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. 

Here you go Santa, My Christmas wish list!!

Well peeps, here it is, my Christmas wish list. There's only one thing on it for me. and its pretty much all I could need other than some materials for my business venture :)

Minnetonka 5 Layer Fringe Boot Black Suede

This is it. All I ask for for myself. Oh wait, just a few more things.. Lately having good quality makeup has been very important. I mean if I eat organic, why am I not letting my skin have organic?? which leads me to 

Whoa! Even the packaging looks like it grew outta mother nature's bosom. Meet Physicians Formula 

Organic Wear 100% Natural Lash Boosting Mascara

Now there's another 100% natural mascara that's not lash boosting, but honestly I haven't met a woman who didn't want plump long lashes. And this stuff is awesome, you can read all about it here. and then I accidently clicked on this..

Mineral Wear™ Talc-Free Mineral Eye Liner Pencil

Specially designed for sensitive eyes this puppy even has a built in sharpener cap and antimicrobial smudger!!

Bamboo Wear™ Bamboo Compact, Mirror & Brush 

Bamboo Wear™ Bamboo Silk Bronzer Refill

So these are sold separately, which is kind of cool because they are refillable, and or recyclable. You can use either bronzer or face powder. Now ladies and gents, that's it on the make up. That's all I wear, and I thank the good Lord above for allowing me to have a great complexion. 

 Other things I ask for will be solely for business purposes. That list is from www.Fabric.com who has some of the best prices for jersey knit that I've been able to find. 

A lovely stretch jersey material with silver glitter dots. 

Another of the same this time in slate.

this one is for a tee or loungy pants for the hubbie. shh don't tell :) its really in homage to his, well our favorite show Psych.

There is almost always a pineapple of some sorts in each episode.. HA!! One episode Shawn (the guy in the blue shirt) was trying to bake pineapple upside down cakes in an easy bake oven! Funny enough, they always tasted like, well not good.

There's also a stretchy black sparkly/shimmery jersey fabric in there too, but for some reason the pic they have up on the Fabric.com website doesn't show it in the glory it should. 

Then they show me this sensual coral!

I know its just a plain jane jersey knit, but that color reminds me of lazy days on the beach with an ice cold brewski in one hand and a string attached to a kite in the other. 

  

Ahh bliss! 

Now I'm not picky (as she says with a smirk) I like all kinds of gifts, especially ones made/or thought of from the heart. 

What's on your Christmas List this year? More importantly what's on your Christmas List to GIVE this year?

Warm beachy breezes and golden rays of sunshine

Melissa*