Monday, April 20, 2015

Brown Brew Stew {Sausage, Cabbage, Potatoes... and Beer!}



This stew never lasts long when I make it. But that's okay, because when you do the math, this stew is incredibly cheap to make! Not only is it cheap - but the taste is out of this world. It's savory. It's delectable. It's made in a crockpot. What else could you ask for?

Brown Brew Stew
Sausage, cabbage, potatoes... and beer!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14 ounce) package beef smoked sausage, cut into bite-size slices
2 tablespoons onion powder
½ head small cabbage, halved again, cored and thinly sliced
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon fennel
A pinch of salt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 2 tablespoons pre-chopped garlic
1 cup brown ale (we use Bell's Best Brown Ale)
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed to bite-size pieces
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar


You'll also need...
A crockpot, cutting board, frying pan among other utensils.


Directions:

1) Cut your sausage into bite sized pieces. You'll also want to get your frying pan going with the tablespoon of olive oil.
yes, I used a steak knife. ha!
2) Get the pan hot. Add 1 tablespoon of onion powder to the oil. You're going to want to sear the sides of the sausage and nothing more - anything more and your sausage will dry out in the crockpot.

before...

after!
3) Remove that pan from heat. You can add the sausage and the dripping to the crock. Chop your cabbage and add to crock as well. Mix the sausage and cabbage.
4) Next, add the pepper, fennel, pinch or so of salt, the garlic, and the other tablespoon of onion powder. Stir to combine.


yum.
5) Add your chopped and peeled potatoes, the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar and the beer. We used Bell's Best Brown Ale.

 6) Now, let it cook for at least 4 hours on high. This will mellow out the strong beer smell, as well as the ACV.


The cabbage reduces, the potatoes cooked through, and the aroma fills the house. Time to eat! Enjoy!





Friday, April 17, 2015

Weekend Reading and Links

Quickie Chicken Casserole with Elbow Pasta and Stuffing Crust (from Food.com, picture is my adaptation)
Good evening lovelies! Are you ready for this gorgeous spring weekend? It just hit 70 degrees in MI and we're soaking it up. I made the casserole you see above yesterday and wow. It was AWESOME! I switched cream of celery to cream of chicken and added about a 1/2 cup of sour cream and it was amazing. A definite keeper in the rotation. It's one of those good "clean out the pantry" meals. Find it over at Food.com.

Here are some of my favorite links from this week to take you into the weekend:

- I can never have enough storage - Thrifty Decor Chick shows how to incorporate various dressers where form meets function.

- Men can have accessories, too - Mashable talks about the best ways for men to switch up their accessories (and ladies... gift ideas here!) for under $30.

- I added a bunch of new ladies fashions to the eBay store this week - lots of great brands like Banana Republic, Free People, Michael Kors and more. Check it out, and if you love it, share it! :)

- Katie Bower at Bower Power creates a $20 tall planter - you've got to see it to believe it.

Have a great weekend! Next week I'll be sharing my recipe for a crockpot Sausage, cabbage and potato stew that is so savory... and has a secret ingredient. Beer! You've got to try it (my recipe. But I won't judge about the beer either. Ha!) See you next week!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Brand Feature: Patagonia

Have you ever heard of Patagonia clothing? Patagonia focuses mainly on high-end outdoor clothing. It was founded in 1973 in California. A major contributor to environmental groups, and since 1985, Patagonia has donated $46 million in cash and in-kind donations. Patagonia also contributes to causes such as recycling and ethical treatment of animals.

As well as having a good moral stance, the clothing is very high quality. As of this writing, I'm offering three different pieces of Patagonia clothing in my eBay store:

Patagonia Quick Dry Capri Cropped Pants, Women's Size 10

These capri pants are a really nice brown - a great casual option. Quick drying and light weight, makes them a great outdoor option. Bidding starts at $9.99, click here to bid now!

Vintage Patagonia khaki pants, women's size 16
I love the vintage styling of these ones - I'm not 100% sure on the age, but I would guess early 90's by the tag style and the high waist. Be sure to check out the detail on the button closure! Bidding starts at 9.99 for these. Click here to bid now!

Patagonia Women's Summertime Tank Top, Size 12

Last but not least, my favorite out of the lot, this Patagonia Summertime tank. Color is aloe green, with white diamond ikat pattern. Zip up the back, pictures do not do this one justice! Bidding starts at 9.99, click here to bid now!

Thanks for looking! Be sure to check out my other auctions, too! 

Find my Finds: eBay   |   Etsy

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Saturday Steals! {4.11.15}

Spring is just around the corner, I can feel it! And then... summer! I've collected some of my favorite tops available in the eBay store today that would be PERFECT for summer!


J.Crew Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami

J.Crew Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami, Retails $39.50+

J.Crew makes gorgeous clothing and this piece is no exception. I love the look of ruffles around the neck and down the chest - this kind of top always looks great with a cardigan. I could see this looking great with a navy cardigan. Size small. Bidding starts at only $8.99. Bid on it here.

Banana Republic drape neckline with knotted racerback top. Retails $45+
The print in this one is so fun and bummer, I could not get my camera to really capture it. You can see the pattern better on the closeup, though. Either way, the racerback look is here to stay, and the cowl neck in the front makes this a staple for going from work to play. Size 10. Bidding starts at only $9.99. Bid here!

Banana Republic Milly Collection Silk Blend Square Neck Tank, Retails $65+

This one reminds me so much of Lilly Pulitzer prints - bright, pretty and fun. From the Banana Republic Milly Collection, summer 2013. This gorgeous top is a silk blend. Size Medium. Bidding starts at $19.99. Bid here today!

Find all of these deals, steals and more in my eBay store!

Find my Finds: eBay   |   Etsy

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Urban Outfitter Mugs

Have you liked the Little Oak Creations Facebook page yet? Keep up-to-date and see the newest arrivals first on our Facebook page!

Love these Urban Outfitters mugs, just added to my store! They have a honey bear with "Be Mine" written in honey. The...
Posted by Little Oak Creations on Wednesday, April 8, 2015


Sunday, April 5, 2015

My Spring Mantel!

Spring has finally sprung!
One of my favorite things (among many other things!) about our new house is having a true mantel - and I love to decorate it for the seasons.

Winter Mantel 2014-2015
 I love to use things I've collected over the years - and other people seem to like to give it their own touch too. ;)

Spring Mantel 2015
Since I had a layout that I felt worked well already, I just switched out a few key items and left some of the elements that still worked, like the mirror (hi, by the way) and the candlesticks.

I added a pinkish purple candle instead of the sage one. I also added a lighter milk bottle than the urn from winter. And of course... added some bunnies.

Using things you find along the way makes it feel less planned - and perfect in a non-perfect way. Hope you enjoyed the spring mantel! Do you like to decorate a certain spot for the holidays?

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Freezer Meals: Beer Beef Shepard's Pie

Mmm! Even if you're not a beer drinker, you can appreciate the hearty, wheaty flavor the beer gives this dish. This dish makes a great freezer meal, and an even better leftover for lunch the next day!

Beer Beef Shepard's Pie - Freezer Meal Recipe
Uses 2 tin loaf pans (or one larger casserole dish) and two freezer zip-lock bags (or saran wrap) 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 small amount diced onion (I am not an onion fan, so I usually add maybe 1 or two tablespoons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (save yourself some time and buy it jarred!)
1/2 or more bag frozen mixed veggies, thawed (you want peas, carrots, corn, green beans mix)
1 tsp each thyme and marjoram
6 oz. beer (I used Bell's Best Brown Ale - if you can't get Bell's, a good brown ale will work... you can also use beef broth instead.)
1 packet brown gravy mix
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese
4-5 russet potatoes
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
Olive oil, salt and pepper

Peel potatoes and chop. Boil a pot of salted water and add potatoes, let cook 20-25 minutes.

Dice the onion. Pour a little olive oil and salt and pepper in a saucepan, cook until the onion begins to turn translucent. Add the beef, and cook until it is mostly brown. Add the thyme and marjoram.

Turn the burner to low, and add the gravy packet and 3/4 cup of beer. I also add just a hint of water here too. Add the veggie mix after a few minutes. Let the mixture simmer to evaporate most of the liquid, but don't boil all of it off... when you recook this dish, the extra liquid keeps it moist and tasty. Turn off the burner.

Meanwhile, drain the potatoes and mash. Add butter and milk. Once most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has cooled for a little bit, pour the mixture into 2 small loaf pans or one large casserole pan. On top of the mixture, add a little cheese. Then, add the potatoes on top and a little more cheese on top of the potatoes. Seal or cover in tinfoil if your tins didn't include covers and place into a freezer safe zip-lock bag. Serve within 2-3 weeks.


When it's time to serve...
Remove the shepard's pie tin from the zip-lock bag and let thaw, either on the counter or in the fridge. I usually take mine out in the morning and let it thaw on the counter, it's still usually almost frozen solid even many hours later.

In the tin with tinfoil or cover removed, bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes. If you didn't have time to take this out, cook at 250 for 30 minutes, then 375 for 20 minutes. Serve! It's great with a little sour cream too.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Brown Brew Stew {Sausage, Cabbage, Potatoes... and Beer!}



This stew never lasts long when I make it. But that's okay, because when you do the math, this stew is incredibly cheap to make! Not only is it cheap - but the taste is out of this world. It's savory. It's delectable. It's made in a crockpot. What else could you ask for?

Brown Brew Stew
Sausage, cabbage, potatoes... and beer!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14 ounce) package beef smoked sausage, cut into bite-size slices
2 tablespoons onion powder
½ head small cabbage, halved again, cored and thinly sliced
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon fennel
A pinch of salt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 2 tablespoons pre-chopped garlic
1 cup brown ale (we use Bell's Best Brown Ale)
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed to bite-size pieces
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar


You'll also need...
A crockpot, cutting board, frying pan among other utensils.


Directions:

1) Cut your sausage into bite sized pieces. You'll also want to get your frying pan going with the tablespoon of olive oil.
yes, I used a steak knife. ha!
2) Get the pan hot. Add 1 tablespoon of onion powder to the oil. You're going to want to sear the sides of the sausage and nothing more - anything more and your sausage will dry out in the crockpot.

before...

after!
3) Remove that pan from heat. You can add the sausage and the dripping to the crock. Chop your cabbage and add to crock as well. Mix the sausage and cabbage.
4) Next, add the pepper, fennel, pinch or so of salt, the garlic, and the other tablespoon of onion powder. Stir to combine.


yum.
5) Add your chopped and peeled potatoes, the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar and the beer. We used Bell's Best Brown Ale.

 6) Now, let it cook for at least 4 hours on high. This will mellow out the strong beer smell, as well as the ACV.


The cabbage reduces, the potatoes cooked through, and the aroma fills the house. Time to eat! Enjoy!





Friday, April 17, 2015

Weekend Reading and Links

Quickie Chicken Casserole with Elbow Pasta and Stuffing Crust (from Food.com, picture is my adaptation)
Good evening lovelies! Are you ready for this gorgeous spring weekend? It just hit 70 degrees in MI and we're soaking it up. I made the casserole you see above yesterday and wow. It was AWESOME! I switched cream of celery to cream of chicken and added about a 1/2 cup of sour cream and it was amazing. A definite keeper in the rotation. It's one of those good "clean out the pantry" meals. Find it over at Food.com.

Here are some of my favorite links from this week to take you into the weekend:

- I can never have enough storage - Thrifty Decor Chick shows how to incorporate various dressers where form meets function.

- Men can have accessories, too - Mashable talks about the best ways for men to switch up their accessories (and ladies... gift ideas here!) for under $30.

- I added a bunch of new ladies fashions to the eBay store this week - lots of great brands like Banana Republic, Free People, Michael Kors and more. Check it out, and if you love it, share it! :)

- Katie Bower at Bower Power creates a $20 tall planter - you've got to see it to believe it.

Have a great weekend! Next week I'll be sharing my recipe for a crockpot Sausage, cabbage and potato stew that is so savory... and has a secret ingredient. Beer! You've got to try it (my recipe. But I won't judge about the beer either. Ha!) See you next week!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Brand Feature: Patagonia

Have you ever heard of Patagonia clothing? Patagonia focuses mainly on high-end outdoor clothing. It was founded in 1973 in California. A major contributor to environmental groups, and since 1985, Patagonia has donated $46 million in cash and in-kind donations. Patagonia also contributes to causes such as recycling and ethical treatment of animals.

As well as having a good moral stance, the clothing is very high quality. As of this writing, I'm offering three different pieces of Patagonia clothing in my eBay store:

Patagonia Quick Dry Capri Cropped Pants, Women's Size 10

These capri pants are a really nice brown - a great casual option. Quick drying and light weight, makes them a great outdoor option. Bidding starts at $9.99, click here to bid now!

Vintage Patagonia khaki pants, women's size 16
I love the vintage styling of these ones - I'm not 100% sure on the age, but I would guess early 90's by the tag style and the high waist. Be sure to check out the detail on the button closure! Bidding starts at 9.99 for these. Click here to bid now!

Patagonia Women's Summertime Tank Top, Size 12

Last but not least, my favorite out of the lot, this Patagonia Summertime tank. Color is aloe green, with white diamond ikat pattern. Zip up the back, pictures do not do this one justice! Bidding starts at 9.99, click here to bid now!

Thanks for looking! Be sure to check out my other auctions, too! 

Find my Finds: eBay   |   Etsy

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Saturday Steals! {4.11.15}

Spring is just around the corner, I can feel it! And then... summer! I've collected some of my favorite tops available in the eBay store today that would be PERFECT for summer!


J.Crew Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami

J.Crew Victoria Ruffle Tissue Cami, Retails $39.50+

J.Crew makes gorgeous clothing and this piece is no exception. I love the look of ruffles around the neck and down the chest - this kind of top always looks great with a cardigan. I could see this looking great with a navy cardigan. Size small. Bidding starts at only $8.99. Bid on it here.

Banana Republic drape neckline with knotted racerback top. Retails $45+
The print in this one is so fun and bummer, I could not get my camera to really capture it. You can see the pattern better on the closeup, though. Either way, the racerback look is here to stay, and the cowl neck in the front makes this a staple for going from work to play. Size 10. Bidding starts at only $9.99. Bid here!

Banana Republic Milly Collection Silk Blend Square Neck Tank, Retails $65+

This one reminds me so much of Lilly Pulitzer prints - bright, pretty and fun. From the Banana Republic Milly Collection, summer 2013. This gorgeous top is a silk blend. Size Medium. Bidding starts at $19.99. Bid here today!

Find all of these deals, steals and more in my eBay store!

Find my Finds: eBay   |   Etsy

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Urban Outfitter Mugs

Have you liked the Little Oak Creations Facebook page yet? Keep up-to-date and see the newest arrivals first on our Facebook page!

Love these Urban Outfitters mugs, just added to my store! They have a honey bear with "Be Mine" written in honey. The...
Posted by Little Oak Creations on Wednesday, April 8, 2015


Sunday, April 5, 2015

My Spring Mantel!

Spring has finally sprung!
One of my favorite things (among many other things!) about our new house is having a true mantel - and I love to decorate it for the seasons.

Winter Mantel 2014-2015
 I love to use things I've collected over the years - and other people seem to like to give it their own touch too. ;)

Spring Mantel 2015
Since I had a layout that I felt worked well already, I just switched out a few key items and left some of the elements that still worked, like the mirror (hi, by the way) and the candlesticks.

I added a pinkish purple candle instead of the sage one. I also added a lighter milk bottle than the urn from winter. And of course... added some bunnies.

Using things you find along the way makes it feel less planned - and perfect in a non-perfect way. Hope you enjoyed the spring mantel! Do you like to decorate a certain spot for the holidays?

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Freezer Meals: Beer Beef Shepard's Pie

Mmm! Even if you're not a beer drinker, you can appreciate the hearty, wheaty flavor the beer gives this dish. This dish makes a great freezer meal, and an even better leftover for lunch the next day!

Beer Beef Shepard's Pie - Freezer Meal Recipe
Uses 2 tin loaf pans (or one larger casserole dish) and two freezer zip-lock bags (or saran wrap) 

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 small amount diced onion (I am not an onion fan, so I usually add maybe 1 or two tablespoons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (save yourself some time and buy it jarred!)
1/2 or more bag frozen mixed veggies, thawed (you want peas, carrots, corn, green beans mix)
1 tsp each thyme and marjoram
6 oz. beer (I used Bell's Best Brown Ale - if you can't get Bell's, a good brown ale will work... you can also use beef broth instead.)
1 packet brown gravy mix
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese
4-5 russet potatoes
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
Olive oil, salt and pepper

Peel potatoes and chop. Boil a pot of salted water and add potatoes, let cook 20-25 minutes.

Dice the onion. Pour a little olive oil and salt and pepper in a saucepan, cook until the onion begins to turn translucent. Add the beef, and cook until it is mostly brown. Add the thyme and marjoram.

Turn the burner to low, and add the gravy packet and 3/4 cup of beer. I also add just a hint of water here too. Add the veggie mix after a few minutes. Let the mixture simmer to evaporate most of the liquid, but don't boil all of it off... when you recook this dish, the extra liquid keeps it moist and tasty. Turn off the burner.

Meanwhile, drain the potatoes and mash. Add butter and milk. Once most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has cooled for a little bit, pour the mixture into 2 small loaf pans or one large casserole pan. On top of the mixture, add a little cheese. Then, add the potatoes on top and a little more cheese on top of the potatoes. Seal or cover in tinfoil if your tins didn't include covers and place into a freezer safe zip-lock bag. Serve within 2-3 weeks.


When it's time to serve...
Remove the shepard's pie tin from the zip-lock bag and let thaw, either on the counter or in the fridge. I usually take mine out in the morning and let it thaw on the counter, it's still usually almost frozen solid even many hours later.

In the tin with tinfoil or cover removed, bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes. If you didn't have time to take this out, cook at 250 for 30 minutes, then 375 for 20 minutes. Serve! It's great with a little sour cream too.

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