The Winners Are....

I had my husband pick random numbers for all the drawings this evening..

Here is what the results were:

------------------

Cupcakes: number 17- Lynn from the Vintage Nest

DVD Gardening Sets: numbers 12 and 18

Ellie and Dorothy

Book:number 7 - Jeanie

--------------------

Thanks to everyone that joined in the fun. I will be contacting the winners to get your mailing addresses to send you your prizes.

-----------

This was alot of fun for me...and I hope that you all will enjoy the goodies.

~The Garden Goose~

Tigers, Lions, and....

Spent all today at our local Zoo to celebrate our son's birthday. Had loads of fun.

Here are some of the images from the day.

Enjoy!

(click on collages to enlarge)

It was neat to see a wallaby with a baby in its pouch..the baby had hardly any hair on it, and peeked out only for a moment..neat!

The zoo had a few new exhibits..kangaroos, wallabys, kinkajoo,a new wolf encounter exhibit/show.

We saw an oragutan..I actually woke it up this morning by saying to it"hey there pretty girl..time to wake up"..as it was totally covered with a blanket..once I said "wake up"..it slowly removed it's blanket and wrapped the blanket around its head(as shown in the monkey collage) so cute!

The zoo also now has a parrot show that it presents..a few parrots perform tricks such as pretending to shop, ride a motorcycle, raise a mini flag, and ride a bike.

Too cute.

We were able to see a white peacock..I had never seen one of those before, and oh my..how magnificent..loved it.

(not shown here..but I was able to get some close up images of the peacock feathers..oooh so pretty!)

Anyhow..it was a terrific day..and as the Lion is doing in the lion collage..I'm starting to yawn..it was a good day, a busy day..but an oh so fun day!

My little boy is now 8 today..or is that two...ha.

(Leap yr. baby)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Thanks for joining me in "blogland"

~The Garden Goose~

p.s. wanted to say a great big "welcome" to all of the new folks visiting my blog recently. It is so wonderful to meet new friends. I hope you'll stop back by every now and again.

And oh yes..for those of you that want more pictures of dear "Collin"..I'll make sure to get a picture tomorrow to share here.

Hugs to you all. Have a lovely evening.

Added new items to Etsy shop..and more...

I've added a few fun items to my Etsy shop today.
----------

Some darling faux cupcakes in a cheery lemon color...and some adorable Hoppy bunnies! (just in time for Easter!

------------

First up are the Faux cupcakes:I call them "Lemon Delight" they remind me of sunshine and pink lemonade days.

So cute for adding a touch of whimsy to your Shabby Chic/CXottage decor. These are so fun to display on a pretty cakestand with a doily, or on a cute cina plate. ..lots of fun.

------------

Then next up are these darling Hoppy Bunny decorations!

Just in time for Easter! A darling Hoppy bunny. Ready to leap into your shabby chic/cottage decor.Add a touch of whimsy to your Easter decorations. Fun on a mantle area with ivy topiaries as an accent...or anywhere you wish to add a touch of fun and whimsy.These little bunny rabbits are made from a darling Easter egg print fabric and embellished with a bright cheery pink ribbon bow,and button eye. Each one has a different Easter tag derived from a replica of a Vintage Easter Greeting!

Available in my Etsy shop at: http://www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com/

---------------

The last 2 days(prior to today that is) have seen me climbing a ladder nearly all day long, both days..as I have been "finally" painting my son's bedroom. The last two days saw me tackling the ceiling!

Oh my! My poor arms/shoulders and legs were sore from the overhead holding of the paint roller to the up and down climbing of the ladder..but..ah ha!! at least the ceiling is a nice crisp white color now..it was amazing..the old color "looked" white at first..but when I started applying the new crisp white paint..the old white actually looked like tan..it had been many years since it had been freshened up with paint..and wow! what a difference!

-----------

I took the day off from painting today though to give my aching muscles a break..and then I'll begin the actual wall painting.

The room will be a pale baby blue color..real pale pastel/sky blue color.

------------

I went to Hobby Lobby this afternoon and got some more flowers to redo my floral arrangements in my living room.

And...they had some really nice upholstery/drapery /home decor type fabrics in the real extra long rolls ...at super cheap/blow out prices! Can we say "woohoo!"

I found some awesome fabrics that were normally $16.99 a yard..at just $2 and $4 a yard.

Yep!..I wracked up....because....I actually have big plans to do some major redecorating in my house...but...on the cheap..ha.

Pretty does NOT have to be expensive!

------------

I will have to take photos of some of the things I have started doing so far in my home.

----------

After I finish painting my son's room..my husband mentioned that next I ned to tackle the living room walls and the kitchen cabinetry..it's on the agenda.

-----------

Now...about the garden....

My sugar and snow peas have started sprouting and are about 2 inches high now..hopefully they will survive this sudden cold snap we are having this evening..with temperatures dipping down..supposed to anyhow ..to 29 tonight.

We now have some wee tiny starts of broccoli,oregano,spinach,mesclun,romaine popping up too. Hopefully these things will do well through this wee cold snap. If not..I'll have to start all over again..but I do have plenty of seeds .

-----------

I have many more items to get planted. Still have a large area that has been tilled..to get the wee bits of debris raked out and some compost raked in..and to plant lots of flower seeds into.

It shall get done.

-----------

Well,I'm off now to complete the remaining 5 Hoppy Bunnies that I'll have available in the etsy shop....and to create my new floral arrangements for my living room.

--------

Wishing you all a lovely evening!

Thanks for joining me in "blogland"

~The Garden Goose~

Leap Year Day Drawing number 3

In celebration of the upcomingLeap Year Day..which consequently

is also my son's birthday.I will be hostessing a couple of drawings on my blog.

-------------

It's getting to be that time of year again...the time where we begin planning and plotting out our gardens!---------

Drawing number 3/.... is for a set of 3 DVD's geared towards getting your garden ready for planting,garden renovation,and annual and perrenial plants!

-------------

I will be awarding 2 sets of these dvd's to 2 lucky winners!

------------------

*****Here are the rules to be eligible:*******

1. you must leave a comment with a way to reach you/active blog

2. you must include a link to "Small Town Living Magazine" on your blog(http://www.stliving.net/) ,along with an image of the magazine cover in the post.

(right click on image to save to desktop/then when creating your blog entry up under "add an image" browse up under "desktop" and insert image into your blog entry)

-----------

That's all!

Please feel free to tell your friends to join in the fun over at

"The Garden Goose!"

------------------------------

~The Garden Goose~

Leap Year Day Drawing Number 2

In celebration
of the upcoming
Leap Year Day..
which consequently
is also my son's birthday.
I will be hostessing a
couple of drawings on my blog.
-----------
Drawing number 2 is for
A copy of:
"You Can Do It!:The Merit Badge Handbook for Grownup Girls.
(by: Lauren Grandcolas)

------------------

Now...each contest has slightly different "rules" to be elgible.

------------

Rules for this drawing are:

1. You must include a link back to my blog.

2. You must also include a link to "Small Town Living Magazine" http://www.stliving.net/ with the image to the right included.

3. Lastly a comment with way to reach you(active blog).

----------

Drawing to be held Leap year Day!

~The Garden Goose~

Leap Year Day Drawing number 1...

In celebration
of the upcoming
Leap Year Day..
which consequently
is also my son's birthday.
I will be hostessing a
couple of drawings on my blog.
The first drawing is for a set
of 7 mini pink faux cupcakes.
-------------

Rules:

Please leave a link back to the contest on your blog..and a comment.

That's all..easy.

But in order to be elgible I do ask that you please put a link back to my blog about the contest/drawing on your blog..you must have a blog/way to contact you left in the comment section please.

--------

Drawing to be held Leap Year Day/evening.

~The Garden Goose~

Speaking of the Moon...and more...

Speaking of the moon..did you all get a chance to see the eclipse this evening? We did..for a little bit..and I managed to capture a few halfway decent images..minus a tripod now mind you. Do you know how hard it is to take a picture at night while trying not to shiver because it is chilly out?
Anyhow..I managed a few shots...not perfect..but neat none the less.

-----------

Also the purse that I won from Lilla Le Vine's blog..came in yesterday's mail. The pictures do not do it justice..it is really pretty.

------------I entered a swap over at the Mary Jane's Farm forum...where we were to create a hand made hanky for someone.

I made a handpainted hanky with beaded trim lace.-----------

I recieved a darling hanky from the person that got my name...she embroidered a darling little duck and a rose on mine for me.

So cute!

Collin~ the puppy is doing so well. He honestly is a very sweet, and so far..very easy puppy...he tends to whine when he needs to go out..so..thus far the house training is going exceedingly well...yay!

He's so very lovable and really likes the lap time.

Of course he's definitely in that chewy stage. And that includes trying to chew fingers..ouch!

I did pick him up a chew toy, but wouldn't ya know..he doesn't like to play with it very much..ha.

I do feel though that he will be a very good dog. His personality thus far is very mild mannered and just happy go lucky.

-----------------

Well...that's all for this evening.

Thank you all for the "congratulations" on our new furry baby.:0)

---------------

Thanks for stopping by for a visit...I hope you'll stop by again real soon.

Have a lovely week!

~The Garden Goose~

I'm over the moon...come meet my new fur baby..

I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted and beyond happy..(if that's even possible..ha) to introduce you all to my new companion fur baby.....(my wonderful husband bought him for me today)

A salt and pepper colored miniature schnauzer that is 8 weeks and 1 day old...

and whom I have named.....

"Collin"

his full.. soon to be registered name... will be "Collin King Bellamy"

which translates to"Collin= a puppy, King= royalty,Bellamy =your pretty friend...I think that is a pretty apt name.

So..without further ado..meet "Collin"!(who was actually trying to fall asleep when I snapped this picture)

~The Garden Goose~

Planting time...

Today..according to my almanac ..it was "seed planting time" for above ground crops/seed beds.
So...I spent most of the day outside with oldest daughter and hubby..and we got quite alot accomplished.
----------------------
I planted some viola and pansy plants at the front of one of the raised boxes in the herb garden area by the back door.(there are 4 squares there to plant in)
And I planted seed for lemon basil,oregano,dill, spearmint and peppermint.
--------------------
We also cleaned up the strawberry bed..a large 8 ft. x 4 ft bed exclusively for strawberries...and added 8 more large/lush strawberry plants to that bed...and also cleaned out the 2nd large raised bed which is the same size..8 ft. by 4 ft.
------------------------------------
Then in the new 3 1/2 ft. x 31/2 ft beds that we just built and filled with soil yesterday...... I planted some broccoli,brussel sprouts and cauliflower plants..all together..I know it will fill in quite full on that bed..but I sowed seed for some broccoli and also planted a few started plants in there...so that by the time one crop is completed..a fresh crop will be halfway to maturity..sort of staggering it a little.
---------------------
Then our 2nd ...3 1/2 ft. x 31/2 ft bed is totally devoted to a mix of spinach and mesclun and other lettuces.
--------------------------
.....then....I worked on cleaning out a large about 6 ft.x 4 ft bed in our courtyard area...weeded it..and then added cow compost and soil..then sowed seed for sugar snap peas and a packet of mixed tomato seeds in that area.
--------------------
Then mist watered everything. Crossing my fingers that everything will start sprouting and growing soon.I planted everything by the moon phase/almanac chart today ...so after all this work today I really hope everything grows really well.
--------------------
Hubby re-tilled the large area behind the cottage garden area we already have..we are extending the cottage garden area by about another 8-9 ft . x about 12-15 ft.
We'll be adding cow compost and soil to that area soon and a small part of it will be planted with veggies but the rest will be devoted to flowers.
Hubby also tilled an area between the 2 large raised beds(one is the strawberry bed I told you about..the other will be for other vegetables) and the cottage garden ..and that area will be a mulched or stone path..we haven't decided exactly which option yet.
-------------------
And ....hubby also started tilling up an area about 10 ft. long by about 4 ft. wide up against the fence...this area will be devoted to cucumbers and melons.
----------------------
We are all good and tired now..and when I came in..hubby was working on trying to finish up the chicken coop for our little gals.
"Henny Penny" and "Chicken Little"
--------------------
And all day long today..the sun didn't hardly shine at all..it was so very windy and overcast all day.
I didn't see very many birds flying around today..I joked with my daughter that if there had been any flying around they'd most likely have been doing aerial acrobats and tumbles it was so windy..ha.
------------------------
Now..I cannot wait until everything starts to grow. It will be so nice to have fresh home grown veggies and also to not have to pay so much at the grocery store.
----------
We also have a friend that lives way out in the country and has several blueberry trees to tell us that ...come blueberry season we can go pick as much blueberries as we want from the bushes..because he didn't get around to it last year during last years' blueberry season and so many went to waste..that come this year we can come by and pick as many as we want.
Wooohoo! We love blueberries here.
My littlest one refers to them as "blueblairies"..ha.
--------------------
Now that is something I would like to have several plants of our own... is things like blueberries and raspberries.
------------------------
O.k. ..some of you asked what do you do with fake cupcakes?? Well..I made them to be used as display in Victorian/Shabby Chic/ and Cottage decors.
They can be set in amongst displays of tea cups and displayed on cake stands and tucked in amongst doll displays and so forth. For a touch of fun and whimsy.
I am making them to add to my etsy shop.
------------------------
Well...that's all for now.
Thanks for joining me in "blog land" today.
~The Garden Goose~

If only they were real...

If only they were real...I'd be in trouble...ha..and they'd probably be gone by now...especially around my household.

They sure look scrumptious though and I'm delighted that I found out how to make them...

What are they? you may ask...

Well..... it's this....

Tah -Dah!!! Faux Cupcakes!!

Isn't this one adorable..and so pretty in pink.

Totally unedible..100 percent calorie free...ha.

If only the real version was calorie free we'd have it made..:0)

I'm going to work on getting better at the frosting part..but I really like how cute they have turned out thus far.

Can't wait to make more of them.

~The Garden Goose~

I won! yay!..and thank you!...and more...

I recently participated in the "One World/One Heart" blogland give away event..there were over 400 blogs involved in this large event to bring bloggers from round the world together.

Lots of prizes/drawings going on.

Yes..I entered a few of the drawings and ...I actually won a few wonderful surprises!

I cannot wait until the mail comes in now.

A special thank you to the following gals:

I actually won a purse from Lilla Le Vine!!! at: "Just Lilla"

http://justlilla.blogspot.com/

I am so very excited to have been chosen by this wonderful textile artist to own one of her lovely purses. Lilla's artwork is known throughout Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia..and has also been featured in the Galleries of Houston, the famous Fairfield wearable art show, a touring exhibit in Japan and Switzerland. ..among others. What an honor to own one of her artworks. Oooh I'm so excited for the mailman to deliver this lovely item!Thank you Lilla!

-----------------------

I also won a wonderful art box creation from Jeanie!! at: "The Marmelade Gypsy"

http://themarmeladegypsy.blogspot.com/

the box is simply beautiful and ..she hasn't let on what is ..inside the box..oooh I love surprises. The box is a bronze color with other embellishments on it to symbolize the sky, moon, stars. Very pretty!Oooh what fun! It certainly looked lovely in the pictures and I can't wait to see it in person.So much talent in blogland. I'm really honored to have won.

Thank you Jeanie!

-----------------------

I also won a darling Dotee doll from Grace!! at: "Grace Beading"

http://gracebeading.blogspot.com/

The doll is made by Grace and is so very darling and oh so cheerful. She painted the cutest butterfly on it and lots of bright colors..and it has the cutest little red shoes! Oooh fun!fun!

I can't wait to see it in person.Really honored to have won a lovely art doll.

Thank you Grace!

---------------------------

Today I spent part of the day working in the yard with oldest daughter..we worked on creating 2 raised beds to which we added cow compost and soil to. We'll be planting seeds for our garden into those soon. I'm going to try and plant by the moon phases according to the almanac that I picked up from the feed store this week.

I bought some nice big strawberry plants to add to our strawberry bed(a large 8 ft long raised bed strictly devoted to strawberries..yay!

I also picked up some broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower plants at the feed store the other day as well.

Then I also dumped a container of earth worms into the soon to be herb kitchen garden by the back patio.

We ripped out the old deck ,and some of the wood from the deck to create a raised bed garden area in the spot where the deck used to be.It wound up making 4 mini raised bed areas with a small mulched and round stone path through the middle of it directly off of the patio. We left the deck railing up to be able to set pots of small plants on the railing or to eventually set window boxes on.

I'll use that area for herbs like basil,oregano,lemon thyme and so forth..and may add a bit of cheer with a few marigolds here and there..and maybe even a garden gnome tucked in there somewhere..ha.

---------------------------

Well..that all the news here today...

May you all have a lovely weekend!

Thank you for joining me in "blogland"

~The Garden Goose

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!/and the winner is....

Happy Valentine's Day!

-----------------

and now to announce the winner of the drawing.... number 64....

Becky Kelly....of "Stitching For Life"

Congratulations Becky!!

--------------------

A great big THANK YOU!! to everyone that stopped by to join in the fun.

I do hope that you will all stop back by for a visit from time to time.

-----------------------

It was great fun being a part of the "One World/One Heart " event.

-----------------------

May you all have a lovely day!

-----------------

~The Garden Goose~

For you/freebies for altered art

Here are a few images that you can use for your altered art creations.
Simply right click on the image and do a "save as" on your computer. (this is the only post where this is allowed on my blog. please honor this and do not steal photos or images from this blog/thank you.)These can be used for altered art creations.

Happy Valentine's Day!

~The Garden Goose~

One World/One Heart Valentine's Giveaway

The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way.
This event is hosted by Lisa Oceandreamer
You may see other blogs that are participating in this international event at:
http://oneworldevent.blogspot.com/
A great big thanks to Lisa for coordinating this event across "blogland"
------------------------------
NOW FOR MY GIVE AWAY!!!
----------------
I'm a wee bit late on joining the "Love train" but here is my contribution:

A copy of the book:"You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown Up Girls" by:Lauren Grandcolas------------------Leave a comment and a link to an ACTIVE blog to participate.

It's as easy as that.

Thanks and good Luck!

Drawing to be held on Valentine's Day.

Announcement here on the 15th.

I will contact you through the blog address you leave for me if you are a winner.

--------------------------and while you are here..why don't you take a jaunt over to our online magazine "SMALL TOWN LIVING" at:www.stliving.net

~The Garden Goose!

thanks to everyone!

thanks to everyone that entered my drawing. It was so much fun.
I'll be hostessing another drawing soon.
In the meantime check out the drawings over at:

http://oneworldevent.blogspot.com/
for 300 blogging giveaways...can we say "woohoo!"
including this one:
that I've entered
http://artpubstudios.typepad.com/deb_trotter/2008/02/cowgirl-valenti.html
"Ride that Art Pub Pony"
-------------
Everyone loves a give away and blog land is full now of an event called One World/One heart with lots of lovely items being featured on blogs..so head on over and join in all the fun.
~The Garden Goose~
p.s....shown above a 1903 print that I'll soon be adding to my decor..isn't she pretty? I thought so..won her on ebay a few days ago. she was an actress back in early 1900's..sorry can't remember her name..but I liked the colors/look/design...now to find frames for my lovelies. I'm enjoying this new "shabby chic" look in my home..I know it's not a new look for many of you..but for me it is..I hope it's not out of style now that I'm finally getting a little bit on board..ha.

AND THE WINNER IS!!!!.....

Drumroll please.....

I had my husband draw the name and it is...

La-tea-dah----from Gracious Hospitality!

Congratulations!

--------------------

I will get your package right out to you. Please email me through the site here. And I will also contact you through your blog to get your mailing address.

---------------------

It was so much fun to hostess another drawing..and so much fun to "meet" new bloggers along the way!

I hope that you all will stop by every now and then to say "howdy" once in a while.

Of course I'll be having more drawings from time to time./.I never know when I'll be in the mood to have one..so ..stop on by once in a while..and most of all...don't stay a stranger.

------------------

I hope that you all have a lovely weekend!

~The Garden Goose~

Lovely Artwork!

My friend Dawn over at The Feathered Nest(http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/) has entered her lovely artwork in this contest:

http://charmingsam.blogspot.com/2008/02/valentines-day-art-contest-please-cast.html

Please vote for her image on the contest site if you would.

Dawn creates some of the most astonishingly beautiful pieces of altered artwork that takes you to a place of serenity and beauty and calmness. The artworks are all created by Dawn using found objects or vintage objects and embellishments and are lovingly crafted.

Dawn also offers her treaures in her etsy shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5080161

Dawn is holding a contest on her blog for this lovely piece of artwork.

~The Garden Goose~

Vintage items for sale or barter...

I've listed these items over in my etsy shop this evening..but I'm willing to trade them for a couple of vintage plates with roses on them if anyone wants to do a swap.
I can remove them from my etsy shop listing if anyone is interesting in swapping me out for vintage plates with either yellow roses on them or pink roses or a rose print of some kind on them.

Here's what I have and the prices I have them listed in the shop/what I'd like to trade for :

Lot of 9 vintage photos

$20/free shipping or trade for 2 dinner plate sized vintage plates with roses on them...or 3 small vintage plates with roses on them.

---------------------

-set of vintage Westminster Abbey architectural postcards.

$7/free shipping or trade for small vintage plate with roses on it.

If interested in trading or what have you ..simply email me through the blog here and we'll work out a swap.

If you do not have little plates that you'd like to swap,,but are still interested in the items email me and lets talk..I like lots of different things..but lean towards Victorian/Shabby/Cottage type items..so even if you don't have exactly what I have mentioned in the "wanted" list..I might be willing to consider something else.I'd like to find a home for these items so will consider different offers.

Thanks.

~The Garden Goose~

My new goodies for decor/and hey..what's my style??

So..I mentioned that I'm starting to lean towards more vintage goodies for decorating..and that I'd share some photos..so here goes.

I must tell you...I'm not sure what my style is at all..I love several different things..and even at nearly age 40..(eeks did I just say that..4-0! yep..It's true) ..I still do not know what my decorating style is..but..I've started just to sort of "go with the flow" and decorate with the things I love now. But I'd like to have a definable style though...for so long it has been hodge podge "Tina style"..ha ,but I'd like a style that actually can be somewhat defined...and has a name that "they" call it. So that I can learn what type of items match/go together the best with it...what type of accent items I can be on the look out for to pull a completed look together.

I'm thinking that over time I'll be clearing out things that I had.."just because"..and I'll be working on finding out just what my "style" is.

But..here's some of the fun goodies I found to help decorate my walls.

So..hmm..based upon these images..what would you say my style leans towards? As I simply adore images like this.

And I also have a large image(below of the girl with water jug) in my living room in a large ornate frame over my sofa. I currently have dark wood panelling in my living/dining room area and want to paint the walls white.

So..what "style" is this type of thing called?
I should add that I have an aqua blue colored leather sofa.

Any ideas ladies?

Thanks.Any advice/insight is so much appreciated.

~The Garden Goose~

***p.s. thanks for all of the sign ups for the contest thus ...have enjoyed all of your comments..and enjoying seeing alot of "new faces" here visiting my blog. I hope that you all will become regular visitors. Drawing will be held Feb.8th.