- 7:54 AM
- 0 Comments
It's Party Time!- 7:31 AM
- 0 Comments
It would be much easier to buy one of those packets from the grocery store for your stir-fry tonight. I think fresh is best, so I prefer this route. Do as you prefer, but try this at least once.
What You Will Need:
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (Oriental Blend)
¾ lb skinless chicken breast, boneless , sliced into 1 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ginger root, minced (1 tsp dried ginger)
3 tsp sesame oil, divided
2 T Rice wine vinegar
What You Might Have at Home:
1 T brown sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper
2 T soy sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 T flour
Srichacha
For the seasoning:
1) Heat oil. Add ginger and garlic. Gradually stir in broth, sugar, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Add dashes of hot sauce to your liking.
2) Mix vinegar and flour. Pour into sauce until thickened. Set aside.
Stir-fry
1) Heat additional oil. Add chicken. Cook until browned or no longer pink. Add vegetables until cooked through. Drain water from pan.
2) Add seasoning to chicken. Heat until fully cooked.
3) Serve with rice.
- 8:15 PM
- 0 Comments
Cleaning your car every week, month or however long you go can be very tedious and time-consuming. Not having storage for your bikes, power-tools or dog crates takes up space inside your home. That’s where the garage comes in handy, a two-car garage is even better!
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Use this extra room to park your car(s) or pack everything you don’t want inside your home in there. It’s up to you.
This 2-car garage is complete with automatic garage door-openers. You can program this gadget to close from inside your car, inside your home or from a remote just outside of the door. A sensor knows when to open if something is in its way. It will keep the weather outside, so you can play with your tools when it’s snowing outside. You might have to vacuum the interior of your car from your own mess, but you can bet the exterior will be safe from that random bird passing by.
- 11:06 AM
- 1 Comments
Show Your Support for FHA
FHA supports home values by providing a steady source of mortgage financing for families across the country, but critics worry it has taken on too much risk. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
- 7:35 AM
- 0 Comments
Aren’t moms the best? They always know what to say and what to do to cheer you up. If you haven’t read already, our house was hit by the stomach bug. I think my dog even had it. We are finally on the mend, but I haven’t gotten out much. My mom surprised us with some chicken soup and banana pudding. These aren’t store-bought people, these are the real deal. I cannot wait to dig in.
Here’s a quick recipe (Cooks.com), but my mom’s is a secret J:
What You Will Need:
2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
1 (14.5 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
1 box Vanilla wafers
3 ripe bananas
1 1/3 cups water
Hand mixer
Large bowl
Deep glass bowl for serving
1) Beat cream until whipped.
2) Mix vanilla, milk and water. Pour into pudding mix. Mix.
3) Fold in whipping cream.
4) Layer bottom of serving dish with wafers. Add layer of bananas, add layer of pudding mix and continue layers until pudding mix is gone.
5) Refrigerate. Serve.
- 5:49 PM
- 0 Comments
Having your laundry room on the 2nd floor is becoming very popular these days. Older homes are hooked up for your washer/dryer in the basement. If you are lucky, you have a laundry chute that leads to the basement. Most of us don’t have that feature and take the journey to the land down under to wash our clothes.
You would be set in The Cherokee. The Laundry Room sits in between the Master Bedroom and the 4th Bedroom. The room is accessible to all bedrooms and baths, making it almost impossible to avoid. You won’t be forced to haul those clothes up and down stairs.
- 7:16 AM
- 0 Comments
This recipe came from Bon Appetit in the July 2010 Issue. I wish I had my own photos to show you, but I made this before the blog. My intention was to make it for Wine Club this evening, but both kids and I are sick again. We can’t seem to kick this virus!
I hope you enjoy and are surprised by this delicious treat. It’s filled with flavor.
What You Will Need:
1 garlic clove, minced is fine
2 cups pitted green olives, chopped and divided
2 T capers, drained
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella, coarsely chopped
1 tsp anchovy paste (this is not absolutely necessary)
What You Might Have at Home:
1 T mustard
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
½ cup olive oil
1 T vinegar (red wine is best)
1 pound penne pasta, cooked (any bite-size pasta works)
1 T dried oregano
Food processor or blender
Large bowl
1) Add garlic, olives, capers, vinegar, anchovy paste, mustard and red pepper to food pprocessor. Blend until chunky.
2) Add ½ cup olive oil to mixture and blend until chunky puree. Add remainder of olives and season with salt and pepper.
3) Mix pasta, tapenade, tomatoes, oregano and cheese in large bowl. Serve.
- 1:36 PM
- 1 Comments
Aluminum is the right choice when it comes to exterior railings. This material requires little maintenance; it stands up to most weather conditions and it’s durable. The color you choose will stay long-term and won’t require touching-up when you’re ready to sell.
My favorite characteristic about these useful decorative elements is that they are attractive.
If you are considering updating that front stoop, make sure you include rails. They provide safety and add a finished look to your front steps.
- 10:28 AM
- 0 Comments
Enjoy this month's newsletter!
- 8:40 PM
- 0 Comments
Open House
October 31, 2010
2-4PM
$329,000
4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths
(MLS#1028517-Becky McNeer, Austin-Davidson, Inc.)
- 2:46 PM
- 0 Comments
Rinnai Water Heating System
1) You can depend on it for at least 20 years. It’s not going to leak.
2) It’s energy efficient. When you need hot water, it shuts on immediately. When you aren’t using it, it’s off. Pretty cool, huh?
3) It only heats water that you use. There is no tank, which means there’s no need to store water somewhere and heat it up.
4) My favorite- It’s clean. You drink this water and bathe in it. Do you want it to be rusty?
5) It hangs on the wall away from things.
You'll find this energy saving amenity in The Cherokee.
1) You can depend on it for at least 20 years. It’s not going to leak.
2) It’s energy efficient. When you need hot water, it shuts on immediately. When you aren’t using it, it’s off. Pretty cool, huh?
3) It only heats water that you use. There is no tank, which means there’s no need to store water somewhere and heat it up.
4) My favorite- It’s clean. You drink this water and bathe in it. Do you want it to be rusty?
5) It hangs on the wall away from things.
You'll find this energy saving amenity in The Cherokee.
- 1:13 PM
- 3 Comments
How the Foreclosure Crisis Costs You Money
Foreclosure may seem like someone else’s problem, but when it happens in your neighborhood, it’s going to cost you money, too. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
- 8:51 PM
- 0 Comments
*****DO NOT MAKE THIS MEAL WHEN IN A HURRY
I’m learning many lessons these days. Today I learned not to make my youngest wait so I could configure our dishes for a photograph. What a day. I still managed to complete the meal and bring it to the table, but I wasn’t at all pleased. I substituted ground turkey for ground beef and I should have known better. Have you ever tried to make meatloaf with ground turkey? It’s not the same. I’m not a red meat eater, but even I know not to do this. I was stubborn. The flavors were fantastic, but the meatballs could have been firmer. I am sharing the recipe because it tastes good, the consistency could have been better. (A Variation of Melissa D’Arabian’s meatballs on Foodtv.com)lb ground BEEF
What You Will Need:
3/4 1b ground BEEF
1 egg
2 T tomato paste
1 T fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup rolled oats
3 to 4 T vegetable oil
1 cup dried cous cous
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth
For Sauce:
2 T olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested
½ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
¾ cup chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp crushed red pepper
¼ cup dried dates, chopped
1 cup cous cous
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth
Medium bowl
2 Large skillets
For sauce:
1) In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
2) Add olives and lemon zest. Add ½ cup of chicken broth. Cook for 2 minutes.
3) Stir in tomatoes, sugar, red pepper and remainder of chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For meatballs:
1) In medium bowl, mix egg and tomato paste. Add ginger, cumin and cinnamon until well-mixed. Add ground BEEF and mix together with hands.
2) Roll 16 balls. (she calls for 32, maybe another mistake i made)
3) Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add balls in batches. Brown on all sides. Transfer to sauce skillet.
4) Serve with Cous Cous and Dates.
For Cous Cous and Dates:
1) Bring 1 cup broth and 1 cup water to boil.
2) Stir in ¼ cup chopped dates and 1 cup dried cous cous. Cover and remove from heat.
- 8:27 PM
- 0 Comments
Plantation shutters are a unique way to add to your home’s décor and value. They can stand alone or compliment any window treatment. These shutters are a practical investment because they stand up to time and heat better than most blinds and shades. Did I mention how good they look?
You can open them during the day and bring on the sunshine.
Closing them at night will provide privacy, but they won’t be unattractive.
My favorite part about these functional window coverings is that they are easy to clean.
- 8:00 AM
- 3 Comments
Protein doesn’t always have to come from meat. Tonight we’re having breakfast for dinner. The eggs will hold just about anything together. Play around with ingredients. (Don’t expect your children to jump up and down. Our oldest wouldn’t touch it.)
What You Will Need:
1 Large Red Bell Pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 egg whites (mine were frozen leftovers from another recipe)
3 eggs
1/3 cup uncooked cous cous
What You Might Have at Home:
½ cup water
1 T water
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ cup Jack cheese, shredded
Non-stick cooking spray
Medium bowl
Oven-proof skillet
1) Preheat oven to 350˚.
2) Boil ½ cup water, add cous cous, cover, remove from stove.
3) In medium bowl, add egg whites, eggs, salt, pepper and T water. Whisk together.
4) Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add pepper, onions and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes.
5) Add cous cous and egg mixture to pepper mixture. Heat over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
6) Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- 7:55 PM
- 0 Comments
- 5:02 PM
- 0 Comments
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Cleaning should be #1 on your list of things to do to keep your home in tip top shape. It’s important to take care of your biggest investment, especially if selling is in your future.
My favorite product is Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. I keep a box of it in the bathrooms and the kitchen because it cleans just about everything.
Use it to wipe away build up in your oven. Sprinkle it in your kitchen sink; let it soak and scrub away. It’s safe and green!
http://www.armhammer.com/basics/
- 7:34 AM
- 1 Comments
Cassoulet-(www.answers.com) n. A casserole of white beans, various meats, vegetables, and herbs, slowly simmered or baked in a slow oven.
Let me start by saying this was not an “easy” dish for me because I didn’t have all of the means to make it. I compromised and used two casserole dishes and a large pot in place of the Dutch oven. I also did not have enough breadcrumbs and had to make more at the last minute (no big deal). You won’t fall victim to these mishaps though because you will be prepared. This dish was so good, even if you make the same mistakes, you’ll be so happy you were patient and completed it.
Also, my children (ages 3 and 10 months) and my husband were my guinea pigs taste-testers. I probably should have invited more adults over to our house this evening. The original recipe said “serves 4-6”. No way. I have enough to freeze for two more nights of dinner.
In the end, I’m happy I tackled this meal because I will definitely make it again. The combination of bacon and pork is delectable!
What You Will Need:
2 lbs boneless pork roast, cut into 1-inch slices (use scissors)
1 lb bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup white wine
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
2 (14 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
What You Might Have at Home:
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups bread crumbs
2 tsp dried parsley
2 T olive oil
Dutch oven
Small bowl
1) Preheat oven to 375˚.
2) Add one onion, one clove of garlic and thyme to Dutch oven. Add pork over top. Bake for 1 ½ hours.
3) Remove from oven. Place pork mixture on plate and set aside. Brown bacon in Dutch oven. Drain and reserve 2 T fat. Pour fat back into Dutch oven.
4) Add carrots, celery, other onion and garlic to Dutch oven. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5) Add broth, wine, tomatoes and beans to Dutch oven. Simmer and add pork mixture.
6) In small bowl, mix bread crumbs, parsley and olive oil. Spoon over top pork mixture.
7) Bake for one hour.
8) Serve with bread.
- 7:57 PM
- 0 Comments
Gutter Guards?
Gutters are your home’s main protection from long-term water damage. Rainwater could cause significant harm to the home, but gutters channel it away. Make sure you clean your gutters at least twice a year to maintain a steady flow.
Gutter Helmets are available which protect the gutter itself. They can save you time and money and are something you might want to consider. If you do not have access to clean your own gutters, these are your answer. Three good reasons to buy gutter guards are:
1) They block debris and pests from entering your gutters.
2) They maintain a steady flow of water, minimizing ice build-up in winter.
3) You don’t have to worry about climbing your house to clean them!
- 9:49 AM
- 0 Comments
After my husband and I got married, we honeymooned in Mexico. We fell in love with the country and its food. Not a week goes by when we don’t eat at Mexico or cook Mexican fare at our own house. We even named our dog after our favorite Mexican restaurant. Here’s a cheap, quick dish! Top the fajitas anyway you like ‘em!
(Serves 4)
4 chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch slices
10 flour medium tortillas
1 medium onion, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
2 T taco seasoning (recipe below)
3/4 cup water
2 T olive oil
Salsa
1 cup Mexican cheese blend
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Skillet
Aluminum foil
1) Heat oven to 350˚. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and heat for 10 minutes.
2) Coat skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until no longer pink then add onions and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
3) Stir in seasoning then add water. Bring to a boil and then simmer. Heat until sauce thickens.
4) Serve with salsa, cheese, sour cream and tortillas.
Seasoning (store extra seasoning in air-tight container)
2 T all purpose flour
1 tsp hot chili powder
1 tsp mild chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
¾ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp cumin
- 7:22 PM
- 0 Comments
My husband loves plugging in his iPod when doing yardwork. He has no fear singing along, no matter how loud he is. Here's a collection of ones I'd love to hear him sing today. Sorry neighbors!
- 1:47 PM
- 0 Comments
Hardwood floors are a standard feature in most new homes these days. This does not mean the floors in homes you tour are always flawless.
It is up to the seller to repair them if needed or fix up to entice potential buyers. Some experts recommend finishing your floors before putting your home on the market. This would mean you have to potentially move everything out of your home to do so.
My advice would be to wait. There are easy ways to stage your home to focus on the more appealing features of the home. You are putting your home on the market. Moving everything out of the house is something you will do after you close. Don’t do it twice. Let it be known to the customer that you will finish the floors after you move. Make it part of the contract.
However, if you have floors like these, please show them off. Beautiful, unharmed hardwood floors that don’t need any retouching are hard to come by in resales.
- 8:19 AM
- 0 Comments
