Blue Mason Jars with Zinc Lids

I finally found some that were not ridiculously expensive.  These were sold as a set for $20 which I thought was pretty good considering I have seen one of the bigger jars for $10-$15 alone. So excited!

DC Trip

Finally got one of the Chinese Lucky Cats in DC Chinatown. You can learn more about them here.

Mini Shrimp Boil

Adapted from this recipe here.

We used:
-Handful of red potatoes
-1 package of polish kielbasa (can also use sweet sausage)
-2 ears of corn, halved
-1 white onion cut into chunks
-1-2 pounds shrimp (large to jumbo size)
-1 can of beer
-A lot of Old Bay

Fill large stock pot half with water and add beer. Add more water if needed. Pour old bay into water and boil. Add potatoes and onions and cook for about 7 minutes. Add kielbasa and cook for 5 minutes. Add corn and cook about about 7 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for about 4 minutes or until they turn pink.

Strain into colander and then pour in a bowl. Can also line table with brown package type paper and pour mixture onto the table. Serve with rustic bread/rolls. I have also had it served with salad and bread.

This was just for the two of us so I did not really measure.  Follow above link when serving many people.

We are ready!

Click image to be prepared as well!

It is blooming!

My blackberry bush is flowering.  I am so excited!  My husband's parents gave us this bush last April.  We were embarking into unknown territory given that we had never planted any type of food before.  I quickly read up on some successful planting tips and we were on our way.  I am glad I did because it informed me that blackberry bushes do not yield for one year.  It grew a lot from April to October.  We forgot to fertilize before winter came so hopes were low, but it took off growing once again and started to flower. Hopes are back up! I want to get a blueberry bush too now.

down by the bay: easter 2011

where the watermelons grow...

The pups had a blast and Lola was a mess.  She was not happy about the bath at the end of the weekend. We always enjoy taking the short drive to the bay to see family. And of course have some fun!

First Cookout of the Year

Since it was going to be beautiful Sunday we decided to have a cookout for my birthday instead of going out to dinner.  Such a great decision!  It was so fun to have people over to sit outside and just chat. All while eating yummy cookout type food of course. Can't wait until it actually stays warm and we can do this all the time.