Friends with babies and babies on the way, look out! I’ll make Foodies of your little lads and lasses yet. Or at least just brand them as such. The Fig Leaf Baby Connoisseur Collection features an array of simple onesies embroidered with cute monikers like “Foodie,” “Ripe,” and “Fresh Squeezed.” Is there anything that you can put on a baby that doesn’t inevitably look completely adorable?

For Christmas CK bought me a Whirley Pop. If that’s not the ultimate in kitsch gifts I don’t know what is. Strangely enough though, the ridiculous looking thing makes really excellent popcorn. This good opinion is seconded by Robin at Big Red Kitchen. In fact, Robin even gave me some tips about how to get the elusive Whirly Pop Kettle Corn not to burn. I’m really not kidding about this pot. You’ll never buy microwave popcorn again.

Laura had a very expensive snack at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant after work and handles the reality that she’s been charged $16 for a single glass of wine quite well.

Heat, Eat, and Review tackles the new Smucker’s Peanut Butter and Honey Uncrustables. I know I’m not supposed to like things like this, but I have fond memories of the Grape Jelly and Peanut Butter Uncrustable that I sampled in a grocery store once. Although, this could also just be my new constant craving for white bread talking.

My friend Erin is in the initial planning stages of plotting out a spot in her community garden. I’m hoping to grow something a little more challenging myself this year. Really. I mean it.

Top 5 Recipes I’m Dying to Try this Week

S’more Cupcakes from Jen at Beantown Baker
Sarah’s Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies at FoodCite
Rachelle’s Calico Bell Pepper Muffins at RachelleB.com
Tropical Coconut Cheesecake from Tarah at Genesis of a Cook
Nicole’s Hearty Potato Leek Soup at Pinch My Salt

I may have found a new hobby. While thumbing through my copy of You Grow Girl the other day I came across Gayla Trail’s section that details the steps involved in making your very own Tea Garden. Since my mini herb gardens have managed to stay alive this summer I think I might possibly be up to this new horticultural challenge, especially as tea herbs are notoriously hearty. This is very reassuring to me as I was born with the distinct lack of a “green thumb.”

The chapter on Tea Gardening outlines a brief introduction on the “hot factor” surrounding tea these days as well as a breakdown of the various herbs you should grow for a variety of personal tea needs. This includes lavender, catnip, and lemon balm for sleep and relaxation. Stevia, mint, and lemon verbena if you’re craving a cup of “sweet and tasty” tea or perhaps nettle and rose hips if something a little more healing is in order. Apparently even dill has properties that can sooth an upset stomach and stimulate appetite. For crafty folks there’s a mini pattern and directions detailing how to sew your own tea bags from muslin. I think a supply trip to Target for seeds and cute pots is definitely in order. If you don’t currently own the amazing You Grow Girl guide there are plenty of online resources that will assist you in your tea gardening efforts. Happy growing!

(Originally posted on the Well Fed Network’s blog A Nice Cuppa)

For Christmas I bought my mother an adorable window gardening kit from Red Envelope.  In fact, I thought it was too cute to pass up so I ended up purchasing one for my own use as well.  Last Monday I finally got my act together enough to plant the seeds and as you can see below I’m pretty excited about their progress.   Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention and I planted the Chives in the Oregano pot and the Oregano in the Chives pot. Oh well. At least the Basil is correct.  After they get a little more hearty I’ll transfer them to my window box so I can hopefully grow a gigantic “forest” of fresh herbs all summer long.

Day 1

Day 6