Blogging From My Phone

I just downloaded WordPress for iPhone. AND I’m at work.

This could be dangerous….

Don’t worry, I’ll behave.

Dinnertime: “Sofrito” inspired Chicken and Potatoes

Another busy day. This weekend went by way too fast. I spent the last day of my weekend, cleaning the house and getting ready for another week. By the time I realized it, my husband called and said he was on his way home. Then he said I had an hour and half until I had to accompany him on a work gathering.

My tummy was growling, so I knew I had to make dinner AND FAST. Inspiration hit me when I remembered my dad had left some Sazon Goya seasoning from his visit last week.

I love this stuff. My dad is Puerto Rican, so my family ate a lot of it. We put it in rice, beans, seafood, chicken, potatoes…everything. Delicious.

I grabbed a quick seasoning arsenal…

and chopped some cilantro, red onion and jalapeños…

and then some red potatoes….

Then I chopped up some chicken breasts.

I filled a big pan with some chicken broth, two packets of Goya seasoning, the veggies and potatoes. Then the chicken. Sprinkled it all with other seasoning. Mix and let it simmer covered until the potatoes were tender…

How delicious does that look! And it only took about twenty minutes. And while it simmered, I was able to make myself look presentable… Win, win.

What did you have for dinner tonight?

You might be wondering…

Yes, I know you’ve probably realized how bare bones the blog is right now. I have tons of content in the works, but first I want to get everything planned before I unleash my plan.

I guess I’ll fill you in a little bit. I am planning a kick-off giveaway extravaganza. I am in the talks with many great companies, blogs and businesses to sponsor some amazing giveaways. And it is all for you, the reader. I really want this blog to be reader-focused. I want to know what you want to read, hear, do and learn. There is no point for me to tap away at a keyboard if my readers aren’t happy. So, be ready for the exciting things to come.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the unveiling of my GIVEAWAY EXTRAVANGANZA! That is when all the fun will start. I’ve got some great things in the work, so make sure you’re a part of it!

Also, feel free to ask my any questions or send my comments, ideas and concerns: meagankfreeman@gmail.com

Hubby’s Back = Grilling Time

As you may remember, the hubby has been gone for a business trip for a week. Now, he only went to Houston, but I’m pretty attached to the dear hubby. So it was hard. That being said, I have such a respect for military wives. Many of my friends are married to some pretty brave men who defend this country. I’ve seen them struggle with deployments, so I know a week is nothing.

So, the husband returns and what is the first thing that happened? He fired up the grill to make dinner. Grilled chicken and red potatoes were on the menu. Super simple and super delicious (and low cal)!!

First of all, we only used three types of seasonings on everything! Really, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder. That easy. Just sprinkle it over everything!

We defrosted some frozen chicken tenderloins. Seasoned and grilled.

The red potatoes may have taken a little prep, but still very easy.

I diced up some red onion and jalapeño, then cubed some red potatoes. Toss it all with olive oil, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and chili powder.

I put the mixture on one of our latest kitchen purchases. A steel grill pan, I can’t wait to use it for everything! And the two set was on sale!

We kept it all on the grill until the chicken was fully cooked. I should of clicked a picture of my plate. But I was starving and the thought crossed my mind as I was taking the last bite.

It is so great to have the hubby back. My tummy and my heart are very happy.

Who doesn’t love cooking out? What is your favorite thing to grill? I bet you guys have some pretty creative answers!

Good Morning: Southwestern English Muffin

Starting the morning off with a healthy breakfast is extremely important, right? As I am trying to make healthier food choices, my husband explained bacon, sausage and pancakes isn’t the healthiest of choices. So, I scanned the fridge for something that would fill my tummy without all the fat and calories. Thus, the Southwestern English Muffin was created!

Clocking in only 162 calories, this is a hearty, tasty and quick breakfast. Let’s look at a calorie breakdown, 100 calories for the english muffin. I used Western Bagel brand English muffins, I came across this brand of English muffin in the refrigerated section in the grocery story. Next, the southwestern flavored Eggbeaters. Only 25 calories per serving and they are delicious. Eggbeaters also offers a three-cheese flavor that is just as tasty. Then we have the turkey pepperoni. I used Armour brand, 4 slices were plenty for this sandwich, so you look at 18 calories for that. Then you have the red onion and jalapeño, which are extremely low in calories. You could top this with any kind of veggie to get in some more nutrition. So delicious, I made another one for lunch.

What is your go-to quick breakfast?

Quick & Healthy: Spicy Salmon Salad

Salmon is one of my favorite types of fish. My favorite is when the hubby grills the fillets on a cedar plank.. YUM! But, today we were too busy for a grill session. With the husband preparing for a business trip and me trying to reorganize the entire house in one weekend (more on that escapade later). On my last grocery shopping trip I bought a bag of frozen salmon fillets. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, or in this case lunch.

First things first, defrost the number of fillets you need under warm water. I simply put the pouches in a bowl of warm water and let them sit for a couple of minutes. They don’t have to be completely defrosted, just soft to the touch.

Prepare a baking dish, I usually line it with aluminum foil, to lessen cleaning time. Spray the foil down with non-stick cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil. I used olive oil.

Back to the fish, drain the bags and put the fillets skin side down on the foil. Sprinkle each fillet generously with chili powder and garlic powder. You could also use fresh garlic, herbs and spices, but hey we’re thinking easy here! I also drizzled my fish with lemon juice, again you can use fresh lemon, but remember..easy!

Pop that baking sheet into the oven at 375 degrees for about ten minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. While you fish is baking, prepare a quick salad, again I used the easy way, simple bagged lettuce. I also diced up some red onion and jalapeño.

Tada! A simple, delicious and healthy lunch.

DIY: Decorate Your Door!

This is the first year of not living in an apartment. So that means I am rejoicing in doing a lot of house decorating.

One of the things I have always liked to do is have a decorated door. Whether the theme is a holiday, a season or an event, your front door should be ready to dazzle. My door is sure not, but I’m fixing that ASAP!

As fall is approaching I have began to look at ways to decorate.

So I set off on a quest for inspiration… well more like a Google search. And I found a plethora (what a great fall word )

Martha Stewart Vintage Paper Leaf Wreath

Photo courtesy of marthastewart.com

This would be a great wreath for those that are looking for a crafty and cute fall look. I wouldn’t want to use this type for my door though. Too much wind out here in the Big Country, those paper leaves wouldn’t stand a chance. But still very cute, check out how to make it on Martha Stewart’s website.

Balloon Wreath

Photo courtesy of Making Of A Mom

How cute is this wreath? This could be personalized for a child’s birthday or just to create a festive occasion. Plus, check out Making Of A Mom’s super easy instructions! So cute!

Crayon Wreath

Photo courtesy of piertopeer.net

This is another adorable one. This one would make a great gift for your kid’s new teacher. Or why don’t you just throw a back to school party just to have an excuse to make this one! These directions from Pier to Peer look simple enough!

Those are just three of the random one the caught my eye. There are hundreds of thousands of other ones. Something about a cute wreath just makes your house look more inviting and friendly.

Then, after you have the perfect wreath, take it a step further. It’s not worth doing if you don’t go over the top with it, right? I’m sure the dear hubby would disagree. Anyways, check out Southern Fried Dreams. She did a great blog post a couple years ago about door decorations.

Photo courtesy of southernfrieddreams.blogspot.com

Finally, someone who shares my door decoration obsession!

I want to hear your opinion. Too much? Is a wreath hanging on your front door right now? Or better yet, is your entire door decorated?