Sweet Springtime Dreams

Are you dreaming of spring? I’ve been imagining outfits in my mind for weeks now. I’ll be the best-dressed mom in the ‘burbs ;) Hopefully someone will invite me someplace amazing, and I’ll have an excuse to buy the perfect Ulla Johnson dress—my favorite designer muse lately.

I am all for the every-now-and-again splurge. I take my fashion the way I take my diet: 80/20—80% healthy, feel-good, luxury; 20% feel-good, luxury. See how I did that? I, for one, cannot be healthy ALL the time. Been there, done that. Destined for failure. God didn’t create us to be perfect, just sayin’.

Having that choice though in itself is a luxury. Some of us don’t get to choose whatever, never, ever. Sometimes choosing the 20% can have consequences, like a hangover, or a weird allergic reaction. I take that risk—not lightly—but I do take it, because sometimes I choose joy and beauty over health. The sweet spot is where joy, beauty, and health intersect. Why does it have to be one or the other? Why can’t Ulla Johnson use natural dyes, and then I wouldn’t have to choose? I’m a sucker for a gorgeous dress and a platter of cheese with a glass of Prosecco. Oh discipline; I’m workin’ on it.

In the meantime, garden planning is another one of my favorite ways to bring some color into these grey days. After my last dye workshop at Wild Roots, I wanted to create a simple standalone resource for anyone who wants to easily plant a flower dye garden. There is truly nothing more magical. You can download it here. Let me know if you have questions! I’m happy to help you get growing without all the overwhelm of a big ole gardening book, which, frankly, can be confusing when you just want to get started. You will have some garden fails when you’re just starting out, so seriously, just ask if you get stuck.

I am obsessed with marigolds and how gorgeous they are on fabric, but the flower that I had the most fun experimenting with last year was cosmos, “double-click cranberries.” Oh. My. Gosh. They are freakin’ amazing, and I’m growing a boatload this year.

Download the How to Grow Your Own Flower Dye Garden here! You’ll be signing up for my emails in the process, and I’ll be sending more helpful info on this process as I add more resources. And then show me your pictures later, will you? You can post your flower-growing pics and tag me on Insta in the summertime! How fun. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s just get through February. We’re almost there.