April 26, 2011

Apricot Pistachio Granola

Hi, my name is Tracy and I’m a granola addict. It’s been 3 minutes since I ate my last handful of granola. I gave away as much as I could, but somehow a jar made its way onto my desk and I CANNOT close the lid. You too would have a hard time staying away if you had a chance to taste toasted coconut, roasted pistachios, walnuts, and oats covered in a spicy/sugary glaze mixed with a hint of salt. Did I mention there’s olive oil in this granola?? I simply cannot be trusted with what’s left of this jar. Someone please call for an intervention. I NEED IT. CONTINUE READING

around the home, favorites, Uncategorized

April 25, 2011

My Current Fave Things GIVEAWAY!!!

I had fun putting together my first giveaway a few months ago and since then I’ve collected a few fun/ useful things for another round! ARE YOU READY?!

1. Kikkerland Gray Paper Straws. Aren’t they pretty?? They help fancy up your beverages! I’ve been using these a lot lately. They are really nice if you want your swanky cocktail to stand out! Bonus-they’re made out of paper so throw them in your recycle bin when you’re done. I should note that they’re sturdiest paper straws I’ve had. No soggy paper straws for you!

2. Breakfast- To- Go container from Martha Stewart for Macy’s. In this little container, you can put granola, yogurt & berries and take it on the go with you! Your granola will stay nice and crunchy because it won’t touch the yogurt until you’re ready to eat it! The best part is that there’s a little spoon included in the container! My only complaint is that it’s not bigger! But I guess it’s all about portion control. Whatever that means….

3. Ceramic Berry Container from Anthropologie! Do I need to say more?? See it in action here! When I’m out of berries, I keep my garlic in it. Nothing makes 4 heads of garlic look pretty like this little ceramic container!

4. The Perfect Grocery Shopping List by Knock Knock Pads. This is a LIFE SAVER! This notepad has many good categories for shopping including: Fruits, Vegetables, Canned Goods, Deli, Breads, Frozen Foods, Condiments, Snacks Meat & Fish, Dairy, Pasta, Baking, Pet Items, Household, Paper & Wrap….There’s also room to write extra items that I might need….like parchment paper, paperclips & a nail file for when I’m trying to be Macgyver! I always carry a few sheets in my purse so I can come up with a list on the go! It also has a magnetic backing so it hangs nicely in my kitchen.

Casey has altered my notepad to say I’m ALL OUT OF love, I’m so lost without you…. (he’s funny)

So there you have 4 of my favorite things right now. Want a chance to win them all?

What your favorite snack is!

A winner will be picked at random next Monday! Good Luck!

around the home, Uncategorized

April 24, 2011

Easter Weekend 2011

Our Easter was a bit different this year. My family was out of town, so we had a very low key Easter at home, just the three of us. On Saturday we took Cooper to the Hiller Aviation Museum to see the Easter Bunny arrive by helicopter!
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recipes, Uncategorized

April 23, 2011

Orange Poppy Scones

Have you already figured out what to make for Easter? I still haven’t a clue! What I DO know is that I’ll be taking a few of these flaky Orange Poppy Scones out of the freezer early tomorrow morning & popping them into the oven so we can start our Easter day off RIGHT! These buttery scones are infiltrated with the most addictive poppy seed crunch and are delicately perfumed by fresh, bright orange zest. Doesn’t that just scream EASTER??!! Yeah, that’s what I thought. I’m glad I saved a few for the special occasion. Way to go, me.

Now…tell me what you’re making for Easter. I need ideas. Like…QUICK.

Photography, Uncategorized

April 22, 2011

365- Week 15

A food related photo everyday until 2012. Here’s week 15:

111/365 During nap time today.

recipes, Uncategorized

April 21, 2011

Berry Studded Baked Oatmeal

I already have 3 food related posts in my queue, but somehow I feel this great sense of urgency to share with you what I ate for breakfast this morning! Those posts will have to wait because you have breakfast to make this coming weekend and you’lll WANT to make this, no doubt. Let me start by saying that I almost NEVER make oatmeal and I’m not really sure why! My husband, who is a total oatmeal lover, gets the short end of the stick on this one. He’s been away for work for the past few days and I thought it would be nice to welcome him back with something warm, sweet & tasty for breakfast this morning. You know…to make him realize how good he’s got it at home! And yes…he already KNOWS this! After he finished the big bowl I served him, he said “This was excellent. I really loved it!” And that, my friends is reason enough to make this. Your favorite oatmeal loving person will be happy and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you make something JUST right for someone special? That’s nothing BUT love!

So, what does it taste like? Think rice pudding meets bread pudding meets berry cobbler meets oatmeal mixed with tart berries and sweet gooey bananas. Also, can we say how EASY it is? Line fruit on the bottom of a baking dish, add oats, then milk, top with more fruits & nuts and bake. I think this is going to be one of those recipes that becomes an improvisational staple at my house. Just thinking of the potential flavor combos has me excited! Ooh! What about crystallized ginger, honey & almonds? What about something savory with bacon, maple syrup & bananas?! I told you I was excited…
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around the home, recipes, Uncategorized

April 19, 2011

#5. Have a Nacho Party!

You know what’s dangerous? Figuring out that it’s super EASY to make your own Nacho Cheese Sauce. This kind of information can be really helpful if you want to host a Nacho Party! Knowing how to make your own nacho cheese is not helpful when you plan on wearing a bathing suit soon. If you find yourself making a batch and suddenly you’re sitting on the couch watching Housewives shows on Bravo with nothing but the pot & a spoon, STOP YOURSELF! This activity, although incredibly tempting, is exactly why you are not currently bathing suit ready, Tracy.

There are only three people who know how long ago this Nacho Party happened. Hey 3 people, let’s not tell the internet how behind I am in posting this! If you can keep the date tight lipped, I’ll feed you more nachos. From what I remember, you three DEMOLISHED your nachos, which only leads me to believe you do not want me to revoke your nacho privileges. How’s that for a threat??

BTW, we can cross off another thing from my 31 comes before 32 list #5. Have a Nacho Party!! And hot DANG they were good! If you find yourself with any leftover cheese (not possible!) pour some over a baked potato and add some steamed broccoli on top!
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