The 33rd Friday Four
Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.
Let’s get into it!
If you’ve taken class with me in West Branch, you’ve probably heard me talk about the Honey Den down the block from the studio. My kids and I have some serious sweet tooths, so more often than not we end up getting jelly beans or a special treat when they are helping me. My favorite treat there is chocolate covered toffee, sprinkle with a little sea salt. It’s delicious! I have had a non-stop hankering for it. So one night this week, when the candy shop was closed because it was well after bed time, I decided to try and make some toffee on my own. You should know, I’ve never made toffee before in my life. But I looked up the recipe, had all the ingredients on hand, and I went for it… It was a first pancake. The first pancake theory is the idea that the first attempt at something usually isn't the best, and it's okay if it doesn't turn out perfectly. It's a chance to practice and adjust so future attempts are better. I think that’s why I am so drawn to hosting creative classes, it let’s people experience this in a supportive environment. And it’s given me more confidence to try new things. So I’ll be taking a second attempt to toffee this week, and probably snagging a bag from the Honey Den :)
All we can think about in August is back to school! For my kiddos, it’s all the things to get ready for a new year with a new teacher. And as an educator myself, I am ready to start my classes at the university! I’m still holding on to the last few moments of summer, and added a special discount code to the Candle Pour Bar tomorrow 8/17 at 1pm! Use code “Summer2024” for $5 off each ticket, and you can smell all the summer fragrances before they go away. Sign up online closes 4 hours before class starts. I hope to see you there!
As summer is winding down, so is the garden. I pulled a bunch of things this week with a bittersweet feeling. I’m sad the summer is in the final stretch. And this year I learned how to grow from seed! I tried so many varieties of flowers and food from seed. I had some successes, and I had a bunch of failures. There were surprises, including the perfect heirloom pumpkin and tomatoes that grew out thin air (or seeds that were in the compost). I got to put seeds from the Dried Floral Bar (sourced from Iowa Flower Farms) into the ground and watch those grow like magic (keep watching for updates on Instagram stories!). Growing this year was kind of like the first pancake theory for me, but included pancakes, waffles, and the whole kitchen sink. It reminded me that there is so much yet to learn and try. And I’m sure excited to try again next spring.
As we transition out of sunshine into fall mode, I am pumped to have more cozy classes and gatherings. During the summer I’ve been keeping bubble water on hand for folks in classes to drink, and want to know what is your fall go to drink? Is it hot coffee or tea? Apple cider? Something else? I will be switching up the sips for the fall classes, and want to hear from you on your favorites! Just hit reply and let me know!
Happy Friday! Thank you for reading the Friday Four emails, I appreciate you so much.
Erika
