Feeling Convicted...

Lately, as the sun comes out and I want to open all the windows and enjoy the sunshine, I've been feeling convicted. When I open the windows and let in the light, I see DUST! Everywhere! I start to look around, and that's when I notice all the little things out of place. There are piles of junk mail on the table, empty wrappers on the coffee table, old drinking  glasses scattered throughout the house... Not to mention the laundry that has somehow taken over our bedroom again (I just spent a good 4hrs cleaning our bedroom about 3wks ago!). Don't get me wrong, I vaccuum on a regular basis and keep things clean... It's just that I've let go of the "a place for everything, and everything in its place" idea.


I get so frazzled sometimes. How does this happen?! How do I let it get like this time, and time again??

I grew up with an exceptionally clean mom- and very organized too! We had schedules for our chores and if they weren't done up to the set standard, we did them again. She'd say "It's my job as mom to prepare you for when you're a wife and homemaker." I'm so glad my mom raised me this way, and I so greatly appreciate her attention to detail! But it seemed like as I got older, my bedroom was always a disaster. There is something about a "lived-in" space that I find kind of comforting! I don't have to worry if I sit on the bed and mess the covers up, because, it's already messy! I think having a super tidy mom made my pendulum swing too far the opposite way. It's easy to let that happen in life, but finding balance is so very important.

Now as I'm sitting in my living room surrounded by mess, I've realized that- yes, I'm saying it- MOM WAS RIGHT. I hated doing the chores and more often than not, I ended up doing them more than once. But she was preparing me. She was preparing me for adulthood, for responsibility, for taking care of a home and husband- and eventually children! My husband works so that we can live comfortably, and I should at the very least be able to keep a clean home for him to live in. I think of it as a respect thing :)

I'm feeling convicted to have more respect for my husband by doing my part, to show better stewardship of the precious things God has blessed me with, and to strive to be a Proverbs 31 hardworking woman (I still don't think I'll be rising with the sun, however).

How do you all do in this area? Any tips on staying organized or motivated? Please share!

Cajun Chicken Pasta

This was a deliciously pleasing dinner! This is probably the yummiest dinner I’ve made since being married! I truly loved it, and so did the sweet husband :)

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Yield: 4-6    Prep Time: 10    Cook Time: 25

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked linguine
• 1 lb chicken breast strips (I cubed mine because I like bite sized chicken better!)
• 1-2 tsp cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 c chicken broth
• 1/3 c milk
• 1 tbsp flour
• 6 tbsp cream cheese
• bunch of green onions, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

 Directions:

 

Prep all your veggies.

 

 

In a small blender, make a slurry by combining milk, flour and cream cheese. Set aside.

 

 

Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning (We used Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning), garlic powder and salt.

 

 

Prepare pasta according to package directions.

 

 

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; spray with cooking spray and add half of the chicken. Sauté 5-6 minutes or until done. Set aside and repeat with the remaining chicken.

 

 

When finished, set aside in bowl.

 

 

Add Olive Oil to the skillet and reduce to medium heat. Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic to skillet, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

 

 

Add mushrooms and tomatoes, and sauté 3-4 more minutes until veggies are all tender or done to your liking. Season with salt, garlic powder (or you can just use garlic salt like I did!) and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

 

 

Reduce heat to medium-low; add chicken broth and pour in slurry- stirring about 2 minutes.

 

 

Return chicken to skillet; adjust salt and seasoning to taste. Heat 1-2 minutes or until hot. Add  linguine, and toss well to coat noodles. Top with green onions, and enjoy!

*Ours came out just a little bit soupy compared to what the original picture looked like, but it was still amazing! It worked out well for reheating the next day because the extra liquid kept it from over drying :)

 

We cooked up some delish breadsticks from the Wal*Mart bakery and boy, howdy- was that a good meal!

Creamy Avacado Pasta & Roasted Mushrooms

Talk about YUM! These were so easy, so yummy, and so much healthier than other creamy pasta options! A even gave them his stamp of approval ;) Pasta that’s thick, creamy, and rich- full flavor bursting with garlic and zingy lemon. Mushroom side that’s simply delicious… Best part of the pasta: It only takes about twenty minutes!

The Mushrooms take longer, so I started them first. The recipe was much larger than I wanted to make, so I just cut everything down a little.

Roasted Mushroom Medley

This recipe has been adapted from http://www.italianfoodforever.com/2008/08/roasted-mushroom-medley/

Yield: Serves 4-6    Prep Time: 15mins    Cook Time: 40mins

Ingredients:

• 2 Pounds Mixed Fresh Mushrooms
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Chopped or Minced
• 1/2c Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon Chopped Fresh Rosemary
• 1 Teaspoon Chopped Fresh Sage
• 1/4c Chopped Fresh Parsley
• 2 Teaspoons Marsala Cooking Wine

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Remove stems from the caps, chop off the ends, and cut into larger pieces (no larger than 2in. in size)

3. Mix the olive oil with the garlic, herbs, seasonings and cooking wine in an ovenproof casserole dish large enough to fit all of the mushrooms

4. Add the mushrooms, and mix well, coating the mushrooms with the flavored oil

5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through

Devour Immediately!

 

Creamy Avacado Pasta

This recipe has been adapted from http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/31/15-minute-creamy-avocado-pasta/

Ingredient List:

Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted (or 2 small!)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, to taste (I used 3 and it was quite garlicky, but if you are not a big fan of garlic use 1 clove)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 servings/6 oz of your choice of pasta (I used linguini)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 

Directions:

1. Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves and olive oil into a food processor (the original recipe calls for lemon added here, I just didn’t have any on hand! That would really give it the kick it needed. I also used a blender, so our sauce was a little thicker). Process until smooth. Now add in the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.

3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with salt and black pepper (add some lemon zest if you have them on hand!). Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Please note: Because of the avocados, this cannot be reheated! Serve immediately :)

 

ENJOY!

Picture Wall is Finished!

I showed you my idea for a picture wall, and we got the pictures up almost right away! But the wall shelves were a different story. After months of an unfinished wall, I’m proud to announce the completion of the Moore Family Photo Wall! :D

And here she is…

Yay!!

Craigslist Finds- Refinished Storage

If you are looking for something incredible for your home, I’ve already done the looking for you! Just check out the beautiful things I’ve come across! I’ve included links in case you want to check them out and maybe add them to your own collection!

 

Oregon (Scroll down for Washington finds!)

 

Antique Painted Washstand- $125

 

French Vintage Dresser- $140

How cute is the old book page top on this dresser?!

 

Large Black Dresser- $250

 

 

Round Side Table- $89

 

Shelves- $20

They can even be painted!

 

 

Washington

 

Trestle Table- $85

 

Dresser/Buffet- $85

 

File Box- $45

I’m kind of in love with this… What a cute way to file things!

 

Harlequin Dresser- $385

How gorgeous would this be in white?!

 

And my absolute favorite find from today’s search:

Although it’s not storage, I couldn’t resist sharing!

Vintage Tufted Wingback Library Chair- $220

 

This chair is actually from a “Dealer”, but they collect antiques at Estate Sales, Antique Stores, and Thrift Stores. They make their prices competitive with other stores that sell similar style home décor such as Target, Pier1 Imports, and Ikea. You MUST check out their incredibly beautiful pieces at their website Reinspired Home.

 

Which pieces were your favorites? Could you see any of them in your own home? Tell me what you think!