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