5 thing Friday - Un-cake, neckline adjustment, wrap, cane, sweet boys

As per usual, these are in no particular order.

We had a nice dinner with Firstborn last Sunday.  Hubby fixed really great babyback ribs, jalapeno poppers, baked potatoes, and ranch beans.  And since everyone is pretty cake-d out from the holidays we did a Hey!Cupcake with homemade chocolate chip cookies.  You only get one candle on a cupcake.  It's the rule.  Hubby's birthday is tomorrow, but he'll probably get a pie.

I've been doing on-line shopping for most of the last three months and have rediscovered Old Navy.  I love this tunic style knit top, but the neckline seemed too deep.

 I couldn't keep wearing it with a safety pin.

 Buttons to the rescue.  

I got over to World Market, late for the Christmas season, and got all my wrap for next Christmas at 90% off.  My rule is I can only buy what I can carry in one arm-full.

Goodbye crutch!  The therapist gave me a cane, which took some getting used to, and already I am weaning myself off of it.  I feel like progress stops and starts, stops and starts.

 

I can across this sweet photo from about seven years ago.  It reminds me that the three of us used to pal around while the older two were at work. Why can't kids stay little a little longer?

Gina

Lazy Bean Pot

When I was growing up, a pot of beans on the stove meant my mother was having to be as frugal as possible - probably because payday was a few days away and she was single mom to three kids.

 I have discovered over the years that my peeps love a big pot of beans seasoned with whatever leftover meat we may have.  They could care less that it is frugal. Last week I plopped the leftover ham bone from Christmas into the crockpot with a pound of dried butter beans and enough water to cover the beans a couple of inches.  I added a tablespoon of the seasoning blend I make, and then I just walked away.  (I never soak the beans, but I sort for rocks and rinse them)

 

Hours later, perfection.  The only thing my peeps requested as a side was cornbread and chopped onion.  I'm glad they like beans so much - a crockpot of beans is a win all around!

Gina

5 thing Friday - decor?, Olay, New Year's feast, drudge, Firstborn

I am grateful for the end of 2014.  I'll probably say that a few times more before we get out of January. 

We managed to get the rest of  Christmas down and stored Sunday.  I left out some winter-y looking decor because 1. it's still winter, and 2. I just can't do it all yet with the decorating and the fussing.  I can't climb step stools and don't feel like killing myself to haul stuff around.  So, nothing exciting to see at my house.

I ran out of body wash so Hubby bought me this. I usually struggle with very dry skin in the winter that itches and requires loads of lotion.  Not since I've been using this bodywash.  It smells fresh and wonderful, too.

New Year's Eve, we found that we were last minute empty nesters.  Hubby and I had the most delicious meal and a very nice time, just the two of us.  Hello NY strip, scallops, stuffed portabellos, and roasted brussels sprouts.  We may have also managed to stay up until midnight to text all of the kids. We decided it was going to be our new thing!

 

Some things never change.  At least in here I can sit while I iron. 

My sweet Firstborn turns 25 on Sunday.  We will celebrate with ribs, loaded baked potatoes, ranch beans, and Big as Yo Face cookies*.  Firstborn is coming into his own as an adult.  We've been able to keep him close while letting him go; no easy trick.  I wish for him a year of opportunity and growth, filled with love.  Wish I could wrap that up and give it to him on Sunday!

Gina

*These are giant chocolate chip cookies.  I will make extra to send home with him, too!

Chicken and Sausage Stew

It was pretty cold last week, and I was in the dumps over not returning to work as planned.  More on that...someday.  I fixed a stick to your ribs dinner for the boys and I.  Made in one pan for easier clean up!

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Chicken and Sausage Stew

1 lb. boneless chicken, cut into cubes (I used chicken breast)
1 lb. light Kielbasa, or any light sausage (I used turkey), sliced into chunks
4 stalks celery, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 c. apple cider
2 T tomato paste
salt and pepper, or seasoning blend of your choice
*you can dredge the chicken in flour before browning if you like a thicker stew*

Heat a tablespoon or so of oil in your skillet while you season up the chicken chunks.  Add them to the pan and brown them, then scooch them to the side and add the celery and onion.  

 Cook for about five minutes, then stir the chicken and veggies together.  Add the sausage chunks. 

 

 Mix the apple cider with the tomato paste, and pour it into the skillet.  

 

Cook on low, covered, for about 25 minutes, or long enough to make:

Biscuit Bread
I used 2 c. all-in-one biscuit mix, added a touch of sugar, mixed with 2/3 c. milk and poured into an 8x8 glass dish with 1/4 c. melted butter.  I baked it at 400 for about 20 minutes and cut it into squares.

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That was such a good dinner on a cold, hard day...

Wordle

Have you ever made a Wordle?

We got a new printer/fax machine/copier for Christmas and I was thrilled that I can now make color copies of the fun free printables I find on blogs and Pinterest.  And Wordle, too!  I found an empty frame and printed up a Wordle with colors that coordinate in my kitchen.

I made it a Winter/New Year's theme.  Then I just played around with fonts and layouts until I got it how I liked.  It sits next to my cookbooks, making me smile.  Free and fun - go make a Wordle!

Gina

Ranch Baked Chicken

Hubby has been doing all of the grocery shopping based on my menus and list.  But occasionally he will find a deal on something and buy it to freeze.  Recently he found a good deal on chicken breasts.  Perfect for seasoning up with Ranch and garlic and parmesan.  

 

Ranch Baked Chicken
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
1 pkt dry Ranch dressing mix
1/2 t. garlic powder
3 large chicken breasts, cut in half

The breasts were so huge, I knew I would have to halve each one.  I brined them all afternoon, then rinsed and cut them in half.  I mix kosher salt, water, a little sugar, some seasoning.  Then soak them for three hours or so in the fridge, rinse, and cook.

Mix the parmesan, Ranch seasonings, and garlic in a dish.  Heat the oven to 350.  Dredge each breast in the mix and lay in a greased casserole dish.  Bake about 45 minutes.

I served these with a salad and some tater tots - I am getting the freezer cleaned out.  If you have some left over, it makes for an excellent chicken salad sammie the next day!

Gina

5 thing Friday - The Girl at our house, breakfast out, a scowler, blog changes, return to work

The holidays have come and gone in a blur. We invented a drink for Christmas Eve - Bailey's, whiskey, Coca Cola.  Tasted like an ice cream float!  

We enjoyed a two day visit from The Girl, hot off the graduation stage, rested and happy!

 She brought us a new board game to play.  It was LOUD and lots of fun.

 She also baked and frosted Bubbie's birthday cupcakes on Christmas afternoon.  And we had a dinner of spiral sliced ham, steakhouse mac and cheese, broccoli, and dinner rolls.  Everything was so good!

Her gift to us was Reindeer Noses.  She's pretty darn handy to have around with her mad "I'm out of College" cooking skillz.  I will worry for her and miss her come January 5th when she heads to Florida for training, then Houston for her internship.  I will be chewing my nails down to the quick. 

In other news, I DROVE A CAR.

 Yes, it's true!  I drove myself to physical therapy this week, and took the boys out to breakfast at Cafe Java.    

 Instead of posting a mealplan on Mondays, I'm going to post a recipe. (Thanks to Carol, for the suggestion!)  And on Wednesday, I will post one word and a photo. And hopefully, I can make up for lost time on the home front and with crafting.  I am looking forward to a great year!

I miss my job and am ready to get back.  As of this post I am on one crutch around the house, driving myself, and 12 days from the end of my FMLA.  I'll either be ready to return, or very very close to.

And Happy New Year!

Gina