Noteworthy
It’s time for my monthly check-in… who is ready for a new Noteworthy post? SO much has changed in the weeks since my last post in this series, it almost seems hard to believe. I excitedly talked about our upcoming travel plans (which obviously aren’t happening now), renovation projects, and other things that probably won’t come to fruition anymore, but hey- we’re all in the same boat and are doing our best to roll with the punches and keep everyone healthy. Despite lots of negativity in the media right now, I’ve got a fun and honest post filled with some positive points! Click through to read about allllll the things…
I’ve been spending a LOT of time in our kitchen lately… it is truly my happy place! From cooking and baking to whipping up another batch of my favorite sugar scrub (I’ve had lots of at home spa time, FYI), I’m finding comfort in keeping my hands and mind busy. Is anyone else cooking or baking more lately? I wanted to share some recipes I’m excited to try in the coming weeks…
- Hard Boiled Egg Crostinis (from Sugar & Charm)
- Will’s Easy Bread Recipe (from House of Brinson)
- Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells (from How Sweet Eats)
- Honey Whipped Goat Cheese with Fresh Fruit (from Olive and Artisan)
- The Best Pizza Bianca / White Pizza (from CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado)
- Schnecken / Pecan Cinnamon Buns (from Leite’s Culinaria)
Emmett has been begging for a homemade pizza night, too- I’m pretty sure he stumbled across this dough recipe and sauce recipe on our friend Chloe’s instagram, and now apparently HAS to have it- on the dinner rotation this week. Looks like I’m running out of time. Haha!
Can you tell I’m on a comfort food kick? I feel like my culinary and baking skills are going to be top notch once all of this is over… I might also gain 20 lbs (oh well). If you’re relieving stress in the kitchen, I’d love to hear your favorite recipes you’ve tested lately!
I’ve also been dreaming of spring and yearning for warm weather and sunshine, and while it has been getting a bit warmer here in Utah- we’ve been pretty stuck in the 50 to 55 degree range this week. I’m really itching to put together our bedroom balcony and the patio. I’m hoping next week brings warmer weather and plenty of sunshine! Fingers crossed. Have you guys been working on any outdoor projects yet… or is it still too early in your location?
Speaking of projects… we’re about to start a fun one! We’re surprising our neighbors with a deck makeover. We’re planning to paint and furnish their back patio deck (with zero contact, of course). We won’t even have to enter their home…. we’ll just sneak over and get to work from their backyard. I’m pretty sure they know we’re up to something. We bought all of the supplies online and they’re starting to trickle in, but I’ve been over a couple times for measurements already. I’m excited to share joy, positivity, and love in the form of a makeover. I feel like that’s what we do best! Plus- you’re going to love their home… it’s a charming a-frame cabin.
While we’re talking outdoors- where are your favorite places to buy plants and seeds online? I’m ready to start ordering and get things going in our own backyard! I’d love to grow some vegetables and herbs this year. Fun fact… Emmett and I used to have a HUGE garden (around 50 ft x 40 ft) at our first home. We grew up gardening, farming, and canning with our families, but it has been awhile since I’ve had the itch to take on more work and plant food. We’ve really only had a couple tomato & pepper plants in pots on the patio (pictured below), since moving from Ohio to Utah. I think the vast climate change intimidated me, but I’m ready to give it a fair try- even at a much, much smaller scale. Given I’m not leaving the house right now… I’d love your online recommendations!
As a blogger, I feel like I have to stay current and keep up with social media platforms. Although I resisted for quite some time, I finally figured it was time to get a TikTok. If you’re on TikTok, please give me a follow so I don’t look like a total newbie (thank you in advance!). I’m not going to lie though… I had to use my friend Kyla’s tutorial because I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m starting to catch on though and am excited to have some fun with it! I kind of feel like the granny trying to fit in with the young kids. My page is basically dogs and design (my two favorite things).
My local friends at Studio McGee just launched their first ever Target collection (congrats Shea!!). It’s absolutely beautiful AND it fits the budget. Want to see my favorites? You can begin shopping for these on Saturday (April 4th)- maybe set a reminder or alarm, because I have a feeling these items will sell out quickly. I’ll be grabbing a few things for sure! I’ll drop my picks in a shopping slider below…
If you’re wondering what Emmett and I have been up to lately… basically working from home per usual (well… he still has to go into the office 3 days a week, then work 2 from home), tackling pesky projects we’ve been putting off (regular homeowner maintenance boring things), planning our next big renovations, and just hunkering down here at home.
Spoiler alert… I started designing built-ins for my home office and wanted to know if you guys would be interested in seeing the process? I’m still in the beginning phases, but I’m having fun exploring my options, floor plans, and layouts! I’d be happy to share if you’re into that idea.
Are any of you going to join me in the #BUILDTHANKS challenge with Lowe’s next week? You can find more info here. I can’t wait to show you what I have up my sleeve, because in addition to a thank you message, it’s really a test for a bigger project in our home.
If you could use a little good news in your life, check out these Instagram accounts I enjoy following: @tanksgoodnews // @goodnews_movement // @somegoodnews (just launched by John Krasinski a couple days ago!)
I get sooo many questions about my brass footed pedestal dish. It’s typically always sold out, but I just received word that Alice Lane received more stock. They only have a few left (since I shared on IG stories yesterday), which will probably sell out quickly, BUT- if you’d like one, I’ll link it here. It’s $19 and a really versatile dish I use often for styling (great for candles, jewelry, perfume, whatever).
Before I sign off, I wanted to ask you guys what blog posts YOU want to see in the coming weeks? Is there anything in particular that would be inspiring? It can be interior design related or otherwise (projects, recipes, roundups, whatever…). I’m all ears and would love to adjust the calendar to provide the best inspiration, information, and helpful topics during this odd time.
Okie doke… I think that’s all for now. I hope you have a great day and are staying healthy, safe, and mindful out there! Sending lots of love. -Sarah