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Kitten Update!

By On · Add Comment · In Life

Hey everyone! I wanted to update you on the kitty rescue mission.  Oh what a journey it has been!

We originally were able to get the three kittens in the photo, and every day since I have been trying to catch the other two.  However, these little dudes are adjusting well.  They are insanely playful, love to eat and drink loads, and love to have cuddle mountain parties!

This morning I went to check on them and the little runt (the one in the middle of the picture) was very lethargic.  I decided to take her (yes! it’s a girl!) to the vet just in case.  While we were there, the vet prescribed her some nutrition supplement to help with weight gain, and some deworming medicine.

On a sadder note, it seems like all of the kittens have fleas.  The vet gave me Capstar oral medication that will kill the adult fleas, and in the meantime we are being very careful and washing/vacuuming everything.

The next step will be testing them for FIV/kitty leukemia, and then we’ll start vaccines once they are old enough.  After that it’s off to find forever homes!  I’m still on the search, so if you know anyone in the Atlanta area who would love a sweet kitty, shoot me an email!

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for donating or spreading the word.  It has been such a journey for these little guys and it definitely doesn’t stop here.  Unfortunately the flea medication took quite a chunk out of the kitty fund, so any more donations will be more than appreciated!  In fact, I have a little treat up my sleeve for anyone who donated or donates in the future!  Thank you again!

Make: Homemade Vanilla Extract

By On · 10 Comments · In Food
 
Quick story: I absolutely love to bake, but I recently ran out of every baker’s go-to item: vanilla extract.  So, I went to the local farmer’s market (also known as my heaven) to pick some up.  Of course I picked up a bottle of pure extract, but it cost $7.00 for 4oz!  
 
When I got home, I did a bit of research, purchased vanilla beans online, bought some 4oz glass bottles, and lots of vodka.  Turns out making vanilla extract is very simple, and makes a fantastic gift too!
 
Here is a brief how-to for those out there that would like to save a little money on their extract.  I made a bunch because I figured it would make great holiday or birthday gifts for all the bakers in my life.
 
Homemade Vanilla Extract
makes 24 bottles
 
Ingredients
-1/2 lb of vanilla beans (you’re going to have a bit left over, I gave mine to friends, but you can make homemade vanilla vodka with them if you like!)
-slightly more than 96 oz of Vodka
-24 4oz glass bottles
 
 Directions
-Cut your vanilla beans in half, and then make a slice down the center to expose the yummy “caviar” inside.
-Insert beans (don’t take the caviar out) into your bottle.  I added 3 half beans per bottle.
-Fill bottle with vodka
-Give it a good shake
 
Now, is the hard part…waiting.  You’re going to have to wait about 8 weeks for it to become a true extract.  Every week, just give your bottles a good shake.
 
Note
Do your research on the vanilla beans, otherwise you can end up spending a pretty penny.  Also, make sure they are fresh and preferably vacuum sealed.  Otherwise, the caviar inside is completely dried up and it won’t be as potent.
 
Maybe I’m a cheapskate, but I would much rather spend around $1.50 versus $7.00 on a 4oz bottle of pure vanilla extract.  Plus, as an added bonus, people are really impressed that you made it yourself!
Enjoy!