mom and dad...love you

I just have to tell you real quick how wonderful my mom and dad are and how much I love them. They are always doing things for my brother and me. Rarely does my brother golf in a tournament without my parents following along behind him, supporting him whether it's raining or 100 degrees outside and they are always doing things to help and support me too. My mom is the hardest worker I know, the best cook (although she totally lacks in the baking department and those that know her would not disagree--it's okay Mom, your vegetable medley makes up for it in and of itself). She is selfless, talented, loving, a great friend and a wonderful mom. And my dad might as well be superman. He can do just about anything and he is always the first person willing and wanting to help. He is also a great listener and always there to offer advice when you need it. My brother and I are truly blessed! We love you Mom and Dad!

kitchen love

Came across these pics in Southern Living and had to post them because I love everything about this kitchen... The painted floors, the aqua cabinets, the taupy-grey ceiling color, the lighting...just love it!

meet fifi lapin

So I have come across my new favorite blog of the week.... drum roll please.... http://fifi-lapin.blogspot.com/ (Kelly this post is especially for you as I know you would find great joy in it!) I mean we all know the great frog with his fancy cigar, but this bunny wears couture! I honestly wondered if fifi lapin's mamma was you...
Seriously...so cute.

3rd and 3rd...so retro, so fun!

If you like antiques and other vintage items, you should take a little stroll down 300 S. and 300 E. in downtown Salt Lake City. The entire street is lined with little antique shops, sure to satisfy your craving for a new vintage find for your home. I have been going to Retro Rose for years and he always has fun things, but my favorites this last time were the vintage food packages and tins from the 1950s-60s at (I think it was Jitterbug antiques...) They would be so cute as accessories in a kitchen!

Beautiful flowers and a little family history...

Grandma, these are for you...
My grandma took us to Star Nursery in St. George this past weekend to show us this specific plant that she just loves (hearts and flowers--which I bought and can't wait to plant!) Star Nursery is a spectacular nursery and it is located in the beautiful and historic Washington Cotton Factory (est. 1865). My great grandmother's grandfather owned the factory at one point and my great Grandma lived in the little house right next to the factory.

Joy in the Garden

Green thumb??...Here are a few gardening tips from the incredibly talented, Master Gardener Joy Bossi of 'Joy in the Garden' whom I had the pleasure of meeting this week. She was a doll! (I should also give a shout out to Cactus and Tropicals who provided the beautiful potted displays--including the evening primrose whose flowers last only one night, blooming as the sun goes down and then dying off at night--hence its name!)

• When planting a container garden, pack the flowers in tightly, unlike traditional gardening where flowers need a little elbow room. Pack the potting soil also and continue packing until it won't pack anymore (potting soil should be moist when you start.)
• Let your watering can (filled with water) sit out overnight to let the chlorine dissipate. Water should be tepid.
• Continually replenish your fertilizers! Either put fertilizer in your water or use fertilizers that stay put (Osmocote). Slow release fertilizers are usually good for around four months.
• At the nursery peek at the bottom of the flower or plant. If it is SOLID white, move on to another plant. Make sure you can see the soil in between the roots (this means the flowers are fresher.)
• Avoid the "rocks in the bottom" method to make sure your pots have proper water drainage. Placing rocks in the bottom of your planter actually make less room for the roots to grow. Instead use the "pot in pot" technique. Pot your plants in a plastic pot with holes at the bottom, place it on top of an old jar lid (to raise it up) and place it in your decorative pot.
• Unglazed terra cotta pots wick water away from the potting soil. They are great for succulents! Make sure to soak your pot in water first.
• Herb gardens are great in containers! Don't limit them to traditional gardening.
• Don't attempt to plant around the trunks of pine or spruce trees. If anything, shade loving plants planted around the edges do best.

For more info check out Joy for yourself! She is on Good Things Utah every Wednesday and Friday and has her own radio show every Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 am on KNRS 570 am.

a little more adelaide...