just a few of my favorite things

An armful of flowers, freshly picked items from the garden, and heavily fragrant whole cinnamon sticks are just a few of my favorite things - they're always guaranteed to lighten my mood. What are a few of your favorite things?

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cherry blossoms to brighten up the day

Yesterday was one long, ugly day. Here's to hoping that today will be better. Just looking at these beautiful photos of cherry blossoms brightens up my morning. 

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music for a monday: afrocubism

What do you get when you combine superstar musicians from Cuba and Mali? Nothing less than musical perfection via the album AfroCubism. 

color therapy: yellow

Today was one of those days that the sun is nowhere to be found. With rain, fog, and grey everywhere to be seen, I thought photos of beautiful yellow hues might just add some much needed brightness to the day.

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words to live by: aesop

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flowerful friday: hyacinth

Native to the eastern Mediterranean and southwestern Asia, the hyacinth is a flower many of us associate with early spring. I forced one hyacinth bulb inside, and its fragrant flowers provide a showy burst burst of color. I can't wait to see the hyacinths in my garden poke through the soil - hopefully it won't be too long.

Happy Friday!

from the kitchen: spinach, artichoke, chickpea dip

This winter we've been eating a lot of vegetarian dishes at home. My spinach, artichoke, chickpea dip is super easy and incredibly flavorful, and makes a great snack. What's nice too is that these are items we often just have on hand, so there's no need to make a special run to the grocery.

Ingredients:
1 can artichokes
about 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed
about 1/4 cup chickpeas
juice of 1/2 lemon
about 1/4 cup of good olive oil
about 1/2 teaspoon each of turmeric and curry powder
pinches of salt and pepper
cilantro to dress, if desired

I added all of these ingredients to my Cuisinart and blended until it's nice and creamy.

And, then I add a touch of cilantro for some more flavor, and serve with pita chips.

day dreaming...vegetable garden

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for winter to be over. I've been day dreaming about getting out into my garden and start the growing season. Since we just got another big snowfall yesterday, it seems like gardening might not be in my very near future, so day dreaming will just have to suffice! Here are a few beautiful photos I found on Pinterest that inspire me. 

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knit: zig zag infinity scarf

The zig zag stitch is a pattern I've seen on several websites and in a few knitting books. I decided to use it to make an infinity scarf - to be wrapped twice - with lots of drape and stretch. I came across a simple pattern at Purl Bee, and I'm using it as my inspiration. One of the nice things about the zig zag stitch is that is looks good on both the front and back. I'll post a photo once I finish so you can see the completed product.

my yarn choice: 2 skeins of  Manos del Uruguay's
Handspun Multicolor in Fruit Salad

music for monday: The Touré-Raichel Collective - Le Niger

Led by Malian singer and guitarist, Vieux Farka Touré and Israeli singer and pianist, Idan Raichel, the Touré-Raichel Collective's first album, The Tel Aviv Session is one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. The original recording was made during a 3 hour improvised session. It will transport you with its culturally influenced Malian rhythms and Israeli melodies. Check out this state-side performance of Touré and Raichel. Enjoy!

 this album is worth every penny

words to live by: danny kaye

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colors: a sunset over water

I was recently somewhere warm and by the water, and the sunsets were always beautiful - full of shifting colors. I snapped these three photos within just a few minutes of each other. In each one the colors are so different than the next. 

flowerful friday - phalaenopsis

Inside the Pomegranate is back after a few months off! I thought we'd kick off the start the new month with a flowerful Friday post. 

I've been growing a lovely phalaenopsis in the front window sill all winter. I love orchids for their graceful lines that are both classic and modern at the same time. This white phalaenopsis has touches of chartreuse on each bloom's back. Native to Southeast Asia, phalaenopsis orchids don't like direct sunlight or too much water, but do need a little humidity. They are a little picky, but they're worth the effort. 

Happy Friday!

a new year

Wishing you the best year yet! Happy 2013!