Gump's Silk Florals Sale!

Hola!

I normally do not do two posts in one day, but I'm itching for spring to finally spring around here.  Flowers at the grocery store - way too expensive these days.  Sigh.  I still have my post-Christmas deep of winter decor up, because for the most part, that is where we've been weather-wise, until recently.

As you know, I love Gump's (in San Francisco).  They have the most beautiful home decor items!  But, Gump's is high-end.  They don't chintz around on quality.  I cannot afford anything Gump's unless it is on sale.  And I have to tell you, Gump's does have great sales!

I have often looked at their silk floral displays and sighed.  I have purchased floral arrangements on sale as gifts for others, but never for myself.  I've always coveted a (faux) orchid for myself.  Maybe this is my chance?

If you're interested, you can visit Gump's orchids sale.  I will not mislead you.  You can get a good bang for your buck when you shop the sale and/or clearance sections that are not advertised:

The orchid above is the White Meadow Orchid, originally $98.00, now on sale for $48.99.  Here is the description:

With their white petals and ruby-red centers, our phalaenopsis stems look festive during the holidays and elegant throughout the year. The handcrafted blossoms, faux grasses and lifelike greenery are set in a rustic ceramic container, artfully finished to resemble traditional weathered-wood vessels.

24" High

Imported

The orchid below is the Asian Accent Orchid, originally $38.00, now on sale for $24.99.  I have purchased similar white orchids (when on sale from time to time, not this incarnation of white orchid) as gifts for others and they have been incredibly beautiful and arrived in perfect condition each time I ordered one.  Maybe it's time I ordered one for myself.  I have to tell you, the orchid has shrunk in size (from 15" tall overall to 13" tall overall), in the number of flowers and the size of the vase, over the last few years.  Alas.  But, as currently offered it would look so pretty on my chou style coffee table in the front room. I think it is still a good deal.

The stand is NOT included.  Description:

A masterpiece of simplicity and proportion, a single orchid stem arches gracefully from a glazed ceramic vase with a traditional bird motif.

Overall: 13"H

Vase: 4 1/2" diam.

Made in the USA of imported materials

White or Pink orchid

Stand sold separately

Online Window Shopping at Gump's!

No secrets here - I haven't exactly been well lately but I'm still alive and kicking.  I see a heart specialist (a male) on the 8th and I'm not pleased about that.  I am looking for a female specialist.  Male doctors do not know how to treat female patients; well, I shouldn't stereotype, should I.  So, I'll just say that most male doctors tend to treat female patients like penis-less men.  That just isn't going to work with me and, in fact, medically it's been proven that treatments that work on men are not necessarily the best for the female of our species.

And so,  I have plans, darlings, plans.  I have a treatment regime about 95% set for myself based on experimental results I've read about recently if it turns out I have the condition that my primary care doc seems to think I have (I'm not at all sure I have what she thinks).  I just have to figure out the right dosage and I won't need any of their frigging uber-expensive poisons that really won't help my condition at all, just mask the symptoms a little bit (if and when those symptoms actually begin to appear on a regular basis). Don't worry about me darlings, I ain't planning on checking out any time soon.  You can take that to the bank.  Or you can put that in a pipe and smoke it, your choice :) 

Okay, enough of that stuff.  Yesterday I received a new catalog from Gump's and I drooled my way through it.  Such beautiful - and pricey things!  There are a couple of terracotta castes of Tang Dynasty horses that I just adore, but the smaller one (16" tall) is $199!  The larger one (25" tall) is a whopping $329.  Sigh.  I don't know what it is about Tang Dynasty horses, but they get me every time.  I have my "look for less" versions but oh, to be able to just plunk down money whenever I wanted on somehing I want, just for the hell of it, and not have to worry about budgets and a new roof.

So, to entertain myself today and because it's too hot and humid to work outside, I'm visiting Gump's online sale.  I always find cute things there and get great ideas for relatively inexpensive gifts and accents.  Here's what I like right now:

Isn't this adorable!  It's on sale for $19.99 - quail key hook.  Cast of brass, it has a verdigris finish that highlights each detail. Mounting hardware included.  8 1/2"L x 4 1/2"H.

Now I know the crafy of you out there can probably make these for less, but I'm lazy and not so crafty anyway, that's why I go for stuff like this when I can find it at what I consider a reasonable price:

Six mossy orbs (basket not included) made from preserved moss - the real thing -- for $18.99.  You receive  Small: 2 1/2" diam.; Medium: 4" diam.; and Large: 6" diam.  Set of 6 (three small, two medium and one large).

If you're like me, you WILL need one of these:

It's a hide-a-key and so cute!  A secret compartment inside this rustic sculpture is the perfect place to conceal your house key. Tuck it among garden greenery for a charming and functional accent.  Made of cast iron, 4 1/2"L.  On sale for $14.99.  There is also a froggy on sale.


This item isn't on sale but I love it -- such a unique shape and design; it sort of reminds me of a honeycomb, but also a hornet's nest (eek!), and a pine cone, too:

It's $15.00 every day price.  Handcrafted textured white ceramic vase displays your favorite flowers with modern elegance.  Approximately 4" diam. x 3"H. 

Gump's, Gump's, Gump's!

I love Gump's.  I save their catalogs for reading on the bus trip to/from the office and it never fails to amaze me how quickly that 50 minute ride goes by!

Through July 4, 2012 Gump's is offering an additional 15% off its already-sale priced merchandise.  You never know what bargains you might find, so take a look for yourselves!

These items caught my eye:

Majolica Foo Dogs
Look at those gorgeous colors!  On sale for $43.99 plus 15% off (roughly another $6.60 off).  What's a room without a touch of an exotic oriental accent?  I am partial to the look and my house has many oriental-styled pieces:

Oncidium Orchid in White Jar
At a height of 15", it could grace a mantle or a tabletop.  White, of course, goes with absolutely everything!  I am buying this for my bedroom.  It's $19.99 on sale plus another 15% off (about $3.00).  I have never been disappointed in Gump's quality and items arrive on a timely basis.  What's not to love?

Black Rose Stems
Wow!  These are sort of spooky looking, but then again, I cannot seem to take my eyes from them.  At three, 21 inches long, for a mere $9.99 plus another $1.50 off, in the right color scheme these would surely find a place.

And, last but not least, I just could not resist these Gianna Rose scented- Scottie Dog Soaps! They're not on sale, but the boxed set is $24.00 -- won't break the bank and what a wonderful gift for a dog-lover. Gianna rose-scented soaps are also available in Daschund and Black Lab doggies :)