full baskets & full hearts

first, i'm rather giddy to announce that registration is open for our canning & preserving workshop! we're offering a series of "freckled hen farmhouse ec" workshops to inspire, share knowledge & cultivate the home. 

if you're in the northwest arkansas area, we would love to have you join us! if you're anywhere really, we would love to have you. our little pocket of mountains & rolling hills really is the best kept secret. 

in other news, i dug this wire basket out of a trash pile at an estate sale this past weekend. it has accompanied me to the garden most evenings this week. 

it's that time of year again. that time when we say see ya later to the grocery store & eat only from the garden. it's that time when we fill up baskets of garden beauties for gifting to neighbors & dear friends.

flowers as unique as snowflakes & pink skies at sunset.

the garden is oh so beautiful this time of year. full baskets & full hearts define this time of year.

- natalie

home preserving workshop

this week i am preparing for a home preserving & canning workshop that i will teach this saturday in northwest arkansas. ozark folkways is an incredible little place that focuses on most skills forgotten in this age of consumerism & quick fixes. i cannot wait to get all of the students together for a morning of preserving apple butter.

the photo above shows my kitchen table in its current state- little scribbles of to do lists & ideas for the big day. i finally perfected my recipe & i am looking forward to sharing it. i hope to make the kitchen a cozy little space for working, jamming & canning. the students will take home a jar of their own jam & a bag filled with supplies for decorating their jars for the holidays. (i wish you all, each & everyone of you, could be there).

i also plan to pass out a packet of information on my favorite blogs, books & publications.

here are just a few sources i dig:
- putting by
- put 'em up!
- canning for a new generation
- the latest issue of natural home & garden

i must ask- please do share any tips, blogs, books, publications that you find helpful in preserving & canning. i'd love to add them to my growing list of resources! thank you!