I know I write about my plants a lot, and I just showed you my new additions last week. But the last of the bunch finally arrived, along with some pretty pots, and everything is planted and taking root now, quite literally. As my outdoor plants are nestled under a blanket on my patio, these little ones are enjoying the warm afternoon sun that shines through my windows.
(New pots for my succulents.)
I ordered a few hard-to-find succulents from Succulent Beauties via Etsy, along with some potting soil and pots. The plants were carefully wrapped in newspaper for their journey, and arrived safe and sound before our latest freeze. The striped pink and blue pots are also from Succulent Beauties, and they are so pretty and affordable. I first read about this store on Apartment Therapy, and if you are in the market for well-tended and unusual succulents, I can highly recommend it.
The Marbleized Cylinders and Chalkboard Planter are from West Elm. I normally buy only plastic pots, since clay can leach water from soil, but I had a gift certificate and these are for indoor plants which don’t use much water, so they are very pretty and practical, too.
(Plants, my avocado experiment, and small treasures at my front door.)
After putting my plants in their permanent pots, I rearranged them a little and added my avocado experiment, which is still going strong, and the boys’ collection of treasures found on our nature walks. I couldn’t resist this sweet hedgehog planter, also from West Elm, and his hair should come in as the tiny plant grows, sort of like a chia pet.
(My new spruce tree.)
And one of the sweetest Christmas presents I received was a spruce tree sapling from my friend, Lindsay. I planted it this week and it should be ready to go into the ground in about two years. Fingers crossed!
This is the last plant update for a while, I promise, but you know I’ll have to give a progress report in the spring!
I showed you Velvet’s tops in my final Anthro: USA post, and over the holidays, I purchased two pieces on sale directly from their site. Velvet by Graham and Spencer features a lovely line of relaxed pieces in keeping with their California-based production. Their sales are really great, and I found two blouses that I’ve been wearing a lot in this colder weather.
My favorite piece is the Bryelle Stripe Slub Dolman Top, a look I wasn’t sure I could pull off. Dolman tops can be tricky, but this blouse is cut very well and the sleeves are fitted below the elbows, so there is some structure to the look. I’ve been wearing it with a tank underneath for extra warmth, with skinny jeans, flats, and a longer necklace. I love that the top is comfortable and casual, perfect for daily errands, but the color and stripes dress it up just a little.
This second look is the Philomena Flocked Rolled Cuff Sweatshirt, a really pretty print that elevates a basic sweatshirt with its lovely scroll work. I admit that sweatshirts are not my normal style, but I love this pattern so much, and I will get a lot of wear from this piece during the winter and spring. With a black cardigan, it becomes a bit dressier, too.
And I paired both Velvet tops with my new Wooden Ladder Necklace, a gift with purchase I received when Christmas shopping with Mata Traders. It’s a gorgeous piece of jewelry that is light and comfortable to wear.
Overall, I’m really happy with my new Velvet blouses, and I’m so pleased with their customer service, too. I also ordered another top that was not in stock in my size, so they sent me a gift certificate to use on another purchase. I’m planning to save it for warmer weather, and I was so impressed by their kind gesture.
(New children’s books for the new year.)
The boys got a bunch of books for Christmas, and a few have quickly become my favorites. Once Upon a Memory
(An illustration by Renata Liwska from Once Upon a Memory by Nina Laden.)
Once Upon a Memory is reflective and touching, recalling past experiences focusing upon memory. It’s the sort of book that makes young children smile and will probably bring a tear or two to your eye as you read it. The illustrations by Renata Liwska are very soft and innocent, and the fuzzy animals are so adorable, that I bought this book with my three-year-old in mind.
(An illustration from Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin.)
Dream Animals is the work of Emily Winfield Martin, known for The Black Apple, and it’s exciting to see her whimsical art in this new book that is perfect for bedtime. I enjoy the gorgeous illustrations as much as my boys, and the book is literally filled with with imaginative images from the very first page.
(A page from Oddfellow’s Orphanage by Emily Winfield Martin.)
And I couldn’t help but buy Martin’s Oddfellow’s Orphanage, too, a chapter book that also features her lovely drawings. I read the first chapter to my boys, and they are still a bit young for the storyline, but older children will love the plot and the illustrations that accompany it.
I’m currently in the middle of the third book in the Call the Midwife
What are you reading right now?
(And be sure to check out Allie’s blog today because she’s updating about her hair! We shared our hair experiences before Christmas, and she’s showing us her newest look.)
