Pink and Green

 Happy Pink Saturday!

We planted Gladiolus bulbs (from Latin, the diminutive of gladius, a sword) during Spring Break and now they are blooming beautifully. Funny thing is that they look nothing like the photo on the package they came in! A few weeks ago I discovered the spear-like leaves covered in tiny black caterpillars. Not good! They were making holes in the leaves, so I mixed together one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of dish washing liquid and about 3 cups of water in a squirt bottle. I misted the leaves and that got rid of them.

 The gladiolus is the August birth flower and symbolizes sincerity and strength of character. 'Love at first' sight is what the hidden message of this flower was during the Victorian era. 

Speaking of garden pests, we spotted a shiny green metallic beetle on our dwarf lemon tree. When it flew it buzzed as loud as a bumble bee! I had never seen one of these Japanese Scarab, or Green Chafer, beetles before - his legs were glittering in the sunlight!

  Doing a quick Google search I learned that these beetles are considered a nuisance by farmers. He thoroughly enjoyed his visit to our lemon tree blossom.

It's Saturday and that means pancakes at our house. Hope you have a great day.

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Pulled Out A Plum

It was gorgeous today! Even though I am limping a bit and my knee is still quite sore I had cabin fever and decided to visit TJMaxx. Among all the other good stuff, I like looking at the food items there. You never know what you might discover. I found some plum jam a couple of months ago and knew right away I would buy it since it is difficult to find it in our local grocery stores.  This Clearbrook Farms Damson Plum jam is fantastic! I use it on scones and in recipes. Now, any time I am near a TJMaxx I pop in just to check the shelves for it. It is just the right blend of tart and sweet and is now my favorite jam. When I used up my last jar and could not find another at TJMaxx, I knew I had to take matters into my own hands - internet ordering! Have you tried making Plum Sauce? It's easy and delicious.

The history of damsons traces its origin to the regions of Damascus and Syria. In fact the name ‘damson’ has been inspired from the Latin word ‘prunum damascenum’ meaning ‘plum of Damascus’. Over the years, the Romans brought damsons to England. America was introduced to damsons by English settlers in the era of American Revolution.

 I couldn't wait to make a good old fashioned PB&J on toasted cracked wheat sourdough bread with my plum jam when I got home!

While at TJMaxx I also spotted a summery pair of pink chino pants by Tommy Hilfiger. I must be getting more flexible in my clothing choices, because I don't think I have worn pink pants since I was in elementary school! But I liked 'em. Plus, College Girl was with me and gave me the thumbs up. When in doubt I ask her. If it was too 'out there' I'd get the look and she'd tell me. Ha Ha!

What is more mortifying than to feel that you have missed the plum for want of courage to shake the tree. ~ Logan P. Smith

I 'shook the tree' and bought them! I think they'll be great with white sandals or my blue Sperry's. YOLO, right?!
 

Thinking of everyone touched by tragedy in Massachusetts and Texas: victims, families, fire and police. This has been a heartbreaking week.

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Take 2

I have been having fun playing around with pink and yellow, and have ink stained fingertips to prove it! My newest card has 2 prints and an embossed piece of card stock layered together, then wrapped with a strip of pink twill, and topped with a stamped Spellbinder die cut.

The perfume bottle is a Pink Persimmon stamp that I used twice: once on the shaped Spellbinder die cut, then again on another piece of card stock which I fussy cut (hand cut). I used foam adhesive to attach the fussy cut bottle to the die, then added the butterfly and pink gems.

• Kaisercraft pink gems
• Cuttlebug, floral embossing folder
• Quick Cuts Pink Cheeks Powder Puffs ink
• Paper Studio butterfly
• Marvy Creative Corner punch
• Pink Persimmon Perfumery stamp

This pink and yellow makes me think of summer which, officially, begins next week.Today I changed out College Girl's bedding; off came the hip black and white comforter, down throw blanket and matching throw pillows. On went the white matelasse spread with small cheery florals and butterflies and the matching scalloped pillow sham. I cut blush colored roses and fresh fern from the yard and placed them in a vase next to the bed. What a summery difference! 

 
Do you like to change out towels, bedding or decor for the summer?

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Beverly How Sweet The Sound

Pink and Yellow~

I made a card last night using a color I do not usually gravitate toward, since I wanted to push myself a bit out of my comfort zone. I used yellow!  It's not that I don't like it exactly, it is just that it is a color that does not look good on me and can oftentimes be too overpowering. I tend to like 'clean' colors as opposed to 'dusty', and jewel tones as opposed to warm tones. I do appreciate, however, yellow mixed with pink, navy or with black and white. 

•  diamonds and dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug
•  Distress Ink, Straw
•  Prima clear stamps, item #551056
•  yellow ribbon, foam dots, blank card
•  Me and My Big Ideas black stripe paper
•  Ranger Archival black ink

 I think I will make another card and use a bit of pink this time instead of black. The two look lovely together. I spotted this appealing color combo in this cute bird feeder~

Annies Annuals

 You can purchase this adorable bird feeder at Annies Annuals.  I have never seen a feeder quite like this. Fun! Speaking of pink and yellow, Casey's Cupcakes is featuring a Raspberry Lemonade cupcake for the month of June. See them on the top shelf, left side?

 I think a Raspberry Lemonade cupcake would be delicious with tea sipped from this stunning teacup, don't you?

The set features a cheerful lemon yellow base color on the outside of the cup and saucer with large bright pink and burgundy cabbage roses around the inside of the cup. A small mimic of the pattern is in the center of the saucer. The cup style is the wide, attractive Avon. It is available at Ruby Lane.

A while ago I shared a couple of my tiny Madame Alexander dolls with you. This little sweetie, called "It's Raining" fits in perfectly with today's color theme, yellow. She is ready for a summer downpour, like the one I experienced when we traveled to Albuquerque two summers ago! Suddenly, we were bombarded by hail and thunder. No worries, this blue-eyed cutie even has matching rain booties and the perfect hat to keep her curly pigtails dry.

Well, I am off to water my pink Hydrangeas and get dinner started. Hope your day was sunny and rosy! 

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Blooming Bedroom~

I have more photos to share from my recent visit to nearby model homes. You know something? I have found that touring the models and seeing how decorators use color and design inspires my scrapbooking! Check out this sweet bedroom~

Wouldn't any girl love playing dress up in here? Big girls, for that matter, would too!

I know all you DIY ladies could make something like this...just stencil a canvas with one color and edge it with painted wood (I'd use a painted yardstick cut to fit).

 
More canvases over the bed.  All those comfy looking pillows make me want to crawl in and read. And look at the PINK flowers blooming on the spread!

Sewers out there....are you thinking what I'm thinking? Get yourself a plain coverlet, some fabric and sew yourself some bed blooms!

               A few charming details in this blossoming room~

and.........

Pretty ruffles~

How does this color combo and florals inspire you?

I made a card with the diamond print on the wall and blooms on the bed in mind~

 

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