Garden Guest: Female Red Winged Blackbird

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a new series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page!

'Gotta be honest.  Even though we frequently see these girls, I forget who they are!  This is a female red winged blackbird.  They don't look a thing like their very showy husbands.  Attracting them is pretty simple with mixed bird seed.  These subtle beauties will eat just about anything!

 

For blogging music...  Hmmm...  Ya'll know how I love pure voices.  How about this amazing performance at the Grammys of O Brother Where Art Thou?

 

 

What's happening in your back yard?

 

;-)  -Marci

Vintage Drop Cloth Pillow Covers

These are for a sweet friend who likes pink and all things 'vintage'.

 

 

Who remembers my other projects with drop cloths?  OK.  Well, here they are!  ;-)  The addiction began with Dish Towels.  Then there were more More Dish Towels, Curtains and Pillow Covers.  'Fun stuff!

 

My current project started with eyelet lace.

 

Drawing straight lines and then sewing alternating pink and natural eyelet lace from the bottom up, it became layers of ruffles!  I love lace with the raw texture of drop cloth fabric.

 

Next, Rose Accessories were created with a different type of lace and attached.  I chose pink, cream and yellow with sassy brass buttons.

 

 

Here they are again together. 

 

Do they say "vintage" to you?

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Twenty Wishes {March Update}

I am so excited and honored to be teaming up with these fun bloggers to bring you

 

Twenty Wishes 2014! 

(Here's my original list of  Twenty Wishes 2014 and Twenty Wishes 2013!)

 

 

It's FINALLY here!!! Time to link up your March update or get started and share your Twenty Wishes for 2014!!! You can read more on why we started this project back in 2013 here, but the gist is that life is too short. Too short to not really strive for those things you really wish to do or wish would happen. SO this year we're all going to make a real effort to mark those wishes off our lists! First you'll write and then link up your list of Twenty Wishes here. In doing so you're entered in this month's giveaway! (There will be a new one each month.) Then you'll work on those wishes throughout this year coming back here the last Wednesday of every month to link up and share your progress. Here's a button to add to your side bar to remind you to come back and link monthly, and to serve as a little encouragement to work on marking off your wishes!!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/category/twenty-wishes/" title="Truly Lovely"><img src="http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/TwentyWishesButton.jpg" alt="Truly Lovely" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

This year we are doing things a little differently. Mostly in an effort to be more organized than last year... But again, the link up will be the last Wednesday of every month. Each month one or two of our ten hostesses will offer a little something as a giveaway for those that link with us. So, allow me to introduce your hostesses for the 2014 Twenty Wishes project...

Kassi & Kayli @ Truly Lovely

Nay @ Coffee-N-Ink

Jessa @ Life of a Sports Wife

Kate @ Life as I Know It

Sarah @ SaturDIY

Chrissy @ The Brave Wanderer

Katie @ View From the Fridge

Bethani @ The Texan Pantry

Kristine @ The Foley Fam

Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

We aren't requiring you to follow anyone, the only mandatory entry is linking up to this party with your list of 20 wishes. BUT the more you do the more entries you'll receive and I can personally promise you if you do follow, like, etc andyof these awesome ladies you WILL NOT be disappointed!

So, link your wishes and enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below!  What a lovely prize from Chrissy @ The Brave Wanderer!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's see your progress!

;-)  -Marci

An InLinkz Link-up 

20 Wishes {March Update}

The link party will be tomorrow!  Get ready!  ;-)  I can't wait to see everyone's progress!

 

Here's my Original Post of 20 Wishes for 2014!  Below are my February updates in BLUE! March updates in Green!

1.  Celebrate 28 years of marriage!

Done!  My first post about it is Right Here!

And here is my Second Post about it!

 

2.  Vacation in Colorado.

3.  Attend concerts.

Fitness Goals - Last year, one of my 20 Wishes led me to a Cross Fit gym.  Working out has taken on a whole new meaning for me and I am usually in the gym five days a week.

A little setback in this department!  Between being out of town for our anniversary and having a yucky stomach virus, my workouts have been pretty weak in February.




March has been a better month for workouts.  I haven't missed any.  With the Opens going on in CrossFit, there's a lot of added excitement about giving your very best effort.

4.  I want to be a size 4 by May 1 and maintain it thru the rest of the year my life.

5.  Run four 5ks, one in each quarter of the year.


 

6.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Handstand Pushups, no modifications.

Exciting progress!  I completed a modified workout with my toes (not knees) on a box, the last modification before going for the 'real' ones!  It's hard to describe the sense of accomplishment when progressing to a new level!  I'll now start splitting reps between real ones and toes on a box.

7.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Pull Ups, no modifications.

8.  Complete an entire workout with REAL Toes to Bar, no modifications.

Definite progress here.  Yesterday I completed a workout with Toes to Rings!   Every single one would have counted.  Also, my trainer, Gil, kept encouraging me until I got my first real Toes to Bars this month.  Thanks, Gil!

9.  Get stretchy enough that I can do the splits again, both sides.

Did you see my Word of the Year Craft?  It's about flexibility!

If those get accomplished:  Bonus Goals are Double Unders and Ring Dips.  Oh, and I'd like to know how many grandmothers across our great nation are choosing Cross Fit goals?  ;-)  I'm going to need gobs of support and a whole lot of tenacity.  Those are going to be tough to achieve!  If you have any quotes, tips or advice, please send them my way!

Sewing Goals

10.  Complete a quilt for each of my children.

One down!  Wanna see it?  Click HERE!

11.  Inspired by Marissa at Rae Gun Ramblings, sew something for myself monthly and join the fun at "Sew Our Stash"

January's deadline snuck up on me, but at the last second, I made a Maxi Skirt!  I love it!
February's project was a Raglan Sleeve Top!

12.  Inspired from Adventures in Dressmaking,  follow Susannah's Sewing Resolutions.  Basically, I should fuss and worry over my pattern and fabric choices for ME just as much as when I am sewing for someone else.  Well, DUH!  ;-)

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Learn photo shop.

15.  Make my own herbal salad dressing.

16.  Create and write down 3 recipes for artisan cheese.

17.  Re-Vamp my "Herbs:  A Place to Begin" presentation into a one hour program.

This one is complete, too!  My 30 minute program became a one hour class.  I gave a presentation in January and have been invited to give another one in April!  This time, they want a 15 minute program!  ;-)  Another re-vamp will be needed!  That's OK, though.  Each makeover gives me a new idea.  Did I mention my Word of the Year is about flexibility?  ;-)

18.  Learn more bloggy techy things.

19.  Monetize and grow my blog.

20.  Read and blog about 26 books.

This goal is on track so far.  'Still reading and posting book reviews.  I wrote about my 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime, too!  Do I get bonus points for that?  ;-)
'Still on track!  Being part of Literary Junkies makes it even more fun!

Whew!  It's very rewarding to check off items on my 20 Wishes list!  I hope you'll join us on Wednesday for the link party!  I'd love to see what you've done!

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #51

Welcome to another fantastic party!

 

 

We're your co-hosts:

 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

Joyce @ It's Your Life!

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Rachel @    U Me and the Kids

 Debra @ Ms Moozy's Open House

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

 
 My feature this week is...  (drum roll please)

A Breakfast Trick from True Love and Homegrown


  
Both simple and clever!
 

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

<a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/FeaturedMorningglory_zps96ec9fee.jpg"/></a>

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Inviting YOU to Become a Co Host

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/great-blog-train.html" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/BlogTrainNew200_zps7e9c8369.jpg" /></a>

 

The fifteenth GREAT BLOG TRAIN was a blast! - We all safely reached WINDSOR, Ontario CANADA - our destination. It was a wonderful trip with 54 boxcars!! We (the Engineers) would like to thank all of you for travelling with us and we hope that you all had a wonderful time!

The Giveaway Winner is: H.F.
(I have contacted the winner by email)
Congrats!!!

W   A   N   T   E   D  :

(Being a "Destination Cohost" means that you get to pick our next destination!!  It also means that you will post The Great Blog Train on your blog on the first Wednesday of whatever month you will be cohosting (1 different cohost per month).  We (the engineers or hosts) will provide you with the html code for the blog hop & for the Giveaway - all you will have to do is add into that post some information on the destination that you picked (like population, known for, location etc - basic family friendly facts) and add a few pictures.  Also, if you cohost we ask that you promote it on your social media sites).

If you are interested in being a Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

We are now featuring the top 3 Boxcars!  (These are the links that received the most clicks)

#1 "Almost Spring & Sour Cream Biscuits" by Jenn's Random Scraps

#2  "Nella's Story" by Sounds of My Pitter-Patter

#3  "Potting Table for the New Greenhouse" by Penny's Vintage Home

We will be promoting these wonderful featured posts on Twitter & google+ (use hashtag GreatBlogTrain to follow along) #GreatBlogTrain
and these features have also been Pinned to the "Great Blog Train" Pinterest Board

And don't forget - next month the March "Caboose" will be featured on all 5 of the Hostesses blogs!

Sign up to receive emails about The Great Blog Train

;-)  -Marci

Eagles in Winter

What makes Bald Eagles so majestic?

 

 

We chose to celebrate our anniversary where we could see the eagles that spend their winters in the area.  Even edited, the photos aren't great.

 

 

It's important to us to be respectful and not disturb these national treasures by getting too close.

In one quiet cove early on a frosty morning, we could hear them calling to each other. 

 

 

Spectacular.

 

;-) -Marci

 

Book Review: Pigeon Pie

by Nancy Mitford

  Here is the synopsis by Bas Bleu:

Nancy Mitford was one of the "Bright Young Things" on the London social scene in the 1920s.  Mitford wrote Pigeon Pie in 1939 as conflict loomed but military action had yet to begin. It's a comic confection about the beautiful and spirited Lady Sophia Garfield, who stumbles upon a conspiracy of German agents.

This is the second time I've read Nancy Mitford and have become a fan!  I was in the mood for something lighthearted.  While the beginning of the book is somewhat slower paced than I prefer, it moved enough to keep me interested.  I don't want to spoil the ending, so I'll just say I did not see THAT coming! 

What books have surprised you? 

;-)  -Marci

Garden Guest: Female Cardinal

Happy Spring!  ;-)

The north side of our front yard is a certified  National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.  Really!  We have a certificate!  You can do the same by providing food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.  It is so much fun to see all of the critters that stop by for a visit.  I've begun a new series of posts to show you our Garden Guests. 

If you would like to see more, check my Gardening Page! 

 

This stunning beauty is a female cardinal.  If you would like to attract them to your yard, consider providing sunflower seeds.  It is sweet to watch their mates pick up sunflower seeds and pass them to the ladies.  How romantic!  ;-)

 

Would you like to hear some bloggin' music?  How about a little BG?  Here is Brantley Gilbert with Kick It in the Sticks!

 

 

What's happening in your back yard?

 

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #50

Welcome to another fantastic party!

 

 

We're your co-hosts:

 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

Joyce @ It's Your Life!

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Rachel @    U Me and the Kids

 Debra @ Ms Moozy's Open House

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

 
 My features this week are...  (drum roll please)

Stripe T-Shirt Refashion from Sum of their Stories

  

How cute!!

and Vintage Dress Sewing from  Dolly Creates


  
Both features are absolutely lovely sewing projects!
 

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

<a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/FeaturedMorningglory_zps96ec9fee.jpg"/></a>

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Literary Junkies {March}

Do you love books?  Me, too!  Please join the fun by answering at least one of the questions in the comments or write a post and join the party!

 

 

Here are this month's questions:

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!  I find myself unwinding each day with Jan Karon's Mitford series, currently reading the third book in the series, These High Green Hills.  These soothing novels tell the day to day lives of the sweet, gentle residents of Mitford.  'Perfect for bedtime reading.

2.  What was your favorite series to read when you were a kid?  There's more than one, but my very first favorite series was Carolyn Haywood and all of her books about Betsy.

3.  The world is ending:  What 3 books do you save from your collection in hopes to contribute to whatever new society forms?  1.  Holy Bible.  2.  Complete Works of Shakespeare.  3.  Poetry Collection by Robert Frost.

4.  What is your favorite genre to read?  Why?  At different times, I prefer different genres. 

5.  If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?  What Could Go Wrong?  ;-)

6.  What is next on your "to-read" list?  Tell us about it!  I'll probably finish the series by Jan Karon.

 

ost your answers on your blog and link up with us on Tuesday!

Taylor at Pink Heels Pink Truck

Christine at Life with a Side of Coffee... 

Vintage Peony Wreath

 

Another makeover for my Interchangeable Wreath!  I hope you like this one!

 

 This lovely Vintage Peony was made with coffee filters!  ;-) 

I know, right?! 

There is some serious inspiration about coloring coffee filters in THIS POST from fave blogger, Danni at Silo Hill Farm!  BTW, she made cabbage with hers!  No kidding, check it out!

 

Following her directions with these left over paint colors,

 

here are the results!  I love how each filter absorbs the color a little differently.  Some almost look tie dyed.

 

Here's how you do it!  Each peony consists of one filter laying flat, while eight others are folded into quarters and stacked evenly on top.

 

 

Using a T-pin, the stack of filters is attached to the Basic Wreath Form.

 

 Next, crumple each coffee filter individually.

 

Then straighten and fluff them until the peony is as full as you would like.  Continue around the wreath form with the next stack of filters.

 

 

The vintage look is perfect for my old rock farmhouse!

 

This fun project was so cheap, fast and easy, I'm thinking through another coffee filter idea while typing!  Don't you love it when creativity happens?!

 

;-)  -Marci

My First Stitch Fix!



So, I finally mustered up the courage to try Stitch Fix!  (No, I was not paid for this post, but wouldn't it be cool if I were!)  ;-)  You might be wondering why I wanted to try Stitch Fix!  If you've been following my blog and read my Twenty Wishes for 2014, you already know that in the past year my size has changed from a 12 to a 6.  It's been a long time since I was a size 6 and I'm not quite sure what to do with it!  ;-)  It was wonderful to get someone else's perspective on what might be cute! 

Here's what came in my first box:  Two blouses, a cardigan and a skirt.

 



 

There was also a pair of very pretty earrings.  You might be wondering, "What is Stitch Fix?"  Well, a lovely team of stylists review my completed profile and send me five items.  If I like what they send, I keep it and pay for it.  If not, I send back any or all of it, at no charge to me, using the info that's included inside the box!  Easy peasy, right?  The styling costs $20, but that amount is applied to any of the pieces from my Stitch Fix that I keep.  I love that each article of clothing has a card with suggested styling options. 

 

That's the kind of help I need!

Let me attempt to model for you!  (Blushing!)  My challenge to myself was to style each one without double dipping into what I already have.  At first it was easy, grabbing my favorites.  Things got fun when I had to dig a little further back in the closet!  While I was attempting to make outfits, I culled out what no longer works for me.  There is now a nice box ready for Goodwill!  Not much is left in my closet though! 

 

Hawthorn Coral Filbert Houndstooth Henley Blouse and

Pomelo Rosalind Textured Hoop Earrings

 

 

Can you even see the earrings?  They have a seriously cool texture.  OK.  The top.  So there is currently NOTHING in my closet I would call a "blouse".  Hmm...  I like the fit.

 

 

'Love the color, pattern and the length!  Tucked into a pencil skirt with a jacket, it could easily go to work.  Keeper!

 

 Tart Cliff Graphic Print Roll Tab Henley Knit Shirt

 

 

I would call this a blouse, too and I don't currently have any tops that are navy.  It fits well.  Cute pattern and length!

 





 

Another KEEPER!  Again, I'm thinking pencil skirt and jacket for work. Yes, I tried on every single pencil skirt in my closet.  No, none of them fit!  It's sort of exasperating, but at the same time exciting.  They are now in the 'to be donated' box.

 

Hawthorn Walt Striped Skirt 

 

 

I LOVE THIS SKIRT!  It is very fitted, but the fabric has enough stretch that it does not look or feel too tight.  The vibrant blue and black stripe is awesome!  KEEPER!  In the summer, it could be paired with sandals and a T.

 

Mystree Truce Smock Detail Open Cardigan

 

Had I been shopping at a store this is the only item I might have tried on.  I actually have something similar in black, charcoal and dark brown and wear them all the time.

I think this soft gray color would be pretty with Spring pastels and florals that are just around the corner!

 





 

For now, though, I'm styling it with black and gray.  The sleeves are a smidge too long, but it will only take a sec to hem them.  Another KEEPER!

 

I actually kept everything from my first Stitch Fix!  I feel like each piece will help me transition from Winter to Spring.  If you have thoughts on how to style any of these items, I'd love to have the help!  ;-)  It's wonderful to get someone else's perspective on what might be cute!  My stylist definitely nailed it on my first Stitch Fix!  I've already scheduled my next one!

 

Have you tried Stitch Fix?  Any styling tips?

 

;-)  -Marci