Camping and Photography

This site is no longer in use. You can see all this information and new posts at my new blog Maggie Muggins Designs.

We went camping this week and had a fantastic time with our many friends that came along. I was able to have fun taking lots of pictures. Here's a little peak at the beauty we witnessed!

As a side note to my photography loving friends. I've been learning a lot about specific styles of photography online from Digital Photography School. I've also been having fun learning about photo editing from Coffee Shop (this blog also has free tutorials, textures and actions) and The Pioneer Woman (again with the free actions, etc.).

I'm sure that some of you are sitting there thinking "that's all great and wonderful, but I don't have Photoshop, nor will I be able to afford it for some time". In that case, I'd suggest you look into the free online photo editing programs. One I've recently looked at is Aviary. It may not have everything Photoshop does, but it looks like it will work well. Let me know if you try it and like it.

Child's Tote Bag

This site is no longer in use. You can see all this information and new posts at my new blog Maggie Muggins Designs.

I've been busy making more Strawberry Jam, organizing around the house, visiting with my parents, and sewing. I've actually done a lot of sewing lately. It's been awesome! Here's something I've had done for a while:

I made this tote bag for my son for taking his toys, books and coloring things to church on Sunday. It was my hope for Sacrament survival. Needless to say, he's still getting hauled out of Sacrament weekly, but this does help. I used canvas fabric from one of my old diaper bags. I made the pattern myself and bought some cheap fabric to line it with.

My other recent projects are from this fabric: A new diaper bag, and a tent for my son. I'll show you those soon.

Strawberry Jam

This site is no longer in use. You can see all this information and new posts at my new blog Maggie Muggins Designs.

Do you love Strawberry Jam? It's the favorite flavor at my house. But we're picky. Both my husband and I prefer smooth jam. No lumps of fruit that you just can't spread. No seeds to get stuck in your teeth. Now that's jam! So where do you get jam like that? At home! Just a few weeks ago I made my first jam ever. We love it so much we've already gone through 2 jars. I guess that means I'm going to have to make more!

I followed this recipe for the jam. Of course I pureed the jam in our blender and strained the seeds. It was a little extra work but well worth it. After cooking the jam to 222 degrees (just a little over what the recipe calls for) I canned it. It's a true work of art. After making more strawberry jam my next attempt will be blackberries. Yum!