Top Health Blogger by Wellsphere

Wellsphere has added Humblebee as a Top Health Blogger to their online Healthy Living Community. "Wellsphere's mission is to help millions of people live healthier, happier lives by connecting them with the knowledge, people and tools they need to manage and improve their health." I am humbled to be included in such a grand health venture and hope everyone will take a chance to browse the site. If you join, be sure to add Humblebee as your friend and I will return the favor! Please follow the link above or click the Wellsphere icon in the right hand column of the blog.

Check out the latest Humblebee recipe and maybe try it out this weekend! It's light, refreshing, tasty and, of course, healthy.

Veggie Couscous with Pineapple

Ingredients:
- 1 package of Basil & Herb Near East 100% Natural Pearled Couscous
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/2 carton of cherry tomatoes, halved and seeded
- 1/2 cup of fresh, organic pineapple sliced into chunks
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro
- Sprinkle of flax seed
- Lemon Juice

Cook pearled couscous as directed on package. Add all vegetables to the pot, stirring ocassionally. When vegetables are tender, drain and place in bowl. Add the sliced pineapple chunks overtop (and any additional juice from cutting!), sprinkle the cilantro and flax seed, drizzle the lemon juice and you're ready to eat! Serves: 1 (with leftovers!)

Bon appétit.

The Patterns of TJ Maxx

I was scoping out the furniture section of TJ Maxx the other day and was quite impressed with the selection of styles, but more importantly, the exciting fabric patterns. 

Here are a few that caught my eye:

Personal favorite, of course.

Saved the best for last....

Easter Weekend at Eastern Market: Washington, D.C.

The Eastern Market, located in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, is an indoor/outdoor market offering a variety of stimulants for all five senses. As put on their website, "... it is far more than a market. It is a community hub for the Capitol Hill neighborhood and a cultural destination for visitors from around the world.

... hear the jazz playing through the streets...

   ... taste the delicious fruit and veggies or grab a bite from Market Lunch...

      ... smell the handmade soaps and perfumes, freshly cut flowers...

         ... feel the hand-sewn, organic clothing and crafts...

            ... and gaze over the local artists masterpieces, gifts and antiques.

Snapped a picture of the monkey onesie for my nephew, Landon!

Beautiful hand-made art.

Beautiful fabrics... the colors are jaw-dropping!

Colorful flowers covered the market grounds.

The samples of fruits and vegetables were delicious.

Hand-spun and hand-dyed yarn.

Long strands of beaded pearls in various colors.

You can never have too much cheese!

The crowd is always cheerfully present.

You can't get much crisper than this....

Best part? The market is constantly busy, filled with locals and visitors alike, who are enjoying the unique outdoor market experience. Surrounded by other local shops and restaurants, one place to mark down on your holiday to-do list is Capitol Hill Books just down the block (by far a favorite and a must-visit bookstore). Learn more at http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/ or better yet, plan your next visit. Sneak-peek of the book store...

Yes, floor to ceiling BOOKS.

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.

Creative Outdoor Spaces

In lieu of Earth Day, get outside, breathe the fresh air, nurture your plants and kick your feet up. Your patio doesn't have to be a huge time and money investment. Try to be creative, use pops of bright clors and definitely bring in some plant-life to kick it up a step. Check out these fantastic outdoor living spaces featured on Apartment Therapy.

Living in penny's via Apartment Therapy

Thomas J. Story for Sunset Magazine

House to Home

Domino Magazine via Maison Marigold

Domino Magazine via Maison Marigold

Sunset Magazine via Space/Lift

House to Home

Thomas J. Story via Silive

Martyn Thompson for House & Garden 2007 via So Haute

If you have a great outdoor space, upload your photos to the Humblebee facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HumblebeeDesignBoutique. I want to see them! I will upload mine today as well!

The Humblebee by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Found this sweet little poem and wanted to share with all of you!

Burly dozing humblebee!
Where thou art is clime for me
Let them sail for Porto Rique,
Far-off heats through seas to seek,
I will follow thee alone,
Thou animated torrid zone!
Zig-zag steerer, desert-cheerer,
Let me chase thy waving lines,
Keep me nearer, me thy hearer,
Singing over shrubs and vines.

Insect lover of the sun,
Joy of thy dominion!
Sailor of the atmosphere,
Swimmer through the waves of air,
Voyager of light and noon,
Epicurean of June,
Wait I prithee, till I come
Within ear-shot of thy hum,—
All without is martyrdom.

When the south wind, in May days,
With a net of shining haze,
Silvers the horizon wall,
And, with softness touching all,
Tints the human countenance
With a color of romance,
And, infusing subtle heats,
Turns the sod to violets,
Thou in sunny solitudes,
Rover of the underwoods,
The green silence dost displace,
With thy mellow breezy bass.

Hot midsummer's petted crone,
Sweet to me thy drowsy tune,
Telling of countless sunny hours,
Long days, and solid banks of flowers,
Of gulfs of sweetness without bound
In Indian wildernesses found,
Of Syrian peace, immortal leisure,
Firmest cheer and bird-like pleasure.

Aught unsavory or unclean,
Hath my insect never seen,
But violets and bilberry bells,
Maple sap and daffodels,
Grass with green flag half-mast high,
Succory to match the sky,
Columbine with horn of honey,
Scented fern, and agrimony,
Clover, catch fly, adders-tongue,
And brier-roses dwelt among;
All beside was unknown waste,
All was picture as he passed.

Wiser far than human seer,
Yellow-breeched philosopher!
Seeing only what is fair,
Sipping only what is sweet,
Thou dost mock at fate and care,
Leave the chaff and take the wheat,
When the fierce north-western blast
Cools sea and land so far and fast,
Thou already slumberest deep,—
Woe and want thou canst out-sleep,—
Want and woe which torture us, 
Thy sleep makes ridiculous. 

Cranberry Goji: Food with Purpose

Highly recommended fruit juice by yours truly. A blend of cranberries, apples, pears, goji berries, red grapes, black cherries, and concord grapes. If you aren't keen on thicker fruit juices, fill up your cup and dilute it with a bit of water. Don't drink at room temperature! Make sure the drink is chilled.

Here are a few of the benefits:

• 100% juice, no sugars added
• no high fructose corn syrup
• no artificial sweeteners or colors
• 200% Vitamin C
(Highly effective antioxidant, necessary for the growth and repair of all bodily tissues. Your body does not "manufacture" vitamin C, so make sure to get yours daily via food!)
• 1,000% Vitamin B12
(Important in the functioning of the brain, nervous system and metabolism. It also aids in the formation of red blood cells, which we obviously all need.)
• 100 mcg of Lutein
(This one is new to me... an antioxidant that aids in eye health. Verrrrry interrrresting.)
• Over 2,500 ORAC: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
(Helps with aging.)

All of the above summed up in basically a few words: tasty, nutritious and a must-have in the fridge.

Bon appétit.

Baxter's Photoshoot: April 9th, 2011

Meet Baxter, the 9-year old Golden Retriever.

Sullivan's Island, SC

Shady break under the old oak trees.

Baxter did not realize that tennis balls have owners, too.

A wide open field is perfect for stretching those legs...

... and for running wildly!

A quick shower and a drink at Home Team BBQ, just like a true local.

Simple stroll past the beautiful island homes.

The definition of pure joy.

Baxter loves his beach-boy life. And, that's a rap.

Thanks to Kelen Carlock for helping direct Baxter and for the coffee at Café Medley.

Still booking shoots for the spring season. Contact me today if interested! Visit the services page to view photography options.

As always, all artwork/photography posted on The Humblebee Hive blog are property and under copyright of Ashley Stuart. I am honored when my artwork is used for inspiration, so shoot me an email or comment below sharing the inspiration you've gathered from this blog. Please contact for more information on purchase and/or public use.