My DIY Shabby Chic Mirror Project

Yes, you read that title correct. I, Brittney, started and finished a DIY project. Not only that, but it is a project that upon completion wasn't instantly thrown in the trash. I often joke that I am incapable of DIY projects, but the fact is that I try them. I try many! They either don't get finished or they are awful. I rank myself below an amateur DIYer, although I think this project has just upgraded me to amateur status!

I am giddy.

So here's the story.

A couple of months ago I went downtown in my little hometown and did some shopping at The Prairie Chick Market. I was admiring everything she has in her store, somehow trying to figure out how to fit an entire gorgeous taupe hutch with white milk glass into my car. Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw a mirror. It was ornate and gold and instantly an idea was sparked. For some time I have been wanting to find a pair of mirrors that were ornate and fabulous.  The odds of finding such a pair without spending an arm and leg has been the main reason why I had not pursued it further.

This shopping trip changed my whim of an idea into a reality.

I commented to Shelly (owner) that I had plans for finding a pair of mirrors when she told me she had another mirror just like the one I was looking at. It was a different shade of gold, but the frame was the same.

EXCITEMENT.

I went home that day with a bounce in my step because I had found my mirrors. The task of figuring out how in the world I was going to make them fabulous was about to embark.

Here they are. As you can see, they were mismatched color but identical frames. Allow me to bring you through my process visually to the end result:

I have a sophisticated craft room in my house. Oh, wait.  Nope. I painted them out in our storage shed on a cardboard box and piece of wood. Classy.

RESULT:

Words cannot contain the amount of joy I feel. Joy over two mirrors? Heck yes. For a very long time I have wanted to have amazing mirrors on either side of our headboard in our master bedroom and now that dream is a reality.

I'm guessing that after posting this I'm going to head on over to Pinterest to peruse for more ideas for DIY projects. The creativity gates have been opened!

Come pin with me: http://www.pinterest.com/eyeenjoy/

Recipe: Brittney's Chicken Stir-Fry

Brittney's Chicken Stir-Fry
(Adapted from Spicy Chicken Stir Fry recipe from Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook, by Dr Mark Hyman M.D., Pg 137.)

This is a tasty gluten-free version of a classic chicken stir-fry. I toned down the spice, but if you're looking for more heat add another teaspoon of the red chili garlic sauce. My son was licking his plate when he was finished tonight. Literally.

I also doubled the recipe (as shown below) so I'd have leftovers, which can be stored in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

CHICKEN:
4 Tblsp  low-sodium, gluten-free tamari
4 Tblsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
4 tsp arrowroot
4-6 small skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

SAUCE:
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tblsp reduced-sodium, gluten-free tamari
2 tsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
1.5 tsp chili garlic sauce
2 tsp arrowroot

STIR-FRY:
1 Tblsp sesame oil
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 scallions, thinly sliced
1 (5-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained
1 yellow pepper, seeded and chopped or sliced
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped or sliced
1 head broccoli
4 medium carrots, peels and sliced
4 stalks celery, sliced to desired cut

MAKE THE CHICKEN:
In a medium bowl whisk together the tamari, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and arrowroot. Add the chicken and set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.

MAKE THE SAUCE:
In a small bowl whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.

MAKE THE STIR-FRY:
1. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Add ginger, garlic, and scallions, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes.
2. Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and add the chicken to the wok. Stir-fry the chicken in the aromatics until mostly cooked through, 2-4 minutes. Pour in the reserved sauce and add the water chestnuts. Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce until it glazes nicely, 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium and transfer the chicken to a platter, leaving behind as much sauce as possible in the wok.
4. Add the carrots and celery to wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add broccoli and peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add chicken back to wok and stir-fry until vegetables are cooked lightly.

Serve stir-fry over rice if desired. I personally ate it alone but my family certainly loved the rice with it.

Serves 4-6
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Side note: This recipe was not a part of the 10-Day Detox Diet.