My husband surprised me with a weekend away to celebrate the end of my 20’s and hello to my 30’s. A week ago I declared that August was my “Birthday Month,” and while he rolled his eyes and chuckled at my high-maintenanceness (is that a word?), he literally could not have made my leap into a new decade anymore special. Shout out – Thank you, Nathan!
Links. Likes. Loves.
I snagged this picture on our newly power washed deck. I had no clue what natural beauty existed beneath. But, soon this too will be a distant memory as we are painting our deck and home. I have been Googling like crazy exterior paint and design. My Pinterest Board blew up too with some pins and I fell in love with This charming home.
I turned 30 last week, and my dear parents bought me my favorite boots! So, now I am contemplating a Matching Pair for Lo. I feel like there is a marginal window when we can wear matching attire.
No foundation? This is me. Well not me but my routine. I cut out the liquid foundation long ago, and recently even powder. Instead I too, opt for a concealer dab.
How lovely is This Top? Seriously! I can see it paired adorably with flowy Army green shorts, to end out summer. Then paired with dark denim skinny jeans and ankle boots. Check out, please!
This is one cool Mom and cool kid. Birthday Party In Target? Yes, please!
USA’s First Ever Gold Medal For Women’s Wrestling. Talk about dedication, compassion and determination.
Hysterical. I will leave it at that.
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Surviving The Beach With Kids
I was going to title this Blog post – Beach Hacks or Tips for Beaching With Kids. SEO friendly post titles that get straight to the point of my message. But, as I reflect on our beach vacation (you can read all about it – Here) I realized, those titles, just won’t do.
No, sometimes, it is straight up survival mode around here. And, well, sand and waves, you really are no exception.
Children are tough little cookies and they require more work and attention when it comes to beach planning than I myself every did.
I pretty much took three things to the sandy shores – 1) a beach chair 2) a magazine 3) a cold beverage. I was set.
Yeah, not so much anymore. Thank goodness my in-laws rent an oceanfront home each year which saves us from completely thinking ahead, as we merely run across hot coals, I mean the sand, to the house for said items. But, while we do have that advantage to our stay, I still find the following beach tips necessary to share.
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Zip Lock Baggie It
I have a Lifeproof cell phone case, but that does not mean I confidently leave my phone on my towel or in the cup of my beach car. No! I still zip lock baggie that baby. I even will throw extra bags in our cooler. They are great for holding a pacifier, snacks, random seashells found on the beach and that precious cell phone!
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Baby Powder
Sprinkle some of this magic pixie dust on your little ones feet and legs to easily remove sand. It is much better than rubbing a towel against your child’s skin which can easily irritate.
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Dig A Bed
I know, you are thinking… “What?” Laying a towel on the sand and climbing under the umbrella, while sounds appealing actually is the worse “mattress” you may sleep on in your life. Have you tried? It is hard! And, yet, you see parents do it over and over for their kids. Use the palm of your hand to scoop the sand left and right to create an indent (almost like a cradle). Then lay a towel over the sand and place child. We even do this for the older kids, creating mini recliners in the sand.
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Pack Snacks… And Well!
Unless you want to make multiple runs from the ocean to your lodging, pack some great snacks. Always prepare to be on the beach for a length of time. Even if you are not! We pre-make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, gummies, pretzels, goldfish crackers, etc. Try to pack individual snacks so nothing goes to waste and you can accommodate multiple people.
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Freeze Water Bottles & Use As Ice
This tip accompanies the tip above. Food safety is a must. Especially on a hot beach. Keep cold foods cold with frozen bottles of water. 1) They tend to last longer than heaping piles of ice and 2) They are multi-purpose. As they melt you eventually have water and we also use the bottles to cool down. Placing the bottle against the back of our necks for some instant relief.
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Beach Towel
This Towel for the win! My sister-in-law, Abbey scored this great beach find. It repels sand! Yes. You read that correct.
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Water Shoes
This was a total whim, but I am glad I purchased and packed. When we got to the beach we were greeted by lots and lots of jellyfish. They were in the water and all over the shore. Within the first hour, my oldest niece was stung three times and she never went in the water! I packed the shoes for the rough ocean floor but these provided some comfort and piece of mind for walking across the jellyfish invested shore. Try These or These!
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Pack A Spray Bottle of Vinegar
For the fries, y’all! Just kidding. Hence the tip above and the jellyfish dilemma and possible stings. I had always heard, you pee on a jellyfish sting. I think that public form of medicine is looked down upon. Vinegar does the trick! We actually learned that from a lifeguard. Vinegar takes the sting out.
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Reusable Shopping Bags
These make great beach bags! Coming from a self-proclaimed, “fashion girl” – skip the beach bag fashion. Unless you are in Saint-Tropez… no one cares! These are great for toting sandy towels and toys and they rinse up and dry great. Seriously, save your money.
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5 Gallon Bucket
Can’t you tell from the photo above? My dear daughter and our young nieces and nephews enjoyed every single moment with this bucket! Fill that sucker up with ocean water and watch the kiddies frolic around it like it is a magic well or something. No, in all seriousness, it is great for quick washes of the hands and feet, for sand castle play and for even quick dunks from the sun.
Do you have a beach tip that I missed? If so, share in the comments section below. Happy beaching!
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Beaching In South Carolina
Things have been QUIET around here. Not like in the physical home form (oh, contrary) – I am talking about on the Blog Diggity.
We have been beaching it up for the past week in South Carolina. Shout out to the Palmetto State, you are beautiful.
Each year my husband’s side makes the pilgrimage for a week of fun, sun, laughter, crying, whining, food & drinks (oh, lots of drinks) and little to no relaxing. Yes, you read it right – little to no relaxing. What all vacations are made of!
Oh, and there were selfies. Lots and lots of selfies!
We take it in great stride. It has not always been this way and won’t always either. In fact, this is the 10th summer I have spent with his side ocean front and many, many years were spent staying out late, bar hopping, shopping for cute cover-ups and suits (for hours, not minutes), dining out often and staying on the beach from sun up to practically sundown.
8 Adults. 8 Children (Ages 7 and under) and 1 House. Yes, 1 house. What the hell are we thinking? I swear I question our sanity each year as we load up the SUV’s and truck, and place sleeping babies in their car seats and take bets on how long until – “Are we there yet?” begins or complete meltdowns and bribery take place. The trip is long, even for us adults. Although, the kids were champs, except for my nephew, Sam. I think he puked about 4 times along I-95. Just kidding. Not about the puke, but about the champ comment. In reality, he can take the crown for longest car ride ever for a car sick little boy.
My sister-in-law, Amie wins the most-creative-mom award for entertaining her kiddies with a small toy on the hour. Unlike Nathan and I who purchased a portable DVD player and three DVD’s and popped that sucker in the moment Lo made her first peep. Anyways, Amie shopped at the local Dollar General before we left and gift wrapped coloring books, stickers, small figures, etc and allowed the kids to select one as each hour passed – all 9 long hours. So, take note, fellow parents of little kids, as you plan a long roadtrip. Just calculate better. Amie missed an hour so we had to convenience them dinner was one of their gifts!
I made the point to someone that driving to South Carolina was sort of like having a baby. The trip is painful like delivery. The beach week is delightful like the baby and the whole experience is so worth it that you do it over and over again, forgetting the upfront pain (hence, why women have more than one child and why this growing family keeps going back for more and more).
The week flew by. But, it always does when you are on vacation. Time is never enough. You feel selfish for wanting more and yet deserving for not having enough. Or, at least we do! When you work so hard all year and await this one week yearly, you can feel selfish with your time and money. Vacation almost becomes a celebration of all your hard work.
And, while there were meltdowns, and there were fights over baby dolls and pacifiers and swim gear and sand toys, our 8 human beings are so lucky to have this experience and each other.
My daughter woke up screaming in pure joy each morning when she heard her cousins outside our bedroom door.
We also successfully went out for, wait for it – lunch. Which could have been like a tornado hitting a house but we managed to get through it with minimal wind damage. One child dive bombed off a chair sideways and most-creative-mom, Amie, turned into most-easily-persuaded-mom and then morphed into thank-the-heavens-you-think-of-this-crap-mom, purchasing cotton candy and rainbow popcorn PRE-lunch for us all to snack on at the table. I think for 2 minutes all of us were in our dining room seats eating, but as meltdowns began to occur an adult and child would pop-out. Hey, small victories, right? This was one.
Somehow we also managed a birthday party for the family “triplets.” Really a set of identical twin boys and an ornery red head girl who all shared their third birthday just days a part.
It helps that us adults enjoy our morning bloody marys and afternoon Corona’s with lime, because when the chaos hit a high and the majority of our children were whining like baby birds waiting for Momma Bird to drop a worm, we would look across the madness, open the refrigerator or uncork some wine and just laugh.
So, I am not refreshed for Monday morning – sorry, world! I am not richer – much poorer and I am not relaxed, oh the opposite – I am pretty beat.
I am; however, content, grateful and fulfilled.
We have given our Lo girl and along with our family, our 7 nieces and nephews some amazing memories. We do it all for the kids right? And, us too! We laughed much, we ate well, raised our glasses, got some serious tans (y’all I looked like Casper pre-vacation) and were able to carve out time some much needed family time.
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We Are Hustlin
I dedicate this Blog to all the hustlers out there. Can I get a “whoop, whoop”?
No, but seriously, this is for all my ladies. Being a Mom is hard, tiring work.
I know, I know, being a Dad is too, please don’t private message me and comment that I am excluding fathers. I get it, but actually, in reality, I don’t, because I am Momma, so I am focusing this on motherhood.
If you asked me to describe my current situation it would be exhausted. I swear I am always exhausted. All day. Every day. I am frustrated and I am definitely lacking patience. Some days by 8:30 am, I feel like I have already given my all. Living out a 24-hour day when we have only been up for two hours. O.M.G.
Lo has reached the pre-terrible two’s, which I fully support is a legit thing. She throws herself into a back bend, when I open the car door to place her in her car seat. She lashes out and thrashes about. Digging the back of her head into the seat rest and scooting her body fast off the edge. I would imagine it looks like I am trying to wrangle an animal in the back seat of my car.
Right now “No.” Is her favorite, and may I add annoying choice word. It never is said once. It is usually accompanied by a “No, No, No, NOOOO!” So, it is super positive up in here.
We meltdown. Usually when Mom and / or Dad have not fed her on cue. Hangry is what it is and I know all about it because I personally suffer from it as well. Meltdowns can occur anywhere these days. And, usually it is in the most public places when you feel like every other human walking by is judging you and just watching how you will best handle.
I have one child. I get that when I complain about being tired, or exhausted (an extreme of tired), that the Mommies of multiples probably raise an eyebrow or roll eyes. I get having more than one child is another layer of motherhood that I know nothing about. My mommy friends with plus ones, probably talk about me not being able to hang or handle one. Heck, I myself question my ability for another child, when I feel as tired as I do with one.
Motherhood is a full-time, around the clock job. It is really that. We are working first, second and third shifts. Plus, handling all other responsibilities that existed pre-baby. We are hustlin.
I work full-time but really much more than a typical 40-hour work week. It is demanding and at many times, completely overwhelming.
Days begin super early and by the time I have disconnected myself from Lo and have transitioned into career woman mode, I feel as if I myself have been completely depleted. While I drive my hour commute to work, I try so hard to use the time to decompress and switch my mentality towards work and looming projects, but the reality is, when you are a mommy, it is something you cannot “turn off.”
In the workforce, there is an expression often used, “Leave your personal problems at home and focus on work.” I grew a child inside me for 9 months, I delivered a human, I live and breath her wants and needs, sometimes I cannot “turn it off.” When we started showing signs before the one-year mark of becoming mobile, I found myself daydreaming throughout the day of her taking her first steps without me (which she did). When we have had a sleepless night due to teething or a cold, I am either 1) sleep deprived or 2) wondering if she is napping or eating well for the sitter.
In the evenings, once I pick up Lo, sometimes I want to cry at the thought of not being able to “chill.” Especially if my day has been long and stressful. It is full-speed ahead until Lo finally crashes. There is dinner to be made, sometimes a trip to the grocery store for said dinner ingredients, a diaper bag to be packed, a bath to be had and a whole ritual of a bedtime routine. “Me time” which use to exist every night prior to Lo, is now nonexistent.
Recently, I asked a girlfriend if this exhaustion was normal or maybe I just suck at time management. Why do I feel like I am frustrated? She really put into perspective for me when she explained that as mothers we just have this innate need to handle everything. Work responsibilities, extended family needs, keeping the house tidy, meal planning, grocery runs, dinner prep, lunches packed, appointments scheduled, bills paid, and the list goes on.
We are hustlers. Our minds never stop. Once a child was born we developed a new sense for multitasking on both physical and mental levels. Super human if you will. You can be prepping dinner, drawing a bath, checking over a kid’s homework and pouring a glass of wine in two minutes top. It is like you can’t shut it off. And, the only time you do, is when you shut your eyes to sleep, but by golly, that is the moment your child screams out for you.
It is tiring. It is rewarding. I will say it again though, it is tiring. Some days I want to sleep. Some days just screaming will do. I know one thing, I am not alone. Too many good Mommas are too out there hustlin hard to provide for their families financially, emotionally, physically and often not described or said enough – lovingly.
So, while I will still complain because one day can seem harder than the next, I also send my love out there to you. Because I know you understand me and even most likely are feeling these same emotions too.
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Thirty Lessons I Have Learned In My 30 Years
So, here is the thing… in a few short days, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday. 30. THIRTY. thirty. 3-0. The Big 30.
I am sort of okay with it and then other days (maybe most) pretty scared. What do I really have to be scared of? I know, right? I think it comes down to the annoying time clock that just keeps ticking away. I don’t feel old. I do not feel like my age defines me. However, I do feel like my twenties were a time of exploration and excuses. You can get away with more crap in your twenties. Why? Because it is you 20’s! They are meant for finding yourself and all aspects of your life. Finding a companion, finding your passion, finding a career path, finding friends, finding a place in this world. You could make mistakes, get dirty, screw up royally and at the end of the day still save yourself under the good graces of exploring. My fear is that when the clock ticks midnight and I officially age one-year, I have lost all of that.
When I was pregnant, I felt like every other blogger around me was too. Sharing details of their pregnancy, week by week changes (you know – my baby is the size of an avocado today!), nursery sneak peeks and birth stories. And, now that I am turning thirty, I am finding that again, many of the bloggers I follow are too turning the same age.
Thirty things to do before I turn 30 is what nearly every single blogger has shared. They have amazing lists that ranged from learning a second or even third language to taking a girls trip to Napa Valley. They had strong goals and used the turn of a decade to check off some dream items.
I, on the other hand, failed miserably at such an approach a year ago.
So, then I thought, once I was 30 days out I would cleverly borrow the idea and create a smaller, scaled down, more manageable version for myself and the Blog. Yep, you guessed it… I failed at that too.
Now, I am staring thirty in the eyes and before I line drive its neck, I thought I would take a different more, gasp – positive approach.
THIRTY LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 30 YEARS
- That your parents are cool and can also be your best friends.
- Oreos are amazing at 3 and at 30.
- Money can actually be irrelevant!
- Sending hand written thank you notes is incredibly meaningful and a lost art.
- Family really is everything!
- Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective.
- Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Learn that and learn to let them go.
- Patience is a virtue. And, I have yet to accomplish.
- Giving can provide the same great euphoria as receiving.
- Sometimes all you need is ice cream, or a glass of wine, or both.
- Yes, networking matters but sometimes life also comes down to luck!
- Friendships after high school and college require diligent attention and effort.
- There is 100% such a thing as “mom hair.” And, it was and is the messy bun I thought was cool in high school.
- Sometimes a “boring life” is a blessed and good life!
- Making homemade meatballs actually is not that hard.
- Passing judgement truly just makes you an a-hole.
- That my father was right when he told me on the first day of my first real job, “Contribute to a 401 K; one day you will thank me.” Thanks, Dad.
- A title should never determine your self-worth.
- A mother’s love is incredible, strong, ruthless and powerful.
- Trust your gut!
- Yes, backstabbers exist at 16, 21, 30, 40, 50 and so on.
- Strive to not be happy but to be content.
- Money can buy a lot of things but it cannot buy you class.
- That drinking enough water, really is a legit thing.
- That the dentist did not lie when he told you to floss daily. It too, is a legit thing.
- Life is very much unfair but that doesn’t mean you should slack or make excuses.
- You are in control of your destiny.
- The sweetest words you will ever hear are your own child calling your name or saying “I love you.
- The belief that you deserve everything you set your heart and mind to.
- Loving yourself is a challenge but achievable.
As I quickly close in on the mile marker, I am reminded to refer to #10 above. Someone please pass me the pint of ice cream and a big ole’ glass of wine now. Like, right now! I promise myself I won’t eat and drink my way to 30 and through it. Instead, I will try to embrace the years, this life, the lessons and what is to come.
Here is to year 30, but more importantly to the thirty lessons I learned along this winding way.
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One Skillet Sausage Penne
Winner. Winner. I have your Sunday dinner.
No, seriously, I have your dinner all planned. Most likely you have all the ingredients too and if not, well, then high-step yourself to the market.
I love pasta! I love everything about it. The heartiness, how it soaks up all the flavors that are fused in the pot, how its BFF for life is cheese and they are unstoppable, how cozy and warm I feel when it sits there looking all gorgeous at me.
You are gorgeous!
There is absolutely zero Italian bloodline running through my veins but I adore Italian food. I think if I ever made my way to Italy, I would eat my way through every town, spending a ridiculous amount of money on food. But, hey, that’s just me.
This dish is so delectable, and incredibly easy. Everything about it screams, “Get in my Belly now!”
- 1 lb of Ground Sage Sausage
- 1/2 of a Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1/2 of a Yellow Pepper (diced)
- 1/2 of a Orange Pepper (diced)
- 1/2 of a Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
- 2 Cups of Penne Pasta
- 1 – 24 oz Jar of Pasta Sauce (I used Five Cheese Flavor)
- 1 Cup of Water
- 1/3 Cup of Half & Half
- 1/2 Cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- Dried Basil, to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet cook sausage on medium heat, until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Add diced bell peppers and onion to skillet. Cook for about two to three minutes, then add the minced garlic. Stir to combine all ingredients and add salt and pepper, to taste. Add the jar of pasta sauce and stir. Once combined, add 1 cup on water and combine. Add dried penne pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Once the pasta is tender, add the half and half and cheese. Plate and sprinkle dried basil, to taste.
Buon appetito!
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You Are Bigger Than This Big World
I look around my yard, our little slice of mountain heaven. We live in a beautiful part of the country. Rolling hills, deep thick woods and views that we too often take for granted. I can jump in my car and be at one State Park in 15 minutes, or start from the opposite direction and be at another in 10. Actually, I could physically walk to the latter and tried once, but mentally freaked myself out over a bear and forced my husband to turn around and lead us home. And, you truly are a child of nature. Maybe you see the beauty more than I. Years of living in this same place, I rarely take it in anymore. Plus, my sights are on you. Watching your every move as you explore the only bit of the world you have ever really seen. It is quite coincidentally that you don’t yet know what is out there for you to explore, yet I tune it all out because all I see is you.
You are bigger than this big world.
I have turned down opportunities. I have set my sights on reality. I know our limits as a family. “Let’s take off and go to Key West for your 30th birthday,” a group of us discussed over drinks late one night. The phone has rang, and I have been approached with great opportunities in Florida and Texas. For a split second, my mind wonders. Sometimes, I think about what could be. But, then I look at you with your toys across the living room floor, and I think of our family who surrounds us and provides safety and you relationships, and I could never imagine anything more. Every decision this world presents, you are the deciding factor.
You are bigger than this big world.
Voices in my head. All of our heads. Society quick to judge us as parents. Your child must be in bed by 8 pm. The binkie and bottle should have been gone, like three months ago. Basically, I am sure your teeth are going to fall out. She is not climbing stairs without help yet? Gasp! Wait! Did you say bottle, does that mean you are still not breastfeeding? Does she come into your bed at night? You really need to engage in the crying it out method. It comes from your mom, your best friend, the media, social media friends, parenting magazine, this here Blog! Voices swirl around me as a parent – do this, not that, eat this, not that. The leading Pediatrician says this but the world’s leading psychologist says that. You know what? What do you need, honey? Tell, me! It has not always been easy. Especially, since you are my first, but I am so much better at this. Shutting the voices and opinions down and not worrying about how you compare to another child down the street or how you compare to children your age as a national average.
You are bigger than this big world.
When my work day has been long, mentally exhausting, when I worry about small details that at the end of the day drive no true results or get me anywhere. When I care to much about satisfying others than for standing up for what I believe. Suffocating my own voice. When I feel anxiety creep into my chest and sometimes my heart beats so big I feel like it could explode. I think of you. I grab my cell phone, I flip through your pictures. Does my heart still hurt? Yes, because now I miss you as I sit here at my desk. But, slowly my anxiety becomes controllable, and I think to myself, “This is what matters.” And, I gain a part of myself back.
You are bigger than this big world.
In a world where there is violence, hate, racism, misunderstanding and pure evil, I watch in horror, flipping through news stations hoping one will reveal answers over another. I have come to feel so much pain and reveal my own anger. How does this exist? Where have we (yes, we) gone wrong? Sometimes I think, “If the world is this bad now, how bad will it be for you when you are an adult?” What will be your big world?
You are bigger than this big world.
Don’t you ever forget that! When life is hard. When the cards are not dealt in your favor. On days or nights when you want to run home and crash into your bed crying. When you feel like giving up. When things feel overwhelming, unfair, unpleasant and unimaginable. Remember – You are bigger than this big world.
My hope as your mother is that this same outlook I have on you, my everything, you have for yourself, but so much bigger. That you realize that you can do anything, go anywhere, be anything and change things. While this big ol’ world can be scary. The unknown exists and is everywhere. You little lady are already, far bigger.
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Lo Fashion Finds: Swimsuit Season
My little Lo bug is enjoying this sweet summertime season. She is definitely a child of nature. She loves being outside. Playing with bubbles, picking my flowers, drawing across the sidewalk with chalk, eating that same sidewalk chalk, swinging at the playground, jumping in the cool pool waters or taking a leisurely stroll through a local park grounds. This little girl was made to explore and roam Mother Nature.
I love that about her!
Last Spring, I started a new Blog Series (you can view Here) series focused on her and her incredibly since of toddler fashion. I mean, we have had to sit her down many times and talk about her online shopping problem. She just stares at us. Sometimes jumping up and just shacking her head “no.” We will have to work with her.
As the summer season is now part of our lives. The heat, the sun, the layers of sunscreen, and pool pruning, I decided to share some great Toddler Fashion, swimsuit season finds.
All of these are, Lo approved!
One – 11.00 | Two – 22.78 | Three – 9.00 | Four – 12.99 | Five – 8.88 | Six – 13.99 | Seven – 8.99
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Low Country Boil
Hello and happy Sunday!
Certain things symbolize summertime to me. Campfires, lighting bugs, Blue Moons with an orange slice, flip flops, sleeping with a fan on through the night, a bushel of crabs, ice tea brewing in a glass jar on the back porch, a Kenny Chesney new single release and low country boil.
This one pot wonder packs a mean punch of flavor and I love the ease of serving. A low country boil quite simply is a large pot of boiling yumminess, some newspapers lining a gathering table and just before the dinner bell rings, one giant pour of all ingredients, spread across a tabletop.
Typically, you reserve this dinner for a back porch evening. You pour yourself a cold one, invite over your closest friends and you sit back and pick and eat. Simple as that. My kind of meal.
My mother-in-law was the first person to introduce me to low country boil, many blue moons ago! 🙂
When Nathan, requested I make it for Father’s Day dinner, I will admit, I was intimidated. But, good golly, this meal seriously is as easy as they can come. Just like a summer night. So, after one attempt and personal declared successful attempt, I share with you!
LOW COUNTRY BOIL:
- 5 Quarts of Water
- 1 – 12 oz Bottle of Light Beer
- 1 Bag of Crab & Shrimp Boil Seasoning
- 1/4 Cup of Old Bay
- 2 T Sea Salt
- 2 Lemons (juice and rind)
- 1 Sweet Onion
- 1.5 lbs of Red Potatoes
- 5 Ears of Corn
- Kielbasa
- 2.5 lbs of Large Shrimp
- 1 Stick of Butter
- 2 T of Minced Garlic
In a large stock pot add water, beer, bag of crab and shrimp boil, Old Bay, salt and the juice of two lemons. Bring to a boil and add the lemon rinds and an onion, quartered. Reduce to a simmer for five minutes. Add potatoes and set timer for 10 minutes. Add corn and cut kielbasa and cook for five minutes. Add shrimp and cook for three minutes.
Melt one stick of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and mix well.
Drain the ingredients leaving a bit of liquid in the bowl. Pour the melted butter and garlic over ingredients and serve.
Enjoy!
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