Getting Organized: FYI: Your Clothes 2023

 Happy New Year 2023

Every year I update this post but I seldom change a word.  Just the year!

  It’s the best time of year both January and July to get yourself and your closet and home back on track.


I usually post this every year to help us get organized.  

Twice a year, January and July I try to go through my closet and decide what I'm going to do with items I never use, seldom use, are damaged and either donate, take to resale store or discard.

The years come and go but somethings don't change.

Let's get together and get organized.



Passing a few helpful suggestions to you to help you and I get organized this new year.  

To be clear I am not suggesting you do this for New Years Eve or Day.  

A rainy day or if you find yourself bored and are looking for a lift it's a good suggestion. Also if you have not made any plans for the weekend I say why not? It just may make it a good way to start the new year or a new month. 

I know it is hard to do but in order to have a free and uncluttered closet you must downsize.  Several nice casual and dressy casual outfits is probably all that you will ever need.  Personally at this time of my life I need less and as much as I love to shop I find myself being a lot more selective.  So IMO that is as good a reason to leave room to pick out some new items when you feel the need for a little something to update..

FYI:  Take some time (preferably on the weekend )  or a rainy day and start going through your clothes. Anything that is soiled or damaged get a large bag and get rid of them.  Make note that any clothes that don't fit quite like you would like them to either pitch it or put it in a pile to go through to donate or re-sell at a re-sale shop.  They are the in thing at the moment.

Making about 3 piles should make it simpler to do. One to pitch soiled or unwanted items, one for donation to local homeless shelter and one for consignment or re-sell.   This should help allowing room for any must keep items.  This should not take you a very long time.  It is either a keep or time to go. Simple!

I like a neat closet and twice a year go through it.  It makes me feel much calmer.  Yes it does and instead getting frustrated on what to wear this will take some pressure off you. 

It will take some stress out of getting ready.  No matter if it's work or to the grocery store.  It just makes life better!

My Closet:

   

16

My shoes...removing boxes help and I use slide out containers and I do have an over the door rack for sandals. 

First and foremost I make sure all my hangers are going in the same direction.. So much easier when you have them all going the same direction.

Second:   I keep my shirts, blouses and other hang able tops in one section. I keep my clothes according to colors.  Whites, blacks, browns and keep mixed colors last.  Anything that can be folded I put in easy accessible drawers.  I keep all tanks, tees and cami's in one drawer..

Third:  I place pants/slacks, beige's, brown's and blacks next to my shirts or blouses. I have decided basic colors work best!

Fourth:   I place all casual jackets, blouses and tops  according to color.


***I keep belts and scarfs on a belt/scarf hanger (I bought one at Marshall's for $6.99.. ( I used to love scarves but now feel they outdate you).  I’m donating lots of them.

You can use a plastic soda 6 pack bottle container for scarves too!  

They make an easy place to store scarves.  Hang the plastic container on a hanger and through the holes place scarves.( I hope I explained that enough for you to envision it..No picture sorry!

Fifth:   At the very back of the closet all dressy skirts, pants and items that I use only on occasion. I find I wear fewer dress items anymore.

A special note:  You don't have to spend a fortune organizing your closet.  I ask for the hangers when I purchase items.  Usually they are more than happy to accommodate.  I do have a few felt pants hangers for those creased or hard to hang pants or slacks..

Last about shoes.  I love shoes lol.  and purses(I won't even go there)and shoes and purses are a weakness in my never ending search for the right purse/bag or pair of shoes. 

Note:  I do not keep boxes..I have learned they take up way too much space. I use stackable containers  to store my extra shoes. I bought the containers at either Wal Mart or Target. The drawers slide out for easy removal of shoes.  They store approximately 5 or 6 pair of shoes in each container, depending on size of heel... 

On a personal note I find being organized in my home makes me more relaxed and feeling in control.  

Happy New You!

12/30/16

Updated 1/25/2023

 

Potato Gnocchi, My way!!

Recipe rewind!

One of my favorite blog posts.


 FYI:  One of my Italian favorite recipes is Gnocchi.  I'm proud to be Italian 50% Italian.  Ha ha it's true.  I'm a blend of two 100% Italian grandfathers and a 100 % Slovak grandmother and 100% English grandmother.  A good combination!

  I spent a great deal of  time with my grandparents so I am blessed to combine a lot of my recipes using what I remember they used and am able to create really delicious meals. 

Note:  I have included a few of my pictures of my grandparents.  

One of Dad's favorite dishes.

  8/4/14 I shared this post for the first time. 

From my kitchen to yours,

Grandma and Grandpa

Nana and my daughter

My mom and my m-i-l put their potatoes through a ricer to make gnocchi but I’m decided to give it a whirl and try my mixer to mash the potatoes to see how light they’d be.  Took a taste test on a few to make sure the combination was what I was looking for and they turned out delightful.. I want to share my recipe and pictures with you…

Ingredients:

8 medium russet potatoes (baking potatoes, peeled and cut in medium cubes)

1 tablespoon salt

1 large egg

3 + cups Pillsbury Pre Sifted Flour

Put potatoes in large pot and salt water.. Boil until tender (fork will go right through center)

Take off heat and drain thoroughly in large colander

Mash potatoes with hand held potato masher until potatoes are breaking down.  Next Using electric mixer beat on medium and then high speed until all potatoes are mashed thoroughly.    Do this while potatoes are still hot.  (You could use food processor but I used mixer just to see if it would accomplish the task).  It worked fine..

 Transfer potatoes to large bowl and cool potatoes completely after mashing..(I cover slightly while cooling).  When cooled add 1 egg and slowly while working with your hands add 1 cup at a time of flour at a time until a large ball forms..(I have picture examples on blog).

Cover large ball of dough( Set aside) Slice in sections to make a long tootsie roll like piece of dough.. Add a little flour if needed to  have dough not stick to cutting board.. Cut in pieces and score with fork..(Picture will demonstrate..)  Cook immediately in large pot of boiling water until gnocchi comes to surface.  Stirring now and then to make sure they don’t stick to bottom of pot…

Using a medium strainer ..scoop gnocchi out and place on a platter that has some sauce on it.   Add gnocchi and top with sauce.  Serve with Red or white sauce.. 

I use Red Sauce and top with grated Pecorino Romano Cheese.. 

 9-4-2011
11/2/13 
6/7/14

1/23/24

Lemon Sponge Pie!

Another recipe for pie lovers and especially those who Love Lemon!

Lemon sponge pie!

 

 This pie was my brother's favorite. 

He passed away almost 9 years ago and although I miss him everyday making this pie honors his memory. 

Hi Everyone:  Mom loved to bake this pie and said the secret to making it the very best was to make sure your egg whites were beaten to stiff peaks and to fold them in ever so lightly to the mixture and the every end before you quickly put the pie in the oven. 

Happy Baking!

3/4 cup Sugar
2 tablespoons Flour
Juice and rind of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons butter(softened)
3 eggs separated
2 cups milk (whole)
1 unbaked pie shell

Whipped cream ( 1 pint heavy whipping cream, 3 T powdered  sugar,  1 tsp. vanilla).  Beat until thickened.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Roll out pie shell and lay into pie plate(see picture) Put aside

Cream sugar and butter..  Add flour,egg yolks,lemon rind,and juice.  Add milk and beat slowly.

In separate bowl beat egg whites until stiff(see picture)..Fold gently into above mixture..(use large spoon or spatula) Pour immediately into unbaked pie shell.  Bake 350 degrees 35 to 40 minutes.

Note: Depending on oven it may take a little less or a little longer..Test center with butter knife..It should come out clean..Cool completely..Top with Whipped Cream..


Note:Topping this pie with some fresh whipped cream really adds to the presentation as well as some extra sweet cream flavor.  A great anytime dessert!    

It really is quite easy using refrigerated Pie crust.  (I used Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust).  A big hit!!!

Happy Baking,
 From my kitchen to yours,

6/12/11
3/23/13
8/8/15

6/5/16

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Meatloaf stuffed with mashed potatoes! Mom's recipe and my added touch!

Tonight’s repeat performance!  Using my homemade mashed potatoes and all beef approximately one pound meatloaf.

While my potatoes were cooking I sprayed with cooking spray a medium size loaf pan.

I placed one half of my meatloaf mixture in pan while flattening the meat as best I could.

To speed up dinner I put the bottom half that I had put in the pan in a 350° oven to bake while potatoes were cooking to perfection.  It took about 10 to 12 minutes.

After 12 minutes I mashed potatoes as usual with milk and butter.  Removed loaf pan from oven and placed two heaping scoops of mashed potatoes on top.  Then I topped the potatoes with the other flattened meatloaf.

Bake approximately 20 to 30 minutes until juices are clear.  Allow to set 5 to 7 minutes before slicing,

Fried onions cooked topped my meatloaf.  (I cooked them in a separate pan).

Delicious!

1/21/2023

Mom liked to put together her own food ideas and would try them out on us..

Of course I always loved food so I loved trying everything and anything she made whether it be Italian, Slovak or American.. 

 This is her meatloaf recipe and I decided to add some  left over mashed potatoes and it looked something like this when it was finished baking.

                        

Today I made Mom's  meatloaf recipe and used Bob Evans Refrigerated mashed potatoes.  It'll save some time and they are great in a pinch.  Enjoy! Happy Cooking from my kitchen to yours!


Here is her recipe:

1 lb. ground pork
1 lb. ground chuck
2 cups breadcrumbs, plain
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 eggs
2 medium onions finely chopped
1 cup milk

****short cut:  1/2 container Bob Evan's regular mashed potatoes.   I used half of the container of mashed potatoes for center.

                      7/23/12

Cool for about 10 minutes before slicing!

In a large bowl mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, onion.  Mix egg with milk and combine with meat.  Shape into two pieces.  Make a well in center, place mashed potatoes in center and top with the other half of meatloaf. ( see photo) Brush top

Of meatloaf with a little vegetable oil.  Bake 350 degrees 1 hour or longer until well browned.  

I topped my meatloaf with sautéed onions which I fried separately in a few tablespoons of oil.  

  If you would like to use gravy use the drippings or jarred gravy will work.

  Happy Cooking from my kitchen to yours!

 

 

Original 7/23/12

Traditional Macaroni and Cheese (with StewedTomatoes )

Updated photo 7/5/2023 ( I used seasoned small diced tomatoes drained).

Tonight’s updated Macaroni and cheese with stewed tomatoes.  1/18/2023

I added American and sharp cheddar in todays macaroni and cheese.

Baked and ready to eat.

This is one of my and mom's favorites.  It's a very traditional dish and young and old love the cheesy taste. Grandchildren love it.  (It is so much better than boxed mac and cheese for sure)!   We make it with stewed tomatoes drizzled over it. It's an optional choice.   I have made it for years and will continue to do so.

Note: You can eliminate the stewed tomatoes if you or your family doesn't care for them.

Happy Baking and Cooking from my kitchen to yours,
  


1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard (optional)
2 1/2 cups milk

2 T butter

2 cups shredded American or Cheddar cheese, divided (I use both, 1 cup each)

8 oz. elbows or small shells, cooked approx. 5 minutes with salt and drained.  Do not rinse.

( do not overcook pasta). It will cook when baking)
1-15 oz. Stewed tomatoes (Del Monte) optional( I pulse mine in food processor to chop)

Preheat oven to 375. 

In a large pan add milk and butter.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil on low to medium heat and boil 1 minute.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese until melted.  Add  cooked pasta.  Pour into greased 2 qt. casserole.  Sprinkle with reserved cheese and spoon several tablespoons of stewed tomatoes on top.  

Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Prep time:  20 minutes (Makes 4 servings)  Note: I double recipe.  We love leftovers.  To freeze leftovers, cut when set 4" squares, wrap and freeze.

From my kitchen to yours,

10/14/15



3/21/13

10/14/15