Wilting Wisdom

It happens to me all the time, I buy the freshest bunch of hydrangeas I can find at Trader Joe's (they come in a set of three) and the next day at least one of them has wilted. I don't know why? I clip them immediately when I get home, place them in fresh cool water, but it always seems to be too much for at least one if not the whole bunch.  sooo frustrating!!  

But there is a solution! Clip (again) the stem of the wilted hydrangea, add fresh water, and place in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.  The cool dark space is this flower's happy place! {credit for this wisdom is due to my mom - the flower whisperer}

Chalk Paint: Framed Mirror

I recently painted a mirror that lives in our guest bedroom.  Before it was black and plain and I just didn't love it.  I used the chalk paint and gold gilding wax that I talked about {here}.  It was an amazing experience.  I painted in the living room while watching a movie and couldn't have been more pleased with the experience.  The paint is basically odorless, there is no priming or prep needed, and it dries fairly quickly.  And the gold gilding wax? Omg. It truely is a pot of gold full of endless treasure. Love it!!

I've been eyeing some other items in our house to paint next...so stay tuned!

The Egg.

Yesterday I posted about our visit to Tendercrop Farms...and I mentioned that Paul had been in such a rush to get home...Meet the Big.Green.Egg.

Some of you may know about this (especially if you are from the South) but I would bet that most have never heard of the nuc-grade grill.  Google "Big Green Egg" and you will find tons of forums, followoings, blogs and even festivals. The first couple years with Paul were not spent watching him out on the back porch grilling...until he was introduced to this baby..with all of its green, ceramic, flaming glory.   It can basically do anything you would ever want to do to meat/poultry/fish/veggies.  

User warning: this egg can get HOT.  During the first few uses Paul was just short of a mad scientist out on the back porch...eyes widening as the external thermometer began to bounce off the 750degree mark...and being too close to aborting the mission too many times.

One famous episode of 'Paul & the Egg' was when he decided he needed to heat up the egg just a smidge more, so he looked down into the top air vent and decided to add more oxygen by blowingintothedangthing.  Flames roared up and erupted onto his face, luckily he only singed his eyelashes up (due to his super quick reflexes for life preservation?)  but it could have ended much much worse.  

user beware. be smart.

{burger toppings}

{you know my favorite part about this meal? you can easily identify ever single plant/veggie on this plate}

Tender Crop Farms

Two weekends ago, Paul and I drove up an hour north of Boston to Newburyport, MA.  We heard of Tender Crop Farm and we were really excited to visit.  It is a wonderful grocery store/farm/petting zoo that promotes being a 'locavore' - eating food that is local to you! 

Once we arrived Paul basically bolted to the butcher section...and from then on he claims he "blacked out" and doesn't remember much.  This isn't unusual when he is in the presence of food, especially meat.  I realized on the way home that we didn't even go to the petting zoo(to see the llamas!!! ha!)...it dawned on me that we spent maybe 20 minutes there(even tho it took us an hour to get there)...mainly because he was ready to get in the car and go cook this amazing fresh, local meat on the big green egg!!! - more on that tomorrow. 

Anywho - I know we'll be back, especially in the warmer months. If you are in the area you should make the trip and support your local farmers!

{everything with a green sign was "their own"

{can't wait to visit this when it's in bloom}

{promoting recycling}

Spring has Sprung - on the mantel

even though I did have a mini-meltdown this weekend.  I actually got some things done. like painting!  

since getting chalk paint, I have been painting everything in sight - including things I find in the pantry!

.....introducing my painted coffee cans....
perfect size and shape for...you guessed it...another vase.  

The mantel needed some lightening up and spring tulips and hyacinths were just the flowers to do it.  

i love the fresh feel of it!

{this was my first attempt}

{and this is how it is now - I used an old bathroom mirror we had in the basement}

I think this is how it's going to stay...for the next month at least ;)

Fail.

You know the feeling of deciding to reorganize your closet, so you empty out all of the contents and everything is a huge disaster in your bedroom, and you just want to quit?  Or how about when you force yourself to the gym and you step on the treadmill and you convince yourself you feel sick and probably shouldn't work out?  

BUT then you push through and you put everything back into your closet and feel that immediate sense of productivity and accomplishment.  And you run those 3 miles in spite of everything and feel energized and healthier than before you started.  It's all worth it in the end.

Well I had that first feeling of hopeless distraught while baking this weekend; everything was a mess, I had tried to bake too many things at once, and I didn't have all of the ingredients so I just started improvising (bad idea while baking).  welp, nothing turned out.  I didn't have that feeling of "I'm glad I pushed through and finished this." nope. It all got thrown in the trash. After scaring (literally) paul into trying it.  5 hours for nothing. cue downward spiral...

by the end of the night I was curled up on the couch in a depressive ball and only moved to go wimper in the shower.

Why was I doing this to myself?  Why is it so easy for us to focus on the negative?  The rest of my day had been spent productively studying, running through the city, and making dinner with Paul with the windows open in the house! But no - I wanted to focus on the one thing that didn't work out. Took a little bit to get me out of my depressive, negative state.  I hate knowing I am in that mood and I should pull myself out of it, but I don't wanna, I wanna sulk! 

BUT eventually I did pull myself out of it (with a little help) and had a wonderful Easter weekend overall.

Anywho - that's why I have no Easter baking pictures like I had hoped for.  We all fail at things, but the successful people are the ones that choose not to focus on them (still working on that).  So my lesson learned is that "gluten-free" baking is for the birds - actually they probably wouldn't eat it either.

Layla Grayce Love

I recently went on the hunt online to find the paper placemats I was given for Christmas by Sandy.  I'm running low because I've loved using them! - I've been trying to "set the table" for dinner more; I think it's really important to sit down to eat and talk about our days...trying to start the habit with just the two of us so hopefully we will continue when we have kids.  I could go on a whole schpiiiillllll about our generation and future generations needing more time around the table...but that is for another post... 

This post is about my new found love Layla Grayce (LaylaGrayce.com).  I found the placemats (pictured above) but also found so so so much more....and I thought I would share!  The site has everything from furniture, silverware, bedding...to clothes, jewelry, and lotions...seriously it is a one stop shop for all.

These placemats below are going going to be included in my next purchase...SO fun!

You will find below that I am really, really into gold right now...

{of course}

{This coffee table above would be perfect for our smaller sized living room...keeping it open, airy, & fresh}

{Love, love, love!! to bad it blows the budget}

{Currently looking for lighter bedding for the summer...linen pinstripe would do the trick.}

{hoping to wall paper our half bath downstairs over the summer...}

How To: Remove Candle Wax

Ever have a candle vase that you just love and hate tossing in the trash?  Many times I want to keep the candle but don't want to mess with removing the wax.  My mom recently showed me the smartest, simplest, cleanest way to remove the wax: stick the candle in the freezer.  The wax will harden and will pop right out with just a little force.  You can refill the candle with more wax and new candle rope, flowers, or even use it as a candy dish or hair elastic holder....the possibilities are endless. 

Below are pictures of the simple how to:

\

Casa Tua - Miami

{I love love this seating idea - so simple and still a loud statement}

I have to write about my experience at Casa Tua - I fell in love at first sight and it stayed all the way to the last bite.  Paul and I stopped by to confirm our reservation and I was lucky enough to walk around and get some quick, intimate pictures on my iphone - eee!!  All of these pics are iphone pics - so you can only imagine how pretty it was in person.  To check out professional pictures and learn more about the boutique hotel/restaurant go to the website here: casatualifestyle.com.

The restaurant would be perfect for a girl's dinner, romantic dinner for 2, or a special birthday....or honestly I would just go to get a cappuccino and check out the fresh flower arrangements for the night.  Absolutely stunning arrangements everywhere you turn - someone there knows their flowers.

{this particular night there were red and pink roses throughout - loved the pop}

{the outdoor dining area - lit with tea lights and lanterns throughout the trees}

{the exclusive club area upstairs - must be a member!}

{where paul and I ate - such a fresh and clean retreat from Miami craziness}

{you know it's good when it doesn't need a sign}

{on point with the open cabinetry - I want to do this in our kitchen immediately!!}

{the lounge while you wait for your table - I kinda wish we had been late!}

Not only is it beautiful - but it is delicious!

{tuna tar tar & artichoke stuff ravioli with bay scallops}

{Paul's veal and my ribeye with foie gras}

Next time you are in Miami, I would suggest this place - but make a reservation in advance!

Miami Mini March Vaca

This past weekend Paul and I went to Miami for a little #5daygetaway.  It was perfect timing considering it snowed a foot in Boston while we were gone - and the best part - Rob and Jenny joined us! I decided to do a photo dump of our pictures from the trip.

Some of the highlights were...

..breakfast on Ocean Dr. @ news cafe..

..running a half marathon in the middle of a vacation - perfect excuse to go somewhere..

..dinner @Hakkasan Paul's cousin Chrissy and her boyfriend Pat who happened to be in town..

..Fountain Blue - a must in so many ways..

..afternoon at Lapis Spa with Jenny..

..romantic dinner for 2 at Casa Tua - another must even if just for coffee&dessert..

{Pre-run - @5:30am on Ocean Drive}

Finished!

Rob and I at News Cafe post run!

{The Lobby Bar at Fountain Blue}

{Paul & Rob "hanging" with Rick Ross at the Fountain Blue Pool}

{a little piece of home!!}

{iphone pics of Casa Tua - stopped by to confirm our rezy and got a private tour!}

 {we ended every night with a cappuccino and dessert - fav thing on vacation!}

Chalk Paint!

I'm so so so excited to start working with chalk paint.  My mom and I found a vendor in the city - the owner of Maison Decor in the South End.  I had never heard of it but I quickly learned it's the best thing since sliced bread.

you can read more about it here: http://maisondecor8.blogspot.com/2012/09/chalk-paint-tips.html

or just stay tuned...I'm planning to paint the dresser in the guest bedroom and will keep you updated!

I also bought this little pot of gold and plan to do big things with it...stay tuned!

Coconut Apples

A couple of weekends ago, Paul cooked apples in coconut oil in a skillet - I'm now obsessed!!

So easy...throw some coconut oil in the skillet - looks like butter), place sliced apples, flip after 10 minutes, and let cook 5 minutes longer (or until soft).  Use them as toppings to almond waffles (seen here)..or something new we've been trying - banana coconut pancakes (paleo recipes online).

{tastes like candy}

{coconut-banana pancakes}

Pink & White

Lately, I have been so attracted to pink! It's literally a struggle for me not to wear it every day (I feel like I am in 7th grade again!?!).  So it was no surprise that when my mom and I visited the Boston Flower Exchange (a perk of her now being in the floral business) - all I wanted to buy was pink and white flowers.

{not pink - but a fun pop of color in an otherwise dark corner}

did you know that after being cut, tulips grow up to 2 inches a day? so when you put them in an arrangement, make sure to cut them a little shorter - we forgot to in the one above - this was the result the next morning.

{nothing is making me happier at the moment than a pink ranunculus in a coffee mug}

Sonsie

Mi madre was in town this weekend for some girl time.  I love it when she comes up for some quality girl time, sometimes ya just wanna hang with your mom!  Saturday, we went to brunch at Sonsie on Newbury, it is also mine and Paul's first date spot in Boston and the dinner location the night we got engaged.  The restaurant has a great seating area with small two-person tables in the front that look out to Newbury and in the warmer months they open up the doors to let the fresh air in.  

{greek yogurt}

Tray for the Day

One of our favorite things to do is host friends and family for breakfast (and have photo shoots #obvi)!

Recently, I have been setting up a coffee station and topping station. The island table works as a welcome table and later functions as a serving station when the food is ready.  For blogging purposes, I also mocked a mimosa station just to throw some ideas out there.  

This really confused Paul...#notnecessay #doesnotcompute  

{try to add color to your tray}

{guests are welcomed with a hug and coffee mug!}

{oh you know...just casually setting up the tray #notrealllife}

{mimosa station}

{you can find so many pretty bottles at traderjoes}

{add fresh orange juice to any pretty container you have - this is a flower vase!}

{almond waffle/coconut pancakes toppings}

stole my mom's instagram pic...

Paul was being #masterchef this weekend and a very helpful husband while my mom was in town.  But he still managed to sneak in a crossfit wound in this pic. manlyyyy.

sorry for the #hashtagging I just can't help it these days!

Recycle: Votives

One of my favorite things to do is reuse things around the house for unexpected uses.

{wine glasses ~ flower vases}

{jewelry box  ~ tea canister}

{cake stand ~ soap dish}

Most recently, I recycled mini white tea-light votives to flower votives.  I was given sweet "h-o-m-e" votives but unfortunately the M broke...which turned the remaining three into the perfect sized vase for mini-ranunculus.

Mantel Re-do, no cost, woo-hoo!

I have recently been working on the decorating over our fireplace mantel.  I don't think it is done - but i'm happy with the fresh, lighter look for now.  I took a few pictures so I could show you the process! eeee! 

First - let's start with the end.  This is how it is now...things are uneven...un-centered...and paul keeps asking why there is a mirror hung for our 8ft friend that we don't have.  I agree with him - one of my pet peeves is hanging mirrors where they serve no purpose (ie no one can see their reflection in them) but it's how it is for now..

This is what our mantel looked like through Christmas - it was great! Especially with all of the other decorations up - but by February it was feeling stale.  So I went search around the house for a quick switcher-roo.

I started with a favorite trick - color blocking with books.  It is February so I chose red.  I also went up into the attic for a few old pictures from my single life apartment.  The dress pic doesn't seem overwelmingly femine since it is surrounded by other gender neutral objects.  But I wasn't finished.  The stars were still bugging me even with all of the new fun stuff.

I had a lot of squares and corners going on - so I wanted something with some curve.  It took me about an hour (no lie) of roaming around the house looking for something and then it basically popped off the wall in front of me.  Hanging in our guest bedroom was an interesting ROUND bedbath&beyond piece.  it worked!  the picture above is my favorite version of our mantle....but I can't decide what to put up in the top right corner....

So the mirror has moved back up...!  I'll keep ya updated on the changes. 

Happy Vday to You!

Paul and I celebrated this year by getting up 30 minutes early and making breakfast together.  I love slow mornings and he loves breakfast and most of the time we love each other so it works! ;) I noticed this week a few little items throughout the house that made things a little more festive this week (unintentionally).  

Take a look around, do you have anything that is brightening your week or day in a lovey way? <3

{the best cookies, seriously}

{a fresh new look on the mantle}

{cupcakes from a girls craft night at Jenny's}

{a sweet gift from my Aunt Wendy - I love getting things in the mail!}

{a new kitchen treasure from my MIL}

{given with love that will last 100 years...}

aww how cheesyyy I can be...guess it's the whole vday thangg.

Hope you have the best day filled with love! Be sweet today - I'm going to try my hardest (which is sometimes what it takes). 

How to: Seed a Pomegranate

One of my favorite fruits right now is the Pomegranate. A powerhouse fruit packed with antioxidants and a pop of flavor in every seed.  The catch?...getting those little seeds out. You could buy the seeds perfectly packaged from your grocery store but the Pomegranate makes for a much prettier center piece on your table - adds a nice pop of color this time of year (especially around Valentine's Day). 

Luckily, I figured out an easy way to seed it! 

{the messier version...endless digging and picking}

{instead, cut along the inside of the peel}

{once loosened, pull back the peel until completely removed}

{cluster of seeds will reveal themselves that can easily be broken apart}

{so much better}

{makes for a fantastic snack, breakfast side, or garnish!}

Take time to Rewind

Things have not slowed down in the Lashway household the past couple of weeks.  

With sickness, studying, and a blizzard - there hasn't been a dull moment since January 1st.  I have recently noticed a few things that make my week just a little calmer and I've decided to try to incorporate these items in my daily routine. The flowers are a regular staple in our house, but herbal pomegranate tea {from trader joe's of course!}, staple snack veggies, and nightly fires are new additions.