green :: tuesday

Green goodness from The Happy Campers











& body+soul,









finally an After-Dinner Soother mint tea.

turquoise :: monday

handmaid colour week, thanks simply photo.

A drink for the occasion, Turquoise Margarita.

stories & spring

Enjoying reading A Winter Book by Tove Jansson, beautiful description to get lost within. It is a nice contrast to be reading about elements of the winter while watching out for new signs of spring every day. The days are becoming lighter and the willow tree in the garden is magically covered in pussy willow. When the sun shines with a blue sky behind the tree looks as if every branch holds a reflecting raindrop.
















Ornate branches of Japonica, a few weeks ago.


















Arabia Finland Moomin mugs, I have Finland on my mind.

Ginger Tea with Lemon and Honey, looks like a useful tonic, fend off my tickly throat. From eat drink one woman.

ginger tea with lemon and honey

1. Thinly slice a 2x3 inch piece of ginger lengthwise. Or, if you like your tea extra spicy and warming, add more. I like a good 2x5 inch piece to really heat up my esophagus.

2. Add to a pot with 2 cups of cold spring water. Bring your pot up to a boil, then simmer.

3. Meanwhile, extract the pulp wedges from half a lemon by cutting into the lemon half in a circle with a paring knife, then cutting along the membrane in each section, the way you would with a grapefruit. De-pip (pip pip!) your pulp and place it into your teapot, thermos, or extra large mug. Squeeze in the remaining juice from the lemon half.

4. Add a generous tablespoon (or more) of your favorite honey to the lemon, preferably local honey.

5. Strain the ginger tea into your lemon pulp honey mixture. Serve hot to sickies and healthies.

coastal textures

Textures of the sea shore from a wonderful sun drenched walk at the weekend. Today in complete contrast it snowed again, wetter than the recent snow, but still a good covering and a magical sight to wake up to.

Ultimate Hot Chocolate, the perfect drink for tonight. A treat to go with all the lovely recipes being shared this week.

What has happened to Petra Borner's blog, seems to have disappreared from blogger? I wonder why, I shall miss reading it.

shepherd's purse

shepherd's purse
growing as high
as my hip pocket

another from A Dictionary of Haiku

Here is the Suomi Celebration range of tableware by Rosenthal, decorated by the wonderful trio Atelier LZC from February 2006. The grey and gilt design is the humble shepherd's purse plant, some consider this a weed but I love the heart-shaped seed pods.

I saw this range in a magazine last year and I have been looking for it ever since. A little research shows the Suomi range was created by the Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva, winning a design medal in 1976 and to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the iconic design, Suomi Celebration was created. Good to read the history, especially about the year of my birth.














































A fine breakfast smoothie from innocent, yoghurt, oats, raspberries & blueberries

seeds

I am excited about Spring, the sun shone down and threw dramatic shadows across the city buildings today. Now I am looking forward to all the growth of plants and flowers in the coming months. While waiting I am thinking about the beauty and potential of seed pods. Weeds by Howard Bjornson is a beautiful look at plant forms, evoking the work of Karl Blossfeldt, which I greatly admire.













Angie Lewin, printmaker creates beautiful work inspired by seed pods and coastal colours. I especially like this piece.














Pomegranate Crush recipe, from these juicy seeds. I was perked up by a little pot of pomegranate seeds from Eat this afternoon. Seeds of inspiration!