inspiration and a celebration giveaway

There is nothing like blooming flowers, warm sunshine, lovely fabric, and a new book or two to give me the inspirational boost that I need to get back into the sewing groove. What books? you ask. Well, I finally used part of my Christmas gift card and purchased the book One Yard Wonders.A feast for the eyes, this one. So far I've just been reading, planning, dreaming. This is going to be a great stash busting book for me. I have a lot of fabric that is about a yard or so. There are patterns for practical things, functional things, decorative items, kids stuff-like clothes and toys, pet pampering things, and clothing patterns for me...like skirts and tops-which is perfect for the upcoming Spring Top Week! So yes, it's time to dive into the stash.
The other book I am going to get (it was out of stock) is called Organic Body Care Recipes. I've checked it out from the library a gazillion times. I am really trying to use more natural products, not only to rid my house of unnecessary chemicals but also to heal and nourish my little ones with sensitive skin. It has so many great, natural, easy-to-make recipes for things like hand cream, lip balm, shampoo, and more. Some of the recipes have a plethora of fancy ingredients but most use common items that when combined are wonderful for your skin.
Now on to the celebration part. This is my 400th post!!! Woohoo! To celebrate I thought I'd have a little giveaway...and even perhaps share a little crafty inspiration. I picked up a book a while back. It's a great little book full of fun knitting patterns called New Knits on the Block. News Flash...I'm a novice knitter so just reading the instructions makes my brain hurt. I would hate for this book to just sit around collecting dust, feeling unloved. It's brand new and could use a new home where it will be loved. That's where you come in. It's yours to win if you just leave a comment on this post. I'll pick and post a winner on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. So, good luck, happy spring, and share the love! xo ANG

macro monday::blooming edition

For the second day in a row it has been about 60 degrees! Oh, the sun, the wonderful, warm sun! Our time playing outside has increased dramatically. There has been a lot of garden planning and sun watching to determine the best places for additional yard-to-garden spots. All the while my tulips are growing, the lavender is thriving, and well, lookee here...the Dutch Irises have bloomed.

(f-stop 7.1~exposure time 1/200 sec.~iso 200)

The colors are so beautiful and vibrant. The purple so rich, the yellow so cheerful. And today I saw my first honey bee. She was happily buzzing from bloom to bloom collecting her first harvest of the season. I think it's going to be a good one, this growing season of ours. I am excited. I am motivated. I am determined. And although I do not look forward to the return of mosquitoes and gnats, I have purposed in my heart to be positive about the bees. After all that reading and studying and learning about bees that we did in the fall I appreciate them more now. I really do. (yes Mama, we will eventually have a hive of our very own...go ahead call me crazy) That doesn't mean that on occasion I still won't run away and scream like a girl...I will, I can pretty much guarantee that, but hopefully those occasions will be few and far between (and not in front of the neighbors). Besides, I want my girls to be brave. Smart and cautious...but brave. Now I must go. The sunshine awaits.

Happy Monday xoANG

return of the rat

The other day while I was doing a little after school tutoring and the girls were being watched by Grandma and Pop something went awry. Not something terrible, mind you, but for a very dramatic and sensitive seven-year-old it was definitely something she had to share. Well, here, see for yourself.A broken hair clip. One that she did not break and she wanted to make sure I knew who did break it. So, Pop, you've been ratted out. I do love that she had to write it down immediately so she grabbed a napkin and a pencil ...and also left the evidence for me to see. happy weekend xoANG

you capture::hopeful

“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.” Emily Dickinson

Even after so much snow and ridiculously cold weather there are signs of spring. Hope.
The Dutch irises have survived so there is hope for beautiful blooms.

Our little bush has buds already. There is hope for beautiful green leaves.

The frost date is too far away, but with some seeds and a new little greenhouse there is still hope for early planting and early harvest.

We are waiting for spring and we are hopeful that the sun will shine warmly upon us...soon.

-to see more go to I Should Be Folding Laundry's- You Capture: Hopeful
happy thursday xoANG

as i drank my morning coffee

...this is what I saw.

We all watched as they gracefully leaped over the fence across the street. (thank goodness I always have a camera nearby)We all watched in amazement as they sauntered through the yard and out into the street. (checking for traffic, no doubt)

We all watched as the four does looked confused for a moment because they were in the middle of the city then made their way through our neighbors yard.

Wow! What a treat to see first thing in the morning! And seriously, in the middle of the city? No kidding. For those of you who don't know, I live two blocks from a major road. Hmmm, maybe those were the July 4th tomato thieves! Sorry, no nearly ripened veggies yet for you to trample or fill your bellies with this time. You may be beautiful, but I'm keeping my eye on you.
happy wednesday xoANG

macro monday::thawed out edition

It has been warming up to a balmy 40 degrees for the past few days. The grass, although withered and brown, is finally visible in most of the yard. However, when I went outside today with the girls I noticed my lavender plant..not withered, not at all. In fact she seems to be thriving! She's a hardy little thing and even though I planted her on the edge of the driveway where we just happen to pile most of the snow that we shovel, she is still going strong.

(f-stop 7.1~exposure time 1/400sec.~iso 200)

The light green of the leaves with the soft, white, fuzzy coating is really quite beautiful. And, oh the smell. I wish you could smell it, so soothing and fresh. Just what a girl needs to get ready for spring. My plan, now that we're thawing out a little, is to continue to live in denial that we are probably going to get more snow this week and just enjoy the lovely lavender aroma. xoANG