Thee Short List No.13

Happy Wednesday! Thought I'd bring back a fun series, I do every once and a while called The Short List, where I basically give you a life update on some fun happenings :) Enjoy!

What's New: Well, considering I haven't written this type of blog post in over a year, A LOT is new ;) But if you keep up on Instagram then you know the gist about us. The most new thing in our life is a new niece is coming this week! This will be my brother and SIL's first child. I'm so excited to see her face! 
Another new thing is that we recently both saw a functional medicine doctor. I've always been curious what our vitamin and nutrient levels were, so we got a panel done and met with a local practice called Root, who was amazing!! I was just blown away by how thorough our analysis was. After our labs were in, the doctor and dietician reviewed everything and then set us up with a vitamin and supplement plan specifically made for our unique bodies. We found that we were both deficient in different things, so the new vitamin regimen will help us even that out! Then the dietician went over exactly what we could improve with our eating habits. We've always eaten relatively healthy, but now we are really focusing on eating enough fiber, healthy fat and protein with each meal. I loved what they told us -- "never eat a naked carb!" This means that our bodies digest and process nutrients best when protein, fiber and fat is eaten together. So anytime you have a carb, pair it with one of the other things. For me, I need to make sure I'm eating enough protein each day, so I'm really focusing on that and over the last few weeks I feel like I've made big strides in this area. It's actually been so fun for me to make these changes! 
Beyond that, we're just living our normal day-to-day. My husband, McCann, is working from home most days outside of one or two a week where he goes in the office, he's golfing a lot (his summer hobby!) and I'm working and seeing lots of design clients, going on lots of summer walks, doing my yoga classes at the gym, gardening and spending time with friends. We just finished up our powder bathroom renovation, so I'm excited to share that with you soon!


What I'm Listening to: Let's see...I'm almost through the podcast series called What Killed Mars Hill. It has been extremely eye-opening, considering that's the church I attended when I lived in Seattle. Music-wise, I'm loving Needtobreathe's new album, anything Bieber (both my husband and I are big fans haha!), Ellie & Drew Holcomb, and Elevation Worship.
What I'm Watching: We are knee deep in One Tree Hill!! Laugh if you want, but oh my gosh, I'm loving it! I've never seen the series before, but my husband saw it in college. I'd never had an interest to watch it but he told me I'd like it and after the first episode, I was hooked ;) We're on season 5! I also watched season 3 of Virgin River (why is it so sad?! I'm not sure I can handle another depressing season of that!) and I am very into Married at First Sight ;) 
What I'm Reading: I just finished quite possibly my favorite book I've ever read. By "favorite" I mean it was probably the most helpful, encouraging, important book I've ever read. It's called Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy and it's about the biblical language and steps of lament. If you're familiar with the Bible, then you know there's a book called Lamentations. This book is filled with people crying out to God for their pain, grief, destruction of their city, etc. It shows us that God wants to hear our struggles and he can handle our pain. In fact, he can identify with it because he himself was a man of sorrows, enduring much pain when he walked the earth. 
The book walks you through Lamentations and how crying out to God in our grief can move us closer to God himself. If you've ever felt bad for complaining about your circumstances or have been told to just be positive and good things will come, or not to voice your grief because it will just bring more painful circumstances-- first of all, I'm sorry you've been told that. Believing in Jesus does not promise to take away our painful circumstances because we live in a broken world, but it DOES give you an eternal hope in Heaven and the hope of Jesus walking with us through pain while we're here on earth. This book really emphasizes that reality and shows you how to biblically process your struggles through lamenting. I learned so much about God through this read and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling personally (and if you're not now, you will someday!) or anything who's walking alongside someone else who is. Having language to help someone else process what they're going through is SO important to me as a friend. 
Now I'm onto another book called Every Bitter Thing. I'm also reading a fun beach-read called The Layover and it's been super cute!
Currently Loving: How long do we have here?! I've got a couple of really good loves for you!!
1. This dress. It's flowy and simple and feminine. I love the smocked top! I have it in green, but it comes in 3 colors.

2. This work out top. I have it in two colors now (pink and gray) because it's just the perfect fit, love the dry-fit fabric and the cut out in the back is super cute. I wear a sports bra under it, as it doesn't have builtin support.

3. Making smoothies! Such a great way to get all of our nutrients in! My favorite is a classic fruit smoothie with mixed berries, banana, almond milk, protein powder (we use pea protein), collagen, hemp seeds, and spinach. It's so good and you're getting your greens without tasting them ;)
4. Seeing glimpses of my parent's house coming together! It's taking forever, like all my other client projects, because every.thing.is.delayed. still. BUT we got the dining table and buffet in this last week! Big win!
5. Of course I'm loving my garden. There's nothing better than going out in the evenings and cutting a fresh bouquet of flowers for the house. I could do this nearly every night if I wanted, thanks to my little cut flower garden full of zinnias, asters, snap dragons, cosmos and scabiosa!

6. My On Cloud sneakers. I got these probably two months ago and they did take a couple wears to break in, but now I love them and wear them all the time!! The are a no-tie shoe and they're great. So easy to slip on, but you can totally work out in them without worrying! Size up half a size. They come in lots of colors! (PS. If you have wide feet, I wouldn't recommend these.)

7. This recipe! I've made it twice in the last couple months and it is just so yummy every time!!


What's on my Desk: I've got lots going on for work! I'm finishing up a new build, doing lots of finishing touches for other clients, helping my parent's with their house from afar, and starting with 2 new clients here shortly. Here's a fun mock up I did for a great room, dining room and entry!

Phew, that's all for today! Thanks for being here. Hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo


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The Short List No. 12

I'm back with another edition of The Short List, where I give you a peek into some of my favorite things, what's coming up and more. I love these posts because they're so fun to write! I hope you enjoy them, too. Here we go!

What's New: well, a new YEAR for one thing! ;) Not that much is very new, other than still plugging away on our house. My husband has been traveling a lot for work lately which is a bit of a new thing and one I don't love, but I'm getting used to it. He has a couple big projects in other locations right now. I'm hoping to get to go with him on one trip soon!
What I'm Listening to: I recently found this band called Tow'rs and I just love them. It's really great music to listen to while I'm working at my desk. Other than that, I usually listen to Country Music. I also love me some podcasts and in fact, I tend to listen to podcasts over music in the car lately. Since it's Bachelor season again, I love Almost Famous, Scrubbing In with Becca Tilly & Tanya Rad, Made for This with Jennie Allen, Journeywomen, Knowing Faith, She Reads Truth, The Next Right Thing, Asking for a Friend with Lauren Conrad, and anything on The Enneagram. I just listened to Sleeping at Last's episode on the Three and loved it. Please send me your favorites!
What I'm Watching: The Bachelor is back on, so my friends and I watch that together on Monday's, Married at First Sight just started (seriously, don't judge until you try ;)), we're LOVING The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (just started and currently binging!!). Very sad Netflix took Friends down. Anyone else?! Ugh!
What I'm Reading: I just got this rom com book called The Prenup that I'm starting this week, thanks to my friend Victoria's recommendation. Also preordered this book and I cannot wait to get it! She's one of my favorites to follow on Instagram, too. I've been learning so much about sound biblical doctrine, church history, and lots of theology stuff from her!
Currently Coveting: I really need a new pair of gym shoes. Loving these! 
What's on my Desk: Last week I helped plan, design and do the flowers for my friends wedding. Here's a peek at the gorgeous flowers! 

This week I'm diving into a new client project! She lives in a studio apartment and I can't wait to help it function better and look and feel just how she imagines it.

What I'm Looking Forward to: My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to somewhere warm in February or March! Please give me all your Florida recs! We're considering Fort Meyers, Naples, or West Palm Beach. 
On another note, my husband and I are going to a coffee shop this weekend to fill out Jennie Allen's Dream Guide. It's not too late to think about the past year and think forward to 2020. I actually like doing this a couple weeks into the New Year so I have a couple weeks to ponder before writing everything down. This is such a great tool! Get yours here.

Favorite Thing as of Lately: I got this jade roller and gua sha tool for Christmas and I'm LOVING them! I will have to do a full post on this sometime, but I use them every morning and not only does it help with any puffiness, it also helps massage a tight jaw and get circulation moving.

That's a wrap! Tell me your answers to some of the questions in the comments! xoxo


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The Short List No. 10

Here with one of my favorite posts today! Let me know some of your answers in the comments!
What's new: Well, the biggest news is my husband and I are house hunting! We went to see 7 houses last weekend and it was great to see different neighborhoods (liked some, ruled out others) and see what sort of features we want in a house (like, attached garage, please!) Our plan is to get a bit of a fixer upper. One that has good bones, but might need a kitchen and bath remodel along with paint and floors. I'm not super into moving walls, replacing windows, etc. because that gets too costly. This will likely be a short-term house for us...not one we plan to stay in for too long. But I'm really excited to share this journey with you soon hopefully.  What I'm cooking: this week we got Hello Fresh (and all the people said AMEN!) but I also picked up a new pot roast I saw at Trader Joe's. It's in the crockpot as we speak and I'm planning to serve it with red skin potatoes and green beans. I'll let you know how it is. What I'm watching: Obviously The Bachelor ;) Who's your favorite? No spoilers!! My girlfriends and I watch it every Monday night together. We think Hannah G, Cassie or Caelynn. Do you read these recaps on the show? Sheaffer always makes me laugh!  My husband and I are almost done with FRIENDS (me for the 4th time and him for the 1st!) Lastly, I finally caved and watched the Gilmore Girls Year in a Life Netflix special. I liked episodes 1-2 but then I thought 3 got weird (with a lot of time spent on the neighborhood play! ha!) I still have the 4th to watch, which I'll watch next week while traveling.  What I'm wearing: A couple weeks ago I got home from church and noticed there was a HOLE in my jeans. I was mortified haha!! So I'm down to one pair of blue jeans and I'm pretty much living in them (I do have army green jeans, black and leggings, of course). But I'm loving my Kut from the Kloth jeans. I think I'll have to get another pair come summer! Maybe this ankle style.

For my upcoming trip, I rented a couple pieces from Rent The Runway. Can't wait to show you soon! What's on my desk: So many projects!! I have 2 new builds, 1 total renovation down to the studs, 1 decorating the main level and about to start finishing off the basement, finishing off a new build in the decorating phase now, and a couple smaller projects when I go to California. SO...I'm a busy bee right now! A couple pictures from recent client appointments:  This is a sneak peek from a little boy's nursery I'm doing. It's almost done!

This is our inspiration for a new construction laundry room. Our cabinets will be navy and the floor will be a cool hexagon tile. I can't wait!

This is the plan for a new build's master shower. I had you guys vote on subway tile size for the walls and big won-- which is what I loved, too! The patterned tile will be in the shampoo niche.

This is what we're thinking for another new build master bath. The quartz is the countertop, the medallion shape is the shower floor and niche and the square at the bottom is the color of the vanity. It's all sitting on top of the tile floor for the bathroom. It's going to be so lovely!

This was another possibility we played around with for a shower. The tiles ended up being too big for the floor, but it was a pretty design!

What I'm looking forward to: My trip to Palm Springs with my mom next week! I can't wait for some warm sunshine, a couple days by the pool, shopping and good eats ;) Then I'll fly up to the Bay Area with my mom to visit family for a week. I'll see my grandparents, my cousin who's having a baby in June, and probably some aunts and uncles. My brother will be out of town, so I won't get to see him, sadly.  Please send Palm Springs recs my way!

What I'm using most: Obsessed with this face oil for the winter and this moisturizer for the day time before my makeup. One way I'm saving money is by doing my own nails, so I've been loving this safer brand of polish. Also been making lots of tea recently! Peppermint tea with a little coconut creamer is so yummy. My morning tea is this cream caramel decaf from Ann Arbor Tea Haus What I'm reading: I'm finishing How We Love and then I want to read Fierce Marriage. I'm also still in Jen Wilkin's James bible study. What Lincoln's up to: Oh, he's getting sooo sweet!! He's so cuddly now and always has to be touching me when he lays down. His only issue is that at dark when we take him outside, he goes nuts if he sees another person or dog. I think cause it's dark, he can't really see and gets spooked?! During the daytime, he's totally fine. Any tips??

Happy Thursday!
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The Short List No. 9

I can't believe it's been so long since I've done one of these posts! Share some of your answers with me in the comments!
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What's new: Not much other than the fact that I've been working out for real the last two weeks!! So proud of myself. I'm trying to make it an actual habit before winter hits and I don't want to leave our apartment. I've been doing ab work, legs and bootie, and then walking uphill for 5 min, running for 5 min, walking, run, etc. I think it's been great!
What I'm watching: I have finally gotten my husband to watch the full series of FREINDS with me! We started from the beginning a couple weeks ago (this is my third time through) and he's loving it. I'm also watching Married at First Sight (I know, ridiculous...but like I've said before, it's so interesting to me!) I cannot wait for This is Us to be back on. And we thought Splitting Up Together was cute, too, so excited for that to return this fall. Also might be catching Bachelor in Paradise here and there ;) But kinda embarrassed to admit it!
What I'm cooking: We have been getting Blue Apron about once a month for a year now, but wanted to see what Hello Fresh was about, so we tried that last week and loved every.single.meal! Comment below with your email address if you want to try Hello Fresh or Blue Apron for free. Just specify which one! We honestly like both. 
Other than that, I've been doing a lot of grilled chicken or steak since it's so nice outside. We will grill up corn (non gmo!) and have a side like a baked potato or pasta salad. I have also been trying some yummy recipes from Andreas Cooktales cookbook and we love them all! 
What I'm wearing: It's still hot in Michigan (so not complaining!) so I'm wearing lots of dresses and shorts still. These are my favorite dressier shorts (on sale!) and these are my everyday shorts (not really a huge shorts fan, but what can you do when it's so hot?!) I'm also wearing a lot of work out clothes lately. They're easy and I've actually been going to the gym!

What's on my desk: so many fun design projects! One of my new construction homes is getting finished shortly and is going to be in the fall parade of homes here in Michigan. I'll be spending a lot of time getting that main living area all decorated. We're working on an adorable bench cushion for the little girl's window bench and I can't wait to see it done! Other than that project, I have a lot of other designs that include a master bedroom, living and dining room, patio design we're finishing up shortly, a nursery, great room and a couple guest bedroom designs! Here's a recent Master Bedroom Design plan:
Really excited for the wallpapered focal wall!

What I'm looking forward to: Well, I'm REALLY excited about being in Texas right now teaching The Bloom Workshop but also looking forward to our second wedding anniversary coming up in September (HOW?!)
What I'm using most: Loving this resurfacing peel and charcoal soap to help keep my sometimes oily skin in check. I've also been using essential oils more often lately. I've been putting on my Motivate oil blend the mornings I work out and I don't know, guys, but I feel like it's helping! ;)
What I'm reading: I just ordered Jen Wilkin's newest book, In His Image. I can't wait to read it, as she has been so influential in my faith and learning how to study the Bible.

What Lincoln's up to: Oh, Lincoln! He's getting cuter and sweeter and funnier by the day! He's definitely turning a corner these days...not doing as many naughty puppy things, but still surprises us at times ;) We taught him how to high-five last week, which he picked up in about 2 minutes and now wants to high-five us all the time. It's the cutest thing ever. It's different than a "shake" because he taps our hand twice for a high-five and for a shake, he just puts his paw in our hand. His favorite season is summer because he gets to go to the dog park all the time! We sure love him!





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The Short List No. 8

Hope you all had a good weekend, everyone! We spent two days in California and now we're on our way to Kauai for a week. I'm popping in a couple times while we're gone, but not too much. I'm sure you won't even miss me ;) Today I'm sharing what we're up to in one of my favorite monthly series, The Short List. Share with me in the comments what you're up to! I love getting to know you! What We're Watching: I'm on season 5 of Gilmore Girls and if you've watched it before, then you know that I'm a little mad at Dean right now. HOW COULD HE?! ;) I'm also watching Project Runway, Married at First Sight (don't judge me, people!) and The Voice. I'm not sure I can handle Katy Perry on American Idol. Are you guys watching? What I'm Using Most: Well, I didn't really mention it a lot but 2 weeks ago I got strep throat and was allergic to the antibiotic I was taking. I got a horrible raised rash on my entire face, chest and neck. It was probably the worst I've ever felt about myself :( Thankfully it went away but then turned my skin super dry, so I've been lathering this moisturizer on my face and it's almost all the way back to normal now! I was also using Thieves oil, gargling with salt water and cleaning all.the.things like crazy when I was sick. Thank God my husband didn't get it!

What I'm Cooking: My friend Ashley passed this Tex Mex Cauliflower Rice Skillet recipe to me last month and I absolutely loved it. My husband didn't even know the rice was actually cauliflower! WIN! What I'm Wearing: I just got this swimsuit before our trip, my mom got me these sandals for my birthday last year so I'm loving them (haven't been able to wear them until now because #michiganwinters), and I'm also wearing this sweet floral maxi dress from one of my favorite shops.  What's on My Desk: Right now I'm working on furnishing one client's home, putting final touches on another, starting the building process with another client, and designing a nursery for a baby boy. As soon as I have more updates, I'll be sharing. I don't have tons of pictures of where we're at right now, sadly, but this baby boy nursery is going to be pure fun and class combined. We're going for a darker, more refined room that will be easily transformed into an office once the baby is ready to move to the upstairs room. The overall theme is vintage transportation. You know I love that!! What I'm Looking Forward to: Well we're in Hawaii right now, so THAT! ;) Beyond that, I'm also excited for my upcoming trip for The Bloom Workshop to Nashville in May. I need your Nashville recs!

What We're Reading: I'm currently reading Something Blue by Emily Giffen. Usually I stick with Christian books or devotionals, but I brought this one to Hawaii and it's a fun, light read! What Lincoln's up to: Well, I think we've finally got his barking under control with the citronella collar I wrote about last week. HOORAY! He's currently staying with his dog brother in Michigan while we're in Hawaii, so I'm sure he's having the time of his life. So grateful to be friends with another dog family in his litter.

Hope you have a great week! Follow along on instagram to see how our trip is going if you'd like. xoxo interior design website / services / portfolio

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The Short List: Favorites of 2017

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you enjoyed your night last night ringing in 2018! We went over to a friend's house and enjoyed dinner and games with them. It was low-key...just the way I like it! It was a whopping ZERO degrees while driving to their house....I can't handle these temps you guys! Then watching Time Square in NYC-- I can't even imagine standing out there for HOURS waiting for the ball to drop. That's one experience I never need to have ;) To kick off the new year, I'm doing a few fun posts this week. First up is The Short List, but with a 2017 Favorites twist. Usually this series is about what I'm loving, watching, reading and doing right now. But today's edition will be my favorites over this past year. Hope you enjoy! And of course, answer with some of your faves below in the comments. Favorite Book Read: The Broken Way, Ann Voskamp

Favorite Movie Seen: This is a hard one! I think it was Wonder. Just so touching and such a wonderful message of kindness. We also just saw The Greatest Showman this weekend and we loved it! So entertaining. Also another great message. Favorite TV Show Watched: This Is Us. Hands down! Favorite Top: This cozy, softest sweater ever! I wish it came in more colors. I have gray, black, purple, and a black ruffle ;) ha! When you live in a tundra of snow, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Favorite Bottoms: AG jeans are by far my favorite denim. I got this pair (almost sold out now-- I'm usually a 25 or 26 and needed a 24 in these...run small!) but these are similar.


Favorite Cozies: My new winter PJ's for sure. They're sold out, but this brand is my favorite. These are so cute! Favorite Boutique to Shop At: The Mason Jar. Love love love their cute and affordable clothes!  

Favorite Items of Clothing for my Husband: these jeans that I've shared before are by far his favorite purchase. He also just ordered this coat after Christmas, since he desperately needs a new peacoat type jacket for winter. I'm really excited about it for him ;) It has great reviews.

Favorite Moment: Probably picking Lincoln up and bringing him home. Everything about the first few weeks with him were SO fun! (And totally tiring!)

Favorite Trip: We had the best time in Disneyland with my parents just a couple weeks ago, so I think that'd be it! Favorite Date: This one is easy. Our 1 year anniversary trip to Traverse City! We went wine tasting, stayed at a gorgeous hotel (Hotel Walloon) and ate some delicious food. We talked a lot about our first year of marriage and what we want to work on for the years to come. It was really sweet. Favorite Client Project: I'm having a lot of fun working on a new construction home that's almost exactly my style-- a modern farmhouse. Bonus is it's one of my friend's homes! I can't wait to show it to you when it's done and in the parade of home this May. I also LOVED working on a recent kitchen design, which is coming to the blog next week. Favorite Beauty Product: Since joining Beautycounter, I've found TONS of new favorite (safe) beauty products. I can't even narrow it down to one, so I'm choosing three! The charcoal mask, because it leaves my skin clear and ridiculously soft and hydrated. The Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer, because I've never had a tinted moisturizer with SPF and Vitamin C in it that leaves my skin matte and ready for foundation. Finally, this eye cream, because it's super hydrating and leaves my under eyes feeling refreshed and smooth. Favorite Hobby: I always love going into open houses or parade homes to check them out! I also love picking up flowers from the grocery store and trying my best to make a pretty arrangement out of them. All my time around flowers at The Bloom Workshop helps ;) Lastly, we have really enjoyed taking Lincoln on adventures to the dog park together. This summer we went a few times a week and it was so great to get out in nature together and watch our little guy play! A Favorite Memory: My business partner, Ashley, and I got a private tour of Magnolia Market back in May and we even got to have our meeting inside Chip's office, which was so fun! I'll always remember that. You can more here.

  Favorite Dinner Cooked: allll of the meals we cooked from Blue Apron! We get a delivery of 3 meals once a month and it's been so fun to cook them together, learn new recipes and get to taste foods we wouldn't have thought to put together. If you want a free week of meals, just let me know. I have 5 to give out! This has been so convenient and stress-free for us. (Not sponsored or endorsed, just so glad to have found them!) Favorite Podcast: Jen Wilkin bible studies. One of my 2018 goals is to walk with her podcasts weekly, following along with the study she is doing. She is SO knowledgeable and brings such needed truth in a time of watered down theology. The Abide Series in 1 John is so great! Favorite Business Highlight: As you may know, I'm the co-founder of The Bloom Workshop, a workshop for creative business owners to learn how to grow and sustain a thriving business! We hosted 5 sold out workshops this year and loved every second of meeting the talented ladies who came through our doors. Can't wait to release our 2018 schedule in a few weeks!

Favorite Blog Posts Written in 2017:
- First Anniversary with Wedding Day Memories - Our Bedroom Reveal - 24 Favorite Rugs - How the Bloom Workshop Came to be - Our Gallery Wall - Biggest Decorating Mistakes - 17 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Oh, the Places I've Lived - 8 Things to Improve Your Rental - Magnolia Market Recap - Marriage Q&A / 1st Year Photos - Client Kitchen Reveal - My 27th Birthday + Savoring the Present Share some of your favorites from 2017 with me in the comments! Especially recipes, because as you'll find out tomorrow, one of my goals is to cook a new recipe once a month. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xoxo PS. There are a few great sales going on!! - Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale ends TOMORROW 1/2/18. 

- Beautycounter is having a 30% off select items sale. This never happens, so take a peek! There are so many great items in the sale, including lip glosses, lip sheers, baby protective lotion (great for eczema), face mists, cleaning towels, eye shadows and makeup brushes. - Eddie Bauer is having up to 60% off! We just got my husband these gloves. This is where my winter coat is from and I love it. Literally couldn't live without it ;) - LOFT is having a 60% off sale styles. interior design website / services / portfolio

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The Short List 6

Happy Monday! I'm back from Dallas, so back at the blog and work this week. I didn't intend to completely stop blogging last week, but time certainly got away from me while at the workshop I was teaching! If you didn't catch it, I shared our fall decor at our home last week. 
I love doing these Short List posts, it's a fun break from regular design and fashion posts around here. And I LOVE more than anything, hearing from you guys in the comments! 
What We're Watching: THIS IS US! Both of us love this one. If your husband doesn't watch this with you, you should force them ;) And when McCann watches football, I watch Gilmore Girls, which (astonishingly) I've never seen before and completely adore!

What I'm Loving: 

1. My mom, dad and brother are coming to visit during my birthday week in 2 weeks. I can't wait to have them all here at the same time! We're going to see Wicked, the guys will go to a Michigan football game and then my mom and I will do some shopping. We're definitely going to take them to our favorite restaurant, Donkey.

2. The Mason Jar Boutique & alllll the fall clothes!! They add new things to the shop every.single.day. And most of the pieces don't break the bank! You can use the code BLOOMING for $10 off $30 order. I just got this simple gray dress with elbow patches and it's great. It comes in 3 colors. It's super cozy, thick enough to wear without tights but will look cute with them in the winter as well.

3. These waterproof booties. I got them during the Nordstrom Sale a few months ago, but only wore them for the first time yesterday and I'm obsessed. I'd buy them again, even if they weren't on sale...they're that good! They are by far the most comfortable pair of booties I own and if you live in a wet / snowy climate like me, then these are LIFE in the fall and winter (and spring, really!) I ordered my regular size and they fit great.

What We're Eating: I was gone in Dallas last week, so I ate out every meal (not complaining!), so we got Blue Apron for my husband while I was gone, so he wouldn't have to do any grocery shopping. If you want to try it out, you can leave your email in a comment and I'll send you a free week of meals!

What's on My Desk: This week I'm slammed, in the best way, with catching up on client design work. Today I am going to 4 different locations with a client to finish up choosing all the materials for his new build home. This client is actually a local builder and I'm helping him design HIS new lake house. I'm also going to be working on a dining room project, family room design and finishing up the details for another new build. We're going to be designing the bathrooms this week, which I'm excited about!
This is the basic plan for a current family room project. I always start with the major pieces, then choose pillows, curtains, lamps, and other decor once the big pieces are decided on. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how this one turns out as it finishes up!

Looking Forward to: We added a Holiday workshop to our Bloom Workshop schedule! If you're local to Michigan, we'd love to have you on November 21st in downtown Grand Rapids for our 5 hour workshop. You'll take a floral arranging workshop where you'll get to create your Thanksgiving centerpiece, you'll take a calligraphy class and have the chance to make your holiday gift tags in beautiful lettering, you'll get to watch a holiday tablescape demo + get some inspiring tips to create your own at home, then you'll get to shop some local boutiques for holiday goods, gifts, and decor. We're SO excited about this workshop!!
If you are local and interested in coming, you can use my special discount code (because I'd love to meet you!!) MICHAELA15 for 15% off at checkout. You can get the full details here.

What We're Reading: We just ordered Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler (one of our favorite pastors) and can't wait to dive in together when it arrives. 
What Lincoln is up to: Lincoln is doing so well these days! He's about 22lbs of complete fluff and a lot of his puppy behaviors are going away (PTL). He doesn't play bite anymore, rarely chews anything he's not supposed to and is a really good listener! Last week we taught him "go to your crate" and so now when we say it, he runs to his crate and gets a treat. Super helpful in trying to get out of the house quickly! He loves his little crate :) He's almost done teething, I think, because he's not chewing things as much and isn't whining when he's chewing a bone anymore. I'm so glad this is winding down, because it's just so sad. And I'm glad to have my hands back after a few weeks of them having constant scratches! The only issue we're having right now is that we think he's allergic to his dog food, so we're in the middle of switching the food to something else. His tummy has been upset the last week, so we're hoping it's the food and it'll go away!
Lincoln is going to stay with our breeder for a night in a few weeks, when we have a church retreat. He LOVES going back here because he gets to see his sister, Finley, and his dog mama. I love when he visits, because he comes home super tired! ;) ***
Alright, share a few of your answers below!
xoxo
interior design website / services / portfolio

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The Short List No. 5

Hey friends! I'm back today with a new edition of The Short List. This is always such a fun post to write because I get to hear from YOU as well. Be sure to leave a comment below with a few answers to the prompts! 

What We're Watching: I'm so excited that This is Us comes back on in just a little over a month!! (9.26 is the season premiere!) Currently I am into the new season of both Project Runway (this will always be a favorite of mine) and So You Think You Can Dance. I'm always amazed by those dancers!!

What I'm Loving: 

1. Our friends are getting married on Saturday! We're SO excited for them and I can't wait to attend this wedding, as it'll be our first together since being married. Weddings are my favorite. I am also the wedding planner, so it should be a busy wedding, but fun nonetheless! I'm doing the flowers today, too, and can't wait to get my hands on the pretty blooms. I'll share some peeks on Instagram. We're doing budvases on the tables to save money! Praying for some beautiful weather this weekend for the sweet couple.

2. Our wedding anniversary is coming up in a month! We're going to the beautiful Walloon Lake to celebrate with a weekend away. 

3. SUMMER! Never want it to end. I'm in denial that we could have snow in 2 months. Or sooner...it IS Michigan. Ugh!

4. Starbucks' Strawberry Acai Refresher. I have to stop myself from getting one of these every.single.day. Try it with lemonade instead of water sometime...so good!

5. This pair of work out pants!

6. The adorable fall items coming to The Mason Jar Boutique. Oh my...I don't want summer to end, but these clothes make the inevitable fall season a little less sad! Use the code BLOOM15 for 15% off your purchase.

7. This off the shoulder striped dress!! And the prices at the Loft are insane right now. 75% off these items.

What We're Eating: We've been making such easy dinners lately. I just marinade some chicken or steak and then my husband grills it and we serve it with a spinach salad or veggie + rice or potatoes. Easy and delish! I'm also planning to make my peach cobbler recipe soon, as it's a favorite summer dessert. I'll share the recipe shortly!
We've also been making green smoothies. Recipe: spinach, OJ, banana, strawberries, yogurt, crushed flax seeds, ice. 
What's on My Desk:  I've been really busy lately with client designs! This one is for a virtual design client who lives in the Bay Area. I was able to visit their home a few weeks ago when I was in town and showed the current kitchen on Instagram. In case you missed it, here's a peek:

And here is the inspiration board I created to hone in on the feeling we want for the newly remodeled kitchen. I can't wait to see this one come together, as it has everything I love in a kitchen!

Looking Forward to: Our Bloom workshop in September here in Michigan! There's one ticket left and I can't wait to meet everyone. The workshop is ALL about styled shoots. More details here! The venue is STUNNING, you guys. See?!

What We're Reading: I'm finishing up the Magnolia Story!
What Lincoln is up to: I had to add a section for him on here, so if you're interested in the pup, you can follow along in his growth! He weighed 16lbs at the vet last week, so he's officially double the weight he was when he came home to us. Crazy! He knows how to sit, shake paws, lay down, stay (pretty well), drop a toy on command and during fetch. He is still in the puppy biting stage, but he also lost 3 teeth this week so hopefully that's on its way out! He is the sweetest boy in the morning when he wakes up and cuddles with me in bed for a few minutes before starting the day with some play time. He goes to puppy class once a week and we take him to the dog park to play with friends a few times a week as well. His eyes are a light green color, which I love! I think they'll stay that way for good now. 
Day we got him:

NOW: (sneak peek of some anniversary + puppy photos!)

He has a few nicknames: Link, Lincoln Lou, Puppers, Mr. Buddy, Buddy Bear...that's about it ;)
Clearly I adore him, as you might see a lot of instagram stories featuring him. #Sorry!
That's my short list! Answer some of these in the comments so I can get to know you better :)

Thanks for reading! xoxo interior design website / services / portfolio

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