Sunday Morning Couture Eye Candy!!

Liza Rietz began designing and sewing custom and retail pieces in 2001. She has been a part of Portland's artistic clothing community from the beginning of her career, participating in multiple group and independent fashion shows. Her designs have been available nationally in high-end boutiques in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Rietz's modern designs are structured yet feminine, detailed yet wearable, and are created individually, not mass-produced. Rietz designs two small lines annually, producing small batches of each design. Though her collections adhere to the seasons, her lines are not season-specific. Instead, Rietz focuses on designing clothes that are versatile and that easily translate to any time of year. Rietz's designs are made out of all natural fabrics including cottons, linens, silks, and bamboos. With a small production run of each line, the individuality of each piece exemplifies how clothing can be artisitc and expressionistic. Her designs are also available for custom and off the rack at her store "liza rietz and a broken spoke" in Portland, Oregon. Please visit her website www.lizarietz.com for more information.

Inspired to Ride.....
Well I have got the cycling bug really really bad. Before this last year the last time I was on a bike was the summer of 1987 my freshman year at college. I thought it would be a great idea to purchase a bike to use
to ride from my off campus apartment to and from school. Well, that lasted a whole two days.

Riding a bike in hilly Tallahassee Florida on Florida State Universities HUGE campus was crazy!!! I thought I was going to pass out from the heat and humidity and riding up those hills was killing me. So pretty much after the
second day I parked my bike on the back balcony of my apartment and there it stayed for the next 4 years
until I graduated.


Well, last summer while in New York on a buying trip, Jillian and I decided to rent bikes and do a three hour
cycling tour of Central Park and Manhattan. It was amazing. I was in heaven and for the first time remembered why I loved to ride when I was younger. I felt like a new woman. But, when I got back to Ridgecrest I didn't have a bike to ride and was reluctant to invest in one without knowing if I would really pursue this new found love or if it was a just in the moment kind of thing.

As the months went by I really started to crave a ride and started looking online and at local shops but I still did not commit. Jan 2009 came around and I DID IT!!! I fell in love with a bike and took it home with me
that day. Since then I have been out several times riding mostly early Sunday mornings. My plan is to ride as much as possible for leisure fun and exercise and then eventually ride to my shop at least twice a week.
So, tomorrow I am riding to work.

Fashion and Cycling......A Must!
I have a problem though. This may sound insane to some of you, but I want to be cute too when I ride. I mean I am not planning on wearing my high heals and all, and I will wear a helmet for safety reasons. Hey, I still want to be cute ok?? I remember years ago while in Amsterdam and Belgium so many women were riding their bikes. They were so cute, fit and dressed so sweet. There must be a way to balance this all out. Don't you think?
(images from styleslicker.wordpress.com and londoncyclechic.blogspot.com)

$39.99 - Organic Violet Euro Textured Sham

$28.99 - Organic Violet Floral Sham/Standard Each

$198.00 - Organic Embroidered Full/Queen Duvet

New Home Furnishings...Available from Botany's Desire Boutique
You asked and we can now deliver. One of our great finds on our recent buying trip was this wonderful line of small and large furnishings from one of our old vendors. All these pieces will be only available via special order and not carried in the boutique. Items may be viewed and purchased from our other blog.
http://www.HomeFurnishingsatBotanysDesire.blogspot.com
Items will be updated monthly.

You know you want one.
I normally hate lanterns because most designs are made with cheap materials, over used styles and some quite a bit tacky for my taste. But these I LOVE. If your nice to me by the spring I may be able to get one for you.

Can you imagine how sweet it might be this spring and summer to have these hanging over your head in your garden on a quite evening all lit up along with a fabulous cup of cold or hot tea?.... prices range from $26-$56 each. Check back or email me for more information.

Custom Ballet Slippers!!!!!
Foot Therapy.....Handmade!!!
These are made to order custom ballet flats! Soon to be available at Botany's Desire. If you would like to pre-order your own custom made pair please email me by the end of the month. Don't these little cuties make you hope for spring and sunshine. Off with the boots!!!!

They are fully lined with padded insoles. The soles are made of vinyl, which makes them completely vegan. This particular pair features a keyhole and wooden button. So cute!

Now available in different colors!
The talented designer makes each pair herself and it will take 1-2 weeks for your shoes to be completed.

Since these are custom made for your feet, please measure the length of your foot from tip of toe to heel and the width at the widest point. Or you can send the usual size that you purchase, so I can make them fit perfectly. Be sure to submit your color choice as well!

Email, Call or Stop by for pricing information.
Thanks,
Sandra

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. We are opening earlier so all you last minute shoppers
will still have an opportunity to find that perfect gift or treat. We still have some amazing chocolate confections, luxurious bamboo bedding, beautiful lounge wear and so many other fabulous gift ideas for you. Also, if you still need to order flowers please go to http://www.OrganicBouquet.com to get the best flowers and roses that are toxic free and good for you and the earth.

Spring is in the air so enjoy the last of winter!!!
It is still winter and plenty of time for more nesting around the house, gathering with your
friends and family with those comfy throws, sweet jams, hot cocoa and soothing botanical bath products found at Botany's Desire Boutique. We have everything you need to soothe your body and soul and help you make it through the season.
Images by the incredible Stylist Eva Lindh

Aromatherapy in the Bedroom!!


The bedroom is where you are likely to spend seven to eight hours out of every twenty four. You may think the ambiance of your bedroom is not that important as you are asleep in there most of the time but that is so far from the truth! The quality of your sleep plays a large part in your general well being.

Some people seem to have the ability to sleep almost anywhere at any time (and I must confess I am one of these!) but for most of us the environment needs to be right for really deep and refreshing sleep.

Keeping your bedrooms clear of clutter is important for encouraging restful sleep as it is thought to smooth the flow of 201Cchi201D and create a harmonious atmosphere. Make sure you hang up your clothes and put your shoes away at the end of the day.

If you are having problems sleeping use essential oils in a nice, warm bath before you go to bed or use them in a burner. Remember though that even soothing aromas can stop you from sleeping if they are too strong including Lavender!

You can give your bed linen a lovely fragrance by adding essential oils to your laundry routine. Add 2 drops of Lavender to water in a plant spray and spray your pillowcases before ironing remember to shake the mixture well before each use.

Do be aware when using the oilier, thicker and more deeply coloured oils with any fabric they may stain and are also more difficult to wash out.

Dream oils

Clary Sage, Vertiver and Helichrysum essential oils all have a reputation for bringing on vivid dreams and helping you to recall dreams. This may not help you get a good nights sleep but some people like to use their dreams to access what is going on in their subconscious.
However, if you suffer from bad dreams or nightmares avoid these oils and use Roman Chamomile instead. This oil is frequently used for relieving nightmares and can be use in a warm bath or on a cotton wool ball tucked under your pillow.

A place for peace

You may really value your bedroom as a place to be alone in or to chill out in especially if you share your home with others. Choose oils which help you to wind down use quiet time in your room to help re-balance your energy and to help release negativity. Your state of mind when you go to bed has an effect on the quality of sleep and your mood when you wake up. If you are finding life difficult remind yourself of what you have achieved during the day (no matter how small it may seem) and let go of any difficulties you have faced. This will help you make a fresh start the following day.

Room for romance
A top tip from holistic therapy in Spain: Essential oils such as Jasmine, Neroli and Sandalwood have been used as aphrodisiacs for many years but there are many others you can use. Put them in a burner or buy fragranced candles.
(sourced by AromatherapyChoice.com)