cloud, cream, petal, sand…

We've found this color palette slipping into our closets more and more this spring. There's something about a whole lot of neutrals all jumbled up that makes for a perfect combination every time. Kind of like denim with a crisp white t-shirt. Apphia and Abiah – our resident "plain janes" – could wear these colors every day. And throwing in some pink adds just enough color. We kind of consider this soft petal pink a neutral, too. What is your favorite color palette for this season?

XO, the Long ladies

Rainy day color(ing)

Since last Thursday we've been completely overwhelmed with rain. We're very thankful for it (it has kept our lawn looking so pretty and green), but so many rainy days in a row can get you down. The sun did come out and shine for most of Apphia's special day, and we were so happy about that!

So, while the rain comes down outside, we stay in and spend some time coloring. While it may not seem usual to be coloring at our ages, we enjoy it so much. For some time last year all we had was an Old West coloring book (originally for the boys of the family mind you). Let's just say that coloring Billy the Kid over and over again could get a little old. Mom found an assortment of other coloring books, and we've had a blast using them! There so many different color options when there are Southern belles wearing pretty dresses, right?

Oh! And have any of you used the Twistable crayons? They are wonderful, and stay sharp so much longer. We have special memories with the traditional Crayola's, but we still love the new twisty ones.

The sun is shining today, and we're off to cut fabric! A sunny day to all of you too! xxx the Long ladies

dear Apphia.

Dearest Apphia,

Happy Birthday! We could spend a lot of time trying to find words to tell you just what you mean to us, but it never seems to work. We start remembering you. All the times spent with you, laughing with you, crying with you, working with you, singing with you, going places with you. The words get all balled up inside, but we really do hope you know what we mean. Everyday is extra special because you're in it, because you mean just that much to us.

We love you so much, Apphia Jade, and pray that this 23rd year of your life will be blessed and beautified beyond anything you could ever dream.

Our love always~ Mom, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Everyone:: Please wish our sweet Apphia a happy birthday!

He is risen!

He left His Father's throne above – so free, so infinite His grace – emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O, my God, it found out me! {Charles Wesley 1707-1788}

Have a joyful Resurrection Day!

With love in Christ Jesus~

Kristie, Apphia, Achaia, Abigail, & Abiah

Now that is generosity!

Do you all remember our sweet friend Angelina? She is truly such a loving and generous lady! And now she is pouring her considerable talents into her sweet little Etsy shop, Ruby Jean. (How's that for a cute name?)

BUT that's not all… she has purchased $100 of credit for the marie-madeline store. And she's giving it away!!! So hop on over to the Ruby Jean blog, and tell Angelina we sent you.

XO, the Long ladies

Ps. Are you on the lookout for a lovely Mother's Day gift? Be sure to visit the Ruby Jean boutique!

Enjoying a favorite {again}

Turtle Dessert

24 ice cream sandwiches

1 (12 1/4 oz.) jar caramel topping

1 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans

1 (12 oz.) thawed Cool Whip

1 (12 1/4 oz.) jar hot fudge topping- heated

Place 12 ice cream sandwiches in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Spread evenly with caramel topping and sprinkle with 1 cup pecans. Top with 2 cups Cool Whip and remaining ice cream sandwiches. Spread remaining Cool Whip evenly over sandwiches. Sprinkle with rest of pecans. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares. Drizzle with fudge topping. Eat!

After our dear Mamie served this dessert to us a few years ago, we knew we had to have the recipe! However, we'd forgotten it for a year or two (confident it got completely lost in the much-too-large dessert category in our recipe box. Ahem.). Sunday night company meant pulling out a dessert, and we came up with this! Boy, are we ever glad we rediscovered it. It's easy to make + looks so pretty when cut into squares + soooo yummy. Enjoy!

xxx the Long ladies

PS Thanks so much for your sweet comments about our vintage goodies! We did post back a comment to a couple of you! xx

V is for Vintage (& Victory)

A couple weeks ago we girls were thinking about how much we loved some of the vintage goodies we were seeing on eBay. We finally decided, "why not??"— Abi and Achaia took the plunge, and their finds came this week. Victory…. The girls couldn't be happier with their new-to-them vintage clothes!  (In fact, these pictures were taken just about 10 minutes after the package was opened.) Now we're completely sold on the idea. Have any of you tried wearing vintage clothes as everyday wear??

xxx the Long ladies

PS So sorry if you feel a little picture overloaded! It was just too much fun.

how to walk your dogs in style.

Our dogs must really love SisBoom, because they've been seen wearing Jennifer's fabrics before. It's extra great when the dogs happen to match their owner— Abigail's skirt is Honey Child too! You can't see them in these pictures, but the skirt also boasts some great pockets. (Which is always a plus!) She sewed the skirt using a Simplicity pattern, and the "leashes" are really just two wide strips of fabric sewn together on one short end. Everyone should have this much fun walking!

About the house….

…. you'll find some of these tangerine cuties. Now, according to one of our friends, food cannot be labeled "adorable". However, if any food could be, it would be these. (Oh, and they are good too.)
Then in the kitchen, you will see these speckly salt & pepper shakers. We got them on our trip, and have had so much fun using them. You see, one of our Fiesta shakers had broken, and we were stuck with using the pepper straight out of the "box". Somehow that just didn't seem right. So, these happy shakers fixed all that. Besides the fact, we got some red speckly bowls to go with them (you can kinda see them in the background).

Also, we have some sunburned faces around the house. It's our first sunburns of the year— summer is coming!
Rainbow sherbert. Yummy. Need we say more?
And, finally, a happy new skirt that Achaia scored in a Fredericksburg store for $10. It's light and airy, and has tucks and velvet ribbon. Unbeatable combination!

Happy Thursday to everyone! xxx

HOME

{How we miss this sweet little face}

Here we are, home again! And we must say, it was an altogether wonderful trip. Our best-est friends are the most hospitable people we know, and we had the privilege of spending many nights in their home. (Even if we did all miss out on a little unnecessary thing called sleep.) The days were full of laughter and good times and lots of love and joy. We even managed a fun photo shoot in Fredericksburg that we can't wait to share with you all!

{Sneak peak of our Fredericksburg photo shoot}

{There's no place like Texas}

{Horseback riding}

{Getting and giving as many hugs as possible}

{The one-and-only Dooley's}

{Hat stacks on Main Street}

{Little leather flower-pouches in a hundred different colors}

{So pretty}

{Pretty shoes at one of our favorite shops on Main Street}

{Of course we couldn't resist eating Mexican food almost every single day}

But, we missed you! It's good to be back, and slip into our places again. Spring is here to stay, we think. The studio is sunny and our heads are full of fun projects for welcoming the warm weather. New fabrics are coming in too, just in time. What have you been up to?

love, the Long ladies