DIY Coffee Bar

To say that I love coffee is an understatement. It's usually the first thing I grab in the morning. My treat during the day. And how I finish my evening. I may have a problem, but that's not the point of this post. 

Because I enjoy coffee so much, I've always wanted to have a special place in my home for my coffee maker, mugs, and such. Inspired by Pinterest, I set up my own Coffee Bar in my dining room. 

I opted to use open shelving (because 1. they're inexpensive, 2. they're easy to assemble, and 3. the shelving would be perfect for my project). I purchased my shelving unit from Lowe's. 

The "&" sign and gold-framed mirrors are from Burkes. The "&" sign was actually my inspiration for my color palette. I know...it's just black and gold, but when I saw that sign, it motivated me to tackle a project I'd been wanting to do for quite some time. You know when you see something, and think, "OMG! That would be perfect for this!" Well, that's what happened, and why I finally pulled the trigger on putting together my own Coffee Bar. 

I've seen so many different ideas on Pinterest. Most have lettering on the walls, spelling out something coffee related: cafe, java, latte, etc. I wanted something that said "coffee" without actually saying "coffee." 

I wandered through the craft section at Walmart, and ran across these frames with burlap centers. I knew I could transform them into something unique for my wall. Using my glue gun, coffee beans, and an old coffee mug, I crafted together what you see pictured below.

I'd purchased some coffee mugs from the dollar store. With a hammer, I gently tapped away at the mug trying to get a clean break. I wanted the mug to break so I could still have the side with the handle intact for my project. Well, that's easier said than done. I'd purchased 3 mugs, and didn't get a clean break out of any of those 3. I happened to have a solid black mug in my cupboard. That's the one that made the cut. I ended up cracking it just right to have a clean edge to glue on the burlap canvas. 

I glued the mug to the canvas first. Then I started gluing the coffee beans to the canvas next. I did this in small sections, making sure the beans were pressed securely in the glue and dry & set before adding more. 

Also in the craft section at Walmart, I found a wooden letter "S" (for our family's last name), and made a second piece of coffee art. I glued the coffee beans on first, again in sections, before glueing the "S" on top of the beans. 

I just LOVE how these turned out. The coffee mug is 3D with the handle sticking out, the beans smell yummy, and it's a unique piece that you won't find anywhere else. 

Here's another shot:

I found these additional prices at TJ Maxx. I wanted to have a sugar dish, and also a place for spoons. Under the metal shelf, I have a shallow bowl filled with biscotti. 

At this point, I didn't know where I wanted to keep my coffee and teas. I have a Keurig, so I have tons of those little k-cups...like A LOT. I've looked at the little k-cups holders/organizers at stores and online, but none of them will hold the amount that I keep on hand. Just to give you an idea, I like to purchase the 54-count variety pack of coffee k-cups from HEB for myself and guests. My kids like apple cider and hot chocolate. For those, I typically buy them in 18-count boxes. And, I like to have green tea available, too, for when I want tea. Just what I've mentioned, that's over 100 k-cups. You can see them just kind of tossed in the shelves. Not very pretty, and I need those shelves open for my mugs...

My solution for my abundance of k-cups is the boxes that fit in shelves! And I found some cute patterns that would match at Walmart from the Better Homes & Gardens line. I have a box for hot chocolate & cider, a box for teas, and a box for coffee. 

I use my coffee bar ALL THE TIME! I think I get more use out of my Keurig now than I did when it was on the kitchen counter. The kids use it just as much as I do. And now that my mugs are in the coffee bar, it opened up cabinet space in my kitchen. 

Oil-Free Hummus

Snack time!

I love hummus with fresh veggies or crackers, but store bought is often high in fat. Traditional recipes use oil.

While not all oils and fats are bad, as with anything, you should watch how much you eat. 

According to the American Heart Association, healthy adults should limit dietary fat to no more than 20 to 35 percent of total daily calories.  Knowing that there are 9 calories in each gram of fat, that means diets in the range of 1600-2000 calories, the recommended allowance for the day is between 36-78 grams of fat. 

Personally, I try to stay at 40g of fat per day. Whether I'm snacking or having a meal, I choose something that will not blow my fat allowance for the day. 

Back to the hummus. Since it's a food I enjoy, I wanted to find a recipe that would allow me to eat it and not feel guilty. After looking through a number of them on Pinterest, I came up with a version that suited the flavor I wanted to achieve. 

Here's my Oil-Free Hummus Recipe

•1-15.5oz can Chick Peas (drained and rinsed)

•2 tsp minced garlic

•3 Tbsp lemon juice

•1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

•4 Tbsp water

•kosher salt (to-taste)

Add all ingredients to blender, and blend until completely smooth (pausing to scrape down the sides). 

Makes four (3.4oz) servings. 

Serve with crackers, pita bread, or fresh veggies for dipping. 

Curb Appeal

This post will be brief.

I wanted to share one of my DIY home projects. 

Today I transformed my front door. From what has always been very plain and ordinary, now has a colorful pop and a warm, welcoming feel. 

Here's what I started with...

See what I mean about plain? 

We've had so much rain lately. It's been a real task to keep the grass at bay. Plus, my weedeater is on the fritz. I had to pull the grass and weeds by hand to clean this up. 

Here's my completed makeover:

Here's my total cost of my front door makeover. 

Paint: $16 (purchased at Home Depot. I used BEHR, and chose the color "Mammoth Mountain")

Wreath Hanger: $3

Decorative Cross: $20 (purchased at Kirklands)

Plants: $32 (3 different types, 6 plants total, purchased at Walmart)

Planters: $46 (2 planters purchased at Walmart)

Potting Soil: $8 

Welcome Mat: $12 (purchased at Walmart) 

Total Cost: $137

This project took about 5 hours to complete. Not 5 hours of work...some of that time was allowing paint to dry.  

I put my first coat of paint on the door, and then as it dried, I headed to Walmart to get plants and extras for the porch. By the time I'd returned from the store, it was time to put the second coat of paint.  As that dried, I potted the plants and pulled weeds. Easy project for a Sunday. 

Remember to share and comment. Look back often for more posts 💙

Sky's WOD

Sky's WOD

No rest between exercises. Move immediately into the next one after completion, until noted rest is given. 

•CIRCUIT 1

1. Jumping Jacks (25 reps)

2. Body weight Squats (25 reps)

3. Burpees (10 reps)

Rest 90 seconds, and Repeat. 

Complete this circuit 3 times before moving to circuit 2. 

•CIRCUIT 2

1. Pulse Lunges (15 on each leg)

2. Glute Bridge (15 reps)

3. Glute Kickbacks, immediately into Glute Side Raises (10 each direction, on each leg)

Rest 90 seconds, and Repeat. 

Complete this circuit 3 times before moving to circuit 3. 

•CIRCUIT 3

1. Walkouts (10 reps)

2. Side Lunges (10 reps on each side)

3. Bosu Push Ups (15 reps) {modify off knees, if needed}

Rest 90 seconds, and Repeat. 

Complete this circuit 3 times. 

Crockpot Poblano Chicken

Before we get to it, I have to mention my inspiration behind this recipe. 

Oh, Starbucks...

Starbucks recently started offering their Ancho Chipotle Chicken Panini. 

It's de-lish! 

It has the perfect amount of peppers & chicken. My only complaint is the crusty panini can often times be too tough and chewy. Plus, since I do track all my meals, I wanted to create my own version with the same flavor profile. 

Making this at home gives me the freedom to control exactly what goes into it, and omit the cheese or even the bread. I made this recipe for the first time this week, and have been eating it served along side a cup of couscous.  

Anyway, let's get to the recipe (because that's why you're here). 

Crockpot Poblano Chicken

3 lbs chicken (boneless, skinless)

2 poblano peppers, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 (1.5 oz) packets of taco seasoning

2 oz lime juice

Add all ingredients to crockpot. 

Mix until chicken is thoroughly coated with seasoning. 

Chicken will appear dry*, however, the natural juices will keep the chicken moist as it cooks. 

Cook time:

HIGH for 4-6 hours. 

or

LOW for 6-8 hours. 

Once cooked, I prefer to "shred" chicken by mashing it with a potato masher. 

Serve meat as is, or in a tortilla, a ciabatta roll, over rice, etc. 

My favorite recipes are healthy, packed with flavor, while fast & simple. Just a few ingredients and you're well on your way to an amazing dish. 

*All mixed up and ready to cook. Things will look dry, but don't worry. The end result will be moist and delicious. 

{FINAL PICTURE COMING SOON}

I wanted to share the numbers, and how they'll vary depending on the cut of chicken you choose. The first time I prepared this recipe, I used thighs. As it's cooking right now, I have tenders going because the price was marked down. Thighs definitely have more flavor & are super juicy, but they also have a much higher fat content. 

Protein Peanut Butter Bites

I'm always playing with ingredients and recipes.  I like to take a food that I consider comfort food, and elevate it to a healthier version that I can eat without feeling guilty. 

Today it was peanut butter cookies. Peanut butter has always been one of my favorite foods. Peanut butter sandwiches were often my after-school snack. I prefer to eat waffles and pancakes with a smear of peanut butter on top. Peanut butter cookies were always my first choice over chocolate chip or oatmeal. 

When I started paying closer attention to what I was eating, and reading nutrition labels, I found that conventional peanut butter often has added oils, sugars, and is high in fat. While it's toted as a "high protein health food" option, it comes with a cost. So, I gave up one of my favorite foods because it didn't fit my macros. Then I discovered PB Fit peanut powder. While it doesn't have the same taste and texture that I enjoy about peanut butter, that peanut taste is definitely present. 

Today it became the star ingredient in my Protein Peanut Butter Bites. 

Protein Peanut Butter Bites

8 Tbsp PB Fit peanut powder

8 Tbsp water 

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup egg whites

1/2 cup protein powder* (I used a plant-based powder, unflavored & unsweetened) 

2 Tbs ground flax seed

1. Preheat oven to 350°. 

2. In a large mixing bowl, add PB Fit and water. Whisk until combined and smooth. It will be thinner than regular peanut butter. 

3. To bowl, add vanilla, sugar, and egg whites. Whisk until combined. 

4. Finally, add protein powder and ground flax seed. Whisk to combine. Mixture will thicken with this addition of flax seed. Set aside to rest while you prep your pans. 

5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. With a cookie scoop (1 Tbs size) drop cookie dough, leaving 1-2 inches between each cookie, on lined baking sheet. Don't waste any dough...you should end up with 24 cookies. Using the back of a fork or spoon, gently pat down each cookie to slightly flatten. Cookies will not spread during baking time, so this step should not be skipped. Also, the dough is sticky, so don't press to hard on each cookie as you flatten them. 

6. Bake in oven on 350° for 10 minutes. Once baked, cookies will appear dry, and bottoms will have began to lightly brown. They'll be soft in texture. 

Yields 24 cookies. 

See my cookie scoop.

If you don't have one of these, get one. These are a great help when making cookies, meatballs, scooping out melon balls, etc. It's a useful tool for uniformity, and portion control. I know by using it, my cookies will bake evenly and at the same rate, plus they're all the same size. 

I have kids. So, it's not just about my recipes satisfying my tastebuds, but theirs, as well. And this recipe is kid-approved!  They each gobbled up their cookies just as soon as I gave them the green light. I didn't even get a chance to plate them...the kids were grabbing cookies hot off the pan. 

Not only will you enjoy them, but you'll feel good about letting your kiddos snack on them, too. 

Here's the nutritional info for ONE cookie. 

If you're like the kids and I, you'll easily eat 3-4 of them. 

*Keep in mind, if you use a different protein powder, the numbers will be different.