From left: Jax Vase, Bird Vases, Cube Tube Vases

Creating your own floral arrangements can be quite overwhelming at first. So why not start small?  Bud vases let you bring nature into your home in little, easy-to-manage pieces. They fit smaller spaces that a larger vase would overwhelm, or can be used in a grouping to create a centerpiece.

Look to local farmer’s markets for fresh, cut flowers to create your own budding arrangements throughout your home.  Gardeners, of course, have access to their own plants for flower arrangements.  Restrain yourself from wanting to overfill bud vases with too many flower stems.  In our opinion, a single bold flower, like a Gerbera daisy, makes more of a statement than a stuffy vase full of red roses.

How to Select a Fresh Cut Flower

Trust your senses when it comes to selecting flowers at the market.  If the buds or blooms are browning, and the leaves are turning yellow, then keep looking.  You’ll want to avoid flowers sold in stinky water, chance are they are old.

Buy flowers when they are closed or just partially open. Many flower varieties, such as lilies, have multiple blooms on one stem.  Try to select a single stem with one bloom open and the others closed. That way, you will be able to watch the additional blossoms open and enjoy the flower longer.

Keep Cut Flowers Alive Longer:

1. Fill the container with water containing floral food.
2. Cut the flower stem to about twice the height of the vase. Strip the flower’s stem so that none of the leaves will be covered by water. Place the flower in the bud vase.
3. To give added support and beauty, add stems of linear bear grass or other linear foliage. Cut the foliage so that they are just slightly taller than the flower.
4. To give the bud vase an elegant, balanced look, insert greenery at the rim of the bud vase.

While large single-vase arrangements are the usual way to go at the dining table, Don Vanderbrook, a floral designer in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, likes to do a grouping of bud vases. “It’s an airier arrangement, and easier for guests to see and talk over,” he said.

Single Stems that Stand Out:

• Gerbera daisies
• Calla lilies
• Gladioluses
• Sweet peas
• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Irises
• Chrysanthemum
• Roses
• Spring blooming branches like forsythia

Keep Scale in Mind

Make sure the stem of the flower is at least as tall as the vase. Vanderbrook said the rule of thumb is that the flower should be 1½ times the height of the vase. So if the vase is 6 inches tall, the flower should be 9 inches high. Don’t go much taller than that scale, Vanderbrook said, because bud vases tip over more easily than conventional vases.

Also consider the scale of the space. A single bud vase won’t work on a 60-inch dining room table, Vanderbrook said. A grouping would work, though (see photo above).

Sources: www.nj.com & www.flowerpossibilities.com

If you have checked out our selection of Home Accessories, you have undoubtedly noticed the cool design of the Roost Mortar and Pestle. Unlike the traditional design, the rounded pestle nestles right down into the mortar, making it an updated version of a kitchen classic. It’s eye catching enough that it even recently caught the attention of the good folks at Herb Companion Magazine in their List of Likes feature.

Why do I need a Roost Mortar & Pestle?

Although the Mexicans originated the idea of the mortar and pestle somewhere around 5,000 years ago, there is nothing archaic about this versatile kitchen tool. You can think of your mortar and pestle as a manual food processor. But here’s the super great thing: because it is a manual tool, none of the delicate flavors or aromas are burnt off the way that they are in an electric appliance. Plus, because the mortar and pestle is a hand operated tool, it gives you complete control. Your touch can be as heavy or as light as you need it to be. The design of the Roost Mortar and Pestle gives you exceptional control with its ergonomic design. So the rounded pestle is not just pretty, it’s practical too.

What can I use my Roost Mortar & Pestle for?

A mortar and pestle has quite an array of uses – you’ll find that you discover more and more reasons to pick it up in your kitchen. The Roost Mortar and Pestle comes in two different materials, so that you can select the one that best suits your needs. The wooden design is best for dry ingredients, such as spices and coffee beans. The marble design in best for wet ingredients, such as berries and garlic. You can also use a mortar and pestle to pulverize pills and other chemical items. However, we would suggest that you buy a separate one specifically for this use. You don’t want to cross medicinal use with culinary use.

Top 5 Uses for Your Roost Mortar and Pestle:

1. Grinding spices, such as whole peppercorns and cardamom. Spices are most fragrant, tasty, and pure when they are freshly crushed. Try grinding your own spices for this wonderful Morrocan Coucous recipe. Your whole home will be filled with splendid aromas. (Not to menti0n, it’s super delicious.)
2. Smashing olives for tapenade. This is a terrific, easy way to please guests when you entertain. Serve fresh olive tapenade on bite-size pieces of baguette or crostini. Here’s a quick and easy kalamata olive tapenade recipe that you will love. Olives are heart healthy, too!
3. Pounding garlic for aioli. We’ll bet you’re used to chopping or mincing your garlic, right? Well, all garlic lovers really must release the clove’s true flavor with the pestle. Try using your pounded garlic in this recipe for garlic aioli from Recipe Zaar. You’ll love it, (even if your partner doesn’t love your breath.)
4. Crushing basil for fresh pesto. Is there anything more fragrant and lovely than basil fresh from the garden on a warm summer day? We think not! Plus, basil tends to grow rather abundantly, and pesto is a terrific way to use it while it’s fresh. As this recipe in Reluctant Gourmet states, the traditional and best way to make basil pesto is with a mortar and pestle. The flavor will astound you.
5. Mashing avocado meat for guacamole. We prefer our guac with some nice chunks of avocado, not totally pulverized. This is where the control you have with a mortar and pestle really comes in handy. You can make your guac as chunky or smooth as you prefer. And speaking of heart healthy, avocados rank pretty darn high when it comes to foods that will keep your ticker goin’. Try this terrific recipe for Mortar and Pestle Guacamole, courtesy of culinary guru Dorie Greenspan.

In ancient Mexico, the gemstone Turquoise was reserved for the gods; it could not be worn by mere mortals. Legend has it that some Native Americans believed that if Turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. By the 16th century, the cultures of the American Southwest were using Turquoise as currency.

Now, turquoise is the color of our daydreams; of the calm, glass-like ocean waters of tropical destinations. It is for both turquoise’s ancient significance and its modern power to invoke calming thoughts that Pantone has chosen turquoise as its 2010 color of the year.

In a recent press release, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, stated, “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Turquoise is a wonderfully versatile design color, as it is appealing to both males and females. When incorporated into designs, whether it is fashion, home décor, or in the garden, turquoise has the ability to make every other color around it really pop. To invoke the naturally energizing, yet somehow correspondingly peaceful and tranquil properties of turquoise, try some of these inspirational ideas on for size.

Color Your Home & Garden with Turquoise

• If you’d like to incorporate some natural turquoise color into your garden, you’ll love the Himalayan Blue Poppy, one of the most vivid turquoise flowers you’ll find. This bright bud is originally from the Himalayan Mountains. It will grow best in zones 6-8, and in semi-shaded spots. If you live in a warm zone, you should avoid planting these in a spot where they will receive sun at the warmest parts of the day. Just look at that brilliant color. Gorgeous!

• Check out these ideas from the House of Turquoise blog. These are a terrific example of how turquoise can truly fit into any color scheme when it comes to home and garden decorating. A turquoise window here, a turquoise door there… these shades of turquoise are light, fresh, and very airy.

The House of Turquoise Blog:

• For more saturated color, choose richer shades of turquoise. These deeper shades inspire thoughts of royalty, while brighter shades are warm and energizing.

• If you’d like to mix turquoise with other bold colors, rather than neutrals, designer Amy Butler is a terrific place to look for inspiration. Her fabrics prove that turquoise matches literally any other color! Against brown, it creates a cool, earthy effect. But when used as a backdrop for fuschia, mimosa, violet, tangerine, and lime, these colors burst with life. Just take a look at some of her new prints in her Love collection. They are  positively vibrant.

Amy Butler’s Garden-inspired Designs:

February and March are excellent months to try forcing branches to bloom inside your home. Why? Well, because by this time, outdoor temperatures have probably risen just above freezing. We all have a major case of spring fever, but all of our trees and shrubs are not yet blossoming. So with a little bit of gentle prompting, we can “force” them to bloom indoors.

How to Properly Force Branches

1. Cut the Branches When temperatures have risen above freezing, carefully cut some branches off of a tree or shrub in your yard. Select a branch with several plump buds. Cut a couple extra branches, since not all of them will successfully bloom indoors. Make sure to use a sharp blade when cutting branches, and make a smooth, clean cut so as not to disfigure your tree. The Spear & Jackson Bypass Pruners are an excellent tool for this task.

2. Bring the Branches Indoors Once you have brought the cut branches indoors, use your Hori Hori Garden Knife to carefully create a slit in the cut end of your branches. The slit should be between one and four inches long on each branch. This is so that your branches may absorb the water in which you are going to place them.

3. Trim the Branches Fill your sink or a large container with warm water. Using either your pruners or your garden knife, cut a one-inch segment off of the bottom of each of your branches. This will help to prevent air from entering the stem through the cut end, which would then block water intake. Another tool that is great for this trimming task is the Gardener’s Multi-Tool.

4. Place Branches in a Vase Place your branches in a tall pitcher or vase filled with warm water. Depending on the size of your branches, you may wish to tie them into a small bundle with a piece of twine. You may also wish to add a floral preserve, or just a teaspoon of bleach to the water to help control bacteria. We recommend the beautifully sleek and versatile Ivy Pitcher and Vase for your branches. Remove any buds that will be underneath the water level.

5. Place the Vase in a Warm Room
Place your vase(s) of branches in a warm room that is maintained between 60 and 70 degrees F. Do not place them in direct sunlight. Make sure you check the water every day to make sure it is clear. You will need to replace it with fresh, clean water every 2-3 days. Your branches may begin to bloom within one week, or they may take as long as 8 weeks, (depending on how close they were to their natural bloom time when you cut them.)

Great Plant Picks for Forcing Indoor Blooms

According to Susan Grupp, a Horticulture Professor for the University of Illinois Extension in DuPage County, the following plants will respond well to forcing. You can cut these branches from your own yard, or purchase branches from your local florist:

• Redbud
• Japanese or Flowering Quince
• Flowering Dogwood
• Vernal Witch Hazel
• Hawthorn
• Forsythia
• Honeysuckle
• Saucer Magnolia
• Star Magnolia
• Apple and Crabapple
• Flowering Almond, Cherry, and Plum
• European Pussy Willow
• Spirea
• Lilac
• Viburnum

We will be “growing” our Grow Category this February, so check back soon for new products! Or why not make it easier on yourself? You can receive updates on new products, special promotions, earn aHa! Customer Rewards, and unique content you won’t find on the blog, by subscribing to our new aHa! Modern Living E-letter. Take a peek at our December issue.

Image by Vanessa Pike-Russell

A quick perusal of the Valentine’s Day aisle at the convenience store warrants unsatisfactory results. There you’ll find nothing but chalky conversation hearts, goop-filled chocolates, cheap stuffed animals, and cheesy perfumes endorsed by even cheesier celebrities. And you don’t want to give your sweetheart the same old crap. You want to give your love something special, unique, and meaningful to commemorate Valentine’s Day, right? Right!

Here at aHa! Modern Living we have chosen our top 5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas to make it easy and fun to select a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. All of these items are sure to say, “you’re special, so I picked something special for you.” We think our gifts are a welcome change from the “same ole same ole,” and we’re sure your honey will think so, too.

(1) Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers

What better way to say “whooooo loves you, baby?” The Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers are a great gift for the eco-conscious recipient, since they are made from water buffalo horn. We love the idea of giving a gift that can be used and enjoyed every day. This is a terrific gift for the man or woman who loves to cook, or host dinner parties. Whether you choose to take a cue from the nakedness of the owls is up to you.

(2) Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion

Want to give something chocolatey sweet without inducing a tummy ache? Daub and Bauble presents a delicious solution with its luxurious Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion. This delectably scented, creamy hand lotion is fragranced with a rich chocolate and cinnamon, and formulated with softening Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. For a perfect set, select the Cacao and Spice Hand Wash as well. Then deliver with the following simply sweet message: “I wanna hold your hand.”

(3) Birdie Necklace

Now it’s definitely true that most women would love to receive some gorgeous new jewelry for Valentine’s Day. But when it comes to jewelry, make sure you don’t fall into “the trap.” That is, don’t buy your wife or girlfriend the necklace that has been advertised by all the national jewelry store chains for 3 months now. That’s just boring, and she’s already seen it on television a thousand times. Instead, take a look at this creative and beautiful Birdie Necklace. It’s the perfect way to say, “you make my heart sing.”

(4) Eggling Seed Starters

Want your love to blossom and to grow? Then give your honey an Eggling Seed Starter. They come with all the essentials, so all your schnookums will need to do is crack open the top, add the seeds, and water. It is perfect even for those who claim to kill all their houseplants. Plus… who knows… maybe the Eggling Seed Starter will help you to start your own little somethin’ somethin’.

(5) West County Garden Gloves

There is no better way to say “I glove you” than with West County Garden Gloves. These gloves are particularly unique because they are the perfect blend of both functionality and fashion. They are a great choice for work around the lawn and garden, and even have a mesh back that makes them light and breathable. Remember, though, that it’s Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the gloves do all the dirty work!

When it looks like this outside, it's definitely time to bring some green into your home. Image source: Andrew Prokos Landscape Photography (http://andrewprokos.com)

With the frigid months of winter upon us, it’s all too easy to find ourselves sitting around and twiddling our green thumbs. We can’t wait to dig our hands into some spring soil, but alas, months of frozen earth lay ahead. And our mood is starting to reflect the gray, black, and brown shades of our frozen gardens.

What’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs? Bring some green indoors! After all, nothing brightens up a room like a cheerful indoor plant. As a bonus, houseplants also help to clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is a definite plus when it is too darn cold to open the windows and get some fresh air in your home.  There are numerous  Benefits of Decorating with Houseplants; click here to learn all about them.

When the weather prevents you from gardening outside, some friendly and perky houseplants can come to the rescue. They also make the perfect hostess gifts, as they are considerably more creative than the obligatory bottle of wine. Our favorite houseplants here at aHa! Modern Living are cheery, low maintenance, and easily portable.

Check out the Perch! Campy Planters

These simple yet stylish handmade planters come in three different vibrant color combinations: green and turquoise, gray and green, or white and yellow. We absolutely love their mini size; each planter stands just 6 1/2 inches tall. They can fit even on a small space such a bathroom sink or nightstand.We love the idea of planting a succulent in a Campy, which is pictured on the left. This is super low maintenance, since succulents can survive for long periods of time without water. Perch! Campy Planters also have a perforated bottom for water drainage, which is integral for healthy plants.

Another great indoor option: Eggling Seed Starters

At just 10 bucks a pop, you can afford one as a gift for each of your friends and still treat yourself. Check out both varieties: basil and chrysanthemum.Eggling Seed Starters are simple as pie to use. All you have to do is crack open the top, and water the soil within, which is already filled with peat mixture and seeds. One thing that we really love is how easily the Eggling may be transferred from the indoors to the outside. After 5 months, the whole egg can be planted outdoors. This way, your Eggling can brighten up your home all winter, and come spring it will be ready to take root.

Looking for something a little bit quirky and fun?

Then you will love the iGrobot Planter.  Again, we just can’t help but love how fool-proof this planter is. It comes with instructions, two measures of peat, and a packet of rye grass seeds. Once your grass sprouts, you can trim it into a mohawk, or any other shape you may desire. We are sure that it will make a fun addition to your home or office space, not to mention a great gift for any techie.

New aHa! Monthly Newsletter

We will be “growing” our Grow Category this February, so check back soon for new products!  Or why not make it easier on yourself?  You can receive updates on new products, special promotions, earn aHa! Customer Rewards, and unique content you won’t find on the blog, by subscribing to our new aHa! Modern Living E-letter.  Take a peek at our December issue.

Image source: weddingbee.com

When you hear the word “centerpiece” the first thing you probably think of is a floral arrangement, right? An elegant flower arrangement has the power to transform a simple white tablecloth into a lush and beautiful setting. However, floral arrangements are not particularly practical in the winter. Unless you’re fortunate enough to be living in a tropical climate, it’s not an option to snip an arrangement of buds from your backyard. While your garden hibernates, here are a few ideas for modern winter centerpieces, sans flowers.

1.  Centerpiece Using Candles

If you’re going to use candles as a centerpiece, make sure to use soy candles. Why? Well, first and foremost, paraffin candles are made of oil. We all know that oil is not a renewable resource. The United States is the number one producer of soy in the world, so when you purchase soy candles, you are purchasing a renewable resource and you are supporting American farmers. Another factor to consider is that soy is clean burning. If you are going to be eating with lit candles, you definitely do not want the fumes from burning paraffin to interfere with your taste buds.

Parker Collection Soy Candle in Lime Blossom

Have you seen the soy candles that we have here at aHa! Modern Living? The Parker Collection Soy Candles produce hardly any smoke or soot, so there will be nothing offensive combating your meal. They are available in three delicious, delicate scents, too. For an easy centerpiece, try placing a candle in the middle of a bowl or platter, then scattering fresh cranberries and limes or lemons around it. Or, for a cool effect, place a few candles on top of a mirror. Try grouping the candles in an odd number, such as 3 or 5, since this adds visual interest.

2.  Centerpiece Using Greenery

Pine branches are a classic and treasured symbol of Christmas and wintertime. But depending on which region you live in, you can add some other gorgeous sprigs of green to your centerpiece as well. If you live in Northern California, you may be lucky enough to find some European mistletoe, or Viscum alba.It crept into this region by way of an apple stock from Europe. If you live in North or South Carolina, you may have already noticed people on the street corner selling large bunches of North American mistletoe, or Phoradendron. Mistletoe is the floral emblem of the state of Oklahoma, too.

For a pretty green centerpiece, try placing some little sprigs of mistletoe in the fun and modern Cube Tube Vases. So simple, so chic. Just make sure to keep the vases out of reach of pets and small children. The waxy white berries on mistletoe are delicious to birds, but poisonous to humans and other animals.

Mistletoe + Cube Tube Vase

3.  Centerpiece Using Branches

For a really cool modern look, you don’t need any greenery at all. Just borrow this great idea from the photo below and snip some branches off of a tree.  If you want to, you can lay the branches out on some newspaper and give them a quick coat of metallic spray paint. We think they look just as pretty left au naturel, because it’s really about the shape here and not the color. A bunch of thin, twisting branches grouped together in a vase makes a big impact. The higher your celing is, the taller you can go with the branches. Try placing them in the Ivy Pitcher and Vase. Stunning.

Twigs + Ivy Pitcher Vase

photo by Happy Mundane

Every year, the Christmas season starts a little earlier. This year, stores were filled with plastic evergreen trees and stacked boxes of greeting cards even before the Halloween costume aisle was cleared out.

The holidaze begins months in advance. Yet every year, regardless of how early you start your Christmas shopping, there is someone who remains on your list. This is the someone for whom you need to find a gift that is unusual; not just another trinket from a big-box store. aHa! Modern Living is here for the rescue with a selection of gifts for that tricky person on your list who already seems to have it all.

Gifts for the Un-green Thumb

We all have that friend who claims to kill every plant she lays hands on. Here is the perfect solution for the aspiring gardener or apprentice who is still learning the trade. The Matchstick Garden totally makes planting as easy as pie. All you have to do is tear off a little matchstick, which is already brimming with seeds, stick it in the ground, and give it a little sprinkle of water. That’s it! They come in both wildflower and herb varieties, and at the price of only $2.50 per packet, you can afford to give both!

Matchstick Garden

One of the most common reasons that houseplants are killed is over watering. The pretty and sleek Aqua Genie Watering Can aims to prevent over watering. It’s made of lightweight plastic so that it’s easy to lift and won’t rust. This is a super error-proof and user-friendly watering can.

Aqua Genie Watering Can

Garden Tool Hand Set

Weeder Garden Gloves

Window Sill Herb Holder

Floral Clock Collection

Mini Cheesecakes

This holiday season, skip right to everybody’s favorite part of the meal…the desserts! Hosting a dessert party is an excellent way to simplify in regards to both preparation and budget. Desserts are fabulously cheap compared to the ingredients for a full dinner, or the ingredients for a cocktail party with a full bar. To host your own holiday dessert party, borrow these great tips from Sunset Magazine.

Keep the palette simple

Stick to just one or two shades for dishes and linens. This will help to create a clean, sophisticated look. You don’t want to end up with a tabletop that is childish or busy looking. Plus, as L.A. pastry chef Diana Sproveri points out, “the food is the star of the show, so don’t overwhelm the table with too many colors.”

Upgrade your cookie jar

Sunset suggests using clear glass apothecary vessels with a set of tongs to display your delicious goodies. We love the idea of using our Glass Tea Light Logs in a totally unexpected way. Some yummy little tarts or brownie bites would nestle right into the spaces of the tea light log.

Glass Tea Light Logs

Play with heights

Remember that first, we eat with our eyes. Arranging the desserts at varying heights, such as placing cupckakes on tiers, creates visual appeal. One dessert idea that we just absolutely love is that of the trifle. We think it may just be the fact that you can see all those towering sweet layers waiting to be scooped into. Or, maybe it’s because in clear glasses they just look so gosh darned pretty.

Cheesecake Berry Trifles

Check out these mouth-watering cheesecake berry trifles. We found the recipe at Gel’s Kitchen, and one of the best parts is that they require absolutely no cooking or baking. Wouldn’t they look beautiful in our Botanical Inspired Glassware? And they will even match the clear glass motif that you’ll have going with the Glass Tealight Logs.

Botanical Inspired Glassware

Style like a Pro

You certainly don’t need to spend all day cooking to make it look like you did. Sproveri suggests sprucing up store-bought brownies by dusting them with powdered sugar, then placing them in fanned-out mini cupcake liners. We love these easy DIY brownie pops from the Pepper Design Blog.

Easy Brownie Pops

Frozen cheesecake can be cut into one-bite squares and topped with a fresh berry. Remember to keep everything small; don’t serve anything larger than a regular sized cupcake. This will allow your guests to sample a variety of treats without bursting. Plan on about 4-6 desserts per guest.

Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

Desserts make us thirsty, too! Keep beverages to the basics: milk, water, coffee and/or tea. Try serving pitchers of milk and water in ice buckets to keep them nice and chilly. Also try this cool classic combo idea from Sproveri. She pours milk into a little shot glass, then tops it with a chocolate chip cookie.

Cookies 'n Milk

Don’t forget…

If you go the store bought route, make sure to buy your goods at a quality bakery. Pre-packaged goods in the junk aisle of the grocery store are loaded with preservatives, and this does affect taste. Also, if you don’t spend all day baking, you can still make your house smell like you did! Try the Parker Collection Soy Traveler Candles in Lime Blossom, Mandarin Lychee, and Tamarind Fir. They’re made of 100% soy wax, and they smell awesome!

Parker Collection Soy Traveler Candle in Lime Blossom