Blank Slate

Well, now I remember what it is about blogging that made me stop...allllllll that time spent making a inspiration board, when I could be ummm, let's see:  making my lunch for work tomorrow, picking out my outfit, brushing my teeth, sleeping!?! But, whatever.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and truthfully, did help me get a feel for what I actually want.

Here we go.

When we first moved in, the view from the front door was like this: 

 

Hi, that's me.  Allll the way back there in the pink master bath mirror.  

We filled in that wall, and eventually, it looked like this:

 It's been blank and painted for way too long, as I thought over ideas of what to put there.  Since you see this wall from the doorstep, I want it to look cozy, and inviting--and not too personal (like say, a giant wedding picture or something).  For a while, I really wanted to put in a big photo mural--like a woodsy scene, or the mountains?  Gah, I still really like that idea.  Am I crazy?  Just thought it would open it up.  But the wall is textured, so those all would be difficult.  This wall is also a heavily used walkway, so I couldn't have anything jutting out into the space too much--i.e. no open shelves.  And no to a plain old gallery wall because someday, I'm going to put one up in my dining room.  

In the end I settled on two rows of picture ledges.  I'm planning on putting up a BIG black and white photo canvas  of me holding Leland (just see my arms, though!) on the right side (sorta above where Jude stands).  Then I'd like to fill the ledges with natural wood/warm toned frames of artwork + photos + little knick knacks.  And add a hanging planter, top right near the cabinets. 

I'm really loving that dang cork USA board, and think it'd be fun to pin a string across it and use it as a sunglasses holder--sorta like this. But...at $50, I'll probably come up with something similar? 

I can't tell you how good it feels to be putting my ideas to use.  Sometimes, I let ideas swirl in my head for so long.  Too long, really.  When Dave put up these shelves the other week, I was beaming.  Honestly, it's dumb how much I love this stuff, but I do.  Happy to bust this one out!

Make it better: HOMEMADE FROZEN BURRITOS

Perhaps this isn't the most exciting of posts, like my broccoli with red pepper flakes post--now there's a classic.  But this recipe idea is easy peasy.  On the days I work, I'm all about convenience and frozen burritos are something easy to grab and throw into a lunchbox.  Yet, typically frozen burritos aren't considered the healthiest of items and also can be a tad bit bland (rice, beans, chicken and cheese?  where's the veggie love?).  So, about once a month, Crockett and I whip out the can opener and make our own burritos to freeze. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

2   15 oz. cans black beans
1   15 oz. can corn
2   10 oz. cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
1   jar green salsa
1   8 oz package shredded cheese
2   packages FlatOut Healthy Grain flatbread
**we use these instead of whole wheat tortillas because they fold easily without cracking...and because they come in 3 packs at Costco.  Boo-yeah.  Double whammy.

plastic wrap &/or tin foil


WHAT TO DO

After opening, rinse black beans, corn, and tomatoes with cold water (this helps lower amount of sodium in canned items).  Then, combine in a bowl and mix well.  Place 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of mixture onto tortilla.  Drizzle a tablespoon of green salsa over the top, and then sprinkle on about a tablespoon of cheese.
Roll up burrito style and cover with plastic wrap or tin foil.  Ta-da!   Freeze!

How easy was that?  And now you have whole-grain, veggie-filled, flavor-packed burritos to enjoy!


PS--You know you're sleep deprived when you keeping typing homemade as home-aid.  I think I could use one of those.