video by tmwomenprofessionals.org via The Huffington Post

I have always wanted to make meditation a part of my every day life, but it hasn’t happened yet. As things get busier than ever these days with four kids in four different schools (really hoping I don’t lose one) and ongoing business expansion (big news soon!) I think now is a better time than ever. After I stumbled across this video on Huffington Post, it now seems more do-able than ever. Read the accompanying article here and learn more about learning how to meditate here.

images via Mr. Lentz on Etsy

I love natural wood and am blown away by the designs of this talented guy. Find out more about him on his website or see more loveliness in his Etsy shop.

Alice Waters: Edible Education on Nowness.com.

Dear Universe,

Someday, when I write a book about Slow Flowers, I’d like Alice Waters to write the forward. She’s done so much for the Slow Food movement. Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,

Becky

In the last few weeks I’ve found many lovelies around the interwebs worth pinning. If you haven’t played on Pinterest, you can check out my boards here. Above are a few things that have been placed there lately. BUT FIRST…I couldn’t be more excited about tomorrow’s post since it is the first edition of my new blog feature “3 Things”! Three creative professionals (all three are folks I admire and you probably do too!) will weigh in on a hot topic related to running a creative biz. Don’t miss it!! (Need a reminder? Follow me on Twitter and I’ll remind you!) On to the loveliness above…clockwise from the top:

1) This package design spotted on Lovely Package totally caught my eye. And student work, no less!

2) Donut holes, only better. How is that possible? They’re baked instead of fried. Check it out on Oh My Sugar High.

3) I LOVE this scarf/wrap/sweater and am so getting one. It has to be like wearing a little blanket, only prettier. Get one from artlab on esty.

4) How gorgeous is this cakepop display from Sweet Lauren Cakes?

5) Since we are moving from our big country home to what will most likely be a smaller home closer to the beach, I am mentally preparing myself to go back to little closets. I pinned this idea to help the situation…

6) I love every photo from the Florali blog, but this is one of my new favorites.

Don’t miss tomorrows post!

If you haven’t checked out the new foodie site Gojee.com, you’re in for a treat. I perused it this morning and love the beautiful layout & photos. You can put in any ingredient and get several recipes using that ingredient. I loved scrolling through the contributors and learned of a few great new-to-me food blogs. Love it!

above image via gojee.com

Since I am such a flower geek, I love all things “gardening” and am currently drooling over the fun garden prints from Dirt Couture.

For other great garden decor, bath & body and more, check out Dirt Couture here!

all images via Dirt Couture

I have a confession. I am a magazine junkie. There, I said it. It’s out now. I used to collect Elle Magazine and at one point had about 4 years worth. This was back in the ’80′s. I moved too many times since then and had to purge. However, I could never part with my Bon Appetit collection. It’s not that I’m sentimental, it’s just that I actually use them all the time.

Don’t get me wrong…I love online mags, but there’s something about holding those glossy pages in my hand that I can’t give up. I still have a 1986 issue that I keep for the homemade pizzas.

Whenever we entertain (usually limited to family gatherings these days) or if I’m just looking for inspiration in the kitchen, I grab a random stack (that suits the season) and start flipping pages. There is usually a glass of wine or cup of coffee involved, depending on the time of day. I can’t wait to make this mustard-crusted striped bass above.

This weekend, we’re having the whole family over for multiple birthdays and I am torn between the ice cream truffles and Coconut Lime layer cake above. I think I could be justified in making both since we are technically celebrating at least 3 different birthdays. The possibilities for the truffle combinations are endless. And this Vanilla Peach Cobbler is a given since the local farm stands are bursting with peaches…

And this Fennel-Crusted Ahi is a definite….

Looks like I’ll be hitting up the seafood stand at the Farmer’s Market. And the search for sides continues…

In the heat of summer, relief is few and far between. But these tasty margaritas from RealSimple.com, come pretty close. So what goes with Lime Sorbet margaritas? Here’s my suggestions…

Clockwise from top left: Charred corn tacos w/zucchini-radish slaw from Smitten Kitchen, Paradise Pier Dress from ModCloth, summer blooms from (yours truly) Roost Flowers & Designs, House Light lantern from Terrain, hammock from Anthropologie, Lime Sorbet Margarita recipe from Real Simple

Garden & Gun magazine – one of my faves for their amazing content & beautiful photography – is wrapping up their annual Made in the South Awards. If you aren’t familiar with the awards, it is “a contest for craftsmen who exemplify the South’s entrepreneurial spirit and a tradition of goods made right”. Last year’s winners were an eclectic mix of artisanal items that were the perfect blend of functional and gorgeous. Here’s a few of them…

Clockwise from top left: Strawberry+Basil jam from Sallie’s Greatest, giclee print by Jason LaFerrera, handmade spirits from Catoctin Creek, handmade guitars by Lichty Guitars, organic bottled teas by Roobie Red Tea, guitar amplifiers from Carr Amplifiers, letterpress stationary by Red Bird Ink.

There is one day left to make the August 1st deadline for submissions for the 2011 awards. Can’t wait to see the results. To read more about the contest, check it out here.

So, if you’ve ever been to this site before, you may be wondering where all the posts went. Here’s the thing: I had an issue with another site and contacted my host for help. The live-chat dude talked me through it and – on my life – I swear I did exactly what he said. But, either he said it wrong or I did it wrong and my whole blog – content, design, everything – was just gone. So…I am not one to have regrets and have been really working on enjoying every moment (with a little help from this quote I scored on Pinterest) so I am taking this “opportunity” to make some changes to the blog that I have wanted to make for awhile.

Back in January, when things were quiet on the flower farm, I did a series of interviews with other floral designers. I did them as a way to connect with and learn from other designers and loved “meeting” these creative professionals. So, I have decided to expand on the interviews and not just interview floral designers, but any creative professional running a small business around their passion…whatever that may be. If you fit the bill, or know someone who does, send me an email. I am also changing up the format a bit, and although I will be doing a full-fledged “tell us all about you” interview now and then, I’m going to try to keep from taking too much of anyone’s time by doing brief, single-topic mini interviews. Titled, “3 Things”, this interview series will feature a burning issue that I (or anyone else who speaks up) want to know more about. I’ll ask 3 creative/small biz professionals to tell me 3 things about that topic and share it here.

In between all the interview sharing, I’ll still let you know what’s going on in my little flower business, as well as my new fragrance biz that I’m launching. (You can check it out here.) I’ll also share other things that inspire me and keep me going. Shoot me an email if you have something to share.