Time for Spring Planting

At least around here it's time for the early planting.  There's no frost predicted for the foreseeable future, the weather is comfortably warm during the day, if a bit windy.  So this weekend, a run was made to a couple of garden shops to acquire seeds, dirt, a few more pots and maybe a few seedlings that absolutely insisted on being planted right away, mostly herbs. How could I say no to chocolate mint?  A few strawberry plants may have fallen into the cart as well.

Salad greens, jalapenos, and cucumbers all got started directly in pots, left outside to mostly fend for themselves.  Peas, beans, sweet peppers(purple and chocolate) and tomatoes(Black Krim and Purple Cherokee) are sprouting inside on windowsills in recycled egg cartons.  Marigolds, poppies and carnations have been planted in their (naked looking) pots on either side of the front door.
I am determined to make the most of what seems to be (after a year of observation) a ten month growing season. 
The best part so far is the looks I get from the neighbors, whether for the early planting or the way I am dressed is still uncertain. ;-)

My new glasses get an airing

Since we went out on Friday night, almost unheard of anymore, I decided to wear the new glasses that had come in that afternoon. I can honestly say I was distinctive in a pub full of people.  Sadly, the food at this particular pub was not very good, paired with crowded, too loud (good only if you wanted to sit by yourself and watch the game they had on the multiple televisions) and the beer was about average.  Husband and I agreed after a couple of hours or so, we were ready to head home.
I love my new glasses, so I wore them out again to do the grocery shopping later on in the weekend.  You would think no one had ever seen someone wearing sparkly cat's eye glasses before! ;-)

In Anticipation of Spring

Since I've been told that the few weeks of cold weather we have had around here counts as "winter" I figured it an ideal time to think about my spring/summer wardrobe (since summer is most of the year around here).
My favorite way to change things up is nail polish.  I love the flash of contrast against whatever I am wearing. As my wardrobe tends towards blues, greens, black and grays, I tend to favor a true red nail, a bit conventional but rarely boring. 
I began my search for one nude and one bright color for my nails at one of my favored lip and nail paint sites, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Not just an entertaining name, their colors are really outstanding and the products high quality.  Scrolling through their nail lacquer colors, my eyes lit upon a shade called Strumpet. The vibrant plum-red with the name that makes me grin got put on the shopping list!  The lighter color will probably be looked for in person as I am finding it hard to judge the colors online.
As a distraction from hunting down perfect nail colors, I get to play dress up and go to a bit of a shindig this weekend!  I hurriedly knit up an Of Creatures hat this week to wear to the get together, while really hoping my new cat eye glasses get here in time. I just have to remember to get Husband to take pictures before we head out this time, after is rarely very flattering. ;-)

Is rustic high maintenance a thing?

If it is, what is it actually called?  Do we have to use the phrase, "high maintenance"?  Is there another way to describe a love of high end in our handmade?
Some way to announce a preference for better quality components for the things we make (whatever the project may be) that does not involve the word "snob"?
Calling someone "particular" is only slightly better, certainly more polite, though most often used currently to apply to people who fuss over seemingly random details of no apparent consequence,(think diva dressing room requirements).
I enjoy making nice things.  I like to use the best quality I can get my hands on to make those things. I would like a title/description/word for that tendency that doesn't end up sounding like an insult when spoken in modern English.

Happy New Year!

The adorable bear pattern that makes me giggle every time I look at him was found at Urban Threads, one of my favorite places to get embroidery patterns.
I wanted to share him so hopefully you could start the year with a giggle too!