I recently had to take my yearly 6-hour continuing education class to renew my x-ray tech license. For those of you who don't know me well, I work for a chiropractor as his assistant/office manager.  Every year I dread this class.  I am not good with the whole school thing, never have been.  My mother told me I failed kindergarten because I didn't want to learn my alphabet, I wanted to play & make new friends.  Yep, thats me! I would rather do pretty much anything else than school.
Anyways, because my husband knew I had to sit in this class all Saturday, he bought me a wonderful present; something I have wanted for a while:  a mortar and pestle!  This particular one is marble and really heavy.  I cannot wait to use it!!! 
First thing on the menu: homemade pesto made with fresh basil ($5 for a living basil plant at Tacoma Boys), toasted pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, & olive oil.  Stay posted for the recipe, as I am planning on making this soon! Thank you Patrick!

PS: he found this at TJMaxx for $7.99.  The same one is at World Market for $19.99.  You can really find some good kitchen utensils at TJMaxx for a great deal, if you are willing to take the time to look.