Slice of Life Saturday’s ~ Home Goods & Secret News

Y’all, I was worked to death this week! Monday night I almost fell asleep while I was eating my beef burrito dinner. That’s just wrong! I work alongside a very demanding ophthalmologist as her glorified gopher. She snaps, I retrieve. It’s not my dream job, but it pays the bills. All I really want is a pina colada and a cookie. Oh, and maybe a vacation. Okay, definitely a vacation.

HomeGoodsThis week was busy, but I was able to squeeze in some much needed and overdue mother-daughter time. Mama Dukes and I went shopping and caught a movie. We saw Silver Linings Playbook. Best. Movie. Ever! If you haven’t yet, go see it. During my outing with my mom, I found myself in Home Goods for the second time. Home Goods is like a Toys R Us for foodies. Everything’s pretty, and everything’s cheap. A few new bowls and glass mason jars may have found there way into my cart. I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to tell them they had to leave; that’s rude! Mama Dukes lost her footing on our mother-daughter adventure. I’m not quite sure what happened, but by the end of the day, she was hobbling. I almost had to carry her to the truck. Being the nice daughter I am, I was making her laugh on the way to the truck. You know, trying to make her forget about her bum foot. It worked, but she almost peed her pants. You’re welcome, mom! Next time we go out, I’m bringing a back up hover cart and slapping some Depends on her.

I can’t forget to tell you about my secret news; except it’s a secret and I’m not allowed to tell you. I suppose that’s the opposite of news. Well, I have some really cool stuff going on that I can’t wait to tell you about. As soon as I can blab, believe me, I’ll blab big… and loud!

Stefanie over at Sarcastic Cooking made my entire week with her Greek Green Bean recipe. I am a green bean FA-reak! I love them so much that when my mom makes them for me, she makes me my own pot, knowing all too well that I’ll eat the entire thing by myself. I recently discovered Greek green beans at my local diner and fell in love with them instantly. I always get them as a side to go with my big plate of sliced beef and gravy. Thanks to Stefanie, I can now make this delicious side dish whenever the craving hits, which could very well be every day. Thanks, Stef! You are my green bean hero.

I’m taking a mini break from the kitchen this weekend to spend some quality time with this gal:

Katie & I in heels

That, my friends, is my bff. We’ll call her by her nickname, Lucy. I’m Ethel and she’s Lucy. We’re a force to be reckoned with. We’re someLucy&ethel bad mamajamas. We’re shoe shoppin’, cosmo lovin’, attitude-having, heel-struttin’ ladies. Well, lately we’re more like go-to-sleep-at-nine-because-we’re-too-tired-to-close-the-bar ladies. Today we’re going to take it easy at a local museum and have an early dinner. What? We’re still hardcore!

I got crafty this week and made an Easter wreath that I found on Pinterest. It’s so cute!

Easter Wreath

See. How cute is that? And, it only took me 5 minutes to assemble. I purchased a grapevine wreath and egg garland at Michael’s, then I attached the garland to the wreath with 2 pieces of floral wire. Easy as eating pie.

Here’s what we do to the dog when we’re bored:

Maddox

Here’s what I pinned this week:

Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter by Texanerin Baking
Bananas Foster Bundt Cake by Hungry Couple
Sauteed Ratatouille with Quinoa by Whipped
Veggie & Herb Cream Cheese on Everything Bagel Topped with Salmon by Home Skillet
Smore’s Ice Cream by A Kitchen Addiction

Here’s what I’m craving:

Soft Batch Dark Brown Sugar Coconut Oil Cookies by Averie Cooks
Coconut Banana Brownie Pie by Bakeaholic Mama
Maple Glazed Carrot Spice Scones by Tutti Dolci

Look What I made:

Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Burritos by Pass the Sushi- These burritos mean business. They’re moist, tender, smoky, and spicy. This beef is 10 times better than the barbacoa beef I get on my tacos at Chipotle. I ate this beef every single night until it was gone. This recipe definitely makes the cut for my monthly meal rotation. I’m telling you, these are a must make. The best part? Set it and forget it, baby! Thanks, Kita.

Bourbon Chicken by Juanita’s Cocina- I’m a frequent flyer at Jen’s blog. I love everything about it, from her witty writing style to her delicious recipes. The girl is plain ol’ hilarious. One day I’m going to visit her in and we’re going to eat our way through Texas. This bourbon chicken was a real treat. It only took 20 minutes to cook, and Squirrel loved it. We will be making this dish again, for sure. Thanks, Jen!

What’s on the menu:

Grilled Chuck Burgers with Extra Sharp Cheddar & Lemon Garlic Aioli by Home Skillet- I’m more than excited for these burgers. Have you seen this burger? You have to see this burger. It’s big. It’s bad. It’s beefy.
Italian Drunken Noodles by The Cozy Apron
Sweet Potato Hash topped with a Dippy Egg

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Comments

  1. Awe, thanks for my bundt shout out. :) It’s funny that you and your BFF are Lucy and Ethel. Me and mine are Thelma and Louise. Not sayin’ anybody’s been shot yet but stuff definitely happens when we’re together. ;)

  2. Dagnabit ~ I read all the way through & no secret news :-(

    • Jennie says:

      Sorry, C.J! They won’t let me divulge the big news. It’s not my idea. If it were up to me, I’d spill the beans.

  3. There are so many gems in here. First, bwahahahaha at your poor dog. He’s looking pretty styling, though, I have to say. And you ‘n Lucy are hot mamas. Did you guys fight over who got to be Ethel and who got to be Lucy? And seriously, don’t keep us in suspense for too long over the big news. Can’t wait to hear it!

    • Jennie says:

      Thanks, Nancy! My poor puppy. He’s such a trooper. We both love each character, so it didn’t matter what name each of us received. I’ll be sure to tell you as soon as I’m allowed.

  4. Hahaha. I love what you did to the dog! I can’t wait to get a little golden retriever puppy. Seriously. As soon as I don’t have to work a normal job, I’m going to quit and get myself a puppy and just play with it all day and take pictures. It will be… amazing.

    Can’t wait to hear your news! :) Sounds exciting!

    Oh my goodness. I’m there again! You’re doing a better job than I am at promoting my own stuff these last few days. Thank you!

  5. Holly says:

    Never would have guessed that your Easter wreath was made with egg garland– looks great and love that it was easy. I just made a spring wreath this week and will save your idea for next year. Glad you had a good week with secret news!

  6. Elizabeth says:

    I need to get on Silver Linings Playbook! It just looks so amazing.

  7. Katie Gilbert says:

    I love all your writing, but the stuff about your mom cracks me up! And the Lucy and Ethel comments are classic!!!! Like everyone else, I’m anxiously awaiting the surprise news;-)

  8. Awww so much fun with the mama! I need to see Silver Linings Playbook baaaad! And omg I wish I had a Home Goods Store near me! jealoussss

    And your bff looks like a blast, have oodles of fun, and make delicious food-as always!

    <3

  9. Oh my gosh, Jennie. You and I are in the same field! I work for a cornea surgeon. (Actually, she happens to be the best boss I’ve ever had!) And it really looks like you had a fabulous weekend. I need to find a Home Goods store. And your wreath is so pretty. I wish I were craftier. Hope your mom is doing okay! You need another weekend just to rest up from this weekend! : )

  10. Can’t wait for the big news! And dude, dressing up the dog is just too cute! Now I need to get a dog.

  11. I WANNA KNOW THE SECRET NEWS!!!!!!

    Also, I totally agree that it would have been rude to tell those poor dears to get out of the cart. They’re just looking to find a good home, after all. (And that’s totally my excuse next time I’m in Home Goods)

  12. That wreath is beyond cute! I love seeing wreaths on people’s doors. I just put up a couple of Easter decorations. Hopefully next week will be less tiring for you. What is your dream job? Whatever it is, I hope you have it one day soon :)

  13. awesome job on that wreath! and such a cute pic of you and your bff :) thank you soooo much for including us in your links! hope you like the burger!

  14. Hi Jennie, You. Are. Hysterical! Thanks for the shout out on Twitter, the nickname “Toys R Us for foodies” and some great recipe ideas. Your friends at HomeGoods

    • Jennie says:

      Wow, I never expected Home Goods to find my site and comment. Thank you so much! Seriously, 99% of my food props come from your store. My photos thank you.

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