Fruits for Spring

As the old saying goes, better late than never. It's been a little over a week since my promise to share the delectable fruitiness spring offers, my apologies. Knowing what foods are in season is the first step to a successful shopping trip to your local Farmer's Market. Here is what this spring - and every spring, for that matter - has in store for us in the fruit world:

In order: Apricots, Cherries, Grapefruit, Strawberries, Kiwis, Lemons, Naval Oranges

I have to admit, these fruits look a little more appetizing than the vegetables posted before! Don't enjoy eating fruits? Soon we will have a lovely post of various ways of infusing your water with these delightful foods! It's a win-win... water and fruits!
(Images from http://apricotfacts.com/, http://planetgreen.discovery.com, http://growupsidedownstrawberries.com/, http://www.ifood.tv/, http://mikes-table.themulligans.org/)

Organic Yogurt & Berries

Ingredients:
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups Stonyfield Organic French Vanilla Low-Fat Yogurt
- handful of fresh blackberries
- handful of fresh blueberries
- fresh mint
- cinnamon

The rest is simple! Bon appétit.

Madison & Alexis Photoshoot: January 29, 2011

Much thanks to Leslie Skinner, Madison's mom and my friend, for a great photo shoot!
Interested in our photography services? We are booking for the spring season!

All photos are property of Humblebee Design Boutique. 

To inquire about use, please write to ashley@thehumblebeehive.com.

Blossom Stamps on Esty

I recently purchased two exquisite stamps from Blossom Stamps through Etsy. Started by Martina Webb, Blossom Stamps specializes in handcrafted photopolymer art stamps (and other graphic goodness). You will be seeing these used in our print collateral, adding a hand-crafted and personal touch to each piece.


















If my hands had more than two thumbs, they'd be up for this Etsy seller; the stamps are absolutely wonderful! Visit Blossom Stamps on Etsy, or contact Martina for custom requests and please tell her you found the store through Humblebee! We will keep you posted of our feature in the Blossom Stamps newsletter, so stay tuned.

Mailbox Surprise

I received this postcard in my mailbox the other day and needless to say, it instantly brightened my being. Not only is it from my best friend, the humor is unavoidably penetrable. Miss Anna Lane and I have known each other going on 10 years now and I will say "Prost!" to another sixty filled with laughter, love and everything else in between.

Check out her blog of all things that make her happy at http://shesahappygirl.blogspot.com/.

Basil Tofu

Ingredients:
- 1 package of firm, low-fat tofu
- 1 1/2T of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup of white onions
- 3/4 cups of low-sodium soy sauce
- 2T of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- fresh basil (can substitute with dried basil)
- chili pepper spice
- 2 1/2 cups of brown rice

Drain and dice tofu. Place in a large bowl and marinade in soy sauce for at least 1 hour. Bring brown rice to a bowl and cook according to directions on package. In a medium saucepan, cook onions and minced garlic on medium-high in 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 2T of rice vinegar; add approx. 1/4 cup of water to prevent burning. Cook until onions are tender. Add tofu (and the marinade sauce) to saucepan and lower the heat to medium. Let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil and chili pepper. After draining brown rice, place in a bowl and cover with the tofu basil mixture. Serves 2.

Re-worked recipe from http://www.tofu-recipe.com/. 

Bon appétit.

 

Humblebee Cookbook

Humblebee is looking for delicious, healthy recipes to add to the Humblebee Cookbook. Enter your recipes by writing to buzz@thehumblebeehive.com, commenting on the Humblebee blog or via the Humblebee facebook page.

Please be sure to include all ingredients, directions, how many servings and any plating information.  Those recipes using local farmers' markets' in-season fruits and vegetables and organic options, while still savory to the palate, will be favored.

I'll make it, taste it, share it and if everyone loves it... I will include it! 

Please also include your name, contact information, location and a description of your recipe. You will be notified as chosen and rightfully credited. Thank you in advance for your submissions!

Bon appétit.

Real Simple Thoughts

One of the simple reasons for renewing my Real Simple subscription are the oh-so-knowledgeable "thoughts" page in the beginning of each issue. They never cease to inspire.

"Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
Real Simple / March 2008

Humblebee Wax Stamp

The newest member of the creative packaging team. Stamp and wax found at Out of Hand, a local shop in The Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Cilantro & Feta Omelet

Ingredients:
- 3 range-free, grain-fed eggs
- handful of feta
- cilantro
- black pepper
- white onion (optional)

Dice the onion and pre-cook until transparent. Crack the 3 eggs into a small and sprinkle the feta, chopped cilantro and black pepper. Move cooked egg around the pan with a spatula until whites are firm and yolk is still a bit runny. Serves 1 (with leftovers!)

Bon appétit.

Warhol + Charleston

Andy Warhol made it to the latest exhibit at The Gibbes downtown.

Vegetables for Spring

Knowing what foods are in season is the first step to a successful shopping trip to your local Farmer's Market. Here is what this spring - and every spring, for that matter - has in store for us in the vegetable world:

In order: artichoke, asparagus, beets, fava beans, fiddle heads, green peas, mache, radishes, scape, stinging nettles.

Next week will be Fruits for Spring so check back in!
(Images from about.com)

Trick for Drying Flowers

Drying flowers can be frustrating sometimes: the bud droops to the side, the pedals fall off, you can't find any string around the house, and so on. Here are three tips to keep your blooms beautifully dried!

1) Spray a bit of hairspray on the pedals to help them stay in place if they've already begun their descent.

2) Find a paper clip, tooth pic or any other small, sturdy, straight object. Pierce the bud, coming through from the stem, and into the center of the flower. During the drying process, this will enable the "neck" to remain straight.

3) To hang and dry, pat the end of the stems with a towel. Wrap the stems with string and hang bud-side-down a horizontal pole, like a curtain rod. If string is not an option, find an overhead cupboard in your kitchen you don't use often, place the stems between the door and the frame. For slide prevention, use a knot in the stem as a "stopper".


It is important to know that the CFC gases inside hairspray harm the environment. To learn about eco-friendly hairspray, visit mophair.com. And to keep your schnozz in mind, try a scent-free spray. Depending on how wilted the flower, these tips may not always work. If you have any other natural ways for drying flowers, we'd love to learn about them! Comment below or send them to buzz@thehumblebeehive.com and we'll feature them on our Facebook page!