White Nails & Trees on the Floor

Late nights. Bright lights. White "nail polish"...all with this hard-workin' man. Everything is moving forward! The paint is done. We chose Benjamin Moore Simply White...to match the IKEA Lidingo cabinets. It's a much warmer, softer white than the Behr Ultra Pure White that we initially chose...and I love it. That warmer tone meshes well with the orange in the hallway, and it's crazy but it just feels different in there! I never knew white paint could evoke such emotion. When we first started dreaming of our new home, a white room flooded with light...and lots of color...that is what my heart desired. I'm so glad we made it back there...after a tiny detour.  

Next up...FLOORS! Eeeeeeep! I am so excited for this step. I'm going to have REAL trees on my floor. Beautiful wide-plank circular-sawn douglas fir. *sigh* It will be our first time using unfinished wood, and doing the whole staining sha-bang. We are definitely going for a well-worn, distressed look...not a super shiny showroom floor. We like a medium-brown...not too light, not super dark. Tell me your stain color favorites!

I've been doing lots of research and gathering tips, but I would love to hear any input y'all have on how to make this process go smoothly! Matt is very confident already...but every little piece of wisdom helps!

And then there was this. A moment in the sunshine for mama (captured by sweet Bella). As I sat here today, drinking my afternoon latte...listening to woodpeckers above me and the breeze sifting through the trees...I remembered the healing power of sunshine and movement. 

We've had a long couple of days 'round here. Big house decisions. Insurance adjuster excitement.  My van is at the shop all week. And both Lucy and Emma had colds that magically morphed into stomach bugs. I was up all night cleaning up puke and poop and nursing nursing nursing. Mmmmmm. You're welcome for that visual. Be very glad that this isn't a scratch and sniff blog. I'm really hoping the rest of us dodged it this time around!

Living in the basement can have a not-so-happy effect on me. Especially when life is feeling hard. The clothing from 3 tiny fashionistas eating us alive. My sweet little kitchen is adorable, yes. But after a month of limited everything, I'm really feeling the temporary nature of it. Nothing seems to have a "place". And the dogs just ate my last bra. *why oh why?!*

I crave natural light, and it is minimal down here. I have to remember to get outside (or at least up to my big windows!) when I start to feel closed in and overwhelmed. The warmth of the sun and a quick jaunt up the rocks lessens the heaviness almost immediately. Today I ran in circles through the trees and over the rocks...around and around...in my pajamas as the dogs chased behind. It felt amazing. Like a reset button was pressed in my heart. 

Some of my other favorite "reset" activities:

• Spinning a hoop (scientifically proven to lift spirits!)
• Turning on delicious music
• Soaking in a hot hot hot bath
• De-stressing with my oils (Balance and White Fir are my BFF's)
• Caffeine goodness or a glass of wine (yes, artificial stimulants...but they have the power to change perspective in a wonderful way!)
• Connecting with Matt (not in THAT way...ahem, well, that's awesome too...but just a hug and a quick reassurance does wonders for my spirit).
• Reading scripture...Psalms especially.

How do you "reset" when life feels out of control?

IKEA Round 2: Bring on the Lidingö

You guys. We went to IKEA and I didn't cry! ;-)  My amazing friend Shelly took care of Bella and Lucy all day long...so that Matt and I could focus and get it all done with as little drama as possible.

After many late night discussions, more tears of frustration and random bouts of laughter, we decided on the IKEA Lidingö cabinets for most of our kitchen. In white.

And..we're re-painting. Again. Back to a white that matches the cabinets. Yes. We are. Stop it with yer judgey eyes. While I love grey and white, the grey was not meant to be in our room with enormous windows to the sky.

Our process at IKEA went super smooth...we chatted with a kitchen specialist to finalize the layout we had done from home on ikea.com. After she placed our order, it took about 2 hours for them to pull all the pieces from the warehouse.

We took that time to eat meatballs, and grab some other goodies from the marketplace that we needed. You know..."needed"...like purple flower pots for my succulent babies.

Our number finally made it to the FINISHED side of the processing screen, so we headed over to start taking inventory of everything. We did end up having one piece that was oversold, but it was only a slide out for a drawer. No big deal.

The warehouse attendant seemed a bit annoyed that we wanted to check that each piece was there...but I insisted. I've read enough blogs to know that you don't want to sign off unless you know for sure that it's all there!

And so now we have 82 boxes/pieces to assemble and turn into a kitchen...a place to nourish and nest. I'm giddy with anticipation...let's make food!

But not until we paint and the floors are finished. So many steps...but we're getting closer!

And as I drove into the sunset with the love of my life...I was thankful. For everything. That is all. xo

She Made Me a Blueberry Pie

Last Thursday, we excitedly awaited the arrival of our dear friend Jen and her daughters. She lives north about an hour...and it's just been way too long since we sat down and connected hearts like proper friends should.

She came bearing these amazing pieces of pottery...that she created with her own hands! For ME! She filled the adorable pie plate with blueberry pie and I filled the mug with coffee. Both were devoured immediately after this photo was taken. This is the same Jen who baked me a pie with a goat on it when we moved to the farm. Oh how I love her. So thoughtful and true.

We soaked up sunshine on the deck...surrounded by tall swaying trees, prayer flags and giggling girls. 

Our conversation meandered from succulents and gardening to yoga and self care. We climbed our biggest rock and looked out to the Denver skyline...savoring each moment together.

We headed up the road to explore and hike a bit. The girls collected rocks covered with lichen and climbed light-drenched trees while Jen and I made plans to visit Golden and paint hiking sticks together. 

Fresh mountain air enjoyed with a friend is straight up medicine for the soul. Connection and laughter and movement...all things needed for a healthy life. 

Tell me how YOU make it a priority to connect
with friends you love!