It's easy to be green.

July is almost here and I'm definitely feeling the heat. With only one window box AC I've discovered that my dog has the right idea: sleep in the basement.

But at least the sunlight has a nice impact on some things! I took some photographs for those of you who can't swing by and see the deliciousness in person.

While I have yet to use the cilantro, I have fallen in love with having mint on hand to make some delicious mojitos.

Can you believe this pepper? It's huge! I mean, it's not really huge. but I've never grown peppers before so this is pretty exciting.

I have two varieties of tomatoes growing; Roma and Cherry. I just ate my first homegrown cherry tomato today, delicious.

This photo might not show it, but my snap peas are out of control. Seriously off the hook.  Too bad Elan won't eat them!

The really nice effect of having all this growing is that I am suddenly inspired to cook with my homegrown food.  I just made my first batch of hand-made (no machine) basil and garlic linguine.

Maybe now I can get chickens?

Open Market... For real.

I re-applied, as an unreserved vendor, to the Providence Open Market.   Elan and I will, hopefully, be sharing a "booth," showcasing my jewelry and his art.  Also, I plan on selling cupcakes made by graduates of the Amos House's Culinary Education program.
And, at the risk of sounding like I'm trying to sell something, I'd like to brag about my lunch today.  My dear friend Mark and I stopped by the Friendship Cafe (Amos House's new restaurant) and ate amazing pulled pork sandwiches.  Finishing off the meal with a large red velvet cupcake was um... the icing on the cake?

Oh blackberries, how you warm my heart.

As I may or may not have mentioned, my friendly mcfriendersons, I am a quasi-baker.  Certainly far from a professional, I learned to bake from my mother and practiced in the middle of the night so no one could witness my failed attempts.

Blackberries scream Summer to me, and with all of the gorgeous weather we've been having, I needed to bake a delicious summer dessert. I found a recipe for Blackberry Buckle, which I re-named to Blackberry Sparkle, at Bless Her Heart.  

Very delicious, I promise. And, the first of many summer desserts, since my friend Jessica sent me two fantastic recipes that I can't wait to give a go at!

New in the shop!

I just added a new piece to the shop! This necklace is a result of a day spent with my dear friend Lindsey, whose jewelry is quite honestly to die for (seriously, Lindz, get a shop).  

I consider most of my jewelry to be rather simple, or minimal.  With this necklace, I really tried to push my personal boundaries to create something that was new for me, but still something that I would wear. 

Thoughts, questions, constructive criticism?

By the way, my new photo model, the dress form, is thanks to my mother.  It might be about as old as I am, and I think that completely adds to its charm.