Sunday Snippet Vol. 7

I had a great weekend away with the family. We visited my brother-in-law in Pennsylvania for his birthday, and it was a little bit of everything. We partied, we ate, we relaxed, we hiked to some waterfalls (with  hangovers), we watched movies, and went out and about a little. I may have even had to have my husband pull the car over after our hike so I could vomit on the side of the road. Epic! Haha.  It was all great.

As a parent, I find it very rewarding when you can have a great weekend away with the little ones in tow.  When you can feel good that they were content and well behaved. It's just a feeling of success and even pride in your little mini for being such a trooper.  I say this all the time but it's just so crazy how fast they grow. I feel like I can see my little lady just growing right before my eyes. It's amazing and sad all at once. 

Peace and good night... I'm off to bed. Xo

Family Recipe: Simply Delicious Baked Chicken

This is a family recipe.  One of those recipes I had to obtain from my mom once I moved out of her house. It is very simple, yet so delicious.  All my life, I've always been excited when my mother would make this dish.  And when she passed along the recipe, it was a pleasant surprise that it was so easy!! My friend Marianne - HEY!! - requested that I post more recipes. So, here is a simple, also toddler friendly recipe. My Zoey loves it! 

 When I am home, I try to do a lot of my cooking while the little naps, and this recipe is quite perfect for that.  It needs about 2-3 hours in the oven - depending on your oven.  The chicken comes out so tender and juicy, it basically falls right off the bone.  It also tastes great as leftovers.  It's a  great option for a dinner party as well- most people really enjoy it, and you can make it in advance and reheat.  It's comforting and simply delicious. 

Ingredients:

• 2lbs Chicken Pieces ( Here i just used thighs  and legs, but you can use any cut)
• 2 Cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs (I always season my own, but you can use pre-seasoned ones as well)
• 2 Eggs (for a healthier version you can just use the whites)
• Half a lemon (squeezed for juice, really not necessary but I find it helps tenderize meat)
• One Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Wine (any kind, I used white here, but I prefer to use Red, I just had this bottle opened already)

This recipe is easily adjusted to serve more or less as well.. 

If you would like to season your own breadcrumbs, here is what I used:

• 2 Cups Plain Bread Crumbs 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Preheat oven to 325.  Clean your chicken pieces, and squeeze the lemon juice over them and put aside.

If you are seasoning your own breadcrumbs start by putting all the ingredients into one bowl.

Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, and Parmesan

Use a fork to mix your breadcrumbs.

While the oil is heating....

Crack open eggs and lightly whisk together.

Place whisked eggs into a medium sized bowl and dip your chicken pieces in one at a time and then

firmly press your chicken into the breadcrumbs to get a light coating all around.

Place into heated frying pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side.

Have a roasting pan handy to transfer your chicken into once you have fried on both sides. 

OPTIONAL: When I have extra breadcrumbs I do this.  My mom always did this for me as a child.  You take your leftover bread crumbs and mix them with your leftover egg.

roll them into small balls and then flatten.

Fry on both sides for about 2 minutes each and then add to your roasting pan with your chicken.

Measure out a cup of wine or more... (I know this is only half, but I did add more) and add to the pan with your chicken, make sure to drizzle some over the chicken.

cover with tinfoil and put in the oven for about 2 hours at 325 degrees.  My oven seems to run slightly warmer than others, so some of you may want to leave the chicken in a little longer. 

Voila! And surprise! I added potatoes here too as a little experiment, and I would do it again... next time I might even try some carrots...and maybe more wine with the potatoes and veggies.

I hope some of you try this and enjoy it as much as I always have. 

Thanks for checking in guys! XO

Sunday Snippet Vol. 6

I am craving vacation and adventure so bad lately.  I feel like I need to plan something...a getaway of any sort.  It has been so long since I've done so and I was once the unsaid "activity planner" in my group of friends - always planning group trips for everyone to enjoy together.  Life hasn't been exactly as I would like it to be lately.  And I know I am not alone in feeling that way - how many of you out there feel as though you're truly living the life you want for yourself?

I'll just leave this here.

This quote got me reading some other Bukowski quotes....He's got some good ones.. Here's another I enjoyed:

From the Weekend

Friday it was seasonably warm, the forecast called for rain all day originally, but that changed. I was so happy to get the whole family out to the beach to hang for a bit. We scoured the sand for seashells, dipped our toes in the water and ran around like we were all children.  And of course I snapped plenty of photos....And Zoey was particularly stylin'... Those pineapple sunglasses! I couldn't help but share.

 

These are the moments that make me happiest! Happy Monday!

 

 

My Loves

Sunday Snippet Vol. 5

You ever come across people that rub you the wrong way?  You're not even sure what it even is about them, but you just feel like there's a reason you're not feeling their vibe.  Sometimes, I think it's because I can tell the person doesn't like me - but that's just me being me.... other times, I think it's a feeling of someone not being genuine, or having ulterior motives for their actions.  But for some reason when I spend time with people like that it really resonates with me and I find myself obsessively thinking about what it could be that just didn't sit right with us.

Sunday Snippet Vol. 4

I know I did not "Sunday Snippet" last week, but I had a bachelorette party on Saturday night and then a baby shower all day on Sunday... Let's just say the struggle was real... I had one of those two-day hangovers, I just wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep it off, but there were a few obstacles in my path that prevented me from doing that.  I will tell you that I don't do that often , and I promise you I will be more consistent with my snippets...

I would say I am more adventurous than your average person.  I am always seeking out new things to do and see.. I like to be active and bathe in the sunshine, breathe the fresh air, and see everything there is to be seen.  Sometimes, I forget that not everyone has the urge to wander...not everyone craves activities, or has the need to constantly awaken their senses to things unfamiliar to their daily lives... but to me that's kind of what life should be all about....?

I have been getting some positive feedback and even suggestions.  And I really appreciate that - much love! xx  I will be back soon.  Hope your weekend was as satisfying as mine, and that this week ahead is a good one!

deuces.

Salt Flats - something I recently discovered and would love to check out in person. Google it!