C'est La Fete!

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True.

Except this time, you don't need to spend a dime....

The fabulous Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages is hosting a European blog party, and I am so happy to be a part of it again this year...

As of today, more than fifty bloggers are participating...

and it's not too late to join in the fun!

Bon Voyage, mes amis!

Charles Schulz

Little Treats, Big Pleasures

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Little treats can be life's sweetest and most memorable pleasures, 

don't you think?

GypsyInMe

Such a treat to see Nature finally burst forth 

in all of its luxuriously green glory...

GypsyInMe

Even the bunnies are loving it...

GypsyInMe

I don't have a garden, so once a year 
I treat myself to a luscious bouquet 
of fragrant peonies...

(my favorite flowers)

GypsyInMe


It's the little things....

GypsyInMe



I'd like to share another very special treat with you...
the summer issue of 
Scarlet Pink magazine...

click here to order your copy



This is a new publication featuring wonderful artists 
from every genre and walk of life...truly inspirational.
What makes it EXTRA special is that one of the magazine's head writers is none other than a most dear, talented, gracious friend...
Anita Rivera of the Castles Crowns and Cottages blog!
In this issue, she interviews several gifted artists, including blog friends 
Violet Skyles, Martine Voigt-Schmid, and Zsa Zsa Bellagio...
The brilliant Sylvia of Sylvia's Simple Life is featured as well.



And while you browse through the beautiful pages, sip on the most refreshing and gorgeous beverage treat I have ever tasted...

GypsyInMe

Elderflower and Rose Lemonade by the U.K.'s Belvoir Farms....
(a bit pricey and hard to find, but soooo worth it!)


What a pretty bottle!
I came across this loveliness at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago...everything about this special treat is extraordinary...
The packaging and lovely rosé color wowed me, but it's the flavor that made me want to share it with you...
I happen to love all of these components separately, (Elderflower, Rose, Lemon), but Belvoir has managed to combine them in a most exquisite way...
You can read more about Belvoir Farms here...


And lastly, taking time to paint is a HUGE treat for me...
I do promise to share what I'm working on in the coming weeks, but for now, here's a little garden painting inspired by one of my favorite impressionists, Childe Hassam...

GypsyInMe







Thank you for reading this rather long-winded post!
:)

I hope you are savoring life's little treats, dear friends!

Love and Blessings,
- Irina

Women's Circle Traveling Journal

A Happy May to all...

Whether it's spring or fall where you are, 
I hope the weather is lovely and that your heart is happy!

I still am finding myself falling behind in blogging... continuing to juggle the new responsibilities of MIL living in town...
aahhh...just breathe, right?
:)

Deep breathing helps...as does paint.
I am playing with color, and in the midst of my "stress-relief" I was invited to participate in  the most lovely project...


"The Women's Circle Traveling Journal"

What an honor for me...
Especially since I create just for fun...
So many talented women are taking part in this living work.

The wonderful, talented Ana of Introverted Art
is the woman behind this journal idea...thank you!
Please do visit Ana HERE for gorgeous, inspirational art and wise musings.



Here is a snippet of my contribution...truth be told, I was so nervous. 
There wasn't much room for mistakes, and I just kind of went with my intuition regarding the subject matter....
inspired by spring...and friendship....

"Love Grows Here"

Have a beautiful weekend!
xoxo