Spring Decorating & Tea

Hi everyone,

As March rolls in I decided it was time to do a little spring decorating around the home.  Spring fever is starting to set in, defined by Merriam-Webster as "a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring."

Bunnies are poised and their natural color is a great accompaniment for Easter.  I have lined the shelf with some whimsical cabbage leaves - things are just starting to sprout!  The translucent wire is a string of white lights I have added to the vignette for evening ambiance.  An azalea colored bow with French script hangs below.

A little bunny just looking for a friend.

Some nestled glass eggs in a pretty nest.

Jeweled with glass beads this egg sparkles by the flicker of a flameless votive candle.

A tisket, a tasket, we have a pretty Easter basket!

Our whitewashed basket has a beautiful hand painted lid in spring colors.  It is the perfect size for holding jelly beans :-)

What isn't there to love about spring?  Every day something new and pretty unfolds. 

A vintage bunny with a basket full of carrots for the taking.

I have a "sweet" treat for you today as we sit and enjoy a cup of tea.

This pink teacup and saucer was made by The Hocking (later Anchor Hocking) Glass Company between 1931 - 1937.  This wonderful depression era pattern called Mayfair "Open Rose" is perhaps the best selling and most popular pink pattern that was produced.

I am joining the following ladies this week for some springtime fun:

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups

Friends Sharing Tea @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog



Garden Cloche

The birds are singing and the sun is shining.  I think a spring card is in order, don't you?  If you like cloches you won't want to miss my card giveaway the week of March 12th.

The oval was cut from Shimmery White paper using Spellbinders Large Classic Ovals which I mounted onto a Lacey Oval.  The garden cloche and sentiment were both stamped in StazOn Black.  The orchid was colored in Orchid Opulence and Pixie Pink with the leaves in Certainly Celery and Garden Green.  I used a blender pen to soften the colors.  The pot was colored in Crumb Cake.  Sponging around the image was done in Pale Plum.

I thought the Fancy Pants Lavender Leaves designer paper went well with the Perfect Plum paper.  Kaiser rhinestones in lilac and a corner bow finish the card.  Although you can't see it in the photo I added Crystal Effects to a few spots on the cloche since the glass would naturally have some reflections.

A cute watering can was stamped on the inside and colored.  I decided not to add a sentiment and leave this card blank for future use.

I will be joining everyone at Make It Monday for their weekly linky party.

Card Recipe:
Stamps:  Flourishes From the Garden
Paper:  Solar White Linen, Perfect Plum, Fancy Pants Lavender Leaves Designer Paper, Shimmery White
Ink:  StazOn Black, Orchid Opulence, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Crumb Cake, Pale Plum, Going Gray
Accessories:  Two-Tone Ribbon, Kaiser Rhinestones in Lilac, Crystal Effects, Spellbinders Large Classic Ovals #5, Lacey Ovals #5, Labels Eight #5 (Inside), Bow-Easy
Techniques:  Sponging, Blender Pen
Card Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.5")

Relax & Rejuvenate

Winter is one time I really enjoy taking a foot bath.  I spend quite a bit of time sitting behind a desk and both my hands and feet tend to get cold.  Although this year we can't complain - did we even have a winter?  I love to come home after work and just soak for a little while before starting dinner.  It is a great way to pay more attention to your hard working and often forgotten feet.

Foot baths are so relaxing and don't have to cost a bundle.

If you don't have an electric one just find a basin that is big enough for your feet and fill it with water that is a little hotter than comfortable (you can always let it cool to the temperature you feel is most comfortable).  Be sure to leave enough space to allow for the water to rise when you immerse your feet :-)  Dissolve your bath salts, oils or whatever else you might want to use.  If you want to add an extra element to your foot bath, place marbles or smooth river rocks at the bottom of the basin to rub your feet over - quite soothing!  Also, have a towel, pumice stone and lotion ready.  Now, put on some soft music or grab your favorite book and ... dip in.  Don't forget to wiggle your toes and enjoy every minute!

Today I am enjoying a little "Peace" with an aromatherapy candle in the scent of Violet Leaves and Lemongrass.  When life gets to be a little too much, light this one to give you that perfect feeling of well-being.  Just take a moment and breathe ...

Can't you just smell the fragrance?  If only computers were scratch and sniff!

Effervescent bubbles caress and pamper your feet.

Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Lavender Mint Foot Bath
Ingredients:
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
1/2 cup Epsom salts
1 sprig of lavender (optional)
2-3 peppermint leaves (optional)

After soaking for about 15-20 minutes follow with a soothing foot massage with your favorite lotion.  This time of year I like to use Keyano Aromatics Green Tea Butter Cream. 

Happy soaking my friends!  I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday.  I will have some card projects to show you over the weekend.