Teriyaki crock pot meatballs with jasmine rice and fresh broccoli 🥦 😋

Can't wait to get home for the Holidays and scoop up some of my favorite staples. Nothing says home like sipping on Texas Medley while lounging in my cozy-towns around the fire with family! Don't worry, if you can't make it to pick up the wine yourself, we sell it online!

Best Mid-Century Furniture on Amazon

Part I.

Curated, quality goods hand-picked by me. Prices range from $50-200

Full disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and make a small commission when you purchase from these links. I hope you find something you love and cherish. :-)

To be continued at a later time! Feel free to follow my Tumblr or Pinterest @lucajams for more curated interior design posts and other product recommendations.

D I S N E Y 2 0 2 3

Finally getting around to putting together a little post about our Disney trip last month ! If I had one word to describe our week at Disney it would be : MAGICAL . Literally I could not have dreamt up a better week for our family . Which leads me to my first recommendation when planning a Disney trip - use a Disney planner . Find someone who does it professionally and has stayed at all the resorts, eaten at all the restaurants, and knows the ins and outs of all the parks ! My gal literally created us the perfect itinerary from the moment we hit the ground in Orlando ! I can’t stress enough how key it was having a Disney expert plan our entire trip . Those extremely hard to get reservations like eating in the castle, Biddi Boppidi Boutique, the good resorts, etc - it’s her job to get you those and man did she deliver ! She booked us reservations at all the top spots and made sure every last detail was taken care of ! If you take anything away from this .. it’s start your planning by connecting with a Disney planner !

WHERE TO STAY :

• this was my first time actually staying on Disney property ! In years past I always stayed about a mile away at my grandma’s time share so being on property was totally new to me . Now I see why staying on Disney property is recommended ! From the minute you arrive they are so kind, helpful, and completely cater to you and your family . With that said I recommend

CARIBBEAN BEACH CLUB (moderate)

RIVIERA RESORT (deluxe)

The reason I chose our resort was because it was on the sky liner. The sky liner is a game changer ! We could get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot in under 10 mins. I wish this also went to Magic Kingdom it was so convenient! You can hop on the sky liner from Caribbean Beach or Riviera !

The pools at these resorts are so fun for the kids with water falls and water slides ! My girls loved swimming here ! Another perk staying here is you can see Epcots fireworks at night from the resort !

STROLLER RENTAL :

• Disney only allows strollers in their parks . You end up walking 9+ miles a day in the parks so even my 6 year old rode in the stroller ! My gal set up our stroller rental through Kingdom Strollers and they are high end strollers you can rent that are much more comfortable than the plastic ones you can rent at the parks ! They drop the stroller off right at your resort and also come pick it up at the end of your trip! It was a super easy service to use !

WHERE TO EAT :

• there are a gazillion places to eat at Disney so I’m just going to list my favorite at each park !

Magic Kingdom : The Royal Table

While the food here was good, it wasn’t amazing ! But the experience made it worth the money ! It is very pricey to eat here but if you have kiddos who love princesses this is your chance to have private convos and pictures with 5 princesses ! Being that my girls are in their Princess Era , this was something they loved ! You have to book this 60 days out on the day reservations open up and you do have to pay at the time of booking ! (Just a FYI)

EPCOT : Napolis

I would probably eat pizza every day if I could . This place had amazing Italian food ! Also if you have an allergy Disney is amazing at catering to that ! Gluten free ? No problem - they have a menu for that and the chef will also come meet with you to discuss your food ! Service is top notch !

Also we happened to be there during the Food and Wine festival at Epcot ! Highly recommend ! I ate and drank my way around the entire world ! It was one of my top favorite things !!

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS :

50s Primetime Cafe or the Drive In

I enjoyed both ! Drive in is fun for the kids . The fried chicken at 50s Primetime is awesome !

Also stop by Woody’s lunch box for their homemade pop tart ! Soo sooo good !

DISNEY SPRINGS :

Art Smith’s Homecookin’ ! If you love down home southern food this is your spot ! So freaking good !

We also ate at Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs and my girls loved it !

WHAT ARE THE BEST RIDES ?

Magic Kingdom :

• 7 Dwarfs Train

• Peter Pan

• Haunted Mansion

• it’s a small world - bc I love things that remind me of my childhood and I’ve always loved this ride 💛

Hollywood Studios :

• Minnie + Mickeys Railway

• Slinky Dog

• Tower or Terror (my 4 year old loved this ride!)

Epcot :

• Guardians of the Galaxy : cosmic rewind

• Frozen Ever After

Also recommend buying the Genie Plus service daily when at the parks ! I was so nervous about figuring out how to use this tool but I caught on quickly and while it will cost you on average an extra $100 a day it allows you to skip the long lines which was worth it with two little ones !

FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP :

• Biddi Boppi Boutique

My girls favorite thing was getting turned into princesses for the day ! We got a 9:30am reservation at the Castle location in Magic Kingdom and they turned my littlest loves into the Princess of their dreams ! It was the cutest experience and worth the hefty price tag ! It’s a day they won’t soon forget ! They are already talking about doing it again !!

RANDOM TIPS :

• Learn the Genie+ program

• Book reservations for all your table service meals ! It’s better to have them and cancel then be stuck with no where to eat .

• Have a built in REST DAY in the middle of your week! This gave us a chance to sleep in and for my girls to rest ! They enjoyed swimming and playing around our resort all day ! I would not ever do an entire week at Disney without this rest day!

• Plan at least one evening to see Magic’s Kingdoms Fireworks + Castle show at night! It’s so fun and beautiful ! My girls loved this !

• Buy the Photo Pass package when you book your trip! It will save you money and you will want the pictures ! There are people all over the parks taking your pictures along with pictures on all the rides !

• Buy a phone charger to carry in your backpack . The Disney World app will drain your battery and you need it ALL day! The app literally is used for everything from paying, to reservations, to booking your fast pass to the rides !

Last but not least .. bring along a Disney dad 😉 my husband made this trip extra amazing ! He went all out for his girls and it was something to see !

Until Next Time Disney …

From Gospel to Blues: The Soulful Journey of Miss Freddye

As Pittsburgh's "Lady Of The Blues," Miss Freddye keeps the blues alive in her hometown. Miss Freddye began singing in church at a young age. The influences of church and her mother's love of blues music, gave Miss Freddye the foundation to venture in the world of blues music in 1996. She joined BMW (Blues Music Works) under the direction Of "Big" Al Leavitt. In 2002, Miss Freddye went on to form Blue Faze and several years later, Miss Freddye started two bands, Miss Freddye's Blues Band (electric blues) and Miss Freddye's Homecookin Band, (acoustic blues, classic rock, gospel.) Miss Freddye’s influences include  Koko Taylor, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Big Mama Thornton, Bessie Smith, and "Big" Al Leavitt. Her charity works include: Relay for Life American Cancer Society, Pink Day in Leechburg, PA for Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Sean Carney's Blues For A Cure, Local VFWs and American Legions, Toys for tots, homeless veterans, Band Together Pittsburgh, and Sing to Stop domestic violence.     She has won past blues competitions; 2008 West Virginia Blues Society for Best Blues and 2012 Blues Society Of Western PA Best Duo/Solo Act.   In 2014, Miss Freddye was awarded the Star Award from the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center for her work with veterans. She was awarded the 2015 Freedom From Silence Award from the Center For Victims. Miss Freddye has won in the Iron City Rocks Awards for Best Blues Band in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Her self-released CD, "Lady Of The Blues" won for Best Album in 2017. In 2018, Miss Freddye was nominated for two Blues Foundation Awards, one for Best Emerging Artist CD and The Koko Taylor Traditional Blues Female. Her latest single, “Something To Believe In” is from her forthcoming gospel/roots release, topped the international iTunes charts. Here is a transcript from our interview with Miss Freddye - Hi Miss Freddye! It's quite an honor to talk to you today. What's new in your world? Going back in the studio to finish up my next single and my next album! - You're known as both a gospel and blues singer. How are the two? styles similar, and how are they different? I would say blues is a spinoff from gospel. Both can be slow or upbeat. Blues talks about the ills of life, the thrill of it all, how bad and sometimes how good it can be! Gospel is a way to contact with God. It can be an asking, a need, a plea to be given a chance to celebrate God. It's more religious base. - What do you feel are your strengths as a singer? Well, since I had stayed vocal lessons 2-3 years ago, first time ever, my mechanics of singing has improved! This has given me the confidence to bring music to audiences and to reach deep within to neable to contact. - How would your bandmates describe you? HA! Well, I have two bands. Shall we start with the Blues band. They may say I'm passionate, I'm a diva, I'm strong, and vocal! The other band may say I'm passionate, I'm strong willed, and I'm fun! - What motivates you to make music? That's easy….it's a calling for me. I see how the music I sing affects the audience along with the interactions. Audiences want to feel good, they want some kind connection. When, the bands see this, the music is just right. This is my motivation, my reason for doing what I do! - You've had many high points in your career, so far. What was the biggest thing that has happened, and how did it make you feel? Yes, I have! When I was nominated for two blues music awards! I felt like I had just hit the lottery! I was thrilled and I was a little scared. You see this was my first ever! - We've heard about a new gospel album that you're preparing for release. When do you think you'll have that ready? Don't have an official date yet. - Tell me about your favorite performance in your career? Honestly, performing at my local children's hospital. It is such a joy to see the kids and their families smile and sometimes participate in my performances! We have fun! - What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? Oh that's easy! "Always stay true to yourself cause you will find no other like you!". - What's up next for you? Working on going to Europe, either 2023 or 2024! Stay tuned! - Any words of advice or last words for your fans? Enjoy the music. Always be sure to live your life to the fullest. I appreciate my fans for their continued support and love of the music I do! Read the full article

Mancini Linguini with Mussels and white wine sauce.

Mancini linguine paired with Mussels , fresh fennel and a lovely lemon, garlic, shallot, and white wine sauce garnished with parsley and dill.

 Serving size : 2

Pasta

- 4-6 Oz or 1/3 of a bag of Mancini linguine noodles.

- 3 Qts water (salted).

Boil water in a large stock pot and add 2 Tbsp salt to water.

Add Mancini linguine to water.

Cook Mancini linguine  Al dente (6-7 minutes).

Save 1 cup of pasta water for sauce.

Strain  noodles and drizzle Olive oil over noodles to keep them from sticking together.

Mussels

-1 Pound of fresh Mussels .

-1/4 Cup of Kosher salt.

-2 Qts water

In a large bowl mix together salt and water (salt water will keep your Mussels alive longer as its closer to their natural environment)

Gently agitate the Mussels in the water to help break loose and particles on the outside of the Mussels .

Let Mussels rest in the salt water for 10-15 mins to make sure most of the sand has been purged out.

Pull Mussels out of the water and gently scrub the outsides to remove dirt and sediment.  

Pull the beards from all of the Mussels and give them a quick rinse.

Discard any Mussels that don't close

Sauce

1/4 Cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice.

1 Bulb of Fresh Fennel cut Julienne.

3 Tbsp Unsalted butter.

3-4 Cloves of Garlic minced.

1 Medium Shallot cut Brunoise.

1 Cup White wine preferably Chardonnay.

1 tsp Red chili flake.

¼ cup picked parsley.

2 Tbls picked Fresh Dill.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Heat butter in a pan until melted.

Add shallots and garlic, sweat tell tender.

Add 1 tsp salt and pepper and chilli flakes.

Pour in wine and bring to a simmer and let reduce by ¼ .

Add fennel lemon juice and cleaned Mussels.

Cover with a lid and cook tell all Mussels have opened (2-4 mins check at 2 mins).

If the sauce is a little thin add ½ cup of reserved pasta water and keep. stirring tell it tightens up a little.

add in linguine parsley and dill.

Stir noodles tell broth covers every noodle.

Plate in a bowl starting with the noodles then adding Mussels on top.

Pour any remaining broth over broth bowls.

Garnish with a few picked parsley leaves and some dill sprigs.

Enjoy!!

Warning!!!!! NSFW!!!!!!!

Brioche. Havarti. Organic beef. Organic spinach and tomatoes 🍅

Sautéed kale in olive oil, balsamic, &&Himalayan sea salt.

&&complimented with a juicy buffalo sauce because some like it hot 👅👅🤷🏻‍♀️

#QuarantineCooking: #Dumplings from scratch! Filled with #Pork, #Scallions, #Carrots, & #Jicama, these were so good we are them well past the point of comfort. #QuarantineMeals #HomeCookin https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0V-7hD4UW/?igshid=urc2h83qzor5

Courtney Frasch, the “Phood Specialist”, is an amazing chef who we had the pleasure of joining for one of her dinner parties to capture the magic she brings to every meal. Bon Appetit!

Delicious light and fluffy cinnamon Belgian waffles with scrambled eggs topped with french onions. It was truly a feast that I enjoyed. 

Recipe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yjC81S1-bw&feature=youtu.be

Cheddar chive waffles, slathered with maple mayo, grilled chicken strips, smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato. #cheffrankie #homecookin #mmmmsogood https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FHpmin-93/?igshid=ewl8v17lnxwq

Birria tacos all over my feed so I made my own

A snippet of “Tarnished Rings” from last nights performance at Granote Presbyterian Church with @emmanuelwithers ! A small setting ideal for sharing music with other people. It felt like we were out in the middle of West Virginia, but we were really right outside Baltimore City. It was complete with awesome homemade food! A great way to spend a Sunday evening. #countrychurch #baltimore #baltimoremusic #thebmorecreatives #humanity #sharing #music #simonandpatrickguitars #musicisforeveryone #openess #openmind #tarnishedrings #countryspread #homecookin #rootsmusic #rootsmusician #folkmusic #folkguitar #fingerstyleguitar #fingerstyle #fingerpicking #fingerpickingguitar #harmony #vocalharmony #acousticduo (at Granite Presbyterian Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3CeaRvnZgA/?igshid=yo16jv4s1xo

Bailey’s Caramel Sauce - full recipe available here. 

I tried to do cool food shots and completely failed. #반찬 #homecookin https://www.instagram.com/cozyrat/p/Bv8Ey0lgKD-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jb8dj1mhh725

Daniel got a new grill. Tried it out with a steak! #HomeCookin #MeatAndPotatoesKindaGuy #MagicalhoboForever (at Queen Creek, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca_OEMxLOSZ/?utm_medium=tumblr