Delicious Meatloaf Recipe!

 For an easy and delicious home cooked meal, nothing can beat throwing a meatloaf into the oven. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 lbs. fresh meatloaf mix
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 1/2 cup instant potato flakes (use theses in place of a bread crumb option)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning spice
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 jumbo egg (2 if smaller)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together well and form into a loaf shape. Place into pan, I use a "magic meatloaf pan" so it come out easier once cooked. Optional: make a trough in top of formed meat and add ketchup. 

Cook covered in oven for 1 hour to an hour and 20 minutes. Oven times can vary due to elevation or temperature fluctuations. Then cook another 20-30 minutes uncovered to brown top. Buon Appetit!

                                      

I serve this with mashed potatoes and a vegetable on the side such as green beans. Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it came out. 

Also make sure to hit the subscribe button to receive notice of future posts and visit Youtube to cook along with me at: https://youtu.be/hTuY_8zJIiU

2022 Spring Decor Trends for Tuscan Decor

 A lot of the new spring trends coming out in stores are leaning more toward a modern look but there were still some elements I found that could tie into my Tuscan decor. 

First off let's look at the color trends for the season. At first glance this may not look like it would tie in at all, but I see many earthy shades that would fit right in. I see olive and sage-like greens, deep red, browns, and a plum that all perfectly fit into a Tuscan decor pallet. I plan to add in more of these new colors by simply changing throw pillow covers and adding new throws. An easy budget friendly update that will modernize the decor. 

Another element popular this spring/summer is the Chartucchire board still and the wood aspect this brings in. What could be more Italian or Tuscan than enjoying a cheese board with wine by an evening fire. I will definitely be adding a few of these with unique elements to my collection this spring. 

Even with faux florals, you can see a change this year with the addition of natural elements such as curved sticks, Eucalyptus leaves, and olive branch picks being added to the traditional spring flowers of the season in arrangements. This again is another easy way to update and modernize decor on a Tuscan theme without breaking the bank. A few twigs from the yard added to an arrangement (fresh or faux) and some olive branches scattered about as well are an easy update to make. 

Comment below: what updates are you making to your existing decor? What new trends will tie into your style?

Bringing Life to an Older Couch

I've had this couch about 5 years now and as I am sure any pet owner can attest you can imagine it is showing some wear now. Things have been spilled and threads are getting bare from doggie play time. 

I didn't want to take the approach of just getting a full couch cover because I felt it would take away from the wood detailing which was the reason that I was drawn to this sofa in the first place. I did try one of those pet protectors that are like throws at one point though and this actually made the situation worse! Coco and Dante both are burrowers and would dig in the corners to get underneath the cover. 

I attempted contacting the manufacturer to see if I could order new cushion covers, as the main wear was showing on the seats, but found out that I needed a serial number. This was long worn off being placed on a label under the cushions. My next tactic was to price the services of an upholsterer, but this proved to be too costly with a $450 price tag and fabric that wouldn't even match. 

I wasn't really ready to purchase a completely new couch at this point. I looked but nothing out currently truly suited me and shipping is backed up to 9 months or more as well anyway. Finally, while browsing Amazon, I think I found a solution. Faux leather cushion covers!

I was able to find them in a color that matched the faux leather ottoman I use as a coffee table. They went on super easy like a fitted sheet over the cushions and so far, seem of good quality. Time will tell how they hold up to the pups but so far, I am hopeful. I also think they add a new look to the sofa without hiding the wood detailing. 

Before:

After:

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Comment below: How do you protect your furniture from you pets? What solutions have you found? 

Cozy Loungewear Picks!

So yesterday Punxsutawney Phil gave us the sad news of 6 more weeks of winter. NOT the message I wanted to hear! Now today my little area of NE Ohio is covered in a blanket of ice with the prediction of 5-11 inches of snow to be on the ground by midday Friday. Given the prospect of more cold and snowy weather on the horizon it seemed like the perfect time to share a few of my stay home cozy finds I have been loving this winter.  

I own each of these items I am sharing and have been absolutely loving them! All run true to size...

First up are these super soft and comfortable Kate Spade pajamas that I received as a gift for Christmas. They are just heavy enough for sleep without being overly hot under the blankets. 

                                                        

In the evenings while lounging around before bed, I have been pairing these pajamas with my Butter Socks. They are super soft and warm on your tootsies!

                                                                

On days I just don't feel like getting dressed, I throw on my Ink and Ivy lounge set with a warm cardigan over it. The set is stylish enough if you had to run out or answer the door but yet still feels like being in pajamas all day. I have the set in the color scarlet.

                                                            

Around the house I have been sliding into my feathery slippers for a little added luxury. I have them in burgundy and they are the perfect darker shade to pair with the Ink and Ivy lounge set above. Unlike the marabou slippers of the past, these are actually comfortable with a flat non-skid sole and memory foam.   

                                                            

Another great find from Amazon that I have been loving are these fleece lined joggers. Not only are the comfortable and stylish, but they are also very warm! I have been wearing them tucked into boots when I have to go out and battle the elements with a shovel and they have kept me super warm! I have them in French Terry Olive and it is the perfect neutral green color.

Comment below... what cozy finds have you been living in this winter? 

*All photos credited to the sites on which items are listed, this is not an affiliate post or paid promotion. These are just products that I own and have been loving.

Snowed in Activities

So, when the winter weather strikes in full force and you really can't bear it, what do you do to not go stir crazy? Here are 10 ways I revel in being a homebody on those blustery days...

#1: Cozy up and read a book....

#2 Tackle an organization project.... I decided to go through my sweaters, here is a before and after...

#3 Find a good Netflix series to binge.... I am currently watching the new season of Ozark...

#4 Play with the pups....

#5 Zoom call an out-of-town friend....

#6 Work from home.... there are always emails to be answering and editing to do now as well since I am vlogging...

#7 Do some at home spa treatments, like a manicure or a face mask....

#8 Get some exercise, I prefer yoga....

#9 Soak in a warm bath with a Lush Bath Balm.... my absolute favorite is the Avobath....

#10 When all else fails, climb back into bed and take a nap....

What do you do when the weather keeps you in or you just don't feel like getting out? Comment below and let me know...

Please subscribe to receive notices of new posts and watch the video of my winter homebody week here: https://youtu.be/PtAZmssXZ5Y