Herbs, Herbs, Herbs

Have you purchased herbs at the grocery store lately?  Unbelievable!!!  I get so annoyed when I know I have to buy cilantro or basil at the store.  It's the same story every time.... they are out or it's expensive OR the stuff goes bad after a few days!  Frustrated is probably a better word for it.  Yes, frustrated.

So, what to do.... what to do....

Build me an herb garden.

I would love to be able to have a gorgeous, lush herb garden with all the herbs I could think of.  But, let's be realistic here.  I live in Hawaii where land is more than a premium.  It's greater than gold just about.  And if you can't go outward, you go upward!!

Here is my new lovely herb garden (that I hope not to kill before I reap any benefits).

The tipsy potted plants.  (I plan to add at least one more in the middle.)

This is Osmin Purple Basil.  I found it quiet interesting at the nursery.

I would love to say that I completely built this thing all by my lonesome.  But, I can't.  I had a helper (or two).

Gwyn loves to help me plant stuff.

PS. I do actually have another daughter.  She just doesn't like to have her picture taken.  NOT AT ALL.  I am lucky if I get one picture out of 500 of her.  The next good picture I get of her will definitely be posted.  

Princess Gwyn

Gwyn and I had the greatest honor to attend a Princess Tea Party this afternoon.  This has to be one of the best birthday parties I have ever attended.  Imagine it: seven little girls (and one boy) all sitting around a table with breakable dishes, eating food while wearing princess (or prince) costumes.  The best part was that they were quiet and behaving and quiet.  Did I mention they were quiet?

Upon arrival, Gwyn decided to be her typical self - non-conforming, withdrawn and shy.  She didn't want to change into a princess dress, nor have her make-up done, her fingernails painted, or hair did.  I thought we were doomed.  Then, there was a flicker of hope when she wanted her fingernails painted.  That's when I saw the light opening up at the end of the tunnel.  Next came the make-up, then the hair.  Lastly, she finally asked me for a dress.  Pink, it had to be pink.

Here's what we ended up with:

Throw in some accessories and you have Princess Gwyn:

First, they talked about manners at the table.  Then, out came the "first course" with cheese, goldfish, grapes and carrot sticks.  I don't think I have ever seen Gwyn eat so much in one sitting.  It didn't stop with these snacks either.  "Second course" was little sandwiches and hot dogs bites - Cleared. Her. Plate. (Insert smiling mommy face.) 

Here is Princess Katelyn and her royal court:

These seven little girls (and one boy) were amazing.  I have never seen such good behavior for such a long period of time (1.5 hours or so).  Cupcakes, gummy bears, twizzlers, and animal crackers finished off the "meal" like no other.  Of course Gwyn ate all that, too!

A huge THANK YOU to Katelyn for inviting Gwyn to be a princess for the afternoon.  She had so much fun (once she moved past the shy stage)!