Author: Ang Anderson

Pretty Peonies

Posted on by Ang Anderson

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I wanted to take a moment and share these gorgeous peonies with you.  I discovered them the other day in our garden, bursting and beautiful.  They were so full of petals that they became top-heavy and were sagging towards the ground. 

This just wouldn’t do!  I had to cut them (immediately!) and put them in a vase so they could be together, glorious and upright. 

I love this time of year with all the blooms. 

After a de-bugging period on the picnic table, these lovely peonies are resting gracefully at the center of our dining room table. 

They make me happy.

Here’s to you and your blooms –

Citrus Salt Scrub

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I have determined I am a lover of all things citrus.  I will most likely provide evidence in future posts but please see past posts for Glazed Lemon Pound Cake and Lemon Sunshine for proof.

So, when I stumbled upon this Citrus Salt Scrub, I was anxious to give it a try.  I assembled these for the important mom’s in my life for Mother’s Day this year.  This scrub would also make a great hostess gift or sweet (or more appropriately salty) addition birthday or shower gift.  (Think pampering.)

Of course, I made one for myself and love using it on my hands and especially my feet to smooth out the roughness.  (Yes, my feet have officially entered the stage where they require some special care.  Apparently, it happens to the best of us.)

What you will need:

    • 1 cup sea salt
    • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or olive, almond or coconut oil)
    • 1/2 tsp lemon juice (or zest)
    • 1/2 tsp orange zest (not necessary)

MIX:

    • First mix the oil and sea salt together. (Add a bit of oil at a time, you may not need all that is called for! I’ve made a few batches, each time it has taken different amounts.)
    • Add orange zest.
    • Drizzle the lemon juice over the salt and oil mix. (You do not want too much lemon juice, or else your mixture will become a watery consistency.)
    • Mix well. Store in an air tight container.

How to exfoliate: Clean body as normal in shower. Just before getting out, apply salt scrub in a firm circular motion all over body. Concentrating on those knees and elbows! (and in my case feet!) Rinse and pat dry with towel.

One batch as given above fills a half-pint jar perfectly.  You can adjust accordingly depending on the container you choose.  I used lemon and orange zest and a bit of lemon juice.  The beauty is that you can tweak to your preference.

Special thanks to KristanLynn and her blog for the inspiration.

Cheers to summertime and exfoliation!

Orvieto

Posted on by Ang Anderson

I recently traveled to the East Coast to visit a dear friend and discovered a new favorite wine, nestled among other delightful experiences. We initially enjoyed this wine on the first eve of my visit.  The name Orvieto caught my attention. 

 

At our wedding reception, a topiary rested on each table listing select cities in Italy on the brim of each painted pot, along with a bottle of red and white wine for our guest to enjoy during the social hour.  At the entrance, we had little travel passes to designate table settings for our guests.   A few of the topiaries remain and rest quietly in the corner of our dining room as a symbol of our blessed day.  I can’t bear to part with them.

Orvieto had resonated with me because we had used this name for the family table, where our parents and grandparents were seated.  It was handpicked off a map for no particular reason.  I liked how the word looked and the way it rolled off my tongue.  We didn’t get a chance to visit Orvieto on our honeymoon.  We ventured to Roma, Sienna, and Venezia as our primary stops.  I think that means a return trip is in order.  *smiles and winks* 

This city stole a special place in my heart back in 2005 and I will continue to cherish it with new meaning and memories made in 2012, thanks to my friend Mo and this new wine find. 

Here are some details from Ruffino for better insight into this delicious white.  Lovely.  Light.  Delightful. Perfect for summer. 

Winemaker Notes

VINEYARDS

Selected grapes from the most vocated growing locations within the Orvieto Classico DOC area in Umbria, since the word Classico means “traditional”.

VINIFICATION AND AGEING

The grapes are harvested in the first half of September. They are then destemmed, crushed and gently pressed.

The must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats.

Orvieto Classico presents an alcohol content:12% vol.

SENSORY PROPERTIES

Colour: Brilliant straw yellow

Aroma: The bouquet is very pleasant and fragrant, characterized by neat sensations of citrus fruits and golden apples, on a flowery background that reminds fresh hints of meadow flowers and a persistent vegetal note of sage.

Tasting profile: At the palate firstly stands out an excellent freshness, well-balanced by a pleasant roundness, featured by notes of meadow flowers and golden apples. The aftertaste is long and fragrant, with hits of fresh almond.

I invite you to enjoy Orvieto Classico just as soon as you can.  It is delicious in every way and promises to suit your palate and your pocketbook.

Off to buy a case…Cin cin!

P.S. Have you discovered a new favorite wine recently?  Feel free to leave a note in the comments section.  I’d love to hear about you wine adventures.