Mixin' it Up

Things that DO NOT mix:
-Oil and water.
-Drinking and driving.
-Jake Gyllenhaal and "The Prince of Persia".
-Cancer patients and sunlight

{after my last chemo treatment, after having been in the sun for no longer than 7 minutes}

Things that MIX WELL:
-Chocolate and peanut butter
-Chocolate and more chocolate
-Good music and roadtrips
-Jeffrey and Rachel
-Delicious food for your anniversary

{the celebration begins, Friday's dinner of steamed lobster, seared scallops with garlic, olive oil, and whole wheat pasta, and roasted asparagus...yum...}

On Saturday we went to this really fun sushi restaurant called "Ahh! Sushi" where Jeffrey discovered he loves endamame, and my love for the Philadelphia roll was solidified. Sunday, our actual anniversary day, we dined on aged new york strip steaks, expertly grilled by the grill master, Jeff, along with grilled curry shrimp and roasted potatoes. Cupcakes, outlet shopping, along with lots of relaxation and such, rounded out a fabulous weekend.

Happy anniversary to me! One year down....

Urban Herbs

My neighbor is growing a gorgeous garden in a little quadrant of dirt between our apartment buildings. It's looking so good now, with tiny, spring-green sprouts starting to peek through the soil and tulips in bloom. She's a good gardener. But I, I am content for now to observe and save minuscule plants from my death-administering hand. Maybe when I grow up I'll give gardening a go, but for now I'm sticking to farm stands and a planter full of my favorite herbs (starting small is the idea here).

{the cast of herbs}

{planning, before planting}
this is a tomato plant...not an herb but especially delicious as well

{planting, after planning}
side note: it's best to either remove the plant fromthe jiffy pot prior to planting, or to tear away a significant amount of it. If leaving the pot on, also be sure to either poke a lot of holes in the bottom or completely remove it so the roots have growing space.

{the result of planning and planting}

Being relatively inexpensive-my plants were around 3 dollars each-a planter of fresh herbs is a great way to get creative. There are numerous herbs to choose from, so you can mix and match what you like and even throw in a few flowers for color. There are also many alternatives to a planter. You could make your own from scrap wood, paint a terra cotta pot, use a thrifted or an antique teapot, or even grow all the herbs separately in their own mason jars or large mismatched mugs.

The planter isn't the only way to get creative, though. Think of all the yumminess you can create with the fresh herbs! Rosemary roasted potatoes, tomato sauce with fresh parsley and basil, roast chicken with tarragon, thyme and rosemary, homemade pickles, caprese salad, oh the list goes on! I love fresh herbs!! And freshness is sooo in season right now :)