Wildflowers
Spring is a time of renewal. It’s when the grass is a little greener, the air a little cleaner, and the flowers are a little brighter. As I mentioned in my Strawberries post, Spring is my favorite season.
I live in a little town outside of the big city, and one thing I truly love during Spring is that the medians in the road begin to bloom a crazy amount of wildflowers. I’m not sure if seeds were sprinkled there on purpose, or if they are indeed truly ‘wild’flowers. In any case, they make the morning commute that much more pleasant.
If it’s not illegal (but, that may not stop me), I plan to stop one of these days to pick a few for the kitchen. They add such a charm that just can’t be bought at any store.
Here are a few wildflower images I’m currently loving…
I could lay here and daydream all day…
This looks like a curated wildflower garden, it’s so serene…
I love mason jars, and adding these wildflowers are the perfect wedding decor…
Another great example of wildflowers in a wedding, this time on a perfectly accessorized wedding cake…
I like I said before, I’m dying to pick some of those roadside wildflowers for our kitchen, like this…
This song actually inspired me to write about wildflowers today. I heard it on the way to work, and right after I noticed the wildflowers starting to peek through the grass…
Take some time today to stop and smell the flowers. Maybe even pick some for yourself. :)
Strawberries
Spring is in the air, and one way I love to officially celebrate my favorite season is to eat, decorate and wear all of the things that remind me of it.
And right now, it’s all about strawberries…
I jumped the gun a little bit for Valentine’s Day when I made these glorious treats, but now I’m really going full-speed in all things strawberry. At least until I can stand it.
These strawberry-colored sandals scream Spring (say that five times fast), and are affordable…
I love this skirt – it’s flirty length and cute pleats send all the right signals…
Of course, you can easily say the above choices are just plain red. But they make me want to eat strawberry shortcakes while I wear them. So there!
But don’t be afraid to be obvious in your strawberry selections. I LOVE this vintage-looking pillow…
As I mentioned in several posts, I’ve been looking for area rugs to add to the house. Not only do they truly help to make a house feel like a home, but depending on your choice of pattern and color, they can really liven up a space. Of course, a strawberry-colored area rug will do just that…
Last but certainly not least, the best part about Spring strawberries are the way they taste. There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy, almost tart flavor. They are so easy to feature in any type of recipe – drink, dessert, snack – you name it.
Here’s a favorite recipe of mine that really highlights the sweetness of the strawberry, and the freshness of Spring…
That’s right, folks – a beautiful Strawberry Mojito. I don’t love traditional Mojitos, but when strawberries (or any fruit for that matter) are added, it transforms into a totally different drink.
Strawberry Mojito
INGREDIENTS
5 large mint leaves
1 to 1-1/2 oz simple syrup (see recipe below)
3 large or 5 small very ripe strawberries, hulled and cut into a small dice (I sometimes add more, to taste)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice – from about 2 limes
1-1/2 oz clear rum
Club soda
Ice
Fresh mint and a strawberry to garnish
DIRECTIONS
Preferably in a highball glass (it’s easier to mash the fruit in this type of glass), add mint leaves and 1 oz of simple syrup. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash the leaves in the syrup until they are broken up. Add the strawberry pieces and mash them with the spoon until they are broken up and juicy. Add ice cubes and pour in lime juice and rum. Stir until combined and top with club soda. Taste and add a bit more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a strawberry.
Simple Syrup (it’s really very simple!)
INGREDIENTS
Simple syrup is one part water, one part sugar so it can be adapted to any quantity. For 1/2 cup of syrup you’ll need:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
DIRECTIONS
In a small saucepan, add sugar and water and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Stir sugar until it dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool before using. Syrup can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Extra syrup can be used in a number of other cocktail recipes
House Update
Going through previous blog posts, I noticed I haven’t given a house update in a while. I know you’re all just dying to know what’s going on!
As you may know, I decided to paint the majority of the inside gray (or grey), the furniture was finally found but I have left it a surprise (until now), the end table debacle had been solved, and I have been desperately looking for rugs.
I can officially say all of those to-do items have been checked off my list (for the living room at least). I was able to clean the room up enough to take some decent pictures, but everything is still pretty much scattered everywhere. Heck, we’re actually still moving. It’s normal to be moving after a month, right?…
(these were taken a night, I’ll get some daylight shots hopefully soon!)
- Paint: Behr Fashion Gray, $35 for 2 gallons at Home Depot
- Sectional: Brando in Cocoa, $999 at Ashley Furniture (we found the same sectional in an ad for Big Lots at $699, so Ashley’s price-matched!)
- Ottoman: Brando in Cocoa, $299 at Ashley’s Furniture
- Pillows: $24.99 each at Target
- End Tables: $200 each at American Signature Furniture
- Lamps: $45 each at TJ Maxx
- Blankets (the softest ones ever): $20 each at Sears
- Rug: $190 at Lowe’s (It was 10% off yesterday, plus I had an additional 10% off coupon)
Score!
We’re far from being done – I’m still debating if I want to replace those pillows, add more, or get rid of them. Also, ManFriend is installing a new fan today, and we still need some art/photos on the wall. But, it’s coming along nicely.
Up next, the dining room and/or master bedroom. We’ll see which one gets done first – it’s always a mystery to me…
{These pictures were taken by me. If you’d like to use any of these wonderful images, please link back to my site for credit. I appreciate it!}
Ikat
I’ve become more intrigued with patterns as time goes on, because before I was always very plain jane/simple sally. Now I find myself searching for fun and interesting patterns to add not only to my home decor, but also to my closet. I mentioned before my love for the Chevron pattern, and I’m determined to incorporate another pattern scheme – Ikat.
Ikat derived from the Malaysian word mengikat, which means to tie, knot, bind or wind around. The Ikat pattern looks tie-dyed, almost watery, woven and patched together. Here are some of my favorite Ikat pieces of which I’m looking to add to my collection.
This dress would be perfect for my cruise – easily transitions from day-to-night with a simple shoe swap…
This skirt is Bohemian chic, and perfect for the office…
I have GOT to get this pillow, it features my color of the year!
A cheerful and bright rug to liven up any room…
I need this chair for my office, and I’ll do anything to get it. Well, almost anything…
What do you think of the Ikat pattern – do you dig it?
Happy Weekend
The day after St. Patrick’s Day is always a long one. I’m exhausted – but not because of green beer. Every day after work I’ve been doing something to the house. Cleaning, decorating, fixing, shopping – that has been my life non-stop since February 17th. Luckily, I have friends and my Dad visiting, and a friend’s wedding on Sunday.
I’m especially excited for my Dad to be coming in to town. Bagels for breakfast (something we always do when we’re together), a morning boat ride, a nice dinner to celebrate his birthday (which was on Sunday), and possibly some gambling at the Hard Rock – this weekend is sure to keep my mind off the house… for once.
Hope you all have a nice, relaxing weekend!
salted chocolate | life with a dash of flavor 