Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Easy Easter Brunch Recipes...

Courtesy of Felicia Feaster

Happy Easter Friends,

Eggs, peas, asparagus and pretty pastel colors are perfect for the Easter table.

Asparagus Eggs Benedict and Sweet Potato Hash
Photography by Mick TelKamp

Skip the restaurant and wow the brunch crowd at home this year with easy-to-make asparagus eggs Benedict and savory skillet sweet potato hash. Get the recipe...

Grilled Asparagus
Nothing beats the flavored of grilled asparagus. It's a quick, delicious recipe you can whip up in no time. Get the recipe...

An Easter Milkshake
Photography by Flip Burger Boutique

This Easter shake is something the kids will love and a great way to put those Peeps to good use. Get the recipe...

English Pea and Radish Salad
Few things say spring like fresh green peas. Pair them with radishes for a dish with beautiful garden color. Get the recipe...

Bacon Deviled Eggs
Put those Easter eggs to work in this rich variation on deviled eggs rendered decadent with bacon. Get the recipe...

Strawberry-Rhubarb Galettes
Photography by Mick TelKamp

Two spring crops come together in this recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Galettes. Get the recipe...

Easter Bread
This pretty recipe is the perfect way to celebrate spring. Get the recipe...

Carrot Cake
Moist and sweet, carrot cake is a classic dessert that has been around for decades and it somehow makes sense for an Easter holiday synonymous with carrot-loving bunnies. Get the recipe...

Blueberry Merlot Sorbet
Photography by Debbie Wolfe

This sorbet recipe is a lovely balance of jammy flavors from blueberries and a light, fruity Merlot. It’s a perfect pair that is full of flavor and refreshing. Get the recipe...

Spinach Avocado Grapefruit Salad
Photography by Sam Henderson

The tang of grapefruit and the rich combination of avocado and feta make for a memorable spring salad. Get the recipe...

Grilled Zucchini Salad
Photography by Sam Henderson

A garden on a plate makes this grilled zucchini spin on the usual lettuce-based salad a winner. Get the recipe...

Fig Tart With Vidalia Onions
Photography by Angie Mosier

Atlanta chef Kevin Gillespie's fig tart uses one of Georgia's most notable crops, Vidalia onions. Get the recipe...

Lemony Asparagus Salad
Photography by Whole Foods Market

Shaved raw asparagus makes a light salad with lots of flavor and crunch. Get the recipe...

Rosemary Challah
Photography by Mick TelKamp

Challah is a traditional Jewish egg bread given a delicious garden flourish with the addition of rosemary. Get the recipe...

Lemon Meringue Pie
Photography by Mick TelKamp

Luscious lemon meringue pie pairs rich lemon custard with a topping of whipped egg whites. Get the recipe...

Hot Cross Buns
Celebrate the holiday and bountiful crops ahead with these traditional spiced rolls. Get the recipe...

Bon Appétit!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

FREE Printable Easter Templates


Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Banner

Hi Friends,

Throw a memorable Easter gathering with these free printables, courtesy of The TomKat Studio. Kick off Easter with this Pennant Banner. Hang this "Happy Easter" pennant banner above an outdoor brunch dessert table or above the entrance to greet guests.

"Thank You" Tag

Don't let your guests go home empty-handed. Fill a bright bag with treats, and attach a printable tag to give as party favors. Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Favor Tags.

Modern Egg Hunt Invitation

A color palette of navy, Kelly green and sunshine yellow gives this invitation a fun, modern vibe. Silhouettes of a sheep, bunny and chick add a cute touch. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Invitation.

Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

This 11x14 inch sign is a great way to greet guests, and the colors coordinate with the egg hunt printable invitation. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

Colorful Happy Easter Banner

Download, print, string and hang this banner for a festive way to celebrate Easter. Download Printable "Happy Easter" Banner.

Animals Banner

This bunny, sheep and chick banner is perfect for a dessert table. Download Printable Easter Animals Banner.

Cupcake Flags

Bring color to dessert with printable flags and coordinating baking cups. Download Printable Easter Cupcake Toppers.

Party Circles

Dress up your menu items with cute animal circle labels. Download Printable Easter Party Circles.

Printable Easter Basket

Let the kids make their own basket by printing free basket pattern and folding it into a cute basket. Download the Printable Easter Basket.

Easter Treat Carrier

Carry your treats easily with this portable jar carrier. Assemble the carrier following the instructions on the free printable pattern, and adorn it with stickers, bows, glitter or anything else you love. Fill two milk bottles with your favorite small treats. Download the Printable Easter Basket Carrier.

Hope you have fun with these free Easter printables; thank you again, The TomKat Studio. The TomKat Studio is our go-to place for decorating ideas, they have everything you could think of and some you wouldn't dream was possible - but they have it. One of our favorite and most called upon to share information and creative resources for you, our valued followers.

Bookmark The TomKat Studio, today...

Happy Easter 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

Saturday, March 20, 2021

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

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Plants For Spring Color...

Courtesy of Lynn Coulter

Hi Friends,

Let your garden explode with color this spring when you plant a variety of flowering shrubs, bulbs and annuals.

Deutzia Yuki Cherry Blossom
Photography by ProvenWinners.com

Deutzia ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom’ explodes with pink petals each spring. Hardy in zones 5a to 8b, this deciduous shrub needs part to full sun and grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. Hummingbirds are drawn to the flowers; in fall, the leaves turn rich burgundy and purple. Get more information.

Snapdragon Twinny Appleblossom
Photography by ParkSeed.com

Double pink and cream flowers start to open on this dwarf snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) in cool spring weather. A 2010 All-America Selections winner, ‘Twinny Appleblossom’ attracts butterflies and tolerates heat. Get more information.

Syringa Bloomerang Purple
Photography by Proven Winners

Fragrant and deer-resistant, Bloomerang Purple lilacs open their flowers in spring and again from midsummer until frost. Butterflies flock to these sun-loving shrubs, which are hardy in zones 3a to 7b. Get more information.

Hyacinth Blue Jacket
Photography by John Scheepers Flower Blubs

Introduced in 1953, Blue Jacket is an award-winning hyacinth that typically opens its fragrant flowers in April. The florets are bluish-purple with pale edges. Get more information.

Tulip Shirley
Photography by Longfield Gardens

Color-changing Shirley tulips start out white with lilac edges. Eventually, the soft purple washes over the petals. These long-lasting, large tulips bloom in mid-spring and make good cut flowers.

Rhododendron Bloom-A-Thon Red
Photography by Proven Winners

Azaleas are show-stoppers in spring, but this one—rhododendron Bloom-A-Thon Red—repeats the flower show in fall. The small to medium-sized evergreen shrubs are happy in part sun to sun and have good disease resistance. Get more information.

Apricot Parrot
Apricot Parrot is a parrot tulip with warm shades of apricot yellow and traces of rose and ivory in each petal.

Early-Flowering Peony Sarah Bernhardt
Photography by Felder Rushing

You could almost mistake Sarah Bernhardt, an early-flowering peony, for an old-fashioned rose. This fragrant, pink blooms are standouts in spring gardens.

Cool Wave White Pansy
Photography by Ball Horticultural Company

Cool Wave pansies, from the developers of Cool Wave petunias, produce a tidal wave of color in the spring. They're also available in Frost (a pale blue), Yellow and Violet Wing, a deep violet-purple and white combination. Get more information.

Forsythia
Photography by Shutterstock/Lisa Schoernig-Weinstein

Sunny yellow forsythia blooms are some of the earliest signs of spring. Enjoy the arching stems of this shrub in your landscape or cut them to force for indoor bouquets.

Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera)
Photography by Bailey Nurseries

Carolina silverbells are named for the silvery blooms that open in the spring and dangle from its branches. This tree tops out at 30 to 40 feet and is hardy in zones 5 to 8.

Camellia x williamsii
Photography by Shutterstock/Linda Macpherson

Camellia x williamsii is an evergreen shrub or tree with thick, leathery leaves. The cupped, semi-double blooms are spectacular. Flowering begins in late February in a continuous series into May in cool, sunny spring conditions.

Oriental Poppy Flamenco Dancer
Photography by PerennialResource.com

Flamenco Dancer poppies unfurl their red blossoms with deep black centers from late spring to early summer. Later, the plants go dormant. They're hardy in zones 3 to 7.

Enjoy your gardening!

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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

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Dayling Savings Time Begins!



Hi Friends,

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

Check back for great decorating 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