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Posted on January 27, 2012
I’ve been really into cooking dinner once or twice a week lately. (If you follow me on instagram, you’ve probably already noticed this!) I’ve decided to share some of my favorite tried and true recipes from time to time!
I’ve been making this stew since I moved out on my own when I was 19. I’ve changed it a bit throughout the years and finally have it down to a science. It’s one of those recipes I don’t even need to read anymore…it’s stored back somewhere in my brain.
What you’ll need:
4 bacon strips, chopped
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2-2.5lbs beef for stew
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2.5 c. beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. marjoram
6 small red potatoes (quartered)
1-2c. baby carrots
1 medium zucchini (quartered)
8 oz. button mushrooms
**My grocery store often carries little “kits” with various veggies, and this one had cabbage and onion in it so I just threw some of it in too! You could pretty much use whatever veggies you want.
In a dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
In a large bowl or ziploc bag, combine the flour, 1tsp. salt, and pepper. Toss the stew meat around in the flour mixture until each piece is coated.
Over medium heat, brown half the beef in bacon grease. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through, just get a good color on the outside. Remove beef from the pot, heat the vegetable oil, and add the other half of the beef. Brown and then remove it from the pot as well.
Add the beef broth and cook about five minutes, or until all the brown bits on the bottom of the pot have dissolved.
Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, marjoram, and 1 tsp. salt. Return the beef and bacon to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, then simmer for one hour.
Add the potatoes and carrots and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. (I also added in the onions and cabbage here.)
Add the zucchini and mushrooms, simmer for 15 minutes.
I love this stew with honey-beer bread. I use this recipe and it’s super easy and sooo good! (And I had to have butterscotch blondies for dessert. Yes.)
P.S. Shared a very sparkly Valentine’s Day DIY over on A Beautiful Mess the other day!
Posted on January 26, 2012
I ended up starting about six different projects this day. It was good to get back in the swing of things! I’ve been way too lazy this winter. I only left my house to pick up a few craft supplies at Walmart, but I missed dressing up a little while at Disney World (I opted for jeans and a sweater almost every day). Is that weird? It never really matters if I’m necessarily going anywhere, I just genuinely enjoy getting a little dressed up every morning. I feel like I accomplish more throughout the day if I look presentable. Any others that work from home do the same thing?
And I don’t know what to say about my hair. It was in desperate need of a good bleaching and I didn’t want to fix it that morning, so I teased the crap out of it and pinned it back. It was a bit poufy. What are ya gonna do..
Ramble ramble ramble. ;)
P.S. Have I ever mentioned that the natural light in my craft room is pretty heavenly?
polka dot sheer blouse. –> thrifted.
floral skirt. –> forever 21.
gray tights. –> target.
gold glitter flats. –> urban outfitters.
lipcolor. –> maybelline color sensational in yummy plummy.
Speaking of my hair.. I dyed it lavender on Monday. By yesterday afternoon (when I finally took a photo of it) it had faded to pink on the ends. My hair rejects all color now, apparently. It’ll probably be white again in a week! ;)
Posted on January 25, 2012
Here’s round two of Cheyenne and Chad’s big day. The ceremony was so beautiful, despite the panic of missing rings that turned out to not be missing after all. ;) And their reception was one of the most packed receptions I’ve ever seen! I was amazed at how many people stuck around to celebrate with them. We could hardly move in there!
And…again…kudos to Johannah for these two shots.
Chey and Chad, thanks for being so very awesome to work with. Love you both and can’t wait to see where God takes you!
Posted on January 24, 2012
So.. I’m a fairly indecisive person. At least when it comes to which photos to use on my blog.
I sat for the longest time and tried to narrow down favorites from Cheyenne and Chad’s wedding, but there were so many things about their day that I wanted to share with you guys. I do this with practically every wedding I shoot, so I’ve decided to start splitting up weddings into two posts.
Today I’m going to share all the beautiful details and a few shots of Miss Cheyenne. Chad, you won’t make a debut in this post but I’m sure you understand. We’ll get to see your sunshiny face tomorrow. ;)
Fun fact: Cheyenne is my first senior-turned-bride. Basically they need to start having babies soon so she can be my first senior-turned-bride-turned-maternity-turned-family. Just saying.
Anyway.. Try not to die over their amazing candy bar or Chey’s perfect dress. You’ve been warned!
Loved this shot that my assistant, Johannah, got!
I’ll share their ceremony and reception tomorrow. :)
