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Gifts from the Garden, Atomic Horseradish Sauce

My friend Jeff has many talents. A great artist, master gardener, he is also a talented cook. I always enjoy fresh from the garden gifts, don't you?

According to Greek mythology, the Delphic Oracle told Apollo that the horseradish was worth its weight in gold. It has long been used in Europe as a condiment. The origin of the name is unclear because ironically, it is poisonous to horses.

Today I learned how easy it is to make your own fresh and pungent horseradish sauce. If you don't arleady have horseradish root growing, it's easy to grow. Buy some root at the grocery store and soak it for 2 days in water. Cut it up into pieces 1 1/” to 2' long, and plant it with the wider end up. Sandy soil is best with at least ½ day of sun. Now you will have to wait 2 years before you can harvest your roots.

You will see big leaves, about 3 feet tall, then it's time to dig your roots. Save the crown where the root meets the leaves, these can be re-planted and will grow more roots for you. Wash the roots well and scrape off the outer layer with a sharp knife. You may have some harder parts of the skin which you will have to cut out. Cut the roots into pieces that will pulverize in your blender or food processor.

Jeff likes to use equal parts cider vinegar and vodka. You must put the cut pieces into the vinegar immediately to preserve it's pungency and white color.  The cider vinegar is has health benefits, the vodka helps kills any bacteria that may be lingering. You can also add a bit of salt if you like. As you are pulverizing, also add water as needed to liquify the mixture.

This wonderful pungent mixture will keep for about a month in your refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. If you are adding it to a cooked sauce, wait until the very end, and do not cook it more than 20 minutes. Jeff finds if you cook it any longer than 20 minutes it starts to lose it's zip.

What an easy and wonderful gift from your garden to your friends..... Don't forget to make a cool label for the jar!

How to spend your tax refund, part 1

Maybe you received your refund, maybe you are waiting. But why not spend it on things that will help you save money all year?
If you are getting a big refund, go buy a Prius. I did several years ago. This is my second one. They are fun to drive and hey, let's face it, we will not be seeing $2 gasoline probably ever again.  Have questions? spend some time on PriusChat and see what owners all over the world have to say.

Not ready for a new car?

Ok, how about a travel mug? You can get a free coffee on April 22 at Starbucks with your travel mug. And you also get a discount everyday. Here's a great mug from Lennymud . And if you are having a bad day, it's inspiring too!


 Maybe your grocery store gives you a discount for bringing your own bags. Here's a versatile one I found  on Etsy from Seahorsedesigns. Hand crocheted from 100% cotton, it's washable and of course, very handy!

Of course, we always want to buy something for ourself with that refund, right? You know me, I'm a jewelry junkie, so I am always looking. I happen to love these earrings from peacesofindigo made with eco silver.  Many precious metals are reclaimed, so that there is little waste over the years. Silver happens to be very popular right now.

Be happy, go shopping!

Creative Horizons

I know a wonderful group of very creative jewelry artisans on Etsy, the JET team. We love helping each other grow our businesses. One of the discussions lately has been about expanding our creative horizons. To think "out side the box" of our usual style, and challenge ourselves to make something new and different. This idea was inspired by several of our members who are always expanding their skills by exploring new a different crafts .

One of these shops is EmotionalOasis.  You will find everything in this shop from beautiful beaded and wire work jewelry designs, to the fantastic fused glass game boards. Here is just one of them.

JemsbyJBandCompany decided to explore the word of fashion and created this very feminine necklace. It  features genuine rose quartz, crystals and pearls on a beautiful silver tone chain.

Peg of AbacusBeadCreations is a prolific artist who must eat, sleep and dream about beads.  Her shop is chock full of wonderful designs for women, and she is branching out to making unisex designs that are great for men as well as women.

Always the adventurer, Nicolle of SilverCanyons loves to try new skills. You will find only a few items in her shop, but a huge variety of designs and techniques, from beaded sterling silver, to enameling and casting.  I really love this textured sterling silver ring.


My challenge was to return to doing extreme fashion design. I love making jewelry that can be worn any day, any time. So to make a bold statement item was a bit of fun.  I found some beautiful vintage lamp crystals in a stunning shade of blue. And look what happened!

 There is so much to see it you search the tag "jetteam" when you visit Etsy.  From earrings to handbags and fused glass, you will be amazed at the wealth of designs you will find.  You can read more about the Jewelry Esty team here.