boxes, boxes, and more boxes

We are getting closer to getting completely moved out of the apartment. We have been moving little stuff all week and are moving the big furniture on Saturday (let's pray for nice weather!) I feel like everytime we move I learn something new. Here are a few things I have learned/been reminded of this time around...

1. There is SO much STUFF! Where does it all come from? I mean seriously! The moment I think we have made some headway, I open a closet or a cabinet! Luckily we have been clearing out some more stuff so that has been helpful.

2. If you call Central Market in the morning between 8 and 10 and ask them to hold several boxes for you, they will do it! Andddd you can come by anytime that day to pick them up. Getting free boxes is one way we really keep the cost of moving down.

3. NEVER...I mean NEVER use banana boxes. I don't care if somebody pays you to take them. We used these when I moved into our first apartment and were not aware that tiny little sugar ants love banana boxes. Ants + Lauren (who hates bugs) = no good.

4. Use dishtowels and old t-shirts to place between dishes. It avoids getting all of the annoying ink all over your stuff.

5. And last but not least, dream of the day when you will hire movers to do all of this craziness for you.

Honestly, this has been the smoothest move we have had, which is a true blessing for us right now. Since we have the keys and have been able to gradually move things over, it has not felt like I am living in box-ville like it has in the past. So thank God for that! Also, we are tremendously blessed with supportive friends and family that are helping on Saturday!

Anyone have any great tips or advice for when they have moved? I am sure you learn more every time!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! 2 days until the weekend and summer is SO close!

-Lauren

Moving and Painting

We are about to move in a week and a half and I am DREADING the idea of boxes, packing, unpacking, and the whole process of getting things from one place to another. On the flip side, I am overly giddy at having a new home with a garage, backyard, and more space to have friends over. Plus, Jaxon can't wait to have his very own backyard!! The huge upside to moving is feeling like you can get rid of things you haven't used in forever and get to organize at the new casa!

We are about to go look at paint colors for the bedroom. We are thinking of doing a bluish grey color. Although, we have to find one that still keeps the space pretty bright. Since we have all white bedding we want something crisp and clean.

or maybe this....

I know the probably look the same. Well we will have to see if we can find something that works! I will post pics of before and after with the new room. Can't wait!

Happy Thursday and Cinco de Mayo!

pinterest love

Ok I am just a newbie to the world of pinterest, and all I can say is I wish I came up with this idea. Pinterest is seriously brilliant. You know all of those times that you see a picture of something you want to make, bake, a place you want to go, or learn more about. Well now you can "pin it" on a board that you have specifically about that topic. Some of my boards are called "Dreaming" or "Food and Kitchen" and several others. Anytime I find a recipe or craft I want to try I pin it to that board. Earlier this week I found this picture that someone else had pinned and was amazed at how beautiful it is. I am constantly amazed at the scenery God allows us to enjoy and how what He has for us is so much more than anything we have ever seen. So enjoy the pic and go get on pinterest! I promise it will be love at first sight! 

(photo)

Have a wonderful Saturday!!

back in business

So I know I have been MIA for a couple of weeks, but honestly things have been insanely crazy. We have been looking for a rental house and finally found one! Never in a million years did I know how much time and how overwhelming that would be. We have also been busy with Easter, wedding showers, and life in general. But don't fret I am back and have still been doing some baking and other fun things. 

I made the pillow cookies from Bakerella! 

They were super yummy!

 Here they are with that yummy brownie in the middle. 

While I was baking...Jaxon was sleeping (couldn't help but share).

 And here is my sweet little family celebrating Jaxon's 3rd birthday! I can't believe we have had him for a year. I know it sounds like he is a child, but he is our little baby for now. haha!

 Brinley and I enjoyed the Easter egg hunt! 

They were also very excited to celebrate Jaxon's bday! 

So there is a quick little life update. I am looking forward to working on some crafty projects, sewing, and starting to pack for moving this weekend. Also, I have been in a wonderful bible study at my church called Apples of Gold where we are learning different lessons about being a wife, and honoring the Lord in each aspect of that. Along with the study we are learning how to cook and using some wonderful recipes. I have been making some of them and can't wait to share! 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! 

easter desserts

I am looking for a fun Easter dessert to make. I feel like I have been so busy these last few weekends and have not had the time for baking, sewing, or any other creative outlet. I was looking around to find something fun to make for Easter...I found so many cute ideas...here are a few...

These precious butterfly cupcakes. If I was taking them somewhere these might be the winner...

This Easter Egg Cake is so cute! Check out the picky-palate for some other great ideas!

These look perfect...warm cookies+brownies inside. Check out Bakerella's wonderful post about how to make these...I think I will be trying them out this weekend. 

Any great sweet recipes you have had your eye on? Any recipes you fall back on any time you have to bring something sweet?

What I Love Wednesday: Teamonade

Arnold Palmer. Teamonade. Tea+Lemonade...call it what you want, but it is seriously one of my most favorite things ever! After a long day at work or when it is hot outside, there is nothing more refreshing than a teamonade. Now obviously you cannot use any tea and lemonade...so let me suggest my favorite combination!

+

=

TEAMONADE!

I am linking up with Lollipops for What I Love Wednesday! Check out her cute blog! 

Happy Wednesday!!!

The World of Coupons

The world of coupons is one I continually try to figure out, yet feel like I always fail at using them. I am definitely the girl who hardly ever buys anything full price (unless I am shopping at Target) and James and I split 9 times out of 10 when we eat out, but coupons at the grocery store have yet to work for me. 

Every time I log on to Coupon Mom, coupons.com, or any of the coupon sites I find a long list of foods I don't buy, or the need to buy 3 boxes of something to recieve 50 cents off. Am I the only one who has this problem? I would really like to incorporate using coupons into my weekend grocery trips. We are always trying to find ways to save where we can. I want to steward the money the Lord has blessed us with as best as I can, but I also believe in eating good food, things grown locally, and as little processed food as possible. 

James and I do most of our grocery shopping at Central Market and Whole Foods, and occasionally Tom Thumb, but seem to have no luck saving money with coupons. I would love to hear if you use them and what works for you! 

Any ideas? Please share!