by kathilipp | May 20, 2016 | Blog, Friday Favorites |
Ask Anna
Anna’s tremendous! I learned how to clean between the glass on my stove. She’s got so many DIY, “figure it out,” etc. If there’s something that you don’t know how to clean, she’ll figure out how to do it. It’s really good! Recommended by Kathi Lipp
http://askannamoseley.com/
Raising Boys and Girls
This is, by far, my favorite parenting blog. Written by Christian child/youth psychologists, Raising Boys and Girls is a practical resource for parents raising kids in today’s world with today’s challenges. They tackle gender-specific issues, basic parenting challenges, and technology with practical tips on how to raise great kids in a difficult world. Recommended by Jessica Fall
http://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/raisingboysandgirls-blog/
The MOB Society
As a mother of two boys (and no girls), this blog is a regular read for me. MOB stands for Mothers of Boys. These gals just capture the joys and challenges specific to raising boys in a way that encourages me to press into the hard work, celebrate all the “boyness” in my house, and stand firm in raising boys who love the Lord. Recommended by Jessica Fall
http://www.themobsociety.com/
Steve Wiens
Steve is a fresh, grace-filled voice in Christendom. Not “kitchsy” but real. His desire is for us to become who we were created to be. To find that God is for us, is delighted in us. Often he includes thought-provoking questions and exercises to help us know ourselves better and grow into all that God designed us to be. Recommended by Emily Nelson
http://www.stevewiens.com/blog/
Michael Hyatt
How to succeed at work and win at life. Michael provides wonderful uplifting content that helps you be more productive. Recommended by Robin Smith.
http://michaelhyatt.com
Bonus Blog!!
You should follow Proverbs 31!
While you’re there, sign up for the next Online Bible Study, my book, The Husband Project!
by kathilipp | May 18, 2016 | Blog, Recipes, The "What's for dinner?" Project, Uncategorized |
This bruschetta recipe is proof that not all yummy things are hard to make. Goat cheese bruschetta is a fantastic appetizer for a lunch with friends, or for a refreshing dinner.
-
1
baguette
sliced
-
2
tbsp
Balsamic vinegar
-
2
tbsp
chopped fresh herbs,
such as dill, parsley, basil
-
Goat Cheese
-
Preheat broiler to high. Combine balsamic vinegar and herbs. Place bread slices on a broiler pan. Char bread on each side under hot broiler. You can also grill bread if you prefer. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over slices of toasted baguette and spread with goat cheese. Finish with another drizzle of vinaigrette. Garnish with thyme.
Boom! Done.
by kathilipp | May 16, 2016 | Blog, Clutter Free |
by Bethany of Kathi’s Clutter Free Academy Team
Although my kitchen is now clutter free, I can still find plenty to feel insecure about. After sixteen years of marriage, my dishes are showing some wear, and our silverware has morphed into a hodgepodge of unrelated utensils. I have become proficient in the kitchen, but not exactly stellar.
It’s so easy to focus on all the things we want to make just a bit better before we invite anyone over for dinner. But this habit can lead so quickly to perfectionism: an unwillingness to do anything we can’t do just right.
Magic happens when people gather around a table to eat and chat together. If we fret about the details and try to cover up the shortcomings that are obvious to us, we’ll miss out on the beauty of communing.
Here are five reminders to help us kick perfectionism out of our kitchens:
- Dinner is not a photo shoot for a magazine.
- A cooking show isn’t filming in your kitchen as you cook.
- A professional organizer will not be present to evaluate your progress in your clutter free journey.
- Your food, service, and decor will not be rated by Zagat.
- It’s all about the welcome, the hospitality, and the food.
Think about the around-the-table moments you treasure in your heart—moments threaded together with conversation while forks clinked on plates. You likely remember these snapshots because those occasions were special and you felt cared for. You don’t treasure these memories because you sat in the midst of perfection; you treasure them because despite imperfect people, the burned chicken, and a wobbly chair, you felt included. This is our aim when we welcome people into our kitchen: to make them feel like they belong.
If this is all true—if hospitality really isn’t about being perfect—then we are all capable of hosting a fantastic dinner party. We are all more than qualified to love on people by inviting them over for conversation and a bite to eat.
So be brave! Go ahead and invite friends over, despite the fact that imperfection resides in your kitchen. Don’t let the goal of perfection warp your idea of what it means to be hospitable: don’t allow it to taint the food you serve. Confidently invite friends and family into your home and decline to feel shame about the imperfect. (After all, every home has it.)
Show perfectionism the door, and make room to welcome people at your table.
Kick Perfectionism to the curb in every area of your life! Check out my book, The Cure for the Perfect Life, where we deal with the 4 P’s:
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- People-Pleasing
- Performancism
Embrace your imperfect self and go change the world!
by kathilipp | May 13, 2016 | Blog, Friday Favorites |
This mashes potatoes like nothing I have ever used before. It’s spring-loaded. It’s FUN! I look forward to mashing potatoes!
When you need to get a little aggression out, this is the potato masher.
Recommended by Kathi Lipp
Link to purchase
I’ve always had a blender and a food processor, and I hardly ever used either of them. The food processor was so heavy it was a pain to lug and the blender was a pain to clean. The mega kitchen system has one base, a great processor bowl, and great blender/blade combo, and individual cups for blending a single-size smoothie to go.
Recommended by Jessica Fall
Link to Purchase
I love that I can toss frozen chicken breasts into the InstantPot (with salsa to make chicken for taco salad or with chicken broth to make soup) and have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It has saved me numerous times when I’ve forgotten to plan ahead or plans have changed last minute.
Recommended by Brooke Martinez
Link to Purchase
I cannot live without my cast iron skillet. Reasons include:
1) Cooks beautifully
2) It goes from the stove top to the oven seamlessly
3) It is non-stick
4) No toxic fumes that go along with most non-stick cookware.
Recommended by Amberly Neese
Link to Purchase
I’m a runner and this is an absolute must for my post-run shakes and smoothies. I’ve tried a regular blender and the Ninja and none perform like this one. Absolutely a must for my kitchen.
Recommended by Edith Pont
Link to purchase
(Affiliate Disclosure message)
“If you purchase the product or service I referenced next to the link you just clicked, I will receive an “affiliate commission.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by kathilipp | May 6, 2016 | Blog, Books, Friday Favorites |
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
I so rarely read fiction these days because it feels like an indulgence. This book has letters between an American and a British used book store owner. It’s during the war and she sends them food and treats. She does things that only an American would do. He searches for books for her. It’s lovely, charming and wonderful! Recommended by Kathi Lipp
Purchase Link
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen
Two Harvard Professors unpack the mysteries and agonies of giving and receiving feedback effectively. It is a practical approach for anyone who struggles to use feedback to their advantage and view it an an invaluable tool for growth. Recommended by Amberly Neese
Link to purchase
The Longing in Me: How Everything You Crave Leads to the Heart of God by Shelia Walsh
Shelia Walsh immediately captured my attention when I saw a video promotion of this must-read book. The Longing in Me will help you see that your longings are built from the blueprint of your needs: for protection, for love, for God. And those needs aren’t going anywhere. Your cravings are not the problem. It’s where they lead you that makes all the difference. Recommended by Mary Lou Caskey
Purchase link
Rising Strong by Dr. Brene Brown
Rising Strong offers an opportunity to see that failure is not to be feared, but used to rise stronger. God uses people who feel unqualified to do amazing things. Recommended by Mary Lou Caskey
Purchase Link
Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy
Each of us has but one life to live on this earth. What we do with it is our choice. Step by step instructions on how to stop letting our lives slip away and making the most productive use of your time and your life. I love the message in the book and how it encourages action. Recommended by Robin O’Neal Smith
Purchase Link
“If you purchase the product or service I referenced next to the link you just clicked, I will receive an “affiliate commission.” I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
by kathilipp | May 4, 2016 | Blog, Recipes, tips and ideas |
(This recipe was first seen in The “What’s for Dinner?” Solution ~Kathi Lipp)
Recipes to Crave
It’s Spring and yummy, fresh recipes are an absolute necessity. Try these amazing Asian Chicken Wrap Ups. They are healthy and so tasty. While this may not be the fastest meal in the west, it’s “no cook” if you buy the chicken precooked. And everyone can construct their own wrap, saving you even more time!
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
(Cut your prep to next to nil by making the chicken mixture ahead of time)
Cook Time: None!
Serves: 4 as appetizers or 2 as a main course
Ingredients
2 cups skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped
(save time by using precooked chicken breasts)
3 T. rice vinegar
1 1/2 T. light soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Seasoned salt and pepper
1/4 cup crispy rice noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded broccoli slaw
4-6 butter lettuce leaves
1/3 cup Peanut sauce (store bought)
1/3 cup Asian salad dressing for dipping sauce (store bought)
Directions
In a medium glass bowl, combine chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and almonds.
Mix well.
Season to taste with seasoned salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
On platter, arrange lettuce leaves and small containers of peanut sauce and Asian dressing. Place a mound of chicken mixture on each lettuce leaf. Top with crispy noodles, carrots, and broccoli slaw. Roll up the leaf and dip in one of the sauces.
Enjoy!
For more recipes to enjoy, check out Kathi’s The What’s for Dinner Solution in her book shop!
