At long last blog

NEW FEATURE
Daily Wish! why not? it couldn't hurt. It can be a teeny wish, a heartfelt and fervent wish or a wish with whimsy, my blog, my rules. I will endeavour to figure out if I can add a feature whereby ya'll can respond with your wish (could be interesting).
So my wish of the day (since I just came up with idea at 4 p.m. in the afternoon on a Sunday sitting on the couch with the dogs and with Robert Palmer on the ipad thank you Peter darling), is this:

I wish I had Johnny and Mary as my ringtone. Simple, easily attainable and whimsical.

After months of not being able to get back into the blog here I am! So much that happened was blog worthy, so many pics of treasures found and sold! And the contest I wanted desperately to launch, so sorry all who tried to get details of this, I am hoping I can get this happening finally in the next few months; should it be part of my New Year's Resolutions " Do not make promises you cannot keep"? But I do promise to not be away for so long again. I have the password copied in several places and, note to self, nothing says "don't forget the password" like copying it down 43 times.
Well the past few months have been a real experience, but isn't everything? and what do you take away with you from your experiences? Lots I can tell you. And thankfully I have learnt it is never to late to teach the old dog a few new tricks! As a new business (which I operate about 98% all by mine own self) I am having to learn a few new tricks every day and to incorporate tools to become organised and functionally fabulous; notebooks, sharp pencils etc., (gold stars in the form of Champagne Friday's -thank you Trevor) Another of these tools is a classic, the clipboard! Check out theses wonderful clipboards from Papaya which have been purchased in at a super promotional price which are for sale at Indie Lulu for $9.95.

 I think I am going to keep one of each and hang them on the wall behind the till. As I tackle and deal with the work on each and the list of completed tasks falls away (I dream of tasks completed) I will be able to see them as an art collection! I really love clipboards and next to wearing reading glasses I find them indispensable especially when they are this pretty as this one, Voyager, is. And more on Papaya in future blogs, Anahata Katkin and mother Gina are a great inspiration to Indie Lulu...

The late spring and summer was crazy busy, for my first summer it was fabulous, lots of customers and sales, new friends, new stock, new product to look at for future purchasing and so many new ideas realistic and fantastical. I am continually inspired by feedback which I get from my customers and friends. Thanks to all of you who have shopped and supported me these past few months in the store Osoyoos locals, semi locals and holiday makers. Thanks for sharing your stories of your homes and projects and for bringing Indie Lulu into your lives and living spaces.
Indie Lulu is coming up for it's 9 month - aversary and kicking it into high gear for the Christmas season with new Christmas decorations, retro and vintage. Here is a look at a delight that greats you as you enter the store, this is the "look" that goes with the oft heard comment, "What smells so good" well folks it is Big Dipper Wax Works seasonal candles.We have scented and sculpted beeswax from 12 hour votives for $3.95 to large screen print lidded jars which burn 5 hours for $23.95. Try the Peppermint and Birch for an unusual and new fresh scent but remember, only essential oils are used in the premium candles, no artificial scents or fragrances and, as always, NO leaded wicks, only cotton. Pretty retro graphics too.

And more to come, thanks for looking in, Sue XX

Our Indie Lulu Kitchen

THE FINEST linen drying cloths, tasteful cake stand and  Barb Derksen's marvelous new "Preserve Posies" -  these are just a few of the products which which grace the beautiful country dresser at the  entrance of Indie Lulu Living.  

Our Irish linen drying cloths are large, measuring a full 34 x 21.5 inches and are hand-made by a local seamstress to the most exacting of standards.  

Only Irish Linen does the job does the kind of job you want to put the polish on your finest crystal and glassware. 

A delicious cake deserves something elegant to show it off!  This wrought iron-style metal stand comes paired with a white pottery serving plate.  

And as we live in the heart of Fruit Country, here in Osoyoos, British Columbia, we also like to capture the flavour of the Okanagan fresh off the tree in the way of preserves.  

You can't find our "Preserve Posies" anywhere else as they are designed and created exclusively for Indie Lulu Living by Barb.These are available for full mason jar sizes ($4.95) as well as the smaller pints ($4.50) and each "Posie" comes with a matching label for you to write your own information upon.  Even nicer is that each "Posie" is re-usable!  Be the hostess who gives the nicest looking preserves!

Chenille Love

Did you know that chenille is the french word for caterpillar?

NO!  Chenille is not made from insects, rather it's texture is like a soft caterpillar, the ones we may have called "fuzzy-wuzzy" when we were children.

The chenille yarn is manufactured by placing short lengths of yarn, called the "pile", between two "core yarns" and then twisting the yarn together. The edges of these piles then stand at right angles from the yarn’s core, giving chenille both its softness and its characteristic look. Chenille will look different in one direction compared to another, as the fibres catch the light differently. Chenille can appear iridescent without actually using iridescent fibers. The yarn is commonly manufactured from cotton, but can also be made using acrylic, rayon and olefin.

Chenille is actually named by the process it is created.  It goes all the way back to the 18th century when it was crafted by cutting the fabric into strips.  Later on in the 20's and 30's Catherine Evans revived the process and branded it "chenille" and the bedspreads became popular.  In the 30's chenille was also used for carpets, throws and mats.  It had a resurgence again in the 1970's and has also been used for clothing too.

We have a lovely selection of chenille here at Indie Lulu, come enjoy!

Beautiful Domes

You may have admired these beautiful mercury base glass domes in our window display recently at Indie Lulu Living.  These are perfect for displaying and protecting your most beautiful and precious articles from family treasures to our fabulous Okanagan cheeses!

We've chosen to display some of our porcelain pomegranates and paper butterfly garlands inside. What treasure will YOU choose to feature under glass?


The smaller dome is approximately 16 inches tall and complements the larger 20 inch tall one.  


We've a sweet story to share today, seems we had a young shopper in mid-week.  We mustn't say names because this was a very clever young lady who was having some trickery going on with Bridget and Susan. I heard this young girl was shopping with Mum and Dad, one of whom a gift was intended for ( hm, what holiday is fast approaching?), so she had some products being discretely palmed to Sue behind her back so that the lucky family member was unawares.  Could this be Mother's Day sneakery ?  We ♥ this sort of behavior at Indie Lulu Living!  Makes us go Awwww

We Like White!

There's something very special about white ironstone pottery.  It is so classic and functional, yet visually stunning displayed en masse.

You must agree that it makes the ideal backdrop behind whatever is IN it or ON it or BESIDE your featured item.  

We have a great selection for you to choose from.  Come just graze your eyes for a while....

GREAT Mother's Day Gift Idea - Cedar Mountain Art Blocks

Isn't it nice of us to make your Mother's Day shopping super easy? We bet your Mom does not have a Cedar Mountain Studios Art Block on her wall.  

For sure our staff here are Moms and we know that we sure plan to grace our walls with some of these  exquisite artworks.  

These art blocks are born on Saltspring Island here in British Columbia.  They are handmade of mdf, built up with plaster and applied graphics. Wonderful images and sentiments, words of wisdom and symbols of joy!

Each piece is individually crafted, these art blocks intentionally have a vintage appearance and each one is unique.

Drop in and explore our beautiful wall display - we will be sad to see an empty space on the wall when you leave with a few of these (for Mom AND yourself) but it will allow us to bring in more!  We are located at 8306 Main Street, directly next door to Shoe Biz in downtown Osoyoos.  

Beautiful Greeting Cards for YOUR MOM! (and other occasions)

Mother's Day is coming - SOON!  Indie Lulu Living is here to remind you now because these occasions have a way of sneak up and before you know it... and besides, not only do you want to find that "perfect something" for Mom, but you've got to factor in mailing time.  So we're just sayin'...

(click images to view larger)

First you'll need a pretty greeting card for Mom and we have cards! We have two types of cards, blank all occasion photo greeting cards from a local Osoyoos photographer and then there's our new line of vintage graphic cards by local artist Barbara Derksen.

We are going to focus on the graphic design cards today because we just received Barbara's line of Mother's Day greetings.   We have three different versions which are sure to please Mom - these cards are blank inside, protected by a clear envelope.  We've provided an optional sentiment with double sided tape on the back so you can choose your card to be blank or add the greeting.

You might even consider going the one step further then you're going to desire for your Mom to have this darling memo, photo or card hanger from Lazy Susan so she can display your cards in a place of honour in her home.  

Of course you're wondering about the shelving and vases - the shelving is for display only at this time but these beautiful hand blown seed glass vases are for sale right now and an ideal gift (with a bouquet inside) for your special Mom.  

Stay tuned for tomorrow's feature - Cedar Mountain Studio Art Blocks (you can glimpse them behind the iris in the first photo)

Want to Pamper YOU? (or perhaps Mom with Mother's day coming)

We have new product arriving all of the time and we want YOU to share in our excitement.  Today's feature made me hungry ... how could one resist something called "Body Souffle"?Come in for a take home sample! Use this delight after soaking in a soothing bath of either Paraben-free Bath Salts or Bubble Bath or a refreshing shower with the gel in Rosemary Sage, Wild Angelica or Lemon Geranium ( Bridget's favourite!)

"New from Thymes, Garden Alchemy is where perfumery meets botany in a lush, intoxicating sensory experience. Petals are crushed. Sprigs are minced. Nectars juiced. And oils are extracted and distilled to their most authentic, inspired essence."

Body Soufflé, 6.5-oz - made with shea butter and vitamin E, this is one of the lightest, softest, most luxurious body cremes you'll ever use. Immensely hydrating and nourishing.

Shower Gel, 7.9-oz - a richly lathering and gently cleansing body wash. Enriched with moisturizing glycerin and floral extracts.

You see what we mean?  

What could be nicer after a hard day's work, or working in the garden than to experience some of these delicious scented products.  

And if you can't quite justify this for yourself just yet... why not consider these for your Mom?  

Come on in and let your nose and skin take the tour of Osoyoos's best new shop today? 

We say "Osoyoos love to Wine" - not Whine!

Our store is nested right downtown Osoyoos BC which means we are at the toe of the beautiful South Okanagan Valley.  Osoyoos is Canada's only official "Pocket Desert" and boast Canada's warmest fresh water lake as well.  These factors make a great backdrop and create ideal conditions for growing grapes which has given birth to a vibrant Wine industry.


Indie Lulu Living wants to draw from this fact - we will be featuring new products which will complement the wine industry.  Just arrived Friday -

This unique set of burlap cocktail napkins.  This set of six come packaged in a buttoned fabric envelope and are the ideal gift for the wine-lover in your life.


We will be building a set of links to our local wineries in the near future and keep in mind... Indie Lulu Living is about in the middle of some great wineries and tourist attractions - a perfect place for you to come cool your heels and check us out!

What do you get for the person who "Has It All?"

We all have certain people in our lives - the ones who seem to already "Have It All" - and its really difficult to find that special something that is appealing and would make their lives just a little bit brighter.  Well, we're all about that at Indie Lulu Living!  

We delight in hunting out the most perfect items which will make YOU shine as the perfect gift-giver of all.  We've spent hours researching what is the most unique and brought it all together for you - all you have to do is add a pretty card (we've got gorgeous handmade and photo cards) and wrapping (or may we suggest some of the darling cloth gift bags which just arrived) and off you go! 

What is this little gift?  Why what hostess would not get excited about lighting the candles on that birthday cake with some Wonders of the World boxed matches?  A sweet and affordable touch for you to bring to the party!  

Stay tuned - we will be posting almost daily!  We have a whole lot of shop to show off to you.  

First Post!

What IS Indie Lulu Living?

Named for owner Susan Baldwin's daughters India Beatrice and Lucie Rose,  Indie Lulu Living is a new store located in Osoyoos in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.  Osoyoos is a little hotbed of activity for our many tourists and Indie Lulu Living was born out of a need for "just our type" of store.

We have been open since March 3 rd, 2012 and are growing and evolving.

When first time visitors arrive we can audibly hear the intake of breath upon some discovery of a treasure dear to the heart or invoking a cherished memory.  Upon departing we're always sure to hear "Your shop is PERFECT for Osoyoos!"

You may want to hit the "Follow" button for our blog because you're going to get a whole lot of inspiration and ideas from our shop in the coming days.  Because our store is "living" it means there will always be something new (or used in the case of vintage) to discover.