Vertical Garden Wall

Compliments of Jamie Durie

Hi Friends,

Designer Jamie Durie created a vertical garden wall by filling pockets with edible plants. To get this look on a budget, use hanging plastic shoe storage, and fill it with your favorite plants.

Plant herbs and green spices you can use for cooking; the best of both worlds - save money and it looks great too...

Check back for more ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Add a Little Zest

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith and Liz Gray

Hi Friends,

Fresh flowers bring new life and energy to any space so decorate with flowers this Spring. Celebrate the return of warm weather with beautiful arrangements of spring flowers. Citrus halves add an unexpected bit of color to this vibrant, party-worthy arrangement. Add the cut lemons, limes or oranges to your bouquet just before guests arrive so they will look fresh. Adorn the base of each vase with mounded fresh citrus.

The fresh fruit lends to the smell of Spring in the air...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Intimate Setting

Compliments of Greg Schaumburg

Hi Friends,

Create an elegant, intimate space with candles. Designer Greg Schaumburg of Hursthouse Landscape Architects & Contractors filled a copper basin with water and floating tea lights for the perfect way to light an outdoor party.

Excellent for a romantic evening with the ambiance of a firepit without the cost.

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Easter!

Courtesy of Sassy Cats

Happy Easter Friends!

May the simple joys fill your day, hope light your path, the many blessings of Easter stay forever in your heart, and the Origin of The Easter Bunny make your day.

Origin of The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a symbol that originated with the pagan festival of Easter. The goddess, Easter, was worshiped by the Anglo-Saxons
through her earthly symbol,
the hare or rabbit.

The date of Easter is determined by the moon whose symbolism is strongly tied to that of the hare. In fact, the hare is the symbol for the moon. Ever since the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., Easter has been celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21st.

The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.

The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the
garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets came later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country.

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Paper Straw Vase

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Make this bright, seasonal basket using only paper straws, a vase and hot glue. Glue the straws on a vase, metal can or other container until completely covered. Attach ribbon as a handle or fill with spring flowers to create a budget-friendly Easter centerpiece.

Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Rustic Wire Basket

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes
Photography by Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

For a rustic-inspired basket, rip strips of Easter-themed fabric and weave it through a wire basket you can get at an antique shop. Fill with grass filler and brown hard-boiled eggs for a rustic look.

Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Adult Easter Box

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes
Photography by Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Make the ultimate adult Easter basket with fun gifts inside. Spray paint an old wooden crate in your desired color. Let dry, and attach a cute pennant banner to the front. To make the banner, cut triangles from black cardstock or scrapbook paper, and write a letter on each triangle using a chalkboard pen. Glue the pennants to a strand of baker's twine, and tie or glue the twine ends to the crate. Fill the box with gifts like wine, glasses and chocolate to give to friends and neighbors.

Unconventional Easter Basket Ideas - skip the traditional basket this Easter, and check back with us over the next week to make one of the clever ideas that are perfect for all ages.

Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monogrammed Egg Place Cards

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith and Farima Alavi

Hi Friends,

HGTV fan nyclq spraypainted plastic eggs a mellow antique gold before applying lettered stickers she found in the scrapbooking aisle of her local craft store. Fill the eggs with chocolates to make each place card a sweet party favor. Great idea, right?

Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Stenciled Tote Bag

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Skip the traditional basket and make a personalized stenciled tote bag to carry Easter goodies. Hand out totes with personalized stencil patterns as creative Easter egg hunt baskets that double as party favors that guests can use all year long. Get the full instructions here>>

Materials Needed:
freezer paper
fabric paint
paint brush
X-Acto knife
tote bag
coordinating ribbon
painter's tape
hot glue gun and sticks

Print Out Design
Using your computer, lay out your name and desired graphics onto a piece of paper that will fit the scale of your bag. Print out your final design.



Create Stencil
Affix the printout to a piece of freezer paper — shiny side down — and a cutting mat using painter's tape. Cut the stencil design carefully with an X-Acto knife.



Iron On Freezer Paper
Iron your freezer paper — shiny side down — to the center of the tote.



Apply Fabric Paint
Slip a piece of cardboard or a few sheets of paper into your tote to create a hard surface to work on. Gently dap a small amount of fabric paint on the stencil area using a foam brush. Let dry.



Peel Freezer Paper
Peel back the freezer paper from the tote (image 1). Create a handle with ribbon and attach with hot glue. Fill the tote with Easter treats (image 2).





Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Spring...

Courtesy of Allison Norton

Hi Friends,

Spring is the most hopeful season of the year. Along with the warmer days and budding blooms that symbolize spring also come the hopes of dining outdoors, and the exciting feeling of trying new activities. Be an advocate of making seasonal to-do lists in order to keep life interesting. Here are a few ideas that will have you ready to embrace any adventure that comes your way before Labor Day. Without further ado, here are 10 Spring adventures that should go on your Spring bucket list…

10 Things to Try This Spring

1. Go to an outdoor music festival.
In the past few years, I have come to associate the month of April with Coachella. If you have never been, there is no better time to go than now (the lineup this year is amazing!). And if you've been before…do I even have to convince you? For those of you who don't live in Southern California, be sure to look into Mile High Music Festival, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, which are all in the summer.

2. Go on an impulsive weekend road trip.
The best kinds of road trips are the ones that happen in a spur of the moment decision. Pick a place you have always wanted to visit (I'm dying to go to Big Sur), grab your best friend or boyfriend, and just make it happen. Be sure to bring a cool camera to take snapshots along the way.

3. Create a cozy patio set up for springtime entertaining.
My apartment has a darling little back patio that is just begging to be used for an al fresco dinner party. This spring, I vow to add outdoor furniture, twinkle lights, and potted succulents to make the space inviting and useful. If you have a patio, I encourage you to do the same!

4. Springify your closet.
There's nothing like a bit of spring-cleaning to help get you excited for new warm-weather wardrobe staples. Donate items you haven't worn in a while, and reorganize the clothing and accessories you plan to keep for a fresh perspective. It will give you a good idea of what to add to add to your spring shopping list.

5. Hike to the highest spot in town.
Los Angeles has some pretty amazing hiking spots that are especially enjoyable on a gorgeous spring day. This season, take advantage of getting a good workout and enjoying the view by hiking to the highest spot in your town. You might even see your city in a whole new light.

6. Volunteer once a week.
Volunteering once a week this spring (and beyond!) is so rewarding, and it will enrich your life. I highly recommend researching a food bank, soup kitchen, or inner city school closest to you and lending a hand. It doesn't even need to be once a week-even going once a month will make a difference, and it will make you feel good in return.

7. Learn how to nurture.
Practice cultivating something this spring… Whether that means planting an herb garden, bringing home your first goldfish, or buying a puppy, learning to take care of something else will give you a broadened outlook on life.

8. Learn how to bake a pie.
I've always wanted to learn how to bake a pie from scratch, and this season I've decided to make it happen. Bake a pie with seasonal spring fruits like rhubarb, strawberries, or cherries.

9. Add a flea market addition to your home.
While you may be quite familiar with the flea markets in your area, a vintage splurge might not happen every time you make the trip. Promise yourself one special purchase at your local flea market that you will love in your home. It will refresh your décor for the changing seasons and get you excited about adding more new pieces in the future.

10. Add a few sun kissed strands to your hair.
In my opinion, one of the best parts about spring is that it leads into summer! Get your tresses beach-ready by adding in a few highlights. If your hair is chestnut brown, throw some golden strands into the mix. If you're a redhead, try a bit of strawberry blonde. And if you have golden locks, bright blonde is the way to go.

These are just a few ideas to get your started, compliments of Allison Norton but if you might also be inspired by Malavika Suresh with Spring Inspiration.

Spring Inspiration: Things to do this spring...

1. Go on a detox/cleanse.

2. Spring clean your home.

3. Have a yard sale (or an e-bay sale) to get rid of what you don't need anymore.

4. Rearrange the furniture in your home. Feng Shui up your life and bring in a newer and fresher energy.

5. Have fresh flowers in your home.

6. Take care of your legs (it's time to get those bad boys out!) and toes. Get pedicures and manicures often.

7. Update your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

8. Learn some new hairstyles.

9. Detail your car.

10. Start a brand new project.

11. Plan a summer trip.

12. Start a reading list.

13. Get a new hair style.

14. Take more walks in beautiful places.

15. Ride your bicycle.

16. Have a picnic.

17. Start running again.

18. Drink more water.

19. Wear lighter colours.

20. Start an outdoor hobby.

Both list are great, but whatever you decide to do this Spring have fun with family and friends...

Check back for more great ideas and enjoy this Spring from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Pretty Place Settings

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith and Farima Alavi

Hi Friends,

Seriously, how sweet are these little chicks? HGTV fan Decorating Ideas Made Easy proves that creatively showing guests their seat needn't be hard work. She simply printed guests' names onto small strips of card stock then topped each plate with a pair of fluffy chicks and candy eggs.

Enjoy and have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Muffin Tin Wheatgrass Basket

Courtesy of Abigail Barnes
Photography by Abigail Barnes

Hi Friends,

Bring the outdoors in with this wheatgrass muffin tin. Follow the instructions on the wheatgrass package. Soak seeds for at least 8-12 hours or overnight. Sprout them in a jar for the next 16-24 hours, rinsing the seed well three times daily. Fill muffin tin cups with basic potting soil and plant the seed on top of the soil once a short tail is visible. Cover the seeds to keep them wet. During the first three days, water the muffin tin carefully once in the morning until soil is soaked and cover to keep it from drying out.

By the fourth day, roots should begin to grow. Water heavily once a day and keep the grass in the shade. Once there's enough wheatgrass, fill the muffin tin with candy eggs, ribbon and marshmallow lollipops. Harvest wheatgrass, and add it to juice or a smoothie once Easter Sunday is has passed.

Have a wonderful Easter with the people that mean the most; family and good friends...

Check back for more great Easter ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Courtesy of The Holiday Spot

Hi Friends,

Found some history on St. Patrick from The Holiday Spot and thought we would share this information about the patron saint of Ireland with all of you.

Enjoy!

History of St Patrick
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.

Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably Maewyn Succat. Though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he was later came to be familiar as Patrick.

Patrick was the son of Calpurnius, a Roman-British army officer. He was growing up as naturally as other kids in Britain. However, one day a band of pirates landed in south Wales and kidnapped this boy along with many others. Then they sold him into slavery in Ireland. He was there for 6 years, mostly imprisoned. This was when changes came to him. He dreamed of having seen God. Legend says, he was then dictated by God to escape with a getaway ship.

Finally, he did escape and went to Britain. And then to France. There he joined a monastery and studied under St. Germain, the bishop of Auxerre. He spent around 12 years in training. And when he became a bishop he dreamed that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God. The Confessio, Patrick's spiritual autobiography, is the most important document regarding this. It tells of a dream after his return to Britain, in which one Victoricus delivered him a letter headed "The Voice of the Irish."

So he set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessings. There he converted the Gaelic Irish, who were then mostly Pagans, to Christianity. He was confident in the Lord, he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. And, in a diplomatic fashion he brought gifts to a kinglet here and a lawgiver there,but accepted none from any.

Indeed, Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. Through active preaching, he made important converts even among the royal families. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times,but escaped each time. For 20 years he had traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion. He developed a native clergy, fostered the growth of monasticism, established dioceses, and held church councils.

Patrick's doctrine is considered orthodox and has been interpreted as anti-Pelagian. Although he is not particularly noted as a man of learning, a few of his writings remain extant: his Confession, a reply to his detractors, and several letters. The Lorica ("Breastplate"), a famous hymn attributed to Patrick, may date to a later period. By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become a legendary figure, and the legends have continued to grow since then. There are many legends associated with St Patrick. It is said that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; which refers to the combination of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Hence its strong association with his day and name Legend also has that, Saint Patrick had put the curse of God on venomous snakes in Ireland. And he drove all the snakes into the sea where they drowned.

True, these are mostly legends. But, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He died on March 17, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of Ireland. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be an Irish Day '. And the Irish has borne it as part of their national tradition in everywhere they populated and prospered. The Catholic feast day for this most loved of Irish saints has become a holiday in celebration of the Irish and Irish culture. The leprechaun, a Celtic fairy, has become entrenched as a chief symbol for this holiday, as is the shamrock, an ancient symbol for the triple goddess Brigit. It is fitting that this holiday should fall at the time of the year when the return of spring begins to seem at hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Homemade Shamrock Marshmallows

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Farima Alavi
By: Marianne Canada

Hi Friends,

Give your hot chocolate or coffee a festive touch by making shamrock-shaped homemade marshmallows, or skip the green food coloring and make them any time of year! We have an easy no-cook version, too. Get the Homemade Shamrock Marshmallow Recipe below:

Ingredients
1 cup cold water, divided
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon peppermint (sub: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
green food coloring
1-2 cups powdered sugar
shamrock-shaped cookie cutters

No-Cook Marshmallow Ingredients
one container whipped topping
1/2 cup cold water
green food coloring
peppermint extract (optional)

Instructions
1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and dust with a thick layer of powdered sugar.

2. Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a stand mixer bowl fitted with whisk attachment, sprinkle in gelatin. Let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil. Insert candy thermometer and boil until syrup reaches 240 degrees F.

3. With the mixer running at low speed, carefully pour the hot syrup into the softened gelatin. Slowly increase the speed until the mixer is running on high and beat until mixture has tripled in volume and is very stiff, like a thick marshmallow cream. Add mint extract and beat for 30 seconds longer.

4. Scrape marshmallow cream onto prepared cookie sheet and smooth with an offset spatula. Dot with food coloring and swirl with a knife or toothpick. Dust with a layer of powdered sugar and let sit uncovered for 12 hours.

5. To cut, dip cookie cutter in powdered sugar and press slowly. Place cut marshmallows in a bag of powdered sugar and shake gently. Dust off excess sugar and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

No-Cook Marshmallows
Line a baking dish with wax paper. Scoop whipped topping into dish, add water and extract (if using), whisk until combined. Smooth flat with a spatula. Dot with food coloring and swirl with a knife or toothpick. Freeze for at least four hours. Remove from baking dish, and cut out with cookie cutters. Serve immediately or place back into freezer until ready to use.

Remember you can skip the green food coloring to enjoy these shamrock marshmallows with your coffee or hot cocoa any time of year...

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Shamrock Crispy Rice Treats

Courtesy of Michelle Edgemont

Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends,

Our Favorite St. Patrick's Day Recipe. Your kids will love this take on the classic crispy rice treats, and so will you because they're naturally dyed with spinach. Get the recipe>>

Ingredients:
one box of Rice Krispies cereal
one bag of mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons melted butter
one bag spinach
shamrock cookie cutter

Instructions:
1. Place spinach in blender, and blend until smooth. Add a little water if the spinach won't liquify. Squeeze access juice from spinach using a paper towel.

2. Add melted butter to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Add the marshmallows, and melt in the microwave for 1-1/2 minutes.

3. Stir in the spinach juice, followed by the box of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until blended.

4. Add crispy rice mixture to a 9x12" baking dish, and let cool.

5. Cut crispy rice treats with a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter.



Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Daylight Savings Time...

Hi Friends,

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks ahead...

Check back for great decorating ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Whiskey Cake in a Jar

Courtesy of Heather Baird

Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends,

Attention whiskey lovers: We have a recipe that combines your favorite alcohol with cake batter — in a jar. Plus, it's infused with a creamy Irish whiskey butter sauce that's irresistible to taste buds. This delectable whiskey cake can be made in various-sized glass canning jars. You may also choose to bake it in a 10-inch Bundt pan that has been greased and lightly floured. Get the recipe>>

Ingredients

For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups strongly brewed coffee
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whiskey Butter Sauce:
1/4 cup Irish whiskey
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
prepared whipped cream (for jar cakes)

Directions

For the Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, add coffee, whiskey, butter, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Place over moderate heat and whisk until butter has melted.

4. Remove from heat and add sugar. Whisk until incorporated.

5. Pour mixture into large bowl and let cool slightly.

6. Whisk together eggs and vanilla extract, and gradually pour into chocolate mixture.

7. Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Mixture will be very thin.

8. Place canning jars on a cookie sheet or roasting pan and pour batter in each, about 1/2-cup full (Image 1). Or, pour batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan.

9. Bake for 45-55 minutes (for both jars and Bundt pan).

For the Whiskey Butter Sauce:
1. When the cake(s) are almost ready to come out of the oven, begin to make the sauce.

2. Combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a small saucepan, and cook very gently over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. When cake(s) are done, let cool for 10 minutes (Image 2).

4. With a skewer, poke holes in jarred cakes (Image 3). Pour a little sauce into each cake, dividing it evenly until it has all been used (Image 4).

5. Top with prepared whipped cream.

Note: If making a Bundt cake, turn cake out and place it upside down (after it's been baked). Poke holes all over the surface and very slowly drizzle sauce over the cake until it has completely absorbed all of the sauce. Wrap in foil and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.



Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Irish Nacho Dip

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Farima Alavi
Photo By: Abigail Barnes

Happy St. Patrick's Day Friends,

Serve this delicious dip for St. Patrick's Day. Flavored with stout beer, this hearty nacho dip is delicious served with potato chips, or turn it up a notch by serving it with French fries or tater tots. Get the recipe>>

Irish Nacho Dip Recipe

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup stout
2 tablespoons onion dip mix
1/3 cup cooked real bacon bits, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
black pepper to taste
kettle potato chips

Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Transfer to a serving dish.

2. Garnish with extra bacon, green onions and cheddar cheese. Serve immediately with potato chips, French fries or tots, or refrigerate.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Lucky Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Courtesy of Heather Baird

Hi Friends,

These green-topped cupcakes forego the food coloring altogether. They get their festive hue from brightly colored, pulverized pistachios.

Yield: 15 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, seeded and hull discarded
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

For the Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:
8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup clover honey
3-4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

For the Cake:
1. Heat oven to 350° F, and line cupcake pan with baking cups.

2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

3. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until lightened in color and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions.

5. Beat in vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract.

6. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with flour.

7. When completely incorporated, divide batter evenly among liners, filling them 2/3 full.

8. Bake for 15-20 minutes (check at 15). Cool completely before frosting.

For the Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Place cream cheese, butter and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer; beat until combined.

2. Gradually add in confectioners' sugar, mixing until it is spreading consistency. If frosting is loose, place in refrigerator until firm enough to spread.

Assembly
1 cup pistachios, ground in food processor

3 ounces chocolate, melted and placed in piping bag with fine tip (or a zip-top bag with corner cut)

1. On a parchment-lined cookie sheet, pipe melted chocolate into 15 small "U" horseshoe shapes and place in refrigerator to harden.

2. Frost cupcakes (Image 1) and sprinkle generously with ground pistachios (Image 2).

3. Top with chocolate horseshoe (Image 3).



Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Free Printable Party Flag Banner Templates

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Is there anything more festive than a colorful banner floating over the table? Turn up the fun at your next summer soiree by hanging this paper flag garland across the porch ceiling or tied to two stakes in the ground. Simply download and print the flag templates onto colorful card stock, cut out, and connect each one with brads. Who knows, you just might want to keep it hanging all summer long!

Click on the PDF's below to download the free printable party flag banner templates.

Download the Free Printable Party Flag Banner Template #1

Download the Free Printable Party Flag Banner Template #2

Check back for more great Spring and Summer ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Grilled Rib-Eye with Tomato Salad and Chimichurri Sauce

Courtesy of Emily Coyle
Culture CheatSheet

Hi Friends,

Don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about steak. One way to grill your steak while still keeping dinner healthy is by pairing the red meat with a salad and light sauce. This grilled rib-eye formula from Eating Well is the ticket. It’ll take you less than an hour to make, and when you’re eating your steak alongside a fresh tomato salad, you can feel good about what you’re eating. On top of the steak also goes a chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, chipotle pepper, vinegar, and olive oil. Your grilled steaks just went up a sophisticated notch.

Ingredients:

Chimichurri sauce:

• 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (from 1 large bunch)
• 1 small clove garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper or cayenne pepper

Tomato salad:

• 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• ½ cup thinly sliced sweet onion
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Grilled Rib-eye:

• 1 pound boneless rib-eye steak, about 1 inch thick, trimmed of fat and cut into 4 portions
• ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions:
To prepare the sauce: Chop parsley and garlic together on a cutting board until the parsley is finely minced. Transfer to a medium bowl, add vinegar, oil, ½ teaspoon salt and chipotle (or cayenne) pepper; stir to combine.

Preheat grill to high.

To prepare the salad: Combine tomatoes, onion, oil, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

To prepare the steak: Rub steak with oil. Season on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill the steak 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Allow the steak to rest 5 minutes; serve with the salad on the side and a dollop of the Chimichurri Sauce on top.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne