Anthony's Work Desk

Recently, Anthony moved offices and wanted his desk refinished. Below are the before and after pictures.

I forgot to take a before picture, therefore the top drawers are missing because they were already stained. 

Taco Salad with Homemade Catalina Dressing

Doritos Taco Salad
·  1 lb of beef (I used 1 pound and` had extra meat)
·  lettuce - chopped
·  1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
·  1 6-ounce can olives, chopped
·  1 small can of kidney beans (black beans would be best, but I used what was in the pantry)
·  2 tomatoes, chopped
·  1-2 avocados, chopped
·  Crushed Doritos
·  salt and pepper to taste

Brown the ground beef and add your favorite taco seasoning to taste. Once cooked, add kidney beans to warm with meat. Drain the grease and set aside for salad. Combine all ingredients and toss with dressing.

Homemade Catalina Dressing 
·  1/4 cup ketchup
·  1/4 cup granulated sugar
·  1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
·  1/4 cup onion finely chopped
·  1/2 teaspoon paprika
·  1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
·  1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
·  Salt and pepper to taste

Week 1

Monday: Paperwork

This task was fairly quick and painless. The majority of the work was filing and throwing away old coupons and other "junk".

Tuesday: Entry Closet

The closet in itself was not cluttered, just in need of a little organizing. I was able to cleanse of a few coats and threw away some empty boxes I stored in the closet.

Wednesday: Cleaning Supplies

Why do I have so many cleaning supplies and the majority of the bottles are almost empty?!?!

First, I collected all the supplies from every room. After placing them on the table, I was able to assess the bottles and determine whether or not to keep or trash. As I looked through the products, I took the time to place them into a bin for the bathroom, kitchen or outside. Finally, the boxes were labeled with the cleaning products inside and put back into their designated areas.

Thursday: Refrigerator/Freezer

Every week I clean out the fridge, but I do not always take the time to organize the drawers and door compartments. In regards to the freezer, I placed all the baby food in one plastic storage bin, the breast-milk in another and added a few new bins to organize meat, dessert products and the odd-and-ins.

Friday: Living Room Baskets

As our daughter gets older we seem to accumulate more and more toys. The two baskets we have in the living room are now designated for toys.

Week 1 Complete - Bring on week 2!!!!

Pesto Pasta with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers

I love, love, love pesto!

With that being said, last night I taught my little cousin how to make Pesto from scratch - because homemade pesto is the only way to go and extremely easy.

Pesto Sauce

Combine in food processor:

• Basil leaves (One bunch from the grocery store or a couple had fulls from your garden)
• Two garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil (you can always add more)
• Salt 
• Pepper

Blend and refrigerate for later.

---

• Boil water for pasta  - Place pasta in the pot once the water boils

(While the water is boiling)

• Begin by sauteing the bell peppers in olive oil and a little salt. While the peppers are sauteing, brown the Italian sausage for 5-7 min then cut up.

• After straining the noodles, place the bell peppers, Italian sausage, butter, pesto sauce, 1/4 cup of cream (optional), salt and pepper in the original pasta pot. Cook on low for 5 min. Add pasta and let sit covered for 5 min. Pour 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top and combine. 

Fried Chicken

Although Fried Chicken is not on the "healthy" list for dinner, it tastes very good.

Fried Chicken (Extra Crispy per my husband's request)

I used chicken thighs only because they were in the freezer, but you could use any part of the chicken.

• Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup corn starch, 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs, salt and pepper.

• Coat the bottom of a skillet with olive oil and turn on med/high.

• Place chicken in milk and let soak for a moment. After, move to the flour combination. Be sure to coat both sides of the chicken. 

• Place breaded chicken in skillet. Cook 5-7 min on each side. I like to flip the chicken a couple times and reapply the flour mixture to create a crispier outer layer.

Served with:

• Baked Potato
• Green Salad

Modified Chicken Marbella

Last week we had family friends over for dinner and I made a modified version of Chicken Marbella. Growing up, my mom always made this chicken meal and it is one of my favorites. The only problem I have when cooking is following the recipe. More often than not, I look at a recipe for the general idea, but like to make it my own. Therefore, I rarely measure and have a hard time sharing with others what exactly when into the meal.

Modified Chicken Marbella

• Marinate 4 chicken thighs the night before in equal parts of white wine, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Add a can of green and black olives (and the green olive juice), salt, pepper, 2 garlic cloves, chopped. 

• Brown the chicken for 2-4 min on each side (you only want to quickly brown the chicken and not cook all the way through).

• Preheat oven to 350 

• Transfer the chicken and all the juices from the marinade to an oven safe pan.

• Cut cherry tomatoes in half and add to the chicken and juices 

• Bake uncovered for 45 min - 1 hour. 

*Most Chicken Marbella's call for prunes and capers, but I rarely rarely add them due to personal preference

Served with:

• Pesto Pasta (Recipe in later post) 
• Fresh, local green beans sauteed in a white wine garlic sauce. 

Jackson's 1st Birthday

This past weekend we visited my long time friend, Tori and her family, for their son's first birthday. Tori did a wonderful job decorating for his cowboy themed party and was a great hostess. We arrived before the party started and settled in because we were staying the night. The boys fed the kids while Tori and I were able to chat before the guest arrived. After the party, Jackson and Giada enjoyed some time in the bounce house. While in the bounce house, Jackson fell in love his new girlfriend, Giada. The rest of the night was relaxing, but just what we needed.

Thank you so much to the Ward's for allowing us to spend the day celebrating Jackson and the hospitality. 

Much needed nap half way through the day.

Meal Planning

Coming Next Month!

30 Day Detox

30 Day Detox!

 I like to think I am an organized person, but as I walk through our house there are so many nooks and crannies I want to get organized! With that being said, I am challenging myself and anyone who would like to join in a 30 Day Detox!!!

After compiling several different ways to approach the challenge, I developed my 30 days. The organizing will begin on Monday, June 8^th and conclude on Friday, July 3^rd. I'll take a break on the weekends, due to our hectic schedule. My budget is $100.00.  When it comes to organizing, there are always bins, jars and baskets of some sort needed. Finally, I will check in on Friday’s with an update of the week by posting pictures and sharing my thoughts.

As I share my 30 Day Detox  with all of you, I hope to hold myself accountable for the month ahead!

Day 1: Paperwork.
Day 2: Front entry way and coat closet/mudroom.
Day 3: Cleaning supplies.
Day 4: Fridge and freezer.
Day 5: Baskets in living room.
Day 6: Pantry.
Day 7: Bar.
Day 8: Kitchen cabinets.
Day 9: Guest Bathroom Cabinets.
Day 10: Bathroom Linen.
Day 11: Guest bedroom dresser.
Day 12: Guest closet.
Day 13: Closet baby’s dresser.
Day 14: Baby clothes.
Day 15: Take a breather and catch up on any unfinished organizing.
Day 16: Junk drawer.
Day 17: Hall closet.
Day 18: Make-up.
Day 19: My closet.
Day 20: Master bathroom cabinets.
Day 21: Hubbies closet.
Day 22:  Sock and underwear drawer.
Day 23: Nightstand.
Day 24: Jewelry Box.
Day 25: Wrapping paper.
Day 26: China cabinet.
Day 27: China Chest.
Day 28: Under the Beds.
Day 29 - 30: Garage – Needs a little extra TLC.

Happy Organizing

Toy Chest and Bench

Final Product

Here is a  before and after photo of the Toy Chest and Bench.

SOLD

BEFORE

Final Product!