Friday, May 12, 2017
Simple Mother’s Day Gifts
We have just a couple more days until Mother’s Day and simple, quick gifts are always a must. Yesterday, I spent nap time mixing up some fun scrubs to spoil a few moms around me. Using the book Hello Glow that I’m giving away with every starter kit order (under me) this month I made the Mint Mojito Foot Scrub. I had all the ingredients in the fridge and garden which made it a breeze to whip up in a few minutes. I also made a whipped grapefruit sugar scrub I adore. I love these two scrubs as they’re perfect for spring going into summer and keeping hands and feet soft and moisturized. They’re also great for a little pampered date night with the hubby!
Whipped Grapefruit Scrub
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1 cup White Sugar
Juice & Zest of 1 Grapefruit
25 drops Grapefruit essential oil
Mix together in a bowl and divide among mason jars.
Top with lid and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Mike and I also stayed up late sipping beers and baking cookies. I used my oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe and added flaked coconut and walnuts for some added crunch. If you’re deciding to use this awesome little trio, but don’t have time to bake, you can easily grab a package of your favorite cookies (I love Trader Joe’s because they have a variety of mini sized cookies) and package them up in a cute little mason jar.
Now I’m all set to spoil a few of my favorite moms with a little something that’s almost as sweet as them!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there!
XOXO
Whipped Grapefruit Scrub
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1 cup White Sugar
Juice & Zest of 1 Grapefruit
25 drops Grapefruit essential oil
Mix together in a bowl and divide among mason jars.
Top with lid and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Mike and I also stayed up late sipping beers and baking cookies. I used my oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe and added flaked coconut and walnuts for some added crunch. If you’re deciding to use this awesome little trio, but don’t have time to bake, you can easily grab a package of your favorite cookies (I love Trader Joe’s because they have a variety of mini sized cookies) and package them up in a cute little mason jar.
Now I’m all set to spoil a few of my favorite moms with a little something that’s almost as sweet as them!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there!
XOXO
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Kitchen Cabinets // Finished
It's been a long time coming to write this post and I've had several people ask me about the progress of the cabinets. You guys...They're done! They're done! They're done! I can hardly believe the day has come where these cabinets are actually DONE. However, the kitchen as a whole is not done. It’s definitely been a process to say the least and even more importantly a long one.
The biggest impact of our work besides the paint is definitely pulling out the cabinets above the refrigerator and building a box around it to create a built in cabinet. We also replaced our crown with something more substantial, also with adding a few little character details around the cabinets to give everything a more finished appearance. Now that the cabinets are painted and hardware has been added we find ourselves looking at other details in the kitchen and agreeing more needs to be done. We replaced our oven range within the last few weeks and we've actually returned it and now waiting for a different one. We love the style of the one in place, especially the large window in the door, but due to the door design the exterior of it can reach to 160 degrees F which a no-go with kids in the house.
We also hit a few hiccups during the process. What diy project doesn't? We originally discussed carrying the cabinets up to the ceiling, but we have a light in the way and we would have had to move it, therefore reconfiguring more than one to keep it balanced. We nixed that due to all the extra work involved. We also did endless amounts of sanding work to smooth out the trim we added under the upper cabinets. Word of advice...just buy the better, more expensive wood. Just do it. We didn't even think about it and that small detail cost a lot of time!
Our next steps are putting in a vent hood, replacing the countertops & floors and adding backsplash. We absolutely love the brightness the white paint brings to this space and we know with each addition the kitchen will continue to change dramatically!
And a little before photo, just to see our dramatic improvement!
\\ Sources \\
Paint: Benjamin Moore Advanced in Chantilly Lace (white)
Benjamin Moore Advanced in Chelsea Gray (gray)
Hardware Knobs: Cosmos Round Mushroom Knob
Hardware Pulls: Amerock Blackrock Pull
Looking back to late November when we decided to start painting the kitchen cabinets I honestly thought we would have them completed within a few weeks. Wrong! This project was time consuming and not for the faint of heart. The painting itself wasn't bad, it was mainly living in an over-exposed kitchen with no doors while we took our sweet time with each step.
It took as long as is did because we didn't allow it to change our everyday life which really allowed us to work only on the weekends. Throw all the major holidays into the mix, a couple toddlers, a new nursing baby, family visitors, three weeks fighting off viruses, an outage schedule and you have quite the renovation journey.
The biggest impact of our work besides the paint is definitely pulling out the cabinets above the refrigerator and building a box around it to create a built in cabinet. We also replaced our crown with something more substantial, also with adding a few little character details around the cabinets to give everything a more finished appearance. Now that the cabinets are painted and hardware has been added we find ourselves looking at other details in the kitchen and agreeing more needs to be done. We replaced our oven range within the last few weeks and we've actually returned it and now waiting for a different one. We love the style of the one in place, especially the large window in the door, but due to the door design the exterior of it can reach to 160 degrees F which a no-go with kids in the house.
We also hit a few hiccups during the process. What diy project doesn't? We originally discussed carrying the cabinets up to the ceiling, but we have a light in the way and we would have had to move it, therefore reconfiguring more than one to keep it balanced. We nixed that due to all the extra work involved. We also did endless amounts of sanding work to smooth out the trim we added under the upper cabinets. Word of advice...just buy the better, more expensive wood. Just do it. We didn't even think about it and that small detail cost a lot of time!
Our next steps are putting in a vent hood, replacing the countertops & floors and adding backsplash. We absolutely love the brightness the white paint brings to this space and we know with each addition the kitchen will continue to change dramatically!
And a little before photo, just to see our dramatic improvement!
Paint: Benjamin Moore Advanced in Chantilly Lace (white)
Benjamin Moore Advanced in Chelsea Gray (gray)
Hardware Knobs: Cosmos Round Mushroom Knob
Hardware Pulls: Amerock Blackrock Pull
Monday, May 8, 2017
Herb Garden Tricks
The last few years Mike and I have felt like our once green thumbs turned black and we’ve had to educate ourselves on gardening and the type of soil we have here in coastal Carolina. This year will be our third year using our raised garden beds. We are die hard tomato lovers and the last two years all of our tomato plants died due to a horrible storm one year and those large green worms the second year. We just purchased all our garden plants a few weeks ago and I’ve been studying new ways to keep our garden healthy and protected from all those crazy elements including planting sacrificial dill.
I’m also super excited we found a couple citrus trees this spring. I’ve always wanted a few and we planted one lemon and one lime in simple terra-cotta pots for our back patio. They’ve been blooming the last few weeks and just this morning I spotted several teeny tiny little fruits growing! Ah, I can’t wait!
We may struggle with our large garden, but we always seem to do well with our herb garden. Last year Mike used some leftover scrap wood and created a wall garden on the fence. We’re planning to rebuild it when we finalize our patio plans so we can incorporate it into our dining space. We want something a little more modern and a little less shabby. We also use herbs a lot so building a larger garden will allow more space for the plants to grow. For now I’m planting all our herbs in pots to make an easier transition when we transplant them. After learning a few nifty tricks our herbs grow very well and here’s our Dos and Don’ts as to why it seems to flourish the way it does.
1. Do spread them out. Herbs need plenty of space to grow. Keep it simple and leave three inches or so between each plant in a container. This will allow enough room for the plant to spread and grow as needed and it gives them room to breathe.
2. Don’t mix mint. Certain herbs should not be together. Mint should never be planted with other herbs and it HAS to be contained because it LOVES to spread. Planting mint in a box or pot alone is best.
3. Do plant what you use. Herbs are great to plant, but if you’re not going to use them they can quickly go to seed and be done. Basil is one to flower and turn woody which shortens the life of the plant.
4. Don’t trim too much. The rule of thumb is to only trim no more than 1/3 of your plant every time you go to use it. Trimming too much will shorten the life of the herb. If you love to use one herb more than others, plant it in its own large pot so you have an abundance all summer long.
5. Do plant flowers. Bugs and insects like bees love and need to pollinate the herbs, especially lavender. Planting flowers near your herb garden will attract everything you need for good pollination.
As for planters and pots, I love mixing different sizes and shapes, but keeping it simple in color. I love white because it really makes the greenery pop. My favorite pots are still the few we picked up from IKEA eight years ago (similar here). They’re simple and modern with texture. I can pair them with about anything and they always look beautiful. I also love the simplicity of the concrete planters from Target this year.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Bedding Design Balance
In the last month Mike and I have begun focusing on the design of the kids’ room. The girls (will soon) share a room and Finn has his own. When it comes to designing a space I’m terrible about making decisions because I’m constantly changing my mind. I know it drives Mike crazy, but he has so much patience and he’s so good to my indecisive mind. I’ve shared design idea boards in the past for the girls’ shared room and even the playroom, but I have yet to have a solid design in any specific room mostly due to budget. In recent months Kensi has been asking us to redo her room and we really couldn’t argue because there wasn’t much going on in there since we’ve moved the kids from bedroom to bedroom trying to figure out the best function for our family. Once that was settled we could start brainstorming the design of each room.
Mike and I don’t like characters splashed on furniture, clothes or bedding. I know some may think we’re depriving our kids, but when they own their own space they can do with it what they want. We allow our kids to fill their character needs with pajamas, coloring books, stickers, figurines and plush toys. This is a good balance for us because the kids can love and play with their toys and Mike and I can put them all away in their designated home. When it comes to bedding, we choose simple, neutral pieces that can be paired with fun colors and patterns but still keep everything clean and simple. Kids change their minds all the time and too quickly for us to drop money on character bedding, but there are several stores and companies that are constantly stepping up the bedding game and making the perfect sets for this type of balance.
Mike and I don’t like characters splashed on furniture, clothes or bedding. I know some may think we’re depriving our kids, but when they own their own space they can do with it what they want. We allow our kids to fill their character needs with pajamas, coloring books, stickers, figurines and plush toys. This is a good balance for us because the kids can love and play with their toys and Mike and I can put them all away in their designated home. When it comes to bedding, we choose simple, neutral pieces that can be paired with fun colors and patterns but still keep everything clean and simple. Kids change their minds all the time and too quickly for us to drop money on character bedding, but there are several stores and companies that are constantly stepping up the bedding game and making the perfect sets for this type of balance.
If we gave Kensi the reigns to completely design her space it would look like the Disney channel threw up everywhere. There would be stacks of Highlights and American Girl Doll catalogs, paper and sticker sheets hiding under every possible surface along with piles of who knows what that piece or toy came from as she’s kind of our little hoarder. Much like me when I was little. Fortunately, I’ve become quite the purger and we’re slowly teaching Kensi the same habits. As for her room, she would have it filled with all the bright colors of the rainbow and every princess character her little heart desires. I like things to be very clean and simple which can be a struggle when trying to make her own space. But where there is a will, there is a way.
In the girls’ rooms we went with the famous simple Jenny Lind style bed. We originally bought our crib for Kensi in this style, later found a spindle styled bed from an antique store. White may seem boring and plain, but it’s neutral and will go with anything we pair with it. As for the bedding Kensi asked for pink and there are so many beautiful pink comforters and duvets on the market today. A solid comforter is perfect for pairing with multiple different sheet sets whether it be black and white or a fun pattern full of color. I especially love The Land of Nod, Pottery Barn Kids and Teen for our bedding basics because pieces can be purchased individually like the rainbow pillowcase. There’s no need to purchase an entire sheet set and it’s perfect for mixing and matching. They also have the best accent pillows that can be changed out with each season!
In Finn’s room we went a little more modern with his convertible toddler bed. I love the two tone design. His bedding is very simple with bold black and white patterns a few pops of color. I found this geo accent pillow at Target last year on sale. He loves having his own space with his things all together, but he needs a little more color. We think he’s going to be our little traditionalist because he loves a routine and always does the same thing each night. He always keeps his books close and when he goes to bed we can hear him dropping the books one by one when he’s done down to the floor. Finnley is tall and he’s nearly at the point where his toes can touch the end of his bed when he’s laying on his pillow. We’re getting ready to switch him over to a big boy bed and I’m so excited to style it!
We still have a ways to go with pulling the rest of the rooms together, but I can’t wait to share more as we get a little further in the process!
\\ Sources \\
Bed | Antique, but similar here.
Duvet Cover | Land of Nod
Star Sheets | Pottery Barn Teen (Discontinued)
Rainbow Pillowcase | Land of Nod
Star Pillow | Land of Nod
Plush Unicorn Doll | Pillowfort at Target
Convertible Toddler Bed | The Honest Company
Fitted Cloud Sheet | The Land of Nod
Coolest Kid Pillowcase | Pillowfort at Target
Geo Pillow | Target (Discontinued)
\\ Sources \\
Bed | Antique, but similar here.
Duvet Cover | Land of Nod
Star Sheets | Pottery Barn Teen (Discontinued)
Rainbow Pillowcase | Land of Nod
Star Pillow | Land of Nod
Plush Unicorn Doll | Pillowfort at Target
Convertible Toddler Bed | The Honest Company
Fitted Cloud Sheet | The Land of Nod
Coolest Kid Pillowcase | Pillowfort at Target
Geo Pillow | Target (Discontinued)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
