First Friday.

Last Friday was probably one of the best nights I've had out in awhile.

Greg and I joined a bunch of great people in Rochester at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters for their First Friday opening "Roc Roots",

which featured lots of work by my good friend Lisa.

My throat actually hurt after the night because I'm pretty sure I haven't talked that much in awhile but all my conversations we wonderful and

with people I both love and admire.

Not to mention they had cherry tomatoes that tasted like candy they were so delicious.

Also my friend Meg had commissioned me to make a doll of her. The only guideline she gave me that she wanted to be really happy every time she saw it, oh and it had to have a balloon:)

Anddddddddd I keep forgetting to tell you! Joe Bean bought a huge set of Greg's animals to keep on their coffee bar. I honestly cannot tell you the joy I feel every time I go in there and see people stacking and playing with them. We got so many compliments on them, it makes me so proud of him. I love that people appreciate his work, because I mean I think he is the greatest.

Sometimes (even if I don't want to admit it) I really do love Rochester.

more later,

xo j

ps! later I am picking winners for this and this! so leave a comment!

bet you can can.

When I looked up the weather for labor day I saw it was going to be fairly blah.

Rainy, gloomy, perfect for your day off right?

Well in my case yes! I saw the forecast and knew it was finally time I stopped procrastinating and tried to can.

I have read just about every book, talked to canning pros (ie amy dawson and nan), and had all the materials for months, I just need to set aside time to actually try it.

I decided I would start with just one batch of jam, so if I failed miserably at least I didnt waste too much time and energy.

Peach vanilla bean jam was the winning recipe.

On Saturday I got all the peaches I could possibly need at the market.

It was a long process, you look at the recipe at it needs to cook for two hours and you think that will be the long part, you forget about peeling and chopping 3 pounds of peaches!

After it had cooked and was throughly taste tested *hehe* we were ready to go!

I did the whole process.. jar sterilizing.. jar filling...boiling water...can.

A jar of jam home preserved ready to eat now, or in four months in the dead of winter when I am dying for the taste of fruit.

It was super rewarding to see the jars on my counter, even though there was only seven of them, that was seven more than I had ever canned before:)

I left one jar open and brought it to nannying this morning and my kids ate it on their toast, they loved it and could not believe I actually made it.

I think I surprised myself a little too.

So that was my first adventure in home preserving!

I have to run to class now, but more later!

xo j

school goodies giveaway

WOW! I never thought I could accomplish so much on a day off! Its incredible when you're back to a normal schedule in which your day is filled from the time you wake up until you go to bed, how motivated it makes you on a *free* day.

I wanted to share this with you last week but hey, its ready now so here goes!

In leu of me going back to school, it seemed only appropriate to do a back to school giveaway!

What is that you ask? Well I am giving away some little things inspired by school days.

Heres what you get..

tote-ally,

this tote is made from recycled fabrics, perfect for carrying study materials or even would make a nice smaller market bag. I never said I was a bag maker, I did not use a pattern, you will be able to see it isn't perfect but I think that makes it all the more great:)

mapping a plan-

if you are an obsessive compulsive list maker like me I figure you might need a few little note pads to keep track of everything you have to do. Made from old atlas' and plain white paper.

cute clips-

who says being organized cant be cute. I made these little paper clips from fabric scraps and vintage ribbon. Perfect to keep things neat and tidy.

And there you have it, some little things to keep your school year stylish and inspiring:)

To win just leave a comment below,

Also if you haven't entered to win your own sweet dolly please do, here.

I will pick winners for both of these on Friday!

happy school days!

xo j

ps you dont have to be in school to win these goodies:)

seasons may change

When September 1st rolls around, theres one thing I am usually first in line to get..

pumpkin spice lattes

mm! they are my favorite and one of signs that fall is truly near.

I usually run out and treat myself to one the first moment they are available but I decided to be patient this year and wait to enjoy one with my love.

After a great weekend, we set aside Sunday to run our errands and stop and get our super tasty fall treats.

Babe got his iced (which I do not think I have ever done) it tasted just like pumpkin pie. I got mine hot, ya know the traditonal way:)

They were delish. My friend Joy made homemade ones last fall which I plan on attempting to save money, but the first one you always have to treat yourself to especially with your best friend.

I have no school today so I plan on catching up. I have a giveaway to post, more fun weekend things, and made even a DIY? hmm:)

see you later,

xo j

do a funky dance.

Last night I got to help a family out and watch a very uniquely wonderful little girl.

This is Anika, she is very magical.

We have met before but I have never had one on one time with her. I would hang out with her any day, she is so awesome. She is sickeningly bright, a six year old vegan who is fluent in spanish and basically has creativity bursting out of her.

I loved our time together. I was super sad because I had to come right from school and when I got there she asked me where my big bag of crafts was. Tear! I told her I could make something with anything we could find in the house, we collected goodies and I did.

My favorite part of the evening was probably when we were mid Hullabaloo (a game I have referenced before) and the game says "do a funky dance" and she looked at me and said "we should probably look funky while we do it" I smiled and we ran upstairs and dressed up.

She then had me read some books which had a lot of spanish in them (which I butchered) and she politely corrected my grammar. It was a wonderful way to spend my evening.

I am always thankful for everything I learn from littles, spending time with them always makes me understand myself more, and just be thankful for where I am.

I might not love being in school, I could spend my days wondering what I should be doing or where I should be in this stage, or I can just dress up and own it.

To September, the start of another season in life I cannot wait to be unsure of and hopefully be growing even when I'm not looking for it.

xo j