Change: The Living Room Is Almost Done (finally)

I picked up this painting from a yard sale that benefits the local historical society.

I'm even into the chipping.

It has finally happened. After being in my house for 4 years the living room has been painted. And all I can say is: why did I wait so long? I can't believe that I lived with that horrid light and color sucking purple for so long. Over the last 4 years I've painted swatches of light green, grays and buttery creams on the walls, but in the end I settled on a slightly warm white, Sherwin Williams Marshmallow. It is amazing how much better my living room looks now, it makes me happy every time I walk in the room. And because this room is the center of my home, I feel like it has made the rest of the house look better too.

The mood board I made a while ago finally coming to life. 

Of course there are still a few changes left to be made. The trim still needs to be painted, I want to redo the club chairs in a navy velvet (so they look a little more like the one above from West Elm) and I think that the wall with the Hi-Fi needs some art. But over all things are really looking good over here. Don't cha think?!?

P.S. The big before post if you want to know what the house looked like the day I bought it.

P.P.S. A whole lot more house-y stuff.

Eat: Donut Shop Cake

Happy Galentine's Day Friends! I made you a cake (well okay, I made myself a cake, but I'm going to tell you about it)! This is what I like to call a cheater cake, in other words a dressed up box cake. And it tastes just like dipping a glazed cake donut into a cup of coffee, so if that is your thing you are going to really love my Donut Shop Cake. But first we should talk about how wonderful it is to have friends you love so much you wish there was a day to celebrate your friend-love. I have been blessed with some really fantastic friends, but today I'm thinking about my Girls Night friends. Every Wednesday after the sun goes down a group of my friends get together for a night of chatting, bonding and snack eating. Over the years the group has ebbed and flowed, but at the heart there has always been my cousin Lydia, our BFF Mel and me these days Lydia's sister in-law Amanda, my sister in-law Kelsey and our cousin Naomi join us too. We have spent close to ten years laughing and sometimes crying, snuggling new babies and listen to one another's problems, its a place to share good news and process frustration, we care for, challenge and encourage one another. So today on this day that is all about celebrating Ladyfriends, the girls I'm thinking of are my sweet Girls Night crew. Happy Galentine's Day Lyd, Mel, Amanda, Kelsey and Naomi - I love you all bunches!

Now for some cake!

What you need:
Box White Cake Mix
1 cup of room temp coffee
4 tablespoons of half & half
1/4 cup powdered sugar

What you'll do:
1. Bake your cake - I just used a large round pan (you can make some cup cakes with the left over batter)
2. Mix your cream and coffee
3. Divide your coffee and cream in half, slowly mix in half with your powdered sugar to create a glaze
4. Once cake is somewhat cool pour the other half of your coffee mix over the cake (I popped the cake back into to pan so that the coffee could really soak in
5. Wait about 10 minutes, then put your cake on your plate and pour your glaze over the top
6. Top with heart shaped sprinkles, because you know Galentine's day is all about love!

Now invite a few of your closest gal-pals over, brew a pot of coffee and spread the love!!!