Holy Stars! Is it really March already? Where have the last two months gone? Oh yeah, it was birthday season among our family and friends. We were busy celebrating those we love so it's true what they say about time flying when you're having fun!
To re-cap real quick; We started off the celebrations on January 12th with my soon to be Father in Law's Birthday and ended the month long celebrations ended with my Fiance's on February 24th. Between those two dates were my Mom, our Son, My soon to be Mother In Law, Me, two of our sweet neighbor's & my Grandma's Birthdays. Something like 9 birthdays in a little over a month!
I also asked two of my bridesmaids and our flower girl to be in our wedding, they all said yes. Only one more to talk to! My Fiance asked his best friend to be a Groomsman, too & he said yes so our wedding party is starting to take shape and this wedding is starting to feel real!
I also kicked up this blog and am starting to work on it more. Someone said to me that I could pick up the phone and call people instead of worrying about strangers on the blog. This came because of a post I made that I had created another Facebook page to keep personal life and blog life separate. True, I could but A) I hate talking on the phone and B) I love writing and sharing what inspires me. A lot of the reason I chose to make this blog more public is because of the inspiration I get from reading other blogs and if I can bring that kind of light and inspiration to someone else, why shouldn't I? Plus it's a great way to document all the exciting things happening in my life!
With all that being said you can see why I haven't done a Goals post for the last two months but now that I've got a hot minute to sit down and catch up with my own thoughts I can actually do that!
So here are my goals for March.
1. Ask my last bridesmaid to be in my wedding.
2. Start wedding dress shopping.
3. Maybe I should actually book the wedding planners, just sayin'.
4. Get wedding invites ordered or start making them.
5. Visit Ulta and buy the Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Palette.
6. Start selling my jewelry.
7. Wash my face nightly with my skin care products.
8. Mate socks at least once a week (it's the chore I despise the most).
9. Send people more snail mail, just because.
10. Less internet time in the evenings.
11. Start my Wii-Fit work-out again.
12. Lose 5 more pounds.
13. Eat more fruits and veggies.
14. Add social media buttons to my blog!
Those all sound like simple, reasonable goals, right? Now let's see how many of those I can accomplish in a month. 30 days is plenty of time to do all these!
What are some of your March goals?
Anything exciting happening in your life?
Let's do this March!!
Foodie Friday
Friday, February 27, 2015
Hey y'all. Welcome back to another edition of Foodie Friday. This is easily becoming one of my favorite posts of the week. I think next week I might even do a link up button if anyone would be interested. Food for thought. Ha Ha!
This week I have a delicious recipe to share with y'all. It's one that I haven't personally made but my sweet sweet neighbor made saw it on my Pinterest board and made it for me since my birthday was a couple weeks ago. You'll love these sugary sweet snacks. I've already eaten all mine, who am I kidding? I ate them all by the next day!No shame. Okay, maybe a little but it hasn't stopped me from thinking about making some for myself ;) I'll share the recipe in a minute but first let me tell you about a wish and dream I've had for most of my adult life.
It started during my childhood, really. Spending the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas in the kitchen cooking and baking with my Mom. Those are some of my favorite memories. When my son was younger we continued the tradition with him. He's 12 now and usually has far better things to do than spend time in the kitchen with Dear 'ol Mom & Mimi. Someday he'll come back around though. In the mean time it's something my Mom & I do together. Usually with my Dad and my Fiance (both men can and do cook on the reg). Lucky us, right? Definitely and I want my son to be one of those men, this is why I have hope that he'll come back around sometime. Probably not until college or even when he's married.
It's been a dream of mine to cultivate those memories into opening my own bakery. When my son was in kindergarten I was devastated that I couldn't bake goodies for his class, they all had to be store bought. Talk about a dream crusher! For the Fall Festival I was able to actually bake some goodies for his class. That's when this dream really took off. I baked the cutest monkey cupcakes ever. It was during this baking fest that I came up with a name for my bakery; The Funky Money because the cupcakes were moneys and my grandpa was trying to eat every. single. one. I finally caved and told him he could have the funky ones (the ones that didn't turn out perfect). So there it was, my bakery was born {in my mind, at least}.
I thought it would be fun to share a glimpse into what my dream bakery would look like. Fun right?!
Here goes!!
Whimsical and Fun! The kind of place you'd love to go on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I'd love to have a sandwich shop on the side that would sell soups, sandwiches, noodle bowls, & salads, too. And to make and sell personalized wedding/baby shower invitations. And i'd love to cater to weddings and do booths at festivals. I imagine the display for that looking something like this.
Dream Big, right? Maybe some day this dream will all come true. In the mean time enjoy these delicious sweet treats that I mentioned way above ;) They're like Heaven in a cookie. You won't be disappointed, I promise. I may or may not make a batch of these andeat them all this weekend. Who needs a diet when you've got cookies, right?
No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
In a medium sized bowl, combine coconut and pecans; set aside.
In a heavy saucepan over medium high heat, stir sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup and butter. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full rolling boil -- let boil and stir for 3 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and coconut and pecan mixture. Stir off the heat for about 4 minutes, until mixture starts to cool and thicken.
Drop by large spoonfuls on wax paper. Let harden completely -- about an hour to an hour and a half -- before serving.
Notes
Makes about 20 large cookies.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238479742744573994/
Enjoy your weekend y'all.
This week I have a delicious recipe to share with y'all. It's one that I haven't personally made but my sweet sweet neighbor made saw it on my Pinterest board and made it for me since my birthday was a couple weeks ago. You'll love these sugary sweet snacks. I've already eaten all mine, who am I kidding? I ate them all by the next day!
It started during my childhood, really. Spending the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas in the kitchen cooking and baking with my Mom. Those are some of my favorite memories. When my son was younger we continued the tradition with him. He's 12 now and usually has far better things to do than spend time in the kitchen with Dear 'ol Mom & Mimi. Someday he'll come back around though. In the mean time it's something my Mom & I do together. Usually with my Dad and my Fiance (both men can and do cook on the reg). Lucky us, right? Definitely and I want my son to be one of those men, this is why I have hope that he'll come back around sometime. Probably not until college or even when he's married.
It's been a dream of mine to cultivate those memories into opening my own bakery. When my son was in kindergarten I was devastated that I couldn't bake goodies for his class, they all had to be store bought. Talk about a dream crusher! For the Fall Festival I was able to actually bake some goodies for his class. That's when this dream really took off. I baked the cutest monkey cupcakes ever. It was during this baking fest that I came up with a name for my bakery; The Funky Money because the cupcakes were moneys and my grandpa was trying to eat every. single. one. I finally caved and told him he could have the funky ones (the ones that didn't turn out perfect). So there it was, my bakery was born {in my mind, at least}.
I thought it would be fun to share a glimpse into what my dream bakery would look like. Fun right?!
Here goes!!
Whimsical and Fun! The kind of place you'd love to go on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I'd love to have a sandwich shop on the side that would sell soups, sandwiches, noodle bowls, & salads, too. And to make and sell personalized wedding/baby shower invitations. And i'd love to cater to weddings and do booths at festivals. I imagine the display for that looking something like this.
Dream Big, right? Maybe some day this dream will all come true. In the mean time enjoy these delicious sweet treats that I mentioned way above ;) They're like Heaven in a cookie. You won't be disappointed, I promise. I may or may not make a batch of these and
No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
In a medium sized bowl, combine coconut and pecans; set aside.
In a heavy saucepan over medium high heat, stir sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup and butter. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full rolling boil -- let boil and stir for 3 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and coconut and pecan mixture. Stir off the heat for about 4 minutes, until mixture starts to cool and thicken.
Drop by large spoonfuls on wax paper. Let harden completely -- about an hour to an hour and a half -- before serving.
Notes
Makes about 20 large cookies.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238479742744573994/
Enjoy your weekend y'all.
The Bachelor
Thursday, February 26, 2015
I'm going to confess a little secret. I've been saying I don't like The Bachelor. It's pathetic that so many women are throwing themselves at this man, acting like jealous hormone enraged teenagers. I almost feel embarrassed for some of these girls because I'm not sure that they realize how they're acting. Truth is i'm secretly addicted to The Bachelor this season. He's a hottie (not nearly as much of a hottie as my man though) + he's a country/farm boy (yee haw!! Seriously, I don't do yuppie.) I just can't let my fiance know that i'm addicted because he'll roll his eyes at me. If you're reading this Hi Baby! Now you know what I watch while you're at work ツ
I'm watching it On Demand on the days I have time to sit down and watch t.v. so i'm only 1/2 way in. I know i've got to catch up soon b/c he's going to pick a girl soon! Eeek!! Anyway, here's my break down of what i think about the girls at this point.
Ashley S.-She's definitely entertaining but so far out there that she's not coming back anytime soon. I mean the whole pomegranate/onion thing on the first episode pretty much made my mind up about her + the zombie/deer in headlights look the girl always has is frightening. I'm convinced she's only keeping her around for comic relief.
Ashley I.Kanye called, he wants his wife back. Oh, yeah you aren't Kim Kardashian, you just think you are. Weird. Just be yourself and stop crying like a 14 year old girl because he hasn't spent enough time with you. I've never cried as much as you have and i've had real relationships. Do you really think that if you're a virgin and never had a boyfriend this is the time to try to commit yourself? Maybe not. I think she's an attention w---e. Now I get it, that's where she's like Kim K. Will someone slap her while she sits in her fancy dress, pouting, eating corn on the cob, drinking wine because she's not at the Cinderella date with Chris?
Jillian-She's cute but that potty mouth on the romantic one on one date is not! She's awkward and while I feel bad for her I think she's gotta go.
JadeShe seems cute and really down to earth. She has her own natural make-up line. I think she and Chris could mesh well. A Farmer + A Natural Cosmetics Developer. They both have a love of the earth. It could work.
Whitney Cute, bubbly, a ton of fun + she likes to crash weddings? I do, however, think that she was a little pushy on that one on one where they crashed the wedding and she was acting like they were already engaged. He went along with it though. She's my #2 choice for him.
Kaitlyn She's my choice for his future wifey. She's not afraid of anything, she seems well rounded, and a ton of fun. She's a natural beauty, which would be important for farm living. I love that she laughs a lot and doesn't take anything too seriously.
I'm watching it On Demand on the days I have time to sit down and watch t.v. so i'm only 1/2 way in. I know i've got to catch up soon b/c he's going to pick a girl soon! Eeek!! Anyway, here's my break down of what i think about the girls at this point.
Ashley S.-She's definitely entertaining but so far out there that she's not coming back anytime soon. I mean the whole pomegranate/onion thing on the first episode pretty much made my mind up about her + the zombie/deer in headlights look the girl always has is frightening. I'm convinced she's only keeping her around for comic relief.
Ashley I.Kanye called, he wants his wife back. Oh, yeah you aren't Kim Kardashian, you just think you are. Weird. Just be yourself and stop crying like a 14 year old girl because he hasn't spent enough time with you. I've never cried as much as you have and i've had real relationships. Do you really think that if you're a virgin and never had a boyfriend this is the time to try to commit yourself? Maybe not. I think she's an attention w---e. Now I get it, that's where she's like Kim K. Will someone slap her while she sits in her fancy dress, pouting, eating corn on the cob, drinking wine because she's not at the Cinderella date with Chris?
Jillian-She's cute but that potty mouth on the romantic one on one date is not! She's awkward and while I feel bad for her I think she's gotta go.
JadeShe seems cute and really down to earth. She has her own natural make-up line. I think she and Chris could mesh well. A Farmer + A Natural Cosmetics Developer. They both have a love of the earth. It could work.
Whitney Cute, bubbly, a ton of fun + she likes to crash weddings? I do, however, think that she was a little pushy on that one on one where they crashed the wedding and she was acting like they were already engaged. He went along with it though. She's my #2 choice for him.
Kaitlyn She's my choice for his future wifey. She's not afraid of anything, she seems well rounded, and a ton of fun. She's a natural beauty, which would be important for farm living. I love that she laughs a lot and doesn't take anything too seriously.
My new favorite beauty product
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
On Monday my sweet sweet neighbor brought me a beautiful basket filled with some lovely goodies. I absolutely love these gifts the most because they require more thought than just going to the store and buying one present. You know the giver thought of you each time they bought you a little something. She and I have just started getting each other a color themed basket for our birthdays and it's the sweetest. In my basket this year she gave me my favorite EOS lip balm, stress relief massage oil, a make up bag, make up, a coffee mug, a framed cross stitched pic, & hand knitted dish rags and scarf!
It's adorable and so so pretty, right?
My favorite thing is the new make up palette that was in my basket. It's Physician's Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette. Yesterday was the first day i wore it and instantly fell in love. It puts a healthy glow on your face and makes you feel fabulous! Plus it's not heavy or cakey at all! I have naturally rosey/blush cheeks anyway so some blushes make me look like a clown but this certainly doesn't. It just emphasizes the glow and the packaging is super cute.
I know she bought this at Target but you can also buy it at Ulta and probably other places too. If you try it I promise you won't be disappoint.
What are some of your must have beauty products?
It's adorable and so so pretty, right?
My favorite thing is the new make up palette that was in my basket. It's Physician's Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Palette. Yesterday was the first day i wore it and instantly fell in love. It puts a healthy glow on your face and makes you feel fabulous! Plus it's not heavy or cakey at all! I have naturally rosey/blush cheeks anyway so some blushes make me look like a clown but this certainly doesn't. It just emphasizes the glow and the packaging is super cute.
I know she bought this at Target but you can also buy it at Ulta and probably other places too. If you try it I promise you won't be disappoint.
What are some of your must have beauty products?
Wedding Wednesday & Week-Ending
What day is it? HUMP DAY? Yeah, that never gets old. While our town is shut down for Snow Day #2 in the last two weeks with no snow to show for, I'm snuggled on my couch in my favorite Under Armour sweats, watching The Bachelor, blogging and all the other fun things that goes along with snow days. I'm not even mad that there isn't any snow yet though, it's supposed to be moving in sometime this afternoon or tonight. My Honey is at work so i'm not in any rush for the skies to open up yet. Last year, he, like many others were stuck on the interstate for 21 hours when Snowmageddon happened, we're not looking for a repeat of that.
I know i'm late with my week-ending post but it's actually okay because it ties in with Wedding Wednesday, i'll explain in a minute but first a break down of the weekend.
Friday it snowed off and on for about 6 hours, nothing ever stuck though so we were excited for nothing. That's Georgia weather for you.
That was literally about it!
Saturday was mostly a lazy day at home. We did have to make a Wal-Mart run that night and dinner @ Chick-fil-A. Fun stuff. My honey bought me more beads for jewelry making with the promise that I would sit down and actually make some, so I did.
Sunday morning I woke up and made more jewelry. I couldn't stop. I think it was about 1:00 before I finally quit. I cleaned house a bit, ironed my honey's work clothes for the week then we got dressed and headed to my Mom & Dad's for my Grandma's birthday dinner. It was nice to get together with the family. We always have a good time when we're together. Lots of laughs and good food.
This family gathering was extra special because I had something to ask my Aunt Melody and sweet cousin, Emily. {This is where Wedding Wednesday comes into play.}
I asked them to be my bridesmaid and flower girl at our wedding in September. I used a message in a bottle that I made. I used sand and shells that I collected from Panama City on our summer vacation. Of course they both said yes! I love the looks on my aunt's face. She was asking if she was going to cry, then she did a little.
Now I have two confirmed bridesmaid and my flower girl. My fiance asked his best friend over the weekend to be his best man, too! He's confirmed! Things are starting to move along. I'm one excited bride to be.
So that's our weekend wrap and wedding Wednesday! I hope you're all having a great day.
♡
I know i'm late with my week-ending post but it's actually okay because it ties in with Wedding Wednesday, i'll explain in a minute but first a break down of the weekend.
Friday it snowed off and on for about 6 hours, nothing ever stuck though so we were excited for nothing. That's Georgia weather for you.
That was literally about it!
Saturday was mostly a lazy day at home. We did have to make a Wal-Mart run that night and dinner @ Chick-fil-A. Fun stuff. My honey bought me more beads for jewelry making with the promise that I would sit down and actually make some, so I did.
Sunday morning I woke up and made more jewelry. I couldn't stop. I think it was about 1:00 before I finally quit. I cleaned house a bit, ironed my honey's work clothes for the week then we got dressed and headed to my Mom & Dad's for my Grandma's birthday dinner. It was nice to get together with the family. We always have a good time when we're together. Lots of laughs and good food.
This family gathering was extra special because I had something to ask my Aunt Melody and sweet cousin, Emily. {This is where Wedding Wednesday comes into play.}
I asked them to be my bridesmaid and flower girl at our wedding in September. I used a message in a bottle that I made. I used sand and shells that I collected from Panama City on our summer vacation. Of course they both said yes! I love the looks on my aunt's face. She was asking if she was going to cry, then she did a little.
Now I have two confirmed bridesmaid and my flower girl. My fiance asked his best friend over the weekend to be his best man, too! He's confirmed! Things are starting to move along. I'm one excited bride to be.
So that's our weekend wrap and wedding Wednesday! I hope you're all having a great day.
♡
Happy Birthday, Honey.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
As I mentioned in my previous post it's birthday season in our family. With 10 birthdays between January and February it's only right we call it a season :) Today is the end of the season & it's my lovely Fiance who ends it. (A little tid bit-his Dad kicks of birthday season on January 12th. I think it's cool that the two Soto men are the bookends for this season.)
Happy Birthday to my everyday Super Hero. My best friend. My better half. My safe. My calm. My everything always and forever.
I would be so lost without you. I love you always. Here's to many many more celebrations together!
Happy Birthday to my everyday Super Hero. My best friend. My better half. My safe. My calm. My everything always and forever.
I would be so lost without you. I love you always. Here's to many many more celebrations together!
Happy Birthday, Grandma.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
From January through February is what my Fiance and I call Birthday Season in our families and close friends. It starts with his Dad on January 12th and continues through February 24th, which is my Fiance's birthday. Between those dates we have ten birthdays to celebrate those whom are very closest to. Both of my future in laws, my mom, our son, mine, my fiance's, two of our neighbors and my Grandma.
Today happens to be my Grandma's. She's such a strong woman but gentle, too. She's the kind of Grandma who never missed a baseball game, soccer game, gymnatics performance, awards ceremony, or anything that my brothers and I were involved in when we were growing up. She's continued the tradition with my son, and for that, I can not be more appreciative. When my son was born, her mother, my great-grandmother, was still with us. We were blessed with Five generations for a few years and that was something I adored. My great- grandmother has since passed but we're still beyond blessed to have four amazing generations to grace our family.
I only hope that I age as gracefully as my Grandmother and if I'm half the woman she is then i'll be doing pretty great in this life. Happy Birthday, Grandma.
With all our love.
Today happens to be my Grandma's. She's such a strong woman but gentle, too. She's the kind of Grandma who never missed a baseball game, soccer game, gymnatics performance, awards ceremony, or anything that my brothers and I were involved in when we were growing up. She's continued the tradition with my son, and for that, I can not be more appreciative. When my son was born, her mother, my great-grandmother, was still with us. We were blessed with Five generations for a few years and that was something I adored. My great- grandmother has since passed but we're still beyond blessed to have four amazing generations to grace our family.
I only hope that I age as gracefully as my Grandmother and if I'm half the woman she is then i'll be doing pretty great in this life. Happy Birthday, Grandma.
With all our love.
Foodie Friday.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Hi y'all! I'm back with another edition of Foodie Friday. I think it slipped away from me last week but have no fears, I'm here and ready today.
This recipe is one of my honey's favorites ever. If he had it his way I'd make it every week, maybe even every day.
Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce
(Instead of frying these. I bake them in the oven @350 for about 15-20 minutes then flip them and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
(Makes 16 strips, serves 2-4)
Ingredients:
• Vegetable oil for frying
2 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless), sliced length-wise into 4 strips, then those strips sliced length-wise in half, making a total of 8 strips per breast
• Pinch curry powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pinch cayenne pepper
½ cup flour
2 eggs
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 tablespoon chives, finely minced
• Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Preparation:
-Begin by filling a medium-sized pot about half-way with the vegetable oil (roughly 6-8 cups), and bring the temperature of the oil slowly up to 350° while you prepare the strips.
-Place the chicken strips into a bowl, and add the pinch of curry powder, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, to the strips; toss the strips to coat them in the seasoning, and set them aside for a moment.
-Set up your “coating” station by putting the flour, along with another couple of pinches of salt, pepper and cayenne pepper, into a medium-sized bowl and blending to combine; put the eggs into another medium-sized bowl and beat them, and put the sweetened shredded coconut into another medium-sized bowl; to coat the chicken strips, dredge one strip at a time into the seasoned flour and coat it well; next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then into the shredded coconut; press the strips into the coconut very well to coat them thoroughly, and place the coated strips onto a plate to hold until all strips have been coated.
-To fry the strips, work in batches by adding about 4-5 strips into the hot oil, and allow them to fry for about 1 ½ – 2 minutes, moving them very gently with tongs every now and then, until they are a deep, golden color; remove from oil and place onto a paper towel-lined platter to drain, and sprinkle each batch with a pinch of salt and pepper while they’re still hot; repeat the process until all strips have been fried.
-Serve the strips hot, garnished with a sprinkle of the minced chives and a side of the Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce.
Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup frozen mango chunks, thawed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch (small) curry powder
3-4 drops Sriracha sauce (add more if you like it a bit more spicy)
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
-Add all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, and process until completely combined and well-blended; serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a couple of days.
Recipe courtesy of
http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-appetizer-coconut-crunch-chicken-strips-and-letting-love-be-the-inspiring-guide/
I also have a Facebook Group called Recipe Swap for my friends and I to share our favorite, most delicious recipes. We all get tired of cooking the same things over and again. Here we share what we love to eat and cook. Join us if you'd like.
You can add me on Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaPeachy31
And our group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/744831068941153/
This recipe is one of my honey's favorites ever. If he had it his way I'd make it every week, maybe even every day.
Coconut Crunch Chicken Strips with Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce
(Instead of frying these. I bake them in the oven @350 for about 15-20 minutes then flip them and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
(Makes 16 strips, serves 2-4)
Ingredients:
• Vegetable oil for frying
2 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless), sliced length-wise into 4 strips, then those strips sliced length-wise in half, making a total of 8 strips per breast
• Pinch curry powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pinch cayenne pepper
½ cup flour
2 eggs
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 tablespoon chives, finely minced
• Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Preparation:
-Begin by filling a medium-sized pot about half-way with the vegetable oil (roughly 6-8 cups), and bring the temperature of the oil slowly up to 350° while you prepare the strips.
-Place the chicken strips into a bowl, and add the pinch of curry powder, a couple of pinches of salt and pepper, and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, to the strips; toss the strips to coat them in the seasoning, and set them aside for a moment.
-Set up your “coating” station by putting the flour, along with another couple of pinches of salt, pepper and cayenne pepper, into a medium-sized bowl and blending to combine; put the eggs into another medium-sized bowl and beat them, and put the sweetened shredded coconut into another medium-sized bowl; to coat the chicken strips, dredge one strip at a time into the seasoned flour and coat it well; next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then into the shredded coconut; press the strips into the coconut very well to coat them thoroughly, and place the coated strips onto a plate to hold until all strips have been coated.
-To fry the strips, work in batches by adding about 4-5 strips into the hot oil, and allow them to fry for about 1 ½ – 2 minutes, moving them very gently with tongs every now and then, until they are a deep, golden color; remove from oil and place onto a paper towel-lined platter to drain, and sprinkle each batch with a pinch of salt and pepper while they’re still hot; repeat the process until all strips have been fried.
-Serve the strips hot, garnished with a sprinkle of the minced chives and a side of the Creamy, Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce.
Creamy Honey-Mango Dipping Sauce ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup frozen mango chunks, thawed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch (small) curry powder
3-4 drops Sriracha sauce (add more if you like it a bit more spicy)
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
-Add all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, and process until completely combined and well-blended; serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for a couple of days.
Recipe courtesy of
http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-appetizer-coconut-crunch-chicken-strips-and-letting-love-be-the-inspiring-guide/
I also have a Facebook Group called Recipe Swap for my friends and I to share our favorite, most delicious recipes. We all get tired of cooking the same things over and again. Here we share what we love to eat and cook. Join us if you'd like.
You can add me on Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaPeachy31
And our group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/744831068941153/
What's In My Purse?
I don't know about you ladies but I live out of my purse. It's affectiontely known as "The Black Hole" by my son and Fiance but it is filled with essentials in my world. I love to see what's in other people's bags, not like i'm going to snoop through your bag when you aren't looking, but more in a, I like it when people freely share kinda way. Not weird. Right?! Okay, Maybe just a little.
P.S.-I like to buy the US Weekly Magazine just for the What's In Your Bag? feature!! So let's play a little of that today!
Here's what's in my bag!
It's a hot mess, right?
And here she is, all neat and organized for 2.5 seconds.
So that's whats in my bag. What's in yours?
P.S.-I like to buy the US Weekly Magazine just for the What's In Your Bag? feature!! So let's play a little of that today!
Here's what's in my bag!
It's a hot mess, right?
And here she is, all neat and organized for 2.5 seconds.
So that's whats in my bag. What's in yours?
InstaLately
Monday, February 16, 2015
If you follow me on any form of social media then it'll come as no surprise to you that I love Instagram. I'm a total addict. I up-load at least one picture a day, on rare occasions, like today, I up-load six.
I play along with the always fabulous Stephanie May Wilson from stephaniemaywilson.com on her Monday "Live Life Fully, One Day At A Time" challenge. I also play along with the super sweet Nelle Monaco from vintagesimplylove.blogspot.com on her #simplylovegratitudeproject. Both of these ladies are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. They're so sweet, charismatic, and inspirational. So that alone keeps me posting like it's going out of style.
Insta is like a journal in photo style. I just love it. So here are my most inspiring insta pics from lately. I hope you enjoy.
1. Yesterday while I was at the park there was silly string everywhere. Some may see it as a mess but I took this picture because it made me happy. It serves as a reminder of messiness and creativity and to live life colorfully and carefree. It inspired me to be ME and enjoy the crazy, fun moments of life because everyday is a day to celebrate and be celebrated!
2. My sweet honey is the best in the world. He took the day off work to take me to the Coach outlet for my birthday. He bought me this insanely gorgeous purse.
3. Everyday is a blessing, a miracle, a reason to be grateful & happy to be alive. Today I have many including the love of my life, beautiful flowers, chocolate & gifts but the greatest of these is the ability to love & be loved. #simplylovegratitudeproject . I challenge you to find your happiness in something small today & everyday. Happy Valentine's Day lovelies.
4. Valentine's Day dinner with my loves and my mom. We missed Dad tonight though.
5. Oh Sunday! I have a love/ hate relationship with this day. I love how slow it starts off; snuggled on the couch with WiFi, my favorite blanket, Golden Girls & cup of coffee. I love that this day is usually my day at home to clean & do laundry & prepare for the week ahead. It's a day for snuggling with my honey & enjoying time with out sweet boy. Sometimes it's a day with the whole family. It's always The Walking Dead night which means me & my honey + no electronics for an hour. It's the perfect way to wind down. 🎀I hate this day because it leads to Monday which means my honey goes back to work & my sweet boy, back to school. ❄️Here's hoping for snow tonight.
6. The love of these two completes me, inspires me, & makes me feel alive. When I think of my life there's no one else I'd rather spend it with. They make the sweet times that much sweeter, bring me comfort when I need it & love everyday. They are my greatest adventure. #simplylovegratitudeproject
7. Good Morning Lovelies. It's Monday! It's a new week, let's make the best of it! Let's set goals, day dream & find something positive in everyday. #monday
8. I'm happy for birthdays. Another 356 days trip around the sun. Another year to get it all right. To be the best ME possible. To love harder, laugh louder, & forgive more. To enjoy this life I have been given because I am worthy. It's the year that will forever change who I am. It's the year I dedicate my life to my soul mate, my Mr. Forever, my heart & my soul. It's the year I take his last name. If that's not reason enough to be happy, blessed & grateful then I'm not sure what is. #simplylovegratitudeproject
9. Mani time. First jamberry ever! #jamberry #mani #girlytime
Just a few more that don't fit into a collage.
My completed jamberry mani
These are the delicious homemade pizzas my honey, our sweet boy & I made last night for dinner.
Chicken Spinach Alfredo for my honey & I
Pepperoni & Tomato for our boy
.jpg)
And the challenge by Stephanie May Wilson today.
The wonderful @smaywilson has challenged everyone to do something fun, daring, silly or inspiring every Monday. She calls it "live fully, one dare at a time." She'll come up with the theme, you just have to play along. Fun, right? this week's theme us to take a moment out of your busy life to re-connect with a girlfriend. Call, text, stick a note in the mailbox. Invite a girlfriend out for lunch or over for coffee. Just stop and say hello. Let them know they're loved. ##daretolivefully
Be on the lookout for my InstaLately posts soon for #daretolivefully & #simplylovegratitude project.
They let my honey go home from work early b/c it's starting to rain and rain + 37* weather might = freezing roads. I'd love to stay and chat some more but I have to go do my wifey duties and cook chili for tonight's dinner.
I play along with the always fabulous Stephanie May Wilson from stephaniemaywilson.com on her Monday "Live Life Fully, One Day At A Time" challenge. I also play along with the super sweet Nelle Monaco from vintagesimplylove.blogspot.com on her #simplylovegratitudeproject. Both of these ladies are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. They're so sweet, charismatic, and inspirational. So that alone keeps me posting like it's going out of style.
Insta is like a journal in photo style. I just love it. So here are my most inspiring insta pics from lately. I hope you enjoy.
1. Yesterday while I was at the park there was silly string everywhere. Some may see it as a mess but I took this picture because it made me happy. It serves as a reminder of messiness and creativity and to live life colorfully and carefree. It inspired me to be ME and enjoy the crazy, fun moments of life because everyday is a day to celebrate and be celebrated!
2. My sweet honey is the best in the world. He took the day off work to take me to the Coach outlet for my birthday. He bought me this insanely gorgeous purse.
3. Everyday is a blessing, a miracle, a reason to be grateful & happy to be alive. Today I have many including the love of my life, beautiful flowers, chocolate & gifts but the greatest of these is the ability to love & be loved. #simplylovegratitudeproject . I challenge you to find your happiness in something small today & everyday. Happy Valentine's Day lovelies.
4. Valentine's Day dinner with my loves and my mom. We missed Dad tonight though.
5. Oh Sunday! I have a love/ hate relationship with this day. I love how slow it starts off; snuggled on the couch with WiFi, my favorite blanket, Golden Girls & cup of coffee. I love that this day is usually my day at home to clean & do laundry & prepare for the week ahead. It's a day for snuggling with my honey & enjoying time with out sweet boy. Sometimes it's a day with the whole family. It's always The Walking Dead night which means me & my honey + no electronics for an hour. It's the perfect way to wind down. 🎀I hate this day because it leads to Monday which means my honey goes back to work & my sweet boy, back to school. ❄️Here's hoping for snow tonight.
6. The love of these two completes me, inspires me, & makes me feel alive. When I think of my life there's no one else I'd rather spend it with. They make the sweet times that much sweeter, bring me comfort when I need it & love everyday. They are my greatest adventure. #simplylovegratitudeproject
7. Good Morning Lovelies. It's Monday! It's a new week, let's make the best of it! Let's set goals, day dream & find something positive in everyday. #monday
8. I'm happy for birthdays. Another 356 days trip around the sun. Another year to get it all right. To be the best ME possible. To love harder, laugh louder, & forgive more. To enjoy this life I have been given because I am worthy. It's the year that will forever change who I am. It's the year I dedicate my life to my soul mate, my Mr. Forever, my heart & my soul. It's the year I take his last name. If that's not reason enough to be happy, blessed & grateful then I'm not sure what is. #simplylovegratitudeproject
9. Mani time. First jamberry ever! #jamberry #mani #girlytime
Just a few more that don't fit into a collage.
My completed jamberry mani
These are the delicious homemade pizzas my honey, our sweet boy & I made last night for dinner.
Chicken Spinach Alfredo for my honey & I
Pepperoni & Tomato for our boy
.jpg)
And the challenge by Stephanie May Wilson today.
The wonderful @smaywilson has challenged everyone to do something fun, daring, silly or inspiring every Monday. She calls it "live fully, one dare at a time." She'll come up with the theme, you just have to play along. Fun, right? this week's theme us to take a moment out of your busy life to re-connect with a girlfriend. Call, text, stick a note in the mailbox. Invite a girlfriend out for lunch or over for coffee. Just stop and say hello. Let them know they're loved. ##daretolivefully
Be on the lookout for my InstaLately posts soon for #daretolivefully & #simplylovegratitude project.
They let my honey go home from work early b/c it's starting to rain and rain + 37* weather might = freezing roads. I'd love to stay and chat some more but I have to go do my wifey duties and cook chili for tonight's dinner.
Weekend Review
First off I want to say Happy Monday. I know we all dread the awful Monday, I'm not exception to this but I'm trying to change my attitude towards this day of the week. Instead i'm trying to see it as a fresh slate. It's like the New Year but every week! YAY, right?
That's not working? Maybe my Instagram post from this morning will.
Good Morning Lovelies. It's Monday! It's a new week, let's make the best of it! Let's set goals, day dream & find something positive in everyday. #monday
Still nothing? Maybe my weekend review will help. Maybe it will at least put a smile on your face :)
My Birthday was Thursday. 30 something. Just kidding, i'm not ashamed to tell you that I'm now 33. Saying it doesn't sound true but it is. I feel like I'm still 18 at heart. Minus the going out to clubs every weekend, 11 pm ice cream runs in pj's to the store with girlfriends, the sleepovers, and staying up until the sun came up. Those days are far behind me and I wouldn't trade my nights snuggled in at home with my honey and our sweet boy for anything in the world. Sweat pants, hair in pony tails, no make-up, no jewelry and going to bed by 11 p.m. is the life for me! Now I sounds older than I am but anyway, back to the point.
My honey took Thursday off work to spend the day with me at the outlets I went to back before Christmas with my Mom. Specifically the Coach outlet. Now, I thought I was a Dooney girl. I have one that I absolutely LOVE! It's so pretty and so me. White leather with different bright colored Dooney & Bourke letters all over it. I carried it religiously for a year and a 1/2 and still pull it out every now and then to use. When it's not in use it is in an air tight container on top of my closet. I thought you had to be a Dooney girl or a Coach Girl. I was a Dooney girl until I went to the Coach outlet with my mom back in December. That's when I fell in love with this Coach bag and forever became both a Dooney girl & a Coach girl. I could have bought the bag then because it was only $100 but I was good and spent that money on my honey and our sweet boy for Christmas instead (even though, at this point I was basically done shopping for them). As soon as I got home I told my honey about this bag. He said we'd go back out there for my birthday. For two months I prayed that this bag would still be there when we went & as luck would have it, it was! I was super bummed when it was marked back up to $365 BUT the kind lady at the door gave us a coupon for 50% off then another 40% off so SCORE! We got it for $105!!
Here the beauty is!
My sweet man also bought me two pair of pants from Under Armour but when we got home I tried them on and one pair didn't fit, the other was so see through it was ridiculous! The outlet is over an hour away so I was devastated but he assured me we'd go back on Saturday.
Friday my honey went to work and my sweet boy and I hung out at my parent's house b/c they had to work and all the dogs would be home, with no way to get outside and potty. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day & I knew that it would be the last one for a while so we spent a lot of time outside. Little Drago wound up getting to come home with me for a little while because my Mom was going to be late getting home from work.
The only way to get a picture with all 3 of them is with treats.
Saturday morning my honey, our boy and I got up early, exchanged Valentine's gifts and hit the road to the outlet. It was freezing so our only stops were Under Armour to trade out my clothes and Game Stop for our boy. Luckily these two stores are right across from each other. I would up with two pairs of UA sweatpants and two shirts! Woo Woo!! We had plans to come home and make home made pizzas for Valentine's dinner but my dad had to work so my mom invited us over for steaks. We couldn't say no to that + we didn't want mom to spend Valentine's Day alone. At this point I hadn't had a birthday cake, not that i'm complaining but I kinda am because what's a birthday without a cake? On the way to my parent's my honey took me to Publix and bought me a Chocolate Ganache cake that was to die for.
We took that cake to dinner to share. It kinda turned into a birthday celebration. My mom gave me the rest of my birthday and our Valentine's gifts, we put candles on the cake, and sang Happy Birthday.
Yesterday was a much needed run to the grocery store to stock up on food just in case we get snowed/iced in in the next couple days. $200 later I think we're good. The rest of the day my honey prepared the outside of our house for this freezing weather by covering our patio furniture, grill, fire pit, & my car Lucy. (Yeah, winter is just starting for Georgia).
She's a rag top convertible and doesn't fit in our garage so she needed to be covered before the impending snow/freezing rain hits.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning house, washing clothes and ironing my honey's work clothes for the week. We did make those delicious home made pizzas last night though.
Pepperoni for our boy and chicken, spinach, alfredo for us.
Now we sit and wait on snow. I'm just hoping that it starts AFTER my honey, my mom and dad all get home from work today. Last year my fiance sat for 21 hours in his truck on I-285 on his way home from work. We don't want that again this year.
I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Monday!
That's not working? Maybe my Instagram post from this morning will.
Good Morning Lovelies. It's Monday! It's a new week, let's make the best of it! Let's set goals, day dream & find something positive in everyday. #monday
Still nothing? Maybe my weekend review will help. Maybe it will at least put a smile on your face :)
My Birthday was Thursday. 30 something. Just kidding, i'm not ashamed to tell you that I'm now 33. Saying it doesn't sound true but it is. I feel like I'm still 18 at heart. Minus the going out to clubs every weekend, 11 pm ice cream runs in pj's to the store with girlfriends, the sleepovers, and staying up until the sun came up. Those days are far behind me and I wouldn't trade my nights snuggled in at home with my honey and our sweet boy for anything in the world. Sweat pants, hair in pony tails, no make-up, no jewelry and going to bed by 11 p.m. is the life for me! Now I sounds older than I am but anyway, back to the point.
My honey took Thursday off work to spend the day with me at the outlets I went to back before Christmas with my Mom. Specifically the Coach outlet. Now, I thought I was a Dooney girl. I have one that I absolutely LOVE! It's so pretty and so me. White leather with different bright colored Dooney & Bourke letters all over it. I carried it religiously for a year and a 1/2 and still pull it out every now and then to use. When it's not in use it is in an air tight container on top of my closet. I thought you had to be a Dooney girl or a Coach Girl. I was a Dooney girl until I went to the Coach outlet with my mom back in December. That's when I fell in love with this Coach bag and forever became both a Dooney girl & a Coach girl. I could have bought the bag then because it was only $100 but I was good and spent that money on my honey and our sweet boy for Christmas instead (even though, at this point I was basically done shopping for them). As soon as I got home I told my honey about this bag. He said we'd go back out there for my birthday. For two months I prayed that this bag would still be there when we went & as luck would have it, it was! I was super bummed when it was marked back up to $365 BUT the kind lady at the door gave us a coupon for 50% off then another 40% off so SCORE! We got it for $105!!
Here the beauty is!
My sweet man also bought me two pair of pants from Under Armour but when we got home I tried them on and one pair didn't fit, the other was so see through it was ridiculous! The outlet is over an hour away so I was devastated but he assured me we'd go back on Saturday.
Friday my honey went to work and my sweet boy and I hung out at my parent's house b/c they had to work and all the dogs would be home, with no way to get outside and potty. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day & I knew that it would be the last one for a while so we spent a lot of time outside. Little Drago wound up getting to come home with me for a little while because my Mom was going to be late getting home from work.
The only way to get a picture with all 3 of them is with treats.
Saturday morning my honey, our boy and I got up early, exchanged Valentine's gifts and hit the road to the outlet. It was freezing so our only stops were Under Armour to trade out my clothes and Game Stop for our boy. Luckily these two stores are right across from each other. I would up with two pairs of UA sweatpants and two shirts! Woo Woo!! We had plans to come home and make home made pizzas for Valentine's dinner but my dad had to work so my mom invited us over for steaks. We couldn't say no to that + we didn't want mom to spend Valentine's Day alone. At this point I hadn't had a birthday cake, not that i'm complaining but I kinda am because what's a birthday without a cake? On the way to my parent's my honey took me to Publix and bought me a Chocolate Ganache cake that was to die for.
We took that cake to dinner to share. It kinda turned into a birthday celebration. My mom gave me the rest of my birthday and our Valentine's gifts, we put candles on the cake, and sang Happy Birthday.
Yesterday was a much needed run to the grocery store to stock up on food just in case we get snowed/iced in in the next couple days. $200 later I think we're good. The rest of the day my honey prepared the outside of our house for this freezing weather by covering our patio furniture, grill, fire pit, & my car Lucy. (Yeah, winter is just starting for Georgia).
She's a rag top convertible and doesn't fit in our garage so she needed to be covered before the impending snow/freezing rain hits.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning house, washing clothes and ironing my honey's work clothes for the week. We did make those delicious home made pizzas last night though.
Pepperoni for our boy and chicken, spinach, alfredo for us.
Now we sit and wait on snow. I'm just hoping that it starts AFTER my honey, my mom and dad all get home from work today. Last year my fiance sat for 21 hours in his truck on I-285 on his way home from work. We don't want that again this year.
I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Monday!
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