California Life News Room

Nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like fresh flowers. But forget the boring bouquet!

California Life’s Audra Stafford went straight to the expert– Lesley Stowe–to get some fun floral ideas to show mom you care.

Lesley is the founder of Lesley Stowe Fine Foods. She has also written a cookbook, and her signature product–Raincoast Crisps–has been featured on Oprah’s O-List and in Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine.

One flower arrangement Lesley says you can easily do at home–the rose martini. Simply take a large martini glass, cut the rose stems fairly short, then fill the glass! Simple, right?

Are you hoping to arrange that perfect bouquet? Here are some tips from Lesley to create the perfect floral arrangement for your special lady!

Be creative! Many people get very intimidated when it comes to creating their own floral arrangements however that is what makes it special and unique from you! Lesley uses cups, bowls, and vases of all shapes and sizes to play host to her beautiful flowers. Lesley also says that when arranging a bouquet it is a good idea to stick to one central theme, color, and flower because the simplicity will make the arrangement that much more effective! Finally, Lesley also says that it is best to decorate in odd numbers to make for uniqueness and effectiveness.

To see more of Lesley Stowe’s great Mother’s Day ideas, be sure to watch California Life, airing statewide this week and online at www.californialifehd.com!

This week on California Life we take a moment to celebrate all of those wonderful mothers and mothers to be with some beautiful flower arrangements from Lesley Stowe, a new age facelift from Evolastin, gorgeous baby showers with Liza Utter and even some gorgeous Rosie Pope Maternity clothing Plus we show you a beautiful new jewelry line inspired by the stunning Grace Kelly and also we chat with Anide Media CEO Tonisha Johnson to hear just what makes for a successful entertainment journalism company it’s all happening this week on our Mothers Day special here on California Life with Heather Dawson airing Statewide or watch online californialifehd.com!

Nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like fresh flowers.  But forget the boring bouquet!

California Life’s Audra Stafford went straight to the expert– Lesley Stowe–to get some fun floral ideas to show mom you care.

Lesley is the founder of Lesley Stowe Fine Foods.  She has also written a cookbook, and her signature product–Raincoast Crisps–has been featured on Oprah’s O-List and in Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine.

One flower arrangement Lesley says you can easily do at home–the rose martini.  Simply take a large martini glass, cut the rose stems fairly short, then fill the glass!  Simple, right?

To see more of Lesley Stowe’s great Mother’s Day ideas, be sure to watch California Life, airing statewide this week and online at www.californialifehd.com!

Doing something special for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

California Life went straight to the expert–Lesley Stowe–for some creative ways to show you care!

Lesley is the founder of Lesley Stowe Fine Foods.  She has also written a cookbook, and her signature product–Raincoast Crisps–has been featured on Oprah’s O-List and in Martha Stewart’s Whole Living magazine.

California Life’s host Heather Dawson tried Lesley’s brownie recipe with her daughters and their friends.  We’ve posted the recipe below so you, too, can test it out!

Lesley Stowe’s Best Ever Brownies

Makes about 20 squares

• 1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (225 g) pure 70% chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (250 mL) sugar
• 4 eggs

• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) sea salt
• Dutch-process cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour an 9×9” baking pan.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat. Set aside to cool.

In another bowl mix the eggs and sugar together being sure not to mix too much air into the mixture. Add the vanilla and sea salt.

Slowly add the chocolate and butter combination to the sugar and eggs, mixing all the while but again, do not whip too much air in as you want the brownies to be rich and dense.

Mix the flour in to the chocolate mix and pour into prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until just set in the middle and slightly dry around edges only (do not overbake). Let cool completely.

Dust with cocoa powder, if desired. Cut into 2-inch (2.5 cm) squares or use a heart shaped cookie cutter for an extra special Valentines Day presentation.

To see more of Lesley Stowe’s great Valentine’s Day ideas, visit her blog and be sure to watch California Life, airing statewide this week and online at www.californialifehd.com!