The Friday Five

1. Reading:

Reading this book is like sitting down to visit with a best friend. It's good for the soul. I borrowed it from the library but want my own copy to mark up and cook from.

From Amazon: Bread & Wine is a collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. This mix of Anne Lamott and Barefoot Contessa is a funny, honest, and vulnerable spiritual memoir. Bread & Wine is a celebration of food shared, reminding readers of the joy found in a life around the table. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes people as they nourish the people around them.

2. Eating:

On Sunday I felt like baking so I made this Healthy Cinnamon Coffee Cake. I've been eating it for breakfast with plain greek yogurt and berries.

3. Listening to:

Neal Carpenter's album Good Guys
My favorite songs are Line in the Sand, Dance, and Good Guys.
He just so happens to be going on tour with Steve Moakler.
Sadly, they aren't coming anywhere near Sparkle City.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Mushroom Barley Soup from Two Peas and Their Pod. 

I've been craving soup with all this cold weather (see below).

5. Things making me laugh:

It's crazy to think that this dress has caused such a stir on the internet. 

Clearly it is white and gold!

Happy Friday!

DIY Wednesday

DIY Coasters

I wanted to make some coasters for my new apartment and after doing some research on Pinterest I decided to use this tutorial.

Here is what you will need:

• Mod Podge - I chose gloss over matte. 
• Spray Acrylic Sealer - Again, I went with the gloss. 
• Foam Brushes
• A glue gun
• Felt
• Scrapbook Paper
• 4 white tiles

I picked up the craft supplies at Walmart/Michaels and found the tiles at Home Depot for 16 cents a square. I also found a lot of other fun stuff at Home Depot. I'm not sure why I have never been in that store before!

Start by tracing the tiles on the back of the scrapbook paper and felt then cut out the squares. Make both the felt and scrapbook paper squares smaller than the tiles. The scrapbook paper won't seal if there is overhang and you don't want to see the felt sticking out from the bottom. 

Hot glue the felt to the back side of the tiles.

Turn the tiles over and put a layer of Mod Podge on the tile. Quickly put the scrapbook paper on the tile and move it around until you get it where you want it. Put another layer of Mod Podge on top. Wait 10 minutes or so for the first layer to dry, then put another layer of Mod Podge on. The Mod Podge will go on white but it dries clear.

Once the Mod Podge is dry, take the tiles outside and spray them with the acrylic sealer. Follow the instructions on the can. I did 3 coats a few minutes apart. Let the tiles sit overnight before handling.

And there you have it! The best part about this project is that once you have all the supplies, it is easy to do again. I made these coasters for my porch:

Happy crafting! 

Weekly Meal Plan

For the first time in a long time I don't have plans every night this week. I am looking forward to heading home after work and spending time in the kitchen. I bought a Spiralizer a few days ago and am excited to put it to use. If all goes according to plan, here's what I'll be eating this week:

Monday 

Ginger Seared Salmon in Miso Broth with Jalapeno-Scallion Relish and Zucchini Noodles

From Inspiralized

Tuesday

 Seared Mahi Mahi with Zesty Basil Butter

Served with brown rice and roasted green beans

Wednesday

 Eggplant Noodles topped with spaghetti sauce 

Thursday

Zucchini Spaghetti, Crispy Prosciutto and Roasted Cauliflower

From Inspiralized

I made this two weeks ago and it was incredible. 

Fun Facts Friday

1) I impulsed bought some dried apricots at the store on Sunday and have enjoyed snacking on them all week. Random, I know.

2) I finally upgraded my phone. I went from the 4 to the 6 and it was long overdue. The customer service at Verizon was incredible.

3) I've been cooking up a storm in my new kitchen and entertaining a ton. I've loved having people over for happy hour and dinner. I can't wait until it is warm enough to enjoy my porch.

4) If you need an easy weeknight meal for a crowd consider making Ina Garten's Linguine with Shrimp Scampi. I made it for Bible Study this week and it was a hit. Add a salad and some bread or serve it over arugula with roasted tomatoes.

4) One of my new favorite traditions is Pancake Saturday. This is my new go to recipe: 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oats, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla. Spray pan with cooking spray and heat to medium high heat. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and pour into the prepared pan. Cook until edges begin to harden, flip, and cook for 2 more minutes. Top with fruit and syrup to serve.

5) I think I may have finally found a church home. I'm going to go a few more times before officially joining but I have a good feeling about this one.

6) The warm weather over the weekend was such a tease. I'm ready for spring!

7) I've spent the past two Saturdays running a ton of errands on the west side of town. Even though I need to take something back, I am thankful to not be heading that way tomorrow.

8) I watched So You Said Yes on the Hallmark Channel and fell in love with the male lead. Now I just need for my real life Sam to appear.

9) I realize that I am super late to this bandwagon but I started listening to Serial and am hooked. It's been my go to entertainment this week while on the treadmill.

10) I tried to register for the 8k that I am supposed to be running yesterday and Eventbrite shutdown during my transaction. I'm not quite sure what the universe is trying to tell me.

Happy Friday!

Home Sweet Home

Without further ado, here is a look at my new place:

Dining room/front entrance

Bar/storage closet

Guest room - come visit!

Master bedroom - with a window!

Living room - I love the natural light and exposed brick.

The best part/porch

It was an easy move thanks in part to some football players, dear friends, and my parents. It started to feel like home my first night here. I have so enjoyed making it my own and getting settled.

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

I just ordered this and am excited for it to arrive.

From Amazon: From the author of Blue Like Jazz comes a book about the risk involved in choosing to impress fewer people and connect with more, about the freedom that comes when we stop acting and start loving. It is a story about knocking down old walls to create a healthy mind, a strong family, and a satisfying career. And it all feels like a conversation with the best kind of friend: smart, funny, true, important.

2. Eating:

Roasted Coconut Chips from Trader Joes. I've been sprinkling them on my almond butter banana toast in the morning. I also added some into my green smoothie today. It was so good!

3. Listening to:

Vance Joy's "Mess is Mine"
I've been listening to him in preparation for seeing him open for Taylor Swift in June. I love this song but the official music video is bizarre.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:

Cauliflower Rice Veggie Lettuce Cups with Sriracha Peanut Sauce from veggieandthebeastfeast.com. All of my favorite things in one dish!

5. Things making me laugh:

Jimmy Fallon has been on point this week with this Saved by the Bell reunion. 

 

I was pulling for the Patriots on Sunday but this was too funny not to share.

Happy Friday!