Category: News

Creating Ambiance with Scented Candles

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Elevate Your Home’s Atmosphere

There’s something magical about walking into a room and being enveloped by a delightful and inviting aroma. Scented candles can transform any living space into a haven of tranquility and comfort, additionally beyond their aesthetic appeal, candles have been used for centuries to evoke emotions, set moods, and create a sense of serenity. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of scented candles for the home and explore how they can help you curate a unique ambiance that speaks to your senses.

 

 The Power of Fragrance

The sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, therefore making it a powerful tool for creating a desired atmosphere within your home. Scented candles offer an array of fragrances that can transport you to different times and places, evoke emotions, and set the tone for any occasion. From soothing lavender for relaxation to invigorating citrus for an energy boost, the options are limitless.

 

 Choosing the Right Fragrance

Selecting the perfect scented candle involves considering the purpose of the room and the mood you want to create.

Calming Spaces: For bedrooms and relaxation areas, scents like lavender, chamomile, and vanilla can promote tranquility and help reduce stress.

Invigorating Spaces: In areas where you need a burst of energy, opt for citrus scents like lemon, orange, or grapefruit. These scents can uplift your spirits and promote alertness.

Romantic Ambiance: For a romantic atmosphere, opt for floral scents like rose, jasmine, or ylang-ylang. These fragrances evoke feelings of passion and intimacy.

 

 Quality Matters

Investing in high-quality scented candles ensures a longer-lasting and more authentic fragrance experience. Look for candles made from natural waxes, such as soy or

beeswax, as they tend to burn c

leaner and release scents more effectively. Cheaper candles often contain synthetic fragrances that may not provide the same depth and complexity as natural oils.

 Placement and Presentation

Where you place your scentedcandles can significantly impact their effectiveness. Consider placing them in areas where their scent can disperse easily, such as near doorways, windows, or central locations. Experiment with different arrangements and groupings to find what works best for your space. Additionally, candle holders and decorative containers can add to the aesthetic appeal of your home while also providing a safe and stylish way to display your candles.

 

 Candle Care and Safety

To maximize the lifespan of your scented candles and ensure safety, keep the following tips in mind:

Trim the wick before each use to prevent soot buildup and ensure an even burn.

Allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire top layer to liquefy. This prevents “tunneling,” where the wax burns down the center, leaving unused wax along the edges.

Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep

them away from flammable materials.

If you have pets or children, consider using flameless alternatives like electric wax warmers or reed diffusers.

 

At Miss Lillypilly we stock Australian made soy wax candles from Urban Rituelle, carefully crafted using pure, natural soy & coconut wax. These premium scented candles will have your home smelling “fresh from the garden” gorgeous!  Using lead-free cotton wicks that are naturally infused with a divine blend of mood lifting scents, create a heavenly scented pick-me-up to get you through your day.

To view our range of candles
http://Candles, Bath & Body

 

Flower Giving and Receiving

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Floral delights have long been considered as a universal language of love, appreciation, and celebration. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple gesture of kindness, the act of giving and receiving a floral delight brings much joy to the recipient”

 

 In this blog, let’s look at the the art of flower giving and receiving, discussing the significance behind different occasions, the emotions conveyed by various blooms, and some thoughtful tips to enhance your floral exchanges

 

Expressing Love and Romance:

Love and romance often find expression through flowers. Classic red roses have long been the traditional way to say ‘I love you’. In saying that I have noticed in our shop that red roses aren’t given quite as much as years gone by. This could be a cost thing or maybe just people are moving towards other flowers. Red roses have never been my personal fav but I DO love them mixed with some soft pinks!

 

The Miss Lillypilly Red Bouquet

Gorgeous Red Rose Bouquet

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements:

 Be it a graduation, promotion, or anniversary, Flowers are the perfect way to say well done, I’m thinking of you, I love you or just because.

 

 

Offering Comfort and Support

 Expressing gratitude and bringing joy to others is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Giving some gorgeous  vibrant blooms and cheerful arrangements can brighten someone’s day, let them know you care and are thinking of them.

Traditionally white was the most common request for sympathy flowers however I think we’ve moved away from that. I find pastels are probably the most ordered flowers for sympathy at the moment.

  From small gestures to a stunning arrangement we can help you find inspiration to spread happiness and gratitude.

 

The Art of Receiving Flowers:

Receiving flowers is an experience in itself. One I might say I rarely experience. And yes florists DO love to receive flowers too !!!

 Learn about caring for your bouquet to ensure it stays fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, and consider repurposing the flowers to enjoy their beauty even after they’ve finished blooming.

How to Keep Flowers Fresh: 11 Tips for Preserving Cut …

Masterclass

https://www.masterclass.com › articles › how-to-keep-…

 One of the suggestions is to add some vodka. Not sure about that one !

 

 

Thoughtful Tips for Flower Giving:

When gifting flowers think about the significance of color choices and their impact on emotions. Consider personalizing your bouquets with meaningful elements such as favorite flowers, scents, or special memories. Get inspired to create unique arrangements that reflect the recipient’s personality and taste. There are so many beautiful blooms all year round you’re sure to always find something special.

 

 

Pictured below is a team fav at Miss Lillypilly

 

The Miss Lillypilly Pink Hatbox

Til next time
Vicki xx

Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Flower Care

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I’m sure you’ve all noticed that winter is here ! Personally I HATE winter a LOT!!

 However, winter does bring back a few of our fav blooms.

With proper care and attention, you can still enjoy gorgeous flowers even during the chilly winter months .

In this blog post, we will give you some essential tips and tricks to help you care for cut flowers and keep them fresh and vibrant throughout the winter.

Selecting Fresh Flowers:

When purchasing cut flowers during winter, (and all other times really) choose those that are in their prime. Look for firm buds and vibrant petals, ensuring that you start with the freshest blooms possible.

Preparing the Stems:

Before placing your flowers in a vase, it’s crucial to trim the stems. Cut about an inch from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This allows for better water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase. However if you have bought your flowers from a florist this most likely will have been done at time of purchase so no need to do again for a few days

Protect from Drafts:

During the winter, it’s important to keep your cut flowers away from drafts or heating vents. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the flowers to wilt more quickly. Find a cool area in your home, away from direct sunlight, to ensure the blooms stay fresh for longer.

Even at home if we have the fire cranked I move flowers to somewhere cooler to ensure I get the longest time possible out of my blooms.

Regular Water Changes:

Check the water in the vase daily and change it every two to three days, or whenever it becomes cloudy. As you change the water, make sure to recut the stems to maintain their ability to absorb water effectively.

There are some flowers that need more frequent water changes.

ie Stock is the first that comes to mind. One of my fav flowers for sure but my god the water stinks if not changed regularly!!

 

Remove Wilting Flowers:

Removing any wilting flowers or drooping petals promptly is essential. Decaying flowers release ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of the remaining blooms. By removing the wilted flowers, you can prolong the freshness and beauty of the rest of the arrangement. Also make sure there is no foliage in the water as this also breeds bacteria.

Keep Away from Ripening Fruits:

Avoid placing your cut flowers near ripening fruits, as fruits release ethylene gas as they mature. This gas can cause your flowers to deteriorate faster. Ensure your flowers are kept away from fruit bowls or other areas where fruits are stored. Buying flowers from the servo is not ideal either because of the gas emissions.

 

My fav winter bloom

Tulips!!

Let’s talk about tulips. I often get people say they don’t last.

I have to say I strongly disagree with that!

Tulips are one of the few flowers that continue to grow after cutting and as a result can become quite lanky and sometimes they will fall over. I actually quite like the look of tulips when they do this. I find tulips usually last about 2 weeks at home.

If you don’t like that look though you can easily cut a good couple of cm’s off the bottom of the stems every few days or you can blue pill them. 😂. To be honest I’m joking (about the blue pill) but if you have any handy you can try.

 

Two of our fav new products this winter
 https://www.misslillypilly.com.au/product/the-miss-lillypilly-tulip-vase/
Til next time
Vicki X

Mother’s Day May 14th

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Who is your Mum?

Your Mum can be one of so many people!

She can be the woman who gave birth to you, an aunty that’s loved and cared for you, a neighbour who looks after you,

an older friend who’s always there for you and the person who always made you feel safe and loved.

She is your Mother!

 

Chrysanthenum

The Traditional flower for Mother’s Day

 

 

In Australia the traditional flower associated with Mother’s Day is the chrysanthenum, a

symbol of joy, love, and loyalty and are associated with mothers and motherhood, and are often given as a gift to honor and express gratitude towards mothers.

People still love giving these to Mum on her special day. I couldn’t even guess how many bunches will be in store next week!

 

 

What does Mother’s Day Week look like in our little shop?

In Short. Bedlam!

Oh God, I’ve ordered too many flowers.

I haven’t ordered enough flowers.

We don’t have many orders.

Oh no we have way too many orders and need to shut website down!

This is my 6th Mother’s Day in the shop and these panicked thoughts go through my head for at least the 2 weeks prior!

 

The lead up

On the days leading up to the day you’ll see us working under the verandah til about midnight because there’s no room inside. It’s an amazing sight seeing all those gorgeous buckets of flowers when they come in. That’s when all the real work begins.

Stripping and cleaning every single stem, making sure everything has plenty of fresh, clean water and filling up vases to make a beautiful display.

After this is all done we can start to turn these flowers into gorgeous arrangements to fill our super pretty shop with and to send out for delivery.

 

About my Mum.

Nel Lefers

1928 – 2006

 

My mum had 10 YES 10 kids.

1 boy, 8 girls then 1 boy. WTF was she thinking??

Mum grew up in Holland during WW2 and didn’t we used to roll our eyes as kids listening to how tough it was! So many stories of having to walk for miles  through the snow to get some potatoes and often having to jump into a ditch if the enemy came past.

Mum was a fiercely determined woman, the hardest worker and most generous person you could ever meet who also didn’t have an issue telling you how it was if she thought you needed to be told. (sadly I think I inherited that)

 

My favourite memory of this wonderful woman

You can imagine that having all those kids life was pretty busy for her ( for gods sake she used to iron EVERYTHING !)  BUT she always had time to play a board game or 2 and she was a terrible cheat and we all knew it and used to laugh about it a lot.

 

In Short

Even though it’s been 17 years since she passed away I still sit outside some nights and chat to her. (the brightest star in the sky)

My advice to you is don’t just save Mother’s Day to tell this very special person you love them. Tell her every opportunity you get!

I would give my right arm just to tell my Mum just once more how much I love her!

 

 

PS: Don’t leave your order til Sunday morning because you most likely will be too late.

PPS: Subscribe to our blog for special offers that will be regularly posted after Mother’s Day.

 

Wishing all you beautiful Mums a wonderful Mother’s Day filled with love and joy.

 

Til next time

Vicki xx

 

 

Anzac Day

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ANZAC DAY

 

As the nation prepares to commemorate ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance and reflection, one meaningful way to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers is through the language of flowers.   The beauty of flowers can help show our deep appreciation, remembrance, and respect for the men and women past and present who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms.

 

  1. Red Poppies: A Symbol of Remembrance

The red poppy has become the symbol of remembrance for ANZAC Day. Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I, the red poppy is a symbol of the sacrifices made by soldiers and honors their memory.

 

  1. Native Flowers: A Tribute to Australia and New Zealand

Using native flowers in ANZAC Day floral tributes is a meaningful way to honor the heritage of Australia and New Zealand  as these  represent the natural beauty and resilience of the ANZAC spirit, capturing the essence of the land for which the soldiers fought and paying homage to their sacrifice.

 

  1. Wreaths: A Symbol of Eternal Remembrance

Wreaths are a timeless symbol of remembrance and are commonly used in ANZAC Day commemorations.

 

In conclusion, floral tributes can be a meaningful way to honor the significance of ANZAC Day.   Whether it’s through red poppies, native flowers, wreaths, white flowers, or customized arrangements, flowers have the unique ability to help individuals express their emotions and show their appreciation.

 

 

LEST WE FORGET!

Dave and Misty Real Wedding

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 Terindah Estate

May 2022, A Fairytale Come True

Photography by the incredibly talented Tizia May Photography

 

 

 

 

Terindah Estate, located in Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, is a stunning vineyard that boasts breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.

As soon as Misty and Dave stepped onto the property, they knew that this was where they wanted to exchange their vows. And it’s easy to see why – the vineyard’s rolling hills, rustic buildings, and tranquil atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for their big day.

The ceremony took place in a picturesque garden, with  barrels topped with gorgeous white and green florals as the focal point. These are a perfect alternative to an arbour  for ceremony flowers with such a stunning view.

Misty’s gown was absolutely stunning  and she carried a bouquet full of beautiful white peonies, garden roses and other seasonal blooms, while Dave wore a classic black suit with a white shirt and bowtie. (He looked pretty good too!)

As they exchanged their vows, the sun shone down on them, and a gentle breeze carried the sound of the vineyard’s leaves rustling in the background.

As the evening came to a close, Misty and Dave were surrounded by their friends and family, feeling grateful and blessed to have shared such a special day with their loved ones. As they looked out at the vineyard, they knew that they had chosen the perfect venue for their fairytale wedding.

Misty and Dave’s wedding at Terindah Estate was a truly beautiful day. From the stunning scenery , beautiful sunshine ,and the heartfelt speeches, every moment of the day was perfect.

 

Romantic and super pretty garden style  wedding flowers – that is our thing and that is what Dave and Misty dreamed of for flowers for their Autumn, May wedding.

 

 

The Bouquets

The beautiful florals were soft and garden styled white blooms with full roses, peonies, lisianthus, stock , gorgeous scabiosa and abundant foliage for a lush natural look.

             

 

 

    The Tables     

  For the table centrepieces we used one of our fav little ceramic pots full of all the gorgeous blooms to match the bouquets.

There are so many beautiful options available for your tables from beautiful vases, pots and candles in any color to match your decor!

 

 

We wish them all the love and happiness in the world as they embark on their journey together as husband and wife.

 

 

 

 

Thank you Misty and Dave for trusting us to provide the florals on your special day .

 

 

Til next time

Vicki x

 

 

Out with the old and in with the new.

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Here we are again at the end of another summer!

No I’m not going anywhere but sadly it’s time to say goodbye to some of our favs for a while!

As the weather gets cooler in autumn, some flowers will start to fade away or stop blooming altogether. This brings an end to some of our fav blooms but also the beginning of the season for some other favs.

HYDRANGEAS:
Hydrangeas are a summer flower that typically bloom from late spring to early autumn. As the weather gets cooler they change from vibrant colours to more autumnal tones before they start to fade away.
We are always sad to see the end of Hydie season.

SUNFLOWERS:
Sunflowers are a summer flower that typically bloom from late spring to early autumn.
They bring cheer to any summer bouquet but don’t worry there will always be a great substitute.
As the weather gets cooler in autumn, they will start to fade away.

DELPHINIUMS:
A beautiful tall flower at their best over summer.
Always a gorgeous addition to any bouquet.

SEDUM:
Popular for their succulent leaves and colorful flowers. The Sedum flower is a small, star-shaped bloom that can range in color from white to pink, red, yellow, and even purple. The flowers are typically arranged in dense clusters or umbels, and they bloom in late summer and early Autumn.
I feel like these were very late this year so might be around a little longer.

What’s gorgeous in autumn you ask?

Autumn is such a pretty time of year. The days are cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and the air is crisp and refreshing. It’s a great time to appreciate the natural beauty around us, and what better way to do that than with stunning flowers?
One of my personal favourite things about autumn is the beautiful foliage we get to work with.

If you’re looking for the perfect blooms to brighten up your home or office this autumn, here are some of the most beautiful florist flowers to consider in Australia:

Dahlias:
Another popular choice for autumn, dahlias come in a range of rich hues, from deep purples and reds to warm yellows and oranges. They’re also known for their dramatic, intricate blooms, making them a show-stopping addition to any bouquet.
These should be around for another month or so.
Whilst they don’t have the longest vase life they are one of our favs.

Celosia
This unusual bloom is often called “cockscomb” for its distinctive shape.There are several different varieties of celosia but the cockscomb seems to be the most loved. With its velvety texture and bold, bright colors, celosia is a great choice for adding some drama to your floral arrangements.

Sweet Peas:
With their delicate, fragrant blooms, sweet peas are a great way to add some romance and charm to your autumn arrangements.Fragrant blooms are a must for me. Is there anything better than the scent of a pretty flower?
I think not!
They come in a range of pretty colors, from soft pinks and purples to bright blues and whites.

Protea:
These striking blooms aren’t native to Australia although we seem to have claimed them as our own. They’re known for their unique, exotic shape. With their rich, warm hues and bold, architectural form, protea are the perfect choice for adding some drama and sophistication to your autumn floral arrangements.
Keep an eye out for these arriving in the next few weeks.

Whether you’re looking for bright, bold blooms or delicate, fragrant flowers, there are plenty of beautiful florist flowers to choose from in autumn. With their rich colors and unique shapes, these blooms are sure to add some warmth and beauty to any space.

The end of every season brings beauty for the next season.

Til next time

Vicki
X

Welcome to Miss Lillypilly Blog

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Welcome, fellow flower lovers! We are so excited to welcome you to our blog. We are Miss Lillypilly Drysdale and we have been creating flower arrangements for Geelong and surrounds since November 2016. Our team of florists are passionate about all things flowers and foliage, and we are thrilled to have an outlet to share our knowledge with you.

Our blog is a space where we will provide you with inspiration, tips, and ideas on how to incorporate beautiful flowers into your everyday life. From weddings and events, to home décor, we want to bring you high-quality content that showcases the beauty of flowers. We will be sharing our insights to help you maintain your beautiful floral arrangements and make the most of your flowers.

We believe that flowers have the power to brighten up any space and bring joy and comfort to everyone around them. Our blog is also the perfect place to keep up to date with special offers, competitions and other titbits.

What You Can Expect From Our Blog

Inspiration: Our blog will bring you creative ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your flowers. We will be sharing our knowledge, tips, and insights to help you create beautiful arrangements and find ways to add a touch of floral charm to your home and events.

Knowledge: You can expect to learn more about flower care and maintenance, as well as tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your floral arrangements. We will also be sharing our thoughts and insights on the latest trends in floral design.

Community: We want to create a community of flower lovers who can share their love of flowers with each other. We will be providing an outlet for everyone to share their ideas, tips, and stories about flowers.

Special Offers: Watch this space for regular competitions and special offers. We want to reward our loyal customers and give everyone the chance to experience our wonderful flower arrangements.

We Can’t Wait To Share Our Love For Flowers With You!

We are so excited to have the opportunity to share our love for flowers with you. We hope that our blog will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge you need to make the most of your flowers and create beautiful arrangements.

We look forward to connecting with you, and building a community of flower lovers who can share their passion for flowers with each other.