I owe you lots of updates....

Since starting my Wardrobe Refashion Project i have been trying really hard to post once a week over at Dart and Hem and while i have still been sure to take lots of pictures for you for this blog I still haven't gotten around to posting them. i have also had some issues with my computer and external hard drive which just adds to the problem. So this is my attempt to catch you up a bit before I leave the country for 3 weeks and have even more for you.

First off, about our roof garden! haven't talked plants in awhile.



We also have Thyme, Oregano and Basil doing really well in the house and on the back porch. There are about a dozen tomatoes coming in, several sweet peppers and some beans. We have already made a decent sized harvest of our kale.

and in case you are wondering how it all got up there:


we lovingly call it the Mizzen top.

I have also been taking a botany class and have learned much about identifying plants and how they are classified. it makes me feel like Maturin. The class is at the Botanic Garden here in Chicago and our teacher is really great. He is really relaxed but he really knows his stuff and loves it too. The group of people in the class are really great too. I hope to be able to stay in touch with some of them.

next up, the road trip. Since that will consist of many many pictures I think it will be a separate post.

A Parcel from Abroad: Modern Pen Pal-ing

I got a wonderful parcel in the mail from the lovely Homely Heroine as part of our swap. it was a great surprise for me when I returned home from my road trip. I sent HH a parcel too, you can see it here on her blog.

I love these prints! The embroidery thread is in my favorite colors and mother of pearl is also my favorite for buttons! I think I want to make a little quilt out of all of it. (Specifically for curling up and reading PO'B)

Bag patterns. I have been wanting a new bag! Something more summery than my plaid one.

and Seeds! I can't wait to try the greens. I will definitely be planting some in September. And Flowers were something htat I totally forgot about it in my over-zealousness to grow my own food. And recipes! Lots and lots of recipes! i will be cooking until Christmas! I already have a few picked out. I will be especially sure to share them.

The spa package. Because staying beautiful, even in hard times, is a Patriotic duty. Add a glass of wine and a good book and I have a perfect evening spent in my bathtub. And Divine chocolate is a favorite in our house. I have no shame in admitting I have already started nibbling!

The crowning glory. the icing on my chocolate bar. This book is AMAZING. It is full of not only pictures but bits from magazines and advertisements from the 1940's. There is a lot on working with the rationing system that was going on as well as the Make Do and Mend groups. I have already started reading this and will definitely be sharing more, proabably on Dart and Hem though, so check back soon!

Thank you HH for all the wonderful goodies! The swap was lots of fun. I highly recommend them. I kinda want to do another, maybe for the new year?