Sunday, July 16, 2023

Gardening Inspires Creativity!

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your hands in the dirt and start planting! Whether you're dreaming of fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, or a sea of colorful flowers, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful creative outlet.

Here are a few ways to embrace the garden this season:

Unleash Your Imagination. From backyard plots to tiny container gardens, every space is a blank canvas. You have the freedom to design, experiment, and grow exactly what inspires you.

Make it a Family Affair. Gardening is a fantastic way to bond with your kids. Let them help with watering, sowing seeds, or crafting custom garden signs. It’s a hands-on way to nurture their creativity and curiosity.

Practice Mindful Cultivation. Gardening demands your full attention, grounding you in the present. When you nurture a plant from seed to harvest, you develop a deeper connection to your food and a greater pride in your results.

For me, gardening is one of life’s greatest joys. It fuels my creativity, provides fresh ingredients for my favorite recipes, and brings a genuine sense of peace.

Happy Gardening!

Ellie Lavender 
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

 

 Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

Copyright © 2023 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.

 

Living Room Feng Shui Enhancements!

 

Cozy & Relaxing Living Room

 

 

Finding a sanctuary in our modern world isn't always easy. Many of us work at home, or take work home from the office. Lots of us share spaces with significant others or family members, so turning down the volume of life at home isn't always easy. To create a place to unwind, you must eliminate the stuck energy, otherwise known as clutter, so that your mind and body can feel at ease and fully release the stresses of the day.

 

Living rooms are considered a common space to relax and rejuvenate. Therefore, it should be clutter-free, organized, clean and inviting. You can easily create a place of joy, comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation by applying these very simple and practical Feng Shui enhancements to your living room:

1.     Declutter - Clutter is stuck energy, get rid of it!  Declutter your living room to increase and enhance the flow of positive energy, hence relaxation. Remove all items that only take up space in your living room without adding any value, static pleasure or functionality. There is no need for too many lamps, sofa, chairs, tables, arts, plants, etc., after all, it’s a living room, not a furniture showroom! Plus, less is always more!

2.    Find a good view - If you have a view of your garden, trees and nature, leave your blinds or curtains open to bring that vibrant energy inside. 

3.    Appeal to your senses – Choose colors, fabrics and styles that bring you comfort, joy and happiness.  Avoid busy fabric patterns, they generates unsettling energy!  

4.    Add more nature - Nature is the ultimate relaxation nirvana. Add plants, fresh flowers and bring nature into your living room (keep in mind that balance is the key here, you don’t want to create a garden in your living room). Remove dying and dead plants from your living room and any other areas of your house too. They generate negative energy and not good for your physical health or emotional well-being.

5.    Rearrange your furniture – Furniture are not permanent fixtures and can be easily rearranged. Move them around to increase the flow of positive energy. While you are at it, get rid of cracked and broken furniture, lamps, smelly rugs, etc.

 

6.    Clean Your Living Room – Make a habit to keep your living room clean and that includes windows, shades, lamps, rugs, etc.  

Put your self-love hat on and let go of all the items that have no purpose or benefits being in your living room whatsoever. Just because you have them, it doesn’t mean that you have to use or keep them. Sell, recycle, donate, or gift friends and family if they need or want them.

Lastly, have fun with the process and make a habit of revitalizing your living room at least once or twice a year!

Ellie Lavender 
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

 

 Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

 Copyright © 2023 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.


Sunday, July 9, 2023

Savory Garden Herb Socca: A Delicious Chickpea Flatbread


Savory Garden Herb SOCCA

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA Baked in Skillet 

Savory Garden Herb Socca: A Delicious Chickpea Flatbread

This flavorful and crispy chickpea flour flatbread, commonly known as Socca (or Farinata in Italy) is naturally a gluten-free and plant-based Italian appetizer often enjoyed plain or with various toppings. My version incorporates garden fresh herbs, freshly ground coriander seeds, and a hint of smoked paprika for a unique twist. 

You can also enjoy with olive tapenade, romesco or marinara sauce, pesto and also as a base for pizza with your favorite toppings! 

SOCCA originated in the Genoa region of Italy, where it is known as Farinata and quickly spread in popularity throughout the Ligurian coast of Italy and the Provence region of southern France. It’s also known as Torta di Ceci, Cecina and Panisse de Marseille. It’s baked until nicely browned and crispy on the edges and then served hot cut into wedges. 

So let’s get started with the recipe!

Ingredients

1 Cup chickpea flour 
1 Cup warm water
1/2 Tsp sea salt
1/4 Tsp freshly ground coriander seeds
2 Tbsp olive oil
Smoked paprika 
A handful of garden herbs (I used dill, marjoram, thyme & oregano from my garden)

Equipment
Cast iron skillet

Instructions

1. Mix chickpea flour, sea salt and ground coriander in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 cup warm water to the mixture, whisk until well combined and let it rest for 30 minutes. 

2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven for 20 mins. Remove the skillet carefully, grease with olive oil, pour the batter, add your favorite herbs and a dash of smoked paprika. 

3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set, and it is golden in color. Remove baked SOCCA from oven and place it on a cooling rack for a few minutes, then transfer it on a cutting board and slice into wedges. You can enjoy the SOCCA by itself, with your favorite condiments, or soup and salad. 

Happy Baking and Enjoy! 

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

 

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

 

 Copyright © 2023 Lavender Design + Cuisine, All rights reserved.