Fall Fashion Florals

  I was 15 years old when I began my love affair with fashion magazines. 

Since then, I have looked forward to the September issue, stuffed full of beautiful photos,  

especially Vogue (832 pages this year!) and Harper's Bazaar.

One trend that really stood out for spring was florals.

The ones that grab me are the darker, moodier ones. 

Much more sophisticated. 

I've never been attracted to pastel, cutesy florals. 

Floral hair accessories at Rodarte...

Marc Jacob's line of Daisy perfume

Ted Baker's gorgeous floral pump. 

Must. Have. Them.

Lady-like rosy dresses at Dolce and Gabbana...

Laurance Dacade floral shoe.

 So perfect with this season's 70's inspired vibe...

Valentino, Marni, and Fendi all offered a version of floral purses...

Alice & Olivia's fab floral duster coat...

I wish I was tall enough to pull this off!

An out-of-this-world floral skirt at Temperley..

It's not every bride that will want a crop-top wedding dress.
But I do love Mira Zwillinger's embroidered florals.

Bloomers Floral Design

Burlington, North Carolina, USA

910-655-2337

www.BloomersBouquets.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com

Beauty Products from Your Garden

Let's face it, (pun intended!): 

cosmetics and skin potions can take a bite out of your budget!

What's a gal to do?

That's easy, head to the garden! 

You probably already have many of the items you need in your pantry.

Others you can find right in your backyard.

One of my favorite scrubs is made with Lemons, Rosemary and Salt. 

Combine 1/2 cup sea salt, 1/8 cup extra light olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 2 sprigs fresh Rosemary which you've chopped and crushed. 

Rub it on your rough bits, then rinse off. 

Fragrant and refreshing!

Roses are high in Vitamin C, and made a great hydrator and toner.

 Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. 

Remove from heat, and add any type of rose petals you may have. 

Cover the bowl and let steep for 30 minutes. 

When cool, transfer to a spray bottle, and spritz!

Cucumbers are another great skin toner. 

Grate a cucumber over a colander set over a bowl. 

Collect the juice, then add an equal amount of witch hazel. 

Mix well, and splash onto skin or use a cotton ball.

This will keep for 10 days in the fridge. 

I am not a fan of Marigolds as a garden flower, but I appreciate their benefits.

 Rich in Vitamin A, marigolds have a plumping effect on the skin. 

Remove the petals from one flower. Mix with 1 tablespoon whole milk (not fat free) and 

1 tablespoon honey until combined. Use as a mask and leave on for 20 minutes. 

When was the last time you took time out for a bubble bath? 

Grab a handful of Lavender and let steep in boiled water. 

When cool, add 1 1/2 cup baby shampoo. 

Run a bath, relax and enjoy!

Puffy eyes? Dig up a couple of potatoes, grate them finely, then apply as a paste. 

Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. 

What do a bounty of tomatoes and summer-irritated skin have in common? 

Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, Vitamin A, which is great for reducing inflammation.

 Slice a juicy one, apply to your face, and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off. 

While you won't find this in your garden, I've got to include Coconut Oil, 

which is the Wonder Product of all time. 

Use it in place of moisturizer. 

Remove eye makeup with it. 

Mix it with your favorite essential oil and salt for a great scrub. 

The uses are endless!

Debra Graham

Bloomers Floral Design

Burlington, North Carolina

910-655-2337

www.BloomersBouquets.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com