Knobs Away!

Posted: February 21, 2013 | Author: Heather | Filed under: home improvement | Tags: cabnit knob, install, kitchen update | 2 Comments

Hello again!

I am happy to be back one month later with another little house update project. This one only takes about 20min and will help you figure out which side to open your kitchen cabinet from. Or maybe that was just a benefit for me.

Here is our kitchen before.

Nice and cozy but about 2x bigger than our apartment kitchen and it has a WINDOW that will look out onto our raised bed garden come this spring. Anyway, I always see home updates on HGTV where they update the cabinet hardware to bring it into this century. Well we didn’t even have hardware to start so I got to have some fun with the drill again. Oh, say “Hi” to Hal and Al, our Roosters on the kitchen mat. Unfortunately these are the only fowl our county will allow to raise.

Getting back to the point…this project is basically a no brainer thanks to this nifty tool we picked up at home depot for about $7.

Line up with cabinet door, figure out which hole you want for your knob, pencil it in, flip to other door, and repeat on all cabinets with same hole.

Now comes the drill. The cabinet tool came with the drill bit appropriate for the screw associated with the knobs we chose, thanks to them being from the same company, but I am sure you can find out the correct bit/screw combo online if need be.

After drilling I fastened the knobs with the electric screw driver and wham, done!

This is the kitchen after a few days of living with the knobs and tightening as need be.

And a close up…

It doesn’t look like much but it really adds something to the blank white kitchen. To make it even better all 25 knobs were only $20 at Home Depot thanks to some super sleuth shopping my mom and me. Now if only we could get rid of the damn fruit on the tiles…

And because no post is complete without a kitty picture, check out G-Man’s fangs in this one. No wonder then call him Gator.

This Is Not An Apartment

Posted: January 31, 2013 | Author: Heather | Filed under: home improvement | Tags: bathroom, home, Ikea, upgrade | 2 Comments

It has been a long time since I have blogged about anything. Well this won’t even be a post about food!

Some of my faithful followers have asked for some updates on our new house. Well it is coming together slowly but surely. The biggest change will be happening in about 3-4 weeks when Peachy gets a facelift and all new siding in “flagstone”.

Peach doesn’t really scream H+N, plus it is actually asbestos siding, which is a NOT a problem unless is breaks and becoming airborne (much different issues than with what we all know of asbestos insulation that gave everyone cancer in the 70s). I can’t wait for her to come into this decade and get a bright red door!

Things inside the house are progressing slowly. We are trying to conserve funds, but we also realize this is not an apartment. Previously when we lived in apartments we kept everything pretty frugal. Lots of hand me downs and working with what we had. Now that we are trying to make our house a home, I am wrapping my head around installing things and using screws instead of command strips.

One of the main things I wanted to tackle was the “master bathroom”.

BEFORE:

I laugh when people on house hunters walk into bathrooms bigger than my bedroom and feel they are not big enough because they do not have double sinks, a soaking tub AND a stand-up shower. We are just happy there is a bathroom upstairs and it is not pink and black tile like our apartment bathroom was.

The bathroom was updated at some point – nothing fancy or high end but functional. The only thing the bathroom did not have was storage (minus a very small medicine cabinet that can hold a toothbrush). Oh and the seal between the shower door and basin leaked. Yesterday I tackled storage and the leak.

Lots of tools were involved.

Don’t forget to measure twice and drill/cut once!

Use drywall screws if you can’t get into a stud.

AFTER:

I looked through many options at Ikea, World Market, and Target (my three go to places for things these days) and went with a series from Ikea. The space is really small so I went with the lighter wood color and a higher floating shelf so that you don’t hit your head getting off the john. The little towel covered storage cube has towels in it and might be dyed to one of the sea colors in the towels or bathmat. I also hung two towel hooks in the wall so that towels did not need to be hung on the door or over the shower. Gator helped out with all installation.

Looking out from inside the shower you can see our matching TP holder. I had to remove the builder grade one to place in the storage cube so I picked up the new one for $0.99 at Ikea. Now I just need some spackle to fill in the SIX hole they felt they needed to drill to install the old one.

I need some more storage items on the shelves for small items most often found in the lien closet that we don’t have like Advil. Other than that I am just waiting for the caulk to dry and test out the shower. It will be nice not to have to walk downstairs to shower. A vast improvement if I do say so myself and all for about $60.

Our house is pretty small so any small space storage tips are totally welcome!

Until next time.

Turmeric!

Posted: October 25, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: dinner | Tags: curry, delicata squash, dinner, kale, lacinato, nutritional yeast, pasta, turmeric | Leave a comment

Tonight was my first experience with fresh turmeric!

It is similar looking to ginger and packs a punch of flavor as well. Turmeric is used from a dye to a super food in fighting cancer. It is also the principal ingredient in curry powders. I thought I would roll with the curry theme for my dinner tonight.

Curry with Fresh Turmeric

1 yellow onion
olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 delicata squash
1 bunch lacinato kale
1 bell pepper
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp fresh or dried turmeric
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 cup water
pasta serving of choice

Pre-heat oven to 350 and de-seed the squash then cut into small pieces.
Rub with olive oil and place in over for 30min
chop onion and add it to the olive oil heating on the stove in a large wok or pan
add crushed garlic to the onions once they are translucent
cut bell pepper into small pieces and add it to the onion
once the pepper is soft add the yeast – water and let simmer
cook pasta to taste
add the kale when there is 5min left on the squash
add the squash hot out of the oven and cover everything with the sauce.
Serve the pasta and top with the curry veggie mix

I’m not sure if I could taste the added turmeric over the curry, but whatever the case this dish was delicious! Curry and squash is a very nice combo. Let me know if you find turmeric near you!

p.s. I am trying to get back to blogging recipes – mainly dinners. Sorry for the lighting, I am just trying to get these amazing flavors out there! Thanks for still reading!

Integrative Nutrition Conference

Posted: October 22, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Grow Your Health, IIN, Integrative Nutrition | Leave a comment

When I boarded the Amtrak train and headed north to NYC, I had no idea what to expect from my first Integrative Nutrition (IIN) Conference. I had never really ventured out of my comfort zone, and I tend to make grand plans that alway fall short. When I signed up for the conference in July I knew I would not let myself back out of this one.

When we arrived on Saturday morning Joshua (Creator and Founder of IIN) asked us to think of our intention for the weekend and what we wanted to get out of this experience. To put it simply, I wanted to be more confident in what I was doing. I have received mixed support about my adventure into health coaching, but I have a passion for bringing an organic lifestyle to everyone.

Over the two days we heard from vegans and real food (raw milk, pasture animals) lovers, got some banging recipes for kale and quinoa, learned about the connection between hormones and food, understood the relationship between advertising dollars and what we put in our mouthes, and we ever learned some moves to show off at and Indian wedding.

It was amazing to see leaders in their field speaking live, especially my hero Marion Nestle, but it was the graduate testimonials that really lit a fire inside me. If they could go out and change the world, why couldn’t I? Between each session graduates took the stage and told the audience what they were up to. Each of them had a unique story and seemed so in love with what they were doing. These grads were given the same tools as me and they have created amazing businesses from independent programs to working with hospitals and schools.

At the end of the conference Joshua revisited his original question about what our intention of the conference was and whether we achieved it. I would have to say, yes! I have the tools, skills, and brain to do anything. If so many people can make a difference, why can’t I? I just need to believe in myself.

You can see more about my mission to make organic approachable to everyone at Grow Your Health.

Believe.

Weeknight Meal

Posted: August 28, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: dinner | Tags: amaranth, dinner, millet, recipe, weeknight meal | Leave a comment

I have gotten back into meal planning. Working for an organic food market can make you go a little crazy with shopping, and I wasn’t really saving any money compared to my pre-discount days.

Tonight I created a millet and amaranth bake with hummus, veggies and chickpeas.

Weeknight Bake

1.5 cups cooked millet and amaranth combo – I cooked 1/2 cup amaranth and 1/4 millet in 2 cups of veggie broth
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas – canned or home cooked
1/2 cup hummus – flavor of choice. I used roasted red pepper
1.5 cups diced and cooked veggies that you have on hand – I used red pepper, garlic, zucchini and some frozen spinach
sprinkle of herbs on hand – I just used an Italian blend
S&P to taste

Once all of the elements are cooked mixed everything in a large bowl and place them in an olive oil sprayed pie dish and bake for 20min. Total time is about 50min, which is kind of long for a weeknight, but you could always cook the grains before to cut out some time.

The reason I like this meal during the weak so much is you can mixed and match grain, protein and veggies with whatever you have on hand.

What is your favorite weeknight meal? I think ours is actually enchiladas.

Where Have You Been?

Posted: August 22, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: everything | Tags: life | 2 Comments

It has been over a month since I last posted, so I thought I would pop back in for a quick update on life.

Things are super, crazy, busy these days. Summer is always full of events and weddings to celebrate!

The garden is moving along and I am getting ready to plant the fall vegetables.

Work is crazy but in a good way. Mom’s is still an awesome place and I enjoy the daily challenges.

School is going well, you can check my website out at www.growwithheatherwarner.com and like me on facebook ! If you are looking to change you life, shoot me an e-mail. I am almost 6 months through the program and close to having full time clients. I am really excited for this adventure, but I am also very nervous.

The house hunt continues…trying to live in the most expensive area of the country makes it very hard to find a home in a good area. Any Montgomery County, MD hints about house hunting on a budget?

Well that is about all for now! My few remaining readers, let me know if you want me to write about something that interests you! Prop 37 and labeling GMOs are becoming a hot button issue!

Tomatoes

Posted: July 13, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: garden | Tags: garden, tomatoes | 4 Comments

The garden is shifting. The lettuce and mustard greens are totally gone and the zucchini is taking over the garden. The kale has been attacked by aphids Sad smile and my okra is growing at a snails pace.

At least the tomatoes are kicking it into high gear.

Giant Brandywine.

I was able to get a few dozen sun golds, a couple Black from Tulas and some Brandywines yesterday. I also cut the final mustard greens and a giant zucchini.

My cucumbers are slowly winding there way up with lots of flowers but still no fruit to be seen. I need some new things to fill in the holes in my garden. I would like more green beans but I cannot find any plants. It seems like planting season is over or something. Also, if I want to grown winter squash, when do I start that and how much room do they need? I am not talking pumpkins but maybe some acorns?

Any help is appreciated!

Finally, a Gator shot. It is a good thing he is so stinkin’ cute because he is such a little monster!

Garden Update

Posted: July 3, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: garden | Tags: garden, tomatoes | Leave a comment

I know I said I would post a garden update up a few days ago but then the DC metro area got hit by killer storms, and we lost our internet for awhile. Thankfully we never lost power. There are people in our area that still are without electricity and major roads still do not have working traffic lights.

So…back to the garden

We are getting close to peak growth season – lots of green peppers and tomatoes.

I am starting to collect sun gold tomatoes and I have had one Brandywine ripen but then rot.

I just ended up cutting the bad portion out of it and eating the remainder for lunch. It was delicious!

It is interesting to compare my heirloom organic tomato plants vs. my neighbors conventional plants.

Mine on the left about 4ft tall, theirs on the right at about 6ft. I guess those modified genes are helping them grow.

It has been super hot out so I am trying to keep myself and the plants hydrated. I am usually dripping in sweat at 9am after working for an hour in the garden.

It is hard work being a gardener! Stay hydrated!

The Tomatoes are Coming!

Posted: June 28, 2012 | Author: Heather | Filed under: garden | Tags: garden, sun gold, tomatoes | Leave a comment

First tomatoes of the season!

Delicious sun gold cherry tomatoes picked right off the warm vine and promptly eaten after photo. I hope to get a full garden report up tomorrow! Until then, get out and enjoy some local produce!

We are enjoying some local Gator around here Smile