Wednesday, March 14, 2012

We Are Taking a Leap of Faith!

I will probably be missing in action, especially from my blog, for the next little while, as we have decided to truly test our patience and sanity...We have decided to put our house up for sale and are going to try to buy something different.  We really need a house with two bathrooms (It never fails, the son or hubby need to use the bathroom while I'm trying to get ready in the morning), and we would like to move into a more rural or country setting.  I, of course, would like a bigger kitchen and also would not mind a large, possibly jetted, tub in one of the bathrooms (I'm a girl who likes to cook and then later, I like to sip wine while I soak in a hot bath).  Blake, of course, would like a garage and a nice shed or workshop out back (a.k.a. man cave).  And Tate, well he is just worried that we will forget something or leave something important behind; he isn't exactly sold on the idea yet, but I'm sure he'll come around. 

Between looking at houses, both online and in person, and sorting through things that have accumulated in the basement that we have been procrastinating in sorting through (seriously, I'm a bit embarrassed and wondering if I belong on an episode of Hoarders!),  and getting our house ready to put on the market and show....OMG! Lord help me now and give me strength! And wine, lots and lots of wine!! LOL!...Seriously, though, I know it will be a bit stressful, but I also know that it will be worth it.  The house we are in now is not at all a bad house, but it was actually bought by Blake and his first wife, so this will be like a brand new and fresh start for us and something we actually picked out together.

I'm both nervous and excited at the same time.  This has been in the back of our minds for quite a while, and with the interest rates what they are right now and with some of the amazing prices on some really nice homes, it seems like a great time to make this transition...and take a leap of faith... 

Friday, March 9, 2012

Favorite-Recipe Friday: Shredded Beef or Chicken for Tacos, etc.

Why Favorite-Recipe Friday, you ask?  Well, what better time to try a new recipe than on the weekend?!

I got this recipe idea from 50+ Friends Club Cookbook.  The original recipe was actually for beef fajitas, but as per usual, I put my own spin on it.  It works great for shredded chicken as well, and it can be used for tacos, burritos, etc.  Another great thing is that it doesn't require a whole lot of work because you prepare it in your crock pot. 


Shredded Beef or Chicken for Tacos, etc. 




Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 lbs. beef flank steak -or- boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 onion -or- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
  • 1 med. green sweet pepper -or- 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. cilantro
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. bottled minced garlic 
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 can (8 oz) Mexican stewed tomatoes
  •  2 tsp. lime juice (optional)
  • Shredded Colby and Montery Jack cheese (optional)
  • Guacamole (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)
  • Flour or corn tortillas -or- taco shells

Directions:
  1. Trim fat from steak or chicken.  If using steak, cut it into 6 portions.  Combine steak or chicken with onion, peppers, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic, and salt in crock pot.  Add undrained Mexican stewed tomatoes. 
  2. Cover; cook on low for 8-10 hours. (Or cook on high for 4-5 hours.)
  3. Remove steak or chicken from crock pot and shred.  Spoon some of the cooking juices over the shredded meat and add lime juice (if desired), and stir.
  4. Spoon mixture into warmed or fried tortillas, or taco shells.
  5. Top with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, if desired.
  6. Enjoy!

Tips:
  • To warm tortillas in the oven, set the oven at 350 degrees, wrap tortillas in foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until softened. 
  • Instead of spooning cooking juices over the meat, you can always just put the meat back into the crock pot after it has been shredded, and then squeeze the lime juice in and stir.  Serve with a slotted spoon.

Well, there you have it!  I hope you enjoy your tacos, burritos, or whatever you decide to make, and have a great weekend!

Do you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share?  Well, send it to me and I will feature it on my blog.  Better yet, consider doing a guest post with me.   

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

A Little Dose of Humor: Men!

Because sometimes we all need a little humor in our lives, and just a little can go a long way...



...Yup! I'm the daughter of one, the wife of one, and the mother of one, and this about covers it!  I'm sorry guys; I just couldn't resist! {insert devious grin and mischievous laugh here}

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Little Dose of Inspiration: Friends




I have found this, time and time again, to be so very true!  What is even more amazing is that some of my most valuable, best, and amazing friends have been met online, on Twitter and in the blogging community.  I know without a doubt that these relationships are real and lasting.  They and their friendships mean more than words can ever express...  

Friday, March 2, 2012

Favorite-Recipe Friday: Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Why Favorite-Recipe Friday, you ask?  Well, what better time to try a new recipe than on the weekend?

I can't remember where I got the idea for this spaghetti sauce recipe.  I'm thinking it was out of a cookbook from the 30 Meals in One Day plan.  As usual, I tweaked it a bit and made it my own.  It's pretty easy and it has always been a hit.

 



Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:
•2 extra large (4 lb) jars of Ragú® Traditional Pasta Sauce
•1 lb lean ground beef
•1 lb Italian sausage
•1 cup chopped onion -or- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
•2 tsp minced garlic
•1/4 cup sugar
•1-1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning

Directions:
1. Brown ground beef and sausage with onion and garlic.
2. Add spaghetti sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning.
3. Allow to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In the meantime, boil up your favorite pasta according to directions on package.
5. Remove sauce from heat and spoon desired amount over your pasta.
6. Enjoy!

Tips:
•This makes a very large batch of sauce, which is great because it freezes beautifully; just divide the leftover sauce into freezer-safe containers.
•You can try spicy Italian sausage if you like your sauce to be spicy.
•Barilla® pastas are my favorite; they cook to a perfect al dente.
•This sauce is also great for lasagna, manicotti, stuffed shells, etc.

Well, there you have it.  I hope you enjoy your spaghetti (or whichever pasta you choose) and have a great weekend!

Do you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share? Well, send it to me and I will feature it on my blog.  Better yet, consider doing a guest post with me.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

A Few of My Favorite Things: Coffee Lover's Edition

Okay, you knew this one was coming! I am a total coffee lover and addict, so it is only natural that I share my favorite coffee makers, brands, flavors, creamers, etc.  I've turned into a bit of a coffee snob, as I've realized that not all coffee products are created equal.  And it's like I have said before, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's an experience.  These things make my coffee experience great:




Keurig:   If you’re a coffee lover, you have probably heard of and quite possibly may own a Keurig Brewer and some K-Cups.  These are such awesome brewers, and there are quite a variety of them now too, so most people can find one that suits them.  There are also many, many K-Cup varieties to choose from as well.  So, between the Keurig brewer of your choice and the K-Cup flavor of your choice, you have a perfect individual cup brewed every time.

Mr. Coffee:  This has always been my auto-drip brewer of choice for my regular ground coffee.  There is a huge variety of these brewers too.  I have a small 4-cup brewer that I use in the morning, which is perfect where I'm the only coffee drinker in the house (I can hear the collective gasp among my fellow coffee lovers).  I also got the new Mr. Coffee/Keurig brewer after I wore out my original Keurig, and it works like a champ.

Bodum French Coffee Press:   They say that coffee brewed in a French press is the best.  I gotta say, it really is pretty wonderful.  Coffee brewed in a French press is a bit more rich and flavorful because the natural oils are retained that can often be left in the filter when brewed the auto-drip way.  Whole beans that are coarsely ground just before brewing make for the best coffee prepared in a French press.  

GE One-Touch Coffee Grinder:   I don't actually buy whole beans and use a grinder that often, but when I do, this is the one that I use.  It has different settings according to the grind that you want, and it does a great job.

Green Mountain Coffee:   I am a huge fan of this coffee company.  They are my go-to place for K-Cups.  You can become a member of their Café Express and get discounts on coffee and accessories, including Keurig brewers, and you have coffee shipped to your house on a recurring schedule and in a quantity of your choice.  They have fabulous flavors in both K-Cups, and ground and whole-bean coffees, including their awesome seasonal blends.  You can also find other popular roasters on this site; Caribou Coffee, Tully's, Timothy's, Newman's Own, among others.  You will also find your favorite tea and hot chocolate in K-Cups, not to mention the iced tea and iced coffee varieties.  It really is a fabulous place for any coffee addict!

New England Coffee:   Okay, this company knows how to do flavored coffee!  It is so rich, smooth, and decadent without a trace of bitterness.  I have never seen quite a variety of flavors.  They also have seasonal flavors, but instead of one seasonal flavor at a time, there are four or more; seriously, how does Bananas Foster, Cinnamon Sticky Bun, or Brownie Toffee Crunch sound?!  Another great thing about this coffee is that you can get it in a custom ground that suits your brewer.  This place is definitely a coffee lover's dream!

Coffee Mate:   This has always been my creamer of choice.  They have both regular creamer and powdered, though I prefer regular, and a great variety of flavors, seasonal and otherwise.  I love their new Café Collection and Natural Bliss flavors!

Maxwell House International Café:   I have been drinking these for years.  They really are a yummy, creamy treat.  Sometimes, instead of hot water, I will mix this with regular coffee; super rich!

Well, there you have it.  These are my favorite coffee products.

How about you, what are your favorite coffee products?  I always like trying new stuff!

Disclaimer:  I was in no way compensated for sharing my views or links of these products, and these opinions are my own.