Cincinnati Spotlight: Flower Arranging Class @Turner Farm

I have signed up for 2 of the 3 flower arranging classes that are being held at Turner Farm. The first class was such a wonderful experience, I picked up some very helpful tricks as well as met some very creative women.

 

I am looking forward to class #3, horizontal sprays, in September.

 

 The first class was taught by Melinda a full time staffer at the farm. the class was held in the farm barn classroom (normally the classes are held out in the flower field but due to weather we had to move it inside) who was very helpful in explaining flower arranging and biology. She showed us how to use a florist block to produce the most amazing round arrangements.

 

 

Here is my beautiful arrangement at home on my dining room table. For my first time I think I did a good job! I look forward to practicing this summer.

 

I hope to be able to take other fun creative classes in the area. I'm looking for embroidery, preserving, knitting, calligraphy, paper crafts and cooking.

If you know of any let me know.

 

xoxo,

Ronita

The Dean's Spring

I recently attended a friend's baby shower and she encouraged me to start writing again...I have been away for a while and well, I really missed this space. I have been blessed with such a great life (with happy times and struggles- but no less a blessing) and I love sharing blessing. For now, I'm back and ready to share the everyday life, ramblings and love of GlaminCincy!! I plan to share more recipes from the RJD Test Kitchen,"Hidden Gems" (or not so hidden) of Cincinnati (our Cincinnati family adventures), some fashion and beauty, and random thoughts.

It feels good to be back and thank you Eat, Drink, and Be Married... for the encouragement and love.

***

Here is a peak at what The Deans have been up to this Spring.

 Easter 2013

Roman played soccer and Tre' ran track. 

They both had a great season!

HAIRCUTS!!!! WOW they are truly turning into my little men!

We explored a new restaurant.

BARRIO in Northside!

Visited our local farm to see the animal babies and to get farm fresh produce.

Tre' had his Spring Musical...I can't believe he is going into his 2nd grade year!

We helped Roman celebrate his 5th birthday and he had fun at his Kindergarten interview!

We went to our first Red's baseball game of the season!

And went strawberry picking at The Branstrator Farm Strawberry and Asparagus Festival!!

We have truly enjoyed our springtime together and look forward to making many more family memories!!!

Stay tuned to see what I made with all those delicious strawberries.

xoxo,

Ronita

{scary pumpkin, happy pumpkin}

Our first carved pumpkin.

Tre' and daddy had a fun time carving our first pumpkin.

Roman wasn't interested.

I of course loved baking the pumpkin seeds...

xoxo,

Ronita

{weekend snapshots}

1}brotherly love: the boys right before swimming 2}CSA box #6 3}fresh picked flowers from my farm CSA

4}dinner from Mahogany's on the Banks- Plum Loco wings (dinner club-girl's night out), fries and mac and cheese 5} my first Love Club sample box

I hope you all had a great weekend. We sure did!

xoxo,

Ronita

{CSA boxes 3, 4, 5)

We are still receiving our summer share of our CSA. On top of our veggie boxes we also get a dozen brown eggs each week. I love supporting our local farmers and the CSA.

Here is what have been in our boxes the past couple weeks.

#3 tomatoes, eggplant, corn, Swiss chard, onions

#4 green beans, okra, tomatoes, potatoes, bell pepper, onion

#5 lettuce. tomatoes, onion, carrots, zucchini, quash, corn and a watermelon that was so sweet.

Eat Fresh. Eat Local

xoxo,

Ronita

{CSA Box #2}

This week we really received some great produce.

Cantaloupe, blackberries, onion, beets, green peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and of course farm fresh brown eggs.

We really love supporting our local farm and supporting the health of our bodies.

Wouldn't you know, I have every intention of making a jar of blackberry sauce but...Tre' loves blackberries...raw unsweetened...blackberries...

xoxo,

Ronita

{fresh food fetish}

I love FOOD and I love cooking. 

The summer makes it so easy to access and use fresh fruits and veggies in my daily recipes.

Here are some of our fresh food snapshots.

Our first CSA box of the summer season. Summer squash, green bell peppers, corn, cabbage (red and green), tomatoes, potatoes, onion.

A bowl of lemons and limes to make fresh squeezed lemon/limeade and some lemon/lime dessert bars (recipe to come).

Purple potatoes which I chopped and combined in a casserole dish with olive oil, fresh thyme, basil, sage, oregano, parsley, 2 cloves of minced garlic a pinch of salt and pepper. I baked on 350 degrees for about 25 minutes and they were so good. Even the boys enjoyed them!

What fresh produce to do enjoy during the summer? Are you looking forward to anything in the fall?

I am starting my fall seeds now and hope to plant  next week. 

xoxo,

Ronita

{A book I will treasure...forever...}

Everyone knows how much I love gardening, farming, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and growing my own food. Boy was I excited to find out that The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has written a book about just that...growing food.

I ordered a copy yesterday and can't wait to get it in my hands.

This book is one that I will treasure forever.

Photo: Courtesy of The Crown Publishing Group

I have read that the book is made up of wonderful pictures and storied from her journey in the White House garden. This will be on my nightstand for awhile.

A peek inside...

Photo: Courtesy of Quentin Bacon Photography

(via)

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Go First Lady!

xoxo,

Ronita

Strawberry Pickin'

Sunday, we surprised the boys with a trip to the farm to pick strawberries.

We packed up the car and headed up 71N to Branstrator Farm.

As the wind blew we could smell the sweet smell of fresh ripe strawberries... it was heavenly!

Here are some snapshots of our trip.

Took a break to sip on my favorite soda!!!

We bought 11 pounds of strawberries that we have cleaned and frozen. My plans are to make strawberry buttermilk ice cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream book, strawberry jam, and maybe a strawberry pie!!!

If you are in the SW Ohio area check them out this weekend for their Strawberry Fest!

I love pickin' season.

xoxo,

Ronita