Right on Target!

Linking to Serenity Now

When my husband and I decided to add bar stools to our kitchen/dining area we had no idea how much use we would get out of them.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that we pretty much stopped using the dinning table all together.  I occasionally dust it just to keep it looking clean :).  It's so easy and convenient to simply sit by the island and chit chat about our day.  So when it was time to move on from our first set, I immediately turned to my favorite stores to find the perfect pair!

Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of our first set, but I found a pair at Bed Bath and Beyond that look almost identical to the bar stools we owned.  Here's a picture to give you an idea of what we started with.

Bed, Bath and Beyond

  

Once the decision was made to buy another pair, I quickly realized that the challenge wasn't going to be finding the perfect bar stools, but rather finding them within our price range.  I knew exactly what style I wanted so I turned to Pottery Barn (obvious choice), Pier1, World Market, and Ikea for a chance of finding a BOGO "buy one get one free" deal.  Wishful thinking? I think so!  Unfortunately, most were out of my price range (although lovely) or in the case of Craigslist, just not the right style. 

Pottery Barn $159-$199

Pier 1 - $159.95

I was beginning to lose hope until one afternoon I remembered that I had forgotten about another obvious choice, Target!  My other home away from home.  My face lit up when I saw the Threshold Carey Stool - White option.  Day made!

$64.99 - $69.99 (here)

At only $64.99 each, less 5% for using their store card, this was a great option as they were the right style and color.  We placed our order online and had the two bar stools delivered two days later...I was one very happy customer.

Once they were nicely assembled (thanks to my handy hubby) I began searching for a pair of cushions.  I drove to World Market; which by the way has some amazing colorful cushions right now, and came home with two reasonably priced neutral ones.  Did I mention how much I adore these bar stools?  Okay, just checking :).

They sure do make this area seem brighter and cozier at the same time, do you agree?  The cozier the better is my motto. 

I will soon work on transitioning from our current dining room table and switching to something more fitting.  My husband and I are looking forward to adding a bit more sitting to accommodate family and friends. I have to say, I'm very excited to start searching for the right table.  Although, I'm still debating whether to buy a finished piece or attempt a DIY project.  Decisions, decisions.

I hope you had an amazing weekend!  We experienced great weather so we took advantage and gave our little backyard so much needed attention.  A little post on our gardening skills (or lack thereof) is in the works.

Until next time,
Karina

A Sweet Treat - Honey Almond Protein Crisp

I get so excited when I come across a recipe that is not only easy to make, delicious, and wait a minute....dare I say healthy? That is right my friends.  When I heard the rave reviews coming from my husband I just knew I had to share this recipe with you.  But don't fear the heavenly look and taste of this treat because it's actually quite healthy.

If you read my Maui Black Bean Recipe post (here), you may already know that I have been enjoying baking and cooking as of late.  During the process, I've found some pretty amazing and healthy recipes that are not only satistfying but will take care of those sweet tooth cravings without interfering with your fitness goals.

This recipe is from the Bodybuilding.com website.  Now, I am no bodybuilder by any means but I like to browse the site for inspiration, recipes, and fitness tips.  Knowing we will be in Hawaii in a few months has me looking for ways to kick it up a notch with my workouts and meals.  However, whenever I need a little motivation all I have to do is take one look at Jamie Eason and that does it for me - that woman is in AMAZING shape!  But enought rambling...onto the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Nature's Path Crispy Rice (I used good old Rice Krispies cereal)
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder 
• 1 cup whole oats 
• 1/4 cup crushed almonds 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (I used Stevia)
• 3/4 cup smooth almond butter 
• 1/2 cup honey 

Directions:

1. Pour the crispy rice, protein powder, whole oats and crushed almonds into a large bowl and shake gently. Avoid stirring, to keep the protein powder from settling on the bottom.
2. In a small glass bowl, combine the brown sugar, almond butter, and honey, and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring until combined.
3. Add the almond butter mixture to the crispy rice mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9x13 Pyrex dish, or use cookie cutter shapes as molds, and fill with the mixture, pressing firmly into place. Place the 9x13 Pyrex dish in the freezer for at least one hour. Allow the crisp to soften a bit before cutting the squares, or simply break off pieces with your hands. (If using cookie cutters, be sure to remove them before putting the crisp in the freezer.)
5. Store in the freezer.

Where you shocked at how easy this treat came together?  I certainly was.  This recipe reminds me of a healthier version of a rice krispy treat, so if you enjoy Rice Krispies then you will definitely like these!

  

I hope you enjoyed this post.  If you try this recipe, please don't forget to come back and let me know your thoughts.  As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated as it helps me know what you would like to see more of in this little corner of mine.
Until next time,
Karina

Easy & Delicious Maui Black Bean Soup

I'm not sure about you, but when the weather starts to get a little warmer my cookbooks come off the bookshelf and get a lot more lovin'.  Case in point, this week I've been on a cooking/baking spree and  have especially been enjoying The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno.  I've found some amazing and tasty recipes that I wanted to share!

It's no secret to those around me that I've jumped on the clean eating bandwagon.  It all started when I purchased the Insanity fitness program a little over year ago.  This program marked the beginning of my journey to a healthier lifestyle and since then I haven't looked back. 

This soup is not only healthy and delicious but so easy to make.  I'm sure most of the ingredients in this recipe are staples in most kitchens; which is another reason why this recipe is a definite keeper for me.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 ribs celery, trimmed and coarsely chopped ( I added three cause I love my veggies)

1 fat carrot, peeled and chopped ( I added 2)

1 small purple onion, peeled and chopped

1 red pepper, seeded and de-veined, chopped

1 green pepper, seeded and de-veined, chopped

2 cloves garlic passed through a garlic press (or minced garlic; which is what I used)

1 tsp dried cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp chili powder

4 cups low-sodium chicken/vegetable stock (I opted for vegetable)

2 x 15 oz cans black beans (I rinsed and drained them)

1 x 15 oz canned diced tomatoes

1 cup fresh corn kernels (I didn't have fresh so used frozen instead)

Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper

Preparation:
1.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add celery, carrot, onion, and bell peppers.  Saute until onion becomes translucent, about 8 minutes.  Add garlic and spices.  Cook another 2 minutes.
2. Add stock or cooking liquid of your choice, beans and tomatoes.  Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat.  Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes.  Using a hand-held blender, puree soup to desired consistency. (Note: I don't own a hand-held blender so I improvised and used a regular blender instead).  Add corn and let simmer for 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve hot.

 

Here is the end result - pure deliciousness.  :)

Let me know if you make this recipe and what your thoughts are.  I would really appreciate your feedback!  I'll be posting a few more recipes that have been a hit in my home during the last couple of weeks - a few of them are scrumptious desserts :)

Until next time,
Happy Girl :)

A Little Cozier

One room that has been through a complete transformation has been - without a doubt -  our den.  Our poor little den had been screaming for a makeover since we moved in, but it wasn't until late last year that we were able to tackle the lackluster decor.  This room is not yet complete (no room ever is) but let's take a look at the progress we've made thus far.

Most of the furniture purchased for this room - believe it or not - is from Target! It wasn't planned but Target certainly helped us stay within our budget, plus we got the look we were after. 

• Bookcase (Target)
• Faux leather chairs (Target)
• Trunk (Target)
• White decorative pillows (Pottery Barn)
• Table tray (HomeGoods)
• White curtains (Pottery Barn)

We found this adorable frame at Pier 1 during one of our trips to Monterey last year.  I couldn't agree more with the saying, words to live by.

To contrast the darker hues on the opposite side of this room, we purchased this sofa from World Market.  I originally wanted a white sofa from Pottery Barn that I had been eying for a while, but I had to be real with myself and opted for this great alternative.  I am very pleased with how well this sofa blends with the Nolan chairs form Target.

• Sofa (World Market)
• Lamp (World Market)
• Cross (Local boutique)
• Crate (Target)
• Throw (TJMaxx)

There are a few ideas I have in mind to "complete" this room, but I am so thrilled with how this room is coming together.  I don't plan on making major purchases but little things to finish the look.  

• Mirror (Target)
• White Vase (Target)
• Branches (Michael's and World Market)
• Pillows (World Market)

Here are a couple of "before" pictures to show you the starting point.  The brown sectional overpowered the room so much that it didn't leave room for much else.  I am so glad we were able to decorate this room to fit our needs and still stay within our budget.

I hope you enjoyed a little tour of our den.  I will definitely post an updated tour once this room is "complete".  I'm thinking a video would be great!  Let me know what you think of this idea.

xoxo,
Happy Girl