Swell news!

I can't sit on this amazing news any longer. House and Home magazine has asked if they can feature Coriander Girl in their May issue!! Isn't that so wonderful?! I can't believe my good fortune these last few months. A million times thank you to my darling family, friends and Coriander Girl supporters. You make it all worth while! xo


And then, as if things can get any better, Kya came over for a girls day yesterday and we had a photoshoot to see if she is still in the running to becoming Coriander Girls next top doodle. It's pretty clear that she's showing real talent in her editorial work but the real test will be on the runway.


Big order today for a lovely woman throwing a party for her husband tonight. Imagine masculine branches and berries with purple kale and feathery limonium wrapped in woody cedar boughs. Delicious!


Happy Saturday everyone!
Alison : >
Wait, what's that? You wanna dance? Okay, click here!

Whoomp There It Is

The shop is looking rather delightful these days. I've had some incentive to make it look extra lush and lovely. I'll keep you guessing a little while longer as things develop but good news is on the way.




New cards by Erin Candela, valentine's edition. I love these little chicken doodles.


And introducing my latest craft find, these little felted flower broaches by the lovely Saskia. Check back in a few days for a full artist profile.



You ready for a dance!? There's a party over here...a party over there...wave your hands in the air...shake your derriere. Shakalaka! Click here and shake it!

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)