Instagram Wednesday

Grey, Ochre, and Black is my new favorite color combination. I love it! I've been wearing it and using it in my artwork too. I've bought patterned paper, embellishments and fabric in this palette. I just can't get enough!

What is your most favorite color combination?

Getting Ready for Easter

I wanted to put together a few spring treats for both Easter and a get-together with good friends. I filled white nut cups with pink grass and Lindt Chocolate mini eggs.

Finally I wrapped the cups in cellophane tied with ribbon decorated with sweet silk flowers and voila!

Friday Fill-Ins

Here we go!

1. Spring is here!
2. I don't like strong coffee.
3. I forgot that it was going to rain today.
4. Tiramisu is delicious!
5. Heads, shoulders, knees and toes. (I know - not very original.)
6. Walking is my favorite form of exercise when it's warm enough out not to wear a coat!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with friends at an Irish Pub, tomorrow my plans include digging out daylilies and Sunday, I want to eat a leisurely breakfast and read the paper !

You can play along by clicking here.

Instagram Wednesday

I'm back with more flowers from my garden! I've never been more excited to see all these colorful blooms. Everything is at least a month early because of all the warm weather we've been having. I can't remember when the last time we've had all these flowers in full bloom during the first day of Spring. It's just such a lovely sight I couldn't help snapping a few more photos!

Lucky Me!

I had the luck of the Irish when I found out I was the winner of Dina Wakely's generous giveaway last week. She had a simple giveaway (the kind where all you have to do is leave a comment on her blog) and I won an entire set of all 10 of her cling stamps which she sells through Stampington!!! I have taken a class or two from Dina and she is such a talented mixed media artist, so I was thrilled to win her stamps. I can't wait to play with them. Thanks SO much Dina...I love them!

Blooming Sunshine

We seem to be having an early Spring here in the midwest. The unseasonable 80-degree temperatures have caused all my flower bulbs to push their way up through the soil and bloom. This is so unusual for mid-March weather. I keep thinking this is too good to be true. Even my magnolia tree is blooming - at least a month early. It's a glorious site!

Friday Fill-Ins

And here we go. . . .

1. Welcome Spring!
2. Shooter and Hank makes me jump for joy.
3. There's a lot of work to do around the house!
4. Laughing is the thing I love most about being with friends.
5. Eyes are the windows to your soul.
6. Going up to the cottage again is what I'm eagerly awaiting.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating my friend's birthday, tomorrow my plans include finishing up some artwork and Sunday, I want to relax and do nothing!

You can join in on the fun here!

Instagram Wednesday

I saw this painted stair riser idea in the April issue of Woman's Day Magazine. isn't it great? I would love to try this someday. For another painted stair idea click here.

Color Inspiration

I made myself a pot roast the other day (Mmmm...) and decided to have some fun and do a color story with the photo for some Saturday Color Inspiration. This is what I came up with.

It's going to be a gorgeous weekend here in the midwest - sunny with temperatures in the mid 60's. I think (and hope) that Spring is right around the corner. I'd love to be able to put the shovel away and start thinking about flowers and green grass and birdies again.

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Instagram Wednesday

1. Marie Claire Idees - Jan/Feb Issue

2. Paper Towel Art - Cynthia Shaffer via Somerset Apprentice

3. Baked Maple Cinnamon Donuts - Recipe here

4. Journal Page - Me

And The Award Goes To....

Last week I was delighted to find out I had been given the Versatile Blogger Award!

Here are the Rules for The Versatile Blogger Award:
1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy reading.

(or less if you're like me and haven't been the best blog-hopper lately)

4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

I would like to thank Natalie for passing this award along to me.

Seven things you may not know about me:

1. I live in a modern house that's decorated in cottage style - weird, huh?

2. I've known my friend Nancy since the first grade.

3. My guilty pleasure is watching all the Housewives shows.

4. I met Keith Urban before he was famous.

5. I've lived in the same house for 32 years.

6. I'm the baby of the family.

7. I played the trumpet in my high school band!

I'd like to pass this award on to:

Dollar Store Crafts

Kate Crane

Skinny Taste

Treasured Heirlooms

In The Country

Daily Painting

Instagram Inspiration

I spent a couple hours at Barnes & Noble pouring over magazines today, in addition to my daily walk at the mall, looking for some inspiration. Those two places never fail to give me an unlimited supply of ideas. Here are a few of my favorites from the day:

1. Blooming Roof - Flea Market Gardens;

2. Fiber Pouches by Sharon Borsavage - Belle Armoire Jewelry;

3. Paint Stir Stick Mobile - Anthropologie;

4. Wheelbarrow Planter - Flea Market Gardens;

5. Rusty Heart - Flea Market Gardens;

6. Navy & Taupe Fashions - Lucky Brand.

Enjoy the weekend!

Friday Fill-Ins

And here we go. . . .

1. When I heard that Davy Jones died, I was sad.2. Watching "The Middle" makes me want to laugh.
3. Get up and get moving!
4. Home is where where I love to be.
5. Busy hands are happy hands.
6. I don't like to put anybody down.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out to dinner, tomorrow my plans include doing something fun and Sunday, I want to take it easy!

Join in HERE!