Monday, October 31, 2016

What's for Dinner [Greek Fries]

Chances are if you've eaten at a Greek restaurant, you've sampled the Greek fries.  Potatoes are my biggest weakness and these are pretty killler.  So good and, in this case, the use of frozen fries makes them easy to whip up quickly.  (Really you're just garnishing and seasoning.)  We enjoyed them with gyros with homemade tzatziki on Oxi Day.  (To learn more about how the Greeks changed the course of WWII click here.)


Greek Fries
Ingredients:
  • Thick cut frozen french fries
  • feta cheese, crumbled
  • oregano
  • lemon
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • olive oil
Directions:
  •  Cook fries according to package directions.
  • Once the fries are cooked drizzle a little olive oil over them.  The Misto works beautifully here!  You don't want to use very much, just a taste. 
  • Squeeze lemon juice on fries.
  • Sprinkle with oregano (don't be stingy) and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Top with feta and toss gently.  
  • Enjoy!
Happy Cooking!

Friday, October 28, 2016

Five on Friday [10.28.16]

Happy Friday!!  I don't really know where the week went, but I'm happy to get on with this week's five:

ONE
In case you missed my little PSA yesterday about the Loft sweater sale, their sweaters are on sale for half-off!  I shared my favorites and this one is that the top of my list!

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=604180119&pid=uid516-33062254-47

TWO
We're down to the last few days to Booooooze your friends. It's so fun to drop off a few things!


THREE
 There was a man shot outside of our school this week.  Yep, friends, you read that right, shot. Apparently a chase was occurring and they ended up out front of our school. We immediately went into lock down mode and were safe, but it was still unsettling.

FOUR
The next day we had an unannounced fire drill.  I was pretty touched that the troublemakers  young men from my lunch duty were concerned when they didn't see me outside and mentioned it to another adult. I was actually there, but considering most of them are taller than me I guess I went unnoticed.  Maybe I am getting through to them :)!!

FIVE
This year if you get a "Shout Out" in the weekly update at school you get a little surprise in your mailbox.  It may seem silly, but this seriously made my day.


Wishing y'all a terrific weekend!  Today I'm linking up with:


 Happy Friday!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

PSA: Big Sale!

Y'all, have I got a big sale to tell you about today....I know that it's not Sunday, so not the right time for a Sip and Shop, but I can't seem to find when the sale ends, and don't want you to miss out.  Loft is having a huge sale on their sweaters....as in they are $35 or less!!  Most of them are half off and I've rounded up a few of my favorites.

Bell Sleeves
I love the bell sleeves and the texture....it's especially pretty in the camel!

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=600049705&pid=uid516-33062254-47

Square Striped Pleated Sweater
I LOVE the back of this.  Such a cute and fun surprise. 

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=604180119&pid=uid516-33062254-47

Dotted Shirttail Sweater
Speaking of cute backs...how cute would this be with leggings??

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=537786244&pid=uid516-33062254-47

Shirttail Cardigan
 Can you tell I'm planning on living in my leggings this Winter :)....

https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=604180159&pid=uid516-33062254-47

I had decided I was finished updating the closet for the upcoming seasons, but now I"m just not so sure that a couple of these won't be arriving at my doorstep soon.....

Happy Shopping! 
* Affiliate links included in this post.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Monday, October 24, 2016

You've Been Boozed [Version 2]

As Halloween is quickly approaching, You've Been Boozed is back, but with a new look. (See the first printable here.)  I again snagged a few Halloween coozies from Target's Dollar Spot (this time including Frankenstein), grabbed a fall six pack, some candy, and voila...you've been boozed.


It's so fun to surprise our friends with this fun little, adult version of a Halloween treat.  Please feel free to print your own tags and spread the cheer yourself!


Happy Almost Halloween!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Sip and Shop Sunday [Cardigans]

Happy Sunday!  Hope you have enjoyed the weekend!


Today I'm sipping pumpkin hot chocolate from Kara's Party Ideas.....

The best PUMPKIN HOT CHOCOLATE recipe via Kara's Party Ideas KarasPartyIdeas.com Perfect for fall or Christmas!:


....and shopping cardigans.

Yesterday was the first truly chilly morning of the season and as I was headed to a little league football game to watch my kiddos from school I threw on my new cardigan from Nordstrom.  I. am. smitten.  I love it!  So comfortable, so cozy, and yet not too much fabric even though it's so long.  I'm seriously thinking about ordering a few more in different colors.

Nordstrom


Nordstrom II
I love the 3/4 sleeves on this one.  I'm always hot at school and this way I won't look like I'm dressed for summer.



I'd love to know what you're sipping and shopping today!  Hope you enjoy the last bit of the weekend!

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*Post includes affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Friday, October 21, 2016

Friday Five [10.21.16]

Happy Friday!!  We've crammed so much into this week, it feels like it's been two weeks since the last Friday Five post, not just one.  Very excited for a quiet little weekend with the Hubby.  So, right down to it, here are this week's five:

ONE
I'm so very proud of my tennis boys.  Although we didn't capture a 4th consecutive state title, we did come in second.  We were a different team this year, with only 2 of 7 returning starters.  I keep trying to remind them that although they might be disappointed, it's still a huge accomplishment.  All of our starters will be returning next year....we'll be back!



TWO
This came across my Facebook feed the other night.  I miss Peyton.  Do I really need to say anymore?

THREE
I'm kind of Fixer Upper obsessed.  What I wouldn't give for them to come to our little hive and work their magic.  (I'm always trying to convince Hubby to knock down a wall....I've yet to actually succeed, although he does love what they do.)  In the mean time I'll just have to settle for Magnolia Journal.

Image result for magnolia journal

FOUR
During lunch duty the other day the kiddos asked if I had asked Siri what zero divided by zero is, which I had not.  It led to asking Siri all sorts of things and lots of giggles.  They sure do brighten my day!

FIVE
Hubby and I have been doing whatever is quick and easy for dinner lately.  This fried rice fits the bill beautifully and it's perfect for stretching leftovers without it feeling like leftovers.


Wishing y'all a terrific weekend!  Today I'm linking up with:


Happy Friday!

Thursday, October 20, 2016

What's for Dinner [Fried Rice]

Hubby and I came across this dinner on accident as we threw some leftovers and pantry items together one night, but it's quickly becoming a go-to when we don't feel like cooking or when we have a crazy evening and just need to whip up something quick.  It really does work well when we have leftover bits of protein: roasted chicken, Asian pork tenderloin, etc.

The best part about this recipe is that all ingredients are to taste.  If you like carrots in yours, by all means throw them into the pan! 


Fried Rice
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups rice, leftover and cold
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame, steamed (or peas, if you prefer)
  • 2 T peanut or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chicken, pork, shrimp or beef, cooked (or you could use tofu, but Hubby wouldn't...)
  • 1 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 t fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 T soy sauce
  • 1 t sesame oil
Directions:
  •  Heat 1 T oil in large wok or skillet over medium high heat.
  • Pour in eggs and allow to cook.  Once set, remove from pan and cut into pieces.
  • Heat remaining 1 T oil in same pan and heat over high heat.  Add scallions and stir-fry for 1 min. Add remaining ingredients and cook for a few minutes until heated through.  Return egg to pan and serve immediately.  
  • Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

Friday, October 14, 2016

Five on Friday [10.14.16]

Happy Friday!!  Hope you have had a terrific week!  Although it seems like a really long week, there were many moments at school that I consciously thought about just how happy my heart was.  It was a good week with the kiddos. (And let's hope that I didn't just put the whammy on today, ha, ha!!)  On that note, here's this week's five:

ONE
We enjoyed Hubby's favorite crock pot meal, pepperoncini beef, one night this week.  What made it even better was the fact that with these beef and blue cheese sliders that we made from the leftovers we had two delicious meals!  So yum and so easy.

 http://happylittlehive.blogspot.com/2016/10/whats-for-dinner-beef-and-blue-cheese.html
TWO
Just a little PSA - Pottery Barn has their plaid throws on sale!  I especially love the buffalo check....

 

.....or this one for Christmas!



THREE
I know I mentioned a big match last week, but the state finals are this weekend!  My tennis boys are competing for their fourth consecutive state tennis title this weekend.  It will be a tough road (three big matches) to win the title, but I'm so proud of them and excited for the weekend!

FOUR
If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed my most recent impulse purchase from Tar-jay....I couldn't resist this mug!  While I'm a self-professed morning person and claim that I love mornings, what I really love is the quiet of the morning....disrupt that and I become pretty crabby, pretty quickly.


FIVE
Speaking of Instagram, this sweet verse popped up on my feed the other day, and was such an important, timely reminder.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Get this  scripture  >>FREE PRINTABLE<< here. Romans 12:12:  

Wishing y'all a terrific weekend!  Today I'm linking up with:


Happy Friday!
 
*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

What's for Dinner [Beef and Blue Cheese Sliders]

It's been a pretty busy week around our happy little hive....a good week, but busy.  So, I employed the crock pot and made Pepperoncini Beef, one of the few meals Hubby likes cooked in it.  While doing the dishes that night it occurred to me the leftovers just might be really yummy with some blue cheese and in sandwich form....and it was...awfully yummy.


Beef and Blue Cheese Sliders
Ingredients:
  • Left over beef from Pepperoncini Beef roast
  • blue cheese crumbles
  • slider buns or dinner rolls
  • 1/4 c mayonnaise
  • 2 t. horseradish
  • 1 T butter, melted
  • poppy seeds or dried onions
Directions:
  • Place bottoms of slider buns on cookie sheet (I lined with Silpat liner).
  • Mix mayo and horseradish together and spread a little on each bun.
  • Top with shredded meat and sprinkle with blue cheese.
  • Top with top bun and additional mayo mix, if desired.
  • Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  
  • Uncover, and drizzle with melted butter topped with poppy seeds or dried onions.
  • Bake additional 10 minutes, or until heated through and cheese slightly melted.
  • Enjoy!
Happy Cooking!

Monday, October 10, 2016

On My Bookshelf [The Couple Next Door]

Well.   It's back to school this morning.  Fall Break was absolutely wonderfully relaxing though.  Accomplished some projects around the house, had an incredible girls' getaway with Bestie KP, and read....a lot.  So I'm back with another edition of "On My Bookshelf".

The Couple Next Door was this month's pick for my book club and was interesting, to say the least.  It's classified as a psychological thriller and  has a similar feel to Gone Girl. Although while I couldn't put it down and was anxious to figure it out, I think the one word that would best describe the book is disturbing, to the point I had some pretty wild dreams after reading it. 


Amazon says:

It all started at a dinner party. . . 

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors—a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. . . 

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco  soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they've kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family—a chilling tale of  deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

As always, I would love to know what's on your bookshelf, especially since this is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a good book!

Happy Reading!
*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive!

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Sip and Shop Sunday [Throws]

Happy Sunday!  It's been a wonderful, relaxing week of Fall Break.  I'm so sad that tomorrow it's back to the grind.  But before that I'm snuggled up dreaming of a fire in the fireplace, a mug of salted caramel mocha in hand, and a warm snuggly throw.  (It's a little chilly in our hive this morning....Hubby and I are debating on when to turn on the heat.  I'm actually the one holding out.)  So without further ado.....


I'm sipping a homemade Salted Caramel Mocha....

.....and shopping for the perfect throw.

Pottery Barn Plaid
I'm a sucker for plaid and these throws seem to be perfect for all the colder months, not just Christmas...and it's on sale!



Pottery Barn Cable Knit
I can envision this cable knit throw in nearly every room of our home, in a different color.   It's also on sale!



Target Fuzzy Blanket
My youngest brother gifted us one of the softest blankets ever last year.  Hubby had just gotten out of the hospital and Brother #3 knew it would be perfectly comforting -- and it was.  So much so that Hubby doesn't really like to share.  I'm 99% sure this is the blanket


 

Happy Sipping and Shopping!

Friday, October 7, 2016

Friday Five [10.7.16]

Happy Friday!  First of all, I'm thinking of all those along the East Coast bracing for Hurricane Matthew.  We're sending our prayers!  I've heard through the grapevine that it doesn't appear to be as bad as predicted and I'm hoping that's truly the case.

I've been off of school all week and it's been delightful!  I haven't accomplished nearly what I had hoped, but I've been able to relax and enjoy which, for me, is probably the biggest accomplishment of all!  So, without further ado, here are this week's five:

ONE
Bestie KP and I enjoyed a quick little girls' getaway to Lake Wawasee in Northern Indiana.  We had the most beautiful weather and the resort was darling.  More to come on that next week, but first check out this spectacular rainbow after a quick little sprinkle.  Stunning.


TWO
I've finally perfected the homemade Salted Caramel Mocha.  Such a special little treat.  So yummy and perfect for fall.


THREE
We've enjoyed this cowboy dip all week.  I whipped up a batch on Monday and we've had it as a dip, a side, and I threw in some chicken for lunch one day.


FOUR
I'm trying to decide about this tunic.  I *think* I like that it has a little more defined front, but the back is still loose and swingy...or would I just look pregnant?  I can't decide, but think it would be one or the other: perfect or pregnant.  Thoughts??

 

FIVE
Our boys have played a couple good, solid matches on their quest for a fourth consecutive state championship.  They play again tomorrow in Semi-State.  We are a different team this year, as we lost several seniors last year, but they've worked hard.  Go 'Thers!

 

 Wishing y'all a terrific weekend!  Today I'm linking up with:


Happy Friday!
*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Salted Caramel Mocha

If I'm being completely honest, this time of year my true love is the pumpkin spice latte....but, this salted caramel mocha is a pretty close second.  The best part about it - you can make it yourself at home.  No need to spend $5 a pop, when that could buy you the ingredients to make as many as you would like.  I use the same method as I do for my other homemade lattes with a stove-top espresso maker.  Such a special treat, without having to change out of your pajamas.


Salted Caramel Mocha 
Ingredients:
  • espresso
  • milk
  • caramel syrup
  • hot chocolate mix (we like the dark mix in this little hive)
  • 1 T turbinado sugar
  • 1 T sea salt
  • whip cream, if desired
 Directions
  • Mix sugar and sea salt and set aside. (I store in a mason jar.)
  • Make espresso (or you can use really strong coffee, but I promise it's better with espresso).
  • While espresso is brewing pour milk into mason jar.  Cover and shake until milk has doubled in size.  Remove lid and heat in microwave for one minute.
  • In bottom of coffee mug add caramel sauce and hot chocolate mix.  We prefer 2 T of caramel and 1 T of hot chocolate mix, but use according to your personal taste.
  • Pour hot espresso into mug.  Stir to combine and dissolve the caramel sauce and hot chocolate mix.  
  • Add heated milk, top with froth.
  • Garnish with whip cream and sugar and salt mixture.
  • Enjoy!
Happy Cooking!

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Cowboy Dip

My mama one time pointed out to me that I tended to swoon at the sight of a cowboy hat.  I will neither confirm, nor deny that particular little bit, but this cowboy dip is definitely swoon worthy! This little-of-this, little-of-that dip can be tweaked to suit any taste.  Use your favorite bean, add jalapeno for some spice, or leave out the ingredient you might not love.  Serve it as a dip, a salad, along side fajitas, or mix it in with a burrito bowl.  It's seriously incredibly versatile.


Cowboy Dip
Ingredients:
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can corn (fire roasted adds a nice twist)
  • 1 avocado, diced (You might notice it's not in the picture -- I thought we had one...we didn't.)
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • handful cherry tomatoes, diced
  • juice of one lime 
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • cumin
Mix all ingredients together and season with salt, pepper, and cumin to taste.  Cover and chill for an hour or longer.

Monday, October 3, 2016

On My Bookshelf [The Woman in Cabin Ten]

The Woman in Cabin Ten came highly recommended from many different friends and blogs, and although it's good, I'm not sure that I enjoyed it quite as much as they did.  Although I seem to be the only one who didn't love The Girl on the Train, either, and I find it's for the same reason.  I just didn't love the main character.  She's not all that likeable.  I did, however, like the overall plot, and enjoyed the mystery with a few twists and turns.

 THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 BY RUTH WARE (JULY 19)  In need of a good, British psychological thriller? This new novel from the author of In a Dark, Dark Wood follows a young journalist who witnesses a grisly murder while on a press trip for a new luxury cruise line. The only problem? Every passenger on the ship is accounted for.

 Amazon says:
In this tightly wound, enthralling story reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s works, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo’s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for—and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong…

With surprising twists, spine-tingling turns, and a setting that proves as uncomfortably claustrophobic as it is eerily beautiful, Ruth Ware offers up another taut and intense read in The Woman in Cabin 10—one that will leave even the most sure-footed reader restlessly uneasy long after the last page is turned.

I know it might seem odd to include a post on a book I didn't love, but with as much as I read, it happens from time to time (and trust me, if it's something I absolutely wouldn't recommend, there won't be a post at all!!).  As someone who reads reviews of other avid readers, it's nice to hear an honest review, too. 

As always, I'd love to know what's on your bookshelf!  Always looking for something great to read.

Happy Reading!

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Sip and Shop Sunday [Tunics]

Happy Sunday!  As I've mentioned before, Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  The fact that it's Fall Break this coming week has me enjoying the day even more than usual. 


Today I'm sipping fresh mint tea, probably one of the last batches from our garden for this season...

 

...and I'm shopping for the perfect tunic.  Leggings have been my winter uniform of choice the last couple years and considering I've since discovered Lula Roe leggings I don't see that changing this year.  (I was skeptical at first, but the leggings really are as soft as butter!)  I digress....Here are a few tops I'm currently considering:

 

Love the cowl neck and it comes in lots of colors. 

 

This has me intrigued.  I love that there's a touch of definition, but it's still flowy in the back.  Unfortunately, it's not available at my local Nordstrom, so I haven't tried it on.

 
Happy Sipping and Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for supporting The Happy Little Hive.

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