Treasures #6

bowl // $1

vintage fabric // $2

skunk family // gifted!

pyrex mug // $.25

How adorable is that little skunk family? My aunt in Oklahoma sent me a package full of goodies and those little cuties were included. I have a slight addiction to kitchen ware, so I really try to limit myself to the best stuff- But if it's cheap enough, I get it anyway. Seriously, a quarter for a Pyrex mug... Sold!

Recipe: Baked Kale Chips

Kale chips are one of those things I knew I'd like, but I pushed off trying them for so long! Eating well has become pretty important to me, and I want Levi to feel good about eating healthy foods as he grows up. These kale chips literally melt in your mouth! They're great. Make them!

Wash your bundle of kale thoroughly. Blot leaves with paper towels before tearing, then tear off 1-2 inch pieces. Make sure you leave out the big stem in the middle because they can be bitter!

Put your kale in a mixing bowl and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of coarse salt. Lay out in a single layer on a baking sheet (you may need to use two) and then bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

I made two batches, one with garlic powder instead of coarse salt. The garlic smelled really good while baking, but I wasn't digging the taste once they came out. Especially compared with the EVOO and salt combination! These could really be spiced up any way. Next time I think I'll mix some Sriracha in with the oil for a spicy version!

Craft Room Inspiration

The craft room has honestly been the last room I've thought about decorating! Having our living room, bedroom, and nursery ready took priority, so I'm just starting to think about how I want to put my craft room together. Luckily, Corey and I both get our own rooms to do whatever we want with. :)

BEFORE PICTURE

1 // 2

As you can tell from the before picture, the room is pretty spacious! I bought some storage stuff from Michael's when it was 50% off so I'll be making good use of that. I really like the open shelving in the first picture and how pretty all the washi tape looks stacked up that way. I have a desk that I painted teal last year and was in my previous craft room, but I'd love to have a big ole table like in the second picture.

3 // 4

Until a big table is an affordable option, I'll probably put my desk against the wall like in pictures 3 and 4. I love the use of peg boards in craft rooms! Since the walls are white right now, I'll probably get a peg board and spray paint it a bright color. Again, I'm digging the shelving in all of these rooms!

5 // 6

I like to be pretty organized, so having places to store all of my supplies is important to me! There are so many ways to store fabric (like in a file cabinet) but I like this cheap idea of using plastic drawers. I can't wait to post pictures of how the craft room is coming along! 

Living Room Inspiration

1 // 2

Our living room is extremely open and spacious, so I've been trying to figure out how to close it in a little bit since filling it up isn't exactly in our budget! While I would love a bright & colorful couch, I'm not ready to keep it clean while raising our first child. Instead I'm thinking of white walls with lots of color added in through other things. I love the cardboard mounted deer head in the first photo, and the modern, happy feel of the second living room. (I've actually been eyeing that living room for years, it's so perfect! Click the link for more pictures.)

3 // 4

Since we have so much room, I'd love to fill a wall with prints, or build a cubed bookshelf to sit against the wall. I have some serious coffee table envy from all of these photos I've been pouring over. I really love Scandinavian style though, so I think we will go with some light birch wood touches.

(clockwise) 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

My heart is set on this Ikea sectional sofa! Having a sectional would really help control the space since it's shared with a dining room, and the gorgeous gray color is perfect. It's been so hard finding prints that I want to hang in the living room, but I really enjoy these two. It's funny, because when I don't have money, I look at prints I want to buy for days. When I do have money and want to buy them, I can never decide! Whatever ends up on the walls, I cannot wait to put it there.

Recipe: Black Bean Vegetarian Spring Rolls

This was my first attempt at making my own spring rolls, and they came out tasting really great! I love that spring rolls are so customizable. I can't wait to do these again, next time with some pineapple and mushroom.

You will need:

2 carrots, 1 green pepper, 4 stalks green onion, and a 2 inch piece of cucumber

1/3 cup black bean sauce

spring roll wrappers

sweet chili dipping sauce

Start by slicing your veggies into thin 2-inch strips. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over med-high heat. Once it's hot, put in all the veggies except for the cucumber. After 2-3 minutes, add the cucumber and black bean sauce. (I just drained the sauce from a can of black beans and had plenty!) Heat for 1-2 minutes and then set aside. 

Take 6 of your spring roll wrappers and wrap them in plastic wrap so they don't dry out during this process. One at a time, place the wrapper diagonally and brush the edges with water. Then put a spoonful of your cooked vegetable filling onto the wrapper. Fold the right corner over the filling and fold. Then bring in the top and bottom corners and continue rolling until the end. Set aside.

Heat a good amount of vegetable oil over high heat, then place your rolls into the oil. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side, or until brown. Mine cooked really fast, so be careful not to burn them! Once cooked, place onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb leftover oil. Let cool and enjoy!

DIY: Quilt Rack Makeover

Months before I even found out I was pregnant, I found this dingy little quilt rack at a thrift store for five dollars. It was rusted and beat up, but I just knew it had potential. When I found out I was pregnant and was reminded of my purchase, I knew it was time for the makeover! This project cost me a total of $9.

 before

First, I easily took it apart and sanded the rust off.

Then I put it back together, and made sure to tape off the feet with painters tape.

Then I used glossy white enamel spray paint, which was four dollars at Lowe's. I left it in the garage to dry overnight. Actually, it was left to dry for about two weeks until I finally took the tape off and got the final result pictures! Haha. 

I love how it turned out! My mom also made the quilt that is sitting on the rack for Levi's nursery! It's super awesome and I'm in love with the bold red border on it. I'll get a better picture of the quilt and show it off real soon! ;)

Treasures #5

pyrex // $3

vintage girl's dress // $2

antique saltine can // $4

crop sack // $5

We have two flea markets around here, and one of them is pretty mundane to me. They always have the same sellers with the same stuff and it gets old. The other (crappier) one is always full of junk but that's my favorite part of thrifting or antiquing! I love the hunt. I love the feeling of leaving with a haul as good as this one.