DIY – Organize Your Kitchen

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Whether you are a daily cook or an occasional one, having an organized kitchen can maximize your time and space.  Here are a few easy tips to get you and your kitchen working in harmony.

Organized Pantry Using Designated Canisters

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.38.23 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage and Free Printable Labels via BHG.com

Using Chalkboard Paint on Pantry Doors for Grocery Lists and Menus

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.42.40 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via Simple Effects

Using Curtain Tension Rods in a Cupboard or Under the Sink

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.10.58 AM DIY   Organize Your Kitchen

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.11.18 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImages via Tidymom

Using Metal Towel Bars to Store Lids

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.15.50 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via Martha Stewart

Measuring Cups and Spoons with a Conversion Chart

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.18.17 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via Infarrantly Creative

Kitchen Cabinet Organizers for Pans and Lids

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.21.51 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via Kevin and Amanda

Using Angled Shelving in a Drawer for a Spice Rack

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.25.57 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via Family Handy Man
Using a Shoe Organizer in the Pantry

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 11.29.22 AM DIY   Organize Your KitchenImage via BHG.com

Happy organizing and have a great weekend!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   Organize Your Kitchen

Speak Your Mind

*

DELICIOUS – Fresh Fish Tacos

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

I was introduced to fish tacos when I lived in San Diego and it quickly became one of my family go to recipes.   Here is my own healthier version of a traditional Southern California favorite.

Screen shot 2012 05 26 at 7.35.46 AM 300x208 DELICIOUS   Fresh Fish Tacos

Brock Designs Fish Taco Recipe

 


Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup(s) Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream )
  • Equal or Splenda – 3-4 packets to taste (or use about 1 tsp. honey or guava nectar)
  • 2 tablespoon(s) chopped cilantro
  • 5 tablespoon(s) fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 small (4 cups) head of Napa cabbage, shredded
  • Chopped Jalapeño – if you want it spicy
  • Tomatoes- chopped.
  • Zatarains fish fry or other corn meal based light fish fry
  • 2 pound(s) white fish such as red snapper or tilapia, thin cut crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips
  • 10 (7-inch) corn tortillas, warmed – (flour torillas can be used but are much higher in fat and calories)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, add the Greek yogurt, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, and sweetener, plus 3 tablespoons of the lime juice.  This will be your sauce.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cabbage with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in frying pan- if the oil is hot enough, it will keep the fish from absorbing too much oil.
  4. Coat each thin fish slice with the seasoned fish fry and place in pan
  5. “Fry” each piece until golden brown
  6. To assemble each taco, spread a dollop of sauce on a tortilla. Top with a piece of fish and a large spoonful of the cabbage slaw. Add tomatoes if desired.  Serve with hot sauce and lime wedges.
This is a fast and light summertime favorite – enjoy!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS   Fresh Fish Tacos

Speak Your Mind

*

STYLE FILES – Gourmet Kitchens

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Whether you are a professional chef or just love to cook for your family, having a fabulous kitchen can create a gourmet feel.  With plenty of counter top space to prepare your meals and seating around for your “audience”, these gourmet kitchens will create an ambiance that would make anyone enjoy cooking.

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.42.23 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Brock Designs Group

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.45.19 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Brock Designs Group

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.48.52 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via John Kraemer & Sons

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.51.57 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Torre Contruction

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.54.37 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Archipelago Hawaii

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.57.13 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Joni Koenig Interiors

Screen shot 2012 05 20 at 9.59.30 AM STYLE FILES   Gourmet KitchensImage via Affinity Kitchens

I could spend all day in any of these kitchens!  How about you?

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES   Gourmet Kitchens

Speak Your Mind

*

INSPIRED MONDAYS: Food

Hi there! It’s Monday again! Those weekends go by too fast…

Last week, we celebrated family and what’s family without FOOD!  Cooking, sharing recipes, hanging out in the kitchen…food brings us together! So this week we will be checking out some inspiring kitchens, sharing some recipes and giving you tips on how to create an organized and beautiful kitchen and pantry. Don’t you just love this quote too…so true!

mosaicb1a4a57a2c0249f60f6dc4a7d3c2705d333159a9 e1337345202782 INSPIRED MONDAYS: FoodI’d love to hear from you – what is your favorite food or dish?

Have an inspired Monday!
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Food

 

Images via here 1. 2. 3.4.

 

Speak Your Mind

*

DIY – Fun Family Projects

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Sometimes our schedules get so busy with work, school, kids’ sports, it can be difficult to pull everyone back together.  Here are some fun projects to help you reconnect.

Family Stepping Stones

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.22.26 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via Family Fun

Family Hand-Print Paint Art

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.26.04 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via Naptime Decorator

Family Gratitude Project

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.33.00 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via Becky Higgins

Family Name Scrabble

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.35.14 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via Remodelaholic

Family Garden Art Steps

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.38.11 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via My Home Ideas

Family Hand-print Embroidery

Screen shot 2012 05 15 at 11.40.44 AM DIY   Fun Family ProjectsImage and Instructions via All Sewn Up

Don’t forget to post pictures of your projects!  Have a wonderful weekend with your family!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DIY   Fun Family Projects

Speak Your Mind

*

COLOR PALETTE – Warm Woods

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Whether you love dark stains or grain variation,  wood is the perfect material that brings nature into your home.  From architectural details such as beams and ceilings, to flooring and countertops, wood can set the tone of a room, grounding it with an earthy feel.

 

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.12.48 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via LUX Design Inc.

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.16.00 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via Keystone Millworks Inc

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.19.43 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via Tracery Interiors

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.23.29 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via AMI Designs Interiors

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.26.37 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via Architecta Interiors

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.29.57 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via Vanni Archive Photography

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.32.12 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via HartmanBaldwin Designs

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 9.34.27 PM COLOR PALETTE   Warm WoodsImage via Danenberg Design

Beautiful!  Wood adds so much character to these spaces.

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 COLOR PALETTE   Warm Woods

 

Speak Your Mind

*

STYLE FILES – Family Rooms for the Family

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

There is nothing like sitting around the family room with my entire family laughing, reminiscing and making new memories.  Having a space for everyone to gather is so important, especially as our family grows – it becomes the heart of the home.

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.10.58 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via Brock Designs Group

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.14.17 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via Brock Designs Group

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.28.03 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via Brock Design Group

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.32.31 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via John Kraemer and Sons

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.18.45 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via Ellen Grasso Inc

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.21.13 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via The Enchanted Home

Screen shot 2012 05 14 at 5.23.40 PM STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the FamilyImage via Dresser Homes

I would love to have my family come together in any of these fabulous family rooms!  What kind of memories will you create with your family tonight?

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 STYLE FILES   Family Rooms for the Family

Speak Your Mind

*

INSPIRED MONDAYS: Family

Hello! How was your Mother’s Day weekend. I hope all those moms out there got the royal treatment! Since last week we celebrated Mothers, I thought it would only be natural to highlight the joy of family this week. Our homes are witness to everything our family experiences – our triumphs, our struggles, the arguments and the laughter, the meals shared around the table and the festivities of holidays. Our home not only tells the story of our family it becomes a part of our family. So why wouldn’t you put your love and effort into creating the most beautiful environment you can, right?

il fullxfull.300813764 INSPIRED MONDAYS: FamilyI just love this quote. You can buy the print via here. What kinds of special memories does your family have within your home? What traditions have you created while living there?
5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 INSPIRED MONDAYS: Family

 

Speak Your Mind

*

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

Screen shot 2012 05 10 at 9.06.42 PM HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

This is one of my favorite quotes and it is so true.  Enjoy all of the “small” joys in life that are actually the ones that take up the most room in our hearts.  I wish you all a wonderful weekend and a blissful Mother’s Day!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Speak Your Mind

*

DELICIOUS – Lemon Blueberry Scones

Portland OR. Interior Design Company

A perfect addition to any Mother’s Day brunch or just because.  These lemon blueberry scones are delicious and will satisfy that sweet tooth.  

I can’t wait to have one with my morning coffee – hopefully brought to me on a tray in bed icon smile DELICIOUS   Lemon Blueberry Scones

Screen shot 2012 05 08 at 8.28.56 PM DELICIOUS   Lemon Blueberry SconesImage and Recipe via Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Place flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process with six 1-second pulses.
  3. Remove cover of food processor and sprinkle the butter evenly over the dry ingredients. Add the grated lemon zest. Cover and process with 12 1-second pulses.
  4. Transfer dough to a large bowl. Mix in blueberries with your hands. Add heavy cream and mix with your hands until dough begins to form.
  5. Gently knead dough by hand until it comes together into a rough ball, about 10 seconds.
  6. To shape the scones, lightly dust an 8-inch cake pan and press dough into the pan, then turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
  7. Place wedges on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in preheated oven 12 to 15 minutes or until tops of scones are a light brown. Transfer to a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving.
  8. While the scones are cooling, make lemon glaze. Combine lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a thick, opaque icing. Drizzle over scones.

Enjoy!

5AD32E5D80D0C1FAA3382E02E91FB880 DELICIOUS   Lemon Blueberry Scones

Speak Your Mind

*