What we're up to this holiday season...

This serene setting is an outdoor dining and lounge area overlooking our garden and stone fireplace where we sit and enjoy the soothing sounds of our fountain cascading into the pond.  

Where are we you might ask?  Well, contrary to this peaceful scene we are, (as usual) in a flurry of activity, rushing to finish up the last of the wrapping and baking and gift basket deliveries to our family and friends.

l&l at home - holiday gift baskets in progress

This year, we decided that we'd like to do a little less for each other and a little more for those in need and so we've been busy shopping and wrapping clothes and toys and other fun items for a family of five recommended to us by a local church. 

We're going to remain anonymous and can hardly wait to make the delivery tonight. We're still not sure of the logistics...exactly how we're going to manage to get all these gifts stacked on their doorstep without being seen but that's the challenge and just part of the fun of it all—(wish us luck!)

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday.

  Merry, merry!

  Last minute gift: 

Send a gift card  

via email or facebook 

or it's super easy to  

print out at home - you can even

personalize with your own photos.

{Shop Gift Cards Here}

We decided to pare down in every way this year—even our tree. (Last year our tree was over 10 ft. tall.) This year we elected to go with this diminutive,  simply decorated,  faux (gasp!) tree and adored our pretty little "lady" immensely. 

Holiday Quick Links

holiday playlist & last minute gift ideas

   

we're now at:

www.linenlavenderlife.com

Recipe: Peach Gelato

This is super easy to make and sooo fresh and delicious.  

visit our new site: 

www.linenlavenderlife.com/recipe-peach-gelato

It's just three ingredients -peaches, sugar and mascarpone- and a few easy steps.  

 Here's pics of Alex showing you how we did it:

We used both white and yellow peaches and peeled most but tried leaving the skin on a few -since most of the vitamins are found there- it not only looked pretty with the flecks throughout, it tasted great too. It is creamy like a fine gelato with the peach bits providing just the right texture.  

As indicated in the recipe, once you freeze it for a length of time it may become quite hard but you can just pulse it a couple of times in your food processor to return it to its original creamy consistency.

Peach Gelato 

The recipe is by the Sicilian chef, Ciccio Sultano from the book "How to Pick a Peach" by Russ Parsons.  The book (not just about peaches) contains 100 recipes and tips on selecting, storing and cooking fruits and vegetables.  

We hope you try it and love it too.  (We're so happy.)

linen & lavender

visit our new site: 

www.linenlavenderlife.com