Spring Soup Shindig

Courtesy of Mick Telkamp

Hi Friends,

Dig into this sampler of seasonal favorites and find a spring soup that suits your tastes.

Soup is so often considered a food for the winter months, when it sometimes feels like it’s the only thing able to ward off post-snow shoveling frostbite. Don’t step off the soup line just because the sunshine has finally fought its way past those gray winter clouds. With the welcome change in weather also comes the emergence of those long anticipated spring crops and I can think of no better way to use them than in one of these light and refreshing spring soup roundup, selected from some of our favorite food sites from around the web (and one museum).

Vidalia onion soup with wild rice. A light, mild and downright Spring-like soup from Smitten Kitchen. The smitten one herself has a new cookbook out that is well worth your while.

Pine bark stew. Not a scrap of actual bark in here, but this 19th century recipe makes perfect use of that mess o’ trout or perch you brought home from the first fishing trip of the season. The recipe comes from John Egerton’s Southern Food, but how much do I love that I found this one by way of the North Carolina Museum of Natural History.

Cauliflower soup. A light(ish) and creamy spring soup from the always entertaining Pioneer Woman. Ree claims this soup will change the world. I’m not sure she’s wrong.

Cream of asparagus soup with pearled barley. A bright, yet hearty soup from Domenica Marchetti’s The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy via NPR (where all good things can eventually be found).

Leek and lemon soup. You should know that I am crazy about leeks and would probably enjoy them served in a lukewarm glass of water. Fortunately, the folks over at theKitchn take it a little further, delivering an amazingly bright and citrusy soup that begs to be eaten out at the patio with good company and perhaps a bottle of wine or two. Now that’s springtime.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Earth Day!

Courtesy of National Geographic

Hi Friends,

In 1970 smog choked major U.S. cities and toxic waste flooded rivers. That same year nearly 20 million Americans participated in events on April 22, spearheaded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, to draw attention to the environmental issues plaguing the planet and human health. Named Earth Day, April 22 has remained a time to celebrate restoration and stand up for the planet. Today we wanted to share with our friends...

It's Earth Day and we thank each and every person for doing your part.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Portable Campfire

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Hi Friends,

Campfires are 100% awesome—except for the stinky smoke, finicky flames, and almost impossible-to-extinguish embers. Make them 100% awesome for real with this portable fire pit that does none of the above. Light it easily with just a match or lighter and bring fire's glorious magic to the backyard, beach, or campsite for 3-5 hours. Made from soy wax and paper, both recycled, it's easier on the environment than wood fires. Roast marshmallows over it. Sing songs and tell stories around it. Do a dance for the fire gods. There's no mess, no embers to spark a wildfire, and no cleanup: Put it out instantly by putting the lid back on. Relight anytime.

Get it for $28 from Uncommon Goods. Eat your s'more heart out...

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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

Give a Little Gift

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Happy Easter Friends,

Use leftover moss from your centerpiece to make party favors for family and friends. Fill miniature baskets with moss and speckled candy eggs, and attach a name tag with each guest's name on each basket. The baskets serve double duty as favors and place cards.

Just a little treat for your guest...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Go Green

Courtesy of Marian Parsons Photo courtesy of Kim Foren

Happy Easter Friends,

Go eco-friendly this year by dyeing your eggs using household items. Yellow onions, beets and turmeric make great dyes. It's non-toxic, beautiful and easy to do!

An alternative in taking measures to become environmentally conscious...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Trim the (Easter) Tree

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith, Farima Alavi, and Maria Conti

Happy Easter Friends,

An Easter tree is a favorite tradition for many families. HGTV fan Love2DandD places hers in her small foyer surrounded by pastel colors and traditional Easter touches.

Add personal treats under the tree for your family and friends to enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monogrammed Egg Place Cards

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith, Farima Alavi, and Maria Conti

Happy Easter 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.

Your guest will appreciate the personal touch...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Try a Sunny Bunny Tablescape

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith, Farima Alavi, and Maria Conti
Photo by Evin Photography

Happy Easter Friends,

Celebrate the season of sunshine by recreating this sunny bunny table display. A crisp yellow and white lattice tablecloth serves as the perfect backdrop to vintage serveware, miniature egg baskets and a handsome bunny figurine.

A festive Easter tablescape is the start a perfect meal...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Create an Adorable Egg Countdown

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith
Photography by Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Happy Easter Friends,

Create excitement for the season by creating an Easter Sunday countdown calendar out of colorful, plastic eggs. Upcycle a wicker basket from the back of your closet, and lay down faux moss as your base. Add twelve, numbered eggs to the moss and sweeten the deal by adding a small candy treat to enjoy with the passing of each day.

Get the How-To: Count Down to Easter With a DIY Advent Calendar

Enjoy and share your Easter advent...

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Live well,
Yvonne