If we were having coffee this week, I’d probably offer to make it. Given that I invested far too much in every coffee-making system out there over the past few months—searching for the Mother of all coffee experiences—it only seems fitting you benefit from my failed experiments.
So, with your sustainable coffee in hand—brewed in the most old-school stainless steel percolator out there (Yes! That was the best brew, believe it or not.), here we go . . .
As you take your first bite of the lemon lavender tea cake I made this morning, I’d probably laugh and say it’s amazing it got made at all.
I went on Pinterest to find the right plant for a bare spot in my garden, really. And, as usual, before you know it I was redecorating my master bath, learning how to refinish my wooden window sills, planning the accoutrements for the second wedding I swear I’ll never have, planning a month’s worth of Sunday dinners, and finding just the right outfit in case I’m ever invited to tea with the Queen. Wow. A girl just wants to fill a bare spot and pretty soon, she has rearchitected her life. A little Pinterest is a dangerous thing. If you asked for the recipe, I’d politely demur. Because what I really want you to do is try another recipe so we can expand our lavender options—a good one just happening to come recently from my blogger friend, Susan. Her Apricot, Walnut & Lavender Cake sounds delicious. Coffee and cake is on you next time, friend.
I’d tell you that I know a lot of people feeling the need to celebrate right about now, and it’s absolutely lovely. Whether it’s an antidote to the nastiness emanating from a certain white house in the States or just something in the air, I’m not sure. And I really don’t care. I’m just enjoying the fact that so many of my friends create their own joyful celebrations, instead of playing the victim and waiting for it to be done for them. I recently attended a wonderful al fresco dinner party hosted by a friend having a Big Birthday. She hired a personal chef and the four-course meal—as well as the company—was delightful. She had me at the beet and goat cheese salad. A few years ago, I attended the birthday party of another friend who hired a DJ, hung a disco ball, cleared the furniture out of the family room, and partied the night away. Both of these ladies know how to celebrate their sweet selves and I love that.
When you asked (as you always do) what “weird” New Agey thing I’m into now, I’d tell you I’m chugging kombucha as a work-around to my sluggish thyroid. It seems to help kickstart my digestive system. Stay tuned. And of course, I’m dying to try goat yoga.
It’s becoming all the rage here in the States—and while most of my friends are politely declining (something silly about chewed hair and holes in their shirts), I’m going to commune with Billy and Nanny sometime soon while getting my zen on. They’re trying to talk me into dance classes with alpacas, but sheesh. I mean a girl has limits.
And finally, I’d tell you a new coffee shop opened in town. It employs people trying to get a new lease on life—escaping human trafficking and the like. They sell all sorts of products—from purses to lip balm—that benefit people trying for a second chance. I’ve been trying to buy my coffee there or at another business in town that gives ex-cons a job because so few are willing to take a chance on them. All of this goes along with my quest to buy natural, sustainable, fair trade everything. I know I’m just one person and my monthly shopping budget is definitely not setting the world afire, but my choices matter. Because I know there are plenty more me’s out there. And together, we really do change the world one choice at a time. If we’re going to spend, why not help someone out when we do? Companies like Global Girlfriend, started by the friend of a friend, matter. I’m trying as best I can to support them.
Then, I’d say I have talked far too much and really want to know what’s going on in your corner of the world. Please do share in the comments below—big or small, connection matters. And of course, have another lavender lemon tea cake. Life is just too short not to.
candidkay 
Love this post and you are so right, our choices matter! I am also envious, I have tried and repeatedly failed to keep lavender plants alive in my apartment. Any advice?
I wish I could offer you some advice! I grow it outside. And I really haven’t had to do much with it :-). It seems happy where it sets.
Thanks – I will keep trying 😉
AH! Love this post … and wish I could share one of those coffee talks with you.
Me too!
Thank you for sharing! So interesting! And that goat is so cute. I had a pretty awful day, but your post lit up my face as I read it. So inspired. So much to be grateful for. So much we need to make count!
They need to bring the goats to Central Park so you can do yoga :-). Especially after a not so great day.
Are you sure you won’t share that recipe? I’ve got a bridal shower for my sister who loves lavender coming up and between hosting a graduation party, my kids 4-H fair, applying to dental school, and a weekend camping trip with my kids I don’t have time to get lost in the vortex that is Pinterest. 😛
However I Did hear about a lavender butter cookie recipe too. Your cakes look so pretty though.
I’d be happy to share it! I’ll put a link within my next reply :-). And you’re smart to stay out of that Pinterest or text for now. It sure is a time suck once you get going!
Here you go! http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/lavender-lemon-tea-cakes-105938
Awesome! Thanks. 🙂
I’ll try to remember to let you know how they turn out. No guarantees on that though.
I really enjoyed that coffee with you 🙂 and when the dust clears around here (ie visitors depart) I’ll take some time to write a post too…
Good! Because that was a pretty one-side conversation:).
ha ha ha 🙂
The lavender is lovely!! My husband makes kombucha. =) I’d better hold on tight to see how that kicks you off the ground any more than you were ready to.
He makes it?! That’s ambitious:). I have a hard enough time making sure I get to Whole Foods just to stock up. Do you drink the homemade brew?
*laughing* He can’t get why on earth I’d rather buy it. A couple of reasons but for one, I am sensitive to sugar and the minute amount in his.
You HAVE to go to goat yoga. It will change your life. I went back in April and it was one of the best hours of my life. One of my favourite accounts on Instagram is The Goats of Anarchy, so to be in a beautiful field with some of these sensitive little souls was a gift. I loved every second of it!
Oh, I love that you’ve done this! I feel as you do–they’re so darn cute. I was so surprised when my friends could only think of the negatives here. They hadn’t even occurred to me!
Virtual lavender cakes for all! I’m pining for a Nespresso machine (we got spoiled by the one in our Airbnb vacation digs) but making do with loyal and reliable Mr. Coffee as we eat up the last weeks of summer. Dinner parties all around at our house (two this week alone!) because — as you say — personal celebrations and gathering ’round the table are the best antidotes to what ails us.
Nespresso rocks! I do find that makes me a good latte :-). I just don’t do a lot of lattes. And I’m so glad to hear you are gathering at your house! I just love nothing more than a great home gathering. I hope you’re planning on serving your yummy lavender cake for dessert!
A great idea Kristine, a coffee while I ponder the view outside. It has been amazing…we are in the middle of winter and yesterday was 26C ( almost 80F ). I think it was just a tease, because it has been so cold for so long, and for the lovely warm weather that is coming.
Ah, the mind…it will wander with as much leash as we give it. Maybe coffee enhances that with its caffeine boosting which pushes us to places we never dared tread…hence the redesign of the house after one cup…or was it after three or four? 😀
Or is it that Pinterest knows you’ve taken a break, sipping on that lovely caffeine, and ‘knows’ your mind is open to be encouraged to all sorts of things 😀
Oh, Mark, it sounds like you can stomach a lot more caffeine than I can :-). I’m usually a decaf girl and 1 to 2 cups is about my limit. Although now you have me wondering what would happen if I succumb to three or four…
I’m a decaf myself Kristine. A friend gave me full strength one day and they said I didn’t shut up for an hour. I’m a little too sensitive to the stuff 😀
Yep. I’m the same way!! lol
And while we’re at it, can I have another coffee, please? Love reading about what’s going on with you. Keep the observations and keen perspectives coming!
I’m pouring away! 🙂
It occurred to me the other day that I could do more things that make me happy instead of spending my time worrying about keeping all the balls I’m juggling properly juggled. I’m going to let a few drop, now and then, and spend time doing things that make me glad to be alive. And you’re so right about the need for this right now. That certain white house is a real buzz-kill. Thanks for a thoughtful but light-hearted post.
Thank you for reading! I really do think, while we can’t ignore what’s happening–we’re best equipped to deal with it when we’re filling our own tanks. And there are so very many reasons to be glad to be alive . . .
The tea cakes just look exquisite
Thank you! I think the presentation matters, right? Treating ourselves to something beautiful matters:).