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

CINCINNATI: buona terra gelato and crepes

 

The fam went on a date night adventure yesterday in search of Cincinnati's new gelato crêpeire.

What a treat it was for all of us!

 

The new buona terra is located on Delta Avenue in the center of Mt. Lookout.

When you first walk in you are greeted by a beautiful white freezer full of colorful and delicious (they let you try any flavor) gelato.

 

 

The space is airy, painted white, with beautiful framed photos of the renovation and tributes to France and Italy.

 

 

I ordered the Italian crepe which included prosciutto, spinach, mozzarella. There is a clear glass in front of the crepe stand so you can see what an art it is to make crepes. The visual appeal of this makes you even more excited to take a bite.

 

 

 

AS you can see from my plate---it was AMAZING!! Delicate, light, with a mouthful of flavor.

 

 

We ended or trip with a large gelato cup: white chocolate lavender (my flavor) , tiramisu (Scott's flavor), cookies and cream (Tre's flavor)

 

 

If you are ever in Mt. Lookout or up for an adventure head over to buona terra!

 

xoxo,

Ronita

{Cincy Spotlight: Gigi's Cupcakes}

 

There is a new cupcakery in town and well...it's selling amazing cupcakes. GiGi's Cupcakes I would say is up there with my favorite in Cincy cupcaker, Abby Girl Sweets.

 

At $3.25/cupcake they will only be for special occasions.

 

Check out their shop (which by the way is way too close to my job)

 

 

Wedding Cake cupcake with vanilla buttercream frosting

 



Sweet Potato cupcake with Kentucky Bourbon buttercream frosting

 

They were both delicious.

We shared them as a family.

 

I even saved some of the frosting as a yummy snack

 

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

{Hidden Treasures Cincinnati: The Glass Barn}

Calling all brides, dinner hostess, party planners and hoarders alike..this is a place you don't want to miss.

Last week I had the afternoon off and went to a couple places in Reading, Ohio. One of the places I visited I consider a hidden gem and reminds me of my fun and frugal childhood with my lovely mother. We would wake up on Saturdays, get all our housework done and hit the road for a day of shopping.  The Glass Barn is one of the places I will never forget.

The Glass Barn.

 It's like a glass warehouse with super discounted glassware, stoneware, dishware, planters and other knick knacks. If you visit, don't forget to take your allergy pill- there is a ton of dust...

I came across these very fun kitschy strawberry juice glasses.

...and these fun and nostalgic milk glasses which were only $.99 each.

I bought four of the milk glasses and four of these beauties.

perfect for a cold beer, lemonade, iced tea, water, or for my CSA flowers...

(via)

There are 3 buildings that make up this treasure trove, the glass building, annex- which houses tons of knick knacks, I like getting my tissue paper (which I made the below 4th of July tissue paper flowers out of) and gift bags from here and then a hardware store that's fully stocked.

Does your city have hidden gems?

xoxo,

Ronita