Name: Really Good Chip Dip
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sour cream; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons dried minced onion; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil; 2 teaspoons seasoning salt*

Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas: One Room Challenge Week 3

Interiors

Wednesday
Apr / 17 / 2019
Comments 3

Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas #oneroomchallenge #bedroom #masterbedroom #design

Welcome back to the One Room Challenge here on Inspired by Charm! As you may know, I’m working on my bedroom. Today I thought I’d talk about textiles and some cozy bedroom design ideas.

For anyone who’s new here: I’m participating in the One Room Challenge to make over my master bedroom in six weeks. During Week 1, I posted my design plan. Last week I shared how I installed board and batten trim to add detail and style.

This week I want to tell you about some of the textiles I’m bringing into the space. Since it’s a bedroom, the bedding, rugs, curtains, and other furnishings are essential for making it look (and actually be) cozy.

We spend 7-8 hours each day sleeping (or at least we should), so our rooms and our beds, in particular, need to be restful and inviting. It was with that goal in mind that I selected the soft furnishings for my bedroom. Let me walk you through my choices.

Cozy Bedroom Design Ideas:

Bedding

I was especially excited to update my bedding as part of this challenge when I learned that Roostery (a sister company of Spoonflower) is one of the ORC sponsors.

Roostery offers made-on-demand home decor in thousands of designs. They have everything from napkins and bedding to pillows and wallpaper. After I was done clicking through their website, I had ideas for multiple spaces in my home.

For my bedroom, I focused on their bedding. I searched their site for different patterns and colors that would work in my design. I then ordered six fabric samples so I could view the colors in my space before making any decisions.

After reviewing the samples. I chose this Jumbo Scale Double Dash pattern for my duvet cover and shams. For my sheets, I went with this slate blue windowpane pattern.

I was over the moon when the bedding arrived. Everything is absolutely lovely. And even though I’m sleeping in my room during the makeover, I’m waiting until the reveal before I deck out my bed in these beauties.

Rug

I don’t know about you, but I often find sourcing rugs to be a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, a couple of years ago I discovered Loloi, and they’ve been my go-to source ever since. (You might recognize their name. Joanna Gaines has a collection of rugs with them.)

I already own a few Loloi rugs, including the rug that was in my dining room and the rug I had in my apartment living room. I’m excited to add another to my bedroom.

Per my design plan, I selected the Layla rug in Ocean/Rust. Typically. I prefer a thicker wool rug. However, I’ve been a tad annoyed with all of the fuzz created by many of my wool rugs, so I opted for something different this time.

This particular rug has low pile thanks to its power-loomed construction. It’s a thinner rug, but it’s still butter soft and silky smooth. It’s heavenly! I may never go back to wool rugs. For added cushion, I used this rug pad underneath it.

I’m absolutely loving the colors and the pattern. As you can see, it’s going to work beautifully with my other choices for the space. I shared a little peek of the rug on Instagram as I unrolled it. Folks were delighting in its loveliness as much as I was. (Thank you!)

Curtains and Blinds

This room would probably be beautiful without drapes. However, I’m aiming for soft and cozy so curtains are a must. To find the perfect ones, I turned to Barn & Willow.

What I love about Barn & Willow is that they make the process of selecting drapes so easy and intuitive. I started by looking through their swatches (which are free!) to find the right color and fabric. I was able to narrow it down to three: Belgian Flax Linen – Natural, Organic Cotton – Birch, Organic Cotton – Bisque. Since a small sample is often not enough to base a decision on, Barn & Willow also offers panel samples. Even though they run $15 each, the amount is refunded when you return them. Shipping is free both ways. I told you this was easy!

After trying the panels on my walls, the clear winner was Belgian Flax Linen in Natural. I love the feel and airiness of the linen and how the color works with my new board and batten. The fabric drapes beautifully so I know it will look lovely framing my windows.

Barn & Willow also has a Measurement Finder so you can quickly determine the correct curtain size. What a handy tool it is! Your custom drapes will fit perfectly. There’s no need for hemming or living with curtains that are too short.

These curtains are going to look great! I had a credit from when I purchased my sofa, so I also picked up these curtain rods from Pottery Barn.

I decided to keep the blinds that I have. (Redecorating a space doesn’t mean replacing everything.) The color looks great in the room, and I love the way they work and how much privacy they provide. I found them last year at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I’m a little disappointed, however, that they seem to be phasing them out. (I assume that’s case because the size selection is now limited.)

Furnishings

When I decided to tackle my master bedroom for this challenge, I knew immediately what bed I would select. I spotted this upholstered bed at Crate & Barrel about a year ago, and it was love at first sight.

For me, an upholstered headboard (or in this case a fully upholstered bed) is the ultimate in coziness. I especially like how the ends of the frame curve in toward the bed rather than being flush with the wall.

I’ve been sleeping in the bed for a week now, and that slight curve gives me the feeling of being tucked in.

I picked the gray fabric to complement the walls. Originally, I thought a lighter color would be ideal, but I soon realized that was a little too beachy for the design.

I wanted a comfy chair for this space, but instead of sourcing something new, I opted to use this leather swivel chair that I already owned. Once the room was painted, and I put the chari in place, I really loved how it looked in the space. It adds a touch of richness while providing a dedicated area for reading.

Other than a few decorative pillows and perhaps a throw blanket, I think that’s all of the textiles I’m using to create my new cozy master bedroom.

I know this post contains a lot of information, but I hope these cozy bedroom design ideas have been both helpful and interesting.

While I don’t have a video to share with you today, yesterday I posted an update of my big kitchen remodel which included a video tour of that space. You can find that video over on my YouTube channel.

Next week, I’m taking you thrifting and showing you some of the amazing vintage and second-hand pieces I found for my bedroom. You’re not going to want to miss that post!

And for more ORC excitement, be sure to check out all of the featured participants below to see how their spaces are coming along!

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Kitchen Windows and Doors: Bayberry Kitchen Update

Interiors

Monday
Apr / 15 / 2019
Comments 6

Kitchen Windows and Doors: Bayberry Kitchen Update #kitchen #renovation #windows #doors

Well, my friends, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month since I last posted about my Bayberry Kitchen remodel. I figured it was time to update you on the progress, so today I’m going to give you a look at my new windows and doors!

In case you’re new to Inspired by Charm, I am currently renovating the kitchen in the house I purchased last summer. I’ve been documenting the process here on IBC. If you’d like to catch up, you can find before pictures and a video tour here. I also posted the design plan for the new kitchen here.

Kitchen Windows and Doors:

Since I last checked in, there have been lots of changes. Most noticeable are my new windows and doors. Let’s take a look at those first.

(If you’ve enjoyed my videos, and prefer that mode, I’ve created a new one with a full walkthrough of the kitchen. You can find that video at the end of this post.)

One of the things I wanted in my kitchen was more natural light. To achieve that, I decided to open the wall between the dining room and kitchen and install a bank of windows in the dining room. I now have these three glorious windows.

While this was definitely an added expense, I’m so happy with my decision. The space is much brighter, and the windows are an attention grabber in the dining room. Plus, since the windows overlook my driveway, I can easily look out and see if I have company. I love this unanticipated benefit.

As you will see with most of the new windows, this change required some masonry work. Holes had to be created in the exterior brick and then filled in again.

You can see here when the new window was initially added …

… and then you can see here when they filled in the brick. It’s been interesting to watch how this is done.

Back inside I also replaced the French doors in the dining room. These allow a lot more light into the space, and I love the simple horizontal grid design.

All of the windows and doors are Marvin Integrity. My contractor spoke highly of them, so that’s what I decided to purchase. And even though it might make cleaning a bit more time-consuming, I chose to have the muntins placed on the glass rather than between the panes. This detail is just so beautiful, and I think it suits the style of Bayberry House.

Over in the kitchen, the single window above the sink was replaced with two windows.

The double doors in the kitchen are being replaced with a Dutch door. I’ve purchased this one from Simpson Doors. Since all of Simpson Doors are custom made (and I had them add a special detail), the door won’t be here for another few weeks.

Sidenote: I will talk about all of my lessons learned when this project is complete. However, I want to note that timing is crucial. For example, having to wait several weeks for a door could potentially throw off your entire timeline. Thankfully, my contractor has been flexible and able to keep the project moving without this door.

I did sacrifice some natural light here with the removal of the two doors. While it might seem a little dark now, more light will come in once the Dutch door is in place.

Here, you can also see into the new butler’s pantry and powder room. Both of these spaces have been framed out and also have new windows.

You can get a peek at the vanity for the powder room. It’s a vintage two-drawer table that will be topped with marble and fitted with a vessel sink. The faucet will be mounted on the wall, and there will be a marble backsplash.

You might also notice that the back wall of the powder room has been studded out twice. This was done in order to add an extra layer of insulation. Since the faucet is wall mounted, the pipes will be running through an exterior wall. This additional layer will prevent the pipes from freezing in the winter.

Besides making all of these changes, the crew has been working to finish the plumbing and run the electrical. We ran into a few issues along the way but were able to find creative solutions.

Next week drywall will be put up. (Hopefully, that’s the last of the messy/dusty steps!) The floors will be laid after that and the hardwood throughout the entire first floor will be refinished. Anyone have a beach house I can stay at for a week? Ha!

Knock on wood, but so far everything has gone pretty smoothly.

It is crazy having a construction zone on my first floor and working on my master bedroom for the One Room Challenge. However, this week things are feeling more settled, and it’s been exciting to see the positive changes.

I greatly appreciate your patience with me and the blog throughout this process. I expected that creating content and recipes would be challenging during this renovation, but I’ve discovered that all of the upheaval affects my spirit. My home is a big source of peace for me, so having it torn up can get to me at times. I do realize the mess and inconvenience are normal in any remodel and that the end result will make it worthwhile. In the interim, I’m so thankful for an outstanding crew, contractor, and designer who are helping to implement my vision for Bayberry House.

Kitchen Windows and Doors Video:

As promised, you can check out my latest video below. In it, I take you on a guided walk around the space.

I would love it if you also could subscribe to my YouTube channel. Just click on the subscribe button. Even if you don’t watch the videos on YouTube, having you as a subscriber will really help my channel. Thanks in advance!

As always, I hope you enjoyed this update on my kitchen remodel. I’ll be certain to show you around again once the drywall is complete. I also want to give you a peek at some of the finishes, including the tile, paint, cabinet pulls, and lighting. That will be a fun post, so stay tuned.

Have a great week, friends!

THIS POST HAS 6 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

How to Choose Paint Colors

Interiors

Thursday
Apr / 11 / 2019
Comments 3

How to Choose Paint Colors - Tips and Tricks #paint #swcolorlove #sherwinwilliams #oneroomchallenge

This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Paint colors and color selection always seem to be of interest. Anytime I post a picture of a room on Instagram, someone seems to ask, “What paint color is that?” I think this happens for a couple of reasons.

First, paint color makes a big impact in a room. Because the paint usually covers a larger surface, it influences how a room looks and feels. Secondly, choosing a paint color may seem like a daunting task. With so many colors to pick from, it is a big decision and can quickly be overwhelming.

In today’s post, I’m going to walk you through how to choose paint colors. Since I’m working on a few big projects in my home, now seemed like the perfect time to share my process.

As you may know, I’m redecorating my master bedroom. And I just went through this entire paint selection process. As I did this, I made notes so that I could tell you what I did step-by-step and share tips and tricks that helped me.

Let’s get started!

How to Choose Paint Colors:

1. Find Inspiration

Anytime I work on a new space, there’s usually some sort of inspiration. For example, last fall I painted my living room with Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029. My inspiration for that color choice was two-fold.

I wanted a neutral backdrop that would work with seasonal decor. (With Christmas on the horizon, I was especially thinking about that.)

Plus, I had recently purchased two emerald green velvet chairs. These chairs are statement pieces, so I wanted a wall color that would allow them to shine. After some testing and researching, I ended up with Agreeable Gray.

For my master bedroom, I’ve derived my inspiration from a vintage paint-by-number painting. I love the colors in it, so I figured it might lead me to the right color for the room, and that’s exactly what happened.

2. Color Match

Once you’ve found your inspiration, you’re ready to pick paint to match. One of my new favorite tools for doing this is the Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap^®Visualizer.

The ColorSnap Visualizer is an online tool that helps you turn any image into a palette of paint. You can upload an image or enter a website URL and the tool will provide a palette of colors based on your inspiration image.

So that’s exactly what I did. I used my phone to take a picture of the paint-by-number painting, uploaded it into the ColorSnap Visualizer, and received this beautiful palette.

In an instant, I was presented with colors that I loved: Icelandic SW 6526, Tigereye SW 6362, Caviar SW 6990, and Anonymous SW 7046.

There’s also an option in the ColorSnap Visualizer that allows you to “edit colors.” This gives you five additional colors for your palette. From there, you can drag and drop colors to find the perfect sampling for your space.

Because my particular inspiration painting has a wide variety of colors, I zoomed in on a few areas to pick up some of the green and orange colors. Doing this gave me a few more gems, including Roycroft Bottle Green SW 2847, Chartreuse SW 0073, and Harvest Gold SW 2858.

3. Look at the Color Fan Deck

Once I had narrowed down the colors for my bedroom, I turned to my color fan deck and in-store swatches to see the colors “in real life.” As great as technology is, colors can vary on your computer screen, so I always take a look at paint swatches.

If you do a lot of painting, it can be super helpful to have a fan deck of all the colors at home. However, you can also head to your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store to peruse their giant wall of paint swatches.

Pull out all of your paint swatches and look at them together. You’ll want to compare them to your inspiration as well as any textiles you plan to have in your space. Here, you can see an upholstery sample for my bed plus fabric for my curtains.

I also started to assemble a virtual design board where I included a potential rug, light, furniture, and other furnishings for the space. Even though colors can be misleading on a computer screen, this gives a general idea of how the paint colors will work with the whole look.

3. Purchase Paint Samples

Once you have a solid idea of your paint color selection, it’s time to sample. I like to pare down my selections to one or two colors before I get to this stage. I know I can get overwhelmed by too many choices, so testing a limited number of colors works best for me.

Sherwin-Williams Color to Go^®samples are designed for this purpose. You can sample any of their over 1,500 colors.

I’ve found that sampling colors in my own home is essential. Falling in love with a paint color you see in a photo or online doesn’t mean you will be able to achieve the same look in your space with that color.

The furnishings, floor color, ceiling height, amount of natural light in your space, and direction your home faces all impact how a color looks in your room. In addition, a lot of professional photos online are the result of a filter or color correction, meaning you can never be sure of the color. That’s why this paint sampling step is so important. You definitely want to see how a particular color is going to look in YOUR space.

Because of my research, plans for the master bedroom, and use of the ColorSnap Visualizer tool, I decided to sample two colors: Anew Gray SW 7030 on my molding and board and batten and Icelandic on the walls.

4. Sample Paints on Your Walls

With your samples purchased, you’re ready to apply them. You can do this one of two ways: directly paint your walls or paint pieces of paper, poster board, or foam board.

I prefer to sample directly on the surfaces I’ll be painting. However, if you don’t want big swatches of different colors on your surfaces, using paper or poster/foam board can be a good alternative.

As I mentioned above, for me this sampling step is crucial. While paint swatches are amazing for sourcing, a color can look very different on your walls than it does on a 2×2-inch square.

I also recommend trying the sample colors in a few areas of the room. See how it looks next to your molding or how it looks in a darker area of the room versus a wall opposite a window. You’ll also want to see what the color looks during the day with sunlight and what it looks like at night. It’s amazing how light changes the appearance of colors.

Once I had my sample colors on the wall, I noticed two things. First, Anew Gray was an instant winner for me. It was beautifully saturated but still light. Although I like to incorporate color into my home, I still prefer lighter colored rooms.

The second thing I noticed was that Icelandic wasn’t the color for me. Bummer. It seemed too baby blue. It gave the room more of a beach vibe, which wasn’t what I was after.

So I pulled out my color fan deck and found two other options I’m going to try: Lullaby SW 9136 and North Star SW SW6246. Both seem to be a bit more subtle, almost a dirty blue. I’m thinking that one will be a much better pairing with Anew Gray. One of these colors worked beautitfully, so you’ll have to follow along with the makeover to see which one is the winner!

As you can see, this step is important. I assumed my initial color choices would be a beautiful combination, but once they were on the walls, the pairing just didn’t work for me.

5. Paint

With your colors selected, you’re now ready to paint! Grab your tools, cover your surfaces, and get that paint on.

These are the Sherwin-Williams products I will be using for my Master Bedroom:

Sherwin-Williams Emerald^®Interior : Wall Paint (Satin)
Sherwin-Williams Emerald^®Urethane Trim Enamel : Trim Paint (Typically semi-gloss, but for this project, I’m trying satin.)

While these are my favorites, Sherwin-Williams has a variety of options to suit your preferences and budget. And the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. If you’re confused about which product is best for you and your project, just ask for their advice.

And that, my friends, is how to choose paint colors. Or at least how I choose paint colors.

I realize this may seem time-consuming, but it’s actually a pretty simple process that I highly recommend. I speak from experience. It is no fun to paint an entire room only to realize you don’t like the color or it’s not right for the space.

There’s no science to choosing paint colors, but I hope that reading about my process helps you the next time you tackle a paint project in your home.

Happy Painting!

THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Board and Batten – One Room Challenge Week 2

DIY

Wednesday
Apr / 10 / 2019
Comments 13

Board and Batten - Master Bedroom One Room Challenge #boardandbatten #bedroom #design #diy #trim #moulding

Welcome to my second update on the One Room Challenge (ORC)! Today I’m showing you how I added interest and detail to my bedroom with a board and batten treatment.

As I mentioned last week, I’m giving my bedroom a makeover as part of the Spring 2019 ORC. You can check out my before pictures and plans for the space here.

When I was reenvisioning this space, I knew that simply painting the walls wouldn’t give this room the look and feel it deserved. As I sourced inspiration photos, I noticed that a lot of the images that drew my attention featured some sort of picture molding, wainscoting, or trim detail.

After considering several options, I decided on a board and batten treatment. I thought it would suit the modern country colonial aesthetic I’m going for here at Bayberry House. I also liked the cozy feel it would give my bedroom. – To me, board and batten is sort of like wrapping a room in a big hug.

With my decision made, I started researching how to do board and batten. I learned that there are lots of ways to get the look. Initially, my plan involved removing all of the baseboards and window molding and routing the edges of lumber to create details. A pretty intense process, to say the least. And even though I have experience installing molding and trim, I was feeling overwhelmed at what needed to be done. But this is supposed to be a challenge, right?

With all of that swirling in my brain, I reached out to Metrie, one of my sponsors for this ORC. If you’re not familiar with Metrie, they offer beautiful trim moldings and doors for any style or home. I explained my plans to them, and we chatted about materials. They suggested that I check out The Gold Hive’s board and batten treatment in her Fall 2018 ORC.

They told me she used thin lattice strips to avoid having to remove window trim and baseboards. I was a little skeptical at first, but after looking at Ashley’s lovely makeover, I thought this method could work in my space.

(Sidenote: Ashley from The Gold Hive is crazy talented and has such a great eye. I love her style. I definitely recommend giving her a follow.)

As you might be aware, I tend to overthink things, and that’s exactly what I did in this situation. Part of me wanted to forge ahead with my original, intricate, and laborious plans for new thick and detailed trim molding, and another part of me was intrigued by the simple yet beautiful technique Ashley had used. After thinking it over and chatting with friends, I opted for the simpler approach. It’s not that I’m afraid of a challenge, but I needed to be realistic about my skill level and available time, plus the fact that I’m working alone. (Spoiler alert: BEST. DECISION. EVER. I’m so pleased with the results.)

How to Install Board and Batten:

This post isn’t a step-by-step guide or a how-to for installing board and batten. There are great tutorials for that online. A couple videos I recommend: this one from The Gold Hive and this one from Lowe’s.

However, I did want to give you a general sense about how I installed my board and batten and share a few notes and tools to help you achieve a similar look.

For this project I used the following products from Metrie:

3-5/8″ solid pine crown molding
1-3/4″ solid pine lattice

I also purchased this square trim molding for the finishing ledge or topper on my board and batten.

Once I had my supplies, I got to work. I decided to not only do this trim treatment in my bedroom but also the adjoining open closet. I started with the crown molding. (You may remember that I installed crown molding in the kitchen, bedroom, and stairwell of my previous home. I also recently added chair molding to the entryway in my current home.) I enjoy the process, even though my corner joints are never as good as I’d like. (Not-So-Pro Tip: I’ve always painted my crown molding. It’s amazing what caulk and paint can do to hide less-than-perfect joints.)

For projects like this, I use this battery powered nail gun. I have had mine for several years and used it for the previously mentioned molding projects. It’s never let me down. For trim projects, I typically use 2″ nails.

One thing to note here: If at all possible, put up crown molding with help from a friend. I did the installation by myself, and I’m still not sure how I managed to accomplish it. Installing a 12-foot length of molding while getting joints to line up perfectly is super challenging. Working with a friend will eliminate many extra steps and lessen your stress.

With the crown up, I moved on to the board and batten.

I researched the “proper” height for board and batten and found a variety of recommendations. I decided on 58″ for the height of my board and batten. This was based on the look I was after and the existing placement of my light switches.

With that figured out, I went around the room and marked that height at several points on the wall. Then I used a level to draw a straight line and connect all the points. A good level will become your best buddy for this project.

Once the lines were marked, I used my nail gun to attach the horizontal boards all around the room. You’ll only want to use enough nails to secure the lattice strips to the wall. Be careful not to overdo the nails because you’ll have to patch all of those holes before painting.

When the horizontal boards were in place, it was time to put up the vertical battens. Again, I googled information on spacing and found a variety of ideas. I chose to have 15″ inch spaces between my battens.

I created a spacer from a scrap piece of lattice to ensure everything was evenly spaced as I worked my way around the room. I used the spacer to determine the distance between battens and relied on my level to ensure the battens were straight.

A couple of things to note here:

This is a fairly easy process, but it does take time and lots of trips to and from your saw. Despite all the sawdust it created, I moved my miter saw into my bedroom to make the process a bit faster. (I’ve had this compound miter saw for several years and really love it.)

Plan ahead. You’ll want to have a plan as to where to start the batten. Use tape or a pencil to mark where the batten will be nailed around the room. If you need to fudge the spacing an inch or two in certain areas, no one will notice. For example, I wanted the battens to be equidistant from each side of the window and door frames, so I adjusted my placement a bit. Now, if you measure my spacing, the battens won’t be exactly 15 inches apart, but the placement is pleasing. And the slightly inconsistent spacing isn’t noticeable to the naked eye.

Since I decided not to remove my baseboards, I needed to cut the bottom of all of my batten pieces at a 30-degree angle so there wouldn’t be any gaps between the batten and baseboard. Depending on your baseboards, this may not be necessary or your angle may be different.

With all of the board and batten installed, you’re ready to patch and caulk.

I used this lightweight spackling for nail holes and this caulking for seams.

Because most walls aren’t perfectly smooth, you’re likely to have a little space between the wall and trim. You need to fill these spaces in to get a clean and polished look. It may be tempting to skip this step but don’t.

Installing the trim and then patching, caulking, and sanding all of it took me three solid days of work.

Because I used raw pine wood, everything needed a coat of primer before painting.

Once all the primer was dry, I followed up with trim paint. I used Sherwin-Williams Emerald^®Urethane Trim Enamel in a satin finish. As I mentioned in my first ORC post, the color is Anew Gray SW 7030. And while we’re talking about paint, be sure to swing by the blog tomorrow when I’ll be sharing my method for choosing paint colors along with other details about the paint I used for this project.

I’m not going to pretend that painting all of this trim plus the walls was a walk in the park. It was work. I wasn’t painting all day every day, but it took me 6 days to complete the project. (Hence, the lack of blog posts last week.)

I enjoy painting and it was satisfying to see the progress I was making, but by day six I was more-than-ready to be finished. The part that took the longest is cutting in all of the edges of the lattice and trim pieces. Also, not getting paint on the ceiling and the floors required exacting work and a steady hand.

Nonetheless, it was totally worth it, and I am obsessed with the results.

As you’ll see, I’m sharing a few sneak peeks of the process, but I’ll be waiting until the final week of this ORC series to show you the finished product. (Spoiler alert: It looks crazy good, and I’m thrilled with the results! I think I already said this.)

I also filmed a few video clips along the way, so I wanted to share those with you as well. They are mostly progress updates rather than full “how-to-style” videos. It was challenging enough putting up the trim, so as a novice YouTuber, filming the entire process at the same time wasn’t happening.

If interested, you can watch the video below. I’d also love for you to join me on YouTube. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to my channel, so that you don’t miss a video.

Board and Batten ORC Video:

And that’s a wrap on Week 2 of the One Room Challenge. It was a wild week but totally worth it. I think the board and batten will be the biggest change in the room, and I’m grateful I had the time and energy to do it. I can’t wait to share the final look with you.

IBC Master Bedroom Spring ORC:

Week 1 – Before Photos and Design Plan
Week 2 – Board and Batten (You are here!)
Week 3 – (Coming Soon)
Week 4 – (Coming Soon)
Week 5 – (Coming Soon)
Week 6 – Final Reveal! (Coming Soon)

Be sure to continue to follow along. I’ll meet you back here every Wednesday for the next four weeks with the latest on my ORC. Also, if you love makeovers, be sure to click through all of the participants’ posts. I’ve linked everyone below.

Thank you for visiting IBC!

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

THIS POST HAS 13 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

My Favorite Rhubarb Recipes

Recipes

Tuesday
Apr / 9 / 2019
Comments 2

Rhubarb is a perennial that I associate with summer, the season when I often harvest it fresh from the garden. In this post, I’ve rounded up my favorite rhubarb recipes to delight and inspire.

On its own, rhubarb reminds me of sour celery. However, when you cut it up, add sugar, and cook it, you get a tangy wonderfulness that’s truly impossible to describe. In this collection of rhubarb recipes, you’ll find a variety of pies and cakes, a syrup, and even a libation. There’s something for everyone!

You can click on the image or recipe name for more details and the full recipe.

My Favorite Rhubarb Recipes:

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie – This classic rhubarb recipe has long been a celebration staple in my family. Whether it’s someone’s birthday, a major holiday, or another event that brings us together, you’ll probably see this Strawberry Rhubarb Pie on our table. No matter the time of year, we relish these quintessential flavors of summer.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie – Since rhubarb is among my favorite things to bake with, I have multiple strawberry rhubarb pie recipes. What’s special about this version is the crumble topping that’s made with butter, flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. The texture and taste of the crumble contrast wonderfully with the strawberry rhubarb filling.

Strawberry Rhubarb Mason Jar Cobbler – I love me some cobbler, especially when it’s served in a mason jar and topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. This rhubarb recipe is easy to make and a fun alternative to pie. The single-serving size also makes it ideal for stashing in lunchboxes or gifting to fortunate friends.

Blackberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake – There’s something about pairing rhubarb with sweet berries. For this coffee cake, I use blackberries. It’s one of those rhubarb treats that works for a brunch, a dessert, a snack – well, to be honest, almost anytime!

More Delicious Rhubarb Recipes:

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake – With fresh flowers on top, this naked cake is a showstopper. It also has incredibly rich flavor thanks to buttercream frosting and strawberry rhubarb syrup-soaked layers. But be warned: Waiting to cut this cake will test your willpower!

Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita – Welcome the weekend in style with this cocktail! Made with strawberry-berry rhubarb syrup, tequila, triple sec, and citrus juices, it’s an imaginative take on a margarita. My favorite way to serve it is over ice in a salt-rimmed glass garnished with a sprig of mint. Beautiful and delicious.

Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup – This is the syrup I’ve used in a couple of these rhubarb recipes. You can make it by simply cooking strawberries and rhubarb with sugar and water. After you strain out the pulp, what remains is pure gold. That’s no exaggeration. You’ll be looking for ways to use it.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of rhubarb recipes. Have fun tweaking them and creating your own versions this summer or any time of the year.

THIS POST HAS 2 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Master Bedroom Design – One Room Challenge Week 1

Interiors

Wednesday
Apr / 3 / 2019
Comments 22

Master Bedroom Design - One Room Challenge Week 1 #before #bedroom #oneroomchallenge

The day has arrived! We’re kicking off the One Room Challenge. *drumroll* And I’m tackling my Master Bedroom!!

To catch you up, last week I shared on Instagram that I’m taking part in the Official One Room Challenge (ORC). What is the ORC? It’s a challenge to redesign a space in six weeks. There are a group of designers and bloggers who participate in the official challenge, which occurs in the spring and fall. Anyone is welcome to join in on the fun as an ORC participant.

I hope my brief explanation made sense, but you can visit the ORC website to learn more.

Even though this is the first post of the challenge, today marks the official end of the first week. I will be back here every Wednesday until the final reveal on May 8.

Master Bedroom Design – One Room Challenge Week 1

I thought I’d use this post to share before images of the space and walk you through my master bedroom design plan.

If you are new to Inspired By Charm, I purchased my home (which I lovingly call Bayberry House in honor of my grandparents) last June. I’ve been busy with updates since then, but other than refinishing the hardwood floor, I haven’t given much attention to my bedroom.

The furniture currently in the room is from the bedroom of my former apartment. Many people would agree that it’s more functional than stylish.

That means I’m pretty much starting from scratch. And as I thought about what I wanted for this space, I came up with a list of goals to keep me on track.

Master Bedroom Design Goals:

Add interest to the room with molding and trim.
Repaint the walls and woodwork
Update the lighting.
Update and add textiles, including curtains, bedding, and a rug.
Source an upholstered bed, dressers, and side tables.
Give the master bath a mini update.
Introduce artwork and personal elements.

With these goals decided, I looked for inspiration. This was easy. I’ve had this vintage paint-by-number for over a year now. As soon as I decided to tackle this space, I knew it would serve as inspiration.

Not only do I like the colors of this painting, but I love its vibe of peace and calm. That’s exactly what I need in my bedroom. From there, I referenced my general design vision for my home: Modern Country Colonial and came up with this preliminary plan. I also have a Pinterest board dedicated to my master bedroom design. You can find that here.

At any rate, I couldn’t be more excited about the overall vision. It’s going to be the retreat I need at the end of a long workday.

Some finishing details are still in up in the air, so things may change slightly. However, at this time, here’s my plan:

Master Bedroom Design Plan:

I’m kicking things off with a faux board and batten treatment that I’ll paint Sherwin-Willams Anew Gray. (Upper wall color is still TBD.)
I’ve ordered this beautiful bed from Crate & Barrel. I’ve been eyeing it for over a year.
This rug from Loloi will tie in all the colors perfectly. (It should be arriving any day!)
I’m sourcing custom bedding from Roostery (a division of Spoonflower).
My goal is to go vintage for the dresser and bedside tables, but I do have this dresser sourced as back-up.
Though I’m still deciding on the color, drapes from Barn & Willow will add softness.
I also plan to update the bathroom door by installing a barn door system from Emtek. Because my bathroom is small, having the door swing in is problematic. I think a barn door system will be an excellent solution.
If time allows, I’m also going to give my small master bath a mini update. (This would entail new paint and a few decorative accessories.)

Master Bedroom Design Plan Video:

To help you visualize how my bedroom looked before, I created another video of the space. You can watch that below.

The video is likewise on my YouTube channel, and you can check it out there if you prefer. (YouTube has a closed caption feature for anyone who may need it.)

If you’re a regular YouTube viewer, I would love to have you subscribe to my channel. Down the road, I plan to share some content that will be available exclusively on the channel, so if you’re a suscriber, you won’t miss a thing.

That’s it for now, but as you can imagine there are lots of details to come! I hope you are as excited as I am about this challenge and about my plan for my master bedroom. I’m looking forward to walking you through the space as it evolves into something totally new.

While all of this is a fun endeavor for me, I can hardly wait to complete the project. My world has been a bit unsettled for the past couple of years, so finishing this bedroom (and my kitchen) will bring me a sense of comfort. I anticipate that finally settling into a space of my own that reflects my vision will be pure bliss.

If you’d like a closer look and want to see behind-the-scenes views of the project, be sure to follow @inspiredbycharm on Instagram. If you’re not on IG, don’t worry. – I will meet you back here every Wednesday for an update.

I also recommend checking out all of the designers who are part of the Spring 2019 One Room Challenge. Everyone is linked below for your convenience.

Spring 2019 One Room Challenge Designers:

A special thanks to Inspired by Charm’s One Room Challenge Sponsors:

THIS POST HAS 22 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Spring Music Playlist (Folk/Ameircana Playlist)

Life

Tuesday
Apr / 2 / 2019
Comments 2

Spring Music Folk Americana Playlist #music #tuesdaytunes #playlist #folk #americana #spring

Happy Spring! Happy April! Happy Tuesday! Today I thought we could kick off the new season and new month with some new tunes. Below is my latest Spring Music Playlist (Folk/Americana Playlist).

I don’t know how it is for you, but I love the month of April. Temperatures are rising, green is popping up everywhere, and the gray remnants of winter are being washed away by spring rains. What bliss!

Spring Music Playlist (Folk/Americana Playlist):

For the past couple of weeks, as I’ve welcomed spring, I’ve also been assembling a new playlist (and listening to it non-stop). I think it’s finally ready to share. If you’ve been following my playlists here on IBC, you know I have a soft spot for folk/Americana. A lot of my playlists are sprinkled with (or packed full of) this type of music. I love how these songs tell a story. Plus, who doesn’t love the soothing sounds of guitar strumming?

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been listening to my playlists almost non-stop. As you know, life is a bit crazy here at Bayberry House right now. I want to say that at least 75% of my home is either under demolition or covered in sheets of plastic or a layer of dust. This is largely due to my kitchen remodel. However, I’ve also started my own little design challenge, which I’ll be telling you about on the blog tomorrow.

I like tunes when I work, so this playlist and many of my other ones are being put to use. This is the one I’ve played most often recently. (Although, I do rely on a more pop-inspired playlist when I need a bit more groovy energy. You can find that here. I’ll be sharing it soon, but it still needs a few more tracks before it’s ready.)

Several of my faves on this playlist are:
– Pictures by Judah & the Lion (with Kacey Musgraves)
– The Wolves by Mandolin Orange
– Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters by Maren Morris
– Hymn #101 – Joe Pug

You can listen to the full playlist HERE. I’ve also included the Spotify widget below. However, it’s my understanding that you can only sample the songs using the widget.

I use Spotify for all of my music. (You can follow my account here.) It’s a free service, and I highly recommend it.

No matter where or how you listen, I hope these songs add joy to your day and help you discover some new artists and music!

THIS POST HAS 2 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Really Good Chip Dip

Recipes

Friday
Mar / 29 / 2019
Comments 7

Really Good Chip Dip made with fresh herbs! #dip #chipdip #chips #recipe #appetizer #recipe

This Really Good Chip Dip is a delicious and fresh alternative to store-bought dip. In under 10 minutes, you can stir up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips but also veggies!

I always think it’s helpful to have a few “really good” recipes in my back pocket. These are classic go-to’s guaranteed to please a crowd. That’s why I created a series of recipes here on Inspired by Charm that I like to call “really good.” They are some of my favorite recipes, and today I’m excited to add another to the list: Really Good Chip Dip.

Also, who doesn’t love a good dip recipe? Check out my Ultimate Collection of The Best Delicious and Easy Dip Recipes!

Really Good Chip Dip:

I love to serve this dip with chips. The fresh herbs in this recipe make it taste so much brighter and fresher than most of those tubs of prepared dip you find at the grocery store.

This dip is also customizable. You can include whatever fresh herbs you like best. Snip a few favorites from your herb garden and get to mixing!

Sidenote: If you’re looking for cute herb garden ideas now that spring is here, check out my modern kitchen herb garden and my creative vertical outdoor herb garden.

How to Make Chip Dip:

Making this Really Good Chip Dip is simple and fast. Hands-on time is 5-10 minutes.

Toss all the ingredients into a medium bowl. Give them a quick stir to combine and then refrigerate the dip for about an hour. That’s it!

As I mentioned above, fresh herbs are what make this chip dip special. I highly recommend them. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute dried herbs.

If you do use dried herbs, I recommend cutting back a bit on the amounts since dried herbs have a more potent and concentrated flavor.

I should also mention that you can use light sour cream and light mayonnaise if you want to cut down on calories. I would opt for light instead of fat-free.

Looking for more delicious dip recipes? Try these:

And that’s it. I told you this recipe is simple!

Once your dip is ready, you can serve it with your favorite chips.

This Really Good Chip Dip also works well with veggies. (However, if I’m dipping veggies, I prefer my Really Good Veggie Dip.)

Happy Snacking!

The BEST Chip Dip Recipe:

Really Good Chip Dip

Servings: 20 servings

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 1 vote

This Really Good Chip Dip is a delicious and fresh alternative to store-bought dip. In under 10 minutes, you can stir up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips but also veggies!

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons seasoning salt*

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Serve with chips or vegetables or both.

Recipe Notes

*If you like things less salty, start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.

THIS POST HAS 7 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

A Sangria Recipe for Every Season

Recipes

Wednesday
Mar / 27 / 2019
Comments 3

Sangria is casual, yet fancy and complex. I enjoy sipping this delicious wine-drink any time of the year, so having a sangria recipe for every season is a must for me.

Sangria Recipe for Every Season:

Concocting a new sangria recipe is also pure pleasure. In this post, I’ve rounded up sangria recipes that have been featured on Inspired by Charm in recent years. No matter the season, you are sure to find a sangria to delight your senses and impress your guest.

You can click on the sangria name or image for the full sangria recipe. Cheers!

SPRING Sangria Recipes:

Sangria Rosé – This sangria looks and tastes like a million bucks! It’s a blend of citrus, fresh berries, and rosé wine, making it perfect for your spring entertaining.

White Wine Sangria – You will love this easy sangria recipe. White wine, orange liqueur, and lemon-lime soda, complemented with a variety of fresh fruit, make it light, bright, and oh so tasty.

Sangria Verde – Verde is Spanish for “green,” which means this is simply green sangria. Made with green fruits and herbs, I can assure you the flavor lives up to the name.

Summer Sangria Recipes:

Blackberry Basil Sangria – Fresh basil, ripe blackberries, and refreshing lemon make this a gorgeous and wonderful-tasting cocktail for your summer parties. Club soda gives the sangria fizz, but it’s optional.

Sangria Rosé Popsicles – To create these gorgeous summertime treats, pour a mixture of wine, limoncello, and juice into popsicle molds filled with fruit. Freeze, unmold just before serving, and enjoy!

Sangria Tinto – Ladled from a large glass jar, this lovely red sangria is guaranteed to cool you down on a hot day. Sangria Tinto tastes so good, you may end up drinking it directly from the jar just as I did!

Pineapple, Mango, and Basil Sangria – This is a fun take on traditional sangria. The bright color and refreshing taste of elderflower liqueur mixed with mango juice and pineapple juice will knock your socks off!

Fall Sangria Recipes:

Autumn Harvest Fall Sangria – Celebrate the beauty of fall with this glorious cocktail! Made with red wine, apple pie vodka, and seasonal fruit and spices, this sangria is just the thing for large gatherings. (Of course, you can make half a recipe for smaller groups.)

Apple Cider Sangria – Mix white wine, apples, pears, and cinnamon, and you have autumn in a glass. You’ll be looking for any excuse to serve this delicious sangria recipe.

Apple Pie Sangria – This lovely libation tastes like apple pie (sans the crust). The secret ingredient is Apple Pie Spice Simple Syrup which I will show you how to make.

Winter Sangria Recipes:

Holiday Sangria Mocktail – Flavored with cinnamon, oranges, and cranberries, this is a delightful non-alcoholic sangria that all your guests can savor during holiday parties. Red grape juice and cold brewed tea take the place of wine.

Slow Cooker Holiday Sangria – Need something to warm you up from the inside out? This easy-to-make sangria recipe is loaded with cranberries and seasonal spices. It’s likely to become one of your go-to holiday drinks.

And that’s a wrap on my collection of delicious sangria recipes. I hope you found one or two to suit your season, celebration, or event! Cheers!

THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

5+ DIY Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring

Interiors

Monday
Mar / 25 / 2019
Comments 11

Tips for Styling Modern Flower Arrangements for #Spring! #flower #arrangments

You know I love me some flowers. That’s why today we’re talking about modern flower arrangements you can DIY for spring and / or Easter!

With a few floral projects in mind, earlier this week I went shopping. I found gorgeous spring flowers in Pittsburgh where I live: tulips, hyacinths, ranunculus, and hydrangeas the size of my head. Into my cart, all of them went.

I haven’t had any formal floral design training (except for a flower arranging class in college), but I have picked up a few tricks and ideas here and there that might interest you.

Let’s get to it!

Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring: Tulips

If you follow IBC on Instagram, then you’ve probably had a peek at this first idea for creating modern flower arrangements. The inspiration for this guy came from a vase I found at HomeGoods. In my book, the marble base and a big glass hurricane make it a stunner.

Side note: When I’m shopping at places like HomeGoods and find something unique that I wasn’t looking for but “need” to have, I try to think about 3-4 ways or places I can use the item. These vases were a perfect example. (I used the plural because I bought this one and its big sister.) Not only did I picture them as flower vases, but I also figured they could hold candles. In addition, I imagined them in the center of my dining table or on my coffee table. Finally, I thought they would work as the vessel for a cool terrarium. Sold!

Anywho, for this arrangement, I decided to do something simple but bold. I filled the vase with 48 or so tulips. Just tulips. (I found a couple large packs.)

For tulips, I like to tear off a couple leaves, wash the stems (They tend to be dirty), and then tuck them into the vase. Tulips like to do their own thing, so I embrace their awkwardness. After a couple days, I typically go back and remove a few more leaves and change the water. This tulip arrangement lasted a little more than a week. If you want your tulips to be perkier, toss a penny into the water.

Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring: ONE AND DONE

As you saw in the last example, sticking with one type of flower is an easy way to design an arrangement. I did the same thing last in my bedroom makeover post. There I used a modern vase and filled it with mini hydrangeas. That was it.

With any flower arrangement, you will want to remove any leaves below the water line and recut the stems before placing them in your vase. To get the longest life out of your blooms, I also recommend changing the water every couple of days.

Arrangements like this are ideal when you want to make a simple but bold statement. They’re not fussy, and the neutral palette looks great in any room.

Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring: MONOCHROMATIC

Speaking of hydrangeas, I found these massive purple hydrangea blooms on my flower hunting adventure. This vase contains only two of them, but each one is the size of my head.

While these hydrangeas would have looked gorgeous on their own, I wanted to play off the purple, so I added a few stems of freesia to create a monochromatic arrangement.

The colors work together nicely, and the size and style of the blooms complement each other. Putting the different blooms together makes it look a bit more intentional, interesting, and stylish.

Also, I find it easiest to work with vases with a smaller opening at the top. It helps to keep the stems in place and standing up straight.

Here is another example of a monochromatic look, but done in a different way. This was the centerpiece for my Easter table. (You can see more of this table here.)

Here, I used three white pitchers and filled each one with a different flower. While the colors vary slightly, all the hues are similar and work well together.

I think it turned out beautifully. I love the bold pop of color.

Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring: BULBS

Because it’s spring, you’re going to see a lot of blooms that come from bulbs. (For example, tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, and lilies) In stores, you’ll even see these flowers being sold as potted plants or blooming bulbs.

I saw these potted mini daffodils and thought they would look delightful in an Easter tablescape I was working on. They came in a plastic pot, so I transferred them to a white-footed bowl I had on hand. It took minutes and instantly made this $3.99 plant feel special and rich.

When buying tulips as planted bulbs, I prefer getting ones with lots of unopened blooms. Watching the blooms open gives you more bang for your buck. Potted tulips with unopened blooms will also last a lot longer than those with all their blooms open.

Modern Flower Arrangements for Spring: MINI BOUQUETS

Last but not least are mini bouquets. If you’ve been following Inspired by Charm for some time, you know these are my go-to. Why? Because they are the easiest and they look good every single time and in any location.

The key with these is to use a small vase with a small opening and just pack it with flowers. It basically arranges itself. You can use all the same flowers or a mixed bouquet. One tip is to make the overall flower arrangement the same size as the vase or just a bit larger.

This idea is best for when you need quite a bit of floral decor, but don’t have a big flower budget. Instead of lumping everything together in one vase, you can divide the flowers into 3 or 4 smaller arrangements you can spread all over your house.

I especially like this idea for creating a line of 3 or 5 vases down a table. It’s also an easy way to add a little life and freshness to your bathroom or dress up a bookcase or side tables in your living room.

Where I shop for Flowers:

Now that I’m in the city I have many options. Based on price, my favorite place to buy flowers is Trader Joes. For uniqueness and variety, Whole Foods is the winner. (They are usually a little more expensive than Trader Joes.)

A final resource would be your favorite gourmet grocery store. Around here we have Giant Eagle Market District and Wegmans. These places do charge top dollar.

My favorite sources to get bouquets online are The Bouqs and Farmgirl Flowers. However, they tend to be extremely overpriced.

Bonus Idea: Plant a Terrarium

…or anything for that matter. I know that a plant is different from a fresh flower arrangement, but they essentially serve the same purpose. I also like plants because they last longer. I’m talking years if you have a green thumb.

I recently took a class at a local plant shop (Farm & Forest) and created my own terrarium. But you don’t need a class to plant something fun and special. Nowadays you can buy them at the store. Check out this beauty I picked up at Whole Foods.

You can use plants just as you would flower arrangements. They can add life to a side table, function as a centerpiece for Easter, or bring a splash of color to your kitchen island.

If you’re looking for a terrarium tutorial, I have one of those too! Check out this beauty…

You can grab the full tutorial on how I put together this terrarium HERE.

So whether you planting something or simply adding fresh blooms to a vase, do what works for you to create beautiful modern flower arrangements that will make you smile.

I hope you found a few of my tips and ideas helpful. Happy Spring!

THIS POST HAS 11 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Kitchen Design for Bayberry House

Interiors

Friday
Mar / 22 / 2019
Comments 40

Kitchen Design - Bayberry Kitchen Rendering #kitchen #kitchenremodel #renovation #bayberrykitchen

Well, friends, the time has finally arrived. Today’s remodel update focuses on the design of my new kitchen! I am so excited to share it with you.

It’s a bit surreal that I’m finally able to post specifics about the kitchen design. This project has been in the works since I first bought my home last summer. Sitting on these plans and ideas for the past few months hasn’t been easy.

In case you’re new to Inspired by Charm, I’m remodeling my kitchen. If you’re interested in how the space looked before, check out the post here. If you’d like to see some of my inspiration for the design, take a peek at this post here.

Now that we’re a few weeks into the project, I thought it made sense to show you the layout of the new kitchen along with some 3D views of the space! I’ve also created another video to give you a renovation update. You’ll find that at the bottom of this post.

Before we get into those details, I wanted to tell you a bit about my designer and contractor.

Kitchen Design – Desginer and Contractor:

As I mentioned early on, I decided to work with a designer for this project. This might seem strange since I blog about design. However, for me, hiring a designer for this project was a no brainer. Here’s why:

I have a passion for design and decor. And while I can successfully design and style a space. I don’t have the knowledge and experience required for a project of this magnitude. Things like HVAC planning, space planning, and electrical and plumbing considerations are way beyond my skill set.

I will be the first to admit that I tend to second guess myself and sometimes struggle with decision-making. Having a designer for the project gives me someone to talk through ideas with, ask for second opinions, look to for ideas, and get recommendations from. This is a large and expensive project, so there isn’t room for mistakes and redos. The big decisions need to be right the first time.

My designer for this project is Katy Popple, and she is amazing! If you’re local, I definitely recommend checking out her site. You can also find her on Instagram @katypoppledesign. She comes highly recommended by IBC! One of her designs was recently featured in the home issue of Pittsburgh Magazine. (It even made the cover of the issue!)

The look and design for the kitchen have been a collaborative effort. However, Katy has been the rock when it comes to the technical details, creating the beautiful plans in this post, sourcing certain products, being patient with my thousands of questions, and so much more! It’s a joy to collaborate with her and hiring her for this project was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

My contractor is Avanti Construction here in Pittsburgh. Again, I’ve been so pleased with their services and would highly recommend them if you are local. I wanted a great crew that could get the job done right, and this is exactly what Avanti has delivered.

One other thing I would like to mention: I often ask for feedback here, and you’re certainly welcome to share ideas and opinions, but please keep in mind that not a lot can or will change at this point in the project. Many decisions have already been made, and I’m so thrilled with the way things are taking shape.

Okay, with all of that out of the way, onto the designs!

Kitchen Design for Bayberry House:

This was the original layout:

Pictured from left to right, is a closet, bathroom, kitchen, and dining room.

Now, let’s take a look at the new layout:

Moving from left to right, there is a powder room, butler’s pantry, kitchen, and dining room.

Those images probably aren’t super helpful or informative to most of you, so now let’s look at the 3D views so you can really get an idea for how the new kitchen will look. (If you need to reference what the kitchen was like before, you can find those images in this post here.)

New Kitchen Design:

This view is what you’d see coming in from the front of the house:

A few things to note here:
– I’m eliminating one of the doors to the deck and replacing the other with a Dutch door.
– The range will be on this wall.
– There will be two windows above the sink instead of just one.
– The dishwasher will be next to the stove and concealed with a panel that matches the new cabinetry.
– The entire back wall will be tiled floor to ceiling.

This is looking into the dining room:

A few things to note here:
-The wall between the kitchen and the dining room will be removed.
– A peninsula with base cabinets on both sides will separate the two spaces.
– Three windows will be installed in the back dining room wall.
– A narrow work table will be added to the kitchen.

This is the view when you’re standing at the kitchen sink looking back out to the entry hall:
(The door on the far right leads to the basement; the doorway next to it leads to the entry hall.)

A few things to note here:
– The cabinet on the left will house the microwave. The cabinet it shown open. There are two doors that fold into either side.
– The refrigerator will be in the middle and be hidden with cabinetry panels.
– The door from the kitchen to the hallway will be removed, and there will just be an open doorway.

This is looking from the dining room into the kitchen:

There isn’t much to note here other than the new door opening on the back wall in the kitchen.

This is the new butler’s pantry:
(This is looking into the room from the new doorway in the kitchen. A wall dividing these spaces is “invisible”.)

A few things to note about the butler’s pantry:
– It will feature a bar sink, built-in coffee maker, and small wine/beverage cooler.
– It will serve as a small beverage room and provide lots of additional kitchen storage.

This is a different angle of the butler’s pantry and the powder room:
(The entrance to the kitchen is on the right.The wall dividing these spaces and my family room is “invisible” in this rendering.)

And that’s the new kitchen design!

Other Kitchen Design Notes:

As I mentioned previously (I realize it may be hard to tell from the photos.), my kitchen is a modest-size space. We played with several different layouts, and ultimately this is the best solution and one that I’m definitely excited about. The butler’s pantry alone is a dream for me. I’m already crazy about that cute little space.

I’m also thrilled that we were able to fit in a work table. It’s not huge, but I think it will come in handy. It also makes use of that dead space in the middle of the kitchen. You may have noticed that we opted not to do seating at the peninsula. It was a decision based mostly on available space and the need for storage. There will be plenty of seating in the dining room, and I also plan to add two small stools under the work table.

We are still working on the finishing details, such as paint colors, lighting, and other fixtures, so I will save that information for another post. However, I do hope these plans and 3D views give you a feel for how the kitchen is going to look!

Kitchen Design Video:

To help you visualize (and also update you on the demolition), I created another video of the space. You can watch that below.

The video is likewise on my YouTube channel, so you can watch it there. (YouTube has a closed caption feature for anyone who may need it.)

If you’re a regular YouTube viewer, you can subscribe to my channel. If you’ve already subscribed, be sure to click on the bell icon so you’re notified anytime I upload a new video.

And that’s a wrap on my kitchen design.

It’s been loads of fun sharing this adventure with you. I’m so glad you’re interested in the project and the process. I probably won’t have an update for you next week, but stay tuned for future Bayberry House kitchen updates!

THIS POST HAS 40 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Donut Bread Pudding

Recipes

Thursday
Mar / 21 / 2019
Comments 4

Decadent Donut Bread Pudding for dessert or brunch! #donut #breadpudding #recipe #dessert #breakfast #burnch #recipe

This Donut Bread Pudding makes a decadent dessert for dinner or a delightful sweet dish for brunch. Made with two dozen glazed donuts and topped with espresso whipped cream, what’s not to love about it?

You are in for a real treat today. When I think of indulgent recipes, I think of this Donut Bread Pudding!

I don’t know about you, but I could have brunch for every meal. I think it’s the combination of savory and sweet foods. (The bacon and bellinis help, too. Lol.)

Donut Bread Pudding

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a brunch item here on Inspired by Charm. I thought this Donut Bread Pudding could perfectly fill that void. Of course, you don’t need to wait until your next brunch to search for this recipe. It would make a fabulous dessert recipe, too!

This Donut Bread Pudding is similar to classic bread pudding, but instead of bread, you use cut-up donuts. How yummy is that?

Sidenote: This kind of reminds me of that time I used leftover pancakes to make a delicious Blueberry Almond Pancake Pudding!

And because this a special treat, I just couldn’t top it with anything ordinary. That’s why I made espresso whipped cream for the top. A tasty complement to the donuts!

How Do you Make Donut Bread Pudding?

Start with two-dozen stale donuts.

I bought Krispy Kreme Original Glazed since they are my favorite. To make them “stale,” I cut them into bite-sized pieces; then I spread the pieces out on sheet trays and let them sit out overnight. By morning, the donuts were just the way I needed them.

Similar to classic bread pudding, the donut pieces soak in a custard made from eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Next, all of that deliciousness gets baked for about an hour.

When the pan comes out of the oven, you have an incredible Donut Bread Pudding. To complete the dessert, I topped it with espresso whipped cream. We all know how well coffee and donuts go together!

Also, if you’d like to see more of this colorful table, I’ve shared all the details here including where you can find that unique flatware!

What can you serve with Donut Bread Pudding? Try these recipes:

You could even set-up this adorable coffee bar to serve alongside this Donut Bread Pudding. I think that would be so cute!

As I mentioned above, this Donut Bread Pudding is fabulous for dessert or brunch! I know you’ll have fun making it and eating it!

Donut Bread Pudding Recipe:

Donut Bread Pudding

Servings: 12 people | Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

This Donut Bread Pudding makes a decadent dessert for dinner or a delightful sweet dish for brunch. Made with two dozen glazed donuts and topped with espresso whipped cream, what's not to love about it?

Ingredients

2 dozen stale glazed donuts* cut into bite-sized pieces
12 eggs
2 cups whole milk
4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup butter melted
1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Coffee Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
In an extra large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Fold in the donut pieces and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.
Spray a 13x9-inch pan with baking spray. Add the donut mixture to the pan.
Baked for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown** and set up
To make the espresso whipped cream, beat together cream, espresso powder, and confectioners' sugar until peaks form.

Recipe Notes

*It's best to use stale donuts for this recipe. If you have fresh donuts, cut them in pieces and dry them out in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Leave them uncovered overnight. They'll be ready to use in the morning. **If you notice that the bread pudding is getting too brown, cover the pan with aluminum foil.

THIS POST HAS 4 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Tips for Styling a Spring Coffee Bar

Entertaining

Wednesday
Mar / 20 / 2019
Comments 6

Tips for Styling a Spring Coffee Bar #spring #coffee #starbucks #blonde #coffeebar

This post has been sponsored by Nestlé Starbucks Coffee. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring is almost upon us, which means it’s time to focus on bright and colorful things that energize us and delight our senses.

In today’s post, I’m so excited to show you how to style a spring coffee bar inspired by the new Limited Edition Starbucks® Blonde Sunrise Blend ground coffee.

Whether you’re celebrating a spring holiday, hosting a shower, or simply inviting a friend over after the long winter hibernation, a coffee bar is a fun and tasty way to fill the occasion with color and conviviality.

How to Style a Spring Coffee Bar:

I’m going to walk you through four simple steps for creating a beautiful and flavorful Spring Coffee Bar. Let’s get to it!

1. Select a Delicious Coffee

First, I started with this gold bar cart.

Next step: coffee! Since this is a coffee bar, having high-quality, great-tasting coffee is a must. I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of blonde roast coffee. It’s my morning go-to, and I usually get the blonde espresso in my lattes.

It’ll come as no surprise that I was extremely excited to see Limited Edition Starbucks® Blonde Sunrise Blend. With its bright, smooth, and subtly sweet taste, it’s ideal for spring! Since I prefer to make a full pot, I use the Ground Coffee, but the blend is also available in K-Cup® pods.

If you live in Pennsylvania like I do, you can buy the Limited Edition Starbucks®Blonde Sunrise Blend at your local Giant Eagle. Just look for the large cardboard display.

2. Provide Options to Customize

Although I typically take my coffee with just a splash of cream and a little sugar, I think it’s fun to provide lots of flavor options when setting up a coffee bar. Be sure to include basics such as cream, sugar, and sugar substitutes.

For my Spring Coffee Bar, I set out flavored syrups that I put in these cute little jars. I went for classic flavors: vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. Depending on who you’re serving, you also may want to consider providing almond milk, honey, or agave.

3. Incorporate Sweet Treats

What’s a cup of coffee without a tasty treat or two? When I entertain, I often like to mix homemade items with store-bought ones to make things a little easier. For this particular coffee bar, I decided to make this scrumptious Cinnamon Walnut Bread.

To ensure there was a variety of tasty treats to choose from, I likewise offered wafer straws, chocolate covered espresso beans, stroopwafels, and espresso candies. These yummy things and many other bakery goodies can be purchased at Giant Eagle when you’re picking up your coffee. That’s what I did.

4. Add Seasonal Flair

Once you have all of the essential ingredients, it’s time to decorate. Since is spring, flowers are a must. I created a couple quick arrangements using tulips. I thought the bright pink coral color worked beautifully here.

Next, I brought in coordinating napkins and a few bunnies and eggs for a sweet. whimsical touch. You could use similar things or come up with pieces that fit your own theme, celebration, or holiday.

And with that, my Spring Coffee Bar is complete! Isn’t she lovely?

Sidenote: I found this gold bar cart HERE.

Spring Coffee Bar:

I hope this post inspires you to create your own coffee bar this spring or refresh your existing coffee bar for the season. Savor the flavors and bask in the joy!

THIS POST HAS 6 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Living Room Decor for Spring

Interiors

Monday
Mar / 18 / 2019
Comments 15

Living Room Decor Ideas for Spring #spring #livingroom #decor #decorating #ideas

It’s official! The first day of spring is this week, and I’m giddy with excitement! To celebrate, I thought it’d be fun to give you a look at my living room decor for spring.

You may remember that back in December I updated most of the furnishings in my living room (I also call this my family room.). When I first moved in, I used furniture from my former apartment. That worked OK for a while, but I wanted the room to function better and look brighter.

Just in case you missed that post, let me show you around the space and share my latest additions for spring!

Living Room Decor Ideas for Spring:

In reworking the space, I opted for two sofas instead of one. What a good decision that has been! I now have much more seating, and the light upholstery makes the room feel larger!

(The sofa, ottoman, and tv console are from Raymour & Flanigan, You can ready more about them in this post.)

For spring, I decided to update the living room decor with new throw pillows. After I put away everything from the holidays, the space was looking a bit bland.

I tried a few different color pillows but ended up loving this mauve color. I was lucky to find all of these pillows at HomeGoods. The larger mauve ones are from Ralph Lauren and seem to be high quality. I found the small maroon and white striped ones in the clearance section for only $8 each. Score!

To my eye, the colors in the pillows pick up the subtle purples in the brick, the various browns in the room, and the black in the rug.

Oh, and speaking of the rug, many of you are still asking for the source. You can find it here. I ordered the 9×12 in black. I’ve been pleased with the purchase, except that the material does tend to clog up my vacuum and vacuum brush. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the shedding will end soon, but only time will tell.

On my ottoman, I placed this mirrored round serving tray. In fact, it’s just a mirror. To my delight, Schoolhouse recently opened a brick-and-mortar store here in Pittsburgh. (You must visit if you’re local or happen to be in the area.) Anywho, when I was at the store, they had a display set up this way, and I really loved how it looked.

Along with the mirror, there are a few books and vases that I found at Target. (Here and here.) I couldn’t believe how well the colors worked with the new pillows.

The small black side tables were a Target find this past holiday season. It’s my understanding that they are no longer being sold. The lamp is from IKEA. It’s not my favorite, but I just haven’t found one I like better.

More Living Room Decor Ideas for Spring:

Since we’re on the subject of lamps, let’s talk about my wall sconces. Back in the fall, when I had my electrical panel updated, I also had the electrician hide my television cable in the wall and wire in the two sconces.

You can find the sconces here. I love how they look and function. I bought them on impulse because they were an excellent price, and I needed something that could be installed immediately. It should be mentioned, however, that they require assembly. It wasn’t difficult, but I realize some folks want to avoid that step.

I also adorned the walls of the living room with new artwork.

This amazing vintage wood mold was a HomeGoods score. If you’re lucky and look closely, you might stumble upon a few legit vintage pieces at HomeGoods. Such items are rare and often pricey. However, they are likely to be less expensive than something comparable from a salvage store or flea market. For example, this mold was $39.99.

As I’ve done more and more decorating at Bayberry House, I have been rekindling my love for vintage pieces, so this mold was a super exciting find. I think it works so well as wall art.

Across the room, I added a splash of color with this abstract painting. Does it look familiar? It had been hanging in my dining room and was seen in the background of my recent Easter table. I liked the art in that room, but I especially love the bold pop of color it brings to this space.

And while my bar cart isn’t new, I still adore it. You can find it here.

Over on the mantel, things are pretty simple. The long vintage military print is from a local antique shop. I’m not sure the print will live here forever, but I needed a spot for it and thought this worked well. There are also a few hyacinth bulbs in bulb vases. (I found them at Traders Joes but have seen them at Aldi’s and in a few other stores.)

The candleholder is another HomeGoods find. I thought it fit nicely with the rest of my spring mantel decor.

One other notable addition in this space is my terrarium. I posted on how to make it a couple of weeks ago. (Get the tutorial here.)

It was such a fun project I put together with a $14 vase I found at HomeGoods. I’m happy to report that it is thriving!

And that my friends, is my living room decor for spring! While I’m loving how everything looks, I think a few more touches are needed here and there. I’ve kept things simple for now but will likely add to the space as the season progresses.

I hope you enjoyed this look around my living room along with the information about sources. If I’ve overlooked something or you’re curious about anything, just leave a comment below.

Have a happy weekend and a sun-filled spring!

THIS POST HAS 15 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Bees Knees Cocktail

Recipes

Friday
Mar / 15 / 2019
Comments 7

This Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic. The drink originated during Prohibition but is still a fresh and delicious libation for today!

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared a cocktail recipe here on Inspired by Charm, so I thought we’d change that today with this Bee’s Knees cocktail!

I’ve been waiting to make this cocktail recipe for a while now, and with sunnier skies and warmer temperatures outside, I finally was inspired to do so.

Bees Knees Cocktail:

In case you haven’t heard of a Bee’s Knees cocktail, it actually dates back to the Prohibition Era. The drink came about when citrus and honey were used to disguise the rather pungent smell and flavor of bathtub gin.

But don’t let its history scare you away. This Bee’s Knees cocktail is … well … the bee’s knees (a.k.a.the best)! And it just might be the new spring go-to at Bayberry House!

A modern Bee’s Knees cocktail still contains gin, but don’t let that worry you if you’re not a fan of gin. The other flavors in the drink mask the gin. I used (and recommend) Henrick’s Gin for this recipe, however, you can use any brand you like.

A traditional Bee’s Knees cocktail is just gin, honey, and lemon. Because I wanted something a bit more approachable and “now,” I added pineapple juice and grapefruit juice.

The combination of flavors is so-o-o good.

How do you make a Bees Knees Cocktail?

Well, this recipe is super simple. Just put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until frothy.

That’s it!

Once the froth settles, pour the drink into glasses over ice and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

I served my Bee’s Knees cocktails in these French wine glasses and added these golden bee drink stirrers for the perfect finishing touch.

If you liked this Bees Knees cocktail, you may like these too:

This Bee’s Knees cocktail is just the thing for spring and summer. It’s bright, refreshing, and loaded with flavor.

Cheers to Friday, friends! Have an amazing weekend.

Bees Knees Cocktail Recipe:

Bee's Knees Cocktail:

Servings: 8 people | Prep Time: 10 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 1 vote

This Bee's Knees cocktail is a classic. The drink originated during Prohibition but is still a fresh and delicious libation for today!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups gin (I used Hendrick's)
1 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups grapefruit juice
1/2 cup honey
Grapefruit slices for garnish

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until frothy.
Allow the froth to settle; then serve in glasses over ice.
Garnish with grapefruit slices.

THIS POST HAS 7 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Kitchen Remodel Inspiration (+VIDEO)

Interiors

Thursday
Mar / 14 / 2019
Comments 31

My kitchen adventure continues. Today I’m showing you some of the inspirational images that have helped me define a look and style for my new space.

Thank you so much for all of your comments last week regarding this project and the start of demolition. I’m officially entering Week 2 today, and the preliminary work is now underway.

I’ll be sharing a demo update soon, but thought I’d use this post to talk about my inspiration for the space. Before we get to that, however, I did want to let you know that I’ll be creating videos to go along with these posts. I’m sharing the first video today! It’s inserted toward the end of this post.

I will also upload everything to YouTube. You can subscribe to my channel for updates.

Kitchen Remodel Inspiration:

Normally, I shy away from sharing others’ images here on the blog. However, in this instance, they’re essential for explaining the sources of my inspiration for the kitchen. I have limited the number of photos, but I think the ones I chose will give you a good idea of the overall design. I will mostly be directing you to images on Instagram since those are easiest to source. If you like any of the images I share, I encourage you to click the source and check out more of the creator’s work.

If you’re looking for more images that inspired me, visit my Pinterest page and take a look at these three boards: kitchen, pantry, and powder room.

Kitchen:

Where to begin? Let me start by saying that I found a lot of inspiration via deVOL Kitchens and Humphrey Munson. I definitely recommend checking out their beautiful kitchen spaces.

Source: Humphrey Munson

I’ll get into more detail about the new layout of the kitchen next week. However, it’s worth noting now that my kitchen isn’t huge, and there are five door openings. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s definitely a design consideration.

The plan is to install custom cabinets, which will be painted. I also will conceal the refrigerator and dishwasher behind cabinets. I’m looking at white quartz for countertops. The entire first floor, including the kitchen, will have hardwood floors. The floors in the other rooms will be refinished to match the kitchen.

Source: DeVOL Kitchen

Source: Park and Oak

I do not have space for an island. Initially, I was bummed about this because an island is often the hub in a kitchen. However, I’m convinced my new kitchen will have so many other wonderful features that an island won’t be missed.

The design for my kitchen does include a large peninsula/work table providing ample counter space. I was so excited when I stumbled upon this image for the work table inspiration:

Source: House Beautiful

Mine will be similar but shorter. There will be room for two stools underneath. (That image just served as table inspiration, so please ignore the rest of it.)

Source: Crisp Architects

Are you getting a feel for my new space?

In general, I’m sticking to the Modern Country Colonial aesthetic I wrote about when I first discussed the design plan for Bayberry House.

I also plan to incorporate fun touches when it comes to light fixtures, accessories, and decor. There are so many exciting layers in this project. While at times I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices, it’s been a delight to explore possibilities!

Pantry:

As I mentioned, my kitchen isn’t large, so I’m turning to some underused areas nearby to create additional storage, functionality, and style. This reconfiguration will allow me to have a small pantry. The pantry will also serve as a beverage station with a built-in coffee machine and a wine/beverage cooler. I am so looking forward to having a dedicated space for this!

Source: Humphrey Munson

Although the color is still TBD, I’m considering a subtle color for the cabinets and possibly a fun wallpaper moment.

Powder Room:

Part of this kitchen remodel involves changing the powder room. That space has been gutted and will be built back up.

Source: Marianne Simon Design

Even though it’s not a huge space, and the walls won’t be tiled (maybe down the road), I want to infuse style in there. This image suggests the overall aesthetic. I would also like to have a similar vanity situation.

And that’s it!

I’m not sure if all of this is helpful, but I do hope it gives you a general feel for what I have in mind. Again, you can visit my Modern Colonial Pinterest board for a look at all my behind-the-scenes planning for every space in Bayberry House.

Kitchen Remodel Demo Video:

Now, before you click away: As I mentioned above, I wanted to try something new this week and share a video along with my post. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this every week, but I thought some videos might provide a different look at the project.

This is the first video I’ve done in which I’m talking to the camera. I appreciate your patience while I learn the ropes of filming and video editing. The video is not terrible, but there’s always room for growth.

The videos will be in my various update posts on the kitchen remodel project and on my YouTube channel. If you use YouTube regularly, I recommend subscribing there on my channel. I will probably upload videos there first, so you’ll get a sneak peek. After subscribing, you can also hit the “bell” notification button if you’d like to be notified when I upload new content.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at some of the inspiration images for my kitchen. It’s a pleasure to tell you about my ideas for the space.

In my next Kitchen Remodel update, I’ll be sharing more details on how the new kitchen will look and be laid out. Stay tuned for that!

THIS POST HAS 31 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Colorful Easter Decorations for Your Dining Room

Holidays

Wednesday
Mar / 13 / 2019
Comments 18

Creative and Colorful Easter Decorations for Your Dining Room #easter #decor #decorations #spring #entertaining #diningroom #tablescape

Add a little color and whimsy to your Easter decorations with these creative and eclectic options for the dining room.

For the past few years, I’ve been sharing Easter decorating and entertaining ideas here on Inspired by Charm. (If you missed them, you can check out the 2018 Easter decorations from my apartment here and the 2017 Easter decorations at my previous house here.)

Even though I typically don’t host Easter celebrations, I like decorating for the holiday. After a dark and dreary winter, it’s an excuse to bring out something fun and colorful. And that’s exactly what I did for this year’s Easter tablescape.

In getting ready for spring, I’ve also teamed up again with my Seasons of Home blogger friends! Today we are sharing our Easter creations. I’ve linked up all of them at the end of this post so be sure to check them out!

Colorful Easter Decorations:

To get started, here’s a look at how I set my dining room for Easter.

The inspiration for this particular table came from a set of flatware I found at HomeGoods. This iridescent finish has recently become popular. And while it certainly isn’t a traditional finish or style for Easter, I thought it was a fun twist for the holiday.

If you’re looking for a set, I spotted some here and here.

Speaking of fun, I also was inspired by this cute collection of teacups and saucers. I decided to pick up six sets in different patterns. When I was choosing my designs, I did try to coordinate with the colors in the flatware. I thought traditional teacups with the modern, trendy flatware would be an interesting juxtaposition.

You can find teacups in lots of places. If you’re on a budget, I recommend checking out thrift shops or antique stores. I saw teacups at a local shop for $4-5 each. HomeGoods, which is where I purchased mine, has a great selection.

With those two bold details in place, I set the rest of the table with mostly neutrals, including white plates, small bowls, and clear glassware.

However, for a little more color, I added a speckled napkin. Again, I selected something that picked up some of the colors (pink, blue, and yellow) in the flatware.

The napkins are actually a tablecloth I cut into squares. A simple hem around all four sides made quick and custom napkins.

Since it’s Easter, a few chocolate eggs were a must. I simply filled a small bowl with purple Easter grass and tucked in a trio of colorful foil-wrapped eggs.

For the centerpiece, I opted for fresh flowers. These tulips and roses fit my color scheme perfectly. Although I did have to go to two different grocery stores, I was lucky enough to find these at a good price.

I think the saturated and bold colors work wonderfully together. They also happen to go well with this modern art piece that I’ve hung above the sideboard.

I actually purchased the artwork for my family room (which I’ll be sharing with you next week), but I couldn’t resist hanging it up in my dining room to complement my Easter decorations. It was pure serendipity how it all came together.

You might have noticed the other little surprise on my sideboard. It’s my Easter Bunny Rice Krispies Treat.

I shared the recipe with you last week. (You can find it here in case you missed it.) Now you can see why I chose to dye it purple. It fits in wonderfully, doesn’t it?

It had been a while since I’d eaten a Rice Krispies Treat, and I had forgotten how yummy it is. In fact, it was so good, I had to get it out of the house before I ate any more of it. I had intended to save the bunny to use in another photo shoot, but oh well….

And with that, my Easter table was set.

I realize these bold colors and creative combinations aren’t for everyone, but it was great fun trying something new for my Easter decorations this year. It never ceases to amaze me how one piece (in this case, colorful flatware) can inspire an entire room.

When you’re looking for inspiration for your Easter decorations, look for something you really like and pull ideas from that one item.

I hope you enjoyed this post and picked up an idea or two for your own Easter decorating!

Want more Easter ideas? Be sure to visit my blogger friends below!

Seasons of Home Easter Decorations:

Ella Claire | Julie Blanner | Inspired by Charm | Rooms for Rent | Maison de Cinq

My Sweet Savannah | French Country Cottage | Boxwood Avenue | Zevy Joy | Craftberry Bush

THIS POST HAS 18 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies

Recipes

Monday
Mar / 11 / 2019
Comments 9

Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies #spring #easter #cookie #thumbprint #recipe #lemonade

Lemon is a delightful flavor in a spring dessert. That’s why I’m loving these sweet and tart Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies.

The Monday after we spring forward to daylight saving time always seems a bit challenging for me. To make this time change a bit sweeter, I thought we’d kick off this week with Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies.

Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies:

As I posted this past Friday, my kitchen renovation has officially begun. This means a work crew will be knocking on my door at 7:30 a.m. for the foreseeable future. I’m typically an early riser, but waking up at 6 today still felt like waking up at 5. Even though DST requires a bit of an adjustment at first, I know I will appreciate the extra daylight in the evening after the workers leave for the day.

Last week before things got all torn up and dusty due to demolition, I whipped up these Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies. I don’t know about you, but I especially enjoy lemon-based desserts in the spring (and summer). This sort of treat always tastes bright and refreshing, and this cookie recipe is no exception.

These Pink Lemonade Cookies are soft and the glaze filling is both tart and sweet. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, and your taste buds will thank you.

These cookies are also fairly easy to make.

How to Make Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies:

The dough is similar to a shortbread. As you’ll see in the recipe below, the dough needs a little time in the freezer. You might be tempted to skip this step, but don’t Freezing helps the cookies keep their shape, and this is important since you’ll be making a small indent to hold the glaze.

What is a Thumbprint Cookie?

I am fond of thumbprint-style cookies. Yes, that name is sort of self-explanatory. Typically, you use your thumb to indent the top of the cookie. That little indent then gets filled with something delicious. In this case, it’s a lemon glaze, but I’ve also used jelly, salted caramel, and even Nutella!

However, I usually don’t use a thumb (or recommend it) to make the indent. There’s something about touching a 325-degree cookie that doesn’t seem safe. Instead, I like to use a rounded teaspoon. It creates a nice circle. The end of a rounded wooden spoon handle also works.

Once the indented cookies are cool, they are filled with a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and a couple of raspberries for color. I used a piping bag to carefully add the filling, but you could also spoon in the filling.

And voila! Your Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for spring entertaining.

Whip up a batch for Easter or to accompany your afternoon tea.

However you decide to serve them, I think you’ll enjoy these tangy and sweet cookies.

If you love lemon dessert recipes as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat! I have several really great lemon-inspired recipes!

Want more Lemon-Inspired Recipes? Try these:

Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies Recipe:

Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies

Servings: 3 dozen | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 26 mins | Total Time: 41 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 2 votes

Lemon is a delightful flavor in a spring dessert. That's why I'm loving these sweet and tart Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Glaze:

1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 raspberries

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, and kosher salt.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until light and fully combined, about 4-5 minutes. Beat in the flour mixture on low speed until just combined.
Next, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls in the freezer for 12-15 minutes. Transfer, dough balls to a parchment paper- or silicone-lined baking sheet, making sure the dough balls are about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 minutes. Then, gently press the rounded part of a teaspoon or end of a wooden spoon handle into the center of each ball to create an indent. Continue to bake for 16-18 more minutes or until the cookies just start to brown on the bottom. Place the cookie sheets on a wire rack to cool.
While the cookies cool, make the glaze by whisking together the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and raspberries. (You can break up the raspberries with a fork to evenly distribute them in the glaze.)
Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar. Then spoon or pipe the glaze into the indents. Let the cookies set for at least 10 minutes.

THIS POST HAS 9 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Kitchen Remodel: The Before

Interiors

Friday
Mar / 8 / 2019
Comments 32

Kitchen Remodel: The Before #renovation #kitchen #remodel #before #bayberrykitchen

Well, friends. It’s official: Operation Kitchen Renovation has begun!

I’ve been talking about the remodel for several months now, and finally, all the pieces have aligned. We are starting my kitchen renovation! (It feels so good to type that!)

Over the next several months I’ll be walking you through the process. I plan to share updates every week or every other week, depending on how things are progressing. If you want a closer, real-time look at how things are coming along, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @inspiredbycharm. I’ll also be using the hashtag #bayberrykitchen

Surprisingly, after 10 years of blogging, this is my first major home renovation. As you can probably imagine, this is a thrilling (albeit nerve-racking) time for me. I’m bursting with excitement to take you along on this adventure!

To kick things off, I thought we’d start at the beginning.

Kitchen Remodel: The Before

Here is my kitchen as it is now.

After using this space for the past 8 months, I can say that it’s not terrible, except for the lack of a range. However, it just doesn’t work for what I do and how I want it to function. (When I purchased this home, my plan was to tackle the kitchen right away. That’s why I don’t have a range.)

I will give you the full plans for the kitchen in the coming weeks, but I will tell you now that this remodel is a full gut job. That means new cabinets, floors, countertops, appliances, windows, doors, and lighting. The works!

Although I shared the kitchen in my “New Home Tour,” here’s another look around. (Official layouts of my space are coming.)

The kitchen is in the middle of the back of my house. When you’re facing the back wall of the house/kitchen, the family room (with its big brick fireplace) and a bathroom are on the left. On the right is the dining room.

The kitchen also has a door to the deck and a door to the basement.

Because the kitchen is the heart of my home, this reno will affect most of the first floor. I could have broken this job into smaller projects, but it just made sense on many levels to tackle it all at once. Here’s what will be done in the other first floor spaces:

Powder Room:
Remove shower stall to create more kitchen storage.

Entryway:
Address crumbling and damaged slate floors. Remove built-in closet.

Living Room and Family Room:
Refinish hardwood floors.

Dining Room:
Refinish hardwood floors and add more natural light.

For this major remodel, I have hired a designer and a contractor to help me through the entire process. I wish I had the knowledge and ability to do all of this myself, but I don’t. I will talk more about why I made this decision in future posts. I will say, so far, it has been an excellent decision on both fronts.

Of course, there is much more to come, but I think that’s where I’ll leave off for today.

Next week I’d like to share some of the design ideas, inspiration, and images I collected to help me decide on a look and style for my new kitchen. See you then!

Kitchen Remodel Demo Video:

Also, I wanted to try something new this week and share a video along with my post. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this every week, but I thought some videos might provide a different look at the project.

I hope you enjoyed the video!

THIS POST HAS 32 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Bunny Rice Krispies Treat

Recipes

Thursday
Mar / 7 / 2019
Comments 11

This oversized Bunny Rice Krispies Treat is a unique take on the classic. It’s a tasty and colorful dessert that you can quickly make for spring and Easter.

Yes, my friends, we’re going old school on the blog today with a traditional dessert loved by many: Rice Krispies Treats.

However, in true IBC fashion, I’m giving the usual recipe a bit of a twist by dying it purple and molding it in a bunny shape to create a memorable Bunny Rice Krispies Treat. (I know you’re going to thank me for this cute idea, so you’re welcome in advance. Ha Ha!)

Bunny Rice Krispies Treat:

As you know, I love me a beautifully molded cake. Through the years, here on IBC, there have been a variety of them, including a skull, beehive, gingerbread house, and, of course, the classic bundt.

A couple of weeks ago I spotted this bunny mold at HomeGoods and immediately thought about how I might use it for spring. (If you can’t find the mold at your local HomeGoods, you can pick one up on Amazon.) Instead of going with cake this time around, however, I decided to make one big Rice Krispies Treat.

I gravitated toward this idea because it’s insanely easy, and who doesn’t love a homemade Rice Krispies Treat?

How do you Make a Bunny Rice Krispies Treat?

As I mentioned, it’s super simple. Start by thoroughly greasing each half of the bunny mold. Baking spray worked perfectly for me.

Next, whip up a big batch of the Rice Krispies mixture. I find it easiest to melt the marshmallows and butter in the microwave, but if you prefer the stove top method, that’s fine, too.

Once the marshmallows and butter were melted, I added purple food coloring. (This set of gel food color is my favorite.) Of course, you could use your favorite color instead or not use any food coloring at all. The choice is yours.

Finally, mix in the Rice Krispies. You’ll want to move quickly here to get everything mixed thoroughly before it starts to set.

Now firmly press the mixture into each half of the mold. I recommend leaving an extra 1/2 inch of the mixture extending above the top of the mold half. This will give your bunny a plump figure when the halves are pressed together.

Finally, push both halves of the mold together. Let the mixture cool completely before removing the mold. Once the bunny has been unmolded, you can gently smooth any rough spots and remove any excess Rice Krispies mixture.

And that’s it! Your Bunny Rice Krispies Treat is complete.

You are welcome to dress up the bunny with frosting or candy decorations, but I prefer it unadorned. A few chocolate eggs scattered around the plate is all that’s needed to up the fun factor if you’re serving it at Easter.

No matter when or how you serve it, this molded bunny makes a delightful and delicious treat for spring!

Also, if you’d like to see more of this colorful table, I’ve shared all the details here including where you can find that unique flatware!

Want unique more Easter dessert ideas? Check out these:

Bunny Rice Krispies Treat Recipe:

Bunny Rice Krispies Treat

| Prep Time: 15 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

This oversized Bunny Rice Krispies Treat is a unique take on the classic. It's a tasty and colorful dessert that you can quickly make for spring and Easter.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 (16-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1 (12-ounce) box Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Food coloring optional
Baking spray

Instructions

Apply a thin coat of baking spray to both halves of the mold.
In a larger microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter and marshmallows on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute until smooth. Stir in the salt, vanilla, and desired amount of food coloring.
Add the Rice Krispies and mix until coated.
Press the mixture into each half of the mold, leaving an extra 1/2 inch of the mixture extending above the top of the mold half. This will create about an inch of space between the molds when pressed together and give the bunny a plump figure.
Finally, firmly press the two molds together.
Allow to the molded mixture to cool completely before removing the mold. Then, as needed, adjust the shape of the bunny and remove any excess Rice Krispies.
Slice the unmolded bunny to serve.

THIS POST HAS 11 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake

Recipes

Tuesday
Mar / 5 / 2019
Comments 5

What will it be – cheesecake or ice cream? You can have both with this Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake! Rich and creamy, this delicious dessert recipe is perfect for the warmer days ahead.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake:

Cold weather blew into Pittsburgh this week, so posting about an ice cream dessert might seem a bit silly. However, I like to think ahead and plan for warmer days to come. If you do, too, you’ll definitely want to add this Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake to your spring and summer menus.

I was excited to make this recipe because I love ice cream-based desserts. They remind me of the past and fun times with family. This connection is probably because of the ice cream salad (which actually isn’t a salad) that my great aunt made. The mere mention of ice cream desserts always makes me think of it. (Note to self: Make that recipe and share it on IBC!)

Anywho, even though summer is still months away, I thought this picture-perfect Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake might be a unique treat to whip up for Easter, a bridal/baby shower, Mother’s Day, or another springtime celebration. (I plan to celebrate the first day of spring this year. I hope you do, too!)

How Do You Make Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake?

It’s pretty easy.

I started with a pretzel crust because I love the taste, and it pairs nicely with strawberries. (That reminds me of my Strawberry Jello Salad! Have you tried it?)

Once the crust is made, it’s time to prepare the cheesecake filling.

The filling consists of cream cheese, ice cream, and strawberry puree. You’ll make the puree first. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries, depending on what’s available. If you’re not a fan of strawberries, use blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or another fruit that you like. I prefer strawberries because they are delicious and give this cheesecake a beautiful pink hue.

The base of the cheesecake filling is the cream cheese and ice cream. The ice cream should be close to room temperature so it’s soft and almost runny. If it’s too cold, it will chill your cream cheese and prevent proper blending.

Mix the cream cheese, ice cream, and puree together until smooth. Then add the mixture to your prepared pretzel crust. After a few hours in the freezer, your Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake will be ready! I recommended removing it from the freezer about 30 minutes before serving.

As you might have guessed, I couldn’t resist dressing up the cheesecake a bit. A few fresh berries and dollops of whipped cream are all it needs.

Cool, creamy, tangy, and sweet! And it looks gorgeous, too. You’ll be looking for excuses to make it.

If you enjoyed this Ice Cream Cheesecake, you may also like:

Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake

| Prep Time: 20 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

4.67 from 3 votes

What will it be - cheesecake or ice cream? You can have both with this Strawberry Ice Cream Cheesecake! Rich and creamy, this delicious dessert recipe is perfect for the warmer days ahead.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) strawberries
1 cup sugar
18 ounces cream cheese softened
1.5- quart vanilla ice cream softened
Additional berries plus whipped cream for garnish

Pretzel Crust:

2 cups small pretzels
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cups unsalted butter melted

Instructions

Begin by lining the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Place the pretzels in a food processor. Pulse until they resemble sand. (Alternatively, you can place the pretzels in a plastic sealable plastic bag and smash them repeatedly with a rolling pin.)
Add the finely crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter to a bowl. Stir to combine. Spoon this mixture into the prepared springform pan and press the mixture down with your fingers to form an even layer of crust. Freeze for 30 minutes.
Place the strawberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the berries start to break down. You can speed up the process by crushing the berries with the back of a spoon. Remove the cooked strawberries from heat and strain them through a fine sieve into a bowl. Use a spatula or a spoon to push through as much of the liquid as possible. Discard the leftover pulp from the sieve. Set aside the strawberry liquid to cool.
Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until well-blended. Add the ice cream and mix well. Fold in the strawberry puree.
Pour this mixture over the prepared crust and freeze the cheesecake for 4 hours or until firm.
Remove the cheesecake from the freezer about 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream.

THIS POST HAS 5 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

How To Make a Terrarium

DIY

Monday
Mar / 4 / 2019
Comments 0

Learn how to make a terrarium! #terrarium #plants #diy #garden

Creating a terrarium is a fun way to add a touch of greenery to your indoor living space. Today I’m showing you how I put together a simple terrarium for my home.

A couple of weeks ago I was at HomeGoods and came across this large glass jar that I thought would make an excellent terrarium. I assumed it would be $30+, but to my surprise. it was only $14.99 so, of course, into my cart it went.

DIY Terrarium:

After sourcing other materials and plants and spending a little time planting, this is how my terrarium turned out:

Isn’t it pretty?

With thoughts of spring and all-things-green, this little terrarium is just what I need to get me through these last few weeks of winter.

Let me show you how I put it together!

What do you need to make a terrarium?

Surprisingly, you don’t much to put together a beautiful terrarium. Here’s the breakdown:

Glass container (with or without a lid)
Pebbles
horticultural charcoal
Soil
Plants
Stone and moss (optional)

How do you make a terrarium?

It all starts with a glass container. The container can have a lid, but that’s not a must.

Just an F.Y.I.: If you do find or choose a lidded container, once your mini-garden is planted and placed in the proper location, very little attention will be needed since it will water itself.

I actually had one of these last year (See image below.), and it did well on its own. In fact, because of my lack of attention, one of the plants in it sort of took over. The terrarium still looked great, but I decided to empty it when I moved because I wanted to start afresh in my new home.

A disadvantage with a lidded container is that the inside will often fill with condensation, making it harder to see your plants.

For my new terrarium, obviously, I went with the glass container I scored at HomeGoods. Since it doesn’t have a lid, I’ll have to be vigilant about watering. However, if I want the terrarium to be self-sufficient, I can always place a dish or plate on top of the jar occasionally.

Once you’ve selected your container, you’ll want to add a layer of pebbles for drainage. (I found mine here.)That means the pebbles should be pretty small in diameter.

Next, comes a layer of horticultural charcoal. About 1/2 inch will do. The charcoal pulls toxins and bacteria from the soil in the terrarium and helps keep the environment in the container fresh and mold free.

Now you’re ready for put in the soil. I used Miracle-Gro potting mix I had on hand. I found that 3 inches of soil was the right amount in the glass container I bought.

At this point, it’s time for plants!

What plants are good for a terrarium?

Since my knowledge of plants is limited, I went to my local plant shop – City Grows in Pittsburgh – and asked them for advice.

Their helpful staff helped me choose plants that would work for my particular terrarium based on its size and the light in my home.

Over the years I’ve found that it’s smart to consult experts when investing in house plants. They know the lighting needs, watering requirements, etc. of any plant you’re considering.

The plants I selected were ones that work well in terrariums. I don’t recall the names of the plants, but if you are interested in the specifics, I could contact the plant shop I visited. Please let me know in the comments, and I will update this post.

In doing research for this post, I discovered this Etsy shop which sells a set of 6 mini plants designed for terrariums. If you don’t have a local plant shop, this might be another option.

You can also create terrariums with cactuses and succulents, but they will require a drier setting. If you’re a long-time IBC follower, you might remember my tabletop cactus garden. It thrived for years with hardly any attention or water. Sadly, I had to get rid of it when I sold my former house last year, but it was still thriving at the time.

Anywho, back to this new terrarium. With the soil in place, I tucked in my plants to fill the space.

To finish things off, I added larger stones and reindeer moss. These elements are optional and mostly serve as decor. However, depending on how the rocks are placed, they can encourage your plants to grow (or not grow) in certain spots.

And with that, my new terrarium is complete.

The plant store staff told me that to keep the container moist I should add enough water to reach about halfway up the pebbles at the bottom of the container.

Misting the plants with a sprayer from time to time is likewise recommended.

So cute, right? All inspired by a $15 glass jar. I’m loving it!

If you liked this terrarium project, you might love these too:

I haven’t figured out exactly where this DIY terrarium is going to live, but I’m thinking my family room might be an ideal location.

I hope this post inspires you to add a little green to your home. Happy plant parenting!

THIS POST HAS 0 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups

Recipes

Thursday
Feb / 28 / 2019
Comments 13

Sun-Dried Tomato Roll-Ups #appetizer #recipe #rollup #pinwheel #sundriedtomato #basil

These Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups are a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer for spring or summer.

Earlier this week I made a colorful pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes. Because I purchased more sun-dried tomatoes than that recipe called for, I thought about a way to use the extras The result: Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups:

I don’t know how it is for you, but roll-ups (a.k.a. pinwheels) are one of my go-to appetizers. I love them because they are easy to make and serve. You can also get creative with the filling, and everyone seems to love the flavorful bites.

These Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups are no exception. The basil and sun-dried tomatoes pair perfectly with the spinach, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese.

How do you make roll-ups?

To make any roll-up, simply spread your filling on a tortilla, being careful not to tear the tortilla. Then roll it up and slice it. For these roll-ups, I made a filling that combines cream cheese, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and fresh basil leaves.

I’m not sure if there is an “original” roll-up recipe, but a classic recipe for me are these Tortilla Roll-Ups with Salsa. Over the years, I’ve had fun creating multiple varieties of it. They are linked below for your reference.

If you like this Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Up recipe, you will probably like these as well:

Given my fondness for sun-dried tomatoes, the Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups were an instant hit at my house. All of the flavors worked so well together. Nom nom nom!

As I mention in the recipe below, these roll-ups are delicious as they are. However, if you want to add a dipping sauce, I think homemade ranch dressing would be just the thing.

No matter how or when you make and serve these Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups, you (and your guests) are going to love them!

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups Recipe:

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups

Servings: 2 dozen | Prep Time: 15 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

These Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Roll-Ups are a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer for spring or summer.

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and patted dry
1/3 cup (thawed and squeezed dry) frozen spinach
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
20 basil leaves
2 large flour tortillas

Instructions

In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon half of the filling on each flour tortilla and spread out evenly, being careful not to tear the tortilla. Place 10 basil leaves evenly on top of the filling layer.
Roll up each tortilla tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the tortillas into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange on a platter, and they are ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

The roll-ups are also delicious when paired with a dip such as homemade ranch dressing.

THIS POST HAS 13 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Overnight Oats

Recipes

Wednesday
Feb / 27 / 2019
Comments 17

This recipe for Overnight Oats makes a quick and easy breakfast that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients! It’s my new go-t0 morning meal.

Overnight Oats:

Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with overnight oats. For the past couple months they’ve been my go-to for breakfast. And while they may have gained a lot of popularity in the last year or so, they’ve been around forever.

I was introduced to overnight oats about 10 years ago when I worked for the Four Seasons Hotel. Back then (and until recently), I knew overnight oats as muesli, which is short for Birchermuesli. The recipe was developed around the start of the last century by Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital. His original version included shredded apple which he believed to be a cure for jaundice.

Another history lesson on IBC. You’re welcome!

How To Make Overnight Oats:

I’m sure you’ve seen lots or recipes for overnight oats posted online, and you may have noticed that the concept for creating them is pretty similar. The base is quick oats and milk (regular, skim, soy, almond, etc.).

From there, you add whatever healthful things you like, including fruits, nuts, chia seeds, honey, etc. As you can imagine, the list is almost endless. The oats, milk, and fruit are combined before you go to bed. That way by morning the oats have had time to soak up the milk, and breakfast is ready to go.

Speaking of ingredients, the recipe I’m giving you is a great jumping off point for creating your own version. As with oatmeal, you can customize these oats based on your food preferences or what’s in your pantry and refrigerator.

What Oats Do You Use for Overnight Oats?

Honestly, you can use whatever you’d like: quick oats, rolled oats, muesli, steel cut oats, etc.

Here I used steel cut, but also like quick oats too.

Some other ingredients to consider: any kind of fruit or berries, seeds, any variety of nut, cocoa powder, protein powder, nut butter, and citrus zest. There are so many things your could add to these overnight oats.

You can also use whatever type of milk (regular milk, almond milk, or soy milk) and sweetener (honey, sugar, agave, or maple syrup) you like best.

I like topping my overnight oats with Greek yogurt, nuts, and a few more berries. The yogurt adds a little tang, the nuts provide crunch, and the additional berries are Instagram-worthy.

If you like these overnight oats, you’ll love these too:

Pretty great, right? Obviously, a beautiful presentation makes these look extra tasty, but these oats are truly delicious. Give them a try and let us know what you think. Also tell us what ingredients you like best in your overnight oats. Share in the comments below.

Bon appétit!

Overnight Oats Recipe:

Overnight Oats

Servings: 2 people | Prep Time: 15 mins

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

5 from 3 votes

This recipe for Overnight Oats make s a quick and easy breakfast that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients! It's my new go-t0 morning meal.

Ingredients

2/3 cup steel cut oats quick variety
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 1/2 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup fresh berries raspberries and blueberries
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons walnuts
Additional berries and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

In a container with a lid, combine the steel cut oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and fresh berries. Stir to combine. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight.
Divide the oats into two bowls. Just before serving spoon 1/4 cup Greek yogurt on top of each bowl of oats. Garnish with chopped walnuts, additional berries, and a sprig of mint.

THIS POST HAS 17 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Find More

1 / 2 / 3 / … 68 / Next »

About /// Contact /// Press