4 ways to enjoy lavender in the kitchen

August 8, 2017

I love the floral note lavender adds to desserts – part of the reason why my ‘must have’ summer ice-cream flavor is lavender fig made at a nearby ice-cream shop!

I recently used a culinary grade lavender (I wouldn’t use it from the garden since I’d be worried about contaminants!) to experiment a little bit in the kitchen.

Here are a few ways I came up with to use it…I hope to inspire you to come up with some of your own creations!

Lavender Iced Butter Cookies. I added a tablespoon of dried lavender and 2 drops of lavender essential oil to a standard butter cookie recipe. After the cookies were baked and cooled, I glazed them with powdered sugar, thinned with milk, and garnished the top of each cookie with dried lavender while the glaze was still wet. The finished product – butter cookies with that great subtle floral note of lavender!

Lavender Butter. A fabulous butter to use on scones – I just crushed some dried lavender and added it to softened butter. Great to serve with tea and scones!

Lavender Lemon Bars. Adding a teaspoon of crushed, dried lavender to the crust of lemon bars, as well as using some as garnish, adds the floral note of the flower to this summer dessert classic!

In addition to baked goods, lavender is great in summer beverages. I played around a little with ingredient quantities and came up with this satisfying lemonade!

Honey Lavender Lemonade Recipe

3 cups cold water
Juice of 3 lemons
½ cup honey
¼ cup dried lavender (make sure it is culinary grade)
1 cup boiling water

Add the dried lavender to the boiling water, cover and let steep at least 15 minutes. Strain the water to remove the lavender. Dissolve the honey in the hot water. Add the cold water and lemon juice to the mixture. Serve over ice.

I hope you enjoyed my lavender experiment results! I’d love to hear how you have added lavender to your summer recipes! I recently found a recipe for lavender white chocolate ice cream that I may need to give a try before the summer is over!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. Here are some links for other ways I have used lavender! Enjoy!

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harkness memorial state park

August 4, 2017

Today, I am sharing a few photos from my walk around Harkness Memorial State Park. The park is the home of Eolia, the former summer mansion purchased in 1907 by the Harkness family, set on over 230 seaside acres in Waterford, Connecticut.

Never having been to the park, my goal for my first visit was to explore the gardens on both the east and west lawns as well as the Alpine rock garden.

And, as it happened, the facility was being set up for a wedding on the afternoon I chose to visit, so I did not venture inside the mansion itself.

I hope you enjoyed a few photos of my walk around Harkness Memorial State Park. If you should be in the area, it is definitely worth a visit and the park is easily accessed from I-95.

The 200+ acres were left to the state of Connecticut in 1950; becoming a part of the state park system in 1952. The park is open from 8:00 am to sunset all year long and entrance only requires a minimal parking fee.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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repurposed calendar diy

July 18, 2017

Do you have a calendar that is just too pretty to throw away? This is the perfect DIY to repurpose it and to create something beautiful in the process!

Let me share how I repurposed pages from a calendar to create some special mementos!

The calendar I am using in this example is my Anna Rifle calendar. This beautiful calendar was actually one of my previous giveaways – if you were the one to win it, you already have the start to create some wonderful gifts!

All you need to do is to use the page of the month from the date you have chosen, circle the date, and frame to your liking! So pretty and so easy!

My calendar choice has metallic gold accents, so I circled my chosen date with a gold metallic marker. Use any permanent marker that coordinates with the page you have chosen. Gold leaf, calligraphy ink, or watercolor paint can also be used, based on your taste and the style of the calendar you are using.

Here, rather than using a frame, I have clipped the calendar page to a clipboard I covered with a metallic dot wrapping paper.

What special date do you want to remember? A baby’s birth date, a special anniversary, the arrival of a new pet – many possibilities – any date you may want to commemorate is fair game!

If you plan on framing the page, remember to think about the frame size when you purchase the calendar since the cost of your project will be much less if the calendar fits a stock mat/frame. Of course, you have the option to have the piece professionally framed, if you prefer. You may also come up with other ideas –using a clipboard as a frame or slipping the page under a piece of glass on a serving tray.

Think about gifts for showers, anniversaries, or wedding dates – if you don’t have a calendar to reuse, buy a beautiful calendar after the year begins, when they are drastically marked down in price!

I hope I have inspired you to create a special gift for yourself or for someone special!

Thanks for stopping by and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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botanical wedding details

July 11, 2017

For a botanical themed wedding held in the woods by a lake, I had a blast coming up with some fun little details to carry the vibe! Here are a few you may want to incorporate into your own event!

Beautiful paper products are always a must for any event I plan, and this wedding was no exception! I think a “hashtag card” should be a standard these days with social media having such a strong presence at a wedding. Creating something similar to a business card, but using the couple’s hashtag is a beautiful way to spread the word!

For this wedding, I created two different cards using illustrations on the front and the hashtag on the back. A fashion illustrator created two different designs for me at a very reasonable price. (You can use her too, by emailing inquiries to AlexaMackDesigns@gmail.com). One depicted the couple from behind and the other was an illustration of the gazebo where the couple was married. I used them to create square, heavyweight cards with rounded corners that I ordered online using Moo.

Another great paper product for a wedding is the recipe for the couple’s signature drink. In this case, the recipe cards were added to the couple’s hotel welcome boxes (Kraft paper boxes were used in place of bags) as well as provided at the bar (near the birch bark straws). This idea can also be incorporated into thank you cards if the drink proves a big hit at the wedding!

Personalized napkins are not new for weddings, but including ‘factoids’ about the couple is so much more personal than just printing them with initials. I created 6 different designs that included how the couple met and other interesting personal stories about them. These are simple to create online on Wedding Paper Divas. (I waited for a big sale and personalized to my liking.)

Doing away with a typical centerpiece by a florist opens up a whole new way of thinking for bridal tables! Why not create your own! Using a beautiful potted planting or designing a terrarium is fun to create and adds a personal touch to a celebration.

For this event, I got together with a few special friends (who happen to have huge green thumbs!) to build my terrarium vision…perfect for a botanical theme! The table numbers were written on rocks inside the terrariums and fairy lights were also added. Lanterns I purchased from HomeGoods were used for the vessels and plants were purchased from local nurseries, as well as Trader Joe’s. Event planners, take note: If you need reasonably priced plants for centerpieces, think of your local Trader Joe’s as a source…the flower department at the store could not be more helpful when ordering in bulk, and the pricing can’t be beat!

Plenty of moss, rocks, and organic materials added to the botanical vibe at the venue. Rocks ordered at Home Depot were used as escort cards. Table numbers were written on the underside of the rocks so the guests could reuse the beautifully lettered rocks as paperweights or decorative objects after the wedding. (If you want someone to do lettering for you, check out Sam Epstein Design on Etsy!) Fresh plantings in pretty containers joined the table arrangement of ‘escort rocks’ as well as tiny fairy lights, pretty votives (Jamali Garden), and a lighted moss wreath on a beautiful gray silk ribbon (Silk & Willow). A lantern was used for gifts of cards.

The favors. arranged on the salad plates. were small tin camp cups filled with gray-toned candy beach stones ordered from Stonewall Kitchen. A gray grosgrain ribbon, in keeping with the wedding accent color, (The bridesmaids wore gray Vera Wang dresses.) adorned the cup handles.

I hope you found some of the details at this botanical themed wedding inspiring…I will share photos at the venue in an upcoming post! If you need any ideas for your own celebration, shoot me an email – I’d be happy to help you brainstorm some ideas to personalize your own celebration!

mens bathroom basket at botanical wedding

The women’s room wasn’t the only bathroom to get attention – the men’s room had a necessity basket on-theme as well!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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naples botanical garden

June 27, 2017

June is coming to an end and since Friday’s post this week will be the monthly giveaway, today will be more like a field trip. I shared my favorite exhibit in the Naples Botanical Garden in a post this month…it was a temporary exhibit called Origami in the Garden. (Click here if you missed it!)

Today, in keeping with my garden focus, I am sharing my favorite floral spot in that garden. And, guess what? The flowers aren’t white! I know – out of character, but can you see why I fell for this gorgeous spot in The Naples Botanical Garden?

Once in a while, I am a sucker for some color! Like this:

Talk to you again on Friday. If you haven’t entered the book giveaway for June, you have a couple more days. I will pick the winner at midnight on Thursday. Click here to leave a comment on the giveaway post to be entered to win. Good luck!

A docent at the Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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the fountain at the breakers, palm beach

June 16, 2017

This month I have been on something of a plant/garden kick…it always happens this time of year. I love go to nurseries and I love admiring plants and great plantings and containers. Of course, part of the whole garden experience is to add some interesting features. I have been thinking about and admiring water features of late and it got me thinking of the great fountain I saw on my recent Palm Beach trip.

The great fountain I am talking about sits in front of the iconic Breakers Hotel.

Of course it is not a water feature I could ever have in my garden, but I thought I would share it’s beauty with you on today’s Friday field trip.

When I stayed at the hotel, I saw more photos staged in front of this fountain than in front of the magnificent coastline – certainly that was the case with new brides and grooms at the hotel!

No matter what it’s form, you certainly can not beat the sound of water to create a sense of calm!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things – like the sound of water in a fountain! xo Jackie

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ferns in urns diy

June 13, 2017

I have a really easy DIY I’d like to share today.

When I found that florists charged hundreds of dollars for a simple urn with ferns (plus delivery!), I decided there had to be a less expensive way to have create the same result.

Well, I turned hundreds of dollars into less than $40!

First, I went to my go-to home store, HomeGoods, to find an appropriate urn. They had plenty of low priced urns in stoneware, ceramic, or acrylic choices. I opted for the acrylic since I wanted to create something as inexpensive as possible that would be easy to transport to a special event.

All the acrylic choices were in dark colors, so I would have to give my urns a coat of spray paint! I took the two urns I purchased into the yard and sprayed them to coat – a very quick process.

I had purchased two large hanging Boston Fern plants from Lowe’s when they were on sale for $9.99. My plan was to plant them in the urns until one of my friends suggested it would be easier to transport them if they weren’t planted! Of course! So, I stuffed the bottoms of the two urns with some Styrofoam left from some packaging and now I plan to just drop the plants on top of the Styrofoam when I am ready for my event! The planters weigh next to nothing – even filled with the material – and the plants are very light as well.

What a savings…and, so easy! And the urns really look like stoneware. When I get to the event, I will simply add the plants to the urns and remove the plastic hangers! (I am leaving them on for now because it is easier to move the plants with the hangers as handles.)

I hope you I have inspired you in some way for planning the décor for your next special event!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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shakespeare’s garden in brookfield, ct

June 9, 2017

My friends have been holding out on me! They have just recently shared what is currently one of my favorite nurseries!

Shakespeare’s Garden in Brookfield, Connecticut now joins a list that includes places like White’s Flower Farm and Terrain.

What makes a great nursery? For me, three important criteria! First, and foremost, creativity! The plants need to be presented in a beautiful way…with creative, imaginative, and even innovative added to the mix!

Of course, plants can easily be purchased at a local grocery or warehouse store. So, for a nursery to become a favorite means the plants aren’t just offered for sale, but are displayed in a creative way.

The second way to become a favorite is to have plenty of unique containers for plantings. Vintage pieces or repurposed items used as planters are an example. I’m looking for containers that help create an organic look or enhance the beauty of the planting it contains.

The third criteria is for the nursery to employ a knowledgeable staff. I want to be able to ask a question about caring for a particular plant or about the habit of a perennial I am purchasing and be confident I am getting an educated response.

Those are my top three. The bonus number four for me is a great gift shop! Finding some unique and aesthetically beautiful items for sale is always a plus!

Because Shakespeare’s Garden checked all the boxes for me – including the bonus item (!) – I am including some photos I took on my visit for today’s Friday field trip.

I hope they have inspired you in some way! Shakespeare’s Garden is worth a visit if you are in commuting distance.

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember take pleasure in simple things – like visiting a favorite nursery! xo Jackie

P.S. If you go, remember to say hello to Romeo – the resident cat.

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naples botanical garden origami

June 6, 2017

On my first visit to the Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida, I was intrigued by the tag line ‘Gardens with Latitude.’

I discovered the gardens showcase subtropical plants that grow around the world between the 26^th latitude north, where Naples is located, and 26^th latitude south.

One hundred and seventy acres of themed gardens that represent the culture and flora of the tropics – country climates from the 26^th latitude – what an interesting concept!

It did not take me long to figure out that plants growing in the 26^th latitude are very different from the plants in my native Connecticut, or in my favorite public garden – Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania!

But, the difference in plants was not what intrigued me most during my visit. That honor went to the temporary exhibit, Origami in the Garden.

Monumental sculptures created by artist Kevin Box told the story of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

The exhibition included large-scale installations, gallery works, Box’s own compositions as well as collaborative works with his wife Jennifer and world-renowned origami artists Dr. Robert J. Land, Te Jui Fu, and Michael G. LaFosse.

Examples of this amazing display are represented in the photos I am sharing with you today. I was thrilled that the installation happened to be in the garden on the day of my visit!

The exhibit inspired me to do a little more research on origami. I hope it inspired you in some way!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing the Origami in the Garden display with me!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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plants of palm beach

May 9, 2017

As I start to clean up my garden and plant some annuals here in Connecticut, I can’t help but think of some of the inspiring plantings I saw on my first trip to Palm Beach, Florida.

Like all things in Palm Beach, the green spaces are magnificent. So today, as part of my Palm Beach homage, I am sharing some of my favorites from the great plantings I spotted!

Some of my favorite container plantings were located around the pool at The Breakers hotel…

This colorful orchid was one of many located in an interior courtyard at The Breakers. This beautiful variety of flower can easily grow on the trees in Palm Beach.

The Living Wall (located on the west wall of Saks Fifth Avenue) on Worth Avenue, has to be the most high-profile garden in a Palm Beach public space! It was assembled in 2010 as part of the nearly $16 million beautification of Worth Avenue. A computerized system provides water and nutrients to the more than 10,000 plants in the 24-foot high, 36-foot wide grid. Amazingly beautiful!

These topiaries were also spotted on the famous high-end shopping street, Worth Avenue.

I found this cool looking flower in some shrubbery on the grounds of The Breakers hotel…not too sure what it is, but I thought it was uniquely beautiful.

This simple but majestic container planting was spotted outside Henry Flagler’s 1902 Palm Beach estate. Flagler was the gentlemen that established Palm Beach as a resort.

And, of course, you can’t help but notice the beautiful palms when in Palm Beach! They are everywhere! The coconut palm is not native to Florida. It’s presence in Palm Beach is due to a shipwreck back in 1878. The ship, traveling to Spain from Havana, was carrying a cargo of coconut palms and many of the coconuts were salvaged; many planted.

I hope you enjoyed sharing a few of the many plants that caught my eye while in Palm Beach. While inspiring, they certainly make my humble garden seem a lot less exciting! I have to remind myself that Connecticut is lacking the tropical rain forest climate of Palm Beach!

A dish garden I admired on a table inside The Breakers hotel.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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harkness memorial state park

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ferns in urns diy

shakespeare’s garden in brookfield, ct

naples botanical garden origami

plants of palm beach