Friday, February 26, 2010

color love {moss green}

{moss green}


{I think I still have babies on the brain...}






I need your color ideas! If you have a color you'd like to see featured, email me at
thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com
I would love to link back to you in my post, so please include your blog link!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

{apologies + comments}

Hello!

I just wanted to pop in for a little "public service announcement", if you will.
If you've left me comments over the past week {or so}, I apologize if I haven't gotten back to you! This week has been busy, busy, busy. And I have limited access to the computer. You have not been forgotten, however. I have a folder in my inbox dedicated to you, and I will {hopefully} be making visits and such on Monday. So thank you for your patience, and feel free to keep commenting!

{stationery}

I love snail mail.
Going to the mailbox and finding a letter/postcard/package waiting for me can make my whole life look a little {or a lot!} brighter.


I also love to write letters. I always try to use my favorite pen, my best handwriting...and some great stationery. My letters would not be complete without something pretty.


It's really easy to make your own stationery, too!
All you really need is:

-paper
-stamps {rubber, acrylic, whatever}
-an inkpad

Be creative! Stamp a design very lightly for a background, then ink your stamp really well and create a focal image. You can use cardstock to make some cards, or cut some plain old printer paper in half to create writing paper. It's simple, and it can be personalized however you like.


And whoever you send your letter to will really appreciate it!

Tell me, how do you feel about stationery and snail mail?

I Made It Blog Party

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

{baby}


Yesterday, my {future} niece was born.
(I say future because it's actually my sweetheart's niece...but someday I'll be her auntie. I love that thought!)
It's been almost 6 years since I held a baby that tiny.
It was beautiful.
Newborns are so, so small. I'd almost forgotten that.

My {future} sister-in-law looked over at me while I was holding the baby, and asked,
"So, do you want one of those?"
Oh, yes. Probably more than one.
My sweetheart and I looked at each other and grinned.

Of course, he's not too keen about the idea of changing diapers, but maybe he'll get over that when he's a daddy. We'll see. ;)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

{value fiction}


I love to fill my shelves with new books. There's just something about fresh pages that draw me in. Of course, my single bookshelf is about bursting at the seams...but that doesn't stop me. Books can also be expensive, so here's a little information about some {value fiction}.

{from Waterbrook Multnomah}

Value Fiction For Your Spring Break
Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.


Full-length novels offered include:


Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.


Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?


The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.


Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii, Japan, and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen, Norway, each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.


Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California. Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.


Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa. In England, his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.

You can find these books on Waterbrook Multnomah's site under New Releases.

*****

I received 2 of these titles to review. Here are my thoughts:

by Linda Lee Chaikin
When I got this book, I read the back thoroughly and saw that it was included in the Historical Fiction/Romance genre - right up my alley! There's also a touch of mystery and intrigue, so even better. Yesterday's Promise was a good read, the 2nd in a series. Fortunately, I wasn't lost in the plot, even though it's not the first book. I enjoyed following Rogan and Evy's story, from South Africa to England and back again. And as soon as I finished it, I was hoping for the 1st and 3rd books to drop into my lap so I could finish their story! This is one I'd slip into my shelf, and probably read again.


by Al Lacy
This book is also the 2nd in a series, but the author included a prologue which reviews anything missed. But this book was a little harder for me to get into. The writing style is different then I'm used to, and not necessarily a style I enjoyed. To me it seemed...manly? Of course, the author is a man. :)
The story wasn't bad. I appreciated the faithful heart, even in trying circumstances. Often it's easier not to have a faithful heart. And of course, there was a happy ending, though touched with a bit of sadness. I would place this book on my shelf, but I'm not sure I would read it again. Purely my own opinion, of course.

*****

Have you added anything to your reading list? Personally, I'd like to read Beneath a Southern Sky and The Golden Cross. Let me know which titles interest you!

If you would like to be involved in the Blogging for Books program, you can find more informaton right here.

**I received review copies of these books from Waterbrook Multnomah. The opinions are my own.**

Monday, February 22, 2010

{books}


It's no secret.
I love books.

Everyone who knows me knows this {I think}.
I could bury myself in books for hours. Well, actually, that's what I did this weekend. I've only a little bit left of the 4th book in the past 3 days.

Sheesh.
That sounds overboard, even for me.
But I do love it!

Anyway, the whole point of this is to let you know that I've joined up with WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program. Tomorrow, I'll be posting a couple of reviews, and I'd love to hear what you think! I can't say that I'm an expert at writing book reviews...but I don't want them to be boring. So, we'll see how it goes.

{hint}
I really liked one of the books. I really didn't like the other book.
Be here tomorrow to find out why. :)

Friday, February 19, 2010

color love {mustard yellow}

{mustard yellow}






If you'd like to see your favorite color featured in a {color love} post, please email me!
thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

on the subject of {blogging}

When I first sat down to start my own blog, I had no illusions of greatness. I just wanted to write. Knew that I need to "express myself" in some way. Yes, I wanted people to read, but I didn't think they would.

Now, over a year later, I feel like I've embraced blogging. It's something I do. I could probably feel justified calling myself a blogger {as strange as it sounds to my own ears}.

I never expected 144 followers.
Never imagined the inspiration I would gain, or how much comments would mean to me.
I even feel like I've made friends, even though I've never met them "in real life".

And I like it.

How did you start blogging? What have you learned since you began? Do you have any blogging tips?

Monday, February 15, 2010

{ winner } + random updates

Are you ready to find out who the lucky winner of the Spunk & Sass giveaway is?


Well, I popped on over to Random.org and entered the numbers;
the lucky number is 14...

Kim @ Everything Etsy

Woohoo! :)

Kim, go ahead and send me an email...I think you know where to find me!

P.S. I just want to extend a very special thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway. I wish all of you could win!

*****

In other news today...

I'm so worn out from this weekend. Monday has literally become my day just to "veg out".
We had relatives visiting from Ohio, a Ladies Night Out, church on Sunday morning, and then a dessert cafe on Sunday night.

I enjoy being busy, I really do. I just need a little time to rest.
I'm sure I'm not the only one. :)

I also found out that David's Bridal is discontinuing this bridesmaid dress tomorrow. And I need one for my friend's wedding. So somehow, I need to get it today...I really don't want to try to find a different dress!

What are your plans for this Monday?

Friday, February 12, 2010

color love {turquoise}

This edition of color love suggested by Valerie!

{ turquoise }


{ love the pops of turquoise in this bracelet }



{ love the light turquoise/pink combo! }



{ love the hint of turquoise in this piece }

truffle bag

{ I could carry this bag every. day. }

What do you love about { turquoise }?

If you have a color you'd like to suggest for Color Love, please email me at
thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

{ parisian love }

I will admit it. I'm not a big fan of football.
I would much rather watch a movie or something similar.
But I did watch the Superbowl, or at least most of it. I didn't pay much attention, because I was working on several other projects while I was "watching"...but I did see most of the commercials.

And I now think that Google is brilliant.

{please note: Google is not paying me to be nice to them. I just thoroughly enjoyed their commercial.}


Isn't that the sweetest?! I love it. :)
What was your favorite part of the Superbowl?

*****

Be sure to enter the Spunk & Sass giveaway right here!

Monday, February 8, 2010

{ Spunk & Sass } + a giveaway!


Today I am very excited to introduce a lovely Etsy shop, Spunk & Sass Designs!


Started up by best friends Valerie and Bailey, Spunk & Sass offers a lovely array of jewelry. You're sure to find something to suit your style there.


Valerie has ever-so-graciously offered to give away this lovely necklace:


To one lucky reader here at The Sweetest Petunia!

Would you like to win?
For your first {mandatory} entry, please visit Spunk & Sass and let me know what your favorite thing is!

Extra entries?
{Leave one comment for each.}

- Follow my blog {or let me know if you already do}
- Follow Valerie's blog {or let me now if you already do}
- Blog about this giveaway {leave the link}
-Announce the giveaway on Twitter {leave your username}
-Make a purchase from Spunk & Sass {leave FIVE comments for purchase!}

This giveaway will end next Monday, February 15th {around 8:30am EST}. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here. The winner will need to contact me to claim their winnings, so please check back!

*****

Guess what?!
For those of you ready to buy something from Spunk & Sass, Valerie is offering a special discount for my readers during this giveaway! Just use the code The Sweetest Petunia during checkout to receive 10% off your order. Thanks, Valerie!

I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.

Friday, February 5, 2010

color love {tangerine}

Here at The Sweetest Petunia, there lives a girl who loooves color. It is her inspiration and joy. Really. So she's introducing her newest "feature", Color Love, to post each Friday. Each post will have a color theme, and will include items from Etsy that fit this theme. Prepare to enjoy and {hopefully} be inspired!

{ tangerine }






Would you like to see you favorite color featured on Color Love?
Send me an email with your suggestion!
thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

{ one yard wonders }

Last night when my dad came home, he brought something fun for my sisters and I.

One Yard Wonders.


I am so excited!
I think the concept of this book is really neat. I always try to use as little fabric as possible, but I want the project to turn out amazing, too. Now I have 101 to choose from!

Yes, last night I sat down and flipped through the entire book, writing down all the projects I wanted to try. Now I just have to find some fabulous fabric!
Some of the projects look harder than others, but I thought the directions looked fairly clear.
Of course, I tend to ignore rules/directions when sewing, so we'll see how it goes. :)

What about you? Is this a book you have? One you would want to use? Tell me about it!

Monday, February 1, 2010

{ fabric }

I will admit this to you.
I seem to have a slight obsession with sewing at this point in time.

And that's not a bad thing!
Seriously, I need to snap some photos of some of my creations. I'd love to share them with you. Maybe a little later this week? Hmmm.

Anyway, because I've been enjoying sewing so much, I've also been drooling over looking at fabric. I wish I had a very large budget for fabric, because I love a lot of it.





Does anyone else share in my {slight} obsession with fabric?
I hope so. :)