zen

off to yoga :)

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longwood gardens

What better to do when your parents are in town than to escape to some magical gardens, bursting with beauty every which way you look?

My mom and dad visited Philadelphia last weekend and that's exactly what we did. It was so nice to see them - to wander around, calmly enjoying each other's presence.We ate all too much, saw beautiful things, and even did some boyfriend introducing. I was deeply contented at the weekend's close, and fell fast, fast asleep.

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Visit: Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA

goat cheese polenta towers

We were in the mood to treat ourselves to something a bit more elegant than usual. Although the presentation may be deceiving, it's not difficult to make, but it is a great blend of flavors and a sight to see. Goat cheese polenta topped with eggplant, homemade tomato sauce, and sauteed shrimp - indulge yourself, you deserve it.

Polenta Ingredients (makes approx 5-6 servings):

3 Cups Water

1.5 Cups Cornmeal (you can use instant or finer consistency cornmeal if you would the process to go faster)

1 Tbsp Butter

2 Clove Garlic

1.5 Tbsp Goat Cheese

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Topping Ingredients:

1.5 Cups Homemade Tomato Sauce (or store bought)
half of one large eggplant

12 Shrimp

1 Clove Minced Garlic

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Butter

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions:

1. Heat about 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large pan and add half of the chopped garlic. Stir about a minute until fragrant. Add the eggplant. Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant and stir. Cover the pan for a few minutes so steam builds up, this will help the eggplant soften without having to pour gallons of olive oil into the pan as eggplant acts like a sponge and will just soak it up. Remove the cover, stir. Add the tomato sauce and sauté for 5 minutes, lower heat and let simmer.

2. Heat butter in a medium pot and slightly brown garlic.

3. Lower heat and add water/cornmeal. Stir vigorously until polenta reaches desired consistency.

4. Heat a sauce pan over high heat. Add olive oil.

5. Place shrimp and minced garlic into the pan.

6. Cook shrimp until dark pink on both sides. Then add butter to get a nice crispy brown coloring on the outside.

7. Salt and pepper to taste.

planting terrariums

My need for green is rampant. I've been urging to get out of the city and take in some mother nature. I want nothing more than to fill my bedroom with living breathing plants. This is just the start.

glass wall bubble vase // mixed stones // brooklyn blend potting soil // horticulture charcoal // glass plant mister

a shore fine day

Melodies burned into the asphalt
Stretching out before us
And trailing behind for a million miles:

Back to the sea,
Back to the shore.
Drive me home.

(words via here)