Color Inspiration: Lime Green

With summer finally here, the Panther is ready for a blast of electric color, and one of her favorites for this time of year is lime green.  It is fresh, bright, and really packs a punch.  A little lime green goes a long way, but here are some of the panther's favorite uses for the color.

Not everyone can wear lime green from head to toe, but that doesn't mean you should avoid lime green in your wardrobe altogether.  What about a bright cheerful lime green scarf against a crisp white top?

Or, how about making a statement with these fabulous lime green sunglasses.  They are so unique and so much fun.

Setting the table with lime green definitely evokes a summer time feel.  This table is elegant with its lime green cloth and dupione silk napkins in matching lime green.

For a lime green centerpiece use fresh green grapes and green apples.  How simple is this yet so elegant.

For some color and cheer, toss some lime green throw pillows on your patio furniture.

Add a couple of lime green flower pots and planters into your yard.  Colorful flowers look wonderful against the lime green!

Or, if you don't want to invest in lime green planters, add some sweet potato vine into your landscape.  Sweet potato vine is the most wonderful shade of lime green and is a great backdrop to your garden. 

And don't forget to relax with a lime green cocktail.  A green apple-tini is perfectly lime green.

-The Panther











Ooh-La-La... Paris Flea Market this Weekend!

The Panther loves finding eclectic treasures and this weekend is the perfect opportunity for her to "paw" through charming finds and treasures galore at Bellagio Interiors' Paris Flea Market.

Bellagio is having a European-style flea market chock full of fabulous finds!

Vintage and new, shabby and chic, unique and rare...

Something for everyone!  Treasures Galore!

Come on down and paw through the flea market.

See what kind of treasures you can walk away with.

Bellagio Interiors

145 A Ave.

Lake Oswego, OR  97034

Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

See you there!

 

Topiary Love

I don't know what it is about topiaries, but I love them.  I suppose it is the whimsical shapes that are so charming and reminiscent of enchanted gardens in storybooks.  A topiary can be made in practically any shape: from very formal triple balls, to spirals, cones and even animal shapes.  Living topiaries can be made from a variety of plants: ivy, boxwood, privet or other evergreens.  Indoor topiaries can be made from artificial greens, or preserved plant materials.  The vast variety of shape, size, materials and design make topiaries a perfect accessory for any decor.

A very traditional triple-ball topiary in a formal English garden

Topiaries are often used to flank entrances.  They are welcoming to all who come to your door and can be as formal or informal as you choose.

The bright green and round shape are a lovely accent to the

straight lines of this white home.

Little white lights adorn these artificial double-ball

topiaries in gold half-urns.

These spiral topiaries in terra cotta pots offer a casual welcome.

A variety of topiaries flank these steps and give softness

and interest to this flat brick building.

Topiaries are not just for the outdoors.  There are endless ways to decorate with topiaries indoors as well. 

This grouping of different shapes and sizes of preserved boxwood

topiaries makes a fabulous table scape.

Here is another grouping of a variety of topiaries

on a rustic side table.

I love these topiaries in this formal living room.

The natural draping of the ivy from the pots

is a nice contrast to the formality of the room

This little topiary is romantic and sweet.

Ribbons can be added to any topiary and changed

seasonally to achieve different looks.

This little potted olive tree is a good way to

achieve the Italian country look.

The creeping fig topiaries would be darling in a kitchen

as well as on a patio.

 Finally, if they can make this Tiger topiary, a Panther topiary shouldn't be out of the question!

-The Panther

Garden Gear

The weather has been slow to warm up this year, but the panther is itching to get out in the garden.  Gardening is such a therapeutic activity.  There is the actual physicality of gardening which is satisfying and the transformation and growth of a garden is very gratifying.  Are you prepared to get out and garden?  Here are some of the panther's favorite garden gear.

Galoshes:  These are a necessity, at least in Oregon, where the grass is wet and the ground is muddy through the entire spring season.  Galoshes are big now and you can find such cute and fun patterns everywhere.  I have darling black and white houndstooth galoshes that I picked up at Target for around $20 and I love them!
Here are some other cute galoshes.

pink Burberry-inspired plaid

leopard print, of course!

Gloves:  You've got to protect those hands and those fingernails ladies.  Like galoshes, there are so many cute garden glove patterns these days.

Hat:  Protect your face from the sun (or the rain) with a cute wide-brimmed hat.  Not just for weather protection, wearing a hat will also prevent tree debris from collecting in your hair.

Kneeling Pad:  Kneeling pads not only prevent you from having to kneel in the dirt, but offer some cushioning to your knees as you garden.  They're good to sit on too when the ground is damp.

We love this pink kneeling pad and tool set.

Garden Tote:  You need a way to haul your garden tools around and also a place to stash your water bottle and ipad.  I was tired of using a big ol' orange Home Depot bucket and picked up this cute shopping tote.  It is all plastic and can be hosed out if needed and it has lots of pockets for all my tools.

The cavas totes are cute too, but much harder to keep clean.

Watering  Can:  Even if you have a sprinkler or drip system, you always need a watering can on hand.  This aluminum can in bright sunshiney orange is so cheerful.

Happy gardening!  We hope to post pictures of some of our favorite gardens soon.

-The Panther