Thwarted!!

So upon going to yonder Grocer, I find that all the delicious goodness I had originally chosen to use as preserved treats are all out of season!! I thought at least there would be pumpkins!! Maybe I'll have to try a different Grocer. I did notice however that there is an UNREAL deal on Kiwi's. With 6 kiwi's in each package, they were 10 for $10!! I'm sure I saw a recipe for some delicious kiwi goodness.. I'll have to look again. I did however get some delicious tamari seasoned pumpkin seeds and some Black Tea for work. I try not to drink too much coffee as it makes my already anxious tummy even more so. EVEN though I love everything about coffee - from berry to green bean to roasted goodness. I even had the delightful opportunity to roast some myself! 

But that was in another life long past. Well I should get to searching out a recipe for either kiwi or pineapples. Have a wonderful day, hopefully with out any Thwarting!!

Melissa*

Master Preserver

Me? Not yet, Mom on the other hand is at Expert level. I can remember her canning tomatoes and making pickles when I was a little girl. I was finally able to narrow it down to 3 or 4 recipes for my Handmade Christmas GIFTS!! They'll be so lovely wrapped up all willy nilly!!

The first: Pumpkin & Orange Spiced Jam

This orange-scented jam has a great color and subtle, spiced flavor. It's as tasty served with savory foods, such as tangy blue cheese, as it is spread on toast. Choose smaller pumpkins with smooth flesh and good flavor.

The second: Rhubarb, Pear & Ginger Jam

A combination of flavors and textures makes this jam a little bit more special than most. The soft stem ginger (available in Asian food shops) enhances the jam, which tastes lovely in a tart or spread as a filling in a sponge cake.

Third: Mango Chutney 

This classic, versatile chutney is as tasty in a cheese sandwich as it is served with a curry or some cold meats. If you want to spice the chutney up a little, add a finely chopped red or green chili peppers. Choose fair trade or certified mangoes. 

Fourth: Apricots & Almonds in Amaretto

Apricots seeped in almond liqueur is a marriage made in Heaven. If you want to preserve them whole, prick with a darning needle and poach in a single layer in the syrup for one to two minutes, shaking the pan to turn the fruit. Serve with ice cream.

There's a tie between 1 & 2 and each depends on whether or not I can find 1: sweetie pie pumpkin, 

OR 2: small balls of stem ginger..

I plan on making at least one batch this weekend. So excited, we're gonna JAM  out!! 

I'll keep you updated on which ones I make & how it turns out. 

My Vow to Gift ONLY handmade this year!

Last year I made the decision to give only handmade gifts this Holiday season! I am so excited to get started! I just found this awesome tutorial over on Sweet Verbena. Its for a charmed pencil pouch.

I love her choice of fabric here!! 

Its really similar to this one I made over here.

 Zippers are a must for this pouch though!! Especially if its for cosmetics. But can also be used for toothbrush/toothpaste & floss, or Q-Tips/cotton pads with travel sized makeup remover, Pencils, receipts, or really whatever your heart desires! They are so popular I saw a similar version on the Nate Berkus Show today!! 

She also has this tutorial for making your own Lip Balm!!

I just love her tin! So cute! I think it would go excellent with this other tutorial 

This is from the ThreadBanger Channel on YouTube.com. In it there's a recipe for making your own Sugar Scrub! YUM :)

My Mom gave me this book for my Birthday this year.

Click here to Purchase it from Amazon.com.

I found some great recipes in here which I think will be delicious hostess gifts!! Gotta find some air tight jars.. Something like these I found on Etsy.com

I love the colored glass!! Just beautiful. You can find them and more info on the seller here.

And for the Super Special Guy in my life.. and maybe some select friends I found this perfect tutorial on how to make a brimmed beanie!! 

Its So easy!! Now I can create some personalized head gear. Been thinking about a Bob Marley inspired beanie or hoodie.. 

Looks like its time for a trip to the Thrift Store for cheap materials!! I love refashioning! 

Have you started your Christmas Gift Giving List?? Are you making anything special this Holiday Season? Or is it hectic enough this time of year, that purchasing something is just easier?