An Apologia for Countess Erzebet Bathory: Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Cotillion; Come D...

An Apologia for Countess Erzebet Bathory: Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Cotillion; Come D...: Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Cotillion; Come Dance with the Dolls : Happy Boxing Day, Merry Christmas (It's the 2nd day of Christmas...

Sappho

Simplicity

Tuxedo at 2 months; at 18 months, he's a little longer!

A quiet third day of Christmas. Here I sit with a big baby tuxedo cat, named Tuxie, typing, a cup of homemade navy bean soup at my elbow. It is only 5:30, and pitch dark.  Christmas lights reflect in the window. I've crossed off a number of things off my list, and done them slowly, in my own time.  I even baked the cookies I promised to a friend of mine in Florida. To have a few days ahead of me to finish a few things during my favorite season of the year is priceless.  Virginia Woolf wrote something like, "I have three days alone, three rare and valuable pearls."  I don't have it quite right, but you have the idea.

The Feloni Family Christmas, or lack there of, nearly finished me.  A fictional account will soon follow, but those who follow me on Facebook, know sarcasm when you see it.

Silent Night, finally, indeed.

So far, the best sales I've encountered are at the Dillard's Chain of department stores, 50% off but very good quality.   Schnuck's chain of grocery stores has 75% off, with lovely florals and light up ornaments.  Von Maur was the best, with 75% off and very good quality, including Radko, Waterford, Swarovski, and more.  The Discovery Shops, which benefit The American Cancer Society, also had 75% off, and our stores had great selection.  The Younkers chain, which includes Elder Bierman, and used to owned by Saks, had 70% off, but was way overpriced in the first place.

My Vintage Christmas and Golden Glow of Christmas Facebook Groups probably have more ideas for sales.

Peace is everything, to shepherds in the fields, wise men, and stressed out women of a certain age.  Merry Christmas.

Miss Charlotte Bronte meets Miss Barbara Pym: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Merry Christmas!!

Miss Charlotte Bronte meets Miss Barbara Pym: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Merry Christmas!!: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Merry Christmas!! :   VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a ...

You and Your Money; Sharing

From about.com, one of my fellow experts has come up with some great comments on frugality and its downsides:



6 Surprising Ways Your Frugality Is Costing You





By Paula Pant


Budgeting & Personal Finance Expert




Share this

    


   



 Frugality, in itself, is a good thing. But when taken to the extreme, frugality can actually backfire, costing you more money than you’re saving.

Here are 6 big ways being too much of a cheapskate can actually hurt you financially.

1. You’re Wasting Your Time

If you spend hours each week clipping coupons, comparing store circulars and going from store to store to snag whatever’s on sale that week, you may not be getting a good return on your investment.

The time you’re spending trying to save a fraction here and a fraction there could actually be better spent on things like working more hours, selling some of your unwanted stuff or starting that side business you’ve always talked about. Make sure the time you’re investing is really worth the payoff you’re getting.



2. You’re Not Buying Quality

You may be able to buy a pair of bargain bin trainers for next to nothing, but the deal won’t be so great when they wear out in a couple months and you just have to buy another pair.

When it comes to things like clothing, shoes, major electronics and car and home repairs, make sure you’re getting both a good cost and a product that will last you for years to come. Sometimes it’s worth paying more for quality.

3. You’re Too Susceptible to a “Good Deal”

If you just can’t resist the lure of a bargain, you could be spending more than you need to.
If you can find a great price on something you were already planning on purchasing, that’s fantastic. But don’t buy something just because it seems like “too good of a deal to pass up.” That’s precisely what stores are hoping you’ll do.

4. You’re Cutting Corners

Sometimes you need to spend money to save money. This includes things like taking your car in for regularly scheduled maintenance and hiring a professional to do repairs around the home you don’t feel you can properly do yourself.
Neglect these things, and you could find it coming back to haunt you (and cost you) in future.

5. You’re Not Being Healthy

It may be cheaper to eat lunch off the value menu at McDonald’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s a smart choice. Investing in your health can save you hundreds (or more) in medical care down the line, so make sure you’re not sacrificing nutrition.
You also don’t want to skimp on annual checkups with your doctor and dentist, or on following any instructions they give you.

6. You Feel Deprived

If your budget is so strict you feel like you never have any fun, you’re hurting your relationships or you never treat yourself to anything, then loosen up a little.

Successful money management means using your money in a way that allows you to lead the life you want. Make some room for enjoyment or you’re missing the mark.

New Tropical Plants

From Logees' Newletter:

Logee's Newsletter



Fruiting, Rare and Tropical Plants
Growers Since 1892
  Green

New Plant Introductions for Annual 2015

 
Greetings!


The Logee's Annual 2015 catalog will be arriving in customers' homes the first week of January.  We are introducing 65 new plants and accessories in this big 88 page catalog. Here's a preview of some of our new plants.


Collection of Sea Shell Tillandsias




This Collection of Sea Shell Tillandsias includes (from right to left in the photo): Tillandsia Ionanatha, red Brachycaulos Abdita and Capitata Peach. Each tillandsia is mounted in a sea shell (shells vary in size and shape) that sits nicely on a windowsill, lighted shelf or other plant display area for you to enjoy. Simply soak in water once or twice a week to keep the plants healthy.


New Introduction $24.95



Henna


(Lawsonia inermis)




Henna is a well-known dye plant used in hair coloring and non-permanent tattoos.  Small fragrant white flowers appear from spring to fall and you can maintain this plant as a small shrub by pruning.  It prefers to be grown in full sun and warm temperatures. It's easy to make your own henna dye from the dried leaves.  4" pot.


R2879-4  New Introduction $19.95










Hibiscus 'Voodoo Queen'



(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Just like magic, 'Voodoo Queen' changes colors in a single day.  The large, 7-8" flowers open with pink petals highlighted with violet centers and a burgundy heart. By the afternoon, the color changes to yellow petals with gray-lavender centers and a strawberry heart. These blooms are spectacular!

4" pot.

R2884-4  New Introduction $19.95













Bougainvillea 'Vera Variegata'



(Bougainvillea hybrid)




Bougainvilleas are loved for their colorful floral bracts and everblooming nature.  'Vera Variegata' has all of that and more.  It has a compact growth habit, stunning white and green leaf variegation and bright pink flowers.  Grow in full sun for maximum flowering. 2.5" pot.


R2874-2 New Introduction $12.95









Fig 'Violette de Bordeaux'




(Ficus carica)

A dwarf growth habit makes Fig 'Violette de Bordeaux' well suited for containers.  The medium-sized, purplish-black fruit has a sweet, dark red center and many people consider this variety to be one of the best tasting figs for eating fresh or preserving. Hardy to zone 6. 4" Pot.

R2847-4 New Introduction $17.95






Elephant Ear 'Pink China'

(Colocasia hybrid)




Brilliant pink stems and rich green leaves with a pink dot in the center add vibrant color to any container or garden. Possibly the hardiest of all colocasias, 'Pink China' can tolerate zone 6 with a heavy layer of mulch as winter protection. It reaches 4' tall the first season. 4" pot.

R2862-4 New Introduction $19.95














Begonia 'Satin Jazz'

(Begonia rex hybrid) 

'Satin Jazz' is a new Logee's exclusive hybrid rex begonia that has dusty colors of grayish-green with striking maroon borders and deep red veining. It has an upright growth habit and unlike many rex begonias, it doesn't go dormant in the winter so you'll have year-round color on your windowsill.  2.5" pot.

B3280-2 New Introduction $11.95











Crown of Thorns 'Dreamland'

(Euphorbia milii hybrid)




Cheery yellow flowers have distinctive orange and green markings in every petal making it very showy when in full bloom.  Individual flowers measure 1-2" and the bloom cluster is 4-6" wide. Euphorbias are indestructible houseplants that thrive on a sunny windowsill.  2.5" pot.


S7872-2 New Introduction $14.95






Gardenia 'Crown Jewel' p.p. 
  



(Gardenia jasminoides hybrid) 




This new gardenia was selected for its fragrant, double, white blooms and cold hardiness to zone 6 with winter protection.  In the garden, its dwarf growth habit usually reaches 2' high but it often spreads to 4' wide. It also makes an ideal, fragrant, flowering plant for containers. 4" pot.


R2850-4 New Introduction $16.95












Pandan Grass




(Pandanus amaryllifolius)




Widely used in Southeast Asian cooking as a flavoring for rice, chicken, beverages and pastries, the leaves of Pandan Grass impart an aromatic flavor to food.  This upright plant has slender, green leaves and aerial roots at the base. The leaves are also used for wrapping meat before cooking.  4" pot.

H8226-4 New Introduction $14.95










Desert Rose 'Giant Diamond'




(Adenium obesum) 

Large, fully double, pink and white, 3.5" flowers create quite a show when in full bloom.  The petal edges and petal flares are deep rose pink. Grow in full sun and warm temperatures.  This is a grafted plant with a large, thickened caudex. 4" pot.

S7878-4G  New Introduction  $29.95









Purple-Stemmed Elephant Ear


(Xanthosoma violaceum)

Purple-Stemmed Elephant Ear, or Blue Taro, has tall purple stems and creates a colorful focal point in the garden or large container. The large, blue-green, arrowhead-shaped leaves usually reach about 2-3' long and have purple veins on the undersides of each leaf. 4" pot.

R2858-4 New Introduction $19.95





Primulina 'Piccolo'




(Primulina hybrid)




Primulina 'Piccolo' makes an excellent windowsill or light garden plant because of its small size and ability to flower non-stop.  It has an attractive rosette shape with patterned dark leaves highlighted by a light stripe in the middle.  Tall sprays of lavender flowers arch out of the center of the plant. 2.5" pot.

T5091-2  New Introduction $9.95






Fig 'Olympian'

(Ficus carica)

First discovered in Olympia, Washington, 'Olympian' Fig bears fruit at an early age and has an abundant early first crop. The large purple figs are the size of tangerines and have a sweet, dark inner pulp. This award-winning fig is cold hardy to zone 6 and it produces well in cool and coastal climates.  4" pot.

R2859-4  New Introduction $17.95






Australian Tree Fern 'Brentwood'




(Cyathea cooperi hybrid)

Selected for its vigor, 'Brentwood' is a fast growing tree fern with a thick trunk and a full crown of light green fronds.  It can be grown as a landscape plant in tropical zones or a container plant in the north. As it matures, braided roots form the truck. The spectacular fronds in the leafy crown can reach up to 8' long. 4" pot.

F6058-4 New Introduction $14.95






Toothache Plant




(Acmella oleacea)




Toothache Plant is a medicinal herb that's been used for generations to manage the pain of toothaches.  Both the leaves and the attractive golden flowers can be used as a natural anesthetic.  Simply chew the leaves for a few seconds then you'll experience a tingling and numbing sensation in your mouth. Also called Spilanthes oleracea. 2.5" pot.

H8227-2 New Introduction $12.95



Hibiscus 'Gabriel'




(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)




Wow! These flowers are gorgeous.  The purple petals have light orange edges that change to yellow as the bloom matures. The heart of the 6-8" flower is deep red.  You'll definitely want to add this new Cajun hibiscus hybrid to your tropical plant collection.  4" pot.

R2876-4 New Introduction  $19.95






Elephant Ear 'Low Rider'

(Alocasia hybrid)




'Low Rider' is a compact plant with wavy-edged leaves that looks similar to Alocasia 'Portora' only with a dwarf growth habit.  It's an upright grower that only reaches 1-2' tall so it makes a nice plant for a small container to add a tropical feel wherever it's grown.  Easy-to-grow, it tolerates a variety of low-to-high light conditions.  4" pot.


R2864-4 New Introduction $14.95

 






Make sure you like us on Facebook, our Logee's Tropical Plants Page shares gardening tips,

sales and our popular Bloom of the Week Photo.

 

Happy Planting,

Logee's

Merry Christmas?

Once again, less than ten days before Christmas, the world is in turmoil  Maybe we should be stocking sugar cubes and carrots for the steeds of  The Four Horsemen, not milk and cookies for Santa.  Once again, innocents are slaughtered at the hands of those gone mad, and what's worse, many are young.  Too young.  We are still reeling over Dec. 14th two years ago, a day that used to full of happy anniversaries for me.


Now, it is the anniversary of horror.


On my way to work today, I mused yet again why anyone would murder in cold blood, and why they need to murder so many.  I try to understand, and feel some compassion for a person that distressed, that full of despair.  But what selfishness to take everyone with you.  Why little children who can't have lived long enough to harm anyone?  Why cruelty in other circles towards helpless animals?


The real horror, the domestic horror as Shirley Jackson might have understood it, is that these were innocents supposely in safe places.  Children going to school.  Remember that holidays at school?  Parties and programs full of Christmas and Hannukah songs.  Treats, packages wrapped up for the teacher?


Or, how many of us stop for coffee each morning.  Indeed, it's the highlight of the day for some of us.  That 34 year old and 38 year old killed wasn't thinking of death yesterday when each walked into a Sydney cafe. 


Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards all of us; where is it? Are we even capable of it.

New Book on Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A treasure trove of new details about the life and experiences of Little House on the Prairie creator Laura Ingalls Wilder and her pioneer family is offered in this book, edited by award-winning Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill and based on the author’s letters, manuscripts, and other documents from the time. Morris says, "Perhaps the biggest draw of Pioneer Girl is that it was written as more of a diary of memories, skipping back and forth as her mind saw fit, and it was not changed as the Little House A treasure trove of new details about the life and experiences of Little House on the Prairie creator Laura Ingalls Wilder and her pioneer family is offered in this book, edited by award-winning Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill and based on the author’s letters, manuscripts, and other documents from the time. Morris says, "Perhaps the biggest draw of Pioneer Girl is that it was written as more of a diary of memories, skipping back and forth as her mind saw fit, and it was not changed as the Little House on the Prairie books were to add that little zing of which publishers are so fond. This is her story, stark, detailed, and wonderful, as she meant it to be." ...more A treasure trove of new details about the life and experiences of Little House on the Prairie creator Laura Ingalls Wilder and her pioneer family is offered in this book, edited by award-winning Wilder biographer Pamela Smith Hill and based on the author’s letters, manuscripts, and other documents from the time. Morris says, "Perhaps the biggest draw of Pioneer Girl is that it was written as more of a diary of memories, skipping back and forth as her mind saw fit, and it was not changed as the Little House on the Prairie books were to add that little zing of which publishers are so fond. This is her story, stark, detailed, and wonderful, as she meant it to be."

Miss Charlotte Bronte meets Miss Barbara Pym: "I am Excellent Woman, and I Pack Heat" Charlie's...

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