Coming Feb. 2009......A little early winter eye candy. Other than luxurious throws, my other favorite home decor item are beautiful throw pillows. While they are not so much a useful item such as throws, when they are made of fine textiles and elegant timeless designs they add an amazing touch to beautiful home setting. The line says pure luxury without being over the top and would fit in any casual home setting. We hope to have the line in by early Feb.

Happy New Years......A special thank you to all my old and new customers that allowed us to have an amazing year. We look foward to a new and exciting year. I wish you all the best in this coming year.

Eco Luxury Vodka..... Happy New Years!!! Yes, Eco-friendly vodka for the holidays. Going green while celebrating the new year. I have mentioned several times my preference for Organic wine, but I was so excited to see even more eco-friendly options for holiday cocktails. This product is not available here in Ridgecrest so I will have to pick some up on my next trip to LA in a couple of weeks. I will then give you my review of this product.

Here is some information from the companies website about their product:

Earth-Friendly Distilling Company

360 Vodka is an eco-friendly first, vodka crafted to be environmentally friendly in every aspect possible.

McCormick Distilling’s new division, Earth Friendly Distilling, created 360 Vodka to satisfy an emerging need. The world population has realized that we as a society must change our ways, and consumers are now demanding that any and all products which can be made eco-friendly, should be made eco-friendly.

Along with leaders in other industries, McCormick has taken the first step in this direction with the creation of 360 Vodka. However, distilling one vodka to be eco-friendly is nowhere near enough.

In addition to plans for other environmentally friendly products, McCormick Distilling is taking the following actions towards improving our collective environmental impact:

• Daily recycling of paper, printer toner and ink cartridges, cardboard, PET strapping material, plastic, shrink-wrap, aluminum cans and glass.
• Addition of an on-site recycling center.
• A number of our printers and fax machines have been configured to save paper by printing double sided.
• Installed CFL bulbs where possible and all computer & small appliances purchased are energy star rated.
• Eliminated paper towels, polystyrene utensils and beverage cups from our break rooms.
• Plastic wrapping bags, discarded from received shipments, are reused as trash bags.
• Any packaging or manufacturing equipment that can be reused or recycled is sent back to the OEM for expressly that purpose.
• Used oil generated from preventative maintenance is collected and sent to Safety Kleen for refinement and reuse.

We are also investigating other certifications and recognized EPA guidelines that we may be able to implement, further reaffirming our commitment to continuous improvements in meeting and exceeding environmental standards.

At McCormick Distilling Company, we realize the path to widespread eco-friendliness is not a journey completed in one leap. It is done step-by-step and day-by-day. We have accomplished a great deal, but there is still more work to be done and steps to be taken.

And so, we encourage all corporations, organizations and individuals to join us in taking whatever steps we can towards realizing a better, “greener” tomorrow for us all.

More New Years Eve Chocolates!!!.......Coming 2009

Falling in Love with the Welsh!
I have fallen in love with the Welsh. Every time I think I have found the most beautiful textile in the world another beautiful company comes my way. There are so many amazing textiles created all over the world, but for some reason the Welsh had yet to catch my eye. I sort of knew about the really nice warm socks they have been creating for centuries, but modern textile designs from the Welsh was not something I was quite aware of.

"This company has been creating these beautiful, elegant and sophisticated casual designs since the turn of the century. Melin Tregwynt heralds a new spirit in Welsh design with exclusive blankets, throws and cushions, furniture, accessories and clothing that combine authentic Welsh tradition with innovative and modern design. "A small family owned company first established in 1912 Melin Tregwynt combines the authentic craft tradition of the Welsh doublecloth and the carthenni’, blanket with beautiful colour and innovative modern design. Today over 20 local people work in the company."

With the coldest month of the year ( January) on its way this is what I have been craving. I can just imagine myself on the couch falling asleep with one of their throws wrapped around me. For the most part products must be ordered from their website or from their various stockist in throughout Europe and Asia. I am
thought investigating the possibility of bringing the line to Botany's Desire in 2009. I will keep you updated.

Eco-Friendly and Organic Holiday Wreaths..............
This holiday season think green and purchase your Christmas trees and wreaths from an eco-friendly source in your local community if that is an option for you. Above are some beautiful and unique ones created by Organic Bouquet. I will have one hanging on our boutique door next week and may be able to get a small amount at a good price if you email or call me in advance.

More Sucre on the way!!.........................
Most of our last shipment of Sucre holiday treats are pretty much gone. Don't worry though because some new stuff is set to arrive tomorrow. Chocolate covered almonds with a dust of sugar, Holiday Chocolate Bark with a hint of white chocolate and crushed candy canes and some delicious French fruit candies. Oh how yummy. I know I know I am a complete contradiction, at least my other half tells me so daily. One minute I am telling you to eat your veggies and antioxidantrich fruit with omega 3 eggs and then the next day I am screaming eat delicious confections and your world will be a better place. So sorry, I can't help it. I love my veggies as much as I love my chocolate. Life is about balance right?? Just eat more veggies than you eat chocolate and confections and also make sure you are only eating the really good quality stuff with out all the man made chemicals and preservitives. Ok? enough said.

More Stuff Santa should be putting under my tree......
Come on Santa! I mean shouldn't every woman have at least three of these lovelies? I know I live in the desert and all but I know Ruth Bridgeman would love for me to get these for Christmas. I understand $800 for a sweater is quite a bit......but...... Shucks! I still want one. I mean what do you expect to pay for such fine wool? These were not made with Wal-Mart yarn. This is the real deal. Beautifully crafted in Europe.
Well, a girl can dream right??

Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea and Honey Ginger Yogurt Verrines: The beautiful holiday macaroons are just so lovely. She has done it again. How she does it I just don't know. Can you imagine the look on your holiday guest faces if you make these as a surprise dessert? Please check her blog. http://www.tartellete.blogspot.com You will be able to see the recipes in full. While your there please read some of her other fantastic creations. If you don't have time to make the macaroons your self we will have some for sale at Botany's Desire starting around the 15th. They are freshly made by a wonderful pastry chef in New Orleans and shipped next day air.

Have a wonderful week.

New Books for the Holiday@Botany's Desire.
Our new selection will be in by next Friday and will make wonderful gifts for anyone on your list.
Make sure to reserve a copy for yourself as well. These books will encourage you to take time and really enjoy the holiday with your friends and family.