Natural Luxuries

It's been busy here as usual at the Vi, and I'm so sorry I've been neglectful of this blog. I know I have apologized before, but it is as much to me as to you, dear readers. When I look back at the short while I have been opened, I have already learned and changed so much - to look back at this in a year or five years from now, I'm sure I will be amazed at how I've transformed. Charlie's mom is faithful to her journal and has been for decades. What a treasure trove of memories to have leather bound.

Speaking of memories...Christmas Day is only ten sleeps away! This week I've been busy making Christmas centrepieces to enhance your already beautiful Christmas tables. The one above features Mini hydrangeas, star of Bethlehem, pepper berries, mums and ....red balls! I know I should know the name of the little red balls, but I just can't get it through my head...and my flower man, although he is a real gentleman has completely illegible writing! I'll ask him again tomorrow and let you know the proper term...or maybe someone reading this already knows?

See you soon,

Karla

Go Royals!

Congratulations to the Ridgetown Royals Girls Basketball Champs! To celebrate, Coach Brenda Riddel and the girls came to visit us at the Mocha Violet for hot cider and treats. Way to go team!

- Karla

Merry Making at the Mary Webb

It's been another whirlwind week here at the Mocha Violet! I spent last week decorating with my mom for two events - one a house party, and one a fantastic evening in Highgate at the Mary Webb Centre. It was brilliant to unwind Saturday evening to a first class concert just up the road. The trio "The Good Lovelies" put on an enchanting performance and I have decided their Christmas CD will be the soundtrack to my first Yule Tide here at 14 Main! My grandma, Violet, marked the Yule Tide at her home by placing Misty Mints on her kitchen table. I grew up loving Misty Mints at Christmas...how fitting that during the concert intermission, my cousin unknowingly brought me a cookie with misty mints baked in it...

Get a head start on your Christmas preparations! Order your Christmas Arrangements before December 1st and receive your purchase tax free!

Wreaths, Swags, Centrepieces and Poinsettias available for order

See you soon!

Karla

p.s. Congratulations to our draw winner of a fresh Christmas Wreath pictured above!

Party Time!

Three bouquets for three beautiful women! It was a pleasure to nurse with each of you. Thank-you each for setting such a fine example of compassion and dedication. Congratulations on your retirement Cathy, Pam and Judy!

-Karla

Going, going ...Gone!

A dozen roses going out the door at the Mocha Violet...come and get 'em boys!

For Every Thing there is a Season

I've got to get busy writing - busy busy busy! I've never been loyal to a diary in my life and I've been remiss this week with my blog. You may not want to hear this, but the reason for my neglect is that I have been putting away my Jack-O-Lanterns and bringing out Frosty the Snowman. I am transforming the store into a Winter Wonderland in time for my Grand Opening and Christmas Open House Friday November 5th from 7 - 9 pm. Join us here all weekend and receive tax free on any purchase with a donation to our local food bank. I know...it's early...but here's a little clip to get you in the Christmas Spirit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b__blppXx7g

Comfort Food

It's another gorgeous morning on Main Street in Ridgetown! We're being positively spoiled this October with beautiful fall mornings. Thank-you to everyone who has taken home a bouquet from Mocha Violet...I hope they have been a long lasting delight in your home! I made up this little posy this morning with decorative kale...when you're tired of looking at it, chop it up and add it to your autumn stew; it will warm you heart and soul!

See you soon,

Karla

A Few Bad Apples

I promised pictures, so here they are! Melissa and her kids helped make these little monsters. We sat at her kitchen table sipping cider and carving apple faces...it was very Nigella Lawson!

They hung to dry on a piece of twine in Melissa's basement for about a week. Unfortunately, the electricians came while they were hanging. They probably thought she was into some kind of weird voodoo...but they haven't reported her to any authorities...yet!

Happy Halloween!

Karla

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark

Or rather - something is in a rotten state in my Pontiac Vibe! I have searched high and low but cannot find the culprit...

It's true, I do not care for my vehicle in the same meticulous manner as my dad does for his vehicles. My poor Vibe is lucky to get a scrub down once a month (okay, I'll be honest...every few months)and though her engine is due for a belt change, I have been lax and allowed her to chug on without. She might not purr like she used to, but I am faithful to oil changes and try to keep out rotting items!

For shame! I know what I'll be doing Sunday morning...Anyone else needing a car wash? - 50 Cents each - we had a rough Saturday at the Vi! Just kidding!

See you next week!

Karla

October Sky

The weather gods could not make up their minds today and the autumn sky was a different shade each time I looked out the window. I always feel good in this shop though...when it's stormy outside it feels cozy and warm and when it's a bright day I feel like it's light and cheerful in here! I love the atmosphere of having a few tables and seeing people enjoying themselves in the shop.

We are getting into a better routine around here and last night I was home in decent time to cook a meal...Fantastic! We even watched a little of Rick Steve's Europe (best show on t.v.) before I fell asleep on the couch. Okay, I know I'm lame...

Enjoy a little of my pal Rick here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhDGFQ5Y908

Speaking of pals...my other pal, Jeremy, brought me these beautiful tropical bouquets. They are long lasting and look just as stunning dried. I have also tied together lovely mixed bouquets for your weekend entertaining!

Thanks for checking back at my blog and for all your support and encouragement!

See you soon,
- Karla

p.s. I will have pictures up soon of our shrunken apple heads...they are in the shrinking phase right now!

p.p.s. Speaking of October Skies...wasn't that a remarkable story of the coal miners in Chile? I heard a report on CBC radio that they sent down razors and toiletries to the men so they could be clean shazen for their wives and family. What an amazing and wonderful thing to hear on the news.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a beautiful weekend to celebrate our blessings...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Karla

Pumpkin Posy

Great Gourds of Fire!...enough with the squash already! I can't seem to stop...they're each so unique. I made this cute little number up this afternoon during a lull in the action.

I promised Charlie I would be home by 8:00pm tonight and here it is somehow 8:01...gotta run!

See you tomorrow at the Vi!

Karla

Turkey-Day Topiary

Okay, so I don't really like it being called Turkey-Day...but what else starts with T, that has to do with thanksgiving?

I had a lot of fun putting together this little contraption today...maybe I'll have a better name for it by tomorrow!

See you later alligator!

Karla

Giving Thanks

We have much to be grateful for here at the mocha violet this Thanksgiving. Our first week went very smoothly and we feel we're getting the swing of things around here! We are thrilled with the feedback we have been getting and are so proud to be a part of this community. I don't know how it got to be Thanksgiving, but I have to admit I am happy to have an extra day off to catch my breath...and catch up on housework!

I spent this afternoon preparing centrepieces for your turkey-day table...mention this blog and receive 10% off your purchase of one of these babies!

Gobble Gobble!

-Karla

p.s. - stop in to meet Pedro...my newest employee! I think you've got some competition Melissa!

Phew!

What a relief to be open and have two successful days under our belt! We worked until two in the morning on Thursday night and I went home to lay awake and toss in bed for a few hours before showering and coming back to the shop! Thank-you to everyone with your well wishes and encouraging comments.
I know I already showed you a picture of the yellow roses, but I can't get enough of them! This is a thank-you bouquet I sent to my mom....thank-you again and again and again.....

Check back soon to see what's happenin' at the Mocha Violet...I have some exciting evenings in the works with my friend Martha Miller for those of you who like to get your knitting needles clickin'!

- Karla

Opening Day!

It is officially the end of the month so I'm throwing open the doors tomorrow! Here is a picture of the first flowers I placed in the cooler...very exciting!

See you soon!

Karla

Very Posh!

Look what's happening in Chatham-Kent this weekend! We are part of a Canada wide celebration of arts and culture. Go throw on your beret and come check out what's happening in your community!

p.s. Go online to www.culturedays.ca/en for more information about what's going on in Chatham-Kent...or grab a magnifying glass and try to figure out the poster I scanned!

-Karla

Full Steam Ahead!

The clock is ticking and I am working hard to be open very soon! I have put together my shop windows and am putting the finishing touches on the inside. Thank-you to my cousin Melissa for helping me clean and primp my windows into the wee hours of the morning...you are well on your way to employee of the year!

Watch out for the chicken!

Thanks for your encouraging words Ridgetown - I look forward to serving you!
- Karla

The Fortune Cookie Has Spoken

Vintage Violet

Hooray for Ridgetown's 2nd Annual Festival of Porches and Verandahs! Here are some pictures of my sister's porch - all decked out by Antiquated Joys and Mocha Violet.

Thank-you to the organizers of this event - your time and efforts are appreciated. I look forward to taking part in it again next year!

Karla

Another Brick in the Wall

It's been almost a month since my last post (gasp!) - Unfortunately, this picture looks a lot like the pictures from a month ago! But don't worry, the brick walls are complete now, and I'm moving on to other projects. Progress is slow but sure!

~ Karla

Into Action

Things are getting messy around here!

Diving In

Charlie loves swimming in the lake. No matter how frigid the water, he walks deftly forward into it. In one motion and without hesitation he dives in! My technique, while predictable, is a little less fluid. I tip-toe in...inching painfully forward and occasionally backward. I gasp for air as with each step the water creeps higher. I stand for a few moments legs submerged but torso still warm and dry and tentatively pat the water with my fingers. I stare into it, almost giddy with the thoughts of the shock and thrill of plunging head first in. I'm going to do it. Here I go. No, now. Now!

Charlie will say "I can't believe you went in!"
Don't I always?

It occurred to me today that is exactly how I feel at the moment about this new plunge. I am standing half submerged, gingerly tapping the water - a little giddy - about to dive in.

Thank-you for returning to my blog and I promise to have pictures up next week of things happening! (okay, maybe they will be mundane things, but there will be progress!)

Karla

Mocha Violet it is!

I know it's a small town - and it's very likely that if you're reading this, you're related to me - but welcome to my blog about my new shop Mocha Violet. My name is Karla Mitton. I am 27 years old and I grew up on a farm just south of Ridgetown. After several years away at school and a short stint out west, my hometown boy and I returned home to marry. When an opportunity came knocking to open a business next door to his family's, I couldn't pass it up!

I am delighted to share Mocha Violet's opening with you! My intent is to create a shop with a warm and inviting atmosphere where one can come and leave feeling refreshed and inspired. Violet was my grandmother's name and I plan on filling my shop with sweet little indulgences she would approve of! The mocha part is attributed to my mother-in-law (a term we shall henceforth dismiss of and refer to her only as Rosemary!) She awoke exhausted one morning after working hard at my shop all night in a dream. The name Mocha Violet was still buzzing in her brain. That, my friends, is a good omen!

Thank-you Ridgetown for your support. I hope you will enjoy the blog as I post updates and pictures on the renos and new developments! I am nervous, overwhelmed and...Exhilarated! If you don't try, you've already failed - so here goes nothing!

Karla