EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL BAKED CHICKEN Well, I'm back. FINALLY. I'm not going to go on and on about how stressful 2020 was and how burnt out I was at the end of the year, all of the projects we started thanks to quarantine (including our chickens which we adore) and how busy I've (we've) been with my husband starting a new business. I will say that all of those are true but, now that I'm approaching almost a year since my last post, I feel very motivated after the break and have recovered ... Read More about Everything But The Bagel Baked Chicken
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My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for several reasons. I have a lot to be thankful for and it's the start of the holiday season. Plus it means decorating for Christmas and tons and tons of eating. Which, of course, is my real reason for loving this holiday so much. And I have my favorite Thanksgiving recipes that I want to share with you. The good news is that even a novice cook can make them (including some "cheats" that are time saving and truly delicious!). MY FAVORITE ... Read More about My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Homemade Sandwich Bread
In my recent quest to live a simpler, pseudo homesteader life, I have discovered that homemade sandwich bread is a great way to save money. And be in control of the ingredients going into something eaten almost daily. ... Read More about Homemade Sandwich Bread
Signs Your Chicken Is Ready To Start Laying
In March we got our first round of 4 baby chicks and I have been (impatiently) waiting for them to start laying (well 3 of them..... one ended up being a rooster). It's so exciting to think about the day you go out to the coop to discover an egg! But I had no clue what to expect from these ladies since I am a new chicken owner. CHICKEN NEWBIE TIP: If you are new to backyard chickens please check out The Chicken Chicks blog. She is so knowledgeable, has great advice and ... Read More about Signs Your Chicken Is Ready To Start Laying
Star Wars Party With Lightsaber Party Favors
My son recently turned 6 and like many kids wanted a Star Wars themed birthday party. I found tons of ideas on Pinterest (or course)! But it was a little overwhelming to decide. Hopefully this post will help make your next Star Wars party go a littler easier. Star Wars Party Favors There are many cute Star Wars favor ideas. My favorite was the bubble wand lightsaber idea from The Contemplative Creative. They were very easy to make and the kids loved them! Tip: Make sure to use ... Read More about Star Wars Party With Lightsaber Party Favors
4th of July Party – Patriotic Food and Decor Ideas
We are a very patriotic family and love a good 4th of July party. My husband served in the Navy for 20 years and that alone will give any family great pride for our country. But both of our families are extremely patriotic as well and we were both influenced by that growing up. We also try very hard to instill that in our son. He learned to salute the flag at a very early age and his favorite part of school is saying the Pledge of Allegiance. We are having a few neighbors over ... Read More about 4th of July Party – Patriotic Food and Decor Ideas
Chick Brooder Heat lamp Alternative
One of the challenges I faced after getting our baby chicks is the issue of having a chick brooder heat lamp inside our home. They can be quite dangerous. My neighbors use their garage but we do not have a garage (or a barn) so our only option is keeping the chick brooder inside. And even in a garage or barn, the heat lamp can be quite dangerous! I spent many hours researching alternative options. If you know you are going to be raising baby chicks every spring there are a few good ... Read More about Chick Brooder Heat lamp Alternative
Brussels Sprouts and Italian Sausage
I came across this recipe a few weeks ago on the NY Times cooking website. We love it! It's a simple recipe that is packed with flavor. You saute the Brussels sprouts in the drippings from the sausage (I also recommend trying them sauteed in bacon grease too - AMAZING!). Tossing the Brussels sprouts and Italian sausage with red onion (pickled with red wine vinegar) helps keep the flavor of the dish light and not too rich. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner! If you ... Read More about Brussels Sprouts and Italian Sausage
Sheet Pan Nachos
The other day I wanted to do something different for lunch (different for my family at least!). I was going through my pantry and fridge and realized that I had everything to make a delicious batch of sheet pan nachos. I think I made this weekly when I was in college. The only thing that takes time while prepping is browning the meat so it's very easy to whip up as an appetizer or snack for hungry tummies. ... Read More about Sheet Pan Nachos
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
We are a family that loves hot and crispy chicken tenders. Everyone does right?? The crunch, the salt, and all the dips. Be still my heart. :) And the trendy air fryer has made it easier to get a lovely fried chicken tender without all of the grease and fat. ... Read More about Air Fryer Chicken Tenders