Tag: gardening

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Stylish Favorites {7.31.2014}

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Williams Greenhouse in Northern Virginia at Cascades Parkway and Marie’s Place.

Summer delights come in all forms at Heath and everything is verdantly green. Here are a few joyous pleasures I find to make the season a lot of fun!!

Williams Greenhouse
One of the best-kept secrets in Northern Virginia is a nursery tucked away off a gravel road with acres of untouched land and a mossy pond loaded with ducks. Williams Greenhouse is a place I enjoy coming to slow down, unwind and completely relax. The Williams family who own the farm are quite eccentric but, charming and extremely knowledgeable about herbs and plants. Being the only customer today at the greenhouse, I was able to enjoy the quiet solitude and while taking a few photographs of the property.

IMG_3383A Bowl of Pho
There is nothing like the strength of a dear friend when you are feeling frightened and troubled; they are the proverbial warm blanket during a blistering storm. Whenever I have a bowl of pho {Vietnamese beef soup} I feel an immense pleasure when this dish is served. Delicious beef broth made from savory spices, such as; onions, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and ginger. Throw in a bit of rice noodles, sliced brisket or sirloin, Asian/Thai basil, spring onions and cilantro, and you have the ultimate comfort food.

IMG_3225Oreo Cheesecake
Summer is most definitely the time to indulge in decadent desserts made with lots of ice creams, melted chocolates and crunchy cookies. The season would not be complete without a dipped cone from Dairy Queen or a cup of creamy yogurt made by a couple from a roadside stand in Falls Church. And, every once in a while a savory treat must be relished and today it is the Oreo Cheesecake enjoyed by Tony on his trip home from the Middle East. Thank you for sharing this photo of your cake.

IMG_3240The Light After A Storm
The butterfly may definitely be the symbol of hope, but the light after a tempestuous storm is definitely a consolatory feeling. The house was under siege the other night with severe winds, lightening and thunder, which seemed to last most of the evening. But, by dawns early light, I came down to the deck area of the house to see all was intact and this of beacon of light streaming through the trees!!

WordCamp NYC 2014
I am attending my first WordPress conference, which is being held in New York City this weekend. After carefully reviewing the sessions I hope to come away a bit wiser in the way of blogging, and having made a few new friends.

Stay stylish!!
K

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Stylish Weekend

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The last of the spring peonies after a rain storm a week ago. Even with age, the flower is extremely vibrant in color and shape.

Upon awaking yesterday morning I was determined to ease into the weekend instead of being tossed head first into the waves of decision-making and arduous tasks. Gliding into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee to go with the almond croissants purchased the day before at la Madeleine was my idea of a perfect start.

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Harvested bay leaves, which have been growing for many years at Heath were be placed in containers to be shared with family and friends.

IMG_3122There was also the great opportunity of working on the deck this morning with mom, planting additional herbs in various pots to be used in meals for the remainder of the year. Mom helped by pulling weeds and harvested the bay leaves which were stored in containers for upcoming stews, soups and sauces. It is always a lot of fun to work with mom while  gardening. We had our music playing our favorite playlist and enjoyed lunch al fresco.

Work stylishly
K,