Foodie Friday

Summer Tiramisu with Strawberries = YUM!

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It's been a bit crazy around here at MD, I think I forgot how to blog!  

I'm up to my eyeballs repurposing some furniture with paint and upholstery for a client and loving every moment of textile overload!

Today I have been in my office trying to unbury my desk and get the dreaded paperwork in order and I am dreaming of something decadent and yummy.  This tiramisu looks just perfect.  I dare not make it because the MR is on business and I would probably keep 'straightening the edges' until it was all gone.  Best to make it and share with peeps!

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Bring some pretty flowers in to brighten your weekend!

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

How about a 'paint-lift'? Let me know, ok?

Bicycling

It's no secret that I enjoy cycling and ride with some girliefriends with different groups.  Summertime is tough for me with the temps reaching 90 or above and the humidity factor. I'm looking forward to fall to get back out.

You can find us on on our skinny tires, clipped in and helmets clasped.

When traveling I enjoy renting this type of bike and tooling around.

I need to tell the MR that I want a this type of gate in the backyard!

Do you remember your tricycle?

Road bike for 5?  Would your kids sign up for this?

I'll bet this bike has quite a story to tell...wonder the miles, the people, the places.

Nice 3-wheeler, perfect for village shopping.

Did you ever have a basket on your bike?  I did, pretty sure there weren't flowers in it! This is a great garden ornament.

Tell me about your bicycling adventures!

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

How about a 'paint-lift'? We are ready to help you! 

Sources for bicycles

Foodie Friday

One of my girlfriend's shared this recipe with me last week and I'm on my second batch already.  It is so good.

Cumin Lime Black Bean Quinoa Salad

I made some revisions because when I first made it I didn't have carrots or green onions in the house.  I used red and yellow bell peppers, diced, and lots of black pepper and a few red pepper flakes.  For the dressing I omitted the garlic and cumin because I just wasn't feeling it that day and used agave syrup.  When the MR cooks he puts cumin and garlic in everything and I just wanted a break.  I did add grilled chicken and a bit more lime juice.  Perfect meal!

For the salad

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or 3 cups cooked)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (or 1.5 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
• 1.5 cups cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 small/medium carrots, julienned (about 1.5 cups)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• fine grain sea salt & black pepper, to taste

For the dressing

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Instructions

• 1. To prepare the quinoa: Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Add into pot along with 1.5 cups water or veggie broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low-medium, and then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15-17 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and steam with the lid on for 5 additional minutes. Fluff with fork and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
• 2. In a large bowl, toss the quinoa, drained and rinsed black beans, cilantro, carrots, and green onions.
• 3. Whisk together the dressing in a small bowl or jar. Pour onto salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I prefer to enjoy this salad chilled, so I usually throw it into the fridge for at least an hour. This is a great make-ahead salad too – prep it the night before and let it sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

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What's in your garden?

My hydrangeas are doing great this year, they have loved all the rain this summer.  Aren't the colors pretty?  These all came off of the same bush!

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

How about a 'paint-lift'? We are ready to help you! 

Foodie Friday

Healthy Lettuce Wrap

When the MR is away I get a break from cooking which I like.  I like finding things that are quick and healthy.  This lettuce wrap is yummy and so simple.

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1/2 cup chopped chicken

 3 Tbsp Fuji apples chopped

2 Tbsp red grapes chopped

 2 tsp honey

 2 Tbsp almond butter

 mix and wrap in a Romaine lettuce leaf

What's growing in your garden?

Go cut some and bring 'em in!

(No flowers?  Cut some beautiful green foliage, it brings life to a room too!)

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

We are ready to help you!  How about a 'paint-lift'?

Foodie Friday

Chocolate and fruit, what could be better?  

In my collection of food on Pinterest, I pinned this a while back.

Chocolate Frozen Banana Bites

This would be fun for the kids to do.

1/4 cup natural peanut butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips melted in microwave about a minute.

I cut the bananas in about 1/2" pieces then rolled in the chocolate.  At first I used my fingers, then went to a spatula.  About half-way through I re-melted the chocolate as it starts to get thick pretty quick. Sprinkle coconut on top, chopped peanuts would be good too!

The recipe says to freeze about an hour before enjoying, but I couldn't wait. 

I did a taste test after about 20 minutes!  

Bet 'cha can't eat just one!

Enjoy - Happy Weekend!

Original recipe found here.

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

We are ready to help you!  How about a 'paint-lift'?

Floral Arrangements: Real or Fake

What is your take on real vs fake foliage in your home?

I used to do commercial display in retail stores and the fake stuff is great to work in for interesting spaces.  However, (in my opinion) in one's home, natural is best. 

This image is from a real estate listing. 

I see 4 fake arrangements and it looks cluttered.

  If your cabinets are dropped it's better to leave them bare than 'decorated'.

This kitchen is in another home just on the market.  

Here you can see the cabinets left clean on top. 

Much better visual.

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This kitchen has natural live plants.  

Did you know certain live plants help with cleaner air quality? See here.

Branches in the chandy and a simple arrangement on the counter.

In my own home, I sort of go nuts with dried hydrangeas and branches. 

I have  a few live plants as well but not so great at keeping up with the watering. Usually find them 'hung over'.

I would love to hear your views, what do you think?

♥

Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home?

We are ready to help you!

Chairs Chairs Chairs

Intrigue

Arouse the curiosity of interest of; fascinate.

That is exactly how I feel about chairs. I can't explain why.

I like looking at the different era's in which they come from, some good, some not so much. Some all wood, some with upholstery, some with both, some with neither.

Do you think they are comfortable?  Which do you like?  Would you have the guts to go out of your comfort zone for something quirky?

Go here to my Pinterest page for these and others and their sources.

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Do you need help designing, redecorating or updating spaces in your home? Let Moore Designs help you create the home you have dreamed of.

Foodie Friday

Been traveling a bit and need to get back in the swing of things in blog-land. My son, DIL and baby were here, so Grammie has been one happy girl!

I loved watching the Food Network's 'food truck' competition and seeing just what all those vendors came up with.  The craze is all over America.  I know one stop here in Atlanta but haven't checked it out yet.

Here is a Gyro that you can do at home!

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Click on 'source' above and get some great tips of making your own food truck yummies at home.

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Goat Cheese Veggie Lasagne

A new twist on a classic dish! 

 Anything with goat cheese for me has to be good.

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Part of cooking is creating a beautiful table, whether it's for two or for a crowd.

Of course there are flowers and varying heights in your display.

What's on your table this weekend?

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One of the easiest and most refreshing ways to update your space is by changing the wall color.  How long has it been for you? 5 or 10 years? 

Call Moore Designs and let us help you.

Don't let distance be a barrier, we can design for you via the web!