Sunday, July 16, 2023

Tips: Revitalize Your Living Room

 

Cozy & Relaxing Living Room

 

5 Simple Feng Shui Tips for a Cozy & Relaxing Living Room
Your living room should be a sanctuary to unwind and rejuvenate. To feel at ease, you must eliminate stuck energy—also known as clutter. Transforming your space into an oasis of comfort is simple with these practical Feng Shui enhancements.
Here are 5 quick ways to revitalize your living room:
  • Clear Stuck Energy: Remove items that take up space without adding function or joy. Less is more; your living room should not look like a furniture showroom.
  • Maximize Natural Views: Keep blinds or curtains open if you have a view of nature. Bringing the sight of trees and gardens inside invites vibrant, positive energy.
  • Soothe Your Senses: Choose colors and fabrics that bring comfort and happiness. Avoid busy fabric patterns, which generate unsettling energy.
  • Invite Balanced Nature: Add healthy plants or fresh flowers to create a relaxing environment. Instantly discard dead or dying plants, as they drain your emotional well-being.
  • Rearrange and Repair: Move furniture to improve room flow. Toss out or replace cracked items, broken lamps, or smelly rugs that disrupt the peace.

Tips to Let Go This Weekend
  1. Adopt a cleaning habit: Regularly wipe down windows, shades, and lamps to keep energy fresh.
  2. Practice self-love: Do not keep items just because you own them. If an object serves no purpose, sell, recycle, donate, or gift it.
  3. Set a schedule: Make a habit of deeply revitalizing your living room layout at least twice a year.

Lastly, have fun with the process! 


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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook


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

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Savory Garden Herb SOCCA Recipe


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! 


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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook


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

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Tips: Revitalize Your Dining Room

 

Clutter-Free, Vibrant & Inviting Dining Room 

5 Quick Ways to Revitalize Your Dining Room
The dining room serves as the social center of the home. Whether your style is formal, casual, modern, or traditional, this space brings people together for daily meals, birthdays, and holidays. Revitalizing it improves the room's energy, supports healthy eating, and promotes harmonious family relationships.
Here are 5 cost-effective ways to update your space:
  • Remove Non-Dining Items: Clear out paperwork, clutter, and any objects that do not belong in a dedicated dining area.
  • Apply Fresh Paint: Add a new coat of paint to instantly lift the room’s energy and brighten the atmosphere.
  • Update Key Elements: Swap out outdated light fixtures and replace old rugs to change the entire look of the room.
  • Incorporate Natural Decor: Display vibrant artwork and place fresh flowers on the table to invite positive energy.
  • Refurbish Your Furniture: Give tired tables and chairs a quick makeover by sanding, staining, or painting them.

Your Weekend Project Checklist
  1. Clear the table: Remove everything that does not support dining or hosting.
  2. Pick a color: Select a fresh, inviting paint tone that makes the space feel welcoming.
  3. Assess the furniture: Decide if your chairs or table need a quick sanding or a new coat of stain.


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

Let's connect: Instagram | Facebook


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