THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAY FLOWERS FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE BRING SPRING INDOORS
The April showers came and went, so now we get to enjoy May flowers! You might not buy flowers for yourself often, but it’s totally worth treating yourself and your visitors, all while supporting your local florist! To start off, anemones are the most mythological May plant around because of two famous Greek myths surrounding these jewel-toned flowers. Anemones are said to have sprung from blood shed by the death of Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The ancient Greeks also believed that the god of the west wind favored anemones — hence their second name, the windflower. Attach them as pops of color to any bouquet for a classic, romantic, or modern arrangement, or mix them with roses and trailing greenery for a more boho look. Carnations are also fantastic flowers to display in May. Some people may see carnations as a cheap flower, but, when used en masse, they can have a truly breathtaking effect in a room. Try using natural-colored carnations to create a fresh, contemporary space.
You can also freshen up the room with sweet peas , which have a wonderfully mild perfume. They come with an enormous range of colors — one of the biggest ranges in the flora kingdom, in fact! Delicate, ruffled, and feminine, sweet peas are sure to delight anyone who sees them. Lastly, although tulips or orchids would be classic choices for your arrangement, consider surprising your visitors with lilies of the valley . These beautiful, peaceful little blooms only grow in white, which is often seen as the color of renewal and innocence, and they wear it well! Their adorable little bell-like flowers will be sure to put a smile on your face. Dr. Brook’s wife, Jessica, enjoys dabbling in floral arranging and has had a great time taking floral classes through UC Communiversity. She highly recommends them as a creative outlet that ends with a beautiful arrangement you can enjoy in your home or office.
SHAVED ASPARAGUS SALAD Tangy citrus and salty Parmesan cheese complements earthy, fresh asparagus, a favorite spring vegetable with a short growing season.
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW!
IS GELATO DIFFERENT FROM ICE CREAM? Yes! Gelato has less fat than ice cream. While ice cream is normally heavy on the cream and has a fat content of at least 10%, gelato uses more milk than cream and also uses less egg yolks — if any. Ice creams are churned faster and harder than gelato. HOW FAR APART ARE ALASKA AND RUSSIA? Russia and Alaska are divided by the Bering Strait, which is about 55 miles at its narrowest point. In the middle of the Bering Strait are two small, sparsely populated islands: Big Diomede, which sits in Russian territory, and Little Diomede, which is part of the United States. HOW LONG IS THE IDEAL NAP? During sleep, your brain’s electrical activity goes through a five-phase cycle. A short afternoon catnap of 20 minutes yields mostly Stage 2 sleep, which enhances alertness and concentration, elevates mood, and sharpens motor skills. To boost alertness on waking, drink plenty of water before and after. Try adding some lemon for a natural energy boost.
INGREDIENTS •
1 lb asparagus spears 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel. 3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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