encourager of simple eats + happy living
You know that saying, “when life gives you lemons… make lemonade?” I think it’s incorrect. Instead, it should say, “when life gives you lemons… make buttery Instant Pot lemon chicken breasts.” Too many lemons? Have you ever purchased a bag of lemons only to discover when you got home that you have too many lemons? Take a deep breath, it's all good. I firmly believe that when you have too many of one ingredient, that simply means that your pantry is begging you to whip up something ...
I truly hope that you had a most wonderful Thanksgiving, one that was filled with joy. Our family was able to do something a little bit out of the ordinary. My brother-in-law, Charlie, found us a big red barn with sleeping rooms and an industrial kitchen, just a short drive from McAlester, Oklahoma. The cousins were over-the-moon excited since the barn had enough indoor space for roller skating, rollerblading, scooter riding and even the two-year-old could happily vroom-vroom his ...
Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and it is never too early to start planning for it. I am a firm believer that even a tiny-tiny bit of organization helps simplify the Big Day. Spending time upfront in preplanning and organization helps reduce stress and allows for more spontaneity later. When is the best time to start planning for Thanksgiving? Ideally, the first week of November is the best time to start lining out your Thanksgiving. After years and decades of hosting the family ...
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on the linked items in this post. I’ve been wondering, “Are chaffles the new cauliflower?” Once you learn how to make broccoli and cheese chaffles, you may be wondering the same thing. “How in the world did someone figure out that simple, low-carb ingredients tastes the same as regular waffles?” Or, in this case – taste like an Eggo brand waffle. I have to admit that until recently, chaffles were new to me. It wasn’t ...
This post contains a link to a compensated restaurant review of The Holler in Bentonville. Have you ever walked into a place and thought, “Yep, this place will make it” the very first second upon entering -- and as you took it all in you were more and more convinced of its success? This explains EXACTLY how I felt the first time I went to The Holler in Bentonville. And every time I visit, that feeling is reinforced. Where is it located? The Holler is located in ...
It was bound to happen. Once summer fatigue set in… it was just a matter of time before we all started thinking about and talking about cozy sweaters, PSL, and yummy comfort food. While I can’t help in the cozy sweater or PSL camps, I can help with comfort food. Here are ten healthy and simple fall menu ideas that will fast-forward us into autumn. Technically, each one of these are links to sponsored recipes I created for Riceland Foods, Taste Arkansas, and De Nigris vinegars ...
If you're in the mood for wings, it better be fast and easy. More importantly, it better be delicious. And while we're talking about... shouldn't it be fast, easy, and delicious baked balsamic chicken wings? I vote yes! Ad. This post includes a link to a sponsored recipe. Let's talk delicious. So there I was. Hunched over the kitchen trashcan, vying for space next to Dennis. Each one of us working in unison as we greedily devoured chicken wing after chicken wing. Their sticky ...
It’s always good to be prepared for an impromptu party or unexpected guest and have the confidence that you can quickly pull together an inexpensive appetizer platter. The secret is to have key items on hand that are healthy, simple and inexpensive. And, if said impromptu party or unexpected guest doesn’t arrive… rest easy knowing that stocking the right ingredients means they are versatile enough for your every day life. In other words, you’ll be eating them throughout the week anyway! To ...
If you’ve ever been frustrated by gritty store-bought hummus, today is your lucky day because we’re going to learn how to make hummus from scratch. And not just any old hummus, we are going to make CREAMY hummus from scratch. Pull up a chair and let’s get started! Have you ever wondered why store-bought hummus is so gritty? Technically, there could be several reasons beyond just a quick examination of the listed – and sometimes mysterious- ingredients. Most often it is ...
I want to change lives. I believe that it starts simply with learning how to clean and organize your fridge. With just a little bit of planning, you will have delicious and healthy foods at your fingertips. In case you are skeptical, don't worry. You don’t have to be a “super planner” or a “Type A” person to be a meal planner or learn to eat well. It just takes a little confidence builder that starts with cleaning and organizing your fridge. A clean fridge gives you an idea of what you ...
Ad. This tasty grilled flank steak recipe was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Hi friends! Sometimes I wonder if there is a way to make a grilled flank steak taste better than it should. As you already know, flank steak is a tough cut to reallllly make it stand out without days and days and days of marinating and/or cooking in the slow cooker. So, I decided to reinvent the grilled flank steak. Mind if I suggest… a grilled ...
Ad. This “how to clean your gas grill” post is sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board in support of our Arkansas soybean farmers. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Once a year, at the beginning of summer grilling season, it is always a good idea to clean your gas grill. If you’ve always wondered how to clean your gas grill, then bookmark this post, print off the instructions, and review the step-by-steps. My goal is to have you thoroughly equipped, ready to get to work, and most of ...
Ad. This cute digital announcement was created for Paperless Post. The sun is shining and * begging * us to get outside already! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the to-do list and the 9-to-5 and before we know it another hour has passed by and then we’re off to pick up the kids, get the groceries, or whatever else that grabs our attention. One way to ensure we are making the most of summertime is to up our summertime entertaining game plan! A five-minute summertime entertaining ...
This post contains a link to a compensated OnlyInArk restaurant review of Louise Café in Bentonville. Dennis and I went for a mid-morning drive the other day with nothing other than the sole purpose of a leisurely stroll. We found ourselves in Fayetteville, exploring side streets with overgrown trees shading our path and ending up sitting on a park bench on Wilson Park. It was gloriously and decadently slow living at its best as we happily munched on quite possibly the tastiest fried green ...
Ad. This homemade soy milk ice cream was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans Let’s get right to the most important point of this message: chocolate peanut butter soy ice cream NEEDS TO BE IN YOUR LIFE. You know you clicked on this post because you were curious. I mean, go to any supermarket and you see whole milk ice cream, light ice cream, rice milk ice cream, cashew milk ice cream, coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ...
Ad. These healthy vegetarian recipes were created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans You would think that using the words healthy vegetarian recipes would be redundant. I mean… vegetarian IS healthy, right? Well... not always. If you think about it, it is the same principle of gluten-free foods. This is why we are so vigilant when reading labels so we can weigh the ingredients with the carbs, calories, and ...
Ad. This easy beef pho soup recipe was created for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. All opinions are my own. #ArkansasSoy #ArkansasSoybeans You know those times when you are craving beef pho soup from your favorite restaurant and you just don’t feel like getting dressed, jumping in your car, and heading into town to pick it up? Of course you do! Well, I have good news – it is INCREDIBLY simple to make an easy beef pho soup at home. All it takes is a little know-how. First things first, ...
