The Best Place to Display Your Florals at Home!

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You might think that choosing where to display your flowers depends on decor vibes, but there is SO much more! Check out these 4 tips on displaying flower arrangements.

  1. Your flowers will last longer in a room with cool temperatures.

  2. Avoid displaying them in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat.

  3. You’ll also want to avoid areas like open windows, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans as they can cause the flowers to quickly dehydrate.

  4. You also shouldn’t display your bouquet near fruit. That’s right, ripening fruits release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of your fresh arrangement.

Boozy Pink Drink

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I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of fancy cocktails! But what I’m not a big fan of is overpriced, fancy cocktails. So my husband and I crafted this boozy pink drink so that we could feel fancy even at home. The recipe below is for 2 drinks, and don’t worry, that’s probably all you will need 😉

  • 2 parts gin 

  • 2 parts rosè

  • 1 part triple sec 

  • Thinly sliced muddled strawberries in shaker

  • Splash of simple syrup

  • Shake in ice, strain into chilled martini glass 

Adult Spring Breaking

I remember my first year out of college when March rolled around. Instead of working on my tan on the beach or by the pool with my roommates, I was stuck in a windowless office where the only tan I was getting was coming from the blue light of my computer monitor.

With “adulting” comes great freedom, but also a lack of time or money to get away. On top of that, in this day-and-age of social media where we can see all of the exotic destinations others go on, it can be discouraging to not have the same exciting experiences.

This past weekend my hubby + I had to travel across state for a wedding (and in Texas, ‘across state’ means it’s going to take a good chunk of time getting there). We opted for the scenic route instead of the interstate. It took a good 1-2 hours longer, but it was so worth it. We ate at small town restaurants, discovered unknown landmarks, and had plenty of conversation time. This got me thinking about the upcoming spring break holiday (or lack there of if you are no longer on a school schedule). If you are having withdrawals like me to fill the void that once was a wonderful vacation, you should do something about it. Even if you don’t have a designated week to take off, I highly recommend reserving a weekend or even JUST a Saturday if that’s all you’ve got to rest and discover.

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So here are five easy solutions to make you feel like you have earned that cherished holiday back:

  1. Road Trip - We are big fans of road trips for the reasons already mentioned + many more. Pick a simple destination 2-5 hours away so you get some quality time with your friend(s) or spouse. Bring a book filled with questions that you all can chat through, rock out to your favorite playlist, or watch the sunset from a new special spot.

  2. Visit a Winery/Distillery/Brewery - Everyday I feel like I’m hearing about a new winery, distillery, or brewery that has opened up. This is a fun way to try something new, get your friends together, and sometimes road trip a little to get there (with a designated driver of course ;) This is the easiest way to feel like you’re in Napa without having to spend an arm or a leg!

  3. Sneak into an awesome pool - Whether it be at that sweet new apartment complex down the street or a fancy hotel, swimming pools can sometimes be an easy spot to slip in (just look confident and act like you’re supposed to be there haha). Or if you are a ruler follower and that makes you too nervous, ask a friend if you can come to their apartment complex or find out if there is a resort in your area that allows you to pay a small day fee for full access to their amenities.

  4. At-Home Spa Day - Carve out at least 2 hours for some dedicated self-care. Go all out: put on face masks, do your nails, use a massage tool to work out those pesky knots in your shoulders.

  5. Get Outside - Check out your city’s Parks and Rec page to see if there are any local hiking spots you have never checked out and go exploring! Pack a picnic for after the hike and enjoy the sunset.

New Year's Resolution Reset

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It’s mid-February…how are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions??? With the new year comes an exciting hope for change, but also an expectation that it will take place overnight. Because of this unrealistic timeline and scope of achievement, so many fail to stick to their resolutions.

I believe resolutions can be a good thing…but that they also take time. Let’s be real - I had the resolution to switch from a paper calendar to digital for three years. It took discipline, I forgot certain dates (which was typically when I would give up), and I didn’t get to use my pretty pack of pens that I would buy every year with my new planner. However, once I stuck it out that third year…even when I failed at times…it made it all worth it. Now I live by my digital calendar with all the reminders that keep my head on straight.

I also want to “Marie Kondo” my house every January, but I realistically need an entire year and not just 6 weeks to get that done. Shifting your expectations to match reality is when a goal can be achieved. Taking baby steps instead of one big leap is how you can overcome your shortcomings. If I can throw one more cheesy, encouraging saying in here…just because you fumble the football doesn’t mean you have to forfeit the game!

Because of this, we put together a 30-day challenge addressing a different resolution each day. According to Inc., these are the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions that were made this year:

1. Actually doing my New Year's resolution
2. Trying something new
3. Eat more of my favorite foods
4. Lose weight/diet
5. Go to the gym
6. Be happier/better mental health
7. Be more healthy
8. Be a better person
9. Upgrade my technology
10. Staying motivated

Share the Love!

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There are typically two camps of thought towards Valentine’s Day. There are those that find it to be a fun day to dote upon their loved ones and others that think it is an over-commercialized holiday.

I personally have never had an issue with it because it also happens to be my birthday, so I always had that as a distraction all of the years I was single. However, I see both sides. No, you shouldn’t have to wait until one specific day a year to show people you love them. But it sure is fun to go out of your way to do so on that day!

Whether you’re single, dating, married, or “it’s complicated”, Valentine’s Day is a great chance to tell people how we feel that we don’t always stop and take the time to appreciate. And not just with your significant other! I think we all need a little reminder to recognize others in our lives a little more versus being consumed with our own issues. Look, I get it…I’ve been the lonely one wishing I just had someone to share it with. I’ve had Valentine’s roll by where the last thing I wanted to do was buy a mushy-gushy card for my husband because we were in the midst of a fight I didn’t think we would get through. But, by taking a day to reflect on the big picture and on how much we do have + how much we are loved, it helps put things back in perspective.

Do you have to go buy out the Hallmark store? No…but you could send a ‘thinking of you’ text to your friend or give the co-worker that you don’t always get along with a little extra grace. Hopefully then you’ll be more cognizant of the need for this moving forward and be inspired to show that same love year-round! In a world that is more divided than ever, why not celebrate a little love?

Bake cookies and deliver them to your neighbors or make things more simple - buy those iced sugar cookies everyone loves, put them in a cellophane bag with some cute ribbon.Take a little plant from Trader Joe’s to yo (3).png

Valentine's Prints for Kids!

WE THINK YOU ARE DINO-MITE!

Valentine’s Day can be overwhelming with all of the baking, decorating, putting together the perfect Valentine’s cards. We want to make your life easier! We have designed 5 Valentine’s cards for your kids that you can print + pass out at upcoming festivities. We suggest printing these at a local print shop and then using a paper cutter to cut the cards in straight lines.

Along with the cards, we have linked a little sussie that you can give out to go along with your card!

Check them all out below.


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You Float My Boat

Click here to download the printable card.

Click here to purchase toy boats for bath time.

 

i donut know what i would do without you

Click here to download the printable card.

Click here to purchase cute donut keychains.

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you are out of this world

Click here to download the printable card.

Click here to purchase rocket ship crayons.

 

you are magical

Click here to download the printable card.

Click here to purchase unicorn stampers.

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you are dino-mite

Click here to download the printable card.

Click here to purchase toy dinosaurs.


Celebrate Galentine's!

Let’s give some extra love to February 13th, aka Galentine’s Day! This is the perfect day to shower your best gals with a whole lot of love.
Today we are sharing our “must-haves” for any Galentine’s Day party!


 
Good decor: Swap out your every day decor for more feminine pieces decked in red, pink + hearts!

Good decor: Swap out your every day decor for more feminine pieces decked in red, pink + hearts!

 
 
 
Good food: Consider making a sugary “charcuterie board” because it’s not every day that you get to indulge in all the sweets!

Good food: Consider making a sugary “charcuterie board” because it’s not every day that you get to indulge in all the sweets!

 
 
 
Good wine: Click here to check out our favorite rosé!

Good wine: Click here to check out our favorite rosé!

 
 
 
Good craft: Check out this DIY pom garland from Chalkfulloflove!

Good craft: Check out this DIY pom garland from Chalkfulloflove!

 

Layered Dip

Secret family recipe alert! One of my favorite go-to appetizers for hosting is this easy + delicious layered dip. This recipe leaves room for you to use the specific ingredients listed or add in other ingredients you think may pair well (like black olives or shredded lettuce).

Check out the recipe below.


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INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 can fat free refried beans

  • 2 pkg. prepared guacamole (usually found close to fajitas)

  • 1 1/2c. low fat sour cream with 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (I usually mix this in carton night before so flavors blend together)

  • 1 medium size jar chunky salsa (I usually get mild)

  • 8 oz. shredded cheese

  • Optional - Mild jalapeños, black olives, or shredded lettuce on top

  • Tortilla chips for dipping (2 lg. bags)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Simply layer each of the ingredients into a flat dish w/ sides (9" sq. or 11"x7" pyrex).

  • You can either prepare ahead of time or bring it all and make it at party.

  • Dump the tortilla chips into a separate bowl to use for dipping.