Reality Check - It's Still Winter

Too much garden talk in February will very likely trigger a snowstorm.

Window Shopping: Fair Indigo

Fair Indigo is a clothing (and more) company dedicated to organic and fair trade principles. Each item's description includes the factory where it was made and a little about the factory. Some items are made in the US and some are from fair trade facilities around the world. Their prices are reasonable, too.

I thought I'd put together a little ensemble from the site and call it "A Trip to the Botanical Gardens" in honor of my daydreams about starting my garden. As you can see, it includes a cardigan because it might be cool. A nice bag in which to put a journal to jot down notes. Simple earrings so as not to compete with all those ruffles! And sensible, yet stylish, shoes for all that walking.

The shoes were found at: Moo Shoes (Madden Girl) and are vegan and probably fair trade

Everything else was found at: Fair Indigo

Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2010 Sewing Pattern Magazine

Brand new and straight from Finland: Ottobre Design Woman Spring/Summer 2010 (in English). This magazine includs 20 patterns for women! Themes include: Glamorous Cinema and Beautiful Everyday Life.

(Descriptions from the magazine):

GLAMOROUS CINEMA!
A journey into the movie world with brand-new stars!

Our youthful collection includes a special-occasion dress, a shirt “borrowed from a boyfriend” and a quick-to-sew skirt. A long silk dress with thin shoulder straps, a chiffon top and Bermuda shorts are perfect for hot summer weather. A gorgeous silk top, skirt and coat make an elegant special-occasion outfit for mature women. Sizes 34-46, 34-48 and 34-52

BEAUTIFUL EVERYDAY LIFE!
Harmonious outfits for daily wear are based on a successful choice of styles and materials. Our fresh, casual summer wear combines natural fibers and straightforward designs.

Create a graphic look by layering plain items: our linen tunic and our tunic, dress and skirt sewn from jersey can be combined in a number of ways. Light, airy tunics and stylish Bermuda shorts can be made in various styles and colors. A linen capri & top set feels cool on a hot day. Nostalgic ginghams look great both on Mom and daughter. Sizes 34-48 and 34-52

Find them in the shop!

Magazine Review: Starting From Seed

We have a snow storm looming and I just can't stop thinking about starting my garden. I stumbled upon this magazine this weekend and couldn't resist getting it. Starting From Seed is from the publisher of Fine Gardening and the photos are gorgeous.

I love having a magazine dedicated just to growing from seed. This is my favorite way of starting my garden, though I do like the immediate results of buying plants as well.

 

The magazine is full of advice, techniques and new ideas. It goes over (in detail, per plant) how to start seeds for annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and more. Also, how to collect seeds and make seed packets.

 

I've got my calendar out, diagramming the garden, checking seed catalogs. I'll be cleaning up my nifty little tabletop greenhouse and taking inventory of seed trays. Thinking about heat mats ... Can't wait!!!

Snow

How long children want to play in the snow is directly proportional to how long it takes them to get into their snow gear (snow pants, boots, hats, mittens). Meaning: if it takes 10 minutes to dress them, they will stay out for 2 minutes. If it takes 30 seconds to get themselves dressed, they will stay out for an hour. Why is that?

Oh, and we found our bunny friend's winter home: