Inexpensive DIY Storage Containers

Many of you know I have been re-decorating the house in beach decor. Yesterday I was at the 99 cent store and found these storage containers perfect for storing dry baking ingredients. Previously I had also picked up a few packages of their seashells just to have on hand and the ribbon and paint I had purchased from Michael's Craft Store a while back. Noticing how plain they were, I decided to give them a little "Oomph!" All 4 custom done containers only cost me $5.00! Here's how!

What You Need:

4 Containers
Enough of any type of craft ribbon to tie bows around the containers (I used a sheer craft ribbon)
Hot glue and glue gun
Seashells
Puff Paint

What To Do:

Wash the containers and let them dry completely.

Measure out the ribbon by wrapping it around and cutting the ribbon leaving enough to tie a bow.

Hot glue the bow in place so it doesn't slide up and down the container.

Take the lids off and in puff paint write what contents you plan to put in the containers. (flour, sugar, etc)

Allow this to dry. Hot glue seashell embellishments (or embellishments of your choice)

Fill the containers with the contents and display them!

EASY Red Beans and (Brown) Rice

This recipe is an twist on a southern classic for the healthier! It is also SUPER easy! This can be served as a side dish or as a meal by itself!

What You Need (This will make about 4-5 servings):

2 cups of prepared brown rice (either in a rice cooker or on stovetop)
2 cups kidney beans (either freshly prepared or canned. I freshly prepared mine)
1 small chopped white onion
4 scallions finely chopped
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 1/2 cups of water
salt and pepper to taste

What To Do:

Prepare the rice, set aside, and keep warm.

Heat the kidney beans in a large pot mixing in all of the remaining ingredients. Heat through until bubbling.

Mix in the rice and serve warm! See, told ya it was simple!!

'Mediterranean'- Inspired Burger Patty's

This burgers are so different and yet SO mouth watering! No one would think to do up a burger patty with cumin and cinnamon, but man are they good! **NOTE: Be sure you like dishes with the cumin, almost a curry flavor, because it's definitely noticeable in this dish!!**

What You Need (This is for 4 pattys):

1lb of 80-90% lean ground beef (any leaner and they won't hold up)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
wax paper
CLEAN HANDS!!!

What To Do:

**Important! Rip 5 (five) pieces of wax paper now! Wide enough to hold a basic 1/4 lb burger patty**

Dump the ground beef into a medium mixing bowl.

Add all the spices and mix THOROUGHLY! You don't want someone getting a bite of pure cumin!

Roll the meat into a ball and place back into the bowl.

Create a "plus sign" to divide the meat up into four sections. Each piece will be one patty.

Take a piece, mold into a patty, and place onto a piece of wax paper.

Place another piece of wax paper on top of the patty.

Continue doing this until all of the pattys are complete.

Put onto a plate and place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes so they firm up.

You can freeze these bad boys for later or grill or cook on a skillet and top with your favorite burger toppings! Lettuce, Tomato, mayo, ketchup, mustard, cheese, you name it! We liked ours so much we didn't even eat them with buns! Enjoy!

Health-Concious 'Southwestern' Scramble

**Pictures Soon**

I made this scramble this morning on a whim (which is why there aren't pictures hehe) in an effort to eat a healthy breakfast after a good run! I will be making this again tomorrow so I will add the pictures then :) Super Yummy and SUPER health-friendly!

What You Need (this will make enough for about 1-2 people depending on how hungry you are!):

2 tbsp olive oil
4-6 Asparagus spears cut into bite-sized chunks
cilantro, roughly chopped to taste (I used about a 1/4 cup)
roughly 2 tbsp chopped red onion
2 eggs
1 slice  low fat cheese (any kind)
salt and pepper to taste

What To Do:

Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a pan.
Cut the asparagus into bite-sized chunks
Chop the onion into small chunks, but not minced.
Add the onion and asparagus to the pan and saute for about 5 min. or until tender.
Add the cilantro and heat for about 1 min, tossing with onion and asparagus.
Place the veggies into a bowl and set aside. Cover with a paper towel or a piece of foil to keep warm.
In the remaining oil (there will be just enough, do not add more) "fry" the 2 eggs.
Just when about ready, place the slice of cheese on the eggs to melt.
Lay the eggs over the top of the veggies and enjoy :)

Not So 'Light' Potato Salad

This is a YUMMY twist on potato salad that has double the flavor and less calories :))

What you need (this makes about 4-5 servings):

8 medium red potatoes: boiled, cooled, and cubed (you can use any kind, but red is better for ya!)
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (you can do more or less to taste)
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
1/4 cup Light ranch dressing
1/4 cup Light sour cream
1/4 cup Light mayo
about 2 tbsp bacon bits (you can buy the ones from the store or make your own)
1/4 - 1/2 cup any type of finely shredded cheese
dry oregano and parsley to taste
salt and pepper to taste

What to do:

Boil the potatoes (usually takes about 20 minutes), let them cool, and cube them.

 

Chop the red and green onion and add to the bowl.

Add in the potatoes.

Add the Light Ranch Dressing.

 

Add the Light Sour Cream.

Add the Ligh Mayo (I like the one with Olive Oil).

Mix Together....

Toss in the bacon bits!

 

A a sprinkle of Oregano and Parsley to taste.

 Salt and Pepper to taste.

Add in the cheese!

 Mix it all up and taste it! Add more of this or that until it suits your fancy, cover, and chill at least 30 min before serving! YUMMMY!