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Olivia’s Texas Tech Dorm Room
Yes, we drilled the drapery rods into the drywall, I hung two velvet drapery panels railroad style from clips and it really made the room...


LOL They Graduated
LOL = Luke + Olivia + Lily (that's how I have them in my phone) Together Pete and I have six kids, we are basically the Brady Bunch, but...


THE CLEANING EDIT
Cleaning Products + What I Use Them For Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser — Stainless-steel sinks and stubborn buildup on compatible surfaces. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner — Finished hardwood floors; ready to use. Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner — Spray-and-leave shower maintenance between cleanings. CLR — Calcium, lime, rust and hard-water buildup. Never use on natural stone or mix with bleach. Comet with Bleach — Porcelain sinks. Dawn Powerwash — Dishes, grease and general


Ancient Grain Bowl with Garden Basil Pesto
🌾 Inspired by True Food's Ancient Grain Bowl Ingredients For the Bowl 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 chicken breasts, pounded thin 1/2 cup Italian dressing (for marinade) 1 cup tricolor quinoa, cooked 1 cup shelled edamame 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed or roasted 1/4 cup garden pesto (see recipe below) 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds Olive oil, salt, and pepper For the Garden Basil Pesto 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts 1/2 cup grated Par


Dewberry Jam & Dark Chocolate Tartlets
Dewberry Jam & Dark Chocolate Tartlets For the tartlet crust (makes 6 mini tarts or 1 9” tart) 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 1 egg yolk 1-2 Tbsp cold water For the filling 1/2 cup heavy cream 4 oz good quality dark chocolate (60-70%), chopped 2 Tbsp butter 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of flaky salt For the topping 1/2 cup dewberry jam Homemade cream Fresh Dewberries or chocolate curls Make The Crust: In a bo


Shellfish Crepes In Wine Cheese Sauce
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, divided 2 cups chopped cooked shrimp (about 1lb) 1 cup 8oz crab meat 2 green onions minced 1/4 cup dry vermouth 1/1/8 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/2 tbsp butter melted Wine cheese sauce Crepes 2 cups (8 oz) shredded Swiss cheese Garnish: Green onions Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp, crabmeat and green onions, and saute for one minute. Stir in vermouth, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 7 minutes until most mixt


Coq Au Vin
Ingredients: 1tbsp Olive Oil 4 oz pancetta 8-10 chicken thighs and legs 1 onion 2 carrots 2 cloves of garlic chopped 1/4 cup brandy 1/2 cup dry red wine 1 cup chicken stock 10 sprigs thyme 1 tbsp butter 1.5 tbsp flour or corn starch for thickening 1/2 lb button mushrooms Instructions: Preheat oven to 250F. Heat olive oil large dutch oven. Fry pancetta for 8-10 minutes or until done. Remove to plate Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, brown on all sides, not cooking al


Funeral Sandwiches Hawaiian Hot Ham And Cheese Sliders
-1 pkg. of 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls (may substitute small rolls, cocktail buns or any other small bun) -1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham (may substitute turkey, chicken or roast beef) -1 lb. thin sliced deli Swiss cheese (may substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, Havarti or mozzarella) -1/4 cup real mayo Glaze: -1/2 stick of real butter, melted (salted or unsalted) -1 Tbsp. dijon mustard -1 Tbsp. honey -1 Tbsp. Poppy seeds -1/2 Tbsp. dried minced onion -1 tsp. Worcestersir


Olivia's Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Ingredients: - 1-2 packets of Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing seasoning - 1 tsp. dill - salt and pepper to taste - 6 - 8 jalapeños, chopped and seeds removed - 1 garlic clove finely diced - juice of 3 limes - 1/2 cup real mayo - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 head of cilantro roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons sour cream Method: Blend until smooth


Croque Monsieur Brunch Bake
Ingredients 6-8 medium-sized croissants 4 large eggs 1 cup half and half or whole milk 1 ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard pinch of salt 8 ounces deli or leftover ham (about 6 thin slices) 6 ounces shredded swiss or gruyere cheese powdered sugar Instructions Lightly coat a 9x6 deep baking dish with cooking spray. **A 9x11 baking dish can also be used.** Tear croissants in half and place in prepared pan. Cut ham into thirds and nestle around the croissants. Sprinkle on shredded chees


Shirley’s Deviled Eggs
Several years ago my mother told me that everyone should know how to make deviled eggs and baked beans in case they’re asked to bring them to a gathering. I am not a fan of neither beans nor deviled eggs and have somehow managed to weasel my way out of ever having to make either. You know how they say your taste buds change every seven years or something like that? Well, I think there may be some truth to it because one year ago this week, at 47 years old (aka, forever 42), I


Slewi’s Shrimp Cocktail
Slewi was Pete’s call sign in the military. There are certain parts of the world where he is known only by Slewi, here at home, his buddies call him Pete, and Peter by me and family. When Pete and I had only been dating a few months, he threw a birthday party for me at my house which would be his first time meeting most of my friends and family. He made fajitas and this amazing Shrimp Cocktail that knocked everyone’s socks off. Well played, Peter, well played. We enjoy Slewi
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