Canning improvised

On my last trip to visit my Mom I had a chance to catch up on all my favorite magazines, one of my favorite things to do when I visit. She can afford to subscribe to all the trendy magazines and I get her hand me downs. Anywho, one of the Martha Stewart Living mags inspired me to make some orange marmalade as Christmas gifts. To my delight my local market had oranges on sale for an irresistibly low price when I returned home.




Having canned before with my mother-in-law I knew I needed all sorts of handy dandy gadgets, but being Mrs. Frugal I thought I'd just improvise since I only planned on making a few jars. Above is my substitute for the large canning pot and jar holder. Behold — my le creuset stock pot with forks to keep the jars from touching the bottom of the pan. Well, I thought it was pretty ingenious and my forks were nice and sparkly when I was done. I also used my tongs with plastic ends to lift the jars out instead of the standard jar tongs. If you try this at home make sure you have a folded dishtowel handy to set the jars on and carry them to the cooling rack, don't trust the tongs as they tend to slip.

I was shooting for plain old regular marmalade, but it took so long to reach setting temperature that it caramelized, which was a fantastic mistake. It turned out amazing, at least my hubby thought so. I created some simple Homemade labels and cut out a piece of kraft colored wrapping paper to cover the tops and tied them with red cord. Hopefully all the "foodie" recipients will enjoy it as much as we are!

Free gift tags for your holiday goodies

Happy Holidays! I've officially started my holiday baking! This year I had planned on going with natural colors for my gift & goodie wrapping, but I had no luck finding kraft colored boxes in small quantities so I settled for an old fashioned red & white color scheme. Since a lot of my gifts this year will be homemade, I thought I should spruce them up a little.I designed my "Homemade By" labels, which I'll print on white cardstock and adhere with double stick tape or with a simple hole punch and ribbon.

Since a lot of people will be giving homemade gifts this year I thought I'd go ahead and whip up a couple of tags in non-traditional colors. I've uploaded the files to my website and they are available for you to download for personal use at: http://www.anisegraphics.com/FreeStuff/. The files are named according to the pictures above, RedHomemade.pdf, BlueHomemade.pdf and PurpleHomemade.pdf. They are set up to print 9 per page. Enjoy!

Back to Nature for the Holidays

With all of the holiday gatherings approaching who has time to search the isles for the "perfect" crackers? I don't, which is why I'm happy to have discovered Back to Nature's crackers on one of my many trips to Whole Foods. In an attempt to stock up on holiday necessities I took a stroll through the cracker isle, just to see if there were any on sale that I could stock up on. I found the Back to Nature varieties on sale and there was an additional coupon in the store's flyer so I thought, what the heck, they're organic and they look really good. I purchased a couple of boxes and let me tell you, I scored big time! They were delicious and priced right.

And if that's not enough, they are organic and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives, which is probably why the taste so great. So far I've tried the Stoneground Wheat, Flax Flatbread and White Cheddar Flax varieties of the crackers and all of them are delish. They also make pasta dishes, granolas, juices, nuts and trail mixes which I am anxious to try. For a list of where you can purchase Back to Nature products visit: http://www.backtonaturefoods.com/Where-to-buy.aspx

While I'm making suggestions, Paper Mart is a great place to stock up on all of your holiday gift giving accessories. I have used them for years to purchase packaging and promotional supplies. Throughout the years they have expanded their holiday gift wrapping line to include everything from baskets, boxes and tissue to ribbon, bags and food containers. They are extremely affordable and very responsive with questions and deliveries. There are minimum qualities on some items, but if you're creative you can find uses for left over items throughout the year. Best of all you can relax, kick your feet up after all that shopping and order all your supplies online and have them delivered in a matter of days. Visit them at: http://www.papermart.com.

Glitter and inspiration...

I have been aching to work on stationary designs lately. So, with my upcoming jewelry show I thought it would be a great time to introduce a few new designs.

These two were tied for my favorites. I've had peacocks on the brain ever since my niece decided this would be her wedding color palette. I first created the earrings which I'm secretly hoping no one purchases so I can keep them for myself ;-)

After the earrings I moved onto the card. I created the art in Adobe Illustrator, then printed it on a metallic white card stock. I was completely happy with it as it was (at least I thought). But, then I remembered I had purchased some glitter a while back and decided to try it out. Wow, I couldn't believe the difference! Needless to say I was even more pleased with the outcome. Then of course being the anal retentive designer that I am I had to find the perfect matching envelope, which I ended up making out of a metallic olive glassine paper. Together they look absolutely fabulous.

Now, onto the crow card. I don't know why, but I have always had a fondness for crows, even thought I'm not a big bird fan. I think it's the fact that they are so black they almost have an iridescence to them. Another reason is because they always show up around Fall, my favorite season. I created this first as an illustration and then recreated it in Illustrator. I printed it on a textured white cover stock and embellished it using a rhinestone for the eye and crystal glitter for snow on the branch. To add a little more punch I applied some thick clear glue to the wing which gave it a nice gloss.

If you're planning on using glitter to embellish this season I highly recommend the Martha Stewart glitters. Normally I'd shop for the best buy, but it's worth it to splurge on these. They come in a nice sturdy glass container so they won't tip over easily. All it took was one spill of the plastic bottle and I was sold. They also have twist tops with shakers which I found very convenient. For glue, the "Quickie Glue" pens are the best. They work just like a writing pen and don't clog. They run about $3 and you can usually find them at your local rubber stamp store. Happy crafting!

A few of my favorite things

With the holidays fast approaching I thought I'd share a few very affordable gift ideas which also make great stocking stuffers (hint, hint).

The first is for all the foodies on your list with an appetite for expensive cheeses. I learned about Cheese Paper at one of the local cheese shops where my sister and I purchased more cheese than we could consume in her short visit. After a week and a half I was pleased to find that the leftover cheeses we wrapped in the Cheese Paper were still good. Cheese Paper is a porous paper that simulates a cheese cave environment and keeps cheeses fresher longer. Packages of 15 sheets, which can be cut down for smaller pieces and labels that you can record origin, type and date of purchase run about $9. To learn more about Cheese Paper visit: https://www.formaticum.com/shop/product.php?productid=16157&cat=0&bestseller=Y .

While you're out shopping for cheese and anything else under 40 lbs. you'll definitely want to bring along a Chico Bag. These reusable, washable bags are convenient and stylish. They fit into the attached little pouch and can be tossed in your glove box, or if you're like me you'll keep one or two in your purse for those spur of the moment shopping sprees. I paid a little more for mine at REI, but you can purchase them for $6.49 at: http://www.chicobag.com/p-17-chicobag-vita.aspx. Chico Bags are available in an array of colors and make great stocking stuffers for all the eco-friendly people on your holiday shopping list. This is one gift you won't mind receiving duplicates of.

Last, but certainly not least...SoftLips lip moisturizer. I keep one on my night stand, desk, glove box and my purse. My niece turned me onto SoftLips when she included a two pack in a hand bag she gave me as a Christmas gift last year. I was hooked with the first application which left my lips feeling silky soft without feeling waxy. And, if that's not enough it also has SPF 20. SoftLips is available in a variety of flavors, my favorites are vanilla and winter mint. Unfortunately, you can only find the winter mint during the holidays so if you find it, stock up! You can find SoftLips sold in two packs at Target and at most drug stores and they run about $2.79 for 1 or $3.99 for a pack of 2.

Vibrant Autumn

As we are right smack in the middle of my absolute favorite season I couldn't resist posting a few of my favorite shots from our many strolls throughout town. This Fall has been extraordinarily vibrant. That being said, my camera has taken semi-permanent residence in my purse.


I've already baked three batches of pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes, butternut squash ravioli and tonight I'm going to try my hand at pumpkin squash soup. Hmmm... I don't know which has more calories, the pumpkin bread or the soup. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to pick up the pace on my strolls to burn off those calories!

Seems as if I'm not the only one taking advantage of this Fall's bountiful harvest. You can pretty much spot squirrels and raccoons foraging around every corner. My husband and I spotted these little cuties on our way home the other day. They look like triplets.

September's bountiful harvest...

After a busy summer of moving, family visits, weekend camping trips and vacation I finally feel like I'm back to my normal routine.

My husband and I decided to spend Labor day weekend out at his Mom's in Hansville. We always find it so relaxing out there, no matter how much gardening we end up doing.

As fall is fast approaching we found that most of the veggie's in Maggie's garden were ready for harvesting, including some local black berries. Everything was so fresh and colorful that I couldn't resist taking a photo after getting it trimmed and cleaned. One of my favorite things to do is clean the fresh potatoes. I think it is so neat how the skin just rubs right off.



I've been in my glory the last few days in the kitchen with all of the fresh organic veggies and blackberries. I've been making Salads, Fried Green Tomatoes, Zucchini, Blackberry Cake, and my favorite, Spring Onion Soup (recipe below).

As if the bounty of veggies/fruits wasn't enough, Maggie and I had planted a variety of Dahlias a couple of months ago and they were all in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous. She has a great talent for planting them so that when everything blooms they contrast so well with one another.

It's cooling down and I am so excited as my my favorite season approaches. I can't wait for our annual visit the pumpkin patch with my niece and nephew in a few weeks and am dreading the day they say they are too old for it. Oh well, I can always look forward to baking lots of yummy pumpkin goodies and caramel apples. I don't think they'll ever be too old for those!


Elena's Spring Onion Soup
I created this recipe to use up all of the fresh green onions that I harvested at my mother-in-laws. I recommend using fresh homegrown and/or organic vegetables if they are available.

Note: all amounts are approximate since I did it on a whim. You can adjust for your tastes.


Ingredients:

2 bunches of large Green Onions (3 if small), sliced
2-3 cloves of Garlic, sliced
3 Tbsp. Flour
5 Tbsp. unsalted Butter
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tsp. dried Thyme
2 tsp. dried Dill
1 tsp. smoked Paprika
1 tsp. Mustard Powder
2 Carrots, peeled and diced in small cubes
3 med. Red Potatoes, diced in small cubes with skin on
4 cups. Chicken Broth
1/2 cup good White Wine
1/2 cup Plain Low fat Yogurt
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preparation:

Heat half of the butter and half of the olive oil in a heavy stock pot. Add about 3/4 of the onions, garlic, salt & pepper. Saute until all are tender and add about 1 cup of the broth. Remove from pan and let cool to room temperature in a separate bowl.

Meanwhile, using the same pot heat remaining butter and olive oil and add flour and spices, salt and pepper to create a golden colored rue. Cook at medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. If rue gets too thick just add a little water.

Add remaining broth and wine to rue, mix until well blended. Add carrots, potatoes and remaining onions and simmer on medium high. Meanwhile, blend cooled onion/garlic mixture in food processor until well blended and add to the soup.

Reduce heat to med. low and stew for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally (if soup gets too thick you can add more broth, or water if it's flavorful enough). Add yogurt and salt and pepper to taste and simmer about 1/2 hour. Enjoy!

Optional Toppers: Crumbled Bacon, Gruyere Cheese or Croutons.

Blooming Expressions

With more idle time on their hands these days, many people may find themselves wondering endlessly about what the future holds for them. It can be challenging, stressful and a bit overwhelming at times. Which is why I recommend a stress break.

No, I'm not talking about a spa, but I am talking about something refreshing, soothing and inspiring. I'm talking about the art of Soojung Cho.

Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Soojung moved to the States in 1977 after college to study Fine Art. Her work has been exhibited from Korea to New York and New Jersey. Her work is like yoga for the soul. Her color palettes and composition are energetic, yet calming at the same time. Her Oil on Canvas paintings range in size from 18"wide to 36" high.


I think many of us can relate these days with "Red Way". For me it's full of energy, like the energy flowing around this country right now. It shows a path, which leads to a hill that, to me, represents the hardship we are going through. After the hill, the path continues. The end of the path symbolizes the uncertainties and makes me wonder about the outcome.


"Cherry Blossom" just makes me happy. It makes me feel like walking through a path of blooming cherry blossoms in a white flowy dress without a care in the world.


Finally "Lotus Night" is like sitting under the stars after a long summer day and reminiscing about a glorious day while contemplating what tomorrow will bring.

So, grab a cup of your favorite tea and take a break. Visit: http:www.soojungcho.com to view Soojung's latest work!

Quilts, Cheeseburgers & Harps?

You may be asking what do these things have in common. Well, these are just a few of my favorite things from the Kitsap Quilters show I attended this weekend.

I've always loved quilts, I love the history behind them, the fabrics, colors, textures and new techniques that constantly arise. I love to touch them and feel the different textures of the various stitches. But, I had to refrain with all my might this weekend. These pros wouldn't appreciate 100's of grubby hands all over their fine works of art so there was a strict "No Touch" policy.

I learned about this show (as I do all quilt shows) from my wonderfully talented mother-in-law, Maggie Magee (shown above with Sarah's Quilt). She designed and pieced each square in unique patterns and angles which add to the whimsy of this quilt that I'm sure her granddaughter, Sarah is going to love. Maggie was also responsible for coordinating and coming up with the theme for this year's Challenge Quilt that was featured in the Kitsap show. She came up with the theme of Music & Song. When she first mentioned the theme I thought it sounded so interesting and knowing what fabulous work Maggie and her guild have created in the past, I was anxious to see the outcome.


Indeed, these women did not disappoint when it came to originality, composition and application. It was hard to choose, but my favorite of the Challenge Quilts was, Cheeseburger in Paradise by Laura Jacobs.

It is my favorite for many reasons, first because I love this wacky song, second, who can refuse a yummy cheeseburger with fries? Finally, the thought and creativity that went into this quilt was amazing. The photo does not give it justice. I think Jimmy Buffett himself would be proud to hang this on his wall. The artist used traditional Buffett themed fabrics. She actually hand stitched the chorus along the top and applied a tiny hammock that hung between the palm trees. But, my most favorite thing about this quilt is the cheeseburger itself, which has tiny beads for the sesame seeds and lettuce that curls over the tomato. Let's not forget those delicate little French fries, which can actually be partially pulled out of the bag (sorry Laura I absolutely could not resist touching those cute little fries and I swear my hands were clean). If Jimmy doesn't want this quilt, I'll definitely take it.



There were numerous other categories of quilts and I could go on and on, but I'll finish with the last two of my favorites, Barack 'N Roll & Kenya Celebrates the Inauguration, both by Karen Knowlton.

I love the vibrant colors and patterns of Africa and there is no shortage of them on these two quilts. Karen has surely captured the excitement and energy that I'm sure people all over the country and Kenya felt during the historical inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.

Now for the harp....While perusing the many quilts we stumbled upon musician, David Michael, who plays the harp and numerous other instruments. In an attempt to occupy my dear, sweet and amazingly patient husband, I asked him if he wanted to listen to and select a few CD's for us to purchase. My husband returned with two of the most beautiful harp CD's I've heard. David Michael's style is World-Fusion, another of my favorites. He also produces music with his wife, Dari Michael and special guests. If you're into World-Fusion or Ambient music check out his site at: http://www.purnimaproductions.com/biography.htm. We purchased Chantilly Mae and Courtship of the Moon and love both of them.

Ahhh.... Robledo

As an avid wine lover and a love of different cultures I was delighted when my husband and I stumbled upon the Robledo Family Winery while on our honeymoon in Somoma, CA.

I became especially interesed in this winery for it's history. The founder, Reynaldo Robledo, Sr. came to the U.S. in 1968 and earned a mere $1.10 an hour as a migrant farm worker. He spent three decades working in several vineyards learning about vineyard managment. After purchasing a few vineyards of his own Reynaldo, his wife and nine children started producing their own award- winning estate wines.

All of the Robledo children share in the responsibilities. And, by what we've experienced from our tour of the tasting room and facilities and the newsletter & marketing it seems that each of the siblings excels in their particular area.

They offer a great discount to wine club members. My husband and I look forward to our bi-monthly shipments. My favorite is the Petite Sirah which goes well with tapas and Mexican food and the Moscato with any citrus flavored dessert to cool your palette.

We recently learned that the 2005 Los Braceros Red Blend was served at the January 12th lunch between Mexican President Felipe Calderon and U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama.

Visit: http://www.robledofamilywinery.com to learn more about their wine and the La Familia Wine Club, or if you're lucky enough to be in the Sonoma area stop by and visit Larry in the tasting room.