Two Easy Kitchen Updates

Hey friends!  Today I'm sharing two of my favorite cheap design ideas that make a huge impact on kitchen spaces! 

I originally undertook this countertop makeover project in November of 2016.  At the time I was about 7 months pregnant with Camille and I was soooo tired of looking at the ugly blue formica counters we had been living with for years.  I found some cheap granite looking contact paper at Walmart on clearance for about $3 a roll and decided to cover my countertops with it.  The result was clearly soooo much better!  And, it lasted over a year, making that the best $10 I have ever spent!  But, the paper was not very thick, and with the every day use a kitchen gets, it started to peel and get a bit worn through in spots.  So, a few months ago I decided to redo the countertops in fresh contact paper.

The paper I chose this time was a little thicker and actually has a bit of texture to it.  I love the neutral color and it actually went on a little easier because the thicker paper didn't stretch as much.  I also found I didn't make as many mistakes this time. Not sure if that's because of the paper or if I just got better with practice.  Below are a few pictures of the first round with contact paper.

And here are the ugly counters with nothing on them...

So much better after, right??



Then, several months after the new contact paper went down, I started thinking about a back splash...

I found these peel and stick tiles on Amazon.  They were $42.97 cents for 10 tiles and they made a huge impact!  They are really easy to put up, but a little tricky around the outlets.  Make sure you have a very sharp utility knife if you give this a go!  Other than that, the directions were great, and this took about an hour to do.  I love the outcome and I feel so much happier spending time in this room now!



I hope these small changes inspire you to make a change if you are living in a space you don't love!

Meatballs & Creamy Curry Sauce

This is one of my favorite 30 minute meals.  Meatballs are so versatile and are one of my favorite comfort foods.  I cheat in order to make this a 30 minute meal and use the turkey meatballs from Trader Joe's.  They are really tasty, but by all means, if you have the time and patience, make your own! 

Curry Sauce (serves 6)
3/4 cup onion finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Thai red curry paste (preferably Mae Ploy brand)

2 tbsp Thai yellow curry paste (Preferably Mae Ploy brand)
3 14 oz cans coconut cream (I use the Trader Joe's brand)
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt (optional)

1 tbsp corn starch
1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, (optional)

To make the curry sauce start by adding a couple tables spoons of canola or coconut oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot (med-high heat) add the onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes longer. Add the curry paste and break it up as much as possible. Add the coconut cream (reserve about 1/4 of one can of the cream) and whisk until paste and cream are fully incorporated and sauce is smooth. When sauce is smooth, add the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and salt if using.   Bring to a boil and add all the meatballs back into the curry sauce. Turn heat to a simmer, cover the pan with a lid. Simmer meatballs for 20 minutes.  If you find (like me) that the sauce is still a little thin at this point, mix the reserved coconut cream and the corn starch until has disolved.  Add to the sauce and stir until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through the center.  Serve over jasmine rice or veggies and garnish with additional lime, basil and cilantro.