The kindness of strangers

I love random acts of kindness. I feel hopeful and inspired by these lovely do gooders and I try to pay it forward always.


About a month or so ago, a woman walked into my shop. She looked around and in a sort of matter of fact kind of way said, "You need a curtain." I thought to myself, "lady, you have no idea. My list of things to do is endless but darnit I have been planning to sew my under the sink curtain for weeks and who are you to tell me..." She interrupts my thought bubble with, "and I'm going to make it for you."


I liked this woman right away. She was bold and totally no nonsense and she was going to make my curtain for me whether I wanted her to or not. I'm not even sure if I accepted right away. I think I said something like, "if you come back in two weeks and I still haven't made my curtain then she's all yours." Needless to say, I didn't get around to my sewing that week and when she came back she left with my fabric and a self satisfied grin. "Who is this woman?" I thought to myself. It turns out, she is Elizabeth Oliveira, custom fashion designer extraordinaire. Check her out at Labl.ca
Why not lead by example today and do something nice for a complete stranger. Hell, just go out of your way and be kind to everyone!


This beautiful fabric is from The Workroom.

Hawk Eyes

I would like to introduce you to Rachelle Turner of Hawk Eyes. This amazing gal was kind enough to lend me some of the gorgeous finds from her own store for my fall window display. Check out her shop and read all about her on her fabulous blog!

The wind beneath my wings

It was a good day. The weather was far too beautiful to stay indoors and so the streets were swarming with people. I enjoyed meeting all the new folks who hadn't been in to see the shop yet.



I love what I do. It's so awesome when people from the community thank me for being here. I want to thank them for being here and for being, "the wind beneath my wings." For realz.

The hard way

I really need to start taking deposits. It turns out you can't run a business on lolly pops and fairy dust. Lesson learned.



And this no toilet thing, well, let's just say it isn't working for me. What's a girl to do? Dehydrate herself so she won't have to go? This is what's become of me, a dehydrated little Coriander Girl who sits in her shop all day, thirsty and sad! I have been known to stick a note on the door that says, "Back in two" and I run across to Poor John's but the shop has been getting busy and I can't pop out like I once did. A good business woman has got to be available for the people! Well, clearly I have enough time to run across the street if I have enough time to write this ridiculous post!!! Gotta go!
Alison : >

Window love

Coriander Girl has signage!!
This is a very good day.
Ali xo

Sweet November

Exciting things are happening here at the shop. I'd like to introduce Joie de Lavande, lavender products from Montreal, as seen in the May issue of House and Home magazine. I've recently gotten to know Chris, the lavender farmer extraordinaire, and I'm thrilled to finally carry he and his wife Alison's delicious soaps! I've been using this soap in the shop for a few weeks and people constantly comment on how great it smells in here. The bars are incredibly moisturizing and with pure essential oil of Lavender, they completely soothe the senses. Coriander Girl sells Joie de Lavande exclusively in Ontario! If I run out, you'll have to visit their lavender farm in Knowlton, Quebec to buy more. Check out their blog for more information.
Mention this blog post and get a free $3 posie with your purchase of a Joie de Lavande bar of soap.
Alison xo

The day after Halloween

Last night's party at Poor John's was wildly successful. It was so lovely to spend an evening shaking my money maker with so many wonderful people. I am a fortunate girl. Today, the shop was quiet. I think people are in recovery. Tomorrow is my day off, I'll attempt to stay in bed past nine. I'd like to wake up and go for a walk with my darling, wearing our coziest sweaters, ending up at our favorite brunch place where we'll enjoy frothy cappuccinos and split french toast and eggs benedict. Perfection.
Alison xo