The "Herbal" Experiment

I think I've mentioned in the past, that I do not have a "green thumb". I am hoping that this is something that can be "learned" and isn't just an innate ability that some have and some don't. I've tried to grow herbs before, but admittedly, didn't investigate how to actually do it. I just bought a pot, some potting soil, and had absolutely no clue. So, this time I "googled". I learned that "drainage" and "location, location, location" are key to the success of growing herbs.

I bought these at Dallas Farmers Market.

One stand was selling them 3 for $5.00. I bought cilantro, thyme, basil, chives, italian parsley, and sage. I bought lavender at another stand for $2.00.

Here's where it gets a little interesting. I had forgotten that a friend had given me this "Buzzy
Seeds Herb Ceramic Pot" kit . It comes with 6 packets of seeds - cilantro, marjoram, curly parsley, chives, sweet basil, and thyme. So, I will be conducting a test to see what survives.. the potted plants or can I really grow herbs from seeds?

Because I do not have alot of faith that I will actually be able to pull this off, I bought the cheapest plastic plant containers at Walmart I could find. This is a 10 inch pot with built in drainage. I bought two for $6.00 each. I had visions of gorgeous herbs in a big galvanized bucket that I could just "clip" herbs for the fabulous dishes I'm cooking like I'm Barefoot Contessa. I have to keep these alive, then I can invest money in my glamorous schemes.. and even, dare I dream, my own herb garden in the back yard. But I'm getting way way ahead of myself. Focus...

Again, a little overwhelmed at Walmart. Almost left the store with something that was only filler and not potting mix. Shew.. that would have been frustrating. Then, it was a decision between this and Miracle Grow. The Potting Mix won because it was a dollar cheaper, and I could plant both pots with one bag. Again, until I learn how to be a gardener, I'm keeping my investment low. Even the gloves were only .97 cents.

So, not the "vision" I've always had in my head, but they are planted. I know the Buzzy Seeds pot looks funny with the plastic labels sticking out, but how else am I going to remember what seeds I planted?


The official experiment has begun. Will I be able to keep the herbs from Farmers Market alive? Will I be able to actually GROW herbs from seeds? Well, stay tuned.. I will keep you posted.

Dallas Farmers Market

Veggie Stand

These are spices from Kurry King. I didn't really need any spices. When they had me smell the cinnamon, boy, was I ever hooked. It was the BEST cinnamon I have ever smelled. I ended up buying curry, cinnamon, ginger, whole nutmeg (so I can grate it just like they do on Food Network), and basmati rice. I had to rush home and put the curry in the freezer. It's so strong, I was afraid my house would always smell like an Indian restaurant. A little curry goes a LONG LONG way.

http://www.dallaspicemarket.com/

Lemon Basil Linguine - Yum!

I love Pink...

... but not sure about "pink" hair. If you look closely in this picture, you'll see the back of a girl's head with pink pigtails. That is REAL pink hair on a real person.

This car was at Farmers Market and because it's PINK, I had to take a picture...
Now if we could just find the pink scooter girl... (remember her? )

Tex Mex Deviled Eggs

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=519874

This is a great recipe. Be prepared to make alot - they go fast.

Relaxing

I've been reading about the calming factors of having a lavender plant in your home. I was at Whole Foods in Lakewood after work yesterday, and they have a lovely plant selection. I wanted to buy one of everything, but chose this one. I still haven't decided "where" in the house it will go, but I love the way is smells.

Cool Website

http://www.thepartydress.net/

Today's Lunch Outing

A friend and I went to Lumi Kitchen off McKinney and Hall Street. They serve empanadas and dumplings. We split 3 different dishes - (sorry I didn't get pictures but I will next time)

* (6) Shrimp, Cilantro & Jicama Steamed Dumplings - served with sweet and sour sauce
* (3) Spinach, Mozzarella, & Portabella Empanadas -served with cilantro cream sauce
* (6) Blue Crab & Cream Cheese Wontons - served with sweet chili sauce

All were "tapas" size - and fabulous. See link below.

http://www.lumikitchen.com/

If you go, please pay attention to the parking. You will need to park behind the restaurant. DO NOT PARK BESIDE IT - this is for "Hook Line and Sinker" and they will tow your vehicle. To get to the parking behind the restaurant, turn right on the side alley that is right before the restaurant... or turn right on Hall Street (by Breadwinners) and go down the alley behind Breadwinners and Primos.

My New Favorite "Slaw" Recipe

This is my favorite non-mayo coleslaw recipe


We made this for Ryan's graduation party on Saturday, and it rocked! We used one package of coleslaw mix and one package of broccoli slaw mix. Also, used thawed frozen corn instead of fresh. It was super refreshing and delicious. The dressing was good, and the cilantro gave it a wonderful flavor. For an extra kick, a fresh jalapeno was chopped up and added as well.

From the Snuffer's Patio in Rockwall

What a cool sunset!
He looks like he is about to bust out laughing!

Texas Tech Cupcakes

I hope to post more pictures from Ryan's Graduation Party. Here are the cupcakes before I placed them on the tiered cake plates.

These were done by a bakery in Forney. You can barely see it, but the cupcakes are black/white.

My First Soiree - circa 1987

Isn't this classy? Everything was matching red plastic. I do not remember the menu, but keep in mind that this was definitely a party on a budget. I think I made like $8.00 a hour - that was good money for a 22 year old.
Remember when we didn't have to use area codes?

Check me out in my over sized black shirt and red sweater skirt. I think I was actually thin but you can't tell with that outfit.