Tag: home

decor, Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

Stayin’ Alive

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Stayin’ Alive

The Whistling Elk celebrated 33 years of “Stayin’ Alive” on May 1st, 2023 having opened the doors in May of 1990!!!

Yeah, I look at it as “STAYIN’ ALIVE” hahaha 33 years – who knew?

It seems incredible to me that so much time has passed, so many things have changed over the years, so many businesses have come and gone, so many economic ups and downs, so many technology changes…remember no computers? remember Y2K, etc. I have so few pictures of the shop back in the beginning because there was no snapping a picture on your phone. Crazy, huh?

I have never deviated from The Whistling Elk’s original business plan which was to provide Home Decor & Accessories, Interior Design and Gifts based on Old World Elegance and Traditions. That’s right, I’ve seen the trends and the fads come and go and stayed away. Why? Because Old World Elegance, Sophistication and Tradition will never go out of style! Nope. It will be STAYIN’ ALIVE forever.

I can’t say I might not have been tempted a time or two….but nah….

Thirty-Three Years…Amazing!! I can’t even count how many happy customers I have had or how many clients I have provided Interior Design Services to — but of course it is all because of THEM and their love of Tradition, Elegance, European Old World Style, and the love of Color and Warmth in their homes.

The Whistling Elk has been recognized not once but twice as one of the 50 Best Home Furnishings Shops in the USA. I am still so very honored by this fact! I have designed rooms at 5 or 6 Designer Show Houses over the years…the most strenuous and challenging of those the Montclair Jr. Leaque Showhouse “Brookwood”.

I totally enjoyed traveling to SHOP High Point, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia (twice a year for over 30 years) and of course Paris, France. How much fun was that! So many adventures and stories!

I have seen so many business come and go and who knew that “STAYIN’ ALIVE” meant I would become one of the “oldest” businesses on Main Street? I am so Grateful to my loyal customers for this HONOR.

This year for the Anniversary Sale I am going to do something I have never done before! Thank you for Everything!

THREE DAY 50% OFF SALE

JUNE 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Don’t miss it – Get something Special!

decor, DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home

It’s Finally Here!

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2 days only Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th

Our 32nd Anniversary Sale is Finally Here!!!

Hurrah!

This is the best one yet – Don’t Miss It!

Discounts from 20% to 75% off….WOW

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

Perhaps the Best Anniversary Sale We’ve Ever Had!!

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Perhaps the Best Anniversary Sale We’ve Ever Had!!

Don’t Forget!!!

Monday, May 2nd thru Friday, May 6th – 10 AM to 5 PM

Sale prices from 20% to 75% off

We are stocked with home accessories and gifts!

Come take advantage of this once-a-year event!!

Just a few photos but there is so much more!

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

Anniversary Celebration ** Thirty-Two Years!

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Anniversary Celebration ** Thirty-Two Years!

We are celebrating our 32nd year in business!

We are planning a Special Sales Promotion for our Anniversary which will be held on two different occasions for our customers’ convenience.

SAVE THESE DATES

Monday May 2nd thru Friday May 6th

This will be a week long Celebration for the convenience of our customers who shop during the week.

Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th

Our weekend shoppers will enjoy this two-day shopping event!

(of course all of our wonderful customers are invited to both events!!)

There will be lots of in store discounts….and we will be stocked to the ceiling with the elegant, beautiful and stylish home furnishings, accessories and gifts that you have come to expect from us. 

We hope you will join in our Celebration of 32 Fabulous Years and take advantage of these limited Special Sales Promotions!  We only do this once a year!  So mark your calendars and plan to do some serious shopping!

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

The Changing Winds of Home Decor

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on The Changing Winds of Home Decor
The Changing Winds of Home Decor

There is really nothing more beautiful to me than the elegance of a room design incorporating  glorious colour and the changing winds of home decor are bringing colour back! 

Warm. Cozy. Timeless

I can’t imagine anything better than that.

home decor, home goods, colour, design
Lovely Florida home by G.P. Schafer featured in Luxe Magazine.

Designers who create rooms incorporating traditional looks with a few clean  contemporary accents or some wonderful vintage or antique pieces take my breath away and make my heart beat.  Beautiful design can always do that to me.

Obviously colour is a major factor in the design of all beautiful rooms.  Although I enjoyed the grey/whites and accompanying pale palette that was trending...it is cold…Brrrh!  I think that everyone staying home during the covid pandemic spent a lot of time looking around and deciding to make some changes in their homes especially related to reintoducing colour…putting the colour revolution on the fast track!

What do you think?  Are you ready to move on to some great color and tradition?  or will you holding on to the cooler palettes?

Change on the wholesale level is already in full swing so you are going to find less of the outgoing trends and colours.  

Have you ever looked for home decor and accents in colors that have recently passed out of favor?  Then you know how hard it can be to find them.  When the market starts to transition it is always wise to finish a room before home accents become  scarce.

 Personally, I am wholeheartedly embracing the return of color!

home decor, home goods, colour
Magnificent beach house foyer by interior designer Jack Philips. Photo by Brantley Photo

I love the way Janelle of Janelle’s Designs made this vanity stand out by incorporating Gold!

home decor, colour, design
A touch of gold on gray makes this vanity stand out! Photographed and Painted by Janells Designs.  You can find Janell on instagram @janellsdesigns

coronavirus, DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Plus and Minus

by elegantparis1 Comment on Plus and Minus
Plus and Minus

I put together a list this morning of projects that need doing.

I filled an entire sheet.

I posted it and every time I walk by it I think of something else to add.  There are some plusses to being stuck at home. 

Some of the things on the list have been on the back burner for months and perhaps years!

I have decided to make sure that I pick something on that list to complete every day…with that in mind I literally could stay home for a quite a while.

Well, that will take care of some of the time I have on my hands…

I have already discovered this morning that my mind is still creative and fertile…teeming with ideas…mostly how to improve and take my business to the next level…new things I want to do, plans I want to put into action.

It’s almost scary.  Maybe, just maybe, that is why when this is over our economy is going to go nuts….we will all have this pent up creativity and desire to go full steam ahead.

Some things with regard to my business I have already implemented in this new free time I have found myself blessed with.

Minuses, of course, we all know.  We miss each other, we’re a little scared and we can’t wait for it to be behind us.  And, it’s hard stop from eating! 😉

Stay safe, my friends.

Barbara Collins, The Whistling Elk

Barbara

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In Times of Stress It’s Good to Have Something You Enjoy Doing

by elegantparis2 Comments on In Times of Stress It’s Good to Have Something You Enjoy Doing

It’s a stressful world right now.

I am always glad that there are certain activities that

keep me busy when stress is in the air…

Wall painting
Faux Painted Wall at The Whistling Elk

pretty black table
Little Black Table at The Whistling Elk

Painting is one such enjoyable and therapeutic activity.

What is Yours?

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

The Changing Winds of Design

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on The Changing Winds of Design

There is really nothing like a beautiful Traditional

room design.

 Warm. Cozy. Timeless.

I can’t imagine anything better than that.

Amazing family room by Alexa Hampton Inc. Love the use of Color!!

Designers who create rooms incorporating Traditional looks with a few clean modern accents or maybe some wonderful vintage or antique pieces take my breath away and make my heart beat.  Beautiful design can always do that to me.

Obviously color is a major factor in the design of the warm, cozy Traditional room.  Although I enjoyed the greys and accompanying pale palette that has been trending...it is cold…Brrrh!  So I am not so sad to see it trending down and away.

What do you think?  Are you ready to move on to some great color and tradition?  or will you be trying to hold on to the cooler palettes?

Once change starts on the wholesale level you will start finding less and less of the outgoing trends and colors.  It takes a little time to transition and longer still for the retail customer to embrace the next trend.

Often customers will look for decorative accessories and accents in colors that have recently passed  out of favor and they become extremely hard to find…sadly I’m sure that on occasion you have experienced this.

When the market starts to transition it is always wise to finish a room before accents become more scarce.

Taken from designer Michael Smith’s book “The Curated House: Creating Style, Beauty and Balance”.

 Personally, I am wholeheartedly embracing the return of color!

 

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Mondays at The Whistling Elk

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Wishing you a Happy New Year!…and reminding you that The Whistling Elk is

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK…for your shopping convenience.

Mondays from 10:00 am til 4 pm

Tuesday thru Sunday from 10:00 am til 5:30 pm

Mondays are especially good days to shop us – you can beat the weekend crowd and jazz up a dreary Monday by coming in for casually elegant home furnishings and accessories!

Lampe Berger
Casual Elegance at The Whistling Elk in Chester NJ

At the Whistling Elk you will find all the finishing touches that make a house Your Home at affordable prices…accent furniture, lighting, artwork and mirrors!

 You will also find thoughtful gifts!  In addition to Lampe Berger Paris there is Bedford Cottage Throws, exquisite French Jewelry, Sloane Fine Teas and much more!  And don’t forget we sell Paint Couture…a fantastic choice for creating amazing furniture and cabinet finishes.

I have just returned from shopping for 2018…

There are lots of great new gift items, accent furniture, artwork, rugs and more!  It was so much fun finding great pieces for you!

So if you love a European style that is casually elegant you will love the shop.

So come by any day….and don’t forget MONDAYS!  Start your week off right with a visit to THE WHISTLING ELK.

 We are in our 28th Year in Chester of bringing your style, beauty and affordability!

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

2017 is Fast Drawing to a Close!

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on 2017 is Fast Drawing to a Close!

As 2017 draws to a close, I would just like to say how grateful I am for all the wonderful customers who frequent my shop!

It has been another wonderful year!  And I am enthusiastically awaiting the beginning of my 28th year here in beautiful Chester NJ…in another couple of weeks I will be heading to Atlanta to shop for  merchandise for 2018!

I will be forever grateful that I chose Chester to be the home for my collection of casually elegant home furnishings and accessories….

home furnishings

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

 

 

 

 

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

Sometimes You Just Need a Flying Pig…

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Sometimes You Just Need a Flying Pig…

I have been awaiting this particular art shipment for over two weeks.  It was on the road for almost a month….which is very scary…But it is all perfect! 

So very happy it’s here!

Right now it is leaning just about everywhere in the shop!

home decorThere is so much beauty here…landscapes, geometrics, bath prints, amazing fleur de lis wall sculptures, florals, still lifes and more.

home decor at the whistling elk in chester nj
florals and damask patterned prints

home decor
gorgeous chandelier print

chester nj
art at the whistling elk

home decor
stilllife/landscape

home decor
fleur de lis

A Flying Pig even came along with this order….he has an amazing Swarovski crystal crown too!

He is nestled in behind the embellished candlestick below…

so cute!

home decor
Flying Pig

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

The Whistling Elk is Sponsoring a Lampe Berger Special for Mother’s Day

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It’s a perfect time to try a Lampe Berger at The Whistling Elk!

We have lots of beautiful lampes to choose from and when you purchase one you can get a tripack of 3 fragrances for 50% off!

The Whistling Elk
Lampe Berger Tripack – Warm Scents

There are two different tripacks to choose from … one has fresh scents:  Fresh Linen, Lemonflower and the international best selling fragrance Ocean Breeze!

The other tripack  includes New Orleans (one of our best sellers), Orange Cinnamon and Vanilla Gourmet!

Get yours while supplies last.

Chester NJ
Lampe Berger at The Whistling Elk

 

Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

The Whistling Elk 2017 Another Year Another Fresh Start!

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on The Whistling Elk 2017 Another Year Another Fresh Start!

Wow, I guess moving really did affect me!  I just realized that I have not posted to the blog in over 5 months!  Oh My!  But life at The Whistling Elk continues…

The Fall and Christmas season has passed…I made my annual January trip to Atlanta to buy goods for 2017…and have already received several shipments from those orders placed in January…

As always it is so exciting to receive new goods.  Always a fresh start and a new perspective!  And this year will not disappoint.  So, come and visit The Whistling Elk soon because we are already showing new pretty stuff!!

Here’s a little preview:

chester nj shopping
Leather Chairs and an ottoman! Really handsome!

shopping in chester nj
Just plain pretty Mirrors…we have about 4 different styles…all beautifully finished and distressed!

lollia at the whistling elk
Lollia for your sweetheart…some new scents too!

the whistling elk, chester nj
Beautiful spring flowers – just in case you get spring fever!

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Moving Can Put You in a Funk

by elegantparis4 Comments on Moving Can Put You in a Funk

Well, I sold my home and moved to a new one.  That is a pretty short sentence but it says a lot and the whole process put me in a funk….so much work!  I feel like I fell asleep in March and woke up in August…sigh…

But I am done with that…The Moving Funk is over NOW!

I love my new home, it’s relatively “put together”…at least as much as I plan to do until I live there a little and see what is what.  Meanwhile the shop waits for no man….and fall is coming!  That means that lots of trucks are rolling in with all kinds of  great merchandise and the shop is brimming with wonderful pieces.

Art arrived yesterday, lots of it!  Here’s a little sneak peak…

the whistling elk

chester nj

the whistling elk

chester nj

the whistling elk
lots of great bath pieces!

Last week my fall clothing line arrived and it is spectacular! Lots of great fabrics and styles and lots more leggings this year!

the whistling elk chester nj
Lots of fabrics! Scarves, ponchos, sweaters, vests, tunics, and lots and lots of leggings!

Our Lampe Berger is STOCKED…and there are many new gift sets at great values and some beautiful new lampes!

home decor
Lampe Berger Paris

DIY, Furniture, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

People are always asking me “Does your Home look like this”

by elegantparis2 Comments on People are always asking me “Does your Home look like this”

…They ask this when they are standing in my shop amidst the furniture and home accessories that are displayed in The Whistling Elk.

I usually just shrug off this question because I have never really thought much about it – until recently…you see I just sold my home.  A short few words but a lot of meaning!

Taking stock and packing I realized just how consistent I really am…there is a resemblance in that I really love to be surrounded by beauty.  I guess if I am one thing…that is…Consistent !!

I have lived in my home for 28 years…it feels like a part of me.  It always felt good just to be there.  Over the years I have brought home pieces that I loved and integrated them into the mix.  Some things came and went while others I cannot imagine parting with ever.

The Whistling Elk
Living Room

 

My list of belongings reads like a list of the companies that I have done business with over the years in the shop.

I have a J.M. Paquet sofa…they are out of business now being one of the ones to go early in 2008.  but the sofa lives on and when the time comes I will have it reslipcovered yet again.  Its so comfortable and I still love it so it will go with me to my new home.

My Habersham buffet is another piece that I love.  It makes me happy every time I just look at it.  It houses my grandmothers dishes which will be going to my niece for safekeeping.  The buffet though goes with me.  The savonnerie carpet is from Feizy…and it was chosen because…well, I just fell in love with it.

I love this room and have spent many, many hours here!  The mantel I bought when a 1890’s home in New Brunswick was demolished.  It was a wreck all chipping and dirty.  I took my hand sander and sanded all the dirt and loose paint off and then had it attached to the wall.

Since I have always wanted to live in an old fieldstone house I mimicked that with the faux painted fieldstone wall on which that mantel is mounted.  I loved this look and am sorry to leave it behind.  I guess I will have to paint a new wall!

The Whistling Elk
1890’s mantel

Another favorite room is the Master Bedroom…and Master Bath off of it…

I purchased a really crummy pair of shutters and nailed them to the wall on either side of a large window and it created just the right look to go with the Dutch Caribbean bed.  I cannot remember the name of the company that this bed came from but it is solid hand carved mahogany.

The Whistling Elk
Another Favorite Room

The beautiful painted lingerie chest fit just perfectly in the corner of the room…it’s shape is what makes it special.  It’s rounded across the front.  It came from RH Home…they were a California company which is also gone.  Sadly.

The walls I faux painted to resemble my take on old crumbling Italian walls…and you can’t  see it in the picture but on the wall at the foot of the bed is a huge 5 foot x 4 foot picture of a hotel on Lake Como Italy which I have to say I loved waking up and seeing every morning.  Perfect way to start the day!

The Linen Press next to the bed is an antique piece from England circa 1880…my niece will be picking up this piece tonight and it will go to live in her bedroom.  It came from a company called ARK Antiques which is also out of business…so many great companies over the years have come and  gone.  Sadly our economy is not good for small business these days.

The Whistling Elk
Master Bath

I really got fanciful with my master bath.  The Alma Slade draperies are chenille and were perfect with the colors in the Nourison carpet.  But my favorite piece is the Danish Vanity from ARK Antiques…circa 1910.  So pretty!  And of course I just had to have a little vintage chandelier in there…Right?  Absolutely!

I have a thing about old doors and I managed to get my fix with that too in the dining room where I leaned two heavy old French doors to flank a 3 panel screen…an oil from Andrew Kolb & Sons depicting a hillside village in Italy.  That’s  the only non-bling  (Stone County Ironworks) chandelier I own over that table!!!   I always meant to hang some crystals on it…

The Whistling Elk
Dining Room

So I guess this is my tribute to my pretty little home that I am leaving behind.  I will miss it.  A little place always filled with light from all the large windows.  But I am also so excited to start over and to what I am going to create next!

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Uncategorized

I’m With Miss Piggy…Everyday Should Be A Small Business Shopping Day!

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I am still chuckling over the Small Business Saturday video featuring Miss Piggy (it’s posted on chesterstreettalk.com.)

Very Cute!  Thanks for sharing Jess!

And yes, the Christmas Season is almost here…

Thanksgiving is next week!  Wow! I can’t wait to enjoy the food and the family gathering!

At The Whistling Elk I am ready!  The tree is up and full of Mark Roberts Fairies and beautiful ornaments…

home decor
Beautiful Ornaments at The Whistling Elk

home decor and christmas ornaments
The Whistling Elk in Chester NJ

Chester NJ
Mark Roberts Fairies at The Whistling Elk

The Whistling Elk
Mark Roberts Fairies are just too cute.

and, of course, we are well stocked with our favorite jewelry line, La Vie Parisienne…

chester nj
Beautiful jewelry from La Vie Parisienne at The Whistling Elk

A new shipment of Sloane Fine Tea Merchants Teas came last week so we have some favorites in stock like Heavenly Cream and some new ones like Vanilla Bean Rooibos….I tried this one last night and it is delicious and healthy to boot…full of antioxidants and anti-inflammories…yummm!

the whistling elk
Sloane Fine Teas

The Whistling Elk, Chester NJ
Tea Anyone? Pretty Cups and Saucers…fill them with Sloane Fine Teas

Sadly you cannot eat these beautiful cupcake ornaments!

The Whistling Elk
Cupcake ornaments!

Our famous Throw Blankets always make a great gift…Soft and warm they are also a beautiful addition to your home décor!

The Whistling Elk
Throw Blankets make a design statement and keep you cozy!

 

Lots of pretty decorations around the shop to help you get into the holiday spirit!

home decor
Bling and Glitter…

christmas decorations in chester nj
Decorations at the Whistling Elk in Chester NJ

Oh my, our Lampe Berger shelves are packed with amazing fragrances, lots of beautiful Lampes to choose from or Gift Sets at special prices so you can give the gift of scent to friends and family!

Chester NJ
Lampe Berger at The Whistling Elk

Lampe Berger
More Lampes…

home decor
Delicious Fragrance from Lampe Berger

You will find the shop is full of beautiful artwork, mirrors, lamps and small accent tables for the home…we are still a wonderful source of home furnishings and accessories!  So come and find out what shopping Small Business is all about…great service, friendly faces and, of course, CHESTER is in itself is a beautiful location for shopping…so full of old world charm!

 

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Home Décor and The Whistling Elk

by elegantparis1 Comment on Home Décor and The Whistling Elk

The latest shipment of artwork came yesterday.  There were two boxes (one of them over 6′ high) on a big skid….it was a hot day to contemplate opening that much freight.

But as always when I started to take out all the different pieces of artwork I got excited because it was all beautiful and nothing was broken…that in itself was a miracle since this particular shipment was actually on the road for 20 days.  So now there is lots of beautiful artwork again at The Whistling Elk!

Here’s a sampling of some of the pieces that arrived…come check them out…there’s more!

Home Decor
Our newest “Lady” – beautiful…but we have the Lady in Black too…

home decor
Gorgeous Giglee at The Whistling Elk, Chester NJ

home decor at the whistling elk in chester nj
Giclee Still Life (part of a set of 4)

home decor
Wall Art Arrivals at The Whistling Elk (these frames are distressed gold)

The Whistling Elk Home Decor
Floral with Swarovski crystals

Home Decor
Wine Labels – Set of 4

The Whistling Elk
Eiffel Tower with Swarovski crystals

artwork at The Whistling Elk, Chester NJ
Tuscan Scene – this is a canvass wrap

The Whistling Elk
Tea Anyone?  Love this one!

Walls are a big part of your home…and your home décor plan should include lots of beautiful artwork on the those walls.

We’re doing our part at The Whistling Elk!  We have shipments of beautiful wall décor every other month!  This month we brought in a double shipment so there are over 45 new pieces in the shop.  Come check it out and spruce up your home décor!

 

 

 

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Walls Define a Room – Fill Them with Beautiful Art

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on Walls Define a Room – Fill Them with Beautiful Art

Chester NJ
This pretty piece of art makes me smile in its simple beauty – its a giclee so there is no glare of glass and I think that makes it easier to appreciate!

A shipment of art just arrived late yesterday afternoon.  After the initial flurry of activity required to take in the shipment, unpack it and examine it then price it….I got to thinking of how the walls of a room define the space within it and how decorating the walls brings the room to life and enhances and complements the other furnishings.

I began thinking about how certain pieces of art just make your heart beat…and how the enjoyment of looking at them directly contributes to your feeling of well being and enjoyment in your home!

So on that note I am excited to share a few pictures of some of the art that came in….its a diverse collection this time…mostly smaller pieces but all beautiful.  Maybe one or two will touch your heart and will take its place in your home!

art at the whistling elk in chester nj
This pretty print is embedded with jewels that sparkle and add to the beauty of the print – there is a companion print “madame”

The Whistling Elk, Chester NJ
Love the Colorful aspect of these bath prints! There are 4 in the collection – all beautiful

artwork at The Whistling Elk
This chandelier print has a companion print that showcases a different chandelier. Together in a Dining Room they would be spectacular.

We have some elegant crowns right now too…couldn’t resist putting one in the vicinity of this print….they just seem to resonate!  The Chandelier print is studded with little amber crystals.

The Whistling Elk, Chester NJ
This wall has some many pretty pictures on it – all very different and yet all working together to form a lovely picture. The one in the middle is actually a mirror distressed and detailed with reverse painting on glass so it is reflecting the other side of the shop!

artwork chester nj
A pair of pictures that work in the kitchen, butlers pantry or breakfast room…they each have a mate (not shown here)

Chester NJ
There are four of these pretty ballerina prints….all different poses studded with jewels.

artwork at the Whistling Elk
I love these – they are so elegant and look very old…I like to think some ancestor of mine lived in one of these castles. There are 3 different castle prints – all beauties.

Artwork at The Whistling Elk
There is some diversity on the wall but it works in that all is beautiful!

There are more beautiful pieces in the shop so stop by and see what catches your eye!

Our artwork is always elegant, always beautiful and always 20% off every day.

DIY, Furniture, gifts, Home, Paint, Uncategorized

Tea, Honey and Home

by elegantparis3 Comments on Tea, Honey and Home
Tea, Honey and Home

I love tea!

I love not only the taste of a delicious tea but the whole ritual!

In this crazy world there is nothing better than to brew some tea, wait while it steeps,  and then pour it from a pretty teapot into a pretty cup!  and of course you should do this while relaxing in your beautiful home!

I know you think you don’t have the time.  Well, I say make the time –  you will be the better for it.  Sip it slowly and enjoy the whole ritual.  I admit it took me a while to get the hang of it but now I look forward every morning and evening to my private little ritual that relaxes me and helps me to remember what life is really all about.

Tea, Honey and happiness
Sloane Fine Tea Merchants at The Whistling Elk

I did a lot of research on Tea as I was looking for a new line to sell in my shop…and what I found is outstanding!  Sloane Fine Tea Merchants.  It wasn’t easy as they are in Toronto and I am now actually their first customer in New Jersey.  It’s a little tougher to import product…I haven’t done a lot of that in my shop – but if you give it a try you will agree –  it is worth it!

Here’s what they say about their Tea :

“The tea in your cup is a result of a delicious journey. At Sloane Tea Company we traverse the world in search of only the finest teas that would delight even the most discerning of palates.

The Sloane story is about beauty. Beauty as told through the senses of taste, smell and sight.  Beauty as experienced through the remarkable taste of our teas, as well as the beauty of the colour in your cup and the enticing fragrance of our perfumed teas. Sloane’s signature line of teas and tisanes (herbal teas) combine the finest loose leaf teas, exotic ingredients and artisanal techniques.

Tea sourced & blended by Certified Tea Sommeliers

Each Sloane Tea is individually sourced. Chosen from hundreds of tea gardens, Sloane Teas are carefully processed using centuries old artisanal techniques. Our scented and blended teas are custom created by our own team of Certified Tea Sommeliers and culinary experts. As part of the development of our products, we have consulted with the Maître Nez (Head Nose) of one of France’s foremost perfumeries and trained at the Studio Des Fragrance in Grasse, France.”

The tea is absolutely delicious!  My favorite right out of the gate was the Heavenly Crème – I am already addicted to it.  It really is heavenly.  And then I enjoyed it so much I already ran out!!!!  So I decided to try the Jasmine Pink Lemonade and I have to say I love it also and for me that is saying a lot. As  a general rule before sipping this tea I would have said “No Thanks…I just don’t like green teas” but I was wrong – this one is delicious!  It’s blended white and green tea  and one of Sloane’s “Signature” blends.   It has the sweetness of fresh jasmine and an unforgettable pink grapefruit finish…and it is superb as an iced tea also!   I have been drinking it both hot and cold and look forward to it almost as much as the Heavenly Cream….you simply must try these teas!

Sloane Teas at The Whistling Elk
Heavenly Cream Tea

So now that I have found these delicious teas from Sloane, I am stocking them and found that I wanted to sell a delicious honey to use with them.  So again I have done exhaustive research and found some sources of Raw honey  which I will also be stocking.  For the teas I love the Star Thistle Raw Honey the best because it has a very subtle flavor and doesn’t interfere with the flavor of the tea…but I have many varieties of raw honey available now:

Star Thistle, Orange Blossom, Wildflower, Bamboo, Buckwheat, and Clover….all Raw and delicious!  And there will be more….

The Whistling Elk
some raw honey

Ohh, and of course you must drink your tea from a beautiful cup…

Tea, Honey and teacups at the whistling elk
Tea cups at The Whistling Elk

At The Whistling Elk you will find not only home furnishings and accessories but also lots of other products to enhance the way you live your life!  We believe your home should be your sanctuary…that is one reason why I love our Tea products!  They will be in good company with our other home products like our Lampe Berger!  Come in an see what is new!  It’s our 25th anniversary this year!  and we are celebrating!

 

gifts, Home, Uncategorized

La Maison Gray at The Whistling Elk

by elegantparisLeave a Comment on La Maison Gray at The Whistling Elk

La Maison Gray has joined our product mix at The Whistling Elk.

  Linen Sprays are available in 6 fragrances and Soy Candles in the same fragrances help you layer scent in a room.  I really like the way the candles come in simple jars with screw on caps…it keeps them clean and neat!  Sometimes I just take the cap off and let the scent breathe…it’s a pleasure without even lighting it!

La Maison Gray Chester NJ
La Maison Gray Linen Spray and Soy Candles

The candles are a wonderful size to travel with….you know for giving your hotel room a lovely scent…making you feel at home.  So easy to throw in your luggage…

The Whistling Elk carries French Linen Spray
La Maison Gray Linen Spray – French Linen

Linen Spray has always been one of my favorite things…such a simple pleasure.   There is just nothing better than snuggling down into your comfy bed amidst lovely fragrance.

I like to spray down the bed when I make it up in the morning….so when I turn down the covers in the evening the lovely fragrance is soft and inviting!

The packaging on these products is beautiful and the prices are very reasonable – making this a great gift!

The Whistling Elk
La Maison Gray Linen Spray and Soy Candles