Rustic Cross X Desk

May 21, 2020 • ,

Since the world has been on lockdown, my house has been in a state of over due projects lately. 

I needed a new desk in my office and came across this one from Ana White and just fell in love.
My office is now complete with this beautiful desk

The original plan didn't call for the X on the front but, I had it added at the very end.It just seemed like the cohesive thing to do.

Simple desk decor

Side view of desk with the lovely X pattern

Here is a side view of the desk and I love it everytime I see it.



Rustic top uses 2 x 4's


I wanted the rustic look and the boards on the desktop are so pretty

I love the "rustic" nature of the desk.

This is a view from the back of the desk. It has two shelves to the right.

Front of the desk


Looking into the shelves from the side of the desk

My original plan was to stain the desk but, in the end I settled on paint. I used Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams


This desk was the first project on a list of projects that consumed the month of April. Some other parts of our home that have been getting some love are....

The inside.....
Hallway painted
bathroom painted and new hardware
foyer painted
living room painted
new furniture
new rug
new accessories
installed keyless door locks
installed cameras
new doorbell
laundry room painted
new office desk


The outside....
cafe lights hung
new sectional patio set
new rug
new accesories

I am happy to be able to get some of the items off my to do list, but really happy to have a new desk in my office.


Make sure to check out Ana White cause, girls got some mad wood building skills.


Until next time!









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The Worlds Easiest Chili!!

May 19, 2020 •

Here goes the easiest chili you will ever make..
Rainy days and chili go great together
1 pack of Chili O
1 lb of hamburger
1 16oz can of corn
1 16oz can of kidney beans
1 16oz can of diced tomatoes

 Brown the meat and add seasonings of garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Drain meat and return to pan, add the canned ingredients to the pan(Do Not Drain)

 Let simmer on low for about 30 Mins. I have been know to not wait the 30 mins, I just dive right in. You can too!

 Top with cheese, diced onions and sour cream.

 Enjoy! 




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CrockPot Lasagna

May 9, 2020 •

I grew up eating homemade lasagna, and it was a labor-intensive meal for my Mom to prepare. I had been hearing of this thing called, Crockpot Lasagna, and I wanted to try for myself.
First,  I thought, this can't be normal or even taste the same.
I was wrong, way wrong. 

Let's just get to it because you might want to make this for dinner tonight, and I encourage you too.

 I found this recipe over at Delish.

Crock Pot Lasagna

Sauce the bottom of the crock pot


Give it a layer of uncooked noodles


Continue layering meat sauce, noodles and cheese until all ingredients are gone

Layer in the crockpot just like you do the traditional lasagna

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna is perfect for putting on in the mornings and letting cook all day on low.

Add a salad and some garlic bread for the perfect dinner


Dinner is ready in about 5 hours, and your house is going to smell so good. I love nothing more than walking in after work and smelling dinner ready. 

Enjoy!

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

April 29, 2020 •

This recipe is so easy and requires very little ingredients and they just melt in your mouth with goodness.

These cookies bars come out of the oven warm and delicious. Give them a try because the recipe is easy and quick. Pair with a glass of milk for a perfect match.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
In one bowl mix together the following
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cornstarch

In a separate bowl mix together
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks of melted butter
2 large room temperature eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine both bowls of ingredients together
along with 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Bake at 350°for 30 minutes.

Cut and enjoy!





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Delicious Cake Pops

April 25, 2020 •

We are deep into this quarantine and let me tell you at first I was like, cool with it and looked forward to the time at home, now I am just over it in so many ways. I have been going to work each day under extreme precaution. Funny how suddenly the lunch ladies became essential and we are rocking out some amazing meals with style and grace. My routine is work, home, work, home. 

Here on the homefront things are kind of the same day after day. Ella is doing classes online and, that is going really well, and it's just like going to school as she heads into her room each morning and comes out each afternoon with homework. 

I have been cooking a bunch here at home but, we have reserved to take out a few nights of the week and, I am ok with this plan.

  Many home projects are getting completed like the back porch has been getting a refresh(more on that later and today some painting is happening) Good times!

Ella has always loved being in the kitchen with me since she was very small and, she comes up with recipes here and there and we will make them together and it just feels good as a Momma to have this time with my daughter.

We thought we would cake pops a try and let me tell you, they are so yummy and would make cute treats to give to friends.

Heads up this is a time-consuming recipe, but the end result is adorable cake pops and it makes a bunch.  
How to make delicious cake pops
Don't these just look adorable

Which cake mix will you use?

We used Funfetti cake mix and Vanilla icing for ours but, you can use any flavor cake mix and icing you want. I'm thinking red velvet would be really great.


It only takes a few supplies

Here are the supplies you will need:
Candy melts we went with pink
Sprinkles for the tops
A foam holder for the pops to hang out on
lollipop sticks 
parchment paper
cake mix 
cake icing


Cake Pops are not just for weddings or baby showers. Cake Pops are a cute way to have to dessert any time you want it. Easy to wrap and save and many different icing options. Make a batch today and give a cake pop to a friend.

Start off by baking the cake. When the cake is done baking, you need to run a knife along the edges to cut off the crust because you don't want this in your cake.   

Cake Pops are not just for weddings or baby showers. Cake Pops are a cute way to have to dessert any time you want it. Easy to wrap and save and many different icing options. Make a batch today and give a cake pop to a friend.

After the cake cools you are going to need to crumble it all up and you can do this by hand or use a mixer. I used a mixer as it was faster and broke up the cake mix better.

The next step is to take an ice cream scoop or something small and scoop out the mix into your hand. Roll into a nice ball and place on parchment paper.

Melt a small amount of chocolate and dip the sticks in the chocolate and place lollipop sticks into the balls.

Place in the freezer to cool for about 20 minutes.
Cake Pops are not just for weddings or baby showers. Cake Pops are a cute way to have to dessert any time you want it. Easy to wrap and save and many different icing options. Make a batch today and give a cake pop to a friend.

Sorry, I missed taking pictures of the double broiler action but you understand how to melt chocolate then roll your cake pops in it. 

Use the foam to hold the pops while they dry. 

*TIP- Do not put the cake pops in the fridge something about moisture and the chocolate is a bad combo.
Cover with sprinkles and enjoy.


Delicious cake pops

Happy Quarantine!







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Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice

March 31, 2020 •

I miss lots of things since we have been "self-isolating" but, I miss eating out with my friends and laughing and sharing time with them over some delicious food. So, I have been cooking a lot at home and today I want to share another family fav.
Hibachi Chicken with fried rice and this is a very easy dish to make and you can prep some before. 
Bring the taste of the Japanese Steakhouse home with this easy hibachi chicken and fried rice recipe



Let's get started..... 

You are going to need

Chicken Breast
Sesame Oil
Vegetable Oil
Butter
Soy Sauce
3 eggs
Salt & Pepper
Rice
Garlic powder
or other seasonings that you prefer
Veggies for fried rice if you want to add diced carrots, minced onion, green peas(Use frozen veggies, Do Not  Use canned)
Hibachi Chicken
Dice chicken breast into bite-size pieces
Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet.
Add chicken to skillet
Add salt & pepper
Heat for about 1 minute
Add 1 tablespoon of butter 
Add 1 tablespoon of Soy sauce
Add a dash of garlic
Bring the taste of the Japanese Steakhouse home with this easy hibachi chicken and fried rice recipe


Saute until cooked and remove from stove
Fried Rice
I prefer to make my rice in advance but, you can do it either way.

In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
 Add rice and let it fry for a few minutes. 
Give the rice a stir and fry some more
Make a well in the middle of your rice and add the beaten eggs
Stir eggs into rice mixture as it cooks.
At this time you can also add any veggies like peas, onions, carrots, etc. 
Add soy sauce to taste 
Remove rice from the pan and serve with Hibachi Chicken. 

 I hope you are enjoying this unusual time in our history, and are able to make some family memories that will last a lifetime.







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5 Easy Steps to Freezing Food

March 23, 2020 •

With everything that this world is currently facing, I thought about my Momma and how she always had a freezer full of food. It was always perfectly portioned and prepped and ready to go, at a moment's notice. 

Sundays were the day when family and friends would gather at her house to enjoy some of her delicious cooking and if more people than she planned for showed up, she would tell me, "just go out in the freezer and pull something". My Momma always knew what was in the freezer and it saved her many times over the years. She never let one guest know that she didn't have enough, because she always had enough, it was just in the freezer.

Why should you freeze food

Freezing food saves money and you can buy and freeze seasonal foods any time of the year

Freezing foods help with the meal planning

Reduces waste on foods that can be reheated

Saves time as you can cook things that are in the freezer ahead of time

What can you freeze

Chicken        
Beef 
Ready to eat meals(lasagna, quiche, etc)
Soup     
Herbs      
Bread

How to store food in the freezer

Using freezer storage bags is the most efficient way to freeze food and they prevent foods from becoming freezer burned and they keep the smells of the freezer out. 

 Vegetables and herbs need to be washed and chopped prior to freezing. 

 *TIP-freeze herbs in ice trays with just enough water to cover them, then toss in a freezer bag for easy storage and you can easily grab a cube or two of fresh herbs as needed.

What Not To Do

Do not freeze in glass jars unless the jars are freezer safe.

 Never, ever use hot water to defrost a frozen item as you run the risk of cooking the food and losing flavor and don't even get me started on the food temperature DANGER ZONE. Remember I'm a lunch lady and I have plenty to say about keeping your food safe.

Labeling

Make sure you label the items in the freezer with a name, date and maybe prep directions. Also, keep a list of what is in your freezer to help with meal planning. 

I know these times are going to hopefully change our world for the better, and I mean in a good way like having more Sunday dinners, freezing food and enjoying staying home again and loving each other just a little harder, tomorrow is a gift, not a promise.

Y'all stay safe and stay home!







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Simple Alfredo Sauce(As Good As Olive Garden)

March 9, 2020 •


I love it when I try a new recipe and it works out perfectly and, makes my people happy.
This recipe for Alfredo sauce did just that. I found this one over Modern Honey

My daughter loves Pasta Alfredo, but the sauce from the jar is not her favorite. I have played around with several recipes and had not found one that was as close to what she was wanting, until this one.

As she was eating this she said, "it was as good as Olive Garden" Yes, Score!

The hardest part of this recipe was waiting on the Alfredo pasta to come to a boil.



This Alfredo sauce recipe with hints of garlic and fresh parmesan cheese uses only a few ingredients

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

_________________________________________________________________________________

Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients
1 lb Fettuccine Pasta 
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 Garlic Clove(minced)
1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions
In a large pot, heat water over high heat until boiling. Add salt to season the water. Once boiling, add fettuccine and according to package instructions.
In a large skillet or pan, heat butter over medium heat. add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.
Let the cream reduce and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Add half of the parmesan cheese to the mixture and whisk well until smooth. Keep over heat and whisk well until cheese is melted
Toss alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta and add the other half of the parmesan cheese
*Add a little pasta water if it needs to be thinned down
*Use real fresh ingredients, you will notice the taste
*If you like more sauce taste you can use less fettuccine
______________________________________________________

 This recipe made me question the difference in whipping cream and heavy whipping cream and here is the answer.

I added shrimp to my fettuccine alfredo but, you can add chicken, sausage or any other meat you like.

Cheers!





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How to Choose a Meal Plan Service

February 24, 2020 • ,

I can sometimes make major decisions in a heartbeat and never really give them much thought. Other times, I ponder and ponder and weigh all the options and make flow charts, and consult with others and the decision isn’t even that big of a deal. 

This particular decision was one I pondered and literally thought about, for over a year. I weighed every option, and trust me when I say the market is swamped, with options. 

Have I got your mind wandering yet? 

Drumroll please, I finally chose a meal delivery service. 
After much deliberation, I went with Home Chef

Home Chef is the #1 choice in meal delivery service. I have really enjoyed having my meal boxes delivered each week and the ease of preparing the meals has made my life much easier.

Whew! I’m so happy I did!

We all have 24 hrs in a day and we all are busy in one way or another. I spend my days working in a Middle School cafe and you think cooking would come easy to me and it does but, some days I am just tired and do not want to cook at all once I get home.

 On top of working and shuttling kids to activities/ friends, I am also a Mom, a housekeeper, a daughter, a friend, landscaper, financial planner, housekeeper, judge, jury and
still try to find time just for me. 

 We all are under pressure every day and being pulled in many different directions so, I thought about going with a meal service mainly to help alleviate stuff off my to-do list. 

Feeding the kids is not a problem, I know what they like, but I like to explore different foods and this is 
why this meal plan is just for me.

 Here is just a glimpse of the delicious meals I will be receiving over the next several weeks. I went with 3 meals a week with enough food for two people in each kit. 
______________________________________________________
Ciabatta Steak Sandwich with Bacon Aioli

 Mojo Shrimp and Plantain Rice Bowl

 Steak with Cranberry Chutney

 Steak with Creamy Corn Risotto

 Garlic Peppercorn Salmon Scampi

 Chesapeake Shrimp and Grits

 ______________________________________________________
Fresh ingredients in each kit and easy to follow recipes for a delicious meal makes week night cooking a breeze.


I have had some favorites, but really all the meals are delicious and easy to prepare.

Home Chef is...............
#1 in customer service and trust me I read every review out there before making this choice.

 Flexible- I can skip a week anytime. I can also cancel at any time but, why would I do that? 

 Variety- offering up to 38 weekly choices using 

 Value -Priced from $6.99 each meal is affordable 
Home Chef meal kits come in this sturdy bag with everything you will need to prepare a delicious meal.
Also, as you know I love me some online grocery shopping, but even that takes time and planning. Now I can hopefully find some happy balance between online grocery shopping and Home Chef.

 These are my opinions and I was not paid to say any of this.
 I am just so excited to give Home Chef a try. 

 I have been getting these for about 3 weeks now and I really enjoy trying new recipes and all the fresh ingredients they put in the kit. You only will need utensils, pots and pans and a few things like pepper, olive oil, and cooking spray.
Easy, easy if you ask me.

 If you enjoyed this article can you please drop me a line in the comments section below or hit the share button.

 Thanks for stopping by,







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Homemade Oven Fries

February 14, 2020 • , ,

We love french fries in our house.

We even love the occasional fast food fry but, I really like to make them at home in the oven.

Trust me these fries are much better and more delicious than the fast-food ones. Also, homemade fries are cheaper than store-bought bagged fries(hello markup)

So let's grab a couple of russet potatoes and get started.

Have you made fries at home in the oven before and they have been soggy and limp

Do you wanna know why this is?

If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.
Homemade Fries with grated parmesan cheese

The reason that your fries can sometimes be soggy is two things,
you need to wash and soak the potatoes
then, you need to dry the potatoes

You know like, give them a bath.

 Starch and potatoes go hand in hand so, if you do not soak your potatoes you will not get the right texture of fries because of all the starch build-up.

 Which fries to make?
If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.


  • Steak house fries are about 3/4 to an inch thick
  • French fries can be any size you prefer like a shoestring or you can use this french fry cutter for perfectly cut fries every time.
  • Also, I have used a mandoline that my parents got me many years ago. I am sharing the video below about the use of a mandoline 


After Cutting your fries
  • Soak in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes
  • Remove cut fries from water and pat dry
  •  Lay a piece of parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet and spray it with Pam. 
  • Spread your fries out on the pan and give them room.     
  •        Crowding the fries cause them to steam instead of getting crispy
  • Drizzle with olive oil and salt and bake for about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your fries.
  • Shoestring fries take just a few minutes and steak house & wedges take longer
  • Halfway thru baking make sure to flip your fries for even cooking
  • Bake in a 400° oven
If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.


Remove when they are to your favorite crunchy level and enjoy

Top with your favorite seasonings or freshly grated parmesan cheese

If you tried this recipe let me know what you think? 

I love feedback.
















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52 Week Money Savings Checkup

February 5, 2020 • ,

Can you believe it is the first week in February and, we are well into our savings challenge? 

I issued the challenge of a 52 Week Savings Challenge on 1/6/20

I told you I would check back on you and see how it is going, and here we are.

 Did you start in week 1?

 or

 Did you start at week 52 and working your way backward?

 Either way, it is saving and that is our goal

 If you started in week one you should have $21 in your savings envelope

 and if you started at week fifty-two, back in January you should have $297 in your savings envelope. 

 Cha Ching!!!
Savings Challenge Checkup
Now, I know the second one is a lot of money but, think about it like this. 

 By the time Christmas gets here, you will only be depositing a few dollars each week and it will not be as dramatic because you took the hard steps in the beginning. 

 Remember the money only gets touched for emergency and only you can define what an emergency is to you.

 Ok, now back to saving and I will check up regularly and see how it's going. 

 Happy Savings!









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Foodie Friday-Haberdish

January 17, 2020 • ,


Welcome to Foodie Friday!
I know, I am behind the times because this restaurant has been opened since 2016 in NoDa but, better late than never, right? 

NoDa is in the North Davidson Street area of Charlotte and it has such a cool, funky vibe with bars, restaurants and lots of cool places to just hang out. If you haven't visited NoDa in a while, you are really missing out.
 I have a list(literally)of places I want to eat, and this week's foodie Friday had been on the top of the list for a while now.

Today's Foodie Friday features Haberdish.
Owned by Jeff Tonidandel who also owns several other restaurants in the area like Growlers, Crepe Cellar and Reigning Doughnuts(adorable and delicious)
Read all about my love of Reigning Doughnuts and other places to eat along the light rail line here when I was featured on Charlotte's best bites.

If you like riding the light rail it runs thru NoDa from the University Area and all the way to South End, so ride the rail to your next adventure.


Y'all know as a Southern girl, I have eaten my weight in fried chicken(anything fried), collard greens, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, and this meal was no different.



The Deviled Eggs were the best I have had since my Momma's.


I could have eaten a bunch more of these smoked deviled eggs cause they were really yummy.


These hushpuppies are big and delicious and served with a soft creamy butter

Really big hushpuppies served with a sweet tea butter



These foods are right up my Southern Roots dirt road of things to eat


Fried Chicken comes in white or dark meat. This is 2 of each an it was perfect

We had the 4 pieces of chicken(2 white/2 dark) and the collard greens and mac & cheese, you can see the sides are huge.


The inside of Haberdish is simple decor that makes you feel comfortable and welcome

Haberdish markets themselves primarily as a walk-up restaurant but will take reservations for large groups.

 They have plenty of room in the dining area, bar or the glass-enclosed patio.


The Bar at Haberdish is a nice size to accommodate a crowd, but also not the main attraction either

Stop by the bar for a drink or a local craft beer, and enjoy some Southern hospitality and down home cooking.

I am happy to have finally eaten at Haberdish but, now I can't wait to go back again.

Haberdish
3106 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205 
704-817-1084




If you enjoyed reading my blog, please give it a share on social media, leave a comment/like or subscribe to all new posts sent directly to your inbox. 

Cheers,



📸 by Gary Nash

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