Just in Time for Winter (in Key West): The Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent Candles!

We just received a shipment of one of our best products ever: all natural mosquito repellent candles! I know, I know - some of you are looking at snow. But here in Key West, mosquitoes are a part of life year-round. And when we find something new we get a little excited about it.

The candles are from our new candle line, Hillhouse Naturals (they also have a blog).

The candles are all natural with two different fragrance blends. One is wild mint, juniper, and tea tree, and the other is eucalyptus, mint leaf, and lemongrass. Note: No citronella! They smell fabulous in the shop without being lit, which is great, but we had to product test them for actual mosquito repellent abilities.

You know how we love outdoor dining. So Sunday night, we tested them at a dinner party in our loggia...



...and they worked great! The fragrance of the natural herbs was subtle and didn't overwhelm us as we dined.


And the container is reusable as a planter. All natural, no smelly citronella, reusable container, and THEY WORK! We're sold.

Welcome To My Bloomin' World

Ever see these flowers?...





They're called Brugmansia. Also known as "Angel Trumpets", Brugmansia has an infamous side (or side effect). It's poisonous if ingested. So we just like to look at them.

Elsewhere in the garden...


That's a miniature Ixora hedge that lines the walk to our loggia.

Do you know what kind of flower this is?...


It's actually a Hibiscus called Schizopetalus.It originally hails from East Africa. But seems to enjoy its life in Key West.

The next two photos show orchids with a touch of water from our fountain in the backgrounds.



And finally, we have two bougainvilleas next to the pool.


Aaah... just another average day in paradise.

Outdoor Entertaining at Mary Ann's

Our friend Mary Ann Davis has one of the prettiest properties in Key West and it's perfect for outdoor entertaining. The house is approached down a long brick walkway that is completely hidden from the street and lined with palm trees and orchid plants.

As the house comes into view you find yourself in a lovely courtyard bordered by the main house, the guest house and the pool.




Very often this courtyard is the cocktail spot.

The house itself is very gracious and welcoming with steps going up to a wide veranda - comfortable seating to one side and a large dining table on the other.



Mary Ann loves entertaining and does it with great artistry, always setting a beautiful table with colorful coordinated linens and tableware, always different and always gorgeous.



What a treat to be dining outdoors on a sultry Key West evening with palm blade fans circulating the air. It's paradise!

Outdoor Spaces (and a giveaway announcement)

First - I just wanted to announce that the giveaway (see HERE for details) for pajamas or throw pillows will be open a bit longer. Due to some computer issues - I will most likely be offline for the week. Hopefully, the repairs will be minimal - but I'm planning for a full five business days of computer exile.

But before I go...here are some lovely outdoor living spaces - an important part of Key West culture:

I love the coral pillows here:


These companion shots look so wonderfully unstudied. I could easily see a lunch of bread and cheese with wine and then a snooze on a chaise happening here:



A bit more grand...but I can still see some great gatherings taking place here. I would pick a corner spot on the couch and tuck my feet under me. All alone? Curling up with a book sounds pretty good too - especially if there is a nice breeze:


Not exactly my style - but I love all of the color. I'd call it casual glamour:


The symmetry of this space is really appealing to me. And I LOVE those chairs in the foreground - but I don't know if they look very outdoor-friendly... Maybe they only come outside for guests and room stylists:


This one is CLASSIC Key West. That painted porch ceiling? Love it!


Hmmm. Not a fan of the uncomfortable looking chairs in this one... But I'm crazy about that iron and tile table, and the blue and yellow display is charming:


These last two could fit very well in Key West homes. Light and airy and somewhat eclectic. And COMFORTABLE!



Okay - wish me luck with my computer. And have a great week!





Images from House Beautiful, DecorPad and Coastal Living.

Outdoor Living - At Our House

The weather has finally warmed up in Key West and the outdoor living is in full swing. This is the newly decorated Loggia chez Coveny:




Hope you're enjoying some sunshine wherever you live!

Key West Outdoor Living

After a very chilly few weeks here in Florida, it's finally started to warm up. And everyone in Key West can once again enjoy their outdoor living spaces.

From the largest of Conch mansions to the smallest of island condos, every home has access to an outdoor living space.

A perfect example is our friend Wesley's adorable Conch cottage:


Even this tiny house has a backyard equipped for lounging, dining and entertaining:


Wesley worked with us at Style Key West until recently when she had her adorable baby girl:


Sadly - she has left us yet again! Her little family just moved for her husband's work, and we miss them terribly. On such a small island, friends quickly become family - and it's going to take some time to get used to not seeing our girls' beautiful faces every day. Love you Wesley!