Author: Lora Knows...

I'm Lora, and the posts you will find here are inspired by the people I love and my daily life. I hope you enjoy browsing through my recipes, and reading about my life as a real estate agent, DIY wannabe, and wife of a retired Marine.
Real Estate, Style

White After Labor Day

Lora Knows...

If you think the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day still applies, think again. It’s acceptable to not only continue wearing white after the beginning of September, but to also decorate your interior space with white.

Soft white accents  

A neutral palette—any time of year—can instantly make your home brighter and more welcoming. If you still want to keep the autumn feel alive, add white gourds instead of orange. The options are endless for decorating with ivory and soft whites, making this the way to go for post-summer decorating.

Gallery wall

A black and white gallery wall could do wonders for your living room. It looks chic and clean, but still adds personality to the space. Stick with white frames with extra white space within the frame to keep the gallery wall minimalist.

Play around with textures

Too much white without texture can seem cold and boring. Research various wall textures to see if this is a viable option, or incorporate texture in other ways with throw pillows, accessories, and other decorative elements.

Don’t overdo it

It may seem impossible to overdo it with white—the most neutral color there is—but making your entire home white could have the opposite effect of cozy and lived-in. Still add splashes of color throughout your home, even if it’s just with centerpieces and other decor elements.

Cooking

Delicious BBQ Chicken

Lora Knows...

Here’s a classic BBQ chicken recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or your preferred cut of chicken)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (good store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
  • Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  1. Prepare the Marinade:
  • In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be your marinade and basting sauce.
  1. Marinate the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour half of the barbecue marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
  1. Preheat the Grill:
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F / 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  1. Grill the Chicken:
  • Place the marinated chicken on the grill, skin side down.
  • Close the lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and nicely browned.
  • Flip the chicken over and baste the cooked side with the reserved barbecue marinade.
  1. Baste and Grill Again:
  • Close the lid and cook for another 6-8 minutes, then flip the chicken again.
  • Baste the second side with more marinade.
  • Continue grilling, flipping, and basting every 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  1. Final Touch:
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a clean plate.
  • If desired, brush on a final layer of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
  1. Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve the delicious BBQ chicken alongside your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.

Enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken that’s bursting with smoky and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or any occasion. If I do not make my own sauce, I use Stubbs.