Entryway Revamp

The entryway to our apartment has a lot of storage but not a lot of style. When we first moved in the khaki curtain wasn't hung and you could see all the great kitchen appliances we have stored there. It wasn't exactly the kind of welcome I like to give as you enter our space. Since I had this curtain rod and panel from past apartments I put it up, but felt like the space needed a little life.
Being on a tight budget, I knew I needed to get the most bang for my buck on this project. I went to a few sewing stores around town in search of a large scale pattern. As soon as I found this fabric, at my new favorite store Fancy Tiger crafts, I knew it would do the trick.
It's a simple panel that really gives this space some personality. I even had a little fabric left over and used it to make my dog, Izzy, a stylish scarf.

Trials of Sewing - Chef's Apron

If you get the daily emails from etsy, you too will have a list of projects on your mind. Lately mine have been of sewing. I've always liked to make things and some of the most gratifying have been home decor sewing projects. Since I haven't had any formal sewing training since 7th grade home economics, I've continued with the 'Sew straight line' projects. The latest comes from a combination of my last post of trying new recipes and something that's not just a home accent.I actually winged it on this project (no pattern or measuring). Next time I'll use this as a start but will make some modifications in size. It's great for me but would be short for anyone taller than 5'2".

Finding a fabric was one of the challenges. There were a few criteria I had in mind; First, the pattern had to have a fun but bold graphic. Second, I didn't want to spend a lot of money (total cost: $10.00). Third, it had to coordinate with the kitchen colors so I could 'display' my final product. Next adventures in sewing I'm going to try to actually use a pattern. Stay tuned...

Flavor Explosion

We've been trying to find new recipes that are healthy, inexpensive, and above all, taste fabulous. After getting a few cookbooks from the library one stands out above the rest. Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite. This book has good recipes, easy directions, appetizing photos, and most recipes are made from typical ingredients we buy. Our favorite recipe so far is the "Stuffed Chicken Breasts Wrapped in Sage and Prosciutto". It was easy to prepare, 8 ingredients total, and an amazing combination of flavors. We pared it with baked potato wedges and a steamed artichoke. Although, Ramsay suggests serving with greens and light mashed potatoes or zesty couscous.This dish wasn't the healthiest in the book (it is stuffed with ricotta cheese) but we also tried some other recipes like the "Smoked trout, orange and wild arugula salad" that was light and great for a summer lunch. All in all, I would definitely suggest checking this cookbook out!

Before and After - Kitchen Table

As some of you know, my boyfriend Ben, LOVES free stuff. He's had this table since a friend from college gave it to him as she was moving out of her apartment. After living and using it daily as teal and yellow (and one chair teal and white) I finally decided it was time for a new look. It is a great solid wood table that just needed a little love. I really wanted to paint it a great bold green and white but we are renting and our apartment currently has a green kitchen (to the right of this photo) and also a gold living room wall. I love both colors so I went a completely different direction and pulled a blue and gray that would compliment the area rug.
At first I lived with the table and chairs without the pattern on the chairs for a few days but they felt too simple and boring. Finally, I decided to add a detail to the chairs. Overall, I like the change but definitely need to work on my hand swirl painting skills!