I’m already looking for spring. The red bud down the road that I shared a couple of years has already bloomed early in February. I’ve been looking for the early amaryllis but none yet here in the neighborhood.
Read MoreAuthor: Carol
I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.
Spicy Pasta & Sausage With Broccoli
This quick and easy recipe is well- balanced with protein, fresh tomatoes, and broccoli. For ease I used a store-bought marinara sauce, any flavor you like. Then I added Italian chicken sausage, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fresh crushed garlic, basil and broccoli. Italian sausage with broccoli in a spicy tomato sauce is perfect on spaghetti pasta but you can use your favorite shape.
This is a flexible recipe and you can use very ripe tomatoes or other vegetables that you need to use up, such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, kale, or arugula. If sauce thickens too much, add 1/2 cup of red wine or chicken stock.
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Florida Days
Today I’m sharing photos taken on 3 separate days here in central Florida. The first is the foggy gray morning that can happen in winter. Warm moist winds off the Gulf blow in on cooler moist ground and fog appears. I no longer worry about driving in it since I’m retired. I’ve always enjoyed watching fog and think of Carl Sandberg’s poem. It’s one of my favorites.
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How To Have An Eco Friendly Kitchen
Yesterday I shared a review of kitchen design trends. Today I’d like us to consider ways to make our kitchens more environmentally friendly. Even the smallest of choices we each make can create a massive impact on the environment when combined with others. If you’re looking for ways to be eco-friendly, you can easily start right in your own kitchen. Designing a kitchen that incorporates sustainable materials like stone, granite and wood, is far better for the planet and will give a natural, organic aesthetic. Natural stone and wooden cabinets are not only sustainable, but long-lasting, durable and offer timeless style.
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Kitchen Design Trends for 2023
Decor should reflect your own unique style
Before I review style trends, I must preface this with my belief that you take current trends and adapt them to your personal style. Whether you are a modern minimalist or a cottage lover, decor trends come and go. Anyone remember scads of geese and ducks from the 1990’s? How about palm trees? There is nothing wrong with a duck, palm tree, or other vintage item in your home decor today if that fits your style or has a personal meaning to you. I believe adding a few trendy items with the items you love and cherish can make your room more contemporary, but it is still you.
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Mexican Casserole, One Dish Meal
Today’s recipe is another easy and tasty one dish meal but with a Mexican flavor. I’m using lean ground beef, 93% fat free, but you could also use ground turkey. Start with a bed of crushed tortilla chips and then add sauteed ground beef with salsa, taco seasoning, and chili beans. Spread low-fat sour cream over the beef and bean layer. Sprinkle the fresh tomatoes, green onions, and black olives over the sour cream and top with grated Cheddar cheese. Bake until it’s hot and bubbly for a great dinner. I’d serve it with a green salad. I always look for lower fat sour cream and cheese as it’s better for you but still gives you great flavor. Regular sour cream is fairly high in fat and calories. Reduced fat sour cream has a similar nutrient profile and a pleasant taste but with fewer calories and about 38% less fat. I don’t recommend fat free sour cream as they add fillers to give it a creamy texture.
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Celebrating The Restored Hacienda Hotel
The HACIENDA
5621 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652
On March 4, 1926, James E. Meighan, brother to Thomas Meighan, leading man of the silver screen throughout the 20s and 30s, donated land for the construction of a new Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotel befitting New Port Richey’s growing popularity with arts, society, and sports luminaries. 96 years ago on February 5, 1927, Ed Wynn acted as the master of ceremonies for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of The Hacienda Hotel in New Port Richey. The Hacienda and New Port Richey became known as “Hollywood East” due to the celebrities that enjoyed the town and hotel, including reported sightings of Thomas Meighan, Gloria Swanson, Lupe Velez, Charlie Chaplin, and Ann Harding, among other notables. The Hacienda was a popular gathering spot for sports and entertainment figures for many years.
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Spinach Mushroom Quiche For A Meatless Meal
Lent will be observed from February 22 to April 8 this year. It is a period of religious observance in many Christian churches marking the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring temptation by Satan. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later with the celebration of Easter. Fasting before Easter can be traced back as far as the 2nd century.
Whether you are trying to eat less meat for your health or you are looking for meatless meals for Lent, a vegetable quiche is a great meal to add to the menu. Quiches may be served hot, warm or cold. I shared an asparagus & tomato quiche several years ago with fresh spring asparagus. Then that summer I offered summer squash quiche. Today I’m sharing spinach quiche which can be made year round with frozen spinach. If using fresh baby spinach, sauté it with the onion and garlic. Frozen spinach works well. Defrost it, and then squeeze all the water out with your hands. Then press it between paper towels. If you leave any water in the spinach, your quiche can be soggy. You can also add and delete ingredients in the filling to meet your family’s needs or what’s in the pantry. I am using feta cheese and cheddar. This quiche is easy to make and is perfect for breakfast, brunch or dinner.
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