We made to the first Friday of the new year and can officially say things are starting to get rolling. It’s been a little bit of a mixed up week around here. I was called in for jury duty for the first time ever and though I actually thought it was pretty interesting to see firsthand how things worked, I grateful I got deferred because I just can’t fathom how that would work right now. I already had to inconvenience my (super sweet and generous) mother in law enough because she drove all the way up here to watch the girls the day after we all left her house so I could go sit in a courtroom. Mema rocks!
Anyway, I feel like I’m starting to settle in to this glorious new year a bit but still am trying to organize some thoughts, so here goes:
Kitchen Supply Needs (Wants?)
It was JUST Christmas, yet somehow now I’m coming up with all these odds and ends I need for the kitchen. To start: a new cutting board (I love this one for me and want to get 2 of these for the girls).
We’re starting to spend more time in the kitchen together and right now they share my old, warped D-list board. I also would love a silpat, protective oven mitts, and an apron. Then it’s about time I admit my crockpot is close to done. It’s cracked and leaks on the regular now. I have heard endless things about the InstantPot, but being that my main goal is a great slow cooker that can be programmed and has a delayed start and keep warm option, I’m not sure it’s the best choice for me. Feedback from those that have tried it is welcomed!
Recipe Review 2017
Pictures are everything in blog and pinterest land, which is why I was (happily) surprised when a few people asked for less pretty food pictures from me in exchange of seeing more real pictures of what I’m eating day to day. Sold! Haha, I am going to snap more day to day food pictures and share more meal plans for sure, but in tandem I’m also going to go back through all my old recipes to retest (and re-shoot) and make sure I’m only sharing the most delicious recipes that my family loves with you.
When I posted that my simple chicken tortilla soup recipe was still a winner on instagram, several of you shared which recipes of mine you make on the regular and I kid you not, I teared up. I know I share food on here, but hearing that these recipes actually make their way to your table to feed your family? Genuinely makes my heart swell.
Books
A new year means another chance for me to proclaim that THIS will be the year I read more. Maybe it will actually happen this time. I did finish Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in December (loved it like I knew I would!). Now I am reading Nightingale after hearing only good things and being a fan of historical fiction myself. I’ve heard it also really rocked some people to the core and though I’m only on chapter 5, I’m seeing glimpses of how it has earned its praise. Next up I am considering Present Over Perfect because so many people seem to be recommending it right now. Maybe I’ll switch between novel and self help/nonfiction? LOL, let me get through one book first before I go making high and mighty promises.
Wardrobe and Home
I’ve shared how I want to simplify our home this year. Part of this means getting rid of the items that don’t “spark joy” but also beautifying it. I have no designer sense but I can feel that I really can’t stand my blue curtains. I have two friends that have a killer eye for that stuff (Brittney and Bekah) and they’ve offered to help me redo some rooms in mi casa. I’ll definitely be sharing some before and afters!
As for wardrobe, I’ve really been focusing more on looking more pulled together when out and about. It feels good to wear real clothes (though it also feels good to wear pajamas) and though I’m far from a fashionista, I want to keep sharing what I wear because much of your input has helped me hone in on a style that fits me.
these wedge booties have been my latest go-to
Maybe I’ll also invest in a full length mirror somewhere other than in the back of my closet.
Is it just me or am I wayyyy wordier this year so far? I feel like I’m writing brief novels in each blog post. I guess that’s what taking two weeks off will do to me? I’ll work on it.
I hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend. We are supposed to be getting SNOW tonight so I’m off to stock up on milk and bread (or as my friend Danielle put it: Cheese and wine. Perhaps a baguette. — that is why we are friends ;)).
Ok, I’m signing off, but first–
InstantPot versus slow cooker thoughts?
Must read books?
Places I should check out for design inspiration?
(spoiler alert: I like traditional, cozy feels- think dark wood)
Have a great weekend!
Jennifer Umana says
Super excited to hear more day to day food pictures and menu plans are on the way!! 🙂
I totally agree on simplifying my closet. Over the past few years I have lost over 100 pounds and I am finally back to college weight – woohoo!! Reading you daily has helped so much to help enforce life in moderation and it totally works. But back to my closet – I have sizes from 16 to 4. On top of that I have finally found my style as a full-time working mommy on the run. Come Spring I hope to completely get rid of everything that “doesn’t spark joy”.
As for decorating I always go to Pinterest because my hubby and I love the DIY type projects. I love the show Fixer Upper right now on HGTV.
Kim says
Where are your jeans from in the picture you posted? I’m petite too and always looking for good jeans that fit!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Kim! Those are my current favorite jeans. They are 7 of Man Kind midrise skinny ankle jeans and I didn’t have to alter them a bit!
Allison says
Hi Brittany! I saw your snap regarding your hesitation on spending the money for that particular crock pot, but I wanted to let you know that I had the EXACT SAME dilemma when requesting that exact same crock pot for Christmas this year! I was really contemplating getting on board the instant pot train, but thought the same thing: “It’s just not my jam”. I was sold on the fact that that crock pot is 1) programmable, but also 2) you can saute/brown right in the darn thing! That is half my problem with slow cookers in general, that quite often you have to do a separate pre-step involving dirtying another skillet, etc.
Fast forward to today, I’ve used it twice since Christmas, and I love it! I think you should go for it!
Brittany Dixon says
So which one do you have? I want to look it up! Thanks so much for the input!!
Allison Strauss says
I have the Cuisinart Central 3-in-1 Multicooker (slow cook, saute/brown, steam). Enjoy!
Courtney says
I read the nightangale over the summer! It is definitely a book that you will you continue to think about when finished. My goal is to read more this year as well, but with a three month old I may be reading more children’s books than my own!
katie says
I’m going to finally read nightingale after this, thank you!! I bought two self help books over christmas that are similar to present over perfect, but i’m also fairly certain that I will be reading that one soon.
Gitisha says
Long time silent reader here. I have a crock pot, rice cooker, pressure cooker and recently bought the Instant Pot. I have been using it atleast 3-4 times a week and loving it. You can cook two things at a time in it which saves times and everything can be done in one pot (saute, pressure cook/slow cook, delayed time). We eat a lot of yogurt so the yogurt function is very useful too. So far I am loving it. You will not regret buying it.
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Gitisha- thanks for weighing in! I love that you can do everything in one pot- honestly that is the biggest appeal to me. And the yogurt setting sounds pretty cool too because the girls certainly do some damage on yogurt! Decisions decisions…
Parita says
Hello and HNY! I’ve been loving all of your 2017 posts so far. Keep them coming!
I’ve been reading ‘You are a Badass’ and really loving it! It’s more inspiring than anything else. I think you’d like it!
Brittany Dixon says
I have several friends that have liked that one too! And happy 2017 to you! 🙂
Marissa says
I was recently called for jury duty as well. When contacted, I told them I was a SAHM & had no one to watch my kids. They told me I didn’t have to go in. You could try that next time. Had they told me I still had to report, I planned to show up with my kids in tow. I’m sure I would’ve been dismissed quickly!
Brittany Dixon says
I tried the same thing before going in and was denied! But then excused once I was there in person. Strange! I would have loved to hear your story with kids in tow 😉 I was considering the same!
Alexis says
Hi brittany,
I missed the instagram photo but i didn’t want to miss the chance to comment that your vegetable and barley soup recipe is a standard for me to make for my family. I love how practical it is and i love subbing in whatever veggies i have in the fridge (you should try it with brussel sprouts chopped in half -so good!)
Anyway thanks for the great posts so far this year and happy new year
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much Alexis! That one is one my list to retest so it makes me so happy that you find it good and versatile! I really appreciate the feedback 🙂
Casandra says
INSTANT POT!!! It has a slow cook function (that I’ve never used) and a keep warm function that automatically swiches on when pressure cooking is done. I gave my crockpot away after getting my IP. There is a learning curve but the cooking times tables in the iIP booklet and YouTube videos will bring you to IP love.
I made some smokey pintos last night that were BOMB. OK I’m gushing! Happy New Year!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, I love the gushing when someone finds something they love! I feel like I could gush about a slow cooker too though I remain so confused! Thanks for the input! 🙂
Sue says
I really like my new InstantPot. Even though I was intimidated by it, I read the instructions (yes, I really did!) and also looked up a couple of blog posts for more ideas — and courage. So far I’ve made yogurt twice, and a couple of stews, one with dried beans. Wonderful textures and ease of use! I plan to order a second rubber gasket, though, because making yogurt after making an oniony dish imparts a slightly oniony flavor to the yogurt–not cool.
So glad you have Mema to help you with the grands. You’ve gotta know she loves it!
PS Mema is my BFF…I was at your wedding!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Sue!! So good to hear from you! And BFF of Mema’s is a friend of mine 🙂
Onion yogurt does sounds tempting but maybe an additional gasket is a decent idea 😉 I need to do more research because I have an electric pressure cooker that I rarely (if ever) use. Since so many people seem to love that aspect of the instant pot, I wonder if it will really be something I use or not given I don’t use it today. The mental ping pong in my head continues!
Liz T says
So I don’t have a crock pot that has a delay setting to it, so it isn’t essential to me. My crockpot has a ceramic insert, but I’m not able to use it on the stove top so I love that in my InstantPot I can sautee or brown meat before slow cooking all in the same pot. I love the InstantPot. They both do warm after cooking for a set time, so they function similarly in that. Go InstantPot! If you’ve not pressure cooked before – it’s amazing how versatile it is and how quickly you can cook things (meats, stews or soups, rice, etc).
Tracy says
Slow cooker!! I’m dying for one with a brown/saute feature!
Brittany Dixon says
That’s what I want!! I just can’t imagine needing anything more than that!
Grandma Honey says
I have probably 6 crockpots. I’ve been known to have 3 or 4 going at one time. But on Cyber Monday I bought the Instant Pot and I’m having SO much fun with it! So far I’ve tried six recipes since Jan 1st, and I’ve loved them all but one. The food cooked in the IP seems to have more flavor for some reason over a crock pot. I used the slow cooker feature on it once, and it was fine, but all I did was warm up some soup. And the crockpot feature is programable in that you can set it for how long you want and then it will convert over to warm. I think your kitchen needs both a crockpot and an Instant Pot. You would have so much fun experimenting with the IP.
Liz says
Selfishly I hope you get an InstantPot because I just ordered one and would love more recipes. My rice cooker, which I use daily to make oatmeal, just went caput, and I bought it to replace it and excited to try all the other features. I think you already have a pressure cooker so it might be duplicating things you already have. Also, I use to make yogurt a lot but haven’t in a while bc it is a little tricky to fit the timing into my schedule-but InstantPot can make yogurt easily too!
Brittany Dixon says
You’re right! I have an electric pressure cooker that seems to do a lot of what the instant pot does and I rarely use it so I fear I wouldn’t use an instant pot either. But on the other hand I’m a sucker for wanting to try out what so many people are loving and using so hmm… what to do?!
K says
I went with the Instant Pot about 6 months ago when I needed a new crock pot. The biggest reason why I chose the instant pot is because its insert is stainless steel. Crock pot and other slow cooker inserts can leech lead into the food we eat and I am always trying to minimize my family’s exposure to toxins. Just food for thought!
Brittany Dixon says
I always appreciate little nuggets like that that may not have crossed my mind initially. Thanks!
K says
Also, reading! Love to read! I read Present over Perfect and just really wasn’t that impressed. I would totally recommend Shauna Niequist’s other books though, especially Bread and Wine!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I haven’t heard of that one but will check it out- thanks!!
Heather says
I’m an instant pot fan but not fanatic – I still use my slow cooker even though the instant pot has a slow cooker function just out of habit. I use my instant pot for more of a meal prep tool or a “oh shoot I forgot to thaw dinner and it’s 5:30” kind of thing – I like that it speeds things up and you can cook from frozen.
Brittany Dixon says
That’s helpful, thank you! I have an electric pressure cooker that seems to do a lot of what the instant pot does and I rarely use it so I feel like I’d be better off with a nice slow cooker. Hmm…
Tanya says
We just got the first Harry Potter book to listen to in the car. E so far dislikes it and tells me to turn it off (we are only on HP just getting to Hogwarts!) I also read Nightingale recently. Terrifying and so good. It is hard to imagine real people lived through the Holocaust. Three other favorite WW2 books include Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet, the Hiding Place, and Mr Churchills Secretary. I must have an obsession with WW2 novels. Happy reading!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh gosh, you are way ahead of the game. I don’t think H will be ready for HP until she’s like 9 or 10! I had heard awesome things about the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet then I completely forgot about it- thank you for the reminder 🙂
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I so want to get on the Instapot bandwagon, but I feel like I have sooo many appilances! Before I jump on it’s time to use the spiralizer I bought months ago and have yet to use. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I feel the same! I even have an electric pressure cooker that seems to do a lot of what the instant pot does and I rarely use it. Hmm… decisions decisions…
Annie says
Instant pot all the way! Mine can function as a slow cooker as well and I’ve seen some models you can program. Mine also shuts off automatically but keeps your food warm (not cooking) up to ten hours!
SHU says
I have those TOMS and wear them all the time 🙂
I’m excited to see more casual food pix! You inspire me all the time with your recipes/meal plans!!
Lauren says
I love my instant pot! I use it for everything! For example, this week I made black bean soup. I had a bag of dried beans that I hadn’t soaked. I used the pressure aspect of the instant pot to quickly cook the beans (literally set it for 4 minutes) and while I drained the beans, I sautéed my onions and garlic in the same pot using the sauté/brown feature. Then I added all my ingredients for soup and used the slow cooker function. So I did all of that in one pot in way less than an hour! I use the pressure setting to make rice and soften potatoes and to make super quick applesauce. I use the slow cooker function all the time. But I also use it to warm up a sauce or leftovers; melt chocolate or make queso; make hot chocolate or blueberry syrup. Seriously. Love it! And clean up is so easy! This was really long lol!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I never thought about softening potatoes and apples- that sounds awesome! How do you do the applesauce? I have an electric pressure cooker and would love to try it!
PS- I love the long feedback so thank you 🙂
Lauren says
Yay! I’m pretty convinced we would be bffs if we lived closer to each other but I’m in Texas. 😁 My girls are almost 4 and 1 so it’s fun to read about your girls! For the applesauce I just use my apple slicer thing that cuts the apples in 1 smush and then put however many apples im doing in the pot with about 1/3 cup water and then set it for about 4 minutes. They are super soft when finished. Then just scoop out the apples and put in my blender with some cinnamon! That’s it. The girls (and I) love it for a quick healthy snack. I like my applesauce smooth so I blend it all the way. 😁
Brittany Dixon says
David is from Texas and thinks all the great people live there so I’m sure we’d be besties! 🙂
Thanks for the apple tip– I’m totally going to try that!!
lauren says
hah! that’s awesome he’s from texas – and he would be correct 😉
no problem! hope you like it!
Jamie says
I’m going to jump on the instant pot train. I have a slow cooker and a rice maker but i got an IP on lightning deal and I havent touched my slow cooker or my rice maker since. My biggest complaint with my slow cooker is that a lot of times, even when a recipe switches to Keep Warm, it turns to mush and the flavors get lost in the mush. Also with my crockpot (ovular shaped), one side always seems to cook hotter than the other which has caused some dishes to burn on one side. I have used the slow cooker function on my IP and it cooks much more evenly since its a big cylinder. Also, I used to be a big slow cooker soup person but now I cook all of our soups in the IP with the Soup mode because a) it takes 30-45 minutes and b) holy flavor bomb. Eating a curried butternut squash soup right out of the IP tastes like eating leftover slow cooker soup where the flavor soaked in after a day or two. My favorite aspect of the IP is the brown/saute mode everyone is waxing poetic about which I know you were looking for and it is definitely a life changer. I also looked at a new crockpot with browning capabilities but decided to go with the IP because of all of its other functions. I have to say though, it is nice to have both a slow cooker and the IP so that we can slow cook a big chunk of meat and make rice/steam veggies in the IP at the same time. Since you already have an electric pressure cooker, maybe it does make more sense for you to get a new crockpot with browning function and just start using your electric pressure cooker more! It took me a while to justify purchasing the IP when I already had a slow cooker and rice maker but I have not regretted it. That probably does not help your decision making process at all but figured i would chime in!
Brittany Dixon says
Love all your feedback- so helpful! Thank you! I actually did like you said and ended up buying a slow cooker with the browning option. I’ve only used it once so far but really loved it!