DIY...Wine Box turned Jewelry Display...

I've had this old wine box laying around for some time. I made a jewelry display out of it a couple years ago, but really didn't like the paint or the overall look. So I made a simple plan to redo it and have it sit pretty on top of my dresser.

I spray painted the entire box glossy black and then hand painted the interior back crisp white.  I had originally planned on applying white contact paper that was gold specked, but it didn't adhere; DIY fail. Next pre-drilled holes on one side and inserted small gold hooks, your fingertips will thank you for pre-drilling.

I love how tall the box is, its almost tall enough for all my long necklaces. It displays everything really well and there is also space for my perfumes, too. 

Any clever ideas to store your jewelry?

I'm sharing this DIY over at The Best of the Nest, CHECK IT OUT HERE!!!

One Room Challenge...

I'm so excited to announce that I will be joining the link party over at Calling it Home, its the One Room Challenge. 

You transfer one room in your house and show the progress over six weeks. I'm happy to be linking up and cannot wait to get started. 

Please follow along to see updates and results.

The room I will be transforming will be announced next week!!!

Vegan Carrot-Peach Smoothie...

Hey guys, hopefully you're all still around reading blogs. I've noticed a few blogs that I have followed for a over a year don't blog anymore. I understand, sometimes its hard to find the time. When I started House of Ruby Jean I had a lot of time to blog, not the story right now. Liam and I are almost completely moved into Boo's house. Most of our free time is spent organizing the house and blending three different lives and schedules together. Its all coming together and I love it!

Last year I posted my Breakfast Smoothie recipe and its my most viewed and pinned post. The recipe is HERE. And you can follow me on Pinterest, HERE. I love the ideas of smoothies, just throw a bunch of healthy stuff in a blender and there you have it. 

The idea of the Carrot-Peach came after and impulse purchase at Costco. In my continuing effort to be healthy, I purchased some organic carrot juice with the thought that it was going to be slightly sweet...I was wrong, dead wrong. So here I had 3 bottles of this juice and needed to use up so smoothie making was in order. 

After making this smoothie the first time I was hooked and knew that I had to share it with you. Its so  good and good for you. I sweetened it up with a little agave to mellow out the strong carrot flavor. I know that I'll be purchasing this organic carrot juice again all because of this smoothie.

Carrot-Peach Smoothie

makes 1 smoothie

1 Cup Organic Carrot Juice

1 Cup Frozen Peaches

1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar

Place all ingredients in blender and blend to desired consistency.

National Pancake Day...

Today is National Pancake Day and I don't have a new recipe but a re post. I made these last year and absolutely adore them so much that I had to share them again. Are you helping yourself to some pancakes today?

Place shredded coconut on a baking pan and bake at 350º for about 5 minutes, turning pan half way through. Keep an eye on it, it toasts up fast!

I made a few for Liam without the toasted shredded coconut, I knew he wouldn't care for the texture of it. After his were done I added it to the batter for mine and it was wonderful, added a nice crunch and extra coconut flavor that I was looking for. 

Whether the toasted coconut is added or not the result is a soft, fluffy, and buttery cake. Melts in your mouth, I wish I had doubled this recipe today! Please feel free to add comments, I'm always looking for feedback.  

I'm sharing this recipe on Time to Sparkle Link Party, HERE.

Coconut Pancakes

makes 6 Cakes

1/4 Cup Heavy Cream

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

1/4 teaspoon Vanilla

1 Cup All Purpose Flour

2 Tablespoons Sugar

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut, toasted

Sift dry ingredients, add liquid and mix together. 

Place on a heated griddle (medium heat) by 1/3 cup portions.

Once bubbles cover cake, then flip. cook for an additional 2 minutes, until golden brown. 

Serve with more toasted coconut. 

Best of February 2014...

Happy Monday, Are you all excited for spring as much as I am? Stupid question, right? The older I get the more I cannot stand winter, and winters here in the Denver area aren't all that bad. I just cannot wait to have spring arrive.

As usual the time is flying by and so much is happening. I'm almost finished moving with my Boo and we couldn't be more excited. He's probably not excited seeing all my junk that comes along with Liam and myself. Hence, lots of projects in the future. 

February was filled with lots of exciting things, and probably most exciting was Liam getting accepted into school of our dreams. We are all very excited and grateful for the opportunity and education he is going to receive. 

I was holding my breath for months waiting for this day to come!

We got sweet with Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies, recipe here

Made some yummy Raspberry Chocolate Almond Muffins, recipe HERE

My favorite recipe this month, Chocolate Thyme Cookies, recipe HERE

Liam's first Denver Nuggets Basketball game, him and Rocky.

Karate tournament, he placed "best in hand form".

New belt this month too, graduated up to yellow. Proud of my Tiny Tiger.

Warmed up one evening with Chicken Marsala, recipe HERE

Excited for all the change that is happening around me!