Things to Love Right Now: This Week's Links

This week's web travels really have got me thinking about all of the projects I want to attempt and accomplish this Spring and Summer. With so many resources, online and off, and finding new ones every day, there are really no limitations. Here are some of my fave finds from this week.

My newest blog addiction is Dearest Nature, a stunning lifestyle blog inspired by, well, anything and everything in nature. Dearest Nature is also getting readers involved with Spring Pickin's, a blog and photo project to document anything that nature puts in your path. (This should be a must for me this season!)

Repurposing old and found objects like furniture, antiques and pretty much anything you can find, is all the rage these days. This succulent garden via old dresser before-and-after featured on Curbly, a DIY blog, is something to be admired. What can't you make a garden out of? (The full how-to is on Grizzly Bear Modern.)

Lastly, just for funsies, Urban Gardens, a blog dedicated to city and small-space dwellers, featured this darling pewter sugar and creamer set, complete with miniature shovel for a serving spoon. Adorable yes, but also a pretty penny, at Branca.

Apartment Therapy also launched a new Outdoor section of their website, for your perusal.
And, don't forget about the Spring 2012 issue of Leaf Magazine, a treasure trove of ideas for the gardening and outdoor living enthusiast.

Things to Love RIGHT NOW!

Before you know it, summer will be here and gone, as evidenced by store shelves already stocked with back-to-school supplies (shuddering!) There's still time to get your hands on some great summer finds for the home, garden and the beach! Here are a few of my faves this week: 

A new twist on a classic: Swan watering can from Blue Ribbon General Store, which if you take a look around on the site, has some pretty neat stuff. The beak is the handle, the tail is the spout! (It's a heck of a lot classier than the plastic milk jug I've been using as a makeshift watering can.)

Tired of the same old rainbow umbrellas on the beach? Me too. These chair and umbrella sets from World Market are super cute, super affordable and perfect for those who are little more sun-sensitive.

Pentas are annual champs. These were recommended to me by Romence Gardens last year, and will always be a summer annual staple. They've been doing amazing in the scorching heat, even when I forget to water. They are also hummingbird and butterfly friendly! 

Share your summer faves!

Daytripper: Time Well Spent in Douglas/Saugatuck

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in West Michigan are able to take day trips to neighboring Lakeshore communities like South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Ludington. On Saturday, my husband and I took a day trip to Douglas and Saugatuck, two little sister cities nestled on Lake Michigan, just about 15 minutes south of Holland. These remarkable little communities are known for their arts, culture, and treasure trove of unique shops and galleries. Saugatuck even has its own film festival.

We had been to Saugatuck before, but this time we incorporated some different experiences. Our day started in Douglas with Running Rivers, who offer kayak trips of varying lengths through the forests and wetlands along the Kalamazoo River. They also offer the now-trendy stand up paddle boards. We went for an hour-long kayak, which ended up at Wades Bayou, and spotted a few blue heron along the way.

Douglas and Saugatuck also have quite the garden club, supporting the communities through  beautification projects and other efforts. Both cities have the most beautiful homes and manicured outdoor spaces, and makes me wish I could join their club!

Both downtowns feature very quaint little shops, especially for home and garden (check out my scores below!) and a variety of restaurants for every taste. We had lunch at Coral Gables, watching the boats come and go in the bay, followed by the BEST (and most expensive) MILKSHAKE EVER at Kilwins.

The last stop for the day was Saugatuck Dunes State Park. To get to the beach, you have to walk about .6 miles through the woods along sandy trails. The beach is worth the hike and the hike is pretty great itself. (And, it was the perfect opportunity to start burning off the shake!) After a late afternoon of frisbee in the water and naps on the shore, it was time to make the trek back. We couldn't have asked for a better day.

Do you have a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport?


The gardens were just gorgeous. I wish I would have been able to take more pics of the homes and gardens. They were just magazine worthy!

Best name for a children's store EVER. (It's from Alice In Wonderland, in case you don't get the reference.)

Secluded, tree-lined beach. You really couldn't ask for a better backdrop. I've been a lot of places and West Michigan truly has some great beaches.

Just looking up!

The oak-lined trail to and fro. I would love to go back and just hike the trails.

Good finds: Iron key from Urban Cottage in Saugatuck, black wood apple and pear (just had to have them!) from Circa in Douglas, and wine rack from Wine Sellers of Saugatuck. I do need to make another trip SOON to visit Amsterdam, a real eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, garden treasures, you name it!

Pretty and Practical Gifts for Mom

It's not to late to get Mom something she'll covet for Mother's Day.
Need ideas? Here are some of my top picks.

You can never go wrong with a great flowering shrub that blooms all summer long and grows back year after year. Last year, I got my mom the Proven Winners Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea. It's hardy, it's pink and $1 from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. But, don't stop at hydrangeas. There are so many shrub options to choose from, including butterfly bush varieties, rose of Sharon, spirea and more. Check out Proven Winners for more shrub ideas or visit your local garden center.

Dirt Couture is probably my new favorite site, with for gifts for moms, friends or yourself. (Remember Father's Day is right around the corner, too!) This site offers a variety of handmade gifts for the garden, the home, organic vegetables and gift cards. Several items also offer free shipping. Some of my faves include the Good Egg Salt Cellar, the Canning Jar Chandelier and the Trook!

Every good woman should have her very own set of gardening tools. And yes, they should be pink. Bond MFG is teaming up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to bring you this pink gift set including bag, bypass pruner, pruning sheers, trowel and cultivator (with ergonomic grip!)

Yes, you may have noticed a theme. Breast cancer has affected too many family members and friends. So, get great gifts while supporting great causes. Happy Mother's Day!

Left: Pink 5-piece garden tool gift set, available at Amazon.
Top right: Proven Winners Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea
Bottom right: Tree of Life Necklace from Dirt Couture

Boots With Moxie

Anyone who really knows me, knows I love boots!

Take fall and winter right into spring with these fashionable gardening boots, perfect for the damp transition into summer.

These rubber boots, affectionately known as wellies or muckboots, are waterproof workhorses that are perfect for a rainy day or a soggy romp in the garden. Thick and sturdy, rinse these off with your garden hose and you're done.

I only have a pair of perpetually grass-stained and soiled sneakers, but see how these boots would be a good investment, as they range upwards in the $70+ range.

Now if only I had a mudroom...

far left: Toile rainboot by Tamara Henriques

middle: Hunter rainboot with Slugs bootliners found at Dirt Couture

upper right: Hunter floral boot

lower right: Tall boot from Gardener's Supply Co.

I Smell a Great Mother's Day Gift

What mom doesn't love getting flowers for Mother's Day? Sure an arrangement in a vase or hanging basket is great, but a colorful perennial will be the gift that keeps on giving for years to come. Even better, break out the shovel and plant it together.

My top pick is the Invincibelle Spirit hydrangea, another admirable flowering shrub by Proven Winners. In addition to being hardy and a repeat bloomer from spring until frost, for every Invincibelle Spirit purchased, $1 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

P.S. The Invincibelle Spirit stays pink regardless of your soil pH.