Jul 14, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Okay. So, I guess we knew this post had to happen sooner or later, right? Y’all know my love for Happy Planning. I mean, from the day I brought my first one home I started telling you about it. Remember 2017 Prep: My Happy Planner? And Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf?
I laughed at the groups on Facebook. I saw ridiculous posts of women with four and five planners and entire shelves devoted to the art of the plan.
“No,” I told myself. “I will not be one of those. I will not be a ‘Planner Babe’ who can’t function without a big book at my side. No.”
And then the Universe laughed.
Because the more I used my first planner, the more I fell in love with it. That’s right. Two key words in that sentence: “first” and “more.” Mm-hmm. You already know where this is going, am I right?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Happy Planners
I suppose I should explain myself . . .
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s First Planner
- This is my first planner. I purchased it to help keep track of all my social media work. Then I bought some expansion packs like the menu planner and home planner sets. Little did I know how it would change my life. Creativity brings peace, so whether I’m planning a meal or working out the budget, using my Planner makes me, well, Happy. I think that’s the whole point.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Second Planner: Blessings Abound.
2. Realizing what a blessing my Happy Planner is, I picked up a second one. I don’t remember to write every day, but when I do, I’m astounded by the little “pennies” I keep track of. From a friendly client to a free Starbucks to a bill that was paid, all the little “Thank You’s” the Universe blesses me with go into this book. The year’s only half over, and already I’m overwhelmed with seeing how it’s a wonderful life.
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Recipe Planner
3. Of course, after I used a few of the menu pages, I realized I had to get a separate book for all my recipes. I can plan party menus, holiday delights, and keep tracking of my grocery lists all in one great location. It’s complete with great foodie quotes, and kitchen measurements. How sweet is that?!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blue Ridge Planner
4. Ah, Blue Ridge. That wonderful writers conference that beckons me each May. Of course this year I put together my own binder. Class list? Check. Appointments list? Check. To Do With Friends list? Check. Plenty of blank paper for note taking and idea making. A calendar I could fill, or not, as I chose. And that ever-inspiring dashboard. [Click here to read about my Blue Ridge Happy Planner.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blogging Planner
5. My Blogging Planner. I just picked this one up this month. With my new website and the forthcoming redesign for Frankly, My Dear . . . and all the blog traffic coming and going, I wanted one special place to note my online presence and to track contributors for Frankly, My Dear. And let’s be real. That awesome Peacock Pen from Paige needed a home.
What’s that? You saw more Planner covers in the top photo? Aww, I can’t get nothin’ by you, can I?
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Extra Planners
Additional Planner covers come in sets of three. So when I created-from-scratch started my Blue Ridge Conference Planner, I had two cover sets left over. The one on the left above is now used as a “memory” planner. As each month passes, I take the pages from my main planner and transfer to this one. It serves as a great record keeper, and I don’t have to search far to find notes. On the right is an as yet unpurposed cover set. I’m thinking I may turn it into my Holiday Planner. I can picture it now: recipes, gift guides, short stories, shopping lists. Yes. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Thanks for helping me figure that out.
Soon I’ll have Planner Lucky Number 8: I’m going to start a novel bible for CENTRAL. I didn’t do so with NOLA and I wish I had. [Read: #AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel.] As soon as I start CENTRAL, I’ll track character notes, backstory, magazine clippings, thoughts, and of course, the dreaded rough draft.
Yikes. I mean, yea.
Happy Planning with BEE the Zebra
Tell me, how do you stay organized? And, can you overdo it?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear: Five Things Friday: My Happy Planners @RealMojo68 #happyplanner #franklymydear #FiveThingsFriday
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 4, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
[Originally posted July 4, 2013]
For you new followers out there, thanks! This repost from a few years ago is still quite popular, and I didn’t want you to feel left out.
Happy Fourth!
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with delicious cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?
I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.
FREEDOM CUPCAKES
Freedom Cupcakes
Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:
Freedom Cupcakes with Flag
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
Look at those layers!
Independence Day Cupcakes
This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.
Ingredients
- White cake mix from a box
- 1 1/4 Cup water
- 1/3 Cup cooking oil
- 3 eggs
- Red and blue food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
- Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
- Set aside the white batter.
- Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
- Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
- Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
- Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
- Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
- With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
- Bake according to package directions.
- Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
- Decorate with a small flag.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/04/recipes-freedom-cupcakes-and-patriotic-kabobs/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!
And for a little more fun with your food, try these!
PATRIOTIC KABOBS
Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
Longer drink umbrellas, drink stir-sticks, or these cute pinwheels work great with this refreshing treat for the kid in all of us.
Carefully place foods onto the skewer.
I used a flavorful blend of red raspberries, white mini marshmallows, and blueberries.
Leave enough of a tip for the skewer to be “stuck” into a base before serving.
Serve with a small cup of whipped topping for dipping.
After you’ve enjoyed the food, you can add more or just play with the pinwheel!
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs. @RealMojo68 #franklymydearmojo #freedom #food
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Feb 27, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Who says y’all have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday?
MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf
Y’all know my love for all things NOLA, right? The food, the parties, the spices, the food. Oh, did I say that already? C’mon. You know it’s worth mentioning again.
“It’s all about the food.
It’s always all about the food.”
~Rain [NOLA]
And y’all know my two favorite food companies are Zatarain’s and Winco, right?
And since tomorrow’s the end of this year’s Mardi Gras, as promised here’s this month’s meatloaf recipe. What makes it all that? The Holy Trinity of New Orleans cuisine, and Zatarain’s Creole seasoning.
I’m crazy about Zatarain’s. Remember when Bedford Manor celebrated our five year housewarming, and the Big Z supplied the side dishes? [Read: NOLA, Zatarain’s Style.] Now that was a party. Of course I keep as much Zatarain’s in the pantry as I can, especially the seasonings.
So. You ready to get your flavor on? Then let’s head into the kitchen.
First, grab your gear: Eight simple ingredients, a mixing bowl, cutting board and knife, and meatloaf pan.
MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf ingredients
What, you ask, is the Holy Trinity? Only the best cooking base New Orleans has to offer. A blend of equal parts green pepper, onion, and celery.
NOLA FOOD HACK:
Add two (or more) dashes of
Creole seasoning to the
Holy Trinity during saute’.
MoJo Creole Meatloaf: Holy Trinity
Is your mouth watering yet? Are you needing the recipe like your sugar needs tea? Hold onto your Mojo bag, ’cause here it is.
Recipe: MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Milk
- 1 egg
- 12 saltine cracker squares
- New Orleans Holy Trinity (apprx 1/2 small white onion, 1 celery stalk, 1/3 bell pepper)
- Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Crush crackers into small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
- Dice onion, celery, bell pepper. Saute on low until tender. Remove from heat. [Holy Trinity should equal apprx 1/2 cup when done.]
- In large mixing bowl, add ground beef, egg, crackers, Holy Trinity, and 1 tsp Creole seasonings. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape into loaf pan. Top with 1/2 tsp Creole seasonings.
- Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/27/recipe-mojos-creole-meatloaf/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
NOLA FOOD HACK:
Saute twice as much Holy Trinity
as your recipe calls for,
and keep the extra in an airtight container
in your fridge. It’s a great addition
to chicken salad, sandwiches,
and on its own.
Serve it up with some collared greens, corn bread, white wine and all the beads you can hang ’round your neck.
Mardi Gras at Bedford Manor
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Recipe: MoJo’s Creole Meatloaf
CLICK TO TWEET: Who say you to have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday?
With a Mardi Gras mask and Hurricane in hand,
Happy Eating!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
[DISCLAIMER: Any outside product or company referenced in this recipe is not affiliated with Frankly, My Dear . . ., Molly Jo Realy, New Inklings Press, or The Unemployment Cookbook. I have not been compensated for any mention or reference in this or any other post.]
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Feb 2, 2017 |
Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Five simple ingredients. Three hours. Can’t-get-enough-of-it taste.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe
So, last month I promised y’all a new meatloaf recipe every month in 2017. But here it is, February, and you’re thinking (I can tell), “Where’s my meatloaf?! Where’s my recipe?!” Am I right?
Well, first. Thanks for not, you know, yelling through the blogosphere. Much appreciated. Second, aren’t you lucky. You’re gonna have two ~ yup, count ’em ~ two meatloaf recipes this month. Before the end of February, and just in time for Mardi Gras, I’ll share my Creole Meatloaf recipe.
But today, it’s all about the basics. Let’s face it. After the rush and scurry of the holidays, and during the cold weather rains and storms, we don’t always want or have time for complicated. But we still want good. Hearty. Delicious.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today I give you my wonderfully easy-peasy, palate-pleasing, no muss no fuss January (or should have been) Meatloaf.
I can’t believe how easy it is to put this together, and how not dry the meatloaf is. How flavorful, how . . . Well, I could continue but let’s just say you and your taste buds are gonna thank me for this.
Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 2 packets onion soup mix
- 16 Saltine cracker squares
- milk
Instructions
- Line slow cooker with foil. Spritz with cooking oil or nonstick spray.
- Crush crackers into small bowl. Add just enough milk to cover. Set aside.
- In separate mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, and soup mix. Add crackers. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape into loaf and place in slow cooker.
- Reshape, keeping meatloaf away from sides of slow cooker.
- Cover. Set on high.
- Let cook at least three hours on high, or five to six hours on low.
- When ready, slice and serve.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/02/recipe-basic-slow-cooker-meatloaf/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
Here’s a few tips:
- Shape the loaf into an oval. It will retain its shape while cooking.
- Crimp the foil around the edges of the slow cooker and gently press the lid into it.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf
And that’s it. Simple, right? Delectable, yes? How stinkin’ excited are we for another recipe? So tell me: Do you cook your meatloaf in an oven or a slow cooker?
And do you let your family lick the plates clean?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Berry Sunshine enjoying the last licks
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . : Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Nov 24, 2016 |
Victory Coffee
Hey. How’s it going? Mind if I take a sip of chicory? Thanks. Mm. Good stuff.
So. You’re prob’ly wondering why I haven’t posted much lately. Or you don’t care. In either event, I have a plan to change both. I have a plan, and I have a planner.
It’s no secret I can get a little, well, shall we say, frazzled? [Note to Self: Stop saying fun words five times fast. Just get on with it.]
The more I put on my plate, the more plates I need, and the more I put on them . . . You tracking this circle with me? Yup. That’s right. Plates = Projects = More Plates = More Projects. [Get the food reference? Awesome. Remember this for later in the post.]
I keep myself pretty busy. So busy, in fact . . . Well, I’m not sure I want to admit to this . . . Don’t tell anyone, okay? But I keep myself so busy I’ve actually been forgetful. Yup. I’ve dropped the ball on promoting the Firsts in Fiction podcast. The housecleaning? Fuggettaboutit. And writing takes second chair to editing which takes second chair to whatever daily project I have emergency flares sent up for.
My purse-size organizer that I’ve had for ten years just doesn’t cut it anymore. Sure, it’s great for a wallet and small notes. But keeping track? Notsomuch. What’s This Girl to do?
I’ll tell you what. After months of distant admiration, I finally snagged myself a Happy Planner. For realz. That’s what it’s called. And that’s how it makes me feel.
MoJo Happy Planner
I want to scream from the rooftops how this planner has saved me, and I’ve only had it for a week! Already I’m making lists and creating recipes and keeping track of posts I’m writing for other sites as well as who’s guest blogging on Frankly, My Dear . . .
It’s like responsible scrapbooking. And who doesn’t love a good scrapbook?
I have about twenty photos I could share, but you don’t want all that. Am I right? You want the highlights? Well, let me run it down for you:
- Sturdy construction, laminated covers
- 18-month calendar with month- and week-at-a-glance pages
- Monthly page to mark important dates and other noteworthy items
- Inspirational quotes
- Completely personalized
My Happy Planner: Recipe Teaser
Remember the food reference I asked y’all to remember? Here’s why: I recently contacted Winco Foods and asked, “How much do you miss me?” “So much,” they said. “Please blog for us again.” “Of course,” I said. And I knew I’d need a better way of tracking test kitchen concoctions. The Happy Planner’s Recipe Organizer Extension Pack was what sold me. It has everything I love. Room to write, margin notes, prep and cook time. It’s perfect.
My Happy Planner is so fun responsible necessary I went back the next day and picked up the Home Planner pack. Now this is a working woman’s dream. It’s got a chore list, people. A chore list! I wish Dot was still home so I could show her how much fun it is. A meal planner complete with organized grocery list page. A budget sheet? Won’t that come in handy with my credit recovery posts? Yeah, yeah. And the actual home budget, too. I know. But what really made me buzz is the large To Do lists.
MoJo Happy Planner: To Do
Seriously! A full-size lined page that gives me the freedom to mark it up how I want. It’s not numbered. It’s not dated. It’s just a list! I lalalove it, don’t you? And as you can tell, I have quite a few regular post ideas to share. [Not seeing a topic you’d like? Let me know in the comments.]
And the day after that, I realized I need to protect this piece of gold, so I went to the store a third time and to get a case for it. Of course the case is gold. No pun intended, but there it is anyway. Ya just can’t escape fate.
And y’all know how things just sort of come full circle, right? Well. As it turns out, the accent color of my Happy Planner case happens to be the same accent color of my newest nutcracker, whom I call King, which happens to be the nickname of the main character, Dwayne Pride, of NCIS: New Orleans. New Orleans, people! As in, NOLA, the setting for the novel I’m writing. Coincidence? I think not. And both of which are similar to Raven’s shell. Yes, Raven. You know. My new laptop. [Oh, like you’ve never named your inanimate objects. Sip your coffee and move on.]
Anyway. They very closely resemble Tiffany Blue. Yes, of Tiffany & Co. Also of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Which is with Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, and filmed in New York, which is where Central Park is, which is where my second novel will be set, which will be written when I finish NOLA, which my Happy Planner tells me I need to work on this weekend!
MoJo Color of the Year 2017: Tiffany Blue
So. Not only do I have a Happy Planner, but I have a Happy Planner which has helped me realize my color for 2017 and it’s Tiffany Blue.
And on that happy note, here are a few more photos for your enjoyment, and a few more To-Do’s for me . . .
MoJo Happy Planner: Accent
MoJo Happy Planner: This Month
MoJo Happy Planner: The First Week
MoJo Happy Planner: Pockets Make Me Happy!
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
