Faux Granite Counters ... Continued!

Following up from my previous post, I decided to follow through with my kitchen counter. I chose the gold color, since it goes best with the neutral colored cabinets and wood trim. If you did not read my previous post, you can find the product info at http://ezfauxdecor.com/. I had some good luck shopping on EBay for discounts and deals vs. buying directly from their website.

KITCHEN BEFORE:

Wish I had an up close shot (I took this when I first moved in), to show how the counters looked like
they were previously owned by Edward Scissor Hands

PROGRESS:

Don't mind the mess, but these are actually all the materials you need for application:
1) Water in a squirt bottle
2) Hair dryer (to make the film more malleable to mold around corners)
3)Squeegee and razor (included with film)
4) Scissors to trim

This took a few hours for me to install, had some boo boo moments, but the best part, is that I could peel off the film and reposition it. My counter is a weird shape, not quite an "L", I had to work with a lot of angles. So, I had to install the film in three different pieces around the sink. I cut the lines cleanly, and matched the "grain" of the granite as best I could, and you can't tell it's three separate pieces, unless you look, very, very closely.

The instructions said to remove the sink for the cleanest application and also to not worry about water getting underneath the film. I looked under the sink to observe what I would have to do to achieve this and quickly said "Eff that!"

Plus, I later found that the sink was adhered to the counter. So even if I did remove all the plumbing, garbage disposal, and water hoses, I wouldn't have been able to lift the sink out if I tried. I was glad I didn't.

The sink was the hardest part, since I had to try to precisely cut along the curved corners. But once I messed up one, I learned, and the other 3 corners were cake. I was able to "band-aid" my first mistake with a piece of extra film, you really can't tell. Then I sealed (as instructed) with some clear silicone (3$ Home Depot) to protect the film from water getting into the exposed edges.

KITCHEN AFTER:

                                                                                                                                                                    The kitchen really made a nice transformation. The counters look like the real thing don't they? It is even reflective like real granite.

Overall this cost $80 for 12ft of film. I landed a deal off EBay and got it at 20% off. Whoo hoo!  I had about 2ft of film left over - I ordered extra since, knowing me, I might make a few mistakes with trial and error. I have seen videos on you tube and such where people have spent less for smaller kitchens. Not too bad!

Best part about this is, I can peel it off when I move. Although, I don't plan on moving for a while, so this is a good, inexpensive way to "remodel" a rental.


Here it is, side by side:

Update: I moved in Feb 2015 - I was able to peel the faux granite film gently with a heat gun and then cleaned off the adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol. Overall it held up well for the two years I was there and it was easy to remove!

This product = more options for people who rent

OK, So I came across something AWESOME:

I know what you're thinking, "Big deal, random pic of a granite counter...."

Go to EzFauxDecor for product detals

Believe it or not, this is a faux granite film, waterproof, scratch, and heat resistant. You stick it on, and peel it off when you don't want it anymore! This is a renter's dream! ... well mine at least. So many possibilities, they have faux stainless steel too for your appliances. You can check it out/buy it here.

When I rented my house, I was not lucky enough to get one of the units that had the remodeled kitchens (aka new, matching colored appliances, and granite counter tops). Instead, I have the old, wood counter tops that someone had previously decided to use as a cutting board. You can't tell right off, but the counters have slices and scratches all over it. Painful to see, since the kitchen is one of my favorite places in a house, and where I spend a lot of my time. So my wheels started turning on what I could do to cover this up.

I saw some great stuff that people have done with contact paper through Apartment Therapy, but contact paper on n a busy kitchen counter may not last very long... but I googled "faux granite contact paper" anyway....

I just have to have it. You can order samples for $10.00. So I DID. The prices seemed reasonable to me so, its worth a try. With affordable products like this for home-makeovers, projects, and decor, my rental challenge has been easy peasy.

Come back later to see if follow through with this product on my entire kitchen (AKA one counter top).



Perfect Poached Egg



I used mozzarella, parsley, and smoked sun dried tomatoes.



Poached eggs are a great change up from the usual scrambled or fried. I made a quick breakfast using left over veggies and herbs from dinner and it turned out great!

To poach an egg you will need:

Egg

2 tbsp white vinegar

Small/medium sized pot filled with water about 3/4 full

Small, shallow bowl

Whisk

Slotted spoon or spatula

Spoon

1) Heat the water at medium heat, careful to not let it boil, if it does start to boil, lower the heat a little so that the heat from the stove does not created bubbles.

2) Crack an egg in your small, shallow bowl

3) Once the water is hot, apply your 2 tbsp vinegar into the pot

4) Whisk vigorously to create a whirlpool "current".

5) Quickly (and gently) pour in your egg in the direction the whirlpool is swirling so that the current pulls in the egg. The vinegar causes the egg whites to coagulate and wrap around the yolk

6) Gently stir with spoon to keep the current moving

7) Let the egg cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolk.

8) Gently remove with your slotted spoon/spatula and apply to your dish/toast/muffin

9) Add your veggies/garnish and enjoy!

DIY Necklace Organizer

Since I have moved, all of my necklaces/accessories have been living in a shoebox. I was going through my jewelry this weekend, and got very frustrated with all of the chains that got tangled. So, I decided I needed to come up something that would separate and organize them.

In my old apartment, I used tacks inside the wall of my walk-in closet and hung them there, but I didn't want to do that again. I remembered I had left over cup holder hooks and wood boards from previous projects so I got to work on this DIY project. This took about 45 minutes to assemble.

I had two scrap 11 inch boards that I sanded. I knew I wanted a "weathered" texture to it, so I tried this new trick I picked up, by using a candle. You rub a candle against the edges or details of your wood piece and then paint over it. After the paint dries you use sand paper or wire wool and the paint will "peel" off the areas there are wax, creating a distressed finish.

I mixed a few colors of green to match my mint
colored curtains

After the paint dried, and distressing was completed, I measured and marked with a pen where I wanted to insert the hooks. I pre-drilled holes with a drill bit one size smaller than the hook screw size. Then I screwed in the hooks with ease.

I installed the wood boards with two wood screws onto the wall, then painted over them so they would blend in with the rest of the board.

Hang your necklaces and now I have a tangle free, organized display of my jewelry!

A little green here, a little green there...

I admit, I love the color green. I seem to have found myself always incorporating this color into decor, wardrobe, and my cooking (I'm always throwing spinach in something). Green is at the top of the list of favorite colors. Yep - even made it on my blog layout.

Maybe, I like the way how it easily blends in with neutrals. Whatever it may be, it has made its way into my home decor color scheme. Keeping true to my promise not to paint the walls, pops of green in my neutral colored home are to be found, here is my progress so far...

Dining Room BEFORE:


Hey look! It's my boring dining room light - guess I had a "before" picture after all!

 

PROGRESS:

 

Added curtains, gives the room a nice elegant look, as well as a privacy  for guests bunking in the living room. Getting a larger couch soon to accomodate more seating!




Glass vases: $5 (Hobby Lobby 50% off store sale )

Basket : $4 (Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon)

Silk Hydrangeas: Dollar Store! (I used 6 stems/3 EA vase)

Moss: Dollar Store (2 bags)

Faux Pears: $3 (Burlington Coat Factory clearance)

Place mats $1 (Burlington Coat Factory clearance) 

Much more progress to come - but I only have a certain budget each month. I'd say it is coming together nicely though. Come back to see the living room and bedrooms!


What colors inspire you?

Dinner with friends

One of my college team mates is in town for work and since I hardly get to see her I thought about doing a little something more personal than going out to grab a bite to eat.  My other team mate, who lives around the corner, was available too, so I was very excited for a mini lax (that's short for lacrosse for you non lax folk) reunion. I wanted to make something quick and delicious! Here is what I came up with:

Drink: Strawberry infused moscato

(Reminiscent of our cheap strawberry wine shenanigans in our college days!)

Very easy to prepare - Just slice up your fruit or fruit peels and pop in the bottle - let it infuse overnight in room temp, and pop in the fridge to chill a few hours before serving. You get an added light fruity flavor to your favorite wine!

Next time I think I want to try some muddled raspberries, blackberries, or as Ashleigh recommended, mango! Janney was too busy enjoying the wine itself to make any suggestions, haha.

Appetizers:

Whole grain crostini with roasted garlic and olive oil

Roasted Garlic (made the night before)

Whole grain baguette

Olive oil

To make roasted garlic: Slice the tops off whole garlic cloves, peel off the outer layers of skin leaving one layer or two behind. Place in some tin foil, drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt, pop in the open for 45-60 min. I found that 50-60 they come our caramelized and mushy, if you like your roasted garlic a little firmer for slicing, keep watch around 30-45 min mark for your preferred texture. For my crostini, I wanted it mushy so that I can spread it on like butter.

Slice baguettes at an angle for an oval cut and use pastry/basting brush to apply light coat of olive oil. Set on cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set your oven to broil and place your cookie sheet on the top rack. This is going to be very quick to lightly toast the crostini (I don't like it too hard) so make sure you WATCH your oven until the edges are browned, then remove from oven.

Take your roasted garlic and squeeze out onto a plate, or bowl, and take a butter knife and spread that garlicky goodness onto your warm toasted bread. I roughly chopped up some parsley and sprinkled over for garnish.

Caprese salad bites:

Mozzarella Pearls (usually in the deli cheese section)

Fresh Basil

Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)

Sweet balsamic reduction sauce

Olive oil

Pretty simple, just assemble each ingredient on a toothpick, drizzle some olive oil and balsamic reduction sauce.

Watermelon and mint salad with sweet balsamic vinegar sauce

Watermelon (I bought pre-cut at Publix)

Fresh Mint

Sweet balsamic reduction sauce

Cut the watermelon into bite sized cubes, and sandwich a leaf of mint between two cubes. Drizzle with balsamic reduction. I love this, its so clean and refreshing!

Sweet balsamic reduction sauce:

(I made the sauce the night before)

Balsamic Vinegar

Sugar

Water

In small saucepan, pour in 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water. Whisk around to dissolve sugar a bit. Heat on high until it comes to a boil, then set heat to med. Stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce to a thicker consistency within 15-20 minutes. Around the 10 min mark, I reduce the head to a low simmer and watch for the next 5 minutes on how thick I want the sauce. I dip a spoon in the pan and if it coats thickly and doesn't run off too fast, its ready.

Entree:

Roasted Shrimp Scampi with whole grain angel hair pasta and Parmesan Frico.

Sorry no picture here, my pals dove into it so fast I wasn't able to snag a pic. But it was delicious!! I made a creamy scampi sauce, I don't have an exact recipe since I kinda just threw ingredients into a saucepan and just went with it

Dessert:

No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake



I got this recipe courtesy of Pinterest/Apartment Therapy. You can find the super easy recipe here.
The food was great, we all got to catch up and reminisce with stories with the prefix of "Remember when..."
Just reminds me of how lucky I am to have met these girls and that I was able to spend four awesome years of my life with them 24/7 (the good and the bad!). The team runs, puking on the sidelines from deathly sprints, late nights up to no good, memorable achievements on the field, and most of all that bond that is more than just a friend, these girls are my sisters for life.

So glad I put this together! This may become a tradition every time my friends pop into town.

Faux Capiz Shell Chandelier

This post will be short and sweet, since I found an awesome tutorial that explains it all perfectly.

My dining room lighting was ugly. It was bothering my eyes every time I was in that space. I wish I took a picture to show you what an eyesore it was. But it had to come done ASAP. I took it apart and immediately felt better, but I had no idea what I was going to replace it with... the ceiling was just there, light-less for about a week.

I went to a few stores and nothing stuck out enough for my to buy. I saw this tutorial floating around a while ago on faux capiz shell chandeliers and I noted it, but didn't have motivation at the time, and was also indecisive on what I wanted.

Well, after a week of no lighting and squinting my eyes to read under my lamps, I found motivation. This project is time consuming, but well worth it, I think.

I know DIY is not anything new, it was posted in 2010. I'm late to the DIY circuit, sheesh where have I been?

Design*Sponge -Tutorial

I caution you to not use a circle punch (this was mentioned in the tutorial, but I was stubborn) wax paper does not return great results with this tool.  My circle punch and I got in a fight, I barely made 30 circles in about an hour. Too long. Good thing I had a 50% coupon for JoAnn's this month and purchased a Martha Stewart Circle Cutter - it worked awesome. Sorry circle punch - you're fired.

I was able to cut through four sheets at a time - making the second round much quicker! My rate was about 60 circles per four sheet stacks - I was ready to sew em together in an hour.

Materials needed. Not pictured: Iron/ironing board, hot glue gun,
sewing machine

I didn't use ribbon as the tutorial shows, but I saw examples of others where people used a sewing machine to link the capiz "shells" together. I liked that better. It was easy, you just feed the circles through one behind the other. I made a few really long chains and cut them into increments of 5 when I was done with sewing them together.

I used a 10" hanging garden basket from WalMart I got for $2. I also did not paint it since, I forgot about that step, and I did not have any paint on hand. Oh well! I thought about getting a bigger basket, but man, you have to cut a lot of circles for this one!

Approx. 250 circles later .... Let there be LIGHT!!!

Dining room progress!

























Total cost for me: $18

• New basic ceiling light canopy $6 (I tried to disassemble the old one, turned out it was attached to the pendant, dang it)
• Circle Cutter $10 (50% off)
• Basket $2

It looks very chic with my dining table, I am very happy for my newly found motivation to make this. Thanks Design*Sponge for your awesomeness!

DIY Dining Room Table

OK, so I never really needed a dining table in small apartments, since I was just content with eating with a plate on my lap, or on the coffee table in front of the TV.

Now that I live in a large enough space, and actually have friends/family visiting often, a dining table is a necessity for get togethers.

I. LOVE. WORLD MARKET. I went shopping there a while ago for some home decor (and inspiration), and I saw this lovely farmhouse style table, called the Provence Dining Table.







I could live without the bulky legs, but the length and color/finish was just what I was looking for. Alas, as I reached to take a look at the price tag I found: A whopping $529.99.

Yep, you guessed it, DIY. I scoured the Internet for table designs, plans, instructions, blogs, and I found these two that I instantly fell in love with, and whats best, the tutorial seemed simple enough:

Inspiration #1: ApartmentTherapy.com

I loved the table legs, I found out that you can purchase them from IKEA for $60 (for a pair).

 

Inspiration #2: STYLIZIMO (blog by Nina Holst)

This is EXACTLY the type of color I was looking for. The author mentioned in her tutorial that she used a driftwood stain, so I will be exploring those color options at Home Depot. I decided to combine the two things I loved from DIY examples I found....so let's get started with my version of building a basic dining table.

My DIY Checklist:

• Table Legs
• Wooden boards for table top
• Other pieces of wood to use as the table braces
• Wood screws
• Dowels (I decided to add this, as I read in other tuts that dowels can help with stability and alignment of the wooden planks)
• Wood glue or adhesive (I used Liquid Nails that I had for another project)
• Power drill
• Sandpaper
• Driftwood color stain (or paint)
• Paint brushes and rags

Step 1

Take your wood boards and mark where you want to insert the dowels in even increments. I did a set of 3, in hindsight, I could have done 4.



Home Depot - 5.5FT/$10EA
There were cheaper options but I liked the thickness and knots
in these pieces of wood. Also, I did not have to cut the boards,
as they originally came in this length. Hey! Makes my life one
step easier.

 



Home Depot -Dowel Kit - $5
Did not intend to buy this, but it was a great find! I was concerned
with accurately measuring the center of every dowel on each
plank, but this kit ensured that I made a correct fit.

Step 2

Find a drill bit (or use the one in a kit) that is the same width of the dowel. The depth of the dowel hole will be 1/2 the length of the dowel, so that when placed together, the boards will fit flush.

Hole drilled 1/2 the length of the dowel on each plank. Thanks to the
drill stop included in the dowel kit, the holes were all the same depth.

Step 3

Before we start gluing, insert the dowels and connect the planks to make sure everything fits nicely.

Step 4

Once everything is fitted/adjusted, disassemble and squeeze glue/adhesive into the holes and reconnect the planks. Let dry (I had to wait 24 hrs).



You can get Liquid Nails at almost any home inprovement store.
I had this handy from a previous project, cost is around $3.  



Insert glue in the dowel holes. If you have excess just wipe it off

Step 5



Measure the distance between the braces, and make sure you leave some room at the ends for the table legs. Make sure the side you want as the top of the table is facing down.

Step 6

Screw the braces to the table top.

Step 7

Install table legs





Important! Make sure the screws in the leg installation kit are not too long
for the thickness of the table. I made this mistake and drilled right through my table.
Luckily, I had some short screws that I was able to use, but I had to fill in my holes
 (I just used the liquid nails) and sand the area very well to hide my boo boo.



Step 8

Flip the table right side up, use sand paper to smooth out any rough edges, and lightly sand the surface of the table.

Table prepped to stain

Step 9



Stain the wood with the color of your choice! I used a stain color called "Light Lead" from Home Depot for $3.





Step 10



Let the stain dry- add another coat if you desire (I used 2)

Whoo-hoo! A DIY rustic/modern dining table! Sorry for the poor photo quality - I do not own a real camera, and I doubt I can DIY one of those- that's where I draw the line.

I had most of the items on my checklist on hand, so total cost of this project whipped up to be $98 for the planks, dowels, wood stain, and table legs. I was not extremely frugal on the IKEA legs I chose, but sometimes you gotta go with what you really love! IKEA has a selection of other, cheaper options for table legs you could look into as well. For example, the same style legs (but without the third, "bottom" leg) are $15 a pair. This project could have potentially been $67 - but mind you that I didn't buy everything at once, I purchased my materials as I had the extra cash. Way better than shelling out over a hundred bucks for the same size table at one moment.

I had 4 chairs from an old kitchenette set that I plan to reupholster- but that will be another day!

My next project: DIY Faux Capiz Shell Chandelier



Castella Cake

Taking a nice break from the home decor/furniture making to talk about my other passion. FOOD!

 

Growing up in South Korea has been a great experience, and as a Korean-American I try to keep close to my heritage by learning how to make the comfort foods and treats of my childhood. My mom and grandma are both amazing cooks, and I learned from watching and helping them in the kitchen.

 

My most fondest memory, were birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, because that meant we were going to have cake. Not just any cake, castella cake. You just can't find bakeries in the US that make this kind of cake.

 

Lucky for me, while living in DC, there are several korean bakeries, and I was also able to stroll in and get my sweet fix. Unfortunately the more south I moved, the further away I was from castella cake. Sadness beyond belief.

 

Plain castella cake- YUM!

 

Castella is a type of sponge cake, with a touch of honey. It's delicious plain with tea and coffe, and so light and airy. Not just popular in Korea, but variations in Japan and other asian countries.

 

I decided I had suffered enough, and I must learn how to make my own. I found a basic castella cake recipe here a few years ago, and have tweaked it as I went along. I crashed and burned a few times, but eventually had success

What is the big deal about this cake you say? I am probably blowing this way out of proportion, but seriously, this is my favorite cake, and everyone should experience its deliciousness, especially when it is all dressed up for a special occasion. In Korea, this is known as a sseng (fresh) cream cake.

I have made my version of these cakes for different occasions and everyone has been delighted and surprised - and I am always requested to make more. It's a sweet dessert, but not too sweet, and a nice change from heavier, rich cakes made with butter or oil.

Here are a few of my versions of the Castella/Fresh Cream Cake:




Birthday cake layered with mango mousse and topped with a strawberry gelee



Individual cake

 

Cupcake version



So are you ready to make your own? Let's get started!
(I will update with step by step pictures when I make a new cake)

Checklist

• Stand Mixer -  because it requires mixing for quite some time, and I found using a hand mixer just doesn't work as well and my cake came out dense and eggy, also my arm got tired. So if you do not have stand mixer, you better go sweet talk Grandma into letting you borrow hers.
• Flour Sifter or mesh wire strainer
• 8 eggs (this makes enough batter for two 8-9" layers)
• 1 cup, 4 TBSP of granulated sugar
• 14 TBSP all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk (I use full fat milk, although come to think of it, I wonder if soy or almond milk would work too...)
• 4 TBSP honey
• Cake Pan (8 or 9 inch is fine, I use square and round pans)
• Parchment Paper
• 2 Mixing bowls (Or 1 mixing bowl, and your stand mixer bowl) A metal bowl for the double boil step works best.
• 2 Small mixing bowls
• Pastry brush
• Large pot or deep pan (to double boil with)

1) Preheat oven to 340°F

2) Place pan(s) on parchment paper and trace out the shape to create a lining for your pan. Don't skip this part - because your cake will stick to the bottom.

3) Sprinkle some extra sugar on your pan (optional)

4) Fill your double boiler pot/pan with water and place on stove. bring to a boil the place on low (this will keep the heat constant)

5) Measure your flour and double sift. Set to the side

6) Crack all your eggs in a new mixing bowl, or your stand mixer bowl

 

7) Add sugar to the eggs

8) Whisk the sugar and eggs well, and then place the stand mixer bowl over your pan of hot water. Continue to whisk until the egg mixture feels lukewarm-warmish. When ready turn off stove that was heating the pan of water. The egg/sugar mixture should become a lighter yellow and very frothy.

 

9) Place your egg/sugar mixture on stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Set to med-high setting and let it mix for about 15-25 min. The batter will be ready when:

• After its almost tripled its volume
• a pale yellow color
• has a texture that can form a thick ribbon

See how pale yellow it gets?

10) While the eggs/sugar mixture is mixing, grab your small bowl and add the milk and heat it in the microwave for about 30 sec. Add and mix honey into the milk.

 

11) As your batter is forming in the last 5 minutes, spoon in the milk/honey mixture into the batter.

 

12) Add in your flour a little at a time until all pockets of flour are gone. After the batter has been mixed, I like to fluff/stir it gently with a whisk to make sure there is no flour that settle to the bottom of the bowl.

13) Pour batter into the pans 3/4 of the way, or up to the top. Your preference, I usually use 3/4 if I am making two layers.

14) Bake for about 15-20 minutes. I like to check at the 15 min mark. The cake will be ready when:

• Top is a golden/amber brown color
• Stick a skewer, or knife in the cake and it comes out clean.

15) Once finished baking, remove from oven and set on stove or cake rack to cool.

16) While the cake is cooling, prepare a honey water mixture with 2 TBSP honey, and 2 TBSP water.

17) Immediately brush the honey water mixture over the top of the cake.

18) Once cake cool enough to touch (still warm though), remove from the pan, and wrap with layers of plastic wrap and place into a plastic bag. Seal the bag securely, and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight This step allows the condensation create from the warm cake and honey water mixture to create its moist texture. However, If you are making the cake the same day, you can just allow to cool completely on the racks.

19) Once cooled, or if in the fridge, remove and cut as desired, or prepare to decorate the cake.

Whipped topping:

• 2 cartons of whipping cream (better to have extra)
• Triple sec (optional)
• Vanilla  fruit puree, or flavor extract of your choice)
• Whip it! or gelatin to allow whipped cream to remain set (I tried both, I think I like the gelatin better)
• Powdered Sugar (to taste, I use about 1/4 cup)
• Food coloring (optional)

I like to place my stand mixing bowl in the freezer long before I do this step, so its nice and cold to whip the cream

1) Pour cream in stand mixer, and start mixing med-high speed

2) Add sugar, and flavoring

3) once soft peaks start to form, add in the whip it or gelatin

4) Once hard peaks have formed, stop, you know you have whipped it too much if it gets lumpy.

5) Layer and ice your cake with the whipped cream. Get fancy and pipe on designs if you want.

6) Top with slice fresh fruit (Strawberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, peaches, pineapple...etc)

Here is a cake I taught my sister how to make. She filled it with pineapple and whipped cream, and I helped her pipe with 1M and Rose decorative tips. Cute!

 

Make sure you keep this cake covered and refrigerated so it can stay moist and the whipped cream doesn't liquify. I found that letting it stand at room temp for 30-45 min before serving is fine. Store leftovers immediatley in the fridge.  

Let me know if you tried to make this! I would love to see your version. I hope you enjoy this cake as much as I do!