Encouraging yourself to be more active in the kitchen

Where ae my food friends? I know I'm tired after feeling like I've made breakfast lunch and dinner on a loop during the pandemic year, with the dishes that come along with it. I'm tired of all food. Can a woman get a break in the freaking kitchen. Yes, whenever, but I also don't want to eat out constantly so I'm looking for some ways to encourage myself to be a little more active in the kitchen. I need to resist constantly reaching for the takeout menu when it’s time to prepare dinner or just giving up and loading ourselves up in the car and taking off to one of the nearby restaurants with outdoor seating now that we're vaxxed and maxxed. While it is a nice treat to eat out and takeout food can be delicious, doing either or both often poses problems, chiefly making me feel gross. 

Some possible cooking motivators...

Renovate Your Kitchen 

Depending on how much time/money/muscle you're willing to put out, you might want to think about making some changes to your kitchen. You can also do smaller renovations that will give the space and you as the cook some new life. You could consider investing in some new tech. A heat induction hob could be a great choice. Heat induction hobs will adapt to heat the surface of the pan or pot that you are using rather than providing the typical heat ring. So, as well as being economical, this type of tech will also ensure that you don’t have to worry about your food not being equally heated throughout. It can save you from nasty burnt meals. You can also do something as easy as hanging new shelves for spices to make them more accessible, which we did at the shore this winter. It's crazy something so small can give you some oomph.

Try Some New Recipes

It’s possible that you’ve grown bored of your kitchen because it’s always the same meals and food every night. Is there group therapy for that? If so, I need to attend. I've been revisiting old recipes that I stopped making and exploring new recipes more than I have in years like dessert recipes I've been finding online. If you are like me in regards to cooking, you look for new recipes then add your own touches to reinvent them a little. I tend to do that more when cooking and not so much with baking. 

Make It Easier

The easier a recipe/cooking method is, the more I am likely to do it. If you don't have one, you might want to think about investing in a slow cooker. The benefit of a slow cooker is that you will be able to prepare meals throughout the day and then they’ll be ready to eat in a few minutes when you come in. If you've been around here, you know that I am not the biggest fan of the crockpot. My easy method of choice is the air fryer (affiliate link). Of course we are also entering summer, when it's super easy to just throw something on the grill and serve it with a salad. 

What are you doing to be more active in the kitchen and less reliant on take out? 

Sharing is caring - let's hear your tips and tricks and any easy recipes you've been making. 

What's new with you?

Friday Five 10.30.2020

 
1. I made my first soup of the season yesterday - a simple vegetarian eight can soup (rotel with mild green chiles, petite diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, Campbell's vegetable soup, sliced whole potatoes, mixed veggies, vegetarian chili beans = don't drain any of the liquids) with some veggie base and spices of course. I doubled everything to make a larger batch. This freezes well. 

2. For over a year I have made hard boiled eggs via air fryer and will never make them another way again. They come out perfect every time and I don't have to babysit them. After pre-heating, I put eight or nine in my air fryer, and cook at 260 for 15 minutes. 

3. I love outtake photos. My old dogs this morning with Maedop's tongue out.

4. New shore art from AlmaBoheme. It coordinates with my newest tattoo and with the shore house logo TWSSQuoteShop did for me. 

5. I am comfortable recommending this to everyone. I have sensitive skin and it's okay for me. It is a beautiful experience. I put it on like a scrub and leave it on for five minutes, then rinse and carry on with my nightly routine. I use it three times a week. If you are a TJ shopper, don't sleep on this. 

Happy weekend to you all, be safe TOTing if you're doing that or handing out candy - mask up and don't crowd! - and happy wedding day to my cousin Kristine!

May Recommendations

Yo yo yo MTV used to rap. I don't know if they have any music anymore, do they? Some things to add to your list if you're so inclined:

1. Prolong the life of your celery by wrapping it in tin foil. I don't know the science behind this but it lasts a crazy long time. Trust me. 

2. Bee's Wrap - This is the shit. It acts like saran wrap but you wash it in cold water and re-use it.  It's a little pricey but being a good citizen of the earth is not free. Consider it an investment in the environment. Thanks to my friend Michelle for the recommendation when I shared my Reducing and Reusing post. I am a firm believer in sharing the word about good products/hacks/ways to live (hence this monthly recommendation post) and I love when people share stuff with me. 

3. Wool dryer balls - And another recommendation I got in response to that post, from Patty. These are awesome. I have given up liquid fabric softener and I just scent these with essential oils. 

4. Nordic Ware for baking - Everything I have is Nordic Ware at home and at the shore. It wears beautifully and cleans up in a cinch. This is a before and after with no soaking and minimal scrubbing and this shit was dried on there. Sometimes you can find it at Marshalls or HomeGoods. I think Target has it and I know Amazon has it. Baking sheets, cupcake pans, and loaf pans are the bomb. Is that still said? 

5. A quick and easy lunch: whole wheat or multigrain tortilla topped with peanut butter and honey and sliced banana. 

I'm linking up with Lauren & Bre for their Add it to my list linkup, which they're doing the last Tuesday of every month. 

Did you miss the weekend that was? Find it here. 

What have you been using or doing lately that I might want to add to my list?

Linking up with Lauren & Bre

May Recommendations

Hello hello friends! You know the drill. Skimmers, recommendations are in bold (and typically clickable). My good friend Amanda from Voyage of the MeeMee is joining me for recommendations this month.

Follow Amanda from Voyage of the MeeMee  on

Twitter       Bloglovin     

1. Sephora Ultimate Oil-In-Gel Lipstick Remover: I'm a big fan of long lasting lip color (pretty and lazy at the same time = winning!) but I'm not a fan of having to scrub the top 3 layers of my skin raw to get it off at the end of the day. Enter: this stuff. Don't ask me how the science part works, but basically the oils dissolve the lip color with less time and effort than it took to apply it in the first place.

2. The Jenna & Julien Podcast: I adore Jenna Marbles. Her and her boyfriend, Julien, have a podcast (new episodes every Monday) and it's ridiculous and awesome and magical. The end.

3. Change.org: This is a global petition site that was created to raise awareness on a broad range of topics and inspire positive action as it relates to them. Through it, I've learned about issues that I never would've known existed otherwise. Knowledge is power, yo.

4. Starbucks' S'Mores Frappuccino: If you haven't had one of these yet, what are you doing with your life? Seriously. Sit down in a corner and re-evaluate your purpose. Don't come back until you've thought long and hard about it.

5. Swiffer 360° Dusters Extender: Because: oldness. I have terrible allergies and this bad boy works wonders on dust, without stirring it up in the air. I can even reach behind our washer/dryer with it. There are no words to describe my excitement over that. Am I a loser? Yes. But, I'm a clean loser.

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1. Make your corn on the cob in the microwave. Three minutes per piece. It peels like a dream. If you're just making it for yourself or you and one other, this is the way to go. You won't be sorry.

2. Kernel Cutter. Why no, I'm not finished talking about corn on the cob yet. Seasonal hazard. If you are like me and do not actually eat the corn off the cob, but in a bowl chock full of butter and salt, this tool will make your life easier. But where it really comes in handy is when I'm making a ton of corn and freezing it so I have fresh corn throughout the winter. Mine is Pampered Chef and they don't offer it anymore, but I'd definitely try one by someone else if something happened to mine. I think you can search Ebay for the Pampered Chef one. 

3. Extra Toasty Cheez-Its. Thanks to Laura at Oh Laura Darling for posting about these. They are the bomb. If you're a Cheez-Its fan, get on it. 

4. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Ruby. It's the lightest hint of color, very moisturizing, and has SPF. I use it in lieu of colorless lip balm and believe it's universally flattering. I have three other colors of these, but this is my daily and my go-to. 

5. Daily Sunscreen. Yes, daily. Not only when you're at the beach or pool. I use Coppertone Clearly Sheer SPF 30 for face and various for body, my latest is Sun Bum because the name makes me laugh and I like the smell. It's not greasy which is always a bonus. I like Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic for the body also.

Thanks to Amanda or MeeMee as I like to call her for throwing out some recommendations this month.Let us hear yours! What are you recommending this month?

 Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday

10 Things I do to make Life Easier in the Kitchen

1. I put tinfoil in a bowl before I drain the grease from bacon. I throw it out or freeze it if I'm going to use it to cook with at another time. I don't need to worry about a gross bowl.

2. I prepare food on Sundays: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. I'm cleaning up for an hour or two one day versus every morning and night. I leave the house by 7 and get home at 6. I do not feel like cooking every night. Being prepared gives me no excuse for eating shitty processed meals. That being said, some weekends we're away or I'm too busy to do that. So I always have some meals in the freezer ready to heat and eat: quiche (pieces frozen individually), breakfast burritos, baked ziti, enchiladas, mexican stuffed shells, soup.

3. If a recipe calls for half an onion, I chop the rest of it and freeze it. Likewise, if I only need a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, I freeze the rest of the can in ice cube trays and to use at my leisure. No haste, no waste, and since I usually add them to sauce or soup, no defrosting. I hate wasting food. There are too many people in this world who don't have that luxury.

4. As soon as I use the last of something, I grab my phone and write it down on a list under the Grocery Note I keep in the notes. I check that when I'm making my grocery or Target lists. I've been shopping more at Target using my red card for a 5% discount plus the Cartwheel app, Target mobile coupons, and real live coupons.

5. Wear gloves when doing dishes. Do you think these nails keep themselves? I buy fun gloves at Homegoods to put a shine on a shit chore.

6. I separate bananas when I bring them home - it keeps them good longer.

7. I never buy buttermilk because it would go bad before I'd use it all. If I need it, I add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of milk, stir, and let stand for 10 minutes. Viola - you made buttermilk, bitches.

8. I whisk eggs in a four cup measuring cup so they're easy to pour out.

9.  I don't peel carrots, cucumbers, or potatoes. Again, I hate wasting food and more importantly wasting nutrients. Most nutrients in carrots are in or just below the skin. Scrub those bitches and cut the ends off and boom, you're good to go. Cucumber peel is a good source of fiber. Potato skin has a ton of finber and vitamins - it's full of vitamin K, potassium, copper, and iron. So if you eat over and we're having potato salad or mashed potatoes, expect the skin.

10. I always have a box of brownie mix in the pantry and a few bags of frozen berries in the fridge. If I have to make a dessert on the fly to serve to impromptu dinner guests or bring to a spontaneous gathering, brownies and berry cobbler will do nicely.

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Haikuesday

Share your kitchen tips!

Ordering out tricks work too.

Please, no tips on beets. 

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Tomorrow: our weekend in Mexico. Hasta manana, amigos.

6 Considerations for Planning a Kitchen Remodel

This post was contributed by Tali Wee of Zillow.com. I was not compensated for this post. 

Kitchen remodels are one of the most expensive and tricky home improvement projects to conquer. To ensure the final product meets the homeowner’s goals and expectations, preparation is important. Here are some tips on how to ensure that the renovation runs smoothly.

1.       Be Reasonable

Indulging in outrageously expensive appliances and the highest quality countertops isn’t necessary. If renovating on a strict budget, allocate finances for unexpected costs that may come up during renovation. There could be serious plumbing and electric problems that need to be addressed prior to finishing out the space.

2.       Be Modest

Don’t tackle every trend all at once. It is important to maintain a somewhat neutral look so the space can adapt to new styles over time. For example, interested in the popular chevron pattern? Skip painting the whole kitchen in zigzags and choose one accent wall for a funky twist.

3.       Focus on Lighting

Culinary master or not, a kitchen needs ample lighting. Recessed bulbs are a great choice for delivering abundant light without the clutter of fixtures, but consider more focused fixtures for specific lighting. Contemplate under-cabinet task lights to brighten workspace countertops. Homeowners who plan to use the kitchen as a dining area, dimmer switches are highly recommended. They can transform the ambiance from workspace to intimate eatery in seconds.

4.       Remember Convenience

Alter the space to fit the needs of the homeowners. A family of eight, for example, probably wants to invest in a larger fridge than two newlyweds. Some pet owners may even want to purchase built-in gates to keep their furry friends away from the dining area. While customization is important, don’t go overboard. Keep in mind that highly specified upgrades can negatively affect the real estate resale value.

5.       Indulge in Counter Space

Islands are great for providing extra workspace in the kitchen. They can also be used as a seating area for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. Determine the size and functionality of the island before making final plans. Oversized islands can obstruct the workspace and make the kitchen appear smaller.

6.       Don’t Forget Personalized Details

Add some flair to the space by choosing a unique tile for the backsplash. Depending on the style of the kitchen and home as a whole, creative backsplashes are a great way to subtly add personality to the space. A downtown loft may benefit from brick while a traditional suburban home might look better using old-fashioned tiles. No matter the selection, steer clear of anything too porous, as sauce splatters can seep into the crevices of certain stones and make it almost impossible to clean.

While mistakes happen on occasion, most can be avoided with proper planning. Use these tips to ensure that a kitchen remodel benefits the current and future homeowners for the best return for the financial investment.

Tali Wee - Zillow.com

My Kitchen Essentials

I enjoy cooking. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, usually trying at least one new recipe a week. Pinterest has been a godsend, you guys. Anyway, being in the kitchen so much, I have some things I consider essential.

1. No paper napkins except at parties.
2. No paper towels - I use washable rags.
3. Mickey Mouse pot holders.

4. Trivets. One of mine hangs on the wall. I bought it because I am not handy or crafty enough to make it.
5. Food processor. I use this mostly for hoagie dip, pesto, making my own breadcrumbs.
6. Mr. Coffee iced tea maker.

7. Pampered Chef one cup prep bowls and Pyrex glass containers.
8. Nordic baking pans.
9. An eclectic collection of coffee mugs in no particular order. I like reaching in and pulling out whatever I find without looking. I do most of my cooking on the weekends, and I like to drink coffee while doing it.
10. Mixing bowls. Colorful mixing bowls.

11. Good knives and my most used spices in a rack on the counter.
12. Lock top containers that keep crackers and such fresh.
13. My trusty mandolin. It's a dream for scalloped potatoes and my cucumber salad that I make weekly in the summer.

14. I've gotta keep the dog food fresh. They are demanding little tyrants.
15. Plenty of casserole dishes, many handed down from my grandmother. Varied in size, shape, and color. For cheap colorful ones, check Homegoods, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx.
16. Spoon rests so I don't muck up the counters.

17. I'm a crock pot whore. This is my smallest, and I use it for dips. I also have a four quart, six quart, and seven quart. They are perfect for entertaining. I keep the two I don't use often in the basement utility closet.
18. Cheese grater. I avoid buying shredded cheese 99% of the time, so I grate blocks on my own.
19. I only like Palmolive dish liquid. And Eucalyptus Spearmint soap - it's the scent of this house.
20. I love utensils. Metal and plastic in one, wooden spoons and spatulas in another. My favorite most recent purchase is a flat whisk. I got it earlier this year and it's been indispensable in making sauces. I also keep a cruet of oil by the stove for quick flashes in the pan.

Not pictured, but integral:
21. Both non-stick and stainless steel pans. And a cast iron skillet.
22. Three different sized colanders.
23. Two large stock pots.
24. Pans: covered 9x13 and 8x8 cake pans, regular and mini muffin tins, and two loaf pans.
25. A warming tray for entertaining.
26. Measuring cups, dry and liquid, and measuring spoons. I have doubles of each so I'm not always stopping and rinsing/washing when I'm preparing a large meal or multiple meals at once.
27. A roasting pan with a rack.
28. A rolling pin.
29. Wire cooling racks.
30. A hand mixer. I'm lacking in the Kitchenaid department, and so far I've been okay with that.
31. An immersion blender. I am not the person who will pour soup in a blender, blend it in batches, and put it back in the pot. I use my handy immersion blender and do it right in the pot.
32. Serving pieces - bowls and platters.

What are your kitchen essentials? Check back here on Thursday to see what's always in my pantry.

TTFN.

Linking up with Helene and Emily for the final Tell Me About it Tuesday. It's been fun ladies!

the pre-Halloween weekend that was

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread baked while wearing polka dot pajama pants and a Dirty Dancing tee. 

Come to mama.

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Spinach dip for Saturday

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Extra crispy Ellio's pizza and a gasping snorting fit of laughter while watching Parks & Rec.

"Jerry, did you eat farts for lunch?"

Proving once again that farts are always funny. 

And so is Parks & Rec.

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Pasta-less lasagna.

I'd omit the italian seasoning next time. Make sure you salt the ground turkey.
It came out of the oven watery, so drain it and you'll be good to go.

Hearty and healthy. 

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Sunday soup made on Saturday: veggie beef barley.

Just like Mom Mom used to make. 

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I had to use tomato paste, and had a bunch left over.
I froze it in tablespoon size portions using the ever handy ice cube tray.

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Happily cleaning up from a productive Friday night in the kitchen at 11:30 p.m. 

Times have changed.

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Cutest boys ever.

Friday night issues: I picked a huge fat tick off of Geege, 

and Gus had a toenail issue so he was up all night. 

Which meant I was up all night.

\MFD had to take him to the vet on Saturday, and he was weird the rest of the weekend. My poor boy.

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Saturday morning's coffee was so so necessary.

If you're in Philly, head to Mugshots for yours!

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Bath & Body Works has the perfect size candles for my Buddah candle holder. 

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Changing pictures in frames to the back drop of
Gossip Girl, Hart of Dixie, The Good Wife, and college football.

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A trip to Redner's for some gallons of water, pimentos and pumpkin.
Why do people load up on perishable items before storms? I saw a man with four cartons of eggs.
I got water because one of my greatest fears is to be without water when I need a drink.
If you see me sitting in my house, there will always be a glass next to me.
Agua issues.

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Halloween prep.
I was ready for a full 45 minutes before MFD was ready.
This is nothing out of the ordinary in our house.
Thanks to my mother and father-in-law for staying over with the dogs!
We were Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Tasteless, I know.

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Good times at Jill & Frank's Annual Halloween Party.
I enjoyed one million swedish fish vodka drinks, there were fabulous dips to be had, I Hate Dead Rabbits was the required firepit saying, MFD wore different costumes in his unique way, and the party was a lot of fun like it is every year.
I went to bed smelling like fire pit smoke and singing Kenny's original composition in my head.

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Sunday morning I dropped MFD off at his mummer clubhouse.

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I decided to stop at Sam's since I have a business membership and few others would be there.
I did end up seeing my uncle in the parking lot, which was fun.
My small haul: healthy, healthy, healthy...and damn good.

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TV catch-up
Duck Dynasty. Roberts family, can I meet you? Pretty please?
The Big Bang Theory
The Office
Suburgatory

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Sunday dinner:
pimento cheese chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.
If I'm making mashed potatoes on Sunday, they're loaded with butter and some sour cream.
Not the light version, in other words.
Thanks to Shelby at Big Hungry Shelby for the link to the pimento cheese baked chicken.

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Hurricane freezer prep: fill baggies with water and put them in the nooks and crannies in your freezer.
They'll freeze solid and if your power goes out, will help to keep your food cold longer.
Or they can be used in coolers. Thanks to Suzi for this tip last year around Irene time!
When the threat is over, let them thaw in the sink and reuse the bags.
MFD makes fun of me when I do this, but like everything else in life,
I like to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

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A notification from work that we'd be closed on Monday.
Working from home it is!

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Laundry, vacuuming, fresh sheets and a pre-bed shower.
Fresh sheets are heaven, I do declare.

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Revenge.
How can a show be this good?

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the weekend that was

Dear universe: please don't let Sandy be as bad as predictions, and pretty please let all the trees around our house remain intact and standing. AMEN HOLLER. 

Love you all like Emily loves Revenge. Stay safe this week if you're in the path of Frankenstorm.

I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans, Five30three, and Join the Gossip for Weekend Update.