A Slice of Southern Illinois
https://youtu.be/C2J6dGUkZeQ One of the simple pleasures of summer (I realize June 17th is technically not summer, but when it's a sultry 100 degrees in the shade, it's close enough) is watching the fireflies. Fireflies, a.k.a. lightning bugs, are pretty amazing. Like tiny, flashing glowsticks, these cute little creatures can make the night sky seem a … Continue reading Fireflies at Dusk
It's that time again... Earth Day is that day set aside each year to reflect upon God's beautiful creation and how we can be better stewards of it. Earth Day was introduced to the U.S. in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. It followed a large oil spill in 1969 and national concerns about air … Continue reading Happy Earth Day!
HerrinFesta Italiana has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Southern Illinois since it started 1991. The event celebrates Herrin's Italian heritage. Festa, an alias of the festival, became one of millions of events cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Illinois' festival that signals the unofficial beginning of summer has finally returned … Continue reading It’s Back…the 30th Annual HerrinFesta Italiana Returns
https://youtu.be/hElOZxxJS9w So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY's mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks … Continue reading Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube
If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you may have watched "The Twelve Dates of Christmas." Although it was reportedly filmed in Canada this past summer, the movie highlighted real and some fictional locations and experiences in Chicago. Guess what. Southern Illinois, a.k.a. Little Egypt, also has many wonderful experiences! Originally, I wanted … Continue reading 12 Gifts of Christmas from Little Egypt
Southern Illinois STRONG is the new name for the companion group to the Help Others Section of ASOSI/A Slice of Southern Illinois. It will be a publicly listed group on Facebook. Currently, it is still showing as private, however that is expected to change soon. People are encouraged to share efforts in Southern Illinois to … Continue reading Southern Illinois STRONG
I didn't slide driving around this morning, but a poor, large bird almost flew into my vehicle crossing over Crab Orchard Lake... Please be safe driving around in Southern Illinois. The temperature is right on that line of freezing, and some folks are reporting a few slick spots. Big, fluffy snowflakes have been falling in the … Continue reading For the Birds?
Chicken and rice sounds like a specific meal request, right? In Southern Illinois, we are blessed with so many wonderful food choices that you may need to clarify your choice. Between brick and mortar sights and food trucks/carts, there are many ethnic variances on this classic dish. It seems pretty much every culture has some … Continue reading How Do You Do Chicken & Rice?
One of the go-to condiments in our house is a really quick corn dressing--mayo, Southern Illinois honey, and Sazón-- to spread on corn of the cob. Sometimes I also sprinkle either parmesan or a cheese like feta or cotija onto it once it is on the cob. When I couldn't decide what to put on … Continue reading Corn Spread as Salad Dressing
These moist, indulgent brownies are the result of not being able to find my "good vanilla" and having to find suitable substitutions...INGREDIENTS:2 cups white sugar1 cup butter1/2 cup cocoa powder1 tablespoon bourbonThe juice of 1/2 of a small orange4 eggs1 1/2 cups all purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powderDIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a … Continue reading Orange Bourbon Chocolate Brownies
