Hello lovelies. I can't thank you enough for stopping by Budget Bliss over the years. I started this blog in 2012 as a creative outlet but it became so much more.
The bad news: Budget Bliss is going bye bye.
The good news: You can visit me over at Larch & Loon. I'll still be sharing DIYs from time to time on top other northwest lifestyle content around brewing, biking and hiking.
Here's a new post I know you'll love, a DIY floral bike basket.
See you there,
Maren
Creamy SunButter Stir Fry Over Cauliflower Fried Rice
Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring! Skip the salad and try this creamy SunButter stir fry that's packed with veggies and protein for a healthy take on classic Asian flavors. Never had SunButter? It's about to become your new favorite spread. Similar in taste and texture to peanut butter, this nut-free alternative works great for both sweet and savory recipes.
1/2 cup SunButter
1/2 cup Coconut Milk
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Orange Bell Pepper
1 Medium Zucchini
2 Chicken Breasts
Fresh Basil
1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
Directions:
1. Dice up your peppers, zucchini and chicken breasts.
2. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes.
3. Move to high head and add the SunButter, coconut milk and seasoning. Bring to a slow boil.
4. Remove from heat and let set for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve over cauliflower fried rice.
1 Small Head Cauliflower
1 Small Yellow Onion
2 Tablespoons Chicken Better Than Bullion
2 Cloves Garlic
2 Eggs
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Curry Powder
Directions:
1. Dice cauliflower into rice sized pieces.
2. Remove moisture by pressing onto a paper towel.
3. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic when hot until translucent.
4. Add cauliflower and cook for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Better Than Bullion and seasonings.
6. Clear the middle portion of the skillet and crack two eggs inside.
7. Scramble and disperse throughout the "rice."
This recipe makes four heaping servings and can easily be reheated for a quick lunch. Enjoy!
Creamy SunButter Stir Fry
Ingredients:1/2 cup SunButter
1/2 cup Coconut Milk
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Orange Bell Pepper
1 Medium Zucchini
2 Chicken Breasts
Fresh Basil
1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
Directions:
1. Dice up your peppers, zucchini and chicken breasts.
2. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes.
3. Move to high head and add the SunButter, coconut milk and seasoning. Bring to a slow boil.
4. Remove from heat and let set for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve over cauliflower fried rice.
Cauliflower Fried "Rice"
Ingredients:1 Small Head Cauliflower
1 Small Yellow Onion
2 Tablespoons Chicken Better Than Bullion
2 Cloves Garlic
2 Eggs
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Curry Powder
Directions:
1. Dice cauliflower into rice sized pieces.
2. Remove moisture by pressing onto a paper towel.
3. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic when hot until translucent.
4. Add cauliflower and cook for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Better Than Bullion and seasonings.
6. Clear the middle portion of the skillet and crack two eggs inside.
7. Scramble and disperse throughout the "rice."
This recipe makes four heaping servings and can easily be reheated for a quick lunch. Enjoy!
No-Sew DIY High-Waisted Bikini
Last year I wrote a post on how to create your own high-waisted bikini. This post has become one of my favorites and most shared, but a lot of people were curious if there was a no-sew version. So after lots of glue research, I found a way to recreate this look without picking up a needle and thread.
You'll need:
- A one-piece suit (I found mine at Old Navy)
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
Step 1: Cut the one-piece suit an inch or two below the underwire.
Step 2: Fold the suit over and use your glue to adhere the fabric in place. If your suit has ruching on the sides you can use binder clips to hold it in place while it dries.
It’s awesome to see this flattering, vintage style becoming more popular and available in stores. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon.
No-Sew Heart Clutch DIY
Last week I showed you guys how to make an embellished tee with items from the clearance rack. I used the same approach with this no-sew heart clutch. I found the red purse at Old Navy for $5 and the black cosmetic bag at Forever 21 for $7. So for just over $10 I had a new purse, just in time for Valentine's Day.
The best part about this DIY is that it's no-sew. I didn't bring my sewing machine out to Washington so I've been getting crafty with my glue gun.
Step 1 - Make a heart stencil
Step 2 - Trace your stencil
Step 3 - Cut out your heart
Step 4 - Glue that sucker on
Step 5 - Rock your new clutch
DIY Chain Embellished T-shirt
I'd been on the hunt for a tee with embellished shoulders for months without any luck so I decided to take matters into my own hands! Thanks to some discount jewelry from H&M and Forever 21, this only ended up costing $10 (shirt included). The clearance rack is one of my favorite places to shop for DIY projects. I also picked up a pair of white pleather shorts for another project I'm working on. Stay tuned to see what those will turn into!
All you'll need for this quick craft is a t-shirt, a cheap necklace, needle-nose pliers, scissors, a needle and thread. Simply shorten pieces of the necklace to your desired length, fasten together and sew onto the shoulders of the tee. Simple as that!
DIY Halloween Costumes You'll Want to Wear Again
Are you guys as obsessed with ModCloth as I am? They recently published a post on how you can dress for Halloween if you don't like costumes. Personally, i LOVE costumes, but this inspired me to put together some costume ideas that don't make you feel like you're playing dress up. Bonus: You can totally wear these pieces again!
Meow We're Talking Tights $17.99, You and Meow Forever Heels $64.99 , Claws for Celebration Headband $14.99, Suave Dress $49.99
Spook Your Mind Tee $34.99, Records Before Breakfast Skirt $49.99, Liquid Eyeliner $7.99, Carpal Diem Bracelet $14.99, Generation X-ray Socks $19.99
Extravagant Evening Dress $219.99, Gatsby Green Light Necklace $39.99, Decadence on Air Earrings $19.99
Looking for more ideas? Check out some of my favorites from last year.
DIY No-Sew Felt Peter Pan Collar Necklace
Has anyone else been super into peter pan collars lately? Every time I browse ModCloth (which is EVERY day) I see another item with this vintage touch.
Revamp a simple neckline by adding a peter pan collar! All you'll need is some felt, ribbon and a glue gun. No sewing involved.
Start by tracing the desired shape onto your felt. I did mine freehand but Angus Yornet has an easy pattern you can use. Then, adhere the ribbon with your glue gun. Guess what? That's it! I told you it was easy. Wear alone or add a broach like I did above.
Revamp a simple neckline by adding a peter pan collar! All you'll need is some felt, ribbon and a glue gun. No sewing involved.
Start by tracing the desired shape onto your felt. I did mine freehand but Angus Yornet has an easy pattern you can use. Then, adhere the ribbon with your glue gun. Guess what? That's it! I told you it was easy. Wear alone or add a broach like I did above.
DIY High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms (+ Tankini Revamp)
High-waisted bikinis are making a comeback this year! Before you head to the mall or purchase online, consider revamping an old one-piece you already have.
All you need is an old suit or two, your machine (or you can hand stitch) and half an hour. If you're not good with a needle, check out my new no-sew version!
Simply cut your one-piece horizontally, pin and zig-zag stitch (to account for the stretch). If your suit doesn't have much stretch left you'll want to insert elastic or add darts. Do the same for the top and voilà!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon.
All you need is an old suit or two, your machine (or you can hand stitch) and half an hour. If you're not good with a needle, check out my new no-sew version!
Simply cut your one-piece horizontally, pin and zig-zag stitch (to account for the stretch). If your suit doesn't have much stretch left you'll want to insert elastic or add darts. Do the same for the top and voilà!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and be sure to check out my new blog, Larch & Loon.
Simple Ways to Save on Travel
Do you have champagne travel taste and a beer budget? Then keep reading. I've compiled a list of tips to help you save on your next trip.
1. Student Universe isn't JUST for students
Did you know you that Student Universe offers discounted flights for youth (16 - 25), adults and faculty? I saved over $300 on my trip to Madrid last fall by booking with Student Universe! They also offer travel insurance which might seem costly upfront but will likely benefit you in the long run.
2. Ask for a better rate.
I'm not joking. Get a deal on a last minute hotel room simply by asking for a better rate. The last time I booked a hotel I asked for the price on a specific room. I was told $179. I knew since the hotel wasn't at capacity they'd probably be willing to negotiate. I asked every so sweetly, is that your best rate? The clerk came back with $139!
3. Use public transportation
Rental car fees and taxi fares can add up quickly. Explore a new city by bus or metro and you'll feel more like a local while saving green and living green.
4. Bring friends
Split the gas money and hotel rate 4 ways. Sure you might be packed like sardines in the back seat, but it'll only make for better memories.
5. Sign up for fare alerts
Sites like airfarewatchdog.com will send you emails when fares to your favorite destinations drop. You can also search for flights within a range of dates to find the lowest possible price.
And don't forget: You can always make money. You can't always make memories.
11 DIYs to try in 2014
#1 DIY Button Earrings
Not only are these adorable, they're also super easy and inexpensive to make. Claire from Fellow Fellow will show you how!
#2 DIY Glitter Banner
#2 DIY Glitter Banner
I actually started on this project already - way to not procrastinate! I'm doing wanderlust, but you can do whatever word or phrase your heart desires.
#3 Luxe Headband
P.S. I made this... always has the best projects.
#4 DIY Workout Headband
Better make this since another resolution of mine is to hit the gym more!
#5 Handmade Painted Mugs
Plain mugs + acrylic paint + 300 degrees = personalized gifts for all.
Tutorial by MerricksArt.
#6 Map Platter
Another easy DIY from P.S. I made this...
#7 Positivity Jar
Each day write down something that inspired or motivated you and place it in the jar. Get started on this one right away!
#8 Gold and Glitter Dipped Feathers
I still have no idea what I would do with these, but I can figure that out later. Tutorial by Copenhaven.
#9 Hollow Book Jewelry Box
The best place to hide something is in plain sight. Keep your jewelry or other valuables safe in a hollow book.
#10 Heart Tights
I'm loving these DIY Valentines tights.
#11 Decoupaged Glassware
You can decoupage on glass? YUP. I have a feeling this will become my new obsession.
Hope this post inspired you to create something (or at least pin something to make later)! What projects are you looking forward to in 2014?
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