House and Home

Momma Meg Loves: Pinterest

For my mom… who doesn’t “DO” Pinterest

I mean… who isn’t having a LOVE affair with Pinterest?  Only mildly distracting, my pinning obsession has actually made life a little bit easier. Pinterest is the only place I turn for new recipes – if I’m stuck on what to cook for dinner – I just refer to the many things I pinned at 11pm the night before… “That looks tasty”… What to wear? No problem – just ask Pinterest. The sole source of Olivia’s nursery inspiration… Pinterest. You get the idea…

5 recent pins…

Pinned Here

Coconut + Ginger Chicken with Jasmine Rice – I made this for dinner a few nights ago and would consider it a huge success. Kind of a nod to Thai Curry Chicken… but without the curry. The recipe is a stove-top/slow-cooker hybrid… but because I was determined to make it as EASY as possible – I slightly altered my method and went crock-pot all the way. Also – I added potatoes to beef it up just a bit. Although Dan was not as enthusiastic; “it was too exotic for him” – I thought it was deliciously out of the ordinary. Most ingredients were already stocked in my pantry… definitely give it a whirl, or repin for a night that you’re feeling uninspired.

Pinned Here

Vegass Leopard Print Flats by Steve Madden  – Pinned these Steve Madden Leopard VEGASS flats onto my Fall Wishlist. I just know I would get TONS of wear out of them. I’m always a sucker for leopard… and flats and tennies pretty much rule my footwear selection in this current phase of life. The price tag isn’t that bad – maybe I’ll wait until they’re slightly discounted. Kind of loving the pointed.. but slightly rounded point… toe. Nice alternative to these Sam Edleman Leopard Smoking Slippers I’ve also been eyeing. RWAR.

Pinned Here

Chambray Inspiration – And there it was… hiding on Pinterest. The PERFECT chambray shirt. I searched and searched earlier in the season and settled on this popover variety from Anthropologie… but I’m finding myself wanting a slightly heavier… more industrial? version. TinEye couldn’t find the origin of this beauty… so I’ll hold out for yet another substitute. Loving it layered with a chunky sweater and leggings.#READYFORFALL

Pinned Here

Photo Wall – I love this DIY photo wall – would definitely be super cute with Polaroid pictures – but because I’m not about to run out and spend $$$ on film for our camera – maybe ordering Instagram pics would work? I mean – Instagram is the new Polaroid, right? Would be fun in an entry, office or “mud room” – maybe even floor-to-ceiling bulletin board behind to make swapping for fresh photos a snap.

Pinned Here

DIY Cloth Diaper Detergent – Just in case you missed it… We are officially a cloth-diapering family. It might make us a little bit more earthy-crunchy… but hey, we’re comfortable with that. I did initially buy the Rockin’ Green Cloth Diaper detergent – a little pricey, but worth it to start. When we run out, I think i’ll give this DIY concoction a go.

Do you Pinterest? Folow Me Here

Are you P(interested)?

Thrifted: Vintage Teal Lamp

OK… not quite thrifted. But definitely a thrifty purchase. I bought this lamp last October… and up until a week ago – It lived on top of the piano in our office. Actually – Office/ Music Room/ Durch’s Room (Meet Durch Here) The scale is no more appropriate on this tiny table in our living room, but I just couldn’t stand hiding it anymore. I’m determined to find the perfect place for it in our house – even though it’s general HUGENESS isn’t suited to our TINY home. And if not in this house – than certainly the next.

My mom was in town last October – for her birthday, the Texas State Fair, and most importantly, to help me get the nursery put together. On a particularly successful trip to Canton (we found our dining room table, buffet, and hutch in addition to a changing table for the nursery) we picked up this lamp for $20! I have not the slightest clue what it’s worth, who the designer is, etc. It’s REALLY heavy ceramic (I think?), original shade, in great condition. Appears that it may have been rewired? Striking resemblance to Retro Italian Bittosi pottery – Here or similar 60s revival styles Here. Either way – definitely one of my best finds to date.

If you happen to be in the DFW area during the weekend before the first Monday of the month – definitely check out “First Monday” AKA “Canton Trade Days” – It’s a great hybrid between a flea market and swap meet – antique dealers, collectors, artists and craftsmen. More than half of the decorative goodies in our house are Canton finds. Stay-tuned for a more detailed post this fall – Already dreaming of the treasures our next trip will bring!

Featured Image Here

In the Kitchen: Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

This salad serves well on any occasion. Substantial enough to be a main course, Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo makes a perfect luncheon or shower salad.

Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

Serves 4-6

4 Cups Spinach leaves thinly chopped

3 Cups Cooked Orzo, chilled

2 Cups Roasted Chicken Breast,  cubed

1/4 Cup Chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes

1/4 Cup Pine Nuts

1/4 Cup Sliced Black Olives

2-4 Tbsp Brianne’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette

Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

 

Cook Orzo in salted water 8-10 minutes (or per instructions). Refrigerate to cool.

Chiffonade spinach leaves. Mix spinach, chicken, and chilled orzo with olives + sundried tomatoes.

Toss in Pine nuts.

Dress + Serve

 

Note: Cut back on the dressing for a healthier alternative – it’s just as tasty! This salad, unlike many others, keeps well dressed for a few days.

Brianna’s Home Style Blush Wine Vinaigrette

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Just in case you were considering using another dressing and were needing some more justification. (I know how it is… not wanting to add another bottle to your precious refrigerator space.) It’s also delicious in a simple cucumber + red onion salad.

 

In the Kitchen: Zucchini Nut Muffins

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Gramma G’s Zucchini Nut Muffins

2-3 C Shredded, un-peeled zucchini (1-3 zucchinis)

3 Eggs

3/4 C Coconut Oil

1 T Vanilla

1 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)

1 t Salt

1 T Cinnamon

2 C Flour

2 C Sugar or Substitute Coconut Sugar

1 1/2 t Baking Soda

1/4 t Baking Powder

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, oil and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients (Flour, Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon, Baking Powder, + Baking Soda). Mix Dry ingredients in with zucchini mixture then fold in nuts if desired. Fill baking cups 2/3 full then bake for 15-18 minutes at 400 degrees. (12 min for mini muffins)

Note: These do freeze well. To defrost, just pop in the toaster oven for 10 min (better) or microwave for 1-3 min. (Still good)

Junk in the Trunk

The other day, I was inspired to get crackin’ on some of the organizational projects on my to-do list. I was over at a friend’s house and noticed a list of “clutter zones”  typed and posted on her bulletin board. She had scratched a few of these areas off the list, noting that they had been DE-CLUTTERED. A bit of a list-junkie myself (see here and here)… I came home and created a very similar (and I might add… much longer) list of Clutter Zones. Where did I start?  The ever-so-necessary “junk” drawer. Everyone has one. Everyone needs one. But it CAN be organized. The real question is… Will it stay organized?

I thought it might be fun to share some of the most interesting finds… even some treasures… buried deep in the depths of the junk!

  • Tiny tape measure
  • Macy’s magnifying ruler + name tag
  • Single-serve Green Vibrance packet
  • Bowl of miscellaneous buttons
  • Bowl of Keys (no clue what most of them unlock)
  • 2 sets of headphones
  • Tiny fingernail scissors
  • Origins Peace-of-Mind Headache relief cream
  • Postcard stamps
  • 6 mini hand sanitizer bottles from Bath & Body Works
  • An extra iphone charger
  • Rayban Wayfarers
  • Meddlesome Moth Coaster with 2012 New Years Resolutions + Predictions from NYE dinner with friends hand-written on back.

  • 3 pair of scissors
  • Photobooth pics from a wedding in 2011
  • Deck of Texas playing cards
  • Emily’s graduation picture
  • Tide to-go stick
  • Quick Grip
  • Extra car keys (including keys to my Jeep Liberty that we sold over a year ago)
  • Various pens, sharpies, notepads and rubber bands.
  • Old business cards
  • 2 claritin redi-tabs
  • Miscellaneous left over gift cards (those pesky ones that have $3.12 on them) 
  • A $100 gift certificate to Bass Performance Hall
  • Some box tops for education
  • An extra digital camera battery
  • A wine cork
  • A magic rock from Brother Gorham

And there it is… the finished product. All organized. 

I think I’ll tackle the junk in the trunk of my car next. Somehow I doubt that will be blog-worthy.

Where are your clutter zones?

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In the Kitchen: Texas Salsa

While we were living in SoCal, I introduced Daniel to the wonderful world of Baja Mexican food. It was love at first bite. And now I’m living with the harshest of critics when it comes to salsa, guacamole and chicken tacos. This recipe was concocted in Texas, for Daniel – who can’t imagine a world without chips + salsa.

Megan’s Texas Salsa

28 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes

1/2 t. Chopped Garlic

1 t. red pepper flakes

1/2 t. salt

2 t. white wine vinegar

1/2 c. chopped cilantro (more. if desired… And Daniel always does)

2-3 jalepenos, chopped and seeded

Blend all ingredients in food processor or blender to desired consistency.

Note: This makes a pretty large batch but it definitely lasts in the refrigerator for a few weeks (in fact, it’s definitely tastier after it sits for 6-12 hours).

In the Kitchen: South of the Border Fettucini

Aunt Mary’s South of the Border Fettucini

 To say there are some great cooks in my family would be an understatement. This is one of my favorite creations from my Aunt Mary McElyea. I’ve come to always stock the ingredients in my pantry just in case I get a hankering. South of the Border Fettucini is one of my go-to week night dinners; Relatively healthy and inexpensive, I guarantee you’ll love it.

4T. Butter (Cut this in half for a healthier version or use Earth Balance – it’s just as delicious)

1/2 T. garlic, minced

1C. diced tomatoes

1/2 C. canned black beans

1/4 C. sliced black olives (I don’t think these were included in the original recipe… so if you’re not a fan of olives- Omit)

1 whole roasted chicken, meat removed and chopped (Can substitute 3-4 grilled chicken breasts – I find it so much easier and just as inexpensive to buy a pre-roasted chicken)

1/4 C. white wine

1/4 C. chicken stock (I use “Better than Bouillon” Chicken Stock” mixed with some of the leftover pasta water)

1C. chopped cilantro (or more)

1T. chopped, seeded fresh jalepeno

8 oz. Spicy fettuccini (al dente Three Peppercorn Fettucini) (DO NOT SUBSTITUTE! This pasta makes the dish!) Buy Online Here or my local Albertson’s and Central Market carry it.

 

Image From Here

In medium saucepan, heat butter. Add tomato, half the cilantro, black beans, jalapeño and garlic. Saute 3 to 5 minutes. Add chicken, wine and stock and simmer until reduced by 1/4. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a large pot, cook pasta. DO NOT OVERCOOK! This pasta only takes 3 to 5 minutes to cook! Do not rinse. Just before serving toss all together and add the rest of the cilantro.

South of the Border Fettucini

Note: This is a VERY forgiving recipe….sometimes I use canned tomatoes, sometimes fresh. Very easy to omit the wine and/or chicken stock and just add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices for a slightly healthier option. Daniel almost always makes me add more cilantro, because he’s kinda a cilantro nut!

Amazon Mom: Is it worth it to Subscribe and Save?

I’m curious if any of you mommas out there buy into the “Amazon Mom”  program. To my understanding, the structure of the program has recently changed. What used to be a free year subscription, available to mothers (dads too!) is now only a 3-month trial offer. The Amazon Mom trial offer includes:

  • 20% off Select Diapers & Wipes with Subscribe & Save (automatic delivery)
  • Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime
  • Exclusive deals & promotions

So basically, once the 3-month trial period ends, you are automatically enrolled in Amazon Prime + Amazon Mom and charged $79 annually to enjoy the same benefits in addition to movie streaming & kindle books.

 Pampers Swaddlers Size 2, 186 ct. at Sam’s Club for $39.98 (21 cents per diaper)

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vs.

With Amazon Mom “20% off select diapers and wipes” (Free 2-day shipping)

Pampers Swaddlers Size 2, 204 ct. with Amazon Mom for $37.75 (19 cents per diaper) vs. $47.19 (23 cents per diaper)

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The savings difference is approximately $4.00. Annual Savings around $50… Only ordering diapers. But since you pay $79 to be annually enrolled (just like you purchase a membership to Sam’s or Costco) my gut tells me that it doesn’t make sense to enroll unless you’re planning to do all of your bulk goods shopping on amazon.com. (I could definitely buy these things in bulk: Jergen’s Natural Glow Lotion, Peet’s Major Dickason Coffee, Sea Salt Kettle Chips) In some ways, I think online warehouse shopping might help me exercise some self-restraint… I always come home from Costco/Sam’s $200+ later with items I had no intention or need for buying.

Any thoughts? Do you Subscribe & Save? Are you an Amazon Mom?

 Note: A 5% discount using “Subscribe & Save” is available (with Super Save Free Shipping) without Amazon Prime + Amazon Mom.

DIY: Bulk Trash Pick-Up Freebie Finds

Bulk Trash Pick-Up day can be better than even the best thrift store or estate sale, especially if you know where to look. And this goes without saying, but, you can’t beat FREE. Resale = 100% profit.

Our house is REALLY close to downtown Dallas (Technically “East Dallas”… We’re just South of Lakewood, just North of downtown) Our neighborhood, Peak’s Suburban Addition, is one of the oldest in Dallas. Our almost 100-year old (built in 1913) house backs up to one of those “vintage” mini-apartment complexes. Every third Wednesday of the month, on bulk pick up day, the owners discard any large furniture items left behind by their tenants. You can’t imagine the STUFF people leave behind. Sometimes it’s junk… Rarely treasures, but always potential.

Luckily Liv was patient enough to sit in her exersaucer while I snagged lugged these HEAVY pieces across the street. Hopefully I’ll have some sweet DIY projects to share soon.

In the Kitchen: Beer Biscuits

Beer Biscuits

(Originally from the Kitchen of Gramma G)

This may be the easiest breakfast you’ve ever made… and easily one of the most delicious. Great for those mornings when you really feel like a hot (homemade) breakfast… but getting the griddle out seems like a huge hassle. I’m convinced that they were created as a hangover cure… or to make use of those “wounded soldiers.” Or in my case – Simple enough to make on 6 hours of sleep with a baby in one arm. 

 

2 cups Bisquick

3 tsp Sugar

3/4 Can/Bottle Beer (About 8oz)

 

Mix until blended.

Bake in greased muffic tins at 450 for 10-12 min.

Makes 8 biscuits. Or… 6 really large ones.

Good with Old Fashioned Grape Jelly + Butter or Honey

 

Note: (Don’t stress too much about how much beer “3/4 of a can” is… I’ve tried everything form 1/2 can to the whole thing… everything works… these biscuits aren’t science. Variety of beer is also unimportant. Generally speaking… lighter is better. We usually buy Miller Lite specifically for these biscuits because a)that’s how my mom made them and b) they sell tiny little 8oz cans… so there’s no wasted beer!)