Julie's Journeys

Pantone's Color for 2013: Emerald

2012-12-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays Julie's Journeys blog readers! With 2013 shortly coming on the scene, Pantone has announced "Emerald" is the color for the year.

Check out this link: "Emerald" Pantone's Color for 2013. Look for clothing, fashion accessories, housewares and home furnishings being green in color!

Pantone's Emerald Green Mug

Wishing all of you a prosperous, and very green New Year!

Thanksgiving 2012

2012-11-19T22:03:00.003-05:00

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a very happy Thanksgiving!

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: Longwood Gardens

2012-05-17T00:44:00.001-04:00

Longwood Gardens is an amazing place to entertain a date, bring family and friends, or visit by yourself. Living in Maryland I was able to travel back roads up Route 1 to get to the well manicured grounds of the home that belonged to Pierre S. du Pont.

The elaborate outdoor gardens cover over 1,077 acres of the Brandywine Valley in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Besides the outdoor fauna, the 4-acre conservatory is spectacular.

Longwood Gardens, Conservatory

Flower Display at Longwood Gardens

Waterway in Longwood's Conservatory

Gray Hibiscus, Longwood Gardens

Desert Exhibit at Longwood's Conservatory

Children's Water Garden, Longwood Garden's Conservatory

Gorgeous Hydrangeas

Bird Nest Fountain at Longwood's Conservatory

The outdoor gardens are breath taking and include tree houses, contemporary art installations, and if you are lucky you might come across a bullfrog, fox, or Canadian goose along the way.

Wisteria Arbor at Longwood Gardens

There are multiple water fountains and several water shows occur daily right in front of the conservatory. If you are looking for a great photo opportunity check out the Italian Water Gardens.

Italian Water Gardens, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

More Water Features, Longwood Gardens

The Gardens open at 9:00 am daily and also consider visiting The Terrace Restaurant and Garden Shop too!
For more information, go to: Longwood Gardens

Address:
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Tel#: 610-388-1000

Baltimore: The Welcome Project and No-Sew Fleece Blankets

2012-05-02T21:58:00.001-04:00

The last weekend in April I participated in an annual community event called "ServeFest." This is where I met McDonogh high school teenagers Tyler Meagher and Payton Sanchez who created a non profit organization called "The Welcome Project." The purpose of the organization is to teach others to make fleece blankets that will be donated to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House located in Baltimore.

Tyler Meagher and Payton Sanchez with siblings

The blankets are intended to give warmth and support to children who face a great deal of uncertainty. With the texture of soft fleece, I could feel how these blankets could instantly bring comfort to those children living away from home while undergoing various medical treatments.

In order to participate I was instructed to purchase two pieces of fleece (one piece patterned and the other solid in color) each being one and half yards long.


Brightly patterned fleece

For those who know me, I have not sewn a stitch of clothing since I took a home economics class in middle school. Luckily for me, this project required no sewing, just a great pair of scissors to cut the fleece into strips.


Fleece cut into strips

The next step is to double tie the two sets of fleece strips.

Double hand tied fleece strips

This blanket is almost finished!

By the end of the morning completed blankets were being stacked up along the wall!

Blankets being donated to "The Welcome Project"

If you are interested in supporting Tyler and Payton's nonprofit "The Welcome Project" by donating supplies or know of a group who would like to make the fleece blankets, click on the following links for further information:
The Welcome Project
Check our their blog:
The Welcome Project's Blog

Or email them at: thewelcomeprojectmd@gmail.com

Way to go Tyler and Payton! So many children are now snuggling in those "handmade with love" fleece blankets!

Baltimore, Maryland: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce

2012-04-11T21:17:00.003-04:00

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce came about when Michelle Osteria worked at a small restaurant and she had to create a hot sauce to accompany the signature dish.

Michelle created a hot sauce that used ingredients which offered texture and but also created the "heat". Customer reviews came back overwhelmingly in favor of the hot sauce. Patrons were asking where they could find bottles of the sauce.

Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce

In 2011, after reading an article in Bon Appetit Magazine about how a woman used a fundraising website called "Kickstarter" to help her raise money for a vegan food truck, Michelle thought she could use the same approach to raise funds to bottle her hot sauce.

Michelle is half way there in raising enough funds through "Kickstarter". The video shown on the "Kickstarter" site clearly displays Michelle's passion for food.

If you like gourmet style sauces and interested in learning more about Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce or the "Kickstarter" program, please see attached link to Michelle's project: Kickstarter: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce and or her website: Michelle's Gourmet Hot Sauce.

For further questions, Michelle Osteria can also be reached at mrichie2002@yahoo.com. Bring on the heat!

Monkton, Maryland: Ladew Topiary Gardens

2012-04-09T22:53:00.004-04:00

While traveling up Jarrettsville Pike you feel like life is moving back in time. Many of the wide open pastures are dotted with horses grazing on lush green grass. Driving to Ladew Topiary Gardens you'll also see signs for upcoming steeple chases. Maryland's history for organized horse events is very apparent in this area of Harford County.

The first of April was opening day at Ladew Topiary Gardens. Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) designed and created topiary and flower gardens after purchasing Pleasant Valley Farm from the Scarff family in 1929. Both the house and gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places.

What you notice immediately upon entering the grounds at Ladew are the topiaries and the manor house. I recommend purchasing the combined garden and house tour ticket.

Horse and Hounds Hunt Scene at Ladew Topiary Gardens

While walking through the 45 - minute guided tour our group happened upon a reporter from the Washington Post. Look to the third weekend in April to read more about Ladew Topiary Gardens in the Post.

Harvey S. Ladew's Manor Home, Monkton, Maryland

After touring the home we wandered through the following gardens: Woodland, Victorian, Berry, Croquet Court, Pink, Rose, and Garden of Eden.

Pink Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens

Our manor house tour guide told us about the surprise that statue Adam held in his hand behind his back.

Adam and Eve

Three Apples found in Adam's Hand

Beyond the statues of Adam and Eve you will encounter the Keyhole, Water Lily, Yellow, and White Gardens.

Yellow Garden, Ladew Topiary Gardens

Throughout the gardens you will see arches framing natural and man-made landscapes.

Along the garden tour guests of the grounds will also come across The Temple of Venus, Sculpture Garden, The Great Bowl, Iris, Terrace and Portico Gardens.

Ladew Topiary Gardens

The Great Bowl

Look to find summer concert series "Groovin' In The Grass" held on Sunday nights at the Great Bowl from 6pm to 8pm during the months of June through August.

Also remember to also visit the Herb Garden, Wildflower Meadow and explore the Nature Walk.

For More Information: Go to Ladew Topiary Gardens

Ladew Topiary Gardens
3535 Jarrettsville Pike
Monkton, Maryland 21111
Tel#: (410) 557-9466

Hours: Open late March through October 31st
Weekdays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Weekends: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Happy Easter 2012

2012-04-08T19:42:00.001-04:00

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a very Happy Easter!

Spring Tulips

Baltimore, Maryland: Small Foods Party

2012-02-28T22:48:00.000-05:00

The Small Foods Party was held this past weekend on Saturday February 25th at The Whole Gallery located in the H & H Building at 405 West Franklin Street, Baltimore. My coworker Siyade created a sample of miniature Ethiopian foods.

Ethiopian Food

Siyade also took the following pictures of other entries at the annual Small Foods Party.

Crappy Meal

Look at the miniature cotton candy!

Mini Empanada

Small French Food

Tiny Bread Bowls Filled with Soup

Want further information about this annual Small Foods Party, view the link: Small Foods 2012

eShakti: Tailored Clothing and Accessories

2012-02-27T22:09:00.002-05:00

Have you ever imagined having your very own tailored wardrobe collection? The fashion website called eShakti allows this dream to become a reality. My coworker Bonita highly recommends this site as an alternative for shopping for clothes. This apparel is actually made to measure.

eShakti offers:

Clever design styles for a variety of body types.

Reasonably priced tailored clothing and accessories.

User friendly website for the fashionista on the go!

Want more information? Go to: eShakti Clothing and Accessories

Archipelago Botanicals: Mango Tangerine Soy Candle and Scented Diffuser

2012-02-19T22:34:00.001-05:00

On a recent visit to Nordstrom department store, I encountered a collection of scented candles and diffusers for the home that was blogworthy to share with my readers.

Archipelago Botanicals soy candles and diffusers come in an array of scents. Here is the collection line up: Agave Sage, Bamboo Teak, Bergamot Tobacco, Black Orchid, Burl Wood, Gardenia Tuberose, Jasmine Hibiscus, Lavender Spice, Mango Tangerine, Pineapple Ginger, Pink Grapefruit, Pomegranate Citrus, Tahitian Lime, Thai Apple, Verbena Basil, Wasabi Mint, and White Peach.

I took several pictures of the Mango Tangerine soy candle and it's diffuser.

Archipelago Mango Tangerine Soy Tester Candle, Nordstrom

Archipelago Botanicals Mango Tangerine Soy Candle & Scented Diffuser

Nicely boxed Archipelago Soy Candle

Want more information on Archipelago Botanicals products? Go to: Archipelago Botanicals Soy Candles
Curious about Archipelago diffusers? Check out Archipelago Signature Diffusers

BeautiControl: Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

2012-02-18T15:41:00.001-05:00

BeautiControl makes a great product that cleans and moisturizes your skin. The Warming Trend Green Tea Masque actually emits warmth upon contact with your skin. I believe it is a great idea to consider adding this product to your normal skin care routine.

BeautiControl Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

For more information go to: BeautiControl Warming Trend Green Tea Masque

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:19:00.002-05:00

Wishing Julie's Journeys blog readers a Happy Valentine's Day!

Dollhouse: Military Jacket

2012-02-12T20:11:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for an affordable, stylish outwear jacket? Consider the brand Dollhouse for your next purchase. I found this Dollhouse black wool military jacket at a discount retailer called Rugged Warehouse.

Dollhouse, Military Jacket

I purchased the coat a couple of seasons ago but you can find it online through other retailers. I get fav reviews when I wear the jacket. I really like the brass buttons, hot pink lining, and belt around the waist line.

Dollhouse Outerwear

Want more information about Dollhouse clothing go to: Dollhouse Clothing Outerwear

Curious about discount retailer Rugged Warehouse? Take a look at: Rugged Wearhouse

Bath & Body Works: Bali Mango and Aruba Coconut Body Lotions

2012-02-09T22:44:00.003-05:00

Bali Mango & Aruba Coconut Body Lotions

In the middle of winter, many people dream of taking a vacation on a exotic tropical island. Frequently my mind conjures up images of gorgeous beach views and warm island breezes.

Bath & Body Works offers a great collection of body lotions that can remind us of the islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. Pictured above you will find the body lotions, Bali Mango and Aruba Coconut.

Can't take a vacation right now, treat yourself to a bottle of Bali Mango or Aruba Coconut body lotion. The tropical scents will immediately transport you to a faraway seaside resort!
Want for more information: Tropical Body Lotions at Bath & Body Works

Park City, Utah: Olive and Tweed

2012-02-05T23:08:00.001-05:00

If you are in Park City and you like boutique shops, consider paying a visit to Olive and Tweed on 608 Main Street.

I bought this cute red coat with black and white polka dot lining by Kling.

Coat by Kling, Olive and Tweed, Park City

Kling Wool Coat, Olive and Tweed

Besides the fashionable lining, I particularly liked the coat's leather buttons.

Kling coat buttons, Olive and Tweed

Besides clothing, Olive and Tweed has great accessories too. When on Main Street in Park City, check out Olive and Tweed.

Olive and Tweed
608 Main Street
Park City, Utah 84060
435-649-9392

Lush Body Butter Bar

2012-01-30T21:14:00.001-05:00

A great way for your skin to combat cold, dry air is to use Lush's Body Butter Bar.

Lush Body Butter Bar and Tin

Lush products are made with natural ingredients and what I like about this product in particular, it is easy to apply. The bar's ingredients naturally melt with your skin's body temperature.

Curious about Lush's product line?
Want more information? Go to Lush Body Butter Bar.

Park City, Utah: Cafe' Terigo

2012-01-29T00:24:00.007-05:00

Cafe' Terigo

Exploring the town of Park City, a sales assistant from Flight Boutique, recommended that we eat at Cafe' Terigo.

Fight Boutique on Main Street, Park City

Since our stomachs were on right coast time, we were starved by the time we arrived to the Main Street area of Park City! Luckily for us, Cafe' Terigo wait staff was super attentive, the food was ordered and delivered to us very quickly.

We ordered a couple of entrees off the lunch menu. My friend Sharon selected the grilled “veggie” sandwich with sweet onions, zucchini, eggplant, roasted peppers and wild mushrooms on foccacia bread with local goat cheese and roasted red pepper aioli served with sweet potato chips.

Veggie Sandwich, Cafe' Terigo

I picked the Terigo chicken salad of grilled chicken breast, sweet peppers, carrots, red onions and snow peas with a sweet house sesame dressing on a bed of mixed greens.

Terigo Chicken Salad

We, like the locals, enjoyed Cafe' Terigo! Consider visiting Cafe' Terigo for lunch or dinner!
For more information:

Cafe' Terigo
424 Main Street
Park City, Utah 84060 435-645-9555 Cafe' Terigo

Park City, Utah: Sundance Film Festival Souvenirs

2012-01-28T13:37:00.002-05:00

Having visited Park City, Utah over Martin Luther King weekend, we discovered that our hotel was the headquarters for the Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance Film Festival Headquarters, Marriott, Park City, Utah

According the the Sundance Institutes website the nonprofit organization's work supports the advancement of storytellers worldwide. Celebrity Robert Redford founded the institute as a creative outlet for independent artists to create their original stories for the screen as well as stage.

At our hotel, Marriott on 1895 Sidewinder Drive, a shop was open to purchase a couple of souvenirs. My friend Sharon and I purchased these hologram bags and ceramic mugs at another location near Main Street in Park City.

Sundance Tote

Sundance Film Festival Coffee Mug

The film festival ends this weekend and if you can't make it there in person, go online: Sundance Film Festival

Park City, Utah: Deer Valley Resort

2012-01-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

With the strange weather pattern we have had in 2012, Park City, Utah had about 40 inches of fallen snow compared to the 600 inches of last year. A couple of months ago, my friend Sharon and I had planned a trip to visit to Utah over Martin Luther King weekend. There was no way we were going to cancel this trip due to lack of snow!

It was recommended we check out Deer Valley Resort. Luckily for us the resort has great snow making machines.

Deer Valley Resort, Park City

We got an insider tip from Robert and Sheri who own local restaurants, Brittons and Wasatch Deli, to eat at the Silver Lake Lodge. Sharon and I took an afternoon break and ate tasty turkey chili. Positioned outside the lodge, were a sea of lounge chairs where skiers were sunning themselves.

Silver Lake Lodge, Park City

Deer Valley Resort has many neat amenities that most ski resorts do not include. I welcomed seeing the complimentary tissues that could be snatched before loading the ski lift. I also used the holders for mittens, goggles and other ski gear found in the bathroom stalls. Lastly, driving up to the front entrance, friendly attendants offered to help unload your vehicle's passengers and their skis.

Deer Valley Resort

What I also liked about Deer Valley was that there are private residences positioned along the slopes on some of the runs. The design of the architecture was stunning.

We got a chance to ski to the St. Regis and have drinks at the outside patio. It was also recommended to have cocktails at Montage. We made it to the St. Regis and will have to check out Montage's offerings on our next visit to Deer Valley.

Nonetheless, we still had a great time visiting Deer Valley, even with the absence of massive snow fall. When in Park City, consider making a visit to Deer Valley!

Trails at Deer Valley Resort, Park City, Utah

Check out the webcams at Deer Valley Resort

Stormy Kromer: Stylish Wool Blend Caps

2012-01-20T22:35:00.003-05:00

These Stormy Kromer hand-made caps come from the upper peninsula of Michigan are super fashionable and totally functional. Here's the story about Stormy!

Stormy Kromer was a real person who played semi pro baseball and eventually became an engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. As Stormy leaned his head of the train, he lost many caps due to Mother Nature. In 1903, he asked his wife Ida, to modify an old baseball cap in a way to withstand windy weather. Soon the other railroad workers wanted one of Stormy Kromer's caps for themselves. That's when the business was born.

Stormy Kromer caps are made with six stitched panels and full cotton lining. What I like about these caps is the patented ear band system.

Petal Pusher, Stormy Kromer

I purchased these Stormy Kromer's caps at the Park City Clothing Company on 558 Main Street, Park City, Utah.

Stormy Kromer

When in Park City visit:
Park City Clothing Company
558 Main Street
Park City, Utah 84060
(435) 649-8555
Park City Clothing Company

Want to buy a great hat that is made in America? Go to Stormy Kromer Merchantile

Park City, Utah: St. Regis Apre's-ski

2012-01-18T22:53:00.001-05:00

After a full day of skiing at Deer Valley, consider some apre's-ski at The St. Regis. Believe it or not you can actually ski from the Deer Valley slopes to the St. Regis luxury resort.

St. Regis at Deer Valley, Park City

The St Regis hotel chain has been known for their famous Bloody Mary cocktails. Each resort has a signature blend. Cale our stupendous server, asked if I liked spicy drinks, which I do.

Bloody Mary at the St. Regis, Park City, Utah

The St. Regis in Park City's cocktail I ordered was made with Bloody Mary mix and fine oat-distilled Vodka 7000 from local High West Distillery-served with a touch of salt on the rim and finished with a Wasabi-Celery foam. A pipette of cayenne and Worcester sauce added an additional kick and garnished the drink.

You don't have to ski to enjoy the St. Regis. There was an alternative way to get to the resort, ride the funicular.

For more information: The St. Regis at Deer Valley

MAC: Paint Pot Peintures

2012-01-12T18:25:00.000-05:00

MAC cosmetics line have always been a long time favorite. I wanted to share with you a product that allows for eye shadow to remain on the eyelids without having to reapply.

Paint Pot Peintures is a great product that you can apply directly on the eyelid before you brush on your eye shadow.

MAC Paint Pot

If you are looking for a neutral shade paint pot, consider "Painterly".

Painterly Paint Pot, MAC

Want more information about MAC Paint Pot Peintures? Go to: MAC Paint Pot

New York, NY: 'inoteca

2012-01-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

'inoteca, East Village, New York

After some online research, I decided to suggest that my friend Joan and I visit 'inoteca on 98 Rivington Street in the neighborhood of Soho in Manhattan.

Our servers Randy and Tucker's service was expedient and friendly. We were quickly served our Bellinis and Mimosa by Randy.

Bellini at 'inoteca

'inoteca Mimosa

This restaurant served a variety of small plates for patrons to sample. We both started with the chicken, rosemary and arugula tramezzinis.

Chicken, Rosemary, and Arugula Tramezzinis

Still famished from all our walking, we decided to order an antipasti plate.

Antipasti Plate at 'inoteca

Of course we had to end our meal with sweet desserts.

Lemon dessert

Nutella Panino

When in Soho, looking for a casual atmosphere for Italian small plates of food, try 'inoteca.

Sign posted at 'inoteca

'inoteca
98 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 614-0473
Go to: 'inoteca

New York City Street Hats

2012-01-07T23:05:00.001-05:00

On a balmy Saturday in January, I explored the island of Manhattan with my friend Joan. During this excursion we happened upon street vendors who sold a huge collection of hats.

Hats displayed on the streets of New York City!

I saw many people walking around with hats that were inspired by animals.

Picture taken on the corner of 5th Avenue and 45th Street. New York, NY

Popular hat worn in Manhattan.

I also thought these fur hats were quite entertaining and fashionable too!

Fur covered hat found on the streets of Manhattan.

If you choose to purchase items from street vendors, remember to negotiate a price that is agreeable with your budget!

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Arepa City - Latin Eatery

2012-01-02T21:03:00.002-05:00

Great friends and good food was a great way to start of the new year! New Year's Eve was spent in the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. My friend Heidi showed me this fabulous Latin eatery called Arepa City.

Arepa City, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The restaurant interior was comfortable and modest.

Arepa City's Dining Room

Luis, our server, was expedient and quickly found a bucket of ice for our mini bottles of Prosecco. Arepa City does not serve liquor so you need to bring your spirits with you. The menu was filled with arepa sliders which consists of flat, unleavened patties made of cornmeal. These corn patties were stuffed with a variety of fillings. I took a picture featured below.

Menu of Arepa Sliders at Arepa City

Luis recommended the kabobs. Heidi ordered the chicken and steak kabobs which were tender, spiced filled and flavorful.

Kabobs at Arepa City, Harrisburg

I ordered flank steak and with black beans, plantains and rice.

Arepa City, Harrisburg, PA

If you want great Latin food at affordable price with awesome service, consider trying Arepa City.

For more information go to: Arepa City
Arepa City
316 N 2nd Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

717-233-3332