Blogs

Happy Friday! I’ve got some exciting news—YHJ is on tomorrow at 5pm ET! You’re right. Tomorrow is Saturday, not Wednesday. But, we’ve worked a couple special episodes in this season to hold you over between Wednesdays. And, next Wednesday, it’s Cooking on Q Day, which means no You’re Home with Jill.

So what’s happening tomorrow? Well, we’re going to help you think about making your house the place to be on the weekends. It is football season, you know! And, we're making my Shrimp Salsa…a yummy appetizer your weekend company will love. Here’s the recipe:

Shrimp Salsa

This recipe is prepared with the Temp-tations® Old World 16-piece Oven-to-Table Set (K27938).
 
Ingredients:
 
•    1-1/2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced (I use red and yellow tomatoes!)
•    1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
•    1/3 cup fresh lime juice
•    1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
•    1/4 cup red onion, diced
•    1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and minced
•    1-1/2 lb large cooked shrimp, peeled and de-veined
•    Salt and pepper, to taste
•    Tortilla chips, for serving
 
Directions:
 
1.    Combine the first six ingredients in a medium-size bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.
 
2.    Meanwhile, cut the shrimp into bite-size pieces. Add the shrimp to the salsa mixture and season with salt and pepper.
 
3.    Chill  the salsa for about an hour and then serve with tortilla chips.

Be sure to let the salsa sit for about an hour after combining the veggies…it really gets those flavors going! And speaking of flavor, try the tortilla chips with a hint of lime. They’re really good with this salsa.

Just as the yellow and red tomatoes add great color, you might also try an arrangement of blue and yellow tortilla chips to amp up your presentation. Celery—especially those pieces near the stem—are like little spoons and just scoop that salsa right up. Or, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can always try yuca chips. My friend David Venable opened my eyes to this Latin ingredient and you can find premade yuca chips at your supermarket.

So now that you’ve got an appetizer idea, how can you make your house “the hangout spot?”
•    A comfy La-Z-Boy recliner doesn’t hurt, which just so happens to be our TSV(R) on Saturday! This chair has memory foam in the cushion, back, and foot rest, and it’s made of durable, attractive, stands-up-to-everything leather.
•    Now, be sure you have lot of seating in general. And, don’t forget about tables to place drinks and plates. Borrow some end tables from other rooms if necessary. Or, simply set up TV trays next to each seat so guests are less likely to put things down on the couch or floor…which inevitably leads to disaster.
•    Finally, the “is this my glass?” game will surely be played unless you differentiate them in some way with glass charms or colorful ribbon. You might also try using window markers, which are available in your supermarket craft aisle, to write guests names right on the glass. When the party’s over, you stick the glass in the dishwasher and the writing washes off!

We won’t have a DIY Project tomorrow, but here’s another finished rug to give you some inspiration! Michele or “Meech,” as she’s known to family and friends, is the blogger behind Made by Meech. Michele is a mom, wife, lover of crafting, sewing, baking, and decorating, and I’m in love with her creativity! She was kind enough to do a step-by-step tutorial for us as well. Here’s the finished product!

“I decided to have it say "hello" instead of the traditional "welcome." I then went with a chevron pattern because it's fun and I love geometric patterns. All in all, I really enjoyed trying this kit and I am very happy with my finished product. It is a great addition to my entry way!” --Michele

If you've made your own rug, please share your photos with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. And, before I go, what are your best entertaining tips? How do you make guests feel welcome in your home?

I’ll see you tomorrow at 5pm ET, everyone.

From my home to yours,
—Jill