Off The Counter: Herb Stuffed Tomatoes

During our weekend at Wilbur Hot Springs, Alex and I prepared yet another dish from the cookbook Plenty.  We cooked in the hotel's industrial and communal kitchen filled with all the culinary essentials and a great mix of people.  The evenings' preparations were not only delicious but quite entertaining.  Take a look at Yotam Ottolenghi's herbed stuffed tomatoes:

The next morning, we paired the leftovers with a black lentil salad (also from Plenty) topped with a fried egg.  This cookbook has changed the way we approach our meals in a very good way.  If you don't already have own it, buy it and share your favorite dishes with me.

The Weekend In Review

Part of me losing momentum had to do with not spending enough time at home.  Since our arrival, we've been a bit over anxious to see and experience California and have been exploring it incessantly.  This weekend, after my epiphany in Lake Tahoe, we decided not to venture out and stayed home instead.   I did leave the house briefly to scout rugs for a project, but the rest of the time relaxed with my family and worked in our garden.  The comfort and familiarity of our home helped hone my creative juices and stir my momentum.  Sometimes, staying put is just what the body and mind crave and need.  Take a look at some of this weekend's images:

Are you a homebody at times, always or never?  How do YOU recharge?

 

 

 

 

Losing Momentum~~~Gaining Time And Clarity

 

Ever since last year I've been going, going, going.  Deciding whether to move or not, preparing for it and gradually settling into it, while blogging about it and other lifestyle themes every step of the way.   I'm very pleased with our move's successful outcome and how well Cocoon Home Blog has been received through it all.  Keeping up with both the move and the blog kept me in constant action mode, but after a recent long weekend away and the loss of my phone (on the first day), my momentum has slowed down.

Without a phone I found myself able to think clearly for the first time in a long time.   During our latest trip to Tahoe, I felt very sentient, not consumed by instagram, the blog or emails.  Just living the present in heavy boots, surrounded by chilly noses and beautiful views.   I finally had time to think about the creative things I would like to focus on, such as gardening and remodeling our kitchen, as well as enjoying unencumbered time with our children and growing Cocoon Home Design's services.

Although I bought a new phone on the way home from Tahoe, I have made an effort to gently immerse back into the virtual world, this time with caution.  I realized that I love blogging and will continue to do it,  but with less urgency and more dicipline.  I look forward to more quality time with my family and the pursuit of other creative endeavors.

You may hear a little less from me in the future.

Have YOU had any recent revelations?

 

 

 

 

 

Botanical Inspiration: House Plants

 I recently placed a cluster of indoor plants in an area of our living room that was lacking something.  Since adding a furniture piece would surely obstruct the view into the garden, we decided to bring the outdoors in by choosing house plants.  Now the interior of the house is contiguous with the exterior of it AND we're benefiting from the purifying effects plants have on us daily.  Take a look:

3 Tips For Creating Your Very Own Plant Cluster:

1.  Choose plants with different characterics but the same cultivating requirements.  For example, the above  is a combination of a shiny broad leaf,  a delicate palmate and colorful oblong leafed plants.

2.  Cluster the plants in odd numbers and varied sizes.

3.  Remember that the pots/planters you choose are as important as the plants.  If you're as obsessive as I am, use the same style and color for all of them.   If not, use can different colors and styles, and even materials.  Let your creativity guide you, remember that baskets and wood vessels make great containers for plants.

If you're contemplating adding botanicals to your space for a bit of ecological drama, Cocoon Home can help you select the perfect plants for it.