Surroundings by Melinda: March 2014

Monday, March 24, 2014

it's finally here...spring

Well Spring is finally here!!!

I love spring.

One of the quintessential signs of the return of spring is the first precious spotting of a nest. I love little bird's nest as much as I love spring! My column in the April issue of

Romantic Homes magazine

is all about decorating with these amazing treasures...bird's nests.

Here's a sneak peek...

I loved writing and photographing this article so much. It's hard to beat a column about two of my most favorite things in the entire world...Spring and bird's nests!

Happy Spring

Thursday, March 6, 2014

new american homesteader

It's here! The premiere issue of the magazine

New American Homesteader

is officially on newsstands.

It is such an honor for me to be a part of this new magazine. Reading this magazine...for me...is like going home!

Do you want to get back to basics?

Are you a country girl at heart?

Does a simpler life sound appealing to you?

This magazine is for you!!!

My article is called "Spring for Savings". I try to give a few ideas for up-cycling household items into clever means of organization. Here are just couple of things to get you started...

To read the article I hope you will rush out to pick up a copy! The entire magazine is a joy to read from cover to cover.

Here are just a few topics in this issue...

~how to make beautiful homemade soaps

~the 5 step backyard planning guide

~homemade chevre...making goat cheese from scratch

~seed starting secrets

~fresh ideas for farm-fresh eggs...homegrown recipes

~chicken coop inspirations

~household cleaners made from items in the pantry

...and so much more!

Thanks for taking a peek...

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

playing dress up

After a few straight weeks of sewing I was finally ready to show my little dresses. It was a fun event in the most beautiful setting. Here are a few pictures...