January brought me to the bustling gift show in Atlanta, where I stumbled upon some delightful and quirky entertaining pieces. In that moment I made a promise to myself: to cherish the home I've built and fill it with friendship, laughter, and joy, using these newfound treasures to entertain.
Fast forward to these past few blissful days—sunshine streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze tussling the curtains. It's my first week back from several weeks spent soaking up the sun down under in Australia, and what better way to celebrate than by reconnecting with friends?
Of course, like many of us, I felt the urge to spruce up my space before guests arrived. With the impending tree buds, I couldn't resist bringing a bit of that outdoor magic inside. Armed with cherry and apple blossoms stems from Apple Barrel and a stunning ginger jar, I crafted the perfect statement piece for my dining room—a floral arrangement that exudes springtime charm.
And let's talk drinks! Down in Australia, I discovered a newfound appreciation for gin cocktails, particularly a luscious berry concoction enjoyed in Cairns. With the sunny weather gracing us, it seemed only fitting to recreate this refreshing cocktail at home.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of simple syrup
- 2 cups of ice cubes
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 oz. of gin
- Sparkling water or champagne
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In a large glass jar or shaker, toss in the blueberries, blackberries, rosemary, and simple syrup. Using a pestle, gently muddle the berries and rosemary to release those vibrant flavors.
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Add in the ice, lemon juice, and gin. Secure the lid and shake it up for about 30 seconds until everything is perfectly chilled and mixed.
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Strain out any pulp and pour the delightful mixture into cocktail glasses filled with ice, filling them halfway. Top it off with sparkling water or champagne. Garnish with a slice of lemon and voilà!
As we embrace April, designated as Stress Awareness Month, I found relaxation in these moments of connection and creation. It's a gentle reminder to carve out time to decompress, to step away from the hustle and bustle, especially with the exciting projects I have looming on the horizon.
I'm constantly reminded of the love of my work and the joy it can bring, not just as a store owner, but as a curator of experiences. These seemingly ordinary items have the power to enrich our lives in extraordinary ways, and I'm grateful to share that journey with each of you.
Here's to creating moments that matter and finding joy in the everyday.
Cheers,
Josh