Lavender Design + Cuisine: February 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Plant-Based Recipe: Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad with Pistachio & Citrus-Cardamom Vinaigrette

Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad

This vibrant Moroccan Rainbow Carrot Ribbon Salad features long, shaved carrot ribbons, a bright aromatic citrus-cardamom vinaigrette and a satisfying crunch from roasted-salty pistachios. The recipe is inspired by Eastern-Mediterranean flavor profiles, utilizing citrus and cardamom to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

So, Let’s get started with the recipe!

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients For the Salad:

1 lb. Organic Rainbow Carrots (approx. 4-6 large)
⅓ Cup Roasted-Salted-Shelled Pistachios (roughly chopped)

For the Citrus-Cardamom Dressing:

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Tsp. Lemon & Orange Zests
1 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup
1/3 Tsp. Ground Cardamom (or 1/2 tsp crushed cardamom seeds)
1 Small Garlic Clove, grated or finely minced
¼ Tsp. Sea Salt, or to taste

Instructions:

Create the Ribbons: Peel the carrots and remove the ends. Using a vegetable julienne peeler or mandoline, shave the carrots lengthwise into long, thin, paper-thin ribbons.

Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, lemon & orange zests, honey, ground cardamom, garlic and sea salt until well combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the carrot ribbons and chopped toasted pistachios.

Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften slightly.

Garnish: Top with additional chopped pistachios and herbs before serving. I had a few tiny red biquinho peppers and added those.

Culinary Tips:

Tool: A Y-peeler makes creating long, even ribbons easier.
Color: Use a mix of purple, yellow, and orange carrots to maximize the visual appeal.
Storage: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and tastes better as it marinades.
Add-ins: Optionally add feta cheese, pomegranate arils, or thinly sliced red onion for more texture and flavor.

Enjoy! Let me know how you made it and share a picture!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook

Monday, February 23, 2026

Spring Equinox Curation: The Ritual of Spatial Renewal

The arrival of Spring brings a powerful wave of renewal, joy, and fresh beginnings. This is your moment to chase your boldest dreams, starting with your immediate physical environment. By engaging in a sacred decluttering ritual, you deep-clean your home to strengthen your spirit, release stagnant energy, and open pathways for growth.

Here is your high-velocity guide to transforming your space into a pristine sanctuary:

1. Strategy & High-Energy Flow

The 20/10 Rule: Work in focused intervals of 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of rest to maintain peak energy and completely eliminate burnout.
Top-to-Bottom Flow: Tackle one room at a time. Always clean from top (ceiling fans, light fixtures) to bottom (floors) so falling dust is captured efficiently. Spread the ritual over a few days to keep it entirely manageable.

2. Intentional Decluttering

The Three-Pile Method: Clear high-traffic counters and chaotic drawers by instantly sorting items into three distinct tracks: Keep, Donate, or Discard.
The Rule of Place: Assign a permanent, dedicated functional home to every single item left standing. Extend this purge to your digital workspace to lower hidden mental stress.

3. Deep-Cleaning Masterclass

Kitchen & Bath: Clean inside appliances and wipe down cabinets. Ruthlessly eliminate mildew spots from bathroom surfaces.
Textiles & Glass: Launder your linens, rugs, and heavy curtains. Wash windows thoroughly to maximize the intake of pure spring sunlight. Finish by steam-cleaning your carpets.

4. Non-Toxic Chemical Detox

Plant-Based Solutions: Prioritize your wellness by completely banning harsh, toxic synthetic cleaners.
Natural Agents: Rely on simple, powerful, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, white vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to safely lift stubborn dirt and grime without leaving harmful chemical residues.

5. Revitalize the Senses

Aromatherapy Boost: Diffuse invigorating, pure essential oils like rosemary, lemon, and lavender to immediately elevate your workspace mood.
Biophilic Design: Finish your spatial curation by bringing fresh life indoors. Decorate with vibrant potted plants or fresh-cut local flowers to anchor positive energy.

6. Tools for Precision

Assemble your toolkit before you begin to maximize efficiency: microfiber cloths, glass spray bottles, fresh sponges, a room-by-room printable checklist, and a high-performance HEPA-filter vacuum.

Savor the joy of transforming your home into a beautiful sanctuary of positive energy. For exclusive monthly space curation tips, send me an email to subscribe to my newsletter!

Ellie Lavender
Space Curator & Avant Garde Chef
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook