Summertime always seems to be in short supply here in Chicago, so I try to get out and enjoy it as much as possible. This year has been no exception, but it has been difficult. We have experienced some of the coldest summer days in the last century. Hooray...
Despite the weather, I have attempted to get out and do something.
So what have I been up to?
Gardening
I am really lucky to have a large back patio area at my building, but it is lacking in an important gardening supply--dirt. So I improvised and pulled out lots of planters and bags of Miracle-Gro potting soil with the special water management beads. I tend to baby my plants and overwater them, thus resulting in dead garden. Sad. It is even more depressing considering that I grew up in a virtual jungle. My mother is the proud owner of the world's greenest thumb. She casts a mere glance at a dead twig, and it springs to life, boasting new leaves and flowers. Me? That same dead twig manages to become even more dead...if that's even possible.
But this year, things are different! I consulted my organic gardening book and set to work. I planted cherry and plum tomato, eggplant, cucumber, basil, mesclun lettuce, carrots, oregano (I cheated and bought this one), pumpkin, butternut squash and a variety of peppers. So far, we have enjoyed a little harvest from the garden, but there was a major fail on the squash and probably pumpkin as well. I grew one mini butternut that promptly turned yellow and fell off the next week. Damn. My pumpkin also developed powdery mildew and I think it's a goner. I did have a bumper crop of jalapenos, and you'll hear more about those.
Overall, it has been nice to have a little greenery in my concrete jungle of a yard. I like knowing that there's a little place to sit and read while the dogs run after a tennis ball.
De-cluttering
I spent the early summer helping my brother clean out his house after his wife passed. There was so much stuff and I realized than that I didn't want to spend my life surrounded by too much clutter. So we organized a massive garage sale....think tables upon tables upon tables. It was beyond exhausting. But I managed to clean out the extra junk in my house and sewing studio, and I am so happy!! This leads me to my next "to do"...
Crafting
It's so much easier to sew when you can actually get to the sewing machine. What a novel concept. I have stitched up a few new aprons, including the lovely blue cupcake one below. My birthday present was a new serger, which I love beyond words. I totally underestimated how much a serger would speed up my sewing, so it was a great investment.
I also have been working on ceramic drink coasters and will be posting those on Etsy very soon. Here's a sneak peak at my favorite set so far (delicious beer not included).
Cross your fingers for me. I'm hoping to get into at least one craft fair during this holiday season!
Kitchen Goodies
Of course, I have been baking, although not as much as the colder months. There is one main project that I have experimented with, but that must wait for another day. Here's a hint: it involves an amazing beer. I'm a gal who loves beer!
If you're still reading, this is where I talk about the jalapenos. I haven't done any canning since I was young and making jellies for the 4H County Fair. Don't ask... After reading some of the labels on jams and jellies and wondering why I can't pronounce half of the ingredients, I decided to make my own. The currants from my farmers' market adventure were getting a little sad, so I decided the best course of action was to make jelly. Let me tell you, currant jelly is gorgeous and ridiculously easy to make.
Tonight I plan to make some jalapeno jelly from the little patio garden harvest. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm a big fan of hot food so wish me luck.
I top my cupcakes with Wilton icing bags and a star tip, but you can just as easily spread it on with a spoon. Personally, I like the swirls. Add a chocolate-covered espresso bean if you feel inclined.
