When we bought our home, it already had a kitchen addition that was built on in the 90s, and the bedrooms we added last year were built on top of that. We knew we wanted to integrate the old part of the home with the newer parts, and decided to go for color. There is another Italianate home in the area that is as old as ours, and it had the most beautiful blue accents.
Now that the siding is done, it’s time to paint the molding and trimwork. Quotes to have this done were upwards of $12K, which I am sure is just considering the chipping and repair work needed to prep. However, we are choosing to invest time over funds on this particular project. Why do I have a feeling this will turn into another saga project?
(The inspo picture I saved the first year we bought our home! The brick color is a little different and so is the paint color, but I love the contrast and happy color it brings to the home! That is our goal.)
We had Benjamin Moore color match the siding to get the right paint color. Now we wait for the temps to cool a bit to start all the prep work. I will be honest this is the first project we shared that I am feeling quite nervous to share with the internet. It is color choice decision you can’t exactly change once you have committed. I have had to practice getting real comfortable with differing opinions on our own home, as that comes with the job! Trying to trust my gut on this one, and hope the paint job won’t require more than we can handle.
I am highly unmotivated to cook in the summer! We lean heavily on the grill, graze boards, and pizza;) When we had family staying with us this past month, these were a few meals we made that are fairly easy and can feed a crowd.
Smokey Honey Chicken with Street Corn and Cilantro Rice - I follow this recipe, and top it over rice with a side of street corn. Top with tomatoes, avocados, and shredded cheese.
Street Corn - Whenever we have leftover corn on the cob, I use it to make street corn! That grilled flavor is what makes it extra delicious! For 6 ears of corn: Cut the corn off from the cob, and saute in a skillet with a little butter. Add in 1 c. cotija cheese, 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tablespoon chile powder, 1/chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp pepper. Saute a few extra minutes for flavor to simmer.
Cilantro rice - Cook any standard white rice according to directions, add in 2 Tbls. of butter, 1/4 c. cilantro, and salt & pepper to taste. Very simple!
Saucy Chicken & Noodles - One of my kids’ favorites! I adapt and double this recipe based on what I have on hand.
Crockpot Cowboy Casserole - I usually double batch cook ground beef at the start of the week, and will use the leftover beef for recipes like this! Easy to throw everything in the crockpot in the morning and go on with your day!
Party Pasta Salad - I do a simplified version of this recipe, and my kids really love it! I use only salami and pepperoni for the meats, an olive oil + italian season packet for the dressing, and swap the romain for sugar snap peas.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad - I buy shredded rotisserie chicken from costco, which makes this a very easy last minute dinner you can serve in lettuce wraps or over bread.
This is the first summer that we haven’t had major life events happening in a long time. Moves, babies, health crisis…our nervous systems desperately needed a reboot. I have been really soaking in the late evenings, slow mornings, extra time with all of our children healthy and home, and the gift of time. I felt it to my core this summer, and I am so grateful. A few things I have been loving….
Free People/Anthro Nuuly Resale - I couldn’t keep this to myself! I was on the Free People website, and noticed their “Nuuly Resale” section. They sell gently used items from the Nuuly rental program for such a steal. I was able to grab a few gorgeous pieces for $20-$30 and they came in perfect condition. There is also an Anthropologie resale section I have yet to dive into. I know I am going to need restraint!
Marty, Life is Short - Gabe and I watched this over the weekend. Martin Short has been a favorite comedian since Father of the Bride, and I loved this documentary so much. It wasn’t what I expected as I didn’t know his story. His perspective on life despite several tragic losses had me thinking about this documentary for days.
Functional coffee & Cortisol cocktails- When I was on vacation, I was lamenting to my sister about feeling constantly tired, anxious, and foggy brained despite multiple cups of coffee and energy drinks. She told me to try Xcelerate functional coffee, and I felt so good that day I was shocked. It gave me the courage to quit regular coffee and energy drinks for good. I have since been taking the functional coffee in the morning and the the watermelon berry flavor in the afternoon. The ingredients are like a cortisol cocktail! Wanted to pass along in case this can be of help to some of you as well. I also use their creatine and glutathione+ (for deep sleep). Tip: you get a good discount with 2 or more products + the auto subscribe.
Linens and Hutch - We are wrapping up the boys’ room, and I found some really good bedding options when browsing for the boys’ room on Linens and Hutch, and they generously offered a 50% off discount for the IHOD community! Use code: ANNAGABE50
Summer makeup - A few makeup favorites I keep going back to this summer.
Merit -Tinted sunscreen (the perfect amount of coverage), minimalist stick works so well for spot concealer or additional coverage, and I love the Merit lip liners!
Saie - Supersuede powder blush, Saie quartz glow highlighting powder, and the Saie glowy super gel remains an all time favorite product! I use their brushes as well.
Tarte - After trying several mascaras, I landed on the Tarte tubing mascara. Really good volume and length without leaving residue. (+ Super easy to wash off.) I also love their maracuja juicy lip balms, and quick stick eye liner.
RMS - The best clean ingredient setting spray!
Cleaning routines - In case you missed, I shared our family’s weekly and daily cleaning routines here, which includes a free chore ideas for every age download!
I hope you are able to soak up the last of your summer weeks!
Anna
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