Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Today I am linking up with two separate (and very different) link ups; the first is Let’s Look – Coffee Bar Area here and the second is The Style Six here, where I share what I have worn over the last week and recommend recent style purchases.

Let’s Look! – Coffee Bar Area

First, let me show you my coffee bar area – it is practically non-existent now or should we say in a state of transition. I am patiently awaiting my kitchen remodel and then hope to have a dedicated space or at least get a movable bar cart situation. So, why link up, you ask? Because I have a life-changing gadget to share. You may not want to give up the big monster coffee pot; you may just want to add this for your weekend coffee. It would also be great to travel with?

I have an 8 year old original Keurig. I have taken it apart and cleaned all the parts many times and this really helps. I did the vinegar rinse thing a few times, too. But, I think it is on its last leg. I have also been bothered by the k cups situation – the waste, I mean. And, I cannot for the life of me get a good cup of coffee with the reusable k cup and ground coffee.

So, I went to Facebook a week ago and asked about coffee makers. I have had my eye on the Nespresso, especially.

One of my friends told me about this $12 gadget on Amazon here. It comes with 100 filters, too. So, I thought I would try it for the price of two lattes, you know?

You slowly pour boiled water that has been allowed to cool for 2 minutes over the grounds in the filter and it comes out in your cup with not a single ground in your coffee.

I really like it! I am working on the amount of coffee and what type I like the best but I have tried a local blend and Peets Cafe Domingo so far. I have been doing 2 tablespoons of coffee. My only issue is it makes a very small amount. I have tried doubling it and it tastes bitter. Also, this is the best creamer. Dunkin Donuts Extra Extra.

Clothing with The Style Six

I have continued to wear comfortable on the bottom and a top on bottom.

I love this sweater that I purchased from Amazon. I have been pleased with the softness, the length (great for leggings), and the way it washes. I do line dry it.

I ordered this sweater in my usual size and I was so excited because I got a lightning deal and saved $7. But, I think it is too big. I am sending it back. If you order it, I would go down one size and possibly two sizes, depending on how you want it to fit. It is really soft. I think the quality is pretty good, too. I have found if you spend a little more on Amazon clothes – like $30 instead of $15, you get a much better article of clothing. I guess that was a pretty obvious conclusion!

I realized I had not shown my consignment purse that I use my fun guitar strap with.

This is by The Sak and I found it years ago at a consignment shop. It has been my go-to travel cross body, when I used to travel – ha!

I popped into Target and they had a nice Knox Rose display. My two favorite Target brands are Knox Rose and Universal Thread. I have tried to steer away from fast fashion, but I feel like the quality has gone up along with the price point.

This star jacket is widely talked about among the fashion bloggers.

This week I have been doing a wardrobe challenge to help me feel more content with my closet.

Monday was blouse and long necklace. This is a great material from TJ Maxx a couple of seasons ago and this is my original Kendra Scott Rayne necklace. I also have white. I have my old Pioneer Woman earrings – I originally saw them on her; they are by Stella and Dot and I found them at a consignment store! I sterilized them with alcohol and saved myself a lot of cash.

Tuesday was jeans day, Wednesday(today) is scarf day, Thursday is t-shirt and cardigan, and Friday is plaid. They are very easy themes and they help me get dressed and have a productive day!

I had a very bad blue laundry pod incident. The pods stained my clothes! I have switched to this for my clothes. I am using up the blue pods and making sure I put the pod in before the clothing so that it gets broken up quickly, but I will be looking for a clear pod after these are gone.

And, for our final topic….

Quick and Delicious Chicken

I made a pretty bold claim on Monday that I could make this chicken quicker than I could pull the meat from a rotisserie. I do it sometimes, but I find it so gross.

I use cooked, cut up chicken for so many things – salads, nachos, quesadillas, tortilla soup, and the list goes on.

Trigger Warning: You will see raw chicken…

Put a very small amount of EVOO – extra virgin olive oil in a pan

I like to use my basting brush to spread it around.

I heat the pan on medium high.

Now, buy the tenders – they cook much more quickly.

Do not remove from package – simply do your seasonings right there – salt, pepper, garlic powder, and I added the elote seasoning from Trader Joes because this was for tortilla soup.

Now put in the pan seasoned side down and season the other side the same way but in the pan.

Now, you want the heat to be high enough to get a nice brown on them. Do not try to turn them too quickly – I think I needed about 2-3 minutes on the first side. Flip to the other side and do the same.

Now, put a lid on the chicken and keep on the hot burner, but turn the burner off. I let sit for about 5 more minutes. It keeps cooking and the lid I think is the secret to moist chicken.

Here is what one looks like – I took it out to test doneness.

And, then cut up.

So, this process takes me around 10 minutes and I find it much more flavorful than rotisseries. I know that you can buy the meat off of the rotisserie at some stores, but the price is usually higher than my method. I can usually get this pack of chicken for about $4 or less.

So, what a random post today about coffee, clothing, and chicken! What is your coffee method? What have you been wearing? What are your chicken tips? He, he!

Thanks for reading!

Amy