More on Plants: Herb Gardens

There's another idea wandering my mind every so often: growing my own herb garden. Sigh. The whole idea is so romantic. Growing my own little garden somewhere in my own little house, flavors and smells fresh and ready for any craving we get. Mmmmh hhhmmm. Watching my husband make us a tasty pizza, working it all together. Using my herbs, from my (ok, our) garden.

{photo from No Reservations movie, 2007}

My ideas on our herbal garden are clearer everyday. Ok, allow me to be honest. They're totally clear to me now (I think you all will like it!).  I'm planning on working on that when the rain allows me (surprisingly for all of us, it has poured for the last couple of days non-stop --NOT common here).

In the meantime, I enjoy inspirational pics. These are the ones I liked the most.

Will you look at those planters?! Am I the only one who hadn't seen these?

{both images via the balcony gardener}

So unbelievable! These planters even made me consider changing my herb garden idea. Wouldn't they look amazing over the kitchen counter, next to a window? That would be really fresh and ready for cooking. I've got a crush on them. Designed by UK designer Patrick Morris, they're a little out of our reach. 35 dollars for a planter. Well worth it. But still out of our reach (I would also have to pay for international shipping, so thanks, but no thanks).

{in the garden today}

A timeless classic. Pots by the window.

{martha stewart}

Who better for this beautiful twist on the window version? I love you, Martha Stewart. You and your genious, creative ideas.

{living etc}

I love this stair. But I would need space, and you know I'm short on that.

{the balcony gardener}
Another traditional, and pretty idea. Little balcony container. Perfect for lack of space. By the way, LOVE The Balcony Gardener. Beautiful and simple ideas. If you live in UK it's a must.

{centsationalgirl}

Once again, Kate pulls it all together. Gorgeous pots.

So tell me pretty please, which are your favorite ideas for herb gardens? Are they really so easy to grow as they say?

On other things, did any of you see It's Complicated? That Nancy Meyers sure knows how to tell a story. But don't get me started right now. It's late and I'm waking up early. Besides, that movie deserves a post all by its own.

Good night y'all.

Those Beautiful Topiaries

I love gardening. It's one of those things that flies me away.

For quite a long time, I was in paradise. Living in my parents' place was idyllic to me, because their house has a large garden, with plenty of plants, mostly fruit trees and flowers. In those days, I would easily spend the whole afternoon there. Total pleasure to me.

Now, I'm living the opposite. I've said it again and again . Our casa is tiny. And so are its green areas.

Don't get me wrong, I love our house (and its size). It suits us just fine.

However, it hadn't made me think about gardening enough. I mean, sure there were some random thoughts in my mind, but ever since I planted our aloe veras, it's gotten crazy! Now I'm trying to figure out ways of incorporating plants everywhere I can. If our garden is small, that doesn't mean I have to give up on it, do I?

Enough intro. The other day I was watching The Parent Trap (Lindsay Lohan's version) with my daughter. I've always loved that movie. And I've always admired the interiors --and exteriors- in both houses.

Forget about the house for a moment. Will you look at those balconies!

And those topiaries!

{both images via hooked on houses}

Then it hit me. Remember my french balcony inspiration? In case you don't, here it is for you again:

I love it!!!!!

I've recently discovered I heart topiaries. And I love their cute little ways in balconies.

Sigh!

Here are more topiary inspirations I've been looking at lately:

{the balcony gardener}

{house to home}

{house to home}

{house to home}

What are your thoughts on topiaries for balconies? How do you like those beautiful shapes? Are they easy to take care of?

Do share!

Kara Mann Design

Modern meets timeless beauty. This is how I would best describe the work of Kara Mann, a Chicago-based interior designer. I love her use of bright accents against neutral backgrounds. Notice how the gorgeous pillows pop in the bedroom and living room. I would LOVE to live in this ocean front villa. So amazing!!! Check out her also fabulous site at http://www.karamann.com/.

Magnificent Garden Design

My mouth is still wide open after taking a look at these images from Traditional Home. It's Stan Fry's magnificent gardens from his New Hampshire house. Designed by Gordon Hayward, master garden designer.

If only I had the space to try to do something like that!

Absolutely breathtaking.

Three Birthdays in Two Days

The good thing about having three birthdays in two days is you get to party ALL WEEK LONG (or even longer).

In the last two days, we had some of the following:

A de.li.cious chocolate cake. So yummy I could have it all over again.

Another yummy recipe: my husband's famous pasta with mushroom and cheese sauce.

Mouth-watering.

And a few surprising gifts!

Now that our family has grown in size and age, we're thrilled to continue with the celebrations the rest of the week. Gotta party! (There are no more birthdays for us the rest of the year!)