spring rain

It really is spring.
I love the afternoon rain showers that often happen in the first months of spring.

Beautiful images by Carl Kleiner.

via {frolic}

It's official....

The first day of spring is today. To accompany the day there is actual nice weather.

And sad news for me, my vacation is coming to an end, I start work again on Saturday. There has been a lot of drama with the whole process, but hopefully things are going to get better soon.

So....for everyone that has a 9-5 weekday job, happy weekend. As for me, my week will just be starting. For a weekend treat I will leave you with this. (this guy has mad skillz)

Organic Flower

I can't get enough of embroidering on my purses.
Added another little purse to the shop.

Luke Haynes

This guy knows the art of quilting.
His style reminds me of him.

Don't forget to wear green....or else.

A stroll in the woods

If we move from here one of things I will miss is the access to the mountains.

It seems like Bradin and I hike when the weather is about like this, not too hot and a little on the cold side.

We did a lot of sliding on our hike, wish we would have brought these. But how were we to know that the trail would be covered with one big sheet of ice.


So... Bradin improvised with some some walking sticks, clever, clever.


I loved the moss that thrived on the trees.


I guess we will just have to take advantage of the mountains while we live so near.


Because the scenery here is quite breathtaking.

Saffron Risotto & Vegetables in Curry Cream Sauce

Yet again,we can thank Cindi for a wonderful vegetarian cookbook.
This is my new favorite meal, flavorful, hearty, and curried. Oh, how I love curry.

You can find this particular recipe in The Spirited Vegetarian, a very worthy buy.

If you are interested in some tasty vegan meals this book will wet the palate.

Very exciting

My favorite place to shop for clothes

is introducing their very own home decor line.

H&M wins me over again.

Check here and here for more pics.

We return

What a great time we had. Probably one of the most relaxing, non-stressful vacations we've ever had. Besides our crazy morning (4:00 am wake-up time), there are no complaints.

Tomorrow, this will be me. Bradin and I leave for Vegas early Sunday morning. I would say it's not the most ideal place for me to go on vacation, but how can I beat a good deal. We are just thankful to get away from the gloom. I heard on the news that there is a chance of arctic weather here next week. Arctic? For some reason I thought it was March, but I guess it's too much to ask for here. With that said, I will be more than happy to go and spend some time in a warm environment.

At last

It's official, I am now on a two week vacation.
My plans today: go to yoga, get a massage, finish this dress, and just enjoy the day. Because I know it will be short lived and back to work I will go.

Wood Grain

Just added this little beauty to the store. Come and look ....you know you want to.

Miniature models?

Nope, just photos I've taken. See for yourself here.


thanks flowerpress

Meet Patricia and Dorsey

Just added Patricia and Dorsey the bald eagles. They are sporting the new feather print, take a look at my etsy shop.

The Fog Comes On Little Cat Feet

Bradin and I hiked to the top of Mt. Sentinel this morning. It's (hopefully) going to become our new Wednesday tradition. This morning was quite cold and foggy, but it was very refreshing to get outside.

It is beautiful here, which makes me happy,

it means...spring.

We have these berries growing on our trees,

and the birds love them.

Is anyone watching the Oscars tonight? I'm sure I'll try and catch some of it.

lovely...

Barbara Munsel's handmade apparel, simply beautiful.


spotted here

Simple Tote

So it has been awhile sine I've updated my shop. I only have this tote, but I'm hoping to add a few more totes and some other exciting things I have been working on.
Check it all out here.

A staple in my house

Okay I am addicted to salsa, it's pretty bad I could eat it everyday (practically do). This recipe is easy and flavorful....so eat up. I know I will.

You just need a food processor and:
2- jalapeno peppers
1- anaheim pepper
cilantro (about 20 sprigs)
2- garlic cloves
1/4-1/2 onion
1- 8 oz. can diced tomatoes

for spices:
1/4 tsp. of all of these:
-garlic powder
-lemon pepper
-oregano

salt to taste
a splash of lime juice
chili powder -(just a dash too much will make it too hot)

Since I prefer my salsa extra hot,
I use 3/4 of the anaheim pepper and both the jalapenos.
If you want a milder salsa just use half the peppers,
and adjust spices.
Also, I process the garlic, cilantro, peppers
and onions before I put the tomatoes
and the rest of spices in.

Enjoy

The happiest Valentines Day to my friends and family. Hope these help with some serious reading time. And as for my husband and I, a vacation is well deserved, but it will have to wait a few more weeks. So tonight the plans are a fancy dinner with Jeff and Lindsay; I'm excited for the festivities (good to have you two).

Rachel Getting Married

I would highly recommend this movie, saw it a few days ago and can't stop thinking about it. Anne Hathaway was amazing, it was beautifully filmed, and the music very eclectic. Tunde Adebimpe, the actor that plays Rachel's fiance is from TV On The Radio too, crazy I know. Just loved this film, it's not a "feel good" movie, but it will surely stick with you.

Happy Weekend

And what a great weekend it will be. Can't tell you enough how happy I am it's Friday (finally have a Sat. off). We will be enjoying the company of my grandmother and father. Hope the rest of you enjoy your weekend.

Recycled furniture

A little diy action and you have yourself a piece of cardboard furniture. The claim is it's functional....you can try yourself with patterns and instructions here . I really like these fold-aways as well.

from here

My Super Bowl Sunday

Since football is not my forte and Bradin wanted to watch the game, we (April and I) opted to do this instead of watch the game. Do these cookies look oddly familiar? Kind of like a confection heart?