I took a personal day today. The garden unit still isn’t finished and it needs to be. Like yesterday.

After finally finishing a post for Glocally {my follow-up review of the Newark Boat Tour}, I decided to make myself some lunch.

Inspired by Kim’s green thumb and Kathleen’s “go local” vibe, I’ve been growing tomatoes & basil.

It’s not much. But it is a start.

Both are delicious.

Two of my tomatoes were looking pretty pretty ripe and the basil needed to be pruned. SALAD!!

I diced up the tomatoes and did a quick chiffonade on the basil.

Every done a chiffonade? My chef friend taught me how; it’s super easy!

Just stack up the leaves.

Roll it into a big fatty.

Slice.

Voila!!

I tossed the tomato & basil with some cubed up gouda {left over from the succulent themed bridal shower} and some homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Now I’m sitting on the stoop with my dog and tomato plant, blogging, people watching, and eating my salad. Then it’s back to work. {And yes, I am eating lunch at 4:15.}

Got to be honest. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon.