Friday, July 30, 2010

My first attempt at Shrimp Etouffee




So a few days ago I got a wild hair and decided to cook something I have never tried before, and by tried, I mean I've never even tasted this dish.  It was fun trying a new recipe and the end result was pretty darn delicious.  I got the actual recipe off of my Iphone app called allrecipes.com.  I did add my own touches to make it a little more me.  The above picture is not mine, but it's what it should look like.  So here it goes...


Shrimp Etouffee


- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and devained

-  1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 cup of butter, divided

- 1 cup minced onion

- 1 1/2 cups celery

-1 1/2 cups green bell pepper

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 cup of chicken broth

1 16 oz can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup of milk






  1.   In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, salt, and pepper.  Blend well.  Cover and place in the refrigerator.

2.  In a large pot over medium heat, melt a 1/4 cup of butter and add the onions.  Saute the onions until they are translucent.


3.  Stir in celery and bell pepper.  Increase the heat to high and stir occasionally for 10 minutes.  Add  the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and bring to a boil.  Fold in the shrimp and diced tomatoes.  Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.




4.  Mix the cornstarch and chicken broth together and slowly pour it into the pot.  Add the milk.  It should just cover the shrimp mixture.  Cook on medium heat covered until the celery is soft, about 20 minutes.  Add any additional salt, or pepper to taste.  

Usually this recipe is spicy, and the one I got originally found called for red pepper flakes.  I don't care for spicy food so I deleted this.   You can most certainly add it.  You can also double this recipe to serve more people.  This feeds about 2-3.  Serve over white rice and with the bread of your choice...and voila!  Shrimp Etouffee!  


My finished dish : )







                                                           

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Be bold with a little black...

Add a little boldness to all those white palettes...

















Photos are courtesy of decorpad


My guest room will have black and white features to break up the monotony.

I have also started painting my daughter's furniture from mismatched whites and browns to all white.  Her dresser currently has a pink front, and I'm still deciding which color to paint that.  I'm thinking white again, with turquoise damask designs and new knobs.  Pics coming soon!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Happy Anniversary to us!!


Here is to you and me,
Through the happy and the sad
after all these years together,
You are my best friend
Happy Anniversary!

11 years today babe...





Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Are you a jewelry junkie???

Because I am!!  Bargains are the best way to go for me.  I will proudly sport my little treasures, and when asked where I got them, I won't hesitate  to tell them the price or what bin I pulled it out of : )

So while browsing blogland I came across a little treasure chest...ModCloth!!  It is grand!  The costume jewelry is to die for.  Now I hear a lot about etsy, and I haven't fancied down that path yet.  I'm a little frightened that I might buy everything in sight.  Nevertheless, I'd still like some input as to who has the cutest little trinkets.

Speaking of which, here are a few from ModCloth...
































Most of these items run around $15-$25.  That sounds good to me!
There goes my paycheck...lol



Monday, July 26, 2010

And a huge thank you to...

Pardon my excitement, but I just can't handle it!  I'm super dooper in love with Shabby Blogs.
I've featured her as my "Catch of the Day".

As most of you all ready know, I'm new to this and I have been toying with layouts since I started.  Today I found Shabby Blog (I'm sure while visiting one of you) and I just couldn't stop playing.

She has simplified everything!!  I got the dimensions right, and she has all sorts of cute little buttons to post.  I'm sure that I'm just pointing out something that most of you already know, but I had to give credit to where it was due!



To Megan @ Shabby Blogs...thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!





Longing for the shore..

It is on days like this where I am trapped indoors in an air-conditioned house, hiding from the blazing sun and sweltering heat, that I wish I could open my backdoor to let in the ocean breeze.

Calgon take me away...












Photos are courtesy of Coastal Living
                  


Sunday, July 25, 2010

Getting to know you...



So since I am fairly new to the whole blogging thing I thought I should give mannland5's "Getting to 
know you" a try.

I should mention I found her via CastleandCottage Signs blog.

I stopped and thought what a wonderful and fun way to share stuff about myself
and find out more about all the other ladies in blog land ; )

So here it goes...

The Q's..

1. Thong or Granny Panties?
2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?
3. Spanx or no Spanx?
4. Do you sleep in your sheets?
5. What is your favorite Disney character?
6. Dream vacation spot?
7. What is your dream job?
8. Who is your hero and why?

---------------------------------------------------------


1.  Thong or Granny Panties?

I mostly wear thong, but every now and then I'll sneak in a pair of bikinis.


2.  If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?

If it's my hubby or a friend then yes.  A complete stranger no, and I will turn the other way.


3.  Spanx or no Spanx?

hmmm...I'd honestly have to say that once every now and then on a fat day during a special 
occasion I'll sport these.


4.  Do you sleep in your sheets?

On my sheets, not in them.


5.  What is your favorite Disney character?

It has always been Cinderella.  It's something about the rags to riches and Prince 
Charming thing that I can't get over.  


6.  Dream Vacation spot?


Positano, Italy
*sigh*
Although anywhere in Italy will do...


7.  What is your dream job?

An elementary school teacher.  It is what I always wanted to be growing up.


8.  Who is your hero and why?

My mother, she is a strong, giving, caring, nurturing, independent, smart woman.  She (and 
my Dad) raised me.  Need I say more?


Well that was fun and I look forward to next Sunday's questions!!
Thanks for stopping by..



Friday, July 23, 2010

Retro Appliances

Ok so I like vintage pieces as much as the next girl, but these retro appliances (like the ones Rachel Ray has in her kitchen) just blow my mind.

Would I be able to incorporate the two styles?  Cottage and 50's in the kitchen?  I think so.  I was going to pick the stainless steel appliances, but wow these retro versions come in a stainless finish too.  I haven't bothered looking at the prices yet for fear that my "little dream" will come crashing into reality.

Regardless, I'm here to share.  I found these lovely appliances at BarsandBooths.com









These fridges come in a variety of colors...these are just a few.



The stainless version I mentioned : D






The ins and outs of the dishwasher



Microwave...ooooh



The oven.  I'm liking the buttercream too ladies..




Hoods






And how it all comes together!!