Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Light Cajun Chicken Pasta

I had the most tasty dinner tonight. Thanks to Skinny Taste, I made this Light Cajun Chicken Pasta. I love this site, she has so many delicious low fat recipes. I have a no, quick and easy go-to recipe.

Photo from skinnytaste.com

I made a few changes so my little munchkin would eat it. It was a hit. It was creamy, light, and oh so tasty. 

Light Cajun Chicken Pasta
8 oz. whole wheat linguine
1 large chicken breast
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 yellow pepper
1/2 red pepper
1/3 cup milk
1 Tbsp. flour
3 Tbsp. cream cheese
1 cup chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. 
2. Cut chicken breast into stripes. Also chop the peppers in stripes. 
3. In a non-stick skillet, add the olive oil. On medium heat, place the chicken in the skillet. Also add the Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet. 
4. Place the peppers in the same skillet (there should still be some of the oil and seasoning). Saute for about 3-4 minutes until soft but still crisp. 
5. Blend the milk, flour and cream cheese until smooth. Add to the skillet. 
6. Add the chicken back into the skillet. Cook until the sauce begins to boil. Then add the chicken broth. 
7. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add the noodles. 
8. Have it sit for a few minutes to cool and thicken. 

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Spring Boots

I've had several requests for some lightweight baby boots for the Spring and Summer. So I decided to just go for it and see how it goes. I'm pretty excited about these mint striped boots. I think they're pretty stinkin' cute. 

Friday, March 8, 2013

DIY Valences


I've been trying to find some way to decorate this awkward wall. I love all of the extra natural light from the windows, but with our TV smack-dab in the middle there's not much room to do .... anything. The windows are so narrow, a curtain didn't really make sense, so I decided to do some sort of valence. The more I looked into what exactly I needed, I discovered this is technically called a "cornice". I was able to make two of these for about $20!  I am so happy with how they turned out. Here's how you can make them too:

Supplies for 2 valences:
Foam board - Hobby Lobby on sale for $4
Batting - twin size, used a coupon and got it for $6, but only used about half of it. 
Fabric - heavy cotton, on sale for $6 a yard, I used 1 1/2 yards (46 inches x 45 inches to be exact), but my windows are more narrow than standard windows, so get 2 yards at 45" wide. 
Scissors
Exacto Knife
Staple Gun
Hot Glue Gun
4 "L Brackets" - Lowe's, $1.76 for four including the screws.
Measuring Tape
Pencil


I took my large foam board, and traced the measurements I needed before cutting, to make sure it'll all work. I used my Exacto Knife to make a nice straight cut. 
2 - 13" x 33"
2 - 2" x 33"
4 - 2" x 13"


I then used my hot glue gun to take the two 2 x 13 pieces and glued perpendicular on each short end. Then took the 2 x 33 piece and glued all along the top to make it hold in place. Here is my foundation:


I cut a piece of batting (doubled) with the measurements of 23" x 45", giving me extra space on all side to fold it over and staple it tight. I lad the batting down, then the foam board foundation on it's back on top of the batting.

 I cut each end as pictured below, so I could fold over the bottom portion:


Then I folded over the bottom, and stapled in place about every 1.5" or so. 


Then I did the same thing with each side. Cut the batting so you are able to fold over the side. I trimmed off a lot of the excess batting in the corner. Then pull tightly over the side and staple about every inch. Continue with the other sides until the batting is completely stapled on and tight. Cut off any excess. 


I have been looking for a cute print for months, which is why I kept putting this project. But I just couldn't find anything I liked, so I just went with a solid gray cotton. Since my windows are only 29" wide with an extra inch on each side, plus wrapped the fabric around the side piece, 45" wide fabric was perfect for the length. Then for the width I did 23", even though it was only 13" tall, plus wrapping around the top piece, plus a little extra I went with 23". So the fabric (and the batting were 45" x 23"). Make sure to iron your fabric before you staple it on. Do the exact same steps are you did with the batting. 


When doing the corners, I pull in one side, and staple. Then fold over the perpendicular side to make a clean looking corner (this may take some practice before you actually staple down). 




My valences were done, and ready to hang up! So I measured out where my L brackets were going to go. I did 1.5" out of each side from the, and 4.5" above the window. Then, since the valence was so light I was able to just rest it on top of the brackets. 


Ta-da!!



I might add some sort of stripe, or white border. But for now I'm loving having a little something to make the wall not seem to bare! 



Thursday, March 7, 2013

Fried Rice



This is a family favorite go-to recipe. It's so good with some stir-fry, or grilled teriyaki chicken. My daughter absolutely loves it, she eats bowls full of it. 

Fried Rice
3 cups of cooked brown rice
1 egg
1 garlic glove, minced
1 shredded carrot
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1. Cook the rice. While the rice is cooking spray with non-stick cooking spray a large skillet. 
2. Put the egg in the skillet at a medium-high heat. When the egg is almost fully cooked, add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute.
3. Add the peas and carrots.Stir and cook until the peas are warmed through and tender. 
4. Add the rice and the soy sauce. 

ENJOY!!



Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Homemade Guacamole



The last few times my whole family has gotten together everyone requests my sister-in-laws fabulous homemade guacamole. My husband, for one, is obsessed. So I had to get my hands on this tasty tasty recipe. 

Homemade Guacamole
3-4 avocados
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped
The juice of 2 limes
1 glove of garlic, minced
1/2 of a jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl, using a masher, mix and mash until the avocados have small chunks not completely smooth. Refrigerate until served. 

We like to eat it with the Tostito's 'Hint of Lime' chips. I was lucky to get a picture, it was almost gone before I remembered. It's also great served with these honey-lime chicken enchiladas.



Monday, March 4, 2013

Spring Wreath

It's March, and my front door still had my big red wreath from Christmas, needless to say our Christmas lights are still up too, but it's still freezing outside!! But I was in major need of some bright happy colors on my front door. So I went to JoAnn's, and was able to get the wreath and some flowers for under $15. 

I already had some wire and a hot glue gun. I thought I was going to use the burlap to do a bow, so it was here in the beginning, but didn't look right so I did without.  Here are my supplies.


I clipped all of the stems off of the flowers. So they were ready to be put right on the wreath. 


Then I just laid everything on top of the wreath to get an idea of how I wanted it to look in the end.  


I started with the yellow and tied each piece on with some wire. I tied each piece on twice, once at each end, to make sure it doesn't shift being on an outside door. 



Then I tied on the green flowers, and left room for the white flower right on top in the middle. I then took my hot glue gun and went around and tacked on the flowers so they will stay in place. Then, voila! All done. Hung in it up, and it makes me so happy every time I drive in and see it. Bring it one SPRING!!!


Saturday, March 2, 2013

Chopped Steak Taco Salad



I made this salad for a party a few weeks ago, and people were basically licking their plates. It makes me never want to eat a salad unless it's chopped. You have a little something in every bite. 

Chopped Steak Taco Salad
1 or 2 flank steaks
Marinade:
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup lime juice (juice of 2 limes)
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder


1 large romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can of black beans, rinsed
1 can of corn, rinsed
1 avocado, chopped
1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

Dressing:
1 cup ranch dressing
2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Put the steaks into a gallon-sized bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, completely cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 
2. Place the steak on a greased baking sheet. Place in the oven and broil for 5 minutes on each side. If it is too pink for you, broil for a few more minutes. Cut in small pieces. 
3. While the steak is cooking you can start chopping all of the salad ingredients. In a large bowl put in the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, black beans, corn, chopped avocado and chopped cilantro. Mix all of the ingredients together. 
4. Add the steak to the salad. 
5. Combine the ranch dressing and the taco seasoning in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss until completely covered. Refrigerate until served. Because of the avocados and the salad is dressed, use within 24 hours. Enjoy!!