Herb Garden

It's been a while since I've posted, and that is because it's so hard to be inside with all of this gorgeous Spring weather. My free time has been spent taking walks, going for runs, kayaking, and of course gardening! I thought for this post I would share a little bit of my fun! 

Last year around the time of my birthday, I saw this amazing planter on Pinterest that I knew would be perfect for my herb garden. It was listed for several hundred dollars online, so I knew I wouldn't be purchasing it! I went to my wonderfully, talented dad and showed him a picture. For my birthday, he made an exact replica (I actually like the one he made even better than the online version), and I stained it. Not only was it less than $50 in materials to make, but it also has sentimental value and a handwritten note from my dad on the bottom. He used black locust wood as it lasts a long time and is not quick to decay. Below is a picture of my handmade planter.

Last weekend, I was able to get some of my herbs planted in it! I love cooking with fresh herbs throughout the summer. I planted some oregano, basil, dill, rosemary, chives, and sage in my planter. I also have a container of spearmint, and multiple lavender herbs along the side of our house. I cannot wait to can our dill pickles, make lavender biscotti, and cook up some delicious Italian food! Recipes to come throughout the summer months :) 

Spring Tulips

When it comes to decorating my home - I love simple, and I love natural. There is no decor more beautiful than fresh flowers. Below, I used an old mason jar and added some blush colored tulips. Having fresh flowers in your home makes it so much more inviting; I love bringing the outside in (except for bugs!). On rainy days like yesterday, having these tulips sitting on my dining room table, made the day just a little bit brighter. 

Sausage White Bean and Kale Soup

This is one of my favorite soups to make, and this windy day made for a great soup day! 

You'll need:

1lb ground sausage

1 bunch of kale

2 cans of White Beans

1/4 c. chopped onion

2 potatoes

32 oz of chicken broth

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp ground sage

1/4 tsp pepper

First you will put a little bit of chicken broth in the pot (enough to cover the bottom of the pot). Then add your ground sausage and chopped onion, and turn the heat on to medium. Break up the sausage with a spatula, and heat until fully cooked. 

Next, cut up your two potatoes into small chunks and add to the pot. Wash your kale, and break the leaves off into small pieces adding them also to the soup. Put the remainder of your broth, and your two cans of beans into the pot. 

Add your spices and pepper, and cook on medium about 25 minutes (or until potatoes are tender). 

Serve this delicious soup with some homemade herb bread!

Turkish Towel

Last Spring I was searching for the perfect blanket for our ottoman. I didn't want something too heavy that looked sloppy, or something that left a lot of lint on light colored furniture. I searched Amazon.com for something in our price range, and I came across some Turkish Towels. They were linen... so of course I immediately was attached, and I loved the look of them.  When it came in the mail, it was lightweight and shed-free. Best of all, it was a great price! Recently, I've seen these towels around a lot in magazines and online. Even though they're called "towels", they can really have other uses. They do not resemble your typical towel at all.  I've heard they do make great bath towels, but I have yet to try that. If you are looking for the perfect gift, I highly recommend these Turkish towels :)

Turkish Towel

White Bean Dip with Pita Bread

Our church recently held our 2nd International Missions Dinner. It is always a fun time trying new foods, and getting a taste of another culture. This year I decided to go "Greek." I found an amazing home made pita bread recipe at here: Pita Bread. The recipe was perfect, easy to follow, and my pita's turned out great! Then I found this dip- White Bean and Roasted Garlic Dip. This too was delicious!  I threw in some red peppers for some color, and they went great with the dip :) This combo makes the perfect appetizer!

My Orchid

 Orchids are my favorite flowers. They are so unique and come in so many beautiful colors. I bought this orchid below as a college graduation present for myself, and I have been blessed with blooms every year since. Right now, it has over 30 gorgeous white flowers, and a few more buds getting ready to open. The orchid blooms from beginning to end in about an 8 month span - which is awesome because it provides the prettiest decor almost all year! The phalaenopsis orchid is my favorite of all the orchids. Every time I see a stem breaking through I get so excited and wait patiently for months for the first bud to open. They're is just something so beautiful about these simple white blooms. 

Spring Has Sprung!

I'm bursting with excitement at the sight of these little blooms. I've been waiting day after day for beautiful Spring to arrive, and I think it is finally here. The robins are out, the tulips are emerging, and the crocus' are showing off their pretty petals. I've never been more anxious to get out and dig in the dirt! My husband and I have hopes to start some of our vegetable garden this weekend, and I can't wait. This past winter has been long and cold. We're due for a little bit of sunshine in our lives :) With Spring, comes so much happiness, beauty, and fun, warm weather activities! We can't wait to get out kayaking and fishing this year. Welcome Spring, we've been waiting!