maintaining your sanity during a remodel...

As you may have seen via Instagram, "phase 3" of our home remodel in underway! This is the big one! Although I am very excited to get this project completed, I am also a little anxious. So in addition to diligently planning all of the things that I need to do to prep the house, I have also explored ways to keep my sanity throughout it all. Here are a few things that seem to be working so far...

1. Having back-up plans. Not just one, but several, because if there is one thing that I do know, it's that things very rarely go according to plan. Accepting this is the first step to keeping your sanity intact. 

2. Setting weekly attainable goals that you can feel good about crossing off your list. This will  give you a sense of accomplishment, and help to keep you motivated throughout the process.

3. Having a space that you can be a refuge from the chaos. This is the place where everything is just as you'd like it, even if the space on the other side of the door is presently in disarray. 

4. Leaving the house... Step away for a bit and do something that you enjoy. For me, that is taking a long walk by the water with my dog and grabbing a coffee. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it! 

5. Reminding yourself of the amazing space that you will have when its all done. The excitement of knowing that everything that you had envisioned for your space will be a reality will make it all worth it. 

So for all of you that are going through a remodel, or are planning on one, prioritize self-care, and it will all work out just fine... 

monday {menu}

 

via Rhubarbians

Cinnamon Orange Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill organic unbleached all purpose white flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 dash salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup low fat buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp, packed orange zest, about 1 medium orange
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4-6 tablespoon butter
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions

1. Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Beat the egg in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk, vanilla, and orange zest. Gradually whisk in the flour mixture until well combined. Whisk in the baking soda.*

3. Melt 2 tablespoon of the butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat and swirl to coat the pan. Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture and pour into one side of the pan, creating about a 4" diameter pancake. Continue until you can't fit any more pancakes in your pan. Cook until bubbles form on the top of the cakes and begin to pop, about 3-5 minutes. Check to see if the bottom is brown and crispy, flip. Cook the other side about 2-3 minutes, or until browned and crispy on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.

4. Continue to cook the pancakes until the batter is gone, adding 2 tablespoon butter to your pan between each batch.

   
   

   Serve immediately with warm maple syrup. Enjoy!

happy sunday...

via Be and Bloom

 

bringing back checkerboard floors...

My last post, featuring an amazing property in Middleburg, Virginia, reminded me of my love of checkered floors. Although checkerboard floors have been around forever, some may relate them to the unfortunate vinyl flooring that was widely used for a period of time. But I am here to replace those frightening mental images with a fresh look at how fabulous checkered floors can be! Although at first thought, one may associate them with a more traditional look, they actually work with a variety of styles. Take a look at these beautiful spaces to see how you may be able to incorporate the look into your own home... Happy Friday!

via Clem Around the Corner

via Planete Deco

via Sf Girl

via Linda Merrill

via Remodelista

 

wandering wednesday {middleburg, virginia}...

 

I discovered this house while perusing Pinterest, and it stopped me in my tracks! This gorgeous property is located in Middleburg, Virginia, the nation's horse and hunt capital. It is designed by the great Bunny Mellon, and was once a guest house for Jackie O. Amazing! The pocket doors, the diamond-patterned floors, the Bunny Mellon Blue, the beams, the history... What's not to love? Explore even more of this amazing property here.

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

via Architectural Digest

making the most of 2022 (the year's best planners)...

One of my favorite things about starting a new year is picking out my crisp, new planner! Yes, I am aware of all of the apps out there that could easily take the place of my paper planner, but there is something nostalgic and effective about physically writing things down. The act of writing things down seems to help me retain the information, which can be really helpful in keeping me focused and on-track. My planner also is an all in one calendar, scrapbook, and journal. There are so many planners to choose from, depending on how you want to use them. Here are a few of my favorites... 

monday {menu}

via Nourish and Fete

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly-sliced (about 1-1.5 pounds) (see note 1)
• 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt
• a few turns of freshly-ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic minced (see note 2)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth 
• 3/4 cup heavy cream 
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1-2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped (see note 3) 
• pasta for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Place flour in a small bowl or plate. Lightly sprinkle each side of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge each side lightly through the flour. Shake off any excess, then place chicken breasts in the warm pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, just until browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. 

If the skillet is dry, add a tiny bit more olive oil, followed by the garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Add chicken broth, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce visibly thickens.

Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until spinach wilts.

Add chicken back to the skillet, spoon a bit of sauce over each piece, and serve with pasta or other sides as desired.

happy sunday...

via Boss Babe Chronicles 

an introduction to artist, Samantha French...

I am always on the lookout for amazing artists whose work brings joy to my day. Samantha French is one of those artists. Her pieces are inspired by her childhood memories of summers by the water in Northern Minnesota. I find their nostalgic and calm aesthetic so appealing. They make me want to throw on my swimsuit and dive into the pool! Is it summer yet??? 

Who are some of your favorite artists? Do tell...

 

mid-week inspiration...

 

via Nicola Harding & Co

How amazing is this children's bathroom! The fact that there things aren't perfectly symmetrical is what gives this space its charm. What I love about finding vintage and antique pieces for is that they are unexpected, and can be just what a space needs to give it character and make it truly unique. Love it! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

the bed nook...

I hope that your week is off to a flying start! It has been a bit hectic over here, with a laundry list of things that need doing. And although I know that I need to keep forging ahead, the winter weather has me drawn to the  coziness of nooks and niches, and dreaming of getting under the covers with a good book. And although I don't see that happening anytime soon, a girl can dream...

via Shannon Eddings

via W Design Collective

via Curbed

via House and Home

happy sunday...

 

a clean slate...

It's so great to be excited about setting new intentions and feeling that you are ready to start anew.  A clean slate... For many of us, that time is every new year. However, if you are truly determined to make a change, you can do it at any time. There is no perfect time, no deadline, no limits, no rules. It's all up to you... So get out there and make it happen! 

via Willow Decor

via LDS Daily

via Fashion Girl

via Remodelista