Courtney, Author at A Life From Scratch.

A well run home: eight daily tips.

September 2, 2015 / By Courtney / 32 Comments

I don’t know about you, but for me back to school means routine and structure in my life. Gone are the days lost at the pool or, let’s be honest, the baseball field. Nope, we are in full pack lunches at night, get to the bus on time, complete the homework, and get to football mode. As a Virgo who craves organization, September is a pretty joyful month for me.

Recently a friend asked me how all of the above gets done and my home ‘always looking so nice.‘ Well, to start, it doesn’t. But it did get me thinking about what I do daily to help make things a bit more put together around here.

And with that, I give you my eight little secrets. These are things I do every single day during the week. It doesn’t always yield a perfectly organized and put together home, but, it sure does help. If anything, I feel more at peace knowing these things are checked off the list. Bam.

And how about you? What are your tips for keeping a well run home? I’d love for you to share in comments below.

Grilled Mediterranean platter.

August 31, 2015 / By Courtney / 7 Comments

Heck. Yeah.

I knew summer wasn’t gone. Even though the acorns are falling and the busses are whirling by and the school supplies are fresh and we flirted with 50 degrees, summer just can’t be over yet.

And now we have a week of high 80’s and 90’s. Hallelujah. Back into my fav striped dress, pouring the icy cold sauvignon blanc, and lighting up the grill.

An entire meal that can be made on the grill, to be precise. This chicken is insane with flavor. Think smoky paprika, red onion, fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, a touch of nutmeg. It hangs out marinating all day until its ready to plop on the grill next to some grilled peppers and of course, naan.

Please don’t leave us, summer. Ever.

Grilled Mediterranean Platter

2015-08-27 15:43:09

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Ingredients

10 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground green cardamom
Salt and pepper
5 tbsp olive oil, divided
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 medium size red onion, sliced
Juice of 1-2 lemons

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, spices and 3 tbsp olive oil. Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub each with the garlic-spice mixture.
Place the spiced chicken thighs in a large tray on a bed of sliced red onions with lemon juice and the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
When ready, heat a gas grill to medium-high. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cover for 5-6 minutes, then turn the chicken over and grill for another 5-6 minutes covered.

Adapted from Mediterranean Dish

A Life From Scratch. https://a-life-from-scratch.com/

Serve with this awesome dill sauce, grilled peppers, and grilled naan bread! (Grab some from Trader Joes.)

C’s picks – week of August 30th.

August 30, 2015 / By Courtney / Leave a Comment

Yippee! Birthday weekend are always fun. Thanks for all the love, gifts, cards, texts, and calls. Seriously, much appreciated.

But now it’s time to take a break from all the fun and get to work on this week’s menu plan. Here is what is going down in our kitchen this coming week!

On Sunday night we are off to my mom’s for a birthday dinner. She always keeps what she is making a surprise, so, time will tell. I do know it will be delicious!

Summer has returned! While the tease of fall was fun, I am so glad HOT is back. Let’s cool off with these grilled chicken tacos on Monday.

Tuesday is a football night, so I’m going to let my crock pot do all the work with these healthy turkey sloppy joes. Whole wheat buns and pickles to go with. Shhhh, don’t tell the boys there are veggies in there.

Oooohh! On Wednesday, let’s get this one going on the grill while the tomatoes and basil are still oh so delicious.

That brings us to Thursday and to another football night. Something quick… hmmm. 10 minute black bean tostadas sound just about perfect.

And that brings us to Friday night. Let’s kick back with some steaks on the grill, a good glass of wine, and this roasted fennel and lemon mozzarella. Unreal.

Are you putting together your menu plan for this week? I’d love to know what’s cooking in your kitchen! Leave me a comment!

Building a better wardrobe: the perfect striped tee.

August 28, 2015 / By Courtney / 4 Comments

Something hit me the other day. I’m like, old. Not old old, of course – but approaching mid(ish) 30’s old, and it’s high time I work on creating a closet filled substantial classic pieces that are built to last. Pieces that I feel every woman, by the time she hits her 30’s, should own. Some investment pieces, some not. Just the perfect foundation to make getting dressed a little easier each and every day. Sounds like a dream, right?

To start, the perfect striped tee.

You guys. I honestly feel like I’ve found my soulmate.

I’ve been suckered into grabbing striped tees from Gap and J Crew for years. Years. I have too many to count. And you know what? None of them ever fit all that great.

And than I realized something. I’m like, lanky. (Duh). Long arms. Long torso. Long legs. Buying off the shelf at the store only proves for an awkward fit. Shame on me. At (almost!) 34, I should know better.

Then I found the one. THE ONE. It’s from Boden, is of absolutely fantastic quality, extra long in the arms and torso, and is the only classic striped tee you will need now and forever.

Amen.

Scoop some up in a few colors. Trust me, you’ll love it. Not lanky? They have a ‘normal’ gal version here, with even more darling colors! Which one is YOUR favorite?

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use one of these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it helps to support my blog and for that I thank you.

Glantz boy roll-ups.

August 26, 2015 / By Courtney / 1 Comment

Just a quick post to share what my boys are chowing down on lately. They are obsessed with this new spin on roll-ups. And it’s just the perfect before school breakfast or rolled up in the lunch box or grab and go after school snack before you are off to football or dance or whatever your child may fancy.

Simply smear a whole wheat tortilla with peanut butter, slice up some bananas, and crumble on some bacon. A drizzle of honey never hurts either. Roll up and go!

Enjoy the smiles.
C