6.29.12 Weekend Updates: Hot Links

Berries 790 xxx
strawberry fields forever
I know where I'll be for at least part of this weekend: up to my elbows in fruit from Trapani Farms! With berries flooding the markets, this is the time of year for preserving. I've already made strawberry jam—with mint and black pepper and with ancho chile—as well as blueberry with nutmeg, and sour cherry. Now come gooseberries, raspberries and all the stone fruits. My canning guru, Mrs. Wheelbarrow, says to make smaller batches so it's not that daunting, but I like to come away with at least 6 jars of something. I tuck them away to give as holiday gifts, when their sweet reminder of summer is so appreciated. If you need an incentive, think about stirring fresh raspberry jam into your mid-winter yogurt or serving guests a poundcake with fragrant peach preserves in February.

Maybe this weekend you'll be in front of a hot stove, too? Or perhaps putting your feet up in the screened-in porch and taking a nap? Either way, I hope you'll make time to peruse the links I've put together here. There's some fascinating stuff I wouldn't want you to miss.
Branagh 790 xxx
beat-up branagh
But first, I want to tell you about what I've been watching these days. All the shows I've been following over the past few months—Game of Thrones, The Killing, Mad Men and Girls—have wrapped up for the season, and Breaking Bad doesn't start for another couple of weeks, so G rustled up Wallander, a 2008 British series that stars Kenneth Branagh as a depressed, pre-diabetic mess of a detective who solves baffling crimes in a small Swedish village. We were so taken with the series—really, with Branagh's rich portrayal of this dark character—that we started watching the original 2005 Swedish series that was the basis for the British one.
Wallander 2 790 xxx
swede (fever) dreams
It stars Krister Henriksson, an acclaimed Swedish stage and film actor, as the rather doughier, wrinklier and even more laconic detective Wallander. The pace of this series is a bit slower and it spends less time on the psychology of the lead character, but it might be even more enjoyable than the British version. Both are recommended for your viewing pleasure.

And now, down the rabbithole...

I am officially obsessed with Lindsey Adelman's work, especially this, which I am scheming to get

How do you feel about the demise of cookbooks? Will you be going here?

The groovy new Gather journal (I just ordered the first issue) provides a couple of fun summer soundtracks

Consider this for furnishing your porch or summer cottage

Another reminder to score some of these (or make your own) for warm weather refreshments

Speaking of which, don't miss this great tool for creating summer cocktails

Some fun tips and tricks for successful canning, here

This is so futuristic and techno, perfect for your resident geek

Have filed this away as inspiration for when we build our house

I've always wanted a floor tiled in leather, but until then one of these might have to do

Yet another cute shopping resource

An interesting look at a life made from foraging

The low-down on pepper, from an expert

Something to ponder: the fragility of life, the balm of togetherness

Gorgeous planters

The perfect summer dinner (I had no tomatillos so made them with a chipotle sauce instead)

Soon, I will round up many of my more specific recommendations into my STORE, with direct links so you can buy whatever strikes your fancy. And I am working with a few artisan friends to develop some unique products that I hope to offer you by late fall.

Have a beautiful weekend! xo
 
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7 Comments

I LOVE those planters...
Lisa on June 29, 2012 at 4:58 pm —
I have them in grey and they get beautifully mossy, but I am coveting those black ones...
laura on June 29, 2012 at 8:15 pm —
We love Wallander! We watch it through Masterpiece Theatre on Sunday nights when they broadcast it each year as part of their mystery series. How fun to track down the original. I also enjoyed and was touched by the article written by the young woman who was soon after killed in a car accident. How fragile life is.
The Wimpy Vegetarian on June 29, 2012 at 6:25 pm —
It is, Susan. That was really a moving piece.
laura on June 29, 2012 at 8:16 pm —
I've been following Lindsey Adelman's work for a while. She's amazing. Here's her DIY Chandelier: http://lindseyadelman.com/makeit.php?item=4 Do you know Michael McHale's lighting designs? A little glitzier--he uses recycled pipes and crystals: http://www.michaelmchaledesigns.com/home/ Very cool. OK, on a roll...check out Liquid Light: http://www.econesting.com/2010/10/12/liquid-light-and-water-justice/ I have a serious case of lighting fixture envy... t
Ronnie on June 29, 2012 at 8:11 pm —
Thanks for the links, Ronnie. I'm not really into the whole crystal thing, but I do recognize those lights; I like the use of pipes. And the liquid light is gorgeous, except I can't stand LEDs...
laura on June 29, 2012 at 8:18 pm —
Thank you for linking to collard tacos! And to those planters; I have been hunting for a 6" white clay for some time.
Michelle on July 9, 2012 at 11:28 am —