Today we're continuing with my interview series of inspiring women who do unique and creative work. It seems now more than ever there are endless opportunities as to what a business might look like and how one might go about achieving success. Female trailblazers who are building their businesses off the beaten path, are in a way, sharing their gifts with those of us who aspire to achieve something meaningful in what we do for a living. In my line of work as an editor and stylist I’ve come across dozens of just such women, many of whom I consider friends, and I thought it would be great for you to get to know some of them as well.

Lauren Palmer is the owner and farmer of Bloomsbury Farm located in Smyrna, Tennessee. The farm is set on 400 breathtaking acres where she and her team cultivate and grow beautiful organic produce to sell at Saturday farmers markets around Nashville and to fill orders for their seasonal CSA baskets. But Bloomsbury Farm isn't only a farm - it is also a gorgeous event space; hosting weddings, special events, and farm-to-table gatherings. Lauren truly loves creating a community around farming, nature, and food - let's get to know her better!

Lemon Pepper Pappardelle Chicken Soup - quite the tongue twister of a recipe name but trust me...it's oh, so good. If you are feeling under the weather and yearning for spring, this soup is your remedy! It's a modern spin on your grandmother's chicken noodle soup with a vibrant lemon pepper pasta and hefty splash of fresh lemon juice. It's both comforting and refreshing and has been on rotation in our home this winter.

One of my strategies for posting more frequently this year is simply; to share more everyday things. Fortunately, when I started to make another pot of this delicious soup, I remembered my intention and pulled out my camera to document making the recipe. I hope sharing these glimpses of an average day will connect with you. When I read other blogs, they're my favorite type of posts. Plus, it feels good to not stress about creating content and actually just live it. So welcome to my kitchen, let's make Lemon Pepper Pappardelle Chicken Soup...

Summer. What's not to love about our most carefree season? Aside from the heat, of course. One the best things about warm weather is being able to take our meals outside. Having an early morning coffee on the patio or firing up the grill for a late night supper is right up my alley. I also love easy meals that don't require much if any, cooking, and picnics combine both - relishing the outdoors and zero obligation to be in front of a hot stove.

Always wanting to be prepared to picnic in style, I spend a lot of time (probably too much) gathering supplies. I unabashedly confess to having a complete and utter obsession with packaging. It's borderline ridiculous. I have been known to buy items I never even open based solely on the packaging. Please tell me I'm not the only one. My current stash is of epic proportions and I have no intentions of paring down my trove. Since we're friends and obviously love the same things, I thought it fit to share my tips and resources to help you up your picnic game with my favorite swoon worthy supplies!

Recently I was able to hit the flea market with my neighbor. She's new at the treasure hunting game but has certainly caught the bug. It's nice to have someone close by who will also get up at o'dawn hundred to make the trek with the only guarantee being hot coffee. Because as we all know it can be hit or miss at the flea.

One of the items I found was this metal vase with perfect patina for our guest room. Fortunately my neighbor also let me pick flowers since our gardens are pitiful right now. I've actually been buying vases whenever they catch my eye because it's the one prop item I'm constantly having to source or ship from my inventory. So I'm happily stocking up in that department. Here are the other finds that came home with me....

You may recall from this post I've been yearning for some personal creative time. As an introvert, a quiet sabbatical at home seemed the perfect solution to renew my creative mojo. I have a tendency to work, work, work with a self imposed need to accomplish business tasks first and foremost in my day. I suppose if I were on a therapists couch (namely you at this moment) we would discuss why I embrace hard work over things that may or may not produce tangible assets - such as an empty calendar. And although it's taken me years to realize the value of creative breaks (and be ok with the fact it's basically "me" time) I firmly believe I should have been scheduling them all along and have plans to continue exploring this new routine without guilt or expectation.

Tomorrow marks the first day of my lengthy staycation. I've blocked out my calendar for some much needed rest, creative play time, and general puttering about the house. At first I thought I'd make a big list of things to accomplish but it felt restrictive and had the nuance of work so I decided to nix the idea altogether. Mostly I want to decorate a few rooms, hike green trails, read from my book pile, and pick up my camera more often. I feel like a kid whose parents have promised them a trip to Disneyland. Giddy with nervous energy and excitement.

Do you love round up posts? I do. Biggest selling points - they're condense and generally contain a variety of topics, products, or tips. It's like one-stop shopping. Here are a few things on my radar at the moment.