Peaches For Free

Last week we were given A bushel (over 50 lbs) of New Haven peaches from Michigan. I had to work fast since they were pretty ripe. I was able to can peach and basil jam, peach jam, peach butter,peach syrup and sliced peaches. Took me three days to get through them and only ended up throwing out a handful that were too ripe. Everything turned out delicious. We will see if it even lasts past Winter! But, oooh! The taste of Summer in the next couple of seasons get me really excited!

Country Girl Sweet Dill Pickles

Pickle time! 

Here is a recipe for my favorite pickles!

Country Girl Sweet Dill Pickles

Bring to a boil: 3 Cups sugar, 2 Tablespoons salt, 2 Cups pure apple cider vinegar, 2 Cups water.

Place in each pint jar (about 4 pint jars): sliced cucumbers

1 whole garlic clove, 1 fresh dill sprig

Pour liquid into sterile jars. Seal. Process in boiling water about 15 minutes in canner.

Allow the pickles to cure for a month before eating! 

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I cheated and dug into them after a week! They were great!!!

Summertime Canning

I've spent the last few days in the kitchen canning jams! So far I made strawberry jam, strawberry rhubarb jam, strawberry lavender jam, and blueberry lavender jam. The house smells wonderful Hours later I am still smelling the lavender! Now I am trying to get my kitchen back in order. It has been nice to finally get back to doing things I love after a long hiatus over the last many many months. It was rough, but I have found the light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks be to God.

Hoping to tackle the garden beds this weekend too...The weeds are a bajillion feet tall....I also managed to start some oil infusions made with lavender and calendula. In a matter of four weeks I will be able to make soap too! Finally feeling accomplished!!!

DIY Eucalyptus Wreath

Hobby Lobby has a pretty cool eucalyptus garland strand for $19.99...I got mine on sale 50% off. If you go to get one and they are not on sale, you can use the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon. Then get yourself a 10" inch round grapevine wreath for $4.99. 

It's so simple to put together too! I took the garland and placed in on top of the wreath and took a sprig here and there pulling it under a twig until in place....I did this all the way around. If you wish you can also glue gun pieces into place all the way around or tie in lace with green floral wire. I just tucked my pieces into place and it is holding on very well. I spent $10 on the garland and already had the wreath at home. It was a great way to cheer up our home for a fraction of the cost for ready made wreaths with I found are between $30-$50.

Isn't it pretty?

Peanut Butter Banana Overnite Oats

With hectic mornings and no time to make breakfast a few days in my home...I thought I would try my hand at making overnight oats. You will find many recipes on Pinterest or the internet for different flavors...I am actually surprised with what is out there. I wanted mine to be as healthy as possible. I also doubled my recipe to fit into a quart size jar. I put in 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 teaspoons real maple syrup, 1 teaspoon flax seed a dash of cinnamon, mixed well, then added 2 Tablespoons peanut butter and 1 cup of cashew milk, mix well. I then put a lid on the jar, refrigerated overnight. In the morning I added a bit of vanilla Greek yogurt with a bit of cinnamon on top with some banana slices. This was so filling, I couldn't finish it....It actually kept me pretty full well into lunchtime. 

The flavors were great together...It wasn't too sweet either...The peanut butter helped with that too! MMMM it was pretty dang good. I am planning on keeping a couple few jars of this in the refrigerator each week to grab on the go!!!

 Next one I am making will be with peach. 

If it's family approved, I will leave ya'll a recipe for it!

Fun Finds This Week

Ok so I love thrifting...This week I went out treasure hunting for things I like or things I will add to Farmgirl Freckles inventory. I found goodies for great prices... There are a few things I will not part with...Like the adorable hanging chalkware cherry, the green cow bell and the purple cow.

I will probably keep the cookie cutters as well, because heck, why not they are cute! And I am also keeping the lil sewing basket to add to my collection. This one is the smallest one I have so far!

Hope y'all have a good ole' weekend!

 Looks like we will be getting some warmer weather 

this weekend and week ahead!!! Yay!!!!!!

Chicken Scratch~ My Thrifted Treasures

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After a longggggg couple of weeks being sick, I finally ventured out for the afternoon while my girl was in her Biology class. I went to several shops and brought home some treasures. I was pleasantly surprised to find a bag of vintage gingham fabrics for a couple bucks, along with a couple colorful embroideries and a little 1950's poodle. Another shop led me to 6 crisp white scalloped vintage hankies and a red tomato string holder. Then I found the lil piggy planter.... 

This little piggy came home!

Sorry for the horrible photos...

They came from my phone.

See y'all soon!!!