"I get organized with a little help from my friends"

My only New Year's Resolution was is to become a more organized gal. At home, at work, in my car, in my purse...you get the idea, right? My friends and family could probably list some nice qualities I possess, but being organized would most definitely not make the series. However, I am on a mission to change that...forr-evv-verr (think Sandlot). You should note, before writing this post I vacuumed, and folded the laundry. On the occasion I am organized (4 weeks a year), I feel so refreshed...and it's the most wonderful feeling in the world! 


I turned to one of my sweetest, and most organized friends, Kati,  for some much-needed advice. Here is what she had to say....

"Life is full of unexpected, uncontrolled chaos. Keeping the controllable factors tidy (schedule, house, closets, files, etc.), makes things a bit easier when the going gets tough. Creating a space you love to spend time in helps you appreciate keeping it clean and pleasant to look at...never should you lay down to read a book or take a nap before your laundry is put away, dishwasher is unloaded and candle is lit, that way you can truly relax." 


Kati's Organization Tips:
1. Stay up on your game. Keep a consistent schedule of cleaning and organizing, that way you never have to commit a whole weekend to catch up. I prefer to clean every Monday night to prepare for the week...deep cleaning happens every first Monday of the month!

2. Share responsibilities with housemates/spouse/kids. My roommates and I have a list posted on our fridge that gets an initial after a common chore has been completed (taking out garbage, emptying dishwasher, picking up mail, purchasing cleaning supplies). Create a rotation so there's no mistake who's turn it is. Yes, it takes me back to my household chore routine as a child...but it helps with confrontations. And it sure gets attention when you have friends over...haha!


3.Strive to be a minimalist...get rid of anything you don't need!

4. Checklists! There's something so satisfying about watching your 'to do' list shrink! Get up early and complete it as soon as you can...the longer you wait, the harder it is to get motivated. That way, you'll have the rest of the day to sit back and be proud of how much you accomplished!

5. Put working out at the top of your list on a free day...the endorphins help to ensure a productive day off and a healthier lifestyle!


Thank you, Kati! You are such an inspiration! xo 
Here are some "organized" photos I have been lusting over for motivation...enjoy! 

Designer Spotlight: Candice Olson

One of my all-time favorite designers is Candice Olson. Her ability to create contemporary, yet cozy interiors never ceases to amaze me. Check out some of her oh-so-gorgeous designs...wouldn't you just love to step into one of these spaces and say, "I'm home!" 


"I believe that the essence of good design is its ability to sustain long term integrity – to become classic and create a truly captivating home." - Candice Olson

all images via HGTV

Super Bowl Bites

Is everyone getting excited for the Super Bowl on Sunday? Who are you rooting for? One of my favorite things about the Super Bowl is all of the delicious eats! I've decided to share some of my favorite recipes for this year's big game...enjoy! xo

mini burger bites

ingredients:

16 large frozen french-fried waffle-cut potatoes 

1 pound ground beef or turkey

2 - 2 teaspoons grilling seasoning blend

slices cheddar cheese, cut into quarters

cherry tomatoes, sliced

mustard, ketchup, pickles, etc.

directions:

preheat oven to 400 degrees F

bake potato fries for 18 to 20 minutes or until crisp; remove from oven

meanwhile, combine meat and seasoning; form into sixteen 1-ounce mini burgers (about 2 tablespoons)

in a skillet, cook burgers, uncovered, over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, turning burgers once halfway through cooking

top each potato with a burger, cheese quarter, and tomato slice

broil 4 - 5 inches from heat for 1 - 2 minutes or until cheese has melted 

Velveeta Cheese Dip

ingredients:

1 lb velveeta cheese block

1 can rotel diced tomatoes & green chiles - undrained

ground beef (optional)

directions:

combine ingredients in crock pot (or microwaveable bowl)

turn crock pot and low and stir (or microwave on high for 5 minutes)

party pinwheels

ingredients:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (1 oz) package ranch dressing mix

2 green onions, minced

4 (12 inch) flour tortillas

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup diced celery

1 (2 oz) can sliced black olives

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

directions:

in medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch mix, and green onions

spread this mixture on each tortilla

sprinkle red pepper, celery, black olives, and cheese over cream cheese mixture

roll up the tortillas, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil

chill 2 hours or overnight; cut off ends of the rolls, and slice the chilled rolls into 1 inch slices 

brown sugar smokies

ingredients:

1 pound bacon

1 (16 oz) package of little smokies

1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees F

cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage

place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers

arrange the skewers on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with brown sugar

bake until bacon is crisp and brown sugar is melted 

...and a few self-explanatory desserts for fun

"Mad About Monday"

Today marks the start of a new series -- "Mad About Monday." Each Monday, I will feature something I am currently mad about! Today...and every day, really...I am mad about: CHEVRON! Chevron is everywhere, and (I think) it looks great on anything and everything. What do you think? 

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My $40 Coffee Table

When we moved, I was having the most difficult time finding the perfect coffee table for our living room. I wanted to find a BIG, square table with enough room to decorate, and still have space for food and drinks during movie time. I couldn't find what I wanted...anywhere! I came across a few pieces from Horchow, but I wasn't ready to throw $2,000 at a coffee table I didn't love. 

One afternoon, I was aimlessly roaming Ikea, searching for frames to create the gallery wall (behind my sofa), when I came across the "LACK" table. Hmm...$9.99 for this sucker, huh? It seems to me that four small tables could create one large table...

Voila! I'll admit...this table is more of a "place holder" for the moment...but it has worked out better than I could have ever imagined...$40 for a 42''x42'' table?

"Don't act like you're not impressed..." Ron Burgundy. 

*Please excuse my iPhone photos 

Viva Las Vegas

Toodleoo! I'm off to this sleepy little town for the weekend...enjoy yours! 

Chicken Tacos

It's time for one of my favorite recipes...slow-cooker chicken tacos. These little babies are super simple, not to mention delicious! Throw the chicken in the crock pot before you head to work, and voila! Dinner is ready by the time you get home...almost! 

Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts - I use 2 for the hubby and I
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can green chiles - diced and seeded
- Tortillas
- Any toppings you may enjoy - avocado, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes...etc.

Directions:
- Pour one can of diced tomatoes into the slow cooker
- Place chicken breasts in next
- Top chicken breasts with 2nd can of tomatoes and green chiles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours
- Shred chicken while still in slow cooker (allows chicken to soak up flavor of sauce)
- Serve on tortillas and add toppings

Enjoy!