Must be the season of the.....mint

Hello my bunnies!

Is everyone enjoying this beautiful summer we are experiencing? My garden is absolutely loving all the sunshine, particularly, as previously mentioned- my mint plants.

What is  one to do when your mint is beyond plentiful?

Stuff it in everything you possibly can!

I finally revived my long-neglected cooking blog to share a recipe for gluten-free chocolate mint muffins.

They are TO DIE FOR.

Click on over to FAT GLAM KITCHEN to see the recipe

Of course, the real reason I sat down to write today, was to share today's project:

Home grown mint TEA!

After grinding up my test batch of 3 types of dried mint,  I used a metal tea steeper plus about a spoonful of dried mint- and voila! Delicious, flavorful, soothing tea! Much better and tastier then store bought!

It was time to cute a generous amount of all 5 varieties of my mint (Mojito, spearmint, chocolate mint, berries and cream, and english mint) to be strung up and dried, to make a powerhouse 5-mint tea blend!

I am very pleased with how many uses I've found for all the beauties growing in my garden lately.
Our mint was grown for the sole purpose of enjoying a refreshing mojito every now and then, and has evolved into playing a major role in our kitchen. Spinach gets tucked into almost every dish- from smoothies, to omelettes, to stir fry.  Green beans are snacked upon, free off the vine, or tossed into salads, stews, or steamed for a delicious side.

What is your favorite thing growing in your garden this year?

xox
Lenora

A little bit more garden...this time, in the sunlight.

Hello bunnies,

After last night's post , I thought I'd share a bit more. This time, some progress in the sunshine.

Everything is coming in fantastically!
Today I planted lots of radish seed for sprouts. I absolutely love their tangy taste in salads!!
I also planted lots of cilantro and sage for a later harvest. Kale sprouts are coming in well for an early fall harvest.

All in all, I'm very happy with my 1st attempt at urban gardening. Lots of trial and error, many restarts and frizzled, dead leaves... but so much learning! It is immensely satisfying, and will surely be done again next year!

xox
Lenora

A warm summer night at home, sweet home.

Hello bunnies!

A couple of you on Tumblr/Twitter were asking for garden updates, so I thought I would oblige!

I only felt inspired to take some photos after sun-set this evening, which took this little 'photoshoot' in a more home-decor direction rather than urban garden-centric.

Fresh mint is drying in the window tonight, hanging from binder clip, and coriander seeds are drying in a metal tea steeper. In our house hold, every day items have multiple uses, especially office supplies! 

Mint is not the only thing that is extremely plentiful in our garden at the moment. Our green beans,
sweet snap peas, kale, oregano, hot peppers, purple peppers and climbing spinach are also abundant.

Particularly the spinach. 

I am very surprised, we started this spinach from seeds back in late May, and in the last three weeks, it has exploded into a maze of twisting vines and thick leaves. We eat spinach almost every day in some way- it is wonderful!  Climbing spinach is a bit thicker compared to regular spinach, and has a heartier, earthier flavor. Fantastic in stir fry or chopped in salads, quiches and feta & spinach pies. 

 Not much else to report, really. We are looking forward to harvesting some more green beans and strawberries in coming days. Tonight we feasted on a quinoa salad with fresh sweet snap peas and other local fresh veggies from the gardens of other friends.

How are your gardens growing?

I'll leave you with one of my favorite things in my kitchen...just because!!

xoxo
Lenora

Turquoise Polka Dots and Pleats and BIG BIG changes!

Hello my beach bunnies!


I hope you've all been busy, enjoying the beautiful summer sun!
I thought I would pop-in with a little update, and to share some of my summery outfits the last couple of days!

So, life has been a crazy roller coaster this summer. Lots of changes- but all for the best!  I resigned my position with River of Pride for personal reasons, and hit a snag with funding for my budding vintage-clothing business. Resigning my position with ROP has allowed me to have more free-time to spend time with some very amazing friends I have made. Having to seek new employment has landed me a position finally using my Psychology background. It really is true- things sometimes need to fall apart  for better things to fall together.

I'm  happy to share that my new position will be as a support worker! I will be working with several , long-term elderly clients, doing day to day things like shopping, cooking, and just spending time. Mostly working with newly-widowed women learning independence.  I am thrilled and cannot wait to start . I have always wanted to work with the elderly, I have endless respect for them, and truly look forward to learning from them while helping at the same time. The best part of this position, I will not have to deal with the nursing aspect- I'm pretty much going to be paid to be a friend. I couldn't ask for anything more rewarding!

In terms of my summer wardrobe, I've been living in bright colors and flowy skirts!

As always, everything above is thrifted, down to the amazing deadstock 1940s sandals that I scored     for $2. I know. I can't believe it either.

Today's outfit is also completely thrifted. I am in love with the 1930s rainbow sunglasses, modern-does-retro lucite heel peeptoes, and 1960s turquoise polka dot pussy bow blouse. Don't you just love a good fuchsia&turquoise color combo?!

The garden is going well, despite many of our plants being eaten mercilessly by squirrels and cats.
Our spinach and green beans are doing marvelously though! We've been feasting on spinach daily!

How is everyone doing? Any adventures? Any funky outfits you're particularly proud of?

XOXO
Lenora

Lenora, Lenora, how does your garden grow? Patio garden progress and a little crafty DIY

Hello my little sun-lovin' bunnies!

I've been enjoying everyone's feedback and interaction in regards to my garden project, so I thought I'd share another update!

After a few more set backs- including a very vindictive stray cat who dug up  all the pots that were big enough for him to fit into, our garden is growing wonderfully and I am just so proud!

As you can see, I expanded the garden down the stairs...

We've had to add extra trellace and LOTS of bamboo skewers to deter the darn cat from digging, so the greenery isn't the prettiest to look at right now. We'd rather the skewers to using chemicals to deter him.
Our plants are dong great- especially our spinach and various pepper plants. We also have lots of new seedlings started in our little greenhouse (that does not have it's green-house-y plastic covering on for these photos- it was too hot!)

You may have noticed a few little jars in these photos- they are my latest little DYI.

I made outdoor photo jars!

I adore them! Not only are they cute, interesting little additions to our patio, they are a great way to use up some of the empty glass jars that have been taking over our pantry!

I just put some marbles and faux pearl beads into some empty glass jars, put in an old photo (from a haul of old 1890s-1950s photos from a farming family I picked up at a fleamartket), closed the jar tightly and decorated with some twine.  I made one that hangs with wire,  and one that says "welcome" for the front step.  Very happy with them!

How is everyone's garden growing?

xox
Lenora

Happy Solstice!

Hello my darling bunnies, and happy Summer Solstice!

Whether you celebrate the Solstice or not, you  have to admit today is a beautiful day here on the East Coast! The longest day of the year, the warmest, and a day to give thanks. It is also a day to  pass along blessings and well-wishes to others.


For me, the Summer Solstice is very special.  I have my yearly semi-Pagan traditions I have practiced since I was a child. They have been adapted from various old Wiccan/Pagan practices, made my own, and ever-evolving over the years. 


I spent the morning tending my garden as usual, and spending time with the baby chickadees , who have learned that I am a friend, and will sit with me while I have my morning tea. Afterwards, I gathered a few items together that are dear to me- photographs of family, friends, and my lover, feathers from my darling pet birds (present and past), crystals given to me by my mother when I was a teenager, etc. I set them outside with me for good juju , so to speak... to honor them, to keep them with me in love while I celebrated the coming of summer. 

I then sat down with some paper, a pen, and some string. I spent the next hour reflecting and giving thanks for the beautiful things in my life, and began to write down little "Dear Universe" notes... 
These little notes gave blessings to loved ones, troubled ones, and lost ones, and were tied to our elm tree. 


Little red notes dancing in the wind, asking for compassion for all. Asking for those who have empty bellies and empty hearts to be full, and satiated. Wishing those close, and far, progress, adventure, and happiness.

 These notes will stay until they are blown away, or the 1st rain. For me, summer has officially started.

Tonight, I'm having friends over for a few drinks on the patio, so share the love!

Do any of you have any summer rituals? Either spiritual or not?  Is it simply not summer until you've gone to the cottage? Berry picking?

XO
Lenora