DIY Lazy Susan Organizer!

Hey guys!! Today I've got a super quick and easy pantry organization project for you! Previously my spices were sitting in little bins, which kept them contained and together in the pantry, but it was super hard to find the one I was looking for (I needed to clean out the old expired spices as well-there were a lot!).

 I love the idea of using a lazy susan/spinnner to keep the spices so they are easy to find, but have you priced those things lately?? Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and the Container Store have them for $8 or more! Sorry friends, but I'm not paying that much money for something sitting in my pantry. So I found this little DIY lazy susan hack that only cost $3 each! Boom! I made 4 of these for just over the price of one in the store! I actually like these more than the store bought ones anyway because they have sides, so the spices won't fall over easily. These can be used for just about anything from spices to lotion and other bathroom items, to anything you want easy and organized access to!

All you need is 2 round cake pans and  bag of marbles. You can get all of these things for $1 each at the Dollar Tree, making each one only $3! Walmart has 9" cake pans for $.88, however I had a really hard time finding a store that had them in stock (I went to 4 different stores with no luck!), so I used the 8" pans I found at the Dollar Tree and they were a great size for spices. I eventually found some at a Walmart and made 2 more of these for our bathroom cabinets! 

Step 1: Put marbles in one of the cake pans.

Step 2: Put the second cake pan on top.

Step 3: Put in your spices.

Step 4: Smile, you are done! :) And spin it around 100 times because, well, its fun!

Here's my BEFORE. :( A MESS!!

And the AFTER!! SOO much better!!

Let me know if you make these or have any other genius organization hacks!!

-A

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

This summer has been hot.. Really. Stinking. Hot. When it's over 100 degrees outside, I don't want to turn on my oven and make the house warmer - not to mention there are many days when I just don't feel like cooking. Days like those call for these super easy crock pot Chicken tacos. I got this recipe from my sweet mama friend in Texas (and have seen variations of it on Pinterest) and we just love it! Not only does it make chicken for tacos, the leftovers are great on a salad, baked into taquitos or enchiladas, toppings to nachos,or made into chicken quesadillas! Seriously they are so versatile and it's one of the few recipes I really enjoy as leftovers. Again, I can't stress how easy this chicken is, and that makes it one of our go to meals!

First, we do not use the crock pot in my house unless we have these handy plastic liners. These make clean up just as easy as the meal. My husband used to dread crock pot meals because sometimes the crock would be so hard to clean afterwards, but these just lift right out and in to the trash. I will admit to them occasionally leaking or tearing, but majority of the time we don't have any issues. If you don't have these, get some. You will thank me later!

It's so easy, just 3 simple steps!

Step 1. Put ingredients in the crock pot. 
Step 2. Turn it on high for 4 hours. 
Step 3. Shred chicken and eat!

Easy as pie... Hmm, pie sounds really good...

Ingredients
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can Rotel or Salsa (you choose the level of spiciness)

Put the chicken (single layer) in the crock pot (if you are using the liners, be sure to put that in first). 

Pour taco Seasoning over chicken, then pour Rotel or salsa on top of that.

Put the lid on the crock pot and turn on high for 4 hours (or low for 6) . Resist the tempting aroma and keep the lid closed to keep in the moisture.

When the chicken is done, shred it with a fork (it will be so juicy, it will just fall apart) . 

Grab your favorite taco shells and toppings and enjoy! This will serve about 4 adults with some leftovers. 

As I said, the leftovers are amazing used in chicken quesadillas, a salad (taco or regular) or rolled in corn tortillas and baked to make taquitos! Oh and don't forget to have a Margarita while you 'cook' :)

Let me know in the comments below if you make this and if you enjoyed it!

-A

Spaghetti and Meatball Bread

If you've been to my house for dinner, it's pretty likely that you've had this dish. It's so easy to make and delicious, I love making it for guests! I stumbled upon this recipe on Pinterest (of course), and I have to say, it is one of my all time favorites! I mean, who doesn't LOVE pasta and garlic bread?? The first time I make a new recipe, I usually follow it exactly. We try it and while eating, my husband and I will discuss ideas to make it suit our tastes better. So with this one, I have a few modifications-try it the original way, try it my way, or put your own spin on it! Any way you make it, I can pretty much guarantee you will LOVE it!

White Chocolate Mocha Hack!

Just in time for your Monday morning blah's, I thought I'd post how I make my favorite coffee drink at home!

Husband and I quite enjoy White Chocolate Mochas from Starbucks. On the other hand, our bank account does not (neither does my waistline!). At $4 and $6 a cup, we try to limit ourselves to indulging just once a week (usually on Sunday's when we grocery shop because the Starbucks is inside the grocery store. Who can resist that??)