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This is a rich and decadent chocolate cake that you will want to make for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion. There is no flour added and with just a few basic good quality ingredients you will be able to make this light and very moist cake. As it bakes, a thin crust will form on the surface and break apart slightly for a pretty and delicate appearance. Enjoy the cake with a light sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
The abundance of flowers blooming in the garden, on tree branches, and bushes make for easy cutting and gathering. Every few days, I love to walk outside early in the morning and select one or two types of flowers to bring into the home to decorate. Simple arrangements were often my preference. Here are some ideas and ways to decorate with plum blossoms {top left}, lilacs {top right}, lilly of the valley {middle}, apple blossoms {bottom left}, and forget-me-nots {bottom right}.
Hello Spring!
With the arrival of spring there is a new sense of beauty emerging. Fruit trees are blossoming and flowers are starting to come up. On a recent trip to a gardening and nursery center, the sense of spring was in the air as I walked down the aisles filled with flowers, herbs, vegetables and other pretty plants. After a bit of time I was able to pick a nice selection to take home to be used to make flower arrangements for Easter. Moss, lichen and hard broiled eggs were also a part of the arrangement filling in the empty spaces between the plants. I like the organic feel of the display {above pic} and how it brought a little touch of spring inside the house.
I’m revisiting and remembering Hannah’s 12th birthday as her 18th birthday approaches. In the last blog post, Hannah’s Garden Birthday Party, I included a picture of Hannah wearing her lime green flower ring. I have kept it as a keepsake and recently brought it out to have her wear it again. It is still as sweet and fashionable.
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From late spring and into summer is lavender season. The varieties I have growing in the garden will yield a range of colors from deep to soft purple and pale pink/white. Recently, the little individual buds started to bloom and it was the best time to harvest some for drying and preserving. The rest will be left to be enjoyed in the garden throughout the summer and to give as gifts. A bundle of fresh lavender wrapped in brown paper, tied with twine, and attached with a tag to finish it off is a wonderful and personal gift to give.
