January 2017

Happy new Year!
2017
​Winter's whimsical Wonderland...

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Winter in Arkansas is definitely unpredictable...One minute it's 70 degrees & sunny; then 3 hours later, it's 19 degrees & sleeting or snowing 3" thick.  Try jumping on this crazy train...crazy!   Bumbershoots needed!
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No matter which traditions you celebrated this season, I hope that relaxing is part of the celebration, as well as, into the new year.  Shopping, cleaning, decorating, cooking, cleaning, hosting, traveling, did I mention all the cleaning.  It all takes more time, energy, & effort than regular work weeks.  Don't forget that all important nap or just get yourself to bed a little earlier; maybe you just don't set the alarm this weekend, & then wake when you are fully recharged!  Another element of staying healthy is actually enjoying the sun when it does pop through the clouds, haze, & fog.  Staying indoors too often can have a negative effect on you: sad or grumpy mood, lack of vitamin D, or just being tired...you have to get out of the house to be a part of the world & community!
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​Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to family & friends.  Kids can help by doing the dishes, taking out the trash, dusting & even some fun stuff like decorating! Instead of cooking everything yourself, enjoy a potluck style feast by having everyone bring their special dish!  This not only takes some of the stress & responsibilities from your list, but often people enjoy helping.  My family loves to bring their favorite foods or new recipes to share.  When game day comes around, you'll be ready!  Same method can be applied to tailgating...Everybody brings a part to make a whole party!

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Decorating in Winter...

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This isn't really a how-to this time, more of a reminder:

Start with a design & space plan, budget for a new piece of decor (bought or hand crafted) if needed, & timeline for completion.

Need inspiration, follow me & Jay on www.pinterest.com/arthoney0192/ & www.facebook.com/personalizedesigns.net

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Organizing in Winter...

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Winter is a great time to clean up & organize!  I actually get a lot of my "spring cleaning" completed in winter simply because I'm stuck indoors & there are tons of re-runs on tv, so no matter what I'm watching while working, I'll be able to keep up with the story! ;-}  I love music too, so I put in the buds & organize like crazy!

After the festivities of celebrating & gift giving, there tends to be several items that have no home.  Look for containers that are suited for the space that the items will be stored in: items stored in an unfinished basement will need sealed containers that will stand the test of time, while items being stored in a finished basement can be stored in cardboard boxes with lids.  

​Don't forget about all the new items that kids get during this time of year.  New kid items will most likely not have a place to be stored yet.  I help my kids go through their stuff (toys, clothes, etc.) @ least twice a year (early spring & fall) to sort & organize their rooms.  As time goes by, items get damaged/broken, outdated/outgrown, recalled, or just not played with @ all anymore.   I don't do this process for them because they need to practice these skills in order for them to be able to do this on their own when they're older. Kids also need guidence on how to make decisions on what guideline to follow while sorting the piles: keep, give away, & trash.  

​We also look @ the space as they grow to make sure that the plan still functions for our needs. Every now & then we find that a different space plan is needed to accomplish our goals of how the room is to function efficiently, especially when we get new furniture or lose furniture.  

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Art in Winter...

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A Variety of Shoe Boxes

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Re-purposed to Contain, Hide, & to match the Room Style

In winter, art is like organizing, there's plenty of time when your stuck inside because of the weather!  My husband loves how people decorate with lights through the festivities because they brighten his day... or night... because it's night when we see them!  So we go forth this year being inspired by light; LED lighting & acrylic is what we are experimenting with right now.

Since I clean & organize during this time, I end up creating pieces that are functional through recycling or upcycling for the most part.   Shoe boxes & cereal boxes are great containers to dress-up & display your items with personalized style & organization!

​First, I wrapped the outside of the boxes with fabric & glued it down.  Next, I added ribbon to the outside & glued it in place.  I did this on both lid & bottom pieces. I tied on separate bows.  I put matching paper on the insides to cover any seems!  Let completely dry before using the pieces & start filling!

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Winter's Warming in the kitchen... 

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Dare I say it...Comfort Food!  In the south, it's "something deep fried & smothered in chocolate."  (The fairy godmother in Shrek, must have been from the deep south of Far, Far Away.)  Comfort food doesn't have to be unhealthy; it just has to make you feel like home!

I love soups & stews during the winter because they are generally easy to make, low in cost, & a healthy alternative to all that crap you ate during the festivities! 

Homemade bread is also a hit at my house.  Sometimes, I cheat & buy the frozen yeast rolls/loaves; & then I add my own herbs or spices as they rise!  I love the whole idea of semi-homemade to save time, energy & effort, but still get the flavor & nutrition with the from scratch taste!

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The vote is in...Chili it is this month!  
​I'm including 2 different types of Chili (red & white)...Both recipes can be vegetarian by taking out the meat, adding more beans or veggies, & switching the chicken broth with vegetable broth.​

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Spicy Red Bean & Beef Chilli-
( My aunt was British, so sometimes I switch my language around; sorry it's habit ;) 
This is a meaty, stew type of chilli, not a soup type of chilli. I don't usually cook my red chilli in the crock pot/slow cooker because I like to drain my meat of any unnecessary fat. 

*4 lbs. Angus Ground Beef                                 *Large Pot/Wok (I love my wok ;-)
*1 Lg Diced Onion or 3 Tbs. powder                 *Colander w/ grease drip bowl 
*3 cloves Minced Garlic or 3 Tbs. powder       *Long Spoon & Ladle
*1 can (14oz) Drained Kidney Beans                 *Large Mixing Bowl
*1 can (14oz) Crushed Tomatoes
*2 Tbs. Sea/Kosher Salt                                           ---Topping Options---
*2 Tbs. Smoked Paprika                                              *Shredded Cheese
*4 Tbs. Dark Chili Powder                                           *Sour Cream
*2 Tbs. Black Pepper or Blackening                          *Cheese Dip
*1 Tbs. Dried Oregano & Cumin (optional)             *Diced or Sliced Jalapeno

Gather ingredients & utensils; prep fresh veggies if your not using powder & drain the beans.  Turn on the vent, I get my wok hot (almost smokin') to brown my beef.  I also brown the beef in batches, so that the wok doesn't get too crowded. This method gives the beef a grilled flavor. Each batch gets salted & peppered/blackened as soon as it goes in, then drained in the colander half way through the browning process.  ​

​Once I return the beef to the wok, I sprinkle some of the paprika, chili powder, cumin, & oregano on top.  Chop the meat into small bits as you stir the ingredients & pour each batch into a large mixing bowl until all batches are complete.  Saute the onions & garlic until soft with a bit of grease still left in the pan from the beef.  ​ ​Now, I pour the beans in the wok with the onions & garlic, sprinkle on the powder spices; & then I cover it letting them party in the pot on low for about 5 mins. 

​Next, I pour the tomatoes & meat into the bean mixture, stirring thoroughly. Finally, cover the pot & let it simmer 20-30 mins. Don't forget to stir every now & then.  Serve it up in a bowl with your favorite toppings & enjoy!

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Chicken & White Bean Chilli-
This is a chunky soup type of chilli.

Chicken & White Bean Chilli​-

*1 Shredded Rotisserie Chicken                   *Large Pot/Wok (yes, I love my wok ;-)
*1 can Cannellini Beans                                  *Slow Cooker/Crock pot (optional)
*4 c. Chicken Broth                                          *Long Spoon & Ladle
*1 Tbs. Chicken Base    
*Pat of Butter                                                  
*2 c. Water                                                      ---Topping Options---
*1 sm. Diced Onion                                           *Sour Cream
*4 cloves Minced Garlic                                   *Shredded Cheese
​*1 Tbs. Chili Powder                                          *Diced/Sliced Jalapeno
*1 can Corn, Drained                                         *2 Tbs. Chopped Parsley or Cilantro
*1 can Green Chilies (optional) 
*1 Tbs. Cumin & Turmeric (optional)​

Gather ingredients & utensils; prep the fresh veggies, drain the beans, & shred the chicken. ​ Saute the onions & garlic in butter & chicken base.  Mix in the beans, chicken, spices, & chilies letting them simmer covered for about 2-3 mins.  

Pour in the water & broth to let them party in the pot for about 25-30 mins. Don't forget to stir every now & then.  Or you can put it all in the slow cooker & eat it when you get home.  Serve it up in a bowl with your favorite toppings & enjoy!

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