Jessica

Over Sized Dream Catcher Project

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This is project no. 6 in my 12-12-12 series of craft projects using different materials and methods throughout the year.

For this month’s (really last month, but we are still playing catch up over here) project I wanted to do something with rope. I had a number of ideas (mostly these) but with time, money constraints and the fact that I can’t find my hot glue gun to save my life, had a lot to do with the decision to dial it back and go with a simple dream catcher instead.

The hoop is actually a piece from an old tomato cage that broke in the move, and the twine is just what I had laying around. I used up a large portion of my ribbon stash, and then got some more from my grandmother for the danglies (yeah, it’s a technical term) at the bottom of the hoop. I also used up some small silk flowers, feathers, and beads that I had hanging around to add some more character.

I love the simplicity of this project and that I was able to use so many stash items, we are trying to cut back on stuff after all. I would like to add a bit more to it, but I think it’s going to be one of those things that happen as I find myself with scraps and leftover beads.

I’m happy with how it turned out and think it will make a great addition to the spare bedroom with its bright red walls. The only thing that I’m not in love with is the slack in the center of the dream catcher. I had a really hard time keeping the string tight when I got to it. If anyone has any tips or tricks for getting this right let me know. I may just rip out the last two rows of string and try it again when I have more time.

Back to School Meal Plan 8.16.15

By Jessica

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This is a meal plan based on the real recipes that I cook at home during the week however in honor of the back to school season I thought it would be good to feature a quick and easy weeknight meal plan this week. All the meals shared in this week’s meal plan are either made ahead and left to crock away (yes I made that up) or come together easily in 30 minutes. It’s everything you could ask for this time of year.

Also check the bottom of the post for more convenient meal ideas.

Monday – Vermonter Panini with Garlic & Salt Baked Fries

Tuesday – Orange Chipotle Chicken Stir Fry over rice (make extra for Thursday)

Wednesday – Crock Pot Split Pea Soup

Thursday – Shrimp Fried Rice (use leftover rice form Tuesday)

Friday – One Pan Beef Stroganoff

If you are looking for more meals like these check out the posts below!

Weekend Links

By Jessica

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This weekend is a low key one. We are going on a huge Motorcycle memorial ride for a friends father who passed away last year, hanging out with some friends, and of course working on the house. Hope you have a great weekend!

It takes a village.

The Age of the Robot Worker will be Worse for Men – So in the future it is entirely possible to thick that women will be the bread winners? Interesting.

Could eating spicy food help you live longer? – I’m screwed. Spicy and I don’t get along.

I watched Fed Up this week on Netflix. It was eye opening and everyone should watch it.

More of this. With the state of our economy I think going back to the tradition of younger family members helping out their aging parents and extended family living together is a great idea. The idea that adults still living with their parents are just lazy is a ridiculous stereotype. I totally would still be living with my folks if I wasn’t getting married. It helps everyone involved.

And on that same note if your in laws are a problem you could always try this.

16 Party Ideas Inspired by Gilmore Girls…yes I’m a Gilmore Fan Girl.

Also I think I found my new best friends. Seriously you guys Evan and Hilary look like they have so much fun! Check out their blog pureadk.com

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken & Peppers

By Jessica

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This is a recipe for Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Leftover Chicken and fresh peppers. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and please the whole family.

Sometimes when you stumble on fresh vegetable bounty you just have to throw caution to the wind and fly by the seat of your pants.

That’s been the thing lately.

Despite not having a successful garden of our own right now we are still full of fresh veggies thanks to our family and friends. I’m so thankful that so many of them love to garden as much as I do, it has been awesome.

Zucchini, cucumbers, and green beans seem to be the big stars at the moment, though as summer winds down I’m looking forward to more tomatoes, peppers, squash, and root veggies.

Recently I walked into the store for some pantry staples and my jaw dropped when I saw the abundance of red, green, and yellow peppers lining the produce section shelves. I tossed my original dinner plan and decided to make something with these beautiful little babies instead.

I decided on a variation of Chuck’s favorite Garlic Parmesan Pasta, needless to say this recipe got a double thumbs up. I just like that it’s a different way to use up cooked chicken, which we always seem to have hanging around our house. The peppers wilt just a little and add a wonderfully sweet flavor to the dish balancing out the salty and creamy nature of the parmesan.

If you were interested in leaving the chicken out it would also make a really great side dish to go with a number of summer meals.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken & Peppers

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Serves: 4 Servings

Ingredients

1/3 package whole wheat pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red pepper, sliced thin
1 yellow pepper sliced thin
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded, cooked chicken
¼ cup fresh grated parmesan
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add peppers and cook for another minute.
Stir in broth, cover and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the peppers have softened.
Add the red pepper flakes chicken, pasta and reserved liquid tossing to combine.
Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese and toss gently.
Adjust seasonings and serve with garnish.

Hike: Snowy Mountain

By Jessica

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An overview of a day trip to hike Snowy Mountain in the southern Adirondacks.

I think I’ve mentioned a time or two (ok maybe I’ve said it a lot) but things have been hectic cray-cray since we closed on the house. I’m happy to report that a slower pace has finally started to creep its way into our lives and I’m welcoming it with open arms. I’ve got a to do list that’s a mile long, but every little thing that gets checked off helps in such a big way.

I mean really who knew how good it would feel to come home and see that Chuck put the cast iron hooks in the wall? Seriously 4 little hooks meant the world to me.

I think we might even be able to start inviting people over for dinner parties soon. Eeep!

I’m getting off topic here. I meant to write this post about the day hike that Carrie, Brody, Baxter and I went on yesterday. Carving out time to be outdoors has been tough this year and I’m so thankful that I’m finally able to do it.

Snowy Mountain is located just south of Indian Lake, NY. It is about 3.8 miles one way, or 7.6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of over 2000FT. While there are some difficult parts for the novice hiker, it’s a genuinely nice hike with lots of great views, even before reaching the fire tower on top.

One thing I can say about this hike is that it has shown me just how out of shape I actually am. I need to get into the woods more, and start running again. Despite lots of sweat and a few troubled parts we all made it up intact for views that were well worth it. I would defiantly do this one again.

Once we got home I talked Chuck into making sun dried tomato cream sauce over penne while Brody and I lay on the couch. I was far too tired to cook and he’s awful sweet. We were all promptly in bed by 8 since Chuck had to be up early for work and Brody and I were snoozing on the couch shortly after dinner.

Jessica

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