TUESDAY TIPS

One thing I have been asked is "How can you afford to eat organic?" Usually my reply is "How can you afford not too!" But seriously it does cost a little more at first... but in the long run not really! I try very hard to be "frugal" and one thing I do notice myself doing is I don't let anything go to waste. If I pay a little more for organic produce I make sure I use every inch of it...so in reality it does cost less.

Tonight is "Clean out the fridge" night...and it is amazing what you can come up with!

#1...Along with the organic,free-range chicken we will be having stuffing...made totally out of leftovers! I had some homemade organic bread and cornbread, organic celery,half a onion, some carrots and a lot of this weeks fresh herbs (from the farmers market)...nothing going to waste!


#2...The ends of the celery and onions along with the stems of the herbs are cooking on the stove and I will freeze them to use as veggie stock. I do put a pinch of sea salt to take the edge off the bitterness. I will strain this before freezing.

#3...A zucchini,leek and half a jar of my canned tomatoes will become a side dish.

#4...Keep those expensive fresh herbs longer by smashing the ends of the stems and putting them in a container of water...and keep in the fridge. Why smash the ends you ask? (This is the florist coming out in me)...woody stems can not absorb water without being feathered....God put bark on stems so they won't become water logged but if you crack the bark your herbs will be able to drink a little water. Just a little tap with the side of the knife is all it will take.

So see you can be frugal and eat organic at the same time. When shopping for organic fruits and veggies go with a plan. Do some research and scan some recipes...write down possibilities. If shopping at Farmer's Markets this is always a good idea because you don't exactly what your going to find.

Have a wonderful day!!

TUESDAY TIPS

IT'S ALMOST HERE! Jan.1 that is...and time for you know what...the dreaded NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION! Yikes! Usually topping our list is weight loss or quit smoking. I don't smoke so I can't help you out with that one but I can give you a few tips on eating better and modifying your life style. Just a few simple things can get you on track so when Jan 1 comes around you will be a little ahead of the game!

#1--STOP! Drinking that soda or pop or whatever you call it....THAT STUFF IS SO BAD FOR YOU! Not only is is laden with stuff you can't pronounce it's loaded with calories. The "diet" drinks are full of artificial sweeteners that for some reason are approved by the FDA. In other words if you can't pronounce it don't drink it!

#2--The next time you get the urge for that doughnut or bagel with your coffee in the morning think again. Instead keep on hand whole grain and I mean GRAIN, just not whole wheat. Eat a piece of fruit first...before anything. If you must have your coffee sweetened please don't use the man made stuff.

#3--Try your best to rid your house of processed food. A good place to start is with chips,store bought cookies and crackers. Snack on carrots and cukes. Cucumbers actually have a "filling" quality to them and almost 0 calories. Try eating them plain but if you can't use sea salt not iodized salt!

#4--There is something to be said about the old saying "An apple a day"...I find eating one in the early evening does wonders :)

#5--SLIM DOWN your plate. I'm not sure when it happened but America seems to think we need a buffet on our dinner plate. If you actually use your salad plate or even a larger saucer and only fill that plate 1 time you will be amazed how much it will help!

These are just a few tips to get you going,if you plan to start a diet regiment you should go see your health care provider. The tips are my own opinion and not in any way suppose to be used as medical advice! Common sense is really our best healer!

Have a great evening!

A U.K. WEDDING

Every now and then a florist is asked to do a wedding that will be remembered forever. Well I recently did one such wedding. When my bride Melanie asked if we could do a "Celestial" theme I was excited...having never done one before I thought it would be a wonderful challenge and my mind started to spin. The best part was Melanie knew just what she wanted and with several emails across the pond we finalized everything and I got busy searching for the unique elements to put in the design.

At first I thought it would be hard to find the rich jewel tone colors since most places were offering spring pastels. After some searching I found the beautiful blues,purples,and cranberry colors we needed. Melanie was not fussy about the "kind" of flowers I used so that helped...I was not limited...color was more important.

Then came the wire! I think I have found my new favorite element to use in bouquets! Oh my gosh I just love it! When I added this to the bouquets,along with the glass and silver beads everything just popped! It was the perfect accent to complete the package....I will be using it again thats for sure :)

The wedding is this weekend and I would love to be a fly on the wall to see it all put together.

Congratulations Melanie and Tris!

MONDAY MUSE

I really would like you to take time to Muse what you could use this wonderful Topper for! So many creative ideas come to mind...starting with a beautiful cake topper for your wedding cake or for that special event like a bridal,baby shower.

Put it on a elegant candle stick and you have a instant beautiful topiary style centerpiece. Placed in a vintage bowl or dish and it is perfect for your home design needs. The list could go on and on!

If you have something in mind and like this style I can make enough for your decorating needs. If you have questions please contact me with your questions.
You can find more information in my Etsy shop.

Happy Monday Musing!