A deliciously cheap and easy Whole30 meal that basically cooks itself is Chicken and Gravy! I've made this dish using a couple of different cooking methods. My first version of Chicken and Gravy was made in a slow cooker (a.k.a. Crock-Pot), but these days, I cook this under high pressure in an Instant Pot 'cause I can get it on the table faster! Tips and SuggestionsDon't overcook the chicken!Whether you choose the Instant Pot or slow cooker/Crock-Pot method, make sure you're around when the chicken is finished cooking so you can take it out right away. If you leave the chicken on the “Warm” mode, the residual heat will continue cooking the chicken, turning it dry and stringy. No amount of paleo gravy can rescue a dry, overcooked chicken! Can I cook a whole frozen chicken?I don't recommend cooking a whole unthawed chicken because it won't cook evenly. Invariably, you'll end up overcooking parts of the bird to make sure the rest of it is fully cooked. If you have a frozen whole chicken, put it in the fridge to thaw, and make something else tonight. (Psst…Nomster Burgers are cheap, quick, and easy!) Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?Yes. If you're cooking a cut-up chicken in the Instant Pot, decrease the cooking time to 15 minutes under high pressure. Cooking a cut-up bird in the slow cooker? The cooking time will be about 4 hours on low. What do I serve with it?Some of my favorite veggie side dishes are Baked Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes,” Pressure Cooker Kale and Carrots, Swiss Chard with Raisins, Pine Nuts, and Porkitos, Instant Pot Crispy Potatoes, Roasted Broccoli and Bacon, Roasted Kabocha Squash, and Whole Roasted Cauliflower. How should I store leftover gravy?The leftover gravy is truly liquid gold and I always freeze the extras in silicone ice cube molds! That way I can pop out a few cubes whenever I have a craving for gravy. And this leftover gravy is so tasty, you'll want to ladle it on everything. No joke. Pick your kitchen electric of choice and click on the recipe below:Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Chicken and GravySlow Cooker Chicken and GravyWant more inspiration from my past January Whole30s? Check out my Day 10 posts from 2018 and 2017!
A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I'm writing in the month of January 2019 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Not sure what the Whole30 is, or want info on how to get started? Read my Whole30 prep post-and then come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30! Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You'll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)! The post Whole30 Chicken and Gravy (Instant Pot or Crock-Pot) appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.
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Are you ready to give your body a break from sugar? Many people resolve to get fit in the new year and joining the No Sugar Challenge is a great way to drop a few extra pounds and inches.
There's a saying that you can't exercise away a bad diet and it's true! When I first started getting fit for good I ate poorly most of the time (especially soda!). It wasn't until I changed how I ate that I really saw changes in how I looked, and more importantly how I felt. Now, almost seven years later I can skip the gym for a few days or even a week and still feel great, as long as I'm eating well. However, even if I'm going to the gym several times a week, if my diet is full of sugar and processed foods I start to feel crummy very quickly. The No Sugar Challenge is simple. Stop eating sugar. You set the parameters, regarding whether you are going to try and substitute sugar with honey or agave or if you want to give up the sweet stuff altogether. My recommendation is that you give it up totally so that foods that are naturally sweet (mainly fruit) can serve as your sweet treats and you will be able to make better choices in the future. We've done many no sugar challenges in the past and I'm excited to be doing another one with you. For many people this is what it takes for them to give up their daily soda or candy habit. While we're doing this challenge together beginning January 7th. Just sign up below and you'll get daily reminders, helpful tips, encouragement and a free printable journal. How the No Sugar Challenge worksEnter your email below to join the challenge. Then, on January 7th you'll receive a series of emails from me with helpful tips, encouragement, and tactics to get rid of sugar. For 21 days we'll work together to rid our bodies of sugar. There will be bumps along the way, but we will do it together! This year, I'm also giving away a free Sugar Journal to help you keep track of your journey. Over the years I've found that writing things down keeps me accountable. I'm also able to back through my old journals when I need a boost of encouragement. Each day of the challenge you'll receive the next page of the journal for you to print out at home. Are you ready to take back your diet? Join us for the challenge below! We start on January 7th! Don't miss on your opportunity for accountability and a way to share your success with a community of people cheering you on. More Fit For GoodThe post No Sugar Challenge: Fit for Good appeared first on The Happy Housewife :: Real Life. Comments
Related StoriesThe post No Sugar Challenge: Fit for Good appeared first on The Happy Housewife™. Finishing the basement in your home is a great way to maximize the space you already have, without having to add on any square footage in the form of an addition. Whether you want to go the more luxurious route and turn your basement into a home theater, or you're simply looking for a way to create more living space in your home, finishing your basement is a great way to do so. However, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind for a successful basement remodel. Below, we cover 5 tips to get you started. Looking back at top DIY posts of 2018. I'm sometimes a little surprised at most visited posts – they're blasts from the past! I'll share a 2018 recap later this week but let's take a look at DIYShowOff reader favorites from the past year: Lighted PVC Candy Cane Decor made the top of the list of faves. Wouldn't several lining a walkway look so festive and inviting? Looks like a tire swing but upcycle an old tire into a planter: DIY Tire Planter. This always gets compliments at our home. Who knew an old tire turned planter would be a great conversation starter? Pallet Herb Garden – time to give some thought to this year's herb list. I love that we still utilize this on our patio which is located right off the kitchen. Mint for mojitos, rosemary for roasted cashews. This one reminds, me. I really need to organize and refresh these shelves in real life. Adding it to the to-do list! This former under-utilized space in our home (there are 6 door ways in this small space!) now functions as an open pantry and we love it! Ah. Another oldie but goodie and favorite project. Next time you're at the thrift store, check out the electronics/lighting department (i.e. maybe 1 shelf of things with wiring). lol DIY baseboards – I'm guessing inquiring minds want to know. haha! I'll actually be recreating this post in real life with some baseboard trim at the #helloredreno studio. Everyone loves outdoor entertaining and so this tutorial for Giant LCR Dice Yard Game was a hit in 2018! When you've accidentally dropped your phone one too many times, it's time to get creative with ways to keep it safe! DIY Tray Cat Perch – kitties love to be in the sun AND watch for birds and squirrels and what's going on with the world outside, so no surprise this made top views. Cats rule! Love a good Cinderella story? Then you'll want to check out this Before & After Bathroom Makeover! Any of your DIYShowOff favorites up there? Remember a few of those? What's one of your favorite projects from last year? Prevent Cockroach Infestations on Your Property & Stop the Unsightly & Unsafe Critters from Putting Your Family at RiskCockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the world, with Florida being home to over 70 different species of roaches. Keeping this in mind, it is extremely likely that people will encounter cockroaches at some point in their home. This skeevy pest excels at adapting to new environments and can bring disease-causing germs into your home that can lead to allergic reactions, food poisoning, hepatitis, and diarrhea. Facts About CockroachesIf you see one cockroach, it's likely there are more. And if there are more, you've likely got yourself a cockroach infestation. If you've found yourself with an infestation, there are a number of things worth knowing about the pest. First, cockroaches are small and sometimes hard to see, with dark brown or black bodies that are only 1/2 to 3 inches long. Cockroaches prefer warm and humid environments (like Florida, especially Southern Florida) and they are scavengers in every aspect. They'll eat almost anything; glue, the material in book bindings, and dead skin flakes are just a few of their odd-ball favorites. Some species of cockroach even eat their own young. Cockroach InfestationsCockroaches are nocturnal and spend their days hiding in small cracks and crevices. Hiding places for these critters varies depending on the species, but as a rule of thumb, cockroaches will fit themselves in extremely small cracks and feel most secure when they're being touched by surfaces on all sides. Once roaches have infested an area of your home, they multiply quickly and become harder to eliminate. How to Get Rid of a Cockroach InfestationTo practice the most effective cockroach control, it typically requires more than one type of treatment method. One of the most effective ways to control a cockroach infestation is roach spray, but it must be sprayed directly onto the roaches. To use this method, you must be able to see the cockroaches, and react quickly as the pest will scurry away. To identify where cockroaches are hiding, examine your home for potential entry points. Use a flashlight to search popular hiding spots, including under the sink, closet corners, crevices in cabinets and shelves, as well as behind the refrigerator. After you've examined your home, an application of roach glue strips or glue boards will help to ultimately determine where the roaches are hiding. Leaving these in place for a week or more will help to ultimately determine if you have found the cockroach infestation. When you've found these areas, another solution to getting rid of a cockroach infestation is to use gel bait. Gel bait comes in the form of a tube and can be applied in places where cockroaches are likely to hide. It is and extremely effective method for removing a cockroach infestation. How to Prevent Cockroach InfestationsTo prevent future cockroach infestations and control current ones, the most important things that you should practice in your home are cleanliness and proper sanitation. Some basic guidelines for that are:
Externally, seal any cracks that cockroaches could use to enter your home. Fix any leaky pipes and install dehumidifiers in your basement to eliminate areas of excess moisture. Benefits of Professional Cockroach Pest ControlIf your home or office in Southwest Florida has a cockroach infestation, it's imperative to have it taken care of before it gets out of hand. Contact a pest management professional as soon as you spot a roach in your home, especially during the day. These insects are usually only active at night, so if they are out during the daytime it is an indication of a large-scale infestation lurking in your house. The pest-elimination professionals from the premium pest control provider in the area will ensure your home is protected from cockroaches and cockroach infestations with a complete removal plan that has been customized to eliminate the issue you are faced with. Welcome to 2019, you guys!!! And thank you for sticking with me while I took a much needed break from the blog, emails, and even a bit less social media over the holidays. I forget how that quiet time – a time when I can actually reflect on the year and get back in touch with me – is really necessary in this crazy world. I definitely need to do it more often! I had hoped to start this week off with a personal post about my intentions for 2019, but it's not quite finished yet, so instead, I'm leading things off with a small house tour that's very much reflecting my current desire for fresh, clean spaces that also manage to be cozy! While my decorating style skews a bit more layered with pattern and a hint of color than this space, what I love about it is that this house is truly at home in every season. I tend to decorate with a lot of warm, light woods and linen. But, come winter… well it can feel a little strange to have a room that feels like summer when what you need is cozy! And this space does it so well. The texture in the room is perfect for any time of year, while the addition of lots and lots of layered furs just helps warm things up a bit. It's an incredibly simple touch that goes a long way. The house itself is a summer home – and a lovely one at at that. I wanted to show you the exterior because this home comes with one unique – and sometimes challenging – feature. Rounded windows. They're not so common here, but I know plenty of homes in San Francisco and elsewhere that have this, and it can be hard to design for! I love the way that architect-designer Peter Ivens has turned these corners into features. Again, layers of furs fill this first rounded nook, and a simple seating area is all that's needed to highlight the architecture of the space. Adding a ledge and keeping things low is also a nice touch! It allows the view out the windows to be unobstructed, but provides space for items to be showcased and kept. Another smart little spot is this built-in 'desk' area behind the sofa. While it appears to be more for display than work, I could definitely see myself popping my laptop on that ledge to tackle some emails with a view. The kitchen is the space that first caught my attention with this house – I only wish there were more images of it to share!!! The hunk of vintage cutting board built into the cabinetry is just genius – and gorgeous. The chunky marble countertop suits it so nicely! And I always love skylights in a kitchen!! The more natural light the better. You can get an idea of how the kitchen flows into the casual dining room below – but sadly this photo is in black and white. (Whyyyyy!??). I emailed the designer to try and get it in color, but as of yet haven't heard back from them. I had to include it because I find the layout so unique! You can see there is a wood fire stove to cook in (amazing), and that the kitchen and dining room form this sort of 'T' shape that you don't see too often! It's such a perfect mix of rustic and modern, with the white brick in there.
Upstairs, we find the seconded rounded nook with the similar low-shelf feature in the bedroom. Choosing to float the bed to orient it to look out the windows is a fantastic move. Putting anything up against the windows would feel awkward. By floating the bed, and adding a solid 'headboard' as a divider, this allows the wardrobe storage to be behind the bed, as you can see below. It really maximizes the use of space! And I love that, from bed, all you get is simple, quiet views. Not piles of clothes, ha! Just beyond the closet, you can see open linen storage on the left, and of course the simple master bath. For a summer house, a soaking tub and simple vanity seem just right. If I manage to get my hands on the full-color versions of these images, you know I'll be updating this post! In the meantime… I hope this house feels as refreshing and cozy for you as it did for me today! Here's how to get the look: 1. jeanneret style lounge chair | 2. grey and white stripe wool throw | 3. white cone table task lamp | 4. rose linen pillow & light blush linen pillow | 5. armless ivory linen sofa | 6. warm sheepskin rug | 7. white earthenware bowl | 8. framed line drawing leaf print The post House Tour :: This Belgian Home Is The Perfect Cozy, Clean Slate for Winter appeared first on coco kelley. This post is sponsored by Haven Life Insurance Agency. All opinions are my own. We live in a time where convenience is not only nice, it is essential. We can have our groceries delivered, print out postage stamps, and use Face-Time on a smartphone to stay connected to distant loved ones. For busy families like mine and yours, things need to be convenient in order to get them done. One major reason we procrastinate the serious things in life, like setting up a will or getting life insurance, is because we are bracing for an inconvenient process. Last year we introduced you to Haven Life, an innovative online insurance agency backed wholly by MassMutual. They've made the process of buying term life insurance a lot easier for busy parents like you and I. Founded by a father of two, Haven Life has taken a 4-6 week process and made purchasing dependable coverage easier than ever. This year we are thrilled to tell you that Haven life has unveiled Haven Life Plus, a suite of no-cost or discounted services like an online will service (something that's been on my to-do list) and a digital vault for storing and sharing important documents. Haven Life Plus is convenience and value combined to help you take care of the things–and people– in life that matter most. 3 Important Things To Stop Procrastinating and Get Done This YearLife is too unpredictable to procrastinate some of the most important items on our to-do list. It's a new year and many of us are more motivated than ever to make positive changes or accomplish necessary tasks. Like chess, this is the year to make your move on the following: 1.Buy life insuranceIf you don't have life insurance coverage, you always live with an uncomfortable pit in your stomach. What if something happened? What would we do? How would we continue to afford our lifestyle. A life insurance policy is an important part of your financial plan that provides a safety net if anything were to happen to you, the policyholder. It is one those important steps in life that every person with financial dependents should take. Recently my dad, who is 63, pulled me aside and took me into his room. He showed me the filing cabinet that contained all of his important information, including his life insurance policy. We had a very frank discussion about what he wanted to happen in case he died. He told me about his high school buddy who had just passed away from a sudden heart attack. You never know, he told me. The discussion we had that day wasn't scary; it was reassuring and very sweet. It meant that he was looking out for us, and I appreciated that so much. If you don't have life insurance, get it. If you aren't sure how much coverage you need, find out. And if you think it'll be expensive, I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. The peace of mind it offers your family is priceless. If you have a partner, kids, or loved ones that rely on you financially, having life insurance is the responsible way to make sure they are cared for if anything happens to you. It's a selfless gesture that is 100% worth the peace of mind. And with Haven Life, you can find term policies that cost less than going out for pizza. A healthy 35-year-old woman can purchase a 20-year, $500,000 Haven Term policy (issued by their parent company MassMutual) for about $24 a month. Before I buy anything, I always read the reviews. If you want to hear what people are saying about Haven Life, check out Haven Life reviews here. Realizing that today's families expect convenience, Haven Life has modernized the process of buying term life insurance so that it's digital, simple, dependable, and affordable. You can start by getting a quote or calculating your life insurance needs if you aren't sure how much coverage your family requires. From there, it's a simple online application process and if approved, coverage can start that day. If a medical exam is needed to finalize coverage, you can take the exam at a time and place of your choosing that are both convenient for your schedule. 2. Set up a willIt's not the most fun thing to think about, but every adult should have a will in place, especially if you have a family. If you don't have one, this is the year to stop procrastinating and just do it because, like life insurance, creating a will has become much easier. Haven Life's online partner Trust & Will offers a simple online process for getting an individual or couples' will in place. It's an online process that gives you helpful prompts and jargon-busting tips so you can move through questions quickly and confidently. No prior legal documents or experience is needed to complete the process, and you can complete it in minutes, not months. Setting up a will is something that I've been thinking about for a while now. Time to just do it! An individual will is $69, and a couples' will is a gift $129. The couple's version includes two comprehensive legal wills. Haven Life customers in eligible states can create either an individual will or couples' will at no cost. 3. Get an online safe deposit box for your family's important documents.Most of us are pretty unorganized when it comes to organizing important documents like birth certificates, passports, and ID cards. I know I am. The start of a new year is the perfect time to get your papers (literally) in order and there's a cool way to do it! Did you know there are online safe deposit boxes that can store your important records safely and securely all electronically? Your will, your life insurance policy, all the things you might need in a pinch-things you would never want to lose. It's a major life-saver in terms of organization or in case of a natural disaster. When I lived in Florida, we were always on the alert for hurricanes. It would be a huge peace of mind to know all your important documents were safely stored in one place online. When you sign up for Haven Life Plus, you get a free online safe deposit box through LifeSite ($80 yearly value). This allows you to store all of your family's important documents, passports, health papers, passwords, and more in one safe, secure online place. If you haven't organized your family's important documents, it's time to buckle down and do it. Getting life in orderFor me, having my life in order at the beginning of the year, every year is a huge weight off my shoulders. Getting life insurance, setting up a will, and organizing my family's important paperwork are all three essential things that all parents should aim to accomplish, and a new year is the perfect time to do it! Haven Life recognizes this and wants to make all three items above as simple and affordable as possible. Here's to peace of mind in the New Year! Haven Term is a Term Life Insurance Policy (ICC17DTC) issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Springfield, MA 01111 and offered exclusively through Haven Life Insurance Agency, LLC. Policy and rider form numbers and features may vary by state and not be available in all states. Our Agency license number in California is 0K71922 and in Arkansas, 100139527. Haven Life Plus (Plus) is the marketing name for the Plus Rider which is included as part of the Haven Term policy. The rider is not available in every state and is subject to change at any time. Neither Haven Life nor MassMutual are responsible for the provision of the benefits and services made accessible under the Plus Rider, which are provided by third party vendors (partners). The post 3 Important Things To Stop Procrastinating and Get Done This Year appeared first on How Does She. It's cold outside, and most of our landscapes are quiet and at rest at this time of year. But like many,, you probably always have landscaping plans in your head. Winter is the perfect time to do some dreaming and planning and put those thoughts on paper. It's also a great time to start making plans with your landscaping company. Well-thought landscaping plans can help achieve successful results and save money. How Can I Put Together a Landscaping Plan?
Create Your Landscape Plan with EplingAt Epling, helping clients plan and achieve their goals for their outdoor space is one of our favorite parts of the job. From beating back the jungle and getting on a routine lawn care schedule to decorative plantings for a perfect entryway to attractive, family-friendly patios and play areas, our team can help you take your landscape from a dream to a reality on the schedule that works best for you. How to choose the right neighborhood when buying your first homeBuying your first home is an incredibly exciting time: From the thought of being a homeowner to building a family under a solid roof, there's nothing quite like it. And while the idea of the porch swing out back, the potential views from the bay windows, and the added space for any kids that might be on the way might make any home appear perfect, it's important to keep a level head and an open mind before signing any closing documents. When buying a home, consider the neighborhood surrounding your potential new abode. Why it's Important to Put Careful Thought and Effort into Choosing a NeighborhoodFinding a good neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house, especially if you have little ones joining you for the big move. It's common for young couples moving into their first home to be there for a few years, and even up to a decade or more. This not only means you will want to love where you live, but it could also be the area in which you raise children. The neighborhood you choose will impact their upbringing. It's where they will go to school, make friends, and grow as a person. Just as important, you will be living there as well. Even small things like having to drive a considerable distance to a decent supermarket will become a massive inconvenience as the years pass by. So, it's important to have your checklist ready when selecting your new neighborhood. What to Look for in a Neighborhood Despite what anyone may say, finding the perfect neighborhood for you is possible. To help you conquer this seemingly daunting task, here is a go-to checklist of the things you'll need to consider when it comes to knowing how to choose the right neighborhood. Housing prices Walkability Schools Ratio of Owner-Occupied Homes to Rentals Job availability and household income rates Financially, is it a smart area for you to live? Think about working opportunities nearby, as well as how much it realistically costs to raise a family in the area. Access to outdoors/nightlife/ family fun, etc. Don't worry, it's not all work in your new home! Pick somewhere that has the right sorts of activities you and your family love, whether that be plenty of restaurants or large open play areas for the kids. Be sure to keep an eye out for access to the activities you enjoy alone or as a family! Sense of pride in the community Do you get a sense of local pride in the neighborhood as you drive through or walk around? Are buildings and communal areas well maintained and cared for? Does it seem like the neighbors and community members are taking care of the yards and home exteriors?? Highway Access Having easy access to major highways and thoroughfares can save you precious time on your daily commute. When looking at homes, note the time it takes for you to not only find the highway you regularly use, but how long it takes to access. Public transportation If you need to commute by public transport to work every day, easy and/or close access to public transportation can make or break your love of a neighborhood. Having to walk 20+ minutes, for instance, to the local bus or train will become a grind, really quick. Crime This is important! Always research recent crime statistics. And see how things have stood for a few years to ensure the area is not in decline. Emerging restaurants and breweries New restaurants and breweries emerging in communities all over the country are making it easier than ever for families in new communities to make friends and enjoy a day/night out. Pop open Yelp or one of the many similar apps to see what's trending near your (potential) new home. How to Research a Neighborhood Before Buying a House To help you out even more, here are our top 6 tips on how to research an area before buying a house. 1. Ask the right questions When you're exploring each house, whether with your realtor or otherwise, ask the right questions … and lots of them! In fact, it's always best to prepare any questions ahead of time and tick them off as you go. NOTE: You can get a start on your list based on the points given above. 2. Drive around the neighborhood Just by driving around, you'll get a quick feel for the area and whether you like the layout and the local aesthetics. 3. Take a long walk To get a better feel for the place, head out on a long walk. You can then take more time with your partner and your kids to take in the local charm and appeal and see if it's right for you. 4. Visit local businesses This is a great opportunity to head into any local businesses you pass along the way, including places like pubs, restaurants, and even barbers. Speak to the owners and ask for their honest opinion on the area. 5. Head online You can find anything online these days! Local crime statistics, what's happened to property values in recent years, and what's in store for the community are all now available at your fingertips. 6. Speak to the local authorities Finally, it's worth calling up the local authorities, such as the police department. They can give you the lowdown on safety statistics for the area and point out any problem areas that might not be conducive to raising a family. Considering a move and want to find the perfect neighborhood for you and your family? Sign up for the Shea Homes® newsletter and interest list to stay up-to-date on community news, design and decorating advice, and everything else you need to make your house a home! I'm back today with a little more info about my pantry remodel. If you missed the big “before and after” post filled with photos of my newly finished pantry remodel, you can see it here: I had intended to include a short video tour in yesterday's post, but after encountering technical difficulty after difficulty with my computer on Wednesday, it was all I could do to just get photos edited. So I finally gave up on the video and went to bed. But I gave it another try yesterday (after doing quite a bit of computer maintenance to make things run smoother), so I thought I'd go ahead and share it today. (Having difficulty with that video? You can click here to view it on YouTube.) I also wanted to take a moment and answer a couple of questions that I was asked by several people yesterday. First, let's talk about under cabinet lighting. How I installed my under cabinet LED tape lighting Several people wanted the details on just how I installed the lighting in my pantry, so let me show you some close up photos of just how and where everything is attached. You can click here to […]
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January 2019
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