The Gathered Life Blog

Looking for an amazing dinner that's quick and special? Check out this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta! It's full of zesty flavor, absolutely delicious, and it only takes 20 minutes to make – perfect for those hectic nights when you want a gourmet meal in no time. And the best part? It's made with wholesome ingredients, so it's not just a fast meal. Are you a vegetarian? No worries! You can easily swap the shrimp for tofu or mushrooms. Let's get cooking and turn dinner into an unforgettable experience!

Feeling overwhelmed by endless home decor inspiration? Us too! But fear not, because we're here to help you unveil your dream home style. Imagine walking into a space that perfectly reflects your personality. A place that feels both stylish and comfortable, a true extension of you. This email is your key to unlocking that dream! Inside you'll find: A visual tour of 7 popular home decor styles: Modern, Scandinavian, Farmhouse, Industrial, Bohemian, Mid-Century Modern, and French Country. Each with stunning visuals to spark your imagination! The hottest trends for 2024: From curved furniture in modern spaces to sustainable touches in farmhouses, discover what's new and exciting in the world of home decor. A quick and fun quiz: Answer a few simple questions and we'll reveal your design DNA! Are you a minimalist Scandinavian at heart, or a bohemian free spirit yearning for vibrant colors? Ready to ditch the overwhelm and embrace your dream home? 

  “All the elements in your home are an opportunity to draw closer to the people you’re going to have in your home.” JoAnn Landon, Founder of Curated by Mavens. Whether it’s the centerpiece at the table, dishware that you serve with or cocktails for a dinner party, it all plays a part. By being intentional with your home, you’re creating a deeper level of entertainment and connection. This month Dwell by CM is highlight home bar essentials to facilitate connection and engagement in your home. For those of you who like to entertain your guests with a special experience, we have the basics in mind for your home bar. Wouldn’t it be fun to try out that TikTok recipe, and wow your guests with a fun new drink concoction? It’s all possible and attainable. It can be intimidating when you see elegant setups in magazines, but it shouldn’t be. For every home bar, it is entirely up to you on what you want to include. You can start small and grow your collection. Just keep in mind that every element should contribute to your guest engagement.   Dwell by CM has an arrangement of items to highlight your home bar.    The Essentials   Total Wine is a great place to shop. Their store layout makes it easy  to follow. They carry all the well known brand and have experienced staff that can help you find new options too. What we love most is the fact the that they have some for every budget!    LIBATIONS   It’s common to have Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Bourbon, and some kind of Whiskey (Rye, Scotch, Tennessee or flavored), and Rum.   Our Picks for Libations: The Crisp Gin - The Teasmith Gin Highly Rated Vodka - Purity Vodka Connoisseur 51 Give them something to talk about - Casa Azul Organic Tequila Blanco The Spicy Ten - Henry McKenna Single Barrel BIB Bourbon   100% Proof Tennessee Whiskey - Uncle Nearest 1856   WINE   As far as wine goes, don’t let it get too complicated. Start out small and build your collection with a blend of red and white wines. Keep your eye out for Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. When it comes to wine, it may be best to start with what food you’ll be cooking.    Different wines enhance different flavors in your food. For example, if you’re looking to host parties with roasted chicken, add a rose or dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir can also enhance your meal. If you prefer steak, Cabernet or Syrah could be better choices. Begin with the experience you have in mind and go from there. Your collection will naturally grow from there.   Find all the perfect wine pairing suggestions on our favorite search engine: Pinterest!   Our Wine Picks   Clean and Crisp Chardonnay -  Brown Estate House Of Brown Chardonnay The Vibrant Red Blend - Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red   Last but not least, if you’re looking for an alcohol free home bar, we suggest you read our blog from earlier in the year Trending: Non-Alcoholic Drinks all about non-alcoholic beverages and all the options available in that arena.     The Essential Tools:  Dwell by CM has beautiful items to come alongside and add a splash of refinement to your home bar.   Cocktail Shaker | Gold Our gold cocktail shaker is the perfect addition to any home bar! There is nothing better… except the matching Hanging Bar tools!   Hanging Bar Tools | Gold - Marble Base  Accessorize your home bar with STYLE!   Jigger Providing precise and comfortable measurement, so you can craft your perfect cocktail in a jiffy!   Cocktail Muddler | 2 Sizes Give your cocktails a raise and muddle in style.  Infusion Bottle Kit Just add one of our 1pt Infusion Blend packets (Try Pumpkin Spice!) to the infusion filter basket, pour in half a bottle (375ml) of your preferred spirit, and infuse for just 2-6 hours. No measuring, no waiting overnight (or for days). Infuse at lunch and have simple craft cocktails ready to go before dinner. The Most Important Detail Have fun with your home bar! As you see different cocktail recipes add juices, syrups, sodas and garnish. Take it as curiosity prevails and enjoy each venture with your guests. Create the most memorable experiences as you engage in good conversation and meaningful connection. 

In its origins, tea is grown in green, luscious countryside's that are rich in culture and ornate in their history. History and culture that discovered energy and nutrients in the roots of leaves. True tea comes from the tea plant, scientifically known as the Camellia Sinensis. This plant is native to the part of Southeast Asia where China’s Yunnan Province meets India’s Nagaland region as well as the northern areas of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Left alone it will grow into a tree, but cultivated tea gardens prune these trees into bushy rows that make it easier to harvest.  Tea is recognized by six categories: green, yellow, white, oolong, black and dark. The word that differentiates these categories? Polyphenolic oxidation. This process is similar to the way apple slices brown. Rishi Tea & Botanicals share that, “the art of making tea involves skillfully facilitating tea leaf oxidation, and dehydration, through a series of intricate steps to achieve a desired flavor and aroma.”  The beauty of tea is found in the experience it invites us into, the history in which it makes us a part of. We want you to know what to look for so you can have the best experience.  When we think about tea, we support small businesses that provide high quality tea leaves as well as who benefit the environment. We look into if it’s organic, fair-trade and eco-friendly. We also like to make sure it’s all natural. Tea doesn’t need to be jaded by chemicals and additives. We’re spilling the tea about tea so you have the best tea buying experience! So, let’s get into it.  Loose vs. Bagged The truth is, loose tea will always have more flavor because loose tea is made up of full leaves. A lot of times tea that comes in bags is made up of broken down, fine particles of tea leaves. This is what we call tea “dust.” A lot of your store bought tea is going to be made up of this. It isn’t bad, it’s just not going to lead to the rich flavor and full potential of what tea has to offer. We get our tea from small businesses that have both bagged and loose teas. Full leaves being drenched in boiling water have room to breathe and expand enhancing the aroma and taste. Tea bags also tend to be tighter so as you marry the tea with the water, the leaves don't have an opportunity to fully expand.  Vadham is a recognized and revolutionary brand that ships their tea directly from India. Their loose teas are made of “a variety of garden-fresh, superior quality ingredients sourced from their place of origin. Procuring these ingredients during their prime harvest periods means that (they) get the best quality which have an enhanced flavor, character, and freshness.” Research is growing as people are discovering the health benefits different teas have. When you have these fuller leaves, you also have more opportunity to reap the energy and nutrients coming from them. Tea is meant to enhance your life.  Bellocq tea has an artisan approach in the way that they craft their teas. “Even before you take a sip, a cup of tea can transport you. The aroma of leaves opened and unraveled by heat can whisk you into a heady repose, olfactory memory taking you back to the lush, moss-carpeted woods of your childhood. Or perhaps the faint, briny whisper of your first sip swings you forward to a beloved seashore. Another cup, a blend of teas more exotic to you, and you find yourself someplace dizzyingly, delightfully new. It’s this sense of wonder and discovery, and the recognition of exquisite beauty in the ordinary rituals of life, that inspired the creation of Bellocq.” They meticulously select their teas from the finest estates in China, Japan, India, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malawi. Their focus is on exclusively full leaves sourced from high elevation gardens. Higher elevations ensure the leaves are more responsive to heat. Loose or bagged, full leaves unlock the key. Not all bagged tea is of lesser quality. It’s the quality of the leaves that define the result of the pour. It’s also best to verify the tea bags are biodegradable as well. Companies like Harney & Sons have biodegradable tea bags for both their bagged and loose teas. And their bagged tea is made up of full leaves. You get the best of both worlds!   How is tea sourced? Here’s what we look for in our tea sourcing. First, we make sure our tea is fair trade. Fair trade means that there is a fair price between those buying and selling the product. With tea, it means that ingredients are sourced from fair trade farms. It reassures that compensation is fair and wholly beneficial to everyone. Second, we ensure the tea is organic, that it comes from a good environment. Finally, we identify if it’s ethically sourced. We make sure the relationship from harvest to packaging and selling is in good favor and integrity. An incredible example of fair trade can be seen in Vadham’s approach and support of their tea farmers. As a home-grown brand, they see their farmers as a priority. They make sure that all earnings are retained in the regions they’re bought from and the farmers get a better price. Ultimately they empower their farmers for long term benefits.  Good companies can be found if you take your time to look. We find quality in the grocery store brands as well as with small businesses. Another business we adore is Teaspressa.  Teaspress is female owned and operated, and have been handcrafting their tea since January of 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. Their slogan is “C’est La Tea.” It’s about accepting that setbacks happen, but you can roll with the punches and enjoy the little moments in life. They rally around the idea that “the little moments make it all worth it, so let’s make those little moments special.” They make life special through their quality tea. Drinking tea is about so much more than pouring water over leaves. It’s a history and ritual. It’s a rich invitation for culture, and it’s a way to support those that cherish and share their culture with us. Here are some items to bring you a little closer into the nuance and beauty that tea has to offer. Shop with us: Herbal Tea | Cape Town Cape Town features a full-bodied Rooibos, chosen for its familiar healthful qualities, mild texture, rich aroma, and many-faceted taste. You can add a slice of lemon or a splash of honey to enhance this specially crafted loose-leaf tea blend. Salted Caramel | Luxe Sugar Mini A timeless blend of caramel and delicate fleur de sel, a sparkling sea salt. This sugar mini is  your classic combination of sweet and salty. Hunter Green Porcelain Tea Pot  With a built in infuser, this tea pot is ethically sourced and meets fair trade. They also give a portion of their revenue to tea farmers for their children’s education. 

You’re glowing, obviously, but is your home ready to glow just as bright? Candles are often used to create ambiance, warmth, and a pleasant scent in a room. The scent of a candle can have a significant impact on our mood and emotions, as it can evoke memories, trigger emotions, and affect our well-being. This is why we are obsessed with them! So you’re a candle connoisseur too? Welcome to the club! We’re lighting all the candles and melting all the wax to get you what you need for your next candle purchase. When it comes to the type of wax, wick, sustainability and toxicity, here’s what we’ve discovered. What are the top 3 options for wax?   We did some research and these are the top 3 choices for wax that we found. Soy Wax Coming from soybeans, soy wax has a soot free burn. It is one of the most popular waxes for candles. They have a pure smell naturally so the wax carries fragrance well. Soy wax doesn’t contain anything artificial and is non-toxic.  Our Black Girl Magic and Wood Wick Wordsmith candles are made from a Pure Black Soy wax. These candles burn slower and last longer.  Beeswax This natural option is more expensive, but worth the hype. Beeswax has its own subtle sweet scent to it. Though it can be more difficult to hold a fragrance, they have a natural yellow tint that is unique in their own. “Beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, it emits the brightest, most warm-toned flame,” according to Beeswax Co. which makes them burn slower and last longer as well. Coconut Wax This was the final option that we loved. This eco-friendly, vegan option is odorless on its own. Coconut wax is a safe choice for your home. It has a clean burn, has very little soot and it holds fragrance and color well. Like beeswax it is on the more expensive side, but the quality speaks for itself. Our Botanique Candles are a blend of Soy and Coconut Wax. (LINK to Botanique Candle) What about the wick? The wick is what draws the wax to the flame which causes the scent to be released into the air as the wax melts and evaporates. 100% cotton wicks are the way to go for a good clean burn. The other option would be a wooden wick. They are all-natural and burn much cleaner than wicks made up of other materials. The most important safety note is making sure you don’t choose a wick that may have a lead-core. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the import of candles that may have lead in them in the 2000s, but be careful as developing countries may still use lead in their candle wicks. Aside from materials, we also looked into if candles are better with one or more wicks. The results proved that single wick candles tend to burn slower and last longer, but they won’t fill a larger room with its fragrance as quickly as a larger candle will. It all depends on how you want to use your candle. A smaller, single wick candle is better served in a smaller room and can burn for a longer amount of time without running out.  Larger candles with multiple wicks will burn a larger diameter of wax more evenly causing its fragrance to fill a room faster. Candles with multiple wicks are better for larger rooms or big events. They won’t need to burn as long in order to fill the room with fragrance.  Our next order of business was to look into toxicity and sustainability. What makes a good candle toxic? Healthline wrote an article in 2020 that showed evidence was inconclusive about wax causing any toxins that could harm people. The European Candle Association looked at paraffin wax (which is a byproduct of petroleum) along with every major type of wax. They tested for 300 toxic chemicals. Healthline stated, “that the level of chemicals released by each type of candle was well below the amount that would cause human health problems.” If it worries you though natural options such as beeswax or soy wax are a better way to go. Overall, burning candles has the potential to release harmful chemicals in the air, but studies so far show it’s not enough to harm people. It’s best practice to burn your candles in a ventilated space, trim the wick and use candle snuggers or dip the wick in wax when you’re done. Here are five tips for a clean burn: Tip #1: Trim the wick before lighting Before lighting your candle, it's important to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will help prevent the wick from mushrooming and causing soot to build up on the glass. It will also help your candle burn more evenly and prevent it from tunneling down the center. Tip #2: Burn your candle for the right amount of time It's important to burn your candle for the right amount of time to ensure a clean burn. The general rule of thumb is to burn your candle for one hour for every inch in diameter. So if you have a 3-inch diameter candle, you should burn it for three hours at a time. Tip #3: Keep your candle away from drafts Drafts can cause your candle to burn unevenly and produce soot. Make sure to keep your candle away from windows, doors, and air vents. If you do notice your candle producing soot, try moving it to a different location. Tip #4: Choose the right candle for your space When choosing a candle, it's important to consider the size of your space. A small candle may not provide enough fragrance for a large room, while a large candle may be overpowering in a small space. It's also important to consider the scent and the type of wax used. Tip #5: Clean your candle after each use After each use, it's important to clean your candle to remove any soot or debris. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe down the glass and remove any excess wax from the wick. So, what’s next?  Visit our Olfactory Collective! We’ve curated a wide variety of style candles for your luxury home or gift. Feeling creative or poetic? Sit back and relax with the Wooden Wick Wordsmith Candle Collection. Poetry was created for moments of lyrical genius set and lounge vibes, this is the candle you light in your studio as you write your next song or poem. Looking for a glowing experience? Our Andaluca Botanique Luxe Collection is the perfect candle that candle connoisseurs will LOVE! They are encased in a hand-cut glass beehive-inspired hexagonal matte candle vessel that will glow either a deep red or golden pink depending on the color you choose. Need a reminder that you’re worthy? The Worthy: Black Girl Magic candle is the quiet reminder that she is, you are, we are: WORTHY. Worthy of all the good things life has to give. This  signature fragrance is a sensual, uplifting blend featuring hypnotic notes of red wine married with black cherry and sultry base notes of oak and amber.