Class Notes: Flower Arranging Made Easy!

Flower Arranging Made Easy

Kathy Whitman

1. What is the purpose of the arrangement?

How will it be viewed?

How large should it be?

What shape will work best?

What style? Formal/informal, loose/buttoned-up

2. Choose a container or vase:

Tall? Short and round? Urn-shaped?

Color/texture of container - formal/informal

Water or foam?



Urn shaped / Triangle / Bud vase / round bowl--basket

3. The answers above will help determine the structure of your arrangement - round? One-sided? So people can talk over it? For the mantel? Table?

4. Choose your greens and flowers

Not only colors, but shapes and textures, large, small - again consider the setting in which it will be viewed.

Colors: warm greens (IE Warm -- yellow-green, green work well with apricot, reds, yellows, magentas, blues - clear colors. Cool -- softer gray-greens go well with pinks, purples, darker reds, whites.)

Monochromatic is soft, peaceful - bright colors are exciting.

5. Based on all factors above, you begin with structure/form: (Vase arrangement can/should be 1.5 - 2 time the height of the vase. Just a general rule of thumb.) Look for balance - weighted appropriately at the base, using dense flowers / strong colors there.

6. Whatever form you choose,

Vary heights, up and down

Vary depths, in and out

Cross the edge of container with softness

Stiff vs. arching - nice to mix for graceful look

Flowers and foliage for cutting gardens

Sun lovers:

Early Season:

Iris

Tulips

Astilbe

Viburnum (Snowball)

Alchemilla Mollis (Ladies mantle)

Delphinium

Syringa

Cornus (Dogwood)

Later Season:

Roses

Sunflowers - annual and perennial

Dahlias

Cosmos

Stachys

Lilies

Ornamental grasses - green, varigated, pennisetum rubrum

Echinacea

Daisies

Achillea (yarrow)

Penstemmon

Salvia

Scabiosa

Rudbeckia

Crocomia (Lucifer)

Solidago

Thalictrum

Zinnia

Calla lily

Lysimachia clethroides (gooseneck loosestrife)

Liatris spicata

Gypsophilia

Gladiolus

Chrysanthemum

Clematis

Aster

Amaranthus

Shade lovers:

Hosta

Aquilegia (columbine)

Hellebore

Galanthus (Snowdrops)

Monarada (Bee balm)

Primula

Myosotis (Forget-me-not)

Japanese Anemone

Japanese Maple

Rhododendron

Hydrangea

Class notes: Veggie Gardening

Veggie Gardening

Kathy Whitman - OSU Master Gardener

Plant what you like to eat.

• Don't plant what you don't like!
• Don't plant too much. Consider how many zucchinis and cucumbers one plant will produce - tomatoes too. Maybe 2 cherry type, 2-3 large type. Decide what type of beans and peas - bush of climbing. (Climbing veggies need a structure to climb on) Be sure to get cages for tomatoes.

Plant with good companions

Cool season crops (plant in March)

• broccoli
• spinach
• lettuce

Plant herbs you will use - parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, sage

Plant flowers for cutting - cosmos, zinnias, ammi majus, snapdragon, sweet peas

Use mulch to keep weeds down

Use a drip hose, if possible. If not, water in the am so the leaves can dry before nightfall.

Class Notes: Advice for Single Sisters

Become the BEST Version of You!

notes from presenter Brooke Jeppson

1. Turn your life over to the Lord.

• Submit your will: "The submission of one's will is placing on God's altar the only uniquely personal thing one has to place there. The many other things we "give" are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us." (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, If Thou Endure It Will, pg 54)
• Trust Him: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Learn to make acceptable offerings: "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." (Omni 1:26)
• The Lord has not forgotten you, so don't you forget Him: "For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (1 Nephi 21:15-16)
• The Lord ALWAYS fulfills His promises! "Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?" (Doctrine and Covenants 58:31)
• Build a personal relationship with your Savior
• Embrace the gospel

2. Enlist in Great and Noble Causes

• "There is a spark of greatness within every one of us - a gift from our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. What we do with that gift is up to us. Love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength. Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning. Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others. Create of your life a masterpiece." (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 2006 pg 101)
• "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-28)
• "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:24)
• "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish - and in effect save their lives." (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Nov. 2009 pg 85)
• "Man's greatest happiness comes from losing himself for the good of others." (Pres. David O. McKay, Conference Report, Oct. 1963 pg 8)
• Put your heart and soul into magnifying your callings and visiting teaching.
• "You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others." (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand a Little Taller, pg 26)
• "In my travels across the world, I have seen that thousands upon thousands of you who do not currently have a husband or children are an incredible reservoir of faith, talent, and dedication. No one is better positioned than you to work in temples, serve missions, teach the rising generation, and help those who are downtrodden. The Lord needs you." (Julie B. Beck, Ensign, Nov. 2008 pg 110)

3. Personal Revelation

• Study, prayer, and fasting: "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." (Helaman 3:35)
• "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)
• "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another." (Doctrine and Covenants 90:24)
• Go to the temple as often as you can
• Read your patriarchal blessings frequently
• Ask for priesthood blessings when needed
• Keep the commandments and honor your covenants
• Record spiritual experiences in your journal and revisit them often
• Cultivate an atmosphere that invites the Spirit into your home
• Know that YOU ARE LOVED and never question your self-worth
• Ask yourself, "What does the Lord want me to learn from this experience?"

4. Choose to be Happy Now

• Discover the things you love to do and have fun!
• Take advantage of opportunities that come your way
• Stay positive: "And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." (Doctrine and Covenants 78:18)
• Express gratitude: "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." (Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1992 pg 54)
• Build meaningful friendships and keep in touch with old friends.
• Enjoy your independence and pamper yourself occasionally!
• Develop your talents and use them to bless others
• "Come what may, and love it...the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness." (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov 2008 pg 26)
• "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Move forward with your life: "Sisters...If you are just marking time waiting for a marriage prospect, stop waiting. You may never have the opportunity for a suitable marriage in this life, so stop waiting and start moving. Prepare yourself for life - even a single life - by education, experience, and planning. Don't wait for happiness to be thrust upon you. Seek it out in service and learning. Make a life for yourself. And trust in the Lord. Your dedication of a lifetime should follow King Benjamin's advice to be "calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come" (Mosiah 4:11) (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, CES Fireside, May 1, 2005 pg 7)
• "For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:4 see 2-4)

Even More Women's Conference Luncheon Recipes!

Cream Puffs

from: Marla Zupancic

Puffs:

1 c. water

6 T. unsalted butter

1/4 t. salt

1 c. all purpose flour

4 eggs

Sauce:

1 c. whipping cream

1/3 c. granulated sugar

1/3 c. light corn syrup

12 oz bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

2 t. vanilla

Filling:

2 c. whipping cream, whipped (sweetened slightly with 1/4 c. powdered sugar)

Cover one cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil for baking the puffs.

To make puffs: Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring water, butter and 1/4 t. salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove pan from heat, stir in flour all at once and return pan to the heat and beat the paste with wooden spoon for about 30 seconds. Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir for 30 seconds to cool. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, stirring smooth after each addition.

arrange 24 teaspoons of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared pan. Bake the puffs about 15 minutes or until they are will risen and golden. Then open the oven for a few seconds to let out some heat, lower the temp to 350 degrees, and bake for about 15 minutes longer until they are deep golden brown and crisp. Cool the puffs on a rack.

For advance preparation, place in a plastic bag and freeze. If using the puffs the next day, just refrigerate.

To make sauce: Bring the cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve sugar. Turn off heat, add bittersweet chocolate and vanilla and shake pan gently to submerge the chocolate. Let stand 2 minutes, then whisk smooth. Pour the sauce into a clean jar or heat proof container, cover and refrigerate until 1 hour before needed.

To assemble: cut room temp puffs in half with a serrated sharp knife. With a small spoon, scoop out any doughy portion of the inside of the puff. Using a small spoon, dollop a generous amount of whipped cream into the bottom half of the puff. Replace top of puff onto the top of the whipped cream. Repeat for each puff.

To warm the chocolate sauce, bring a medium pan of water to a simmer and stand the jar of chocolate sauce in the water. Continue heating, stirring sauce occasionally, until it is warm.

Ladle a tablespoon of sauce over each puff. Refrigerate the puffs until ready to serve.

Lemon Cupcakes

from: Marla Zupancic

2 2/3 c. cake flour

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

2 cubes (1 c.) unsalted butter (softened)

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 t. lemon extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

2. In a small bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in granulated sugar, beat 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time until well blended; beat in lemon extract. Beat in flour mixture, alternating with buttermilk, just until smooth. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly pressed. Let cool, top with frosting.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cube unsalted butter (softened)

1 8 oz package cream cheese (softened)

4 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla

1/4 t. lemon extract

Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add sugar and flavorings and beat until creamy and light.

More Women's Conference Luncheon Recipes!

Zucchini Quiche

from: Marisa Rockwood

1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

2 T. Butter

1 lb zucchini, grated (approx. 3)

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 c. ricotta cheese

1/2 c. half and half

3 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 t. salt

1/2 t. dried oregano leaves

1 t. freeze dried basil

1/4 t. garlic powder

dash pepper to taste

paprika to taste

1. after forming crust in the pie pan, prick bottom the bottom of the pastry with a fork thoroughly. Bake at 425 degrees for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

2. In a small skillet, saute zucchini in butter until tender (about 5 min) Drain in colander to remove all juices. Set aside.

3. In a 2 c. measuring cup, measure the 1/2 c. half and half, and add 1 c. ricotta cheese to make the mixture 1 1/2 c. in the measuring cup.

4. In a large bowl, mix together the zucchini, ricotta mixture, both mozzarella and sharp cheeses, eggs, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, pepper and paprika. Pour into crust.

5. Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Nanaimo Bars

from: Lois Lundrigan

bottom layer:

1/2 c. butter

5 T. cocoa

1/4 c. white sugar

1 egg, beaten

2+ c. graham cracker crumbs

1 c. coconut

1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Combine butter, sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan. Bring slowly to a boil. Turn off heat and stir in egg until thickened. Add crumbs, coconut, and nuts. Pack very firmly into 13x9 inch pan. Pop into freezer until next layer.

second layer:

1/3 c. butter

4 T. milk

2 T. Birds custard powder*

3 c. powdered sugar (approx)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well, adding a few drops more milk if needed for ease of spreading. Spread over first layer.

third layer:

3/4 c. chocolate chips

3-4 T. butter

Melt chips and butter in saucepan over low heat or in microwave. Spread over 2nd layer. Chill. Store in refrigerator.

*To make Midnight Mint Bars: substitute Birds custard powder with 1 t. peppermint flavoring and tint green with food coloring.

Women's Conference Luncheon Recipes!

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

from: Marla Zupancic

1 (16oz pkg) macaroni pasta

3 c. whole milk

2 c. heavy cream

1 t. salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 T. cornstarch

1 T. flour

1/4 c. cold water

1 1/2 lbs (24 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

6 T. butter, melted

2 C. bread crumbs

1. In a large stock pot over high heat, bring 6 quarts salted water to a boil. Add pasta and boil according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, set aside.

2. preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9 baking dish

3. In a large saucepan over medium high heat bring milk and cream to a gentle boil. Add salt and pepper. Mix cornstarch, flour and water together. Whisk into milk mixture, continuing to cook until thickened slightly. Whisk in cheese. Place cooked pasta in baking dish and pour cheese sauce over pasta.

4. Combine melted butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle over pasta/cheese mixture. Cover with foil and place in oven. Bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and return to oven. Bake an additional 20 minutes or until bread crumbs become golden brown.

makes 12 - 1 cup servings.

Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

from: Marla Zupancic

6 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 c. chopped fresh basil

3 T. fresh lemon juice

1 shallot, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

salt and pepper

1 lb asparagus, tough ends trimmed and sliced thin on the bias

2 (9 oz) packages fresh cheese tortellini

1/4 c. pine nuts

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

1 oz (1/2 c) Parmesan cheese, grated

1. Whisk the olive oil, basil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, 1/2 t. salt, and 1/2 t. pepper together in a bowl large enough to hold the salad.

2. Cook the asparagus in 4 quarts boiling water seasoned with 1 T. salt until tender, about 3 min. Transfer the asparagus to a colander using a slotted spoon (Do not discard the boiling water) and run under cold water until cool. Shake out any excess water and toss the asparagus with the vinaigrette.

3. Return the water to a boil, add the tortellini and cook until tender following package instructions. Drain the tortellini thoroughly, then toss while hot with the asparagus and dressing. Refrigerate until chilled about 30 minutes.

4. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Just before serving, stir the toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and Parmesan into the salad and season with salt and pepper.

To make ahead:

The tortellini salad can be prepared, covered and refrigerated a day in advance. Before serving, freshen the salad with a spoonful of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. At this point, add the pine nuts, tomatoes and Parmesan. Toss and serve.

P.R.O. Scripture Study - Sis. Bobbie Poppleton

These are the handouts from Sister Bobbie Poppleton's class, Going PRO in Scripture Study.

Women's Conference

Welcome!

Welcome Sisters!

We are trying something new here. This blog has been designed as a quick reference point for information from the Stake Relief Society. First and foremost, most (if not all) of the handouts from the upcoming Women's Conference will be available here. If you didn't get a handout, or misplaced yours, or didn't get to attend a class that looked interesting, check back here within the next week, and hopefully we will have it all here! Enjoy the conference!