Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Recipe: Chili!

Today was the first snow of the season and that means chili and cinnamon rolls for dinner! I love making chili because it's super easy. You just brown the hamburger and then dump everything in a pot. Everyone seems to make their chili differently, but this happens to be my favorite recipe.

Chili 

Ingredients: 
2 lbs ground beef 
2 cans chili ready diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can chili beans
1 can dark red kidney beans 
1 pkg Williams chili seasoning mix for 2lbs of meat

Directions: 
1. Brown hamburger and drain. 
2. Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot. Do not drain any of the cans. 
3. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

I like to top my chili with lots of shredded extra sharp cheddar and fritos or my new favorite: cornbread. It's DELICIOUS. Most of the time when I make chili, I double the recipe so we can have leftovers. Then I freeze the rest once we're tired of leftovers. ;) You can also substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can't tell the difference at all...especially if you let it simmer for quite awhile. I also make a pan of cinnamon rolls to go with it...just like we used to have in school. :) 

Saturday, October 26, 2019

New Sims 4 Pack Ideas

I got my first computer as a high school graduation present from my grandparents. That same year was when "The Sims" was first released...and I fell in love with it. I had all the expansion packs from the first three installments of the game...most of which I got on sale after the next installment was released. Out of all of them, Sims 3 was definitely my favorite. I liked all the extras you could get from the Sims 3 store and the wide variety of custom content. I actually didn't even get Sims 4 until January 2017 (more than 2 years after it was released) because I was enjoying Sims 3 so much.

Sims 4 has been a bit different than the other three...as they have expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs. Basically the expansion packs are full of lots of new items as well as new gameplay. They really change the game entirely. Game packs are a sort of smaller expansion pack...some new stuff and just one or two gameplay changes. Then the stuff packs have only items, clothes, etc.

For my birthday, I just got the newest Sims 4 Expansion Pack: Island Living. And I just found out that they'll be releasing University next month...which I've been waiting for ever since I started playing Sims 4. So I'm super excited about that! I don't have the time to play all that often any more, but I enjoy it when I have some free time. I especially like the build aspect and recreating houses. I've remodeled our house a lot in my Sims game. ;) 

But the new Sims 4 Expansion also got me to thinking about the other packs that I'd like to see in the future. So...I've come up with a list! ;)

1. Tiny Homes Game Pack - Being able to build houses out of shipping containers, on wheels, or even in trees. Having the ability to make lofts with ladders without a full-size second-story wall. Being able to capitalize on small spaces with built-ins, pocket doors, and Murphy beds and bunk beds. It could also include new careers in architecture, construction, and/or interior design. There could be a new active career as a real estate agent. They could even include a freelancing career in flipping houses. 
They actually released a Tiny Living stuff pack in January 2020! It doesn't have everything I would've liked...but it's still pretty good. 

2. Midwest Expansion Pack - I live in the Midwest and I think there are enough "rural" things to make a complete Expansion Pack with a brand new world. One of the most obvious ideas would be the addition of farms. They could add tractors and tending crops. They could add livestock...pigs, cows, goats, chickens, even ducks. Horses would also be a nice addition. Farmer could be added as a freelance career. Something like 4-H could be an after-school activity for children and teens. And, of course, it wouldn't be the Midwest without tornadoes. There could be a focus on rebuilding after. They could also add a new career as meteorologist and/or storm chaser. They could add hobbies/skills like crafts, sewing, and/or canning. They could also have something like county fairs where people could buy/sell their goods and compete for ribbons in livestock, crafts, etc.
They released the Cottage Living Expansion Pack in July 2021 that had a more "country" feel to it and includes cows, chickens, alpacas, more gardening, and cross-stitching. 

3. Careers and Hobbies Game Pack - This would be much like the Ambitions Expansion Pack from Sims 3. It'd be nice to add firefighters and mail carriers...they could replace the NPC (non-playable characters). Having a daycare center where Sims could not only work but also drop off toddlers would be nice as well. Perhaps they could bring back the stylist career as well. I think they also need to bring back the sculpting hobby...and maybe include a pottery wheel this time. Scrapbooking would be a fun addition. I'd also like to see them add more after school activities for children and teens: art, debate, cheerleading, sports, school newspaper, etc.
They are releasing a High School expansion pack in July 2022 which includes sports and extracurricular activities for teenagers. 

4. Carnival Stuff Pack - I think this one would be a lot of fun. It could have rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster (bonus if the user can design it) then carnival games and face painting. And things like the claw machines where you try to pick up a stuffed animal or whatever...that would be an interesting addition as well.
They are releasing a High School expansion pack in July 2022 which includes a fair in the trailer. 

5. Zoo Game Pack -  I'm not sure that it will ever happen, but a zoo pack would be fantastic. Creating exhibits and even having an active career as a zookeeper would be fantastic.

6. Vehicle Stuff Pack - I'm not sure if Sims 4 will ever make an open world where Sims can actually drive between lots again, but they could still utilize vehicles in the game like it is. Adding garages and of course garage doors. Vehicles that can be repaired and restored would add to skills/hobbies. They could have an auto mechanic career and/or a car salesman career.

7. Get Married Expansion Pack - I think an expansion that focuses on relationships would be nice. More romantic encounters...even something as simple as holding hands and going on a walk would be good. Being able to plan an elaborate proposal and more wedding ring options. Lots of items and new attire for a wedding and utilize wedding planners. DJs and musicians could play at wedding events. Chefs and mixologists could cater weddings. A new career as psychologist could offer marriage counseling. They could introduce churches and preachers. Maybe there could be some honeymoon suites or something.
(They released My Wedding Stories game pack in February 2022). 

So...I guess we'll see what they come up with next!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Recipe: Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

I was running a fever this morning and have felt pretty crappy all day. But...people still gotta eat! So the pressure cooker is definitely my go-to when I want something easy to make.

Pressure Cooker Roast with Carrots and Potatoes 

Ingredients:
2 tbs vegetable oil
2.5 -3 lbs tender beef chuck roast
1 can beef broth
5 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
8 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbs cornstarch
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:
Turn pressure cooker to Saute function. Once hot, pour in oil. Add roast and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Turn off Saute function. 
Add beef broth, dry onion soup mix, potatoes, and carrots to the pot and spread out evenly. 
Close and lock the lid. Cook on high pressure for 60 min. 
Allow natural release of pressure for 10 min before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.  
Remove roast place on a serving platter, leaving drippings in the pot. Add garlic salt and pepper.
Turn pot to Saute and bring to a boil. Combine cold water and cornstarch in a bowl then add to pot. Whisk until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 min. 

*I used the CooksEssentials 8qt Oval Pressure Cooker for this recipe.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Recipe: Fajita Chicken Bowls

I almost forgot that it was Taco Tuesday! Since Johnny was off work yesterday for the holiday, it felt like Sunday all day. The girls weren't home until late because they've been busy preparing for the play at school later this week.  And Johnny is back to working overtime after work so he got home even later. So I didn't really even think about making dinner until about 7:30pm. And of course at that time, I wanted something quick and easy. So...definitely called for the pressure cooker! This recipe is ready in about half an hour total.

Pressure Cooker Fajita Chicken Bowls 
Ingredients:
1 can of chicken broth, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet fajita seasoning
1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can whole kernel corn
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 1/4 cups long grain white rice
1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar (more if desired) 

Directions: 
1. Spray bottom of pressure cooker pot with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add 1/2 of the chicken broth to bottom of the pot then add chicken breasts.
3. Pour fajita seasoning over the chicken. 
4. Add kidney beans, corn, salsa, and rice. 
5. Add remainder of chicken broth over the rice. Make sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. 
6. Cook on high pressure for 8min.
7. Allow pressure to naturally release for 12min, then quick release.
8. Remove lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Put the lid back on with the power off and let sit for 10min. 
9. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred, then return to pot. Mix everything together well. 
10. Top with shredded cheese. 

*I used the CooksEssentials 8qt Oval Pressure Cooker for this recipe.


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ETA: Johnny likes this better without the chicken shredded. Having the chicken sliced into larger pieces breaks up the texture a little bit more.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Future Planning

Johnny was off work this weekend since tomorrow is a holiday. He had some stuff to get done in the afternoons but we were able to spend some quality time together in the mornings chatting over coffee and watching a little bit of Netflix. Then in the evenings he spent some time with his mom because she's moving to Seattle next week. She suffered a stroke in April and Johnny's brother wants her to be closer to him now.

I think his mom's stroke really made Johnny start thinking about future planning. His mom really didn't have much in place as far as durable power of attorney or anything. There was no person already assigned to make the decisions on her behalf. There was nothing in writing concerning her wishes about medical care. It really made an already stressful situation more tense among everyone.

My mom and I have talked a lot about our wishes if either of us were to become incapacitated or upon our death. My mom and grandma have met with an attorney concerning their properties and assigning beneficiaries, etc. And I'm a planner so...I like to know what to expect and what I'm supposed to do.

So in the last few months, Johnny and I have talked quite a bit about things. I don't remember what actually brought up the conversation this weekend, but he was wondering about his life insurance and everything through work. Right after we got married, we changed all his beneficiary paperwork for his retirement accounts, life insurance, etc. but we didn't really think about it much after that.

I consider myself to be incredibly lucky. I'm married to someone who wants to make sure that I'll be taken care of if he goes before me. So I went through all his paperwork and researched everything for him.

I'm a big spreadsheet person...so I figured up all the calculations for today and every five years from now. I also figured up his retirement...what his annuity payments would be based on age and years of service for deciding when he wants to retire. Of course, it's just based on estimations for what future COLA increases may be and stuff...but at least he'll have an idea. It's too bad the 5 years he worked for the USPS before becoming a career employee don't count toward years of service. :P But he hits 15 years as a career employee next year, so it's getting up there! He just tries to think of each year as one more year closer to retirement. ;)

Unfortunately, so far I'm worth nothing to Johnny when I'm dead...so far anyway. The next time open season comes up for Johnny's life insurance, we can add the family option to his policy. But that could be another 10 years or so from now (it was 12 years between the last two and they don't really announce it in advance).

But until then, I'm trying not to be totally useless upon my death. :P See, I take care of all the household issues. So I'm in charge of paying all the bills, managing all of our accounts, all of our paperwork, etc. I'm a pretty organized person...but since Johnny just trusts me to take care of anything, he doesn't actually know where to find anything.

So...my "contribution" in the event of my death or incapacitation is to have everything ready that Johnny could possibly need. I have created a "packet" of information for Johnny with spreadsheets that outline everything for him. All of our information, accounts, where to find everything, etc. Johnny is NOT a planner and definitely tends to be a worrier who doesn't deal with stress very well. So I want to make all of that as easy as possible for him.

Not everyone thinks about stuff like that. Lots of people think about the big things like wills and advanced directives, etc. But making sure that our loved ones know how to go on with daily life types of things without us can relieve a burden as well.

But in other less depressing news...I'm loving the cooler weather! I'd like fall to stick around as long as possible before winter shows up, though!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Noodles

The weather finally cooled off this week...so we've been having a lot of our "cold weather" favorites. This is one of the meals that EVERYONE in the house loves. Ashlyn is a picky eater...so there's a lot that she doesn't like. :P But when she came home from school and asked what was in the Crockpot, she responded with "YES!" So that's always nice to hear. ;) I first got this recipe from my Grandma Sandy after we had it at her house during Christmas one year. SO yummy and super easy!

Creamy Chicken & Noodles 

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter (1/2 cup), sliced
4 cans chicken broth 
24oz Reames Frozen Egg Noodles 

Directions:
1. Combine everything but egg noodles in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. 
2. Remove chicken, shred, and return to slow cooker.
3. Stir in frozen egg noodles. Cover and cook on low setting for 1 hours. 

We serve this over mashed potatoes...and I mix corn into mine. It's so very yummy! 

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Sunday, October 6, 2019

Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup

For dinner tonight we had one of our family favorites... Vegetable Beef Soup! This recipe was inspired by my mother-in-law's recipe but I adapted it for the pressure cooker. It takes a lot less time that way! The first time I made this, it took all afternoon and evening on the stove. This is ready to go in about one hour including prep time!

Pressure Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients:
2 lbs of stew meat
2 tbs of oil
1 tbs of dried minced onion
2 tsp of Italian seasoning
4 cans stewed, sliced tomatoes (do not drain)
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
4 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces 
1 can of green beans (do not drain)
1 can of corn (do not drain)
2 cups extra wide egg noodles
water as needed
salt and pepper, as desired

Directions:
Turn the pot on to Saute setting. When the pot is hot, add the oil.
Add the stew meat and sear lightly on all sides. Do not cook all the way through. Work in batches so as not to overcrowd the pot. Use slotted spoon to remove the meat and place in a separate bowl. Repeat until all the meat has been browned.
Add dried onion and Italian seasoning to the pressure cooker and saute for 1-2 minutes. Turn off the Saute setting on the pressure cooker.
Add meat back to the pressure cooker. Add stewed tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots and stir. If there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add just enough water to cover them.
Place the lid on the pressure cooker, lock, and cook on high pressure setting for 20 minutes. 
When the cook cycle is finished, let the pot sit undisturbed for 15 minutes and then quick release the rest of the steam. When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid and stir.
Turn off the pot, and then turn on the Saute function. Stir in egg noodles, green beans, and corn. Make sure the noodles are submerged. Cook until the noodles are tender (about 5-8 minutes), stirring occasionally. When the noodles are done, turn off the pot and serve with crackers.

*I used the CooksEssentials 8qt Oval Pressure Cooker for this recipe.


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