One of the challenges with open floor plan homes is defining the spaces. We have a semi-open first floor and while its a bit obvious what room is for what, [Living room, Kitchen, Dining room] the space was craving warmth and color.
Our front living room is fairly small but the high ceilings help make it feel open and welcoming. We’ve been in the house a couple of years and this front room has been fairly overlooked since bringing in the initial furniture.
Instead of replacing the furniture, I’ve embarked on a project to update the ambiance with a few fresh additions to the room. Last week I shared how throw pillows can add personalization and color into a space. Today we’re looking at how area rugs can create structure for a room while freshening up the look.
We have a split-level home which means we get to have two completely unique living rooms. Our downstairs living room is set up as a family room, with the tv as a focal point. Our upstairs living room is the entry into the house, so I want it to be welcoming and a good place for hanging out.
When we moved in I was lucky enough to have a friend in my knitting group who needed to re-home some living room furniture. Now that we’ve been living here for two years it’s time to finish decorating and give this bland room a bit of a spruce.
Quinoa is one of my favorite bases for an easy weeknight recipe. High in protein and low in carbohydrates, quinoa cooks up just like rice and is a great substitute when you are looking to eat healthy.
This Turkey Quinoa recipe is one of my go to weeknight dinners and the left overs are perfect for serving up throughout the week as lunch.
Turkey Quinoa Recipe
If you plan to use your turkey quinoa to fill acorn squash, you need to start the squash right away. Acorn is my favorite, but you could also use butternut or even bell peppers if you aren’t in a squashy mood.
Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Place upside down on a small baking tray and add 1/2 cup of water. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and place in the oven while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Quinoa comes in a couple of different colors. They all taste the same to me, so I like to mix them for a bit of variety. Two cups dry quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.
Start a pot boiling with two cups of water and two cups of chicken broth. Add the quinoa and put a lid on the pot. Turn to low.
Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a In a large frying pan and sauté 2 cloves of garlic and 1/2 of cup of red onion.
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook until brown. Season with salt, pepper and 1 tsp cumin and add in the fully cooked quinoa.
Fill your acorns and serve! You’ll have have a ton of leftovers that you can eat for lunch throughout the rest of the week.
[tasty-recipe id=”2569″]
If you’ve ever visited Colorado, you know that we live in a super dry climate. For a visitor, it’s something you can sense the moment you get off the plane. As a local, you get used to how dry the winters are, but it still takes a toll on your hands, nails and skin. I’m always looking for a solution for keeping my nails from breaking all winter long.
When I first heard of JollyBod, I was excited to find an all natural lotion made right in Colorado – made by people who understand the challenges of living in a dry area. Continue Reading…
Welcome to My Bliss
