Looking for something special ? Cocktails or Recipes created on J’s shows…
Try #FlowerCocktailHour or #RecipeinBloom - for a list- You get the idea…
" Flowers from YOU " - Life in Bloom Viewers Arrange Flowers Weekly.
What was the inspiration for the new feature on the show – titled “Flowers from YOU!”? “We kept getting picture of arrangements that viewers have made – which were unsolicited. I was so happy to see them. That kind of activation demonstrates the show is really resonating with the public. Viewers are not only watching the show, they are trying their hand at arranging flowers, many for the first time. I love seeing the results – beautiful flowers around the home,” explained Schwanke, host and creator of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, seen on public television (PBS) stations nationwide.
Behind the Bloom - Chatting and Arranging Flowers with Aaron Ofseyer
I’m sharing some more of the fun chat and time I had with my Meteorologist friend Aaron Ofseyer. We had a wonderful time and visited about our times at the TV Station, the states he’s lived in, clouds and the Flower Power Challenge. I hope you enjoy more time with my flower friend Aaron!
Episode #508 Collections in Bloom
Today on Life In Bloom it’s all about collections, living collections of trees and hosta plants in the garden, artwork featuring flowers in various forms - and even swizzle sticks and recipes. In some circles I might be known to be a bit of a pack rat. I do love a good collection and have many personal collections that I enjoy. I’ve shared my flower frog collection on the show - as well as my Starburst Franciscan Dinnerware. Although she mainly collects experiences, as many people do today, I’ve even inspired my niece Grace to collect the pattern Echo, by the same creator, Mary Chalmers Brown. I do try to be mindful of collections, however, and have become more particular to adding to collections or starting new ones. Of course, this rarely applies to flowers. I can always find a bit of room in the garden for another specimen. Let’s dive into some curated collecting and see where we wind up.
Episode #507 - Fleur de la Vie (Flower of Life)
Considering the significant artistic achievements of the French in so many areas - such as painting, architecture, formal gardens, wine, and cuisine, it is not surprising to find an French influence in floristry and flower arranging. There are some often-used techniques with flowers that have their origins in France. And while perfumes did not originate in France, Louis the XV (fifteenth’s) embrace of them in the 18th century established the country as a leading purveyor of scent - often derived from flowers. Flowers are also famously the subjects of many French artists including Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
The Sidecar Cocktail - #FlowerCocktailHour
This sweet, luminous cocktail was born in Paris, but named because of an American. (Ahhh, international cooperation at its finest!) An American army captain was said to roll up to Harry’s Bar in his friend’s motorcycle sidecar (bless the Roaring ‘20s) and request a drink to warm up before dinner. Since it was a bit of a faux pas to have straight liquor so early in the evening, the bartender went ahead and mixed the cognac with some other ingredients. And thus, the beloved Sidecar was born.
Behind the Bloom - Arranging Flowers with Jean-Yves Münch
Today on Behind the Bloom, I’m joined by my long-time friend and sound mixer, Jean-Yves Münch. He has been with me since I began filming way back in 2006…nearly 20 years. He is a Frenchman and thus was the perfect guest for our French Inspired “Life in Bloom” Episode - Fleur de la Vie.Jean-Yves and I talk French inspiration and creation and also create beautiful bouquets of flowers, recalling fond memories. I hope you enjoy getting to know my French friend and learning more about his history, French influences and of course…flowers!
Blue Butterfly Pea Infused Vodka - and Butterfly Tea!
Blue Butterfly pea flowers are is used for the traditional Thai welcome iced tea drink - just add a teaspoon of honey and squeeze of lemon to your tea and serve over ice. It has an amazing vivid blue color which changes to purple when the lemon is added.
Episode #506- Am I Blue?
Today on Life In Bloom, we’re diving into the Blue - Blue Flowers that is. I’ll make a large scale arrangement themed to the blue skies and clouds. I'm joined by my flower friend meteorologist Aaron, we’ll review the rarest color in all flowers, and a create a blue cocktail using sweet pea flowers.
Episode #505- Flower Tales
The symbolic language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. They even play a large role in William Shakespeare’s works. Mythologies, folklore, sonnets, and plays of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism. Learning the meanings of flowers was a popular pastime during the 1800s. Many Victorian homes had guidebooks for deciphering the “language,” based not only on the flowers but also color. Even today, though less specifically, we rely on flowers to express our feelings, when words seem difficult.
Lavender & Lemon Balm Popsicles #RecipeInBloom
These herbal popsicles are flavored with Lavender and Lemon Balm and are easy to make. Lavender and lemon balm are relaxing, stress reducing, and good for the digestive system. Interestingly, Lavender flower meanings include faith, love, and protection, but also distrust. Here’s how to make them…”
Episode #504 - A Moment in Time (Dried & Preserved Flowers)
While the fleeting nature of flowers is one of my favorite things about them, sometimes it’s nice to have them around for a longer spell. For years, people have toiled for ways to extend and preserve flower life with varying success. From heirloom methods of successfully drying blooms cut from your own yard to modern methods of preservation devised by scientists, dried and preserved flower have much beauty to offer – and enjoyment can sometimes be sustained indefinitely. Join me to learn more of the magic of flowers that have been dried or preserved.
Cumulus Arrangement!
Today on At Home with Flowers, I’m creating a BIG cloud like arrangement that resembles a cumulus cloud for my visit with Aaron Ofseyer who is a Meterologist and also a BIG guy! The concept for this arrangement came from a trend report I created a few years ago which featured the trend Cumulus, based on Clouds.
Lavender Bitters Recipe - Lavender Blanc #FlowerCocktailHour
My friend Kim Carson joins me to make lavender bitters the recipe is easy- and takes a little time- so we walk through that process- rather than do it LIVE... the great news is that you NOW have lavender bitters- that are shelf stable- and you can use them to make lots of interesting flower cocktails- or low proof mocktails.