DOWNCAST LASHES- The Illustrations of Karin Lekan

So... I hate to brag, but I do have some seriously impressive, talented friends. My friend Karin is, most certainly, no exception. She produces stunning illustrations. She's also just a genuinely stellar, kind, all-around awesome gal. So... if you're in the Chicago area this week, you should swing by and check out her opening reception at Ravensgoods!

Poster with details below. Show your support for this amazing lady. 

Adventures in Canning- 1st Time

When I was a little girl, I remember visiting my Grandfather at the house he built with his own hands, on top of a mountain in New Hampshire. He had amazing gardens. He would harvest the glorious foods from his gardens, pickle them, can them, and his basement had a large section of his famous homemade pickles, and so on. It wasn't until I got older that I realized the hard work that went into those rows and rows of beautifully jarred delights, and exactly how beautiful it was.

I'm now finding myself experiencing a strong desire to grow, preserve, can, jar, and put more of myself into my food, and more of my own food into my body. If I grow it, cook it, and can it, I know where, exactly, it's coming from, what is in it, and so on. I also need simple, thoughtful gift-giving ideas, and frankly, I can't think of anything better to give someone than something that you made, put love into, and sealed and labeled yourself.

I recently purchased my first book to help me learn recipes as well as the process of canning. The glorious process of putting food in jars. This book, is in fact, called Food in Jars- Preserving in Small Batches Year-Round. 

 Today, I made my first attempts.  First up, I started very simply with Rosemary Sea Salt (Rosemary from my balcony Garden):

Next up was Rhubarb Syrup (Simple Syrup): I cut this recipe in half to try it out, and see how it tastes, etc. I think I'll be trying to make Italian Sodas with it this evening. I wish you could see the color in person, and smell it! Glorious!

I ended today's adventures by making Strawberry-Rhubarb Butter: The recipe in the book is for Orange- Rhubarb Butter, but I used lemon juice in place of the orange juice, and rather than using all rhubarb, I used half rhubarb, half strawberry.

I'll have to report back on how everything turned out! If I could tell on aroma alone, I'd say it was a successful 1st attempt! I'm hoping to make Grampy proud!

RENEGADE

Are you going? I plan on being there! Also planning on applying to be a vendor at the holiday fair. We shall see. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! Check it out.

If You Need A Laugh...

One of my very best friends just sent this to me. She tends to sense when I need a laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dsmYmFKWlA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The Gig Poster Project

Hey all!

 Just wanted to take a moment to share with you a project that two of my friends are working on. I think it's such a great, interesting, and exciting idea, and I'd love it if any or all of you could help. The Gig Poster Project combines things I am extremely passionate about: Printmaking, art, education, and music. My friend made a great video, which explains the whole concept of the project, and exactly what they are about. You can make donations through the link below, where you can also watch the video. They only have three days left to reach their goal, and it's an all or nothing deal. If you can't make a donation (trust me, I hate asking, and I completely understand if you can't), please help out by spreading the word. Great idea, great people, and the donation MINIMUM is $1!

Any and all help greatly appreciated for these friends of mine, and the work they seek to do.

Donate and See Video Here

Oh, Phyllis...

EMPLOYED!

I failed to mention that I started my new job on Monday! Woot! I survived my first week as "the new girl." Feeling anxious and nervous about week two with the same title. The real, down and dirty training starts this week, my supervisor gets back from vacation, and... ugh. I just hate being the "new girl." Is that silly? Maybe, but that doesn't change it any. Do not get me wrong... I am so glad to be employed, and so far, I like the people I'm working with. Just takes a while to settle in and get comfortable.