the pansy fairy and vanilla beans

sweet malle from touching the sky is easier for birds sent me this precious postcard.

it's a print from the adorable flower fairy alphabet by cicily mary baker. there are flowers (and faeries) just like these in my garden.=)

did you know that pansies are edible? i love to brighten my meals with the beautiful blooms. the breakfast smoothie above consists of vanilla bean, banana, strawberry, cucumber, carrot, garden spinach and chia seeds. the first three ingredients make it taste like dessert!

source

vanilla has always been a favorite of mine - vanilla ice cream, scented candles and even perfumes. through amazon i discovered an unbeatable deal on vanilla beans - 54 beans for $22.29 (free shipping)! this averages to less than 42 cents a bean, when they're going for 4 dollars a bean at the local health food store.

the package arrived just a few days after ordering and the beans are of good quality. i've been enjoying them in my smoothies and with nettles, chamomile and mint tea. to preserve the beans i've vacuum-sealed bags of about 12 each with my new mini food saver. more on that later.

wishing you all lovely days full of simple pleasures!=)