Appreciate Life As It Happens...Black & White Art Quote

Wherever you are I hope you have plans to make some memories with friends and family this weekend. Challenge yourself to enjoy every good thing - the sun on your face, the laughter of children, the taste of good food, bright lights in the sky, and the aura of freedom. Drink it all in.

10 Easy 4th of July DIY Decorating Projects

Here are 10 of my favorite Easy 4th of July Decorating Projects. Whether you're 'crafty' or not, there's something here that everyone can do with just a little time (or hardly any). Happy Independence Day week everyone!!  

 1) With a little paint and a little tape, and possibly a stencil for the stars, you can turn every-day mason jars into wow-worthy and reusable vases for your 4th of July party.

2) Simpy tie American Flag-printed bandanas together for instant festive bunting!

 3) Making these lawn stars involves just cardboard or posterboard and some flour. A great project to get the kids involved!

 4) Just write your favorite patriotic saying on a chalkboard and surround it with a few pieces of red-white-and-blue decor.

5) Use colored sand to create festive 4th of July votives. A great project for older kids.

 6) Even if you don't have a big American Flag to hang up, you can still get in the Independence Day spirit by adding some red-white-and-blue throw pillows into your exisiting decor.

 7) I love this ridiculously simple decorating idea! Works for inside OR outside. I think the mini flags are only about $1 each.

8)  Cut triangles out of red-white-and-blue fabric or bandanas. Fold the top edges over and secure with safety pins or sew. Run a length of yarn through them and you've got a super-cute banner!

9) Sew some red-white-and-blue bandanas together for a festive tablecloth.

10) This ribbon wand could be a safe alternative to sparklers or just a way for the kids to have fun and show their patriotic spirit while waiting for it to get dark outside.

New BLOOMing artwork and a summer sale!

 In between gardening projects, I finally found time to finish my 'Bloom Where You're Planted' prints and list them in my Etsy shop. This is the 1st piece of brand-new artwork I've created since before I got pregnant with my son (over 3 years ago). Woot! Woot! To celebrate, I'm offering 15% off all purchases from my shop (with Coupon Code: BLOOM. Good through the end of August). Happy Day!!! :)

Shalom Schultz  Designs on Etsy

My Bargain Shade Garden

Back in April, I promised I would share a pic of my flea market planters that I scored for just $16, once they were all filled in. Now that it's mid-June, they are looking quite lovely, if I do say so myself. The two long wooden ones sit on either side of my porch, where a blend of New Guinea Impatiens, regular Impatiens, Vinca Vine and Coleus thrive in the shade. Didn't get the big metal tub planted this year, as I had too much yardwork to do before the bugs and heatwave arrived, but there's always next year. 

A Negative Mind Will Never Give You A Positive Life

This is so true, in life as well as in business. You can't prevent setbacks and disappointments, but you CAN choose to believe that better things are on the horizon. Find something that interests you and immerse yourself in it. Enthusiasm and positivity will follow.  Beautiful print by vol25 on Etsy.

Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken

Good reminder. Don't fall into the trap of constantly comparing yourself to others...we are all meant to be unique. Art print by emilymcdoweldraws.

My Russian Sage and The Scent of Summer

The Bluebells are gone and my Irises are already starting to fade, but while I'm waiting for my Purple Coneflowers to explode into bloom in July, I have purple, wavy and deliciously-scented Russian Sage.