chocogarden

most of you know that i've never met a chocolate i didn't like......my hips, on the other hand, have cast their vote for "no-likey-like" because the more i eat, the bigger they get. so just when i thought i was going to have to drastically curb my choco-appetite, in steps mother nature and gives us chocolate mint for the garden! it's minty, and has a nice chocolate undertone to it.....without the extra calories......and tastes great in a nice tall glass of lemonade! and now that my hips are happier (not smaller, just happier), my chocolate love affair continues on.....

in the garden

i've probably mentioned before that the only green thumb i'll ever have is one that i paint on myself. my lack of patience combined with my tendency to "over-love" plants makes for a really scary horticultural story! but so far things seem to be going well in our new garden (probably because i've been too busy to start "helping" it). like these hydrangeas, for example.....they are beautiful balls of flowery happiness and i could never have enough of them!

and here's one of my new little friends who stops by frequently for a sweet drink. he's the cutest little thing and i really could just sit and watch him all day long....

and here's the beginnings of my little herb garden. it truly is one of my favorite spots to visit....so far my sweet basil, peppermint and garlic chives are thriving! their sweet fragrance and fresh taste is absolute culinary heaven....and i just love that "barefoot contessa" feeling i get each time i go to snip a little herb goodness!