February Birthstone and Flower Mandala

Happy Birthday to everyone born in February!

For the month of February, there are 2 flowers, violets and primroses. So I asked my friends list on Facebook which one I should use. Everyone who commented said they liked violets!

The birthstone is amethyst which leads me to this border. My mom bought me a lot of amethysts through the years because they represent protection. Most of them were delicate little sterling rings, and a lot of them were handmade imports with braids, twists and granulation and cabochon stones. So the settings for the jeweled border this time borrows themes from those rings. The bezel is a zigzag, set in a circle of granulated balls and mounted on a braid.

Click the images below for larger versions to print and color or use for embroidery.

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I love you printable quote

I love you anyway, even if there isn't any me or any love or even any life. -Zelda Fitzgerald

Today's printable quote was supposed to be posted hours ago but getting the frame just so was a challenge. I hope you enjoy this! It's oriented for portrait printing, click on the image for a larger version, print and frame. The full sized version doesn't have my url on it, the small version above is available from my FB page if you want to share it.

I love Avocados from Mexico!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Avocados from Mexico for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

I love avocados. Especially when it's 10 degrees outside and all covered with snow because avocados taste like summer to me and my family. The photo above is my daughter in a fun apron with great big pockets that declares that avocado love. In her hands are Avocados from Mexico that will be a part of dinner tonight. Even in Alaska we can get gorgeous avocados for that summer flavor!

The apron is from Avocados from Mexico Cafe Press store where you can get lots of great merchandise to share the avocado love. The apron has great big pockets, and this one is the Red Hot design under the 2013 I Love Avocados tab.  Nice sturdy fabric and the design prints very well.

You can share your love for avocados, give virtual avocado gifts and download screensavers, ringtones and blogger badges from Share the Avocado Love Facebook app. I just sent this note to my friend Susan (last name removed for privacy)

So what are we having with avocados tonight? A family favorite. Chicken sandwiches with what we call "Green mayonnaise"  which is a mix of avocados, mayonnaise and garlic. The chicken is cooked with onions, cumin, salt and pepper, topped with cheddar or pepperjack cheese, served with sprouts on toasted whole wheat buns that are spread with the green mayonnaise. It used to be, I'd buy just one avocado and make enough just for dinner, but my family loves the spread so now I make extra for sandwiches the next day. It's easy, and so good! 

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They are also having a Twitter party on February 7th between 3:pm and 4:pm Eastern which is 12-1pm Pacific and here in Alaska 11 am to noon. I'll be there! Just follow @guacgrl or hashtag #iloveavocados to be part of the fun. There will be over 500 dollars in prizes including gift cards and CafePress gift cards. If you've never been to a Twitter party, here's your chance. I'll be there! 

Butterfly Rainbow Mandala to color

I want it to be spring already! I'm planning my garden, looking forward to seeing how my strawberries and raspberries come back and talking to my son about our plan for a dandelion recipes zine/ebook. (I'll make a limited number of physical booklets and also sell it as an e-book)

But it's still cold, and wintery and not anywhere near spring.
Hopefully this butterflies, rainbows and flower mandala to color helps you feel in a spring mood too.
Click on the images below for a larger version to print and color, or use for embroidery or whatever else you might want to use a happy butterfly and flower mandala for!

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