CHILL OUT this Summer: A Cool Way to Entertain

 Summer heat waves can make anyone feel lethargic and we all need a way to cool off. Try these delicious and healthy solutions to beat the heat this summer. Use fresh fruit, herbs or edible flowers to make popsicles, flavoured ice cubes for drinks or get even more creative.

Fill your favourite blend into popsicle molds for children's treats or garden parties and have everyone talking about your incredible edibles!

 Use fresh citrus or berries in ice cubes to add a zest of colour and taste to your summer punch!

If you are feeling adventurous, use two bowls as an ice mold and fill it with edible herbs and fresh mint to compliment punch or fruit salads!

Try any of the following delicious and healthy combinations or get creative and make your own. Just remember to always make sure you are certain that you are using the correct herbs and flowers and that any fruits and flowers are small enough to freeze in y our molds.

Orange and Mint

Rose petals and Mint

Pansy and Blueberry

Strawberry and Mint

Strawberry, Raspberry and Blueberry

Pansy and Lemon Verbena

Pineapple and Pansy

Orange and Pineapple

Raspberry and Rose petals

Rose Petals and Pomegranate

Rose petals and Orange

Orange and Pomegranate

Strawberry and Rose Petals 

Orange and Pansy

Orange and Blueberry

Lime and Mint 

Blueberry and Rose Petals

Violet Flowers and Blueberry

Pineapple, Orange and Violet Flowers

Strawberry and Pineapple

Bring Nature into your Home

Warm weather is coming and people are looking for new ways to decorate their homes that are inviting, natural and innovative. Here are some creative new ways to bring nature into your home that will have all of your summer guests talking about your flare for design.

 One classic way to bring nature into the home is by the introduction of potted plants. Try not to choose a generic plant, instead choose a plant that shows off your personality: a calming bonzai, graceful orchid or a low-maintenance cactus. Plants act as air purifiers and are often associated with healthier lifestyles.

 Displaying seashells, rocks or anything collected on vacations is a great way to decorate and remember your outings. Be sure that you are not destroying a habitat before collecting and that you clean them thoroughly when you bring home your new natural treasures.

 Introduce natural materials such a wood, dried flowers or stone to create a warm feeling in your home.

 Terrariums and aquariums are easy to make, simple to maintain and a living piece of art. Be sure to care for plants and animals as directed as some plants or fish may require special attention so do your research first!

 Display a framed fossil to accent a room and create a conversation piece. Fossils are elegant and rare and create an interesting look for any room. 

Water fixtures in the home create a relaxing atmosphere. These can be placed in most rooms and often act as humidifiers while bringing in the natural sounds and smells of water. 

Framed botanical prints are great for adding a touch of class to any room. This is a great solution for those with pollen allergies. Framed pressed flowers or botanical drawings add texture and colour to any area.

Zen gardens are a beautiful accent piece that often incorporates two or three natural elements including stones, sand, water or plants. Most people are daunted by the idea of dusting these though they can easily be shaken in a nylon stocking to remove dust or washed in a colander and reassembled  in a different creative way each time.