A springtime giveaway!!

**Winner:  Danielle!! Congratulations!  This giveaway is now closed.**



Just because its spring (at least here in the south!) and just because its fun, I am going to have a giveaway this week!

The winner will choose one of these two rings.

Jade-ite Delight. One of my favorite colors (can you tell?)

Two-toned brass flower



To enter, leave a comment answering this question:  What is your favorite thing about the spring season?

For extra entries, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog.
Be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

Have fun!!  I will draw a winner on Friday.

A boy and his trains

It all started with this little train set for Christmas when he was 1 1/2.

Then somewhere between the age of 2 and 3 he really got into Thomas even more.  So he got a few more Thomas things for Christmas when he was 2 1/2.

And more for his 3rd birthday.

And it all led to meeting, and riding on, the big Thomas.

And meeting Sir Topham Hat.

Then someone generously gave us a BUNCH of wooden tracks, trains, and buildings to go with his wooden set.

And we had to bring our trains along to Michigan when we visited Papa and Nana. :)

Of course we got more Thomas stuff for Christmas in 2010.

And we once again received more wooden pieces from another friend.

He just loves his trains!!

My display at The Market

There is a neat shop in Smyrna, TN called The Market.  It is an eclectic gift shop with many items made, or sold by, local vendors.  There is always new stuff being added, so it is fun to stop in every so often to see what's new.  My jewelry is on display there, and I just love how it is set up!  All the display pieces are mine, except the mannequin and the brass bird dish.  If you are ever in the area, be sure and stop by!  Tell Rhonda I sent you. :)

Lisa Leonard is having a giveaway!!

I had the awesome opportunity to meet Lisa at the Blissdom conference in January.  You may remember my blog post about it.  She has once again created something fantastic, and she is giving away two of them!   Be sure to go check out her new customized, handstamped forks.  They are so sweet!  Perfect for your wedding, or for a wedding gift.

What is your favorite ring?

I received a compliment on this ring today.  Which one of my rings is your favorite?

My apologies Anthropologie

I've always heard so much about this store, and yet I did not even realize we had one in Nashville until a few months ago.  Oops!!  So I finally had an opportunity to stop in there and look around for a few minutes.  Very, very pretty stuff!  Both clothing and home decor items.  The prices are a bit high for me, but they do have a clearance section!  So maybe the next time I have a little spending money, I can take some time to dig through those racks.  I personally cannot justify spending $78 for ONE top.  I just can't wrap my mind around that (just think of how many tops I can get from TJ Maxx for $78!!!!!)

I saw this dress inside and thought it was pretty, so I tried to snap a photo as we drove by (I did not dare try and take any photos inside the store, I am sure I would've been busted!)  Unfortunately I will not be purchasing this dress anytime soon, it costs $228. :)  But you can see a better photo of it below.

So now that I know we have an Anthro in Nashville, I will make a point to stop in every so often to look at the latest fashions.  And hit the clearance racks in search of that "gotta have it" deal!

Rachael Ray weekly menu planner- meal six

Tilapia with bell peppers and parsley spiked couscous

One 7.6 oz box couscous
1/2 cup plus 2 TB chopped flat leaf parsley
salt and pepper
3 TB oil
4 skinless tilapia fillets
2 lemons cut into wedges
2 bell peppers cut into thin strips
1 onion thinly sliced

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to boil, remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover and let stand for 5 min. Using a fork, stir in 1/2 cup parsley, salt and pepper. Keep warm. In a large skillet heat oil. Season fish with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning once, until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a serving platter, squeeze a wedge of lemon over each fillet and tent with foil to keep warm. Using the same skillet, heat the remaining oil, add the bell peppers and onion and season with salt and pepper, cook until softened and golden brown. Spoon the veggies over the tilapia and sprinkle with remaining parsley. Serve with couscous and lemon wedges.

YUMMY!!!!!  A mild tasting fish with sauted peppers and onions is just fantastic!!  And very quick to make as well.  Five stars from both of us, and even the leftovers were good!