Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity at home.

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Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad

At every summer barbecue or family get together, for as far back as I can remember, my mom has made a DELICIOUS pasta salad that’s filled to the brim with fresh veggies and zesty flavor. I look forward to it every time I know she’s making it!

During a recent heatwave, I needed a filling and tasty dinner for my family that could be served cold. I despise eating hot and heavy foods when it’s above 90 degrees outside! So I grabbed my mom’s famous pasta salad recipe and gave it a little twist that makes it a perfect meal instead of a side – cheese tortellini! This cheesy tortellini pasta salad is PERFECT as a meal on a hot summer night, or as a side dish at any barbecue! It's packed with tasty veggies, zesty flavoring, and lots of cheese!
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Soft and Chewy Pink Lemonade Cookies

Most people drink their lemonade, but why not eat it, too?  I’m all for that, since lemonade (or “lemalade,” as my kids call it), is one of my faves in the drink department.  (Especially when it’s spiked.  Don’t judge.)  With that bit of background info, you shouldn’t be surprised that I think these pink lemonade cookies are a delicious treat that make for an awesome summer dessert!  These soft and chewy pink lemonade cookies are a perfect treat for summer! They go together quickly and are a hit with everyone. [Read more…]

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Sensational Summer Side Salads

Holy post title alliteration, Batman! 

But seriously.  Let’s talk about summer side salads for a minute.  They’re a crucial component of any successful outdoor soiree, don’t you think?  In my book, they’re probably right up there with tasty beverages.

That’s why this roundup of sensational summer side salads is FABULOUS!  So many varieties of mouthwatering salads all in one place.  I honestly cannot decide which one I want to make first.

YUM! This roundup of summer side salads will make your mouth water! You'll definitely find the perfect recipe for summer entertaining! [Read more…]

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Slow Cooker Tangy Beef Sandwiches

If you happen to have “liked” Average But Inspired on Facebook, you may have seen that I declared that I am “totally over cooking” last week.  It’s true; I just don’t want to do it anymore!  So if anyone knows of a personal chef who is willing to work for free, please send him or her my way.

Until that happens, I just have to suck it up (I guess), and continue preparing meals for my family.  So I’m resorting to my favorite slow cooker meals, which are easy to prepare and delicious.  These slow cooker tangy beef sandwiches are near the top of the “favorites” list because they’re so darn tasty!  Brown sugar and chili powder combine to make a tangy sauce for these deliciously tender slow cooker tangy beef sandwiches. The horseradish and mustard sauce adds an extra kick, too!
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Semi-Homemade Chocolate Banana Bread

When you think of bread, do you think of cake mix and chocolate?  Yeah, neither do I.  So truthfully, I’m not really sure that this semi-homemade chocolate banana bread is actually bread.  I think it’s really just cake that is passing itself off as bread by being baked in a bread pan.

But no matter how you slice it (see what I did there?), it’s delicious.  And you should bake some for yourself.  Is it bread or is it cake? It doesn't matter because it's delicious! This semi-homemade chocolate banana bread is easy to make and so good!
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Stenciled Chair Seats – A Thrifty and Fun Kitchen Chair Makeover

Thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for providing the stencil used in this project and the prize to be awarded in the giveaway.  The project and opinions are all my own. One thing I love is giving a plain object new life and personality with a simple change.  Stenciling the seats of my beat up kitchen […]

Chalk Painted Drop Leaf Table Makeover

Several weeks ago my kids and I were driving when I spotted a table in the alley behind our church.  Like the dedicated furniture hoarder that I am, I immediately threw the car into reverse and backed into the alley to check it out.  It was an old drop leaf table that hadn’t sold at […]

A Rifle Paper Co. Inspired Furniture Makeover

Two things I love love love are Rifle Paper Co. and furniture makeovers.  If you’re not familiar with Rifle Paper Co, check out their website.  Their floral and whimsical patterns are right up my alley.  I’ve used their patterned papers on several projects, including this Console Table Makeover, my grandma’s Side Table Makeover, and most […]

A Dated Powder Room Gets a Bold Makeover!

I absolutely love doing room makeovers.  And you know what I’ve discovered?  It’s even better when I’m spending someone else’s money to do them!  HA!  I had the opportunity to do just that over Mother’s Day weekend when I helped my mom give her dated powder room a bold makeover with a vanity paint job […]