No Snow- Sort Of, Pot Sticker Salad, Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich, Great Deals!

No snow!

No Snow, Sort Of-
We were still in the "no snow" mode until this evening! It's snowed a bit, but not much in the forecast. Happy dance! While we had dropped back into the cold, 30's day, 20's at night, at least it's been dry. We had a bitter cold wind last Wed./Thurs, brrrrr. I had a major tummy flu bug (on top of a head cold) last Saturday thru Thursday. I stayed home Mon./Tues., mostly in bed, no appetite, chills, wiped out. I started feeling better late Tues. after I was able to eat a little. I used a homeopathic remedy from Boiron Oscillococcinum which helped quite a bit. I spent this weekend playing catch up, but am feeling good! A good day to stay inside.

Pot Sticker & Roasted Red Pepper Salad-

My Mom used to make this for me clear back in the 70's (dating myself!) It's an easy dish and you can jazz it up with hot pepper sauce, different veggies. I use romaine, but otherwise use this recipe- 

Pot Sticker & Roasted Red Pepper Salad. I made it Friday night and we inhaled it!!! Yummy...

From Amazingribs.com

Chicago Style Italian Beef Sandwich-

I had seen these sandwiches for years and decided to make some! I found an amazing deal today as well-

Three pounds of top round beef, full price was $27.00, discounted $17.00, for a total of $10.00! That's a lot of meat!!! I may go back tomorrow and buy another to freeze! No waste there. Here's the basic recipe, but you can modify if needed- STLCcooks.com or for more history, go here Amazingribs.com. The great thing about this meat is you can use the leftover for all kinds of other dishes. Later this week I'm going to make beef tacos with Cojito cheese and salsa. You start with a dry rub all over-

You put on a rack and put 6 cups of beef broth underneath. It smelled great! Low heat and then make the sauce/gravy and serve! I bought rolls and the mild/hot giardiniera for toppings. I'm still so happy I found such a great deal! I thought I'd have to buy a much smaller cut.

Oooo, pretty! Nibbled a slice off the top :)

Served with a green salad, oh my!

Great Deals-
After getting a little unexpected rebate I finally decided to buy a preserved boxwood wreath from Target. It's made by Smith and Hawken, an upscale garden decor compny. I have wanted one for a while. I love bringing nature in! I looked locally and the fake ones looked really cheesy. I went yesterday and they were out. I checked with Target's customer service and they were discontinued! No, say it isn't so! Having boxwoods in my backyard the wreath looks very real, since it's made from actual boxwood. I looked up making one from scratch, too complicated for me. I checked online while there and they were still available, and $3.00 off, on sale. $16.99 instead on $19.99 for a 12". I ordered one online and with an extra President's Day discount, got it for basically the same price but delivered! While it wasn't a thrift store find, I am happy. I may add some kind of ribbon to jazz it up.

I had a 15 year-old pair of Eddie Bauer work sandals that were worn out after much love and use. I like the fisherman style for work. I wanted the same basic thing, so I went to eBay. I found a close to identical pair, like new, for $10.00 and a little shipping. Happy dance!

I also found a pretty floral like-new L.L. Bean blouse on eBay-

I also got a close-out pair of gray cord slacks for work and a polar fleece top at Penney's too, great for our still cold weather. It's still winter here! Funny to see summer/spring clothing!

And last, I did something really unusual. I paid full price for a jacket! I had two very old jackets, one thrifted. I decide to get a NEW one. I found this on L.L. Bean, and fell in love!

It's soft fuzzy on the inside, nice pockets, longer in back. Love the color, heathered, "sweater fleece". I think I'm good for another 20 years.