i have not been posting my articles for tastebud here because they are on my botanica blog.

head on over there to see what's up - i'm excited about the february issue!

if you are in the kc area-don't forget to pick up a copy at local coffee shops, grocery stores-there is a list of where to find them on the web-site.

***note to all 5 of my readers-if you would still like to find the articles here, just let me know.***

(a behind the scenes look at what is really happening when i'm trying to take pics. this little guy couldn't wait to get his hands on the fruit!)

here is a look at my next article for tastebud. the theme for the issue was salad so i thought it would be fun to create a centerpiece out of planted salad ingredients. i used cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts mixed with non-edible plants such as verbena, coleus and dusty miller. other plants that would work: red and green leaf lettuce, arugala and edible flowers like nasturiums.
the little pots are an easy diy project. i spray painted them with chalk board paint from the hardware store and planted herbs in them. you can then label with the type of herb or use them for place settings and write your guest's name on them.
these great trays are from local designer kathi hardin with traybella. she creates fun trays in various designs and colors. they work great for serving drinks on the patio, taking items out to the grill, containing the piles of mail and paper work that seem to land everywhere and as the base of centerpieces.
the final detail for this table are the outdoor dishes from pryde's in old westport. the look so real that i passed them by until the sales lady told me they were for outdoors. they come in many fun colors and patterns from traditional to modern. i could spend a lot of time and money in this store!these great photographs are from sara farrar. her pictures make even the most simple of ideas look so neat!

totes

i have recently started writing for tastebud magazine here in kc. it is a free publication about all things food, drinks and local people and places. my first article was about setting a table for special occasions and how it doesn't have to be over the top to be unique. i used the tabletop from my mom's birthday i wrote about on this blog a few months back. tastebud is on the stands now and you can find it at local hen house markets, whole foods and lots of other coffee shops, etc.

my second article for the may issue is on reusable totes. here's a little preview:

paper and plastic are no longer the only options when shopping for groceries at the store or farmers’ markets. according to the EPA, last year Americans consumed more than 380 BILLION single-use plastic bags. the production of these plastic bags requires a great amount of oil and the majority end up as littler or in landfills where they break down into toxins that pollute our earth. an easy solution: bring a reusable grocery tote. this simple action is a way to spread the message of environmental sustainability and show off your ‘green style’ while shopping. there are the simple bags now offered by most stores but I thought I would search KC and the internet for some fun options.

the first pic is a selection from stuff: blue raddish appliqued canvas tote, a recycled plastic bag tote made from crocheting over 65 plastic grocery sacks, and a recycled rice bag from indonesia. the second pic is from bad seed farm: a local urban farmer's market that grows heirloom veggies and has a small shop in the crossroads. third pic is onw of mine that i will hopefully be making more for my etsy shop. the last pic is from it's only natural: printed logo on an organic cotton tote.

Where to find reusable grocery bags:
Locally
Stuff, 316 w.63rd, KCMO, http://www.pursuegoodstuff.com/
The Bad Seed, 1909 McGee, KCMO, http://www.badseedfarm.com/
It’s Only Natural, 407 W. Gregory Blvd., KCMO, http://www.itsonlynatural.us/
Bijin, 71st & Mission Road, Prairie Village, http://www.bijinsalon.com/

On the Web:
http://www.reusablebags.com/
http://www.melissavest.etsy.com/
http://www.delight.com/

also, check out my new blog @ www.designbotanica.blogspot.com. i will be adding photos from past weddings and gearing up to start doing flowers again! i would love for this blog to include inspirations for entertaining and weddings. lots of fun ideas and hopefully someday the time to create them!