...Designing My Own Path...

...Prepping Meals... For the last few years, I've been freezing single portions of various meals to eliminate eating frozen processed foods. Most frequently, I will make soups and eat them throughout the month.  It's super easy, and makes life during a hectic work week a little less stressful.  My first staple frozen soup---- Vegetable with Escarole (when I ate meat, I would use the left overs from a roasted chicken, but now its just a collaboration of vegetables.)  This is perfect when under the weather and craving homemade soup! Escarole ! Perfect single size portion containers! The second is one of my favorites... White Bean Stew ! Source French Onion--- so easy to make! And most recently - Vegetarian Chili.  Saves time & money - highly recommend being organized and planning the simple things in life to make more time for good times with friends & family! 

...Dream Drafting...  That is what I'm going to start calling my designs that come to me in dreams.  This one is especially special since it's from over a decade ago, and I still remember the design, yet this is the first time I've put it on paper (or computer.)  The reason I remember it so well?  In my dream, my grandfather was standing on the walkway on the 2nd floor.  My grandfather worked in construction, and loved architecture.   I feel like he and I would have been super close, yet never had the chance to know one another since he passed away while I was a baby.  (Lucky enough, I was born on his birthday, and am told I have his nose.)  He was quite handsome and if you ask me, looked like Elvis. I like to think that since we missed out on talking about buildings and design, he visits me in my dreams, and shares his design ideas with me.   In my dream, the house was more modern, but sorry Grandpa, your granddaug...

Week 11! Inspiration for floor plan... I came across this image on Pinterest, and immediately fell in love with the bed nook.  The idea of the fireplace right next to the bed makes the space even more warm and charming.  Source The coziness of this space reminds me of the villa I stayed in when I studied abroad in Stia, Italy.  It was a quaint little place at the base of the Castle of Porciano .  Source Source Awesome fireplace I would want in my kitchen.  Source Love rustic wood floors.  Source

This week, I really wanted to incorporate a courtyard into my plan.  I love the idea of having a central outdoor space accessible from most of the house (or at lease visible.) Source Source I also like the idea of having a library in my house.  I collect lots of art, architecture, and travel books, so a space designated would be ideal.  I could also display the ceramic pieces I've purchased over the years.  I would want two ottomans in front of the shelves to lounge on while reading.  French doors would provide natural light from the courtyard.  Source Source I have a thing for brown leather couches, so I feel like one would be perfect for the living room with two accent chairs. Source I would prefer a lower dining table with accent chairs to give a cozier look.  Maybe some bright art on the walls to add pops of color. Source Source I would use french doors for the bedroom to allow a visual into the courtyard. I have ...

I came across this recipe about a year ago while reading People.com (my vice.) Cooking this meal is a labor of love, but the melt in your mouth flavors make it totally worth the time and effort. The sweetness in the puree'd Vidalia Onions are complimented by the bitterness of the capers in the butter sauce.  The Spaghetti Squash creates a nice neutral base with mild flavoring.  The Salmon is so moist, it falls apart.  The end result makes you feel like you are eating at a 5-Star restaurant in a big city.  For perfect timing, I highly recommend starting with the onions since they have to cook on low for an hour.  Once they were started, I put the spaghetti squash in the oven for 25 mins (face down, or flesh down - so opposite of how they are in my photos below.)  I tweaked the recipe slightly in regards to cooking the Salmon.  I prefer to cook mine in the oven @ 400 degrees for 30 minutes.  I tend to overcook it, but I...

Week 9!  Back to the beginning... I always find myself coming back to my first design, and tweaking and revamping.  I moved the bathroom behind the kitchen, keeping the plumbing together.  I also enlarged the bedroom, and moved the laundry into the mud room instead of being in the walk in closet.  I also added a dining nook for space to entertain.  Great color for the floors - and they are laminate which will be budget friendly.  Source Love this bedding from West Elm. Source Great layout for the bedroom. Love the built ins and the lamps above the bed. Source Wood Burning Stove for the living room. Source These doors are amazing! Source Source I love this bench - would be perfect in the mud room entry with some great hooks above for coats. Source Source