Canning Salsa with Friends

So, this week at Craft Night, my best (and only ;) canning buddy and I decided to can salsa.  Earlier that morning we took our not-so wee babe's to pick up some canning tomatoes for our project.  And how on earth could we not also stop at the Apple Barn while we were up there?   So we each got an apple dumplin'(dumpling) with (ass)ice cream...{Well, you know how is Southerners say it!!  :P }, and a bag of apples of course.

A photo of our girls together from weeks ago

Chopping and processing

Selfie with one of our photographers

Chopping peppers

Ladeling into jars

Ta-da!!

If anyone is interested in the recipe, just ask!   ;)

Friday Funday

Just some fun stuff we did today...

 Who knew sunflowers would also make her so happy?!?  ;)

One of her first blown bubbles. 

 Yes, Evelyn, tomatoes are yummy!  Blaaahh...  :0}

What a cute bun!!  

Hey, what bun did you think I was talking about?...  Clearly the one on her head!!  ;)

And then to end the day with some water play!   :)

Brass Chandelier Makeover

So, back in July, we attended Andy's family's Reunion at his Aunt's house.  One of her brothers (Andy's Uncle) decided he would help her out by hanging 2 new light fixtures up that she had purchased for her dining room and entry way.   She was just going to take the old ones to Goodwill or set them out by the road...  But the brass one caught my eye and I had a vision for it!  Of course, I forgot to take an actual before picture of it when it was all brass, but at least I remembered halfway through spray painting it!  Here are the pictures of this beaut!!

Oh, how I wish you could've seen it in all brass!!  :P

I had to use 2 cans of this for good coverage. 

I have never used enamel over top of painted things before... Although it does give a really glossy look to things, it was a good choice, because it really helps the paint stay on and not chip off when it bumps against something.

I ordered these crystals off of Etsy.

Gorgeous!!

Fall Fever

Okay, so I may be a little early, but there has been a teensy weensy bit of a nip in the air lately, as well as the Apple House is now open, which has got me thinking about Fall!!  My favorite time of year!  :)  So, I figured, why not?...  Let's go ahead and put out our Fall decorations NOW!  So that is just what I did!!  And here are a few pictures to share with you...

Fall <3

Piece of an old ladder as a magazine rack (with Fall decor of course! )

Adorable pumpkins in a wagon salt and pepper shakers. 

Framed wreath.  Who knew this could be so cute?!

I need more stuff!!!  Anyone up for some Fall decoration shopping?!?  ;)  

Canning Green Beans

So, I decided to try my hand at canning something new this year,  Green Beans.  I was always turned away by these, simply because I thought they could only be canned by using a pressure canner (of which I am afraid of).  But recently talked to one of Andy's West Virginia Aunt's.  She does use a pressure canner, but has also done it the 'water bath canner way'.  So, here are the steps for those of you who, too are afraid of the pressure canner!  :)

First step - Wash, snap and string (if needed)-I suggest stringless blue lake beans.  Place in clean quart jars.

Second step - Once jars are full, add 3/4tsp salt to each, then fill with water to just under brim.  Make sure mouth of jar is clear of any debris and place lids and bands on tightly.  Place in canner with water that reaches to lids of jars, turn heat on to medium-high (with electric stove. Might be different with a gas stove - medium maybe?)  When water comes to a boil,  turn heat to medium and let boil (with canner lid on) for 3 hours - since beans cook in the jars. 

I had 6 or 7 in there at a time-this picture was almost an after thought.   ;)

Then last step is to take your jars immediately out of water bath after the 3 hours, with a jar lifter and place on a towel (in a non-drafty area, so they don't cool down too quickly).  Place them on a shelf to display until you are ready to crack a jar open to eat...  At that point,  you would just put in a pot and bring to a low boil for 5 to 10 minutes, just to heat. Then serve up and enjoy the fruits of your labour!!

Finished Projects

So, I have a couple of finished projects I wish I'd have thought to blog about the process of, but a good friend told me to go ahead and still just put pictures of the two finished projects on here...

So here they are!

A lovely "Welcome to our Homestead" sign on an old board.  Very large!

And a pair of primitive sconces I made up one Craft Night - with some of the best friends you will ever find!!  :)