Sloppy Joes & Broccoli Salad

First things first, I updated the Recipes tab at the top of my page! Now all the recipes I've posted on my blog will show up there, so no more searching. Yay!

 

///

 

I don't know about you, but every time I hear "sloppy joes" I think of Adam Sandler's Lunch Lady Song...and then I have it stuck in my head the rest of the day. You're welcome.

 

But really, sloppy joes used to be something I'd turn my nose up at (or anything else that might be served in a cafeteria), but I made these for Rob (food is his love language), and they ended up being fantastic. The flavor is really good...kind of sweet, kind of spicy, plus it's easy to whip together and makes plenty so you'll likely have leftovers.

 

And I think everyone and their grandma (at least here in the South) has made or eaten some version of Broccoli Salad, but this one is my favorite. And the nice thing about it is you can add or omit ingredients to your heart's desire.

 

We served these together, and I thought it made for a tasty meal! Enjoy!

 

///

 

Sloppy Joe Di Maggios

{Rachael Ray}

 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 pounds lean ground sirloin

1 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon steak seasoning (use Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick...it's the bomb)

1 tablespoon chili powder

3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 (14.5 ounce) can tomato sauce

Package of soft burger rolls

 

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat and crumble as it browns. Add the onions to the pan and cook to soften. In a bowl mix the spices, sugar, Worcestershire, and tomato sauce. Pour sauce over the meat and simmer a few minutes to combine flavors. Scoop onto buns and serve. The sloppier the better!

 

The original recipe calls for a package of cooked hot dogs to be added to the meat mixture. I've never tried it that way, and I think it's perfect just the way it is.

 

///

 

This is one of those recipes that's been handed down on a notecard, and I have a Xeroxed copy in one of my cookbooks. I don't know the original source, but I imagine it was from a church cookbook (do you know what I'm talking about? Those are the best.).

 

 

Broccoli Salad

{Unknown church member of church cookbook, most likely}

 

1 head broccoli

Cooked bacon (about 6 slices), crumbled

Raisins (I substitute Craisins) (about 1/2 cup)

8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (shred yourself...so much better!)

Purple onion, chopped finely (about 1/4 cup)

Sunflower seeds (about 1/4 cup)

1 cup mayo

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

Salt and pepper as needed

 

While bacon is cooking, wash broccoli and cut into bite-size pieces (flowerets and stems). Place in large bowl. Add crumbled bacon, Craisins (or raisins, but Craisins are better and prettier!), cheese, onion and sunflower seeds. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar together. Pour mixture over broccoli and stir well to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Add salt and pepper as needed.

 

The measurements on this recipe aren't specific. If you stir it all together at the end and want more Craisins, add them...same with bacon, cheese, onion, and sunflower seeds. I tend to get lazy and use the store-bought crumbled bacon bits (the real bacon...not the crunchy ones). And I've even bought the pre-cut broccoli florets. Don't judge. I do shred my own cheese! ;)

 

///

 

Hope everyone has a happy day...



Weekend Update

Hope everyone had a good weekend...ours was fun, other than me getting a little sidelined with a stinky cold and ear infection. Boo. I went to the doctor late Saturday afternoon and got fixed up and am feeling better now!

 

We went to the St. Paddy's Day Parade on Saturday morning. It's always been a big deal in my hometown, and I love that my girls can now take part in the fun. We weren't prepared for the cold and the wind, but it was just good to be out. And I think we left with one strand of beads. Ha!

 

 

///

 

Sunday the girls and I dyed some Easter eggs. I thought the plastic eggs from Target were a good idea because we could keep them for play, but they're not heavy enough to sit in the dye...so they just bob around and don't get a lot of color on them. We may try the real thing later in the week.

 

 

///

 

We have a neighborhood Easter egg hunt tomorrow night, and sweet Lily hid eggs around the house for Hadley, to get her prepared for the real deal.

 

 

///

 

Our pillows for the new couch came in last week, and I'm so happy with the way they turned out! The orange pillow is from my local HomeGoods, and the others are from Etsy, which I've sourced below.

Velvet Leopard Pillows

Aqua Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon Lumbar Pillow

Schumacher Zimba Pillow in Charcoal

 

///

 

I did some more work in the playroom/guest room and am very pleased with how it's turning out.

 

 The purple fur pillow is from HomeGoods.

Compass Pillow

 

I wanted an easy way to display the girls' artwork, and I love the color it adds to the wall. I just nailed some twine to the wall (very tightly), then added small clothespins. Now we can change out the art whenever we like.

 

 

///

 

And now just some random snapshots from around the keeping room and kitchen.

 

 

///

 

And finally, some memes for your Monday...because they always make my day better! Hope y'all have a good one...

 

 ///

///

 

///

 

 

Saturday Shopping

I'm up early this Saturday morning, so I'm doing what I do best...drinking coffee, watching The Bachelor finale (again), and browsing the Web.

 

I wanted to share some of my favorite items I've come across this morning. Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

 

///

 

Oh how I heart this dress. The length is something you don't see too often, and the colors are just so vibrant. I'd wear it to church, but it's also dressy enough for a spring or summer wedding!

Floral Print Stretch Midi Dress

 

///

 

I was running errands recently and spotted some fabulous sneakers on the lady next to me. I promptly asked her where she got them, and she told me they were Joie, and she found them at a boutique in Oklahoma. Well, I know Joie is typically out of my price range, but I looked them up anyway...and, le sigh...yes, that ain't happening. These Old Navy sneakers are very similar and are (obvs) about a tenth of the price of the Joie version! Score!

Slip-On Sneakers

 

///

 

I have a bag by Sole Society and can't say enough good things about it. They're faux leather, which can many times look cheap, but it looks so close to the real thing...and it's soft. I adore this one for spring.

Tassel Faux Leather Crossbody Bag

 

///

 

This dress is the cutest. Would be perfect in the summer with sandals or some Converse sneakers.

 

Linen-Blend Shift Dress

 

///

 

The stripes sold me. I'd wear it with cutoff denim shorts and sandals or flip flops. 

 

Relaxed Peplum Top

 

///

 

These sandals are just lovely and unexpected. The hunter green is so pretty, and I really like the mix of canvas and leather, allowing them to be dressy or casual.

Tatiana Embellished Sandal

 

///

 

I'm thinking about getting this set for a large wall in our living room. I love the green, and I think they look perfect in a simple black frame. Etsy has some of the best art at a great price point.

 

Fern Print Botanical Art

 

///

 

I think these espadrilles are so fun...I'm loving the gold, and I imagine they're super comfy.

Tia Espadrilles

 

///

 

We're heading to the annual St. Paddy's Day parade in Downtown Jackson in a little while...always one of the most fun days in my hometown! See y'all on Monday...



Drugstore Beauty Buys

Who doesn't love scouring the aisles of the drugstore for some beauty products? I've found some products lately that I really adore, so I wanted to share them with the world you (Hi, Dad!)...but first, some background on when my love affair with drugstore products began...

///

 

I lived in a few houses growing up, and for whatever reason, each house was in walking or bike riding distance to a drugstore (and this was when it was considered safe to let your pre-teen/tween do just that). I can recall so many summer or weekend days that I'd ride my bike or walk the mile-long trek to K&B, Super D, or Eckerd. I'd save up my allowance and would have a field day on those aisles. In 6th grade, my favorite purchases were Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker (who doesn't have fond memories of that stuff?) and comic books...a year or so later the comic books were replaced with YM and Seventeen. I remember coming home with a copy of Seventeen one day, and my Dad looked at me and said, probably half-joking/half-serious, "But you're not seventeen." I'm sure my response was something along the lines of, "Dad, you are ruining my life." Oh those awkward times. And then in 7th grade I walked to Super D and bought my first pair of tweezers, and my eyebrows (no lie) came out looking close to this:

 

 I don't think they've ever fully grown back from that botch job.

 

In 8th grade a girlfriend and I were comparing our arms to see who was more tan (sign of the times). She said something along the lines of, "You just look more tan because your arm hair is dark." I promptly spent my next Saturday walking to Super D to purchase Jolen bleach. I remember mixing it up in my bathroom (oh the smell!), spreading it on my arms, and leaving it on entirely too long. First degree burns later, I'm lucky I didn't need skin grafts to recover from that nightmare...ha! #neveragain

 

With all that said, my love for good ole' drugstore products continues. Below are a few of my recent favorite finds. (I linked all of these through Amazon, but you can find them at your local drugstore or Target. Prices will likely be much better there too!)

 

Yes to Grapefruit Pore Perfection Toning Mist

I feel all fancy using this stuff...the smell is divine, and a light spray to your face throughout the day just feels good. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. I'm already planning on carrying it in my beach bag this summer...

///

I have thin, fine hair. If I'm speaking your language then you really need to try the Luxurious Volume products by John Frieda. My favorite is the Blow-Out Spray, but I really like the Mousse as well. I spray it on my scalp after I get out of the shower, brush it out, and blow dry about 10 minutes later. It not only adds volume, but it seems to thicken the overall texture of my hair too.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray

///

I have a hard time wearing a bold lip, but I thought I'd give it a try for spring. This is a violet-pink shade, and I think it'd look good on most skin tones. It applies easily, is really creamy, and stayed put a long time. I think it's the perfect bright shade for this time of year!

CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick - Spellbound

///

Facial oils have been all the rage lately, and I can see why. They hydrate, lock in moisture, and are supposed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I did a bit of research, and most of them were really pricey. This version comes in under $25, and I found a lot of reviewers who loved it as much as the expensive stuff. I've been putting a few drops on my face before my night-time moisturizer, and I love the way it feels. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy. It does have a mild scent to it, which I like (almost smells like a mild unisex cologne)...but if you're sensitive to that, you may want to try another brand. (P.S. I think this brand is specific to Target...so add it to your cart when you're in there for some paper towels!)

Boots No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil

///

Charcoal is touted for its ability to draw out impurities, gently exfoliate, and open clogged pores. And all this time I thought it was just for grilling. I've been using this bar for the past few nights, and I'm a convert. It has a light peppermint scent which leaves my skin feeling tingly and extra clean. It also works up a great lather for all you latherholics. But really, what is it about a good lather? Ha!

Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar

///

Ladies, go buy this! First, it contains SPF 15, which I love. Like all body lotions,it hydrates, but this one has several other tricks up its sleeve: it illuminates and gives off a very subtle sheen (which just makes my skin look prettier); it tones down redness and evens out skin tone (the redness factor is big for me), and it firms your skin over time. You choose the shade based on your skin tone (either Fair to Medium or Medium to Tan) and apply all over. I've used the Jergens Natural Glow tanning lotion in the past but didn't like the scent. This has a much milder scent that I hardly noticed. And I have a nose like a fox.

Jergens BB Protect Perfecting Body Cream

///

I love this lip gloss because it doesn't feel sticky and goes on sheer with just a hint of color. It also adds some shine to my lips, and it kept them moisturized. I chose Berry Chic which provides just a hint of sheer cherry color. It looks pretty alone or over your favorite lipstick!

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Lip Gloss - Berry Chic

///

Any other drugstore addicts out there? What's your favorite drugstore beauty buy? Hope everyone has a happy weekend! See y'all Monday.



Easy Red Beans and Rice

We're big red beans and rice fans over here. I found this recipe a few years back, and it's become a favorite. To my Cajun friends: I'm sure this is not authentic, Louisiana red beans and rice...but the flavors are good, and it's simple to throw together!

 

 

 Easy Red Beans and Rice

{Allrecipes.com}

 

Rice of your choosing

1 (16 ounce) package turkey kielbasa, cut on the diagonal

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 clove chopped garlic

2 (15 ounce) cans canned kidney beans, drained

1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon pepper

 

Cook rice according to package directions.

In a large skillet over low heat, cook sausage for 5 minutes. Stir in onion, green pepper and garlic; saute until tender. Pour in beans (drained) and tomatoes (with juice). Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve over rice.

 

When I first read the recipe, I thought it sounded too easy to be good, but it's not! I do think it needs salt, so salt to your liking. I've also added red pepper flakes to turn up the heat. And, if there's not enough liquid for your liking, add a small can of Rotel. I've done this before too and have been pleased with the results! I like to garnish with sliced green onion and a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce. Enjoy!



Loving Lately

With spring in full force (at least for now!), I thought I'd share some warm-weather things I'm loving lately.

 

///

 

How cute is this tee from Old Navy? The colors are so pretty, and the print looks like a batik!

 

Oversized Boatneck Tee

 

///

 

These sandals might come home with me. I think they'd be just as adorable with a dress as they would a T-shirt and cutoff shorts. I normally have really good luck with Old Navy shoes. They make it easy to try trends without breaking the bank.

Suede Fringe T-Strap Sandals

 

///

 

I love everything about this bag...the color, the metal detail on the front clasp, the size...I've found that it's kind of hard to find a good, medium-size handbag. I can always find small or really big, but this one looks just right to me...in other words, it'd hold enough without me feeling like I'm carrying a duffel bag on my shoulder.

Faux Leather Crossbody Saddle Bag

 

///

 

I just love these pants. They're a nice alternative to shorts or jeans, and I think they'd look really cute with a casual T-shirt and flip flops.

 

Cropped Linen-Blend Pants

 

///

 

These are at the top of my wish list. I've heard they're super comfy, and I think they add just the right amount of edge to a tee and jeans. Now I just need to go get a skateboard, and I'll be set.

Vans Perforated Slip-On Sneakers

 

///

 

The tassel trend seems to be everywhere this season, and I'm not mad about it. I like the look of a bold, fun earring with something casual.

 

Honolulu Tassel Drop Earrings

 

///

 

I actually got these jeans in the mail yesterday, and they are my new favorite! I'm still really into the distressed denim trend. They just makes me feel not as stuffy. Ha! And these are so comfy...I'd say they run true to size if not a little large. And if you're not into the distressed look, I really recommend the Blank NYC brand...I own several pairs of their jeans, and I love everything about them...the fit, the price...they're a great substitute for designer jeans.

 

Distressed Skinny Jeans

 

///

 

This looks like the perfect tee. I like that it's a little baggy, and the thin blue stripes make me happy. A classic spring/summer staple.

 

Whisper Cotton Crewneck Tee

 

///

 

I have the hardest time finding a one-piece bathing suit that I like...they're either too mawmaw or are trying too hard to be sexy because they're a one-piece and have a complex for not being a two-piece. I know that makes sense, right? Anyway, I think this one is just perfect...it covers what needs to be covered, but the neckline is elegant. I may order this one for the summer and promise to do close-up selfies in a three-way mirror for all to see. #yeahright

 

Lace Halter One Piece Swimsuit

 

///

 

That's all for today. Hope everyone enjoys the warmer weather (if it's warm where you are)...we are soaking it up! 



Life Lately

Well, I ended up taking an unexpected blogging break last week while my girls were on Spring Break...it was a much needed, relaxing week for all of us. We slept late(r), had picnics outside when it wasn't raining, watched movies, and did lots of crafts. Sometimes it's nice to not have a schedule and to just be, you know?

 

///

 

Earlier in the week Hadley and I met with her ENT for a follow-up post tubes. We had her hearing checked again, and it was perfect! She didn't pass the prior test in one ear, and I can already tell that tubes have made a difference. She is talking more, and she's piecing more and more words together! We also met with a speech therapist, and we've decided to pursue therapy once a week. I hope I'll learn things that I can carry over at home with her. I'm really excited about all of this!

 

///

 

I continued to work around the house and have been happy with some of my arranging and rearranging. The foyer is coming together, and I'm really loving it.

 

 

///

 

Lily's room is just about finished, and it's probably my favorite room in the house! I mean, it's purple...of course it's my favorite.

 

 

The lights above her bed are from Bright Lab. You can order premade sets or choose your own. Lily got this set for her birthday.

 

Hadley will be transitioning to a big-girl bed sometime soon, so I'm waiting to really work on her room until then. I'm hoping she'll gravitate to a color and theme like Lily has. I love seeing their bedrooms reflect their personalities!

 

///

 

The living room is almost finished...just need to order drapes for the windows and a large piece of artwork for one of the walls. In our old house, I had the hardest time styling the wall behind our sofa. I think I got it just right here. It makes me so happy.

 

I like mixing traditional and eclectic pieces together. I love the whimsy of the mirror and candlesticks paired with the oil painting...which my Granny did. Very special. I'll probably eventually replace the throw pillows with a small leopard lumbar, but for now I like the colors...they're probably too big for the chair, but I'm OK with that. 

 

///

 

I worked on Saturday and had a really good day with some special patients. I had a long conversation with one, and she very candidly spoke about the fact that her disease is aggressive, and her prognosis is grim. She said to me, "But I tell myself...what's the worst that could happen? I could close my eyes and never wake up, but then I'm face to face with Jesus." Talk about chills...I know this may sound cliché, but I learn something meaningful about life each time I work. Those patients open my eyes and heart to so much.

 

///

 

Finally, I'll just share some fun photos from our week off. You know when spring break used to entail trips to the beach with friends, sunburns, and beers on the sand? This was/is so much better. My heart is full.

 

 This little one will eat almost anything as long as she has something to dip it in...her current favorites are ketchup and salsa. She even dips her apples in ketchup. Ha!

 

 I've figured out Snapchat and am having way too much fun with the filters. I don't post snaps (aren't I too old for that?), but I do follow some celebrities and fashion/interior design bloggers. What can I say, I think it's kind of fun!

 

 

///

 

I hope everyone has a happy Monday and a great week. We're about to hit the ground running with school, grocery lists, laundry, life, etc.