Collage Collage

I have a confession to make. I dislike the Chucky Cheeses of the world or any generic, contrived centers which lure parents to have their child's birthday parties there for convenince. The parents always seem so tired and the children are always overly hyper from too much stimulation and sugar that's usually served in a liberal manner all day long, or for as long as you have the space.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think there's something to be said about having a birthday party for your child at home with a homemade cake and activities loved ones carefully planned. I know, in a day when we think a giant mouse can ensure a great time, my perspective may seem out of touch. Well, on the flip side, there are a couple of parents who look for alternatives to the Chuckie Cheeses and Gymborees of the birthday world and may have the birthday party at a park, a children's museum, or a studio. The last of which, I completely love. In fact, I recently came across the company Collage Collage (http://collagecollage.ca/) and it kind of makes me want to move to Canada. It's part studio for children and part bookstore. Collage Collage has a gigantic table in the middle of the room for creating and guess what? You can rent it for parties. I know, I know, some of you are saying, "But where's the laser tag/jungling monkey/tramboline?" It's no where in site, but guess what...I doubt your kids would miss any of that.

The Skinny on the Holly

Pardon me for my lack of postings, but sometimes life has a way of taking every bit of free time. Over the past couple of months, I realized two things. One of which involves my love of gardening and the other is a slight obsession of having the flyest house on the street. I've dedicated hours of locating the just right plant to carry home with me and now I can finally step back and relax. Being that most of the plants we planted are perennials, in another three years I will have one of those bountiful cottage gardens one sees in the English countryside.

However, I still have a some plants I'm spying for acquisition, which includes black eyed susans, cosmos, daisies, and two sky pencil holly shrubs. Now if you've never seen the sky pencil holly shrub, I'll try my best to describe it for you. It's like Diana Ross's wig for the garden. It has all of the drama. It also has a way of anchoring the landscape without being too obtrusive. It's perfect for both ends of a garden or on either side of a door. Even better, it has white blossoms during the spring and festive red berries during the winter months. A great addition for structure and interest all year round. If you already have one in your garden, drop me a line and let me know how its faring.