“Her Soul Speaks In Flowers”

The first time I read this quote my heart paused, and I exhaled in full agreement. Truth be told, I’m giddy when I have fresh flowers in the house. For me, they are like receiving a love letter—you can’t help but smile. Pictured above is the sweetest mini vase that is perfect for a front entry paired with a trinket (or two,) a side table or a coffee table. Fill it with a petite arrangement or make it larger by filling in with greens—It truly is my favorite! It’s available in The Coffee Table Vignette Box.

I’ve never taken a floristry class (although I would love to,) but I’ve always felt a spark of joy when I have flowers in my home. The biggest and best take-a-way from having flowers in the house is they always lead to more creativity. I often write a little longer, tinker with fabric samples—dreaming up new ways to see a room, I rearrange pillows (even furniture) and simply “play” with design. It’s so fun!

For me, a fresh bouquet will inevitably end up in a new vignette—allowing me to feel a space in a whole new way, and this is the power of fresh flowers. They bring everything to life!

Although I love receiving flowers, (hint hint to my husband) It doesn’t matter where they are from; my garden, the grocery store (Trader Joe’s is the best!) or my favorite local floral boutique—it matters none. I just need them around me, because knowing what brings me joy, ultimately serves those around me.

Heather’s Tried & True Floral Tips:

Always cut the stems before you arrange your flowers and place them in fresh water.

Hint: A splash of bleach will help keep the water clean.

I use luke warm water (I don’t want to shock them with cold water.)

My floral mentor, Designer Blooms has taught me to build a bouquet in my hand—adding and twisting the stems with each new addition. I love this method, but I also love to build the arrangement in the vase. It’s totally up to you and what feels right.

Every few days, I recut the stems and add fresh water.

Pictured below are a few of The Coffee Table Vignette Vases and a few stunning bouquets that have brought me joy.

How I Built My BEST Year ever!

The first morning of 2017, I wrote a blog about chasing down fear and designing my best life. You can read about my decision to live powerfully and creatively HERE in my blog titled, "Go Ahead, Write Your Story." That decision created room to not only pursue my novel, but it also made room for me to create The Vignette Box–two of them!

The Vignette Box

The Vignette Box Christmas Edition

I had no idea that writing that blog would lead to me starting my own business, The Vignette Box By, Sweet Shady Lane. The goal of the box was to inspire others to find their own inner designer with a starter kit meant to touch, move and ignite a belief that you too could design your own story through design. 

The box is filled with treasures, to give or receive, that create the perfect vignette for a side table, mantle or shelf. I made sure that each box is filled with items that I would personally purchase, and that each item worked seamlessly together or could be separated and placed with other items in your home. 

How did she do that? Well, I already had started a design instagram @sweetshadylane (another Go ahead, Write Your Story, I've Got Your Back kind of moment) and found the courage to create The Vignette Box. 

Honestly, I had to go back to my own advice many times–reading my own words about living powerfully and creatively helped keep me in pursuit of following through (there were many moments where I literally said, what am I doing?) However, my own doubts and fears led me to believe (even more) that the language we use is powerful! I could have quit right when doubt crept in, thrown in the towel and believed all the lies that fear shouts in my ear, but somehow my instagram grew, I curated, designed and sold two successful vignette boxes (I still cannot believe this!) and I hired an editor for my novel. Even saying this out loud gives me goosebumps!

That success did not come easy. In fact, every night, (EVERY NIGHT) I went to sleep wondering if anyone would actually buy my box and I'd wake every morning in utter disbelief–as a notification of a new sale was in my inbox..."A new order for Sweet Shady Lane."I'd sit, sleepy eyed, staring down my computer screen like it was a liar.

Similarly, every time I sit to write my novel, I have to put my boxing gloves on because I know the routine..."Here we go again, she thinks she can write." It's exhausting, sometimes debilitating, but worth the fight if you can push past fear and doubt and see success (whatever that looks like for you.) For me, success is typing the first sentence, showing up when I don't think I have anything to say, taking a picture of a vignette and sharing it with my followers and just knowing that at the end of everyday, I stayed true to living powerfully and creatively, even if I had to do some fighting along the way. 

2017 has taught me a lot. I've learned about handling and shipping, I've been able to know  my tax guy personally (his name is Cory), how to start retail accounts, learn how to use squarespace (I have my amazing daughter, Emmie to thank for that), and how to curate something that I believe is special and unique. 

If I've learned anything in 2017, it's this...Anytime you are working in truth and trusting your gut...You will succeed!

So, what's in store for 2018? You'll find me at ModernWell (my new writing haven) A women-centered creative community driven by wellness and possibility. I'll be finishing my novel (notice how I didn't say, "I hope to be finishing my novel.) If you're in the Twin Cities...come check it out! 

I'm also thrilled to be currently working on an a la carte vignette design experience, in which you decide what items you love and would work well with your already purchased treasures. There will be choices with different price points so that people who love Sweet Shady Lane can own a piece that's just right for them!

Here's to living powerfully and creatively! Wishing you the BEST in 2018. 

Xo, Heather

The Vignette Box

I've always loved design. Seriously, since I was nine years old, I would rearrange, tinker and make my room just right. When I was done redecorating my room, I'd move onto the living room-turning picture frames, angling chairs and give my mom advice on where the sofa should sit. How she put up with me-I do not know?

The Vignette Box is another expression of my love for home and the stories and creativity  that is available when you set just the right treasure on your end table, shelf, front entry piece or nightstand. The possibilities are endless. 

Each limited edition Vignette Box is filled with carefully curated treasures that I personally picked out just for you! Each box includes:

*one-of-a-kind mini landscape art by, Abbey Holden Studio

*custom bamboo easel

*"One Man's Folly" coffee table book filled with images of Furlow Gatgewood's magnificent dwellings

*cream cache pot

*beautiful preserved boxwood

*sweet brass antique figurine

The Vignette box is special, unique and made just for you! It makes a fabulous gift for a new couple, homeowner or your very best friend. I promise...You'll love it!

Place the treasures together or separate them however you choose. Stack other books on top of "One Man's Folly," frame the art for more dimension, place just the cache pot and brass figurine together on a shelf or side table.

The fun part is anything goes! And the possibilities are endless. YAY!!

I believe that creating a home is much like telling a story and my hope is that your own inner designer springs to life and you begin to play and have fun with your vignette and create more vignettes in other areas of your home.

What will your story be? I cannot wait to see! 

Xo, Heather

                  The Vignette Box is SOLD OUT. THANK YOU!!

While The Vignette Box is currently sold out, I do have some treasures (art and brass figurines) still available if you're interested. Please reach out-Heatherstrommen@mac.com They'd be wonderful gifts or add them to your current vignettes. 

A Rare Bird

Today, I stumbled upon a hidden Minneapolis gem...A Rare Bird on West 5oth Street. Kelly Wallace, the shop owner was a true delight, and I fell in love with all the beautiful antiques and treasures that fill up this quaint little shop. Take a peak inside...

Kelly always had dreams of owning the exact storefront that she currently occupies and still has to pinch herself that it's an actual reality. I love this! Growing up in the area, Kelly feels like her store is right in her own back yard and as a customer, I felt that same familiarity, almost like meeting up for coffee with an old friend. The store is so warm and welcoming and filled with treasures...I could hardly contain myself.

As most of you know, I am currently OBSESSED with Myrtle topiaries...And get ready for it...Kelly has at least a dozen currently for sale. Run—don't walk!! I even picked up a few more. I simply cannot resist these beauties!

This is one of my favorite images from the store. Kelly has an amazing eye and in every vignette—her store reflects it. Sorry, there are a couple of shell boxes not pictured, because I had to have them!

Just look at those sweeties beneath that fabulous mirror! I am in love! Myrtles everywhere!!

This is what the store front looks like...There are a few more antique stores on this street and surrounding corners that I have gone to for years (but now— this one is my FAVORITE!) It's funny, I always went to the same shops, and for 2 years simply just didn't take a few steps more until today. I'm so happy I did!

I promise, you are going to love this little rare bird of a store and her second store a few steps down, A Rare Bird 2. 

A Rare Bird ~Beautifully Curious Antiques and Goods

3016 W. 50th Street Minneapolis, MN 55410

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

XO ~Heather

There's Just Something About This Porch

I loved designing this porch! Really, I dreamt about it for months...The colors, the wicker, the tables and chairs. All of it. 

The back side of Mona Bina is quite expansive. So much so that there was enough for space for a dinner table for 8, a middle set of chairs with ottomans (this is where you will find Jay and I most of the time) and a love-seat with 2 rockers. 

I knew I wanted a light grey wicker and found the perfect set from Kingsley Bates.  I chose soft colors for the cushions, so they wouldn't compete with all the beautiful greenery and flowers. If your read my earlier post, "Meet Buster," you've seen some of the cushions that my dog, Buster has destroyed!! Ugh...That dog!

Because Buster is constantly dragging them out to the yard and getting them filthy, I thought I'd mix it up and try a darker cushion and although they were cute, they just didn't have the same effect as the light ones. When the new ones arrived, I called Jay and said, "the new cushions came and they are so cute!" He replied, "That's great, but how do they taste?" LOL, cleary we have a problem!! So back to my light blue and linen white colors. Buster...Please stay away from them!

These photos were taken by, Troy Theis for The Sitting Room Studio and every time I post one of these—people seem to really feel a connection. Whether it's a repost on instagram, a sweet comment or a tale of inspiration—I love that my favorite spot, not only bring me so much joy, but also makes others smile as well.

So here's to (almost) summer and all the fun it brings! If you're looking for us, we'll be right here (probably pulling expensive cushions out of our dog's mouth.) 

XO ~Heather