Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay (the 13th)!
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Kale & Black Eye Pea Soup
Sunday I purchased a container of CutnClean Kale from Safeway to be used in my salads for the week. However, after hearing the weather forecast for more snow I decided to use it to make a Crock Pot soup with Black Eye Peas.
In the winter, my grandmother used to make the best homemade vegetable soups using ingredients she already had in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. So in keeping with tradition I used some leftover celery stalks, an onion, garlic, carrots and Bouillon cubes to make this soup.
Ingredients:
- Dry Black Eye Peas – 1/2 bag
- Kale – 1/2 package
- Celery – diced
- Carrots – diced
- Onion – diced
- Garlic – diced
- Bouillon Cubes (2)
- Water
- Olive Oil
- Black Pepper
- Smoked Turkey Necks (optional)
Mama Midget (yes that was her name), never used measuring cups or spoons so neither do I especially when using the Crock Pot. I just throw in what I have or think is enough.
Rinse and drain 1/2 bag of dry Black Eye peas
Add 2 Bouillon Cubes to 3 cups of hot water
Pour Olive Oil into Crock Pot just enough to cover bottom
Chop onion, garlic, carrots and celery and add to Crock Pot
Add Kale and sprinkle with Black Pepper
Pour in Bouillon Stock, adding more water to cover all ingredients if necessary
Stir and if desired add Smoked Turkey Legs or Necks
Cover and cook on low 8 hour, high 4 hours – depending on Crock Pot model. Don’t forget to make some Skillet Corn Bread!
Nothing beats walking into the house on a cold and snowy day to the smell and taste of “good ole homemade soup”!
I miss you Mama – RIP!
Do you make any of your mother’s/grandma’s favorite recipes?
Come on over and join in on the Family Friday Link Up Party!
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Hello Friends and Happy
This week I am thankful for so much including:
watching my son win a Silver Medal in his first wrestling tournament
capturing a beautiful Saturday Sunset
attending a Festive Family Holiday Party
attending Sunday Service and getting out before the big snowstorm
making it safely to work in the snow despite the 3 1/2 hour commute
of course my family, friends and faith!
Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?
Come on over and link up with other Thankful Divas
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
Last week before this burst of Wintery weather I was wearing scarves and wraps because I don’t particularly like wearing coats, especially while driving.
Wrap – Burlington Coat Factory | Skirt and Polka Dot Top – thrifted from GW Boutique | Shoes – thrifted from The Salvation Army
Wraps and scarves are easy breezy to put on and take off and were perfect for the late Autumn weather.
But now that the snow has arrived with a vengence, I guess it’s time to break out the full winter gear…the hats, coats, scarves AND gloves…
but then again…maybe not!
Have you pulled out your winter gear?
Linking up today with my girl Whitney for Personal Style Wednesday – come on over and check out her “Thriftmas List”
Stay warm and have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello friends and Happy Tuesday
Last week I attended Delaware Today’s signature event, Women in Business Luncheon (Upstate) which was held at The Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. This annual event is held to showcase and highlight Delaware’s women in business and provides a great opportunity to network, share and connect with others. It was a warm and beautiful December day made even more so by the smiling faces on the many men and women who came out in support.
The lobby of the Chase Center was filled with hundreds of people engaged in lively conversations, and various Sponsors of the luncheon had tables of information, giveaways and games. Music by Phillip Berger entertained the crowd with mellow sounds until noon, then we made our way into the main Ballroom for lunch and the afternoon program.
Inside the Riverfront Ballroom each table was decorated with a fresh and fragrant floral arrangement provided by Belak Flowers. The owner Barbara Williams was seated next to me and we had a pleasant conversation throughout lunch. On each seat was a take-away-tote bag provided by Del-One and it contained a few goodies from Bayada, YMCAde, Goldey Beacom College, Christiana Care, Ursuline Academy, Morris James LLP and Continental Jewelers.
The meal was delicious and consisted of a mixed greens salad, 1/2 Cornish Hen, Couscous, Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower. It was definitely far more than what I normally eat, so unfortunately the slice of cake remained uneaten!
Dr. Maria Hess, Editor-in-Chief of Delaware Today Magazine opened the program acknowledging the recipients of this year’s Women in Business Awards. As each name was read the women stepped to the podium and it was wonderfully encouraging to see the diversity among them all. You can find the full list of recipients along with their photos on the Delaware Today website.
Emcee and NBC10 anchor, Tracy Davidson introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Janice Nevin, Chief Medical Officer, Christiana Care Health Systems.
Dr. Nevin gave an enlightening and sometimes humorous presentation. She acknowledged the men and women who challenged her, giving her the resiliency to break through sexual barriers that once held her back. Graduating from the once all-male St. Andrews High School in Middletown, was just the beginning of her becoming “the first female” in many areas of her life including during Medical School.
Sheer determination and learning to “lean in” makes her the wonderful wife, mother, and Chief Medical Officer who is compassionate and resilient despite the odds.
The day ended just as it started with lots of lively conversations, networking, sharing and smiles.
Thank You Delaware Today for honoring these wonderful women!
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
I trust you all had a great weekend with an opportunity to do something special with your family or friends. Saturday evening after spending all day sitting on hard gym bleachers at our son’s 1st wrestling tournament, hubby and I attended a festive family event. The family members were some that we had never met before nor did we know they live only 12 miles from us.
It was at my mother-in-law’s funeral this past summer that a cousin told us about this annual family affair and invited us to attend. It was a festive evening spent with our new found family members and their wonderful friends.
Here are a few highlights from the evening.
Their home was beautifully decorated and decked out for the holidays
Plenty of food and drinks…
Chatter and Cheesecakes…
Joyful jokes and jolly …
Many conversations and memories from past…
Festive photo in front of twinkling windows…
Giggles, games and gambling…
A night of Festive Family Fun led to a our first Snowy Sunday…
Did you do anything festive this weekend?
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Have a Blessed day – Smooches!
Share your thoughts
REPOST FROM OCTOBER
The holidays are just around the corner here and most of us are a bit more budget conscience, however, if you are looking for cute and unique gift items at affordable prices, please check out GOANDGIFTSHOP.COM.
GoAndGiftShop is an online store that sells all types of gifts, collectibles, home, garden and seasonal decor that fits into most budgets.
With some gifts priced well below $20.00, and others more than $50.00, you are sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list. They also carry unique items such as this “Shoe Wine Holder” for the fashionista in your life.
Do you want to give your home a mini makeover or just find something special for a family member, friend or co-worker? Take a look at their online catalog and if you are not ready to make a purchase create a “wish list” or order a Gift Card. Also, don’t forget to sign up to receive exclusive promotions and discounts for when you are ready.
As an added incentive GoandGiftShop has offered my readers a $10.00 off Gift Code to use towards their purchase, valid only until December 15th. Simply send an email to info@goandgiftshop.com with “I want a $10 gift card to GOANDGIFTSHOP.COM” in the subject line and you’ll receive a reply back with the discount code.
Now is a great time to start thinking about indoor and outdoor decor for next year’s season at today’s discounted prices. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Happy Shopping and Saving!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew
Oxtails or tails of cattle is a very popular dish in *South Africa and this bony, gelatin-rich meat is usually slow-cooked. In our Delaware home as soon as the weather cools Oxtails are definitely on the menu-of-must-haves and this is how I slow cook mine.
Unfortunately the cost of Oxtails in the grocery stores can be outrageous which is why I stalk Dutch Country Farmer’s Market to get them!
Ingredients:
- Oxtails 6-8 pieces
- Vegetable Broth
- Ground Ginger
- Brown Sugar
- Vegetables: Onions/Celery/Parsley/Carrots
- Canned or Fresh Tomatoes – optional
- Garlic fresh or minced
- Oxtail Seasoning
- Dry Beans or Lentils
- Flour
- Olive Oil
Put Oxtails into a plastic bag and pour in enough flour to coat, adding as little or as much of the Oxtail Seasoning, Ground Ginger and Brown Sugar according to your tastes. Seal bag and rub all dry ingredients onto Oxtails.
Pour in just enough olive oil to cover bottom of a pan, heat on low and add coated Oxtails turning to brown on all sides.
In the meantime, chop and dice veggies
I also added a little Curry to the browning Oxtails, however, this is optional.
Remove browned Oxtails from the pan, then rinse the lentils or beans. Coat inside the Crock Pot with cooking spray for easier clean up.
Put in the Oxtails…
…add lentils or beans
…top with sliced and diced veggies
Pour in 2 containers of broth or use water seasoned with Beef Bouillon Cubes – enough to cover all ingredients
Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 depending on your Crock Pot/Slow Cooker
I had to work late and none of my men took pictures so I don’t have the finished product, but trust me it was good! You can add any vegetable or potato or omit the beans and serve over rice. No matter how you make it, it’s oh so good and filling especially on a cold winter’s night!
What is your favorite Slow Cooked Stew?
* This post was written only a few hours before Mr. Mandela’s death
RIP “Giant for Justice”
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Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
Last week I was thankful for the opportunity to have met the beautiful and “blessed with success” owner of Lai Renise Boutique, Nadira Alston. Lai Renise Boutique is located on the 2nd floor of 11 West Main Street in Middletown.
Nadria and her family relocated from Philadelphia where she started and still operates a successful online boutique with clients from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. She moved to Delaware and on the 3rd of May opened Lai Renise which is partially named after her daughter.
Lai Renise is a high end yet affordable shop for women looking for something special or a one of a kind outfit. Nadira offers a personal shopping experience and hosts Trunk Shows in which family and friends gather for wonderful evening of shopping and styling.
Nadira had always dreamed of operating a brick and mortar shop and was blessed to have found this location which was previously a dance studio. The mirrored walls were already in place so she just added the shelving to showcase the beautiful handbags and accessories with brands like Big Buddah Bags, Betsy Johnson, Vieta and Russ Jewelry.
Nadira also runs a full time Ministry and enjoys working with young women in empowerment and positive transformation. On Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 she is hosting “Daughter’s of Excellence Annual Dessert Cafe” a fellowship featuring an Open-Mic, Singing, Poetry and Storytelling at 14 West Main Street. For more information please send an email to daughters@trclive.org.
In honor of #ShopSmall Saturday I treated myself to a Big Buddah Handbag – it was a tough decision but I purchased the black one.
Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
I trust you all had a safe and enjoyable long Thanksgiving weekend with an opportunity to do something special. Everyday I am thankful for the little things that God blesses me with and even more so when I can share those blessings with others.
On Friday fellow thriftanista and BLMGirl, Whitney Nic James embarked on a Thrift with Nic Weekend Tour (#twntour) sponsored by Kia Motors and her first stop was in Delaware. I honestly had no plans of going out or even getting dressed but when she texted I knew I couldn’t let her visit my state without seeing her. It wasn’t just because we are fellow bloggers but because I’ve adopted her as my “lil sis”, and you know that I lost my real ‘lil sis in a car accident in 1992.
I quickly dressed and drove to meet her at the Goodwill Outlet in New Castle. The outlet wasn’t originally on her agenda but one of the consignment shops that she chose was closed and thankfully the outlet was closer to me.
I had never been to a Goodwill Outlet and from the looks of things it was obvious that it’s the “early birds that get all the worms”. Somewhat disappointed but not defeated, I suggested we head further south down to Smyrna, to one of my favorite Goodwill locations. Her husband, Darrius was the driver and also a native Delawarean, however, he had never been to the Smyrna store and was eager to go.
Whitney and her new hubby Darrius are a thrifting duo!
Can’t leave a Delaware Goodwill without buying a
“I Love Thrifting” t-shirt!
It was the day before Goodwill’s 50% off Saturday Sale but there were a few items that I just couldn’t pass up.
If you read my profile you know that I am a big supporter of Goodwill, not just because I love to thrift but because it was the last place my sister worked before her untimely death. She is the first thought that comes to mind when I enter a Goodwill but on this trip she was more than just a passing thought.
My sister had a best friend named Darlene, they were inseparable until she left to join the United States Air Force, and it was during that time they became separated forever. Darlene was in Boot Camp when Gloria was killed in a car accident and unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the funeral. Darlene and I spoke briefly afterwards but never saw each other again … not until Friday and at all places… Goodwill.
Between the hugs and tears, I discovered that she now lives in Smyrna and works in Middletown, and is also newly married. How amazing was it that thanks to my adopted ‘lil sis, I was reunited with my real ‘lil sis’ best friend at a Goodwill! #blessed
What started out as a Black Friday turned into a Blessed Friday!
I am linking up with Whitney’s Personal Style Wednesday so come on over and meet some other thrifting fashionistas.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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