My poor, neglected little blog

I swear I don't know where the time goes.  June has been a whirlwind of activities.

Never leave home without these ^^^^

Amazing Reggae at Union Landing

Father's Day weekend was spent at the annual an fishing tournament & festivities.  See more here for why we participate it.

Controlling kids on the fly bridge.

Still instagramming OOTD's, if only I could get rid of my mummy tummy & hips :-/

Cousins at the beach

The foreclosure across the street...eerie.  Jimmy the Ice Cream Man can always brighten a dreary day.  The rain and storms have been weird lately, it rains almost every evening.  Florida-esque.

I've been pinning some door inspiration.  Working on a redo of our side entrance, it's looking a bit...ghetto.  I will {hopefully} be posting before's & afters some time in July {bad blogger}

The Summer 2013 Picnic Pal.  Ketchup, relish, 2 kinds of mustard, hot sauce and malt vinegar. Ready at a moments notice

I've been lax in the cooking department as well.  Sticking to easy, weeknight fare.  I'm waiting with bated breath for the Jersey Tomatoes to come in.  At that point, all we will need is a loaf of Wonder bread and a jar of mayo.  

How's your summer?

Thanks for visiting!

Homes I Love...

Sea Girt, NJ ~ Circa 2009

Back to my Friday real estate posts.  The Jersey Shore is full of unique, beautiful homes.  This one is no exception. From the Realtor:

Excellence prevails in this superbly crafted Christopher Rice designed 6B,6.5b spacious home ideally planned for effortless entertaining. Indulge your taste for quality with the endless amenities such as the spectacular gourmet kitchen, marble countertops, custom archways, coffered ceiling, walnut flooring & stairs, mahogany doors & porches, bluestone covered back porch, custom pool, cabana, & mature landscaping. Live life's best moments in this lovely home making memories at the seashore. Enjoy!

This can all be yours for $3,199,000.

Thanks for visiting and have a lovely weekend!

Skinnier Buffalo Chicken Dip {Recipe Swap}

Skinnier Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 Ounces (half block) Neufchatel Cheese (softened)

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Cup of Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese Blend (I used Sargento)

½ Cup of Hot Sauce (or to taste)

1 T of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning…dry

3 Cups of Marinated, Boiled and Shredded Chicken

Paprika (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle lightly with paprika, if desired.  Cook in a 350* oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. I will also broil for a few minutes if I am serving immediately.

With the Summer season just beginning, this is a lighter appetizer that is less guilty than the full fat version.  Serve with celery, carrots and/or whole wheat pretzel twists. Perfect to serve, or take to, those parties & barbecues!

This is also pairs nicely with the FF version of Spinach Dip.  FF mayo & sour cream, thawed chopped spinach and a packet of Lipton vegetable soup mix.  Mix all, let rest for a bit in the fridge (stir occasionally) and serve in a Pumpernickel bread bowl.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all of the amazing Mothers a beautiful weekend!

This is where I will will be spending the majority of mine...

We've made progress, hope to make more!

I'll be back regularly really soon...with some recipes, a giveaway, coffee talk and my feelings on selfies & OOTD's

Thanks for visiting!

Big weekend Coming Up

 ~ The Kentucky Derby & Cinco de Mayo ~

What are your plans for either day? Will it include dressing up and a mint julep or Mexican music & culture?

Here are a few of my crowd-pleasing recipes that are event appropriate.

Enjoy!

Bacon Herb Cupcakes

Rosemary Chicken Kabobs

Roasted Veggie Tart

Skinny Chicken Enchilada Lasagna

Mexican Chicken Parm

{all images via Pinterest}

Thanks for visiting and have a fabulous weekend!

Spring Cleaning {Closet Cleaning Tips}

and closet purging.  Do it now before the sultry allure of summer summons you to the outdoors for a few months.

I've recently finished my own closet and hope to tackle husband and kids this weekend. 

I took everything out and made piles:

Keep

For Friends/Family/Co-Workers

Goodwill

eBay

Garbage

It was simpler than I thought.  7 bags to Goodwill, 2 bags to friends, 2 bags to list and sell on eBay and 2 bags of garbage.  Into the garbage went anything that was compromised with tiny tears or stains.  Friends et al, got stuff I love, but sadly don't fit into anymore be it too large or small.  

With a more organized closet, I was able to organize swim suits, scarves & belts and even sweatshirts.

Before the clothes went back in, the closet was cleaned deeply and cedar accessories were added to keep it fresh.  All wire hangers were switched out for wood, metal or plastic.

eBay got the brand name stuff that I could make a decent profit on.  I'm happy to say that I've already made over $200 and sales keep coming.  Can you say replenish?!

I also worked on my costume/fashion jewelry.  I've had this Pottery Barn accordian hook rack for ages.  Hung it on a bare wall in my closet, hung the costume-y stuff.  I can see it and make better use of it now and it allows my good/heirloom jewelry to rest less cluttered and cramped in my jewelry box.  I did NOT get rid of any jewelry!

Winter shoes and boots cleaned and stored away til' next year.  Winter coats and sweaters are at the cleaners now and will be stored for the summer.  

Basic Closet Cleaning Tips

Create your piles

*

Make a shopping list for basics you will need to replenish

*

Be honest.  It may be sentimental, but will you (or can you) wear it again?

*

Upgrade your hangers

*

Organize by color or type of clothing (work/play/outerwear/camisoles, etc.)

*

Keep it neat!

Thanks for visiting!

Hutton Happenings

A plethora of parties...this one had Mr. Scott, our favorite local children's entertainer

Anniversary reflections and a night out

A jackpot, albeit a small one {penny slots!}

A total yard makeover.  Long overdue.  New sprinklers, sod, beds and plantings.  

Can't wait to show off the after pics & enjoy a more maintenance-free summer.  We've chosen leyland cypress, white pines, inkberrys, pampas grasses, red maple, southern magnolias, pee gee hydrangea...just to name a few.

Little monkeys tree climbing

Clean eating.  I am down 10lbs. since January....now if I can only get back to the gym.

Why can't cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids, gardening + plus a full-time job be enough?!

I purged my closets this past weekend and got control of the chaos.  7 bags to goodwill and donations and 2 piles to sell on Ebay.  Have to replenish a little bit!

It's still chilly here on the Jersey Shore, everyone is starting to get crabby about it.  How long before we are all complaining that it is too hot...

Hope you are doing well lately ~ Thanks for visiting!