It's so time....JDI Just Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am changing everything all for the better... first I am starting with me...then this blog...I have big plans...JDI!!!

GOT MAIL?

ALWAYS ON THE SEARCH FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR YOU..  I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SEASONS ORIGINAL FRENCH STYLE MAIL BAG .

ARTISAN MADE IN THE U.S.A. EXCLUSIVELY FOR US, THIS WASHED DURABLE SOFT CANVAS  IS AVAILABLE IN   A NATURAL SHADE & IS PRINTED WITH AN ORIGINAL SEPIA TONED  FRENCH SCRIPT.
AUTHENTIC MAIL BAG WITH CROSS OVER SHOULDER SLING TO FREE YOUR BUSY HANDS.
...
 MACHINE WASHABLE..
NOT A BAG YOU WILL SEE COMING OR GOING....EXCEPT SLUNG OVER YOUR SHOULDER.
THIS FITS THE BILL I SAY.. I TRULY DO LOVE IT!
CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS TO PURCHASE AS OUR WEBSITE IS BEING UPDATED.
RETAIL $49.00
lvdellaporta@gmail.com

P.S. that is Party Animal in the background..he wants one too!

What's bloomin!

My blog pictures go from a blanket of snowfall to lavender blooms & sunshine... looks like Spring is right around the corner well in this neck of the woods it feels like summer already. I thought this picture ( taken from Elle magazine) would inspire us to get our outside patios & porches dressed up & in bloom for a beautiful season ahead. I know we are all ready for it. Keeping busy here still in a funk but trying to plant some new seeds & see what grows.

Bless you all xoxo Laura

Come take a trip with me

Hi blogging buddies & dear friends from afar. I have not been into blogging like I use to & lately I am still in a funk. Don't know what is going on. I have had this sinus/head thing that will not go away. Must be my body telling me something. Some times for some of us I guess our hearts & bones just need a break from the computer world . Lately all I have been doing is lots of cooking & just taking care of the home front.
For my friends who have asked for me to share some pictures from my trip here they are.
This is a picture taken in Longmont Colorado 20 mins away from my dads home.. Having some time to myself on Sunday I decided to call K.C. Willis to say hi & see if she had any workshops going on.....a book making class....and it turned out to be the most perfect day. There is something very special about driving on a quiet Sunday morning ( when no one is on the road) in the snowfall knowing you are going to a magical place where you can create all day.
K.C. Willis is not only a true & original artist but has that special kindness & giving heart you can feel when you are around her. Anyone who has taken her workshop knows just what I mean. You must try to make a visit out West one day & treat your self to take a workshop. There is a possibility she will be coming here to Ocala in the future.... something we are working on but for now I am sharing some pictures of my trip with you.....

so excited to be here!

This is the cover of my book I am very inspired by the old Victorian Western days & the strong wild woman at the time. I worked with golds, browns & greens. Lots of antique lace my favorite.

Victorian boudoir lady

this is Pretty Nose a Cheyenne Indian girl. I love her.
K.C. taught me many great techniques.

.

I apologize for not having the links & names to the ladies who made these beautiful books feathured below.

a book of angels....

do a little dance.... make a little art.... get down today!

I love this piece K.C. husband created out of salvaged wood from the Colorado fires. All their art can be purchased through the gallery. go visit.http://studioretreats.ning.com/profile/KCWillis

Picket fence never looked better

K.C.talking with the lovely ladies who came to visit & take her weekend workshop. I wish I could fit this cross in my suitcase.

Artwork by K.C. all made with elements from the Colorado fires & her signature fabric scraps.

beautiful mixed fabrics on salvaged wood.

amazing lace K.C. purchased at Santa Fe New Mexico. I love this piece.

yea snow day!!!

It doesn't get any better then this. Astral Circus one of my favorite works of art by my father.

a special spot in my dads studio.

my beautiful & very sweet half sister Celene traveled all the way from Vienna.. it was great spending time together.

a s I look at the window above...I think & dream of what a bittersweet trip I had. I count my blessings, look up & trust knowing everything will be O.K. xoox Laura

A time to remember..

Back from my trip I will be posting what is happening & pictures of my trip to Colorado. Just trying to catch up with life here.

Sending sunshine your way...

I will be gone for a few weeks...traveling...a far from the Sunshine state.... high on a mountain top...It's a bit of a sad time for me but I will keep my chin up & know that everything will be o.k & the Sun will shine again.

I wish all my dear blogging friends a New Year filled with love, good health, beautiful inspiration each day & lots of sunshine in your heart!!

God Bless always & much love,

Laura

Lovely lavender Verbena treats..

Ok here it is.....I have been getting requests for this recipe...you can also substitute with gluten free flour & xylitol a great & healthy sugar subsitute.

ingredients

2 T dried fresh lavender

1/4 T baking power

1/4 T salt

13/4 cups of flour

2/4 cups of sugar ( also xylitol great sugar substitute)

2 T grated lemon zest

2T juice of 1-2 lemons

1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter cut in cubes

1 egg yoke

1/2 T Vanilla extract

OK get ready...combine in a food processer

sugar, lemon zest & lavender until mixed well. ( thirty seconds)

whisk dry ingredients together

flour, baking power & salt

add to sugar mixture

add butter cubes on top of mix pulse about 15 1 sec pulses will look like cornmeal

in a separate bowl whisk egg yoke, lemon juice & vanilla pour in mix

pulse about 10 seconds until it forms into a dough ball.

remove & shape into a cylinder 12" long 1/1/2 in in diameter

chill the dough untill firm ( 45 in frezer) 2 hours in fridge

preheat oven to 375

MUST line a baking sheet with parchment paper

slice about 3/8 thick not to thin or will burn

cook about ten min

edges will lightly brown

be sure to turn halfway when cooking.

remove cool on rack

My favorite part is packaging them. Do your thing.

I usually stack them in clear bags & throw a pinch of the lavender on top, tie kitchen twine, a handmade tag. Yum!!!

Nice to give as a gift with a fresh buch of lavender.

I also make a rosemary version.. let me know how it turns out.

xooxxo Verbena Girl

A touch of Holiday Magic....

Standing outside my little shop this is what I see on Friday evenings..check out the old fashioned Ferris wheel in the background. This is Downtown Ocala durning the Holiday season. I think Cinderella would be happy here.

the famous Harry's Seafood Bar next to my shop

back view of the Square

night time window.. I did something different this year & did not put up a tree in my windows.. instead I painted my black candelabras white added those little flame lights & hung some beautiful handmade bird & holiday ornaments.

am I boring you...

How do I love thee....with every cherp...nest...egg...& every feather you pluck from me... Birds, nests, eggs always in stock.... I guess this is the place to get layed???? Just Kidding have a blog laugh!

another Verbena favorite hand embroidered belts for those with a bohemian soul..wish my waist was what is use to be....I want to wear one of these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rustic jewels we love....and love.... and love...

pretty papers illuminate your nest in the evening when these artisan candles are lite. We have been carrying these from day one.. they are a Verbena Favorite.... mine too! Oh they are unscented.

french soaps always greet your senses when you arrive in the shop. You may just find a few unexpected bars sitting on the bottom of your shopping bag when you get home....

this is one of my new original petite baguettes I have designed,crocheted & hand sewn. Available in four color combinations.

sparkle angel tags we tie on to our gifts.

We have a thing for teddy bears... well I do....they keep me company and you never know what they will be wearing...This one is Tallulah she is wearing a French Velvet bow tie.

a random shot in the shop

this picture should come after the one below oh well... up to the second floor... keep walking it's good for those legs!

The first landing introduces you to a beautiful stained glass window that leads up to the second floor. The narrow window on the left looks into the back of my shop... very high ceilings in this building.

gilded angel shelf

This original copy written image was designed for Verbena using my grandmothers Saint Theresa prayer card .... she is one of my favorites.. I get many requests to make my sacred treasures over sized linen & velvet sack bags from all over the world. This one I just finished making for a special lady who is a both & Dr & Carmalite. little details...

back pocket.

touches of antique lace all over... tucked inside is a small purse I make out of antique lace to hold your rosary beads or special treasure... I am playing with my new computer & had to figure out how to upload some pics...there you go.... my Nanny Sarah always wrote in her cards... and may God bless you always!!!!!! Wishing you special touches of magic this Holiday season. Remember the only way to get it is Believe & keep the faith!!!! Be back soon. xooxo Laura

P.S. Back again...I wanted to share my new crazy project.. I am in the process of opening up a second store further South of Ocala. I am very excited. I will have a partner a great partner. We have a great concept & new name I will keep you posted as we progress. We are starting to paint this weekend....lots of space the building is old & used to be an pharmacy still has the old apothecary shelves built in the wall.

Verbena will remain my baby with set hours after the first of the year..it's time to take my dreams to the next level...Believe. xoox Laura