In a Style Rut and feeling Frumpy!

 

As we roll into the last month of Summer, I am often feeling like I wear the same outfits on repeat.  So I guess I am getting tired and looking for new outfit ideas.  I know I have plenty of clothes and I just need to get in the closet and pull together some new combinations.  If you feel the same try this Style Tip ... and you won't have to do any shopping!

Go into your closet and select  a bottom you like and wear often (skirt, jean, pant, short etc.)  next pair with it 3 or 4 different tops.  Take a photo on your phone of each new outfit.  Do the same for 3 more bottoms so you end up with 12-16 new outfit ideas recorded in photos on your phone.  Now over the next week or two make an intentional effort to wear these new outfit combos.  When you have worn all the outfits repeat this process and come up with 12-16 other combinations.  This always helps me get out of my style rut and I hope it can do the same for you. 😊

~ Connie

Freezer Meals for new Parents!

 

One of my favorite things to do for the kids when they become new parents, is to prep several freezer meals for their families.  I did this recently for Ben and Mandy when they had their new baby.  And I will be doing it soon for Abby and Cole. 😋

One recipe that is easy and freezes well is chicken enchiladas.  

EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

For an 8 x 8 pan of enchiladas (2-3 servings)

Dice 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts and brown in a skillet with 1 TBSP of butter.  when meat is cooked add 1 packet of taco seasoning and 2/3 c. water simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse and drain 1 can of black beans.  Mix together 1 can tomato soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1 can mild enchilada sauce.  

On each flour tortilla spread 1 spoon of sauce, add 1-2 spoons of chicken, 1-2 spoons of beans and 1-2 spoons of grated cheddar cheese.  Roll up and lay seam down in a baking dish.  After all enchiladas are rolled top with remaining sauce and grated cheddar.  Cover with foil and freeze.  I write these directions on the foil before freezing.

" Chicken Enchiladas - - -Thaw and bake at 350 for 30 minutes"

I usually include a bag of frozen corn and a dessert to complete the meal.

Enjoy the yum!

~Connie

Baby Snuggles!

 

New baby snuggles are the best!!  My new grandson arrived near the end of July and the whole family is just in love with him.  This was the first child for my second son and his wife.  And he is our first grandson.  I have been busy this summer with baby showers and preparing some handmade gifts for this sweet boy.  It is so much fun to have littles to sew and knit gifts for.  My daughter's first child is due in September, so grandpa and I will soon have two new babies to cuddle! 💖

~ Connie

Green Bean Bonanza!!!

Wow!  In the span of just a few days my green beans have really taken off! 😀😀  I had picked just a handful last week and then we were gone for a few days.  I came home and checked the garden to find a bean bonanza!!!  So I thought I would share a recipe here for a Sweet and Sour Green Bean Casserole.  I really love a traditional green bean casserole, but this one is an awesome variation and a family favorite too!


SWEET & SOUR GREEN BEANS

You can make this with fresh, canned or frozen green beans.  If using fresh, I trim and clean about 3 cups of beans then saute/stream them in a large covered skillet for 3 minutes in 1/3-1/2 cup of water.

For frozen beans, I cook about the same quantity in the microwave.  For canned, use 3 cans.

Drain prepared beans.  Brown about 1/2 package of bacon with one chopped medium size white onion..  Drain well and chop bacon.  Mix together 1/2 cup of mayo, 4 1/2 Tbsp sugar and 2 1/4 Tbsp vinegar.  Mix everything together and place in a clean skillet to heat thoroughly and serve.


Hope you enjoy this one!  Share the YUM.

~ Connie

Baby Bee Counting Book

 Last time I was at my local sewing store,  I found the cutest little cloth book project!  So for my first attempt, I decided to use the preprinted panels and just do the sewing and assembly to learn the process.

~ Connie

Cut out the page panels.

Fuse on to quilt batting.

Stitch together the pages and assemble.  So cute and so QUICK!

Now Grandma's house has a baby friendly cloth book.💖

Tomato and Zucchini Frittata

 

With the garden produce filling my kitchen, I thought I would add another summer produce recipe.

Garden tomatoes, summer zucchini and asiago cheese make a scrumptious frittata.  Enjoy!

Tomato and Zucchini Frittata

2 tsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 and 1/2 c zucchini, diced into matchsticks

4 large eggs

1/4 c asiago cheese, grated

salt and pepper

1/4 c milk

2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 tsp oregano

Preheat oven to 400

In a medium skillet saute onion and zucchini with olive oil and salt and pepper.

In a mixing bowl whisk eggs, 1/4 c milk and oregano.

Arrange cooked veggies in an oven safe baking dish or cast iron skillet.  Pour egg mixture over veggies and arrange tomato slices on top.  Sprinkle with salt pepper and asiago cheese.  Bake 16-18 minutes.

Enjoy the YUM!

~Connie

Summer spaces

One of the best things about summer for me, is the chance to sit out and enjoy this house's summer outdoor living spaces.  Our front porch has a beautiful view to the west of rolling open farm land, so the sunsets are beautiful.  And our back porch is a shady peaceful retreat on even the hottest of summer days.  Hope you have a chance to enjoy this beautiful summer weather in your own peaceful place.

~Connie