A Marvelous Mess: Winter Walk!!!!

I am totally being crafty right now. But, I'm just not blogging about it. I haven't the foggiest idea why....I guess I just want it to myself right now. I *did* however just get a new Nikon camera and took some fun pictures in the woods today while we got some exercise. The light wasn't fantastic, but the stream we were near had some great ice formations..... and Buddy kept us laughing with his antics. He wanted to grab any stick (from twig size to tree size) and he wouldn't let up. At one point he saw a burl on a tree and was convinced he needed to GET IT..... without much success. :-) 

Chloe definitely didn't get why he needed that burl so very much. 

They are both snoozing right now. Chloe's in her kennel with some loud snoring, all snuggled in her blanket. Buddy is attempting to steal the couch from me, and will groan from time to time (we suspect because his paws might be too dry and getting a little cracked.....or I'm making too much noise, which is entirely possible). 

I hope you've had a lovely weekend!!!!

A Marvelous Mess: Dog Sledding!!!!!!!

We spent some time this afternoon dog sledding at the Arboretum in Augusta!!! It was a terrific event with inexpensive rides, a outdoor fire to warm yourself by, and lots of people passionate about one thing in particular: Sled Dogs. 

This is Lindy Howe, a Maine Guide and co-owner of Heywood Kennels in Augusta.

I introduced myself to her immediately (because I had been adoring her boots from afar.....Steger Mukluks .....I own a pair as well, but hers are just *gorgeous*). I got to learn a bit about her kennel and just get a sense for her. Now, there is a woman who really knows about, and is passionate about her dogs. 

Heywood Kennels offers Sled Dog adventures and they sound fantastic. You can find Heywood Kennel on Facebook HERE.

There were so many people, young and old, waiting for a ride or watching the talented dogs do what they do best. When waiting for people to be loaded into the sled, some teams would howl impatiently.....these dogs just love to pull. We all laughed as a new team lead dog was switched in to relieve a tired out pup, and the energy with which the new blood ran was phenomenal. The sled raced up the hill. 

This white team was particularly noisy; they just wanted to RUN. 

Lindy gave them treats while people who getting on and off the sled. 

Pups that were being rested watched jealously as the teams flew around the field. 

We had so much fun. I totally recommend going to for a Dog Sled ride!!! Find Heywood Kennels on facebook and get a hold of Lindy if you're in the central Maine area. I even saw, as I searched their facebook page, pictures from a birthday party held at the kennels.....now wouldn't that be something???!!!!! What a cool way to celebrate. 

Here's my party, link up your most recent projects:

Plant A Magical Fairy Garden

Image found at Miniature-Gardening.com

Plant a Magical Fairy Garden and Watch it Thrive

Having a fairy garden is not a new phenomenon anymore. After the latest trend of bonsai plants, this is another fun garden trend that’s here to stay. It is now within a person’s reach to create a magical fairy garden without any difficulty. In no time at all you can create a magical and lovely fairy garden at your home.

By now you must be wondering, what exactly is a fairy garden and how is it connected to bonsai plants? Also, do fairy gardens have any connection with the much talked about miniature gardens as well? The answer is very simple: fairy gardens are very similar to miniature gardens, except fairy gardens are more vivid in appearance. With bonsai plants around, they make for a very breathtaking tiny landscape or garden, which can also be conveniently moved, redeveloped, enhanced or even gifted to someone. These convenient gardens are easy to move and take care of. However, just like everything else, you need to learn how to properly take care of this garden and also find excellent quality products to incorporate. Then you’ll be on your way to making a magical fairy garden.

How Do You Create a Fairy Garden?

There are many factors that should be considered during the design process for your fairy garden, but when you begin to create your garden you may find it to be very simple. You will discover that a lot of imagination combined with good efforts goes a long way in designing and developing an attractive fairy garden. In fact, the very first thing to remember is to utilize your creative imagination while keeping in mind the following steps:

·     While planning the design of a fairy garden, you must decide whether you’d like it to stay on a small piece of land permanently or make it movable in a tray or cylinder. That way you will know whether it can be moved or not.

·     Once the location and container is chosen, the fairy garden’s home needs to be prepared for planting and ready to be decorated by first filling it with fertile soil. If the plant is going to be placed in a tray prior to putting the soil into it, it is important to place a few stones around the drainage hole, so that the soil won’t come out of the tray due to excess water.

·     To give a beautiful aesthetic look, after the soil is placed into the container, the plants need to planted properly. After they are planted, they then need to be watered enough so that the soil will settle and the plants will begin to grow. Now filling your garden with whimsical decorations should be fairly simple.

·     Extra care must be taken when applying decorative items to your garden site because they must not get too much dirt or water upon them if they are made of wood.

Keep in mind that changing the overall look of a fairy garden every once in a while will keep the charm alive. Imagination, creativity and nature go hand-in-hand when it’s about fairy gardens so continue to dream up new ideas that will make your garden look its best.

About the Author: Corrine loves planting new gardens and a fairy garden sounds magical. She can’t wait to incorporate fairy houses for the garden and enjoy a magical retreat for both her and her children.