Friday, April 8, 2016

Friday Five [4.8.16]

Woohoo!!!  It's Friday!  It's been quite a week.  So excited for the weekend.  No big plans, just some little projects at home and little outings with friends.  Pretty perfect, if you ask me.  Now let's get down to this week's five....

ONE
Last weekend Hubby and I knocked out some spring cleaning.  I have decided from this point on I will only use Mrs. Meyers Honeysuckle spray.  Y'all, it smells heavenly, it doesn't give me a headache, and it really does a nice job cleaning.  Win, win, win.  I shared a couple other tips I learned earlier this week.

TWO
Asparagus has been on sale lately and Hubby and I have enjoyed this dish a couple times in the last few weeks.  Asparagus, chorizo, croutons and all in 5-10 minutes....what's not to love?



THREE
Before Mother Nature decided it might snow this weekend, I was gearing up for summer and ordered my very favorite Korres body butter.  I confessed it yesterday, but it's just too good not to share again.  Plus this morning I discovered the "luxury collection" is currently on sale at Sephora.



FOUR
Unfortunately, Indianapolis was in USA Today this week -- and not in a good way.  This gentleman has been selling brooms in our area for 60 years.  It was kind of disheartening to hear he would no longer be welcome at the post office (and believe me when I say it confirmed my already low opinion of my neighborhood branch).  However, I was thrilled as the week progressed by the outpouring of local businesses volunteering to have him at their businesses and schools (including my alma mater).  I guess there still is such a thing as Hoosier Hospitality....I only wish that part had been included in the national new, too.

FIVE
I leave you with a little third grade boy poem.  I couldn't quite figure out what was prompting all the giggles.  Boys will be boys.


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


Happy Friday!!!

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Confessional Thursday #2

Happy Thursday aka the day before Friday!!  We can do it...we're almost there.  But before we start celebrating I'm linking up for a little 'fess sesh.

 

I confess....

....I ordered some of this body butter this week...I was completely out and it is utterly heavenly.  Trust me on this one.  And as an extra little bonus I smile every time I use it since it's Greek.

....I stopped to pick up toothpaste the other day, but didn't end up getting any because Target's Cartwheel App wouldn't load....this might end up saving me more than I realized.  Ha.  I'm a little obsessed with it.   And I managed to avoid Dollar Spot.  (Double win!!)

....I've been trying to forget about the Easter candy I snagged on deep discount for baskets.  (Greek Easter isn't until the first Sunday in May this year.)  I may or may not have already eaten the Cadbury Minis I got for myself.

....We're having a step competition at school.  Really we're competing as a team against other schools, but my competitive streak is kicking in since I don't want to be at the bottom of our school's list.  I've been walking in place while cooking, brushing my teeth, even doing my make up. 

....Needless to say, I'm taking a few more walks around the neighborhood.  My dear, sweet neighbor mentioned seeing me out and about often several days ago.  Yesterday as I walked by she leaned out her back door and gave a little holler of encouragement.  It completely made my day.  I grinned the entire way back to my doorstep.  It's the little things....

What are you confessing this week? 

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

What's for Dinner [Asparagus with Croutons and Chorizo]

Boy oh boy, do I have a recipe for y'all today!  This one is so delicious and full of flavor you simply won't believe the ingredient list, much less how simple it is.  This keeper is from Jacques Pepin's Fast Food My Way.  Everything he makes is utterly divine, but not usually quite so straightforward.  This is the perfect time of year for this dish, as asparagus is at it's best.


I must confess....we've had this twice in the last two weeks, but I've neglected to take a picture of the finished product each time.  Hubby's always in too much of a hurry to start eating...

Asparagus with Croutons and Chorizo
Source: Jacques Pepin

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large, thick, firm asparagus, tough ends removed and bottom half of stalks peeled with a vegetable peeler
  • 1/4 cup good olive oil
  • 1 cup 3/4 inch pieces chorizo sausages (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups 3/4 inch bread cubes (croutons), preferably from a baguette or country loaf
  • 1/4 cup whole almonds with skins
  • 1/4 t salt
  • 1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
  • Cut each asparagus stalk into 3 or 4 pieces.
  • At serving time, heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until very hot.
  • Add the asparagus, chorizo, bread, and almonds and saute, covered, for 5-6 minutes, tossing or stirring the mixture a few times, so it browns and cooks all over.
  • Add the salt and pepper, toss again, and serve on four warmed plates.
My Notes:
  • We made it with the almonds the first time, but haven't included them since.
  • We have made this with andouille in place of the chorizo and it was fabulous!  
  • We don't always use that much oil.
  • We do always love it!
Happy Cooking!

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

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

What's for Diner [Queso Baked Tacos]

Last week I shared that Taco Tuesday actually turned into Taco Thursday, but that certainly didn't change how yummy these tacos are!!  I first saw them on Going the Distance and when Hubby came home with a block of Velveeta (when he shops we get things like Velveeta, Key Lime Cookie Mix, and Cinnabon Rolls...) I knew we would be whipping them up soon.  They come together quickly and are full of flavor....two things I look for with a weeknight recipe.


Queso Baked Tacos
Slightly adapted from original recipe found here

Ingredients:
  • 1 package taco shells (we used the stand up kind and they worked well)
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
  • 8 oz Velveeta, cut into chunks, plus 2 or 3 additional chunks, if needed
  • 2 T chili powder (less if you don't want it quite as spicy)
  • 1 t. paprika
  • 1/4-1/2 t. ground cumin
  • 1/2 t. garlic powder
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Saute chopped onion in skillet in a touch of olive oil until translucent.  Add beef and cook through.
  • Drain beef and onion mixture.
  • Return to pan and add seasonings, mixing well.  Continue to cook for a few minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and Velveeta.  Cook, stirring, until Velveeta is completely melted.
  • Stuff taco shells and bake for 8-10 minutes.
  • We served with lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, corn, and refried beans.
Happy Cooking!

Monday, April 4, 2016

Spring Cleaning Tips

Now, I certainly don't profess to be a terrific housekeeper....it's actually quite the opposite.  Cleaning is just not my thing.  I like a clean home, but I'd be perfectly happy if someone else would make it sparkle for me.  However, this past weekend Hubby and knocked out some spring cleaning and I learned a few new tricks.  You might already know them, but I was pretty tickled to discover them for myself.

The first thing we do it put on some tunes, open the doors, and, although Hubby doesn't know it, set a timer.  Giving myself a certain allotted amount of time ensures that I don't get sidetracked as easily and gives me the feeling that there's an end in sight.....Now, here are a couple other little tips.

The Lint Roller
Everybody's got one (or at least everyone who has a pup in the home...) but have you used them to clean lampshades and speakers???  Works like a charm!  Both items look like new and all it took was a few swipes with the lint roller. (Now that I know that I might have to get a package of 5. Haha.)


The Squeegee
If you do have the above mentioned pup, you know how difficult it can be to keep rugs clean.  Hubby and I are lucky to have a couple lovely antique rugs and our vacuums (yes, plural, ugh) just don't get the job done.  However, go over the rug with the squeegee and watch the hair comes off like a breeze.  I'm warning you though, you might be horrified.

Bona Hardwood Cleaner
We tried this cleaner for the first time over the weekend and for our floors and we're sold!  Daddy first told me about this brand and has been successfully using them in his 100+ year old home.  You simply spray it on the floor and go over it with a Swiffer.  Voila, clean, bright floors.  Ours look terrific!!  (Now, I have to say I've scoured reviews and realize not everyone is happy with their results.  From what  can tell the issue seems to be those that are unhappy seem to have laminate hardwoods, not real. Even Hubby was really happy with this product and the results -- and he's not always easy to please.)

Mrs. Meyers Honeysuckle Multi-Surface Spray
Traditional cleaners give me a terrible headache and Hubby doesn't like the smell when I use vinegar (not to mention that he's kind of close-minded and thinks things don't get clean...).  Anywho, we've found the perfect compromise with Mrs. Meyers Honeysuckle.  And it's perfect for spring cleaning as it brings the smell of spring right into your home.  I'll be getting the concentrate from here on out.

What are your tips and tricks??  I'm dying to hear your favorite methods....anything to make our happy little hive shine and sparkle!

Happy Cleaning!

Friday, April 1, 2016

Friday Five [4.1.16]

Happy Friday and Happy April!!  I'm actually sad to see this Friday arrive.  I've loved every minute of Spring Break and am just not quite ready for it to be over.  Without further ado, here's this week's five:

ONE
If you know me in real life, you know I never go anywhere without my big Tervis Tumbler of ice water.  It's kinda like my security blanket.  Sweet Brother #3 gifted me with a Yeti Rambler Tumbler
for my birthday.  Y'all....I'm obsessed with this thing!!  It definitely lives up to the hype. I haven't tried it yet with coffee or hot beverages quite simply because there's always ice still in the cup when I wake up in the morning.  I had an extra little vinyl monogram from another project that I added to it.  Although I thought it couldn't be more perfect, it added the little something extra.


TWO
After a series of events Taco Tuesday became Taco Thursday with these yummy queso baked tacos from Jenn at Going the Distance.  They were delish. 


THREE
Earlier this week I shared my love of Rocksbox and my latest box.  Don't forget you can use the code melissafbff1 for a free month!!


FOUR
Spring is popping up all over the neighborhood, which certainly makes our walks a little happier.  I came home from one this week ecstatic over the sweet ducks in the creek.  Make Way for Ducklings has always been one of my very favorite books and I've always had a soft spot for them.  After some convincing I got Hubby to go back with me to feed them.  Sadly, the poor ducks were more terrified of me than anything (you can see they're swimming away from me :(...). I've been keeping my distance since.


FIVE
I've been debating and debating turning a hallway closet into an office.  If you follow me on Pinterest you know I've pinned all kinds of inspiration, but just can't seem to pull the trigger.  Have any of y'all done it?  Do you love it?  Have any regrets?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.





I love these in the closet spaces. I haven't decided yet if I want to use the extra space in the laundry room or the enormous out-of-place closet in the half bath.:
Source
Wishing y'all terrific weekends!! Today I'm linking up with:


Happy Friday!!!
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