Friday Favorites: 2/19/2010

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well! I have returned from vacation and I am ready to get back in to the swing of everyday life! It is nice to be home, but I miss the bright Florida sunshine!!

In honor of sun and warmth, today I would like to feature my favorite flower: The Periwinkle Hydrangea. These beautiful flowers are so cheery, you cannot help but smile when you see them!


"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view."
-H. Fred Dale


Hydrangeas are a genus of about 70–75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia and North and South America. The greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia. Most are shrubs 1–3 m tall. Hydrangeas can be deciduous or evergreen, although the most widely cultivated species are deciduous.

Hydrangea flowers are produced from early spring to late autumn and grow in flower-heads at the end of their stems. In many species, the flower-heads contain two types of flowers, small fertile flowers in the middle of the flower-head, and large, sterile flowers in a ring around the edge of each flower-head.

Hydrangeas come in 2 flower arrangements: Mop-head and lace-cap. Mop-head flowers are large round flower-heads that resemble pom-poms, or as the name implies, look like the head of a mop. Lace-cap flowers bear round, flat flower-heads with a center core of subdued flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy flowers.


"It is a golden maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of themselves."
-Robert Louis Stevenson



1.) Periwinkle Hydrangea by: moniepenny
2.) Blue Hydrangea Pendant by: gildedlilyglass
3.) Ivory and Periwinkle Rose and Hydrangea Pomander by: Emici Bridal
4.) Hydrangea square plate by: brookepickering
5.) Periwinkle felt hydrangea brooch by: shopkissingtoads
6.) Blue Hydrangea - Vintage German Glass Flower Earrings by: julylamoon
7.) Whimsical Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow with Wool Felt Hydrangea Flower in Periwinkle, Robins Egg, Purple Sage and Moss Green by: HeyMiemie
8.) Hydrangea Blue Vintage Rhinestone Pendant Necklace by: sugarlilac
9.) Hydrangea pitcher by: brookepickering
10.) Hydrangea Blooms... blue glass and silver plated necklace by: nancywallisdesigns


"Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out-values all the utilities of the world."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844


Have a great weekend and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Tasty Tuesday!

Hello!

I do not have much time today, so a recipe is not feasible. Instead I leave you with some of my favorite, tasty foods! Enjoy!


Turkey Joints



This delectable treat has been a staple in my home since birth. My mother even worked in the candy shop that creates these when she was a teenager!

Yes, the name is misleading, but don't be fooled. The only thing the feathered version and the candy version have in common is the name and perhaps a slight resemblance to each other.

This unique candy was created by, Nora's candy shop, located in my birth city, Rome, NY. They use an old time process and a secret formula to achieve the end result: A decadent chocolate and brazil nut "bone marrow" center that is coated with a delicate, shiny and crunchy sugar "bone" outer shell.

Turkey Joints come in several varieties: Original, Chocolate Covered, and Coco-Monds. They are only available from October through May, get yours while they last!



Stone Crabs



For those of you who like seafood - if you have never tried a stone crab, then you are missing out!!! I love crab to begin with and stone crabs are my favorite!!

For those of you unfamiliar with this tasty food, here is some information about stone crabs:

Name: Stone Crab (Menippe Mercenaria)
Meaning:
Menippe - Greek - meaning force or courage
Mercinaria - Latin - something of value

1.) To assure the survival of the species: Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself.
2.) Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed.
3.) The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed.
4.) 4 inches from the first joint to the tip is the minimum legal size, about two oz.
5.) A colossal can weigh 25 ounces or more.
6.) The large crusher claw can exert extreme pressure. As much as 19000 lbs. psi.
7.) Although their massive claws serve as deterrents, it has been reported that the stone crab falls prey to the octopus.
8.) Stone crab season in Florida runs from October 15th to May 15th.
9.) Stone crabs exhibit carnivorous feeding behavior. They have been known to resort to cannibalism while trapped.
10.) The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting.
11.) The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates.
12.) It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again.

Since I do not live in Florida anymore I have to have my stone crabs shipped to me. I always order from Billy's Stone Crab Restaurant in Hollywood Florida.


Have a great day and until tomorrow: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Wordless Wednesday!