Strawberry Jam

Day In.

For a recent bridal shower, I decided to make strawberry jam...to enjoy at the shower and use as a take-away for the guests.

It was surprisingly super easy. I opted not to make jam with gelatin in it...so this version has to be refrigerated.

Strawberry Jam
2 lbs. fresh strawberries, hulled (I chopped mine in the food processor for a bit)
4 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. orange juice

Supplies.

Everyone in the pool.

Put a small plate in the freezer.

Add ingredients to a pot over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Boil and stir often until the mixture reaches 220 degrees. (I used a candy thermometer.)

Drop a teaspoon of jam on the plate from the freezer. Return the plate to the freezer for 1 minute. Remove the plate and make a line with your finger through the jam. If the jam doesn't run together, it is ready!

I used half pint Mason jars for the party favors. One recipe was just enough.

It was easy and delicious! My dad tried it too and loved it :)

Here are the jars at the shower as a take-away.

Day Out.
AC

From the Garden

Day In.

Our latest fresh veggies! Two okras and a baby beat that needed to be pulled. Not sure if it is edible...

At this rate, Stuart and I will be on a diet if this is all we have! :)

Day Out.

Kitchen Redo - Part 1

Day In.

We recently painted our kitchen a light gray. It was tan to begin with but needed new paint anyways. Our shelves were green before, and I was ready to get rid of that color!


Before.

After.

I added a new table (thanks Mom!) for a breakfast/sitting area. I think the gray color really lightens up the room. Still to come are some new chairs for the table and possibly a coat of paint for the table as well.

I said Part 1 - later, Stuart and I would like to lighten up the color of our kitchen cabinets. And then if we win the lottery, I would like to rip up the floors (not the hardwood ones) and also put in new counter tops! That will be Part 2 someday.

Here's hoping!

Day Out.

Anna

new hardware...aka appliances

Day In.

It's been one of those seasons where everything breaks. I call this my "welcome to being a homeowner" phase. Anyways, we recently purchased some new toys for the home.

1. Dishwasher

Our new dishwasher is sleek and lovely. It's very quiet, and I'm in love. We were able to save a buck or two because Stuart installed it. 

Hello, Gorgeous.

2. Disposal

Not as pretty, but equally as significant. It's much quieter as well. Stuart also installed this.

3. Washing Machine + Dryer

Sigh. This made me very happy when they were delivered yesterday. I am a happy camper. We went with Samsung...we heard great things about the brand. Stackable, energy efficient. 

It's a happy day! God is good.

Day Out. 

AC

tea party

Day In.

Party # 2.

On Sunday of the same weekend, I threw a wedding shower for my twin sister, Rebecca. I love doing girly things so we had afternoon tea! A McKaskle tradition.

A fellow bridesmaid, Lauren, as well as my mom helped get everything ready.

Here's what was on the menu:
-Cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches
-Chicken Salad sandwiches
-Chocolate chip scones with homemade jam and clotted cream
-Strawberry shortcake cupcakes
-Cheese straws
-Tea cakes
-Lemon straws
-Hot tea
-Punch

The Hostesses.

Our drink table.

Festive front door.

I'm not a huge fan of cheesy shower games but sometimes, it is nice to have something to do with everyone. I found this cute idea to do a MabLib version of wedding vows. They turned out hilarious! Rebecca read some out loud...it was a hit.

You can find them here.

MadLib.

Food table.

 

With the bride!

Rebecca with her future mother and sister-in-law.

I gave her a print of the state of Georgia....where they met and their first home!

Sweet Megan from Auburn. She MADE Rebecca pottery! Impressive. 

Lauren, Mom and Megan.

It was a lot of fun...and a very lovely time. But I have to say, I was quite exhausted that night and pretty much the next couple of days!

Oh happy day!

Day Out.

AC