Botanical Inspiration: Mulching And Helping Hands

 

I suppose I inherited a love of yard work from my Dad.  In the beginning,  it was clearly a chore, i.e. raking, weeding, mulching, etc.  However, it didn't  take long for me to see it in a different light.  I began seeking out things to do in our garden, following my dad behind the mower raking grass clippings or selecting and planting flowers in our many beds.  That's why I'm delighted when I see our children are enjoying getting their hands in the soil, choosing plants in garden centers and, of course, watering.  Recently Zoe helped me mulch the tiered section of our entry steps.  In the original 1953 landscape plans a waterfall feature was intended for this space.  We chose to plant Mondo Grass, Dwarf  Red Pine, Manzanita and Jasmine instead.  The mulch around the plantings not only enhances the foliage color, but also keeps the soil moist and the weeds at bay.

As time passes, I look forward to seeing the tiers fill in and our children's interest in gardening grow.

I'm so grateful for my childhood experiences in the garden.  Thank you, Dad!

Have a great weekend!

Loving Lately: Oversized Art

Lately, I've been loving the look of oversized art.  Dramatic and grounding, big art plays a huge role in any room.  Take a look at a few of my favorite spaces featuring art on a grand scale.

Given the space, would you go big or go gallery?

Images:  1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Second Kitchen Update: The Delta Faucet

During the past two weeks we've been getting acquainted with our brand new kitchen and I will admit we're all very pleased with the results.   One of my favorite features in it (and there are many) is the new faucet.  Not only does its finish work perfectly with the cabinet pulls and the color scheme, but its 'touch' feature makes it fun for our kids to fill a glass of water, rinse their dishes or wash their hands.  By simply touching the spout or the handle water is immediately released.  Touching it again stops the flow.  I'm not usually one for gadgets, bells and whistles, but I'm super excited about the ease of use and elegant look of the Delta Single Handle Faucet .  Take a look:

*This post was sponsored  by Delta Faucet.  The particular faucet chosen by me was a Delta Faucet donation.  A big thank you to the company from all of us!  

All opinions and images are my own. 

The Haas Brothers and the Ace Hotel Downtown LA

While at  Ace Hotel Downtown LA several weeks ago,  I took some photos of the random portraits that adorn the walls of its restaurant.  Adding to the hotel's eclectic visual mix, these sketches literally draw you in for a more intimate experience.  Twin Haas Brothers' mini murals serve as a reminder of  historical icons, music legends and political figures and they provide a reflective atmosphere that intermittently takes the focus off the [so cool looking] crowd of diners.  Take a look a some of my favorites images:

Apparently, ever so often the brothers come in to add a sketch or two.  How awesome would it be to see them work at it?

Off The Counter: Potassium Broth

One would think that the first 'Off The Counter' featured recipe from our [almost] done kitchen would be a bit more exciting than a broth.  However, after several non-welcomed colds during its renovation,  I thought that a meal with some real healing properties would be apropos.  I first tasted Golden Door's Potassium Broth while receiving a massage at The Boulders years ago (in the pre-kids era).   It was SO good that I held onto the recipe card ever since.  I'm preparing it now hoping it will speed up the healing process to rid myself of this tenacious cold.   The broth is meant to replenish minerals lost after a strenuous workout, but I suspect this vegetable packed liquid can also cure what ails me.  With regular sips of the broth and a feeling of normality returning to our house, we'll all be feeling better soon.  Ingredients and instructions below:

Ingredients:

46 oz tomato based vegetable juice, 2 cups of water, 3 cups of vegetable trimmings (such as celery tops, mushrooms, zucchinis, onions, bell peppers, parsley stems and carrots), 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon dried or (1 tablespoon fresh) basil.

Instructions: 

Combine tomato based juice water, vegetable trimmings, chili pepper flakes and basil.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes.  Strain, pressing to extract the liquid and discard the solids.  Serve broth either hot or cold.

Do you have any go-to recipes when you're under the weather?  If so, do share them with us!