It’s spring time and it feels amazing outside. Everybody get excited, cue your inner Beyonce and throw your hands UP!
Unfortunately my allergies have been wicked. And I don’t even say wicked. I have my air purifier cranked up, am vacuuming like a champ, resorted to taking Zyrtec, chugging ACV with local honey and wearing my First Defense nose filters whenever I’m outside. I took them off for date night last Friday. You know, so I could get a good picture.
So much for that.
But still, with the weather warming up, there are so many things to be excited about. Like new milk!
This new-to-me purchase came from Josh’s Farmers Market. It’s local-ish milk from Homestead Creamery in Virginia. They do minimal processing from their very happy cows and this milk is gooooooooooood. I love that is comes in glass bottles to help preserve the freshness.
While I was learning all about the milk, Hailey evidently grew tall enough to reach the strawberry shelf at Josh’s.
How could I be mad? She looked so happy. So we bought a gallon to take home. They were on sale for $11. What do you do with a gallon of strawberries?
Turn them into portable Hailey snacks. I’m quickly falling back in love with my dehydrator. I have grand dreams of drying herbs, fruit leathers, fruits, vegetable chips, jerky and whatever else innocently lands in my path. But my excitement for preserving doesn’t end there. I’m ready to get down to biz-nass.
I stopped by Walmart yesterday to pick this up and begin my journey towards canning. I’m hoping my Nannie will share her pickle secrets with me and I’m also hoping to put away some serious tomatoes for the fall and winter.
Speaking of Walmart, did you know they carry local strawberries? For those around my neck of the woods, Patterson Farms to be exact.
…not that I needed any more strawberries.
In other spring news, it’s officially grilling season and I plan to take advantage of that as often as possible.
And one last thing I can’t help but be excited about?
BOSTON. This weekend. With these girls.
Perhaps our weekend goal should be to get a better, less-overly-filtered picture? I think so.
What are you excited about this spring?!
Erica says
That picture of Hailey is so stinking adorable!
Karen says
I am looking forward to melon season and walks to the park with Keely plus I am a huge Baseball fan so lots of White Sox games this year. 🙂
Beth says
I can’t decide if I like the picture of Hailey wearing the gloves or eating the strawberries better. So stinkin’ cute!
Jennifer says
Wahoooooo!!!!! I can’t wait for you to be here! And I loved that you used the word “wicked”….you’ll fit right in here!!!!!! 🙂 T-4 days!!!!!!
Alexis says
Get. Here. Now. And don’t worry, we will take lots of pictures! And take you to our local farmers market too so you can enjoy some wicked good Boston produce! (Ha- cant believe I just said that word)
Mike @ Midwestern Bite says
A dehydrator is an absolute must for us since have 7 mature apple trees and a crazy blackberry patch here at the new place. I’ve put in quite a few other berry bushes this spring and planning for more fruit trees at the edge of our acreage.
What brand do you have?
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a NESCO. I don’t actually know much about dehydrators and bought this one off a friend for cheap. It seems to work pretty well for anything I have done, but again, I don’t know what to compare it to!
Mike @ Midwestern Bite says
I’ve heard from a lot of people that Excalibur is the only way to go. But I don’t have anything to compare it to.
Sigh… I remember the day when I’d get reviews on the craziest bars or best new motorcycles released or something. Now it’s dehydrators. Such is life.
Theresa says
So funny because I was just thinking dang I’m jealous she has a food dehydrator! Welcome to grow up life 🙂
Karen says
We get our milk delivered weekly in glass bottles also. I just love it. Its great to here you also have this opportunity in your area.
Kelli H says
Allergies are the worst! I’m dying over here, too!
Brittany Dixon says
Really?? I imagined Cali would be a magical land free from the evils of pollen. Sorry you’re feeling it too!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
haha, that’d be nice! Sonoma County is actually one the worst! I’ve heard scientist study the pollen here it’s so bad!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I really want a dehydrator now, after seeing that you actually use yours. Except, oh wait, I’m moving and have too much stuff as it is. But maybe once I get to Alabama….
I also want a grill. So I can grill sweet potatoes and pineapple. Because they are the two best treats from the grill. [Also pizza crust, and any vegetable, and burgers if you eat those…and really, anything.]
Jen says
Ahh I was just talking about getting a dehydrator this past weekend. Glad to hear you like yours!
Brittany Dixon says
Do it! It’d be great for making Wyatt’s snacks!
Beth Sheridan says
Oh that Hailey is just precious!! I am really hoping to help my mom can this year as well so I can have those pickles, her homemade jellies and jams, and tomatoes for winter recipes, and my two favorites, hot pepper relish and salsa 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I LOVE hot pepper relish. I wouldn’t be opposed to trying yours… you know… if you have any extra sitting around… 😉
Jennifer says
I don’t know if it’s just me, but the typing on your posts for the past few days have been tiny. Not complaining, just wondering if you knew?
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Jennifer! I’ve checked my settings and asked around and it seems it is normal for everyone else? I’m sorry! I wish I could help more.
Jennifer says
You are sweet to check, must just be my crazy computer!! 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
There’s no such thing as too many strawberries at our house – we eat SO many during the summer! They’re by far my favorite.
Glad you get to make that trip to Boston!!
Christina says
My husband and I are excited to try our hand at canning this summer too! We’re planning a trip to Lancaster, PA in a few weeks to pick our own strawberries and cherries, and we’ve set aside an entire day once we get back to preserve them. We’re also growing tons of tomatoes in our tiny backyard and hope to can tomatoes for the fall and winter 🙂
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
So funny about Hailey and the strawberries as my son did the exact same thing last time we were at the farmers market! I didn’t notice either! I’d love to get a dehydrator! How much did you pay for yours if you don’t mind me asking?
Amy Cole says
Hailey with her strawberry face is so adorable!! Brandon’s allergies are pretty bad here in OK but he mentioned how awful they were while in Charlotte! I feel so bad for those who suffer. They don’t affect me all that much..
Have fun in Boston! I parents are headed there tomorrow for some sight seeing/vacation.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Oh, my! It certainly looks like you have a strawberry lover on your hands! You cannot be mad about that! 😉
Ella says
I thought I loved strawberries a lot, but after seeing Hailey, I’m not so sure! I think she’s pretty hard competition to beat in that aspect.
This spring (pretty much summer where I live) I’m excited for all the outdoor track meets and soccer games I have coming up. Also my grad!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
I’ve thought about getting a dehydrator but I’m not sure how much I would actually use it.
Stephanie**s says
Grilling season and pool time with my dogs and hubby!! Oh, and margaritas 🙂 please update us if you are successful at canning! I want to do that as well but it’s scary to begin!
Paige C says
I am wanting to can super bad this year…especially tomatoes…do you have any tips?
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