living and family room ideas from parade of homes * basement kitchen * theater rooms * play area * man caves

06 October 2021

Hello! Let's look at some living and gathering spaces today from the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of homes. Whether you're looking for a comfy family room, a more formal living room, traditional or modern, here are some ideas:

Some seriously adorable play spaces:

And basement kitchens!

Here are some theater room ideas. This one had bunks on the wall. Not sure you wold be able to sleep with a movie going but maybe it's fun to be in your bed when you fall asleep watching one? We also thought the railing along the snack bar was smart so drinks and plates didn't go sliding over on to peopel on the sofa :)

This "secret entrance" to the theater room was fun!

This gun/hunting room was something:

Golf simulators were popular!

An exercise room with an amazing view:

And fun basketball courts!

You can catch some more great Parade of Homes ideas here

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emotional resilience tools and resources

05 October 2021

Hello! Welcome to Day 21! You didn't miss Day 20 -- I just took the day off. There was lots going on and just didn't happen. And I heard Facebook and Instagram were down too for most of the day so it works, right? So I'm back today sharing something that I have loved and am hopeful it can be helpful to you as well. It's from an emotional resilience class my church is offering. Our local congregation had encouraged everyone to sign up for the class -- they are free and just faciliated in homes not by experts but just a group of people wanting to learn together. I kind of rolled my eyes and thought that I was good to go -- I listen to lots of podcasts and know this right?

But my husband and I signed up and it is SO GOOD. It has really challenged my thought process and helped me realize how much it takes to re-train my brain with healthy thinking patterns that serve me instead of make me feel angry and out of control. I also love hearing real and vulnerable examples from people in my class. Here are some of the graphics from the manual in Chapter 2 that I have read and re-read and returned to for reminders.

Anyone can download the manual and go through the class on your own or in a group. Of course it does have a strong religious influence but you could easily choose the parts that are applicable to you/your family and I honestly believe it could be for everyone. Who doesn't need to learn to deal with all of the information and feelings we are bombarded with on a daily basis, especially our children?

My daughter is facilitating a class with her college group. I have a friend that is going through the course with her children and thought that was such a great idea. Some other chapers are: Our Bodies and Emotions, Managing Stress and Anxiety, Understanding Sadness and Depression, Overcoming Anger, Managing Addictive Behaviors, Building Healthy Relationships, Providing Strength to Others, Moving Forward with Faith. It is all free and downloadable (PDF is here) or if you like the actual book that you can hold and highlight and make notes in (I do!) It is around $6 shipped. I just thought it may be helpful to you so I am sharing!

I wish you the best on your personal emotional resilience journey ♥

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courage for the week 10.3.21

03 October 2021

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simple balloon arch for showers or parties

02 October 2021

Hello! Welcome to Day 18 of Every Day September. Today I wanted to share a simple balloon arch that anyone can put together -- it's great for a shower or party or wedding celebration. It was only $13 on Amazon and comes with everything you need. This was for a bridal shower we did at my friend Angela's home.

I also picked up this balloon inflator from Walmart and it was a lifesaver! Just a tip: if the balloons aren't inflating try stretching them up and they will fill right away.

I didn't do any of the glitter balloons but I did love the pearl-like gold ones. Just attach them to the plastic strip they give you

and then just fill in the smallest ones with the little glue dots that come with it (or scotch tape works great too) We attached it to the wall with a command hook.

and then you can tuck in greenery too. This was just eucalyptus from Trader Joe's.

It's a big bang for a little money. I just wanted to share and promise anyone can do it. It probably took an hour or two to put together? Good luck!

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caught my eye + deals 10.1.21

01 October 2021

* this beautiful Maine Cottage tour at shabbyfufu

* Clint Harper's Fixer Upper house is for sale!

* if you want spiritual upliftment you can tune into General Conference this weekend ♥

and DEALS! These are the prices when I hit publish, they can change or run out at anytime. If the code isn't working the deal is most likely expired. Good luck!