New Year's Day Menu

One of the things I love most about a holiday is the menu that goes along with the celebration. The perfect menu for many holidays is still a work in progress but I think my New Year's Day menu is set! 

Every year, we make sauerkraut balls to ring in the new year. It isn't the healthiest start but everything in moderation, right? So, that is what I always serve as an appetizer. You can find the recipe here. It's a little time consuming but so worth it! They are so darn good. I don't know why I don't make them more often. 

Dinner is traditional and, mostly, what I grew up with and a few of my favorites added in. 

New Year's Day Dinner

Roast Pork Loin

Mashed Potatoes

Sauerkraut

(Vlasic is my favorite)

Bacon Bourbon Greens

(recipe courtesy of Dixie Delights Blog)

Black Eyed Peas

That's it! I love adding in new favorites to old family traditions. This meal is our perfect way of starting off a new year! 

New Year's Day 2019!

Welcome, 2019! I always enjoy the start of a new year. I love the idea of something fresh, setting goals, and the energy that goes along with it. 

I spent the past few weeks reflecting on 2018. It was a good year but a challenging one. I grew more as a person than I expected or have in a single year to date. I struggled with loss, overcame obstacles, and learned a great deal about myself. But, I left 2018 a better, stronger person with a clearer vision for what I want out of life and my next steps! 

I look forward to sharing my journey, ideas, thoughts and capturing life through my blog and social media in 2019! 

Our first day of 2019 was a laid back day for the most part. I got in a brisk walk and stopped to enjoy the beauty of where we live. It was overcast but there is something I love about being near the water. Most of the Christmas decor is put away. I did some organizing. We had my in-laws over for dinner with the luckiest foods for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! 

I wish you all the very best in 2019! 

Make It Happen: 90 Days Remaining

I woke up this morning ready to tackle the day, the week and the last 90 days of 2018! I thought what better day to set some goals I've been thinking about and make things happen. 

Randomly, my day started at 12:30 PM to register Ceci for a summer camp that opened at midnight. I know, right! We just made it through a fun filled summer to even begin thinking about next year. But, she is registered and set for her first overnight camp. We are all so excited! 

After the kiddos headed off to school, I headed out for a morning run on a crisp, sunny fall morning! I knew it was going to get hot so I wanted to get it over with. I stopped by the park instead of running by to grab this photo. The lake was like glass this morning. So calm and peaceful and simply beautiful. 

It was the perfect way to start these final 90 days. I hope your final 90 days are your best yet! 

Stephanie

My Beach Reads

We just wrapped up a much needed family vacation to the beach. It was our first beach trip without cousins, aunts/uncles and grandparents but we survived! Dan and I were a little nervous about being on our own - we are always outnumbered - but we had a great time. We did miss the adult conversations and having cousins around to play with the kids. 

I thought for sure this would be the year that I could spend hours reading on the beach. It wasn't exactly that way but I did manage to finish two books over the 10 days we were away. I stopped at the library before we left to pick up various options but two digital loans I've been waiting for became available right before we left. So, I ended up reading on an iPad at the beach. I don't love doing that for a number of reasons but it worked out fine. 

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorites, especially, for a good beach read so I was thrilled when The Perfect Couple came available just in time for vacation. Besides her writing style, I love the recipes, menus and food descriptions she works into every book. 

 

Five on Friday!

Trying something new - besides blogging! - and linking up with A. Liz Advenutures and others to share five of my favorite things today. 

- ONE - 
We just got back from another beautiful trip to Hilton Head Island, SC. One of my favorite things is planning a vacation! At this point, we know the places we want to dine in HHI but this year we decided to try some new activities. I am hoping to share some of our favorites restaurants, activities and more next week! 

Harbour Town Lighthouse

- TWO - 

In case you weren't aware, it is a presidential election year. Who knew, right? Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that these Jack Rogers Patriotic Sandals are amazing! These are perfect for the conventions. 

- THREE - 

If you know me, then you know I love to cook! I am so excited to try these new-to-me spices. I could not find in my local grocer so I ordered from Amazon. First up, I am thinking a fattoush salad with fresh produce from the farmer's market! 

- FOUR - 

It wouldn't be a blog post this time of the year without a mention of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It really is a great sale although this year I am disappointed in the shoe selection. I do see some jeans I love though! I am far from ready for fall but I love a good sale. 

- FIVE - 

Anyone else using snapchat? I started using it last fall to keep up with a few of my favorite bloggers I follow in insta. I am trying to share more myself but sometimes my days fly by and it is post-bedtime for the kiddos before I get a chance to catch up. If you want to follow along, you can find me at stephanieldodd! 

Check our more blogger favorites on Friday here! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Taco Seasoning

Who doesn't love Taco Tuesday? My family always gets excited for Mexican so tacos during the middle of the week is a no-brainer. 

A few years ago (or five according to the printout in my recipe binder), I started making my own taco seasoning. It went along with my "everything is better homemade" philosophy. While I still believe in that thought, a busy life and many kids make that an impossibility sometimes. Thankfully, this is super easy, can be made in bulk and is delicious! 

// Taco Seasoning //

Chili Powder - 3 T.

Garlic Powder - 1 tsp.

Onion Powder - 1 tsp.

Red Pepper Flakes - 1 tsp.

Dried Oregano - 1 tsp. 

Paprika - 1.5 tsp

Ground Cumin - 1.5 T.

Salt - 3 tsp.

Black Pepper - 3 tsp.

Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use on ground beef/turkey, chicken breast, steak, etc. It is great used for tacos and fajitas. 

Note: My recipe originally came from allrecipes.com but I've tweaked over the years to make it my own. This is the combo and ratios I prefer. 

Hope everyone is off to a great start to the new year! 

xo,

Stephanie 

Happy New Year & My "Famous" Sauerkraut Balls

Happy 2016! 

We made many great memories in 2015 but I am excited for the beginning of a new year. Honestly, 2015 was exhausting - maybe that comes with the fun! 

In our home, every January 1st is met with a big batch of Sauerkraut Balls. My recipe is always a winner so I thought I would share for all to enjoy!

// Sauerkraut Balls //

Ground sausage - 1 lb., we prefer hot

Onion - 1/4 c. chopped

Sauerkraut - 14 oz. drained (I prefer Vlasic)

Cream cheese - 3 oz. softened

Bread crumbs - 1/2 c. plus more for rolling

Yellow mustard - 1 tsp. 

Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp. 

Black pepper - 1/8 tsp. 

Flour - enough to roll balls in

Egg/milk mixture - enough to roll balls in

Bread crumbs - enough to roll balls in

Directions:

- Cook sausage and onion. Drain excess grease and let cool. 

- Combine sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder and pepper in separate bowl. 

- Add cooled sausage mixture and combine. 

- Chill mixture. 

- Roll into 3/4 inch balls (I use a cookie scoop). 

- Coat in flour then egg/milk then breadcrumbs. 

- Cook in hot oil (350 degrees) until golden brown. 

- Serve with stone ground mustard. Enjoy! 

I hope you enjoy these as much as our family! Happy New Year and cheers to an amazing 2016! And in the words of a friend "I love amazing!" 

PS - Diet/healthy eating resolutions begin on January 2nd! Although, I did hit a barre class this morning. Excited for it to finally exist at my gym. 

xo,

Stephanie 

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