deck ideas, Exterior Updates, hot tub

Our New Master Spas Hot Tub

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This post is sponsored by Master Spas but all thoughts and opinions are my own

Today is a BIG DAY!  It’s been months in the making, but our back yard makeover is complete! This has been one of our slower projects to finish (think construction delays and snow storms galore), but it’s been soooo worth the wait! As a little refresh, many of you already know that we have been adding a new bedroom, bathroom and closet onto the existing footprint (as well as tweaking the floorplan) of our house for the last year. It’s been quite the slippery slope and has forced us to address a few other projects that we didn’t expect to tackle quite yet…looking at you, new roof, and you too, new deck. Does anyone remember when the deck looked like this?

Our old deck was ugly, worn out, and in rough shape. After we talked it over with our contractor, we quickly decided that the entire thing had to go, and the best course of action would be to start over. I LOVED the idea of starting over because it would enable us to change the overall footprint of the deck too, if we wanted. WE WANTED! I’ve always dreamed of a hot tub for our family to enjoy together, and have an obscene number of inspiration pics with decks built around hot tubs pinned on my pinterest page. Then, the wonderful folks at Master Spas said they could help make that dream come true, and I cried tears of happiness. No…really, I did.

We designed the entire deck with the Master Spas hot tub in mind. First, we arranged to have a concrete pad poured where the hot tub would go, then the deck framing began.

The design was simple, and the goal was to wrap the new deck around (literally around) the hot tub with a low, wide step around the entire perimeter where you could step down into the grass. Mission accomplished!

Deciding on the right hot tub for our family, that fit all of our criteria, was simple! Master Spas gives you so many helpful tips, and even has a tool that will help you calculate monthly maintenance and energy costs, so that you can be sure it fits into your budget! We ultimately went with their Clarity Balance 8 model, which comfortably seats 6. It was important for us to be able to fit our entire family at once, because we’ve noticed that once one of us announces they are getting in the hot tub, everyone joins in on the fun! We have a family of 5, and the Clarity Balance 8, has enough room for us all to spread out and relax, even when the whole family is in at the same time. There are 48 jets total, so every seat has a number of jet combinations, and they adjust in pressure, depending on what you prefer. The kids loooooove the waterfall option and it makes such a lovely sound when it’s turned on. Nate swears that he sleeps better after being in the hot tub, and I love it for soaking sore muscles after a good workout. It’s amazing! Oh and I almost forgot to mention that it has a foot massager! They really thought of everything when they designed these hot tubs!

Master Spas offers lots of beautiful color options that you can customize so that your hot tub fits in with your design aesthetic. We went with their Sterling Silver shell, which has a classic carrara marble look, complemented with their Duramaster Graphite skirting. I never realized a hot tub could be so pretty, but pretty she is!

In typical Bend fashion, we are still having quite a few spring snow storms, so I owe you another post on the deck details and cannot wait to share all that with you guys. The temps need to go up and the snow needs to melt first.

This is such a dream come true for us! It’s so wonderful to utilize this outdoor space of ours, especially during the LONG winter months. I am so grateful! Oh, and did I forget to mention just how great the folks are at Master Spas? Just when I thought they couldn’t get any more wonderful, they agreed to share a coupon code especially for my readers that will give you $500 off any hot tub of your choosing! SERIOUSLY!! Just click HERE.

Happy Shopping, my friends! And thank you all so much for reading XOXO

 

 

Decorating, Furniture

A New Way to Order Furniture Online…and actually receive it ON TIME

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This post is sponsored by Serena & Lily

Happy Thursday friends! You guys know my love for Serena & Lily runs deep…well, it’s about to get even deeper! Let me explain why. If you’re like me, and love to shop for furniture online; it’s seriously my favorite past time. Ok…maybe only second to shelf styling, and you guys know how much I love to style a pretty shelf! IYKYK. But, lets get back to my explanation, our current supply chains are a mess here in the US, and I hear things will get a lot worse before they get better. Ordering goods online used to be easy and fast, but now I’m constantly hearing stories about waiting up to twelve months (really! A YEAR!) for a refrigerator or a new treadmill, or six months for your new sofa to arrive. Well, the brilliant folks over at Serena & Lily just introduced a new feature on their site to combat these issues, and it’s so smart!

Now, you can search Serena & Lily using their new availability feature that allows you only shop for things that are in stock and available – ranging from four weeks to 2Day shipping! Such great timing for such a useful feature with the Holiday Season right around the corner! Thinking about a new dining table for Thanksgiving? Or maybe a new sofa for your Christmas guests? Serena & Lily has got you covered. And the best part is, you won’t be left guessing when your order will arrive! Peace of mind for the win!

I just used this new feature to shop for a new nightstand for my bedroom and it arrived in just two weeks from the date that I made the order.

This is their Balboa Wide Nightstand and I think it might be the prettiest piece of furniture I’ve ever owned. It’s handwoven and has that casual and warm feeling. In contrast, the brass drawer pulls and brass detail on the feet really dress it up. Really the perfect combo between casual and formal IMHO. This nightstand is the new star of our bedroom!

The drawers are generous in size and allow you to store all of those nighttime essentials, like chap stick and your phone charger.  The shelf on the bottom is a fun spot to display your fave decor pieces or stash your collection of bedside books. Anyone else love a cozy reading session before bed? Me too!

So, in honor of my new nightstand and Serena & Lily introducing their new avalability feature on their site, I thought it would be fun to round up a few of my favorite nightstands for you guys! All of these pieces will arrive on your doorstep within four weeks! So, let’s GOOOOOO!!!

First up, is the other Balboa Nightstand, a close relative to my Balboa, but smaller (for those tight spaces) and with the white drawer. I love the pop of white on this one. Feels so bright and fresh!

Next, is the Atelier Wide Nightstand with its clean and modern lines. This nightstand would pair beautifully with a wood or rattan bed to make for an eclectic, yet timeless look. Ample storage is another big bonus for this babe.

Meet the Harbour Cane Wide Nightstand. I was so drawn to this one with it’s fluted legs and the perfect wood tone. It feels traditional in style and has a cane shelf. It has an antique quality to it, which I love. Also, it comes in three different color options, and who doesn’t love options?!

Allow me to introduce, Reese, who is made from oak and has the prettiest cerused finish. I’m all about this sturdy frame and the little turned feet. So cute!

And finally, we have their Caledonia Woven Nightstand. I love that this one could fit right into so many different styles of homes. The seagrass detail on the drawer adds a touch of coastal style, while the oak gives it that classic feel. And how good are those leather pulls?! #ILYSM

Well, is anyone getting the shopping itch after all that cuteness? Leave me a comment below and tell me which one is your fave! It’s kinda hard to pick just one! Happy Shopping, friends and as always, thank you for reading!

 

 

Decorating, dining room, Furniture, Serena & Lily

Dining Room Makeover with Serena & Lily

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This post is sponsored by Serena & Lily

A few months ago, I shared with y’all that I was on a mission; to give our teeny weeny dining room a new look, that also functioned well for our family. This lil’dining room is a challenging space that has had me scratching my head since we bought our home back in the fall of 2019. Our floorplan is an open concept (which is great, but can make furniture placement tricky!) and the dining space sits right in the middle of the kitchen and our living room. Here’s a look back at what this space looked like when we bought this old fixer.

Can you believe this is the same house?! Gives me all those warm and fuzzy feelings. Anyways, let’s get into the details of this fresh new look!

After taking one look at Serena & Lily’s Downing Dining Table, I knew it was perfect. I had been on the hunt for a dining table with a white finish as I thought it would be a nice way to break up the many wood tones I have in my house. This is one of the challenging parts of an open floor plan; all of the tones/finishes have to work together to form a nice cohesive look. I also love the airiness of the table. You can see through the legs and it doesn’t obstruct your view from either room. Such a beautiful and classic look, IMHO.

Chairs came next! I went with their Carson Side Chair. I love the woven seat/back that offers a casual vibe, that you guys know I’m a sucker for. The dyed pieces add a beautiful detail, and the black accent helps to tie together other elements from around the room. Arms are optional on this chair, but I opted to go without arms, that way it would easily tuck under the table. If I had a larger dining room, I would have definitely considered going with arms. The seat is wide and comfy, and wipes right up when my kiddos spill…which may or may not happen just about on the daily around here.

This rattan tray is perfect for displaying your favorite decorative pieces, plants, or could round up more practical items, like napkins and silverware. It also has leather-wrapped handles that gives it a certain something special.

While the pendant light isn’t brand new to the space (we added it last summer), it completes the look! It’s entirely made by hand, and I love the shape! It’s modern, but not too modern, if ya know what I mean. My mom loves it so much, she’s considering this same pendant for their new house too. My sister, mom, and I are always copying each other when it comes to home design!

Lastly, I chose the South Seas Console to add storage, and for the opportunity to style it up! Every dining room needs a cool console table. They are so versatile, and can be used to store your fancy china – if you are a fancy china kinda person, or just use them to display your favorite things!  I love that it has two levels, and can definitely see myself switching out decor whenever the mood strikes. If you’ve been following along for a while, then you know that decor swapping happens to be one of my favorite past times.

So that’s it! I am so happy with how our little dining has transformed into a beautiful, casual, and functional space for our family! Thank you to the kind folks at Serena & Lily, who are always a joy to work with. So, what do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below! My hope is that it will inspire some of you that are dreaming up new looks for your spaces! XOXO

Guest House

New Beams for the Guest House

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This post is sponsored by Ornamental Decorative Millwork

When we started this guest house remodel, I decided early on that I wanted a casual, cozy, and comfortable (my favorite three C’s) space for our guests to enjoy when they come to stay with us for a visit! And because design with lots of wood accents is my love language, I started brainstorming ways to add warm wood tones wherever I could! We got right to work replacing the old carpet with wood floors, covered the walls with pine tongue and groove planks, and started researching ways to update the old beams. This is what they looked like before…

The old beams were constructed of pine 1×3’s that had been stained a very dark tone. If I’m being blunt, they were just plain ugly! We considered building our own version of the beams, until I happened upon these beauties from Ornamental Decorative Millwork. I love the idea of adding beams to a room, it adds so much interest! These decorative beams checked all the boxes for me; they were beautiful, easy to install (more on that in a sec!), and they came with everything we needed for installation. Right down to the screws! We also went with these black brackets that are used to cover the seams that are between each beam. Another bonus – you can buy them at Lowe’s or Home Depot too!

As far as the installation process goes, I would give it an enthusiastic A+! Easy peasy! Pictured above, is the backer board that Ornamental Decorative Millwork is kind enough to include when you purchase these beams. They thought of everything, I tell ya. These are installed first, and act as sort of a map so that you can visually see where your beams will go. Once the backer boards are all up, next goes the beams!

The beams are U-shaped which makes them light in weight and makes them relatively easy to lift. Nate and I put them all up without any help from anyone.

Nate raved about the pre-drilled holes that indicate where the screws should go, so you didn’t have any extra or unnecessary holes. Also, check out that wood grain and texture. It gives the beams an old world, rustic vibe that I am digging big time.

After the beams are secure, the brackets are the final step. They simply slide right over the beam and cover the seam between each piece. The brackets come with their own matching screws, that help to complete the look. I love how the black complements the other black accents in the room, like the windows.

That’s about it! I am just so thrilled with this update and can’t believe how far this lil’ guest house of ours has come. If this guest house was my baby, I’d def be having a proud mom moment right about now. A big thank you goes out to the team at Ornamental Decorative Millwork, for sponsoring this project. I am so grateful! Now, who wants to come and stay with us for a long weekend??? Any takers?

Guest House, Kitchenette, Renovating

The Guest House Kitchenette is Done!

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Today is an exciting day around our house! Our kitchenette in the guest house is finally complete and I am so dang excited about how it came out that I could shout it from the roof tops! I think we should just get right into it, because I just can’t wait to show you guys! Sorry in advance for the amount of !!!!! that you will see in this post…please forgive me in advance.

Ahhhhhh are you screaming yet??? Cause I am! My goal was to create a fun and collected space that didn’t feel too serious. I also wanted it to feel like it was related to the main house. Think cousins, but not twins, ya know? We had so much fun putting this little kitchen baby together, and I couldn’t be happier with this new look! Check out how this same space looked a few months ago…

The cabinetry was problematic, and like everything else in this old place, was in very poor working order. Saggy cabinet doors and drawers that were completely stuck in place! The biggest problem with the cabinetry before, aside from its ugliness, was that it wasn’t a well thought out use of space. Nothing about this sad space made sense. So, we decided early on that we would gut the entire thing, and start over fresh!

The started from the bottom and replaced a linoleum and carpet situation from the 80’s with the most beautiful engineered wood from Provenza Floors. These are from their Affinity Collection in the Couture Color option. I could write an entire post on how deep my love runs for these wood floors, so I think I will do just that! I will be back next week to give a play-by-play on everything about these beauties; like how the install process went for us and how they are holding up. Guys, seriously, these floors MAKE THE SPACE. But, more on that later!

The appliances are from Cafe and they are AMAZING. Our kitchen in the main house has appliances from Cafe, so I can attest to their quality. Cafe is really on the forefront of mixing beauty with functionality IMHO. They look great and function even better…it’s a win win. We went with this range for its double oven option. I’m thinking about all of the desserts that could go in the top tier while dinner is in the lower tier. Ummmm…..yes yes yes. Instead of going with a full-sized refrigerator, which would remain mostly empty, most of the time, we opted for this beverage center which offers up a surprising amount of  storage but with all spots for storing wine/water bottles. It’s been really fun to stock the beverage center with drinks for our guests. When my Mom and Dad come over to stay, I fill it up with sparkling waters for my Mom and some bottles of Pinot for my Dad.

For the countertops, we enlisted the help of our friends at Nelson Tile & Stone, who also did our countertops in the main house. We decided on their Calcatta Quartz, in the Valentin color. It’s soft and subtle, with veining in both gray and gold tones. It’s STUNNING! And just as an FYI, they keep this particular stone in stock! We love everyone at Nelson Tile & Stone, and Jennifer, was instrumental in the design process of the space. She helped me decide on the stone itself,  then found the perfect faucet, (it was exactly what I was picturing) and even a drain to match!

The tile is from Ann Sacks and I smile every time I see it. Seriously, it’s that good! This is their Idris by Ait Manos in the 4×4 size. I went with the White Carrare color, but Ann Sacks carries this tile in six other colors. I have been drooling over the powder pink color for our next bathroom remodel and think I even have Nate talked into the idea of a pink shower! The cool thing about these tiles is that they are all hand-made and offer up an earthy, organic vibe to any space, which works in just about any style of home. Each piece is a little different from the next and I just love that!

This showpiece of a light is from Sazerac Stitches. This is their Cancer Flushmount and can be used as a flushmount fixture or a sconce! Cool, right? This hand-made brass work of art is designed to look like the cancer astrological constellation. The combos of socket and disc sizes, as well as arms with brass balls mimic the look of the small and large stars in the constellation. This piece in particular, saved the day for me and solved the issue of the lighting placement not being centered above the window/sink. The assymetrical design creates the illusion that the light is centered in the space. And the brass complements the cabinet hardware and faucet just perfectly! Sazerac Stitches has a variety of styles, and their designs are unique and offer something unexpected, if you are wanting to add some serious pizzazz to your home. I have another cutie from Sazerac Stitches that’s going up soon when work on the rest of this space! I can’t wait to show you that one!

The cabinet hardware is also brass and I am digging the simplicity of it! With just a few cabinets in our small space, I wanted the cabinet hardware to not steal the show from the other elements in the space. I think these little round beauties, do just that! They are also surprisingly substantial, and are quite heavy!

Ok guys! I think that’s about it…did I miss anything? So what do ya think? As always, a big thank you goes out to all of you for cheering us on throughout this project! Your questions, comments, and support really mean the world to me and make big projects like this one, so much more fun! Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think of the new space! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 

 

 

 

Serena & Lily

My Summer Porch with Serena & Lily

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This post is sponsored by Serena & Lily

Summer is finally here! Well, not technically yet, but temps are rising and my plants are blooming, so that’s reason enough to celebrate! One of my favorite projects to tackle during spring and early summer is freshening up my front porch and our deck in the backyard. Planting pots of spring blooms, and adding some accessories to your front porch can give your house a big boost in the curb appeal department! This year, I was lucky enough to partner with Serena & Lily to give my little porch some happy, summer vibes and I’m in love with the new look!

Adding a couple of comfortable spots to sit was a top priority as Nate and I sit on the front porch while we watch the kids scooter around the driveway or play in the front yard. When I spotted the Palisades Chair, I knew it was the one. It hit the three C’s: Casual, comfortable, and complementary to our black exterior.

The seat is low and wide, making it a very comfy sit. The rattan frame lends itself to a relaxed style which feels just right for our house. Another fun bonus is that you can pick them up by their handle, and they fold up for on-the-go trips to the lake or the river! We’ve already loaded them up and taken them down to the banks of our local river. I loved that they are low to the ground which makes it easy to dip your feet in the cool water.

I am so happy with how this little porch refresh came out that I’m inspired to update a space inside the house next! If you watch my instagram stories, then you know that I’ve been hinting at a new dining room look and the new dining table is already on the way!

The Downing Table is so gorgeous with its white frame and modern leg design. Light and airy is a must for our small space. My dining room is open to the kitchen and the living room, which is a blessing but can also make it a bit of challenge for furniture size and placement. My current table is feeling a bit too small for my growing family so the new table will offer up some more space without overwhelming the itty bitty space….that is my hope anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I’ll update you guys as soon as it arrives! Happy Summer Friends! Anyone else making some Summer updates to their homes? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear!

 

Furniture, Serena & Lily

A Review: My Serena & Lily Venice Rattan Chairs

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This post is sponsored by Serena & Lily

I get lots of questions about all of our projects around this old fixer upper, and I always try to give an honest answer so that I can help you guys, in case you’re thinking about tackling something similar in your own homes! I also get lots of source questions, ie. “where did you get that rug, piece of furniture, accessory, etc.?” Talking furniture and accessories with you guys is one of my favorite past times…I know, I know, I’m very exciting over here. And one of the most asked about pieces of furniture in my home are my Venice Rattan Chairs from Serena & Lily. I’ve had them for almost a year, so I thought it would be fun to give my honest opinion about them in case any of you are thinking about adding these cuties to your homes! So let’s get to it!

Serena & Lily is famous for its casual and coastal designs, but still lends itself to many styles of homes – like mine! I have a NW Chalet (is that a thing??) but their pieces are so well-made, classic in design, that they fit right in here! Last summer, I was on the hunt to add some additional seating to my living room, I found the Venice Rattan chairs and knew they would be perfect! It was tough to find an armchair that felt substantial, without the heaviness that comes with the look of an upholstered armchair. This chair checked all of my boxes! The airy design allows your eye to travel right through them and doesn’t block the views out our big windows. They are also extremely light weight, so turning the chair around to enjoy the views is no problem at all! The feet all have plastic protective feet so no need to worry about scratches on the hardwood floors. Peace of mind for the win!

The seat is wide and very comfortable. Wide enough to even sit two kiddos side-by-side! With its arms and high back, the chairs feel firm but supportive. As a tall person, I always appreciate a chair with a higher back. #tallpeopleprobs We just recently added this cushion which has made for even cozier sit. Before, I just tossed a soft throw pillow and they were still very comfortable, even without the cushion.

I’m a big fan of the subtle texture that these cushions add to the room. It was important to find a neutral cushion that would allow me to switch up my throw pillows whenever the mood strikes – mission accomplished! The cushions also have a zipper so when (inevitable around this house) the kids spill their juice, or leave cracker crumbs, I can easily unzip and throw the cover into the washer. And speaking of cracker crumbs, anyone else ever wonder where all those crumbs come from? I mean, seriously!

The craftsmanship really shines with its hand-wrapped rawhide joints and rattan frame. I’m in love with their California vibes and I don’t worry about them going out of style any time soon. To me, the design feels fresh and modern, but also classic and not too trendy. That perfect sweet spot, ya know?

The chairs pair so well with this side table and I love that this sweet table mimics the look of a tree…which is so fitting for our little home in the woods. The top of the table is a show stopper with its polished clamshell veneer top. It’s smooth and shiny, almost like a stone countertop.

Here’s a close-up so you can see the detail on the top. It adds a lot of interest, and I love the natural color palette that includes, whites, creams, rusts, and grays. It’s sparkly in the sunlight, and is just so beautiful! ANYWAYS, let’s get back to the chairs!

Our kitty, Phoebe, definitely approves of the cushions that we added to the chairs and can be found taking a snooze here on the daily. In fact, I think this was her plan as I snapped this photo of her…she looks kind of sleepy, no? Overall, I give these chairs a five star rating. I would highly recommend them for anyone who is looking to add extra seating to their living room, bedroom or, really anywhere! I think it would look really great tucked into a corner of a bedroom, or in an entryway to serve as a spot to take your shoes off. It’s so versatile and has enough personality to stand on its own! Also, after a year of every day use by adults and lots of kids, they are in perfect condition and look exactly like they did on the day they were delivered. This Oregon girl is giving off some California cool vibes these days, and they are most definitely here to stay!

 

 

Exterior Updates, Renovating

Trex Stairs And Cable Railing…The Combo That Won My Whole Heart

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This post is sponsored by Webfoot Painting

When we first bought our house in the fall of 2019, a MAJOR fixer upper, we were so excited to have a little guest house separate from our main house. It’s a small studio-style apartment that sits above our garage, complete with its own kitchenette and bathroom. You see, I have four siblings, who are all married with kids, so weekend house guests are a regular occurrence around these parts. I think the privacy and separate bathroom make it so popular with my extended fam, and it’s always fun to see who calls first dibs! There’s just one problem with the guest house, the stairs that lead up to the entrance were over 30 years old, and showing their age in a big way. In fact, one of treads broke while Nate was walking up them just after we moved in. We promptly banned their use after that, and decided we better get serious about replacing them before we had a real accident…gulp.

Enter Webfoot Painting to save the day! Webfoot is a local outfit here in Bend, and initially, I thought they were solely a painting company. Boy, was I wrongo! They offer a whole host of services including deck building, interior/exterior painting, carpentry services, concrete coatings and so much more! After seeing that they have over 500 google reviews with a 4.9 star rating, I knew we were in good hands going into this project. I was also happy to see that Webfoot is so involved in our small Oregon community, and even host an annual giveaway called Project Serious, that donates $25k of services to a deserving local non-profit. How cool is that?!

Not only were the old stairs a safety hazard, they were also UGLY. They were a lovely shade of gold with lots of brown accents…ahem, insert sarcasm here. This was the color combination on the exterior of the house when we moved in. Maybe even the original color to the house from when it was built in the early 1980’s, I wonder?

Anyone else getting a haunted house vibe? No? Just me? Anyways, the crew from Webfoot arrived on the first day and made quick work of the old stairs. They were gone in just a few short hours!

After the stairs were nothing more than a distant memory, we swapped out the old window and door for a fresh new look and a fun pop of color! All ready for the guys to come back and start building the new stairs!

The next day, Webfoot showed up right on time, and got to work! The crew was awesome, and their communication was so on point, we always knew the action plan for the day.

I was so excited to use Trex on the stairs for it’s durability, zero maintenance, and scratch resistance. We hemmed and hawed over all of the beautiful color options, but ultimately went with the Havana Gold color from their Transcend line. It has a lot of great texture, and really looks like wood – without the maintenance that comes with real wood. I also learned that Trex is made from 95% recycled materials, which made my inner Oregonian feel v happy.

These sleek and dare I say, sexy railings were a custom design by American Structures out of Portland, and are powder coated for durability against the outside elements. The crew even provided us with touch-up paint if we ever manage to scratch them – great for peace of mind! The black cables were sourced locally from Bend Rigging & Supply. The finished look is modern and clean. I couldn’t love it more!

Webfoot is one of the largest Trex deck builders in the state of Oregon, and their experience showed through their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The guys told me this stair design is called a “picture frame,” and it’s just beautiful!

Ok…now to the good part! It’s time to SPAM YOU WITH ALL THE GORGEOUS AFTER SHOTS…

Overall, we are so grateful for such an amazing experience, and couldn’t be happier with our new stairs. We’ve had just about all of our neighbors stop by to tell us how much they love the upgrade! A big thank you goes out to Gavin, Colin, and everyone at Webfoot Painting who were all knowledgeable, friendly, easy to work with, and full of energy! So tell me guys, what do you think!? Do you have any home projects that have been on your to-do list? I’m already busy dreaming up our next one!

 

 

 

 

Decorating, Furniture

My dream chair is here!

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This post is sponsored by Overstock

Every evening during the winter months, Nate makes a fire and I sit on the floor in front of the fireplace and enjoy the warmth (I know I know…I’m officially 100 years old). It’s really my fave thing to do after the kids go to bed. I’ve been on the hunt for the past few months to find the perfect chair for my favorite perch, and I finally found it! Now, I have the most comfortable seat in the house!

I was thrilled when Overstock reached out and wanted to work together, because I had been eyeing this chair for months. I knew I wanted a leather chair as I have confidence in its ability to stand up to my three rowdy kids. Spilled juice and cracker crumbs wipe right up! As far as design goes, it’s classic and will never go out of style –a nod to the past, but modern. The ottoman completes the look and provides a comfy spot to put up your feet and relax. I feel like it fits in well with the vibe of our home too, where I like to mix modern and rustic. The seat is firm, but so incredibly comfortable.

The details on this chair are really stunning. The wood encasement is made from eucalyptus trees that complement the caramel tones in our sofa, which I just adore. The stainless steel base is really lovely too.

I’m usually eager to add accessories like pillows and throws but this chair is so pretty, that it doesn’t need any frills or extras.

Our living room is open to our tiny dining space so adding extra seating always presents a challenge, but I was surprised to see that the chair fits right into the space, without crowding our existing furniture arrangement. The ottoman can easily be moved around the room, and used as an extra seat for when we have company.

I have been slowly adding furniture to our home since we moved in and with the addition of the new chair, the living room definitely feels complete, thanks to Overstock. Now, I look forward to my cozy spot by the fire each night, more than ever!

 

 

 

family vacations

5 airbnb’s to book for the perfect family summer vacation

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This post is sponsored by airbnb

Hi guys! With 2021 already in full swing, I’m thinking ahead and am eager at the thought of planning some fun for the family this year. My kids have returned  to school now, and we are looking forward to spring break and even a summer vacation as well! While I started thinking about our trip this year, I remembered a vacation that I took with my parents and my siblings when we were kids. My parents rented a log-style home that sat on the shores of a lake, here in Oregon. It was by-far, my favorite family trip that we took growing up. We spent the week swimming, kayaking, and having fires during the evenings. My parents even let my sister and I sleep out on the deck in our sleeping bags. We were in heaven!

I rounded up a few spots for you guys, keeping that special vacation from when I was a kid, in mind. I think they would make for lots of fun family adventures and most offer boating, swimming, hiking or just being outside. Ok, let’s get to it!

1. Polson, Montana – Log Cabin overlooking Flathead Lake

via airbnb

What’s not to love about this charming log home overlooking Flathead Lake in Montana? The deck has the most amazing lake views and is set up for outdoor dining and comes equipped with a fireplace! Lake access for swimming, fishing, and kayaking is just a short walk away. There is also the most adorable guest house on the property that’s optional to rent in addition to the main house, if you find yourself needing a little more space. Maybe a multi-family trip? There’s no cable, wifi, or landline on this property so you could really disconnect and relax! PS…how much fun would it be to have the kids camp out on the deck like my sister and I did on our lakeside vacation when we were kids?

2. Polson, Montana – Top of the World Cabin 

via airbnb

This home is all about the views…and does not disappoint! It has a third level of windows and I’d bet that on a clear day that you can see for miles! Perfect for quality family time in this peaceful and tranquil setting. I can picture myself spending many hours swinging in the porch swing with a good book! Glacier National Park is only an hour away from this gorgeous home and skiing is also an hour away as well! Really the best of both worlds and could be great for a winter or summer destination!

3. Sandpoint, Idaho – Private Lakefront Gem

via airbnb

As someone who appreciates great design, I can’t stop staring at all of the thoughtful details that went into the design of this home. This beautiful home almost feels like a tree house with woods all around to explore. It would comfortably accommodate a family of four with a view of the lake out every window! We have camped on this lake in Idaho a few times and it’s breathtaking. The water is warm enough to swim and there’s lots of boat and kayak rentals available around town. Also, Sandpoint is adorable with lots of attractions, restaurants, and coffee shops.

4. Lakeside, Montana – Flathead Lake Retreat

via airbnb

This is the ultimate family-friendly vacation spot equipped with a hot tub, a lakeside firepit, and your own private pebble beach. The kids could swim while you watch from the lawn. This home looks similar to the one we vacationed at when I was a kid, with the big windows, two levels of decks and it has me feeling very nostalgic. The interior is beautiful with an open floor plan, cozy bedrooms and a loft space with bunk beds for the kids. I don’t think I would ever want to leave this lovely home!

5. Bigfork, Montana – Waterfront Cabin

via airbnb

This home gave me all the warm fuzzies and feels like it was designed around family living. With lots of deck space, a cozy fireplace in the living room and a bunk room just for the kids, this home would work well for a multi-family vacations too. The views cannot be matched and the water almost looks turquoise in color! This home also has nearly perfect reviews and I noticed lots of comments that the garage was stocked with water toys and kayaks. Such a great bonus!

So there you have it! Would you want to book any of these magical homes? Did they remind any of you of any vacations that you took as a child? I wanna know! Leave me a comment below and tell me everything!

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