Roasted Red Pepper, Mozzarella and Basil Stuffed Chicken

If you know the real me then you know that I am not a major fan of cooking.  You would think that with all the Food Network shows I watch I would have a home cooked meal on the table every night, I’m just not that type of woman.  Well after getting bashed and teased about how I’m not a ‘normal’ girl because I don’t like cooking I finally decided to make my man a meal.  Now I’m no Betty Crocker but if you give me a recipe then I can sure as heck follow that recipe to a T and make a great meal.  I was craving chicken that night so I searched and searched and searched for an easy meal because I knew that Ry was gonna be home within the next hour.  I finally found the perfect chicken to try.  It’s a roasted red pepper, mozzarella and basil stuffed chicken.  The picture is what sold me on the recipe, so I put my little invisible chef hat on and headed to Publix.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time:  35 minutes
Total Time:  50 minutes

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 slices
1 12 oz jar of roasted red peppers sliced into 1 inch pieces (about two whole red peppers if you roast your own)
1 bunch of basil, whole leaves
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper for seasoning

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a 9×12 casserole dish.  Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing into the long side of the breast, stopping just about 1/4 of an inch from the opposite side.  Lay chicken breast in casserole dish opened up.  Sprinkle the exposed insides of the chicken breast with 1/2 of the Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.  Stack the roasted red pepper, basil, and 1 slice of the mozzarella on the bottom side of the chicken.  Fold the top flap of the chicken over, tucking in the mozzarella, basil and roasted red pepper as necessary.  Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning.  Bake chicken for 30-40 minutes (until chicken is no longer pink).  Pull chicken out of oven and turn the oven to a high broil.  Top chicken with remaining mozzarella slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Broil until cheese is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Now normally if I do attempt to cook Ry doesn’t normally like it (he is a VERY picky eater but won’t admit it), however, I will mark the day that I made this chicken because Ry actually admitted that he liked the chicken and would eat it again.  HALLELUJAH!  This is for all you ladies (or men) that get teased because they don’t cook, you CAN do it.  With Pinterest’s help, ANYTHING is possible.

xoxo, H

Babies Babies Babies

It seems that everywhere I look everyone is becoming pregnant.  Honestly, I’m getting a little bit jealous because although I don’t appear to like kids I know that I will love my own and am so ready to become a mom.  Well…mentally I am ready, but financially I am not ready to have a little one running around.  However I am working on getting a second job so that way I can save up all of my money and be able to become financially stable enough to become a wonderful mother.

One of my closest friends has found out that she is now pregnant and I couldn’t be happier for her.  I am already planning her Gender Reveal party and her Baby Shower and the Daddy’s ‘Huggies and Chuggies’ party.  But before then I am working on the best toolbox for the new daddy.

‘Daddy’s Diaper Changing Toolbox’

Depending on whether its a boy or a girl will depend on the colors that I use throughout the box.  I am going to put the essentials into the box so it is all ready to go for the father when he needs to change his newborn.

Top Essentials
* Diapers
* Wipes
* Diaper Rash Ointment
* Pacifiers
* Bottles
* Change of clothes

These are necessities for a new daddy and you better believe that I will be putting these in the ‘Daddy’s Diaper Changing Toolbox’.

xoxo, H

Blues, Puppies and Boats

This past weekend, well pretty much the entire week was amazing. I have found out that I’m am getting a puppy. Ahhh! I cannot contain my excitement. I have always grown up with large dogs (I actually have a large dog now) but I am changing it up a little bit and getting a little dog (an ankle biter). My sweet little baby is a male Pomeranian. I went and visited him last Wednesday and when I arrived his eyes were still not open. I stayed for about 2 hours snuggling and loving on him, by the time I left his eyes were fully open and he started wiggling around a lot more. 

   
 
He is absolutely precious. I don’t have a named picked out yet but I do have a couple in mind. 

If you live in or around the Pensacola area then you know that this past weekend was Blue Angel weekend.  

   
They are the cream of the crop in the Navy. Their performance had my hair standing on edge throughout the entire performance. It was beyond incredible. If you’ve never seen the Blue Angels then you need to look them up and go to one of their shows. You won’t regret it. The best way to see the Blue Angels at Pensacola is on a boat. I was fortunate enough to be on two boats this weekend.  

 Sonny Seas, a 65′ Princess Viking SportCruiser (which is actually for sale, message for more info about it). This yacht has a full kitchen, dining area, living room, laundry room, 5 bedrooms & 4 full baths (including the captains quarters in the back). It’s gorgeous.  

 We were also lucky enough to be on this 48′ fishing boat with 2 big beds and 2 full baths.  (This boat is not for sale)

Needless to say, it was a very eventful and busy week. I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you next week. 

xoxo, H

Making Marlins

Most of my followers may not know this but last weekend was the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament.  My boyfriend took 2nd place in the Tuna category weighing in a 107.4 pound tuna.  He took home a plaque and some new lures for the boat.
The third place winner we were a wee bit jealous of because they got this amazing piece of artwork that represents what fish they caught and placed with that weekend.

So, my boyfriend woke up and came up with the idea that he was going to start making some of the same artwork for our home (currently we don’t have anything on the walls because we are picky).  Right now he is making a piece of artwork for the man cave.  Below are pictures and step-by-step instructions on how he has made this piece of artwork.

Step 1:
Get a pallet board.  Once you have your pallet board you need to carefully take apart the boards on the outside (for our Marlin he only used 3 pieces of the pallet and we will save the rest for another project.)  After we have the pieces off you are going to want to use the center piece of the pallet to use as your base and nail your 3 pieces (or however many you used) so that way you wont have to worry about messing with wood glue or anything like that.

Step 2:
For the second step we went ahead and googled an outline of an Marlin.  We printed it out and laid it next to our pallets so we could look at it and place our beer caps, yes that’s right, we used beer caps to outline the Marlin.

Step 3:
Lastly, once you have your beer caps placed all you need to do is grab a hot glue gun and glue those beer caps down and, BAM, you’re done.  All you need to need to do now is hang it up and wait for all the compliments and questions about how you made it.

xoxo H

p.s. If you aren’t crafty but you love this item, comment and let me know and we would be able to make one and get you a great deal on it, especially for my fellow bloggers (:

Trying something new.

Happy Sunday Funday readers,

I hope everyone has had a fabulous Fourth of July weekend celebrating our wonderful countries birthday.  I know that I did.

Today, I was inspired to do something new and creative.  I was inspired by not only my awesome boyfriend but I was also lounging around this morning (coffee in tow) watching Julia and Julia.  I loved the fact that she decided to blog about her one year of trying out Julia Childs recipe book.
So…I have come to the conclusion that I am going to blog once a week, every Sunday, about either a new recipe that we have tried, new projects that we have decided to make for our new home, new decor (where and how much the item was) for our home, and all sorts of other things.  I will post pictures, links and step by step instructions for anything we do.

I will also be posting some other cool new recipes and ideas that I found on pinterest.

To start it off, I will be posting about a new art project that my boyfriend is working on for his man cave.  I hope that you guys will love it as much as I do.

xoxo H

Summer Country Love Songs

Happy Summer y’all!!

Summer is probably the season because no school and the beach (unless you’re a college kid like me).  However, some of the best jams to dance your heart out too with your significant other are listed below.

Beat this Summer – Brad Paisley
She get me high – Luke Bryan
Summer Jam – Jake Owen ft. Florida Georgia Line
Summertime – Kenny Chesney
Lookin’ for that girl – Tim McGraw
Summer Nights – Rascal Flatts
Storm Warning – Hunter Hayes
Summer on Fire – Dierks Bentley
Yeah – Joe Nichols
19 You + Me – Dan & Shay
Get Your Shine On – Florida Georgia Line
Chillin’ It – Cole Swindell
Sunshine & Whiskey – Frankie Ballard
Long Hot Summer – Keith Urban
Georgia Mud – Joanna Smith
Springsteen – Eric Church
Something Bout a Truck – Justin Moore
Groovy Little Summer Song – James Otto
Up all Night – Jon Pardi
Six-Pack Summer – Phil Vasser
Rewind – Rascal Flatts
All Summer Long – Kid Rock
Just Add Moonlight – Eli Young Band
Play it Again – Luke Bryan
Summer and Sixteen – Josh Grider
Skinny Dippin’ – Whitney Duncan
Beach Baby – Jarrod Niemann
She Loved Me – Jason Aldean
All Over the Road – Easton Corbin
Honey Bee – Blake Shelton
Sounds of Summer – Dierks Bentley
Keep them Kisses Comin’ – Chris Campbell

These songs are some of the best jams during the summer because summer is meant for Country Music.

xoxo H

121 Things to do other than spending money.

Money…the root of all evil.  Why is it that money is the #1 argument between people?  Well here are ideas that people can do that don’t even require money.

1.  Visit a local beach.
2.  Sign up for a free class.
3.  Cook a new recipe with leftover ingredients that you have.
4.  Reread a book you own.
5.  Rearrange your furniture.
6.  Organize your closet.
7.  Make a playlist on Spotify.
8.  Have a movie marathon with close friends.
9.  Play some board games.
10.  Swap clothing with friends.
11.  Go swimming.
12.  Visit a local park or playground.
13.  Sunbathe.
14.  Try a new hairstyle at home.
15.  Watch reruns of your favorite TV show with DVDs from your local library.
16.  Practice new makeup looks.
17.  Plant some flowers in your garden.
18.  Go sightseeing.
19.  Paint your nails.
20.  Host a dinner party.
21.  Use YouTube videos for karaoke.
22.  Take your pet out for a walk.
23.  Go on a bike ride.
24.  Paint or sketch something.
25.  Photograph local sights.
26.  Visit a museum on a free day.
27.  Write in your journal.
28.  Watch the sunset.
29.  Go hiking.
30.  Make a scrapbook.
31.  Take a nap.
32.  Practice yoga.
33.  Go on a walking tour.
34.  Make your own ice cream in a bag with ingredients around the house.
35.  Write a song.
36.  Practice playing an instrument.
37.  Wash your car at home.
38.  Volunteer for a local organization.
39.  Visit with family or friends.
40.  Catch up on laundry.
41.  Organize the pantry.
42.  Mow the lawn.
43.  Paint a pot.
44.  Do some arts and crafts.
45.  Start a DIY project.
46.  Exercise.
47.  Put on a garage sale.
48.  Bake some cookies or other sweet treats from scratch.
49.  Put together a list of your favorite recipes.
50.  Write a bucket list.
51.  Shoot some hoops.
52.  Get rid of clutter.
53.  Go for a run around the neighborhood.
54.  Do spa treatments at home.
55.  Build a bookshelf.
56.  Dance.
57.  Take a bath.
58.  Repair holes in clothing.
59.  Make a quilt from old t-shirts.
60.  Clean up your email.
61.  Organize old photos into an album.
62.  Write a letter.
63.  Window shop.
64.  Have a picnic.
65.  Listen to a podcast.
66.  Knit.
67.  Build a fort.
68.  Finish a puzzle.
69.  Play card games.
70.  Start planning your next getaway.
71.  Organize the pots and pans in your kitchen.
72.  Listen to new music online.
73.  Play video games.
74.  Gaze at the stars.
75.  Watch the sunrise.
76.  Write a poem or short story.
77.  Work on your to-do list.
78.  Update your resume.
79.  Get creative and make a costume with old clothing items.
80.  Try a new hobby.
81.  Download free apps.
82.  Make your own jewelry with old beads, buttons, or chains.
83.  Tie-dye a t-shirt.
84.  Practice origami.
85.  Make a card.
86.  Have a bonfire.
87.  Throw a potluck.
88.  Put your favorite photos in a frame.
89.  Work on handmade gifts.
90.  Replace old lightbulbs.
91.  Watch home movies.
92.  Organize your makeup.
93.  Arrange flowers in a vase.  Or better yet, upcycle an old bottle into a cute vase.
94.  Organize your bulletin board.
95.  Update your social media profiles.
96.  Make a new board on Pinterest.
97.  Have a sleepover.
98.  Organize old receipts.
99.  Browse the farmers market.
100.  Explore the downtown area of your city.
101.  Pick fruit that you grew at home.
102.  Go fishing at a local lake, pond or pier.
103.  Go to a free event.
104.  Make s’mores.
105.  Dress up.
106.  Play volleyball.
107.  Fly a kite.
108.  Play tennis.
109.  Go for a drive.
110.  Go sledding.
111.  Practice a new language.
112.  Make a collage of old photographs or magazine cutouts.
113.  Repurpose old clothing into a pillow, drapes, or blanket.
114.  Upcycle your old jeans.
115.  Play frisbee.
116.  Make your own pizza.
117.  Clean out your garage.
118.  Listen to the radio.
119.  Go camping in your backyard.
120.  Daydream.
121.  Video chat with a friend.

Hopefully this list of things are going to help you be able to come up some ideas on your own.  If you have anymore ideas please feel free to comment on this post.

xoxo,  H

Twinkie Cupcakes

Twinkie Cupcakes 

1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients on back of box
1 small box sugar free/fat free instant French vanilla pudding mix
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 teaspoons very hot water
Marshmallow Buttercream (recipe & ingredients follow)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two muffin tins with about 20 paper liners. Set aside.

2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions, stirring the box of pudding mix into the cake batter to blend. Portion batter evenly among muffin cups, about 2/3 full, and bake for approx. 15-18 mins or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely, the core out the cupcake’s middles with a sharp, small paring knife, careful not to cut through the entire cupcake. Eat or discard centers.

3. First, dissolve the salt into the hot water and allow to cool. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the marshmallow cream, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy. Beat in the salt water. Mixture should be light but not as stiff as frosting.

4. Scoop filling into a resealable plastic bag, seal tight, and snip off a corner of the bag. Pipe the filling into each cored cupcake, filling just to the top. Refrigerate cupcakes while you prepare the frosting.

Marshmallow Buttercream

1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
2 sticks butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
About 1 bag (32 oz) powdered sugar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the fluff, butter and vanilla until combined & creamy, about 2 mins. Gradually begin adding powdered sugar in, about one cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy.
2. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes, careful to cover the filled center with frosting. Store frosted cupcakes airtight, preferably in the fridge. They’re super good cold!

These are some of the best cupcakes that anyone could taste.

Pizza Balls

Pizza Ball

Ingredients:
3 cans of Pillsbury Buttermilk Buscuits
60 pepperoni slices
Block of cheese
1 beaten egg
Parmesan cheese
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:
Slice cheese into about 28 squares.  Flatten each biscuit and stack pepperoni and cheese on top.  Gather edges of biscuit and secure on top of the roll.  Line rolls in greased 9×13 pan.  Brush with beaten egg.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.  Bake at 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes.  Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach

Good morning from beautiful Pensacola Florida!

Well fishing season is officially upon us, whoot whoot!!  So please be prepared for the fabulous recipes using fresh yellowfin tuna, blue wahoo and much more.  It won’t get much better than this ladies and gents.  I may even venture out on writing a blog on some of the best fishing gear and fashions while out on the open water.  So keep an eye out.

In my hometown, Scallop season is going to open up in about a month an a half which means some really yummy scallop recipes are about to head your way.  To start the Scallop trend here is a recipe for pan seared scallops with bacon and spinach.

Ingredients:
3 center-cut bacon slices
1 1/2 pounds jumbo sea scallops (about 12)
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 cup chopped onion
6 garlic cloves, sliced
12 ounces fresh baby spinach
4 lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation:
1.  Cook bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until crisp.  Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; coarsely chop and set bacon aside.  Increase heat to high.
2.  Pat scallops dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle scallops evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.  Add scallops to drippings in pan; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until done.  Transfer to a plate; keep warm.  Reduce heat to medium-high.  Add onion and garlic to pan; saute 3 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add half of spinach; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.  Add remaining half of spinach; cook 2 minutes or just until wilted, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Divide spinach mixture among 4 plates; top each serving evenly with crumbled bacon and 3 scallops. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

I highly encourage the lemon wedges being added to this fabulous recipe.  Freshly squeezed lemons just add a little zest to fresh seafood.

xoxo, h