really developing and when I look back just a few months ago, I can see real growth. I confidently stated to the family that what they see is pretty much what I do, and aside from changing blooms and containers, ultimately they have to decide if they like my style.



Obviously, I want them to choose the florist they're most comfortable with and suits their needs best. It's an important day. I have a secret girl crush on Laroux, (bride to be). She's just the neatest gal in town, and her fiance and the rest of the family, well they're just so pleasant. Not sure if she reads the blog but if so, it's out of the bag. : >




It's pouring rain in the middle of January. How odd. That's why we need to have a dance party more than ever! Seek pleasure in every moment! On a dreary day like today, you need to dance harder than you normally would. Might I suggest you get your freak on and dance it off people. Old school MJ. I wish gangs would adopt his way of resolving conflict and have a dance off.
Click here and shake it!!




Peace out!!
Alison xo

Note to self

When someone graciously offers you free vases that are otherwise going to be smashed, you take them! Just be prepared for 2 SKIDS to show up at your door. That's right 2 SKIDS.
If it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. John, a kind person and patron of Coriander Girl, thoughtfully offered me these "27 high torpedo vases before taking them to the dump and I'm seriously greatful. These are crazy beautiful, quality glass vases that are worth at least $50 each. I would just like to point out the hilarity of me expecting ten of them. If you know anyone who is having an Italian wedding please, please send them my way.
Warren(lawyer beside me) took a few, Sean (gallery owner on the other side of me took a few), Coriander Dad took more than a few and already has his Christmas shopping done for next year.
I've got some plans up my sleeve for this stash of bad ass glass! Say that five times really fast. Stash of bad ass glass, stash of...


And then Maisy showed up. Have you met her yet? She is one of my best dog friends. Her mama, Karyn, my friend and owner of The Workroom, would bring Maisy to her shop, where I would come to take refuge daily. The Workroom became a second home. "Craft therapy" -that's what I called it. Sometimes I'd cry over my sewing machine. Karyn was amazingly supportive, whenever I cried she'd bring out the cake- okay so maybe it was "Craft and dessert therapy" But seriously, life was more manageable after a day of crafting and tea drinking. I'd pack up whatever bag I'd just made with all my supplies and trudge home through the snow to my apartment in the sky. I was six stories up and surrounded by windows. This new, sun filled apartment was the perfect place to heal. My new life as a single woman in search of truth and beauty began when I opened the door to #401. From here I learned how to be happy on my own. I decided I'd only pursue things that brought me pleasure. My goal was to surround myself with good people and to live joyously. I can't believe how far I've come and so many beautiful friends to thank. And everyday there was Maisy- sitting on the couch at The Workroom with her chin resting on my legs, as dependable and as loyal to me as a mother to her children. Maisy is definitely in the running to becoming Coriander Girl's next top doodle.

This is too much fun!

The shine still hasn't warn off and probably never will. I feel like Corey Heart, I gotta wear my sunglasses at night yo.
How are all of you? Enjoying this balmy Saturday? This weather has been great for the shop as many people feel the need to come out of hibernation and live again! It's been a very busy day, full of challenges and triumphs. A lovely lady came in to order centre pieces the other day and we were both like, "I know you." Her name is Gillian, she's super cool and it turns out we took a class together at The Workroom. Ah, The Workroom, if you haven't been there yet, I beg you to check it out. Karyn Valino is over there rocking the worlds of crafty hopefuls and I believe responsible for a DIY revolution!


Gillian's centre pieces, chalk full of anemones, purple and white- glorious smelling freesia, lysianthus, hydrangea, berries and wax flower. Orgazmo! "Waiter, I'll have what she's having."




Just a minute ago some fabulous ladies came in the store, for a second time today, they were in earlier. Nancy bought my beloved turquoise Ransbottom vases. I'm a tad heart broken to see them go but so happy they went to someone who might just adore them as much as me. I think they went for a steal of a deal because I know how valued they are by their owners.
This song expresses how I feel. Click here and imagine the montage of moments between me and the vases.

Feelin' the love

Valentine's day isn't far away and for all those people who say, "I don't need a day on the calendar to tell me to love my partner more." Oh poop! Lighten up and spread the love foo! And if you don't have someone to give it to, give yourself one big healthy dose of self lovin. I say this with only love in my heart, because for a time(relationships past) I rejected Valentine's day on the inside. Feeling this imposed pressure to give more love, when I felt I already gave enough but wished he gave more, but resenting the gifts he bought because he was obligated by the date. It turns out, in a healthy and happy relationship, Valentine's day is just another wonderful day of lovin without forced sentimentalism. You don't have to take part in the overly commercialized, "Hallmark" Valentine's day. You can just squeeze your doodle a little tighter that night, have some wine, some chocolate, and maybe recite a little Keats? Bring it!!!!



I love you all! And I totally understand if you still decide to reject this teddy bear squeezin', red rose lovin', overly sweet chocolate eatin', ridiculously contrived holiday. If you need to sit in a dark room and listen to death metal to get you through, I support. Maybe we should all send our love to Haiti, delivered in a giant heart hot air balloon. What a gift it would be If everyone gave a little.



Erin Candela knows how to spread the love with her beautiful art! Check out the Valentine's Day sandwich board she designed for the shop! Tonight at Poor John's cafe, Erin is having her art opening. It's titled 'Of Martyr's heroes and beasts.' Please come out tonight and support local art!!!
This week I've introduced her new line of sweet Valentine's Day cards. There's a whole lotta love happenin' up in here.
Come by for a visit and a hug.
Alison xo
P.S. Just caught word that my little shop was voted one of eight best new design stores for 2009 on BlogTO!! Woweee!! (A lot of fist pumping, Arsenio Hall style, and air humping currently taking place)

Let's help Haiti!

Anyone in Canada on a Rogers (NYSE: RCI) or Bell device can text ‘HAITI’ to 45678. Doing this will contribute $5.00 directly to The Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief. Standard messaging rates will apply, and the $5.00 charge will appear on your next bill.
If you’re not on Rogers or Bell, you can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to setup a contribution. For more info hit up The Salvation Army.
I just contacted Telus and they will have their donation fund set up shortly.

If everyone gave just a little it would make a huge difference.

Alison xo

Things you'll love a Lotte

The shop is looking rather abundant these days with delicious soaps, and vases and plants too. I am especially excited about my latest acquisition. I have been shopping at Inabstracto for years, and just yesterday while purchasing a shade for my vintage Lotte lamp, Kate (the owner) and I got talking. We both have a connection to the acting world. I'm an actress and she was an agent for many years. Clearly, we both agree that Lotte lamps rock. I went on about loving the vintage lamps so much and my intention to buy more from her and she was like, "take it, put it in your shop," I thought I was being punked! These lamps aren't cheap! It looks so pretty in the store and I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity Kate's given me here! The lamp will be for sale on consignment at the shop and if you need more I recommend a visit to Inabstracto. Kate has one of the biggest vintage collections of Lotte lamps in Toronto. And not only is she is super cool lady but her dog, Mildred, is definitely in the running to becoming Coriander Girl's next top doodle.




Begonias are my absolute favorite plant. These Rex Begonias, in particular, are the showboats of the begonia world and are a type of rhizomatous begonia that are grown for their multicolored leaves. I fell in love the moment I first met one.


Have a lovely 'hump day' everyone.
Alison xo

Baby, it's cold outside

It's pretty quiet here at Coriander Girl. I don't mind days like these. It's very romantic, sitting cozily in the shop watching people hurry past all wrapped up in their scarves and toques, the way their parents would have had them bundled when they were six. When it's this cold it really doesn't matter how ridiculous you look, just keep those little earlobes covered!


This morning I made a trip out to my floral supplier. I picked up these lovely wintery white ranunculous, as well as some purple freesia and creamy white lysianthus.


I'm looking forward to getting home to my darling, he picked up a bottle of merlot for us to enjoy later. What could be better on this cold January evening?.......what?.......did you suggest a massage? I'll let him know ; >



Stay warm little doodles!
Alison xo

Vintage Valentine

I found these adorable vintage cards yesterday and just in time for Valentines Day!




And these little 'dainties' are just that, perfectly dainty and perfectly lovley! I would love to get flowers with a card attached that read, "It would sure be swell, if you got well." I wish people still spoke like this, and ladies wore hats more often and men; dinner jackets. I'd love to travel back in time and extract the innocence from my parents era, leaving the oppression and narrow mindedness behind, of course. That would certainly be an interesting change. People everywhere gasping at the grotesqueness of reality television.




I'm going to try and be more mindful this week of the world around me. We can make change by choosing not to participate. Choose to not spread that rumor you heard. Choose to let it go, to rise above, to dance!

Dance Dance Dance!
Have an amazing week end!
Alison xo

Introducing Honey Pie Hives and Herbals

Bay Woodyard and Gavin North of Picton, Ontario are the amazing couple behind Honey Pie Hives and Herbals. These products smell delicious but what's even more exciting are the extraordinary health benefits of honey.


I am so thrilled to have these products in the shop. From candles and medicinal teas to lavender honey and natural soaps. Mention this blog post when you purchase any product from Honey Pie Hives and Herbals and you'll get a complimentary lavender sachet!



The teas are all natural and totally delicious, especially with the lavender honey! On a day like today you might enjoy curling up in front of the fire place with that special someone and a pot of "Lovers Tea", horny goatweed is sure to get the fires a blazing, if you know what I mean; >



P.S
New Year's Eve 2010 was a wild night. I think there was about eleven of us at Poor John's that night but what we lacked in numbers I tried to make up for in spirit. Somebody had to! I was a dancing fool for five hours- who can resist a Michael Jackson marathon? I've got to say that ol' Billy (Tyler's dad) sure kept up with me and crazy legs Sam was givin' all he had. That man is almost 80! Penny was a great support, taking pictures and laughing it up and Travis and Natasha are constantly providing comedy. Somehow they got me shouting "una test-ee-claa" into the wee hours of the morning.
My friends Tanya and Greg showed up around ten-ish and that certainly helped get the party started, thanks for coming dear hearts! But the moment that solitified this night as a success is the moment I looked down to see Tyler fully executing the worm across the restaurant floor. It was a textbook worm. He hadn't even been drinking as he was our bartender for the evening. Full props darling!
At midnight John and Kristine lovingly cracked the champagne and the room lit up! I shared a perfect kiss and whispers of affection with my doodle and welcomed this brand new year with a hint of disbelief that things couldn't possibly get any better than this. Could they? Bring it.

Alison xo