Recently, I decided to refresh my side porch for the summer, and today I thought I’d give you a peek. In an ideal world, I’d invite all of you over to sip sangria and visit. But since there aren’t enough seats for everyone, I figured this mini-tour would be the next best thing.
For the past two years, I’ve been styling my side porch pretty much the same way, so a change was in order. It actually all started when I spotted this fun pillow at HomeGoods. That became my jumping off point for some colorful summer porch styling.
I also decided to get new tables because my old ones were beginning to rust again. Far too many coats of spray paint had also left them looking a bit shabby.
For my coffee table, I opted for a pair of round iron and wood-topped side tables. Their shape adds a bit of interest, and they can easily be moved around as needed.
I also pulled in a few simple side tables which offer places to set a drink, plant, or decorative accessory.
During the past couple of years, I had been using a reddish orange bench for my coffee table. It suffered a few dings and dents this past winter, so I patched the bruises and gave it a fresh coat of black paint.
Now it doubles as a side table and a place to show off a few plants.
Normally, I fill my porch with annual flowers, but this year I went with lots of succulents. The latter require much less water and will still look great even though I won’t be here to water them daily. (Side note: if you’re looking for big succulents, hit up Home Depot. I love their selection!)
Some other fun accessories (mostly from HomeGoods), a few ferns, and a simple outdoor rug (from Walmart) complete the space.
Although it’s not a major change, it was fun to switch things up and try something new this year. And best of all, it’s just in time for summer!
Over on the HomeGoods blog, Design Happy, I’m talking more about this space and sharing 4 Tips to Add Color and Style to Your Porch. Click here to head on over there for more inspiration.
Recently, I decided to refresh my side porch for the summer, and today I thought I’d give you a peek. In an ideal world, I’d invite all of you over to sip sangria and visit. But since there aren’t enough seats for everyone, I figured this mini-tour would be the next best thing. For the […]
Well friends, as I promised a while back, I’m tackling a mini-makeover of one of my guest bedrooms. Earlier this year some blogger friends and I decided it would be fun to team up for a bloggers’ series. For the series, each of us would pick a room in our homes and give it a new look inspired by color. We’re calling our series Color Lovers.
Today all of us bloggers in this series are sharing “before” images of our respective spaces and giving you a sneak peek at our plans for them. (I’ve linked all of the other bloggers at the end of this post, so be sure to check out everyone’s spaces.)
For this fun series, I opted to refresh my coral bohemian-inspired guest bedroom. While this space has always functioned fine, I was never especially excited or happy about it, so it was the perfect choice for this project.
My plan is to keep the layout of the room pretty much the same and just tweak some of the furnishings, accessories, and paint. As regular IBC readers know, I recently moved to a new apartment in Pittsburgh. Because I’m still unsure about the future of my house in St. Marys, a major and costly room makeover just didn’t make sense right now.
However, I still want a big change for this room so my hope is to take it from tropical bohemian to hipster hotel.
Let’s take a look.
Yeah, it’s quite different, right?
I often pick up inspiration while traveling, and that’s where the idea for this space came from. Back in February, when I was visiting Pittsburgh, I stayed at the Ace Hotel and fell in love with the decor of its restaurant.
In case you’ve never been to an Ace Hotel, the vibe is vintage with modern touches. Think record players and colors from the 70s with thick black borders and touches of marble. Hipster is probably the most appropriate word for it. And even though, I don’t consider myself “hipster,” I adore the aesthetic.
I’ll be sourcing all of the items above when I post the reveal on June 27. (The rest of the bloggers in the series will be sharing their reveals then, too.) During this series, we all have the pleasure of working with The Mine, Birch Lane, and Minted to source some of the decor and accessories for our spaces. So, if you’re desperate to find some of these pieces, those are good places to start.
While I’m thrilled to have a direction for changing this space, I am still undecided on a few details and also debating whether to paint. If I do paint, it would most likely be just around the fireplace, a feature wall, or some modelings. We shall see!
Whatever happens, I’m so excited to get this color-loving makeover started so I can share the reveal with you at the end of June! I may even pop back in between to give you a little update. You can also follow along with my Instagram Stories where I’m sure I’ll be teasing you with a few things from my room refresh.
If you love makeovers, be sure to visit all of the bloggers in the series by clicking on the links below.
Well friends, as I promised a while back, I’m tackling a mini-makeover of one of my guest bedrooms. Earlier this year some blogger friends and I decided it would be fun to team up for a bloggers’ series. For the series, each of us would pick a room in our homes and give it a […]
A couple weeks ago, I told you that I was working with my friends at NESTEA to decorate a Tiny House in NYC. It took a couple months to bring it all together, so it was great to finally see the result of our collaboration.
The Tiny House was created to show the idea of “less is more” and that by simplifying our lives, we’re able to focus on what’s truly important and enhance our joy.
The timing of this opportunity with NESTEA was perfect since I have been making changes in my own life to increase my happiness. As I travel between my house in St. Marys and my apartment in Pittsburgh, the advantages of having less have become apparent. I know this sounds kind of backward because having two residences instead of one is the opposite of less, but I’m referring to the “stuff” I have in each of those places.
As I work to create simplicity in my homes, today I thought I’d share a few tips for how to do this. Whether you’re starting out in a new space or reinventing your old one, I hope these ideas help you maximize your joy!
Keep Only What You Love
I’ve always used my job as an excuse to “have a lot of things.” Since my home is my stage for Inspired by Charm, I’m constantly wanting to keep things looking new. That means shopping for things each season to give my spaces a fresh and updated look. And while I love this (because shopping and decorating are my jam), a house can only hold so much.
Recently, I’ve been trying to follow the principle of when something new comes in, something old must go. For example, if I get a new set of throw pillows for my bed, the old ones should be donated rather than stuffed in a tote and stored away. This instantly eliminates the excess.
Now, I totally understand that I can’t just get rid of everything. Decorating is a passion, so I do like to change things up seasonally. That’s why I’m working to create a dedicated area in my basement or attic where I can store sentimental decorations that I plan to use again and again. Simplifying is about balance, too.
In Color Order
Let’s talk about simplicity in decor. No matter what your style (even if you’re like me and want to keep things eclectic), you can still find a beautiful sweet spot between extravagant and simple. You can see below how I was able to incorporate a few of the tiny house accessories into my own home just by working within a color scheme.
With any design (even when I’m planning a party), I often turn to color as a guiding principle. If you can limit the colors in a space, you can instantly keep things simple and cohesive. Take the Tiny House for example. The goal for the home was to honor the NESTEA green and incorporate that throughout the space. This was a great idea because it instantly gave us a theme. It simplified the design process as well because I could focus my efforts on finding things in that color scheme rather than searching through every possible color palette.
For balance, I choose to incorporate a few touches of blue. While simplifying is wonderful and powerful, maintaining a balance is also important. An example is the new NESTEA. While the recipe has fewer ingredients and a simpler recipe, there’s still room to play with levels of sweetness (from unsweetened to slightly sweetened) and flavor (lemon, raspberry, and peach.) The goal here is to add joy, not remove it.
Design With Purpose
One other thing to keep in mind with your decor is to have things with purpose whenever possible. Can a basket add texture while providing a place to store towels or magazines? Can a bedside clock look chic and as it gives you the time? Can banquette seating offer hidden storage? Can open shelving in the kitchen function as wall art and storage?
Anytime something can do double (or triple) duty, I think it’s a win. Again, it something serves a purpose and brings you joy, it’s worth keeping in your home. Also, keep in mind that “purpose” can also mean that something makes you laugh or brings a smile to your face. Be it a gold unicorn bust or a brass wiener dog, it’s important to allow things in your life and home whose sole purpose to make you happy.
Keep Organized
Like many people, I struggle with staying organized. There have been multiple occasions when I’ve bought something new, forgetting I already had something similar stored away. Or I’ll buy something because I just can’t find the one I already own. (Please tell me I’m not the only one!)
Therefore staying organized and having a place for everything can be helpful when it comes to simplifying. For example, store your tools in a tool chest instead of having them scattered around in various drawers. Keep all your jeans on one shelf or in one section of your closet. Have a dedicated area for mail rather than allowing it to pile up on every flat surface from your door to your desk. It’s a joy suck when you realize your electric bill is a week overdue because you can’t find it and now you have to pay a late fee.
No matter our intentions, I know that at times we are all restricted by life, time, and money. In a perfect world, we’d follow every “good” principle and life would be dandy. There’s no need to drastically change things in one day (unless that works for you). Try making small changes over time. The goal is to simplify and maximize the joy in your life (not cause stress.)
For more information about the NESTEA Tiny House that I helped to decorate, check out my post here. Also, be sure to sample the all-new NESTEA. It’s mighty tasty. Their real brewed tea (in black and green tea) comes in a variety of sweetness levels. They also have fruit-flavored teas, including lemon, raspberry, and peach. You can get a free taste at NESTEA.com Cheers!
Thank you to NESTEA for sponsoring this blog post. All opinions are my own.
This post is sponsored by NESTEA. A couple weeks ago, I told you that I was working with my friends at NESTEA to decorate a Tiny House in NYC. It took a couple months to bring it all together, so it was great to finally see the result of our collaboration. The Tiny House was […]
Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve chatted with all of you, so I thought today would be a good time to pop in and say hello.
Life has been a rollercoaster these past few weeks. As you know, two weeks ago, I finally got into my new apartment in Pittsburgh which was wonderful. I knew going into May that it would be a busy month with Mother’s Day, a trip to NYC, and the move. However, since I was excited and ready for the change, I was OK with the busy-ness.
Unfortunately, one day into my move, my grandma had a stroke. It wasn’t a major stroke, but it has affected her ability to swallow. I won’t get into details, but my family has been in a constant state of worry and concern ever since. Some days we are very hopeful and others … not so much.
Naturally, settling into Pittsburgh (and life, in general) is now on hold. I had intended to return there yesterday, but changes in my Gram’s condition have kept me in St. Mary’s. I may sneak down to my apartment later this week for a couple days, but that depends on her status.
I realized that might be too much information for the blog, but I’ve been taking you along with me on this 2017 journey – good and bad, so there it is.
Despite life’s rollercoaster, I’m ecstatic about finally getting to Pittsburgh and starting to feel comfortable there. Since we last chatted, I’ve ordered a sofa, desk, and a couple light fixtures. I also found a beautiful, large entryway mirror at HomeGoods. If you’re following along on Instagram, you might have seen a few of those things in my stories. I also have my eye on a few other pieces that I’m hoping to order this weekend if the Memorial Day sales pan out.
As I mentioned, last week I was in New York City for work. (You can read more about that here.) The weather was perfect, and when I had some free time, I hit up a number of home stores I don’t normally get to. Let me tell you, seeing decor and furniture in real life instead of blindly ordering online is life changing. (Okay, maybe not life changing, but you get what I mean.) To be able to see scale, size, color, and texture in real life is just so helpful when choosing pieces for the home.
Naturally, I checked out favorites like West Elm and Crate & Barrel. But two stores I was super excited to visit were the newly opened Rejuvenation and ABC Carpet and Home.
I’ve been in love with this particular fixture from Rejuvenation since it came out last year. I had hoped to get it for my apartment but found out that it’s an LED fixture, and therefore wouldn’t be dimmable. (Or, at the very least might not dim with great results.) Beyond looks, I’m not a big fan of overhead lighting, so dimmability is very important to me. Anywho, while at Rejuvenation, I found a fabulous duvet cover, some beautiful pillows, and a few other light fixtures to swoon over.
ABC Carpet and Home was also a great place to visit for general inspiration. I saw several pieces I really loved, but I’m afraid they’re probably beyond my budget. However, it was still insightful to visit in person versus just looking online or in a catalog.
Once I get back to the ‘burgh, I plan to put some posts together about how I’m decorating my space, choosing light fixtures, etc. I have a lot of design / decorating posts swirling around in my head. They are coming, I promise.
And that’s about it, friends. (Oh! I also got my self-watering planters planted and updated my porch with a bit of color, so I’ll be sharing those things soon.)
As always, thank you for following along, reading, commenting, liking, pinning, sharing, etc. Seeing your ideas and what you like means so much to me. And if you have a spare moment, please keep my Gram in your thoughts.
Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve chatted with all of you, so I thought today would be a good time to pop in and say hello. Life has been a rollercoaster these past few weeks. As you know, two weeks ago, I finally got into my new apartment in Pittsburgh which was […]
I have exciting news! For the past couple months, I’ve been working with my friends at NESTEA to design a Tiny House in NYC!
If you haven’t heard, NESTEA has a fresh new look and delicious new recipes. Now made with fewer ingredients, it’s a perfect example of “less is more.” As frequent IBC readers know, I’m also making changes in my life to simplify, clear the clutter, and find more joy. So, when NESTEA presented this Tiny House opportunity to me, I was totally on board. Joy, simplicity, and design? Yes! Count me in.
The NESTEA Tiny House in NYC showcases this concept of less is more in a beautiful, trendy, and fun way. Two other bloggers and I were brought on to help plan the interior decor of the house. My focus was on the living room, bedroom and bathroom as well as deciding on several other details in the space.
Never having designed a space like this, it was an enjoyable challenge for me. My color inspiration came from the greens in the NESTEA logo and branding. I also pulled in touches of blue to add contrast and interest. A lot of white was used the space as well to keep it feeling spacious and open. Black accents were incorporated for a fresh, clean, contemporary look.
Modern stripes, solid colors, and green borders keep the overall design simple but appealing. A few accent pillows were chosen to provide a pop of color and pattern. The softness of the pillows also makes the space look and feel comfortable.
Since space is extremely limited in a tiny house, every detail in it must have a purpose. A few simple accessories were incorporated to keep the house fun and inviting without feeling fussy or cluttered. Plus, the details give it personality. (Any Inspired by Charm space wouldn’t be complete without a touch of quirkiness and brass. Right? You know me too well.)
By now, you’re probably wondering what all of this has to do with you and blogging.
Well, if you live in or near New York City and want to see the Tiny House (and me), you’re welcome to stop by for a visit! The NESTEA Tiny House will be set up in Herald Square on May 17. Swing by, say hello, and sample the new NESTEA. If you don’t live near NYC, no worries. You can follow along on social media (@inspiredbycharm) for a look inside the space.
Second, after the reveal of the Tiny House in NYC (which I’ll share more details about in coming weeks), I’ll be back here on Inspired by Charm with ideas on how you can find joy in simplifying home decorating and entertaining. As I design my new home in Pittsburgh, that will be a major theme. I’m excited to move forward with less so I can focus on what’s really important and not be weighed down with excess and clutter.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in NYC on May 17 or virtually via social media. For more information about the new NESTEA and their selection of delicious teas, head on over to their site.
Thank you to NESTEA for sponsoring this blog post. All opinions are my own.
This post is sponsored by NESTEA. I have exciting news! For the past couple months, I’ve been working with my friends at NESTEA to design a Tiny House in NYC! If you haven’t heard, NESTEA has a fresh new look and delicious new recipes. Now made with fewer ingredients, it’s a perfect example of “less […]
This Really Good Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed pasta salad recipe making it the perfect recipe for summer entertaining! Get my tips below for making it extra delicious.
Thank you to everyone who joined me yesterday at my little cactus-themed party. Today I’m continuing the fun with my recipe for the Pasta Salad featured in that post. It’s aptly called Really Good Pasta Salad.
Pasta Salad:
You may remember that a few years ago I shared a recipe for Really Good Macaroni Salad (which, by the way, has become one of the most popular recipes here on IBC.)
The reason I described that salad and this one as “really good” versus something like “the best” or “the ultimate” is because I haven’t tried all of the pasta salads in the world. Plus, even if I did, what I think is best might be different from you think is best. Make sense?
How to Make a Really Good Pasta Salad?:
This pasta salad recipe is from my mom. While she often comes to me for new recipes, I always go to her for classic recipes from my past. We make a good team like that! I’ve loved this pasta salad for years, so I’m happy I finally have a chance to make it for you.
As you can see, this pasta salad recipe has a lot of delicious little goodies mixed in – cheese, olives, broccoli, pepperoni, salami, and so on.
I think the variety of ingredients creates a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. However, if you hate olives (or another non-essential ingredient), feel free to leave them out.
What do you put in Pasta Salad?
Honestly, it’s personal preference, but here are a few of my favorite pasta salad ingredients:
sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
salami, cubed
cherry tomatoes, sliced
green pepper, chopped
banana pepper, chopped
olives, whole and chopped
red onion, diced
broccoli, small florets
Also, when you’re chopping all of the ingredients, I recommend keeping the pieces pretty small. This is my trick for creating any really good pasta-type salad.
The goal is to get as many of those tasty flavors into a serving as you can. If you only have eight pieces of broccoli in the salad because you cut them so big, it’s likely that not every serving will have broccoli.
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, red onion, broccoli, green olives, cheese, banana peppers, pepperoni, salami, cherry tomatoes, and green pepper. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, sugar, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. (About 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.)
Add the dressing to the bowl of pasta. Toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Toss again before serving.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This Really Good Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed pasta salad recipe making it the perfect recipe for summer entertaining! Get my tips below for making it extra delicious. Thank you to everyone who joined me yesterday at my little cactus-themed party. Today I’m continuing the fun with my recipe for the Pasta Salad featured in […]
Summer is upon us, and that means it’s the season for parties, barbecues, and get-togethers with family and friends. I don’t know about you, but I always get a little nervous when the crew is coming over to my house. That’s because I like things to be as “perfect” and polished as possible.
If you’re like me in that regard, then this post is for you. Today I’m sharing 7 Tips for Party Planning Prep. And, as a fun bonus, I have two recipes inspired by this list that I’ll be posting later this week. Plus, there’s an adorable recipe tag/place card printable that you can download for free today!
For this post, I’ve teamed up with the folks over at Clorox® to tell you about their exciting line of Scentiva™ products. Clorox® Scentiva™ Disinfecting Wipes and Multi-Surface Cleaners are a new products that’s designed to clean, disinfect, and deodorize. It comes in two destination-inspired scents: Hawaiian Sunshine and Tuscan Lavender & Jasmine. You no longer have to choose between a product that is effective and a product that smells good. Now you can get the best of both worlds in one.
Okay, with plenty of Clorox® Scentiva™ cleaners and wipes on hand and a cute cactus-inspired party theme, let’s talk party planning prep tips!
Create a Specialty Cocktail
When it comes to entertaining, creating a specialty cocktail is always on my list. While it’s considerate to have a few beverages for your guests to choose from, a specialty cocktail is a wonderful way to tie in your party theme and show off your personality.
For this gathering, I whipped up a Prickly Pear Margarita (You can find the recipe HERE!). The recipe and glasses go nicely with my cactus theme, and the bold fuchsia color of the prickly pear cactus syrup is sure to catch the attention of guests. Earn the “host-with-the most award” by having a few of your cocktail recipes printed off for guests to take with them.
Set Up in Advance
Come the day of your party or event, there’s likely to be a lot going on. Use the days leading up to the party to get your house clean and ready for the event. Hosting a dinner party? Set the table in advance! Having a buffet? Decide what bowls and serving utensils you’ll need. If you can, go ahead and set them out on the table. When the party rolls around, just add the food.
For last-minute cleanups before the party, grab Clorox® Scentiva™. Not only is it effective and easy to use, it won’t leave your house smelling like you waited until the last minute to clean.
Stick with What You Know
A big party is not the time to experiment with a fancy new recipe. There’s no need to add to your stress level. Pick recipes you know like the back of your hand. Crowd pleasers are also a smart choice. For this party, I whipped up a batch of classic pasta salad. (You can find the recipe for my Really Good Pasta Salad here.) It not only makes a lot, but it’s always a hit with my guests. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.
If you must try something new, test the recipe on your friends or family. Their responses can help you decide if the recipe is a keeper.
Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
Think about what type of party you’re hosting and create ambiance based on the vibe you want. For example, opt for dim and soft indirect lighting rather than bright overhead lights.
Add a fragrance that makes your home feel fresh and inviting. Clorox® Scentiva™ is perfect for this. As you’re cleaning, wipe away bacteria and viruses and at the same time fill your home with scents of citrus, key lime, mango, and hibiscus petals. The Hawaiian Sunshine scent will make you think you’re on one of the islands.
Also, don’t forget to relax before guests arrive. You deserve to enjoy the party as much as they do. Plus, a calm host sets a laid-back tone for the event.
Add a Little Flair
As with decor, I think it’s important to add a bit of whimsy to your celebration. For this party, I decided to go with “cactus” as the theme, so I chose a few quirky accessories to match. Adorable mini cacti garnish my cocktails and act as drink charms, a light-up cactus creates drama, cactus print forks are fun and functional, and my DIY clay cactus garden (which I made a few years ago) is given a new life. Think outside the box.
I created these fun CATtus food tags for my celebration. (Yes, it’s a cat cactus.) It’s helpful to have labels for your food and beverages to avoid repeated questions about what’s what. Guests can just help themselves.
And if you like my little CATtus cards and want to use them for your next party, I’m making a free printable available. You can download that here.
Clean as You Go
Cleaning up is my least favorite part of anything. After having a blast for a few hours, who is in the mood to work? My tip: clean as you go. Put dirty plates in the dishwasher, toss used paper goods, and wipe up any spills. Anything you can do while the party is going on will save you time and work afterward
Again, Clorox® Scentiva™ comes in handy. The last thing you want is for your guests to smell harsh cleaning products while the party is still bumping. However, the scent of lavender, jasmine, white sandalwood, and vanilla only add to the atmosphere and keep things smelling fresh.
Let Go of Perfection
As I touched on at the beginning of this post, don’t worry about having everything “just so.” View your party like your guests. When they walk into your home, are they going to notice a cobweb in the corner? A chip in your woodwork? Or a wrinkle in your couch pillow? Probably not. They are doing a quick scan of the space, and then the talking, eating, and drinking will take over. Do what you can to prepare, but then relax, and most importantly, have fun!
Are you feeling more confident in your party planning prep? I certainly hope so. With these tips, you’re ready to host and celebrate the summer. I know I am.
This post is sponsored by Clorox® Scentiva™. Summer is upon us, and that means it’s the season for parties, barbecues, and get-togethers with family and friends. I don’t know about you, but I always get a little nervous when the crew is coming over to my house. That’s because I like things to be as […]
Earlier this week, I packed up a few things in my car and headed to Pittsburgh. In typical Michael-fashion, I’m a ball of nervous excitement. Despite my nerves, things are going well so far. The month of May is a busy one for me, so I’ll be traveling back and forth quite a bit. However, I really wanted to move into my new place as soon a possible to start getting a feel for things so that when I’m officially ready to spend more time here, the transition will be smooth.
Because I’m maintaining my home in St. Marys, too, I did not take a bunch of stuff with me to Pittsburgh. The goal is to start fresh in this new space. I’m still loving this idea, but right now I’m writing this from my makeshift office – an outdoor chair and the box my trashcan came in. However, I do get to stare out a giant window at all the possibilities ahead, so I’m perfectly OK with this situation.
I realize it’s been a bit quiet around IBC, and I hope you’ll understand. I will have fresh content coming next week. It’s already been photographed, and I’m excited to share it. Thanks again for your patience.
Today, I thought I’d quickly show you around my empty space so you can see the “Before.” I’ll also talk briefly about my design plans.
The main space of the apartment is an open concept living room-dining room-kitchen. This is the reason I chose this particular unit. The room has huge windows, plus a small balcony. I crave natural light so this was a big selling point.
A couple weeks ago as I was starting to plan the design for this space. I had the idea to go more contemporary with some mod furniture, touches of gold (of course!), and a more masculine aesthetic. However, once I got here and spent time in the apartment, my plan has shifted. Yesterday, I walked around Butler Street (which is the main street of Lawrenceville – my neighborhood) and was inspired by the city. While I still want to keep this space masculine, I’m moving toward a contemporary industrial aesthetic. But not old, hard, and uncomfortable. I’m thinking more colorful, warm, and cozy. A big brown leather couch, wood-based dining table with glass top, upholstered dining chairs, wood bed frame, etc.
I’m probably not making much sense, but it’s clear in my mind, Over the next few weeks, I’m going to start putting together a couple mood-boards so you can see what I mean. Hopefully,
Off the kitchen-living area is the master bedroom. This is a small room, and it only has one window. However, it does have an attached bath. While I’d love more light in this space, I keep reminding myself that I’m mostly in here while sleeping. If I decide I have to have more light, a well-placed mirror might help.
Behind the wall of the living room is my office/studio. This space is actually much bigger than I remember when first looking at the unit. What I love most about this room is that it has another one of those huge windows. Since I will be working from home, this is probably the room I’ll be spending a big chunk of my time in.
A few times I’ve questioned whether I actually “needed” a second bedroom. And while I probably could have done without it, I’m thrilled that I will be able to close the door to this space and create a physical separation between my work and the rest of my life. (It’s hard to do that at my house in St. Mary’s since the office is sort of the hub of the home.)
Next to the office is another full bath for guests. Love that!
There’s also a sizable entryway. It has room for a table and a little bench and a mirror. With most apartment units, you essentially walk right into the living room, so having this dedicated entry space is a plus.
I do have lots of closet space which is another advantage. One of the closets contains a washer/dryer unit!
Right now, the entire space is an off-white color. It’s not my fave, but I’m going to try to live with it for a few months. I am allowed to paint, so maybe I’ll add color or change things to pure white. Only time will tell. One thing I’m kind of bummed about is that all the trim and doors are gray. You know I love me some white trim. I think this is something I’ll have to live with, although I might be able to change the door colors.
Again, this new space is really a chance for me to test the waters. Wall and trim color aren’t going to (or shouldn’t) affect my life, so I’m just rolling with things for now.
Naturally, I want the whole apartment to be furnished, styled, and finished tomorrow. However, I discovered yesterday that there are a number of interesting and beautiful shops in my neighborhood. It was a nice reminder to slow down and take my time with this process. It’s not necessary to run to West Elm or HomeGoods and buy everything in one swoop simply to have the place finished. During the past year I sort of forgot how much I love designing, sourcing, and shopping, so I might as well stretch out the process as much as possible. Right?
Yes, admittedly, it would be nice not to be working on a cardboard box, but this builds character or something, doesn’t it?
I hope you enjoyed this look around my space and are excited as I am for this new adventure. I’ve been trying to be a bit more active on Instagram and Instagram stories, so if you want more peeks at what I’m doing, be sure to follow along there.
Until next time, friends!
Well, it’s official. I’ve moved! (Quick recap for those who have no idea what I’m talking about: I decided to rent an apartment in Pittsburgh, PA and split my time between there (er, here) and my house in St. Marys.) Earlier this week, I packed up a few things in my car and headed to […]
This easy-to-make Cherry Supreme dessert is out-of-this-world delicious. The combination of a graham cracker crust, fluffy creamy filling, and tart cherry glaze is perfection.
Mason Jar Cherry Supreme
I’ve had this recipe on the side of my refrigerator for a good two years. It’s one of those recipes I’ve always wanted to make and share. However, I kept thinking it’s too basic since it uses canned cherry pie filling and Dream Whip.
So when my mom asked me to return the recipe card because she wanted to make it for Easter, I was kind of surprised. But you guessed it. On Easter Sunday, I had to try a slice. Talk about good!!!
As you know, I’ve been on a weight loss journey (I’m down 17 pounds by the way.), and through the course of my weight loss journey (and recent personal journey), I’ve realized that life is about balance. I’m on board with exercising, eating more healthfully, and avoiding processed foods. In fact, I love cooking with fresh, in-season ingredients. But it turns out that I also like Dream Whip and cherry pie filling. And though they might “not be so good” for me, I’m going to thoroughly enjoy them on occasion.
I’m not sure why I feel the need to explain this. Maybe it’s a way to lessen the guilt I sometimes feel about eating and sharing desserts when I should be snacking on a carrot. But again, balance. In all things, find balance. (What you don’t see is me later sweating like crazy for 40 minutes on the elliptical to burn off those sweet calories.)
So, this Mason Jar Cherry Supreme is an old-school recipe. It’s traditionally made into a pie (which my mom did and you can too with the recipe below), But I think any dessert is instantly 10% more delicious when it’s served in a mason jar. It will take you a couple extra minutes but it’s so worth it. (I used these mason jars.)
How to Make Cherry Supreme:
Essentially, this dessert is a cheesecake, but the Dream Whip creates a super creamy and silky texture that’s unmatched. There is cream cheese in there as well to give it that tang we’ve come to love in cheesecake.
You can use your own pie filling mix or even fresh berries to top this off, but there’s something nostalgic about canned cherry pie filling. It’s kind of magical. It takes me back to my childhood.
Anyway, these individual cheesecakes are super simple to make and crazy delicious. Even if you’re not a baker, you can handle this. I promise.
You see what I mean? Delicious! Are you craving a bite? Well, you’re going to have to make your own because these are mine.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.
I also wanted to thank you for your patience with me and the lack of posts on IBC recently. I’m hoping to be posting a bit more regularly in the very near future: 3 or 4 times a week. That’s the plan at least. Your support is always much appreciated.
This easy-to-make Cherry Supreme dessert is out-of-this-world delicious. The combination of a graham cracker crust, fluffy creamy filling, and tart cherry glaze is perfection.
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until combined. Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly into 8 wide-mouth mason jars (about 1/4 cup in each jar). Use your fingers to press the crust into the bottom of each jar.
Place the jars onto a baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool completely.
While your jars cool, prepare the cream layer. In the bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, add one bag of Dream Whip. Then add milk and vanilla. Stir to combine. Then mix on high for about 4 minutes.
Next, add the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Mix until silky, shiny, and smooth. Place in the refrigerator to chill while your jars continue to cool.
Once everything is chilled, evenly divide the Dream Whip mixture among the jars. (I found it easiest to add the mixture to a large piping bag and pipe it onto the graham cracker crust in each jar.)
Finally, top with the cherry pie filling. Cover with the mason jar lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate the jars until you're ready to serve the dessert.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
This easy-to-make Cherry Supreme dessert is out-of-this-world delicious. The combination of a graham cracker crust, fluffy creamy filling, and tart cherry glaze is perfection. Mason Jar Cherry Supreme I’ve had this recipe on the side of my refrigerator for a good two years. It’s one of those recipes I’ve always wanted to make and share. […]
These Strawberry Coconut Margaritas are a unique and delicious take on the classic strawberry margarita. It’s like a cross between a margarita and a piña colada. What’s not to love?
Strawberry Coconut Margaritas
Happy Monday, friends! I’m kicking off this week with a bang! Well, more like a splash because today I’m showing you how to make Strawberry Coconut Margaritas.
With the weather warming up (and Cinco de Mayo just days away), several of my blogger friends and I thought it would be great fun to create a little blog tour inspired by two of our favorite things: Tacos and Margaritas!
Since I just shared Sriracha Chicken Tacos last week, I decided to take one for the team (LOL) and blend up frozen margaritas. I’ll walk you through my recipe first. Then you can check out all of the others in the tour at the end of this post.
As I’ve told you, I love me some coconut, so I decided to make coconut margaritas. What’s especially nice about these is that they’re sort of a cross between a margarita and a piña colada. Who wouldn’t love that? To give them a summer twist, I threw in a handful of fresh strawberries for delicious berry flavor and a beautiful pink color. I think they are calling it millennial pink these days. Does that make me trendy?
How to Make Strawberry Coconut Margaritas:
Begin by preparing your glasses. Add the toasted coconut to a small plate. Rim each glass first with a bit of honey or the wedge of a lime; then dip the rim of the glass into the toasted coconut to coat. Set aside.
In a blender, add the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, ice, and fresh strawberries. Blend until smooth.
Pour into your prepared glasses. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or slice of lime or both.
Trendy or not, these libations are the perfect way to sweeten up your fiesta. They’re also just the thing to cool you down as you kick back on a summer or spring afternoon on the porch. Grab your blender and let’s make a few!
And don’t forget to continue on this Tacos and Margaritas adventure by following the links below to see the delicious creations of my fellow bloggers. Enjoy!
hese Strawberry Coconut Margaritas are a unique and delicious take on the classic strawberry margarita. It's like a cross between a margarita and a piña colada. What's not to love?
Begin by preparing your glasses. Add the toasted coconut to a small plate. Rim each glass first with a bit of honey or the wedge of a lime; then dip the rim of the glass into the toasted coconut to coat. Set aside.
In a blender, add the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, ice, and fresh strawberries. Blend until smooth.
Pour into your prepared glasses. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or slice of lime or both.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Strawberry Coconut Margaritas are a unique and delicious take on the classic strawberry margarita. It’s like a cross between a margarita and a piña colada. What’s not to love? Strawberry Coconut Margaritas Happy Monday, friends! I’m kicking off this week with a bang! Well, more like a splash because today I’m showing you how […]
Earlier this year I mentioned wanting to put the finishing touches on my guest bedroom. Well, I did. Today, I’m going show you my updated guest bedroom.
As you know, I’m moving into a new place in a few weeks. (More details on that here.) To get ready, I’ve been cleaning, organizing, and clearing the clutter in my current home. It’s not going as quickly as I would like, but I am making progress. My goal is to completely rid this house of excess stuff (There’s a lot of it!) and to put everything in its proper place. My hope is that knowing where everything is will make the transition from home to home during the year go more smoothly.
All of that information probably isn’t relevant to this post, but I’m happy to be able to cross one room off my to-do list.
As you might remember, a few years ago I painted this room and slowly started to redecorate. I don’t get many house guests, so finishing the space was never a high priority.
However, every month I write a post for the HomeGoods Design Happy blog, and this month’s post happened to be about bedrooms. I took this opportunity to put the finishing touches on this space (for now at least). You can check out my HomeGoods post here. It’s filled with tips for creating a cozy guest bedroom.
Getting wall decor for this space was a must. I ended up with this collection of rattan trays that I found in the outdoor section at HomeGoods. Three nails and five minutes later I had some classy wall art with great texture for under $40. Project complete!
I also updated several of the pillows. I found these gorgeous oversized white down-filled Ralph Lauren pillows (also at HomeGoods) that worked perfectly for the bed. I love them so much that they may end up moving with me to my new space.
I also added a couple new vases around the room. This allowed me to replace smaller items with larger statement pieces.
The biggest change or addition to this room is the gorgeous light blue velvet chair. It is the perfect blend of traditional and modern so it works well with my eclectic style. I love the lines of the piece and the dark wood-grained legs, and it’s comfortable to boot. Every guest room should have a cozy chair. (The cats seem to agree.)
Near the dresser, I swapped out an old, damaged mirror for something new. I fell in love with this big chunky wood mirror so it needed to come home with me. To be honest, I don’t love the wood-on-wood of the dresser and the mirror, but it works for now. The finish on the dresser is a bit “busted” so I might paint it down the road and change out the knobs. We’ll see.
And that’s pretty much it. Guest bedroom complete.
In case you are wondering about some of the other pieces in the space:
bedframe is vintage / chandelier is from ZGallerie (no longer for sale) / art is from Lindsay Letters / trunk is from HomeGoods / lamps are from Lamps Plus / curtains and rods are from Pottery Barn / rug is from Urban Outfitters (no longer for sale).
I hope you enjoyed this look at my updated guest bedroom.
Earlier this year I mentioned wanting to put the finishing touches on my guest bedroom. Well, I did. Today, I’m going show you my updated guest bedroom. As you know, I’m moving into a new place in a few weeks. (More details on that here.) To get ready, I’ve been cleaning, organizing, and clearing the […]
There’s something about serving up a big spread of tacos with fixin’s that just hits the spot this time of year. In fact, it’s one of my go-to meals in the springtime because it’s so easy to pull together. Plus, if you pile your tacos high with lettuce, tomato, and avocado, it’s a fairly well-balanced meal. That’s a win-win in my book! Today, I’m inviting you to join in the taco fun with my recipe for Sriracha Chicken Tacos!
This post is sponsored by Sutter Home through the #SweetonSpice program.
Sriracha Chicken Tacos:
In case you’re not familiar with sriracha, it’s a type of hot sauce. It has a unique spicy flavor, and in recent years, it’s become rather trendy.
The only thing better than tacos is tacos and wine, and recently, my friends over at Sutter Home hooked me up with a couple bottles of their White Zinfandel. Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel is an excellent sidekick for these Sriracha Chicken Tacos. The heat from the sriracha is perfectly balanced with the refreshing sweetness of the wine. In fact, because this White Zinfandel has a medium level of sweetness, it pairs wonderfully with many Mexican dishes. (You’re salivating, right? I knew it! )
Okay, now let’s pour a glass and whip up some tacos.
How to make Sriracha Chicken Tacos:
Start by marinating the chicken for 15-20 minutes. (If you’re able to plan ahead, a couple hours would be even better.)
While the chicken is marinating, chop and prep the rest of your taco toppings. My suggested toppings are in the recipe, but you’re welcome to add whatever you like.
In addition to the White Zinfandel, there’s also a sour cream sauce that goes beautifully with this recipe. Made from sour cream, honey, lime juice, and cilantro, the sauce helps to cool down the spiciness of the sriracha.
Once everything is prepped, pile up your tacos, and pour your wine. Dinner is served!
I love how all of the elements of these tacos create an amazingly well-balanced dish. And don’t worry. They aren’t overly spicy. In my opinion, it’s the perfect amount of heat. However, feel free to add more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
I know you’re going to love these.
Sriracha Chicken Tacos
Makes 6-8 tacos
Here's what you will need:
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper
6-8 soft taco shells (You can also use hard shells,)
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
1 cup, Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1-2 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Sriracha to garnish (Optional)
Sour Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large plastic bag, combine the sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix together. Add the chicken, coat with the marinade, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or up to 3 hours. The chicken can then be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet on top of the stove. Cook the chicken until it is well done and no longer pink inside. When it's slightly cool but still hot, cut it into cubes.
While your chicken is marinating, prepare the sour cream sauce by whisking together the sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, honey, sriracha, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Add the hot chicken to the taco shells. Top with cheese, mixed greens, green onions, and avocado; then drizzle with sour cream sauce. (Drizzling with additional sriracha is optional.) Serve immediately.
If you love tacos and the combination of sweet and spicy, these guys are for you. Serve them with Sutter Home White Zinfandel for a #SweetonSpice pairing that is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Cheers, friends!
This post was sponsored the makers of Sutter Home for the Sweet on Spice Program.
The content and opinions expressed here are my own.
There’s something about serving up a big spread of tacos with fixin’s that just hits the spot this time of year. In fact, it’s one of my go-to meals in the springtime because it’s so easy to pull together. Plus, if you pile your tacos high with lettuce, tomato, and avocado, it’s a fairly well-balanced […]
Today I’m showing you how I created this vertical modern kitchen herb garden.
Happy Friday, friends! I hope you had an outstanding week. It went by in a blur for me. I’m in the midst of doing work for clients, attempting to spring clean, and purging my house of “stuff” like my life depends on it. As much as I love shopping and decorating with new things, clearing the clutter can often feel just as good, if not better.
This past Sunday I worked on a fun project in my kitchen, and today I thought I’d share it with you. I’m actually teaming up with a few of my blogger friends again for an indoor flower and plant tour. So, if you’re following along and joining from the fabulous Kathleen of Lindsay Hill Interiors, welcome! I’m so happy you found your way here.
Modern Kitchen Herb Garden:
We are showing you different ways to decorate and style with flowers and plants, so I thought you might be interested in my new Modern Kitchen Herb Garden. Here it is:
Pretty cute, right?
You might remember that previously I had vintage red shutters hanging on this section of the wall. (Check out this post about my kitchen if you don’t.) And, as much as I loved them, and still do, I wanted to mix things up and try something new.
As someone who loves to cook, I like the idea of having fresh herbs in the kitchen. Herbs are so handy for adding bright, fresh flavor to many dishes. Plus, they can make a great garnish for main course items, desserts, and cocktails. Having herbs within arm’s reach is a big bonus in my book.
How to Make a Kitchen Herb Garden:
If you know me well, you know that every year I try some sort of new herb planter. (Remember my DIY version from last summer?) This year I’m going to be able to check that annual project off my list a bit earlier.
However, I almost felt like I was cheating with this particular project because it was so simple. I found these black ceramic wall planters at West Elm (I’ve used the 4″ size.) and immediately knew they’d be perfect for the look I wanted to achieve.
After taking a few measurements, marking the locations for the screws, and putting the screws into the wall, the project was complete. Literally, in under 30 minutes, my modern kitchen herb garden was installed. I love it!
The only (slight) concern I have is that the pots do not have drainage holes. (It makes sense that they don’t because no one wants dirt and water spilling out onto the floor.) To provide some drainage, I lined the bottom of each pot with small stones before adding the soil and plants. We’ll see how the herbs fare. Worst case scenario: I can switch them out with succulents.
Regardless of what fills the pots down the road, because this wall is opposite a window, and my kitchen gets a lot of sunlight, it’s a good spot for plants. Right now I’m going to enjoy these delightful herbs.
Oh, and while I was at it, I added a few succulent to my little trophy vases I found at Michael’s.
What do you think of my little kitchen garden? What are your spring indoor planting plans?
For more flower and plant inspiration, be sure to continue on the blog tour. Up next is Sheila from Maison de Cinq. Click on over and see what pretty project she has in store for you. I know you’ll be inspired.
Today I’m showing you how I created this vertical modern kitchen herb garden. Happy Friday, friends! I hope you had an outstanding week. It went by in a blur for me. I’m in the midst of doing work for clients, attempting to spring clean, and purging my house of “stuff” like my life depends on […]
It’s looking like I might be that blogger who makes treat bars with every new flavor of Cheerios. I’m cool with that! My latest: Strawberry Cheerio Treat Bars.
A couple years ago I shared the recipe for my friend Emily’s Cheerio Treat Bars. This past fall I adapted that recipe using the new Pumpkin Spice Cheerios. So of course, when I spotted these new Strawberry Cheerios at the store last week, my mind immediately turned to treat bars.
However, I was on a shopping mission and didn’t give the cereal any more thought until later in the day when I got a message from my friend @SweetShadeLane on Twitter. She tweeted me an image of a box of the new Cheerios which led to a discussion of how these new treat bars should be created. While I knew that white chocolate was a must, she suggested using freeze-dried strawberries. I was immediately sold. So a big thank you to her for helping me decide on the ingredients for these Strawberry Cheerio Treat Bars.
If you’ve never made a bar like this, you need to know that they are so simple! It’s one of the reasons I love them. The process is the same as for making crispy rice treats, but a few extra ingredients are used.
White chocolate chips, corn syrup, butter, and mini marshmallows (Hey, I didn’t say these bars are healthy!) get melted in the microwave until smooth. Then the cereal goes in. I also mixed in a cup of roughly chopped freeze-dried strawberries.
Mix everything together as quickly possible because the mixture will start to stiffen up pretty fast. Pour the cheerio mixture into a greased pan and press the mixture down with your hands. Then drizzle melted white chocolate on top and sprinkle with a few more chopped freeze-dried strawberries. That’s it, folks. I told you these treats were easy.
And they’re yummy, too! They are a bright and fruity take on the classic, making them perfect for spring and summer. Plus, who doesn’t love a delicious, fantastic-looking snack that you can whip up in 15 minutes. Right?.
Strawberry Cheerio Treats Bars
Makes 24 bars
Here's what you will need:
11 oz. bag (about 1 ½ cups) white chocolate chips
3/4 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Pinch of salt
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, roughly chopped
6 cups Strawberry Cheerios
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely chopped
Lightly spray a 9x13" cake pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips, light corn syrup, butter, mini marshmallows, and a pinch of salt on high for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Stir after each minute.
Add the Cheerios and 1 cup strawberries and quickly mix them in until they are evenly coated.
Press the Cheerio mixture into your prepared pan. Press with a spoon (or your hand) that's been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat at 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Heat until smooth.
Add the melted white chocolate to a piping bag (or plastic baggie) and then snip off the tip to drizzle the chocolate over the bars. Sprinkle with finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries before the chocolate sets.
Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm. Slice and serve. Store in an airtight container.
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Pretty, right? Those bright red strawberries made all the difference.
Now if I can come up with something for winter, we’ll have Cheerio treat bars for every season.
Enjoy!
It’s looking like I might be that blogger who makes treat bars with every new flavor of Cheerios. I’m cool with that! My latest: Strawberry Cheerio Treat Bars. A couple years ago I shared the recipe for my friend Emily’s Cheerio Treat Bars. This past fall I adapted that recipe using the new Pumpkin Spice […]
You’re going to love this delicious and flavorful recipe for Kung Pao Chicken that you can make at home!
Today we’re heading back into the kitchen, and believe it or not, this time we aren’t baking. Instead, I’ll be teaching you how to make Kung Pao Chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken:
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of sailing with Carnival Cruise Line on Carnival Vista, their newest ship. One of the many wonderful aspects of cruising is the amazing number of dining options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. On a weeklong cruise, you could eat something different at every meal.
For dinner, you have the choice of enjoying the buffet, heading to the dining room (which most folks seem to do), or eating at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. As delicious as the food is in the formal dining room, for me, the specialty restaurants are where it’s at. On the Carnival Vista, you’ll find Cucina del Capitano (Italian), Fahrenheit 555 (Steakhouse), and JiJi Asian Kitchen (Asian). There is an additional fee for dinner at each of these ($15-$35 per person), but it’s so worth it. On our recent cruise, my mom and I ate at each of the restaurants. We actually hit JiJi Asian Kitchen a second time for the Kung Pao Chicken. It was crazy delicious.
Now, two months after our cruise, I’m again craving that incredible Kung Pao Chicken. So what’s a boy to do? I decided to recreate the recipe at home. Although it doesn’t quite live up to the version at JiJi Asian Kitchen, it’s pretty close, and it definitely satisfied my craving.
How to Make Kung Pao Chicken:
To make this Kung Pao Chicken recipe, I did research online and found a variety or recipes that had similar flavor profiles. With a bit of testing and combining of recipes, I’ve come up with a dish I’m proud to share with you.
Typically, Kung Pao Chicken is fairly spicy thanks to the dried chili peppers included in most recipes. Since I prefer a little less heat in my food, I opted to leave the dried chilis out. Instead, I put in crushed red pepper flakes. To get the level of spiciness you like, you can just add more pepper flakes.
No matter what your heat preference is, I think you’re going to love this recipe. And while I can’t take you all on a Carnival Cruise (I wish.), I can at least share a taste of the cuisine!
Talk about a dish that’s loaded with flavors. – This is it!
While baking and making appetizers have been my forte, I can certainly see myself getting more into actual cooking. Just as long as everything tastes as good as this.
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to swing back and let me know what you think.
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe:
Kung Pao Chicken
Serves 4
Here's what you will need:
1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (Use more for added heat.)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 medium green bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, roughly chopped
1/3 cup roasted peanuts
5 green onions, chopped
Cooked white rice for serving
In a medium-sized bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
In another bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
In a wok (or large skillet) over medium heat, add the peanut oil. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Add the red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the peppers are slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional minute. Add the chicken with a slotted spoon (no need to include extra marinade). Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes or until it's thoroughly cooked.
Add the sauce to the chicken and mix it to coat the chicken. Stir in the peanuts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and toss in half of the chopped green onions. Transfer to a serving plate; sprinkle the top with the remaining green onions. Serve with white rice.
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You’re going to love this delicious and flavorful recipe for Kung Pao Chicken that you can make at home! Today we’re heading back into the kitchen, and believe it or not, this time we aren’t baking. Instead, I’ll be teaching you how to make Kung Pao Chicken. Kung Pao Chicken: Earlier this year, I had […]
Last year I had so much fun creating and sharing a new recipe card printable with you each season that I’ve decided to do it again this year. Today I’m excited to bring to you the first recipe card of 2017. Check out the new (and totally free) Spring Recipe Card Printable!
Spring Recipe Card Printable:
What do you think?
As you can see, I opted for a new design and layout for 2017. Like last year, each season’s recipe card will have a similar layout and style, but the designs, graphics, and colors will be different. For spring, I went with a floral pattern. (Groundbreaking, I know.)
The cards are double sided so there’s plenty of room for the ingredients and directions for making your springtime favorites. As you can see, the watercolor floral design on the front is repeated on the back, however, there’s a subtle variation in the foliage.
While these cards are wonderful to print off and use in your own kitchen, I hope you’ll also give a stack to a friend. I promise they will add a special touch to fresh flowers, baked goods, or any simple gift.
You can also print and use the cards when entertaining. As I’ve mentioned here on IBC, when I entertain I like to have recipes on hand for guests to take (or snap a pic of with their phones) in case they want to recreate a dish at home.
This makes sharing recipes super convenient. (And it eliminates scrambling two weeks later when I realize I forgot to email a friend the recipe I promised to send.)
Spring Recipe Card Download:
You can also access the download in the IBC Printable Library, which can be found HERE.
If you’re new to Inspired by Charm, you can get immediate access to this library by SUBSCRIBING HERE. Once you’ve subscribed, you will instantly receive an email that contains a link to this download.
Already on the IBC Mailing list? You can find the password to access the library at the bottom of the latest email from Inspired by Charm.
And if you use any of my printables, I would so enjoy seeing what you do! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag @inspiredbycharm.
Last year I had so much fun creating and sharing a new recipe card printable with you each season that I’ve decided to do it again this year. Today I’m excited to bring to you the first recipe card of 2017. Check out the new (and totally free) Spring Recipe Card Printable! Spring Recipe Card […]
Yes, this spring I will be moving to Pittsburgh. If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that the past couple years haven’t been the best for me personally. I’ve been trying to think of ways to improve myself, my life, and my overall happiness. Earlier this year I mentioned the idea of moving to all of you and received lots of heartfelt, insightful comments in response. Some of you said, “get out of town,” while others urged me to stay put. Given the pros and cons of each choice, I decided to meet somewhere in the middle.
After much consideration, I decided to rent an apartment in Pittsburgh, which is just under three hours by car from my current house. I knew that I needed to make a change, and although Pittsburgh hadn’t been on my radar, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made.
You may have some questions, so I’ll tell you what I can.
What about your house?
I am not selling my current home. My plan is to spend about 75% of my time in Pittsburgh and the other 25% in Saint Marys. Even though renting an another place is an added expense, it makes the most sense at this time. It will give me the opportunity to spread my wings and try something new without making a drastic move. After a year, if it’s not working, I won’t renew my lease, and my year it Pittsburgh will just be another chapter in my life story. If it’s working, I can decide the best way to proceed from there.
With that being said, based on my life plans, the sale of my current house is inevitable within the next couple years. So, throughout the coming year, I’m going to diligently work to clear the clutter, finish projects, and get the house “ready for sale.”. That way, when the time does come, the place will be ready.
I have set up a security system in my house in Saint Marys, and during the time I’m away, I will also have a bunch of folks who will check on it weekly. However, if anyone else is in a similar situation or has a summer home/vacation home, I do have a couple questions. What do you do about your mail when you are away for an extended time? Also, I’m going to greatly miss planting flowers. Does anyone have an automatic watering system they recommend? Thanks in advance!
What about your grandparents’ house?
I have had and still have the intention of buying my grandparents’ house some day. That option still remains, but it’s not a decision I need to make now. When the time comes, I will assess my current situation and make a decision then.
Where will your cats live?
I haven’t traveled with my cats since I moved them from Philadelphia in 2008. So, I’m honestly not sure how it will go. Though, I’m certain they will adjust. (Any tips for a three-hour car drive with cats would be most welcome.) However, since I will be spending most of my time in Pittsburgh, they will make the move with me. I do plan to come home every couple of weeks for a day or two, but I won’t bring the cats unless I’m in Saint Marys for an extended time (e.g., the holidays).
Are you as sure about your decision as you seem?
There are moments when I’m thrilled and moments when I want to throw up. ( I think that’s normal.) I’m so excited about the blank pages that are before me. I can’t wait to try new things, meet new people, decorate a new space, walk to a coffee shop, take an art class, find my tribe, etc.
However, a part of me is petrified that I won’t make new friends and that I’m destined to repeat old habits. What if I make this move and nothing changes? What if it’s the same old story, just in a new zip code? To be honest, it’s totally possible. Because I’ve been somewhat isolated for the past year, it’s going to be a push for me to put myself out there. And while I’m committed to finding happiness and building a better personal life, I also know myself all too well.
In an effort to avoid the same old story, before the move, I’m committing myself to establishing some goals and pushing myself out of my comfort zone to ensure that I don’t look back at this opportunity with regret.
Can you tell us more about your place?
You bet I can!
In March, I visited Pittsburgh and looked at several properties. I ended up with one I’m crazy about. It’s a two-bedroom apartment in a new complex. (I’ll actually be the first person to live in this apartment.) While I didn’t “need” a two-bedroom, it’s something that I really wanted in order to have a separate space for work. Since I work from home, It was important to me to be able to close the door at the end of my work day.
Because I love natural light, the thing that sold me on this particular unit are the huge (almost floor-to-ceiling) windows in the open concept living room/kitchen. There’s also a small balcony off the kitchen. And a rolling island will be provided with the unit.
The second bedroom (which will be my office) has a similar large window, which will be great for photography. The room that will function as my bedroom has a sizable window, though not quite as grand.
As you can see, this space has a more modern/industrial feel to it which is quite different from my current home. While I won’t go with an overly modern or industrial aesthetic in terms of decor, I am looking forward to experimenting with new and different ideas. Also, I am allowed to paint and change out light fixtures, so that has me excited as well.
Will you be moving all of your stuff?
No. I don’t plan on moving much. I’m looking to start fresh in this space. I will obviously decorate, but I’m hoping to keep the “stuff” to a minimum. (We’ll see how that goes because I love my “stuff.”) I think there’s joy in the “less is more” attitude so I want to give that a try. Plus, I want to avoid the hassle of moving a lot of stuff if at all possible.
I am very fortunate that my job allows me to share this journey with you. I’m not in a rush to have everything in place and furnished within a weekend. I’m looking forward to taking my time and sharing things with you along the way.
I do realize that having two places will be a challenge because I am going to need duplicates of everything (iron, coffee pot, dishes, etc.) I may end up bringing down extra things that I have here, thrifting some items, etc. I’ve also been saving up gift cards, reward dollars, etc. to help with some of the expense.
Will the move have an effect on IBC?
Yes and no. As I’ve been hinting, you can expect more home decor and decorating ideas will be on their way as I move into this new space. Since I will be living in a new city and be experiencing new things, I assume my content will evolve as it has with other changes in my life. My hope is that it’s for the best. I am totally committed to this little space on the internet and my career as a Lifestyle Blogger so it’s my hope that I will be here for years to come.
I think that about covers everything for now. Obviously, I will be talking about this quite a bit in the future (hopefully not to the point of annoyance). If I missed something here, I’ll probably cover it at a later point. You’re also welcome to leave comments below. I can follow up with another post to answer more questions if needed.
I should be mostly settled (with the cats) in my new place toward the end of May. My lease starts sooner, but I have a work trip to NYC in May (details on that soon) and some other things happening, so it’s going to be a busy month. Before the official move in, I will need a mattress, a few supplies, and cozy spots for the kitties.
Again, I want to thank you for your comments, emails, messages, and support. I know I haven’t responded to them all, and I feel terrible about that. However, they mean so much to me, and each and every one helped me to come to this exciting decision.
I can’t wait to take you all on this new adventure. Look out Pittsburgh, here comes IBC!
Kind of. Let me explain. Yes, this spring I will be moving to Pittsburgh. If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that the past couple years haven’t been the best for me personally. I’ve been trying to think of ways to improve myself, my life, and my overall happiness. Earlier this year […]
You’ve all been anxiously awaiting some new music for spring, right? Well, you’re in luck! Today I’m back with an all new Tuesday Tunes!
If you can believe it, we are now on our 23rd playlist (with a few other personal lists sprinkled in here and there). And, it’s officially been a year since I shared my first playlist “In Like a Lion.” I hope you’re enjoying listening to some of my favorite music. I know that my mom is, so at least I have one fan out there. Just kidding, I’ve noticed that many of you are following along, and I am thrilled and humbled.
This new playlist, aptly titled Spring Awakening, is comprised of light, happy tunes with a bit of a beat. The songs are perfect for that first spring afternoon on your porch, an early morning walk through the neighborhood, or background music as you start spring cleaning. Some of my favorite selections on this list are from The Lumineers. Earlier this month I went to Pittsburgh with my family to see them in concert. It was an amazing show, so including them in this playlist was a must.
Be sure to subscribe to my profile for access to all of my tunes along with sneak listens of upcoming playlists. If you have a song I should hear, please share it in the comments below.
Wishing you a terrific Tuesday!
You’ve all been anxiously awaiting some new music for spring, right? Well, you’re in luck! Today I’m back with an all new Tuesday Tunes! If you can believe it, we are now on our 23rd playlist (with a few other personal lists sprinkled in here and there). And, it’s officially been a year since I […]
Being a self-proclaimed candle-acholic, it’s hard to believe I’ve never attempted making my own candles. However, this past weekend I finally dipped my toe into the candle-making pool, and now I may never get out. I loved it, so today, I thought I’d teach you how to create your own DIY Beeswax Candles!
Beeswax Candle Making:
This post is sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line.
For this post, I’m teaming up again with the wonderful folks of Carnival Cruise Line. During my last cruise, I had an opportunity to hang out at their Cloud 9 Spa. For me, it’s essential to enjoy some pampering when on vacation, and the spa offers that and more. It’s truly a treat for your senses.
I have a strong sense of smell, so taking in the calming and soothing scents in the Cloud 9 Spa is my first cue to relax. In an effort to recreate that same feeling of relaxation at home, I decided to get crafty and make some candles of my own using beeswax and essential oils.
You may remember that in my “How to Decorate with Travel Souvenirs” post, I showed you a couple beautiful carved wood bowls. Those were another source of inspiration for this project as I wanted to put them to use, and I thought candles would be perfect.
And because one style of candle just wouldn’t be enough for this project, I also picked up this shallow ceramic bowl to create one of those large-scale candles I’ve been seeing everywhere.
First, you’ll want to prepare your vessels for the wax. I found these great wick stickers that make it easy to attach a wick to the bottom of your vessel. In the center, l placed a wick sticker and then added the candlewick.
What size wick should I used for my candle?
Here is a helpful little guide for determining the best wick for your specific candle.
#1 wick size = Candle diameter of 1 – 1.5″
#2 wick size = Candle diameter of 1.5 – 2″
#3 wick size = Candle diameter of of 2 – 2.5″
#4 wick size = Candle diameter of 2.5 – 2.8 ″
#6 wick size = Candle diameter of 2.8 – 3.2″
#7 wick size = Candle diameter of 3.2 – 3.5″
To keep the wick upright when pouring in the wax, secure it with a bamboo stick and tape.
Next, you’re ready to melt the wax. Begin by filling a large heatproof glass mason jar with the beeswax pellets. Then, fill a large saucepan with enough water so that the water level is slightly above the height of the beeswax. Place the jar into the water and heat the water until it reaches a gentle boil.
Allow the heat from the water to melt the beeswax. You can use an old wooden spoon to stir it every few minutes.
Please use caution when working with beeswax as it is flammable. It should not come in direct contact with heat or flame as you are working on your project. Also, working with wax can be messy, so I recommend using older kitchen supplies that you don’t mind getting a little wax on.
Once the beeswax has melted, turn off the heat. Then add coconut oil, and if desired, wax dye. A small amount of dye goes a long way so add a little at a time until you achieve the color you’re after. Finally, add 10-12 drops of essential oil. I used lavender for one candle and sandalwood for another. (Add more drops for a stronger scent.) Stir to combine the oil and wax.
Carefully pour the wax mixture into your prepared candle container. Let the candle set for at least a day before burning.
Completed! DIY Beeswax Candle:
Prior to burning, trim your wicks to about 1/4-inch. Also, to avoid tunneling when burning your candles, it’s recommended that you let the candle burn for an hour or two the first time you light it. Essentially, you want to make sure the entire top melts on the first burn. Also, please remember to never leave a lit candle unattended.
And that’s it, friends. Your candles are ready to give you a relaxing, spa-like experience at home.
With a variety of wax colors, essential oils, and vessels, you can make candles that are perfectly suited to your home and style. That way, when you’re not relaxing at Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa as you float through the Caribbean on a Carnival ship, you can at least pretend you are.
For an even bigger at-home treat, pair your scented candle with some of my DIY bath bombs. You’re welcome.
Learn how to make your own DIY Beeswax Candles! Being a self-proclaimed candle-acholic, it’s hard to believe I’ve never attempted making my own candles. However, this past weekend I finally dipped my toe into the candle-making pool, and now I may never get out. I loved it, so today, I thought I’d teach you how […]
Today’s post is all about Spring Mantel Decor. I’m showing you two beautiful ways to decorate your mantel for spring!
Happy Friday, friends! I know many of you are excited about the weekend. I haven’t experienced the “Yay, It’s Friday” feeling since I was a kid. As an adult. I’ve never had a Monday – Friday / 9 – 5 job. When I worked in hospitality, it was “Weekends = Busy = You’re working.” It was the same when I ran my B&B, except that I was my own boss. Now that I’m a blogger, weekends are the time I can get more done because the emails stop and the rest of the world seems to quiet down.
Eventually, I would like to get myself on a schedule where the weekend actually means time off. Sounds nice, right?
Anywho, a couple weekends ago I hit up one of my favorite places, HomeGoods, to gather accessories to style two spring mantels for the HomeGoods Design Happy blog. While you’ve been getting peeks of them on Instagram (it’s so hard for me not to share), they are finally posted in all of their glory, so I thought I’d give you a look at them here. (You can check out the full post here.)
If you’ve ever shopped at HomeGoods, you know that as wonderful as the store can be, it can also be a bit frustrating. HomeGoods is one of the places I go to when I want to be inspired, find something unique, hunt for creative ideas, etc. It’s not necessarily the place to go when you’re looking for something super specific. Since their inventory is always changing and not all stores have the same things, for the best possible experience, I recommend going with an open mind rather than a checklist of specific items. It’s all about the hunt!
Spring Mantel Decor:
When I was shopping for my spring mantel, I didn’t follow my own advice and went looking for a particular style and color scheme. Needless to say, I was feeling defeated after circling the store a few times and not having any luck.
So, I took a deep breath to open my mind, and just like that, things fell into place. Even though my designs typically don’t fit the farmhouse category, when I saw these large galvanized lanterns, I thought they would be perfect for my mantel.
How to Decorate Your Mantel for Spring:
I also picked up a pair of these white utensil holders. I had been eyeing them for a few weeks. I love their shape and style and thought they’d be ideal for holding a plant or flowers. Thankfully, I was right.
A purple hyacinth plant from Trader Joe’s worked beautifully with the galvanized metal. (The tray with the copper rim was a Michaels’ find.)
The mantel came together beautifully. Simple and seasonal with just a pop of color.
For my second mantel idea, I went with a more modern farmhouse look. When I spotted these two mirror-backed houses, I thought they’d be great sitting on the mantel. (They are designed to hang on a wall.)
Since I went a bit hyacinth crazy at Trader Joe’s, I decided to tuck a few into the houses to add movement and break up the hard lines of the houses.
I was struggling with what else to use on the mantel, and then I remembered the cute rabbit print hanging in my bathroom. So I grabbed that and onto the mantle it went. It was perfect with a modern candelabra that I’d picked up at Target a few years ago.
I also added in this great modern teak stool (from Grandin Road) at the base of the fireplace to bring it all together.
Again, it not fussy, and it’s spring-centric. But this time, there’s a pop of quirkiness. It works!
And whether you’re celebrating the arrival of the weekend or, like me, just continuing your work week, I hope today is a happy one for you.
Today’s post is all about Spring Mantel Decor. I’m showing you two beautiful ways to decorate your mantel for spring! Happy Friday, friends! I know many of you are excited about the weekend. I haven’t experienced the “Yay, It’s Friday” feeling since I was a kid. As an adult. I’ve never had a Monday – […]
This post is sponsored by DIGIORNO pizza. As always, all opinions are my own.
Last fall I taught you how to create a fantastic and festive DIY football party. Given that spring and March are all about the craze of basketball championships, I’m back with a few DIY Basketball Entertaining Ideas!
I’m so excited to be partnering with DIGIORNO pizza again to share these colorful and creative ideas for any basketball parties you may be hosting this year. I love serving DIGIORNO pizza when entertaining not only because it’s delicious, but also because it saves time in the kitchen. DIGIORNO pizza lets you get the most out of every moment with your family and friends. After about 20 minutes in your oven, your pizza is piping hot and crispy and ready to serve. What’s not to love?
In addition to having delicious pizza at my celebration, I decided to get a bit crafty with a few fun decorations.
“What are we making today?” you ask. To serve your pizza, we’re crafting some painted plates inspired by the black and white stripes of a referee’s shirt. Then, because dessert is essential to cap off any get-together, we’re going to make cupcake stands.
And finally, a festive garland (with a free printable from yours truly) is a must to display during the tournament.
Let’s get right into these fun projects! You know I have a thing for painted plates here on IBC, so this idea was one I was excited to create.
The bold black and white stripes add a fun graphic element to the table and are definitely a good call when hosting a basketball-loving crowd.
Plus, doesn’t the design make the pizza pop? For this party, I’m serving DIGIORNO Original RISING CRUST pizza. I chose the Original RISING CRUST Spinach, Mushroom & Garlic and the Original RISING CRUST Spicy Chicken Supreme.
What I especially like about this pizza is the crust. It has a fresh-baked taste that can only come straight from your oven, it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum!
Okay, that’s enough talk for now. Let’s craft!
Black and White Striped Painted Plates
For this project, you will need:
White dinner plates (ideally, with a thick rim)
Black multi-purpose paint
Paintbrush
Painter’s tape
Craft knife
Begin by taping off your design. I made two designs. One has stripes across the entire plate. The other has stripes just on the edge of the plate.
Sidenote: Check local discount retailers for inexpensive white plates to recreate this project on a budget. For a lower-fills party, you could also add paint to the edge of a paper or plastic plate for disposable fun.
Paint the desired area of the plate using a multi-purpose non-toxic paint that you can cure in the oven. (This should be stated on the back of your paint.)
Add another coat of paint for full coverage.
Once the paint has dried, use a craft knife around the edges of the taped areas to prevent the tape from peeling up the paint when removed. Remove all tape.
As needed, touch up any areas of paint with a small paint brush or use the craft knife to scrape off any drips.
Allow the paint to dry for one hour. Then, cure the plates in an oven, making sure to follow the directions on the back of your paint container. (My particular paint instructed me to place the plates in a cool oven, heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and then bake them for 30 minutes. Allow plates to cool in the oven.)
It’s amazing how a little paint can take something from plain to pretty! The bold black and white patter really make the DIGIORNO pizza pop!
Speaking of pretty, can we talk about these adorable basketball cupcake stands? They were probably my favorite things to make.
A few wood plaques and some basketball foam balls came together to create this fun presentation. They are simple to make. Let me show you how.
Basketball Cupcake Stands
For this project, you will need:
Round wood plaques
Dowel rod Mini foam basketballs
Drill and drill bit
Black paint
Paintbrush
Wood glue
Begin by using your drill to make holes in the center of the wood plaques. (To ensure a snug fit, the size of the drill bit should match the size of your dowel rod.) Drill 1/4-inch into each wood plaque. Do not go through to the other side.
Paint both sides of the plaques and allow the paint to thoroughly dry.
Use the drill to make a hole through the center of your foam basketballs.
Cut the dowel rod to size. It should be the diameter of your foam basketball, plus 1/2 inch.
Insert the cut dowel rod through the basketball. Add a dab of wood glue to each drilled hole in the painted wood plaques. Insert one end of the dowel into the base and the other end into the top. Allow the glue to dry completely.
How clever are these?! They are perfect for presenting a cupcake, but you could use them for general decor around your table should you decide not to serve cupcakes.
And finally, let’s finish off this celebration with a garland!
This garland might look familiar. I designed it to look similar to the football garland I created last fall. I like the idea of having coordinating garlands. That way, if you’re throwing a party with a general “sports” theme, you can easily combine the two if you wish.
Let me show you how to put the garland together. Again, it’s super simple.
Basketball Garland
For this project, you will need:
Basketball and referee pendant printable (It’s free! Download it here.)
Scissors
Twine
Mini clothespins
Then, using the mini clothespins, attach the cutouts to your twine. Once you hang your garland around your space or drape it across your table, you’re done!
Slam dunk! It’s that fast.
Sidenote: You might have noticed that I used smaller basketball cutouts to garnish my cupcakes. To make those, I used the basketball printable, but when I printed it, I reduced the size by 50%. Then I cut out the small basketballs and glued each onto a toothpick. How easy is that?
Simple touches like this truly help to tie things together at a party and having DIGIORNO pizza as the centerpiece will certainly help you rise to the occasion. Speaking of party, it’s time for our hoops celebration. Enjoy!
I hope you like this these DIY Basketball Entertaining Ideas.
For more delicious pizza varieties, head to DIGIORNO.com! Visit DIGIORNO Pizza on Pinterest for more entertaining inspiration. Follow DIGIORNO Pizza on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter too!
This post is sponsored by DIGIORNO pizza. As always, all opinions are my own. Last fall I taught you how to create a fantastic and festive DIY football party. Given that spring and March are all about the craze of basketball championships, I’m back with a few DIY Basketball Entertaining Ideas! I’m so excited to be partnering […]
These Easter Dessert Kabobs combine six of your favorite Easter desserts into one epic treat. There’s no longer a need to choose one dessert when you can have all six!
Easter Dessert Kabobs:
Happy Spring, friends! Today is a super fun day on IBC because I’m sharing the most epic and delicious Easter dessert recipe!
For my spring dessert idea, I couldn’t settle on one treat. So, I decided to combine six sweets into one to create these colorful and fun Easter Dessert Kabobs!
I’ve put together all of your Easter favorites in one incredible dessert. There are Peeps bunnies and chicks, carrot cake truffles, Rice Krispies Treats, peanut butter eggs, and homemade coconut cupcakes! And, because I couldn’t resist, I assembled all of this sweetness in the order of the rainbow. What more could you ask for in a dessert, right?
How to Make Easter Dessert Kabobs:
As you can see, this collection of desserts mixes a few store-bought favorites with homemade goodies.
You may have already seen my posts for the Carrot Cake Truffles and The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes. I wanted to get those recipes on IBC so you were ready to go. Once you whip them up, the rest of the treats come together pretty quickly.
Of course, you can assemble these Easter Dessert Kabobs with any items you’d like. I love the addition of a few homemade desserts, but if time is tight, just purchase your favorite Easter confections at the grocery store.
I also wanted to create a rainbow of colors in these kabobs so that meant giving a few of the treats a colorful update.
To create the Easter Egg Hunt Rice Krispies Treats, I purchased pre-made Rice Krispies Treat Squares and cut them in half. I then dipped the tops into melted green candy melts.
Before the candy set, I added three jelly beans and sprinkled some green wafer shred sprinkles on top. (I bought the green wafer shred sprinkles at Walmart, but I also saw them at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts.)
For the blue in my rainbow, I melted blue candy melts and poured them into a piping bag. I then drizzled the melted candy on mini peanut butter eggs in a crosshatch pattern. For a little sparkle, I sprinkled them with blue sugar crystals.
Peanut butter eggs are a favorite of mine, so I thought this was a fun way to dress them up.
The Peeps marshmallow bunnies and chicks (which are available in a variety of colors) were ready to go out of the box.
My only recommendation: Cut them apart with a sharp knife. Pulling them apart can cause them to rip or become misshapen.
With all of my individual desserts prepared, I simply added them, one by one onto a wood skewer. (You can find the wood skewers I used HERE.) Everything goes onto the skewers pretty easily. Just take your time with the chocolate covered treats to prevent cracking.
And that’s it. Your Easter Dessert Kabobs are ready to enjoy and impress your guests.
These do take some time to prepare and assemble, but I think the end result speaks for itself. To save time, you could prepare a few of the items (peanut butter eggs, cupcakes, and carrot cake truffles) a day or two in advance.
I’ve included a recipe below to guide you through a few of the steps and to provide you with a grocery list if needed. You’ll have to do a bit of math depending on how many kabobs you make, but I hope the recipe assists you in the process.
I hope you enjoy eating and making these fun Easter Dessert Kabobs as much I did. I was thrilled with how they turned out.
These Easter Dessert Kabobs combine six of your favorite Easter desserts into one epic treat. There’s no longer a need to choose one dessert when you can have all six!
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the green candy melts by microwaving them at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted. If using store-bought Rice Krispies Treats, cut them in half.
Dip the top half of the treat into the melted candy melts. Shake off any access. Top with three jelly beans then immediately sprinkle with green wafer shred sprinkles.
To make the Blue Crosshatched Peanut Butter Eggs:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the blue candy melts by microwaving them at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.
Add the melted blue candy melts to a piping bag. Cut a small tip off the bag and drizzle the melted candy on the mini peanut butter eggs in a crosshatch pattern. Immediately sprinkle with blue sugar crystals.
Carrot Cake Truffles: Find the full recipe linked in the notes below.
The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes: Find the full recipe linked in the notes below.
With all of your individual desserts ready or prepared, position them in color order onto a wood skewer.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
These Easter Dessert Kabobs combine six of your favorite Easter desserts into one epic treat. There’s no longer a need to choose one dessert when you can have all six! Easter Dessert Kabobs: Happy Spring, friends! Today is a super fun day on IBC because I’m sharing the most epic and delicious Easter dessert recipe! […]
Topped with cream cheese frosting, these Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes are a delicious homemade dessert recipe everyone will love. Coconut is baked into the batter and sprinkled on top for the perfect finishing touch.
The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes:
Of all the cupcakes in the world, coconut ones are easily my favorite. No question about it. And as you might guess, whenever the craving for one strikes, I turn to my go-to recipe. In this case, it’s The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes.
During the past few weeks, I have been whipping up a lot of things with coconut. I made Macaroon Nests, a Cottontail (Coconut) Martini, and now these cupcakes. It’s coconut heaven at my house. I’m not complaining.
How to Make Coconut Cupcakes:
The recipe for these cupcakes comes from Ina Garten. I’ve made a few tweaks to her recipe (no offense, Ina), but all of the credit goes to her. She featured these on her show way back in the day, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since.
The recipe below is just for the cupcakes themselves.
If you like coconut, it truly doesn’t get much better than this.
While these cupcakes are delicious in the spring and summer, I could think of an excuse to make them anytime of the year. I’m sure you could, too. Enjoy!
Want unique more Easter dessert ideas? Check out these:
These Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes were prepared as part of my Easter Dessert Kabobs. Instead of making traditional size cupcakes, I made mini ones to use on my kabobs.
Join the IBC Mailing List to get all of my recipes, projects, and ideas sent straight to your inbox! I hope you’ll also join me on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my work and adventures.
Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.
Topped with cream cheese frosting, these Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes are a delicious homemade dessert recipe everyone will love. Coconut is baked into the batter and sprinkled on top for the perfect finishing touch.
1recipe of My Favorite Cream Cheese Frosting* - (recipe linked in NOTES section.)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high for about 5 minutes or until it's light and fluffy. Then, with the mixer on low, add one egg at a time. Scrape down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extract and mix well.
In three alternating additions, mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined; then fold in half (7 ounces) of the coconut.
Fill each cupcake liner to the top with batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tops are just starting to brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes; then remove them to a baking rack to cool completely.
In the meantime, prepare your cream cheese frosting. (Recipe linked below.*)
When the cupcakes have cooled, frost them with a spatula or piping bag. Sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
Notes
My Favorite Cream Cheese Frosting recipe can be found HERE.
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!
Topped with cream cheese frosting, these Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes are a delicious homemade dessert recipe everyone will love. Coconut is baked into the batter and sprinkled on top for the perfect finishing touch. The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes: Of all the cupcakes in the world, coconut ones are easily my favorite. No question about it. And […]
These Carrot Cake Truffles are a delicious combination of carrot cake and cream cheese frosting dipped in white chocolate. You’re going to love them!
Carrot Cake Truffles:
Happy First Day of Spring! (It’s so exciting to say that.) Yesterday I had another busy day in the kitchen, baking and creating and doing everything I could to ignore the snow outside. Tomorrow on IBC, I’m joining a few of my blogger friends to share a round-up of homemade Easter- and spring-inspired desserts. My dessert required me to make a few things in advance, so I have two additional recipes to share with you. (It will all make more sense tomorrow.) Let’s kick things off with these Carrot Cake Truffles!
Sidenote: I realize I’ve been a bit dessert crazy lately. For those of you who are looking for design and DIY, please bear with me. There are lots on the horizon, including exciting new projects. (That’s a hint!) Also, later this week I’ll be sharing two spring mantel decor ideas. Sound good? (To be honest, all of this dessert making isn’t helping with my diet, so I do need to switch gears.)
Okay, back to Carrot Cake Truffles. In essence, these are cake pops, but without the stick. That’s why I’m calling them truffles.
If you’ve never made cake pops, they are easy. All you need is cake, frosting, and candy melts/chocolate.
How to Make Carrot Cake Truffles:
For this recipe, I baked a carrot cake from a box mix and made a batch of my cream cheese frosting. (You can find that recipe here.) Because I needed the frosting for a few other recipes, I made a full batch. However, you can make only a half or quarter recipe since you will only need about a cup of frosting for the truffles.
The cake gets crumbled and the frosting gets mixed in. Add just enough frosting so that you can roll the mixture into a ball. If you use too much, it will be overly sticky.
After that, the balls get dipped into melted candy and chocolate. (I did a mix of white candy melts and white chocolate for these.) I found this dipping tool at the craft store, but a fork will work equally well.
To decorate the truffles, I melted orange candy melts. (I actually used a combination of orange and yellow to get this color.) I added the candy melts to a piping bag, cut a small slit in the tip and drizzled it randomly over the top. Before the candy set, I topped each truffle with one of these cute candy sugar carrots. (I found mine at Walmart, but I’ve also seen them at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts.)
Tip: If you struggle filling piping bags, put the bag into a tall glass (tip down), then fill. It’s so much easier. Promise.
And that’s it! Adorable Carrot Cake Truffles in no time! They make an exceptionally cute, delicious, and fun treat for Easter or spring. They also look adorable in this bunny egg holder I picked up at HomeGoods. Don’t you think?
Obviously, you can make these truffles in any cake flavor you’d like. However, I thought carrot cake was most appropriate for the season.
These Carrot Cake Truffles were prepared as part of my Easter Dessert Kabobs. I was inspired to create a rainbow-effect for these kabobs. Carrot cake made the perfect addition for the orange.
1cupcream cheese frosting - my recipe is linked below
1bag(12 ounces) pure white candy melts
1bar(4 ounces) white chocolate baking bar - roughly chopped
2tablespoonsvegetable shorting (Crisco)
1cuporange candy melts - I used a combination of orange and yellow.
Carrot sugar candies - optional
Instructions
In a large bowl, crumble the carrot cake with your hands. Using a spatula, stir in about 3/4 cup of the cream cheese frosting. Add more as needed. The mixture should stay together when rolled into a ball, but not be overly sticky.
Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls. Set the cake balls on a plate and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, add the white candy melts, white chocolate, and vegetable shortening. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each until melted.
Dip the cooled cake balls into the melted white chocolate mixture and coat completely. Set on wax paper and allow chocolate to set completely.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the orange candy melts by microwaving them at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.
Add the melted orange candy melts to a piping bag or plastic baggie. (Use caution if using a plastic bag. If your melted candy is too warm, it can cause the bag to break.) Cut a small tip off one corner of the bag and drizzle the melted candy onto the coated cake balls. Top with a carrot sugar candy, if desired.
Once the candy coating is completely set, pack and store the truffles in an air-tight container.
Notes
*Bake cake in a 9x13 pan according to the package directions. Allow to cool. You can get my Cream Cheese Frosting recipe HERE.
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These Carrot Cake Truffles are a delicious combination of carrot cake and cream cheese frosting dipped in white chocolate. You’re going to love them! Carrot Cake Truffles: Happy First Day of Spring! (It’s so exciting to say that.) Yesterday I had another busy day in the kitchen, baking and creating and doing everything I could […]
