Coffee-Mate Mashed Potatoes

Who doesn't like coffee creamer, ey? Well, I'm guessing if you drink your coffee black or just don't drink coffee at all, then it may be you!

I decided to experiment this past weekend with coffee-mate. I wanted to try and make mashed potatoes or cream potatoes using this ingredient. 

I diced up a couple of cups of red potatoes and boiled them.

I boiled them until tender. I drained most of the water out and added 5 tablespoons of butter.  I then added about 6-8 tablespoons of coffee-mate, salt and pepper.

These potatoes were very creamy and taste delicious. 

I'm going to try creamed potatoes on my next go round. I will probably use the same ingredients, just boiled my potatoes for a short amount of time. I have another "coffee-mate" recipe that I will be sharing soon. 

Decorating with Lanterns

I have searched high and low for lanterns that I wanted to decorate with. Finally, I came across the ones that suited me. They were having a sale at All Inspired Boutique and I purchased these right away!

I love the coastal feel they have to them. Pair them with candles and fresh flowers, or sea shells and coral to get the look you love.

Here are a couple of pictures of where a threw together some driftwood and starfish to add to my coastal summer decor! I opted to remove the wood frame in the front, so it would allow for a better visual of my decor placed inside. I haven't decorated my small lantern yet. However, it's in the works.

Lanterns are very versatile and can be changed out often to give your vignette an entire different look.

I'll be linking to these fun parties!

Red, White and Blue is in the Air

I love Independence Day! There is something about cookouts, fireworks and family! Celebrating our Freedom comes daily, and on the 4th of July each year we are reminded that it doesn't come Free! Thanks for all those fighting for our Freedom and sacrificing what must seem like an eternity away from their families.

I threw together a little red, white and blue to be festive. I cut out a few circles from scrapbook paper and added it to baking twine and made a banner. I purchased the larger banner from World Market.

I found some cute printables online and printed them off and added it to my frame.

I picked up a couple of white USA wooden letters at Michael's and painted them patriotic colors. 

Let Freedom Ring!!!

I'll be linking to these parties!

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

I absolutely love blueberry muffins. Love them even more when they are homemade and I know exactly what is going into them. I have in the past bought the Martha White mix and added 1/2 cup of milk and they were ready in 12 minutes. I came across this recipe from Myra, at My Blessed Life and changed it up just a tiny bit. (of course, I'm giving her all the credit :)

It turned out really good. Here is her recipe for deliciousness. Below is what I used to make my muffins.

Blueberry Muffins

• 1/2 cup milk 
• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup blueberries (I used fresh)

Now, I'm off to finish last minute Father's Day gifts! Happy Saturday! I'll be linking to these wonderful parties!

Artichoke & Chicken Pasta Salad

You all read about my recent trip to my local farmer's market right? If not, you can read it here. Well, I picked up a jar of artichoke salad that my hubby went crazy over. For dinner Tuesday night I threw together a quick concoction that turned out really good.

I boiled the pasta as directed. (Next time I will use bow ties. I didn't have any on hand) I baked a couple pieces of chicken and seasoned it with my Tuscan roasted garlic seasoning. Once both of those were finished cooking, I chopped the chicken and added it to the pasta.

Next, I tossed in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. I added cherry tomatoes and the artichoke salad mix, crumbled up a few tablespoons of blue cheese and added a touch of salt and pepper.

Look how delish! I also topped it with Parmesan cheese.

This meal was a very quick 20 minute meal. All you have to do is throw some bread and butter on the table and you have a yourself a meal.

A Touch of Summer on Hickory Trail

Summer is officially upon us. Kids are out of school. Temperatures are in the mid 90's. Humidity is 85-90%. Oh yeah, it's here, and I thought I'd add a little touch of summer inside my home. 

                            

I kept it to a bare minimal this year. But adding in just a few little items always compliment your home for different seasons.

I will be linking to these wonderful parties.

Saturday at the Farmers Market

Summer time to me says fresh fruits and veggies. I love fresh fruits and vegetables. My hubby and I woke up early Saturday morning and headed down to the local farmers market. We wanted to pick up some fresh tomatoes. We love making tomato sandwiches in the summer time. Grocery store tomatoes just don't taste the same as home grown farmer's tomatoes do.

This is what I came home with. Blueberries, tomatoes, squash, blueberry jalapeno jelly, artichoke salad and farm eggs.

 I absolutely love how the color of these eggs stand out. You can't tell from these pictures, but the color of a few of them are mint green. Beautiful! I haven't eaten true farm eggs since I was a child growing up on a farm. I can remember finding eggs in the stacks of hay bales my papa had neatly arranged.

We came home and slapped fresh tomato on a some toast with a touch of mayo, added salt & pepper and havarti cheese. Man oh man was it good!

You can find my partying at these fun parties!