My husband and kids claim this is the best taco recipe ever! It’s worth trying if you want a new take on a family favorite dinner favorite.

This recipe substitutes a custom seasoning blend for your typical taco seasoning. It also uses raw saukraut instead of lettuce for a healthy crunch that also delivers beneficial probiotics in every delicious bite. (Trust me, this is one of the most delectible ways to enjoy your fermented veggies.)

Ready to try it out?

Here’s what you’ll need for the seasoned beef:

2 lbs. ground beef (We get ours grassfed in bulk from a local rancher. I usually thaw it in a bowl of water an hour before using or put it in the refrigerator a few days before I plan to use it.)

2 t. salt (I prefer Real Salt or Himalayan salt)

2 t. oil for cooking (I usually use coconut oil, ghee, or leftover bacon greese.)

1/2 t. black pepper

1 1/2 t. Frontier vegetable seasoning

1 1/2 t. Simply Organic adobo seasoning

1 1/2 t. Frontier dry onion

1/2 t. Simply Organic chipotle powder

(Please note, this is a mild recipe–so if you like it spicy double up on the chipotle powder and use your favorite hot sauce.)

In a medium frying pan, heat up the cooking oil on medium heat. Once it’s hot–but not too hot–add the ground beef. Use a spatula to help the ground beef crumble into fairly uniform small pieces. Add all seasoning to the beef and cook it until it’s brown. 

Here’s what you’ll need to put the tacos together:

Hard taco shells or soft tortillas (I used these Garden of Eatin’ blue corn taco shells from Amazon Pantry. You can also find low carb options, like these whole wheat Mission Carb Balance tortillas, but they do contain some soy. My husband is on a pretty hard core clean keto regime so he prefers to wrap his with Folios Cheese Wraps.)

Raw saurkraut (I make my own, but you can find it in the refrigerator section of some grocery stores and Costco.)

Shredded cheese (I used a five-cheese Mexican blend from Costco)

Sour cream

I like to put out all the ingredients and let everyone (at least those who are old enough) build their own.

Do you have some unique ingredients your family loves in their tacos? Comment below!

      

Editorial credit: Checubus / Shutterstock.com

If you’re thinking about moving to Idaho, you’re not alone. This roomy western state is one of the fastest-growing states in the US. If a move to the gem state might be in your future, keep reading to get a lay of the land.

Nov. 15, 2019: Bike officers patrol Boise’s 22.3-mile greenbelt pathway year-round. The bicycle unit began in 1989 with two part-time officers and now has five officers and a sergeant.
Photo credit: D.Lopez-FotoMundo America / Shutterstock.com

 The “City of Trees”

For many people moving to Idaho means heading for the state’s capital, Boise. This intermountain west city is home to the largest metro area in the state. The nearest major cities include Salt Lake City, Utah to the south and Portland, Oregon in the northwest.

If you aspire to become a local, one of the first things you need to know is how to pronounce the name of the city. Locals pronounce it “boy-see” instead of “boy-zee.” Boise is located in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, a large fertile high desert farming area kept green by extensive irrigation systems. The New York Canal flows through the city, supplied by the Lucky Peak Reservoir. The Boise River also runs through the city, flanked by an extensive park system and bike path known as the greenbelt.

August 8, 2018: Girl in Fountain statue at Fountain Square in The Village, Meridian, Id.
Photo credit: Matthew Thomas Allen / Shutterstock.com

Fastest Growing Metro Areas

Most newcomers planning to move to Boise actually end up in one of several cities surrounding Idaho’s capitol. Nampa and Meridian are among the nation’s fastest-growing cities.

These once sleepy farming towns, along with Eagle and Caldwell, are now growing rapidly. Other smaller outlying cities include Star, Emmett, and Kuna. If you really crave small-town life you can check out numerous small farming communities in Southwest Idaho and near the Eastern Oregon border.

June 7, 2018: JUMP, Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, a not-for-profit, interactive creative center and community gathering place in downtown Boise on a summer afternoon.
Photo credit: stellamc / Shutterstock.com

Economic Growth

If you visited Idaho decades ago, prepare to find new construction almost everywhere. Subdivisions and shopping malls have sprung up across the region–and downtown Boise’s skyline has changed significantly.

One popular new venue, Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) is also a nod to Idaho’s history. Idaho’s former “potato billionaire” Jack Simplot’s influence can be felt throughout the Treasure Valley from Esther Simplot Park (which he donated in memory of his wife) to Micron Technology Inc. (a computer memory company he helped make possible by investing heavily in the new technology in the 70s).

A lower cost of living compared to parts of California and the Northwest has some companies moving to Idaho while other successful start-ups have been created by Idaho natives in the past several years. A few notable software as a service companies in the Boise metro area include ConvertKit, Click Funnels, Truckstop.com, Paylocity, and an Intuit location.

The Housing Market

Due to the increased number of people moving to Idaho, Boise area housing prices continue to increase. In December 2019 the median home price in Boise was $335,000 compared to $214,000 in 2014. That’s a $121,000 increase in only five years.

However, the area’s cost of living is still a bargain compared to many major cities on the west coast, especially Seattle and major cities in California where investment from foreign cash buyers has been driving up real estate prices. And while foreign investment in the US housing market has been cooling off in the past couple of years, the effects still aren’t being felt in the Boise housing market where a tight supply is expected to push prices a bit higher in 2020. In fact, Realtor.com predicts Boise will have the hottest housing market in the nation in 2020.

Are you contemplating a big move this year? We’d love to hear about it the challenges you’re facing. Comment below or drop me an email.

     

 

 

Design trends this year included bold, rich paint colors and great textures. Those elements are the perfect base for gorgeous Christmas decor.

Keep reading for three simple ways you can incorporate some great Christmas decor trends this year.

Add a Pop of Color

Purple made a splash on runways this year and you can bring this fashion trend into your Christmas decor with a few accent pieces. Combining purple balls in matte tones along with glittering gold decorations will add a fresh twist to your winter look.

Add Warmth with Candles and Layers

Use lighting, candles, and textures to add warmth. Christmas lights with gold tones will warm up windows and candles add ambiance on window sills and tables.

Add a cozy feeling with rugs, blankets, and pillows with a variety of textures.

Nature-Inspired Decor

A popular Christmas decor trend this year involves using natural elements to add texture and interest to any room. Use wood, burlap, and other natural elements for decorations that are on-trend and classic at the same time.

Check out this post from The Design Tourist for inspiration!

      

(This post is brought to you by ServiceMaster Restore.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

     

 

 

(This post is brought to you by New Leaf Cabinets.)

Budgeting for your kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a bad situation. And you certainly don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Many people assume that they have to spend upwards of $20,000 for a kitchen remodeling, but the truth is, you can enhance the appearance of your kitchen on the cheap—without compromising quality of the kitchen’s integrity. If you’re looking to make some changes in your home—and increase your home value—here are six budgeting tips for a kitchen makeover.

Create a Budget

This first tip may seem like the most obvious one, but it’s the tip that’s most often ignored. Sticking to a budget is much harder than you think. Some homeowners falsely assume that, because they’re buying and remodeling inexpensively, they don’t have to keep up with the costs. But as you might have already learned from going to low-cost department stores like Target, the little things add up. Take a look at your income, your bills, and decide home much you can afford to spend. Use budgeting apps to help you keep track of your budget along the way.

Be Smart About Your Backsplash

Your backsplash is functional and visually appealing. After all, a tiled backsplash can prevent you from having to spend thousands replacing walls that may become water damaged from condensation and grime in this area. Depending on your kitchen, this is an area where your eyes might be naturally drawn to. One of the most important budgeting decisions you’ll make is choosing what tiles to use. High-end tile will, of course, cost more money, but you can save by purchasing a tile product that has been discounted, answering ads on seller marketplaces like Craigslist, or purchasing the leftover tiles that weren’t use for a different project.

Don’t Forget About the Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen can completely change the ambiance of your space. Overhead lighting should be bright to help you concentrate on your kitchen’s cooking areas. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great addition that won’t hurt your budget, but will prove very effective and functional in your kitchen.

For your primary lighting source, consider track lighting over recessed lighting, which costs more and is a time-consuming, laborious project. Because holes will need be cut into the ceiling, you’ll have to consider the costs of adding electrical wiring—and the hidden costs associated with repairing the ceiling.

Think About Your Counters & Cabinetry

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets and counters isn’t easy, as these are the focal point of your kitchen. When guests walk into your kitchen, they make first impressions based on this. As such, it should be a priority in your remodeling efforts. If you already have good cabinetry, you could simply add new doors and hardware and retain the frame. You could also save money by painting or spray painting your current doors, and simply installing new hardware pieces.

A good paint job always makes an incredible difference. For outdated cabinets that are still in good condition, consider painting them white and then priming them with a semi-gloss. White cabinetry also makes a space feel bigger and brighter than it actually is.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to know when to renovate and when to replace. “A full renovation of cabinets involves removing the cabinet frames and starting from scratch,” says New Leaf, a maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops in Tacoma WA. “Of course, this will cost more, but it’s often necessary when you realize that simple coat of paint won’t hide the damages and wear and tear of your cabinetry.”

Work With Your Plumbing

Each time your move your appliances, you’re likely going to add another $5,000 to your budget. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do your best to work with your current layout—especially when it comes to your piping and utilities. You may, however, choose to decide on new appliances, which can complement all the changes that you’ve made to the kitchen. Many department stores offer stellar appliances on credit, and of course there are warehouses where you can find cheaper, high-quality appliances, too. This property blog will help you on more cool kitchen remodeling ideas.

Add or Renovate an Island

An island can do wonders for the overall appearance of your space. It doesn’t interfere with the preparation areas, creates more seating, and is also great for having help in the kitchen and turning the space into an efficient cooking area and social space. If your kitchen is already equipped with an island, you can give it a new look. If you want to install an island from scratch, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $5,000—but it will likely be a worthwhile investment. To save a bit of money, consider using a butcher block countertop instead of traditional granite and the more expensive stone options.

      

(This post is brought to you by Hestia Home Services.)

Is your home feeling drab and uninspiring? Before you get ready to hang up a sale sign, check out the ideas below for ways to give your space new life.

The Kitchen

There’s a reason upgrading the kitchen is one of the top ways to increase your home’s value. This room is often considered the heart of the home. So it makes sense that this is one of the top spots for renovating. To give your kitchen a facelift, consider getting in some new appliances if yours are on the older side. You can also replace the countertops or simply paint the cabinets. Finally, if you want to go big, you could do something dramatic like knocking out a wall, adding in an island, or redoing the floors.

The Bathroom

Another essential area in your home is the bathroom. It may seem like the room you spend the least amount of time in, but it’s also a significant contributor to your home’s value. Doing some simple things like adding in a new counter or bathtub can go a long way.

According to Houston remodeling contractors Hestia Home Services, when it comes to kitchen and bathroom renovations, “Simple things like choosing quartz counters over marble and quality fittings reduces our maintenance woes. Likewise, installing LED lights, opting for insulated windows cuts energy bills. Not to mention, brighter designs makes it look larger and more relaxing.”

Bedrooms

Next, you’ll want to consider the bedrooms in your home. Start with your own bedroom. When was the last time you replaced your mattress? Does the furniture go with the rest of the room? How do you feel about the paint color? Your bedroom is supposed to be your safe haven away from the stresses of the world, so make sure it’s a place you love to spend time in.

After that, move onto the other bedrooms. Perhaps your kids have grown out of their old furniture and need an upgrade. Or maybe you plan on having guests over more often and want to upgrade your spare bedroom. Again, small changes can go a long way, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to transform a bedroom.

The Basement

If you have a basement, consider fixing it up a bit. When done right your basement can turn into a great place to entertain guests or simply spend time relaxing. Of course, many basements are dark and dank naturally, so you’ll have to do some work to make it homey. Consider adding an electric heater or fireplace, installing more lights, and getting some comfortable furniture. Add in a television and you’re good to go.

Your Yard

Finally, don’t forget about the outside of your home. Remodeling the inside is great, but if you want to improve your curb appeal, while also giving yourself a relaxing place to spend time outside, you’ll want to fix up the yard. This means doing some landscaping, maybe adding in some patio furniture, or installing a water feature. Here are some great yard ideas for inspiration.

How to Prepare for Your Remodel

To get started with your remodel, you’ll first want to decide on which room you’re tackling first. Is it your kitchen? One of the bedrooms? After you choose one, start coming up with a list of all the things you want to do. For now, don’t worry about the budget, just let your imagination run wild.

Once you have a pre-remodeling checklist, you can start pricing everything you want to do. As you go along, you’ll figure out which items are possible within your budget, and which ones will have to go by the wayside. No matter which methods you choose, you’ll have to find a way to pay for them. The best thing you can do is start saving up early, and make sure you know all the costs before you start any of the work.

Finally, if you’re planning a big job, get some help. Find a local remodeling service to help give you ideas and do the work for you. This will save you time and ensure the job gets done right. Hopefully this guide was able to get you started thinking about remodeling your home, and it won’t be long before you’ve transformed some problem areas into spaces you love.

     

 

 

(This post is brought to you by G&B Tile and Plaster.)

Let’s face it: it’s easy to get bored with your backyard. Unless you have a particular knack for gardening, you might stop taking care of your yard entirely. But it is possible to bring your backyard back to life and turn it into something special. Here are a few ways to revitalize the prime real estate behind your home.

Build a Pool

Imagine the perfect American home.

If you placed your abode in the West or the South, there’s a good chance it includes a pool. It’s a sign of luxury. Having a pool is also an easy way to connect with your friends and family during the hot summer months.

A pool is also a huge expense. Building a pool on your property will increase its value but you won’t see that money until you move out. You’ll have to take care of the initial cost upfront.

You need to search for pool plaster companies until you find one that can boast features like best replastering process available hydroblasting with a 40,000 PSI UHP Water Jetting Machine.

Add Rocks

A desert-style landscape not only looks amazing, it’s easy to maintain. (Leaving you with more time to lounge by that pricey pool.)

To complete your backyard style change, consider adding rocks. There will be an upfront cost, but you’ll save money and time over the years when you don’t have to mow your yard.

If you want to get the ultimate rock look, think about hiring a professional landscaper.

Get Social

To fall in love with your backyard, you need to create new memories. Make the most out of your space by hosting a BBQ or party. Invite your friends and family over and have a blast.

And don’t wait until everything is “perfect” to enjoy your outdoor spaces—you can have people over at any stage of your backyard development. People who love you won’t care what your property looks like. They’ll want to hang out with you.

Hire a Professional

Sometimes, you need a professional touch to get the results you want. A professional landscaper or gardener can completely transform your outdoor space. There are a couple of different ways to go about this.

If your backyard needs a complete overhaul, your best bet is to hire a landscaper and plan for a big project. You may never work with this person again after the work is complete. You’re not looking for someone to maintain your yard, just to make changes that you can’t make on your own.

If you’re happy with the way your yard looks overall but you’re battling problems like creeping weeds and dead grass, you can hire a crew to come a few times a month to keep everything in line.

Decorate

Great lighting, patio furniture, decorations will liven up your backyard. You may find some treasures for a bargain at garage sales and online shops.

If you have kids, you can focus on things like swing sets, basketball hoops, and tree houses. Some of their favorite childhood memories may be made in your back yard.

Don’t let concerns about a lack of design skills keep you from making your backyard into one of the best parts of your home.

      

(This post is brought to you by Jac Interiors.)

Unless you’re an A-list actor or a big-time movie producer, it’s easy to feel out of place in the glitz and glamor that is Beverly Hills. Fortunately, with the right guidance, you don’t have to look out of place. A sure way not to look out of place is to act like a local, which is easier said than done.

Photo credit: Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Withdraw a Cupcake

Only tourists get their cupcakes from actual bakeries. Locals go directly to the Cupcake ATM, make their selection and then wait for the machine to dispense their order — seriously. To enjoy a tasty gourmet treat on the go, just look for the striped portico situated between Sprinkles Ice Cream and Sprinkles Cupcakes. Is Fido with you? Get him a doggy cake as well.

Stroll the Gardens

Any Beverly Hills native or long-time resident knows that the city’s most luxurious features aren’t found on Rodeo Drive in a celebrity mansion. The Rose Garden at Beverly Gardens Park features two-blocks of brilliant foliage and manmade artworks such as two metal dome trellises, lighted bollards and a spectacular water fountain. That’s not all though – the garden leads visitors around the park on a granite path.

Grab a Farm Fresh Meal  

The Farm of Beverly Hills may look like your average café but don’t be fooled. This little spot is a local favorite thanks to its al fresco patio, large portions, farm fresh salads, freshly baked pastries and fine wines. It’s also a great place to people watch, which is why many people come to Beverly Hills in the first place.

Take in a Museum

Anyone can enjoy a day at an art, automobile or history museum — not just tourists. If you came to Beverly Hills to gain some cultural insight, check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits or the Petersen Car Museum. You might even spot a celebrity while you’re there.

Photo credit: Pamela Brick / Shutterstock.com

A day in this ritzy L.A. neighborhood can give you ample insight into Beverly Hills interior design style today. If you like what you see, contact your local interior designer.

     

 

 

(A big “thank you” to porch.com for sponsoring this post!)

It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re constantly surrounded by your nearest and dearest. But if you live in a crowded household, a lack of privacy can become a problem. Many parents know their children’s presence can be felt in virtually every area of a home—even when they’re not around. As a result, many parents simply give up on having personal space. However, it’s often possible to carve out a cozy retreat in the master bedroom.

Personal Furnishings

While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, many parents don’t put a lot of thought into their bedroom décor. Since kitchens and living rooms typically serve as the main centers of household activity, most parents opt to focus their efforts on those areas. However, if your bedroom’s furnishings lack any semblance of a personal touch, it’s only natural that this space won’t feel as if it’s truly yours. With this in mind, make a point of implementing bedroom décor choices that reflect your personality. Repainting the walls in your favorite color and picking out sheets, bedspreads and curtains that you truly love can have a tremendous impact on the way you feel about your bedroom. Additionally, purchasing chairs, loveseats and other furniture specifically for your bedroom can add an air of laidback relaxation to the space.

Entertainment Center

When looking for effective ways to unwind, many people head straight for their favorite TV shows, movies and video games—and the best way to enjoy these things is with a top-shelf entertainment center. Just because entertainment setups are commonly associated with living rooms doesn’t mean you can’t have one in the bedroom as well. Parents interested in enjoying their favorite visual media in the comfort of their bedroom should consider purchasing TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles specifically for this area.

If you lack the space for a full-blown media cabinet, wall-mounting your bedroom television can be a great way to save space. Furthermore, if you’re uncomfortable mounting a TV on your own, a number of professional handymen can carry out the job in a timely manner. Motor City residents are sure to appreciate the wide variety of TV mounting services in Detroit.

Reading Nooks

There are a plethora of advantages to reading on a regular basis. Not only does reading improve memory function, it also helps most people relax and set their minds at ease. For maximum impact, reading should be done in a quiet spot, and, as any seasoned parent can attest, such spots can be hard to find in a busy household. Consider creating a bedroom-based reading nook.

Fortunately, this project can be undertaken on virtually any budget, and you only need a little bit of free space to bring this plan to fruition. Simply clear out one corner of the room—preferably one in the immediate vicinity of a window—for a comfortable chair or loveseat and a bookshelf or two. You may discover that creating your own reading nook will help you rekindle your love of the written word in a spot that’s all your own.