Home for Hire

I'm a font-a-holic.

2012-02-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's an obsession.

Downloading new fonts has been my newest hobby--next to blowing my nose due to horrible allergies and procrastinating about working out. Really, who likes to work out when you can't breath through your nose!?

Here are some of my favorites. All free. Yippee! (Sorry for the cheeseballishness...I'm not on allergy meds, I'm just plain in a daze from all pollen in the air!)

1. Sketch Rockwell
2. 5th Grade Cursive
3. Albermarle Swash
4. Riskrift Clean
5. Simply Glamorous
6. Type Keys Filled
7. Scriptina
8. Milk and Cereal
9. Mitilda
10. Fancy Pens

Happy fonting :)

An Identity Crisis: A Blog's Tale

2012-02-28T13:34:00.002-06:00

My blog is suffering from a bit of an identity crisis.

Maybe it should be considered a metamorphosis. That word always reminds me of Kafka and the horrible story about the beetle...oh, it gives me the creeps!

Moving on...

I feel like Home for Hire is starting to change. To sprout little wings. To grow. Now, the number of readers hasn't jumped by leaps and bounds--you are still just a little community of people who read my blog every once in a while :). Yet, I feel like my blog is saying, "Hey, Nicole! Go deeper! Write about more! Get on it!"

I've got little ideas buzzing around for Home for Hire--that's why I changed my tag line to Heart.Life.Home.

I want to write more about what is going on in my heart.

I want to talk about more about life by writing about capturing the year and supporting adopting families :)

I want to chat more about my home and keep DIY projects coming and recipes too.

I simply can't choose one.

So, instead of trying to shove my blog into a box with certain niche, I'm going to let it roam free. I enjoy reading blogs with a certain "bend" or "theme," but I am simply not good at writing about one main thing.

I hope that all of you lovely people continue to read and comment on my little humble blog home. I hope, that as I start writing about some new things, that you stick with me. I blog because I enjoy it, but also because I love the community it develops. Otherwise, it's like talking to myself in the bathroom mirror (and who ever does that...I mean, I sure don't).

Even if I have a post entirely without pictures.

Holy Moley Quesadillas

2012-02-27T07:30:00.000-06:00

Holy moly, batman...how I love mole sauce!

Something about the spicy and sweet (not to mention chocolaty) taste mixed together is simply heavenly.

One day, I thought about how much I love mole sauce. And quesadillas. And mushrooms. This recipe was born on that day!

It's actually quite simple and easy to make. I whipped 'em up one night in less than thirty minutes.

Mole sauce and spinach...

Mushrooms and onions...wait, how did that chocolate spread get in the photo...um. Equally yummy but not part of this recipe :)

Cook it all up!

Prepare it for a little baking in the oven...

Perfect...

I only wish I had one to eat right now. This minute.

Holy Moley Quesadillas
{Print Recipe}
Makes 3-4 quesadillas

Ingredients:
1 small onion
8 oz. chopped mushrooms
1 cup chopped spinach
3/4 cup mole sauce (if you make sauce from concentrate, use about 3 tbsp of the paste)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6-8 tortillas
1/2 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cook mole sauce according to directions*. Chop onions, spinach, and mushrooms.
3.Warm olive oil in a separate pan and cook onions.
4. Once onions are getting clear (about 5 minutes) add mushrooms and spinach. Cook thoroughly.
5. Add mole sauce to the onion, spinach, and mushroom mixture
6. Lay down 3 or 4 tortillas on a baking sheet/stone and place about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture on each tortilla
7. Sprinkle on some cheese.
8. Place another tortilla on top and pat down a bit.
9. Spray tortillas with non-stick butter/oil spray to help them get a little crispy in the oven.
10. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Cool. And eat :)

*Some mole sauce comes ready to eat :)

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

Capture the Year: Week 8

2012-02-26T15:58:00.001-06:00

This week I...
Spent time with my handsome hubby, wore flip flops (It was 88 degrees one day!), watched Mac become a heaping mess after playing with the hose, made some love birds for the shop, read a book about Minnesotan hot dishes, watched the final episode of Downton Abbey while munching on Russian tea cakes, and enjoyed grapefruit after a nice work-out!

How was your week? Did anyone have as warm weather as us? Crazy weather for February if you ask me!

"Cake" Pops for Pups

2012-02-22T10:32:00.000-06:00

Since it was Mr. Macintosh's 2nd birthday this past weekend, I wanted to make him an extra special birthday treat.

And so the pup pops were born--a dog-friendly version of cake pops!

I kept it pretty simple since it was an experiment, but this recipe could definitely be tweaked according to a dog's diet or preferences!

Start with a slab of wet dog food--so appetizing...!

Add a little flour and mashed banana to make a nice, moldable mix.

Roll the mixture into little balls.

Stick them with an edible doggie stick treat.

Freeze them until they are nice and firm.

Swirled them around in melted peanut butter.

Or plain yogurt.

Add a few embellishments like kibble or grated carrots.

Freeze until ready to eat!

What a simple little treat to spoil the furry ones!
Ingredients:
(Makes around 4-6 pops--depending on size)

3.5 oz of wet dog food
1/2 cup unbleached flour (white, whole wheat, or other kind of flour)
1/2 banana (mashed)
Doggie treat sticks
1/4 cup of peanut butter or plain yogurt for coating (it may be a little more or less)

Directions:
Mix wet dog food, flour, and banana until a moist mixture is formed. Form mixture into 4-6 balls. Carefully place treat stick into the the balls and then freeze until hard. Once hard, melt peanut butter and dip/swirl the pop in it until lightly coated. Do the same with the yogurt (don't melt the yogurt, though!).
Decorate with kibble or grated carrots (or other doggie favorites). Freeze until ready to eat!

(ps. I'm not a dog nutritionist or anything, but I would recommend feeding them sparingly to your pup).

Here's Mac enjoying his birthday treat!

Don't forget to get your name in the hat! (click here for details!)

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

DIY Chalk Paint and a Desk

2012-02-21T10:30:00.000-06:00

Poor desk. I haven't named her yet like Charlotte, Marge, or Sunny.

Maybe I should name her Charlie or Susie.

Any recommendations?

Well, "the desk" began as light, pine/oak desk. She was really nothing special, and I accidentally forget to take a before picture. You'll have to use your imagination!

Because I was lazy (aka: hate sanding) and also have been looking for a piece to experiment on with my mad scientific chemistry skills (yeah...right), I decided to whip up an experimental can of DIY chalk paint. Like any good scientist, I searched pintrest for some help. I found some excellent ideas on Elizabeth and Co. and No Minimalist Here. Since I had some plaster of paris on hand, I went with it. I found their tutorials an excellent help; believe me, I could not have come up with this on my own :)

To be honest, there wasn't much scientific anything going on (unless you count making a huge mess and splattering stuff all over!). Yet, just for the record, this is what I did.

I poured out about 1/3 of a quart of flat paint into a new container. Then, I poured about 1 cup(ish) of plaster paris into the remaining 2/3's of paint in the quart. I stirred and stirred. Then, I added about two tablespoons of water and stirred some more.

It was gritty, but not clumpy.

Since I've never used the real chalk paint, I was left to guess at what it should look like. I thought the consistency looked about right, so I started painting.

Surprisingly, it went on nice and smooth. Although there were a few places that looked a little bubbly, they went away after it was dry. I ended up painting three coats (just for good measure) and finished with a coat of Minwax finishing wax. In the end, I was happy with my little can of chalk paint and hope to use it again! Although, I did realize that adding a little water after it was sitting for a while (like overnight and more) would have been a good idea. I noticed that it got a little too gritty after sitting for a while. And although I just sanded the bubbles smooth, I think that adding a little water and stirring well would have solved the problem.

So, here's some more shots of "the desk" after a couple coats of chalk paint and a rustic stain job on the top!

"The desk" is staying at our place, so I had some fun adding a few little touches--like flowers in my chalkboard teacup and a makeshift mouse pad--on the top.

Ah, even Mac approves!

Now, all I need is a comfortable and cute desk chair :)

Maybe I will name her Charlie. I kinda like it.

ps. I've got a giveaway going on! Click here for more info :)

{I'm sharing at Primitive and Proper, Miss Mustard Seed, Restore Interiors, It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, and Whipperberry}

Happy Monday Giveaway!

2012-02-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Just because it's Monday.

And because I like to give stuff away :)

Here's what's up for grabs:

1.) 4 oz. of Just Love Coffee in a petite muslin bag
2.) Set of 6 flat thank you note cards
3.) 4x6 dry erase memo board
4.) Vintage Reader's Digest book
5.) Set of 10 paper tags and 6 naturally aged clothespins

Here's how to enter:
*each answer gets a separate entry*
1.) If you are a follower of Home for Hire, let me know!
2.) Tell me your favorite way to spend a rainy day.
3.) Tweet, Facebook, or blog about the giveaway and let me know :)

I'll pull a number out of the hat on March 1st!

**The giveaway is open U.S. residents only**

Happy Monday!!!

Capture the Year: Week 7

2012-02-19T16:53:00.001-06:00

This week I...

Enjoyed smiling with our pup (who looks like he's not enjoying it as much as I am!), spending time with the hubs and dog at the dog park, making quesadillas, picking up Josh from work/school (and people watching!), enjoying a lovely Valentine's day, painting a desk, and celebrating Mac turning two!

How about you? How was your week?

Happy Birthday, Dad and Mac!

2012-02-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

My dad and my dog were born on the same day--years and years apart!

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful father--loving, supportive, fun, and full of conversation. I so wish that I could be celebrating today with him in person! (love you, dad!)

I am also so thankful for have such a silly dog--affectionate, happy, horrible, and weird!

Here's a little photo dump dedicated to the pup and pop! (beware...lots of photos!)

Happy Birthday!

Friday Lovelies

2012-02-17T13:13:00.001-06:00

I hope that you all had a fantastic Valentine's day! Josh planned a whole afternoon/evening date for us. We went out for coffee (which I love to do!), saw "The Vow" (with popcorn included), and then ate fancy dessert and cheese at home. We were going to go out to eat too, but the restaurants were just too busy. So, we ordered Chinese and ate in! It was so refreshing to just enjoy some time with each other and put other things to the side :)

I've been a bit of a poke this week when it came to blogging--but, I realize that sometimes I just don't have a hundred projects to share!

Yet, even though I didn't blog much this week, I was busy working on some projects/stuff that I'll share with you soon :)

Here are some snapshots from this week:

I love using my grandma's vintage Pyrex bowls for baking and cooking!

I never knew that I loved brussels sprouts, but I absolutely love them roasted (especially with some mushrooms).

Risotto...where have you been all my life!

Making DIY chalk paint (I'll let you know how that went next week).

Getting the Mac-approval for my paint choice!

I've also been playing with my blog design a bit. What do you think?

Stay tuned for little giveaway coming next week :)

Happy Friday!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

(ps. I can't remember where I got this image from, if anyone does, I'd love to know!)

Chocolates. Cards. Hugs. Text me hearts. Single Awareness Day. Red and Pink explosions of teddy bears, jewelry boxes, and roses.

So many weird traditions rolled into one big holiday. Some love it. Others hate it. As for me, I'm in the middle :) I enjoy it, but I don't feel like a loser if I don't get a dozen roses, champagne, a walk on the beach, a couple's massage, a singing telegram, and a night out.

Do you ever think about your past Valentine's Days?

I still remember one of the first valentine's day cards that I received from my crush in first grade. It was a picture of Aladdin and Jasmine on a magic carpet and there was something romantic scribbled on it like: Fly with me...

I kept that card in my closet and would secretly stare at it and wonder if he really meant it. Even though he had this weird obsession with perfectly tying his shoe laces (you know, the way first-graders show off to the girls), I just knew he was perfect for me.

I realize now that his mom more than likely put them all together and he handed them out cluelessly. He probably would have rather flown into the tether ball pole than flown on a magic carpet with me.

On another note...

Even though I think it's fun to be a little extra gushy and lovey-lovey on Valentine's Day (oh, I see some of you rolling your eyes), I've also been thinking about more practical ways to give (and love) on V-day. I've been thinking about how, even if we think it's a cheesy holiday, we can still think about ways to love others!

So, if you aren't the card and flowers type, here are some ways to show a little love:

1. Buy Just Love Coffee to help support adopting families or other ministries. We have been enjoying our first bag and look forward to trying other flavors :)

2. Grab up a pair of Toms and they'll donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.

3. Pick up a scarf at LiveFashionable or jewelry from Light Gives Heat to support sustainable businesses for women in Africa.

4. Join the {RED} campaign to help fight AIDS and hunger.

5. Give an animal to a family so that they can increase their income and health.

6. Sponsor a child and have the chance to send them lots of love notes.
7. Buy a soccer ball and they'll send another one to another community.

What are your plans for the big day? Do you love it? Hate it? Care less?

The Bedroom: The-who-knows-random-stuff-needs-some-help room

2012-02-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

Our bedroom has been a work in progress since...let's see...always!

You can check out this post about its past lives. I wrote that post practically a year ago, and it hasn't changed much.

I've been trying to do a better job at shopping intentionally and having a clearer picture of what I want--instead of ooh-this-looks-cute purchases that never get used.

This works two-fold: 1.) I don't spend money unwisely 2.) I don't end up changing my mind 500 times

I had been wishing for a pair of lamps and a velvety pillow--and you know what, during my last thrift store visit, I found just what I was looking for. And they were actually in my price range! I'm learning the art of waiting for the kill and avoiding unnecessary purchases.

Purchasing the lamps and the pillow got my wheels turning again about my bedroom vision.

Here's my little collection of some of my bedroom ideas and colors:

The lamps that I picked up at the thrift store are pretty similar to this one seen on Apartment Therapy.
I'm also definitely wanting to make my own doily pillow, but I think I may choose a different color.
This white table looks pretty close to the ones we already have.
This basket from Crate and Barrel is perfect for holding our extra blankets and quilts (the chair we are currently using for holding blankets isn't serving its purpose too well...it's just a big clothes magnet).
I love vintage linens and I'm thinking about doing coordinating, but mixed and matched, vintage linens on the bed. This set of pillowcases on Etsy are so darling :) Although the set is sold, I'm on the hunt for something similar!
Even though our room would be just fine without a rug, this rug from Pier1 caught my eye.
The brown linen is about the same color as our headboard.
I'm loving this Behr color--a nice blend of blue and gray.
Although I'm still contemplating about artwork, I'm definitely digging this set of embroidery hoops from Etsy! I'll probably stick to something more subtle, but I love them nonetheless :)

I'm loving the browns, blues, grays, and little pops of yellow. It seems that no room in our home can escape from a pop of yellow!

After looking at photos of bedrooms on pintrest until my eyes were blurry, this image was the one image that stuck in my mind. I absolutely love the colors in this room!

Ah, to dream...

Capture the Year: Week 6

2012-02-12T16:10:00.003-06:00

This week I...
Sent off lots of packages, watched Josh take an afternoon nap before the Superbowl, enjoyed chickpea and spinach salad, bought two cute lamps and pillow while thrifting, enjoyed reading Grace for the Good Girl (really loving it!), and snapped a photo of Mac chopping on his bone!

Do any of you take daily photos? I'm finding it to be a wonderful way to capture life. Plus, it's fun to look back at previous weeks :)

Blessed.

2012-02-09T17:04:00.000-06:00

Today, while I was walking down the hallway at work, I crossed paths with a student that I've seen around campus. He smiled and asked how I was doing.

"Good!" I chirped (especially since I was on my way to buy a Coke Zero). I then asked him how he was.

And you know what he said?

"Blessed."

Something about that comment struck a cord and brightened my day. I am blessed. With the lives around me. The things I've been given. Health. Love. Joy. God's grace.

Have a blessed day!

ps. one more day left for the v-day sale!

Because it's the month of love and all...

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Go check out the goodies at Home for Hire {the shop} :)

Capture the Year: Week 5

2012-02-05T09:52:00.001-06:00

This week...
I blew wishes, watched Downton Abbey (which I love!), picked up Josh from work (Mac likes to come along too!), ate popcorn while our floors flooded in a flash flood, had my morning coffee and reading, did crafts at a baby shower, and felt introspective at the park.

How was your week?

Confessions x10

2012-02-02T21:32:00.001-06:00

Beware: this post is a culmination of a hundred (actually 10...um...Josh may be right that I exaggerate) buzzing thoughts that need somewhere to land.

I'm going to number my thoughts. No particular order of importance.

1. I am currently in bed. Thinking about my blog. I'm also drinking tea and trying to ignore my finger cramp from too much keypad circling. It's annoying.

2. I'm thinking about what I'd like to do with this blog. You see, I want it to be more. More than DIY, recipes, or furniture projects. Those are all well and good, but I want this blog to capture our lives. Not only that, I want to encourage you. I want to connect with my little number of blog groupies. Who are you?

3. I'm currently writing something. I'm writing about stuff. Quite literally. Stuff. I've been thinking a lot about simplicity, generosity, intentionality, and all the stuff we have. And I'm writing about it. Maybe someday I'll share.

4. I hate to sweep. Unless I'm listening to music and then is somewhat bearable. Unfortunately, this means that I always have shoes/slippers/flip flops on because I hate floor crumbs on my feet. Thankfully, I have a cool little vacuum that is wonderful for grabbing up dirt and dog hair. I'm thinking about sweeping because I see too many dust bunnies on our bedroom floor.

5. I wish I could be a Stay-at-home-something. I like being home. But, I would still need to find something to do. I get too antsy with too much time on my hands. On the flip side, I really do love my job and enjoy my co-workers. So, maybe just a part-time SAHS.

6. I'm really digging the idea of having a baby soon. Josh is really digging focusing on school for a bit longer. So, we are hanging tight. Although I'd like to tell you all that I'm always really patient about all of this, I'm not really. I waver between content, annoyed, frustrated, happy, terrified of actually being pregnant or giving birth, hopeful, sobbing, just fine, and all emotions in-between. I have a dream I'm having a baby at least once a week.

7. I've been thinking a lot about God's grace lately. I've been thinking about how easy it is for me to try, try, and try to be better, more generous, nicer, etc. Yet, as I read scripture, I realize more and more that it's not about me trying harder but simply adoring Him. Resting in Him. Christianity is not about checking off boxes of "to-dos"; it's about relationship. Why do I try and make it so complicated? I give myself all these self-imposed expectations and get so tired of failing at them. Obviously, there are some standards that God asks us to consider. Like loving Him. Loving others. Avoiding sin. Living in gratitude. Yet, I often try and live the Christian life without Christ. I try to do it by myself. That's like trying to have a healthy marriage with no communication or enjoyment--just doing everything out of obligation. Or trying to be the potter and the clay. The painter and the wall. Not possible. So...today, I am choosing to live in the freedom of Grace. To adore the one who took my sin, redeemed me, and loves me. Grace undeserved yet freely given. When I live in His grace (instead of my own set of "must-dos," love comes naturally and peace abundantly. Even when I act ugly, His conviction is gentle and love unwavering. Have you thought about grace lately? When you really think about it, it's mind-boggling.

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always" Psalms 105:4

8. Whew. I kinda feel a little strange putting that out there. But, I want to share about real life on my here bloggity-blog.

9. Currently, it sounds like 100 crying wolves outside. Weird. And slightly unnerving.

10. I've been adoring my sister-in-law's new Etsy shop: Cafe Fresco. I especially love her green print of Minnesota. I miss it there...although, they may be jealous of the 70 degree plus weather we've been enjoy here in Texas ;)

Alright. I'm off to bed. I think :)

February's Family of the Month: The Thompson Family

2012-02-01T21:41:00.000-06:00

I'm so thrilled to introduce you to the Thompson family. I've been following their story for a while now and am excited to support them this month.

They recently returned from Ethiopia to meet their son and are currently waiting to go back and take him home.

Let's learn more about them, shall we?

Q: Where are you adopting from? Why did you choose adoption?
A: We are adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. We choose adoption for a number of different reasons. I (Desiree) had an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Liberia (West Africa) 4 years ago. There I visited children at an orphanage and saw first hand how all children in orphanages need parents. Adoption was something that my husband and I talked about before marriage, but the mission trip confirmed it.....we just didn't know when we would do it. When our youngest was about a month old I brought up the idea of adopting our next with my husband. We both really felt like God was laying it on our hearts and our next child would come into our family via adoption.

We decided to start the process in September when our youngest turned one. However, in March we felt like the Lord was saying, "I want you to start now". We chose an agency, started filling out paperwork, and have not stopped. In late August, about the time we were originally going to start the process, we were given our referral for our son. He was on our agencies waiting list and when I saw his picture I just knew he was ours. It is a weird feeling looking at one picture and knowing before anyone else in the world does that this is your child.....thankfully our agency agreed.

Q: After recently meeting your son, what are you looking forward to when he comes home?
A: I am excited for our son to meet his little sister and brother. Lydia and Asher talk about their brother all the time and know he is their brother. They can't wait for him to come home. This is the one thing I am most looking forward to. And just having him home!

Q: What are some your favorite family activities?
A: We are homebodies! Haha. We love to just hang out as a family and spend time together. We like to read, watch movies, and play games. When it is nice out we also like to take the kids on walks. They really like to explore in our yard.

Q: Could you tell us some ways to support your family during this time?
A: Prayer. Prayer. Prayer! Right now we are waiting for our embassy appointment, which can happen anywhere from 6 weeks - 6 months (or more) after court. We passed court in January and would love for our embassy date to come quick! Prayers for our hearts as we wait are really appreciated. It is hard parenting from the other side of the world and our hearts are heavy as we wait to go back.

Also we are collecting items for AHOPE orphanage in Ethiopia. AHOPE orphanage houses and supports orphans living with HIV/AIDS. We are collecting small items to bring with us on our next trip. We would love to be able to bless this wonderful organization with a lot! If you would like to donate any items please let us know. You can learn more about what they need here. And learn more about AHOPE here. Thank You!

Want to learn more about the Thompson family? Visit their blog or check out some of their lovely jewelry for sale in their shop, Hannah James (it's so darling!).

**If you are new around here, 25% of each sale from Home for Hire {the shop} goes to the family of the month. I love supporting those who are adopting and feel so blessed to be a little part of their journey! You can read more about how that got started over here**

DIY Dry Erase Memo Board

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

Want an easy project to help bring a little color or fun to a work space? Can you glue?

Well, then this project is right up your alley. I whipped up one while working on our office redo and I love how it adds a pop of color to the wall!

All you need is:
-An old picture frame (with glass and cardboard too)
-Scrapbook paper (or fabric, a map, wrapping paper, etc)
-Mod podge
-foam brush

Here's what you do:

1. Take glass and cardboard out of frame

2. Cut your paper to size (use the same dimensions as your cardboard insert) and slather the cardboard with mod podge.

3. Carefully place the paper onto the cardboard, smoothing out air bubbles as you go.

4. Let dry and re-insert cardboard into frame.

5. Enjoy!

See, what did I tell you? Pretty darn easy :)

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

Overnight Oatmeal: 3 Ways

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

One of my new found loves is overnight oatmeal. Not only is it quick and simple way to have an easy breakfast, but I love tweaking with different flavors and spices!

On Sundays, I usually whip up about three or four ready-to-eat jars for the work week and find that they make breakfast so much faster and easier in the mornings. Plus, they are delicious, healthy, and filling :)

Here are my three go-to overnight oatmeal flavors:

I love mixing all the different combinations!

Here are my three basic recipes:

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oatmeal:
1/2 cup whole oats
1/2 cup of milk (I like almond milk)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 pinch of cloves
Mix all ingredients together, store in a jar or container, let sit for up to a week in the refrigerator. Eat warm or cold.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal:
1/2 cup whole oats
1/2 cup of milk (I like almond milk)
1/3 cup finely shredded carrots
1/2 tsp molasses
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of ginger and cloves
Mix all ingredients together, store in a jar or container, let sit for up to a week in the refrigerator. Eat warm or cold.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Overnight Oatmeal:
1/2 cup whole oats
1/2 cup of milk (I like almond milk)
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients together, store in a jar or container, let sit for up to a week in the refrigerator. Eat warm or cold.

What about you? Have you ever tried overnight oats? If so, what are your favorites?

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

Capture the Year: Week 4

2012-01-29T15:10:00.001-06:00

This week...
We ate homemade artisan bread, enjoyed walks and park benches in 75 degree weather (so nice!), took goofy pictures in the car, laughed at Mac's antics in the car (he's so silly about sitting in his spot), enjoyed a baby shower and a surprise birthday party.

It was a good week! Did you guys do anything fun?

Hearty with Barley Freezable Burritos

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-06:00

This is the time of the year when life gets busy and I start grabbing pretzels and raisins for supper instead of something normal. When I've had a busy and tiring day, the last thing I feel like doing is whipping up an award winning meal. I've noticed a few freezable burrito recipes and realized that they could be little lifesavers.

Portable. Microwavable. And a quick and easy lunch or supper option. Since I just squeezed out 24 burritos with this recipe, it's safe to say that we'll be eating them a lot!

I actually made two different kinds (chicken will yellow squash and black beans with corn) but used the same base for both to save time and money. I also stuffed them with veggies and barley so they are filling and healthy! Of course, there are plenty of ways to make a burrito, but here's my version!

I started out with peppers and onions.

Of course, spinach and mushrooms had to be cooked up too!

Yellow squash--how I love you.

Add some chicken...delish!

Mix up the hearty barley with mushrooms, cilantro, peppers, onions, and green salsa.

Oh, and let's not forget the lime!

Grab a tortilla. Toss on the the mixture.

Roll.

Ready to freeze!

Here's the recipe!

Hearty with Barley Freezable Burritos:
{Printable Recipe}
Makes 8 large chicken burritos, 8 large black bean burritos, and 8 small black bean burritos.
(If you'd prefer only chicken or only bean, simply double the ingredients for that particular one!)

Ingredients for both:
2 cups of uncooked barley
2 green, yellow, or red peppers
1 medium onion
2 cups of chopped spinach or other leafy green
8 oz chopped mushrooms
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 jar (16 oz) green salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lime
16 large flour tortillas
8 medium flour tortillas (or four large tortillas)
Cilantro to taste (I use about a handful of fresh cilantro)
Cumin and chili pepper to taste
Tin foil for wrapping

Ingredients for chicken and yellow squash burritos:
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (about 2 cups)
2 medium yellow squash

Ingredients for black bean and corn burritos:
24 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bag (16oz) frozen corn

Directions:
1. Cook barley according to directions on package
2. Chop peppers, onion, spinach, and mushrooms
3. Add EVOO to medium pan and start cooking onions, after a few minutes add peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until heated through. Drain veggies.
4. Add veggies to cooked barley. Cut lime and squeeze juice into the mixture. Add salsa and cheese.
5. Mix well and set aside.
7. Chop up yellow squash, add to frying pan and saute until cooked through
8. Place cooked squash into a medium bowl with shredded chicken. If you like, add a dash of cumin and chili pepper to the mixture.
9. In another pan, cook corn and black beans until heated through. Drain and put in a bowl.
10. Using a slotted spoon to help drain liquid, equally separate the barley mixture between the chicken bowl and the black bean bowl. Mix the barley and chicken mixture well. Do the same with the black beans and corn. You should now have two bowls--one with chicken and barley, and the other with black beans and barley.
11. Warm tortillas for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
12. On top of a square piece of tin foil, place a warm tortilla. With a slotted spoon, scoop about one cup of either mixture unto the tortilla. Pull up edges, roll, and then wrap with tin foil. Repeat.
13. Place wrapped tortillas into a large freezer bag to help reduce freezer burn. When ready to eat, remove from freezer, remove tin foil, put on plate, and cook in the microwave until cooked through (usually about 1-3 minutes)

Feel free to contact me with any questions! It may seem a little complicated, but it is actually pretty simple and didn't take much time at all :)

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

Ta-Da!

2012-01-22T17:39:00.000-06:00

I don't have too much to say about the office other than I am thrilled (and actually a little surprised) that it's finished.

Finally.

We have a side for Josh to use for his school work, a bookshelf for extra storage, and my own little craft/work nook. Maybe it's not magazine-worthy, but it works for us :)

There was a lot of moving, re-arranging, purging, sorting, building, "sewing," hemming, painting, etc...but we think that it was all worth it. If you aren't convinced, see what it looked like before.

Here it is (beware: I was very excited to photograph our office after so much work; I might have gotten a little picture happy!):

My side (formerly Josh's side):

Lots of little storage options! I found the shelf at the thrift store for 5 bucks and I think I paid about two dollars for the vintage catalog card holder. The DIY Tin Tier helps add some fun and colorful storage :)

Couldn't forget a little shipping center for {the shop} or my old Minnesota license plate!

One my favorite things I did was make table skirt (using our old Ikea curtians) to wrap around a folding table. I couldn't help but make a little ruffle (using hot glue!).

The skirt hides all sorts of extra storage!

Josh's side (former my side):

Josh was nice enough to switch sides with me so that I could have the little nook in the room. What a guy! In exchange, I offered him the other three walls for his airplane picture collections :)

We can actually walk to the closet now and shut the doors too!

Extra book storage! Kudos to Target bookshelves :)

Now let's see if we can keep it this way! What do you guys think?

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}

Capture the Year: Week Three

2012-01-21T16:29:00.001-06:00

This week...
Mac enjoyed a good rest under the table after a lovely walk (it was 70 degrees here!), Josh cut precise lines for part of the office redo, we worked on the office...a lot!, I picked up the kids I babysit from school, I decorated my craft space and Josh worked in his, and I made yummy "cookie dough" bites (which are ridiculously amazing) from the recipe on Never Homemaker.

How was your week?

I'm just being a tease...

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Since the office is almost done, I wanted to show you a few sneak peeks!

I promise that I'll have the full "after" this weekend or early next week :)

I'm hoping to put the new work space to work this weekend and get some new stuff in the shop.

I've also started a little project that I'm deeming a secret until I've got the guts to tell you about it. Curious? FYI: I'm not baking anything in my baby oven. Just so that's clear!

Anyway, before I go and blurt it out, here's a few sneak peeks of the office!

I can't wait to show you more :)