Nov 28, 2012

mistletoe...did you know?

While taking a train from London to Paris during the winter I noticed trees filled with big round nests. 
I was is Paris for the New Year celebration! Every neighborhood  had street vendors selling giant bunches of mistletoe on New Year's Eve, I told my friend Jenni (who have been living in France for a year) how impressed I was with the huge, lush bunches. She told me how they grow all over the countryside, in big round balls, on trees :)

In France, New Year's Eve   is called la Saint-Sylvestre and is usually celebrated with a feast. The feast tends to include special items like champagne and foie gras, at midnight, everyone kisses under the mistletoe and offers their best wishes for the New Year.


Mistletoe is in fact a parasite, unable to grow without feeding from a host plant. It manages this by producing a specialized root system that searches for and then taps into the host plants own vascular system. This enables the mistletoe to draw water and nutrients directly from the host, although it is able to create some of its own sugars using limited photosynthesis. The mistletoe also releases growth regulation hormones into the host causing localized swelling and helping to increase the yield of nutrient and water.


From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered to bestow life and fertility.

The eighteenth-century English  are credited with a certain magical appeal called a kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with ribbons, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill.


Nov 26, 2012

a dose of small bussiness

I am determined to do all of my Christmas shopping at small businesses this year . I kicked off this year's holiday shopping with a few of My Ladies at the Dose Market. If you haven't been yet, you must go, there is one more left this year. 

Pretty flowers are always a treat for me :)

 If you are looking for a little something different you can commission a poem!

                                                                          A yummy treat!
By far the find of the day! these gorgeous repurposed vintage suitcase speakers by ARTPENTRY .
 I even scored a little something for myself, this vintage English dress for $20; am telling everyone
 the Mother Queen wore it. I love old ladyish prints!!! 
And someone I know is getting something on the table below :)

Our favorite smores!
We went for lunch after...my apologies to all vegan friends :(
Next Dose! Check it out!

Nov 22, 2012

tis' the season




Please join Louise and I as we kick off the
2012 Holiday Season, Saturday, November 24th!
 


Shop Small / Shop Local. 
Creative stocking stuffers, lotions, love potions, hats
and scarfs, our Winter Wreath candle is back !!!

All of your fresh green needs, garlands, wreaths,
ornaments, berries and sticks. Snacks and drinks
while you shop and a gift with every purchase. Yay!

A percentage of the days sales will go to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

We hope to see you! 






Nov 21, 2012

happy thanksgiving :)


Christen + Ryan

These two where a blast! I don't even know how we planed a wedding with so much laughing involved! 
Christen and Ryan were married this fall on what I think was the perfect wedding weather. Breath taking fall backdrops but sunny and warm. 
It was my first time at their venue, previously a private club, Ravisloe just opened their doors to the public. Established in 1901, this beautiful Spanish Mission-style masterpiece designed by George Nimmons left me speechless.I felt as if I had drove right into St Agustin Florida.
The bride and groom could not stop laughing and smiling, I love that, take a look!!!


 
Flowers: Petal Play Design  Photography: JPP Studios Venue: Ravisloe Country Club

Nov 6, 2012

a much needed rest

Five girls, one beautiful lake house, one weekend , no work, rest, and laughter...priceless memories made.
 It has been a big summer; lots and lots of weddings, the heat made it feel like double the work. We worked hard and now the wedding season is winding down; four more weddings to go! 
Soon the shop will become a Christmas wonderland and speeds will pick up again, that's why this little getaway hit the spot!  

 
I made a tart...it was yummy! I'm not much of a baker. One of my friends made a to die for granola! will get that recipe here soon :)  
and my famous salmon...always yummy!
Easy Apple-Ginger Tart
Makes 1 (9-inch) round tart

1/2 (14.1-ounce) package refrigerated piecrust
1 1/2 large Braeburn apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 1/2 large Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
1/3 cup orange marmalade
1 teaspoon orange zest
 
Preheat oven to 450°.

Unroll piecrust. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch round removable-bottom tart pan.

In a large bowl, combine apple slices, cornstarch, and sugar, tossing gently to coat. Arrange apple slices in a single layer on tart dough. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crust is lightly golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Spread chopped ginger over apples.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, place orange marmalade. Microwave on High for 30 seconds, or until melted. Brush over apples. Sprinkle with orange zest.

P/S  I found that I had to bake it for 10 minutes longer, but covered the outer crust with foil the last 10 minutes so it would not burn. Also you can find crystallized ginger in the bulk section at Whole foods, you only need about six pieces.