Decorating with Mother Nature ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s1600/items%2540gregs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620303350956200578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s800/items%2540gregs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidden reflection of my mom in the mirror. She is clearly enjoying our visit to a local flower shop (<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-for-spring-decorating.html">Gregory’s</a> in Wakefield).<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s1600/gardenroom2011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620300105365773938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s800/gardenroom2011.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My garden room with its wall of shrub roses and wisteria.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the official beginning of summer upon us, thoughts naturally turn to spending more time in the company of Mother Nature. Take a peek at my recent <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/decorating-with-mother-nature#photo-6291508">post for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span></a> for some inspired tips to get out there and get gardening!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Decorating with Mother Nature ...

I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidd...

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Entertaining unexpected guests ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog9sVxArPGTeum8UECJx2SlIh-lTu167jFqvlUa3UJHdt5PYM746X8xo-SBp_x7ZFaRr1oIzy6k2Fkb0rJD4E5YaXSlcgQ1r5pKWvdmoXIACzOKG3ZDpAGH8VBOmkCIgFUrCKfezU2uQ/s1600/babybirdinnest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486709188120497170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog9sVxArPGTeum8UECJx2SlIh-lTu167jFqvlUa3UJHdt5PYM746X8xo-SBp_x7ZFaRr1oIzy6k2Fkb0rJD4E5YaXSlcgQ1r5pKWvdmoXIACzOKG3ZDpAGH8VBOmkCIgFUrCKfezU2uQ/s400/babybirdinnest.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NVzsZ9drXZ2-QZUN5etd-zNbdarRdGsLW4xG8viLDW6cuvFUI4s9oZsqm3Va4Zkhzpbrb744gfmfbvxTF6aZATjD8pGKfg19NsbZrmdL7moOsWSNsgnn00r5rjcDb61oDOqqgw5uLh8/s1600/solittlebabybird2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486711847429921074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NVzsZ9drXZ2-QZUN5etd-zNbdarRdGsLW4xG8viLDW6cuvFUI4s9oZsqm3Va4Zkhzpbrb744gfmfbvxTF6aZATjD8pGKfg19NsbZrmdL7moOsWSNsgnn00r5rjcDb61oDOqqgw5uLh8/s400/solittlebabybird2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 243px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV_JmU-F1xo5kJBcyqRJBQ5drT-lZaoBLCzi6ghvQOFyUQoRGp0LagEEZ9EPUTHoA7AwZ5Gf64aTutNyGKZ6N-o8AhyphenhyphenNSMEwzae3QC38Lgh6lcZlnc1MaGAiu0OoOO-40FgS5BQ3j2gw/s1600/incontainergarden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486711279809758050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV_JmU-F1xo5kJBcyqRJBQ5drT-lZaoBLCzi6ghvQOFyUQoRGp0LagEEZ9EPUTHoA7AwZ5Gf64aTutNyGKZ6N-o8AhyphenhyphenNSMEwzae3QC38Lgh6lcZlnc1MaGAiu0OoOO-40FgS5BQ3j2gw/s400/incontainergarden.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4o8al_nuqCTHSCHS-6xe8oOlqWptdw45oXbnVAEtgyfzydHAxM5heoqszoexhMQMJKyfsSYiiVg2Xi6lPQExoQNEziLmHGI6p7vfy0pobphfGrjqdhFX6pDQSD2HpLcvFDjXrL3RTBk/s1600/upcloseingarden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486710705253456834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4o8al_nuqCTHSCHS-6xe8oOlqWptdw45oXbnVAEtgyfzydHAxM5heoqszoexhMQMJKyfsSYiiVg2Xi6lPQExoQNEziLmHGI6p7vfy0pobphfGrjqdhFX6pDQSD2HpLcvFDjXrL3RTBk/s400/upcloseingarden.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79WjFa3rmp7Wv8LHHSiWNHRyL4JZBSsbekNWkYLFYJXIoSo6jYJ-tA8otnWbjD1MRPDW_fcQ7nLRIAw2r9JGIttEG0Zk26e_JZ34JFDiFs-3WzW5KWBzxHHlmW3bkj07t5XP2P0ImUTw/s1600/onmyfinger.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486709180043969042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79WjFa3rmp7Wv8LHHSiWNHRyL4JZBSsbekNWkYLFYJXIoSo6jYJ-tA8otnWbjD1MRPDW_fcQ7nLRIAw2r9JGIttEG0Zk26e_JZ34JFDiFs-3WzW5KWBzxHHlmW3bkj07t5XP2P0ImUTw/s400/onmyfinger.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" >When unexpected guests arrive, be sure to make<br />them feel at home. Offer refreshments and a place to rest. Get to know each other better. Wish them well and thank them for coming.</span><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW9vEb_KkK3LQ8BKGG68int4maXz46hOTr4Nu_kSUQTjqaCw7-g_1hBHFfy4XADjmahGteqoQFsCMmtK7cp27jeg4M_aY-zBP82k9D5qfgsqbdZRXt_ztM48gxbzGVMH5oitXWpQA2zs/s1600/birdontrellis.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486800151353026178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW9vEb_KkK3LQ8BKGG68int4maXz46hOTr4Nu_kSUQTjqaCw7-g_1hBHFfy4XADjmahGteqoQFsCMmtK7cp27jeg4M_aY-zBP82k9D5qfgsqbdZRXt_ztM48gxbzGVMH5oitXWpQA2zs/s320/birdontrellis.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a great weekend!<br />xoxo yvonne</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Entertaining unexpected guests ...

When unexpected guests arrive, be sure to make them feel at home. Offer refreshments and a place to rest. Get to know each other better. Wis...

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Kim Smith and Fragrant Gardening

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRVkObFocvHjvKtYo22AndxyE6ZJsQWRwbKM0VZU22dKwXTeL8nwX4XaPfCBVcNruFv47fRgmjh2RxexRsCC8icRL2qOX-wbH4rLbirv9AzWfbhSDYNBijLRg5sYvg3NrWn_Ylmnch9U/s1600/yvonnewithkimNSDS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477780081300721090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRVkObFocvHjvKtYo22AndxyE6ZJsQWRwbKM0VZU22dKwXTeL8nwX4XaPfCBVcNruFv47fRgmjh2RxexRsCC8icRL2qOX-wbH4rLbirv9AzWfbhSDYNBijLRg5sYvg3NrWn_Ylmnch9U/s400/yvonnewithkimNSDS.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At the Wenham Museum with designer Kim Smith</span></span><br /><br />One of the best parts of participating in a local design show is meeting other creative individuals who share the same interests. Last year at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">North Shore Design Show</span> I met Kim Smith, a super talented designer, author, illustrator and photographer who created a lovely space for Willowdale Estate (<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/06/tablescapes-spotlight-kim-smith-for.html">see it here</a>) where she works her design magic from the bridal suite to the <a href="http://willowdaleestate.com/Garden.cfm">garden landscapes</a>. While at the show, I really enjoyed talking with Kim about flowers and design (a couple of my favorite things ; ) so I asked Kim to share some of her gardening wisdom with my friends at the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield. She visited with us in September, presenting her tips on growing native plants – illustrated with many gorgeous slides – to our group of garden enthusiasts. While Kim did not participate in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=171964&id=73210453062"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorite Spaces</span></a> design show this year (her daughter was graduating from college – congrats to you both!) she did host a slide show that highlighted the best flowers to plant when designing a fragrant garden.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_E0Y3HpG6EY5PVJ_n_K0w7h_djwuT8bLtPIA_z6F9KNZMLsRklzyiCYIqA_UdgykQKk0mtbcZcAPjK5avglWhGmHVIi7gIyyVIhRPopivY2Ju_PlW7XLTGBNKzpRiDCs6GHmbqHqoLI/s1600/peony.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477793068290122786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_E0Y3HpG6EY5PVJ_n_K0w7h_djwuT8bLtPIA_z6F9KNZMLsRklzyiCYIqA_UdgykQKk0mtbcZcAPjK5avglWhGmHVIi7gIyyVIhRPopivY2Ju_PlW7XLTGBNKzpRiDCs6GHmbqHqoLI/s400/peony.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Peonies I caught in bloom at a local cafe.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd9FK2C1FoqDIii0uWKnBydyAw4MxmnmzhZjQ2qjEzR_7YHk_fE29Cn8SEklQ8QlM5H2yhYhUJ7Qv2WTTsTKHIrPW3p4Xoac3WFynarpWZk3jTZMYTjxLqEF5ruDHNWdHApo0zdy3OjM/s1600/shrubroseYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477808797171602322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd9FK2C1FoqDIii0uWKnBydyAw4MxmnmzhZjQ2qjEzR_7YHk_fE29Cn8SEklQ8QlM5H2yhYhUJ7Qv2WTTsTKHIrPW3p4Xoac3WFynarpWZk3jTZMYTjxLqEF5ruDHNWdHApo0zdy3OjM/s400/shrubroseYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My favorite shrub rose smells heavenly this week.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are just some of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kim’s fragrant favorites</span><br />(although I think she loves most every flower!) ...<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />White Lilac </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Syringa vulgaris </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">‘</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Krasavitsa Moskvy</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">’</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">White Wisteria <span style="font-style: italic;">(W. sinensis v. alba ‘Jako’</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/plant/rosa-louise-odier">Old Garden Rose</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Rosa Louise Odier</span>)<br />Butterfly Bush <span style="font-style: italic;">(Buddleis davidii)</span><br />Nasturium <span style="font-style: italic;">(Tropaeolum majus)<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Oyama Magnolia <span style="font-style: italic;">(M. sieboldii)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Moon Flower <span style="font-style: italic;">(Ipomoea alba)</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Mock Orange <span style="font-style: italic;">(Philadelphus)</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Peony <span style="font-style: italic;">(Paeonia lactifolia)<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Her number one tip on choosing <span style="font-weight: bold;">flowers with the most fragrance</span> is to <span style="font-weight: bold;">look for a white variety</span> as scent is in direct proportion to pigmentation. The more showy, colorful flowers may attract your eye, but the subtle shades of white, cream, pale pinks, yellows and purples will release the most scent. And while you are at it, plant those scented species closest to where you are apt to enjoy them, near a window or along a traveled path. I am going to try my hand at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ROFNFY/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000UZFOJM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=197Q9WDGD36NWEBE52ZC">Moon Flower</a> this year. I love that it opens at night, just around the time that I will be out in <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-secret-garden-room.html">my garden room</a>, enjoying a glass of something cold and refreshing!<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8jiOJLrLbB5OYXhFelwRIKNB9FfYsf0F0SgQAPPkQlZd49T2S6CVbpSrJzRrH8X5ddCQ-_0zag_DqzjsL8Dd0KK_yQq1ZtIzC2ODdmBIQNiJArPMja8tOOn82bHDRMwIoTJ-VTtmga0/s1600/phloxYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477808815838322274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8jiOJLrLbB5OYXhFelwRIKNB9FfYsf0F0SgQAPPkQlZd49T2S6CVbpSrJzRrH8X5ddCQ-_0zag_DqzjsL8Dd0KK_yQq1ZtIzC2ODdmBIQNiJArPMja8tOOn82bHDRMwIoTJ-VTtmga0/s400/phloxYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Vintage biennial phlox from my garden ...<br />they smell like cinnamon!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>To receive Kim’s gardening tips via email, visit her <a href="http://kimsmithdesigns.com/">website</a> and <a href="http://kimsmithdesigns.com/correspond.php">sign up for her eColumn</a> which is always chock full of great photos and information. Her <a href="http://kimsmithdesigns.wordpress.com/">blog</a> is another great resource for gardening inspiration.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DDQruy2G-8DPPUVIRlJwvn50p7ouD_CVjn8uJuSp-glmvrgd-QIfOZh5RcA_OhLFHPm_EkMKcFn9aZeMeCDnQTaVg4yPZ1jeI_qngjypA5hPAKnzUEBuMUdoyBMnIzCf1uVzAwlma2g/s1600/whiteflowerKimSmithOGarden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477808812653506770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DDQruy2G-8DPPUVIRlJwvn50p7ouD_CVjn8uJuSp-glmvrgd-QIfOZh5RcA_OhLFHPm_EkMKcFn9aZeMeCDnQTaVg4yPZ1jeI_qngjypA5hPAKnzUEBuMUdoyBMnIzCf1uVzAwlma2g/s400/whiteflowerKimSmithOGarden.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a>Kim Smith illustration from her book,<br /><a href="http://kimsmithdesigns.com/book.php">“Oh Garden of Fresh Possibilities!”</a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVWhjUyAo0Hl547hKdkENERTl4skskRLtlO8INiU26jNWIawK99LWWnL4wR78G1RLHrUbffFSxzipOnunKyFB91OGabaEXaWwfyBOKEiSHVAczGL_T1hlSNNAO_2vIt_-SZJX7-MzcD8/s1600/sashabroochSnD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYmI9M2ePs0AHZ3hKOUePkddGVcqr73EBklp0h_BtWjUCwuqzRoW8n_M8MUMw3nwXVLcNsi21rggIO04xXYjV6-e4jV4yt1IpHUqXaT8K7I_3BpIiYVYHQrCSGK37v8sbh0Hmvu7v6AA/s1600/homepage3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477813369135666946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYmI9M2ePs0AHZ3hKOUePkddGVcqr73EBklp0h_BtWjUCwuqzRoW8n_M8MUMw3nwXVLcNsi21rggIO04xXYjV6-e4jV4yt1IpHUqXaT8K7I_3BpIiYVYHQrCSGK37v8sbh0Hmvu7v6AA/s400/homepage3.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Colorful jewels from </span><a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo" style="font-style: italic;">stella & dot</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />And for those of you who like to wear your love of flowers, I am hosting a <span style="font-weight: bold;">stella & dot</span> party online. One of my favorite items (besides the <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=N1016I">Sophia Pearl Bib Necklace</a> that I am wearing in the photo with Kim above) is their <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=BR1000S">Sasha Flower Brooch</a> ...<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.stelladot.com/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&selectedLocale=en_US&sku=BR1000S" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477813313473893506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVWhjUyAo0Hl547hKdkENERTl4skskRLtlO8INiU26jNWIawK99LWWnL4wR78G1RLHrUbffFSxzipOnunKyFB91OGabaEXaWwfyBOKEiSHVAczGL_T1hlSNNAO_2vIt_-SZJX7-MzcD8/s400/sashabroochSnD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />These pin-on-flowers are all the rage right now, and are the perfect accessory to a summer top, bag or belt. There are so many pretty items in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">stella & dot Look Book</span> for Spring/Summer 2010. <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo/productcatalog?page=productlisting.category&categoryId=1003">Take a peek at the latest trends</a> and let me know what your favorite is ...<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQPUqSMoXtYlP8eKURXfNneb-qLECp2dH277KbV4L6UBkIanVLsjfALvyUzw8fZ4ZWA3WggQ5SMUXGtyKs3Xjdhm-ISEwf3UFqw2thNkRSz4Z3QpKV8qum9-9FaTqJOdzSK9Ial5itLI/s1600/stellandotlookbook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477817728906610802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQPUqSMoXtYlP8eKURXfNneb-qLECp2dH277KbV4L6UBkIanVLsjfALvyUzw8fZ4ZWA3WggQ5SMUXGtyKs3Xjdhm-ISEwf3UFqw2thNkRSz4Z3QpKV8qum9-9FaTqJOdzSK9Ial5itLI/s400/stellandotlookbook.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />To purchase a <span style="font-weight: bold;">stella & dot</span> item, click <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo/productcatalog?page=productlisting.category&categoryId=1003">on this link</a> and add my name (Yvonne Blacker : ) as the hostess.<br /><br />Have fun shopping ... and gardening!<br /><br />xo<br />yvonne</span><br /><br /><br /></div>

Kim Smith and Fragrant Gardening

At the Wenham Museum with designer Kim Smith One of the best parts of participating in a local design show is meeting other creative individ...

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Inspired by ... my winter garden room

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLk5Btnr-lL1J3xy1YdQxhNCiMCFpyOXhh8BeNYHSrfTkD5lgz0nJW6AmNZDw-h43OGAmy3cITUA16S9x73mynFqLrQHtjpfPiEQx3KPXiyouz5wJI2-c8QowP0yTUTsylxZFXLRgpRE/s1600-h/cottagerosesinwinter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440108583903592322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLk5Btnr-lL1J3xy1YdQxhNCiMCFpyOXhh8BeNYHSrfTkD5lgz0nJW6AmNZDw-h43OGAmy3cITUA16S9x73mynFqLrQHtjpfPiEQx3KPXiyouz5wJI2-c8QowP0yTUTsylxZFXLRgpRE/s400/cottagerosesinwinter.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I am missing my summer ritual of heading outside each morning to enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfort of my garden room</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. I did venture out into my yard this week on one of the warmer days and took a picture of the winter garden. These rose hips are beautiful at this time of year. In the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/06/tablescapes-spotlight-kim-smith-for.html">early summer</a> they have an amazing scent that causes me to linger even longer as I sit and contemplate my daily to-do list. For now, I must confine my daydreams to interiors, while I imagine designing a space with winter white, brilliant red and just a touch of cool sky blue.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_garden_inspired/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=16207690"><img alt="winter garden inspired" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjlBMndjNzBkM3hHRnJiUnFCQldQYlEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="winter garden inspired" width="400" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_garden_inspired/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=16207690"></a></small></div><small><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=badgecolor&id=971780"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-colorbadge?.out=png&count=5&src=set_stream&uid=971780" width="120" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/winter_garden_inspired/set?id=16207690&.mid=embed-car-971780">Design Vignettes on polyvore.com</a><br /></small><br /></div>

Inspired by ... my winter garden room

I am missing my summer ritual of heading outside each morning to enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfort of my garden room . I did venture out ...

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Decorating the great outdoors ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s1600-h/gardenroomtree.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415650830316833074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s400/gardenroomtree.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A small “tree</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorates<br />our <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-secret-garden-room.html">garden room</a>.<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s1600-h/winterflowerbox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415651594092898946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s400/winterflowerbox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A winter flower box.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s1600-h/wintercontainer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418424573136390354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s400/wintercontainer.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I thought these lichen covered branches that<br />fell from a tree were particularly beautiful.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s1600-h/treewithoranges.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788669914412562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s400/treewithoranges.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When my boys were very little – we had three at the time under the age of four – we decided it would be best to put the tree outside on our deck, which was visible from our family room sliding glass doors.<br /><br />We decorated it with orange slices and birdseed ornaments. It was fun to watch the visiting wildlife just outside of our window, like the night a possum came and slept beneath it!<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s1600-h/grapevineinsnow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418431654426673826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s400/grapevineinsnow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This was the image from our holiday card last year. Unfortunately, the arbor fell during a winter storm a couple weeks ago. It was over 50 years old and one of the main features that attracted us to “this old house.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Does anyone know how to successfully relocate grapevines??? For now, I am putting a pergola on my wish list. This one would do nicely ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418436989071653682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQg6NazfGabLYuOS7efEEHransHQdnvRQ2aEt3Ez6qJcB3_3s2pcoLHK8JAk1kDHzERVNxU9SqgQNtORmdHasmaR7Jpo9kMxVzjqsYOqqZdnngyQVIO0RQlKAqzUs-vqgH5nIgiaaYlw/s400/pole_pergola2_lg.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Pergola made from redwood poles</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">from </span><a href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html" style="font-style: italic;">ForeverRedwood.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s1600-h/Ivebeengood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418425220960878610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s320/Ivebeengood.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Art by <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span>Dear Santa;</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span> A spring delivery</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br />would be appreciated.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">xo Yvonne</span></span><br /></div><br /></div>

Decorating the great outdoors ...

A small “tree ” decorates our garden room . A winter flower box. I thought these lichen covered branches that fell from a tree were particu...

Read more »