Thursday, April 30, 2015
Baker's Rack Revisited
I had an old baker's rack in the house and decided to get rid of it. However, I moved it to the back porch for a plant stand and love it! My nephew also took an old baker's rack and painted it, then stacked all sorts of odd little plant containers for an eclectic look in his back yard. What a fun way to add whimsy and charm to the places you love to hang...
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
The Perfect Tanks
I'm always on the hunt for tank tops that are long, affordable, straps that cover bra straps, and tight fitting to wear under shirts.
I found them today in a variety of colors at H&M! So happy....and they were 2 for $10! Not sure that deal or the variety is available on line, so I hope you have a store near you!
I found them today in a variety of colors at H&M! So happy....and they were 2 for $10! Not sure that deal or the variety is available on line, so I hope you have a store near you!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
3 Strappy Sandals
Found all these cute shoes at www.express.com for spring! And they're on sale!
sleek multi-strap
color block T-strap
braided wedge
Monday, April 27, 2015
Honey Apple Cashew Chicken Salad!
I love chicken salad on crackers in the spring season - it's great for a picnic or to pack for work. This recipe is delicious!
I used thin sliced chicken breasts, salt and peppered, cooked in olive oil until cooked through. Then cut them in bite size pieces and place in a bowl.
Meanwhile place one cup cashew halves and pieces in the oven at 350 degrees and toast about 3 minutes - watch them so they don't burn!
Mix together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup mayo, 1 T apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup honey, 2 cups diced honeycrisp apples (with peeling on) - salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with the chicken and cashews and refrigerate.
Deeeeelicious!
I used thin sliced chicken breasts, salt and peppered, cooked in olive oil until cooked through. Then cut them in bite size pieces and place in a bowl.
Meanwhile place one cup cashew halves and pieces in the oven at 350 degrees and toast about 3 minutes - watch them so they don't burn!
Mix together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup mayo, 1 T apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup honey, 2 cups diced honeycrisp apples (with peeling on) - salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with the chicken and cashews and refrigerate.
Deeeeelicious!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Honey Lemon Fruit Bowl
This fresh fruit dish is so delicious, because of the dressing that goes over it!
You'll need pound of strawberries (halved), and 1 cup green seedless grapes (cut in half if large), then toss in 1 small container of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. That is your fruit bowl.
On the stove in a small saucepan, mix zest from 3 lemons, 1/4 lemon juice, 3 T honey, and 3 T water, bring to boil, then cover and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Let it cool completely for 25 minutes.
Pour over the fruit and lightly toss. Refrigerate until serving time.
This is a winner!
You'll need pound of strawberries (halved), and 1 cup green seedless grapes (cut in half if large), then toss in 1 small container of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. That is your fruit bowl.
On the stove in a small saucepan, mix zest from 3 lemons, 1/4 lemon juice, 3 T honey, and 3 T water, bring to boil, then cover and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Let it cool completely for 25 minutes.
Pour over the fruit and lightly toss. Refrigerate until serving time.
This is a winner!
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Garden Incense
I think I posted this pinch a year or two ago, but it's worth posting again, because these are my absolutely favorite garden accessory! They are garden incense sticks made with Andiroba, Citronella, Rosemary & Thyme - and they smell divine. You just place one in a potted plant or in the ground, light it until it flames, blow it out and let the aroma fill your space. Then when you go inside, extinguish it by turning it upside down in the dirt. I have one in my herb box and all around where we sit and visit.
This tube of sticks last for a good while and it's only 17 bucks!
This tube of sticks last for a good while and it's only 17 bucks!
Friday, April 24, 2015
Serve it Up!
I saw this first tray at World Market the other day and thought it was so pretty! There are several more on line for your entertaining this spring!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Grilled Tuna Deluxe
A great tuna sandwich upgraded ...
You'll need:
focaccia bread
1/4 cup mayo mixed with 2 T lemon juice
lemon pepper
red onion
provolone cheese
mixed greens
olive oil
1 large can tuna, drained
In a bowl, mix tuna with mayo mixture, lemon pepper and salt, and chopped red onion.
Slice focaccia into two large pieces, then in half, and brush olive oil on both side of bread on the outside. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Place a slice of cheese, tuna mixture, greens, and another slice of cheese atop bread, then top slice.
Place the two sandwiches in the hot skillet, then place a large cast iron skillet on top for weight (or use a panini grill).
Cook until golden on both sides. Slice in half and eat!
You'll need:
focaccia bread
1/4 cup mayo mixed with 2 T lemon juice
lemon pepper
red onion
provolone cheese
mixed greens
olive oil
1 large can tuna, drained
In a bowl, mix tuna with mayo mixture, lemon pepper and salt, and chopped red onion.
Slice focaccia into two large pieces, then in half, and brush olive oil on both side of bread on the outside. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Place a slice of cheese, tuna mixture, greens, and another slice of cheese atop bread, then top slice.
Place the two sandwiches in the hot skillet, then place a large cast iron skillet on top for weight (or use a panini grill).
Cook until golden on both sides. Slice in half and eat!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Walnut Ham Linguine
Walnut Ham from my Slow Cooker Cookbook - easy and very, very good!
Cut ham (not packaged, have it sliced in the deli for you) into slices (1/2 lb) and place into crockpot with 2 cans cream of onion soup, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2/3 cup chopped walnuts. (I couldn't find cream of onion so I used one can cream of broccoli and one can cream of celery).
Cover and cook on low 1-2 hours until hot and bubbly.
Serve over hot, cooked linguine.
That's it!
Cut ham (not packaged, have it sliced in the deli for you) into slices (1/2 lb) and place into crockpot with 2 cans cream of onion soup, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2/3 cup chopped walnuts. (I couldn't find cream of onion so I used one can cream of broccoli and one can cream of celery).
Cover and cook on low 1-2 hours until hot and bubbly.
Serve over hot, cooked linguine.
That's it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Mini Apple Pies
These mini apple pies were pretty easy to make - they are from Clinton Kelly on the TV cooking show The Chew.
you'll need:
2 T butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
5 granny smith apples (peeled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
juice and zest of one lemon
1/8 cup flour
1 pkg pie dough
vegetable oil for frying
in a saute' pan over med heat, heat the butter til it foams and subsides, then add the apples, cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice and zest, and flour, cooking until apples have broken down and softened - set aside.
on a floured surface, roll out the pie dough. using a floured cookie cutter (or i used a glass), cut out rounds of dough. spoon in 2 T apple mixture. fold into half moon and crimp the dough closed.
preheat oil to 375 degrees.
drop mini pies into oil, cooking til golden brown. transfer to paper towel lined pate to drain and cool before serving.
you'll need:
2 T butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
5 granny smith apples (peeled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
juice and zest of one lemon
1/8 cup flour
1 pkg pie dough
vegetable oil for frying
in a saute' pan over med heat, heat the butter til it foams and subsides, then add the apples, cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice and zest, and flour, cooking until apples have broken down and softened - set aside.
on a floured surface, roll out the pie dough. using a floured cookie cutter (or i used a glass), cut out rounds of dough. spoon in 2 T apple mixture. fold into half moon and crimp the dough closed.
preheat oil to 375 degrees.
drop mini pies into oil, cooking til golden brown. transfer to paper towel lined pate to drain and cool before serving.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Citrus Grilled Chicken
This recipe is adapted from my cast iron skillet cookbook Skillet Full.
Slice a jalapeno, place in a shallow dish with 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup olive oil.
Rub chicken tenders with salt and pepper. and place in mixture to marinate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the citrus salsa - one orange and one grapefruit, peeled, sectioned and cut into 1/4 inch pieces, 1 jalapeno seeded and minced, 5 green onions chopped, 10 cherry tomatoes chopped and seeded, salt and pepper and another tablespoon each of olive oil and lime juice.
Grill the chicken in a greased cast iron skillet until browned and done on both sides.
Arrange mixed greens on a plate, top with sliced chicken (into bite sized pieces), and top with the salsa.
Absolutely fresh and delicious.
Slice a jalapeno, place in a shallow dish with 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup olive oil.
Rub chicken tenders with salt and pepper. and place in mixture to marinate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the citrus salsa - one orange and one grapefruit, peeled, sectioned and cut into 1/4 inch pieces, 1 jalapeno seeded and minced, 5 green onions chopped, 10 cherry tomatoes chopped and seeded, salt and pepper and another tablespoon each of olive oil and lime juice.
Grill the chicken in a greased cast iron skillet until browned and done on both sides.
Arrange mixed greens on a plate, top with sliced chicken (into bite sized pieces), and top with the salsa.
Absolutely fresh and delicious.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015
For your Wrist
Really cute, affordable watches from Rue 21 for your spring wardrobe - to go with your fun outfits!
Sale going on now, too!
Sale going on now, too!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Hummus 3 Ways
Make your own hummus (or buy it) and then stir in some mix-ins for some great flavors:
Hummus: Puree 1 can of chickpeas (drained) with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 T olive oil and 1 large clove - season.
Flavor 1: stir in 1/2 cup pesto. top with toasted pine nuts and crushed red pepper.
Flavor 2: stir in 1/2 cup olive tapenade. top with chopped tomatoes and flatleaf parsley leaves.
Favor 3: stir in 1 cup Greek yogurt, top with lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, olive oil and coarse salt.
(I doubled the hummus batch, then divided it into three bowls, to make the three flavors above)
They were all delicious!
Hummus: Puree 1 can of chickpeas (drained) with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 T olive oil and 1 large clove - season.
Flavor 1: stir in 1/2 cup pesto. top with toasted pine nuts and crushed red pepper.
Flavor 2: stir in 1/2 cup olive tapenade. top with chopped tomatoes and flatleaf parsley leaves.
Favor 3: stir in 1 cup Greek yogurt, top with lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, olive oil and coarse salt.
(I doubled the hummus batch, then divided it into three bowls, to make the three flavors above)
They were all delicious!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Boat Shoes!
Found these comfy, cute boat shoes for spring at Burke's Outlet Store, and they're on line too! Love them because they go with so many casual outfits! I've seen them at other stores for twice or three times the price as Burke's.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Three Great Finds
Michaels Arts & Craft Store is more than just arts and crafts.
Today I found this awesome picnic bag, insulated, for under $12, three cute little tea light lanterns for my back porch for $1.59 each, and a super cool wrap watch for $6.50! It's always fun to find such fun buys! I couldn't find these on line to include a link, so hopefully you have a MIchaels store near you!
Today I found this awesome picnic bag, insulated, for under $12, three cute little tea light lanterns for my back porch for $1.59 each, and a super cool wrap watch for $6.50! It's always fun to find such fun buys! I couldn't find these on line to include a link, so hopefully you have a MIchaels store near you!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Pork, Brie & Fig Jam Sandwich
This sandwich can be prepared ahead of time, placed in the fridge, then taken out for dinner, a picnic, or lunch!
Marinate a pork tenderloin in a ziploc bag with 1/4 cup lemon juice, four garlic cloves minced, and 1 tsp kosher salt for about 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 425 and cook the tenderloin (1 1/4 lb) about 25 minutes or until thermometer reads 140 degrees when placed in thickest part of loin. Let this cool completely. Then slice.
When ready to assemble the sandwiches, slice a baguette, and layer a generous amount of arugula, sliced Brie, mayo, and fig jam.
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Wall Organizer
What a great piece for above your work desk in any area of your house! Great for organizing kids' papers or bills, and grocery lists! From Through the Country Door.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Layered bracelets
Love these layered bracelet sets from Tilly's for a great accessory for this spring! Great prices...
Friday, April 10, 2015
For Your Jewelry
I have corkboard in my closet for hanging my jewelry - but I just saw this cute decorative organizer at Through the Country Door online - super pretty and useful!
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Fish Tacos - the Best!
20 minute fish tacos - honestly the best I've tasted:
Under the broiler, broil three thick slices of pineapple about 7 minutes til slightly browned. Let cool. Then chop.
Salt and pepper two large tilapia filets, rub with olive oil and drizzle with lime juice. Broil them about 10 minutes until opaque and slightly browned (do not overcook) and flaky.
Meanwhile in a bowl, combine one can black beans (drained and rinsed) with half cup chopped cilantro, 2 T lime juice, the chopped pineapple, and 1/2 small red onion chopped, along with one seeded jalapeno chopped.
For extra flavor, I served chopped avocado and grated monterey jack cheese.
Heat corn tortillas in the microwave and fill your tacos and eat!
Under the broiler, broil three thick slices of pineapple about 7 minutes til slightly browned. Let cool. Then chop.
Salt and pepper two large tilapia filets, rub with olive oil and drizzle with lime juice. Broil them about 10 minutes until opaque and slightly browned (do not overcook) and flaky.
Meanwhile in a bowl, combine one can black beans (drained and rinsed) with half cup chopped cilantro, 2 T lime juice, the chopped pineapple, and 1/2 small red onion chopped, along with one seeded jalapeno chopped.
For extra flavor, I served chopped avocado and grated monterey jack cheese.
Heat corn tortillas in the microwave and fill your tacos and eat!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Brownies from scratch - just a few ingredients and so easy!
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Prepare a 13X9 pan by lining it with foil, leaving two sides overhanging - butter the foil.
In a medium bowl mix 1 1/2 cups flour with 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, and 1/2 tsp salt.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter with 8oz chopped bittersweet chocolate. After it melts, add in 2 cups of sugar and stir to combine. Cool slightly, then stir in 6 beaten eggs until combined.
Mix with the dry ingredients, and add in 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chunks.
Pour into the prepared pan, top with 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks.
Bake 40 minutes, cool, then lift out, peel, and cut - and enjoy!
(from Food Network Magazine)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Prepare a 13X9 pan by lining it with foil, leaving two sides overhanging - butter the foil.
In a medium bowl mix 1 1/2 cups flour with 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, and 1/2 tsp salt.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter with 8oz chopped bittersweet chocolate. After it melts, add in 2 cups of sugar and stir to combine. Cool slightly, then stir in 6 beaten eggs until combined.
Mix with the dry ingredients, and add in 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chunks.
Pour into the prepared pan, top with 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks.
Bake 40 minutes, cool, then lift out, peel, and cut - and enjoy!
(from Food Network Magazine)
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Magazine Handbag Holder
Through the Country Door is a website with lots of home decor and this magazine holder is unique for sure - it's metal and weathered - looks like a big handbag!
Monday, April 6, 2015
Chicken Pesto Toasts
Super tasty, super easy, super quick dinner tonight:
I pan fried chicken cutlets in olive oil that had been seasoned with S&P. I also roasted sliced carrots in the oven beforehand.
I chopped the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mixed with jarred pesto, toasted pine nuts, and the carrots - then placed atop toasted crusty bread.
We ate the chicken pesto toasts with slice cucumbers and onions.
**note: my pine nuts were burning and actually caught my toaster on fire! so be careful roasting pine nuts!
I pan fried chicken cutlets in olive oil that had been seasoned with S&P. I also roasted sliced carrots in the oven beforehand.
I chopped the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mixed with jarred pesto, toasted pine nuts, and the carrots - then placed atop toasted crusty bread.
We ate the chicken pesto toasts with slice cucumbers and onions.
**note: my pine nuts were burning and actually caught my toaster on fire! so be careful roasting pine nuts!
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Super Dress Up Deals!
I wanted to put together a box of dress up clothes for a 2-year old but at department stores they ran $19.97 - $35 each and some were even more!
I found this great place on line called Costume Discounters, and I, got several cute outfits for $9.97-$14.97 and was super pleased!
I found this great place on line called Costume Discounters, and I, got several cute outfits for $9.97-$14.97 and was super pleased!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Lollipop Gardens
Today my daughter had a party for her little girl and made these cute additions to the table for the kids to take as party favors:
Cookie lollipops:
Make sugar cookies, roll out dough, and cut into circles. Bake, and then insert the lollipop sticks halfway while the cookies are still warm and soft. Let them cool completely. Once cooled, squeeze on icing in circular pattern in one color, then in circular pattern in another. The goal it to make it look like a swirl pop. Let icing dry completely before packaging.
Lollipop garden:
Use a small container and insert hard green foam inside. Buy lollipops and insert them into the foam as you would artificial flowers, and you've got your garden!
Cookie lollipops:
Make sugar cookies, roll out dough, and cut into circles. Bake, and then insert the lollipop sticks halfway while the cookies are still warm and soft. Let them cool completely. Once cooled, squeeze on icing in circular pattern in one color, then in circular pattern in another. The goal it to make it look like a swirl pop. Let icing dry completely before packaging.
Lollipop garden:
Use a small container and insert hard green foam inside. Buy lollipops and insert them into the foam as you would artificial flowers, and you've got your garden!
Friday, April 3, 2015
Get it For Easter!
Found some cute maxi dresses today at Old Navy, in case you still haven't gotten your Easter dress - and they were 40% off!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Country Veggies & Bread
Tonite we had several leftover veggies and part of a country loaf of bread - and came up with this tasty meal:
brussel sprouts
cauliflower
new potatoes
carrots
onion
Heat oven to 425 degrees, Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut all of the veggies into bite size pieces, toss with olive oil and seasonings (including fresh rosemary), then spread out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 15 minutes, then toss, and roast another 15.
Meanwhile take three slices of country bread and slice into squares. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and onion salt, as well as Italian seasoning. Spread out on a toaster oven sheet and toast until golden and crisp.
Toss the veggies with the bread cubes and enjoy!
brussel sprouts
cauliflower
new potatoes
carrots
onion
Heat oven to 425 degrees, Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut all of the veggies into bite size pieces, toss with olive oil and seasonings (including fresh rosemary), then spread out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 15 minutes, then toss, and roast another 15.
Meanwhile take three slices of country bread and slice into squares. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and onion salt, as well as Italian seasoning. Spread out on a toaster oven sheet and toast until golden and crisp.
Toss the veggies with the bread cubes and enjoy!
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Black-Eyed Pea Soup
This recipe is from Slow Cooker Cookbook and it's one of my favorite soups - so easy to put together - great with country bread or cornbread!
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