The Last Weekend of Summer.....

Warmer than normal for this time of year. So, this morning (before it got too hot) I wanted to take advantage of the sunshine. I harvested a few of the root crops. Potatoes, beets and some carrots. I also harvested some more herbs to preserve.

End of Summer Sewing

This past weekend, I finished up the last of my summer 2015 sewing. I can now add three new tees to my wardrobe. All three tees were made from a simple dolman-type tee similar to The Dreamer Tee.

Maybe I'll Be An Artist Yet....

Okay. Don't laugh.....I recently drew this. Maybe I've been doing too much pickling. BUT. That was my "inspiration". Maybe I need to back up a little with the "rest of the story".....

I'm Not Getting Much Knitting Done....

I haven't mentioned any knitting projects for quite awhile now. I have been doing some knitting. Although, it is pretty limited. Right now, I'm working on this Crazy Magic Cowl by Susan Ashcroft. I've been knitting it in Lionbrand's  self-striping yarn - Amazing.

Spicy Garlic Dills

 

I'm still doing a bunch of pickling. I did another batch of Pickled Peppers the other day. I also did a couple batches of pickled cucumbers. The first batch is based on a Baby Kosher Dill recipe from Summer in a Jar by Andrea Chesman.

 

Foraging for Blackberries

I've spent several days this month foraging for blackberries. I enjoy the whole blackberry process. But. Not everyone does. Maybe, they don't know the tips that can make picking enjoyable. I'm going to share a few of my favorite tips.

Dehydrating Cherry Tomatoes

It seems like I've been pinning a LOT of dehydrating posts lately. Enough posts that I "dug out" the dehydrator and started drying "stuff". And. by "stuff", I mean just about anything....canned pineapple slices, apricots, cherries, fruit leather....basically, whatever I can find in the cupboards or fridge!

Pickled Peppers

It's that time of year.....canning season! Okay, okay....if you've read some of my posts, you probably know I do some canning all year long. I guess I should re-phrase that by saying NOW is the perfect time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce available (either from your garden or local growers).

Happy July 4th, 2015

I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a fun and SAFE 4th of July! And. Because it's the 4th, once again, sharing my red, white and blue project bag. A prize for someone who crochets a 12-inch block for JCCF. For more details, see this post.

Preserving the Herb Harvest

If you grow your own herbs (and if you don't......you NEED to start!), here's a list of some fabulous ways I've found to preserve your herb harvest. They're easy. The aroma of working with fresh herbs is amazing. And. When you're done you will have some fabulous products to use in your own cooking or to give away as gifts. What's better than that?!?!?

Preserving the Herb Harvest - Freezing Herbs

Another easy way to preserve your fresh-grown herbs is to freeze them. This is a great method to keep your herbs like fresh (rather than dried) herbs. There are three methods I'm going to show you.

Knitting or Crocheting with Red, White and Blue

It's the first day of July and it's time to get started knitting or crocheting 12-inch blocks for JCCF. The blocks are used to create blankets to comfort injured rodeo athletes through the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. This month's color of the month is red, white and blue. I'm not going to lie, these are probably my favorite colors to knit or crochet blocks for JCCF with.

Preserving the Herb Harvest - Drying Herbs

Another easy way to preserve herbs is to dry them. There are several methods you can use to dry herbs. Choose your favorite and get those herbs drying. You won't regret it this winter when you have home-grown herbs to cook with (or use in tea)!

Preserving the Herb Harvest - Herbed Vinegar

Another super easy way to preserve your herb harvest is by making Herbed vinegars. I've been making herbed vinegars off and on for years now. They're simple to make and fun to use.

Preserving the Herb Harvest - Herbed Salt

 I enjoy growing herbs. Due to their strong fragrance, most are deer/critter resistant (well, except basil....deer LOVE it). The best part about herbs is the MANY ways you can use them.

Garden Magic

 

Just wanted to share a little "Garden Magic" with you. Above is a photo of one of my flower beds. Lots of things in bloom now.

First Day of Summer

This evening, on the first day of summer, I decided I should plant some annuals. I've really been enjoying the perennials in my flower beds (which reminds me....I need to do some more Easy to Grow Perennial posts......), but, they just need the punch of summer color annuals provide.