Fine Linens and Accessories
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Textile Glossary
We are please to announce our new "Textile Glossary" It is a perfect reference for designers and textile lovers. I am sure the glossary will always be a work in progress and we would appreciate comments and additions. Lauren
Friday, 20 April 2012
Restorative Design by Amanda Fehr
Recently, Lauren Persson my employer at Fino Lino, asked me to express my design observations regarding my work as a recent Interior Design Graduate of the Art Institute. In my design program, many classes were dedicated to increasing awareness of environmental concerns and introducing us to organizations and associations who work to improve and sustain the world we live in. Through my thesis project I had an opportunity to research this subject more in depth. After feeling inspired by Fino Lino's previous blog, "Scents and Sensibility", showcasing that plants and herbs have powerful abilities to benefit both physical and psychological health, I decided to create a post on" Restorative Design".
My research has introduced me to The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) which is a non-governmental organization inspired by the dandelion in their logo. The dandelion was chosen as a symbol for the Institute because it conveys many of the same ideas that the ILFI stands for. The Institute encompasses four programs, the Living Building Challenge, Cascadia Green Building Council, The Natural Step NetworkUSA
My research has introduced me to The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) which is a non-governmental organization inspired by the dandelion in their logo. The dandelion was chosen as a symbol for the Institute because it conveys many of the same ideas that the ILFI stands for. The Institute encompasses four programs, the Living Building Challenge, Cascadia Green Building Council, The Natural Step Network
Strong Leadership- French word meaning
“lion’s tooth” implies
leadership
“lion’s tooth” implies
leadership
- As the lion leads the animal
kingdom, ILFI seeks to guide our human efforts towards a restorative future
kingdom, ILFI seeks to guide our human efforts towards a restorative future
Collaborative
- Many may see the dandelion as interference, but it actually benefits other plants.
- Permeating the hard earth, the dandelion works in cooperation with and brings up nutrients for shallower-rooted plants, which would not initially be able to grow in such conditions.
- Comparable to how the dandelion works with its surroundings, ILFI desires to inspire creative thinkers to nourish the neighbouring environments of their design sites.
Endures
- The average home-owner spends countless amounts of time, energy and money maintaining their lawn and riding it of the so-called pesty dandelion.
- This is yet another example of things in our culture that we desire that actually harm us and exploit our environment.
- ILFI advises that we need to rethink what we value – re-explore the efficiency of natural ecosystems and mirror that design in our buildings and communities.
Simple
- A dandelion is simply a small plant that has great success pollinating and growing in any condition.
- In our search for knowledge and better technology, we’ve developed a pattern of creating innovations that are harmful – both to ourselves and to our planet.
- ILFI suggests that the simple solutions – such as vegetated roofs and rainwater collection systems – often deliver the most powerful results.
Curative
- The dandelion has been used for a source of nourishment in the form of salads, wine and tea.
- It has also been shown to have healing properties in the treatment of many medical conditions and has been used as a medical plant by many cultures for hundreds of years.
- As we attempt to have a revolutionary approach to green design, ILFI stresses the importance of incorporating restorative properties to all design ideas.
Efficient
- Whether for medical or culinary purposes, all parts of the dandelion can be put to use.
- In order to qualify for the Living Building Challenge, all projects are required to incorporate integrated systems to minimize resource waste.
Elegant
- There is something so mesmerizing of the flight of a dandelion seed.
- Dozens of art forms have attempted to capture the carefree gaiety of a child’s breath to incite seeds to flight.
- Just as there is something captivating about blowing the seeds off a dandelion, ILFI seeks to create Living Buildings
The dandelion is a weed to some people, but to ILFI it represents the possibilities to a restorative future. What, after all, could be more naturally beautiful than a reproductive cycle that relies on the winds of change?
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre 3
For Canada, the Visitor Centre at VanDusen Gardens is our first Living Building. The Living Building Challenge is a philosophy, advocacy tool and certification program that addresses development at all scales. It is comprised of seven performance areas: Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity and Beauty. These are subdivided into a total of twenty Imperatives, each of which focuses on a specific sphere of influence.
The purpose of the Living Building Challenge is straightforward – it defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions. Whether your project is a single building, a park, a college campus or even a complete neighbourhood community, Living Building Challenge provides a framework for design, construction and the symbiotic relationship between people and all aspects of the built environment.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre – Entrance 4
Seven Performance Areas for VanDusen 5:
Site
- It is understood that the buildings would cause no negative impact. The idea is to reverse the trend of land degradation and invite nature’s functions into a healthy interface with people and buildings.
Site
- It is understood that the buildings would cause no negative impact. The idea is to reverse the trend of land degradation and invite nature’s functions into a healthy interface with people and buildings.
-
Energy
- A living building relies on current solar income. The building’s energy needs would be supplied by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis.
- A living building relies on current solar income. The building’s energy needs would be supplied by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis.
Health
- Healthy for all people, the design will focus on the major conditions that must be present for a healthy interior environment to occur.
- Healthy for all people, the design will focus on the major conditions that must be present for a healthy interior environment to occur.
Materials
- Those used will be safe, healthy and responsible for all species.
- Those used will be safe, healthy and responsible for all species.
Equity
- The intent is to correlate the impact of design and development to its ability to foster a true sense of community, to be a society that embraces all sectors of humanity and allows the dignity of equal access.
- The intent is to correlate the impact of design and development to its ability to foster a true sense of community, to be a society that embraces all sectors of humanity and allows the dignity of equal access.
Beauty
- A Living Building tells a story. As a society we are often surrounded by ugly and inhumane physical environments. This project will contain design features intended solely for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit and place appropriate to the functions of the building.
- A Living Building tells a story. As a society we are often surrounded by ugly and inhumane physical environments. This project will contain design features intended solely for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit and place appropriate to the functions of the building.
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre - Green Roof4
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation6
"The VanDusen Visitor Centre will not only welcome people to one of Vancouver's best-loved gardens, it will also serve as a showcase for a sustainable building that reflects our goal to become the greenest city in the world by 2020," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "Vancouver has already adopted the greenest building code in North America and with features such as geothermal and solar energy and the new LEED Platinum, VanDusen Visitor Centre combines leading design and sustainability features into a signature structure for the city."
"This new visitor centre is an amazing fusion of architecture and nature, and will become a must see attraction for residents and visitors alike," said Aaron Jasper, Vancouver Park Board Chair. "I'm very pleased with the leadership role the Park Board has taken in building this beautiful facility, which is a candidate for recognition as one of the first living buildings in the world."
VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre – Exterior Entrance View 4
VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre Building Information4
Architect: Busby Perkins + Will
Completion Date: August 2011
Square Footage: 19,000
Completion Date: August 2011
Square Footage: 19,000
The 19,000 square foot VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre creates a harmonious balance between architecture and landscape from a visual and ecological perspective. Inspired by the organic forms and natural systems of the native orchid, the building is organized into undulating green roof "petals" that float about rammed earth and concrete walls. Designed to exceed LEED Platinum status, the visitor centre is pursuing the Living Building Challenge. The facility uses on-site, renewable sources to acheive net-zero energy on an annual basis; sequesters enough carbon to acheive carbon neutrality; uses filtered rainwater for the building's greywater requirements; and treats 100% of blackwater in an on-site bioreactor.
Resources:
1 https://ilbi.org/about
2 https://ilbi.org/about/logo%20story
3 https://ilbi.org/lbc/standard
4 http://www.perkinswill.com/work/vandusen-botanical-garden-visitor-centre.html
5 www.vandusengarden.org
6 http://vancouver.ca/parks/news/2011/111024_vandusen.htm
Friday, 30 March 2012
Linen Fabrics
Our work with textiles at Fino Lino exposes us to a plethora of fabrics to enhance our lives and create beauty and comfort. The product selection reflects our passion and commitment for speciality woven jacquards. Historical documents show that linen is the oldest woven textile in existence and evidence of flax plants being grown dates back to the fifth millennium BCE in Egypt. The Egyptians grew flax along the Nile River and spun linen fabric for practical purposes such as burial, preservation and fine cloth bandages. They referred to linen as the "gift of the Nile".
Flax takes about a hundred days to grow from seed to mature plant with a height of sixty centimeters to a metre. It is harvested when the plants are in bloom as better fibre can be produced from young plants.
Linen fabric is made from cellulose fibres of the flax plant stalk and are from 15-100 cm long. The stalks are tied into bundles and dried in the sun, then coarse combed to remove the seeds, retted in water (a controlled form of rotting) and dried. Lastly they are scutched, which separates the fibre from the stalk, and spun into yarn. Linen production is a relatively low tech process which is better for the environment and more sustainable.
The use of linen in home decor dates back to the fourteenth century when the chambers of Pope John XXII were draped with linen imported from Italy. France, Belgium, Austria and Ireland are known for high quality fibre and flax is also grown in Eastern Europe and Canada. Today much of our finest quality linen originates from Europe by members of the 'Masters of Linen", who define the quality, growing practices and production.
Linen is as beautiful worn next to the skin as it is in home decor. The name "lingerie" derives from the Latin name for the flax plant and "Belgium" is the ancient Celtic word for flax - "belc'h". Ancient Greeks and Romans wore tunics made of linen in the summer months to keep them cool and comfortable. In the middle ages linen became a clothing staple; as trade routes expanded to bring flax production to Europe, the Near East and the Americas, it became very fashionable and among the most sought after fabrics for clothing, bed, bath, table top and home decor.
Linen nightwear from Fino Lino
Irish linen sheets are coveted by many and will provide comfort and beauty for many years. There are many heirloom linens that have survived for years and are treasured momentos of the past.
Our linen loving clientele also covet linen towels for the bath, powder room and kitchen. They are prized for their smooth texture, strength and easy stain removal.
Linen towels are naturally anti-microbial and resist mildew and mold making them an excellent choice for humid bathrooms. They are also light and more absorbent than cotton, making them especially suitable for drying hair.
Linen and cotton towels from Leitner
Linen fabrics are woven up to 120" wide and are produced in the most proficient mills of Italy and Austria. These extraordinary fabrics make it very simple to create beautiful bed covers, duvets and draperies with one cut of fabric. The finished goods are considered most desirable without seams, giving a dimension of longevity and beauty. Pattern matching is never difficult and the amount of yardage is much less than with narrow good fabrics. Linen naturally possesses slight irregularities known as slubs which are appreciated by those who are fond of it's indigenous qualities.
Fino Lino also has an extraordinary collection of luxurious linen tablecloths and napkins in solids and woven jacquards; favouring small mill production with Pardi and Siletti of Italy and Jacquard Francais from France. Customization is easily done for unusually sized, extra long and round tables.
Table linens and tea towels by Jacquard Francais
Linens by Pardi at Fino Lino
Personalization of the design and monogramming is easily accommodated.
Fino Lino also represents numerous other companies that specialize in linen fabric and would be delighted to present these extraordinary fabrics during your visit to Fino Lino.
Flax takes about a hundred days to grow from seed to mature plant with a height of sixty centimeters to a metre. It is harvested when the plants are in bloom as better fibre can be produced from young plants.
Flax plants in bloom.
Linen fabric is made from cellulose fibres of the flax plant stalk and are from 15-100 cm long. The stalks are tied into bundles and dried in the sun, then coarse combed to remove the seeds, retted in water (a controlled form of rotting) and dried. Lastly they are scutched, which separates the fibre from the stalk, and spun into yarn. Linen production is a relatively low tech process which is better for the environment and more sustainable.
Five steps to make Linen Yarn
Image by Heather Ross on Pinterest
The use of linen in home decor dates back to the fourteenth century when the chambers of Pope John XXII were draped with linen imported from Italy. France, Belgium, Austria and Ireland are known for high quality fibre and flax is also grown in Eastern Europe and Canada. Today much of our finest quality linen originates from Europe by members of the 'Masters of Linen", who define the quality, growing practices and production.
Embroidered Linen drapery panel at Fino Lino
Linen drapery panels from Fino Lino
Linen is as beautiful worn next to the skin as it is in home decor. The name "lingerie" derives from the Latin name for the flax plant and "Belgium" is the ancient Celtic word for flax - "belc'h". Ancient Greeks and Romans wore tunics made of linen in the summer months to keep them cool and comfortable. In the middle ages linen became a clothing staple; as trade routes expanded to bring flax production to Europe, the Near East and the Americas, it became very fashionable and among the most sought after fabrics for clothing, bed, bath, table top and home decor.
Linen nightwear from Fino Lino
Irish linen sheets are coveted by many and will provide comfort and beauty for many years. There are many heirloom linens that have survived for years and are treasured momentos of the past.
Classic Irish Linen sheets
Our linen loving clientele also covet linen towels for the bath, powder room and kitchen. They are prized for their smooth texture, strength and easy stain removal.
Linen towels are naturally anti-microbial and resist mildew and mold making them an excellent choice for humid bathrooms. They are also light and more absorbent than cotton, making them especially suitable for drying hair.
Hand towels from Anichini with drawn threadwork.
Linen and cotton towels from Leitner
Linen fabrics are woven up to 120" wide and are produced in the most proficient mills of Italy and Austria. These extraordinary fabrics make it very simple to create beautiful bed covers, duvets and draperies with one cut of fabric. The finished goods are considered most desirable without seams, giving a dimension of longevity and beauty. Pattern matching is never difficult and the amount of yardage is much less than with narrow good fabrics. Linen naturally possesses slight irregularities known as slubs which are appreciated by those who are fond of it's indigenous qualities.
Leitner wide-good fabrics
Our most creative and diverse mill "Leitner" of Austria, has been producing woven linen textiles since 1853. Their speciality is cultivating the flax and weaving linen jacquards made of pure linen and linen/cotton blends. Their abundant array of designs is available in a range of colour ways and offers great ease in choosing co-ordinates. The fabric is woven from yarn-dyed fibre making the dye-lots extremely consistent and colour-fast. Linen fabric is an excellent choice for draperies, soft furnishing, bedding and tabletop. Linen may be used with confidence in bright sunlit rooms because of the strength of the base fibre, which is the strongest fibre used by man. Many of our designers and clients order ready made bed linens and choose a co-ordinate fabric for draperies and other furnishings.
Linen coverlet and pillow from Fino Lino
Personalization of the design and monogramming is easily accommodated.
Fino Lino also represents numerous other companies that specialize in linen fabric and would be delighted to present these extraordinary fabrics during your visit to Fino Lino.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Scents and Sensibility
We spend a lot of time making our homes look good, but how about a more subtle sensory approach, using scent to boost the environment? Scent has the ability to affect our emotions at a very direct level. Ambient fragrance may be dispensed in a diffuser or in a lightly scented candle to envelop your senses and renew your spirit. When guests visit your home the aroma may leave a more lasting impression than anything else. Scent also has the ability to evoke an emotional response and to transport us to another place and time.
Aromatic essential oils may be blended into a dilute concentration and lightly sprayed throughout the home including on textiles and bed linens and in closets. Finishing the cleaning of the home with a final rinse of lavender water on floors has both an antibacterial property and a delectable clean scent.
The way a home smells may be as important as the furnishings, lighting and sound. Water features, ambient music and scents are being used to tailor the interior living environment by savvy designers who know the home is much more than a design aesthetic. Ambient sound that creates a soothing auditory background to distract from street traffic and the dull rumbling noise of city living is a growing extension in interior design, as is the sensitive application of scent.
Scent is processed in the limbic system* in the same part of the brain as emotion and memory and has been intrinsic to our survival and ability to protect ourselves. Scent does not need not be as obvious as burning strongly scented candles everywhere but can be subtle and personal. W hotels use scent to uplift arriving guests and embrace them in comfort and relaxation, as part of the W hotels signature. The art of personalising and making rooms more residential has been essential to their success.
Bespoke home fragrances come in many different forms and designers are now being asked to help create scents to expand the more subtle quality of the decor and enhance beauty and comfort. Fragrance and sound are both part of the immersive experience of making the home more of a personal retreat where we relax and restore our health, creating a refuge from the outside world.
Essential oils are one of the world's most under-utilised resources. They are easily available and cost efficient for the amount of pleasure that they offer and aromatherapy is widely recognised for it's healing restorative properties. I prefer highly concentrated and organic essential oils when they are available.
These concentrated essences of flowers, fruits, herbs and plants have been used for centuries throughout the world for their medicinal and cleansing properties. Spraying bespoke essential oil into the air alters the structure of molecules that create unwanted odours, rather than masking them. Essential oils also have powerful anti-viral and and antibiotic qualities and I personally use lavender oil on airplanes to refresh stale air and protect against illness. My travel kit also contains chamomile to soothe, geranium to strengthen the spirit and tea tree as a disinfectant.
The use of essential oils in the home has become more common with the growing interest in health and the ability of our home to support rejuvenation and healing. My personal home apothecary contains a wide range of essential oils, but the basics are lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon and clove. The uses are vast and creating proprietary blends for your own home, friends and family is always a welcome gift. They are an enchanting and easy way to lighten energy and immerse yourself in luxury. During yoga and meditation practice essential oils may be helpful in maintaining personal space and focus during the learning period.
Lavender is a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier; it promotes healing and stimulates the immune system. I was in a restaurant and the chef burnt himself and was looking for ointment. I shyly offered my bottle of French high altitude lavender to be applied full strength directly to the burn. The chef had instant topical relief and became much calmer. He was very grateful and I was honoured to help in such a small way. A few drops of lavender may also be added to any personal environment such as the bathroom by adding a few drops to the toilet paper insert or to the bath.
Tea Tree is antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal - I travel with a small spray bottle containing a dilution. Its properties help eliminate viruses and bacteria and may be used for most external eruptions such as cold sores. Simply spray the channel changer, faucets, tub and toilet to feel more confidence in their cleanliness.
Peppermint has health promoting properties, aiding digestion and the respiratory system. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. May be taken orally in water to calm the stomach. Use one drop to a cup of hot water and sweetener to taste. For small children smear a drop of peppermint oil onto a sugar cube and place in a plastic bag for spontaneous use when travelling.
Chamomile is good for nervous conditions and insomnia. Useful for nausea and discomfort when travelling. My Japanese friend Hiroko pours boiling hot water over chamomile to inhale for relief from a cold. It is always a must-have in my travel bag.
Geranium works profoundly on the emotions, and strengthens the body. In the morning I apply lavender rather than perfume then switch to geranium in the afternoon. It can be applied to the skin, a handkerchief or cotton pad. When my friend was gravely ill in the hospital we created a blend of geranium, lavender, lemon and bergamot to distract him from his difficult treatments. Generally the anti-viral herbs are oregano, tea tree, niaouli, cypress, cinnamon and red thyme.
Rosemary is a physical and emotional stimulant, good for fatigue, headaches, coughs and flu. May be applied directly to the chest for cold relief.
Lemon is a good water purifier, excellent for headaches and insect bites. I add lemon essential oil to the dish water for a refreshing scent of cleanliness. Suddenly washing dishes becomes less of a chore.
Clove is antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic, good for preventing disease and infection, A quick cure for a toothache.
Home Spray: simply select the essential oil that satisfies your desire and has the required properties. Boil water and let it cool, then add essential oil to desired strength. I make bathroom/linen spray in a concentration of 30 drops of lavender to one cup of water (avoid using on silk fabrics). Linen water may also be sprayed throughout the home to refresh the air and fabrics.
Home disinfectant: we use a proprietary blend in the kitchen and bathroom of Fino Lino comprised of a concentrate of lemon, cedar wood, thyme, tea tree, peppermint and lavender diluted in boiled water and sprayed on all surfaces including telephones.
Linen and clothes storage: blend lavender, lemongrass, camphor, rosemary and citronella to personal taste and dispense on cotton balls.
Laundry: add 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil in the softener compartment or when washing by hand. Mix a few drops into the final rinse cycle or make a dryer sachet by applying the essential oil to a cloth.
Travel: simply apply one drop of lavender and one drop of geranium onto a handkerchief. When you feel nervous inhale the essential oils from the fabric for immediate relief.
Getting the home ready for sale: use a few drops of lemon around the home to create a relaxed environment. Place a cotton ball with four drops of your favourite essential oil around a heat register to gently fragrance a room.
I enjoy visiting Gaia in Vancouver to buy our Essential Oils and find them to be very helpful for medicinal herbs as well: http://www.gaiagarden.com/
Please note that essential oils should be used externally unless advised by a practicioner.
Sources:
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
Florocopeia by David Crow
* The Limbic system is a group of interconnected deep brain structures involved in olfaction, emotion and motivation.
Fragrance Diffuser by Elizabeth W with lavender filled sachets.
Aromatic essential oils may be blended into a dilute concentration and lightly sprayed throughout the home including on textiles and bed linens and in closets. Finishing the cleaning of the home with a final rinse of lavender water on floors has both an antibacterial property and a delectable clean scent.
The way a home smells may be as important as the furnishings, lighting and sound. Water features, ambient music and scents are being used to tailor the interior living environment by savvy designers who know the home is much more than a design aesthetic. Ambient sound that creates a soothing auditory background to distract from street traffic and the dull rumbling noise of city living is a growing extension in interior design, as is the sensitive application of scent.
Scent is processed in the limbic system* in the same part of the brain as emotion and memory and has been intrinsic to our survival and ability to protect ourselves. Scent does not need not be as obvious as burning strongly scented candles everywhere but can be subtle and personal. W hotels use scent to uplift arriving guests and embrace them in comfort and relaxation, as part of the W hotels signature. The art of personalising and making rooms more residential has been essential to their success.
Bespoke home fragrances come in many different forms and designers are now being asked to help create scents to expand the more subtle quality of the decor and enhance beauty and comfort. Fragrance and sound are both part of the immersive experience of making the home more of a personal retreat where we relax and restore our health, creating a refuge from the outside world.
Essential oils are one of the world's most under-utilised resources. They are easily available and cost efficient for the amount of pleasure that they offer and aromatherapy is widely recognised for it's healing restorative properties. I prefer highly concentrated and organic essential oils when they are available.
Antique Apothecary Bottles
These concentrated essences of flowers, fruits, herbs and plants have been used for centuries throughout the world for their medicinal and cleansing properties. Spraying bespoke essential oil into the air alters the structure of molecules that create unwanted odours, rather than masking them. Essential oils also have powerful anti-viral and and antibiotic qualities and I personally use lavender oil on airplanes to refresh stale air and protect against illness. My travel kit also contains chamomile to soothe, geranium to strengthen the spirit and tea tree as a disinfectant.
Antique Apothecary label
The use of essential oils in the home has become more common with the growing interest in health and the ability of our home to support rejuvenation and healing. My personal home apothecary contains a wide range of essential oils, but the basics are lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon and clove. The uses are vast and creating proprietary blends for your own home, friends and family is always a welcome gift. They are an enchanting and easy way to lighten energy and immerse yourself in luxury. During yoga and meditation practice essential oils may be helpful in maintaining personal space and focus during the learning period.
Apothecary picture from Pinterest
Lavender is a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, sedative and detoxifier; it promotes healing and stimulates the immune system. I was in a restaurant and the chef burnt himself and was looking for ointment. I shyly offered my bottle of French high altitude lavender to be applied full strength directly to the burn. The chef had instant topical relief and became much calmer. He was very grateful and I was honoured to help in such a small way. A few drops of lavender may also be added to any personal environment such as the bathroom by adding a few drops to the toilet paper insert or to the bath.
Tea Tree is antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal - I travel with a small spray bottle containing a dilution. Its properties help eliminate viruses and bacteria and may be used for most external eruptions such as cold sores. Simply spray the channel changer, faucets, tub and toilet to feel more confidence in their cleanliness.
Peppermint has health promoting properties, aiding digestion and the respiratory system. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. May be taken orally in water to calm the stomach. Use one drop to a cup of hot water and sweetener to taste. For small children smear a drop of peppermint oil onto a sugar cube and place in a plastic bag for spontaneous use when travelling.
Chamomile is good for nervous conditions and insomnia. Useful for nausea and discomfort when travelling. My Japanese friend Hiroko pours boiling hot water over chamomile to inhale for relief from a cold. It is always a must-have in my travel bag.
Geranium works profoundly on the emotions, and strengthens the body. In the morning I apply lavender rather than perfume then switch to geranium in the afternoon. It can be applied to the skin, a handkerchief or cotton pad. When my friend was gravely ill in the hospital we created a blend of geranium, lavender, lemon and bergamot to distract him from his difficult treatments. Generally the anti-viral herbs are oregano, tea tree, niaouli, cypress, cinnamon and red thyme.
Rosemary is a physical and emotional stimulant, good for fatigue, headaches, coughs and flu. May be applied directly to the chest for cold relief.
Thyme is antiviral, antiseptic and has diuretic properties.
Lemon is a good water purifier, excellent for headaches and insect bites. I add lemon essential oil to the dish water for a refreshing scent of cleanliness. Suddenly washing dishes becomes less of a chore.
Clove is antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic, good for preventing disease and infection, A quick cure for a toothache.
Home Spray: simply select the essential oil that satisfies your desire and has the required properties. Boil water and let it cool, then add essential oil to desired strength. I make bathroom/linen spray in a concentration of 30 drops of lavender to one cup of water (avoid using on silk fabrics). Linen water may also be sprayed throughout the home to refresh the air and fabrics.
Home disinfectant: we use a proprietary blend in the kitchen and bathroom of Fino Lino comprised of a concentrate of lemon, cedar wood, thyme, tea tree, peppermint and lavender diluted in boiled water and sprayed on all surfaces including telephones.
Linen and clothes storage: blend lavender, lemongrass, camphor, rosemary and citronella to personal taste and dispense on cotton balls.
Travel: simply apply one drop of lavender and one drop of geranium onto a handkerchief. When you feel nervous inhale the essential oils from the fabric for immediate relief.
Getting the home ready for sale: use a few drops of lemon around the home to create a relaxed environment. Place a cotton ball with four drops of your favourite essential oil around a heat register to gently fragrance a room.
I enjoy visiting Gaia in Vancouver to buy our Essential Oils and find them to be very helpful for medicinal herbs as well: http://www.gaiagarden.com/
Please note that essential oils should be used externally unless advised by a practicioner.
Sources:
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
Florocopeia by David Crow
* The Limbic system is a group of interconnected deep brain structures involved in olfaction, emotion and motivation.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Bellocq Tea
Finding delicious and fragrant teas and speciality tea salons has been a constant pursuit in life since I was in my teens. I have always loved the time honoured event of coming together with friends and family to enjoy the tradition of tea drinking. Tea helps me to understand different cultures and their traditions; experiencing this marvellous bounty that mother earth shares with us and sharing in those traditions is a humbling experience that brings inspiration and joy to our lives.
Tea is restorative and uplifting, a mysterious pleasure which is an affordable luxury. Our preference being artisanal, fine full leaf tea which is fragrant, visually delectable and brews to perfection. During a recent visit to New York and our usual shopping trip to Bergdorf, I was introduced to a range of artisan teas of a wonderful quality, fragrant and flavourful called "Bellocq" and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was blended and packaged in Brooklyn New York. It was favourably displayed next to the prestigious Mariage Freres tea of France which gave a meaningful impression of what to expect. Later at the New York Gift Show we were fortunate to meet the creators of Bellocq Tea.
Being a speciality linen and design showroom I wondered how our customers would respond to presenting a line of tea. We introduced our new treasure and "voila", it has added a new dimension to our collection and much delight to the afternoon tea that brings our staff together every day. Our tea loving customers welcomed it and loved that it is organic and has a good range of interesting Blends and Pure Teas. The handsome packaging is eye-catching in the Bellocq Yellow Box and the silver plate Connoisseur Caddies.
Bellocq Tea has exceeded all our wishes in quality, fragrance and flavour. The Signature Blends are delightful and reminiscent of walking in far away gardens and forests collecting the local bounty that bestows our palates with such pleasure.
This morning I discovered an anise pod in the "White Wolf Blend", simply remarkable!
Bellocq tea is the inspiration of some very savvy tea drinkers from New York whose lifelong passion and multitude of skills led them to produce their own artisanal tea. The combined talents and passion of the founders Heidi Johannsen Stewart, Michael Shannon and Scott Stewart arrive after many years of working for such innovative companies as Martha Stewart and Anthropologie. This being the consummate expression of their passion and acquired knowledge.
My personal favourites are The Queens Guard, White Wolf and Etoile de l'Inde.
"Inspired by classic English gardens, The Queens Guard is a fragrant blend of Organic Ceylon black teas, stately rose and summer fresh lavender. Well balanced, elegant with honeyed nuanced floral finish. The Queens Guard is the perfect tea to enjoy with a slice of cake in the afternoon."
My husband is very particular about tea and also loves "White Wolf" made from organic Pai Mutan Tea (white tea), star anise, spearmint, vanilla bean and cornflowers.
"Etoile de l'Inde. An intoxicating tropical blend of organic Chinese green and Jasmine teas enveloped within a voluptuous haze of rose passion fruit, lush rose and marigold. Evocative of late afternoon rain showers and the fever experienced with the rush of young love. Fragrant and passionate it is one of our most romantic and requested blends". Bellocq Tea.
I often create my own blend not being able to decide which to choose. The flavour changes depending
on which part of the blend is selected from the tin. Most of the teas allow 2-3 pour-throughs proving to be economical as well.
The creators of Bellocq Tea
Please join us to learn more about Bellocq tea and start enjoying these evocative artisan teas.
Tea is restorative and uplifting, a mysterious pleasure which is an affordable luxury. Our preference being artisanal, fine full leaf tea which is fragrant, visually delectable and brews to perfection. During a recent visit to New York and our usual shopping trip to Bergdorf, I was introduced to a range of artisan teas of a wonderful quality, fragrant and flavourful called "Bellocq" and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was blended and packaged in Brooklyn New York. It was favourably displayed next to the prestigious Mariage Freres tea of France which gave a meaningful impression of what to expect. Later at the New York Gift Show we were fortunate to meet the creators of Bellocq Tea.
Window of Bergdorf image by Sariah Tambre
Being a speciality linen and design showroom I wondered how our customers would respond to presenting a line of tea. We introduced our new treasure and "voila", it has added a new dimension to our collection and much delight to the afternoon tea that brings our staff together every day. Our tea loving customers welcomed it and loved that it is organic and has a good range of interesting Blends and Pure Teas. The handsome packaging is eye-catching in the Bellocq Yellow Box and the silver plate Connoisseur Caddies.
Bellocq tea at Fino Lino
Bellocq Tea has exceeded all our wishes in quality, fragrance and flavour. The Signature Blends are delightful and reminiscent of walking in far away gardens and forests collecting the local bounty that bestows our palates with such pleasure.
This morning I discovered an anise pod in the "White Wolf Blend", simply remarkable!
Bellocq tea is the inspiration of some very savvy tea drinkers from New York whose lifelong passion and multitude of skills led them to produce their own artisanal tea. The combined talents and passion of the founders Heidi Johannsen Stewart, Michael Shannon and Scott Stewart arrive after many years of working for such innovative companies as Martha Stewart and Anthropologie. This being the consummate expression of their passion and acquired knowledge.
My personal favourites are The Queens Guard, White Wolf and Etoile de l'Inde.
"Inspired by classic English gardens, The Queens Guard is a fragrant blend of Organic Ceylon black teas, stately rose and summer fresh lavender. Well balanced, elegant with honeyed nuanced floral finish. The Queens Guard is the perfect tea to enjoy with a slice of cake in the afternoon."
My husband is very particular about tea and also loves "White Wolf" made from organic Pai Mutan Tea (white tea), star anise, spearmint, vanilla bean and cornflowers.
"Etoile de l'Inde. An intoxicating tropical blend of organic Chinese green and Jasmine teas enveloped within a voluptuous haze of rose passion fruit, lush rose and marigold. Evocative of late afternoon rain showers and the fever experienced with the rush of young love. Fragrant and passionate it is one of our most romantic and requested blends". Bellocq Tea.
I often create my own blend not being able to decide which to choose. The flavour changes depending
on which part of the blend is selected from the tin. Most of the teas allow 2-3 pour-throughs proving to be economical as well.
The creators of Bellocq Tea
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)