Before and After : Open Shelves



Thank the good Lord for a husband that makes my dreams reality!

As much as I loved this home when we bought it a couple years ago, I had updates in mind from the very beginning. 

I couldn't wait to tackle the kitchen!






In our first home, we added open shelving to the kitchen, and it opened up the space so much. I wanted that again. This house, though much more spacious, has some quirky layout. (Which, if I must confess, is what I prefer.) I still didn't know if that open shelf concept would give the same effect here.

So, for the first nearly 2 years of our move, we just settled on painting the cabinets white. 




That definitely brightened up the room and brought a little life to the space, but I still couldn't let go of the open shelving. 

When you're in love with cottage core vibes, you just need some! 

I'm so grateful for my husband. He listens to my vision and helps me see it through.




I absolutely adore this corner of my home now. There's so much sunlight, counter space, storage, room, character... all the best things. 

It doesn't take a ton of money to make your home dreamy and warm. Just a little time, creativity, (there's so much inspiration available at our fingertips these days!), and the determination to make it happen.




My home is my happy place... and the more I do to make really mine... the happier it makes me.




I mean, isn't she lovely?


 

Sugar Cookie Fail or Sugar Cookie Bites?

 



If you missed my #nailedit Amish sugar cookie story on Instagram, you need to check it out. (Highlights>Food)

Even though the fail was an epic one, the batter was delicious, so I was determined to make the best of it! (I've become pretty good at doing that with life, ya know?)

After years of unexplained infertility, trauma, abuse, etc... one has to decide to rise above and thrive. There are days I hide intense anger. Very few people have seen the floodgates break with me, but when they do... man. I ugly cry sometimes. But after I give myself some time to actually feel my feelings, I put my attention to something better. And my life has turned out pretty great, despite all the stupid, because of that.

It works with baking, too!

So, while this recipe below will NOT get you delicious and pretty sugar cookies, it will create some incredibly amazing cookie bites... or even donut hole thingys.

We truly can see beauty from ashes as long as we determine to keep moving.

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup organic butter
2 eggs
1 cup Greek yogurt
3 1/2 cups almond flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Cream your sugar and butter. Add eggs and beat well. Add yogurt, dry ingredients, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. Drop by teaspoon full onto parchment lined cookie sheet. 

Bake 8-12 minutes at 350°F. (180°C)

Once the literal blob has slightly cooled, scrape the "mess" into sections so you can roll into these little bite size balls. Let them set. (If still too soft, bake them a little longer. 

I'm telling ya, they turned out really cute and truly yummy!


Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chicken Salad




This recipe is so scrumptious!

Healthy, too.

3/4 broccoli crown, chopped
1 cauliflower crown, chopped
1 cup boiled, shredded chicken
1-2 bell peppers, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 cup Greek yogurt
3/4 cup Mayo
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Crushed red pepper, to taste
1 tsp red wine vinegar

I absolutely love food that tastes light and fresh!