For the beauty of Tala Stone jewelry: A Giveaway.

There is a woman in my life, who I love, that makes jewelry I also love. Because I love you too, I am introducing both, via a giveaway.

The woman's name is Pegah. She is the mother of these dark haired darlings, and one of my most cherished friends.

© Skye Blu Shoppe

When I finished school in Boston, poor, and heart-bruised, and uncertain of my future, she welcomed me into her home while I tried to figure out my next steps. It was a healing time for me, largely because she and her children are healing. We went on walks together every evening, played in parks, and occasionally got our nails done. When I was sick she shared her juice with me, and bought me sushi. Many days we just talked. The good kind of talks that you don't want to end, that are about things of consequence.

I treasure every moment I have with her. The lasts were during Spencer's dream graduation week, and were perfect. But how could they not have been, filled as they were with "so many bubbles" in the words of her oldest, and cuddle time with her youngest? That littlest's middle name also happens to be part of the inspiration for Pegah's jewelry, which is just as lovely as she is a person.

The middle name is Tala, which means gold in Farci. The shop is Tala Stone, and the necklace up for grabs is the very delicate and classic "Tiny Gold Circle Necklace." I ordered my own earlier this week, and am already dreaming about wearing it every day. (Especially every day I wear a dress.)

She also has a tiny heart necklace that I love. And a little skull one. And some very pretty raw brass, geometric earrings. And etcetera.

To enter, simply leave a comment with your email and a note about your favorite piece from Tala Stone. To enter twice, simply do the first two things, plus share this link on your social media outlet of choice, then let me know that you did. Also, please be a US resident :) (as the giveaway is open to US residents only). The winner will be selected randomly a week from Sunday. Best of luck!

And the winner is...

Blurry Spencer, drawing...

Blurry (and poorly lighted) winner: Cumorah! 

To her (the soon to be owner of Shabby Apple women's dress, Spanish Steps) I give my warm congratulations, and to everyone else I give my (still warm) apologies.

Happy Mother's Day, to all of the lovely mothers in my life.

Shabby Apple Giveaway Extravaganza.

Once upon a time, a woman from my favorite women's dress boutique emailed me that she liked my blog, and asked if I would be interested in hosting a giveaway. They provide the Shabby Apple dress free of charge, and I provide the lucky reader who gets to win it. While I am not interested in advertising things, I am interested in recommending things, especially those things I like (i.e., books and food), and I like Shabby Apple. This love of recommending probably stems from the library scientist in me. Either way, I wrote back a resounding yes.

Here I am, liking one of my favorite Shabby Apple dresses the day I became a Master,

and then another the day Hedi got married.

Here is the dress you may win:

It is called Spanish Steps and is from one of their newest Spring collections. If you are interested, leave a comment (or two, or three), and I will do some sort of drawing on May 8th, before posting again with the results. Good luck!