Saturday, February 22, 2014

Well HELLO Garden!

A few posts ago, I said I may blog about the garden soon, but that I wouldn't hold your breath.

Well - for those of you who did hold your breath, the time is FINALLY here!

It's nothing big, it's nothing too exciting, but I thought it was about time I gave you a little look into what's going on in my balcony garden!

The poor little lime tree.
It's doing well, but looks so bare since it's lost all it's leave and I went crazy pruning it!

And holy wow - look at the Christmas tree!
This thing just keeps growing and growing and growingggggggg.

Oh and lookie there - the raspberry plant may very well come back this year!
I'd love to get some actual raspberries this year though...

My fresh herbs are doing SO well.
I can't believe it either because I sorta neglected them the last few months
I know I've said it before, and I'll say it a million more times, 
but I LOVE having fresh herbs to cook with.

The newest additions - two hanging planters with ranunculus.
Keep your eye out for updates on these AND hopefully more new additions to the garden soon! 

The geranium that just keeps growing. 
I neglect this baby like crazy over the last year or so, but I still haven't killed it!

And my poinsettia from Christmas time is doing great too!
I don't know if I've ever had one this long and I'm excited to see how long I am able to keep it living. 

While this isn't a very exciting update, I have hopes for the future!

My parents got me all new window box liners and I cannot wait to put them in and get some flowers growing. I could easily buy some flowers because the weather is already nice enough, but I am actually attempting to grow my own using a seedling kit my brother gave me a few years back. So far, I have a few sprouts but nothing worth photographing just yet. Stay tuned though!!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Quinoa Spinach Patties

I ran across this recipe awhile ago, and made it not too long after. 
I really liked them, but forgot all about them...that is until recently! 

Once I remembered them, 
I knew I wanted to make them as soon as possible and blog about them to share their deliciousness! 

And you know what? 

They were even better than I remembered them being and I seriously cannot wait to make them again! 
I love to eat them alone, but they're super tasty in a salad or with a fried or poached egg!

Oh and the best part - they are SUPER easy to make. 
I only make a half a batch, which is more than enough for myself.

Now take a look for yourself and then go make them!!

The Goods:
Uncooked Quinoa
Water
Eggs
Parmesan Cheese
Green Onions
Garlic
Salt
Spinach
Panko Breadcrumbs
Olive Oil

 Cook the quinoa according to package directions.

Add the cooked quinoa to everything else but the olive oil.
Form the patties and fry in the olive oil for 8 to 10 minutes per side. 
Cool slightly on paper towel lined plate.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

30th Birthday Girl's Weekend

I turned 30 on January 31st and I celebrated by taking a girls trip last weekend.

I had SUCH a good time and it was better than I even imagined! 
I have such and amazing family and the BEST group of girlfriends! 
Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special!!!

I'm not going to say too much, but here are a few pictures from our awesome weekend away.

Annnnnnd we're off!
Alison had to work all day and drove down later.

Rain and a beautiful sunset on the way!

After a few stops...we made it!!!

Ahhhh Birthday dinner - YUM!

Elina made me a cookie cake!!
It was SO good!

PRESENTS!!!!
 
Oh hello lazy river.
This was the view from our balcony. 

Eggs Benedict for breakfast!
What a great way to start the day.

Off for an interesting trip to the nail salon!

Some amazing fresh bread and oil/vinegar at dinner.

Think we took too much stuff??? 
Hahahaha

I'm looking forward to the year to come and can't wait to see what happens!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Valentine's Day Decorations

Valentine's Day is officially less than TWO WEEKS AWAY!
Even if I don't have Valentine every year, I still love to get in the spirit and decorate!

Who am I kidding...I like decorating for pretty much ANY holiday
I go all out for most "big" holidays and have individual plastic tubs for each stored away waiting to be used year after year.

Without saying much more, take a look at all my fun Valentine's Day decorations I have up around my apartment this year!







Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!!