Upright and Caffeinated

For everything in life that keeps you on your feet! I share simple DIY projects and crafts, home decor ideas and helpful tips as well as easy recipes for week-night meals.

Basics of Building Your Own Home

So you’re thinking about building your own home?  Or are you looking for a home and don’t think building is within your budget?   I’m going to help you sift through all the noise and get down to the basics of building your own home. A little backstory Last summer I met up with a friend (who is also a Realtor).  She and I were discussing my family’s next move.  We have been truly happy renting our little townhome for the past few years since we sold our tiny downtown condo.  But my husband ... View Post

Cuban Picadillo Recipe

Hello!  I have a treat for you all today.  I'm sharing my husband's favorite meal with you.  This is a simple week-night dinner that I make fairly often.  My husband loves all things Cuban and this Cuban picadillo recipe always makes him happy!   The first time I ever had picadillo ( pronounced "Peek-a-dee-yo") was in Miami.  We love Miami and South Florida!  We got married down there and have such happy memories every time we visit. The highlights of our trips down to South Florida are ... View Post

Make Your Rental Your Home: 10 Helpful Tips

Five years ago we sold our tiny downtown condo in DC and have been renting ever since.  We truly love our townhouse that we have been renting for the past 3 years, but I do kind of miss being able to have full creative liberties.  Let me show you what I did in our rental to make it our home.  Here are 10 tips to make your rental your home.   10 Tips for making your rental your home Disclaimer- Make absolutely sure you have permission from your landlord or management company before ... View Post

15 Super Bowl Finger Foods

Did your team make it to the play-offs this football season?  I have a secret- I'm not a big football fan and don't have a "team".  I don't play fantasy football and I don't usually watch the games either.  BUT I love Super Bowl Sunday!!!! Maybe it is just an excuse to eat yummy food and drink beer, but really, I LOVE Super Bowl...especially Super Bowl finger foods! Are you attending a Super Bowl party?  Or are you hosting friends and family for the big game?  I have 15 Super Bowl finger ... View Post

2017 Hottest Kitchen Trends

If you are planning on redoing your kitchen, buying a home or just want to refresh the way your current kitchen looks, I have the 2017 hottest kitchen trends to share with you.   I'm currently obsessed with kitchens.  We are in the process of building a house and I have done a ton of research on everything from counter tops, flooring, back splash, appliances and lighting (just to name a few).  If you are looking for ideas to incorporate in your kitchen that are inline with current ... View Post

Cheap Healthy Meals

It's the new year and we are all committing to eat healthier and save money, right?  Let me help you out! I have three cheap healthy meals that you can throw together for an easy weeknight dinner. Three Cheap Healthy Meals Roasted Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Fist of all, let me tell you about my addiction to fully-cooked roasted chickens.  Our grocery store sells them for $4.99 and so does Costco.  I ALWAYS have a fully-cooked roasted chicken in my fridge.  I can't buy a raw whole ... View Post