Tuesday, July 2, 2013

a fun pass-along and giveaway

Several months ago I received a pass-along book from Wendy at September Violets.  It has traveled between bloggers for some time now, to all parts of the world.  The book, The Fine Colour of Rust by P.A. O'Reilly was a heartwarming read that I think many would enjoy!! 




Wendy also enclosed this sweet and beautiful flower doll that she made.  I was so touched by her thoughtfulness and amazed by her talent!  



When I was thinking of what gift I would send along with the book, I thought of my friend Kim.  She is a joyful soul who's spirit can fill a room.  She recently hosted a one year wellness party to celebrate being cancer free.  She is moving mountains, literally!  She has recently become an Arbonne Independent Consultant because she believes that what we put on our skin should be natural and not pose a threat to our health or the environment. Arbonne is a company grounded in green values.  From botanically based ingredients to earth friendly manufacturing practices, this company is one that I am proud to support!  Kim's gift to the world is to take the proceeds from her sales and start a charity for people who are in need of mental help treatments.  Bravo Kim for paying it forward!  You are an inspiration!!!!  Since so many of my readers dig in the dirt and enjoy being outside, I will be sending out a bottle of Arbonne's Water-Resistant Sunscreen along with the novel.





 Please note that if you see anything on Arbonne that tickles your fancy, 
Kim's Consultant ID# is 13567114

I plan on doing many more Arbonne giveaways to support Kim's mission and because the products are just down right amazing!!  I have been using the anti-aging line and already feel renewed after not sleeping for 8 months!  


So if you are interested in the giveaway and are a follower here, just leave a comment on this post. Once the book gets to you, read it at your leisure, sign the enclosed card, and then send it on its way again!  I will announce the winner on July 9th!








Sunday, June 23, 2013

gardener's art festival









We attended an art festival at our local nursery and WOW, were there some amazing artists!  Unique birdhouses, hand painted watering cans, and old windows converted into paintings for the garden!  I was so overwhelmed with all of the beauty that I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked! 

I must say that I was bummed to miss seeing garden designer Amanda Thomsen present and discuss her new book....
Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide 
to Creating a Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You
 
But honestly, I couldn't make a 3 year old sit for the discussion!  One day I hope to have time to go to workshops and presentations such as these but for now we will simply enjoy our cupcakes!

 {Stay tuned for the giveaway}

Monday, June 17, 2013

orange

We wrapped up construction from the flood and have begun getting everything in from the garage.  With chaos comes the opportunity for change and with change a freshness emerges.  As I've been attempting to organize (you know the old saying...trying to clean with kids is like trying to shovel when it's still snowing!) I started to notice a little theme throughout our home. 









Orange!

 As I age, I'm really understanding what I'm drawn to in life and design.  Orange is turning out to be one of those accent colors that makes me happy!  

What colors do you use in your space?  I hope the week is off to a wonderful beginning for everyone!  Check back later this week for a fun giveaway!!!




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

tea party in the garden


I whipped up some lemon brownies for a party and they were YUMmmmmmmy! 
  Working in the kitchen brings me great joy, though, this is what it looks like 99 percent of the time...



Kids playing on the floor if they're not helping me or eating the batter like this guy!




And some how toys always end up in the mix! 

If you have a weakness for lemon desserts you must give this recipe from Bakergirl a go! 



Linking up with Sarah at...

Grab button for Chantille Fleur


So with dessert wrapped up it's time to take a walk around the garden!



Yarrow is a blooming with pink Salvia


Knautia macedonica "Mars Midget" or pincushion plant and Platycodon grandiflorus "Fairy Snow" or Dwarf Ballon Flower



Thanks to my night gardening hobby I was able to create my island bed up front for my redbud, and in time, more plants!  


Here is some inspiration from the current issue of Garden Making of where I would like to take this area.  The grasses paired with evergreen shrubs in the foreground make for a lovely design in June McCutcheon's garden. 




And just some plain old pretty color!  Simple combinations like Coreopsis and Salvia make for a stunning show at the Morton Arboretum.


A big thanks to Sher from Momcaster 
for featuring my palette path in her garden craft round-up!



Monday, June 3, 2013

butterfly wings



Through the garden we fly

The blooms come and go as do the moments of joy




The sparkling rays of light dance on their happy faces

Wishes are made 

That one day they'll fly into those rays and spread their joyous beauty over the Earth....

on the wings of a butterfly



Thursday, May 30, 2013

randomness

Ok, so it has literally been raining nonstop here and they are calling for more severe thunderstorms tonight.  It's enough to make me crazy!  Crazy because I would love to get out in the garden but even more crazy because I find myself watching the sump pump like a hawk to ensure that no water thinks of soaking the new walls that were just put up from the last go around!  Which leads me to this post of random pictures I have collected over the past few weeks.


Refinishing and sealing an old crayon drawn cabinet to use for my gardening supplies on the back patio....



Watching the budget by splitting and planting grasses in pots for the patio...



Admiring a couple quick combos while on a walk...

Catmint and Knockout Roses


lime green Coral Bells paired with Hostas and Phlox

A sweet little front yard garden...




And the beans first music festival to see this guy...


their talented Uncle John












The fresh air combined with amazing folks and great music made for a perfect day.  
Dancing, skipping, and singing are all you need sometimes to make life super sweet! Ha..and a little less rain!
 Hope it is lovely where you are!



Thursday, May 23, 2013

meet me at the garden gate



Our favorite song to dance to with the beans is Garden Gate by the Black Crowes......

Come on in and see what's growing!
































Wishing everyone a very wonderful weekend! 


Linking up with....Fishtail Cottage