Design Tableau

2016 - The Year of Reboot

2015-12-30T13:33:00.000-08:00

So, today I am going to try a little experiment...I am going to mark my journey of rebooting my life via video.

My hope in doing this, is so that, 1) I will have accountability and 2) I might have a few of you be inspired to follow along.

Now, mind you, I am doing this as I go, so if you would like, just sit back and watch the successes and failures. We can learn and grow together.

Here is the first video to explain where I am right now in this process...(click the link below)

2016 The year of Reboot

Please leave any comments below. I welcome anything that will better this journey. (Please note: only encouraging messages will be posted, as this is a space for positive change)

Thanks,
Kim

PHOTO JOURNAL 2014

2014-01-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Oh Joy Studio - design by Emily Henderson - photo by Zeke Ruelas

Reference to Rod Stewart? Why yes! But, it is also a little clue as to a new project I began working on today.

Very excited!!! Can't tell now, but soon...soon...

PHOTO JOURNAL 2014

2014-01-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

Creating a new website takes coffee, a LOT of patience, and a furry friend for support...

NIGHTCAP FOR BETTER SLEEP, ENERGY, AND GREAT SKIN

2014-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

My grandmother would drink a tablespoon of olive oil mixed with milk everyday. She swore by it for healthy skin. If the idea of mixing milk and oil doesn't sound appetizing, or if you are like me, and don't drink milk, I came across this recipe in "nourish & heal" magazine to take before bed each night.

"Lovely Lemon Nightcap"

1 tbsp olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

8 oz water

Mix all together

Easy!!
(I added some agave nectar to cut down on the sour, and kept stirring as I drank...you know, water and oil DO NOT mix =)

Lemons naturally balance acids in your system brought on from animal protein, sugar, and grains. They also help clear mucus and toxins from your body. Drink nightly for up to 2 weeks and reap the benefits!! =)

HAPPY DRINKING!!

xo Kim

PHOTO JOURNAL 2014

2014-01-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

So, one thing that I have been wanting to do for many years now, is start a photo journal. I got the idea from Carly Simon in an article I read way, WAY back. She would take one polaroid, (yes polaroid, before they were "nostalgic"), and put it in an album. The photo would represent her day and tell a story visually. This is one of my, uh-hem, resolutions...

I went out this morning already, thinking of how I can start the new year and get my 2014 rolling. While driving around, it was very apparent that the world is sleeping today! Then it hit me! Today is a day I can't really do much because almost EVERYTHING is CLOSED! This allows for an awesome day to just sit and meditate on the year to come. Perfect!! Speak to me universe =)

Here is my first photo of the year...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2014-01-01T11:07:00.002-08:00

2013 flew by...(as the years tend to do). I am not big on New Year's resolutions, but for some reason, this year, I have a lot that I want to improve upon...so, I have begun to write some down. My list is rather long, which makes me wonder if I will be setting myself up. Hmmmm, well, why not shoot for it and see what comes out in the end??

This year, I have devoted all of my energies to MY business. This is a first for me. I am usually running around like a chicken with it's head cut off working multiple jobs or multiple jobs and going to school. Now, this is new territory. I think that is why I am contemplating goals. I need to focus!!

Here are the things I want to do:

1. Develop my Interior Design business (and find my niche)
2. Develop Design Tableau (for web design, content, topics, shop...etc)
3. Get organized
4. Do a daily photo journal
5. Have a good eating plan
6. BEGIN to exercise....AGAIN!!
7. Keep up with friend's and family's birthdays (send cards! NOT texts!!)

Ok, so, maybe it's just another way to run around like a chicken, but, at least it's MY chicken! (does that even make sense?) THIS is why I need to focus. It's very easy for me to get all over the place when I am thinking of too much. So, I am going to keep track of it here so "YOU" can keep me accountable AND focused!

As I look at the list, these all need to be done simultaneously...yikes. Well, let's get started and see how things develop...=)

First things first....GET ORGANIZED!

Do YOU make New Year's resolutions???

xo Kim

NEW COMPACTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2013-11-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy looking at yourself all the time or know someone who does?? Are you constantly getting something in your eye or food stuck in your teeth??

Then these fun compacts are just what you need!

I have new, 2 3/4" round, flip-open, compact mirrors in stock. They have a standard mirror on one side and a magnifying mirror on the other. Just perfect for the finding that one, eluding, peach-fuzz-of-a-hair-that-can't-be-located-in-your-eyelash times.

And what better time, now that the holidays are upon us??

TEN STYLES TO CHOSE FROM

Visit the shop today!!

STIKWOOD PEEL-AND-STICK RECLAIMED PLANKS

2013-11-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

RUSTIC LOOK THAT CAN BE REMOVED WHEN YOU MOVE

I am DEFINITELY putting this in my home!

Stikwood

STIKWOOD | HOW-TO from Franklin Pictures LLC on Vimeo.

Visit them at stikwood.com .

NEW HOME FURNISHINGS IN FULLERTON AND TUSTIN

2013-11-20T09:19:00.002-08:00

Aki-Home began in Japan in 1967. Akio Nitori opened a small furniture shop to offer products for the locals. When he took a trip out here to California, in 1972, he saw that we lived and shopped very differently from the Japanese. He brought the idea of spaciousness, quality, convenience, and value back home to Japan and his store took off. It is now one of the largest retailers in Japan.

Mr. Nitori has now brought it full-circle and has opened two new stores in Fullerton and Tustin.

When I went to their website, I wasn't very impressed, so I decided to go in and have a look around. I was in the Irvine area, so I stumbled into the Tustin location. The employees could not have been nicer and I was pleasantly surprised with the selection and prices they had. I even walked out with a few things =) I can see this as becoming one of my "go-to's".

Here are a few things that caught my eye. This coupon offers 25% off and is good through November 24th, so go have a look. I'm sure you'll find something you must have.

VEGAN CLAM CHOWDER

2013-11-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorites is Clam Chowder! For this Meatless Monday, I wanted to share an absolutely amazing vegan alternative. I can not express enough how delicious this recipe is...you will think you are in San Francisco sitting at Fisherman's Wharf. Really! No joke!

It comes to us via Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Kitchen. And, funny enough, another recipe from guest Chef Tal Ronnen. See more of Kris' amazing journey and buy her cookbook at kriscarr.com.

Shopping list:
Cashew Cream
4 cups whole raw cashews (rinse and soak overnight; I put mine in the fridge and soaked that day, around 8 to 9 hrs) Note: This will make waaayyyy more cashew cream than you need but I will share other ways to use it later
Kombu Broth
4 pieces kombu seaweed (they are small squares so it is stated to use about 5 by 8 inches; you can find this at Whole Foods or Mother's Market or the like)
2 quarts water
Smoked Mushrooms
1 tbsp small hickory chips (this didn't seem like much, so I actually had the bigger chips and used about a cup. Be sure to see how long to soak them and do it ahead of time. You will use these to smoke the mushrooms)
1 heaping cup diced king trumpet mushrooms (these are also known as king oyster mushrooms)

(They look like this =)

**You will also need a roasting pan with a rack if you don't have one. I picked one up at Bed, Bath and Beyond for 15 bucks.
Chowder Assembly
1 tbsp canola oil
1 cup diced white onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup peeled and diced baking potato
2 1/2 to 3 cups water (This is to control the consistency of the soup while it is cooking. You will have plenty of the kombu broth left over. I added that instead of plain water)
1 tsp lemon juice, more to taste (I actually used 2 or 3 times more, and served wedges on the side. I love my lemon =)
1/2 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce, more to taste (I used Crystal Hot Sauce)
2 tsp kosher salt, more to taste
1 tsp black pepper, more to taste

To prep: Set the oven to preheat for 450 degrees (for mushrooms) and be sure to soak the hickory chips. (They need to soak for about 25 minutes) Then, I started with the broth first. It takes 40 minutes, so while this was on, I was able to prepare everything else.

Broth

Combine the kombu seaweed and the 2 quarts water in a medium pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook 40 minutes. When done, strain through sieve into bowl and set aside. Whatever you don't use in the recipe, you can cover and keep in the fridge for 10 days.

Prep Cashew Cream

While broth is cooking, strain cashews and rinse again. To prepare the cashew cream, place cashews in high-speed blender. (I have a Magic Bullet and it worked great. You will need to do this in batches) Add enough water to cover by an inch and puree until completely smooth. Pour into a sieve and whisk the cream into a separate bowl. This will separate the cream and the nut pulp will be left in the sieve. Keep the cream only and you can toss the pulp. The cream should be like a thick, heavy cream. (if you have a good recipe for the nut pulp, let me know=) Again, you will only be using 1 1/2 cups of the cream, but you can do lots with the left overs. The left-over cream can be kept in the fridge to use later.

Dice onion, celery, and potato and put in one bowl. Set aside. Dice mushroom and set aside.

Prepare Smoked Mushrooms

Drain hickory chips and place on foil-lined bottom of roasting pan. (The book has you use a stovetop smoker OR a roasting pan. I don't have a smoker, so the pan worked really well in it's place) Place the mushrooms on foil on the rack. Cover pan with foil and roast for about 10 minutes. (The book said 3 to 5 in the smoker, but it wasn't long enough in my oven. Just keep checking so you don't over roast, because the mushrooms will get bitter) Take out and set aside.

Combining all the goodness
Heat the oil in a medium size pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and potato. (see why you can keep them in the same bowl? huh?? =) Sweat until softened, stirring frequently (8 to 10 minutes)

Add 1 1/2 cups EACH of the kombu broth and cashew cream, along with the smoked mushrooms. Reduce the heat and cook over low heat, stirring frequently (about 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors sing and dance and have a party together) As the cashew cream thickens, add the broth, one cup at a time, as needed, to thin and adjust the consistency. I used only about 2 cups total of the extra broth. It all depends on how thick you want your finished soup. In the book, they said they added about 3 cups. Cook until the potatoes are tender.

Season with lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste to adjust the seasonings as desired.

“How can a nation be great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?”
Julia Child

So, taste, people, taste!! =)

The book said it makes about 2 quarts of soup to have 12 servings...?? I don't know about that! 12? (They DID add more extra water, though.) However, we split it up into 2 HUGE servings and then had some left over for 1 second helping =) I don't really know how much a "true" serving is, but we couldn't resist to heap it in our bowls ;) Yumm-eh!

You will definitely have enough cream and broth left if you need to just cut up more veggies and make another batch.

Serve with sourdough bread and Enjoy!

OUT OF VOGUE

2013-11-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a few items that caught my eye at a local vintage joint...LOVE this place!

Out of Vogue

Have a great weekend!!

THE CONTENTIOUS CORNER

2013-11-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

As an Interior Designer, I often look around my apartment and mumble to myself, "Physician, heal thy self!!". This is one of those spaces.

I love to cook and this space is so frustrating to work in!! There is so much wasted space. And, don't get me started on the functionality of it all!! So, I made this my project. As you can see, the check list is lengthy.

Dead corner solution, top shelf can't reach wasteland, spices falling on each other where I don't even know what I have until I buy 3 dry mustard jars shelf, tea, cookbooks, fruit, cooking utensils, bowls and gadgets, pasta and beans, and on and on...

If I had my druthers, I would rip out every, single cabinet, re-configure them, and do it how I like it. This being a rented apartment, my options are limited, so I set out...and thought I would share what I came up with, so as to help you if you have the same situation.

After trips to Dollar Tree, 99cent Store, Target, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Home Goods, and The Container Store, this is the result. (thus far!)

Nothing major, but it is MAJORLY different to work in here.

Jars are always a good solution to store your dried goods. You can find them at flea markets, goodwill, dollar store, and anywhere else. Be sure to make a list of what you will fill them with and how many you want to put out on the counter. This will help you when you are shopping for quantity and sizes. Mix them for a little texture.

You can pick up mason jars for a bargain at your local hardware store. I am always shocked when I walk into Ace Hardware. They have some really cool things for cheap, cheap! The "step" spice shelves really help to see the ones hiding in the back.

I found these cute spice jars at the 99 Cent Store for 2 for $1. The shelf is from The Container Store.

P.S.: DO NOT DO THIS!! I thought it would be cute to put the red spice shelf above the range...WRONG! As soon as I made dinner, they were starting to heat up! So, don't put a shallow spice shelf in this space =) I will be moving mine somewhere else today.

I placed some of my cookbooks that I use regularly on a new bread box I got at Target. The others, I put in another room. The little jars are a silent auction item win from the recent All the Arts for All the Kids annual pin auction. Great "win/win"! (Made by one of our great local teachers. Thank you Rebecca!!=) As you see, I need to keep my daily vitamins out where I can see them so I don't forget ;) The other jar holds hemp seeds for salads.

I put all of my tea bags into their own container as well. I marked the containers that are not glass, so I know what is in them. With the oatmeal placed in a jar, this creates a nice little breakfast station.

How could I leave out the pantry? I picked up these pantry pull-outs at The Container Store. 24" deep pantries are always a pain to reach. You can't "cram" as much stuff in, but you can actually see what you have and then you have to use or throw out items before you buy more! The "Good Grip" suction containers were about 1/2 the price at Home Goods compared to Bed, Bath, and Beyond!! BB&B is actually pretty expensive. So be sure to look around.

Another tip: My Cuisinart hand blender was only $19.99 at Home Goods. The lime green one was about 5 bucks cheaper than the white one. They were the exact same one! So add some color to your world and save money at the same time! ;)

Finals: I am in the process of designing an insert for an upper, dead-corner cabinet. I was hard pressed to find a solution for that! There are plenty of solutions on the market for lower corner cabinets, but nothing for the upper. (I found ONE! But, it did not pass my standards =) To reach the high, high places? Well, I just opted to get a step stool that I can tuck between the cabinet and the fridge. (Again, I got one for $5 cheaper because of the color! Crazy)

If you have any great organizing solutions, please share! I am always trying to see how to make life a little less stressful. =)

SAVINGS IN THE KITCHEN

2013-11-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Last week, my Mother's Market food bill was $108.60. That is down from about $194.00 per week of food for 2! That is, when I am running to the market after work every night, scrambling for ideas for dinner.

By sitting down and making a weekly menu, I saved around $85 bucks! When you are in a hurry, and not prepared, it's all the little splurges that will getcha at the checkout.

This week, I sat down, checked out where ALL of my local framers markets are for every day of the week. For Californians, you can find yours here. I wanted to see if I can save even more by staying focused and buying local.

One trick to the farmer's market is to get there early enough, before the sun starts to heat up the produce. I left this morning with a $51 limit (because that is how much of my last bill was spent on fruits and veggies alone) and off I went.

The result?

Another savings of $39.19!! Now, what I did not tell you is that this amount also included my big splurge on a bag of almonds for $9 and a loaf of bread! There are a couple of items that I still need to go out and get that weren't available today, but, I don't have much, so I know it will not topple my savings.

So get out there! Rain or shine, there are markets going on, and they make for a fun outing.

Remember:

*GO OFF OF A WEEKLY MEAL MENU (I know they take some time, but in the end, not only will you save money...you will also add some variety in your meals and get to try some new recipes=)

*MAKE A SHOPPING LIST (it's easy to get side-tracked)
I found these at Target, but you can make your own. They help with meal plans AND the shopping list.

*WASH YOUR FINDS AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME AND STORE THEM PROPERLY

SEE HOW TO STORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES HERE.

Share how you save money in the kitchen.

Have fun and healthy day!!

MEATLESS MONDAY MENU

2013-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

I first started to incorporate one meatless meal a week into our daily life about 4 years ago. Even though I had tried to kick the meat habit since my early 20's, it always seemed so daunting.

I always tried the "all-in" approach. Then, the one meal a week idea started to take off and I thought, "I can do THAT!".

This was one of the first meals I tried on my husband. I thought, if HE likes it, being from Louisiana, the Land-of-delicious-cuisine, then I can move forward with others.

So, on this Veteran's Day Meatless Monday, I thought I would share.

The recipe comes from one of my favorite books. Tal Ronnen's "The Conscious Cook".

This is for the "Agave-Lime Grilled Tofu"

Ingredients:

1 lb. extra-firm tofu

1/4 cup light agave nectar

1/2 cup soy sauce (he suggests shoyu soy sauce, I had low sodium on hand)

3 garlic cloves, smashed

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 2 limes

1 1/2 tablespoons lightly packed brown sugar

Prepare the tofu by cutting it into 8 (1/4" thick) slabs. (Prior to cutting, I press my tofu in a towel for 20 minutes to get rid of any excess water) In a bowl, combine all remaining ingredients for the marinade.

Pour over tofu and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. After tofu has marinated, place it in a single layer on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. (RESERVE THE MARINADE)

While tofu is baking, pour the marinade into a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until reduced to a syrupy glaze. (About 8 minutes)

The tofu can now be grilled on an outdoor grill or grill pan. Here, I just placed in a fry pan. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until grill-marked. Turn over and generously slather on the glaze on each side.

Tal serves his with Asian Slaw and Mashed Sweet Potatoes...I chose to serve over brown rice and a side of bok choy.

Enjoy!!

THE RE-VAMP

2013-11-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

Hi all...

I just wanted to inform everyone who stops by here that I am revamping this blog page. I had travelled to another site, but am finding that I like working on this site much better.

So, please stretch out and stay tuned as I will be posting here regularly and sharing some things that I hope you will enjoy!!

Thanks!!

Kim

SATURDAY ADVENTURE

2013-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Take a leap into the unknown today!

I know that if you are in a part of the country, or the world for that matter, that is cold, wet, and snowy, you might be laughing at me right now.

BUT, if you can see the sun and you can walk outside without needles jabbing into your face, then I suggest you GET OUT!!

Here's how, thanks to Amy Poehler's Smart Girls on Pinterst...

ENJOY!! xoxo

COLOR OF THE YEAR - 2013

2013-01-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, the new color of the year is....ta-da...EMERALD GREEN!

Yes, Pantone has come out with this years color, and we are rolling in green.

The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward. Emerald, a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com

Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate.
Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

(all information provided by myPANTONE)

SO LET'S GET OUT THERE AND MAKE IT A GREENTASTIC 2013!!

HAPPY DAY-BEFORE-TURKEY (OR "TOFURKEY") DAY!!

2012-11-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the wonderful time of year again when the air is crisp and the leaves are falling. There is something about this time of year that is happy and nostalgic. For some, it's a time of reflection and solemn pondering.

No matter your mood, it can always use a little lift. Today, I am making the cranberry sauce for our gathering in the mountains tomorrow and I have decided on this recipe. Thanks to Susan at Savoring Time in the Kitchen, it is a simple and different twist on an old favorite.

But, don't hate me...I might just have to take one can of the ol' canned jelly too =)

I said I was feeling nostalgic...

ENJOY

Makes 3 cups.

1 packages (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen but I always use fresh during the holidays)
1 cup dried cherries
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 cup sugar
2 cups water

In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, cherries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until most of the berries have burst and liquid is syrupy, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Cover, pressing plastic wrap directly on surface of relish and refrigerate.

Make Ahead: Can be made up to two weeks ahead and refrigerated.

I'M STILL HERE

2012-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hi all...I just wanted to tell you to keep checking back. I have been really busy these days and have not had too much time to post new items, but, I am still here and will be posting very soon.

I love that all of you who visit stop by. I love to share things that I find with you, so thanks for being there!!!

HAPPY SPRING!!

TIPSY TUESDAY

2012-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

If the bottom of your sink cabinet looks anything like mine, this would be a great way to clean it up.

Vinyl floor tiles are easy to lay and make clean-up even easier.

Source: Family Handyman

This is all you need..

MONOCHROMATIC MONDAY

2012-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Royalty

LIFE IS BUSY!!!

2012-02-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not posting much, this last week. Life has a tendency to get away from us....

I did want to show you a few items that I purchased from ModCloth. I just love what they have to offer. And...they are just as cute on!!

Look for a great give-a-way in the near future ;)

TIPSY TUESDAY

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this and wanted to share it with you. It's an ingenious idea that Cheryle Rhuda and Danika Herrick, founders of O'verlays, came up with while Danika was helping a client revamp her Ikea wardrobe.

The product is so simple! Take a look...

I absolutely love, love, love how you can transform a plain dresser so easily and make it into a piece of art!!

I can't wait to try this!!!

FASION FRIDAY

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Inspiration from Project Runway's Mondo Guerra

Miley Cyrus' dressing room...inspired by the Viceroy Holtel in Santa Monica

KID CRAFT

2012-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

I thought this was such a cute idea. I found it on Project Balancing Act. And, since I have friends with little tots, I wanted to post this.

This would be a great idea for a birthday party craft project. All of the kids make their own and it is the gift that they take home.

Just use finger paints for the butterfly wings and a permanent marker for the body. Put their name and date in the corner, and their parents will be so happy about the party!!

I would suggest that this would be a great project for the parties that you have the parents stay and participate. They can each help their own child and it would be a wonderful bonding craft. Maybe even the parents could make their own and get their feet a little messy with their kids!! How fun!!!

To cut down on costs, you can just purchase canvas panels instead of stretched canvas. They come in a lot of different sizes. You can find some good deals at Art Supplies Online.

Be sure to use a drop cloth and have plenty of handi-wipes close by =)