Lavender Design + Cuisine: July 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Exquisite Plant-Based Mediterranean Culinary Experiences!

Plant-Based Niçoise Salad

Greetings Foodies & Wine Lovers,

Long before my amazing career at Silicon Valley, a deep-seated adoration for exquisite plant-based foods ignited my creative spark, meticulously honed from early childhood. This inherent artistry was then turbocharged by two decades navigating the competitive landscape of high-tech sales, imbuing it with unparalleled strategic prowess! I now apply this strategic mindset to my culinary pursuits, which are deeply influenced by the vibrant cuisines of France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco.

Farm-to-Table Plant-Based Culinary Services:

Personal & Group Culinary Journeys: French, Italian, Spanish Cuisine Personal chef and catering up to 10 guests.

Private In-Home Cooking and Wine Pairing: Elevate your culinary skills and explore the world of wine pairing with my exclusive in-home classes. Perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups of up to 10.

Culinary Team Building and Corporate Cooking Classes: Engaging activities to foster collaboration, communication, problem-solving, team morale, and creativity within a corporate setting.

Public & Exclusive Winery Events: Plant-based Mediterranean Tapas, Artisan Chocolate, & Wine Pairings.

Take the first step towards a more delicious life, contact me!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information

on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes and special events!

The Connection Between a Cluttered Home & Controlling Behaviors!

Clients frequently inquire about the connection between a cluttered home and controlling behaviors. The answer is yes, a cluttered home can be linked to controlling behaviors.

Living in a disorganized environment can cause stress, anxiety and a feeling of being overwhelmed, potentially leading individuals to try to exert control in other aspects of their lives, including relationships. This need to regain control may manifest as controlling behaviors towards others.

While decluttering can be beneficial, it's essential to recognize that controlling behaviors often stem from complex underlying issues like insecurity, fear, past trauma or learned patterns. Individuals may resort to controlling tendencies to manage anxiety, insecurity or a sense of powerlessness. Addressing both the physical clutter and these underlying emotional factors can be a crucial first step in addressing controlling behaviors.

Clients also often wonder why it's so challenging to let go of unused or disliked items. Three primary factors contribute to this difficulty:

Loss Aversion: People are often more sensitive to potential losses than equivalent gains. The fear of needing something later or an emotional attachment to an item can make discarding it challenging.

'Just in Case' Mentality: Many individuals keep items, even if unused for years, believing they might be needed in the future, particularly when there's a fear of waste or perceived future needs.

Hoarding Tendencies: Excessive clutter can sometimes indicate hoarding disorder, characterized by an inability to discard possessions, leading to distress and daily life problems, including a strong need to oversee and control others' actions.

Decluttering extends beyond simply tidying up and promotes a shift in perspective. It encourages prioritizing emotional liberation rather than a desire to control external factors or others.

Clients consistently express a profound sense of physical and emotional release after decluttering their homes. They often report being more attuned to the positive aspects of their lives, feeling less judgmental and genuinely more content.

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Green Interior Designer
Decluttering & Organizing Expert
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!