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Christian, Homeschooling Mom of 2, Photography Lover, Southerner, Blogger, Encourager, and Prayer Warrior. I love sweet tea, my Nikon, cooking, & traveling.

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Blog Archive

Showing posts with label homemaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homemaking. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011

postheadericon Menu Plan Monday: January 10th

This is my first time to link up with Menu Plan Monday with Organizing Junkie. Love her site! Can't get enough! She share a similar passion of mine - organization and planning, so stopping by her site is a daily (if not more) occurrence for me!


What's on your menu this week? Here is what we'll be eating:

Monday: Chili with grilled cheese

Tuesday: Tator Tot Casserole and Green Beans

Wednesday: Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, and Salad

Thursday: Chicken & Rice with Green Beans

Friday: Baked Spaghetti with Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread

Saturday: Bar B Q Sandwiches, Mac N Cheese, and Baked Beans with Cornbread
Sunday, November 14, 2010

postheadericon Southern Cornbread Salad

Absolutely delish! This is for all you Southern gals (and even those who aren't from the south, we can pretend you are, so you can join in on this yumminess). You'll get so many compliments on this and people will be begging for the recipe. 



*Ingredients*

Buttermilk cornbread (recipe follows)
1 (14.5 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 medium vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
2-3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 (8 oz)  bottle ranch dressing
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Cherry tomatoes, and parsley to garnish
Additional ranch dressing (optional)

*Directions*

1. Cut cooled cornbread into 1 inch cubes, and place cubes in a large glass bowl.

2. Layer kidney beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. 

3. Top layers with ranch dressing and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. 

4. Chill, covered, 2-3 hours until ready to serve. 

5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and parsley and serve with additional ranch dressing.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

postheadericon The Home Engineer: What Does Your Keychain Say About You?



Yes, what does your keychain say about you? Does your key-ring look like you are a school janitor or do you feel like you need a few more on your chain? I have about 6 keys on my keyring but I ran into a problem. Which key goes to which door? I found myself getting frustrated and wondering "Does this key go to our new house or old house? Does it go to my husbands work or to my mom's house?" Ahhh, I drove myself crazy trying each key over and over everytime I needed to get into a house or storage unit. Why was this so hard? It really shouldn't be. There has to be a way to organize these 6 keys so I can see which one goes to which door. I tried the Sharpie method but almost as soon as I wrote a keyword on the key with it, it rubbed off. So, (yes, this seems so simple, why didn't I think of it earlier?) I brought out one of my best friends.... my label maker.

Wow, has this thing made a difference! I now can view my keys and recognize which one goes to which door. So, my tip for you today is to label each key with a keyword (Tip: DO NOT use words as "home" or your address as labels. If someone found your keys, this would be too easy for them to use.) See if it doesn't help and you feel more confident when looking for a key to unlock your door.

So, while this seems so simple and such a short (and meaningless) post, I am now excited to have an organized keyring. It's the little things in life...



{photo credits}
Sunday, October 31, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Sweet Cornbread



MmMmMm - I love me some cornbread! 

*Ingredients*
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

*Directions*
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray or lightly grease a 9 inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.



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Sunday, October 24, 2010

postheadericon Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

Mmm! Another mouth watering meal from Taste of Home!



*Ingredients*
1.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1.5 cups pizza sauce
2 cups (8 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
30 slices of pepperoni
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained (optional)

*Directions*
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. Stir in the eggs, parmesan cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning.
3. Transfer to a greased 11X7 baking dish.
4. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.
5. Spread with pizza sauce.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese; top with pepperoni and olives.
7. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

{photo credits}

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Sunday, October 17, 2010

postheadericon Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

These are DELISH! Absolute favorite from Kraft recipes!




*Ingredients*
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Coarse sugar, if desired.

*Directions*
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 12 regular- size muffin cups with shortening, or line with paper baking cups.

2. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Stir in pumpkin, oil, eggs, cranberries, and pecans just until moistened. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over batter in each cup.

3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove muffins from pan to cooling rack. Serve warm.


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Sunday, September 26, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup



*Ingredients*
1 lb ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
2 (28 oz) jars tomatoes, peppers, and spices pasta sauce (Newman's Own Sockaroni)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed beef broth, undiluted
1.5. cups water
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 (14.5 oz) can garlic and olive oil petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 (16 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1/2 teaspoon pepper

*Directions*
1. Cook beef and onion in a large skillet 7 minutes, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well. 
2. Combine beef mixture, pasta sauce, and remaining 7 ingredients in a 5-qt. slow cooker
3. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low on 12 hours. Makes 4 qt's.


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Sunday, September 19, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Mexican Dip



A great recipe from my great aunt!

*Ingredients*

1 box cream cheese
1 can refried beans
1 (8oz) pkg shredded cheddar
1 tomato, chopped
1 can chopped green chilis

*Directions*

1. Spoon the cream cheese onto a baking dish... It's best to use the back of a spoon.
2. Spread beans on top.
3. Next, spread the green chili's, sprinkle cheese on top and spread tomatoes.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes. 
5. Serve with tortilla chips.


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Sunday, September 12, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Sticky Buns



This is so good for breakfast or dessert! 


*Ingredients*
1 (25 oz) Pkg Rich's Homestyle Roll Dough
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (3.5 oz) pkg butterscotch pudding mix
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar

*Directions*
1. Thaw the roll dough according to pkg instructions.
2. Distribute nuts evenly in the bottom of greased bundt pan.
3. Place thawed rolls on top of nuts. 
4. Sprinkle with pudding mix. 
5. Combine margarine and brown sugar in a separate bowl and heat to simmer.
6. Pour mixture over dough and cover with plastic wrap. 
7. Let dough rise until double in size - put in overnight before.
8. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 
9. Turn upside down on serving dish and cool on wire rack. 



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Sunday, September 5, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Who doesn't love a good, tender pot roast! Its a favorite at our house!



*Ingredients*
1.5 lb roast (I get the Tender Roast from Kroger)
1 can mushroom soup
1 can (from soup can) of water
1 pkg dried onion soup mix

*Directions*
1. Spray crockpot with Pam.
2. Place roast in the crockpot.
3. Mix together the mushroom soup and 1 can water.
4. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix on top of roast.
5. Pour the soup mixture on top of roast. 
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or until beef is fork-tender.


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Thursday, August 19, 2010

postheadericon The Home Engineer: Clean 'Er Out!





My challenge for you this week is to clean out your car. I think under the description of being a mom, we have the title of "Family Taxi Driver". Alot of us spend alot of times in our cars shuffling kids from place to place but don't give our cars the attention they need. You laugh, but honestly, when was the last time you cleaned out your car? I promise, just try this and you'll see that after its cleaned out and washed, it will run like a brand new car. :) 

I'm big on keeping my Odyssey clean so I have a few tips for you.

1. Have toys that are scattered all over the floor? Not anymore! Use "box's" or small rubbermaid bins. We keep all the toys and books that stay in the car in these. Each child has their own "box". So for us, we have two box's that stay in the car. They even are labeled. (I know, a little OCD). Once they are finished playing with a toy or reading a book, it goes back in the basket. If it isn't in the basket/box once we've arrived wherever we're going, they put it in before we get out. Even my 19 month old is getting the hang of this. It only takes a few seconds and you come back to a clean car.

2. Have a schedule for getting your car cleaned/washed. I wash my car once a week, usually on the same day so I'll remember (Wednesdays). I vacuum it out once its done, Windex the windows, clean the leather with a rag and leather cleaner, dust off the dashboard, etc.

3. Keep portable trash-bags in your car. As families, we go through lots of trash, even in the car. So, have something handy to keep the trash in till you arrive and can throw it out. I use "Sack Tossers" from Walmart but found this super cute trash bag and think I might have to get one or two.

So, can you do it? Show before and after pics on your blog. I'd love to check them out! Ready, Set, "Clean 'Er Out!"

(Some other great resources for keeping your car organized and clean):
http://www.roadandtravel.com/autoadvice/2005/clutterfreecars.htm
http://personal-organization.daytimer.com/car-organizers/0/False/1
http://www.parents.com/parenting/moms/must-have-car-organization-gear/
http://www.the-organizing-boutique.com/car-organization.html



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Sunday, August 8, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Easy Meatloaf





**Ingredients**
1 egg lightly beaten
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup, undiluted
1-1/3 cups crushed butter flavored crackers (about 33 crackers)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup

**Directions**
1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, onion soup and cracker crumbs. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
2. Shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 11X7 or 9X13 baking dish. Bake uncovered, at 350 for 30 minutes.
3. Pour mushroom soup over loaf. Bake 1 hour longer or until meat is no longer pink and meat thermometer reads 160 degrees, drain. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Yields: 4 servings
Thursday, August 5, 2010

postheadericon The Home Engineer: Your Junk Drawer Or Cabinet

Let's see it! Yep, you heard me right. I'm challenging you to take a before and after picture of the most unorganized cabinet or drawer.

Today, I have a challenge for you. Clean it out and organize it then post an after picture for us to check out. Might be embarrassing but something we all need to learn is accountability and I've found that the more I post things before and after, and ask for accountability, the more willing I am at keeping it organized.

So, its my turn (and ya'll have to promise me you'll do the same and link me to your post) :)

BEFORE






AFTER I went through my cabinet. It took me all of 15 minutes to do. Now, why didn't I do this sooner?



Sunday, August 1, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Baked Ziti

MmMm! This is a favorite here at our house. I got the recipe from Taste of Home.






**Ingredients**
  • 3 cups uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
  • 1-3/4 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
  • 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

**Directions**

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, garlic powder and pepper. Drain pasta; stir into cheese mixture.
  • In a greased 8-in. square baking dish, spread 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce. Top with pasta mixture, remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover and bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Loaded Baked Potato Dip

This is the BEST appetizer and snack ever. My husband asks for it every football game and everytime we have company over. Its so easy and gets GREAT reviews from your little nipplers!

*Ingredients*
2 (16 oz) sour cream containers
1 (3 oz) can bacon bits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped

*Directions*
1. In medium size mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well.
2. Refrigerate or serve immediately.
3. Serve with fritos, potato chips, or put on a baked potato.


Sunday, July 18, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Fresh Caprise Salad

I made this salad and it was so delicious. All the ingredients (minus the Mozzerella and dressing) were from our garden, so it made it extra yummy!

*Ingredients*
1 small pkg of fresh mozzerella
lettuce (spring mix, romaine; optional)
tomatoes
balsamic vinaigrette or oil and vinegar dressing
fresh basil

*Directions*
1. Throw some lettuce on a plate (optional)
2. Cut as many pieces of fresh mozzerella as you'd like.
3. Slice as many tomatoes as you'd like.
4. Sprinkle fresh basil on top to your liking
5. Dash of oil and vinegar dressing

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

postheadericon The Home Engineer: Organizing Recipes

Does your recipe box or book look like this?




or like this?


There is no right way to organize your recipes. But there are ways to make it more organized. You will have to figure that out for yourself and what works best for you and your family, but I'd like to share a few ideas today with you on keeping your recipes organized. 

But first, you ask, "Why can't they just be laying around in drawers, cabinets, or even on the counter top?"

1. They will get stained or wear. Lets face it, every little drop of water on your recipe card or paper will saturated with that water or dirty little hands from your kids, or anything else that is in your kitchen.

2. It's good to have them organized so they are easy to find when you need them. This saves on time when you're looking for a specific recipe. 

3. Even having your recipes organized makes any cook feel better. If thats the only thing in your home that is organized, at least you have somewhat of an organizational skill or mindset. 

Here are some of my ideas for organizing recipes.

a. In a photo album. Put your recipe cards in a photo album. That way the pages protect the cards from stains, stickiness, etc. Then use tabs to organize them into categories (breakfast, appetizers, salads, main dishes, desserts, etc). Here is a picture of mine that my mom made me just before I got married of our family's favorite recipes




b. In a 3 ring binder. This is great for the recipes you print off from the computer or online. Hole punch those babies and then stick them in. You can make dividers as well for different sections to stay even more organized. I have one of these as well. 



Where do you store your recipe binders/book/box? I have mine on top of my countertops in between some book ends. I also have them in a cabinet on my island in my kitchen. Here are some great pictures I found online that have great ideas for storing your books/boxes. 


3l_lg.jpg







It may take all afternoon or all weekend, but in the end it will definitely be worth it!

Was this post helpful to you? If so, let me know! I'd also love to hear your ideas on future posts you'd like to see from me.
Monday, July 5, 2010

postheadericon Homemade Banana Pudding



Our Homeschool Home



This is my favorite July 4th recipe to make! Nothing says "American" to me like banana pudding. Even those who don't like banana pudding rant and rave about how great this is. It is very different than other recipes so enjoy!






*Ingredients*








  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese




  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 4 bananas, sliced
  • 1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers


*Directions*



1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. 

2. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.

3. Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. 

4. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill.
Sunday, July 4, 2010

postheadericon Scrumptious Sunday: Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese

MmMmMm I love me some Pimento Cheese - either on a sandwich, cracker, or yes, even plain :) I'm weird, I know. Here is an easy and yummy recipe for you Pimento Cheese lovers. 






*Ingredients*

  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Colby cheese
  • 2 (4 ounce) jars diced pimento peppers, drained
  • 1/2 (16 ounce) jar creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
  • salt and pepper to taste

*Directions*
Mix all the ingredients above to desired texture and either serve or put in refrigerator for a bit before serving. 
Sunday, June 27, 2010

postheadericon Blueberry Pancakes




 Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

PANCAKES:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 


Directions

  • In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water until smooth. Add blueberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm.
  • For pancakes, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the eggs, milk, sour cream and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries.
  • Pour batter by 1/4 cupful onto a greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until the second side is golden brown. Serve with blueberry topping.

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