Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country. In celebration of our nations capital Loose Petals is offering $5.00 off any non-sale city organic print size 8 x 10 or larger for the month of July 2016! Use code 5OFF at check out. Here are some interesting facts about this wonderful city! 

• Washington, DC covers 68 square miles. The city is divided into four quadrants, or sections: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. The U.S. Capitol building marks the center of the city and is where the four quadrants meet.
• The cities Tree is a Scarlet Oak 
• Washington takes its name from our first president, George Washington. The "Columbia" in "District of Columbia" stands for Christopher Columbus
• The cities bird is a  Wood Thrush
• Washington, DC is not a city or state, nor is it part of any other state. It is a unique "federal district," created specifically to be the seat of government.
• The cities flower is an American Beauty Rose
• The motto of the city is “Justitia Omnibus,” which is Latin means “Justice for All”
• The Song of the city is  “Washington,” written by Jimmie Dodd, a former Mouseketeer, in 1951

Sources: 

http://washington.org/sites/default/files/styles/homepage_slideshow_1800x700/public/carousel/home_whitehouse_0.jpg?itok=K_0bIUJY

 “Posters reflect our culture and are like visual graphic icons of the times in which they were created.”  ~ Robin Shepherd, travel poster collector.

Throughout history travel poster have been used for a myriad of reasons. They not only advertised travel destinations, but were used by hotels, airlines, railroads and tourism companies to graphically represent themselves to the public. Many of them were considered works of art.

At first these travel posters were a jumble of images and text and crowded with information, but by the early 1900's, artist had simplified the travel poster by using fewer details added power to the message. By the 1920s, other artists transformed the travel poster from illustration to symbol. Which is what modern-day posters and pictographs are based off of. But, posters continue to evolve with new methods and ideas and will always be a major part of our world.

Travel posters are one of the most popular areas of poster collecting today. More than any other poster category, they awaken our dreams of adventure, beauty and wanderlust. Grab your favorite poster from our page and discover a new love for your favorite town! 

Sources: 

http://greenolivearts.com/history-travel-posters/

http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/30014b5804c12555_4-0649/midcentury-prints-and-posters.jpg

 

Sources:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/havana

http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/central-america-and-the-caribbean/cuba/havana/

 

Sources:

http://utah.com/salt-lake-city

http://www.visitsaltlake.com/about-salt-lake/

http://www.freedominterventions.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/salt-lake-city-500x333.jpg

 

_{Portland is the largest city in Oregon hosting a unique and eccentric group of citizens and visitors. Incorporated in 1851, Portland may seem like a young city compared to many other parts of the country and world, but you can still find plenty of history everywhere you look. Over all Portland is an innovative and expressive community that allows for a wide range of things to do in the city. Visitors eager for an in-depth exploration of all things Portland will find a wealth of guided outings around town. Whether you’re looking to sight see by bike, bus, boat or your own two feet, there’s likely a tour for you. In a city as green as Portland, its only fitting that some of the top attractions are outdoor spots that appeal to home gardens and hikers alike. Home to both a sprawling urban wilderness and the world’s smallest park, Portland offers visitors a breath of fresh air. You don't have to venture far from town to find yourself paddling on a secluded bay, hiking a forested trail or observing native wildlife. Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Portland, is also home to more breweries than any other city on earth, it has pioneered the craft beer movement since the early 1980's. Plenty of pubs don’t just tolerate youngsters; they welcome them with open arms as well as any four-legged visitors, providing pooch-friendly patios and bowls of water for thirsty pups. In honor of the city Loose Petals is offering $5.00 off any non-sale city print size organic 8 x 10 or larger for the month of April, 2016! Use code 5OFF at check out.}

_Sources:

_{https://www.travelportland.com/}

It’s twins! For the first year ever Pantone named not one, but TWO colors of the year for 2016. The shades were chosen to convey a rosy warmth and tranquility for the new year, also playing a nod to societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity,” as the company said in a statement. The “baby” blue and pink colors may remind you of the walls of a nursery but Pantone says that the open exchange of information online “has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.” And that “Rose quartz is not baby pink,” says Leatrice Eiseman who, as executive director of Pantone’s Color Institute, oversees the company’s annual choice of Color of the Year, agrees that “It doesn’t have that wimpy feel.”

Or use Serenity and paint your ceiling to give your room a more elegant and framed look.

 Play with gender roles  Explore the balance between the masculine and feminine sides of both the colors. Using the furniture and design of your room to counter balance out the color. Also play with the idea of adding a complementary color that gives more of a balance to the room.

Use pops of the color 

Use the colors of the year sporadically throughout your home if you already have a fairly neutral color palate.

Use objects like lamps, frames, throw pillows, and other small various objects to create a sense of flow throughout your space that doesn’t over whelm your house with color.

Sources:

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/pantone-color-of-the-year-2016

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/pantone-color-of-the-year-2016-decorating-ideas

http://www.wsj.com/articles/its-a-pink-and-a-blue-1449083326

http://www.coastalliving.com/how-decorate-pantone-colors-year-2016-rose-quartz-serenity-pink-blue/view-all

Being voted Europe's fourth most popular city break destination, behind London,    Paris and Rome, Dublin Ireland is Europe’s new hot spot! Dublin's elegant Georgian architecture makes it one of Europe's most attractive capitals and is one of the friendliest capital cities in the world. The easily accessible city is small (and safe!) enough for tourist to meander throughout the cities sprawling, winding roads. Many guest find himself or herself exploring the nations treasures in galleries and museums within the city center. Dublin’s cultural center has truly grown within the past year. Dublin's entertainments are legendary, from the boozy delights of the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar to more cultured nights at the theater or dining in one of the city's fine eateries including five 'one Michelin star' restaurants and one two star eatery. It's no surprise that people from all over the world come to enjoy the "craic" in Dublin.For tips on what to do in Dublin, head to their national page which has friendly customized set up for the wanderlust traveler to find their way though. (http://www.visitdublin.com/home/) In honor of the city Loose Petals is offering $5.00 off any any non sale city print size organic 8 x 10 or larger for the month of March, 2016! Use code 5OFF at check out.

Sources:

http://www.discoveringireland.com/dublin-city/

http://acmphoto.photoshelter.com/image/I0000bZNiHYsKHFE

Innsbruck, Austria is known as the ski and snowboard capital of the world. As  the two-time host of The Winter Olympics and covered in internationally recognized alpine resorts, Innsbruck does not disappoint winter lovers. In addition to tearing up the slopes, visitors can tour the famous Olympic ski jump and other facilities. Innsbruck was also a seat of power for centuries and history buffs love visiting the royal Habsburg home and soaking up the city's beautiful architecture. Furthermore, Innsbruck is the home of Swarovski Crystals, and no visit to this city is complete wthout a tour of their bizarre, beautiful headquarters.

Source: Rebecca Murphy,10 European Cities to Visit During the Winter, The Abroad Guide.

For the month of November 2015 all Copenhagen prints are $5.00 off.  Enter 5OFF at checkout.  The home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the most fairytale-like cities in Europe, especially with freshly fallen snow blanketed over the town. The Danish concept of "hygge" (or "coziness") is at its peak during the wintertime when locals spend their afternoons and evenings relaxing, drinking hot chocolate, and enjoying the beauty around them. Some of the top sights in Copenhagen include Tivoli Amusement Park, Christiansburg Slot, and Rosenborg Castle, which are all even more charming covered in snow. Don't miss out on Copenhagen's winter culture month, Wondercool, either. Wondercool occurs in February and includes concerts in unusual venues, art shows, and culinary events.