HEIRLOOM MODERN

Perhaps it's that I opened my shop in my grandfather's 1911 building. Perhaps it's that I grew up in a 1910 house and spent my childhood wandering around flea markets. Perhaps it's that I inherited my parents' passion for all things old and unique. Whatever it is, I have a strong belief that certain things are important and must be saved, passed on, and lived with in creative ways that make our homes feel meaningful. It's fulfilling to express where we came from and where we are now, honouring past and present, surrounding ourselves with items passed onto us, blending our own history, style and influences. Our homes should reflect who we are, like an autobiography through décor.

Heirloom Modern: Homes Filled With Objects Bought, Bequeathed, Beloved, and Worth Handing Down is an exquisite book that explores this concept beautifully. Brimming with gorgeous photos, it highlights fourteen magnificent homes and their owner's stories behind the meaningful objects that decorate their homes. This book is exciting and calls for dedicated time to yourself with a cup of tea, a good cookie, and a cozy place to sit and be inspired.

Price | $50

NEW SHIPMENT OF FAMIGLIA CREANZA OLIVE OIL HAS ARRIVED!

Once our customers have tried Famiglia Creanza Extra Virgin Olive Oil, they're hooked! They use it religiously and also are proud to give it as gifts. Not only delicious as a cooking oil and salad oil, this olive oil is delightful when used as a condiment, as a dip for crusty bread, drizzled on vegetables, meats, soups and even popcorn! It's buttery texture and clean, peppery finish are perfectly balanced and it has been called "fragrant peppery liquid gold". The small family run olive orchard of 700 trees, has been nurtured by the Creanza family for generations in the sun drenched region of Puglia, Italy.

Recently I attended a marvelous olive oil tasting and Italian dinner service by Tonio Creanza (of Famiglia Creanza Olive Oil and Messors culinary, art restoration, and shepherding workshops taking place in Altamura, Italy) and hosted by Le Marché St. George. After the success of last year's event, this year's sold out in less than 6 hours after posting it so they added another on Saturday, which sold out just as quickly. At this point I think it is safe to say that Famiglia Creanza Olive Oil is the most beloved olive oil available in Vancouver, not only because of it's exquisite flavour and health benefits but because of the family heritage and passion behind the production of this liquid gold.

The new shipment of olive oil is available in 750 ml bottles and 3 litre cans. Be sure to pick some up to use with your favorite meals on these sunny evenings that have finally arrived!

Price | $26-$58

MOTHER'S WEEK SALE!

 Moms deserve recognition for all that they do to make our lives better. And even if it is only officially Mother's Day one day out of the year, here at Blue Owl we want to take the whole week to honour all the beautiful Mothers out there. The shop is full of great gifts for Mom right now. Adorable teacups, gorgeous gardening supplies, antique French linens, fine soaps and candles, and fantastic books are just a few of the many unique treasures currently available that are sure to make this Mother's Day a memorable and meaningful one.

Whether you are looking for a gift for your Mom or taking some time to treat yourself, come to Blue Owl to enjoy 25% off all teacups and 20% of everything else in store. The sale begins this Saturday, May 5th, until the following Sunday, May 12th.

Please note that with the new schedule, we are closed on Sundays but we will remain open on Sunday, May 12th (Mother's Day) from 12pm-5pm.

ANTIQUE NAPOLEON INKWELL FROM FRANCE

We all want our home to look just so, while still reflecting the many aspects of out personalities, experiences, beliefs, intellect, and interests. Yet, it can be difficult sometimes to find that key piece which transforms a space from "nice" to "exquisite" and full of personality.  This inkwell is one of those pieces that has such power to elevate the design quality of a room.

Created by well-known French sculptor A. Bossu, during the Art Nouveau period, around the turn-of-the-century, this inkwell of Napoleon in spelter bronze is quite a prize indeed. Superb craftsmanship and highly detailed sculpting make this a very distinguished piece - one that is sure to turn heads and get lots of attention. Because of it's boldness, this exquisite inkwell could look great in a collection of your other cherished pieces as well as in a more minimalist setting where the eye can dedicate more attention to the sensual, curving flourishes and stern, dignified bust of this piece of French history.

Price | $325

GET LUCKY WITH STEELE & CO. DISTINGUISHED BAR SOAP

Men, take note: with this soap you will probably get lucky.

Locally made in Victoria, BC, these all natural soaps handcrafted by Michael St. Claire, creator of Steele & Co., are wonderful - especially for men. Made in very small batches, Michael reconnects with a long family practice that stretches over generations and produces a traditional soap with high standards of purity and quality. Michael gave me a few bars for my boyfriend and I to sample and we absolutely love them. They have balanced, earthy scents which conjure up ideas of outdoorsy gentlemen of the 1940s that elude to a day of fishing, chopping wood and drinking scotch in their favorite worn leather chair at the end of a long day. Although I loved using this soap myself, what I love more is smelling it on my man. This is an ideal little gift for the man in your life, and you, no doubt, get to enjoy it too.
 
This is what Michael had to say about how Steele & Co. came to be:
"I’ve been making soap for about three years now. I started after receiving a recipe from my grandmother Mary Steele. My Grandmother was frugal and liked to provide for her family by mending clothes, cooking hearty meals, and making soap to do the washing. Growing up on the prairies during the 1930’s she learned to value simple, honest living. She had a good sense of how to run a clean and efficient household which she learned from her mother and passed on to her daughter, Marne (my Mother), who also likes to run a clean household. I enjoy making soap because I like the process of working with my hands to create a finished product that is useful. When I make soap I also feel a familiarity or attachment to my family and its history. I like the idea that I am going through the same process that my family has done in the past. Because this recipe was used to make soap for a family it is made by hand using the traditional cold process method and is made in very small batches – about 10 lbs a batch. The ingredients are few and simple. I have added essential oils to come up with some scents that I like. I hope you like them too."

We are proud to be the first boutique in Vancouver to carry these exquisite soaps. Available fragrances are Cedar and Fir, Pepper and Mint, and Clubman.

Price | $9