Summer Orzo Salad

Ingredients:
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 4 carrots, grated
- 2 small cucumbers, chopped
- 1 can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3.5 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 avocados, diced

Directions:
Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and let cool. Toss the grated carrots, cucumbers, beans, onion, cilantro, and parsley in a large bowl with the orzo pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight. Before serving toss the avocado and feta into the pasta salad. 

Dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 lemons, juiced
1 lime, juiced
2 garlic cloves, diced
Salt and pepper 

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.

Recipe slightly modified from My Colombian Recipes.

DIY Car Seat Cooler with FREE Pattern

I am not sure what we would do in the Arizona summers without the kid's car seat coolers! There would probably be a lot more whining and complaining when we got into the car. Instead they ooh and ahh over their nice cold car seats! I used to sell the pattern for these in my Etsy Shop, but I decided to post it here to share with all of you! It takes just a few supplies, basic sewing skills, and a sewing machine.

DIY Bath Toy Tub

 

My boys love playing with lots of small plastic toys in the bathtub, and lately they've had a lot of fun playing in their sinks. The toys are usually left all over the bathroom, and our growing collection no longer fits into the container I once had for them. So I thought I would make them a new home. I used a large plastic tub that was once filled with animal crackers from Costco, a rubber ducky, yellow spray paint, and some chalkboard vinyl. You can follow the steps below to make your own. 

You will need:

-Large plastic tub with lid

-Rubber Ducky or other toy to attach to the lid

-Glue

-Spray Paint

-Chalkboard Vinyl or chalkboard spray paint 

1. Glue the toy to the lid and let dry.

2. Spray paint the lid and the toy. You will probably need to do 2-3 coats to fully cover the toy.
3. While the lid and toy are drying drill a hole or a few holes in the bottom of the tub to help water drain.

4. Cut the chalkboard vinyl to cover the old label of the plastic tub. I cut two labels using my silhouette machine to cover an old label on the front and the back. You could also cut the vinyl with scissors. Or if you are using chalkboard spray paint, follow along here.

5. Once your chalkboard label is on, fill the tub with toys and place on the lid!

Kitchen Inspiration

We have been in our house for over a month now and it has been nice to feel a little more settled. However, there are still so many projects that need to be finished and begun! When I am feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be done still, I try and remember where we started! We've come a long way! You can see some before pictures HERE. I am excited to post some up to date pictures, but still want to get some projects finished up before that. So I thought I would post some pictures that have, and still are inspiring our kitchen remodel.

Photo Above:

1.White Open Shelving via Decor Pad

2. Industrial Style Kitchen Cart Via Pinterest

3. Milk Glass Pendant via Restoration Hardware

4. Farmhouse Sink via Ikea

5. Bare Bulb Pendant via Restoration Hardware 

6. Kid's Art Display with Ikea Curtain Wires via Pinterest

7. Brass Hardware Bin Label via Wayfair

8. White Carrera Marble Countertops

9. Chrome Latch Hardware via Restoration Hardware

10. White Shaker Cabinets with Grey Island via Pinterest

1. Elton Settee via West Elm

2. Concrete Top Kitchen Table via Restoration Hardware

3. Drum Light via West Elm

4. Metal Tub Chairs via World Market

5. Jasper Rug in Aqua via Crate and Barrel