BLOOM Magazine Spring 2022 - Issue 8 TRANSFORM

N0.8 - SPRING 2022 THE TRANSFORM ISSUE

FEAST

FEATURED

Delicious recipes for your spring tea party

AROMA COFFEE A story of transformation

welcome to

BLOOM is a passion project that came to life in the Fall of 2020. Our magazine is created by women to empower women to be who God created us to be. We are delighted to release our eighth edition, now available in digital and print. All of our contributors volunteer their time and creativity to design a space where women can find refuge for their good days, their hard days, and everything in between. Our goal is to make our magazine a practical resource that helps women to unapologetically BLOOM where they are planted.

Transformation begins when we believe that true change is possible.

THOUGHT OF THE SEASON

make every season a bloom season

CONTENTS

22 GROW | C a l l e d

to a life o f

34 FEATURED | A

56 FEAST | D e l i c i o u s

florist at heart

adventure

recipes for

yo u r s p r i n g t e a pa r t y

5

Letter

f r o m t h e e d i to r

SPACES 8 Tea

please

PUT TOGETHER 38 Prep

for prom

BET TER EVERYDAY 44 Rose

garden

46

Social

media

48

Compost

tea

STRONGER 50 Stronger

to g e t h e r

HER STORYBOOK 64 Motherhood

66

Teacups

67

Letting

go

BOND 74

Breathe

n e w l i f e i n to yo u r

d u s t c o ll e c t a bl e s

CEDAR&OAK 76 26 FEATURED Aroma Coffee a s to ry o f t r a n s f o r m at i o n

Breakfast

in bed

letter from the editor Four new contributors joined our team. We welcome Amanda from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who shares a touching story in HER STORYBOOK, and Lisa from Oregon who shows us how to transform a chest of drawers in SPACES. We also have two new young voices who want to share their hearts and experiences with us. Hannah shares her thoughts and insights on social media in BETTER EVERYDAY, and Astrid shares her tips for prom in our newest section — PUT TOGETHER. The gift of spring blooms an excitement in me every year. After endless wintry days, the bright sunlight on my favorite bedroom chair brings the promise of transformation. Warmth and new growth will soon sweep through our neighborhood, and before long, we will be greeted with abundant blossoms in every color.

This season we want to remind you to embrace seasons of change. 2022 might not be what you planned or expected it to be, but it can bring you to a season of full bloom.

When the idea for BLOOM Magazine was in its budding phase not so long ago, I never would have dreamed that we could end up here in the Spring of 2022 — our eighth issue now available in digital and print. I find myself lucky to be surrounded by inspiring women who want to embrace seasons of change with me. I have been blessed with a team of hardworking, like-minded women who want to see you, our readers, bloom where you are planted.

Our Spring Issue starts our year of heritage, and invites you to celebrate the strong women in your life with a tea party. We all have women who inspire us and help shape who we are. For some of us, it is a long line of mothers and grandmothers — for others, it is the gift of friends and mentors. When women come together, magical things happen. When we are willing to support each other, lives change.

This truth is evident in the story of our FEATURED business Aroma Coffee. Read how three women came together and waited patiently to arrive at their time of bloom.

As we continue to navigate our new normal, I hope you find fresh inspiration on our pages and hope for brighter flourishing days.

Much love,

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 5

Even the sparrow has a place to lay its head, So why would I let worries steal my breath?

Even the roses, You have clothed in brilliant red, Still I'm the one You love more than this.

L AUREN DAIGLE

SPACES

tea

PLEASE story by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

Hosting a tea party is a tradition passed down through generations in my family. We would take out family heirloom cups, pick a few flowers from the garden, iron the tablecloth, and set a beautiful table. The kitchen would buzz with endless laughter and chatter as women worked together, filling dainty plates with tasty treats. Finally, we all came together to enjoy each other's company — giving advice and sharing stories. Cup after cup would be served as we relaxed into the late afternoon.

I come from a long line of women who had to 8

balance a career and the blessing of a busy family. This season, I want to share the gift these women gave me — the gift of taking time out of their busy lives to come together around a pot of tea, passing down what they have learned, creating community and treasured memories.

To me, hosting a tea party is more than a beautiful cup and a tasty bite; it reminds me of the strong women who made me who I am today.

This spring, I invite you take the time to create memories with the women who walk with you.

May you pass down traditions, new and old, to the young women who watch your every move.

Your tea party can take on many shapes and forms and they are the perfect way to commemorate the women in your life. You can host a tea party to celebrate a birthday, baby shower, wedding shower, Mother's Day, Easter, or simply for a morning get-together with family or friends. Here are a few tips on how to host a tea party with ease:

the TABLE We moved the dining table off to the side for this tea party in order to create room to mingle.

This works well when you have a large gathering of women with small children attending the party, freeing up space for little ones to crawl around. When the weather allows, your guests 10

can spread out, some gathering inside and others outside. A buffet-style table with the tea set, cups, and food spread out allows guests to help themselves from both sides of the table and creates a good flow. A crisp white tablecloth is the classic choice or opt for a no-iron throw or table runner.

the CENTERPIECE Nothing says tea party like a rose centerpiece.

For our informal table setting, I used a white ceramic planter and a collection of long stem and mini roses in various shades of pink from our local supermarket. I used a clear glass container inside the flowerpot and ¼ inch clear floral tape to form a grid. This is a quick and

SPACES easy way to help hold the flowers in place.

Our informal arrangement is easy to assemble.

I used clusters of baby roses to form the base and upright long stem roses in color coordinated groups of twos and threes to fill in the rest.

Cutting the roses at different lengths helped to create movement. While arranging, I turn the vase every now and again to ensure it looks beautiful from all sides.

everything from scratch. Decide what you can accomplish with the time and energy you have.

Consider asking the women attending the tea party to bring a small plate of treats or buy a few items from the store. Your focus should be to get together with the women you love and not working to the point of making yourself and your family miserable.

the CUPS A beautiful set of teacups is a must for any party.

Maybe you inherited a few teacups from your grandma or were gifted a tea set when you married. Perhaps none of your pieces match, some are broken, or you want to start from scratch. I prefer a tea party with cups collected over time. It makes for interesting conversation and takes the stress out of the inevitable broken cup on the kitchen floor. Unique teacups have many stories to tell and will keep the conversation going at the party. To build your teacup collection you can look at your local antique shop or buy a teacup every time you travel to a new destination. You can also find antique teacups online. Buying a new set can be exciting, too. There are many price points to choose from, but if you find a set you love that is outside your budget, consider asking your family to get you a few pieces every year for your birthday or Christmas. Most department stores allow you to purchase a couple of pieces at a time.

the TEA It is best to have at least two teapots on the table for a tea party. Choose two varieties of teas you know your family and friends would enjoy. I normally serve my guests black and rooibos tea. Have a couple of other teas available for your guests who want to try something different and make it by the cup.

the TREATS When considering what to serve with your tea, make sure you have a collection of sweet and savory bite-sized treats. You can choose from sandwiches, scones, tarts, cakes, and fresh fruit.

Spread the workload by making some items in advance, and do not feel obligated to make

the POWDER ROOM When hosting a party, I love to liven up the powder room with a matching bouquet of flowers. I set aside a few of the long stem roses in various pinks and cut them intentionally short to hug the rustic flowerpot. If weather permits, this is the ideal place to use roses from your garden. There is nothing more beautiful than a few fresh cut roses from your garden.

Celebrating the women we love with a tea party is one of life's sweetest gifts, and reminds us how much we need each other.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 11

"There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one."

JILL CHURCHILL

Rosalba HONDURAS Turmeric and Rooibos tea with cinnamon, and vanilla.

Jenny ENGLAND First the milk, then hot Typhoo black orange pekoe and a little sugar.

Martie-Marie SOUTH AFRICA Five Roses black tea with milk.

How do you take your tea? In many countries, this simple question can be the beginning of a friendship, a gesture of hospitality, or simply a sign that someone cares and wants to visit for a while. Tea culture varies drastically and is almost always layered with personal preference and family history.

Tea is an integral part of everyday life for many. To those of us in the United States, think coffee. From its origins in the ancient Chinese Dynasty to the access we now have to tea from across the world, one thing is for sure: each cup tells a story and each story is unique to the drinker.

We wanted to ask our friends from countries around the globe this timeless question – How do you take your tea? As you read about their preferences, we encourage you to share your own and read about more ways to drink tea around the world on our social media! @myBLOOMmag #bloomtea

TEA

around

Annie SWITZERLAND Twinnings rooibos tea with milk and sugar.

Prajakta INDIA Brooke Bond’s Red Label Natural Care tea, five ayurvedic ingredients, with sugar and milk.

Zaya MONGOLIA Green tea with milk and salt.

Amanda AUSTRALIA Earl Grey tea with a dash of milk and a teaspoon of sugar.

Phidelia NEW ZEALAND Lavender, mint, geranium, and lemon grass tea with manuka honey.

story by | LYNDSEY WATSON

the world

gift

FOR HER

story by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

Buying gifts for the women in our lives can be a challenge. Every woman has a list of things she needs, but rarely asks for what she wants. I love to take on the challenge of buying gifts that women would never get for themselves. This beautifully curated gift will help any woman in your life spruce up a small space in her bedroom, bathroom, study, or living room.

Before selecting your items, consider the colors she uses throughout her home or space. Considering her sense of style is also a good starting point.

1. pretty basket Purchase a beautiful, sturdy basket or crate she will reuse in her home. Baskets and crates can be used throughout the home to house fruit, vegetables, hand towels, toys, stationery, and more.

2. practical liner A pretty tea towel or napkin makes the perfect liner for your basket. I chose a set of two tea towels in a neutral tone and an understated print.

Neutral tea towels complement any kitchen or can be used as liners for the breadbasket when entertaining guests.

3. throw A small blanket or throw is welcome in any home.

Consider the season when choosing a blanket. I opted for a lightweight cotton throw with a macrame trim in neutral colors for spring. My mom lives in a warm climate, so that made the most sense. She can use it as a blanket for the living room, bedroom, or even as a table throw in the dining room.

4. art A small piece of artwork in a color she loves or with a simple quote can make a lovely addition to your gift basket. Thoughtfully selected artwork can adorn her desk, liven up her powder room, bedside table, or bathroom vanity. I chose a neutral print with lots of texture and touches of dusty pinks, a color my mom loves and uses throughout her home.

5. candle A candle is a lovely addition to your gift basket and can be used throughout the house. The candle I chose perfectly complimented the colors in the artwork, and the light powdery scent would be loved by most.

6. bouquet Adding flowers on the day you deliver the gift adds a fresh element and a bit of wow. I chose a small flower vase to match the mauvy pinks throughout the basket. Selecting a colored or white pottery vase instead of a clear glass flowerpot ensures that she can use the vase as decoration with or without flowers. I chose a simple bouquet of white tulips for this Mother’s Day gift.

7. filler After choosing the main items, fill your basket with textured balls or a string of chunky wooden beads.

Be creative and don’t be afraid to try filler you’ve never used before.

This spring, find the joy in gift-giving again. Surprise your mom, grandma, sister, friend, or college student with a gorgeous basket to transform a small space in her home.

Please send us pictures of your gift baskets at info@mybloommag.com for a chance to be featured in a future issue.

SMALL BUSINESS BIG

DREAMS

Are you a small business owner trying to get your name out in your community? We want to help you flourish. Contact us today at

info@myBLOOMmag.com to find out more.

GROW We want to help you grow so you can BLOOM where you are planted. This Spring, we hope to not only inspire, but to give you practical tools to help you embrace seasons of change.

GROW

THE HONEYMOON PHASE I clearly remember those early days, the excitement of a foreign country — so many places to see and discover. Every day was a new adventure filled with the sweet taste of all things new. New people, new job, new home, new food. The taste of Dr. Pepper still takes me back to our first very empty apartment far away from home.

THE REALITY CHECK But all things new eventually lose their sparkle and what follows is a reality check. When the thrill of new people, places, and things wear off, it leaves you with a longing for the comfort of everything you have known before.

TAKE ME BACK

called

TO A LIFE OF

ADVENTURE story by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN One evening over a glass of white wine and in the company of our closest friends, we made the big decision. A decision only a much younger, bolder version of myself could make. “Let's go overseas,” we said. “Let's go on an adventure, make some money, and come back to buy our first home.” Way back then, it was THE trend. Get your degree, move abroad, get some work experience, and come back to start your grown-up life. And so, we did. My new hubby of only two years applied for a couple of jobs, and before long, we were on a plane to Chicago — just the two of us and four suitcases.

Change is hard, and our first response might be to undo it, avoid it, or we sometimes believe it’s impossible to get through it. We might start to convince ourselves that we are who we are, and change is not for us. For years I felt the relentless tug and pull between my homeland and our adventure. Where was our forever home? Being without the people we loved most often left me with a heavy heart and a muddled mind. But as days became months and months years, we recognized that God had something beautiful for us here. We were exactly where we needed to be, in the middle of a beautiful adventure with Him. Whether we move to a new country, take a new job, marry the love of our life, have a baby, buy a new car, or start a new exercise routine, our decisions bring change and transition. So, when we pass the honeymoon phase, how do we get through the season of discomfort that often follows?

EMBRACE THE IMPOSSIBLE Embracing what feels uncomfortable seems crazy, right? But this is exactly where the adventure begins.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Forget the former things; Do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 23

Going back to your comfort zone is not always the answer. Sometimes, sitting in the discomfort will tell you a lot more than trying to pretend it’s not there or running away will. Sometimes when we find ourselves out of our comfort zone, we are precisely where we need to be. If you are willing to endure the discomfort of the new, it can become a great opportunity for growth that leads to endurance and newfound strength.

CHANGE IS UNCOMFORTABLE Accept that change will likely lead to discomfort at some point. Maybe you haven’t experienced the unknowns and challenges of a big move. Perhaps getting out of your comfort zone is deciding to start a new exercise routine. You bought the cute outfit, joined the gym, attended a few classes. But a few weeks in, you are tempted to stay home and return to your former, more comfortable "chips-onthe-couch" routine. Reaching the challenging stage of your decision to become fit is your cue to push through and remind yourself why you started to exercise in the first place.

CHANGE IS GOOD Past painful experiences can often contribute to a fear of failure. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that you cannot change. Sometimes the labels we carry make us believe we are not capable enough to try something new. We tell ourselves, I am not the sporty girl, I am not a girly girl, I am not the adventurous girl. Maybe you tell yourself that you are not good at mothering, or you will never be able to get that job, or make the cut, or find a husband who is right for you. Maybe you have been told that you are too sensitive, too introverted, too scatter-brained, or too different — when in reality, God made and loves you as you are and can grow you into more than you ever thought possible. Do not let lies, labels, or the fear of failure hold you back.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Deciding to get out of the comfortable box I put myself in changed everything for me. We can evolve and be transformed if we are willing to explore unknown territories with God. Making decisions, good 24

or bad, is how we learn. And every decision we make can help inform our choices in the future. With God, we can overcome anything. Taking on new challenges can be scary at first, but also the best experience of your life. God has so much in store for you — more than you can ever imagine.

Look What You've Done

by Tasha Layton Look what you've done How could you fall so far?

You should be ashamed of yourself So I was ashamed of myself The lies I believed They got some roots that run deep I let 'em take a hold of my life I let 'em take control of my life Standing in Your presence, Lord I can feel You diggin' all the roots up I feel Ya healin' all my wounds up All I can say is, "Hallelujah" Look what You've done, look what You've done in me You spoke Your truth into the lies I let my heart believe Look at me now, look how You made me new The enemy did everything that he could do Oh, but look what You've done

The lyrics of this song by Tasha Layton remind me of the work God has done in my life. For years I was too scared to fully embrace change. I believed that I was not strong enough, good enough, or talented enough to be who God called me to be. But God has taught me a valuable lesson. We do not have to rely on our own strength to make it in this world.

All we need to do is trust in His strength. With God, our greatest challenges can become our greatest adventures. A deep relationship with God is transformative in every way. We serve an amazing God who wants what is best for us. Let Him lead the way and trust that where He takes you will exceed your wildest dreams.

If I had decided to go back to my comfort zone when things got hard those many years ago when we came to America, I would have missed out on this wild, crazy, beautiful adventure God had planned

GROW for me. Allow God to walk with you through the rain.

Ask Him to transform you into a new, courageous, fearless you. Let Him dig your roots up; let Him heal your wounds so you can say to Him:

“LORD, LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!”

Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When

you are in the middle of

significant changes in your life, remember these seven things:

1. Be

gentle with yourself.

2. Give

it time.

3. Keep

an open mind.

perfect.

God’s

4. Remember God

timing is

is the

source of your strength.

Let Him

lead the way.

can trust in

5. Ask it.

6. Be

Him.

You

for help when you need

willing to try and try

again.

7. Remember

to laugh and

enjoy the ride.

HELP US

grow

We are a still a new publication and need your help to grow.

Do you have friends or family who will enjoy BLOOM Magazine?

Please tell them about us and help us grow. visit us myBLOOMmag.com or follow us @myBLOOMmagazine on social media

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 25

" TRANSFORMED PEOPLE TRANSFORM PEOPLE." RICHARD ROHR

featured

the first sip. I left with a feeling that I had to return and maybe pick up some coffee to brew when I did — it was clear to me from my short encounter that Aroma was special.

Emily Ridout, Communications Director of Aroma Coffee Co and one of the owners, sat down with me via video-chat to talk about how Aroma came to be, and the transformative power Aroma has had on her life and the Fall City community.

Emily has served all over the world, but felt God calling her to bloom exactly where she is planted – her hometown. Growing up in Fall City, Emily was aware of the need for a space where community could gather and connect. God continued to deepen Emily’s roots in Fall City even as she traveled and served in other places. She kept coming home and through Aroma, that’s where we are all invited to come, too.

AROMA COFFEE A S TO RY O F TRANSFORMATION story by | ABI WALL What first drew me through the doors of Aroma Coffee in Fall City, Washington, was a strong craving for caffeine paired with a fascination for the building itself — an inviting, renovated home with string lights and customers perched on tables across the lawn and porch. Walking up the wide steps to the front door, I could feel the energy shift, as if I was arriving home. And still, I didn’t expect to be greeted so warmly. A friendly staff asked me to settle the debate on what music to play. I’m not usually one to take the aux cord, but I suggested Taylor Swift’s Folklore. I sampled different blends while I waited on my drink and was astounded by the quality from 28

From the vision for a community-centered coffee shop to the day Aroma opened its doors, an entire list of miracles needed to happen.

2007 The concept of Aroma was born when Emily and her friend, Sara, shared they both had a vision for a community coffee house. They began developing business plans, but nothing was finalized – Aroma remained a concept.

2017 Emily feels blessed and honored to be a part of Aroma. She and Sara developed the idea and plans over a ten-year period, but it really came together when Emily connected with Kelsey Wilson who was building a craft coffee shop in Kirkland at the time. Kelsey had niche industry knowledge that the Aroma team needed to succeed. For months, Kelsey met with Emily and Sara to help fine-tune their plans and ultimately joined the team. Emily describes their connection as “three strands to a chord.” It’s clear these women are more than co-workers, and have truly become family.

2018 Aroma Coffee needed the right location — a central hub for the community. There was no way forward without the right building, and this was proving difficult. The moment they found out the Prescott-Harshman Building became available — they knew the search was over. From housing families to local businesses (like the first telephone company in FC), the 115-year-old historical landmark has always been a

space for connecting the community. It was a journey to get access to this building, and at times the team wasn’t sure it was going to work out.

Emily was in Thailand when she found out the permit for Aroma was accepted. She remembers feeling scared by the many risks ahead but amazed this idea would soon become a reality.

When it was time to decide, God gave Emily a clear answer — a vision of a mama bird with a large seed in its beak. She felt God saying that He knew Aroma felt too big to swallow. But if her team acknowledged their capacity, He would bring it to life. If they didn’t, the baby bird, the community, would suffer.

Emily made a decision. “If God calls you to something, you just do it. He makes the way, He provides,” she says. “That’s what I want people to take away from this.” Emily, Sara, and Kelsey knew they had to make this thing happen. God continued to work.

2019 Paperwork! Health-codes! Septic! Remodeling!

(Would it ever end?) The Prescott-Harshman Building was not quite ready to go, so opening day was further delayed. Luckily, Emily worked her professional magic and helped raise $30,000 for the opening of Aroma. The Aroma Team often reminds the community that they would not be open without them. It truly was a community effort.

2020 What should have been an incredible expense, God took care of. Remodeling the building was free, thanks to the labor of husbands and dads. The time and energy that went into remodeling this home was nothing short of tremendous. When you enter for the first time, you can’t help but notice the attention to detail, the beauty of the space. The remodel started in June.

But before the remodeling even began, the pandemic hit.

When deciding whether or not to open Aroma in such an incredibly volatile time, Emily, Sara, and Kelsey all spent time individually praying for an answer. What do we do?

Emily describes how they came back together having experienced different things, but coming to the same conclusion: I’ve shown you, it’s time to go. They decided the risk was already high, and the pandemic didn’t change that. A space for community was needed. Aroma had reason after reason to fail, but it didn’t. The doors opened in September.

30

Before and during the renovation.

FEATURED

Opening the Doors

Gather, savor, linger.

In the beginning, plans changed constantly. The opening plan changed three times, with occupancy allowances differing week by week to comply with state recommendations. By November 2020, they were down to 50% occupancy, not sure Aroma would survive its first year. And yet, these women persisted, the community thrived, and the business continued to grow as a result.

Everything about Aroma speaks to its mission to cultivate fullness of life — for each other, their staff, and the community. I’ve witnessed groups gathering on Aroma’s porch around tables — even on colder days. People are invited to linger, not just by the consistently caring staff, but the layout of the home.

I asked Emily what it was like to open this decadein-the-making-dream right when the world was shutting down. Emily said, “The whole world got smaller. People stopped leaving their homes. And if you’re out, it’s intimate, and you’re not going far.”

She explained how the need for Aroma had never been so clear. The only way to have any sort of community during the pandemic was to find it close to home. Aroma was the perfect solution. Conversation became more necessary than ever as people fought feelings of fear, desperation, and even grief.

Very quickly, the community recognized Aroma as a beacon of hope and loyalty began to form.

Aroma truly is a home. It’s a space where you’re accepted, where you feel you belong, where you’re invited to linger while you sip on a special drink.

When asked how they found their staff, Emily laughs, “God brought our staff.” Emily once planned for three full-time staff members, but seventeen people are now employed by Aroma. She describes her staff as people-lovers, and speaks highly of the relationships within the team. It’s clear that decisions made by this team center on community instead of profit.

Aroma is closed on Sundays in order to encourage spending time with their families and to honor their own needs: Aroma needs to be closed one day a week to keep their doors open for the other six. This

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 31

same dedication to cultivating fullness of life led to Aroma to hosting the first ever Farmer’s Market in Fall City. It has also led to many community events, Fall City-Fest to celebrate Aroma’s one-year-anniversary, and hundreds of people showing up to support families who have lost children to cancer.

Inside Aroma To the team, the space is nothing short of sacred.

Emily has witnessed many beautiful transformations inside Aroma’s walls, but named a few prominent memories — like the time a customer felt comfortable enough to open up about her husband’s cancer diagnoses. An employee who had just survived their own battle with cancer was able to sit down with the customer and have an honest conversation about this terrifying disease.

Aroma has a family of thirty-or-so regular customers. If a regular jets off for vacation without letting the Aroma team know, their absence is a concern! Neighbors and people who attend the same church meet for the first time in Aroma. Scott, a regular, is happy to use Aroma as an office space.

“He’s so at home,” Emily says. In the beginning, when Aroma would get busy, Scott even offered to help.

32

He couldn’t come behind the counter without a food handlers permit, so he went out and got one! The customers here truly have become family.

Aroma is an incredibly special community hub, and a brave step into a new and different customer/ community experience.

The next time you are in a period of transformation, remember the story of Aroma and be comforted that God has perfect timing, and He will provide.

Abi Wall

Snoqualmie, WASHINGTON

Abi is our junior editor and has a passion for and degree in creative writing. One day she hopes to publish young adult fiction novels. She has lived in the Pacific Northwest all her life and enjoys traveling, hiking and the beach... when she's not reading or writing!

A FLORIST AT HEART story by | LYNDSEY WATSON

Jessica is married to Mike (Mikey to his childhood friends). Growing up, Mikey and my brother were great friends, and I always appreciated how kind he was (even if there was a heavy dose of teasing included). When I first met Jessica, I was not surprised in the least that they had found one another and fell in love.

Jessica is kind, compassionate, encouraging, 34

and always willing to help a friend. Plus, she’s incredibly talented and we are so thankful for her contribution this season.

Jessica has worked as a floral manager for a local grocery store for over 12 years. This year, she took a big step toward her dream and opened her own floral business. She is quick to design for friends and family during her free time. When I asked if she would be interested in designing a boutonniere and corsage set for our prom feature, she quickly agreed – and I knew they would be gorgeous!

Aren't they?!?!

In addition to working with flowers, Jessica

FEATURED

enjoys decorating cookies, planning parties, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have been married 13 years and are raising two sweet boys. They both play on local softball and flag football teams and Jessica recently embarked on a health journey that continues to be a focus in her life.

Floral designer, Jessica, created this lovely boutonniere and corsage set for our prom feature. See page 37.

If you need a one-of-a-kind floral designer in Washington, we encourage you to check her out — let’s help Jess bloom and grow a business doing what she loves.

Find and follow her on Facebook @jessicafosterdesigns

GIV E A W AY THE WINNER IS @marykathrynpotter you won a set of jenni's buttons. we will contact you shortly. congratulations! the bloom team

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 35

Life is a party.

Dress for it.

AUDREY HEPBURN

put together M A K E Y O U R P R O M N I G H T U N F O R G E T TA B L E

Astrid and her boyfriend Louis.

attire for the girls

NO STRES S

PREP FOR PROM story by | ASTRID ANSON Prom season: for high school seniors, it’s one of the most anticipated, exciting, and stressful times of the year. From choosing a dress to making dinner reservations, prom season can seem overwhelming. If you’re totally lost, don’t know where to start, or are just looking for a little extra advice, I’ve put together a list of everything I think you should know.

38

Dresses certainly aren’t your only option, but if you choose to wear one, your dress should be the center of attention. While super exciting, it can make finding the perfect one even more of a challenge. In general, I would advise a long dress (in contrast to a shorter dress, which is usually associated with less formal events like homecoming) with a simple, timeless silhouette. Always keep it classy - you'll cherish your prom photos for years to come. Current trends are certainly alluring and popular now, but when in doubt, try to think if you might have worn this dress two years ago and if you would still wear it two years from now. If either of these answers is no, maybe keep looking. You'll know the perfect dress when you find it.

for the guys Every guy looks great in a well-fitting suit or tuxedo. Check your closet far in advance. If you've got

a great formal suit/tux that fits perfectly, you're set for now and can relax. If you've got one you love but you've grown a few inches since last year, see if you can get the pants or sleeves lengthened by a tailor.

If you don't have either of these, make sure to start planning to get (or rent!) a suit or tux well before prom (an off-the-rack suit/tux might take one to two weeks to get tailored and a custom-made one will probably take one to two months).

shoes for the girls Once you have your dress, the next step is to find your shoes. I would recommend a pair of open-toed heels, but which ones are up to you. If you're experienced with heels, you've got endless options, but if wearing heels makes you nervous, maybe opt for a pair with a lower heel or a block heel. If you've gone for a neutral-colored dress, you can choose to keep it simple with the shoes or opt for heels in a standout color or a pair with extra straps or rhinestones.

If you've gone for a more colorful or sequined dress, keep it simple. Choose a pair of heels that compliment your dress by either picking simple heels in a similar color to your dress or ones in a neutral tone.

for the guys Since suits and tuxedos don't leave much room for personal style, shoes are where you can be creative.

A pair of nice black dress shoes is always classy, but if you want to stand out, a pair of cool sneakers can show your personality. If you opt for the sneakers, make sure they are clean and coordinate with your date's dress.

accessories for the girls You've got two main things to think about here: jewelry and a bag. For jewelry, start by deciding whether you will wear gold (traditionally worn with warmer colors or by those with warmer skin tones) or silver (traditionally worn with cooler colors or by those with cooler skin tones). You could also opt for always-classy pearls, dress permitting. One thing to consider is how the jewelry will look with your dress. If your dress is simpler, you can keep the jewelry simple as well or choose to layer your pieces/wear bolder ones. If your dress has sequins, I would opt for a simpler jewelry look.

Another thing to consider is how you want to wear your hair. If you have shorter hair (shoulder length 40

or above) or want to wear an updo, dangle earrings or hoops are a great option. If you have longer hair and plan to wear it down, stick to smaller hoops or studs. If you want to carry a bag, stick to something small and subtle that coordinates with your jewelry, dress, and shoes. If you don't, your date's suit probably has plenty of pocket space to spare.

for the guys You've also got a few things to think about when it comes to accessories. A bowtie is traditionally worn with a tuxedo, but if you plan to wear a suit, a regular tie looks sharp too. I prefer a tie, but the choice is totally up to you. Once your date decides on a dress, choose a tie or bowtie that coordinates with or compliments it. If your suit has a pocket, you may want to think about a pocket square as well. When in doubt, go for a clean white. Before prom, make sure you remember how to tie your tie and fold your pocket square, just in case. If you've got a nice pair of cufflinks, prom is the perfect occasion to wear them, but if you don't, no worries.

appointments for the girls Tailoring If your dress needs to be hemmed or altered, get that done as soon as possible, taking into account the height of your heels.

Hair Know what you want prior to your appointment.

Look for inspiration and try out different styles on your own to find what looks best with your dress. If a friend or parent is helping with your hair, make sure to discuss this with them to find something that works for both of you.

Makeup Go into your appointment with references of the type of look you're going for. I'm fairly comfortable with makeup and will probably do my own, but if you also want to do your own and are less confident, make sure to practice before until you're satisfied.

Nails Once again, know what you want before entering the salon. If you're getting gel polish or acrylics, you can book your appointment for up to a week before prom, but if you plan on getting regular polish, try to get an appointment as close to the date as you can. If you're doing your own nails, try to stick to the same timeline.

PUT TOGETHER Boutonniere Coordinate with your date and order his boutonniere early. Go for something simple or something that compliments your dress.

for the guys Tailoring If your suit or tuxedo needs to be tailored, make sure to get it done early — I would recommend at least a month in advance or earlier.

Hair If you want a fresh cut, decide what you want before going to the barber. Book your appointment for a week to two weeks before prom for the best results.

Corsage Coordinate with your date to make sure the corsage you order goes with the boutonniere she has selected and looks good with her dress it's always good to order from the same florist so the flowers look cohesive.

for both of you Restaurant Make a decision together on where you want to eat based on cuisine, location, and price. If you've got a dance to attend, reserve a table on the earlier side.

If not, the choice is up to you. Make your reservation as early as possible because nice restaurants are often booked well in advance.

the day before The day before prom can be stressful — a great way to combat this anxiety is by making a checklist.

Here’s mine to help get you started: Eat well-balanced meals.

If you think it would be helpful, prep your meals the day prior to this.

Stay hydrated.

Try to drink a full glass of water with every meal and one between meals as well. Keeping hydrated is essential to feeling your best.

Coordinate pictures.

You'll want to remember your prom for years to come, so make sure you've got a great location and time figured out. I'd recommend a nice park or an open venue sometime after noon, but early enough that you won't be stressed getting to dinner. Give yourself at least an hour to get the best possible photos.

Prep your outfit.

Girls, steam your dress if needed. If you don't have a steamer, maybe borrow one from a friend. Guys, definitely don't forget to iron your shirt - a crisp shirt can take your look from good to great.

Set out your outfit.

The night before prom, set out your outfit, shoes, and accessories. If you want, try it all on one more time to make sure the look is exactly what you want.

Get a good night's sleep.

Go to bed at a reasonable time and try your best to get at least 8 hours. You've got an exciting (but long) day ahead of you.

prom Prom is finally here! Take a deep breath and put your best foot forward — it's going to be a great day.

Here are my final tips to make your prom a success: Don't be late.

Be on time and ready for any appointments and reservations you've made — not only is it respectful, it’s a lot less stressful on you.

Be respectful.

No matter where you go for pictures or dinner, be respectful of the venue, workers, and other guests.

Be safe and responsible.

Make sure to tell your parents where you are going and always have a backup plan just in case. And girls, never drive in heels!

Most importantly, have fun!

You’ve made it! Prom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s going to be great. Even if something does go wrong, with confidence, flexibility, and great company, a night can never truly be ruined.

Have the best time — you deserve it!

Astrid Anson WASHINGTON

Astrid is a high school senior who loves spending time with her family. She is an aspiring fashion buyer and strives to appreciate the beautiful things in life. Astrid has grown up in Washington and is excited to see where college takes her next year.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 41

One may live without bread, not without roses.

JEAN RICHEPIN

better EVERYDAY

rose garden A LIFETIME LOVE AFFAIR WITH ROSES

BETTER EVERYDAY story by | ABI WALL By seven-years-old, herbalist Carol Peterson was out in the garden with her mom, helping plant and weed. She was familiar with caring for roses and other plants well before she became a teenager. In middle school, she recovered from rheumatic fever and a few years later, a heart surgery. While she took time off of school, the garden became a place of rest as well as healing.

When Carol moved into her historic Snoqualmie home in 1975 with her husband Charles, there were four Knock Out roses already planted in their backyard. Beginning with that first year, their garden was bound to be marvelous and has been for over forty-five years. Now nearly 80 years old, Carol still may not call herself a rosarian, but her garden boasts 20 rose bushes and three rose trees. She also tends three peonies from the late 1700s that have been passed down through the women in her family.

She is an extraordinary woman with so many stories to tell.

Every year, Carol includes rose blooms from her garden in her Thanksgiving centerpiece. So I asked Carol to teach me a bit about roses and clue me in on how she manages to pick them twice a week May through October.

success. The easiest way to get this information is to ask your neighbors! If you need more assistance, ask a local nursery.

Carol likes to attribute 80% of the success of her roses to the right soil. Roses need a soil that drains well but holds moisture. A loam soil is ideal. If your soil contains a lot of sand or clay, you will want to amend it. There are a variety of ways to do this including mulching, adding compost, or soil additives.

All of these factors are key when choosing where and what rose to plant. Don’t be afraid to experiment and choose a few spots throughout your yard to plant. If you choose to plant rose bushes side by side, be sure to leave enough space for growth.

If you’re interested in planting roses in your garden, head to mybloommag.com for additional tips. One day you may be just like Carol. Not only are her own roses flourishing, she cares for community roses, too.

When the City of Snoqualmie stopped taking proper care of their pink rose bushes downtown, she got to work pruning and mulching herself. As you dream of your garden — the one you have, the one you want, or maybe the one at a nearby park — may your dreams be filled with beautiful roses!

CHOOSING YOUR ROSE Carol’s favorite roses are Double Delight Hybrid Tea in red and white. She recommends these three varieties: Hybrid Tea roses are the most common garden rose, with one bloom per stem.

Grandiflora roses are known for their grand blooms and grow between six and eight feet tall.

Or choose a Floribunda Rose, where “one stem is a bouquet.”

Roses are grown for their beauty, aroma, or disease resistance. Some expensive roses may have two of these characteristics, but no variety has all three.

Decide what your highest priority is. Carol likes all of her roses to be disease resistant – a popular choice for the Pacific Northwest.

There are three types of diseases roses suffer from — black spot (from weather), cane rot (critters), and powdery mildew (rain). While there are ways to prevent disease, it’s easiest to choose a disease-resistant rose if you live in a susceptible area.

Knowing your planting zone and microclimates within your yard can help improve your rose’s chance of

the Dahlia Barn It is time to order your dahlia tubers!

Order your favorite varieties today at dahliabarn.com Shipping months are March through May.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 45

social media

what are we really trying to get from it? story by | HANNAH CHUNG Based on the title of this article, you’re likely assuming I’m about to bash social media. But honestly, I’m not one to criticize considering I have multiple social media platforms and I’ve met many good friends thanks to Instagram.

However, I’ve also seen several waves of social media as a GenZ-er. I remember when my peers first got phones in middle school and the subsequent talks in youth group about avoiding certain ads and being wary of internet stalkers. The reputation of social media apps has shifted over time, going from the “popular kids” having social media to alternative forms of messaging being a main source of communication during quarantine.

But now, as the world tentatively opens up, how do we feel about social media? Among my peers, many are just plain sick of it. Social media is full of internet 46

trolls and anger, and it seems to inspire loneliness and comparison over confidence and connection.

When social media is used to make connections, it can be a positive force. But it’s not always used this way.

Social media is basically a platform where people get to handpick friends, watch their lives from a distance, and share highlights with the world. Never before have we been given the opportunity to gauge exactly how many people care about our lives. This is essentially what likes and views mean.

The higher the number, the more people we have who care about us. Right? Yes, social media allows us to feel connected to friends from afar, but how deep does that connection go? We can post pictures that boast of our happiness, but when did our happiness become dependent on the reactions our

BETTER EVERYDAY pictures get online? What happens when we start judging our worth based on likes and comments and views?

Social media is less about preserving an experience and more about feeling seen. We get a cheap thrill from watching our numbers skyrocket, only to have our hearts shattered by a poorly worded comment or an unfollow.

And really, the whole thing feels a little ridiculous, right? Stewing over a conversation with a stranger or feeling devastated by a lack of response? Making assumptions about others from a single emoji or caption? The more our minds spiral, the more inadequate and unloved we feel.

Hannah Chung

WASHINGTON

Hannah loves the opportunity to build community through writing and common interests. She is currently studying creative writing with a minor in reconciliation studies and hopes to combine her passion for the arts with her desire to encourage others.

So what’s the solution? Delete social media? Go AWOL? I don’t think so.

If social media were erased from the planet, our problems wouldn’t go away. Humans constantly search for love in all the wrong places, and taking away dating apps or Instagram won’t change that.

THERE IS MORE AHEAD OF YOU

Instead, we need to remind ourselves where true love really comes from.

by Hannah Chung

We can love our family, friends, partners, but none of us can love perfectly.

Only God can love perfectly.

God never gives up on us, never forces us to impress Him or earn His love. He knows us inside and out and is still longing to be in relationship with us.

Perhaps you’ve been feeling discouraged or isolated after scrolling through your phone these days. Maybe you’ve seen one too many engagement posts or perfectly timed family Tik-Toks and you can’t seem to measure up or get it together.

Don’t let comparison steal your joy.

When you find your love and your joy in Jesus, you will be able to feel happy for others while having hope about your own future.

You are loved, no matter what. Never forget that.

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

EXODUS 15:13 (NIV)

To all those who have ever felt unseen and unworthy, this is for you. There is More Ahead of You is a poetic short story by Hannah Chung that captures humanity's deep longing for hope, joy, and love. Through colorful visuals and meaningful words, readers are presented with a refreshing outlook on life.

Hannah's book makes a great gift You can support Hannah by scanning the QR code to purchase her book.

for girls.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 47

BETTER EVERYDAY

Compost tea to the rescue! You can do your part by making plants happy and healthy. Plants clean the air and conserve soil. All of us encounter plants every day!

Compost tea is essentially the liquid produced from compost. Gross! Yet, it’s filled with beneficial micro-organisms (like bacteria and fungi). While some of us follow recipes and use specific ingredients to produce ideal nutrients in our “tea,” it can simply be the liquid discharge from your everyday consumption — that leftover bit of coffee, loose leaves from your tea bag, or that banana peel your kid left on the coffee table.

Before you discard those scraps, drain or squeeze out the liquid. Use it to feed your indoor or outdoor plants — if needed, dump your tea under a neighborhood tree!

compost

TEA story by | AMY JAYNE

I wish I could have captured Hes-Marié’s face when I suggested we feature compost tea in BLOOM. I’m a country girl and a coffee addict. The only tea in my life smells terrible and inhabits a giant barrel in my garden.

I live in rural Oregon. While I have a vast garden, horses for producing manure, and chickens for speeding up the breakdown of food scraps — composting isn’t just for the rural, farm folks. Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to give composting a shot. Food scraps in landfills produce methane — a gas more dangerous to our environment than carbon dioxide. Composting is a simple way to reduce waste and help the environment, even if your plants aren’t the direct benefactors. If you are a composting beginner, visit mybloommag.com for guidelines to get started.

Of course, not all people live in ideal conditions for composting. Outdoor bins can attract all kinds of animals, including bears, and can quickly become hazardous. Or perhaps you live in an apartment and your city doesn’t offer the service. Maybe you don’t have a garden. That’s okay! Bloom where you are planted!

Here are some tips and tricks for your everyday compost tea: All you need is a well-sealed container (like a mason jar with the lid) to collect your scraps. Add some hot water to get the “tea” brewing.

Take it easy on houseplants — don’t go dumping a load of compost tea into the soil immediately. Help them adapt by adding a few tablespoons each week. Outdoor plants will be more resilient!

For extra biodiversity, add a little soil or fish fertilizer to the brew. Even a few fallen leaves from your houseplants can be added.

Lastly, be sure to label your tea so your family doesn’t accidentally drink it!

Happy compost-tea-ing!

Amy Jayne

Cove, OREGON

Pastor Amy serves as Executive Director of Ascension School Camp and Conference Ceter and is passionate about stewarding resoures to advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and revitalization in her community. She and her family live in Eastern Oregon in their historic home, the Barton House Rectory.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 49

STRONGER

TOGETHER story by | KELLY ENFIELD

You hear so often New Year, New You. We love the idea of a fresh start, a new chapter, letting go of the past. God created you and loves you just as you are, but it’s okay to create a new version of yourself that allows you to show up best for those you care about.

When I started my health journey, I was not a runner and I was not fit. Growing up, I would do anything to get out of the mile run in school, and now I pay to run 13 miles?

How did this happen? How do you even start to get there?

Creating new habits is difficult and keeping them up even harder, but it’s never too late to start again.

Whether the pandemic hit you hard and you lost your momentum, or you have never quite been able to start on a fitness journey that sticks, here are a few helpful tips to get you back on track.

Get clear on your goal. This should be about more than your target weight. How will it feel mentally, 50

physically, and emotionally to achieve this goal?

How will working towards your goal impact your relationships, family, and energy?

Write down what it is you do not want and replace it with what you do. I knew that as a new mom, I didn’t want to be tired all the time. I wanted to be an active mom and not just looking forward to when I could take a nap. So I wrote: I don’t want to wake up searching for my first cup of coffee. I want to wake up in the morning energized and ready to take on the day.

Schedule in the time. I use the calendar app on my phone to schedule time to move my body. Shoot for consistency over duration. Give yourself the best chance of making it happen.

I love my sleep, but I’ve found that waking up before my kids gives me the best chance for success. I have time to workout and spend time in the Word before the day begins. This calms my mind and readies me for what the day will bring.

STRONGER Do you workout better in the morning or the evening?

Can you fit a walk in on your lunch break or while you take a call? Block out the time when you will have the most chance of success.

Kelly Enfield

Spokane, WASHINGTON

HOW TO STAY ON TRACK

Kelly is an athletic trainer turned homeschool her

high

boy-mom. school

Married

sweetheart,

to

both

Washington born and raised, she spends

1.

2.

3.

4.

Set

clear goals

Schedule Choose Find

her spare time among the trees camping, hiking, and exploring with her boys.

your workouts

exercises you love

accountability

Find something you love. Walking. Yoga. Resistance Training. There are so many ways to get moving. Don’t be afraid to try something new and mix it up. Adding in some resistance training is important for our bodies and will help maintain healthy bones and muscles as we age. I enjoy body weight strength exercises, and using resistance bands and weights. It’s also important to take time for stillness. Taking a ten minute break to stretch during your day can re-energize you and give your heart and mind time to accept new ideas.

Utilize your resources. I love free online programs and videos that make it easy to follow along at home.

Nourish, Move, Love has a great selection of workouts and recipes to help you stay fit. Fitness Blender is my other favorite resource for free workout videos. Maybe you love Apple Fitness or stay on track using the Nike Training Club app. Maybe you’re a Pelaton Girl or Beachbody is your thing. Check out your options and don’t be afraid to invest in a program that works.

Get accountable. Find someone who will join you in your journey and hold you accountable. Find a class you can go to or a friend you can meet up with to move. I am more likely not to hit snooze when I am meeting up with someone else! It’s also a great way to stay connected to friends and build each other up.

Consider printing out a calendar and checking off the days you move for 30 minutes or more. I challenge you to move 30 minutes for 20 days each month this season!

We can’t do it all, but we can all do something each day that will get us closer to having the energy to show up for whatever we're called to this year!

PL AY LIST SPRING 2022

SC

LI S

A N C O DE

TE N N O W

Kelly inspired us to get back on track by choosing a fitness routine that works for your lifestyle. This upbeat fitness playlist paired with your favorite activities will help you stay motivated this spring season.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 51

feast

FEAST

mimosas fruity flavor combinations you will love

recipes by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

Every celebration is better with a glass of bubbly. Try our fruity mimosas for your next spring get-together. I love to serve mimosas at a tea party, breakfast, or luncheon. Use a dry sparkling wine (I prefer Domain Ste. Michélle Brut) in the medium price range and the freshest fruit and juice available at your local market.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 53

fruity classic mimosa Champagne or sparkling wine orange juice blueberries raspberries Make the classic mimosa a little more exciting by adding fresh fruit. We added a couple of blueberries and raspberries to each glass. Fill the glass halfway with orange juice and finish filling with champagne. Cut a small triangle from one of the blueberries to decorate the rim.

summer strawberry mimosa Champagne or sparkling wine orange juice fresh strawberry puree fresh strawberries cut into small cubes Strawberries are a favorite in fruity cocktails. We made our fresh strawberry puree in a blender. Add about an inch of strawberry cubes to each glass. Pour enough strawberry puree to cover the fruit. Add two tablespoons of orange juice and fill the remainder of the glass with champagne. Garnish with a strawberry.

54

FEAST

tropical passion mimosa Champagne or sparkling wine orange juice passion fruit pulp (fresh or canned) fresh pineapple cut into small cubes fresh pineapple cut into a teardrop shape Plan your next escape to the tropics with a passionfruit mimosa. You can use fresh passionfruit or buy canned online if unavailable in your area. Add about four tablespoons of passion fruit to each glass. Add the pineapple cubes. Add about two tablespoons of orange juice and fill the glass to the rim with champagne. Garnish with pineapple.

pom blackberry mimosa Champagne or sparkling wine orange juice pomegranate juice orange zest blackberries Try our pomegranate blackberry mimosa for a slightly tart, less sweet mimosa. Break a couple of blackberries apart into tiny segments. Add about a tablespoon of blackberry segments to the bottom of each glass. Use an orange zester to slice thin pieces of orange peel into each glass. Add one tablespoon of pomegranate juice and about two tablespoons of orange juice to each glass and fill the rest of the glass with champagne.

Garnish with a blackberry and spiral of orange peel.

You can twist the orange peel around a skewer to make a mini spiral.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 55

delicious recipes for your spring tea party

recipe by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

Margie's Milk Tart South African Milk Tart is a custard dessert that originated from the settlers of the Dutch Cape Colony in the 17th century. Like American recipes for pumpkin pie, every South African mama has her own version of milk tart. I have fond childhood memories of sitting on the floor eating the delicious custard filling right out of the saucepan, a sweet tradition I have introduced to my kids. When I make milk tart, after filling the crust, I put the pot in the middle of the kitchen floor and give each boy a spoon and permission to lick and scrape away.

I got this recipe many years ago from Margie, my sister-in-law. Traditional Milk Tart is made with a baked crust, but this recipe uses a biscuit crust which is less time consuming and equally delicious. Instead of using a traditional pie dish, I make individual mini milk tarts in mini cupcake liners. It is the perfect little treat for your next tea party, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

56

FEAST

ingredients Crust 1 packet of tennis biscuits (or one sleeve of graham crackers) 4 tbsp melted butter

Custard 1 can of sweetened condensed milk 3 cans of whole milk (use the condensed milk can to measure) 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup corn starch 3 eggs, separated cinnamon sugar

put it together 1.

Line a 24-cup mini cupcake tin with mini cupcake liners.

2.

Crumb the tennis biscuits in a food processor. Slowly add the melted butter to the crumbs until combined. Scrape the wet crumbs into a bowl and make sure that the butter and crumbs are well mixed. Scoop approximately one tablespoon of crumbs into the liners. Use a muddler (I like the Oxo brand citrus and herb muddler) to lightly press down the crumbs to create a crust in the bottom of each cupcake liner. Refrigerate while you make the custard filling.

3.

To create the custard filling, you will need two large mixing bowls and a large saucepan.

Add the sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan. Use the empty can from the condensed milk to measure the whole milk. Add two cans of the whole milk and the vanilla to the condensed milk in the saucepan.

4.

Separate the eggs, whites in one of the bowls and yolks in the other. Whisk the egg whites with an electric mixer until they reach the soft peaks stage. Add the corn starch and one more can of whole milk to the yolks. Whisk with an electric mixer until frothy.

5.

Heat the milk in the saucepan, stirring constantly with a large whisk until almost boiling.

6.

Give the egg yolk mixture a quick whisk before adding it to the hot milk. Add all at once, whisking the mixture continuously until the custard thickens. Add the egg whites and whisk vigorously until very well incorporated into the custard. The custard will go from frothy to smooth. Let the filling cool slightly. Scoop the custard into each cupcake liner, filling to desired amount.

7.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and let cool completely in the refrigerator before removing from the cupcake tins.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 57

Historically, the proper time to eat a scone is during afternoon tea at 4:00pm, which makes these delicious treats perfect for our tea party this season. Commercially baked scones are usually round, and triangular or square when baking from home – perhaps because these shapes are easiest to cut. Scones do not contain yeast, so are closer related to a pastry, but they have a bread-like consistency. For a more traditional scone, try using non-white flour. You might also experiment with flavors and use orange instead of lemon, or omit the poppy seeds and substitute with cinnamon or cardamom.

Tea Party Scones recipe by | LYNDSEY WATSON

ingredients 3 cups flour ½ cup white sugar 4 ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp poppy seeds ¾ cup cold butter, cubed 1 egg 2/3 cup + 1 tbsp whole milk 2 medium-sized lemons 1 cup powdered sugar

PRO-tip Be sure the butter is cold and do not over blend the butter and flour mixture.

This helps guarantee a soft, light, and well-risen batch.

put it together 1.

2.

3.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds in large bowl.

Add cubed butter. Rub between your fingertips, smearing it into the flour to create small flakes.

You can also use a pastry cutter, but fingers work just fine!

4. Crack egg in medium bowl. Add 2/3 cup milk. Whisk until smooth.

5. Zest lemons using handheld zester or small holes of a box grater. Add lemon zest to egg mixture.

6. Cut lemons in half. Juice lemons into a small bowl and remove any seeds.

7. Add 3 tbsp of lemon juice to egg mixture and set aside remaining juice.

8. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together. It should be a clumpy, wet mixture, but not runny.

9. Pour dough onto lightly floured surface. Gather dough into a ball and gently knead 3-4 times until combined. Over-kneaded scones will not rise and will lose their light texture.

10. Cut dough in half and roll each half into a ball and then a 6-inch disc. Cut each disc into 6-8 triangles. For our tea party, we cut them about ½ the size.

11. Set scones on prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, approximately 13-15 minutes.

12. While baking, stir together powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Allow scones to cool before drizzling icing on top. Makes 12-16 scones.

58

FEAST

Making fruits kebabs for your Mother’s Day tea is a fun activity you can do with your kids. I have fond memories of sitting at the kitchen counter making fruit kebabs for all kinds of occasions with my mom. All it takes is a few small vegetable cutters, your favorite fruit, and a handful of skewers. Experiment with different fruit and cutters to create tasty kebabs to delight your guests.

Mini Fruit Kebabs recipe by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

BRIGH idea

ingredients

Save the leftover fruit in a container to make a smoothie the next day or freeze if you want to use it later.

Pineapple Kiwi Melon Strawberries Toothpick or mini skewer

put it together 1.

Cut the fruit about ¼ to ½ inch slices. Make sure it’s thick enough to hold together once on the skewer.

2.

Cut out the desired shapes from a variety of fruit.

3.

Carefully thread the fruit onto the skewer.

4.

We used a teardrop vegetable cutter and a flower cutter to create our fruit kebabs. Simple shapes work the best.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 59

Every tea party needs a delicious tea sandwich. My friend, Laurie, shared this recipe with me many years ago, and it remains a favorite among our family and friends. It calls for very few ingredients, but is oh so delicious. You might consider having it for lunch every day!

recipe by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN BRIGHT idea

Laurie’s Cucumber Sandwiches ingredients 8 ounces of cream cheese ½ packet of ranch seasoning (powder), approximately ½ ounce thinly sliced English cucumber dried dill weed 1 ½ loaves of white bread (I like to use farm style white bread or presliced French bread).

put it together 1.

2.

3.

60

Whip the cream cheese and ranch seasoning with an electric mixer until well incorporated. Spread mixture on each slice of bread, making sure to spread to the edges.

Layer thinly sliced cucumber on half of the bread slices and sprinkle with a dusting of dill weed. Top with the remaining slices of bread.

Remove the crusts on all sides of the sandwiches using a serrated bread knife. Cut each sandwich into the desired shape. You can cut skinny fingers, triangles, or use a large cookie cutter to create shapes.

This simple sandwich is perfect as is, but you can mix it up by adding prosciutto, ham, bacon bits, or microgreens.

CA L L I N G A L L C O O K S This year is Heritage Year and we want to feature your favorite family recipes. Please share them with us at

info@myBLOOMmag.com for a chance to be featured.

“ I wan t e d a p e r f e c t e n d i n g . Now I ' ve l e ar n e d , t h e h a r d way , t h a t s o m e p o e m s d o n ' t r hy m e , and some stories don't have a cle ar beginning, middle, and end.

L i f e i s ab o ut n o t k n ow i n g , h av i n g t o c h an g e , taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happ en next.

D e l i c i o u s A mb i g u i t y . ”

GILDA RADNER

HER STORYBOOK

We love giving writers of all ages a platform to tell their stories. This season we share essays written by women from all walks of life.

motherhood story by | AMY JAYNE Mother’s Day is complicated. Can we just say that aloud? Mother’s Day is a time of joy and celebration, but it also comes with pain, hurt, and even anguish for many women. As I wade into this reality, I encourage each of you to be gentle with yourselves.

This content is sensitive. It may be hard.

There are few who have not experienced or watched someone experience loss and suffering in the realm of mothering — a miscarriage, the death of a child, infertility, loss of a mother, abuse or neglect by a mother, adoption or fostering trauma, pregnancy termination, the pressure to be a mother when it is not desired, or even the daily and inevitable realities of parenting. I’ve named only some. When Mother’s Day comes around for those in the midst of these realities, it can be a painful reminder of loss rather than a celebration.

I was already cradling a baby bump and celebrating the news of a little girl in my womb when I knew 64

something was wrong. The loss went quickly. It’s still a blur. My family and friends were confused about how to react, what to say, if anything at all. I felt broken, empty, and alone.

Several weeks later, a friend called me and asked if she could visit me. I was anxious. Was this going to be awkward? Was I going to cry in front of her? She came to my door with flowers, coffee, and silence.

We sat in my living room. And then she cried. And then I cried.

To this day, that was the most healing moment.

Solidarity.

Every woman needs someone to sit down or stand up for her pain and suffering. In this season, I invite you into that vision. You know who these women are.

Let them know you are with them and for them.

HER STORYBOOK

A Prayer for Mother’s Day I want you to know I’m praying for you if you are like Tamar, struggling with infertility, or a miscarriage.

I want you to know that I’m praying for you if you are like Rachel, counting the women among your family and friends who year by year and month by month get pregnant, while you wait.

I want you to know I’m praying for you if you are like Naomi and have known the bitter sting of a child’s death.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you are like Joseph and Benjamin, and your mom has died.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if your relationship with your mom was marked by trauma, abuse, or abandonment, or she just couldn’t parent you the way you needed.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you’ve been like Moses’ mother and put a child up for adoption, trusting another family to love your child into adulthood.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you’ve been like Pharaoh’s daughter, called to love children who are not yours by birth (and thus the mother who brought that child into your life, even if it is complicated).

I want you to know I am praying for you if you, like many, are watching (or have watched) your mother age and disappear into the long goodbye of dementia.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you, like Mary, are pregnant for the very first time and waiting breathlessly for the miracle of your first child.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if your children have turned away from you, painfully closing the door on relationship, leaving you holding your broken heart in your hands. And like Hagar, now you are mothering alone.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if motherhood is your greatest joy and toughest struggle all rolled into one.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you are watching your child battle substance abuse, a public legal situation, mental illness, or another situation which you can merely watch unfold.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you like so many women before you do not wish to be a mother, are not married, or in so many other ways do not fit into societal norms.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you see yourself reflected in all or none of these stories.

This Mother’s Day, wherever and whoever you are, we walk with you. You are loved. You are seen.

You are worthy.

And may you know the deep love without end of our big, wild, beautiful God who is the very best example of a parent that we know.

Amen.

Sarah Bessey republished this prayer-poem, originally by Amy Young, adapted by Heidi Carrington Heath.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 65

TEACUPS story by | AMANDA LAUBSCHER The ritual of making a cup of tea — pouring hot water over the aromatic leaves in my favorite cup — has always brought a sense of calm and serenity to me. The cup has to be made from bone china, nothing else can provide the same aroma and flavor while the tea leaves unfurl before my eyes.

When my mother passed away almost 15 years ago, I received her beautiful Colclough bone china tea set and decided to start a collection to honor her memory. I add a new and unique teacup each year to celebrate my mother. Each cup has a story — some I bought while traveling, some were gifted by friends and family. My collection includes styles from the antique Royal Bayreuth made in Germany in the 1940s, to vintage Glendale Royal Stafford bone china made in England, to Royal Albert, and the more contemporary Wedgwood porcelain.

One of my favorites is a cup I found by chance at an antique market in the United States. It was the day I was introduced to a French co-worker of a dear friend of mine. She studied industrial ceramic engineering and came from the city of Limoges in France. We were on our way to Boston on a bus when we decided to stop at a small antique market. I saw this beautiful teacup and immediately knew that it would be my mom’s cup for the year. When I turned the cup over, it was stamped “PL Limoges France. M Redon LIMOGES.” It was such a special moment to 66

hold a hand-painted porcelain cup made in the city that, since the 19th century has been the premier manufacturing city of porcelain in France, and the hometown of the woman sitting next to me.

I use my mother’s teacup collection regularly at birthday high teas or afternoon tea with friends.

More often, however, I will choose a cup, find a quiet spot, and enjoy a hot cup of Earl Grey with a dash of milk and a teaspoon of sugar — remembering a kind, talented, beautiful, strong woman who was taken too soon.

Amanda Laubscher Queensland, AUSTRALIA

Amanda lives in the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, after a twenty two-year long adventure exploring and traveling the world with her husband. After many years practicing as a dentist, she now focuses her time on sharing and applying her life experiences and lessons learned along the way to make a positive impact in the world. She loves adventure hiking, swimming, baking, entertaining, and sitting around a fire with friends and a glass of shiraz in hand.

HER STORYBOOK

letting GO story by | JENN SCHNEIDER I’m a creature of habit. Some of those habits are good, like making sure to regularly express gratitude and appreciation when someone does something nice or helpful. Some of my habits are, well, I don’t want to say they’re bad, so we’ll just call them “endearing quirks.” For example, I always take my shoes off when I get home and place them on the floor next to where I sit on the couch in the living room.

The bad habi… I mean, endearing quirk *wink nudge* is that I don’t put them away when I go to bed. My husband dramatically planted a flag and declared the offending pile “Mt. Shoevius!” in my honor. (Yes, he does think he’s hilarious, how did you know?)

Another endearing quirk is my ability to ignore my Need-to-Finish Project List that is longer than my arm and find a new passion project instead. I’m really good at starting projects.

This years’ latest project came about when our sophomore in college informed us that she’ll be moving back home this summer to save money. You see, there’s a common area in our home we refer to as The Playroom. When our kids grew up, it sat largely unused and became a time capsule of their toys, artwork, and memories of their youth. With the impending return of our 20-year-old daughter, we thought this would be a good time to declutter and update that space. I didn’t know just how large an undertaking this would be until I was knee deep in it.

While my techie husband tackled the tangled nest of wires from multiple gaming systems, I turned my eye to the closet, determined to purge, minimize, and cleanse. I was tired of the clutter and frustrated at the accumulation of so much junk from years of holding onto things we hadn’t touched in ages.

Armed with trash bags I engaged my enemy, ready to wipe out anything that no longer served a purpose. I started off so strong and practical. My throw away pile was enormous, and my keep pile was minimal. Go me!

I wasn’t giving myself time to reminisce until… *dun dun DUN* I got to the Legos bin. As I began breaking apart my babies’ creations, my mind flooded with memories of us sitting with each child — building, laughing, making more than just towers. Then there were the Pillow Pets. I found myself sitting on the

floor in front of the closet hugging a panda pillow and picturing my little one’s heads laying so sweetly on the cushions while I read bedtime stories. It was at this moment when my youngest, almost 17, came over and put her hand on my shoulder. “Mom, are you crying?!” That’s when I broke, “Oh, yeah, great idea! Let’s just take their entire childhood and throw it in the trash!” My husband came over to comfort me by making fun of me. (That’s one of his endearing quirks.) Once I had quashed my tender rebellion with some self-deprecating laughter, I was able to regroup and refocus with a calmer sense of purpose.

I didn’t just clean out the closet, but I cleansed some emotional baggage as well. I thought I had to keep the toys to keep the memories, but I realized that’s not how it works. It’s okay to let go. I don’t need the toys to remember what we built or the stories we shared.

Who knew spring cleaning could be so cathartic?

Why did I wait so long to do this? I feel so good about the changes we’ve made and the space we’ve freed up. All those now empty bins can be repurposed as storage to organize other areas of my house. Watch out junk drawers, I’m coming for you! I feel more motivated than ever to get the rest of my house in order. Change is good! Maybe I’ll even start putting my shoes where they belong! Hm, on second thought, let’s not get crazy. Baby steps, people.

Baby steps.

Jenn Schneider Phoenix, ARIZONA

Jenn is a former-stay-at-home-almost-emptynester mom of three. She enjoys glamping and has a passion for photography. She is currently an elementary school librarian and lives with her husband and two dogs.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 67

notable reads EVY'S SPRING LIST This spring, Evy chose an exciting collection of reads.

Find a comfortable chair in front of a sunny window and give yourself permission to get lost in our notable reads.

Things I Learned from Falling

by Claire Nelson 2021

“I realize, now, that being vulnerable is not going to kill me.

But trying not to be vulnerable almost did.”

What should have been an ordinary day for Claire Nelson hiking a trail in Joshua Tree National Park turned into a nightmare.

This young, vibrant, and successful writer falls twenty-five feet to the desert ground and is terribly hurt, alone, and hidden from view. So begins the gripping memoir of Claire’s fight for survival. As we read about her harrowing experience, Claire also reflects on her struggles of everyday living: wrestling with loneliness, feeling stressed and burned out, and how to connect meaningfully with others in a world that is immersed in “likes” and “followers.” *Content Warning. Contains some profanity.

68

Diary of a Young Naturalist

By Dara McAnulty 2020

“I love dandelions. They make me feel like sunshine itself, and you will always see some creature resting on an open bloom, if you have a little patience to wait.

This vital source for all emerging pollinators is a blast of uplifting yellow to brighten even the greyest of days.”

A fourteen-year-old teenager from Northern Ireland, Dara McAnulty finds his joy and passion in the natural word. His memoir, written in diary format over one year, shares his excitement of witnessing the curiosities of nature, his challenges attending school and moving to a new house during the summer break, and the complexities he faces living with autism. Dara’s beautiful and poetic writing style helps us focus on the wonder of our surroundings and shows us how we are all connected to this constantly changing world.

News of the World

By Paulette Jiles 2016

“Life was not safe, and nothing could make it so, neither fashionable dresses nor bank accounts. The baseline of human life was courage.”

Set shortly after the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kidd, an aging widower and veteran of two wars, travels from town to town in Northern Texas making a living by reading newspapers aloud to paying audiences. Along the way, Captain Kidd is asked by a freedman to take a young orphan girl back to her extended family in Castroville. But in the four years since Johanna’s capture by the Kiowa tribe, she has acclimated to their way of life and now struggles with this new turn of events. The Captain and Johanna must travel through an unsettled territory on a long and sometimes perilous journey one that ends with a life-altering decision.

NOTABLE READS

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

The Vanishing Half

By Lisa See 2017

“Tea reminds us to slow down and escape the pressures of modern life.”

Born to the Akha people in the mountains of Southern China, Li-yan grows up learning the customs and traditions of her culture but is also educated in the new ways. When an outsider comes to her village looking for rare tea, it is Li-yan who must convince her family that opening themselves up to new practices is an opportunity for growth.

When Li-yan has a daughter out of wedlock, she rejects the rituals of her people to save her daughter’s life and abandons her in a nearby town. As Li-yan creates a new life for herself selling Pu’er tea, she longs to reconnect with her daughter.

Now in America, Haley struggles with her identity growing up as an adopted Chinese girl. She wonders constantly about her birth origins.

A beautiful story of a bond that connects a mother and daughter, the culture of a mountain people, and the richness of tea.

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

By Brit Bennett 2020

Educated

By Tara Westover 2018

“Everything I had worked for, all my years of study, had been to purchase for myself this one privilege: to see and experience more truths than those given to me by my father, and to use those truths to construct my own mind.”

Born to parents of ideological extremism in rural Idaho, and the youngest of seven children, Tara recounts growing up with a father who was paranoid of the government, hospitals, and the public school system. Her desire for knowledge opens the possibility of discovering a world beyond her home in Bucks Peak.

Growing up with no formal education and little homeschooling, one of Tara’s brothers teaches her how to read. Tara decides to educate herself in secret in the basement, pouring over textbooks she hides. Tara’s journey of education and the complicated relationship with her family and her home is unforgettable in this memoir. Educated reveals the transformative power of education and the courage it takes to leave behind all you know in order to grow. *Content Warning. Contains scenes of physical and emotional abuse.

“She hadn’t realized how long it takes to become somebody else, or how lonely it can be living in a world not meant for you.”

After running away as a teenager years ago, Desiree Vignes returns home to Mallard, Louisiana with her 8-year-old daughter, Jude, in tow. Desiree’s identical twin Stella also left their racist small-town community, but headed for New Orleans, and has now built a life in California passing as white. Each sister creates her own path while wondering what became of her other half. This story moves back and forth in time reflecting on the sisters’ past decisions which ultimately shape their daughters’ futures. It explores the depths one will go to feel accepted and beautiful.

Evy Lennard

Chicago, ILLINOIS

Evy lives in Chicago and enjoys exploring her city with its many splendors and imperfections.

She loves the diversity of God’s people, places, and cultures and traveling to see them. You will often find her outside in nature either walking, exploring, gardening, or reading a good book.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 69

Bundle & Save O ur

print edition is avail able

for purchase in bundles of two .

B uy

your bundle today

at my BLOOM mag . com .

NOTABLE READS

notable reads ELLE'S SPRING LIST Elle selected some of her all-time favorite books to share with our younger readers this season. Make a trip to your local library or build your collection at home with these spring reads.

Ban This Book

Zero Tolerance

by Claudia Mills

by E.L Kongigsburg

Sierra is a picture-perfect student, so when she discovers a knife in her mother’s lunch bag (which she took by mistake), Sierra immediately turns it in. But her school has a zero-tolerance rule, so she gets suspended and might even get expelled! What will Sierra do? Accept the rule and move on or fight back?

I didn’t expect that I would like this book, but it was quite good!

by Alan Gratz

Amy Anne loves to read. Her favorite book is From the Mixed-Up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler. One day she goes to the library to check out her favorite book, and she finds out it has been banned along with a whole list of other books! Amy Anne decides to make the B.B.L.L — the Banned Books Locker Library. With the help of a few friends, she tries to convince people that no one has the right to tell you what you can and can’t read. Except for your parents, of course! This was a fun read, and since I have read From the Mixed-Up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler, it was especially relatable.

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

From the Mixed-Up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler

Beautiful Blue World

Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, but not the old-fashioned way, with a knapsack. She doesn’t just want to run away from somewhere; she wants to run to something. And that place is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She also brings her brother Jamie, who is rich and can provide some money for the trip. Once at the museum, they discover Angel, a statue that might have been the work of Michelangelo. Claudia must find out who created Angel and get to the bottom of the mystery. This is one of my all-time favorite books — I have read it many times!

by Suzanne LaFleur

Sofarende is at war, which is where Mathilde and her friends and family live. For them, war means food shortages, bombing, and angry neighbors. At least Mathilde has her family and her best friend, Megs. But her family is struggling, and when she hears that the army is recruiting kids and paying their families, plus providing board and food, she wants to sign up and take the test. But she’s worried. If she gets picked, it could save her family, but it could also separate them forever. I read this book recently, and I thought it was great!

Old Yeller

by Fred Gipson

In the beginning, Travis hates Old Yeller — the dog is an ugly stray and a thief, too! However, Old Yeller is clever and can especially help Travis while Papa is away. Old Yeller proves that, ugly as he may be, he can protect Travis and his family from almost any sort of danger. I have read this book several times and loved it, but be warned it has a sad ending.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 71

Thistle Farms is one of our featured organizations. We want to continue highlighting the important work they do to support women who have overcome the odds. They have beautiful products available for purchase. When you support Thistle Farms, you help heal women survivors of human trafficking.

Visit thistlefarms.org today!

thistle farms LOVE HEALS EVERY BODY

bond

breathe new life into your

dust collectables 74

BOND story by | LYNDSEY WATSON While I don’t have many memories of my Great-Grandma Benson, I can clearly picture her hairstyle and the incredibly full walls in her small house. It felt like every surface of her home was filled with a memory. When she passed, all of her great-grandchildren inherited spoons. Yes, spoons.

She had hundreds of tiny souvenir travel spoons that she picked up on her travels around the world. We all received a spoon rack and handful of spoons to display. She also gave each of the girls a few teacups.

When we decided to focus on heritage as a theme in 2022, I realized just how many things have been passed down to me from the women in my family — most of which are recipes. However, from Grandma Benson, I have plants in my garden, spoons kept in a tin, and teacups on the top shelf of my kitchen. Because we live in a small home, everything in my home has a purpose — but her beautiful tea cups were simply collecting dust. With our tea party theme this season, I wanted to use them in some way. Transforming my antique teacups into candles may make you cringe, but for me it means I will enjoy them for a season when they would otherwise still be in a box.

When the candle is done, I will simply heat or chill the cup and the wax will come out.

1-2 inches of water in the large pot and heat on medium.

3.

Once you notice your wax starting to melt, stir and place the digital thermometer into the melting pot. This is how you will monitor your wax temperature. Do not heat the wax above 200°F. If wax is held at a higher temperature for long periods of time it may discolor. Do not leave your wax unattended.

4.

Once your wax temperature hits 185°F, you can add pieces of the dye block (if using) into the melted wax. Stir well, but not vigorously as it will cause air bubbles.

5.

Remove from heat.

6.

Add the fragrance oils next. You can use a single scent or combine to create a new scent. Lift your spoon out of the mixture to smell the strength.

Keep in mind that melted wax has a stronger scent level and when it cures, the scent level will tone down until you light the candle. I added about 15 drops of vanilla scent.

7.

Check the temperature of the wax and stir to ensure fragrances and dyes are completely mixed in. When the temperature is around 130160°F, it is ready to pour. Move your container to a flat surface and slowly pour your wax into each container. After pouring, do not disturb the container until the wax is completely set. This can take 24-48 hours at room temperature. Be sure to wipe out the melting pot so it’s ready for the next set of candles.

8.

If the candle tops are not smooth, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun on the top. Once the wax is fully set, trim the wick to ¼ inch above the surface of the candle.

Do you have mementos that are collecting dust?

How can you bring them out and give them new life, remembering and honoring the people or memories they represent?

Even if you don’t have antique teacups that have been passed down through generations, you can purchase new or scour your local thrift or antique store. Candle making is fun and easy — and you really can use just about anything as a container.

what you’ll need Melting pot Mixing spoon Cotton wicks Bow tie clips & glue dots Soy wax Candle tins/containers Digital thermometer 1.

2.

Anchor the wick to the bottom of your container using a glue dot. Stabilize it at the top of your container with a bow tie clip.

When melting wax, the double boiler process is always recommended to ensure it melts at an even rate. Place your wax into the melting pot – I used my tea cup to measure two cups of wax.

Place your melting pot within a larger pot. Add

pro-tips • • •

•

Do not overfill.

Do not put your candle in the fridge or freezer in an attempt to speed up the process.

This can be a messy project. Cover your workspace to ensure easy clean-up. I used parchment paper.

Trim the wick regularly. Long wicks will cause black smoke as well as accelerate the burning life of the candle.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 75

WE ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE CEDAR&OAK TO THE AMAZING MEN IN OUR LIVES! SIMILAR TO BLO OM, BUT WRITTEN FOR MEN, WE WILL SHARE ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, AND STORIES TO INSPIRE YOU TO GROW DEEP RO OTS.

C E L E B R AT E H E R W I T H

BREAKFAST IN BED Give her the morning off with breakfast in bed. Making a beautiful breakfast tray for the woman you love might sound intimidating, but with a bit of planning (and help from the kids), you will take her breath away.

This easy breakfast is one of our family favorites — don't hesitate to make it your own and put your spin on it.

buy a bag, support a teen, change a future

CEDAR&OAK

1. A COUPLE OF WEEKS IN ADVANCE Make sure you have the following items to set the tray. If not, find time to order online or stop by a local store: a tray, placemat, pretty plate, utensils, little bowl for the syrup, a stem vase, napkin and ring, card

Trail Youth Coffee home is a non-profit coffee shop and roastery dedicated to providing free services to teenagers. After the founders witnessed the conditions vulnerable teens faced in the area, Trail Youth was born. The coffee home now provides barista training, coffee roasting, media experience, and more to help teens thrive.

All of our programs exist to remind youth that they are loved, valued, worthy, and have a purpose.

Get 25% off on your next purchase in-store and online.

USE CODE TY25.

Ends May, 31st , 2022

2. THE DAY BEFORE It’s time to buy the fresh ingredients for breakfast. For your pancake breakfast, you will need: bacon, your favorite pancake mix, fresh strawberries and raspberries, cream, maple syrup, and flowers. We used a couple of white stock (Matthiola incana) flowers for our tray, but tulips and roses are good choices too.

3. ON THE DAY Bring her favorite morning beverage (think coffee) to bed while preparing breakfast. You can also involve the kids to help you prep. One can set the tray while another cuts the fruit and whip the cream while you cook the bacon and pancakes.

Shop today at

trailyouthcoffee.com

Let us know how your morning went (good or bad) and send us a picture of your preparations or breakfast tray for a chance to be featured in a future issue of BLOOM Magazine. Please submit your images to info@mybloommag.com.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 79

story by | LYNDSEY WATSON

While my house does not fall within the official “tiny house” square footage, it certainly gets close, coming in at just over 1100 square feet. Our family is constantly looking for creative storage options and multi-use spaces. One thing I wish my house had is a pantry. I love my kitchen, but there just isn’t enough space for pantry items. I’ve tucked baking items in a cupboard and soup on a top shelf — but where do I put cereal or extra coconut milk or chip bags?

Enter the idea of repurposing my hall closet, which happens to be just around the corner from the kitchen. Instead of the shelves of batteries and lightbulbs with a rarely used coat rack down below, what if I added floorto-ceiling shelves and transformed the closet into my pantry?

CREATE A PANTRY IN YOUR

HALL CLOSET 80

SPACES

1.

Remove all existing hardware, patch holes, and repaint. I used BEHR Dolphin Grey from Home Depot.

2.

Plan out your space. Measure twice, buy once... but keep your receipts just in case. I purchased ClosetMaid pieces and white bins from Target.

3.

Always purchase bins in white. Even if you love the red or teal bin colors one season, there is no guarantee they will be in stock or in style next season. Even gray bins can differ in shade season to season.

4.

I bought more bins than I needed for this project and returned the unused bins later. This meanthis step didn’t hold me up – I wasn’t sure exactly how the closet would be laid out, so buying more than I needed allowed me to organize to the full potential rather than being stuck with only certain size bins.

5.

Hang your shelves and experiment with different heights. I chose the ClosetMaid system because I can easily adjust the shelf height. Be sure to anchor into a stud!

6.

Gather everything you want to put in your new space. Using your variety of bins, get organized!

You may start in a larger bin and downsize, or you may realize you have way more pasta than you thought possible and a bigger bin is necessary. After you organize, label your bins. Successfully using a new organizational system is often about forming a new habit, and until you have built those habits, labels will save you.

It’s been a few months since I repurposed the closet for a pantry. It’s not perfect and I've had to rearrange, reorganize, and relabel the bins a few times, but each time I open the door it brings me joy. It’s clean and functional – plus, now I know where to look for pasta before buying more.

Lyndsey Watson

North Bend, WASHINGTON

Pastor Lyndsey is our co-editor and serves as the Ministry Specialist for Covenant Kids Congo, a partnership of the Evangelical Covenant Church and World Vision. She and her husband, Tom, have two children and live in North Bend, Washington. She loves to garden and take adventures with her family.

fine&dandi from Cape Town, South Africa At BLOOM, we want to help artists and small businesses thrive. Growing a business from the ground up is challenging, so we give women in business our continued support.

Fine and Dandi is one of our featured artists. Candice finds inspiration on the beach and mountains of Cape Town, South Africa. With a heart for nature and an eye for delicate details, this talented crafter always surprises with unique one-of-a-kind works of art.

You can support her small business by following her on social media or purchasing from her Facebook store @finedandi.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 81

82

timeless blue

SPACES story by | LISA BOQUIST Most people might walk right by a piece of abandoned furniture — dented and covered in layers of uneven paint. But I’ve discovered the joy and satisfaction of breathing life back into pieces with history. While I’m working on a piece, my mind wanders, and it feels like meditation. I think about who might have created the piece, who it belonged to, and what it might have been used for. It is so fun to sand or strip paint away and see what lies beneath. Just like with all of us, layers of life events have covered up parts of ourselves, but we can work to uncover the beauty found just below the surface.

We found the coffee bar in a second-hand store in La Grande. It was sitting outside and my daughter, Reilley, and I were immediately drawn to it, even though it was the ugliest yellow color and had definitely seen better days. When I opened the drawers, I saw they were made using joinery, similar to tongue and groove — the mark of a nicer piece of carpentry. We inquired about the price, and the clerk said $10. SOLD! Reilley wanted a coffee bar for her new house and it would be perfect. We put the dresser in my car and discussed its potential the whole way home.

I started the project by removing the drawers and taking a good look at the state of the piece. The drawers needed a little reinforcing, so we used a nail gun to secure pieces of quarter round around the interior edges of the drawers. I removed the old knobs and ordered gold handles to match the handles on Reilley's kitchen cabinets. While we were investigating the drawers, we discovered locking mechanisms that had been painted over! I dug out the paint around the keyholes and ordered pretty gold key mechanisms to go on the completed drawers.

reach a wooden surface. This baby had A LOT of layers of paint! After I cleaned off the chemicals, I could see burn marks and deep scratches, but not yet the character of the wood underneath. After using a belt sander, a circular sander, and lots of sandpaper, I was finally able to see the beautiful wood grain. I am not certain what type of wood the dresser is made of, but boy, is it pretty! After detail sanding along the edges, a coat of Ultimate Polyurethane by Varathane gave it a beautifully smooth surface that won't be damaged by water.

For the body of the dresser, Reilley wanted navy blue. We found the perfect shade at Home Depot — a chalk decorative paint made by BEHR called “timeless blue.” I lightly sanded the body of the dresser, paying special attention to obvious imperfections. Chalk paint doesn’t require a lot of prep, covers easily, and is forgiving even for a beginner.

If I had to do it again, I think I would apply a primer coat since the yellow was obnoxious and harder to cover than anticipated.

After a few coats of paint, it was ready to be waxed.

I recently discovered Maison Blanche black chalk wax, and it is FABULOUS. This wax paired with a chalk paint takes on deep, rich tones. Using a soft cloth, I applied the wax to the painted portions of the dresser, making sure to rub it in well. The result was a beautiful, dark blue sheen.

We added legs to the dresser to make it taller. There was slight damage to the bottom of the dresser, so my husband helped rebuild those sections and installed the legs. After some touch-ups, I applied the same polyurethane to the painted surfaces, installed the keyholes, and the new gold handles. Complete!

The entire process took a few hours each day for several days. This piece has become my favorite transformation so far. I have a pile of additional projects waiting for me in the garage and I’m excited to see what potential I discover within each of them!

LISA BOQUIST Cove, OREGON

Before painting the dresser "timeless blue"

Lisa grew up in Issaquah, Washington, and met her husband in high school. They got married a little over 30 years ago and settled in the Grande

There was no way a piece with so much potential could remain such a disastrous yellow, so I went to work on stripping the paint from the top of the dresser to see what we were working with. It took two applications of Citristrip Stripping Gel to finally

Ronde Valley of Eastern Oregon about 22 years ago. They have two adult children who live a few hours away. She is an administrator and executive assistant in the Episcopal Church.

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 83

organize YOUR RIDE

story by | SUSAN GILLESPIE

Are you tired of getting into a car littered with goldfish cracker crumbs on the seats? Forgotten sippy cups in the backseat? Or smelling those sweaty workout clothes you tossed in back?

When the chaos of life is all around you, and you don’t think you’ll ever see the end of the mess, I believe your car can still be the chariot of your dreams. With a few reminders and tips, your car can be a haven of tranquility, a vessel to victory, and a space of your complete control.

84

SPACES

HANDY TIPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR RIDE Remove all clutter — you don’t need that extra packet of ketchup, 87 hair ties, receipts from Starbucks, the gym bag you might use someday, your kid’s sweatshirt, or napkins from every fast-food restaurant in town.

Organize your glove compartment for easy access to important documents (“license and registration ma’am”). Add a plastic cup or something to collect spare change in your center console or side door.

Don't forget a trash bag or container!

I strongly recommend you purchase and install the Drop Stop gap fillers between your seats and the center console. As shown on Shark Tank, these are proven to save you from accidents when you drop your phone, or those pesky french-fries fall down the crack.

Every time you stop for gas, you can empty your trash bag, shake out your floor mats, or wash your windshield while waiting for your tank to fill. You can also keep a duster or rag in your glove compartment and use it to dust all surfaces within reach whenever you have a second — at a long light, or in the pick-up/drop-off line at school.

On a regular basis (shoot for once or twice a month) vacuum your car, wipe down the threshold, and dust between the seats, your dash, and around the steering wheel.

When you and everyone who rides with you brings something into the car — remove everything as soon as you get home! Building this habit for you and your passengers will keep your car free of everyone else’s clutter.

If you follow these tips, the next time you go to your car and open the door, you will feel the peace and satisfaction of sliding into a clean and organized ride. Drive on ladies!

Susan Gillespie

Snoqualmie, WASHINGTON

Susan is a wife, mom and business professional with a passion for playing softball, providing housing solutions and helping people build a positive relationship with money and find new careers. Susan

the Snoqaulmie gnome maker We featured the Snoqualmie Gnome Maker last season. Marian is a talented crafter from our own Snoqualmie Valley.

We fell in love with her adorable gnomes and wanted to share them with you. She creates gnomes for all occasions and custom gnomes are her specialty. After consulting with her client, she thoughtfully designs a gnome that reflects the personality of your loved one. You can send fabric from a favorite blanket or piece of clothing. To order a custom gnome contact Marian via her Facebook page. @snoqualmiegnomes

enjoys all sorts of adventurous activities and global travel, as well as cleaning and re-organizing every space in her house (and cars).

BLOOM Magazine - SPRING 2022 | 85

MAY DAY BOUQUET story by | HES-MARIÉ HUMAN

May Day is celebrated in many ways including making baskets with flowers and treats and leaving a surprise gift for a friend or neighbor.

This May Day, make your neighbor's day lovely by creating this easy-to-assemble bouquet and leaving it at their door. Buy tulips or daffodils from your local grocery store and re-wrap the flowers in brown paper and a bow. You can also buy a collection of spring blooms to create a beautiful spring mix.

This sweet tradition does not have to be limited to May Day. Several of our neighbors left candy or flowers at our front door during the pandemic. You never know who might need a little encouragement on a random day. When my garden is in full bloom during the spring and summer months, I love to surprise my friends and neighbors with a colorful bouquet from my garden. Follow these simple steps to create your May Day or any day bouquet.

Supplies Flowers Sharp scissors Brown paper Parchment paper Paper towel Kitchen twine A small plastic bag Burlap ribbon

Step 1 Cut a square about 24 by 24 inches from the brown paper. Cut a smaller square, the width of the parchment paper role. Lay it out on your work surface.

Step 2 Prepare the flowers by removing the lower half of the leaves from each stem. Sort the flowers into piles and lay them out on your work surface.

Step 3 Start with one large flower or three smaller flowers in the same color and variety for the center of your bouquet.

Step 4 Add flowers at an angle around the center flower(s). Continue to add flowers in groups of ones, twos, and threes, making sure to repeat the same color at least three times throughout the bouquet. When done, tie the stems with an elastic ribbon or rubber band and trim the stems to make them even.

Step 5 Wet the paper towel and wrap it around the bottom of the stems. Wrap with a plastic bag and secure the bag with kitchen twine.

Step 6 Lay the flowers on the paper diagonally. Fold the bottom corner of the brown paper up.

Step 7 Fold both sides in so they overlap.

Step 8 Gather the bottom of the brown paper where the stems are and tie a bow with the burlap ribbon.

This season's playlist features songs of hope, strength, and transformation. God's love for us is transformative — He can take our brokenness and make us new again.

May these songs renew your hope in our faithful God. We also included songs for Mother's Day. Might they bring back sweet memories of the strong women in our lives who inspire and mother us.

PL AY LIST SPRING 2022

SC

LI S

A N C O DE

TE N N O W

COMING SOON SUM M E R B B Q

Order your SUMMER issue today at myBLOOMmag.com

TEAM

what is your favorite beverage?

92

Lyndsey Watson

Susan Gillespie

CO-EDITOR

CONTRIBUTOR

moscow mule

diet pepsi

Abi Wall

Amanda Laubscher

JUNIOR EDITOR

CONTRIBUTOR

coffee

cold rainwater

Jenn Schneider

Astrid Anson

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

amaretto sour

chai tea

Amy Jayne

Hannah Chung

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

kombucha

bubble tea

Elle Watson

Lisa Boquist

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

cove drive-in milkshake

morning coffee, evening wine

Kelly Enfield CONTRIBUTOR

iced espresso

SCAN THE CODE TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS

w o m e n

sour beer

e m p o w e r i n g

champagne

w o m e n

CONTRIBUTOR

a r e

Evy Lennard

EDITOR IN CHIEF

w e

Hes-Marié Human

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

JOHN 5:15

BLOOM Magazine™ (ISSN 2770-6265) SPRING 2022, Issue 8 - TRANSFORM BLOOM Magazine™ is published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter by hesmarieH® LLC 7026 Strouf Ave SE Snoqualmie, WA, 98065 info@myBLOOMmag.com myBLOOMmag.com

where you are planted

subscribe today at myBLOOMmag.com