Jewelry by Amy Jeannine

Introducing jewelry by Amy Jeannine! Wow, what an amazingly talented designer! I've been wanting to collaborate with talented artists to create a line of handmade, but very professional products for a while. Each piece is one of a kind, never to be recreated! I am very impressed by her style. We'll launch her first pieces for sale on my website this coming Monday, April 26th. Here's a sneak peak at the beauty...

Earth Day 2010!

I am very honored to me a member of the Green Bride Guide. I had to prove to them that I operate my business in a sustainable manor to earn my membership. They have a wonderful website with a wealth of information on planning an eco-conscious wedding. It's easy being green! ;)

Get ready for Mother's Day

I've been asked by quite a few people if I would consider delivering bouquets for Mother's day this year. So, for the first time, I'll be launching a special order bouquet service. I'm working on the online ordering system, and hope to have it all figured out in the next day or so. These are bouquets that I made last year, and since I can't seem to do the same thing twice, just use them as an example of what is possible.

Color therapy

Color therapy, or chromo therapy, has been used for thousands of years in holistic healing. In design school, I studied how colors can help to calm, inspire and even invoke passion in a person. My favorite color of all time is green. I chose it when I was 3 because it was 'the color of trees.' Green can be both calming and inspiring, depending on the shade. Is this why we feel so good with a beautiful bunch of flowers around us? Are the colors actually doing something to our physique? I'll go on a limb and say yes, I'm sure the infusion of color is always helpful. Right now I'm loving purple, which is linked to deep joy, inspiration and creativity. Go figure. ;) Check out a fun article I found on divavillage.com about color therapy. When you're ordering your next bouquet, think about the feeling you would like to invoke with it, and choose your color palette accordingly.

April tasting with the Portland Catering Company

Dandy lions!

My place looks like a dandelion farm right now. Instead of getting frustrated and pouring poison into the soil, I'm just going to embrace it. My daughter and I went out today armed with butter knifes and a cardboard box and popped quite a few of them out of the ground. Tonight I am making dandelion tea and I'm thinking about trying out a bath tea. Dandelions have excellent health benefits, mostly associated with purification. In fact, in early America both dandelions and clover were desirable in lawns. Read more here, here, and here about how beneficial these pesky little 'gifts' are. As always, please don't pour poison into the soil. I understand not wanting a yard spotted with yellow flowers, so check this out for safe alternatives to 'weed' control.

Meet Yoshi

Meet the reason I've been slacking on the blog. My family is having so much fun having an animal that can talk to us. My favorite is when she dances and deat boxes with my husband. Of course, its always a kick when she meows at the cat and barks at the dog.

The Oregon Garden

Oh my goodness! I checked out The Oregon Garden with an awesome couple today. I'm ashamed to admit, I had no idea such an amazing garden/ venue was right in my 'backyard.' Of course, when we were trying to check out the grounds it was hailing sideways. I cannot wait to visit again on a nice day, and when flowers are in bloom. From what I did see, I can just imagine all the awesome photos that are possible there. Thank you Alex and Sarah for working with me on your wedding! I can't even wait!