Obsessing Over: Pink Moods II

Last year, at about this time, I  posted this .  It was all about pink and how it can affect the feel of a space depending on its hue and placement.  I decided to dedicate another post to this lovely color, since the previous one on the subject had been getting a lot of visitors lately.  So here are my 2013 pink picks:

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Prototype: A DIY Vertical Garden Pallet

About a month ago, Alex and I (with the help of a visiting friend) constructed a vertical garden.  Using a free pallet from a local building supply place and just a few other elements, we were able to build a frame able to support soil and plant material.  Hung on a brick wall that encloses our garden, this addition gives it a new dimensional feel by introducing botanicals in an unexpected place.  Take a look at how it all came together and what you would need to create your very own vertical growing surface:

Supplies:  A pallet, a saw, wire cutters, staple gun, chicken wire, coco liner, small pieces of wood (or deconstructed flats for inner soil support), soil, plants appropriate for your climate, eye hooks and mirror wire for hanging purposes.

Cut and size pallet to desired measurements, keeping in mind the weight it will bear when finished.  Ours is 3' x 2'.  Staple a small gauged chicken wire onto its back and line with a coco liner.  Screw in eye hooks on back of frame.  Create shelves within the frame with either small pieces of wood or deconstructed flats to give the soil and plants a place to rest. Fill will soil and attach the  larger gauged wire onto the front of the pallet.   Depending  on the size of your botanicals, you may need to snip the top layer of wire to accommodate their root systems.  Fill the frame with your selected plants, water, and let rest for two or more weeks to give the plant material a chance to establish root systems.   Hang it up and enjoy!

7 Cool Outdoor Spaces And Tips On Creating Your Own

Outdoor spaces can expand your everyday living experience.  Creating one, whether it's large or small offers you extra square footage and the opportunity to enjoy the longer days of spring, summer and at times, fall.   We're in the process of creating an additional one like this in our front yard.  Can't wait to show you what we've done. Until then, here are a few tips on how to chisel out one of your very own:

For more ideas check out Cocoon's Botanical And Outdoor inspiration board on Pinterest.

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Off The Counter: Black Lentils

This week's Off The Counter features yet another recipe from the cookbook Plenty that has become a weekly staple.  This one involves black beluga lentils.  I prepare a batch on Monday morning and enjoy it throughout the week as a fast [healthy] food.  Unfortunately, the kids will not eat it, at least not yet.  Take a look how beautiful this legume is and how well it pairs with creme fraiche.  My take on the recipe below:

Ingredients:

Black lentils, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, onions, broth (your choice), red wine vinegar, bay leaf, dill, cilantro, parsley, brown sugar, olive oil, creme fraiche, salt and pepper.

Instructions: 

Add large cut carrots, celery and onion to stock pot with 1 cup of lentils and a bay leaf. Cover with water or stock.  Bring to boil and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.  Remove and discard vegetables and toss lentils with olive oil, vinegar and salt.

Optional: Half cherry tomatoes, carrots and celery.  Drizzle with olive oil, sugar and salt.  Roast for about 20 minutes.

Add chopped herbs and roasted veggies to your lentils.  Top with creme fraiche and enjoy.

Yotam Ottolenghi, author of Plenty also includes fire roasted eggplant (which is delicious) but for a simpler preparation I omit it.

Do have a favorite go-to-recipe that's become a weekly staple?  If so do share.

Mother's Day: Photos Upon Photos

For the first time since Zoe was born, I'm spending some alone time with my sons while she and Alex are celebrating her Godmother's graduation in Washington, D.C.  This time apart gave the boys and me an opportunity to reflect upon the past together.  We spent the evening chatting about them as babies and toddlers.  The apparent curiosity about their birth and the months and years following it, sparked emotions I haven't experienced in a long time.  It's seems amazing to realize that our 7-year-old twins were once infants.  At times, my mind struggles to remember what life was like when they were tiny.  Looking through their photo albums, my memories were rekindled and I was reminded of many wonderful milestones in our lives.  I'm grateful for every one of them and for all the friends and family members who were there to share them with us.

Happy Mother's Day to our mothers, our mothers' mothers and to all those who have been so loving and nurturing to our children since their birth until this special day.