Settling into Our New Home: A Journey of Decor, Delights, and Delicious Recipes

It’s been over a week since we moved into our new house, and while I’m still navigating through a maze of boxes, paint samples, and an endless supply of packing paper, there’s an undeniable sense of warmth already settling in. This new space, despite its current state of organized chaos, feels incredibly homey, as if we’ve lived here for years. Our vision is to make this our long-term sanctuary, a place we’ll call home for over a decade. With that in mind, I’m resisting the urge to rush the process of getting everything perfectly situated. Instead, I’m embracing the journey of decorating, discovering our style, and slowly but surely, making this house truly ours.

Discovering Our Unique Home Decor Style

My mind has been completely consumed by decor ideas lately! While I don’t consider myself a naturally gifted interior designer, platforms like Pinterest have become my indispensable source of inspiration. For our previous home, I gravitated towards a charming shabby chic, cottage-inspired aesthetic. This time around, I’m drawn to something different—a blend of natural grain woods, crisp white walls (a significant departure from the vibrant colors that adorned nearly every wall in our last place), and a subtle industrial edge. It’s a fresh, clean look that feels both modern and inviting. The pieces are slowly coming together, and I’m already envisioning sharing some snapshots of our progress once things are more settled and less… boxed up!

Navigating the World of Furniture Finds

Can we just pause for a moment to discuss the exorbitant cost of furniture? It’s truly astounding! I’ve become quite resourceful in my furniture hunt, quickly learning which stores to avoid after an unfortunate encounter with a rather dismissive saleswoman who scoffed at my sectional couch budget. Thankfully, I stumbled upon an incredible store here in Nashville that imports unique pieces from India and Indonesia at incredibly reasonable prices. I even scored a beautiful piece crafted from mango wood – it’s absolutely stunning! Since furnishing an entire house all at once isn’t feasible, I’m enjoying the slower pace of acquiring pieces over time. This approach feels more intentional than simply “rushing to fill empty spaces” and allows each new addition to truly resonate with our evolving home aesthetic.

Embracing Healthy Habits in Our New Kitchen: Our First Recipe!

Amidst all the unpacking, decorating decisions, and general busyness of moving, Stephen and I found ourselves eating out far more frequently than we’d like to admit. While every meal was undeniably delicious, the cumulative effect meant we both gained a few extra pounds. Oops! This realization prompted a delightful shift: our new house is now brimming with an abundance of fresh vegetables, lean meats, and, of course, a ridiculous supply of eggs from our beloved chickens. It’s time to get back to wholesome, home-cooked meals, and I’m thrilled to share the very first recipe created in our new kitchen!

Our Feathered Friends: The Joy of Backyard Chickens

And speaking of chickens…

Our chickens are absolutely loving their new home, with one minor exception: they no longer have my carefully cultivated garden to ravage! Thankfully, there seems to be an ample supply of weeds, grass, and bugs to keep them thoroughly entertained and well-fed. One of my favorite new house features is our living room, which boasts an entire wall of glass windows and doors. Our curious flock often gazes inside with intense interest, providing endless amusement. The dogs, however, aren’t quite as enamored with the constant pecking at the windows, but it’s a small price to pay for such charming company.

Getting Back to Healthy: Featuring Spaghetti Squash

Alright, back to our healthy eating mission! Thanks to a wonderful haul from the Nashville Farmers’ Market, I currently have four different varieties of squash gracing my kitchen counter. First up on the menu is this fantastic spaghetti squash. It’s a versatile vegetable that transforms into delightful, pasta-like strands, making it an excellent low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional noodles. It’s perfect for creating lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, meals that don’t compromise on flavor.

I love keeping spaghetti squash recipes simple, often using the natural “strands” as a direct substitute for pasta in dishes I’ve previously made. This particular recipe is a delightful adaptation of my beloved Quick & Easy Soy Peanut Noodles, with one key healthy swap: replacing gluten-based pasta with the light and nutritious spaghetti squash. The result is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare and packed with goodness.

The beauty of this dish lies in its streamlined preparation. While the spaghetti squash bakes to tender perfection in my new gas oven (a first for me, and I’m absolutely loving it!), you simply whisk together the rich and savory soy-peanut sauce. Once both components are ready, it’s just a matter of combining them. It’s truly that straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner.

To finish, I generously topped my portion with a vibrant mix of fresh green onions, aromatic cilantro, crunchy chopped peanuts, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes not only add beautiful color and texture but also elevate the flavor profile, adding layers of freshness and nuttiness that perfectly complement the savory sauce.

I honestly ended up loving this dish even more than I anticipated! The combination of the tender spaghetti squash and the rich, umami-packed soy-peanut sauce is truly a winner. And the best part? There are still some delicious leftovers in the fridge, ready to be enjoyed for lunch tomorrow. This recipe is a testament to how easy and enjoyable healthy eating can be, even amidst the hustle and bustle of moving into a new home.

Recipe: Soy-Peanut Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying? These Soy-Peanut Spaghetti Squash Noodles are the perfect solution! This dish transforms humble spaghetti squash into a vibrant, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, coated in a luscious, savory peanut sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free “noodle” dish with all the rich flavors you love.

By: Brita Britnell
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Noodles & Sauce:

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 lbs), halved lengthwise
1/2 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting squash)
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey (or agave for a vegan option)
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to your taste; 3 tablespoons for a richer flavor)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For Topping:

1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
A handful of chopped peanuts
A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (hot dog style). Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Lightly coat the cut sides of the squash with a thin layer of olive oil.
Place the squash halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and a fork can easily pierce its outer skin. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your squash.
While the squash is roasting, prepare the delicious soy-peanut sauce. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, canola oil, creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey (or agave), soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Once the spaghetti squash is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly until it’s comfortable enough to handle. Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash to separate it into spaghetti-like strands. This is the fun part where the “spaghetti” comes to life!
Transfer the warm spaghetti squash strands to the large bowl with the prepared soy-peanut sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the rich and flavorful sauce. You can serve it directly in the squash skins for a rustic presentation or transfer it to individual bowls.
Serve immediately, topped generously with chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, crunchy peanuts, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty finish. Enjoy this delightful and healthy meal!

Mention @foodwithfeeling or tag #foodwithfeeling if you try this recipe!