~Chalkboard Organizer~

September 2, 2010 • Comments (6)

I am working out of town for the next few days but did not want to leave you postless, so I am recycling one that I did last April after returning from the South of France…

inspired to create this chalkboard organizer that I just happened to use for displaying

Garden Herbs

It’s as simple as can be and you can read the entire post here

The best thing about chalkboard paint is that there is no long term commitment!

Today it’s herbs, tomorrow is any one’s guess!

The French are very in to chalk board paint.

I spied these adorable barnyard variety chalkboard figures at one of my favorite haunts in Paris.

Are those Pottery Barn and Ballard scouts watching me again???…we will see if these show up any where in the near future.

And for another quick and easy project, you can paint wine crates with chalkboard paint just like this dealer I visited at a Paris Brocante last May.

Thanks, Cindy at My Romantic Home for hosting another fabulous

Show & Tell Friday.

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~Lavender House~

August 29, 2010 • Comments (27)

LAVENDER…

all through the house.

It’s aromatic...

scenting the cool ocean breeze…

that blows through my windows.

It’s romantic…refreshing…and magically lifts mood and spirit…

transforming my home into a Lavender House…

with harvest baskets waiting to receive the last of the tied bundles…

and vintage wine bottles sporting lavender adornments.

Lavender bouquets piled on high…

everywhere you look…

and mingled with velvety spires of Mexican sage.

Lavender…it’s intoxicating.

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~Drinking Lavender~

August 25, 2010 • Comments (22)

There are so many wonderful ways to use lavender and one of the best ways I know to enjoy it is to just

drink it in…

that’s right..delivered to your taste buds in lavender infused lemonade.

This delicious refreshment makes use of something else I have in abundance…LEMONS!  My tree is loaded 365 days a year.

Of course, the magic ingredient is lavender sugar and it’s a breeze to throw together.  Be sure to use dried buds and only those that are pesticide free.  If you don’t grow your own lavender, you can purchase culinary grade lavender from many sites. You can experiment with the ratio of lavender to sugar you like best, but my ratio is 1 to 10 {recipe here}.

To intensify the flavor, toss the sugar and the buds together in a food processor.

Use the same proportions of fresh squeezed lemon juice and filtered water that you like for regular lemonade, add a little fresh grated lemon zest and the lavender sugar to taste.

Stir and then let sit until the ground buds rise to the top.  Skim with a spoon…some sediment will remain but this just adds to the flavor and the intriguing appearance.

Chill… then decant into a pretty pitcher or carafe and garnish with fresh sprigs of lavender flower.

A lavender flower in each glass is also a nice touch.

Lavender lemonade is the perfect refreshment on a warm summer’s day. I have not done the research, but I think the lavender may also act as a mood lifter as I always feel so great after drinking it…good enough to not even worry about the calories!

I can tell you from experience that lavender lemonade pairs wonderfully with anything chocolate, lemon pound cake, and lavender shortbread cookies.  And it’s not just a girly drink…guys like it, too!  It would even be a delightful wedding beverage.  I hope you will give it a try… Cheers!

Comments (22)  /  Posted in: Collections • Entertaining • Fabulous Foods • Flea Market Style • Garden • Weddings  /  Tagged: