Good morning! For my Five Faves, I was able to get my sister-in-law’s recipe for the best jam ever: Rhubarb Blueberry (just before rhubarb season ends). It’s not too sweet, lemony, and good on so many things.
There’s also a great wine stain remover, some basics to buy on sale, and a good new television show that takes you to the coast of Italy.
And be sure to check out what Cindy and Annie have for us, too!
1. Wine Out Stain Remover
While having dinner in a local Italian restaurant…where everything was passed family-style (an accident waiting to happen) one hand bumped into a red wine glass…and whoops!
I’m innocent, I was at the other end of the table but saw it all. The waiter immediately brought this miracle worker… Wine Away.
2. The Best Ever Blueberry Rhubarb Jam
Howard’s sister, Kareen gave us a jar of the best jam ever, Rhubarb Blueberry. Everyone who tries it loves it. I’ve never been crazy about rhubarb but it’s so good in her homemade jam…and it’s lemony.
I served it on top of herbed Boursin cheese with nutty crackers (a HIT!). And I love a teaspoon of it on top of plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola.
It requires fresh rhubarb and it’s near the end of the season, so I wanted to get this recipe out quickly! Here it is (thanks Kareen):
This delicious jam is great on yogurt for breakfast or cream cheese with crackers for an appetizer…and of course, on toast!
- 2-3 stalks rhubarb
- 3 pints blueberries
- 1 apple
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 3-5 cups sugar
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Wash and chop rhubarb and apple.
Place in a large stock pot.
Add blueberries and lemon juice.
Bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium.
Cook 15 minutes or until the fruit is soft.
Blend with an immersion blender.
Add sugar and lemon zest. Stir well.
Bring to a boil again.
Cook on low heat, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes )or longer) until very think and almost set,
Ladle into jars.
Store in refrigerator.
You may also like Blueberry Lemon Tart and Simple Table Setting Tips.
3. What To Watch On TV: Hotel Portofino
So far, there are only three episodes of Season One. We are getting it on Amazon Prime. Beautiful scenery.
“The daughter of a wealthy industrialist moves to Italy in the 1920s to set up a quintessentially British hotel in the beautiful town of Portofino as Mussolini’s brand of fascism was on the rise.”
4. Great BASICS To Get On Sale Now From Nordstrom
Some of these are basics like athletic shoes and bras…and some not so much.
- If you need new athletic shoes, these are great (I love my Cloudflow). There are different color combos. Grab them before they are gone.
- I could definitely use a new sports bra and another of my favorite everyday Natori underwire. Might as well get them on sale!
- How much happier would you be making dinner and chopping on this cutting board?
- This cake plate would be pretty next to the stove with cooking condiments…or to elevate bakery goods!
- Every woman should have a French Longchamp bag for travel. Lots of colors and they are expandable.
- These little Volupspa scented candles would be such cute party favors at your next ladies’ lunch.
- You should have a Volcano Blue scented candle for yourself.
- Wouldn’t these little prints look good in a bathroom? I like the frames. Definitely not a necessity like the bras in my case 🙂
5. Small Backyard Pools
We have an irregular small backyard that sort of goes to a sharp point on the right. And the setbacks are a challenge too (10′ from the property line and 5′ from the house foundation). The more we are here, the more we think we would love a pool…to cool off and make a water feature.
We are going to have to be creative…hoping it will look fun and unique and not weird. Here are some ideas…
This is a lovely little pool by Beth Webb in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle (Beth is actually lounging there and I’ve wondered how she got there without getting wet?)…
Check out my Pinterest Small Backyard Pool Board.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
The jam looks delicious! I love making homemade jam to use in my baked goods. Wine out is always good to have on hand, we have been using it for over 15 years.
A pool sounds lovely and your inspiration images are beautiful.
As for the NORDi sale, love your picks. I am off to check them out.
Have a wonderful week Mary Ann.
That jam sounds delicious. I don’t think we can even get rhubarb here. I love rhubarb it always makes me think of growing up in the Midwest. The Hattersley’s should own stock in wine out. It is indispensable in this household. It also works on a lot of other stains. I need something to watch on Netflix. Thanks for the tip! You always have such great stuff fort us on Sundays!!
Hi Mary Ann,
I’ve visited the Nordstrom sale and purchased the Onflow shoes, as well as the candles. Amazing savings.
I love the idea of a small pool with a water feature. It’s always a welcome sight for a warm climate home not to mention the cool, refreshing dips you can take during a warm day.
Great post, as always.
Karen B.
Can’t wait to see your pool I’m sure it’s going to beautiful! We love ours and use it a lot especially in the warm southern cal springs and summer. The dogs love it too!
I’ve already hit “add to cart” for that wine away spray and even added extra to give to my sons. I have never made jam or purchased rhubarb but that recipe and the yummy looking yogurt parfait are pushing me to add two new “firsts” to my list.
You just reminded me that I need to order it too!
I used Wine Away when a guest spilled red wine on my white linen sofa. It REALKY WORKS. Never be without it! Thanks for the tip on Hotel Portofino. What could be better than a touch of Downton in Italy?
I hope the new episode is our today.
That jam looks delicious, I’ve never had rhubarb before but the jam surely looks mouth watering.
Don’t worry about the uniqueness of your lot, pool contractors are more than used to creating pools, out of uncommon backyards. It sounds that you may need to go with a lagoon style pool where you can easily incorporate a spa and a Baja step. We have remodeled and reconfigured all of the pools we had, with a help of pool contractors, the sky is the limit and with proper lighting it can really turn your backyard onto a show stopping evening feature.
Howard has contacted three contractors so wel shall see, Li.
Loving Hotel Portofino as well! So Downton-esque!
Love the jam recipe: blueberries alone are too sweet, but with rhubarb and lemon, it sounds delish!
I have only watched the first episode of Hotel Portofino, but yes, the scenery and high quality visuals of this show are perfect for summer watching!
That last plunge pool surrounded with structural stone is gorgeous — good luck with your planning!
Hi Mary Ann,
My husband and I have had a pool for years and absolutely love it. Our only regret is that we didn’t include a beach wade entry. Now that we have grandchildren who love to use our pool, they are limited to staying on the steps. Another feature we are seeing that we wish we had is an an in-pool umbrella. Definitely something to think about!
Such great ideas, Michelle! Thank you!