Dinner, Wine, & My Spare Time

I got this at Kohl's and decided it would be better suited for hanging jewelry than to just use it for keys and notes. Plus it's super cute! I put it next to my bathroom vanity, it was easy for the hubs to hang, it had two grooves already in the back for easy hanging. It would of been nice if it came with the hardware but luckily we had plenty. As for hanging earrings, nothing could be simpler. Just push them in, push it real good ha ha!! I couldn't resist. There are many hooks for necklaces, even long ones hung on it well. I could hang more necklaces in the middle but I instead put bracelets on it since I need access to the outlet. But it is a great way to plan your daily outfit's jewelry as well and besides it looks great and impeccably organized. The hubs said it looks like a store. I corrected him and said don't you mean Boutique :-) Belle Maison Organizer at Kohl's regularly priced $49.99 on sale for $22.49 and I had a $10 off coupon. So tot...

Who doesn't love Naan? That yummy tandoori oven-baked flatbread is the stuff dreams are made of, ok well foodie dreams! I had a couple of loaves of Naan bread and decided to make a flatbread pizza with it. I kept the ingredients simple, I topped it with a Parmesan cheese blend, some parsley, crushed red pepper and garlic, and drizzled the whole thing with decadent truffle oil. I then baked it in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. I say it was quite Gourmet & fancy!

Don't let the name fool you! These cookies are anything but sweet, they are all Parmesan-y and salty goodness. So how does one go about making wonderful cheese cookies, you might ask? Start with a nonstick baking sheet. Put small mounds of shredded Parmesan cheese on pan. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning and crushed red pepper. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 5 minutes. Slowly remove with a spatula as to not break them. Enjoy, 1 or 20 whatever makes you happy! P.S. Happy Birthday Dad!

I'm not sure when I took this picture, but I do remember what it is. It's a veggie burger toasted! Prepare your burger and add your favorite toppings and then toast it in the oven till bread is nicely browned, EAT!

Way back when the hubs and I moved in together  we ended up with two rice cookers. Which is clearly not a problem! So for dinner the other night  we pulled them both out and made dinner. In the first rice cooker,  we put in the steamer basket  and steamed some frozen broccoli.  I just put in about 2 cups of water under the basket, then  tossed in the broccoli and seasonings.  Then turned the cooker on.  Once finished I sprinkled the finished product with Parmesan. In the second rice cooker, I used a box of pearled couscous.  Per the directions I added the water, oil, couscous, spice packet and turned it on. As for the oven, the hubs thawed some salmon fillets and brushed them with a mixture of butter and lemon juice.  Then he sprinkled them with brown sugar and blackened fish seasoning.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. So in 30 minutes you are having a gourmet dinner,  The hubs gave the salmon a rating of...

We've all seen those brownies in a mug on pinterest, but has anyone actually tried one. Well I had a dessert  hankering and decided to give one a whirl.  Result=I am less than impressed! It didn't taste that great, and was hot as hell  coming out of that microwave. But it did resemble a brownie! So that's a plus. Try one for yourself In a large mug or small microwave safe bowl Add 4 Tbsp each flour and sugar. Add 2 Tbsp each vegetable oil, cocoa powder, and water or milk. Add a dash of salt and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.  Stir well. Then add in any additional ingredients like  shredded coconut or chocolate chips. Microwave 90 seconds. Use a potholder to remove bowl from microwave!!

Is your holiday/gift wrapping accessories taking up space all over your house or is it hard to find?? Well get you an organizer and go to town. Or maybe go to town and get an organizer lol! This is my solution, but I actually stole the idea from a friend. She is so creative and I give credit where credit is due. I bought this pantry organizer from target it cost about $30 You can permanently attach the organizer or just hang it from the back of the door. We attached the bottom since my wrapping paper rolls were heavy. I put my tulle on the top two shelves, then bows and filler. Next I have tape, Xmas labels, and pens. Under that I have gift bags and tissue paper. And of course the bottom is for wrapping paper. Verdict: I love it!!! I want one for every closet. We put another one in the entryway closet, where it holds all our hats, scarves, gloves, umbrellas, flip flops, and other gear. Ha! This pic is kinda old, if you look closely you can see Halloween decorations.