When Life Hands You Cherries

... make cherry jam!

I used this recipe from allrecipies.com.

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups finely chopped or ground sour cherries 2 cups red raspberries

5 cups sugar 1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin

DIRECTIONS:

In a large kettle, combine cherries and raspberries; stir in sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add pectin; return to a full rolling boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; skim off foam. Pour hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Adjust caps. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath. If, like me, you're using sweet cherries, you may want to cut down on the sugar. My cherry jam turned out delicious, but intensely sweet. Tip: This homemade jam is a real hit at brunch parties. It makes you seem pretty legit.

An Afternoon Project

When I received my very first sewing machine, I was most excited about making my own curtains. Well, after months and months, I've finally done it!

I'm not going to post a tutorial because I really just sewed down all three sides. I left the bottom unhemmed so I can udjust it to fit the windows in our new house. It's about the easiest sewing project you can do!

And, just in case you hate to sew, Young House Love has a tutorial for even easier no-sew curtains! Check it out here.

Happy project-filled afternoons!

Plans for Pascha

My church is having a potluck Sunday afternoon to celebrate Pascha. Instead of bringing something practical, like food, I think I might make these adorable egg vases from Design*Sponge.

Tomorrow I'm planning to attend the local farmers market where I can get the eggs and flowers I need. Then we can bring them home, eat the eggs for breakfast, and turn the shells into vases. What a lovely afternoon!

Does anyone else have special plans for the holiday?

Have a refreshing weekend!

The egg vase idea and picture are from Design*Sponge.