Joys Along My Summer Drive

I took a leisurely drive East on Friday to go to the magnicient farm stands to get fresh peaches and blueberries. Taking advantage of the farms this time of year is like gold to me. Fruits and vegetables are so fresh and tastey. Delectable. I get enough for a few days and repeat the process so I can go off on another farm jaunt! Did I mention the banana bread? Or the chocolate cookies freshly baked? Or the jars of rasberry jam?

Then there are the flowers! Bright sunflowers, colorful zinnias, mixed arrays of floral eye candy.I came home with purple and white statice that I can have dry out and last me until next year. That is, unless one of my cats decide that it makes a good nibble. Why do cats do that???

To top off my beautiful day on the North Shore of Long Island, I stopped in to "The Modern Snack Bar "http://modernsnackbar.com/, a flash from the past family run restaurant where the waitresses wear white uniforms and everything is home cooked. I had the most delicious broiled flounder, mashed potatoes and cole slaw. Yummo! My tummy was full, my eyes were pleased and I had a car full of fresh fruits and veggies.

Try and get out and about in your towns and support the local farmers.

Question: I try to put my pictures in between my writings but they all come out grouped together. Any suggestions, blog pals?

Birds of A Feather

You didn't think I could talk about our theme this week at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink, Pink Friday's 'Birds of a Feather', without showing one of my glamour girl shoes now did you? This is Ann Margaret, a show girl who loves to dress up to the nines in glitz and feathers. You can see her at http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday/otrose.com/store/products/?category=37 and the other feathered delights at http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday/.

Beautiful Lavender

Breathe in deeply! Feel relaxed? It is the smell of fresh lavender wafting through the air. Nothing is more comforting than the smell of fresh lavender. Recently I took a trip out on Eastern Long Island to one of my favorite spots: Lavender By The Bay http://lavenderbythebay.com/ . Fields and fields of fresh lavender; a picturesque shop filled to the brim with lavender products, sprigs of hanging lavender, bouquets of lavender, lavender soaps and honey, etc. You could just swoon taking it all in. If you are out on Long Island, stop by and enjoy the experience. Take home nature's herb for relaxation. Delightful. I am sure wherever you live, an herb farm is close by. Just breathe in deeply!

The Polka Dot Rose customers will each receive an organza bag stuffed to the seams with fresh lavender from Lavender By The Bay free with purchases over $20.00. (While supply lasts)

Lavender bath shower gel and body cream from SwissJust.

http://www.susiedurrschmidt.swissjust-usa.com

"Simply Pink" Coming up This Friday

Seriously, "Simply Pink"? Why yes! I have been driven to pinks all my life. So feminine, so romantic, so girly girl. This week at Make Mine Pink Friday, the pinks will be in many shades and in many formats. I can't wait to see what everyone has. My Altered Art Cinderella Shoes shown above are but a few of my pink beauties. Laces, broaches, silk roses, pink pearls, rhinestones, paper roses, trims and all sorts of delights to bring out the joy of each creation.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! Hoping everyone is having a weekend full of family, friends, food and fireworks. When I got invited to my sister's home for a bbq dinner, I quickly said "I'll bring dessert". I stopped by the local bakery in town and they had so many wonderful 4th of July desserts to choose from I couldn't make up my mind. I just had to get the flag fruit shortcake with fresh cream and fruits. And would you look at that 'corn on the cob'????? How cute is that? It was three cupcakes put together, iced, and decorated with corn looking jellybeans, a slab of butter (marzipan), and even cob holders on the end. It was a huge hit. How was your holiday?

My Little Tree House "Sweet Repose"

Home Sweet Home! Here is my little cottage tree house, which I gave the name of "Sweet Repose" when I moved in twenty years ago. Where did that time go? It is nestled in the trees and set into a hill. I go up stairs to get to my front door and walk out to a brick courtyard in the back. It has just the right amount of yard to garden with, which I have filled with perrenials over the years. I like to do container gardening with annuals and hanging baskets all around. Added in are birdhouses, which all have been occupied the past few Spirngs. I love listening to the sounds of the birds....so happy. I wanted to share my small piece of heaven on earth.

First Blossoms of Summer

The "First Blossoms of Summer" are being presented this Friday, June 11th for Make Mine Pink Friday, shopping with a twist. (http://www.makeminepink.com/) and at The Polka Dot Rose boutique there will be a special 25% off sale for the listed first blossoms of Summer. Dogwood, roses, Summer magazines, pillowcases, etc. Won't you join us?