Chateau A La Mode

Happy Herbing

Okay, so it's a little late at night to be posting hence the "Happy Herbing" title. Sorry, but anywho I've been wanting to start an herb garden. I love the thought of creating a simple herb garden right outside my kitchen so that while I'm in the middle of cooking I could just step outside and snip, snip have a handful of fresh Italian Parsley or a sprig of fresh Rosemary. Not to mention the fact that herbs are costly, especially when you only need a small amount. Many times when I purchase herbs they go to waste because it's hard to use them all up. As my passion for cooking grows I find myself using fresh herbs more often in my recipes. I even just want to add a pinch here and there when they aren't called for in recipes just to add some freshness to a salad or sprinkle on pasta.

I decided to get myself inspired and where does a girl go on the internet nowadays to get inspiration? Pinterest of course. Here are some of the great herb garden inspirations I found.

This is probably exactly what I would want to start. Just a simple container and small bunches of herbs. This one will be the inspiration I'll work towards. 

Okay, so maybe too large for the lot my house is on, but a girl can dream, right?

 

I love this one on a balcony. This reminds me that any space, no matter how small, can have an herb garden. Love the inspiration.

 

This one calls my name. I love the windowsill idea for an herb garden.

 

Talk about being creative. What a great idea for an indoor herb garden.

 

If I had enough space, this would be what I'd love to have.

 

I'll start smaller, but if I love being an herb gardener I can always aspire to this one.

 

Another fun container, definitely more what I'm thinking.

 

Another grand herb garden...maybe one day!

Well, there you have my inspirations for an herb garden. I'll keep you posted on what I end up with. Probably a small container so that I don't get too overwhelmed. Those of you that have an herb garden let me know what kind of herbs you have and any advice you have for me as I get started on mine.

Herbful Blessings,

Prepossessing Pretty Patios

I'm so loving this time of year. Spring has definitely sprung and I'm feeling Summer is coming around the corner. Summer is my absolute favorite time of all the year. One of the things I love about Summer is spending those long evenings outside. We eat outdoors a few nights a week and other nights we just sit out there and enjoy the cool evening. I wanted to post some patio eye candy just to get mine and your ideas flowing. Start thinking of the ways you can enjoy your outdoor spaces with friends and family. Start clipping those grill recipes, tuck away some spritzer or other fruity drink recipes, and purchase some pretty lanterns to sprinkle outside to create some romantic lighting. Here are some gorgeous ideas:

 

Had to add beach patios to the mix. Now I don't live on or too near the beach, but a girl can dream can't she?

I mean seriously...sigh...

I can just imagine a nice intimate dinner here with friends, a great jazz mix on the IPod, candles everywhere and marinated, grilled steaks. Now don't forget to check out that amazing chandelier above the table. Oh my!

This is on top of a Manhattan loft, so urban chic.

This is in countryside outside of Paris...just loveliness.

Well I'm hoping I've inspired you to give your garden a little TLC, start collecting those recipes and pick up some fun candle accents when you're out and about. Oh and don't forget to start making some great mixes on your IPods just for those long summer nights. This way you're all ready for a relaxing summer evening in your outdoor space. I've gotta say I'm inspiring myself :) 

Let me know how you like to spend a long summer evening. I'd love to hear.

Blessings,

Romance is in the Air

I am a perpetual romantic and I came across this most breathtaking video and thought I'd share it with you, my lovely blog ladies. It is an editorial shoot in which the models are portraying Napoleon and Josephine. They are using the Bonapartes' Chateau de Malmaison, in France, which as the story goes, Josephine bought while Napoleon was off at war. They apparently had quite the love affair. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful chateau. I want to live there ;) Enjoy the romantic eye candy and all the gorgeouseness. Click on the link below and enjoy (it's approximately 3 minutes).

 

Royal Romance || editorial shoot || from Shaking Hands Productions on Vimeo.

Did you love it as much as I did?

Romantic Blessings,