Who's in your dish drainer?

I haven't had a dishwasher for nearly five years. Most days I don't miss it at all. Washing dishes by hand gives me extra time to spend with my favorite friends.

Shop Handmade

Etsy has been a very good selling venue for me. It isn't my sole source of income, by a long stretch, but it gives both Jeff and I a steady stream of funds. Since I encourage people to shop on Etsy, I feel that I should do the same. Whenever I need a gift for someone I always browse Etsy first.
Even for my Sophie.

This sweet little kitty has been by my side for thirteen years, through thick and thin. Since she was a wee little kitten I have been buying her unique collars. This year I discovered "Furocious Kitty" on Etsy. They have the most adorable collars for cats and kittens. They all come with either bells or charms, as well as an alternative bell/charm if your cat (or you) can't handle the "jingle". Sophie has a lady bug collar and a Halloween collar. Today her holiday collar arrived!

These collars are so well made. The clasps are "break-a-way" so if kitty gets caught on something it will un-hook. The material feels smooth and not at all "scratchy"... I despise scratchy feeling fabric so I wouldn't even want my cat to wear something scratchy. Jeff wants me to switch out the snowman for the snowflake bell. I really like the snowman... although the bell is a little too jingly. I may silence the snowman by prying out the jingly thing because I think it's too cute not to keep it on!
I am not one to rush into the Christmas season so Sophie won't be sporting her new collar until after Thanksgiving Thanksgiving weekend. ;-)

food that warms the body, heart, and soul...

casserole on left by John Zentner, plate by Kari Therrien, small casserole by Kate Johnston

When fall arrives I am always happy to take out that old favorite sweater to snuggle into and I am also excited to spend time with my favorite handmade casserole dishes and make some warm, hearty dinners. This week I was in the mood for macaroni and cheese. My favorite recipe is a four cheese recipe from Emeril Lagasse, you can find the recipe here. This week I modified it slightly to make it more affordable. This isn't an inexpensive dish to make. I substituted muenster for the fontina and used a little less parmesan. Jeff likes ham in his mac & cheese so I included it this time. It was the ultimate comfort food!

I have a few casseroles of different sizes and this one is my absolute favorite. JZ made it the last year he was able to work and it's the perfect size, 2 quarts. The cover fits perfectly and the interior is glazed with tenmoku, a good durable surface that is easy to clean. Do you have a favorite recipe that warms your body, heart, and soul? If you do, I hope that handmade pottery adds to the enjoyment.