The Official 2018 Native Poppy Holiday Gift Guide

posted 2018 Nov by Flora Saurus

If you're overwhelmed by the word "mall," then SHOP SMALL! We have so many cute gifts for everyone at our little shop in North Park! Carefully curated, our shop is full of products that we love. Our team has compiled a list of our favorite gifts in the shop to inspire your holiday gift giving!

First up, Natalie!

I love the Folk Project animal ornaments because they are so effing cute. Another great gift for anyone, Bad Girls Throughout History, because the world needs more bad ass women.

Next we have Meg!

I would have to pick the Native Poppy Flower Membership! Flowers all month long, member perks, and discounts?! Talk about the PERFECT gift, and one that keeps giving all year long!

Up next is Grace!

I love the book we carry, In the Company of Women, because it showcases lots of cool, inspiring women entrepreneurs. It's the perfect gift for a strong woman in your life!

Next is GG!

The Honeybrush tea towels are my favorite! They're functional, good quality, (I've literally boughten five this year), all different and beautiful! Perfect for someone who keeps or wants to keep a clean kitchen this new year!

and Kath!

I would have to say any of our Native Poppy x BoyGirl Party Pins! They are all so dang cute and it's such a fun way to add some ~pizazz~ to any jacket or bag. I also am partial to the pompom earrings because pompoms make me so happy!

Up next we have Gabriella!

I love the Native Poppy Mulled Wine Candle. It is the perfect holiday candle to burn while listening to Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is You!

and Molly!

I would say the California Poppy seeds and the KOBO candles, because their packaging is plantable! Winter is planting season in San Diego, give the gift that keeps giving until spring time!

next is Gabby!

I would say Shop Isiko's Full Moon earrings because they're simple and add a nice touch to any outfit! Also, they're hand made and they donate 10% to an organization every quarter! This quarter is an organization called Kurandza in Mozambique that educates women in sustainable development and entrepreneurship! A gift that gives back!

and last but certainly not least is Mason!

I would say the Dear Survivor earrings, they make a great gift for the stylish lady in your life! They are another brand we carry that gives back, part of their sales goes towards GenerateHope, which helps survivors of human trafficking.

We hope this list helps you in your search for the perfect holiday gifts! Thank you for shopping SMALL this holiday season!

Second Annual Galentine's Day Flower Crown Workshop

posted 2018 Feb by Meg Blancato

SECOND ANNUAL GALENTINE'S DAY FLOWER CROWN WORKSHOP

Okay, we know we say this about all of our workshops, but this one was actually the best we've ever had! Complete with braid/ glitter bar, hand-spun cotton candy, drinks, bites, cake pops, and photo-booth, this gal's night out was one for the books! Flower crownin' our little hearts out while jammin' to Pandora's official "Galentine's Day" station (think Spice Girls and early No Doubt), we decided this needs to happen not only annually, but monthly! Kidding. Maybe.

The event took place at Hatched Collective which, although we've been to many times, always surprises us with how beautiful it is. It is hands down one of the most stunning spaces we've ever seen. Tons of crisp white and touches of pink to boot!

The girls from A Toast to Beauty made all of our braid and glitter dreams come true! Seriously, like we may or may not have slept in it to look like our best selves one more day. Also, not only are the girls from ATTB super talented, they are the sweetest and a blast to have around!

The drinks Please and Thank You whipped up with help from High West were out of control! The menu included a classic Luxardo cherry-boasting Manhattan, and floral new comers like the Gold Rush (honey, lavender, lemon) and the Rosey Mule (a strawberry inspired take on the original Moscow mule). Plus, PTY earned major bonus points for showmanship!

Having Swoonful Cotton Candy hand-spin her pillowy treats was such a blast! Her flavors were ridiculously tasty - Lemon Rose, Honey Lavender, Coconut Lime - and she brought the cutest toppings! Hello glitter, dried flowers, and edible stars!!!

Every bite of food the the Little Lion Cafe provided was legitimately one of the best bites of food we've ever had! There is some magic that goes into their creations - we swear! Not only is it beautiful and taste delicious, their food is healthy too! Bites like Vegan Poke, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Truffle Popcorn and Caprese Crostinis were crowd pleasers that left room for a cake pop, or three...

Honestly, we didn't really get cake pops until we tried the ones from San Diego Cake Pop Shop, and oh. my. gosh. They are SO good! The owner, Laura, is super sweet and she shapes her little confections into unicorns and owls and such - it's adorable!

Aside from the flower crowns, which everyone nailed by the way, the hit of the night was definitely the photo booth. This crew put our photo booth to excellent use and made every Wild Flower proud!

Even this little cutie got in on the action!

The party wouldn't have been complete without our girl Erica from SamErica Studios snapping all these epic moments. Erica is as talented as she is sweet, and boy could she make that cotton candy taste sour!

We seriously can't wait for next year, and would love to know - what should we add to make it bigger and better?! We love you Wild Flowers, our forever Galentines <3 xoxo

Bag Lady: Katie Hart

posted 2017 Dec by Meg Blancato

BAG LADY: KATIE HART

Next up for this installment of "Bag Lady" is owner/ designer of Odd Daughter Paper Co., Katie Hart! Fun fact - Katie also used to work as a florist at Native Poppy, and we carry tons of her product in the shop! She is as kind as she is talented (and she is crazy talented). We were stoked to interview her via her bag, and share a bit about her with y'all

1. Who are you? Where are you from? What's your deal?

I'm an illustrator / letterer with a stationery line called Odd Daughter Paper Co. I'm originally from Pasadena, CA, lived in Seattle for 6 years and have now been in San Diego for nearly 6 years. What's my deal?! I love drawing and creating beautiful things that help people connect with one another. My day is made when someone sees one of my cards and says "OMG this would be perfect for so-and-so", because being on the receiving end of that card (and feeling KNOWN) is the best.

2. How much of a bag lady are you? Do you opt for a tiny clutch or a giant tote? Somewhere in between?

I typically carry a bag that's way too big (the Madewell tote), but when I started using my new Bradley Mountain bag, it was so refreshing. It limits what I carry around... because the bigger my bag, the more random things I'll just throw in. So this size is my new favorite!

3. List the contents in your bag:

wallet - I bought this from Madewell about 5 years ago or so. I'm terrible at being a minimalist, so I have a lot going on in this wallet.
phone - obvi.
keys - I love my brass key ring-- made by Areawear and purchased at Maven in Normal Heights. It's both beautiful and practical.
Theo chocolate bar - I try to have dark chocolate on my person at all times. I stick to 85% or higher and love Theo chocolate out of Seattle.
Trader Joe's "Just a handful of olives" - these are such a lifesaver! If I'm out and about and find my blood sugar dropping, these are a great source of fat.
mint-chocolate RX bar - These are my other go-to for when hunger strikes. They have a super small list of ingredients and I find them to be delicious.
Port & Polish pill box - I've been dealing with some health issues this year (woohoo thyroid & adrenal problems) and my practitioner has given me a daily supplement regimen. I was determined to find a cute pill box that could help keep them organized. I typically fill it up with one day's worth of supplements (ha!) and it's come in super handy.
Burt's bees chapstick - standard.
sunnies (Warby Parker)
essential oil roller - This roller has an oil blend called "Balance" and it's used for grounding & to relieve anxiety. I love me some anxiety (just kidding I hate it. but I'm trying to trick it into thinking we're friends), and this roller comes in handy when it hits.
Boss Notes - this notepad from The Good Twin is my fave! I always always have some kind of notepad in my bag. I need to be able to sketch and take notes at any given time. :)
pens - love a good micron pen, but I'm always trying out new pens to see which I like best.

4. What can you not leave home without?

My supplements (in the pill box), essential oil roller & RX bar.

Speaking of this lovely bag, I had the pleasure of working with the Bradley Mountain guys on a logo for their new women's line. It was a great opportunity to give the new pieces more feminine mark, while keeping the integrity of their current brand. I think the hand lettering speaks to how much heart they put into each piece! The logo looks especially gorgeous pressed into the leather of each women's bag.

5. What is the weirdest thing you think you carry in your bag?

Probably the olives. But what fun would I be at parties without a secret olive stash?!

6. What is your mantra or a favorite quote you refer back to when you need encouragement?

"You are enough." Because lots of times I don't feel like it. But then I have to remind myself of encouragement I'd give to those who I love most and remember that it's true of ME too.

7. What traits are you most proud of in yourself?

If you're familiar with Strengthsfinder, my number one strength is empathy, and I think this helps me to understand and encourage others. When a friend is going through a rough time, I'm a good listener and do my best to encourage them (or just sit with them).

8. How do you treat yo'self/ practice self care?

Because of the health issues I mentioned earlier, I've had to go 6+ months this year without dairy, gluten & most sugar. Needless to say, that has changed how I treat myself because it's a lot harder to do it without those foods. Remember ice cream? I barely do. BUT. It's been a good reminder that there are so many other ways to treat myself. I love going for walks. It's a great time to clear my head, listen to a podcast, or call & talk to someone I love. In terms of self care, I'm an introvert and need quiet evenings at home. Self care looks like not committing to too many things, and knowing that an evening of Netflix and drawing is a-okay.

9. If you were a flower, what would you be and why?

A pin cushion! They're reliable and sturdy (you can lean on them, haha!!), but they're also fun and weird.

10. describe your ideal day off.

I'd visit a new city! Austin, Nashville and NYC are on my short list. I'd go for a walk or hike in the morning, and spend the day exploring. I love visiting new coffee shops and restaurants. I'd take a book with me and actually get some reading done! I'd finish off the day over a meal with my closest friends.. preferably outside, with string lights. :)

Holiday Wreath Workshop

posted 2017 Dec by Meg Blancato

HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING

Our Holiday Wreath Making Workshop was a yuletide dream! Complete with Wassail mimosas, She and Him's holiday station, and fresh berries macerated with lemon, mint, honey and rosewater, the morning was all sorts of merry and bright.

Goodies for wreath makin' - pomegrantes, succulents, pinecones - oh my!

Some of our favorites : pine, holly, brunia, cotton, silver bells, and curly willow.

This macerated berry recipe is the easiest and SO delicious; to the berries of your choice, simply add the juice and zest of one lemon, chopped mint, and about 3 tablespoons of honey (more or less depending on how sweet you want it). Our secret ingredient is the rosewater - you don't need it, but adding a teaspoon brings a bright, floral element that we love. Let sit 2 hours or overnight and enjoy with yogurt, over ice cream, or on their own!

These Wassail mimosas were the merriest mims we've ever had and the easiest, since we used Trader Joe's Wassail Punch + Champagne. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon stick if ya wanna get fancy.

Venue: Hatched Collective

Photography: SamErica Studios

Fall Flower Arranging Workshop

posted 2017 Oct by Natalie Gill

Fall Flower Arranging 101

This workshop was truly one for the books! Hosted at The Hatched Collective in Normal Heights, the space set the tone for a stunning afternoon full of seasonal blooms, festive mimosas, and delicious treats. We can't decide what our favorite part was - the epic fall foliage backdrop, the babes, or the champs. Oh, or the flowers. Always the flowers, duh.