Fabulous Friday #19: Planting Some Memories

Sunday is Mother's Day. How many of you are panicking? Right at this minute. Thinking, I need to go find my Mom a present. Hey, I've been thinking about it for weeks. You see, my Mom isn't your normal mom. She doesn't like getting boxes of chocolate, Edible Arrangements, flowers, balloons, that sort of thing. In fact, my Dad knew perfectly, how to treat my Mom.

We didn't buy her flower arrangements. No way! We'd buy her potted flowers. Or rose bushes. Something for the yard. My Mom spends a lot of time, crocheting. And sewing. In the winter. But once the weather starts warming up, and there is more daylight in the evening...she is in the yard. Pretty much, from Spring to Fall, my Mom is outside.

Last year, we spent most of the Summer outside. I'm not lying! After my Dad's passing, our friends came and cleaned our yard. And after my Dad's services, we pretty much spent all of our free time, outside. I'd begin with painting all of our outdoors stuff. We'd continue to clean the yard. My Mom would plant. We started a garden. And would eat most of our meals, outdoors.

It stayed that way, all Summer long. I'd get up in the morning, water the grass. Play with our dog. Make breakfast, and take it outside. My Mom would wake up, we'd eat. And then, get our hands dirty. Having a nice yard, is a lot of work! And at the time, it was very therapeutic.

Actually, I've always found yard work therapeutic. When I got my home, I'd spend hours and hours outside. Where my Mom is the Queen of Flowers, I was the Gardening Queen. And last year, our yard, really saw those benefits.

So when I was thinking about a Mother's Day gift, I was thinking of something for the yard. Since we no longer have a business, we have a TON of empty land! And every single time, I'm washing dishes, I'm reminded of it. Our backyard was split into, the Business Side. And the Fun Side. These days, it's more like the Gorgeous and Green side...and all that dirt.

My Mom had always remarked, about the Flower Gardens that I'd planted at my home. About 3 years, into living in my home, I bought these big Flower Garden packages. They come with all these bare roots, and bulbs. I planted them...some according to the enclosed diagrams...and others by my own taste.

I figured, that is what I'd get my Mom. Almost 4 months ago, I ordered this set. Because my Mom adores hummingbirds. She has about 6 feeders, in the backyard. And we get nearly 100 hummingbirds a year! So I placed the order. And it arrived yesterday. :)

I'll be doing a lot of planting today and tomorrow. And no, I'm not "out of the woods," to speak. I'm still heading out, and in need of some gifts. My Mom's birthday is on Thursday. And I wanted to get her a sentimental gift, for Mother's Day.

But if you are interested in something similar, let me help you out a bit. The set I ordered for my Mom was $130. It's meant for full sun. All the plants are small. Or bareroots. But they are all ready for planting.

I on the other hand, was looking for shade plants. When I ordered mine, years ago. Trying to replace the dying grass, under my gigantic pecan trees. They no longer have the set I ordered. But this one is interesting. At $160.

This set of ferns and hostas, would be amazing! Especially at $120. Could you imagine, how pretty your yard could look? When they are fully grown, it would be gorgeous. And from experience, I know these bad boys continue growing. Every year. Bigger and more beautiful! They are perfect for the shaded parts of your yard!

If you are more interested in the edibles, here is a perfect collection. For $35. It would be a nice little gift, for your Mom or Grandma. I know a few friends, who wouldn't mind getting this from their hubbys. Honestly, it is nice to go outside, and pick fresh veggies.

And if veggies seem like too much work, an herb garden would be perfect! For $32 you get just enough freshness, to add to your garden. And cooking!

Honestly, it doesn't have to be anything super crazy. Or HUGE. You can go to your local nursery, or super store, and pick up a couple of plants. Or flowers. And go make some memories with your mom. I know my Mom, appreciates things like this, much more than a bouquet of roses.

It's crazy how we can go out into the yard, and she'll tell me stories. About the trees my Dad and her planted, when I was just a baby. About the rose bushes, he gave her over the years. And the tons of flowers, we planted together. Try a new tradition this year. And see where it takes you! ❤

Wishful Wednesday #5: Wellies

Wellies. Rain boots. Rubber boots. Galoshes. Garden boots. Whatever you call them, I LOVE them! Always have. And probably always will! There is something about them, that brings a smile to my face.

I first remember wellies, when I was a small kid. I used to help my grandpa, with his big garden. It was a HUGE task! My grandpa, was in his 80s, lived in the mountains, and insisted on a big garden! So all 6 years of me, would go help him. And he always insisted, we wear our rubber boots.

My grandpa would put on his overalls, plaid shirt, and rubber boots. He bought me a pair, at K-Mart. They were bright yellow. And I'd put them on, with my little short set. And we'd head out. We'd work on the garden for hours. Praying before we did work. Working hard, until lunchtime. Then we'd sit under a tree, and eat lunch, while listening to Paul Harvey. We did this every single day, during the summer. Afternoons were for relaxing, playing, and feeding the animals.

Then when I went to college, and had my own HUGE yard to manage, I went back to my wellie ways. I went to Target, and bought me a pair. With hearts, all over them! Every single time, I worked in the yard, I wore them. My neighbors thought I was nuts! 110 degrees, yoga pants, and wellies. :)

In October 2014, my Dad might have convinced a nurse to help him. Order me a pair of blue wellies. From his hospital bed. Just because! And I LOVE them! I might have started wearing them, because it sprinkled outside. Then when the snow hit. Now, I just wear them because, well I want to. With jeans. To the grocery store. Yup, I'm that lady.

And I wanted to share my love with you. It doesn't matter your price point. There is something out there for you! Promise! Yes, we probably all dream about the expensive ones. But there are more affordable pairs. That are so fun to wear!

This first pair, is more affordable. $40. From the Gardener's Supply Company. Definitely a gardener's type of wellie. A little fun and funky. Last week, they had the perfect polka dot pair. Sadly, they are now sold out!

Can we stop? For just a moment, and take them all in! Navy. Pink. Polka Dots. Hello lover! These are amazing! The Joules Molly Welly, are $58 at Back Country. They are currently having a sale. And I am really struggling, to not buy these! Seriously, they are sitting in my cart right this minute.

They are a nice classic, navy color. With just enough pink, to make them fun. And interesting. Those polka dots, they have my heart! No questions asked! And the little buckles, give the boots a sense of charm. Grace. And luxury.

These boots, I've seen a variety of styles, that are a close match. At all price points. With a little more pink, a slightly larger buckle, maybe a bow. But these are the ones, that keep calling my name. Again, a Joules product. This time, found at Target. For $75.

Like I said, I saw a variety of similar boots, from $20-200. It just depends on your taste. And where you decide to buy them. But honestly, these stripped boots, would be timeless. And would add just a bit of whimsy, to any outfit! I wouldn't mind getting a pair, for Love Day!

This next pair is also from Target. They are fun and funky. Love those little chickens. Makes me think, of all the time, I spent with my grandparents growing up. Working on the garden, feeding animals, and having fun! This pair is also by Joules, and comes in at $75.

The last pair, is by far, the most expensive. At $150. But is probably the best made pair, of the bunch. Hunter boots. Oh my goodness! Looking at their website, just makes me happy. So many pretty colors! Thundercloud, this lavender color, is my favorite! Maybe I'll win the lottery or something...

These are similar to the ones my Dad bought me. Except mine are dark blue. And, cost a fraction of the price. He got them on some deal, on one of the various "Morning Shows," we used to watch. But they are super comfy! And so warm! They also go, with just about anything in your closet. I may have worn mine, with a Summer Dress, this past Spring. :)

My only suggestion is, find some fun socks. Long socks. Boot socks preferably. But I feel this way, about any pair of boots, that you might throw on. Your feet will stay nice and warm. And dry, in a pair of wellies.

And don't just look at the price. I say this all the time. Shop your local stores. Go where you usually go to shop. I've purchased wellies, at Target. And K-Mart. Both for around $20. I've shopped e-Bay. And found some good quality, brand new wellies, for $15. I've purchased them online, at various stores. With online coupons. For anywhere between $20-200. They are all amazing!

Yes, I might have a wellie problem. It might have taken me, a week, to write this post. I kept getting distracted, by the endless possibilities! But really, they are a fun addition, to any outfit. At anytime of the year. And honestly, at any price point.

Go out. Take a look around. And buy a pair. They're not just for working in the yard. Or rainy days. Heck, pull on a pair of shorts, or your favorite summer dress. And add a little fun, to your outfit! ❤