2.28.2013

SPD: HOW TO FRAME A MIRROR


I'm sure many of you have seen this floating around on the Pin (we used this tutorial as a guide but did it our own way), and I've always wondered if it was really that easy. We're Billy's here to show you all that it really is!

This DIY is one.hundred.percent all Billy. I take no credit for this awesomeness.
Except for finding the idea and emailing the link over to him.
(you don't want to know how many emails like this he receives...ha.)
He's the best and I'd like to think we make a pretty good team...
sidenote: can I just say real quick how glad I am that for our first home we have decided to take on so many projects? We have learned so much and enjoy doing them! Ok, done. Sorry.

We decided to spruce up one of our guest bathrooms. It needed it, as you can see. If you have a standard mirror in your home and are bored with it-this is a perfect, inexpensive solution for you! It cost us $14.00 to do the whole thing. (if you need glass glue/paint, then add in some for that.)

Supplies:

+Two 8 foot 1x4's (each board $7-cut to make 4 sides)
+Glass glue
+White paint, or use a wood stain to make it brown if that's what you prefer!
+Foam roller (this works best, but you can use a paintbrush)

Steps:

+Paint your wood white. We only did one coat, but if you're feeling like it needs two..do two!

+Measure the bottom of the mirror to determine how long to cut the 1x4's. Overhang the board an 1" on each side of the mirror.

+Cut the 1x4's the exact same length to use as the top and bottom frame.

+Determine where the mirror "clips" {see below} are on the mirror and notch out with a chizzle those areas on the back of your wood, so that the boards lay flush on the mirror.



+Starting with the bottom wood frame, use the glass glue to coat the back of the board and attach/hold to the mirror for a minute or two. Make sure each side of the mirror has the equal amount of wood so that it's even. You can use a level to make sure the bottom frame is level.




+Repeat the same step for the two sides and finish by doing the top frame.


Then, you end up with a pretty frame! Stand back and admire.



Again, here is a pic of our before and now our after. Those are the best, right?

 before
 

and after:


What do you think? How'd Billy do?
 I'm sure he'd appreciate some great feedback...just sayin'.

 Next on our list is to paint those bathroom cabinets white and to add hardware! :)

*Important note: We will not be having SPD next week. I know, I know! But I will be too busy enjoying drinks, 75 degree weather (AH-I'm so laying out in their lawn), and the rodeo with my sister/co-host of this very link-up/best friend Steph in Texas. So, come join us again in TWO WEEKS and bring your A game!

 Can't wait to see what you all made this week!
So far, I'm really loving this project Katie (yup another Katie-living in Ohio!) did today.
Make sure you go check it out too.  

the fine print:
+Link up using the linky tool below.
+Link back to Steph and I's blogs in your post (be kind!) so other people can know about the link up!
+Visit other blogs to get new inspiration and find new friends.


2.27.2013

BRAVO'S POSTER CHILD


....is me.
 Hand raised. Acceptance speech written.

Without a doubt.

Real Housewives of Wherever?
Don't make me miss a minute.
{I will say I have absolutely zero interest in Miami's...that must count for something.}

I told myself I wouldn't add fuel to the flame by watching the new one...you know...
Vanderpump Rules.


And now, look at me, 
a couple days after the finale hoping and praying they pick it up for Season 2.

It's like I'm all Laura-Leigh on the sidewalk begging Jax, I mean Jason, to not break up with me.
That's how I feel right now.


If you haven't seen this gem of a show, you probably think I'm a little crazy right about now.
And if you have, you might think that too. 
 But who's with me on this? the newest Hills? better or not?


Lisa is by far my favorite housewife in all of the series, so I guess this was bound to happen.
I love how she plays the momma bird to them, her sarcasm, that CLOSET, and dog (you know I'm partial to the poms) are the best. 

So please, Bravo,
Round 2? Whadda say?
That's all I got.
Come back tomorrow where Billy is showcasing a DIY project he did 100% on his OWN! 
And it's his birthday week. The man's got talent. ;) 



2.26.2013

MEAL PLANNING...USING MASON JARS.



Meal prep doesn't have to be hard.
We just choose to make it hard sometimes!
Why do we do this to ourselves?

The biggest key (imo) is the planning part.
You must have a place to keep track of all your recipes that you've tried, want to try, and somewhere to log your menu for the week. It could be on a chalkboard in your kitchen, or even if just means in the "Notes" section of your iPhone (I keep our grocery shopping list there).

 {our menu board. our full kitchen makeover that makes me really happy: here}

I think I've mentioned this before, but we have gotten in the routine of making our menu for the week on Sunday and making sure we have all the ingredients for the next week or two.I will make a stop at the store later on in the week to get fresh fruits/veggies, but other than that, I try to have everything in our house so that we can get right to cooking on the busy weeknights. 

Lunches are another story.
I usually prepare them in the morning of, but sometimes run out of time and find myself rushing to put something together....

Enter the fabulous mason jar salads.
Meal prep at it's finest!

Why didn't I think of this sooner?
5 mason jars stored in the refrigerator = 5 salads. They do not go bad, trust me!
 Glass jars are the best type of storage containers for food.

So, you cut up your toppings.


Start layering what you want on the top of your salad first.
Since I don't eat meat, I like to put chickpeas and sunflower seeds on mine.
You can season the chickpeas to give the more flavor (I use chili powder, lime juice, cumin)


tip if you add avocado: drizzle lemon juice on it after you cut it up so that it doesn't brown.

Finish by placing your spinach/lettuce on the very TOP.
Wait to add your salad dressing until right before you eat it.
Secure your jar with a lid and store....


When you're ready to eat, simply flip over the jar into a bowl or plate and add your salad dressing!
It couldn't be easier and you have your lunches done for the week. 
If you are adding avocado to each, I would wait until Weds. to add to your salads for Thurs. and Fri., just to be safe. It has stayed good for me for 2 days by drizzling lemon juice on top, but not sure about 4-5 days.

Don't you feel less stressed just reading this?
Imagine when you're done preparing these how you'll feel!

Note: if you don't want salad everyday (yes it can get boring and no I don't just have salad everyday, I eat a lot..tah-rust me!), take a tupperware container and place a cooked lean protein (chicken breast, fish, etc) in it with a couple of veggies or a different side and store the same way.

Then, take the extra time you would have been spending in the morning shuffling around to sleep in a bit.

Lastly, have I mentioned how much I love getting reader feedback?
It's been brought to my attention via email that you guys actually ENJOY my juicing recipes!
Woo, woo, woo!
Well, some of you do (thank you to those who have told me!)
I honestly thought for a while no one enjoyed them but me. ha.

 So, for those who enjoy them, here are a few of my favorite recent combinations:
(if you haven't gotten into juicing yet-read this post as to why I like it)
 
-1 orange (peel it first then put in the juicer whole)
-1 lemon (you can either peel or not peel. I read that the peel of a lemon is good for you, but it gives more of a bitter taste in your drink, so it's your preference)
-4 carrots (cut off bad ends)
-large handfuls of kale (2 or 3)

Makes a large glass.

Oh, and after I mentioned trying a whole jalapeno my-lungs-throat-and-chest-are-on-fire yesterday, 
I got some requests for that recipe. Here it is but use caution my friends ;)
note: using a jalapeno in juices is said to help with weight loss. 
I'm not just cray and like the taste of minor burning.



How do you meal plan? Do you like the salad idea?
I think I'm going to do this weekly now...
Do you prep your meals the week prior?
Linked up for Tasty Tuesday's!

 Share with me!

 I post a lot of my juicing recipes/lunches to instagram, 
so if you have any questions or want to follow along find me at: katiewkrysh.



2.25.2013

A Winery, Family, A Birthday Week.


Hey hey hey!
I hope you had an amazing weekend.

Today marks my husband's birthday week!

He would never go and say that to me or anyone, but since I like to celebrate mine for a week (or a couple weeks, or a month...) I figure he should get that special experience too, right? ;) His birthday is on Sunday and then we leave for Texas next week so to say both of those things have us really excited is an understatement! I mean, Billy has never been to Texas (I've been to San Antonio) and we both have never in our life been to a real rodeo. Thoughts like this have come up: what in the world do you wear? dresses and cowboy boots, what? Will we stand out like mid-western sore thumbs? Are they going to make me eat deer meat? Because if the answer is yes, I'm a little scared. We shall see....

Now for a look into our weekend via instastyle and a tip if you ever visit here! .... (@katiewkrysh)


1. What better way is there to start of a weekend than with Corona's and Chipotle? Those two things might be my favorite "c" words ever. Yum in the tum. 
2. My boys looking cute.
3. I've started mixing silver and gold together. Are you a fan of mixing the two or wearing seperately? Arm candy ft: Target (zebra bangle) and Style Love Living (love bracelet). Spike bracelet was random find on Groop Dealz.
4. MY NEW JUICER! I've told you guys before that I was using my Mom's juicer that she loved, but it is really old and since I use it so often, the blade just couldn't keep up anymore. We decided to buy the Breville Juice Fountain Plus (and Billy was definitely making fun of me for how excited I was about having two speeds!) and got an amazing deal on it. I love love love it. Highly recommend if you want a juicer.
+this is fresh orange juice made of 4 whole oranges. 
(for battling my cold last week which is finally making it's way out of my life...)


On Saturday, Billy's mom and twin sister came in town to visit us and also for their cousin who's birthday party was later that night! We went to Easton to shop all day and decided to eat at the new Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant (which is now in my now top 3 places to eat here!). Oh my goodness...this place is awesome and you must try it if you live here or come visit.

You walk in and there are two bar areas that you're able to do wine tastings. You can do them before you eat, or just do them and then leave to go shopping or after you're done shopping! The location is awesome and the food is wonderful here (get the southwest egg rolls appetizer). Not to mention, it's huge. It's two stories and designed beautifully! They have a wine club you can join that is pretty reasonably priced as well (what do you say babe? ;)) 

Two thumbs up from us.


5. Billy and his momma!
6. We got a pitcher of sangria at Cooper's Hawk...a little sweet, but we liked it. 
7. Heart + colored skinnies + Tory's..comfortable outfit of the day!
8. AHH! They came! The devils cute little Girl Scout cookies! Must.stop.inhaling.
What are your favorites? Don't make me pick one. All of the above are equals in my mind. ;)


On Sunday, we went to breakfast with Billy's family and said goodbye to them and ended the weekend like this...


....on the couch watching the Oscars! I'm not much for award shows (which is weird since I love my fashion), but I love the Oscars. Who wants to invite me next year? Anyone? Anyone?

What did you do this weekend?

*Not pictured: I tried a new juice recipe including a WHOLE JALAPENO...too bad I don't have a pic of me running around the house like a crazy person because that's EXACTLY what it felt like when drinking this juice. WOW! If you don't like a lot of kick in your juices, I would not recommend trying this. ha. 

I linked up with Sami today-go join in on the fun!

You still have time to enter my "Stand Out This Spring" giveaway!

2.21.2013

SPD: HEALTHY COOKIES




Saw It. 
Pinned It. 
Did It.

Today's pin of choice?

Healthy breakfast cookies. 
That's not to say you can't eat these mid-day like I've been doing.
You all know I'm obsessed and love this easy breakfast cookie I posted a while back,
but these are a new favorite in my rotation. 

These were spotted first from this pin (gotta love the fabulous Skinny Taste)

Healthy Cookies | Skinnytaste

Not only are these cookies gluten free {just use gluten free oats}, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.
they have only...drum roll please...

THREE INGREDIENTS.
 In the original recipe, it uses walnuts but I decided to switch it up and use almonds instead because I like them more.


These cookies can be made in 20 minutes from start to finish.
So many things to love about these right now...
or is this just me?

 Here's what you do:
 


1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a non-stick cookie sheet with cooking spray. Mash up the two bananas. Make sure you are using bananas that are really ripe!

2.Chop up your almonds (I used a mini food processor) so that you have 1/4 cup.

3. Combine mashed bananas and 1 cup oats (uncooked). Stir. Fold in the almonds.

4. Place a tablespoons (or the size desired) on the cookie sheet.

5. Bake for 15 minutes. Makes 16 cookies.


VOILA.
I love pinning recipes so I can just pull it up on my phone and make them quickly.
Pin these if you fancy!
Not much I love more than seeing my recipes/projects pinned (seriously).
 
If you don't like almonds, you can really substitute anything in these and they would be great.
I was talking with Meghan (love her blog) and she sent me this amaze recipe.
They are cookies similar to this but have peanut butter and vanilla in them.
Definitely going to make them soon!

follow me on instagram (@katiewkrysh) and on pinterest: here!

Have you made cookies like these before?

OK, your turn!
Show me what you got.

the fine print:
+Link up using the linky tool below.
+Link back to Steph and I's blogs in your post (be kind!) so other people can know about the link up!





2.20.2013

CHANCES ARE, YOU NEED THESE...

Happy Wednesday, friends.
One day closer to the weekend!

Back at you today with another round of things you should put on your must-have list. It's only right as a blogger to report to you with items that have made me all kinds of happy lately (even ones that don't-but I don't have any of those kinds today!), so today I present to you these awesome finds:

{YOGI GREEN TEA BLUEBERRY SLIM LIFE}


This is the only tea I will drink from now on. Not because I'm a Yogi brat, but just because it's my favorite by FAR! It helps curb my appetite, tastes good, gives me energy (I told you all I haven't had coffee in over a month!), and the cute quotes you get on the tea bags make me smile. Basically, you must try this tea! While you're at it-pick up some PB2 to replace your peanut butter. It has less fat and it's simple to make..you just mix this powder with water.
-both can be found at Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Walmart, etc. 


{MAYBELLINE COLOR WHISPER LIPCOLOR}



Pin Up Peach and Berry Ready are two shades that I love. I don't normally wear lipstick, but these are more of a balm. They are very moisturizing and I love how small compact they are. *these are buy one, get one 50% off right now! (from the link above)


{FOREVER 21 ESSENTIAL STRIPED DRESS} 

 -ordered this one the day before my no-buy Feb. Can't wait to wear it!


{KATE SPADE  DIAGONAL STRIPE IPHONE CASE}

 


{MODCLOTH CREME DE LA CREME DE MENTHE NECKLACE} 

 

-to get a $15 off credit of $50 or more, join here. Then invite your friends too, so they can save.
Then everyone is hap hap happy!


{MODCLOTH WITTY IN PINK FLAT}






{J. BRAND SUPER SKINNY JEANS}







Just because I'm on a spending freeze (10 more days!), doesn't mean you have to be!
Have fun shopping. Or wishing for. Or putting on your list for later. Whatever you choose! ;)

Have you bought any of these? or tried any?
What is your favorite?!

Something else I love are the little cuties over there ---> on my sidebar.
I would not promote any blogs that I didn't truly love, and all of these girls are fabulous and ones I've been following for a long time. If you want to find some new favorite blogs, go check them out.

Be back tomorrow with a yummy treat (healthy!) for Saw It. Pinned It. Did It...
Hope that you will link up your projects, recipe, or outfit inspiration too!

-don't forget to enter the "stand out this spring" giveaway for a chance to win!


2.19.2013

Stand Out This Spring




chambray spring looks



You guys know by now that I'm really looking forward to spring. I'm not above counting down the days! Spring clothes are probably my favorite (which is another reason why my no buy Feb. is a good idea) and once they start putting them in stores, I'm in full want-to-buy-everything mode. Anyone else?!

If you buy one new piece for your spring/summer wardrobe this year, buy a good quality chambray shirt. You may have already jumped on this trend last year, but if not, now is the time! The chambray shirt is so versatile (the one featured above is a perfect fit and color and is from Madewell) which is why I love it so much. As you can see, I showed some examples for how you can create 3 different looks with it.

The first outfit is pairing it with a maxi-this probably my favorite look because it's unexpected and fun for the spring and summer. The second look would be to wear some layers with the chambray top, and then pair with skinny jeans and a fun heel (love those shoes!). The third look is obviously with shorts...I love how it's styled up in the front with lace shorts in that photo, but you could do regular colored shorts as well to add a pop of color.

These 3 looks are so easy to put together, but you will stand out and look fashionable wearing them. My kinda outfit!

While we're on the topic, I've mentioned them before but I love to use Tide Pods detergent to help brighten up my spring clothes even more. Pop in a whole new kind of clean with Tide Pods. If you don't remember me mentioning them before, they are the only powerful 3-chamber unit dose on the market right now. Tide Pods are effective for cleaning, brightening, and fighting stains and couldn't be easier to use! You just pop one in the washer and don't have to worry about measuring anything.
We have officially been using them for months now on all of our clothes and probably won't switch to anything else! They do an amazing job and make our clothes smell wonderful! Just one removes more stains than 6 caps of the liquid bargain brand. (Based on stain removal performance of one pac of Tide Pods vs. 6 doses of the leading liquid bargain brand base variant in a standard top loading machine.)



Today, you have the chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card.
Tell me about something in your wardrobe that's versatile and provides 3-in-1 style
By leaving a comment below, you'll be entered for the chance to win.

Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post. Tweet (public message) about this promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here

This sweepstakes runs from 2/19/13 – 3/19/13. Be sure to visit the Tide Pods brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

 __

 Before I go, last night I decided to go to my favorite spin class even though I'm still not feeling the greatest. I was so surprised because I had this feeling that I would over do it and end up feeling terrible today, but I'm actually feeling better! I'm so glad I went (but who doesn't normally feel good after the gym?!) Thank you to those who sent me well wishes yesterday!

I also got some questions on my workout schedule recently, so I thought I would share it here. I'm not an expert, but this is just what works for me. I've said it before and I'll say it again..if you want to burn a lot of calories and get your legs in shape-go to spin 2x per week! Your body will love you.

Monday-Circuit workout/abs (pushups, lunges, sit ups, planks, side raises, etc) then 1 hour spin class.
Tuesday-Arms (I use 12 lb weights) and running (anywhere from 3-4 miles)
Weds-rest day
Thursday-Longer run (5-7 miles), arms.
Friday-Circuit workouts/abs, legs, sometimes I do the stair-master for 25 minutes.    
Sat-Spin class
Sunday-rest day  

*Any other questions, feel free to email me or leave it in the comments below! Don't forget to answer the question above to be entered to win. Thank you to those new readers who have introduced yourself to me! 
   

2.18.2013

CURRENTLY, I AM....


Reading: My planner for a list of things going on/to-do's for this week. On the plus side, it's one more week that we are closer to spring! Cha-ching.

Watching: Nothing right now, but tonight you better believe I will be tuned in for the Bachelor, RHOBH, and Pump Rules (addicted to this show). It's the one night I actually look forward to watching t.v (and that I have time for) especially since it's right after my favorite spin class. 


This weekend, I had a night out with my girlfriends and we went and saw Safe Haven. The movie was so cute! I never read the book (wish I would have!), but two of my girlfriends did. We all really enjoyed it, but agreed it wasn't quite to the level of The Notebook. ;) 


Loving: that we got our taxes done over the weekend. Not loving? the 4 hours it took us to do them.

Also, loving these tasty treats I found in the frozen section at the grocery store that I posted to instagram last night.... {follow me on instagram at: katiewkrysh}


100 cals? Yes please. Sign me up.

Looking Forward To: Our trip to Texas that is in 2.5 weeks! So excited about ALL of it-going to the rodeo for the first time, the warmer weather, meeting new blog friends (cheers to THAT!), oh and to see this girl...


 Wondering: when I will start feeling better! Unfortunately, this weekend I caught the bug and got really sick. Saturday I woke up feeling terrible and ended up sleeping for over 16 hours! I was only up for a couple hours during the day and when I was, I just wanted to go back to sleep. When I woke up on Sunday, I felt a little bit better, but I'm still not feeling 100% and a cough has formed. I'm taking my vitamins, doubling up on the water, and juicing like crazy.... hoping this works! Being sick is for the birds.

Cooking/Baking: Still making lots of chili (this recipe. Usually on Sunday's so it will last me all week) Another favorite of ours are the baked southwestern egg rolls (vegetarian + husband approved!) We had them for dinner last night!




Disliking: that my favorite spin instructor has been MIA for the past week and a half! He is by far the best instructor at our gym and so I'm hoping he's back this week. It's crazy how much difference a really good instructor makes on the class! (side note: if you are looking to burn a whole bunch of calories and haven't tried spin-go try it now!)

Making Me Happy: my husband and Rocky were saints this weekend. Billy ran errands for me and went grocery shopping, while Rocky was such a cuddle bug and didn't leave my side. 



Wishing you: a happy Monday and rest of the week! If you're new around here-please speak up and say hi! :) I'm so happy to have you here! Link up your weekend shenanigans here!

How was your weekend? 

2.15.2013

SIMPLE KINDA LIFE

{I posted at a different time yesterday-so if you missed the chance to win $1,500: enter here!}

We've made it to Friday!
Too bad we all can't celebrate together....wouldn't that be so fun?

How was your special love day yesterday? I'll get into ours in a minute.
Real quick I want to say hello to all of you who are new around here!

 {except I was really tan here...sigh...}

Like I said yesterday, I recently posted many of my favorite posts on my About Me page, so if you want to get to know the girl behind this blog a little better, that would be a good place to start. 
Who knows, maybe you don't want to know anything about me.
I'm hoping that's not the case though. ;)

I want to address something that brought me a lot of happiness this week...
There are not many things better than seeing you guys make projects that Billy and I have made (in particular-I've seen many of you do the $20 wood shelves), healthy recipes that I've tried, etc. 
I was sitting on the couch with Billy the other night actually showing him your tweets, pictures, and so on of the things you were inspired to make from seeing on my blog. It was like holy canoli-we loved it so much! and it inspires us to do more projects! So, thank you for that.

Moving on...

I've always told Billy that the things I remember/love most about Valentine's day are the things that are the most thoughtful. Even just spending time together in our own home is perfectly fine with me!  
Wine? Check. Movie? Check. Sweatpants? Definitely not mad about that one, so consider it yup-checked.
 
{right before the sweatpants made their appearance. thank you iphone for one of the blurriest pics I've ever seen.}

What made yesterday special for me was: 

....Getting breakfast out together before work so I don't have to make it.
Billy knows it's my favorite meal. In fact, the entire place was empty when we went. It was lovely.
 
....Handmade cards. You just cannot put a price on homemade cards.
They provide me with many laughs + are probably one of my favorite things ever.


....Our plan for the evening was to have our favorite meal at home, have a little wine tasting (Billy surprised me with three bottles!), and go to a cute dessert place (Pistacia Vera) down in German Village. When we got down there, we ended up getting dinner to go at a place close by that we've never tried. We love trying new places together, so this was fun for us.

....The MACAROONS themselves make me want to LIVE here! OK, and the truffles.


 

 
{in the back there is the chocolate bar I designed for Billy from Chocomize}

Anyway, Valentine's day is nice because it gives me that reminder to soak up my time with Billy and just how much I love him (even though I feel this way everyday). But just like other holidays, I wish my mom were still here. She was one of those that loved to celebrate any and every holiday and would go all out for it with the cutest little things. On the other hand, it's nice that I have a valentine up in heaven, too.

Tonight, I'm going to dinner with three of my best girlfriends and going to see this movie....


typical.

What are you doing this weekend?
Cheers to having {love}days everyday and possibly continuing it into the weekend?

xo