A New Year is Approaching

I am so excited to start this new year. I have enrolled in several art classes to motivate me to create even more art work. I am working on my 2015 Valentine's Day card and hope to give you a sneak peek soon. As the new year approaches, I am looking forward to setting up my webpage and my Etsy shop. I turn 40 this coming February and it is going to be a big year for me. I am hoping to fill my life with all things art. It is one of the things that makes me most happy.

As we approach the new year, what are your goals? I'd love to hear from you. Maybe we can work together to encourage each other in attaining our goals this year.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Grading Time!

I've been drowning in paperwork the past few weeks. Every morning I sit with my pot of tea and my iPad and I grade papers. I hope that each paper I grade, and the feedback I provide, helps my students to become better writers. This thought is what keeps me going.

I know that you are probably missing my regular posts, and I promise I will be back to posting regularly next week. Thank you all for your patience.

Hugs,
Jenni

A Musician's Wife

Last Saturday, Christopher was asked to sit in with someone for a gig. Of course, when I decide to attend it means giving up an entire day. So we woke to a foggy morning, dressed for the gig, had a bite to eat, packed the car, and hit the road about 1:00 p.m. Our car rides lend themselves to some great conversations. Sometimes we chat about music or education, and other times we chat about whatever comes to mind. We planned enough time into our schedule to be able to stop at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a frosty beverage. After arriving at the location of the gig, I sit around while Christopher sets up his gear. Periodically, we exchange giggles over unspoken things. I tend to walk around and investigate the venue. This can lead to quirky photographs that I use to entertain myself. After set up is complete, it is time for sound check. This should be a fairly quick process if everyone is prepared. However, this time it took roughly two hours. By this time, I'm starving and stir crazy. From time to time, the venue will provide food. This particular venue chose a not so delicious pizza. While eating we joined in conversation with those around us. In just a few short moments I would find myself sitting alone while Christopher took the stage. The concert begins and I watch and wait for the finale. Several hours later the moment has come for the end of the show. I find myself anxious to pack up and head home. Inevitably, there is a meet and greet with the artists. This pushes back the tear down time. Once tear down does begin I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are finally packed up and ready to drive home. My bed is calling. We pull into the driveway, and I glance at the clock and am thankful that it is only 11:00 p.m.

Although it seems as if this whole process is drudgery for me, I am happy to see Christopher shining like the star that I know he is on that stage. I will continue to sacrifice my Saturdays from time to time to see the joy that performing brings him. In the grand scheme of life, this is just a small thing that I can give to him, and I will gladly give it over and over. I have no doubt he would do the same for me.

Hugs,
Jenni

Special Time With Family

Recently, I visited the bookstore with my mom, nephew, and niece. One of my favorite things to do is sit in the cafe with a beverage and peruse the magazines and books. My mom and I decided to share the experience with my nephew and niece. We are working on getting them hooked on reading. The entire afternoon was spent together talking and sharing about the selections we made. We each left with a book thanks to mom. My selection was an old classic from childhood, Nancy Drew, The Bungalow Mystery. Here are a few photographs that captured the memory for us.

Jenni and The Bungalow Mystery

Anakin and My Teacher Glows in the Dark

Leia and Fancy Nancy

Mom (Yvonne) and Bella Grace

Go visit your local bookstore or library and enjoy a little quiet time. Everyone deserves a break now and then.

Hugs,
Jenni

Happy Fall Y'all!

As I was looking through my photographs for one that expressed the fall season, I found this. It was taken a few years ago of my nephew in our local mountains. The expression of pure joy in the serene fall setting was perfect for welcoming the season. Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love to pick apples, take long walks, drink cider, and indulge in pumpkin anything and everything. As temperatures cool and leaves change color, remember to take a moment to step outside, take a deep breath, and let the fall sunshine bring a smile to your face. Happy fall y'all!

Hugs,
Jenni

Morning Planning

Well I woke up this morning and knew I needed to sit down with my blogging calendar and schedule some posts. With a very busy schedule, it is necessary for me to plan time for my blog. I made my cup of coffee and sat down with my blog calendar and started adding blog dates as well as other events this month. I realized that my calendar is quickly filling up. Life can really get out of hand, and I truly feel that it is vital to our self-preservation to schedule time for ourselves. So take time today to sit down with a beverage and your favorite book, magazine, or even CD. Relax and take five minutes to absorb the peace it can bring you. I promise you that the benefits will far outweigh the time out of your day.

Hugs,
Jenni

Our 2014 Summer in Photographs

Life has gotten busy again, but let me show you what has been going on. Here is a review of our summer in photographs:

Angel Game with my nephew, Anakin

Red Line Subway in Downtown Los Angeles

Repairing wood siding on our bungalow

Beach Day at Bolsa Chica State Beach

Our new trailer - Lil' Jessie

Biscuit has already claimed his spot in the new trailer.

Fried Zucchini from fresh zucchini in our garden

This is just a quick glimpse into our crazy, busy lives. I'll be back next week with a new update of my thrifty finds and maybe even some inside pictures of my kitchen.

Hugs,
Jenni

Blueberry Butter, Delicious!

With the end of summer approaching, I thought it would be nice to have some jam around through the winter. Of course I wanted to make it myself, so I just started canning this past week. I began with a strawberry jam, but I wasn't completely satisfied with the results. It turned out a little too syrup-like for me. The taste is wonderful, but I'm not sold on the texture. This week blueberries were on sale at the market. I searched for a recipe to try and found one for "blueberry butter." The best part is that it is made in the slow cooker. It took all day yesterday to cook, but by the time I went to bed I had a delicious looking blueberry butter. This morning I decided to try it on my English Muffin. Wow! I was ecstatic that this turned out and was absolutely delicious!

Have you canned your own jams, jellies, butters, or other special foods? I'd love to hear about what you have done and how it works for you. Please share any special recipes you find you could not live without.

Hugs,
Jenni

Butter Making With Jenni

Last week I discussed the different tools I have used to make butter. This week I thought I would share my process with you. The following video takes you through my steps of making butter. It is incredibly simple and does not take much time. I hope you will give it a try. See how simple it is by clicking on the video below.

I'd love to hear if you give it a try. If you have any questions about the process, just leave me a comment and I will get back to you.

Hugs,

Jenni

Thrifty Thursday

Welcome to another "Thrifty Thursday." Today I stopped by my local thrift shop and found this incredible deal. Some of you may know that I like to collect pretty Noritake China. It all started when I got married and inherited the China that my daddy purchased for my grandma. He was in the Air Force, and while stationed in Okinawa he bought my grandma a full 12 place setting of China. Since then I keep my eyes open for other patterns that I like and pick up pieces here and there. It was my lucky day today. I found the China you see below for a great deal. I'm thinking of putting some of these pieces in my trailer.

What thrifty finds have you come into lately? I'd love to hear all about them. Sometimes our thrifty shopping is an adventure in itself, so be sure to share your latest story here in the comments.

Hugs,
Jenni

Butter... Different Tools and Methods

I have been making my own butter for years. I recently purchased yet another gadget for my kitchen, a "buttercup." This new gadget promised to make the small batch butter making process even easier. I decided to do a side by side comparison using this tool and following its method and comparing it to my tools and method.

Buttercup:
Tools: "buttercup butter maker," heaving whipping cream, salt
Notes About Method: The heavy whipping cream had to be stored at room temp for 6-8 hours. Shaking process takes 2-3 minutes. The buttermilk was to be strained through the top of the container. Butter was supposed to be collected in the ramekin portion of the gadget and salted to taste.
Result: creamy white coloring with medium flavor

My Tools:
Tools: mason jar, bowl, spoon, heavy whipping cream, salt
Notes About Method: The heavy whipping cream was to be left on counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Shaking process takes 3-5 minutes. The excess buttermilk and water is strained out of the butter by using the back of a spoon to squeeze it out. Butter is placed in a bowl to add salt and then into a container for storing.
Result: vibrant yellow coloring with full flavor

This comparison shows me that I don't need a new gadget for something I've been doing for years. My tools and method proved to be just as effective, if not better, than the new one. I'm sure by tweaking the method of this new gadget I will find a way to make it work for me.

Have you made your own butter? What tools and method do you use?

Hugs,
Jenni

Thrifty Thursday

I believe that thrift stores often have incredible deals. It is the place I go to first when shopping, especially for vintage finds. I was recently shopping at one of my local thrift stores. I came across this fabulous find. It looks as if it is mostly machine pieced, but it was hand quilted. I don't know if it was store bought or homemade as there are no tags or markings to signify. It is quite soft. The best part is that it was only $6.00.

What have you found at your local thrift store recently? I'd love to hear all about your adventures in thrift store shopping.

Hugs,
Jenni

Garden Update

As some of you know, I spent hours planning and prepping my garden this spring. I planted seeds that I already had. I religiously watered and tended the weeds. As my little plants emerged, I was so excited. About a week after my seedlings were sprouting, the neighborhood pests (peacocks) came through and ate every last plant I had. I was more than disappointed. I once again spent a great deal of time planting seeds, but I kept a much closer eye out for peacocks. Once again I diligently watered and weeded the garden. I am happy to say that the images I am providing are proof that you can have a garden in a peacock infested neighborhood.

This is the loofah that I planted.

Here are my pequin peppers, but they don't look like the ones I have had before. :/

My arbol chiles that grow straight up.

I hope the ants don't kill my zucchini.

This is going to be orange watermelons. Interesting.

My lettuce has not been very successful.

I have five mint plants that were supposed to deter ants. Hmmm...

One of my blueberry bushes is doing well.

What did you plant this year? What is your favorite fruit or vegetable to plant? I'd love to hear about your gardening adventures.

Hugs,

Jenni

I'm Back!

Hi, friends!

I know I have been absent for quite some time. My life got really out of hand last year. It seemed as if I was disconnecting from life. All that I ever did was work. I found myself falling down the rabbit hole. It took a lot for me to step back and breathe. Although my life is not exactly where I'd like it to be, I'm much happier with who I am and where I am headed. I will be posting again regularly so I would love for y'all to stop by for a visit.

Hugs,
Jenni