Saturday, October 10, 2015

Day 8: My Take on a Wardrobe

There will be a lot of people talking about about capsule wardrobes-- there are a lot of different takes on in and it can be a little bit overwhelming. When I have done the different 7x7 challenges I have found it hard  because I don't want to feel limited in my choices.. Though, there is definitely such thing as too much choice when it comes to a wardrobe. I don't know about you, but I know for a fact that there have been times when I have thought that I would love something and wear it all the time only to find out that I don't wear it that often or even worse it is still hanging in the closet with it's tags still on.

I had a new postpartum body to dress and none of my clothes were fitting in the same way anymore. So, I did a huge closet purge-- it is continually a work in process because obviously I couldn't get rid of all of my clothes at one time. My focus became not necessarily on how many items or what types of items; but rather pieces that I love. These items need to be able to be remixable-- gone are the days of only wearing it in one perfect outfit, they need to fit my lifestyle. I have an almost two year old so these items need to be machine washable and very movable. I demand a lot out of my clothes because I also work outside of the home. I don't have time for high maintenance clothing.

It has been a process of learning but over the next week I will be talking with you more about how I have simplified my wardrobe. I think my wardrobe and my style will continue to evolve.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Day 2: Sweet Treats

I love fall treats, but I don't have a lot of time or patience for baking. It is a problem when you love treats, but don't want to spend the time or money to get them.

Skip to my Lou has a great Snickerdoodle recipe that comes from a cake mix. It takes me 30 minutes to get all of my cookies made. They are super easy, super delicious and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like them. They are a great chocolate or pumpkin alternative this time of year-- especially while the rest of the world has gone pumpkin spice crazy!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

October 1st means Fall is Here!

Today is October 1st. That means it is the first day of Write31 originally started by The Nester... I participated last year, but I wasn't 100% successful because Little Man got really sick. So this year I have 5 topics that I am going to write about with the common theme being simplicity. These are not topics that I am an expert at, but rather they are topics that I am interested in learning about. I am taking a journey of finding balance. Week 1 is about Simplicity in the kitchen-- making easy, family friendly recipes or any tricks that I have learned along the way.

Since it is now very fallish it is time to start eating fall things! I have a huge love affair with 1 pot meals, I find them to be really easy and they don't create a ton of dishes either. I am trying a new lasagna skillet recipe as my base from fivehearthome.com-- I don't have all of the ingredients but I can easily sub them for the same thing in a dried spice form.

Here is what you will need:
1 (28 oz can) petite diced tomatoes
water
1 (8 oz can) of tomato sauce
1 T olive oil
5 cloves of garlic minced or 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes
1 pound ground beef
8 oz of pasta or 6-8 uncooked lasagna noodles broken up
1 T each of basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley mixed
1/2 cup + 2 T of grated Parmesan
1 cup cottage cheese

Here are the directions:
Step 1 Pour the can of diced tomatoes into a 4 cup measuring cup--I'm using my very large pyrex measuring cup. Add enough water to measure it to 4 cups.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat ( I have a deep stainless steel pan that I use), Pour 1 Tablespoon of olive oil into the pan. Swish it around by tilting your pan. Add your garlic, red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and brown. When done drain. Add in 3 Tablespoons of spice mixture.

Step 3: Add pasta to the meat. Pour your tomato mixture over the noodles and meat, without stirring. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium-low heat... Cover and stir every 5 minutes. Add more spices if are necessary. Cook time is 20-25 minutes. After to you get everything on the stove it would be a great time to help the kiddos in your world with homework! I would throw in some buttermilk biscuits or crescent rolls in the oven at this time!

Step 4: Remove from heat and add your cheese. Adjust any of the necessary spices. Before serving mix your cottage cheese. Allow to rest for five minutes. While your lasagna is resting get everyone to the table, that does take 5 minutes in of itself.