Paint Colors we used in our Remodel

Welcome into our "new" home!  We've been in our home for 9 years and a few years after living here we knew we wanted to do a big remodel.  A lot of the spaces weren't used efficiently and everything was very dated!  The project was a complete overhaul and we didn't have any natural design skill so we enlisted the help of Hayley from HLC Studio.  She knocked it out of the park and we are so thrilled with the finished project.

One of the most frequent questions is about the paint colors Hayley used to create a fresh, classic, warm and rich feel.  Our home was built in the 70's and so we have low ceilings by today's standards.  We also face North and so we don't get a lot of natural light into the rooms.  For those two reasons, Hayley used Chantilly Lace from Benjamin Moore on most of the walls, baseboards, trim and ceilings.  

A funny story was Kevin HATED the "white" when it first went on the walls.  He was beyond skeptical but Hayley was a pro at explaining her rationale.  At the time we still had concrete subfloors and of course not one item of furniture or decor.  It was literally white walls and that was it.  So it looked pretty stark at the time but Hayley explained it was necessary for the ceiling height and lack of light.  As she knew, all the other elements in the house warmed it up.  I am SUPER happy we stuck with it.

Put the ART in Party-Madison's Art Birthday Party

Madison requested an art party for her 8th birthday and so that's what our baby girl got.  I love a theme that calls for bright colors; it makes everything that much more fun and vibrant.  As many of you know I like to throw parties on a frugal budget.  I love sharing the details to show everyone that you don't have to sacrifice much.  You can throw a great party without an endless budget.

How to Make A Yummy French Toast Bake

Weekday breakfasts are quick and easy and I try to keep them healthy but the weekends call for small celebrations.  So that is when I like to make something a bit more yummy and maybe a bit more labor intensive.  This French Toast Bake was new for me and it didn't take too much time or effort.  However, it does have baking time so you need to start early or prep ahead of time especially if you have kids like mine that expect to eat almost immediately upon waking.

The first time I made this recipe I was taking it for a friends weekend away in the mountains.  It's great for serving a bit of a crowd and the cleanup couldn't be easier.  Typically when I'm doing breakfast for a group I do pancakes or waffles with eggs and bacon and it's a lot to manage and clean up.  After doing this French Toast Bake I determined this is the way to go from now on.  I prepped as much as I could before we left town and just assembled it the morning we wanted it.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Texas Toast
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small squares

Directions: 

1. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. 
3. Chop the bread into 3/4 - 1 inch cubes and put it in the bowl with the egg mixture and toss well until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a food processor mix the flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. 
5. Pulse the butter in the food processor for 5-10 seconds or until the butter and brown sugar mixture is crumbly.
6. Pour the bread and egg mixture into the pan, cover evenly with the brown sugar-butter topping and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is crispy and the center is no longer wet.

The Foreman Fix Up- House Remodel Reveal- Before & After

It's my greatest pleasure to welcome you into our remodeled home and show you around.  It's been years in the making and 19 months since we had our first design consultation.  Living through a complete renovation was nearly impossible and had its share of challenges that tested our family in every way.  Seeing these photos almost takes that sting away!!!  I almost can't believe the transformation and it's a safe bet that you won't believe it's the same house.  Come take a peak....

Fun Christmas Food & Gifts for Kids

'Tis the season for fun and festive food.  I love seeing how excited the kids are to see my latest food creations.  Cinnamon rolls are a fan favorite around here and there are so many options for every holiday.  These were Cinna-reindeer and couldn't have been easier to make.  You bake cinnamon rolls as usual and top with candy eyes and a red candy nose.  I used the plate to attach paper antlers but you could also use pretzel to make edible antlers.

Peace Out Single Digits- Fun 70's Birthday Party Theme

Planning and throwing a party is one of my absolute favorite things to do.  But to be honest I was so stressed about this party.  Emily begged for months to host her first slumber party but we only had one little problem.  Our home was still under construction!  I tried to convince her of letting it go but she wouldn't let up.  I finally agreed but was so concerned about throwing this party.  The idea of a slumber party was daunting on its own, hello 13 tweens under my roof.  But hosting while under construction was another level.

Halloween Family & Sibling Costumes

I live for sibling costumes but I fear my days are numbered on getting my oldest to agree.  Insert tears and tissues!!! It's hard to find cute and unique sibling/family costumes.  I'm always looking for new ideas and thought others might be as well so I thought I would share our past costumes.  One of my favorites was this Race Car Driver and Pit Crew.  The girls and I were part of Jack's pit crew which was unique and so adorable!  

I typically hate store bought costumes so I either have something made or I buy clothes that can fit the theme.  For this set I bought a traditional costume for Jack and then traditional clothes for the girls.