Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day - Geranium

The other night we were at the local natural foods store, and I was reminded of some soap that we used to have. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day in geranium scent. I really loved the scent. The line of environmentally-friendly products also includes dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, a lovely candle, etc. (And it's much cheaper than Caldrea.) I may have to look into this again...

Happy Anniversary!

Five years ago today, Tony and I were married at the beautiful Thanksgiving Point gardens. When Robert Browning married Elizabeth Barrett, he wrote her the following:

You have given me the highest, completest proof of love that ever one human being gave another. I am all gratitude, and all pride (under the proper feeling which ascribes pride to the right source) all pride that my life has been so crowned by you.

Thank you, Tony, for a perfect wedding day and for a wonderful married life.

Midwest Living

Now that we know that we will still be living in the Midwest when Tony begins his job at the end of August, I decided to subscribe to Midwest Living magazine. It's nice because it's about our general area. There is information about travel and gardening and food and homes - like this beautiful Arts & Crafts loft. I'm hoping it will give me some good ideas for our new life in Illinois.

Friday Featured Etsy Seller: PrinceDesign UK

Today's Etsy seller is Elizabeth Prince of PrinceDesign UK. Her pottery is so beautiful. I especially love the lace bird dishes and the poppy bowls (below).

Thursday Tunes: Bonnie Raitt

On Tuesday night, Tony and I went to see Bonnie Raitt in concert here on campus. She is so great! When we were first dating, Tony gave me her Road Tested CD. I still love it. Here's the first track from that album - Thing Called Love - with Bruce Hornsby on accordion. (He's another of our favorites.)

ECO Countertops

Last week, re-nest featured these countertops by Consentino that they had seen on Jetson Green. I'm not sure how the cost compares, but I think they are incredible. They're made of "salvaged mirrors, window and bottle glass, porcelain from home products, industrial furnace residuals from factories, stone scrap, and a proprietary bond containing 22% corn oil resin." Apparently they stand up to stains, scratches, and scorching and can be purchased at Lowe's!

Beth

Here is another quote from Little Women. Yes, I am still reading it. And I am loving it.

There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.

This is rather a sad quote, but my sister Beth had a baby on Sunday night, and I wanted to share this bit. Beth is so helpful and cheerful and good. She is a wonderful mom to Claire and will be to baby James, too. I miss my sisters when I live so far away, but I'm sending Beth hope and happiness for her new endeavor as a mother (again).

Style 1900 Magazine

I don't know that I've ever actually gotten my hands on a copy of Style 1900 Magazine, but I probably should at some point. This picture is from an article on Italy's Art Nouveau. The links page will take you to everything Arts & Crafts. I'm hoping it will come in handy at some point in the future...

Country House

Did you see this country schoolhouse transformation on Apartment Therapy? The details are here at Country Living. I really like it, but what I love best is the outside. Very cute.

Friday Featured Art: Ben Behunin

This week I'll continue with the Utah artist them and feature Ben Behunin. He is a potter who makes all sorts of interesting things. I really love his decorative tiles. I bought this one from Faithful Home - now called The Collection: Spirit of You. It's patterned after the doorknobs of the Salt Lake Temple.