The Journal
Jennifer’s Home Journal Blog
Welcome to Jennifer’s Home Journal
The Journal is JHJ’s blog. Here, I share what I learn about my inquiries as I encourage us all to try new things…from gardening to building, to cooking, to projects.
Be sure to sign up for the JHJ Newsletter to get updates about my recent wanderings and wonderings…
Jennifer
Jennifer and Katie during Rich & Katie’s Shed Project
About Jennifer’s Home Journal
Jennifer’s Home Journal is about… everything! The next chapter in this joyous adventure in life.
Ever since I was a kid, when I wanted to accomplish something, I set about figuring out how to do it so I could do it myself. I have built gardens, furniture, recipes, homes, decks, sheds, a banjo, clothing, quilts, fountains, websites, databases (um, yuck!)…I love learning and I love helping others learn how to float their own boats.
The seeds for the journal were planted during the pandemic. I kept a photo and video journal of all of my various explorations and projects during and since the pandemic. Only recently did I think about sharing my learning and offering encouragement to others in an online blog.
I launched Jennifer’s Home Journal in November of 2023, so what you see is what I have built since then. Currently, my goals are to create content around past projects, build out this website, post lots of content, learn how to engage on social media, and lose my fear of posting on social media. So…I’m five months into this… And I’m so glad you’re here!
The Journal
The Accidental Butterfly Gardener
A visit to a neighbor’s garden helped me discover I was well on my way to providing a safe space for Monarchs and Swallowtails to breed.You are probably closer than you think, too!
Rich & Katie’s Shed I: A Shed Design that Solves a Problem
Want practical and beautiful? Learn how Rich & Katie solved their garage storage problem by designing a gorgeous shed.
Rike’s Department Store Cherry Cookies
Make these delicious Rike’s Cherry Cookies that my Grams used to make from a recipe she got from the bakers at Rike’s Department Store where she worked
A Review of My Research on Shrub Methods
I tested 5 methods for making Cranberry shrubs–drinking vinegars. I review all 5 and reveal the one that works best and taught me the most.
Cranberry Shrub Methods
I explore 5 different methods for making cranberries into shrub syrups. Learn with me the best and tastiest ways to make cranberry shrubs.
Learning How to Knit
Learning how to knit is an ongoing inquiry for me. And it’s kind of how this whole journal thing got started. And it’s all Karen’s fault…
Shrubs & Knitting
My first two inquiries happened at the same time: shrubs & knitting. I dove down the rabbithole to learn how to do both. Come along, now…
Designing & Building My Garden Shed
From a falling-down 1940s garage to a completely redesigned back yard to a beautiful garden shed…this shed design grew out of necessity.