Blessings.
Have
Blessings.
Category: family
Rosetta’s Black Beans
When we visited family in DC, we had some incredible meals that were primarily vegetarian. Rosetta was the cook for portions of the meals, and I asked for several of her recipes. This is one of her recipes. She made black beans that were so simple but so good that I had to make them.
I used dried black beans, and soaked them overnight in cold water. First thing the next morning, I rinsed them.
Pour the rinse beans into a pan and cover with water. Add salt, pepper, olive oil (just a bit), and two cloves of garlic minced to the pot. Bring to boil and cook until the beans are tender. You might need to add more water, please watch and taste after about a hour of low simmer.
You can serve these beans as is, or mushed on tortillas, or over rice! So good. So simple. Really good.
I used mine in nachos. Loved the flavors. Simple and really good.
Pictures really don’t show how good these beans are. I loved that something so simple could be so good.
Blessings.
Beef Roast
David loves beef roast and potatoes. So, I decided to try something a little different with my beef roast (I know – not me!). One onion, rough chopped, sauteed in oil with some salt and pepper.
I added about 2 slices of chopped bacon for added flavor.
I seasoned the chuck roast with salt, pepper, season salt, and lots of paprika. Place in the pan to sear with 4 cloves of whole garlic. 
Turn after the bottom has a nice brown color, and sear the other side for another 8-10 minutes (or longer if needed) to get a nice brown color on both sides.
Once the meat is brown, remove and let rest while the sauce is blended.
Add 2 cups of red wine (one that you would drink, this is a Cab), and about 2 cups of beef stock. Also, add 10-12 small sprigs of fresh thyme. You can either leave the leaves on the tyme or remove them. I remove them so I didn’t have to worry or think about it later. Bring to a simmer, and then add the meat back to the pan.
Remove from the stove top and place in the oven (covered) at 350 degrees for 3-4 hours or the meat is cooked through and tender.
I did add small russet potatoes when it went into the oven (don’t have to think about it). Removed them when done. 
The kids were home (both of them), so we had dinner at the table. It was wonderful. The roast turned out wonderful. Deep, rich flavor, and the meat was tender. 
Monday Motivation
Bring it!
Love Them
Love these two. They are spending time together this weekend, because they want to…makes my Momma heart happy. ❤️
Blessings.
Friday Thoughts
Friday means weekend…I am ready for some flirt time with my hubby.
Happy Friday!
Tray
When we were visiting family, they had this nice, neat tray to place all of their often used items (oils etc.) by the stove. I fell in love with the idea, and began a search for something similar. I didn’t realize that it would take three different stores, and four different trays to find the perfect one.
They tray I found is actually a part of a wooden set from Target, but for now the only part I am using is the bottom portion. I lined the bottom of it with a couple of paper towels, and that is it. Perfect (for me) to store my vinegars, oils, pepper and salt pig.
There have been many things that I love from other homes that I have visited, but this was something I thought would be simple and inexpensive. Have you been so taken with something you had to copy it? I will confess there are more things I covet than I should, but this was simple and helps me stay organized in the kitchen.
Blessings.
Sunday Thought
This past week has been wonderful, as we have been in Virginia and DC. David had to work, and I got to go along to play in DC on my own and to visit family. Truly satisfying all my desires of my heart. I have missed my nieces, and being able to spend three days with them was glorious. 
DC on my own was wonderfully exhausting. Over 14,000 steps –such a NSV as when we went with the family a couple of years ago, I was unable to walk up the stairs to see the Lincoln Memorial. So to be able (after a day of already walking everywhere) walk up with NO issues and take this picture–perfect!! I will say…I was really sad at myself after walking up those stairs thinking about the time before—I had thought it was so far up that I couldn’t do it—it really was nothing–this time. WOW. 
Time with family was the best…I got to spend three precious days with my nieces on their farm–aren’t silly faces the best? Then back to DC with David. 
On Friday, David and I got to explore DC.
Not as many steps as I got on Monday, but a wonderful time exploring DC. If you have an opportunity to go to The Dubliner–GO. David actually got a 10 year old whiskey called the Dubliner, I got Chardonnay (I know – not Irish but really a nice wine).
It has great food, Guinness, and Irish whiskey. 
We explored some more of DC…before heading back to the hotel in Reston, VA. It was a wonderful week. The 16 hour drive from Reston, VA back to Fort Walton Beach, FL was exhausting yesterday…which is why my post today is so late…
So…go explore, wherever you might be!
Blessings.
Marriage
Today, we attend a wedding of a family friend, a dear friend.
“You don’t marry the person you can live with— you marry the person you can’t live without.” – unknown
“The groom always smiles proudly because he’s convinced he’s accomplished something quite wonderful. The bride smiles because she’s been able to convince him of it.” – Judith McNaught
Advice: Always hold hands when talking about finances or something difficult.
So excited for today, excited for them and their adventure.
Blessings.
Carmen’s Thoughts – Tiffany Blue
During what seems like ages ago, back in junior year of high school, I got tired of the yellow-beige color of my room that came with the house when we moved in. So I took the Tiffany box I had to Lowe’s, matched the color for wall paint, and bought the supplies I needed to paint my room. No one in the family would help, no matter how much my 17 year old self tried to convince them to (I’m sure that went professionally). It took a few months of moving furniture and sleeping on the couch, but I painted my room all by myself #grownup.
Fast forward to present day. Stephen is living in my room, and it’s actually kind of funny to see his gaming stuff and clothes in this Tiffany blue room. Well, he’s moving out again, and I was just starting to think of visits home in MY bed in MY room, NOT on the comfy air mattress (not sarcasm – it’s actually really soft), when Mom said that they’re painting it grey (excuse me?!) and putting my stuff in the attic (NO).
Mom already painted Stephen’s original room grey for the craft room. Help me keep my Tiffany box room alive, and stop Mom from painting the house grey. One room is just fine. The whole upstairs? No.
My parents want to make my room a guest room, but I’m their only guest…? Can’t I just take my economics class in peace this summer? I feel a flail coming along.
Disclaimer: I’m going to be okay with this. I don’t have to help my brother move out, and Mom said they’re moving my stuff in the attic. Didn’t say I had to do it. Or paint the room again. As long as I’m welcome to come home and my stuff isn’t on the lawn, I’m happy.
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