succulent saturday

Here’s a little inspiration to get you going this weekend. Succulents are super easy to grow and offer year-round color and beauty. They look great on a kitchen counter or a dining room table for a fuss-free pop of color. 

Find a fun pot or container with drainage, fill with a cactus-mix garden soil, and bunch in your favorite succulents. My favorite is hen & chicks aka sempervivum. 

I love the way they just hug each other and fill the pot, as seen in the first photo. Finish off the look with gravel or pebbles to cover any exposed soil. 

Here are a few of my favorite looks from Roger’s Gardens.

ciao! fabiana

indulge in the sweet scent of lavender

A little buzzing bee visiting my garden; 

She’s a lavender lover, just like me!

Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, starting with the ancient Persians, Greeks, and Romans who added lavender flowers to their bathwater to clean and purify their skin. Even the word "lavender" comes from the Latin word "lavare," which means "to wash". During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, it was scattered all over stone castle floors in Europe as a natural disinfectant and deodorant. 

Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help with insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Not only that but lavender is so easy to grow in the garden, and you can enjoy its beautiful fragrance outdoors as well. I know when I spend time among the lavender in my garden it instantly calms me and provides an amazing experience while doing chores outside.   

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the scent of lavender at home is this

French Lavender Candle by Love Goodly.

Four ways to easily indulge in the relaxing scent of lavender:

1. L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream

2. Trader Joe's Lavender Body Oil

3. Heirloom Variety Linen Spray from World Market

4. Trader Joe's Dish Soap

And, why not serve a little lavender at your next gathering?

Lavender Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 cup raw honey

12 cups pure water

1 drop lavender essential oil

6 lemons, peeled and juiced

lavender sprigs for garnish

Directions:  Mix all the ingredients together in a small pan and heat on low until honey dissolves.  Cool it and add more water or honey 
to taste.

Fresh Lemon and Lavender Ice Cream
Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse
Total Time:  40 min.  Prep: 20 min. Cook: 20 min  Yield:1 quart
Ingredients
3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 lemons, zested
1/2 cup fresh lavender or 1/4 cup dried lavender
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
8 egg yolks
12 thin slices fresh lemon
12 small sprigs fresh lavender

In a saucepan, combine lemon zest, lavender, milk, and cream. Bring to a boil. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together. Whisk 1 cup of the hot cream into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly. In a steady stream, slowly add the egg mixture to the hot cream mixture. Continue to cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Strain the mixture. Add the mixture to the electric ice cream maker. Process according to manufacturers' directions.

ciao! fabiana

Unique Gifts & Accessories for Everyone on Your List at Cost Plus World Market.

summer hydrangeas

It’s everyone’s favorite summer garden flower.

Hydrangeas are the summer snowball in

the most spectacular color palette!

What's your favorite shade of hydrangea?  

photos  1  |  2  |  3  | 4  | 5  | 6  |  7  | 8  |  9  |  10 

ciao! fabiana

watch the clouds

“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you're laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.” --Miranda Kerr

ciao! fabiana

photo via primrose garden