Connecting Readers with the 4 'F' s.

An insiders guide to the buzz involving Food, Fashion, Furnishings and Fun!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Pantone's Color for 2013: Emerald

Happy Holidays Julie's Journeys blog readers!  With 2013 shortly coming on the scene, Pantone has announced "Emerald" is the color for the year.

Check out this link: "Emerald" Pantone's Color for 2013.  Look for clothing, fashion accessories, housewares and home furnishings being green in color!

Pantone's Emerald Green Mug

Wishing all of you a prosperous, and very green New Year!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a very happy Thanksgiving!


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is an amazing place to entertain a date, bring family and friends, or visit by yourself.  Living in Maryland I was able to travel back roads up Route 1 to get to the well manicured grounds of the home that belonged to Pierre S. du Pont. 

The elaborate outdoor gardens cover over 1,077 acres of the  Brandywine Valley in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  Besides the outdoor fauna, the 4-acre conservatory is spectacular.

Longwood Gardens, Conservatory

Flower Display at Longwood Gardens
Waterway in Longwood's Conservatory


Gray Hibiscus, Longwood Gardens
Desert Exhibit at Longwood's Conservatory


Children's Water Garden, Longwood Garden's Conservatory
Gorgeous Hydrangeas
Bird Nest Fountain at Longwood's Conservatory

The outdoor gardens are breath taking and include tree houses, contemporary art installations, and if you are lucky you might come across a bullfrog, fox, or Canadian goose along the way.

Wisteria Arbor at Longwood Gardens
There are multiple water fountains and several water shows occur daily right in front of the conservatory.   If you are looking for a great photo opportunity check out the Italian Water Gardens.

Italian Water Gardens, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

More Water Features, Longwood Gardens



The Gardens open at 9:00 am daily and also consider visiting The Terrace Restaurant and Garden Shop too! 
For more information, go to: Longwood Gardens


Address: 
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
 Kennett Square, PA 19348
Tel#: 610-388-1000

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Baltimore: The Welcome Project and No-Sew Fleece Blankets

The last weekend in April I participated in an annual community event called "ServeFest."  This is where I met McDonogh high school teenagers Tyler Meagher and Payton Sanchez who created a non profit organization called "The Welcome Project."  The purpose of the organization is to teach others to make fleece blankets that will be donated to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House located in Baltimore.  

Tyler Meagher and Payton Sanchez with siblings
The blankets are intended to give warmth and support to children who face a great deal of uncertainty.  With the texture of soft fleece, I could feel how these blankets could instantly bring comfort to those children living away from home while undergoing various medical treatments.  

In order to participate I was instructed to purchase two pieces of fleece (one piece patterned and the other solid in color) each being one and half yards long.

Brightly patterned fleece

For those who know me, I have not sewn a stitch of clothing since I took a home economics class in middle school.  Luckily for me, this project required no sewing, just a great pair of scissors to cut the fleece into strips.
Fleece cut into strips




The next step is to double tie the two sets of fleece strips.

Double hand tied fleece strips

This blanket is almost finished!
By the end of the morning completed blankets were being stacked up along the wall!

Blankets being donated to "The Welcome Project"
If you are interested in supporting Tyler and Payton's nonprofit "The Welcome Project" by donating supplies or know of a group who would like to make the fleece blankets, click on the following links for further information:  
The Welcome Project 
Check our their blog:
The Welcome Project's Blog 
Or email them at: thewelcomeprojectmd@gmail.com

Way to go Tyler and Payton!  So many children are now snuggling in those "handmade with love" fleece blankets!


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Baltimore, Maryland: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce came about when Michelle Osteria worked at a small restaurant and she had to create a hot sauce to accompany the signature dish.

Michelle created a hot sauce that used ingredients which offered texture and but also created the "heat". Customer reviews came back overwhelmingly in favor of the hot sauce. Patrons were asking where they could find bottles of the sauce.

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce
In 2011, after reading an article in Bon Appetit Magazine about how a woman used a fundraising website called "Kickstarter" to help her raise money for a vegan food truck,  Michelle thought she could use the same approach to raise funds to bottle her hot sauce.

Michelle is half way there in raising enough funds through "Kickstarter".  The video shown on the "Kickstarter" site clearly displays Michelle's passion for food.

If you like gourmet style sauces and interested in learning more about Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce or the "Kickstarter" program, please see attached link to Michelle's project: Kickstarter: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce  and or her website:  Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce.

For further questions, Michelle Osteria can also be reached at mrichie2002@yahoo.com. Bring on the heat!


Monday, April 9, 2012

Monkton, Maryland: Ladew Topiary Gardens

While traveling up Jarrettsville Pike you feel like life is moving back in time.  Many of the wide open pastures are dotted with horses grazing on lush green grass.  Driving to Ladew Topiary Gardens you'll also see signs for upcoming steeple chases.  Maryland's history for organized horse events is very apparent in this area of Harford County.

The first of April was opening day at Ladew Topiary Gardens.  Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) designed and created topiary and flower gardens after purchasing Pleasant Valley Farm from the Scarff family in 1929.  Both the house and gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

What you notice immediately upon entering the grounds at Ladew are the topiaries and the manor house.  I recommend purchasing the combined garden and house tour ticket.  


Horse and Hounds Hunt Scene at Ladew Topiary Gardens
While walking through the 45 - minute guided tour our group happened upon a reporter from the Washington Post.  Look to the third weekend in April to read more about Ladew Topiary Gardens in the Post.

Harvey S. Ladew's Manor Home, Monkton, Maryland
After touring the home we wandered through the following gardens: Woodland, Victorian, Berry, Croquet Court, Pink, Rose, and Garden of Eden.

Pink Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens
Our manor house tour guide told us about the surprise that statue Adam held in his hand behind his back.
Adam and Eve
Three Apples found in Adam's Hand
Beyond the statues of Adam and Eve you will encounter the Keyhole, Water Lily, Yellow, and White Gardens.
Yellow Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens
 Throughout the gardens you will see arches framing natural and man-made landscapes.


Along the garden tour guests of the grounds will also come across The Temple of Venus, Sculpture Garden, The Great Bowl, Iris, Terrace and Portico Gardens.

Ladew Topiary Gardens

The Great Bowl
Look to find summer concert series "Groovin' In The Grass" held on Sunday nights at the Great Bowl from 6pm to 8pm during the months of June through August.

Also remember to also visit the Herb Garden, Wildflower Meadow and explore the Nature Walk.

For More Information: Go to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Ladew Topiary Gardens
3535 Jarrettsville Pike
Monkton, Maryland 21111
Tel#: (410) 557-9466 

Hours: Open late March through October 31st
Weekdays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Weekends: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter 2012

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a very Happy Easter!

Spring Tulips

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Baltimore, Maryland: Small Foods Party

The Small Foods Party was held this past weekend on Saturday February 25th at The Whole Gallery located in the H & H Building at 405 West Franklin Street, Baltimore.  My coworker Siyade created a sample of miniature Ethiopian foods.

Ethiopian Food
Siyade also took the following pictures of other entries at the annual Small Foods Party.

Crappy Meal

Look at the miniature cotton candy!

Mini Empanada

Small French Food

Tiny Bread Bowls Filled with Soup
Want further information about this annual Small Foods Party, view the link: Small Foods 2012

Monday, February 27, 2012

eShakti: Tailored Clothing and Accessories

Have you ever imagined having your very own tailored wardrobe collection?  The fashion website called eShakti allows this dream to become a reality.  My coworker Bonita highly recommends this site as an alternative for shopping for clothes.  This apparel is actually made to measure.
http://img.eshakti.com/clothImages/Ruffle front poplin dressV.jpg


eShakti offers: 

Clever design styles for a variety of body types.

Reasonably priced tailored clothing and accessories.
    User friendly website for the fashionista on the go!

    Want more information? Go to: eShakti Clothing and Accessories

      Sunday, February 19, 2012

      Archipelago Botanicals: Mango Tangerine Soy Candle and Scented Diffuser

      On a recent visit to Nordstrom department store, I encountered a collection of scented candles and diffusers for the home that was blogworthy to share with my readers.

      Archipelago Botanicals soy candles and diffusers come in an array of scents.  Here is the collection line up: Agave Sage, Bamboo Teak, Bergamot Tobacco, Black Orchid, Burl Wood, Gardenia Tuberose, Jasmine Hibiscus, Lavender Spice, Mango Tangerine, Pineapple Ginger, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate Citrus, Tahitian Lime, Thai Apple, Verbena Basil, Wasabi Mint, and White Peach.


      I took several pictures of the Mango Tangerine soy candle and it's diffuser.

      Archipelago Mango Tangerine Soy Tester Candle, Nordstrom

      Archipelago Botanicals Mango Tangerine Soy Candle & Scented Diffuser

      Nicely boxed Archipelago Soy Candle
      Want more information on Archipelago Botanicals products? Go to: Archipelago Botanicals Soy Candles
      Curious about Archipelago diffusers? Check out Archipelago Signature Diffusers

      Saturday, February 18, 2012

      BeautiControl: Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

      BeautiControl makes a great product that cleans and moisturizes your skin.  The Warming Trend Green Tea Masque actually emits warmth upon contact with your skin.  I believe it is a great idea to consider adding this product to your normal skin care routine.

      BeautiControl Warming Trend Green Tea Masque
      For more information go to: BeautiControl Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

      Tuesday, February 14, 2012

      Happy Valentine's Day

      Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a Happy Valentine's Day!

      Sunday, February 12, 2012

      Dollhouse: Military Jacket

      Are you looking for an affordable, stylish outwear jacket?  Consider the brand Dollhouse for your next purchase.  I found this Dollhouse black wool military jacket  at a discount retailer called Rugged Warehouse.

      Dollhouse, Military Jacket
      I purchased the coat a couple of seasons ago but you can find it online through other retailers.  I get fav reviews when I wear the jacket.  I really like the brass buttons, hot pink lining, and belt around the waist line.

      Dollhouse Outerwear
      Want more information about Dollhouse clothing go to: Dollhouse Clothing Outerwear

      Curious about discount retailer Rugged Warehouse?  Take a look at: Rugged Wearhouse






       


      Thursday, February 9, 2012

      Bath & Body Works: Bali Mango and Aruba Coconut Body Lotions

      Bali Mango & Aruba Coconut Body Lotions
      In the middle of winter, many people dream of taking a vacation on a exotic tropical island.  Frequently my mind conjures up images of gorgeous beach views and warm island breezes. 

      Bath & Body Works offers a great collection of body lotions that can remind us of the islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific.  Pictured above you will find the body lotions, Bali Mango and Aruba Coconut.  

      Can't take a vacation right now, treat yourself to a bottle of Bali Mango or Aruba Coconut body lotion.  The tropical scents will immediately transport you to a faraway seaside resort!
      Want for more information:  Tropical Body Lotions at Bath & Body Works




      Sunday, February 5, 2012

      Park City, Utah: Olive and Tweed

      If you are in Park City and you like boutique shops, consider paying a visit to Olive and Tweed on 608 Main Street.

      I bought this cute red coat with black and white polka dot lining by Kling.

      Coat by Kling, Olive and Tweed, Park City
      Kling Wool Coat, Olive and Tweed
      Besides the fashionable lining, I particularly liked the coat's leather buttons.

      Kling coat buttons, Olive and Tweed
      Besides clothing, Olive and Tweed has great accessories too.  When on Main Street in Park City, check out Olive and Tweed.


      Olive and Tweed
      608 Main Street
      Park City, Utah 84060
      435-649-9392