when july gets hot...

the fair comes to town...

full of colors and deafening sounds...

screams of thrilling excitement...

When the fair came to town on Wednesday, Mother, my aunt, and my cousins and I went yesterday. We spent the morning looking at the animals, finding out that most of them were not coming until Saturday. :) We returned home for luncheon, and late afternoon took my eldest cousin to ride the fair attractions... 

I was really excited to go, just to snap a few photographs. I am not very partial to the fair...too many sounds, too much inappropriateness and drunkeness, too much bad stuff going on there, but 't was fun to watch my little cousin ride her first rides!:) 

{my favorite ride...'course, I didn't ride it, since we're going to Disneyland next month. :)}

{carousels are so photogenic. :)} 

Hope that you all have a lovely weekend and keep out of the heat! :)

Love always,
Grace

To wish Johanna a happy birthday~

Hello, dear readers!

Everyone knows Miss Johanna at An Old Fashion Girl, do you not? If you have never visited her blog, first of all, *gasp,* and second of all YOU SHOULD!!! =D Johanna is one of the sweetest young ladies around this corner of the blogging world, and one of my first friends I gained through my blog. 

Well, to-day, is a very special day for her, for she is celebrating her birthday!

Help me wish her a happy birthday at her lovely, little blog {and follow if you get the chance...I'm sure she would love new followers :)}. Click here to post a little, birthday comment.

To My Sweet Old-Fashion Girl~

 Before I had met you, I had always wished, prayed, and hoped for a maiden with just the same interests as me, but the Lord blessed me instead with a wonderful sister in Christ. How grateful I am that we were connected through this little garden o' mine, and I pray that our friendship shall continue to grow as time goes on. 

You are the sweetest, most encouraging, most loving, young lady, and I am overwhelmingly blessed to call you my friend and sister in Christ. Keep shining your light for Him and encouraging other young maidens to follow the path heavenward. 

Working on your birthday presents, and cannot wait to give them to you next month...when I can give you a real hug! ;) 

I pray that you have a very, very happy birthday to-day!

Love you always, dearest friend!

Your Lavender Girl

So visit Miss Johanna's lovely blog and send her a birthday note! I'm sure that she will appreciate it so much. 

look what I found in the mail! {product review}

I know I promised that I wouldn't be posting as of late, but something in the mail changed my plans. :P

 {Seems like life does that to you once you make up your mind to accomplish something good. ;)} 

I am so excited to be doing a product review on my blog! It is so fun to receive little treasures in the mail from your favorite Etsy shops.

Ya'll remember Melissa, owner of the lovely shop Whimsy Pics, do you not? Well, a few months back when she generously sponsored my May Garden Party, she also agreed to sponsor a product review as well, allowing me to choose something of my liking from her shop. 

 After a difficult decision and a few weeks of anticipation, look what I found in the mail this afternoon :: 

It was a hot walk down to the mailbox and back, but it was worth it to see a parcel, buried under all the other mail, addressed to me. :)

The tags came in a pretty parcel tied with strings...

...and a sweet note tucked inside.

Melissa kindly sent me a set of five lovely tags...

Are these not the sweetest tags that you have ever laid your eyes on???

Each tag has a pretty rose glued to it...

 ...as well as a tiny sparkly in the corner. :)  

  

I am so excited to use these on little, handmade presents for friends...I'm afraid, though, I do not want to use any of them because they are so pretty! :) 

Thank you so much, Melissa, for allowing me to do this!!! I pray that your business flourishes this year and that you are blessed for your generosity. 

Now, readers, go purchase something from the lovely shop Whimsy Pics to add a little whimsy to your life. 

Love always,
Grace

~Disclaimer~

All thoughts, writings, and photographs are of my own. Photographs were taken and edited by me. 

I was not paid or requested to write up this product review, but was blessed to have the opportunity to do so.