Florabella Giveaway

~before

~after

My sweet friend over at Lola B's is having, yet again, a fabulous giveaway. Now, while I usually don't post about them, this one is special. Fabulous special. It is one of my favorite things EVER when it comes to photo editing. (okay, fine, I am addicted. painfully. )

Florabella actions are photoshops version of heaven. They take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. If you edit photos, you really must check them out~

As for Kasey, I am hoping that my name gets entered twice (or, heck, four times if she feels she must). I have one set, but would love (love love love - can you hear me Kasey? LOVE!) another.

My fingers are crossed here...

xx

*love*

~found

Love~ can you ever have too much?

sunshine and the girls

We have enjoyed an incredible winter so far this year (sorry rest of the country...). It has been really mild and the sun has been shining far more often than usual for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest. I for one have completely enjoyed spending time outdoors on the property, doing odd projects and planning for spring gardens.

~wren wishing she was out playing with the girls...

I was out yesterday and thought I would shoot a photo or two of the girls. It was a beautiful afternoon and they were enjoying having free run of the property in the glorious sunshine.

~bluebelle and zinnia

My very favorite hens are the frizzles - they look a bit like they have spent some time in a wind tunnel, and they are so very fluffy! They aren't prolific layers, but as we spend much of our summer enjoying just watching the hens play on the property, they are definitely fun to watch~

~peony

~zinnia

flower and garden show

I would like to start by saying that it is very difficult to take photos when there are HOARDS of people everywhere - walking right in front of you when you are CLEARLY attempting to take a photo, bumping into you from behind, and generally just making it difficult. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have allowed me to enter your events before the doors officially open as I had no idea what a difference it made when it comes to getting the shots that I want. So, a big MERCI to all of you!

So, with that out of the way, #4 and I went to the Seattle Flower and Garden show today and were inspired to do all sorts of fun things on the property this spring!

I absolutely want to build some of these this summer~

I would also like to plant more of these to enjoy next spring (as mine are already coming up all over the property - but I don't have any doubles anymore...)~

How clever is this little old truck? The cab was used for nesting boxes - the ramp came out the drivers door, and there was a little chicken run on the drivers side of the truck! The bed in the back was a complete vegetable garden and they even planted strawberries vertically on the outer sides of the bed! (this would be one example of where there was absolutely no way to get a photo of something incredibly cool due to the masses of other attendees...)

There were also a number of fabulous vendors. For example, the EVER FABULOUS JohnBob cool junk - who, sadly, do not have a blog. Yes, you heard me. Even though they have wonderful things - I bought another vintage basket and some vintage earrings - they don't have anywhere for me to link to, so that those of you who are far away and have yet to meet John and Bob could meet them. Sad, I know. Terribly sad... (this is my personal attempt to peer pressure them into starting one. I know, shameless really. Very *high school*. but a girl has to do what a girl has to do...) They even had this fabulous lounge chair - which they have assured me has a mate. How MARVELOUS would these babies be in front of miss mabel??? seriously. I also love the pink ones, but really, lounging is what I had in mind. A pink drink in hand, big sunglasses. I think you get the picture... I now just need to convince the man with the wallet - aka handsome husband... I sure do love that man. Sure do.

As for goats, well, we all know that I want some. I am thinking Nubian, but these Manchas were awfully cute. I just don't know if I can get past them having no ears...

It goes without saying that the Chocolate Flower Farm on Whidbey Island here in Washington is truly one of life's most marvelous destinations. Seriously. Gardening and chocolate? I bought the most magnificent chocolate for martinis at their little shop in Langley a few years ago and I need to be honest. I could live on chocolate martinis. You have not lived until you have had a chocolate martini. heaven. They also have candles, tea, and so many chocolate colored or chocolate smelling plants it is incredible.

I also met Laura who makes the MOST darling garden art - bugs, and flowers, and snails, and slugs, and worms. So. Incredibly. Colorful. #4 LOVED them~

All in all, it was a really fun day for the two of us. We met my Gram and my two aunties there as they were spending the day shopping and being inspired. Granted, without a 3 year old of their own, they were able to actually stay as long as they wanted, take their time in the gardens, and really look at the vendors. Aahhh... life with a little best friend at your side~ :)

gus

I must admit, I have been incredibly neglectful of Ruby as of late. While I take her most places with me, I don't always use her when I really should be. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE her. There are simply so many things on my plate right now and sadly, she seems to be *last on the list* so to speak.

Today, while I had granola in the oven roasting, I decided that seeing as the house was quiet (napping #4) I would take her out and practice my self-portraits. Mr. Gus was hanging out with me, so he and I played with her and my remote. Granted, he is incredibly camera shy and never performs on demand, so they are a bit silly, but we had fun none the less~

new etsy listings

Happy Monday~

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend - we certainly did. I am sometimes amazed at how much you can pack into a weekend if you have a LOT on your "to do" list...

This morning I have spent time updating the shop. I am working on all sorts of things, but for now, I have added a number of different items that I hope you will enjoy as much as I do~

Have a fabulous week mes amies!

xx