Holiday Decor.

We all know that decorating for holidays/seasons can be quite daunting and expensive. And if your like me in a 900 sq. ft apartment, where are you gonna store all those decorations anyway. Well my friends, I am here to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way. It's actually quite simple. [Oh and if you have forgotten all about simplicity check out what Danyelle has to say about that.] 

Okay Okay whats the secret?... well it's actually no secret at all. You know that decor staple thats on your wall? You know a chalkboard. That will be your new best friend and your newest piece of holiday decor. 

Get creative and add some of your personality to your new holiday decor. Its easy and you can change it every holiday and season. And not to mention it cost nothing at all.  Now thats what I call budget friendly decorating.

Happy Decorating

{Lacey}

Up North

We live in a place that has temperatures, in the winter, I didn't know actually existed, except for maybe in Man vs. Wild or on the surface of Mars!  It's been quite an adjustment for us.  Now,  Finally! our mountain of snow is slowly starting to melt and while most of me, well pretty much all of me, wants to run around outside barefoot out of sheer excitement, there are a couple things I'm going to miss. . . (did I just say that?). . .

Watching her carry her toys to the nearest heating vent, everyday, without fail

The way the sun reflects off the snow

All my babies being so cuddly, even with each other

Getting lost in sweet girly books + putting one little girl to sleep


There's always next year!
Welcome Spring!!  We're so glad you're here coming.   You are coming, Right?.

Danyelle

Yum.

It's your LUCKY day!  I am going to share a top secret recipe with you!!     

I married into this recipe and it's just to good not to spread the love.  I'm sure Grandma Thelma won't mind.

We seriously look for every possible excuse to make these, moist, soft, melt in your mouth cookies.

Hurry and find a reason to make them yourself!

Best-Ever Sugar Cookies

3 cups flour (sifted)

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. soda

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 cup shortening

2 eggs

1 cup suger

2 TBS. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together dry ingredients.  Cut in shortening with a pastry cutter until well mixed.  In a separate bowl beat eggs and then add sugar, milk and vanilla.  Add to flour mixture and mix well.  On a floured surface roll out to 1/4 in thickness and cut desired shapes.  Bake at 350 for 6 min.

Frosting: Mix 1/2 of a bag (1 lb.) of powdered sugar into one stick of melted butter.  Add 1 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt.  Slowly add milk one TBS. at a time until the frosting stays on the side of the mixing bowl.

Danyelle

B & A...what day is it?

I had originally intended on doing a before and after post on the first Monday of every month, ya know?  Obviously that didn't happen.

Life has been a little..., hmm, what's the word??? ... Oh yeah, Crazy! the past couple weeks.  We went out of town twice, the vacuum disappeared in a cloud of smoke, my disposal shorted out, and our very first sweet little apple (computer) died (it really was so sad, especially because she took some of our photos and documents with her :(.)

Feuwe! (I'm pretty sure that word didn't exist until right now)  Anyway, I'm back!, and only a few days, . . . okay, weeks late.

We moved into our house around 18 month ago and really wanted to do some updating.  We didn't have much to spend (still don't) on it, so we've had to be creative.  Here is one of our first projects: 

The Master Bathroom

We replaced and framed the mirror, painted the walls, trim, and vanity and updated the light, for a grand total of $75.  Not too shabby.

   

Danyelle

On the Move.

 Our little family is getting ready to move to the beautiful and hot state of Texas. Mr. Wonderful is graduating from BYU and taking a job in Dallas. We are so thrilled to be moving to the south. It reminds me so much of my childhood and I want need a shorter winter. ( my soul thrives on the warmth of the sun)

Upon thinking about our move, I have thought about past moves that haven't gone so well. I'm planning ahead of time and getting all ready before the big day. But even with my prepping I'm still gonna need all the help I can get.

Are you getting ready for a move too?

Here is a list of ways to help make the move a little easier.

Happy Weekend.

 

 [Lacey]

What we Believe.

Ever since I was a young girl I loved visiting places that made me feel warm inside.

I remember when I was in 5th grade I went to hang out with my friends at the local roller skating rink ( that was the thing to do in the 90s). I went inside and took a big look around, I saw all my friends there. The room was dark with really loud music. As soon as I walked in my whole body felt unsure. It seemed as though this immoral monster had taken over me. I turned around as fast as I could. Luckily my Mom and Dad were still outside. But I will never forget that feeling. I knew that the spirit had left me. Today I'm grown with two children of my own. I try to teach them, even at this early age what that good feeling is. And what it feels like when it's gone. One place we can go to feel that warmth and light is the Temple.They may not be able to attend at their early age but they can feel the reverence and love from learning and working hard to be worthy to enter someday. My love for these holy Temples grows everyday. The blessings of the temple are real. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Temple.

[Lacey]

Snap. Crackle + Pop

I had the opportunity to help with a photo booth at our church activty last week. Honestly it was a blast to put together. I couldn't wait to share it. 

 

 I picked up these absolutely adorable photo booth props at Target. My original plan was to make them myself but when I spotted this set for $5 I couldn't let that pass. 

 The back drop was a simple white cotton fabric backing and I added some self cut dots to make it a little festive (being that it was a Valentines party) I used gold and red paper bought at hobby lobby. Then, the book page paper was from an old book I had on hand. 

These beauties are old windows painted with chalkboard paint. It added so much character to the scene. I love em', don't you? 

   {My little helper}

Everyone had such a great time posing and snapping some super cute Valentine pics. I Would do it again in a heart beat. It's the perfect addition to any party, dance or celebration. 

[Lacey]