January Vignettes

I have to admit that January is typically my least favorite month. I'm not sure why... but it's just usually all cold and dreary and rainy and makes me want to jump on an airplane and never return to Memphis. HOWEVER, in my decades of experiencing Januaries, this one has actually been exceptionally pleasant. The sun has been out more than normal. Plus it's been warm enough to keep our windows open (which is my absolute favorite!). I truly hope that y'all have been as fortunate. 

And if it has been tough for you, find an awesome Australian blog or Instagram account to live vicariously through! It always works for me! (#SUMMERFOREVER!) 

Here's what January looked like...

...on Organized Charm

I have continued to work on new OC printables for Organized Charm's Etsy shop! Below is a sneak peek of the "mini" version of the weekly grid view. This printable is a smaller, more colorful version of the planner in my How I Organize My Planner post and it will be released Wednesday, February 4! :) 

Most of the January posts on Organized Charm focused on goal setting and goal accomplishing! Two of my personal favorite things! :) 

Start Your Own Blog in 4 Easy Steps

Room-by-Room Home Organization/Staging 

15 Quick Ways to Improve Your Morning Routine

How to Create Long-Term Goals

How to Actually Accomplish Your 2015 Goals

...in my "real life"

Saying goodbye to 2014 wasn't terribly difficult for me. While a lot of great things happened (like moving, celebrating 3 years as a married couple, and GRADUATING from grad school), there were also a lot of tough things that went on, too (like moving, being a married couple, and grad school). Life is full of ups and downs and it's all about attitude, perspective, and teamwork, don't you agree? 

This is my little brother. He's been volunteering at national parks all over the southwest with AmericaCore since September. BUT he came home for Christmas and it was just so, so much fun! I just love this wittle guy!  

I have been pretty obsessive about my goals this year! Ever since I officially finished grad school, I've really been focusing on what I want my next step to be! And to know what your next step is, you obviously have to know where you're trying to go... you know?! 

No January in Memphis is complete without basketball.

And no week around our home is complete without me rearranging... well, something. Welcome to my "corner office with a view"! 

You know how exciting it is when someone that you love turns out to love something that you love?! Getting back into yoga was one of my goals for all of my newly-acquired post-grad free time! And the best thing of all best things happened! It turns out that my husband really enjoys yoga, too! #YAY

...elsewhere

Maybe it's because I grew up as a female athlete or because I was home schooled by my slightly-hippie-ish mom or because Ariel is the first Disney princess that I remember, but I have always been into anything and everything that revolves around "girl power". And it seems that especially over the past few months, the media has just been filled with articles and books and videos that focus on building a generation of girls that don't live up to typical "girl" stereotypes. 

And I JUST. LOVE. IT. Here are my favorites that I've seen lately:






You Are What You Wear: The Dangerous Lessons Kids Learn From Sexist T-Shirts (Huffington Post)

How was your first month of 2015? Was it the fresh start you needed it to be? Did you make and stick to any special resolutions? 

More about → January Vignettes

Pan Grilled Salmon

A delicious fresh pan grilled salmon served with atsara (pickled papaya) and lettuce, perfect combination. 

Ingredients:
200 grams salmon fillet
1 tablespoon lemon or calamansi juice
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Sprinkle the salmon fillet with lemon juice, salt and pepper then set aside.
2. Heat a non-stick pan then brush with a little oil and put the salmon fillet.

3. Continue cooking until done then serve.

You can click the link for atsara recipe
http://melyskitchen.blogspot.com/2013/05/atsara-pickled-papaya.html

More about → Pan Grilled Salmon

Pan De Sal With Ham and Cheese

Just craving for something that I have eaten long long time ago :-)  The breakfast during my elementary days, that's 30 years ago, oh am I that old?  Big smile here :)

Pan de Sal
Ham
Cheese

Just slice the bread then insert the ham and cheese, it is now ready to be served.
Simple yet very special, specially during those days.

Here is my Pan De Sal Recipe, just click the link

http://melyskitchen.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-perfect-pan-de-sal.html

More about → Pan De Sal With Ham and Cheese

Start Your Own Blog in 4 Easy Steps

I get quite a few emails from month to month and I've decided to start building posts around them so that everyone can benefit from the questions and answers! This month, I received a few emails from readers asked for advice for starting a blog! 

It makes me laugh out loud that I would be thought of as the person to ask... BUT I do enjoy researching things and learning how to do everything in the best way possible! So, of course, I'm happy to do that! 

FIRST: DO SOME RESEARCH

This is one of the biggest, most ever-changing topics ever to research. And once you start, you will realize that there is SO MUCH information out there! SO MANY tiny little aspects go into blogging that there are several blogs out there that are literally just about blogging! 

Every time I find a great/helpful/interesting article or post, I pin it to my Blog. board on Pinterest. Scroll through that board, pin what you like... and go follow the original sources to make that kind of content come up on your own Pinterest homepage! 

SECOND: DECIDE ON YOUR CONTENT

Back in September, I did a post on 5 Blogging Basics, where I included some of the most primary-level blogging advice I could think of! That info really centered around what KIND of content to create when you start a blog. Which is, after all, the purpose of the whole thing. 

Your content needs to be original, interesting, helpful, and consistent. If you're writing about style, how are your outfits different from everyone else's? If you write about cooking, do you have a specific focus, such as desserts or vegan? What makes you original? 

THIRD: CREATE YOUR "BRAND"

I recently did an interview with Taylor from A Cup of Tay (along with a few lovely authors of other blogs), where we all gave all the best branding advice we could think of! Branding your blog is pretty much like giving it a personality. 

Do you want it to look elegant and sleek? Or whimsical and full of color? Your fonts fall into this category, too! And speaking of fonts, try to stick to 3. (I'm the worst at that because I love fonts and always want to use them all!) Also, decide on your color palette: 1 warm color, 1 cool color, 1 neutral color. 

FOURTH: FIND YOUR PLATFORM

Next, find a blogging platform that you really like. This was seriously the biggest struggle of the whole process for me because there were things that I liked/didn't like about all of them! I created little blogs on a few different sites and played around with them for a while before really committing to "the one". Here are the ones I tried out: 

Wordpress:
I liked how neat everything was. Wordpress blogs look super professional. I liked the fact that you can follow other bloggers and like their posts. However, I was not crazy about the interface of the actual website. It was a little too intense for me. If you are someone who is analytical, logical, or "techy", then it may work great for you! It just wasn't my favorite. 

BUT the thing that was the real deal breaker for me was when I heard that there was a limited amount of free space. After a while, users get a "bandwidth exceeded" message and they have to purchase more space or purchase their own domain. Again... that may not be a deal breaker for you! But personally, I wasn't into it. 

Weebly:
Weebly is a website maker that I was introduced to during my first grad school class. We had to make a "classroom website" and I absolutely fell in love with how easy it was to control the design of websites on this platform. You actually build your website to look and work exactly the way you want it to. 

The only things I didn't love about this platform were that it crashed pretty frequently while I was trying to do things. Also, it's really designed to be used for a website with a blog, rather than just a stand alone blog. I would recommend using this for a website, but as far as blogging goes, it just wasn't for me. 

Tumblr.
Ahh, yes. Tumblr. I love Tumblr. I love the pretty images. I love it that you can find blogs to follow for basically anything that you find interesting! Oh, and I also love it that you can add hashtags to your posts! And let's just talk about how easy it is to use. So easy. I love the simple way that everything is laid out, etc. etc. 

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the fact that it's based more on images than written content. Which would work perfectly for a fashion blogger, or a photographer. Also, I wanted a little more control over the design of the website. One more thing: it's very easy to reblog other people's content rather than creating your own! I would suggest a 50/50 approach here!

Blogger:
So, in no way is Blogger the perfect blogging platform. There are tons of people who have chosen these other platforms over Blogger. The things that I love about Blogger are that it gives you a ton of control over the site design (without having to learn about coding). I also love the fact that it gives you so much space. As far as I know, Blogger never tells you that you've used too much. I mean, iHeartOrganizing is still hosted here and she literally has a BILLION posts. 

The only negative things that I can think of to say about Blogger are... I promise you, I am having a hard time thinking of any. It's just been such the perfect fit for me and Organized Charm that everything works pretty wonderfully! I know people out there say that the site is outdated (and the "gadgets" offered) but that's kind of all I can think of! 

Oh, and by the way, if you're planning to do a lot of "on-the-go" blogging, all of these platforms have apps designed to help you do just that! As of today, the Blogger app has 2 1/2 stars, the Tumblr and Weebly apps have 4 1/2 stars, and the Wordpress app has 3 stars. 



Every person and blog are different and you really just have to find what works best for you and your content! 

GOOD LUCK! :) 



Do you have suggestions for beginning bloggers? What about different blogging platforms that you've started? Or what about "vlogging" advice?

More about → Start Your Own Blog in 4 Easy Steps

Ensaladang Kangkong

Masarap na masustansya pa, kaya subukan nyo na ang potaheng ito.


Mga sangkap:
2 Tali kangkong
2 Kamatis 
1 sibuyas
2 tablespoons calamansi Juice
Asin ayon sa iyong panglasa
Pamintang durog ayon sa iyong panlasa

Paraan ng Pagluluto:
1. Linisin ang kangkong, magpakulo ng tubig at kapag kulong-kulo na ilagay ang kangkong at pagklipas ng ilang segundo ay hanguin, ilagay sa isang tabi para tumulo ang tubig.
2. Hiwain ang kamatis at sibuyas ayon sa iyong ibig, paghaluin  ang lahat ng mga sangkap.Pwedeng budburan ng hiniwang dahon ng sibuyas kung ibig mo.
3. Ihain na may pagmamahal :-).

More about → Ensaladang Kangkong

Sinabawang Lapu-lapu

What are you waiting for? Sip the soup now, it's really yummy!

Ingredients for 2 servings:
1 medium size grouper ( lapu-lapu)
1 stalk lemon grass
1 big tomato ( Sliced to your desired shape)
1/4 kilo Chinese Cabbage
1 tablespoon ginger strips
1 onion ( sliced)
2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
2 cups water

Procedure:
1. In a pot put the onion, ginger, lemon grass, tomato then the fish, cover and allow to simmer until the natural juices come out from the fish. After this process add the water and bring to a boil, add salt and pepper to taste, simmer until the fish is fully cooked.
2. Add the Chinese cabbage and simmer  for a minute then turn off the heat.
3. Serve and enjoy eating with your loved ones. 

More about → Sinabawang Lapu-lapu

Easy Super Bowl Appetizers

The Super Bowl is coming.  In case you're like me and forgot when the Super Bowl was... it is this Sunday!  Whether you're hosting your own viewing party, going to a friend's house, or planning a chill evening at home, chances are you are making some appetizers.  Little bites and tasty dips are easy to throw together and it's always nice to bring extra food to a party (always better to have leftovers than not enough).  :)  So here are some easy recipes to score a homerun (I mean, touchdown) with your guests....

spinach artichoke dip
buffalo chicken dip
baked crab ragoons
creamy spinach pinwheels
cauliflower croquettes
chicken and spinach taquitos

  

More about → Easy Super Bowl Appetizers

Sauteed String Beans and Squash

A delicious and nutritious vegetable dish that is budget friendly.


Ingredients:
1 kilos Squash
2 bunches String beans
1/4 kilo shrimps
1/4 kilo ground beef
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 cup water ( add if needed)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the ground beef and continue to saute for 2 minutes then add the shrimps, simmer for a minute.
2. Add the water  and let boil then add the squash and string beans, stir well then simmer and stir until almost done.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste,  stir and simmer until done, then turn off the heat.
4. Serve with a smile.

More about → Sauteed String Beans and Squash

Weekly Menu

Another weekend has flown by!  If you're in Columbus or a big hockey fan you may have spent some time at the winter park downtown or watching the skills competition/allstar game.  We stopped downtown for a bite to eat (at Arch City Tavern, where I had lamb sliders with goat cheese and my husband had their market burger) and then walked around the park.  I'm not a fan of winter, well, really I just hate being cold.  So I have never really tried any winter sports... everyone looked like they were having fun on the outdoor ice rink, but I'll pass.  I'd rather sit cozied up by the fireplace.

Before the weekend started, I went to the Seasoned Farmhouse where they were hosting edible columbus and native for a little new years shindig.  Cocktails were served using native cold pressed vegetable juices and local spirits along with some raw appetizers and treats.  Certainly an example of how happy hour can be quite healthy.

 

 

After being outside in the cold, we came back home and I made some fish and shrimp stew.  It's kind of like fish and chips in a steaming hot bowl of soup, but nothing is fried.  A nice way to warm up!  Especially next to some bright flowers that serve as a reminder that Spring is less than two months away.  :)

I spent a couple hours today prepping several freezer meals which will appear on the blog as they make their way to the oven.  Last week, my husband did most of the cooking... and neither of us want that to continue... so freezer meals are the temporary solution.  Hopefully everything turns out tasty so we can keep a couple in the freezer for those busy days!

This week's meal plan includes some repeats because boxed mac and cheese replaced the more 'difficult' recipes last week.  ;)  

broccoli stuffed chicken with buttered carrots
spinach enchiladas
calzones or pizza night
salmon burgers
lobster mac and cheese

More about → Weekly Menu

Boiled Potato with Butter

I just wanna share this simple yet satisfying comfort food. I cooked this after a long day at work, while getting to be comfy and well sorted before eating my dinner I just on the stove and leave this cooking, when I am done doing my stuffs, my dinner is done too!! Yummy boiled potatoes.

Ingredients:
3 Potatoes 
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste


Procedure:
1. Put the potatoes in a pot then put water up to the level of the potato and cook over medium heat until done.
2. When cooked, remove from water cut cross on top then spread the butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper  then serve.

More about → Boiled Potato with Butter

Room-By-Room Home Organization/Staging

In the grand scheme of Januarys, this one has actually been pretty pleasant. I actually have my windows open right now and there isn't a cloud in the sky! And even though I KNOW that it will inevitably get cold and gloomy and rainy again soon... I am choosing to completely ignore that reality and starting to focus on spring cleaning! There is just something about the spring... you know? It just makes me want to get rid of every ounce of junk that piled up over the winter and create the most zen-tastic living space ever! You, too? YAY! 

Last spring, we had our house for sale and it seemed like every weekend was a balancing act between completing schoolwork and prepping the house to be inspected ravaged viewed by potential buyers. Living in a house that's for sale is stressful. Like, super stressful. Like, stressful enough that I only want us to rent until we find the house that will be our "forever home". However, even though I love to be dramatic and talk about how annoying it is to have strangers in your house every weekend... there was also something pretty cool that I took away from the experience: Home Staging. 

I am all about it now! The declutterization. The warm and cozy feeling. The shiny counters and amazing-smelling kitchen! And just because we're renting a loft now, doesn't mean that we aren't still implementing all those super-cool tricks that we learned! As far as I'm concerned, staging is pretty much like creating the most ultimately-organized and welcoming home ever. My attention was recently drawn to this infographic (found on moshells.com) and it easily outlines the basics of staging and how to do it without spending a ton of money! 

If you have your windows open and are looking for something to organize today (like I am), then this is a pretty perfect guide to follow as well! 

So, let's go ahead and get a head start on spring organization this weekend! :) 

Do you get excited to clean out your home as soon as it gets warm outside? Could you use any of these rules for organizing? Or do you already? OR do you have any to add?! 

More about → Room-By-Room Home Organization/Staging