Category Archives: My Thoughts

A Place For My Thoughts

A Place For My Thoughts

I’ve had this blog for a year now and it’s full of some fun ideas I’ve come up with and fun projects I’ve done. But I’ve never had a place to put down my thoughts about my day, projects I’d like to do, or anything else I want to write about.

This section of my blog used to be called “Favorites” and, even though it will still contain my favorite things, it will also include my random ramblings.

I’m excited about another year of blogging and hope I do it even more than I did over this last year!

Thanks for being a reader!

My wonderful husband and I. He's not really a cowboy. This was just taken for fun.

Delicious Maple Cherry Glaze Recipe

Delicious Maple Cherry Glaze Recipe

I made this wonderful dish for our Christmas dinner and it was a big hit! Make sure you use real maple syrup and not Aunt Jemima or other “fake” syrups. You can make this sauce ahead of time and keep it your fridge for up to three days.

2/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons minced dried tart cherries (usually in the same aisle as other dried fruits)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce

Directions
1) Combine the syrup, water, cherries and soy sauce in a small sauce pan and heat over medium heat. When it starts to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes.

2) Add lemon juice to mixture and stir well.

3) Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. You can taste the glaze to make sure it’s sweet enough for you. Since different brands of syrup have varying degrees of sweetness you may need to add more.

4) Once your glaze is sweet enough, use it right away or store it in the fridge for up to three days.

I made mine a day ahead of time and poured a little over my chicken breasts about 10 minutes before the chicken was finished baking. I also added more when the chicken was finished. You can serve your chicken over rice or next to any side dish you choose (my fam loves mashed potatoes so that’s what I served it with) with a little sauce on the side in case any one wants extra. This glaze is also great on fish!

Ook Hooks

Ook Hooks

I recently discovered Ook Hooks at Home Depot. They are great for hanging up light weight items like empty purses, hats, jewelry, scarves, etc. I tried to use 3M Command Hooks but my walls are textured and the hooks wouldn’t stick (bummer, I really like those hooks). Ook Hooks come in packages of 2 and are around $2 a pack. They easily screw into your wall (no tools needed) and are immediately ready to use (unlike command hooks which make you wait at least an hour).

To see exactly how I used Ook Hooks, check out my pages on organizing “His” and “Hers” closets.

Ook Hooks

Organize Your Bills

Organize Your Bills

I have used bill organizers for a few years now and I don’t know how I ever stayed organized before them (I probably didn’t). Not only is there space to write down your monthly bills and when/how you paid them, there is also a pocket for each month to keep your bills in. This is a must have for anyone who wants to keep all of their bill and receipts in one place.

The Stuffed Animal Tree

The Stuffed Animal Tree

I have two of these in my daughter’s room. I love these things! They hold at least 30 animals a piece. The “tree” has over 30 elastic bands attached to it and you just slide the bands around the animal – it’s easy to put the animals on and easy to take them off! This is also super simple to assembly. I had it up in minutes with out the use of any tools.

Stuffed Animal Tree

Little Black Dress Jewelry Organizer

Little Black Dress Jewelry Organizer

I think these are so cute! This is a great way to organize your jewelry. Put one pair of earrings in each clear pocket and you’ll always be able to find exactly what you’re looking for! There are even larger pockets to put your bracelets. If you flip the dress over, you’ll find hook-and-loop tabs to hang bracelets or necklaces.