Organizing the Linen Closet

Another beautiful day so you know what that means...I'm spending 30 minutes to clean out my linen closet. This is the closet next to our guest bathroom, since it is between the office and the "princess" room, I don't really call it a linen closet because I don't keep many linen items in it. This is where I keep my first aid items, Winnie's (puppy) supplies, cleaning supplies, and my plant water jar. I use baskets just because I like them, but I never pay full price for them. You can pick them up really cheap at garage sales and thrift stores and they do mark them down at the stores if you wait for the clearance sales.

My first basket (first shelf) is for my vacuum bags, vacuum filters, Swiffer pads (for my wood floors and ceiling fans) and charging cord and a few hand towels.

My second and third basket (second shelf) is for my first aid supplies, splints, bandages, medications, thermometer and blood pressure machine (out of children's reach).

 My top shelf is for my dog (Winnie) supplies, my plant water jar and plant food.

Use baskets to organize first aid supplies

 On the floor I keep my vacuum cleaner and Swiffer.

 Done! Now I get to go outside and play!! Enjoy your day!

Love and peace,

~ Simply Tammi

Fresh Salsa

I really like salsa. I used to can it in the summer, but it would be a whole day project. Then I found this recipe on mountainmamacooks.com. It is one of our favorites. There is no cooking or canning involved and is pretty much perfect every time. It makes about 2 pints.  It would be great with the fish tacos, or if you're like me, you can eat it with just about anything!
Here's what you need:

• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 10 oz can rotel
• 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1/2 -1 jalapeno, seeded or not depending on how spicy you like it
• 1 t honey
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/4 t cumin
• small to med. handful of cilantro (I'm not a huge fan of it, so I don't put much in)
• juice of 1 lime

Put all the ingredients in food processor or blender and pulse to combine for 30 seconds or until all the ingredients are finely chopped and salsa is desired consistency. Taste for seasoning and adjust to taste. Serve with chips, over tacos (or anything else you like to eat it with!) Enjoy!

~Simply Angie

Fish Tacos

No - they're not gross! Fish tacos are one of those supper items that are super easy to make and yummy. We're not really hard core fish eaters in this house, anyway not the fishy flavor kind! If we don't have any fish from our fishing friends, I buy inexpensive white fish, pollock is the cheapest and it goes on sale quite often, my package of 5 fillets cost $2.74. I also use tilapia or cod if it's on sale. Last night I was hoping to have leftovers but when I offered the suggestion of fish tacos, my husband voted for those! I usually cook my fish on the grill but I was too tired to walk to the deck to start the grill - haha!! For a quick, delicious supper try some fish tacos!

Ingredients:

4-5 white fish fillets

corn tortillas or wheat flour tortillas

olive oil

1 tsp cilantro

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

pinch of sea salt

coarse black pepper to taste

Toppings:

Use whatever you like, here's what we use:

Shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage

Plain yogurt mixed with salsa (about 3 T yogurt with 2-3 T salsa)

Shredded cheese - we like cheddar and colby jack

Heat olive oil in skillet. Rinse your fish, I let mine dry off a little on some parchment paper. Then I sprinkle cilantro and chili powder over the fillets. When the oil is hot, I add the fillets to the pan. Then I season with a little salt and pepper. Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is white and flaky. I heat my corn tortillas in the oven at 250F degrees for about 4 minutes (you have be careful so they don't burn).

Then start filling your taco shells, we put the fish in first then the cheese, salsa mixture, and lettuce. Yummy!

This recipe makes about 6 tacos so double or triple it if you need more.
 

Love and peace,

~ Simply Tammi

Organizing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Another beautiful March day in the Midwest, 79 degrees as I write this!  If you live here, you know what I'm talking about, I remember most March days with snow on the ground or a blizzard on the way. But this year, we have been blessed! 

How is your organizing project going? This afternoon in between pans of cupcakes, I managed to clean out another kitchen cabinet. This is the place where I keep my serving bowls, cooking bowls, lids, grater, and colanders. I keep my stand mixer and food processor on the counter top because I use them so much. 

I used to be a Tupperware queen but I gave most of it away (except for my cupcake container). I prefer to use glass. I kept only the items that I use on a daily or weekly basis, the rest was donated. I keep my lids in a basket so they don't fall out or get misplaced and everything is accessible. It took about 30 minutes and one box for donations. Open your windows, take a deep breath and enjoy your organizing journey!

Love and peace,

~ Simply Tammi