My first attempt at canning.

This weekend was kind of slow. Dustin and I had plans to go skiing, but he stubbed his toe and his snowboard boot wouldn't comfortably fit on his foot, so we had to scratch those plans (:/). But, it turned out to be okay because I got to socialize with some new people and stay in town for the weekend. On Friday, I went to Ballard with my co-worker Colleen, her roommate and some random kid Colleen had met on the bus. We went to a couple of different bars and just had a great time. It was really nice to hang out with a new crowd, hear all their stories and just be chill. And, I tasted Cheese Curds for the first time! Saturday night, I went out with Dustin and we met up with my friend Camille at Lobby Bar. That was definitely a shorter night (and it was pouring rain at times), but fun nevertheless.

On Saturday, I got some goodies in the mail. Sadly (but maybe not so sad because I need to curb the spending) the dress I posted below by Quiksilver was way too big. I have not yet decided if I am going to exchange it and try for a smaller size or just return the thing and forget about it. Also, a few days ago I was working and urgently had to use the restroom. The closest acceptable place for me to go happened to be Nordstroms (uh-oh). I went in there, did my business, and a few days later-got these shipped to my beautiful house. Aww I'm such a sucker! But Dustin says I look like Janis Joplin, which I guess is okay...

Sorry, Sunday night Sweats!

I really need to figure out a better picture-taking situation. The IPhone an my trembling hand is not cutting it. 

Anyways, I knew I shouldn't have bought them, but at least I LOVE them, right? 

This weekend I also canned my first batch of 'dilly beans' or bean pickles. It took me hours because I really didn't do a lot of research on how to can, but rather, just jumped into the process head first. So, I had to spend a lot of time flipping through multiple canning books and internet FAQ's. I also had to quickly run out to Ace Hardware for a rack to help sterilize the cans. But, after hours of learning and then actually preparing the recipe-I think the bean pickles came out great. I ended up with 6 jars and 1 jar or extras that I have been snacking on the last couple of days (The extra jar is like 'pickle' light, kind of tastes good but I know the pickles will taste a million times better). Anyways, I hope that the more I practice, that faster I will get at the process. I think my next goal is to make some strawberry jelly (either this weekend, or next). Wish me luck!

I added some red/orange/yellow bell peppers in the mix for color! 

They will be ready May 5. Aww Cannot wait. 

Rachel

PS. Sauerkraut is doing great and there is no bacteria 'scum'. At first I was worried, but I read that some batches don't have scum and it tastes like sauerkraut-so yay!