Cup and Pansies

see the sprouting bulbs under the handle?

Our Spring bulbs seem eager to bloom and have already pushed their bright green leaves through the soil in several places. I planted Pansies as a companion flower, in anticipation of the Narcissus, to compliment the other's color. I also planted Pansies in one of the Fairy Gardens.

When I finished gardening, I sat outside for a cup of tea and browsed through some scrapbook catalogs I got when I attended the Craft & Hobby Association event earlier this month. So many neat products coming out soon!

And while I sipped and browsed, I also nibbled!

My dearest friend sent the charming pink Keep Calm Birthday Girl mug to me for my recent birthday, along with home-made tea cookies! 

 

She spoils me something awful, doesn't she? I like the deep pink of the cup and the elegant crown above the sentiment.

There is nothing like home-made! A treat from the heart <3

After looking through the catalogs and reading a chapter of The Dark Tide

on my nook, I filled the bird baths and watered the pots on the patio.

 Well, I could linger outside with the Pansies half the day but there is laundry and dishes to do and photographs to take of my newest projects - which I can't wait to show you!

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 Artful Affirmations

 Martha's Favorites

You're Going To Love it 

Rose Chintz Cottage 

Share Your Cup 

Time Travel Thursday 

Favorite Things 
A Return To Loveliness 
What To Do Weekends 
Made You Look 
Pink Saturday 

Grow Your Blog Event

I'm so glad you've stopped by for visit! I'm Shawn and I'm participating in the Grow Your Blog Party  at 2 Bags Full. 

my Cherish the Journey easel card with modeling paste

 

Vicki's Grow Your Blog event is designed to bring more readers - and followers - to the blogs joining the party.

 

I originally started my blog because I joined a scrapbooking design team and it was required as part of our commitment. I soon discovered I enjoyed sharing other parts of my daily life: tea times, gardening, photographs, cooking, reading, etc. 

 

 My blog evolved into a little bit of this and that with highlights of my latest projects. Here is the burlap Valentine banner I just completed ~

 I bought the pre-cut pieces of burlap at Hobby Lobby, inserted heart shaped eyelets at the tops of each, then added chipboard letters and a few embellishments.

I often share recipes my daughter, College Girl, helps me prepare - like this one for Baked Oatmeal.

 

 Or photos from my visits to interesting places within our area of Southern California. One of my favorite things to photograph are the old homes in Orange County. 

For those leaving a comment on this post I will be having a give-away! On February 15 I will announce who will recieve one of my hand made cards with a tea sample - good luck! 

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2 Bags Full 

 

Mamarazzi

I'm teasing you with a sneak peek of one of the projects I made for the upcoming Treasured Times Blog Hop on July 31. The other design team members have been working on fun projects to share with you too! We also have a Challenge starting on August 3rd, so check out the link above to get the challenge details and see photos of the challenge and blog hop prizes.

  I took a break from my Scrap Room and did a photo shoot with College Girl. She needed some updated pictures of herself, and being a scrapbooker at heart - and a doting mom - I was only too happy to oblige!

I can't wait to print out some copies and make a layout!

She is photogenic so I basically gave her a few directions, then started clicking away! I like 'just caught' looks, which are not so stiff as facing straight into the camera. Since it was mid-day it was pretty bright out, but we wanted shots of her wearing sunglasses. Keep the time of day in mind when taking portraits outside - to alleviate squinting, shoot earlier or later in the day, when it is overcast, or in some light shade. I liked the look of the empty road and open hills in the background, which works great for teens and young adults. 

 

I took about 40 photos. Gotta say I am a digital camera convert although I originally drug my feet! Love the ability to shoot, save or delete. Which photo should I scrap first?

 College Girl has been working on faux armor for her cosplay/Halloween costume, so she started a blog to document her progress. It's amazing what you can do with fun foam, styrofoam and paint! She also made a necklace and shares other crafty stuff. Check out her progress:
Managing Her Mischief 

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Photog SHow and Tell
Amaze Me Monday