Our Kitchen Remodel

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 California, USA


dumbbellsnotblonde Home Kitchen Remodel



Hi family and friends! 👋

We are officially in Fall, and whew this year is FLYING BY! Lots of life is happening all around me, and I couldn't be more excited for another holiday season approaching! If Halloween was any indication of how the rest of the year will go, bring it on! 

Before we get to Thanksgiving though, we decided to throw in a little home remodel of our... KITCHEN! Truthfully we started the process in the beginning of the year and it's just coming down to getting in the granite slabs in town and figuring out the last details, but we'll get to that soon. :) 

In the beginning of the year we started looking at granite to redo our kitchen countertops. It's been on the agenda for awhile, but having such small children, we decided to wait a few years as we have with getting a new table and couch. It's just a whole different level of meeting them where they're at and letting them be kids. It's easier to upgrade when they are a bit older (and hopefully wiser). TBD if waiting until ages six and three was long enough!

Finding granite was nearly impossible this year, so drilling down to what we were looking for was actually harder than I thought it would be. We drove to other cities to view stock and see them in person, and eventually found our slabs to purchase. That's another thing, we ended up with slabs, so they have to be cut.

Granite Countertops


We decided to go with White Ice, which is a whiter granite mixed with gray and black tones, which matches the interior of our home. Heads up that the cut of this particular granite is starting to get some yellow in it. We ordered/shipped two that made it look like macaroni and cheese was spilt, and I didn't think I could handle it long-term. It would just always look dirty to me. However, if there was more strategically placed, it may not be as bad. Just something to note when you're looking. White Ice is beautiful, and I'm excited to see it in our home! 

Backsplash


We decided to go with Stow tiles, the 4x8 option in Bianco Glossy White. I do love the marshmallow matte as well, but ultimately didn't want the grout to show and it's easier to hide with bright white. With marshmallow, the color is not a bright white, so matching grout and tile would just be a little harder and I couldn't visualize it as much as the perfect sample of the other in front of me. If you're in between the two, either would honestly be a great choice!

Natucer Stow Spanish Ceramic Tile | 4 x 8 | Bianco Glossy White

They came yesterday to tear out the old tile and backsplash, so we're currently sitting with some wood, no sink and no stove right now.

Here's how we prepped:

- Plastic Bowls
- Plastic Silverware
- Plastic Cups
- Meat Cooked at the Grocery Store
- BBQ
- Microwaveable Macaroni and Cheese Singles
- Yogurts

We're knee deep in the heart of it all, so I'll give everyone an update when it gets closer to completion (and a good before/after). 

Excited to update you all soon!
____________________________

UPDATE: We're all done!


It's been quite a process, but I couldn't be happier with the outcome! We officially finished three days before Christmas with painting, and it turned out great! I'll share some photos with you below:


dumbbellsnotblonde Home Kitchen Remodel

dumbbellsnotblonde Home Kitchen Remodel
dumbbellsnotblonde Home Kitchen Remodel
Don't forget to pin the after photo if you're looking for inspiration on your own home kitchen remodel! 

So, what do you think? Would you take on a major project like this during the holidays? Share with me below!

Until next time,








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Sweet and Simple Chicken Recipe

Monday, December 13, 2021 California, USA


Sweet and Simple Chicken Recipe


Super Sweet and Simple Chicken Recipe


Hi friends! 👋

We're right smack dab in the middle of the Christmas season, and boy is it busy! This is when I tend to rely on cookies and healthier meal options to balance. 😂


The recipe I have for you today is a super simple and easy one to make, I call my super sweet and simple chicken recipe. I've made it every week so far this December, so you know it has to be easy! I actually saw something similar added to fish, and thought to myself.. I don't eat fish, but I bet this would be good on chicken! I played around with it quite a bit, and this is how I'm saving/making it from here on out. I hope you enjoy!


This specific chicken recipe is on the healthier side, made with raw honey and deli mustard. When you bit into it, you get a nice and moist chicken, with a sweet top and an added little kick from the mustard. As a healthier option, I recommend making two and meal prepping the second one for later! 


Chicken Ingredients


  • Two Boneless Chicken Breasts
  • Raw Honey
  • Deli Mustard
  • (Optional Salt, Pepper, Garlic Salt)
  • Olive Oil


Ingredient Notes


I preheat my toaster oven to 375 degrees.

I initially add two tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of deli mustard in a small ramekin. Mix it really good and set it aside.

I put the chicken on foil (with a little olive oil on the bottom so it won't stick) and sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic salt on top. Mine all comes as one, but you can do each individually as well.

Then I take half of the mixture and spread it on top, leaving some leftover for when the chicken comes out of the toaster oven. 

I put it in for 40 minutes, making sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 when taking it out.

Once done, I add the additional mixture on top, cut and enjoy! Yes, it's really that simple!


Recipe Equipment


  • Small Ramekin
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Toaster Oven
  • Spoon


The equipment is simple for this recipe. Of course if you don't have a toaster oven, you can always use a convectional oven. Mine just heats up so much faster and always has the tray sitting inside waiting to be utilized, so I tend to cook with this option first if just for myself.


  • This recipe is for two pieces of boneless chicken
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container, in the fridge



Super Sweet and Simple Chicken Recipe


Save Me for Later


I hope you love this new chicken recipe! If you try it out, I'd love for you to comment below to let me know what you thought. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook! 


Two Ingredient Super Simple Sweet (with a little kick) Chicken Recipe


Prep Time: 5-10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Macro Friendly: YES!


EQUIPMENT

  • Toaster Oven
  • Small Ramekin
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Spoon


INGREDIENTS

  • 2 Tablespoons Raw Honey
  • 2 Tablespoons Deli Mustard
  • Garlic Salt, Pepper, Salt (Optional)


INSTRUCTIONS


1. Heat the toaster oven to 375 degrees F. 
2. Small hint of olive oil on the aluminum foil before adding the chicken.
3. Add chicken to the aluminum foil.
4. Sprinkle spices (salt, pepper, garlic salt).
5. Mix honey and deli mustard in small ramekin.
6. Add 50% on top of the chicken to cook, save the rest for after.
7. Cook the chicken for 40 minutes.
8. Check that internal temperature is 165 before adding to a serving plate.
9. Add the rest of the mixture on top of the chicken.
10. Enjoy!


Healthy Chicken Recipe




The best compliment to say thank you for my post is to comment, share or pin. I appreciate you so much for stopping by! 

Until next time!




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