Dinner Time Tuesday: Ribs

Dinner Time Tuesday is back!  Today, I'm sharing a yummy meal with you, AND I'm going to tell you how I make it.  :) 

Before I do, please consider linking up!  All you have to do is:
1) Follow me via GFC or BlogLovin'.
2) Put my Dinner Time Tuesday button in  your post.
3) Snap a picture of your dinner and tell us what it is.  You don't HAVE to share the recipe.  I don't always do that.  I created this link-up to be sure I post something food related even when I don't have something new or exciting to share.  If you are in the mood, go ahead and tell us how you made your dinner.
4)  Be sure to link up with the URL to your Dinner Time Tuesday post!

Scott & I love to make ribs.  We've finally got it down to an art....or something like that.  The first thing we do is use a rub on the ribs.  I lay down two layers of foil on the counter and set the ribs on top.  I rub in the rub.  (What a weird sentence....)  Then I cover the top with more foil and place in the fridge over night. 

The next day, I place the ribs, in the foil, on a baking sheet.  I add just a bit of water.  Then I putthem in the oven at 170*.  (That's the lowest our oven will go.  It works perfectly.) 

Then you can go to work, read a book, watch a movie, clean the house...do whatever you want because these are going to cook all day.  Low and slow.  While they will be done enough to eat after probably 7 or 8 hours, I've had days where they've cooked for about 10-12 hours.  At this temperature, you will not over cook them.  About 1-2 hours before you're ready to eat, take them out.

Then brush on some BBQ sauce.  We use Sweet Baby Ray's.

If you can or want to, you can then cook these on the grill for a bit to give the BBQ sauce more of a glaze.  We don't have propane for our grill right now, and we're too cheap/lazy to get more. ;)  SO I just throw them back in the oven until it's time for dinner.

The ribs are so tender and juicy.  They just fall off of the bone, which makes them so much easier to eat.  These are so good, I don't even eat them with ketchup.  And I ALWAYS use ketchup to eat ribs, other kinds of pork, and beef.  Don't need it.  Trust me.  That's good.

When we had these ribs this time, I served them with my potato salad and corn on the cob.  Mmmmm summer time.  :)

Don't forget to link up below!

I'm Baaaaack! (Plus VoxBox review, part 3)

Hi blogging friends!!  I am back from my short hiatus.  The end of the school year was so busy, but I am officially on summer vacation, and back to blogging in full force.

I've finished trying the rest of the products from my Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster, and I can't wait to share them with you!  I have three more products to share with you (including today's post), so be on the lookout!

Just to review, here are the products I received (with links to the ones I've already reviewed).

 

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

Today, I'm reviewing NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm.  (Please excuse my lousy iPhone photos....)

 

The packaging is cute.  You can't tell from this photo, but it gets even cuter....

 

 

Isn't that adorable??

 

 

There's a better shot without the lid.  I think the little apple in the lip balm is totally adorable!

 

So clearly, I liked the packaging.  The apple scent of this lip balm is also really delicious!  It's not an overwhelming scent, but it's definitely there.  I also really liked that it does have some color to it.  It saves me the trouble of applying lip balm, then lipstick, and then lip gloss.

 

Here are my before and after shots:

 

  

Before

After

               

The first time I wore this was to sing in a local Memorial Day parade.  The only mistake I made was giving my purse to my mom and not keeping it with me.  While the color didn't fade, my lips did start to dry out a bit.  I really needed to reapply.  I have since tried this again by putting on other lip balm first.  That seems to help my lips stay moist for longer. 

 

I will definitely keep using this!

 

 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or NYC New York Color for my thoughts on this product.

 

Also, I'm wondering what time I should set my blogs to go live, and I could use YOUR input.  If you are a regular reader, do you get my posts no matter what time I post them?  I currently schedule my posts to go up at 8 AM EST.  Share your thoughts in the comments!!  Thanks! :)

Potato Salad

Happy June 1st everyone!!  :)  Because it's so close to summer I can taste it, and because it's 80+ degrees here, I decided that you needed this potato salad recipe.  You can thank me later.  :)

Potato Salad
Ingredients
-5 lbs red potatoes
-1/2 doz. eggs
-1 medium sweet onion
-3-4 medium celery stalks
-1 1/2 regular size jars Hellman's mayonnaise
-1/4 c. red wine vinegar
-celery seed, salt, & pepper (to taste)

1. Boil potatoes until tender enough to poke a fork into. (Don't over cook, you're not making mashed potatoes. Also, I was told to boil, then peel and chop the potatoes. Peeling them really wasn't fun when cooked. I also think some potato pieces were undercooked. Next time, I think I'll peel, chop, then boil.)

2. While the potatoes are boiling, also boil 6 eggs. Bring water to a rolling boil and let boil for about 9 minutes.

3. Let potatoes and eggs cool.

4. Once cooled, peel and chop the eggs. Toss in with the potatoes.

5. Chop up the onion and celery to your desired consistency.

6. Add the mayonnaise and stir until coated. (Add more mayo, if necessary.)

7. Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir.

8. Add celery seed, salt, and pepper to taste. (P.S. "To taste" is fun because you get to TASTE. But seriously, throw in a lot of celery seed. You don't want a bite that doesn't have some!

9. Chill and serve!

Influenster Spring VoxBox- Part 2 (Secret Outlast Clear Gel)

On Thursday, I shared a review of the first product I tried from my Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster.



Again, I will be reviewing these products as I give them a try. Here's what's in my box:

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

 

Today's review is of Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant:

 

 

 

It's kind of strange to talk about deodorant, but I'll come right out and say it.  I have always had issues with underarm sweat.  I don't get smelly, but I do get sweaty.  As in, it's-so-hot-on-the-stage-where-I-sing-at-my-church-I-wear-dark-tops-or-tops-that-won't-show-sweat-marks, sweaty.  I've been a Dove user since college.  I like the scents, and most of the time it does the trick.  But I was willing to give something new a try. 

 

Likes:

I thought the clear packaging is kind of cool.  I like the ability to see how much product you have left.  I also really enjoy the scent of this.  I'm not sure if mulitple scents were distributed by mine is called "Completely Clean."  This does seem to do a decent job of curbing sweat for me.  Though I can't honestly say that it does better than what I currently use.  I also like that you don't have to use a lot.  Just 2-3 clicks is what the packaging directs.  I usually only need 1-2 clicks.

 

Dislikes:

I wasn't really a fan of the peel off seal under the cap.  That's not a deal breaker or anything, I just found it odd.  It also took an excessive amount of clicks to bring the gel to the top of the package--so much so, that I actually thought it was broken.  As this is a gel, there is a wetness after the product is applied.  I do not like that feeling.  It does dry quickly, however, and because it is clear, you do not get marks on your clothing if applying prior to dressing.  (I hardly ever put on my deodorant and THEN get dressed.  I usually get dressed and then apply.  I did it the other way to test it!)

 

Overall, I would say that I do like Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant.  I may even consider switching brands!

 

 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
These are my opinions only. I am not compensated by Influenster or Secret for my thoughts on this product.



 

Dinner Time Tuesday 5/28

It's Dinner Time Tuesday! 

Have you seen this?

 

Obviously, Taco Bell is probably the worst place not the healthiest of places a person should eat.  But one time, when I was living at home with my parents, there was left over taco meat but no taco shells.  There were Cool Ranch Doritos, though.  I figured, "Why not?"  I just made my taco salad with those instead.  SO I technically had this idea first, Taco Bell. 

 

Anyway, you're probably wondering what this has to do with Dinner Time Tuesday.  Well, Scott has been a bit....ummm...addicted to Cool Ranch Doritos lately.  And let me just say, it's hard not to be.  Have you ever just eaten ONE Cool Rand Dorito???  The answer is no.  Because it's impossible.

 

I decided that rather than getting a Doritos Locos Taco from Taco Bell, I would make my taco salad with those Cool Ranch Doritos.  (I know these are not the healthiest of choices either, but gosh, they're SO good.)

 

I would be lying if I said that this wasn't the best taco salad I've ever had.  Seriously.  Do this.  You can thank me later. ;)

 

Tell me about what you had for dinner!  Link up below!

 

 

Menu Planning Monday

It's been awhile since I've linked up with Elizabeth & Jane for Menu Planning Monday.  I've been a total slacker in regards to both blogging AND meal planning lately.  Summer is almost here, and I'm feeling revived about my blog again, so I'm excited to be linking up this week.


 

Monday: Memorial Day

On this speical day to honor the men and women who have laid down their lives for our freedom, I am also thankful to spend time with my family.  This morning, I sang in a Memorial Day parade.  At 2:00, my family is meeting for a cook out.  I'm sure the menu will include but not be limited to: hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato casserole.  I know the casserole will be there because I'm bringing it.  lol  My family always makes a bunch of great food, so I'm excited!  I will probably not feel the need to eat dinner after this.  :)

 

Tuesday

BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob

 

Wednesday

I will be at a state conference with some other teachers on Wednesday.  Scott is on his own.  I'll be eating at a restaurant.

 

Thursday

Salsa chicken with corn and mashed potatoes

 

Friday

Leftovers

 

Saturday

I feel the need to have lasagna.  I'm thinking of making it on Saturday.  I LOVE lasagna, and I haven't made it in awhile.

 

Sunday

I'm not sure exactly what we're having yet, but I bought ingredients to make potato salad.  I plan to have something with potato salad on the side. 

 

What will be cooking in your kitchen this week?

Also sharing at Mostly Homemade Mondays on Homegrown & Healthy

Influenster Spring Voxbox: Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

Ok, people, words cannot express how excited I was to be selected to receive a Spring Fever VoxBox from Influenster! 

Maybe I was a little too excited.  haha  But either way.....Influenster is a great site where people can post reviews, participate in contests, and share their thoughts on many different kinds of products on the market.  By connecting your social media accounts and blogs, you can earn points.  The better Influenster score you have, the more likely you are to receive free products to try.

It really was exciting to get this box in the mail!

My box of goodies! :)

I will be reviewing these products as I give them a try.  Here's what's in my box:

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure

OSIS Rough Rubber

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes- Peanut Butter

Today, I'm sharing what I thought of the Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure.  Let's start with the packaging.

I think this is one of the cutest ways I have seen press-on nails packaged.  I really loved that it was in a package shaped like a nail polish bottle.  I thought the design that I received was really pretty.  I liked the lacy, "fishnet" look with the flowers.  The nails were easy to put on, and they were also easy to remove.  They were not too long, although they were longer than I have been wearing my nails these days.  (I keep my fairly short.)  But I didn't poke out my eye when putting in or taking out my contacts, so I consider that a win.  I loved the look of them on!

These weren't perfect, though.  The package states that the press-on manicure should last for up to a week.  Mine didn't last 24 hours.  In the product's defense, I screwed up when I put them on.  Someone was a dummy and didn't read the directions.  I assumed that the tab on the back of the nails was the top of the nail.  When I put the nails on, they seems strangely bendable at the top.  Turns out, I had them upside down.  I had to pull them off and turn them around.  (The picture above is when they were on wrong.)  So the fact that I already messed with the adhesive probably didn't help the longevity of my press-on manicure. 

I would be willing to give these another try.  I'd like to see if they last longer if I put them on right the first time.  :)

Next time, I will share my thoughts on Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/Deodorant.

You can read my review on Inluenster here. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 
These are my opinions only.  I am not compensated by Influenster or Broadway nails for my thoughts on this product.