The Key to Life is Herbs

I can't even explain the joy I get from just walking to the window sill and snipping fresh herbs to incorporate into dinner. No grocery store, no plastic packaging, no cost. It's kind of perfect.

The only imperfect part is that the majority of our apartment is in the shade. The sun doesn't really shine into our apartment, which means its usually a little cooler in here. With the exception of ONE window, our bedroom window. So that's where the sit, soaking up the rays.

Please excuse the lack of rays, it was evening time when I took this. However, we are stocked up on fresh herbs. From left to right we have:

• Lemon Thyme
• Peppermint
• Basil
• Chocolate Mint
• Rosemary

I have yet to use the chocolate mint or lemon thyme, however, the others have succeeded my expectations. 

With the Rosemary we cooked up some potatoes, coated them (with freshly chopped rosemary, garlic powder and oil), and then baked them for a few minutes. It was delicious!

With the Basil I was so excited to try and cook with it that I threw some fresh cut leaves, half an avocado, and some oil in a blender and made a creamy pesto.

And lastly, with the Peppermint I just grabbed some leaves, rubbed them between my fingers to activate more of the flavor and put it in some tea in the morning. The benefits of mint are amazing, I just might have to right a blog solely about it! (foreshadowing...)

Though I am kind of unsure what to do with the lemon thyme (and will most definitely be turning to my best friend Pinterest for some ideas), Andrew and I are pretty excited to put some chocolate mint into our hot cocoa one of these days! Through some research it says that it gives it a richer chocolate taste along with the mint. I just might do that tonight!

Having herbs in your home isn't just about its easy and accessible culinary uses, but just the life it brings into your home. Especially the scents, its your own little aromatherapy. Indoor herb plants are also known to help purify the air. The versatility of these plants is amazing!

Another fun fact is that the mint plants, even the chocolate mint, are also great for repelling flies, mosquitos, and other pests. With summer right around the corner what more could you want!

Yes, I am blabbing on about herbs, but you can't tell me you don't think it's a little intriguing. 

We are new to the blogger world so I completely forgot to take pictures of my herb concoctions (#bloggerfail), BUT don't you fret I will be sure to capture the next one! 

To stay even more updated you should check out our instagram @northernpineapple! And if you have any input about your herbs or what to make with ours please leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Location, Location, Location!

Though we love our apartment, it can have its disadvantages. The biggest being no yard. No yard equals no garden. And for a couple who is creating a brand based on gardening that doesn't really look good for us. Luckily we have great family who offers us their land, in return for fresh vegetables, of course.

Today was especially exciting because we got to get the lay of the land, so to speak. I got to check out the place that Andrew grew up around, and that we get to grow food with. Let me tell you, it is beautiful. But if you don't believe me I took pictures as evidence.

If you look closely there is a beautiful view! You have to admit, Maine is a pretty cool place (I say that because the snow is finally gone).

Now, it is definitely a work in progress. Over the next couple of weeks we will be raking and tilling, getting the land ready to plant our seedlings that we showed off last week. But it is so much more than we expected to have when we started this idea, and we are so grateful. 

Not only have we upgraded our garden space but we have upgraded to buildings as well! Here is what we have in mind.

We have a miniature greenhouse in our apartment, we have access to a little green room off site, so we decided why not have a greenhouse right here! Lucky for us, there was already one there. So with some tender, love and care this will be just that! But that's not all. There is one more building we will be putting to good use.

It's adorable, I know. And though we haven't 100% decided what we will use it for just yet you know that we will keep you posted. I mean, we can't reveal everything or it wouldn't be a journey and learning experience!

The only true thing I can reveal is how excited we are, and that we have A LOT of work ahead. Of course we bring you guys along every step of the way. 

Don't forget to check out our Facebook and new Instagram (northernpineapple) and see what we are up to on the daily basis! #northernpineapple

So of course, stay tuned, keep checking in and watch out for Operation Garden Renovation. Coming Soon!