Summers Joy

    I heard the locust buzzing in the trees this morning ~ telling me it is truly summer. I have already been to the garden early ,watering, and speaking with the flowers.(yes~ the neighbors know I'm a bit odd) Today's forecast, 95 degrees and humid. SCORCHER!

    I wait all winter to feel the sun...eat sweet corn and watermelon, and to sit on my sun porch with friends, sharing an icy cold drink.

    Summer flies by so quickly..It has been quite a long time since I've even thought about blogging. Days have been spent in the flower garden,in the sun and the water, and with family and friends. The "Ivy & Twig Girls" hope that you can say the same.
    The Month of July has flown by at Ivy & Twigs. One of our Ivy & Twig Girls (we call her Little Duck) has flown the nest. She has gone to "Big Sky Country " to find love, grow her family, and take the next adventure that life has offered to her. We miss her. She is a joy to know, her style and talents are missed at the shop. Good Luck & much love Little Duck!

    We are busy planning and looking forward to August at Ivy & Twigs. New  merchandise arrives daily. Each time we unwrap, polish and display another treasure, Wesay....."this has got to be our favorite thing" In August the Autumn touches begin to take center stage in many of the shops vinyettes.

    Lanterns are our latest fascination, for indoors or out, they bring light to our tables and shine the way into our homes.
    The lanterns Karen Miller, Owner of Ivy & Twigs, has selected, offer so many possibilities andversatility.
  We are going to feature these lanterns for "Designer Day". Christa Sutton and I will show some  ideas we have for using them inside and out. That means you  will be left  wondering.....what will those Ivy & Twig Girls do with a simple glass hand blown lantern????? Stop by on Designer Day, August 2nd ~ at 3:30 pm in our Design Room and find out.

Also check out our events page for all that we have planned for August. Come and enjoy one or all of the events being offered .  

We always look forward to seeing you.

Let's try and squeeze every last bit out of summer that we can.

Have Fun & Always  Be  Creative. ~ Dawn Polacek, Manager Ivy & Twigs

May 2010 Calander of Events

Happy Spring!

It's Spring " Refresh"

Oh, that so long awaited season Spring. Sunshine, Daffodils, Tulips, birds singing.We love Spring because of what it represents: Change, a time of new beginings and endless possibilities.

At Ivy & Twigs it is already glorious, colorful, and fresh smelling springtime.

Karen has gathered the most beautiful stems and irresistable items to bring Spring to your home.

I'ts time to freshen up your home and garden. Swing open the windows, flip that mattress and rake the leaves off the flower beds.

Sprinkle in a few Easter decorations. (The Bunnies will steal your heart) and a gift or two {maybe one for yourself}

We are adding new ( and old) items everyday. Things to make your home as fresh as a Spring breeze.

We'll look forward to seeing you,

Owner Karen Miller, Manager Dawn Polacek, The Ivy & Twig Girls

I Adore You.......

The Ivy & Twig Girls adore Valentines Day- How could we not? We are surrounded by flowers, jewelry, lace, and sparkling things. We listen to beautiful french women sing of love and sultry jazz all day. There is always a bite of chocolate calling our names.

There are many ways to celebrate Valentines Day. The consensus around the shop is that it's not about the price of the token, but the thoughtful selection and beautiful presentation.


May we suggest:

A custom made "hand bouquet" that Karen Miller is famous for creating. Presented in a stem box and wrapped with a gorgeous ribbon. It will last for years of adoration.

Sparkling heart shaped votive holders with a heavenly scented candle ,wrapped in a scattering of rose petals. OOH LA LA!

The ABC's of LOVE - place this sweet plaque on a bedside table, where it is sure to bring a hearts flutter every time it is read.


Stop in and select something for your loved one. The Ivy & Twigs Girls will wrap it up beautifully and you'll be on your way to Je't adore.

With Love .... The Ivy & Twigs Girls: Owner, Karen Miller Manager, Dawn Polacek Chrissy Vaugh, Christa Sutton, Del Thurman , and Danielle Armstrong

http://www.ivyandtwigs.com

Goodbye Dear Friend..

we are forever greatful!

Grateful: [adjective] feeling or showing gratitude

No words exist to entirely express the gratitude we have for the original Ivy & Twigs.
The charm of Ste.Genevieve, the beautiful old building that Owner Karen Miller , and her mother Marie Flieg, transformed into a sanctuary to "linger"in. The late hours put in by Bill Miller, Karen's husband, hauling, hanging, painting, fixing and wiring. The careful selection and display of vintage items and handmade floral, that bring smiles to our lives and joy to our homes. The style and wonderful service provided by the original Ivy & Twigs Girls.
It is because of these reasons that the new Ivy & Twigs exist. We know it is by no doing of our own that loyal friends & customers have come to love our new location. The high standards were set long before we came into the picture.
The best way to thank those whose dreams & hard work have gone before us is to continue to grow and create the new Ivy & Twigs, always remembering where we came from. All though we say goodbye to a physical place in Ste.Genevieve we hope you feel our gratitude as you enter and "linger" in Farmington. Gratefully...The Ivy & Twigs Girls Manager Dawn Polacek, Chrissy Vaugh, Danielle Armstrong, Christa Sutton, & Del Thurman

Are there memories of Ivy & Twigs you would like to share with us? Notes to Karen? Please comment in our Guest book area.

A"New Year" filled with " New Ideas"

"There are years that ask questions and years that answer" - ZORA NEAVE HURSTON

New Year - A Fresh start - A new chapter of "new ideas"

How happy are you right now? Have you even thought about it? Most of us know what makes our parents, partners, or children happy....when it comes to an awareness about the things in life that bring a smile to our faces and contentment to our hearts ..we often come up short.
What may be missing is the true sense that we are enjoying the "blurrrr" that is our lives. It's difficult to experience moments of happiness if we are not aware of what it is we genuinely love.
Our wish for you is that in 2010 you recognize and savor the small moments that bring you contentment and embrace these moments of happiness that are uniquely your own. None will be the same.

Let us each grasp this "new idea" to be aware of what makes us truly happy... In a way that brings happiness but in a way that brings happiness that overflows into our relationships, our work, and our spiritual lives.

Some suggestions from the Ivy & Twigs Girls:



Try a new scent for your home.



Redecorate that room that has never been "you". Small changes can make a big difference. Edit furniture, add a reclaimed hutch to display the long packed away items.

String an initial handmade charm on Gram's pearls and gift them to a loved one.

Enjoy a guilt free hour of "lingering" at Ivy & Twigs.

Simple pleasures are waiting to be enjoyed, let us not overlook them this year.

Wishing you only happiness & "New Ideas" for 2010.
Owner Karen Miller, Manager Dawn Polacek, Chrissy Vaugh, Danielle Armstrong, Christa Sutton & Del Thurman

Celebrating a Wonderful "Old Year"....

As the New Year rushes in, we want to take a moment to remember and be grateful for the "Old Year". This past year has been one of beginnings, hard work, anticipation, preparation, events, meeting new friends, reuniting with friends from the past. Every day was both exhausting and exhilarating.
We cannot thank you enough for your business and continued support. We cherish each and every one of our customers. Thank You for making 2009 a wonderful year for all of us at Ivy & Twigs. We celebrate with thankful hearts and look forward to 2010 with anticipation.
Blessings to all of you.
Owner Karen Miller, Manager Dawn Polacek, Crissy Vaugh, Danielle Armstrong, Christa Sutton, & Dell Thurman.

"Get Jolly!"

December has just begun and already there has been allot of "Jolliness" at Ivy & Twigs. Holiday Open House was a great kick off to the season. A good time was had by all. The shop was beautiful and welcoming. The Ivy & Twigs Girls and the Get Jolly Guys were there to greet and serve every special guests who arrived. Did you see the handsome doorman?
We are busy planning some special events for the entire month of December. Find the details on our events page. We'll have fun every week. Handmade purses, "up cycled" jewelry and belts, "reclaimed" furniture. Holiday scents, with sales and sparkle galore. Stop in the evening of the "Gourmet Village" tastings YUM!
Linger, have a cup of coffee and a sweet. You will leave feeling a bit calmer and with a selected gift for that special person.
Catch owner Karen Miller creating custom arrangements for the season. Ask the Ivy & Twig Girls to create a gift basket customized for you!.
All of us at Ivy & Twigs wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that you stay "Jolly" throughout the year.
Karen Miller, Owner - Dawn Polacek ,Manager Ivy & twigs - Christa Sutton ,Designer -Chrissy Vaugh, Designer - Dell Thurman, the glue that holds us all together and Danielle Armstrong, Designer.

One step into Ivy & Twigs and you will find, Sunflowers to greet you, Ferns waving a friendly "Hello", Hydrangeas in uplifting hues are there to brighten even the most ordinary day.You may have to touch ( and even sometimes then cannot tell) to determine “Are these fresh or Everlastings?”

Flowers = HAPPINESS

The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions. Flowers ease depression, inspire social interaction and refresh memory.

Flowers = HEALING

Flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods. Recipients feel less anxious, agitated ,and negative after receiving flowers. Flowers make intimate connections with family and freinds.

It can be better to give than to receive- those who give flowers as a gift are viewed as successful, caring, and emotionally intelligent people.

Flowers feed compassion; People feel more compassionate towards others when flowers are present.

Flowers in the Workplace; Workers idea generation, creative performance, and problem solving skills improve when flowers and plants are present.

In conclusion, Flowers influence so many things. A Mood, Cooperation, Compassion, Happiness and Health. Treat yourself or someone you love to Flowers , both giver and recipient benefit.

See you in the garden,

Dawn

Time to catch my breath.....

It has been a whirlwind of cleaning, painting, planning, and displaying. Soft opening, Ladies Night, Angie Hahn Day, Lia Sophia Night, Grand Opening, Mother's Day Tea, Meeting so many wonderful people and catching up with long time friends.

Our doors opened Feb 21st and the outpouring of support has been amazing!

Being a part of Ivy & Twigs is such a blessing for my life. I could try to express how much I enjoy this group of wonderful women, but there just are not words.

I hope I can share my joy with everyone who walks into Ivy & Twigs. The "Ivy & Twig Girls" are not only my coworkers but have become dear friends. Each of them brings so much to the whole, we would be incomplete without them.

When you enter Ivy & Twigs I want you to feel a part of a place where creative, energetic, warm, and friendly people gather. Where you can count on us to find a fabulous last minute gift or whip up something to place in your home that will make you smile and welcome you in.

If the day leaves you feeling frazzled, stop in and "linger" as long as you like. Enjoy a drink and a treat, listen to soft music and a gurgling fountain. We may sit down and share a cup of coffee with you.

Come say hello and get to know us. When we open new merchandise it's like Christmas for us..you may hear us oohhing and ahhing over the little details we try to never overlook.

If you are lucky enough to catch Karen Miller here - let her know how glad we are that she persued her dream and brought her passion for flowers, ribbon and all things French to Farmington, and shared it with us.

I'll look forward to seeing you.....DAWN>>>

Let it not be said that the finishing touches were applied before the guests arrived, if that were to be the case, what more would we have to look forward to! Not to worry, there is plenty to pique an interest at our new location, Ivy & Twigs, in Farmington, MO. We are glad to see so many of our friends making their way in to say hello during our soft opening.

Join us Friday, April 3^rd at our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 10 am to 8 pm. Saturday, April 4^th we will continue the celebration from 10 am to 6 pm. Champagne and refreshments will be served.

We are proud to showcase fine designs and wonderful furnishings created for Ivy & Twigs. “Reclaimed Furniture”, one of our newer additions, is produced locally. The talented creator hails from St. Mary's--if you don't see the color that suits, he's not too far for special deliveries!

We are also pleased to announce “Designs by Regan”. Regan, a jewelry designer from Cape Girardeau, MO, will be showcasing her new line for Spring 2009.

“Christine’s Originals”, a beautiful and unique handbag collection, is an exclusive to Ivy & Twigs. Come meet the designer Christine, who has graciously accepted our invitation and is looking forward to meeting all of you.

Throughout the weekend, we will be drawing names for some exciting gifts and pleasures. Our friend and doorman will be there to greet and welcome our guests. Come and linger a while at Ivy & Twigs. Visit our old location in historical downtown Ste Genevieve, or in Downtown Farmington at 3 North Henry Street.

The New Year is Finally Here!

Greetings from Ivy & Twigs.... and wishing you a wonderful new year!

The holiday season was magical and we (the "Ivy & Twig girls") are now in the process of packing the decorations. However, we are not in a rush since the glimmering lights and the snow covered botanicals are so appropriate for this time of year. The shop remains warm and cozy with a winter ambiance.

The Ivy & Twig girls have exciting news to share since 2009 is the time of "change." There is a 2nd shop opening in Farmington, MO! The location is perfect and I am in love with the old field-stone walls within the building. The goal is to have a "soft" opening in February with touches of elegance added throughout the upcoming weeks.

Let me give you a hint of what the new Ivy & Twigs store will offer:

~European style furnishings with images of the French countryside, or a villa in Tuscany

~ A room to resemble a "garden conservatory" with plenty of chipped white paint and fern fonds and moss

~Another space with the original wood floors and field stone walls will resemble a romantic and chic decor

~Lovely botanicals and stems to complete the "signature look" of Ivy & Twigs

Please continue to visit the Website for postings of the Farmington location. Of course, the shop here in quaint Ste. Genevieve will continue to be an inspiration to many people who enjoy nature and beautiful things for their home and garden!

Hope to see you soon!

Karen