Recently I was somewhat appalled by a statement that SAF, the Society of American Florists, made me aware of that was part of a marketing campaign by the Melting Pot. In its Mother's Day press release the restaurant chain made the statement that flowers are "typical gifts" that stand as ...<< MORE >>

Almost daily I consider the good fortune I have living on the Central California Coast, working as a florist and serving my community in a way that only a local florist can. I count the blessings of family, friends and a host of wonderful clients. Some of our clientèle have been shopping ...<< MORE >>

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I love scones! But really, I don't like the dry left-over tasting biscuits that usually pass for scones. I like them fresh, warm and with a dollop of butter or creme fresh and home made strawberry jam.  Great for breakfast, morning or afternoon snake. I like them with ...

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sibling... Originally uploaded by shadyezz I saw this photo on Flickr and it captured my attention. Gerberas are a mainstay ...<< MORE >>

Our great nation is blessed to be a huge "melting pot" of ethnic and religious groups who have wonderful traditions for celebrating life, love, joy and finally death. The fabric of these communities are evolving to form a rich American Heritage that is unique to our great and wonderful ... << MORE >>

Some 20 years ago or so I visited my favorite garden center, San Gabriel Nursery, in San Gabriel, Ca. This nursery was near Mia's grandma's house and whenever we visited Grandma we would stop here for a visit. One year I purchased an Anna Apple Espalier and planted it along our west fence in the back yard. Through the years it has been lovely and provided a perfect backdrop for that area of the garden. Each year it would produce three or four clusters of apples which were picture perfect, and not enought to use in a recipe, so I would always just leave them on the tree. << MORE >>

One of Mia and my favorite fruits are Apricots. We are fortunate to have a tree planted in our backyard which we placed there about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, some type of blight took one half of the tree last year and I don't know if the other side of the tree will die of next but this year we had a wonderful crop of fruit. If you have never had a home grown apricot, I encourage you to find someone who might be willing to share, you will be hooked.<< MORE >>

One of my favorite meze is Hummus and Pita, I serve it often as an appetizer but for me it is almost all I need for a meal, maybe a few olives too. Nearly every Friday during the summer I make a batch for that afternoon and evening at the beach, where I serve it as a snack with bagel chips. Hummus is wonderful, filling and very good for you. Kids usually love it and don't know they are eating something good for them. Hummus is available at many markets but if you really want some of the good stuff, make your own.<< MORE >>

I am fortunate that people pay me the high complement of enjoying the food I cook. We love to entertain in our home and are particularly fond of food which is tasty, easily prepared and which we can linger over with a wonderful bottle of wine from our coastal appellation, ...<< MORE >>