Memory Box Display

 

A few weeks ago I found these shadow boxes on sale for 75% off at Michael's Craft Store; they were only $5.99 so I bought 3 of them for various heirlooms and keepsakes. I put things that I had from our Grandma in this one. She liked to sew, I had a few of her spools and a thread box. I also had some pieces from the game Keyword, that we would play together when I would go and stay. It's a nice way to display and keep a few things, instead of boxes full of things stuck in a closet or basement.  If you have things that you have kept as an heirloom or feel like you just can't get rid of, make sure you have them somewhere that you can use and appreciate them. I also like the idea of taking pictures of kids projects and artwork and making the pictures into a book instead of keeping all the paper and projects that don't usually hold their shape and stay intact over the years. 

As organizer Peter Walsh says,  "This is harsh, when you tell me, 'Everything is important,' my response is, 'Nothing is important,'" he says. "Find five treasures that when you look at them it makes your heart sing, and then start to display them with honor and respect." For example, create a family history wall in your home by hanging shadow boxes and framed pieces of your children's art, photos, or even a piece of their favorite blanket. "Display them on a wall in a way that everyone can love them!" 

~Simply Angie

Breaded Chicken with Gravy

Chicken, gravy and mashed potatoes is another family favorite! This is what we call fried chicken in our family because we don't eat traditional fried chicken. This is simply baked chicken with a nice crunchy crust. You can use this to create an awesome gluten free meal or maybe you just want to enjoy a healthier option than frying chicken.
Ingredients:
1/3 c plain yogurt (Greek or homemade works best because it's thicker)
1 egg
1/4 c milk (I use coconut milk but almond milk or white milk is fine too)
2 cups corn flakes, crushed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Whisk yogurt, egg, and milk on a large plate. The mixture shouldn't be too thin or it won't stick to the chicken. Add a little more yogurt if it's too thin. 
• Rinse the chicken breasts and remove the excess water with a paper towel. 
• Pour corn flakes into a large plastic baggie, seal it and using a rolling pin, roll over the top of the baggie until the corn flakes are crushed and look like crumbs. 
• Roll the chicken in the liquid mixture so both sides are covered.
• Place chicken in the baggie with the corn flakes, seal the top and shake the bag until the chicken is covered in corn flake crumbs. Repeat with each piece of chicken.
• Place chicken on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350F for an hour. That's it!

Serve with your favorite side dishes, we like mashed potatoes and gravy! I always make gluten free gravy because it is actually better than any traditional gravy, and it doesn't give you that heavy feeling after you eat it. Here's the recipe if you want to try something different.
Gravy Instructions: 
2 c chicken stock or broth
1/4 c white rice flour (you can use all purpose flour if you don't want need gluten free)
1/2 c milk (coconut, almond, or white milk)
Seasoning to taste such as coarse ground pepper and sea salt
In a small to medium pan, boil the chicken stock over medium heat on the stove. I use a glass measuring cup to mix the flour and milk together. Slowly add the flour to the stock and whisk as you are adding.Turn the heat down on the stove and keep whisking until your gravy starts to thicken. It usually takes a couple of minutes. It depends on how thick you like your gravy, but you may want to add more flour and milk. The key to lumpy free gravy, is to mix your flour and cold milk first before you add them to the stock. Enjoy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi




 

Decorating with Family Photos

 

A while ago, I posted some wall decor ideas using wrapping paper in a frame. You can also use fabric or scrapbook paper that you like. I had some old black and white family photos that I made copies of and arranged them on the wrapping paper.   Shoebox lids covered in fabric arranged on a wall look like expensive artwork. Photos are another great way to personalize your space, and often places like Walgreen's, Shutterfly or Costco have coupons or specials for printing large sizes or printing on canvas.  Our mom had these pictures of our Grandpa enlarged and framed. It's also a great gift idea! I have also used quotes or funny sayings and printed them in a font I like and framed them. 

These are a few  inexpensive ideas to decorate your space. 

Let us know how you like to personalize your space on a budget. 

~ Simply Angie                                                                                                                                  

 

Homemade Apple Muffins

Apple muffins on a cold morning got a thumbs up today! They are easy to make and your taste testers will love them. I used organic ingredients but use your what you have at your house.

Muffin Ingredients:
1 egg
3/4 c yogurt, I use Homemade Yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt)
3/4 c coconut milk, not canned (or your favorite milk) if you use regular milk only use 1/2 cup because it is usually thinner than coconut milk
1/4 c coconut or canola oil
2 c  flour
1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 c diced, peeled apples (I used organic Braeburn apples)
Mix the liquid ingredients by hand with a whisk. Add the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. Don't mix them too much, you only need to blend all ingredients. Stir in the diced apples. I used a medium scoop to put the dough in paper lined muffin tins, fill about 3/4 full. Makes about 20-22 muffins.
Topping:
1/3 c flour
1/3 c brown sugar
1/4 c cold butter
1 tsp cinnamon
Using a pastry cutter, mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle over the tops of the muffins. Bake at 350F for about 20-23 minutes. After your muffins are baked, remove them from the pans and let them cool on a cooling rack or they may stick to the cup liners. These are so yummy!
Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi