Healthy Energy Bites

With soccer games on weekends, we needed something that is easy to eat quickly, and not too messy when you just need some energy between meals and games.  These were great to have along and were given a "thumbs up" by my taste testers! I found this recipe at asouthernmom.com
What you need:

• 1 c oatmeal
• 1/2 c peanut butter
• 1/3 c honey
• 1/2 c Crisp Rice cereal (aka Rice Krispies)
• 1/4-1/2 c ground flax seed
• 1/2 c chocolate chips or raisins if you prefer
• 1 t vanilla

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for 30 minutes
Shape into small balls, crush and compact together(they stay together better this way-I also added just a bit more peanut butter and honey) You can vary the ingredients and amounts for your family.
Store in airtight container

Since it has been warm I keep mine in the fridge. I think it helps them keep their shape better too.

~Simply Angie

Repurposing Vases With Jute and Paint

My favorite time of year is here...Garage Sale season!  I was looking for something to use to decorate an end table. I found this flower vase at a garage sale for 50 cents.  I've seen this project several times, but most recently on the Nate Berkus Show, so I bought it to paint the inside.  I used my left over acrylic paint (from my cupboard projects). You may have to add just a tiny bit of water to it if it isn't thin enough to spread around the inside. I rolled the vase around to cover the inside and then set it upside down on a paper plate to drip and let the excess paint run out. (The longer you leave it upside down the thinner your coverage will be).  I wanted mine to be pretty thick so I only left it a couple hours, then turned it over to dry. It takes about 12-24 hours to completely dry inside. Then I wrapped jute around the top.  I  had another vase that was already orange so I wrapped it in jute also. Things always look better grouped in odd numbers, so I also wrapped a jar that used to be a candle, with a little bit of the jute and added a little battery operated candle that I found for $1.00  (I love those - especially with kids and pets around!) Now I have a fresh new look for Garage Sale season... I mean Summer.

~Simply Angie

Dishwasher Soap - DIY

I just got my second dishwasher in 4 years, which I am not very happy about, so I used the free sample of Cascade. Now I remember why I make my own dishwasher soap! I keep searching for the perfect balance of ingredients to find exactly what I want in a dishwasher soap, well I am happy to report this works the best for me. Maybe it's my water that has made this difficult, I really don't know, but I'm happy now! I found the same issue that Angie did, my old vintage glasses come out great but my new glasses still look a little spotted and cloudy. Guess they don't make glasses and dishwashers like they used to, huh? I tried Lemi Shine in my soap and am happy to report, all items were shiny and clean - at long last!


* Important Hint: Fill your soap dispenser with Lemi Shine and run your dishwasher (empty) for one cycle to remove any buildup from your previous soap before you wash your dishes. If you don't do this, your dishes will not be clean and sparkly!

Dishwasher Soap
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 cup Lemi Shine or citric acid (can use more or less depending on your water)
1/2 cup Kosher salt
I found the first 2 ingredients in the laundry soap aisle at my grocery store.The Lemi Shine was by the dishwasher detergent but on the very top shelf. I use the coarse Kosher salt, found with the other salts. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container or jar.
I use 1 coffee scoop, which is 2 Tablespoons or 1/8 cup.
I pour white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment to help with any spots.

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Garlic and Herb Potatoes

I'm so excited that grilling season is here! This is my simple, side dish recipe for whatever you are grilling as the main course. I usually make these on the grill but I had to make them in the microwave last night because my husband someone forgot to buy propane for the grill. The basic preparation is the same whether you're cooking inside or outside.
8 -10 small potatoes - I use baby blondes or small Yukon gold
1-2 T olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/4 tsp thyme
a light sprinkling of Kosher or sea salt
I cut my potatoes in half and stir all of the ingredients together to coat the potatoes. If you're cooking them in the microwave, it takes about 4 minutes, I use a glass bowl or microwave safe dish will work. If you are cooking on the grill, just wrap everything in foil, a grill basket works too but I like to keep the olive oil smothering the potatoes while they are cooking on the grill. They usually take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat setting of your grill and the size of your potatoes, we usually use medium heat for the grill. You can check the potatoes by inserting a fork in them, if it goes in easily they are done. If you are using more potatoes, you may need to adjust your cooking time for a few more minutes. So yummy-licious!



Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi