Lush Garden Spaces

It's spring!! I am so excited! I love getting out in the yard and making it better, prettier, more functional and enjoyable. We've already tackled step one of the back deck remodel and torn down the fence that was falling (pics on those projects in a later post)  and now I'm looking for inspiration to make the yard feel lush. 

Here are some of the photos that I think are inspiring.

 I'm loving the trained lattice of this, could be great along an ugly fence line.

The idea of a  living fence is appealing, if only I had years to wait for it to grow...

 though I do love the spaced trees and planting strip. 

 The transitions here are beautiful. I'm feeling like I need more 

shady spots to make soothing like this in our yard.

Beautiful pathway, I wish I had the room to do something like this.

 I really like the crushed gravel pathways, so much more organic than cement

 and won't breakdown over time like wood chips. I think this is perfect for our side yard!

Do you like to spruce up the garden in spring? Where do you find your inspiration?

7 ways to CONNECT with your spouse

1 Daily Contact  No matter the type of touch, kiss, holding hands, back or foot rub, make it last for at least 30 seconds. — humans NEED physical contact, it's one of our most basic needs! 

2 Express Gratitude  Think of things your spouse does for you, whether big or small though out the day, an expression of GRATITUDE is always appreciated. 

3 Create Memories Together It's important to try new things together and even ways to show affection. It doesn't need to be dramatic, maybe a simple gesture or time always reserved for each other--the first 10 minutes of the morning. You'll be able to look back fondly on the moments you share together.

4 Really Listen You may know each other really well but if you take the time to REALLY listen--even when you're mad, you'll have opportunities to learn a little more.  Try asking questions to clarify what you heard, or repeat back to assure you heard correctly. This helps ease conflicts. 

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5 Share a Laugh Life is hard sometimes; it helps to remember to keep a good sense of humor. Being able to lighten the mood and have a GOOD attitude helps the whole house feel lighter and any situation bot so bad.

6 Flirt You’re married now, but you need to KEEP dating. Wear something special; go to a place you love together. Keeping the spark alive is easier than rekindling one. Give each other complements and make out in the car. J

7 Unplug Taking time to switch off electronics and REALLY spending time together face to face with no distractions shows your respect and love for the people you’re with. On dates, running errands, vacations, turn electronics off and be WITH those you are with.

Friday Feature

I love music! Here are a few of the songs I've been listening to lately.

Andy Grammer - Honey, I'm Good

AWOLNATION - Hollow Moon

 Joe Brooks - Kaleidoscope 

What have you listened to this week? Favorites?

Giveaway

The anthology that I have a story in is available for pre-order and to celebrate we are having a giveaway! Come celebrate with us!!
Click the link and be sure to follow all instructions so you can win some amazing prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Current Reading List

I read a lot of books each year. I go to the library every week and pull at least three books to read. Lately I'm headed to non fiction and biography/autobiography stacks. Here's my most current reads:

Purchase links: L to R top to bottom: #1 Here #2 Here #3 Here  #4 Here #5 Here
Or check your local library like I did. :)

What are you reading right now?

What types of books are you most drawn to?

A few of my favorite things. . .

I love furniture, interior design, books and gardens. Clothes, hair, traveling and food. How about you? Any one the same? Here's a couple photos of my favorites. (Pulled from Pinterest FYI)
Here they are in no certain order:

If you made a list of some of your favorite things, what would you put?

Maroon 5 Video

Here's my new favorite music video:





What would you do if they just showed up at your wedding?