Blog - Decor Fix

Big (Little) News

Readers, you might have noticed that my posting lately has been a bit sporadic. A lot of the projects that I blogged about have not been finished, or even started for that matter. There is a reason for this, and hopefully you will forgive me and continue to venture back into my neck of the blog woods once you hear it.

I am redoing a new room in our house…a nursery. Stu and I are expecting the arrival of our first, a baby girl, in February. I will spare you the details of my first trimester woes (when I felt like I had the flu for three months) and my second trimester frustrations (when all of my bodily functions have seemingly gone awry). I will tell you that the occasional bursts of energy I do have are going to be well spent. I have some ideas for the house and the holidays that I can’t wait to share with you soon.

You might be thinking,”Oh no…she’s having a baby. Does this mean the blog will turn into a mommy blog?” A big, fat, resounding no. I still intend on keeping my primary focus on food, parties and projects. That being said, some of the projects the next few months might be for a nursery, and a lot of the recipes will most likely be craving driven. I do tend to write about personal aspects of my life from time to time, and this is a new season that will be filled with inspiration (in a not too obnoxious, still-being-considerate-of-those-who-have-no-interest-in-babies kind of way).

Stu put together the crib this weekend, and we are busy trying to furnish the room before Christmas. It’s funny, but I’ve never really had carte blanche on a whole room before. Usually I add a piece at a time, and over the course of a few months the room will come together. This time, we are starting from scratch and making purchases at lightning speed. There’s no guilt attached because we don’t really have a choice! It’s not like we could do without a crib the same way we could do without a new coffee table.

The gnome doll (pictured above) is the first toy I’ve purchased for the baby. I am in love with it! If you have little girls on your Christmas list this year, this would be a great personalized gift. I was able to pick the color of eyes, hair, and fabric. They also sent me a hand lettered card with the doll’s name-apparently it’s Ariel. How adorable is that?! I ran across the Craftsbury Kids website and saw several other quirky handmade toys like the ones below. My goddaughter will probably be receiving a Christmas gift from this shop…

In other news, today was a humbling one for me as a teacher. In the middle of class, a very sweet student politely and privately asked me if I knew that my dress had ripped down the back. Stunned, I told her that I didn’t and thanked her for having the courage to walk up and tell me. (I heard the whispering beforehand and realized it was a table of girls deciding who would be the one to break the news.)

This was no little rip, by the way. As I dared to reach my hand back, I felt that the entire area that should have been covering my bum was split wide open. Good thing I was wearing leggings because finishing the last fifteen minutes of that class was awkward enough. Had I actually shown what was beneath the leggings, I fear many of my students would be needing therapy…Good grief. For the sake of innocent children’s eyes, I’ve decided that all clothing worn for the remainder of my pregnancy must have lycra or spandex.

DIY Sweater Bracelets

| by Heather Freeman

It’s been a while since I posted a DIY of my own, so it was high time that I did. Lately I’m just not in the mood for any craft that’s too intensive or expensive; this DIY is neither. These bracelets cost under $10 and took me about an hour. I guess a more accurate name would be “yarn bracelets”, but “sweater bracelets” sounded a bit more exciting.

Wouldn’t these make great personalized Christmas gifts?? You could pick gorgeous yarn for each lady on your list. This would also be a great project for a craft party too. (OK, I realize I just pulled a “Hobby Lobby” and mentioned Christmas before Halloween. Forgive me.) Here are some tips if you want to give it a try:

DIY Sweater Bracelets

1. Pick a collection of bracelets that vary in width.

2. Pull and cut sections of yarn about 4-5 arm-to-chest lengths long.

3. Use a small dot of hot glue to secure the yarn to inside of the bracelet.

4. Wrap yarn around the glued section and continue wrapping.

5. Once the bracelet is covered, tuck the end of the yarn inside the wrapped yarn. Use a small dab of glue to secure the loose end of the yarn to the inside of the bracelet.

PS- The “hand model” is my friend Hannah. She even painted her nails to match the bracelets:) Check out this great round up for 25 DIY bracelet ideas on the blog Henry Happened.

In house news, we are pulling up the carpet in our bedroom and the downstairs guest room. The original hardwood underneath is going to be refinished to match the rest of the house. I can’t wait! I’ve been passing the time by looking for area rugs:) Pics will be posted soon.

Easy Costumes for Halloween

| by Heather Freeman

Hey everyone it’s Tan from Squirrelly Minds here to get you ready for one of my favorite holidays, Halloween! One of the most fun parts about Halloween is planning your costume. First you decide what you want to be starting November 1st. (Those ideas are usually forgotten by the time October rolls around.) Then you spend weeks before the big day searching for various items. You may spend hours laboring over your sewing machine or glue gun to put together the perfect costume.

What if you could just look in your closet or makeup case and throw together whatever you have? Don’t think it’s possible? I’m here to tell you it is. Here are some fantastic costumes you can easily pull off with what you already have and perhaps a few inexpensive items.

#1: Deer from Look Book. I just love how adorable and sweet this costume is. It’s perfect for those who think you can’t bring Christmas too soon. Put on some black and brown clothing with white, black and brown makeup, then buy or make antlers (make from paper or paper mache) and cotton batting.
#2: Real Life Lichenstein Comic Book Girl by MAC via Makeup Talk. All you need to bring this comic book girl to life is vibrant white, red and black makeup along with some patience and time.
#3: Rosie the Riveter by Miss Drea. Channel the original girl power poster girl by wrapping your hair in a red bandanna, putting on a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and acting tough.
#4: Mary Poppins by Keiko Lynn. Quite possibly my favorite, if your wardrobe lends to 1930’s Mary Poppins style then just grab your umbrella, the biggest bag you have and tie a red ribbon around your waist with a red bowtie. And be sure to sing “spoonful of sugar” everywhere you go.
#5: Evil Queen (aka Black Swan) by Martha Stewart. Much like the comic book girl, grab some white, black and red makeup and turn your face into a (creepy) canvas. I did this last year and trust me, it was fun.

As for my costume, I was planning to go as Sybil from Downton Abbey (with my husband as Branson), but I’m having a hard time resisting that deer costume… What are your Halloween costume plans this year? Simple or elaborate?-Tan

Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait

| by Heather Freeman

There is the magical thing in the Midwest known as frozen custard. Growing up in Texas, I had never experienced the glory of this until I came to college. Now, I can’t even look at ice cream the same. Custard has set the bar high above even Blue Bell. (Yes, I said it.) A local custard shop makes a pumpkin pie custard concrete. Imagine an actual piece of pumpkin pie stirred into creamy, frozen, vanilla custard. It is pure heaven-and packed with more calories than I care to know about. Since I had my quota of custard for the month within the first week and a half, I decided that I needed a substitute.

This yogurt parfait is a healthier version of a creamy pumpkin treat (though not nearly as indulgent). No cooking required, it only took assembling. It would make a nice addition to a fall brunch or a simply a dessert that’s healthy enough to eat as often as you’d like. It took only about 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

-walnuts

-cinnamon graham crackers

-pumpkin pie filling (chilled)

-vanilla yogurt

-maple syrup

Method:

1. Crush walnuts and set aside. Crumble graham crackers to desired size and mix with crushed walnuts.

2. Mix 1 cup of yogurt and 1/2 cup of pie filling until blended. Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.

3. Layer dry mixture with yogurt mixture in a small serving dish.

4. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and walnuts on top. Serve immediately. (Makes two servings)

***Bonus Recipe***

Here is a spritzer that I am obsessed with lately, sparkling cold apple cider. Oh my goodness-it’s delightful! Mix 5 ounces of cold pressed cider with 3 ounces of sparkling water. Easy enough, right?

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Yogurt truly is a great option for a daily dessert. Honestly, I need a little something sweet each day. All the options from Yoplait give you multiple ways to trick yourself into thinking you’re indulging. The Boston cream pie has got to be one the most creative yogurt flavors invented. Love it. Check out the video below for more from Yoplait.

Coconut Apricot Squares

| by Heather Freeman

Hello, it’s Heather from the Flourishing Foodie. Today I am sharing a favorite recipe of mine – Coconut Apricot Squares. This recipe is one that I make time and time again. It will surely be a hit amongst anyone you share them with, as long as you can resist the temptation to eat them all yourself.

Perfect for a sweet treat, these squares are buttery and crumbly. Each bite is filled with fragrant apricots, and tiny pieces of coconut. Chopped up bits of almond fill the space in between. The crust is made up of butter, honey, flour, oats, and wheat germ, tasting quite similar to shortbread. All together, this recipe should take 35 minutes to make. You can wrap them up in some parchment paper and store them in the freezer. Let them thaw 30 minutes before eating, or enjoy them cold.

Coconut Apricot Squares

makes 24 squares

Crust Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup quick oats

½ cup wheat germ

1 cup butter, melted

¾ cup honey

1 tsp lemon juice

Topping Ingredients

2 eggs

¼ cup honey

1 cup almonds, chopped

1 cup dried apricots, chopped

1 cup shredded coconut

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 ºF.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, and wheat germ.

3. In a small bowl, mix the butter, honey, and lemon juice.

4. Combine the wet into the dry ingredients.

5. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

6. Pour the mixture into the pan and flatten with a spatula.

7. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with ¼ cup of honey.

8. Add the almonds, apricots, and coconut to the eggs and combine.

9. Scoop the apricot mixture onto the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.

10. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

11. Remove from the oven and let cool. Once cool, cut the squares in 24 pieces.

12. Wrap and store in the fridge for 1 ½ weeks, or in the freezer.

Enjoy!
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It’s the other Heather popping into the post…Don’t these look amazing?!? I love apricots but don’t use them enough. This is such a great fall recipe, and I can’t wait to try it. What’s on your ” to cook” list this fall?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

| by Heather Freeman

October is my very favorite month. Everything that embodies fall is is full force during this month. Caramel apple pies were my weekend kick off to the season. These were a bit labor intensive, but the payoff was sweet…and salty…and buttery. Instead of grading papers, I spent time rolling out dough, stirring caramel sauce, and slicing apples paper thin.

I didn’t make a “shopping list” photo because the ingredients didn’t exactly fit on the chalkboard, but below are the super star ingredients.

I’ve made caramel sauce in the past without any luck. I’ll just be honest…I burned the sugar so badly that smoke filled my kitchen, caramel stuck like glue to the pan, and I was cursing the stupid recipe that called itself “quick and easy”. The sauce that I made for this recipe was not quick (unless you consider 40 minutes quick), but it was delicious. Don’t have the time? I don’t blame you. Just use a pre-made caramel sauce. I love the one that’s located in the produce aisle by the apples.

*Recipe adapted from the Cooking Channel’s Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Shopping List:

Caramel Sauce

-1 cup cane sugar

-1/4 cup of water

-1 stick of butter

-1/2 cup heavy cream

-sea salt

Pie Crust

-1 1/2 cups flour

-1/2 cup chilled butter

-1 teaspoon sugar

-dash of cinnamon

-pinch of salt

-several tablespoons of ice water

Apple Pie Filling

-5 apples, peeled and sliced very thin

(a combination of any of the following: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Jonathan)

-1/4 cup cane sugar

-2 tablespoons brown sugar

-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

-juice of 2 large or 3 small lemons

-2 tablespoons of flour

-2 tablespoons heavy cream

Making the Pie Crust…

1. Combine flour, sugar, and spices.

2. Add to food processor and add cubed pieces of butter. Pulse until the butter makes the mixture resemble course sand. (If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry blender to cut in the butter.)

3. Add two tablespoons of water and continue to pulse. Test the dough to see if it sticks together when you pinch it. If it doesn’t, continue to add water, one tablespoon at a time, testing in between additions.

4. Remove from food processor or bowl and form into a disk.

5. Roll dough to fit the bottom of your pie pan leaving extra for lattice pieces. (I made two mini pies.) Refrigerate while prepping the rest of the pie.

Making the Caramel Sauce…

1. Cook the sugar and water together over low heat until dissolved.

2. Add the butter and bring to a slow boil. Continue cooking at a low boil until the mixture turns a deep, golden brown color. (This took a while, maybe 20 minutes. Cooking time will depend on your pan and stove. Make sure that you don’t let it over heat. If you see smoke, kiss your caramel goodbye and start over. Remember I did that, so I’m a bit paranoid.)

3. Once the sauce is a rich brown color, remove it from the heat and add the cream. Stir for about 30 seconds. (The sauce will bubble, but this normal.)

4. Return the pan to low heat and whisk the sauce together as you sprinkle in the sea salt. Allow to simmer an additional couple minutes.

5. Remove from heat and set aside while preparing the pie filling.
Making the Pie Filling…

1. Juice 2 large or 3 small lemons in a large mixing bowl.

2. Peel, core and thinly slice apples, adding them to the bowl of lemon juice. Add 2 tablespoons of cream to the bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, spices and flour. Sprinkle over the apple mixture and carefully stir the apples to coat with the dry mixture.

Assembling and Baking the Pie…

1. Preheat oven to 375 and remove rolled dough from the fridge.

3. Place a single layer of apples to the pie dish (or dishes). Spoon several tablespoons of caramel sauce on top. Repeat this until pie dish is mostly filled. Finish with a generous helping of caramel on top. (Reserve some sauce for the end.)

4. Add lattice pieces of dough and press to the edges of the dish.

5. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle pie with sea salt and sugar.

6. Place pan on larger pan or dish and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Reduce heat to 320 and bake an additional 20 minutes (check after 15).

8. Allow to cool a bit before cutting. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream and drizzle with left over caramel.

I wish there was smell-o-vision on this post. My house smelled like heaven long after the pies were eaten. (Yes, the went fast.)

After the two pumpkin spiced lattes and one pumpkin muffin I consumed this week, I’d say that fall is here. Bring on the boots, chunky sweaters, cool weather, and falling leaves. Heck, I’m even feeling tolerant of all the tacky fall decor that shows up this time of year, cartoon scarecrows and all.

For me, so much of experiencing the seasons has to do with taste. Cooking with seasonal foods really does make you appreciate the unique flavors that are best enjoyed at their peak…Now, enjoying the amount that I did this weekend? Perhaps a bit excessive.

DIY “Book Shelf”

| by Heather Freeman

Ok, you have to admit it’s a little ironic that this shelf is made from books. My sweet friend Hannah whipped this up for her newly remodeled kitchen, and I think it’s just stinkin’ cute. Twine, books, and some gorgeous scrapbook paper were all it took to create a colorful and quirky space to show off some nic naks.

Supplies:
-Books (varied in size)
-twine
-paper
-Mod Podge & sponge brush
-Electric drill

Directions:
1. Mark spots on the books to drill your holes. (This should be at least 1 centimeter away from the spine or edge of the book.)
2. Clamp or firmly grasp the end that you are not drilling on a steady surface. The corner you are drilling will hang off the edge of the surface youa re working on. Using an electric drill, drill holes in the four corners each book.
3. Wrap paper around each book and trace the outline of the cover.
4. Once the cover is cut out, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the non decorative side of the paper. Glue to the books. Allow to dry completely.
5. Poke holes through the paper to match the holes in the books.
6. Measure your twine and mark spot where you want the books to rest. Hannah spaced hers 9 inches apart. (After you tie the knots, it will measure a bit less than this.) Every 9 inches, mark the twine. You’ll also need to think about how low you want the shelf to hang. Since it will suspend from the ceiling, you need to account for the appropriate length so it hangs correctly.
7. Tie four knots at the lowest (bottom) mark. String your first book through. Continue knotting and stringing the other books through. (TIP: You might have to play with the knots to make sure that it hangs evenly. Hannah said this was the trickiest part of the project.)
8. Secure the top of the twine to one or two hooks screws and fasten to your ceiling.

I think the “book” shelves would be really cute in a guest bath or even a kid’s room. You could use strips of leather or really colorful yarn instead of twine if you preferred a different look.

I have to be honest that seeing this project made me realize I have neglected my craft to do list for far too long…I’ve been so exhausted that I’ve been avoiding the piles of supplies in my house already purchased for projects I intended to do months ago. I need to kick it into gear before the holidays are close and
there a 101 other things to do. (Yes, I said holidays-nothing like a trip to Hobby Lobby in September to make you freak out about Christmas looming “right around the corner”. I love Hobby Lobby, but Christmas decor was up in August-ridiculous!!)

What’s on your craft to do list?

Lazy Day Chocolate Chip Pancakes

| by Heather Freeman

It rained all weekend. We decided to take our cue from nature and make it a low key, lazy kind of Saturday. I had been craving pancakes all week but rarely make them at home. Leaving the house was out of the question, so I searched some recipes online before finding one that had reviews where people described them as “the fluffiest” and “lightest” pancakes they had ever made. Well, who wouldn’t want those, right?

I truly believe that pancakes taste better when you’re wearing pajamas and have not washed your hair. Add the rain, hot coffee, a fuzzy blanket and you’ve got everything you need to erase the memory of your work week.

I found the basic pancake recipe here but used cream as well as milk. Thankfully I had some walnuts and chocolate chips hanging around that were begging to be used as well. Sorry that I don’t have the shopping list picture this time…Blame it on my “lazy Saturday” frame of mind.

Walnut Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Ingredients:
-1/4 cup heavy cream
-1/2 cup milk
-2 tablespoons white vinegar
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-2 tablespoons white sugar
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 egg
-2 tablespoons butter, melted
-1/4 cup chopped walnuts
-1/3 cup chocolate chips
-dash of ground cinnamon
-cooking spray

Instructions:

Combine milk and cream with vinegar set aside for 5 minutes to “sour”. (This scared me because I’d never done it, but apparently it makes it like buttermilk and it totally ok.)
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk egg and butter into “soured” milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add chopped nuts and chocolate chips. Stir only until lumps are gone. (Do not over stir-this affects the “fluffiness”.)
Heat skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cups of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook until browned on the other side.
Serve with butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I’m planning on using this recipe to make apple raisin pancakes soon. Has anyone ever made pumpkin pancakes? I want to try but am worried about how adding canned or fresh pumpkin will affect the “fluff factor”.

Linked up with:

A Pinch of Joy

Blogs to Love

| by Heather Freeman

How did we ever manage before blogs? I used to list my favorites on the sidebar. I found that I had to change and add new ones so often that I eventually just took the list down. Well, I decided to pay a little homage to the blogs that inspire me every week.

I feel like the ladies behind these blogs are my virtual friends who just don’t know that I exist. I’ve been following some of them for years and others for just a few months. Here they are along with some of the reasons that they keep me huddled with the laptop in bed until 1am. (PS: If you are not prepared for the time commitment involved in finding new sites that suck you in as soon as you visit, you should leave the page now. Do it. I understand.)

Say Yes to Hoboken
You will find a little bit of everything on Liz’s bog- food, crafts, gorgeous pics from travel destinations. She is San Fran mom and one of the most established bloggers in around, for good reason. Her writing is so transparent, and there are tons of gorgeous pictures to accompany everything she posts about. How cute is this DIY notebook lined T she made for her son??

Homesick Texan

When a fellow Texan recommended I check out this blog, I fell in love. Lisa is a Texan transplanted in NYC who blogs about her love of Texas cuisine. She throws in hilarious bits on trying to cook and live outside of the Lone Star State. The first time I was on her blog it felt like a field trip though my eating past. Sometimes when I’m really missing good Tex Mex or Southern food (in the wasteland of the Midwest where I currently reside), I just spend ridiculous amounts of time drooling over the recipes she posts. These are tacos al carbon, a staple at any Houston Mexican joint.

Creature Comforts
You won’t find a blog with more gorgeous images than this one. Creature Comforts is one of the first blogs I ever started reading and a huge source of inspiration to start my own blog. EZ is the blogger behind CC, and she is genius. She posts about great products, fashion, DIY, and everything that’s just plain pretty. I got so many great ideas for Christmas last year from her free ezine, Gifted. It. is. amazing.

Making it Lovely
Nicole is a blogger that makes motherhood look stinkin’ cool. I can’t think of any other way to put it. Every single post just oozes with her personal style-retro, clean, and feminine. You’ll find great info about home renovations and styling as well as sweet posts about her family. You MUST tour her house-it is mid century eye candy!

Joy The Baker
I think that I ever met Joy, we would be friends. This girl reads all the food fantasies in your mind, and then she bakes them into reality. Below is a strawberry upside-down cake with cardamom. Uh-huh…I told you, food fantasy. Below is the cover of her new cookbook that I hope shows up underneath the Christmas tree for me this year. (What, two pictures for this blog? Yes. Remember- I want to be her friend one day.)

Other blogs that I love and have kept me from cleaning, cooking, sleeping, or doing anything productive for hours at a time are below…

SFGirl by the Bay
Olivine’s Charm School
Design*Sponge
Oh Happy Day!
Eat Drink Chic

Do you read any of these? I’d love to hear some of your favorites as well!

Avocado Smoothie

| by Heather Freeman

Hi, it’s Heather from the The Flourishing Foodie. When the weather is hot, I am always searching for cool refreshing drink ideas. If I can come up with something that involves a variety of fruit, a bit of ice, and a touch of sweetness, I am content. This week I took a hodge podge of ingredients from the fridge and made a delicious treat-something cool and refreshing, with a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

The amazing thing about smoothies, is that they are healthy, quick, nutritious, and fun. Adding some green leafy vegetables to your smoothie will transform the color into a beautiful bright green. Be careful though. If you are looking for that green hue, make sure not to add any berries, as they will turn the smoothie brown. Stick with lighter color fruits, orange, banana, mango, and apple.

Make sure to trim the stems off your veggies and puree them up nice and thin. Once they have been mixed with fruit, you can barely tell they are there. The sweetness from the fruit will overpower the taste from the greens. Adding a half an avocado will provide you with some healthy fats, and add a delicious creaminess to your smoothie. Enjoy!

Heather The Flourishing Foodie

Avocado Smoothie Recipe
makes 4-5 8 oz smoothies

Ingredients
½ cup kale, chopped and stems removed
1 banana, sliced
1 cup mango, chopped
½ avocado, chopped
½ cup light yogurt
1 ½ cups cold water
1 cup ice
1 – 2 tbsp honey

Directions

1. In a blender, puree the kale until a paste. Add the banana, mango, and avocado, and puree.

2. Add the yogurt, water, ice, and honey. Blend until smooth, adding more or less water, depending on desired consistency.

3. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for one day.