DIY: Stenciled Wall Decor

Necessities:

Wooden board (or cabinet doors, in my case)

Letter stencils

Spray paint

Acrylic paint

Paint brush

Cute dog (optional)

Something to say

Steps:

Acquire wood. Mine came in the form of refurbished cabinet doors, which I found for FREE at the Habitat ReStore. 

Spray.

Break. Take picture of cute dog.

Stencil. With patience.

Admire. 

My inspiration came from a quote I found on Pinterest. The date on the left is the day that Kyle and I started dating; the date on the right is the day we were married.

FIT TIP FRIDAY: The Purple Powerhouse

Eggplant.

Mmmmm.

Did you know that eggplant contains loads of fiber as well as numerous vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (antioxidants helpful in warding off disease), all for a mere 20 calories per cup?! Amazing, right?

Eggplant is also commonly used by vegetarians as a substitute for meat because of its savory taste and its high satiation potential (ability to make you feel full).

Are you ready for a recipe yet? I've got you covered.

Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta

 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium eggplant, (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped pitted green olives
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 4 teaspoons capers, rinsed
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, (optional)
• 12 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or basil

Preparation

1. Put a pot of water on to boil.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add tomatoes, olives, vinegar, capers, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, 5 to 7 minutes more.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until just tender, about 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and divide the pasta among 6 shallow bowls. Spoon the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle parsley (or basil) on top.

 Nutrition Highlights

• 282 calories per serving (6 servings in this recipe)
• 10 grams of protein
• 11 grams of fiber
• 416 mg of Potassium
• 25% DV of Magnesium
• 18% DV of Vitamin C
• 15% DV of Folate and Iron

Wedding Wonders

 Every Thursday, I'll be posting photos of wonderful wedding ideas. Thank me later.

Oh, and thank Pinterest.

 Bridesmaids spying on the couple.

 Bride + Maid of Honor

Pre-wedding photo. 

 Photo booth at the reception

 Tie rings to a Bible instead of a pillow

 Reception signs

 In lieu of a ring bearer

Bride + groom shadows