I didn't really develop an interest in cooking until college, and even then it was more of a casual interest. But once I was living on my own, cooking became my favorite hobby. Nothing helps me decompress after a long workday quite like chopping veggies and whipping up sauces and dressings. I stand by my belief that there should be a candle that smells like garlic cooking in olive oil and few things bring me more joy than trying out a new recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers. Over the past couple of years, I've even delved into...
Category: BLOG
BLOG, INTERIORS
OUR GUEST ROOM DESIGN PLAN & INSPIRATION
Our guest room is probably the room that most reflects my changing taste in interiors over the last few years and as a result, it’s gone through the most iterations of any room in our house since we moved in. When we first moved in, I envisioned a neutral room with dark furniture. We already had a black metal bed frame that I loved and some secondhand IKEA nightstands from the guest room of our condo, so I used that as my starting point. I added my favorite Loloi rug and our old IKEA dresser from the main bedroom of...
BLOG, RECIPES
BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH AIR FRIED CHICKPEAS AND SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE RECIPE
I’ve been working from home full time for about a year and a half now, and honestly my favorite thing about it so far has been having the flexibility to put a little more effort into lunch every day. And if there’s one thing that Sweetgreen taught me, it’s that salads are only boring if you make them boring. I’ve been trying to use my cookbooks more often this year, and I’ve been really inspired by the flavorful salads with ingredients I wouldn’t have thought to include. This salad was inspired by a recipe in one of my favorite cookbooks,...
BLOG, LIFESTYLE
LOVING LATELY: GOLD JEWELRY
As part of the blog’s rebrand, I’m also going to be introducing some new blog post series, starting with a “Loving Lately” series. The Loving Lately series will cover anything from interiors to recipes to product finds to fashion - whatever I’m loving lately! I’ve always been a jewelry person, and my taste in jewelry has fluctuated over the years, but for the last several years I’ve been a gold jewelry person. I’m currently in my hoop earring era, but I’m also still loving statement earrings and delicate necklaces. I’ve picked up some great (and affordable!) pieces over the past...
BLOG, Uncategorized
INTRODUCING APPLE CREEK HOME
After an extended hiatus from blogging, I’m finally feeling creative again! Since starting this blog 4 years ago, so much has changed - including my personal style and the interiors I gravitate toward. Now that I’m back to blogging, I thought it was time for a little bit of a refresh. I want this blog to be a reflection of my current taste and interests, so in addition to some updated branding, I’m excited to share that the blog will also be taking on a new name. The Cozy Creative is now Apple Creek Home!
BLOG, INTERIORS
MY 2022 HOME GOALS
Hello again! It's been a long time since my last post - more than six months, to be specific. 2021 was a tough one and with everything going on it was time to take a break from the blog. Things are looking up in 2022 though, and I'm excited to get back to my favorite creative outlet! I thought it would be fun to kick the year off by sharing my goals for our home in 2022. Most of these projects have been in my head for a while, but I thought the new year would be a good opportunity...
BLOG, DIY
DIY CONTACT PAPER COUNTERS
Over the summer I shared the start of my budget kitchen counter makeover on Instagram and I’ve never gotten so many DMs in my life. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about the products I used and how exactly I did this, so I thought I’d take some time to share all the nitty-gritty details about how I tackled this project, the supplies I used, and the total cost. Keep reading to learn how I completely transformed my kitchen counters on a budget!
BLOG, RECIPES
CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST RECIPE
There are two types of people in this world: breakfast people and dinner people (I've literally never met anyone who would consider themselves a lunch person). I fall into the first camp. I could honestly eat breakfast for every meal and I don't think I'd ever get sick of it. When I'm feeling stressed, frazzled, or sad, breakfast food is the perfect easy pick-me-up. Most of my breakfast recipes are quick and simple, making them a great way to end a busy day at work when I'm too drained to spend more than a few minutes cooking.
BLOG, LIFESTYLE
MY FAVORITE PURCHASES | WINTER 2021
After what's felt like an eternity, the weather has been consistently warm for the last few weeks and it seems like the longest winter ever might be behind us. To celebrate the beginning of a new season, I thought I'd share some of the things that brought me joy this winter. Keep reading for my favorite purchases of winter 2021!
BLOG, DIY, INTERIORS
HOW TO PAINT YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS
Today's post is a looooong time coming. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that one of the first projects I tackled after we closed on our house was painting the kitchen cabinets. After enduring 2 years with a tiny galley kitchen at our condo, I knew I wanted to get to work on the kitchen right away so I could enjoy it in its full glory for as long as possible.