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Get these Amazon Basics Jersey Sheets at 30% off for prime day! Jersey sheets are my favorite! So comfortable! Everyone in my family loves these!
My Honest Review: Lentil, Kale and Cauliflower Soup by Hy-Vee.
I came across this Lentil, Kale and Cauliflower soup recipe in the November 2019 issue of Hy-Vee Seasons magazine. This recipe originally called for several Hy-Vee grocery store exclusive products including their pre-cut and washed produce containers called SHORT CUTS. Although these ready-made items are a great way to save on prep time, I found that this particular blend was not always available and the cost of the Short Cuts was not something I was willing to pay extra for. Although I did have to make a few minor adjustments to the recipe (adding A LOT more broth for one), this flavorful soup is definitely a keeper for my family! Whether you are trying to add meatless meals to your diet or looking for great vegan, vegetarian, or Lenten options, this soup is sure to please!
Secret Savvy Tip #1: Blanch and freeze chopped celery to have on hand for soups and casseroles. Saves prep time and saves money – No more wasted celery! You can also freeze your diced onions, with or without blanching.
Secret Savvy Tip #2: Save prep time with your carrots by using baby carrots (you can slice them or not- the choice is yours!) OR by using pre-packaged crinkle-cut carrots from the frozen food section.
Adapted from the recipe Lentil, Kale and Cauliflower Soup by Hy-Vee.
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Want to read “War and Peace” with me (and over 650 other individuals from around the globe)? Anna Barker, a professor from the University of Iowa is offering a FREE guided reading of the classic starting Feb. 1st, 2021 through May 10, 2021. This bookclub-like experience breaks up the book into 10-14 page reading segments with corresponding posts within the 100 Days of War and Peace Facebook group.
I have not read War and Peace before, and I am so excited about this opportunity to have guidance in understanding this classic novel. Hope to see you there!!
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Are you looking for DIY Pottery Barn wreath and window swag ideas? If so, you are in the right place!
I came across this photo a few years ago in a Pottery Barn catalog that I had received in the mail. Immediately, I tore it out and tucked it away in my “IDEAS” folder. As I was searching Pinterest boards for inspiration on how to decorate the front of our home for the holidays this year, I just could not get that picture out of my head. I loved how all the pieces coordinated together and created a look that was both classic and beautiful (without looking overdone).
I would have loved to have just ordered the items from the catalog then and there, but the price was beyond my decorating budget. And there was one thing that I really wanted that the Pottery Barn items were missing…the added twinkle of lights. So, I decided to DIY my own Pottery Barn inspired wreath for less.
Secret Savvy Tip #1: Shop for your supplies either right before Christmas (approx. Dec. 22-24th) or right after on Dec. 26-29) to save the most on this project.
*Please note: At the time this post was written, the 24-piece Large Red Ornaments were out of stock. Here is the link to a similar larger set: Vickerman 60-piece shiny red
1. Take some time to shape the branches on your wreath before you start to add ornaments. I found that several of my branches were tucked in behind the metal ring of the wreath. Trust me, you don’t want any of those beautiful branches to be hidden!
2. Use floral wire to make a hanging loop on the back of your wreath. I chose to put the battery pack at the top of my wreath in order to use the top horizontal bar holding the battery pack for the location of my hanging loop.
3. Now it’s time for ornaments! For my wreath, I used:
First, evenly space out the large shiny red ornaments and wire securely to branches.
After that, I found it easiest to add the rest of the ornaments in a clockwise direction using an enlarged photo of the Pottery Barn wreath as a guide (or you can use a zoomed-in photo of mine). However, I did have to add a few more ornaments than the Pottery Barn wreath since the one from Target was a little larger. Attaching the ornaments will take a little over an hour to do – and that’s it! Super easy! I didn’t even trim the excess wire on the back. Tucking the wire ends among the greenery should be sufficient- and it keeps you from accidentally snipping those pretty lights!
4. Hang and enjoy your new DIY Pottery Barn wreath!
Secret Savvy Tip #2: Make sure to use your leftover ornaments! I plan to use mine to make a coordinating oversized wreath for above my garage door. Other ideas include matching garland, window swags (below), or as a filler inside a lantern.
1. Carefully remove the top (large) poinsettia from each of the 2 teardrop-shaped swags.
2. Take the two teardrops and place the widest ends together. Twist the hanging loops and the first couple of branches together so that it becomes one piece. Use some floral wire to further reinforce the connection at the center.
3. Reattach only one of the poinsettias to the center of the swag.
4. Add a few extra ornaments to the swag so that it coordinates with your new wreath!
5. Attach to window trim with OUTDOOR Command clips. Another option would be to use a curtain tension rod.
This is a fabulous robot vacuum at at unbelievable price!!
The Roomba 960 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum is ONLY $299.99 at Best Buy right now!
I bought this vacuum last year and I love it! This is such a super deal and way less than what I paid for this model a year ago!