Twin Tested

Where’s Waldo Family Costume

This year’s Halloween needed to be one thing – easy! So, we decided on a Where’s Waldo theme for the whole family. Being 8 weeks postpartum, I highly recommend if you need something quick and easy in every size!

My kids LOVE the Where’s Waldo books, so they were very excited. They also loved dressing the same 🙂

I bought everything on Amazon! It was so easy. I highly recommend doing Where’s Waldo as a family because there are costumes to fit every age and every size. Here are the exact links:

Women’s red & white striped shirt https://amzn.to/4f3mHNZ

Kid’s full Waldo costume https://amzn.to/4f44QXg

Waldo Hat 4-pack https://amzn.to/3UqRFr2

Baby Waldo onesie https://amzn.to/3YGrhvP

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Easy and Adorable: Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddy Recipe for Patriotic Fun!

Uplevel your dessert game with muddy buddy’s ice cream! I made homemade vanilla and mixed in the red, white, and blue muddy buddies when the ice cream was done churning. So refreshing and fun!

The easiest treat for the 4th of July

The 4th of July might just be my favorite holiday of the year. There are the family traditions that I love like the hometown parade, brunch, swimming, and fireworks. I never want to spend the day in the kitchen but I always think it is nice to show up with a fun snack for swimming or fireworks. This muddy buddy recipe does the trick!

Add ice cream to make it extra special and fun

When I was testing out this recipe I made some vanilla homemade ice cream to go with it. Not to toot my own horn, but holy cow it was delicious! If you have never made homemade ice cream, start with our simple recipe here and leave out the chocolate syrup. Do not add the muddy buddies to the ice cream until it is done churning. We lay out all of our beginner ice cream tips in this blog post if you are just getting into it. Buying this ice cream maker is your first step!

The ingredients I use

Peanut butter can be a hot topic but here we go. I do not use my Trader Joe’s natural version for this, I opt for Natural Jif or Skippy to make the muddy buddies extra creamy and rich. Then I opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate is a little too sweet for me in this recipe) and rice Chex. To add the festive fun I opted for red, white, and blue M&M’s and mini marshmallows. I found the patriotic M&M’s at Target if you want to save yourself some time and just head there. To avoid a gigantic mess (and still let your kids help you in the kitchen) I recommend mixing everything together in a giant Ziploc bag.

The best way to enjoy muddy buddies is…

To eat them after they have been refrigerated! Or better yet, if you are in a hurry, throw them in the freezer. The Ziploc bag method makes it really easy to throw them in the fridge or freezer. It gets really hot around here in July so to have the best experience eating them I know they need to be cold.

Ingredient List

Jif Natural Peanut Butter
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Trader Joe’s or Guittard are my favorite)
Rice Chex
Butter
Vanilla
M&M’s
Mini marshmallows

Transform Your Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Cabinets for a Quick Home Makeover

DIY or Hire it out?

Do you want to update your kitchen with some freshly painted cabinets? We have wanted to paint our cabinets for a while but it seemed like a massive undertaking. This year we did some research and found a friend that has a cabinet painting business. We decided we would leave the cabinet fronts to the professionals and we would DIY the cabinet boxes ourselves. Now in hindsight, I am so happy we did this! The cabinet fronts that we had painted professionally look like brand-new cabinets. The cabinet boxes that we painted ourselves do not look quite as good… but you only see the minor mess-ups if you open the cupboard.

Before buying painting supplies this is the first thing you should do

Before going to Home Depot and spending hundreds of dollars on supplies (that will come soon enough), you should sketch a map of your kitchen. My husband thought this idea was kind of silly so we were a little lax. Looking back we wish we would have been more detail-oriented when it came to labeling the cabinets, hinges, and drawers, before taking them apart. If you are putting them back on yourself then having things labeled will really speed up the process.

You can take it one step at a time

You don’t have to do it all at the same time when it comes to updating your kitchen. Our first project was to replace the tile in the kitchen with LVP wood flooring. Up next, we tackled the backsplash by replacing the strange Southwestern pattern with a simple white subway tile. Then we tackled the appliances and updated those to a stainless steel finish when we found products we liked. Once all of those were done it was time to decide on a paint color for the cabinets.

How to choose a paint color for your kitchen cabinets

I was on the fence about choosing a paint color for the kitchen cabinets. We have pale grey walls and a white subway tile backsplash. I knew we couldn’t do grey since it would probably end up clashing with the walls. I talked to a friend who had her cabinets professionally redone and went to see them in person. She had picked Benjamin Moore Simply White and I loved how light and bright they looked. We decided to go with the same color and I am so happy we did. Our painter said it is by far the most common paint color he uses, he said 80% of his customers request it, and this made me confident that we made the right choice. Especially if we sell our house one day, it definitely appeals to the masses and has a more timeless feel.

Prepare for your home to be a construction site for a few weeks

We definitely sped up the process by having the cabinet fronts painted professionally. We dropped them off on a Wednesday and they were ready for pick up the next week. Our DIY painting of the cabinet boxes took a bit longer. We had a good bit of sanding to do and that created quite a mess in our house. Then I wasn’t quite prepared for how strong the paint fumes were while we were painting the boxes and then when they were drying. I am so glad we did this project in the spring. I cannot recommend this enough. You do not want to do this project in the dead of winter when you cannot crack open all the windows. Having fresh air flow in from outside made it much more livable.

How to choose hardware for your kitchen cabinets

I had a tough time choosing hardware for the cabinets. I love gold but had also seen silver and black look really nice against white painted cabinets. I ordered a few options from Amazon and ultimately went with these gold handles (be sure to apply the 10% off coupon once you are in the Amazon app!). I love how they look now and am glad we went with gold. I had ordered drawer pulls to go along with them but they ended up being a much lighter shade of gold so we decided to keep it uniform with the handles throughout. When ordering handles and pulls beware that different styles can have different sheens and tones.

Last, but most important, tip

Find a husband or partner that enjoys DIY projects! Parker truly finds joy in doing things himself. He is also very good at it. He installed all of the new cabinet fronts in one night while I was at a dinner with girlfriends! I know, what a guy. I realize I am lucky. Before you start the project you have to realize that you have to put hours into it if you want it to turn out looking good.

Photo reveal of the finished kitchen

Ta-da! I love how clean it made the kitchen look, I don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner! I bought the rug before the cabinets were done and I think I will move it into our hallway and look for one with a few more colors.

The kids broke them in

On the first night with the new cabinets installed, our 2-year-old smashed open a Ziploc baggie full of smashed raspberries (they were going to be used in homemade ice cream, of course). That was a good reality check! The cabinets are definitely not going to stay looking pristine forever but thank goodness they are wipeable.

Are you updating a bathroom?

We have been down that road and shared our tips when going through a bathroom renovation. I had my heart set on a moody powder bath and that is what we ended up with. I love it! Check out this blog post for my bathroom tips and how to stay within your budget.

How to plan a safari trip to Africa

Once-in-a-lifetime

For most of us, Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The flights are long, and the safaris are hard to get to, but the payoff is unmatched! While preparing for our trip I had a lot of questions on my mind. What should I pack? What should I expect once I get there? And what is Africa really like? In this post I hope to answer all of those questions and more!

Choosing Your Destination City

We flew into Johannesburg, we knew we were picking up my husband’s mom who had been serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We were incredibly lucky to be joining someone who had been living in Africa for a year and knew her way around and the nuisances of the city – and how to drive on the opposite side of the road! She put together our itinerary and it was nonstop safaris and adventure. I wish you all could have my mother-in-law in your life, she is the absolute best! When you plan your destination city it will determine the rest of your visit. For example, Johannesburg is a 15-hour drive from Cape Town. Africa is huge and you need to factor in the travel times to the places that you will be going. We ended up spending our time in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesburg, and Kruger National Park.

What To Pack

Remember, you are traveling to the Southern hemisphere. So while it is summertime in the United States, it is the middle of winter in Africa. This turned out to be perfect timing for us because it meant no bugs and highs around 65 degrees fahrenheit! Another bonus is the animals are active throughout the day because they don’t get too hot from the heat. Knowing that it was their winter helped us prepare by packing a ton of layers. Here is what I would put on your packing list for Africa:

Nice Binoculars (we borrowed ours): These are crucial on safari and make it so fun to spot animals from a distance. Even when animals are nearby it is amazing to see their detail up close through the binoculars. Pro tip: You can take pictures and video through binoculars – I dare you to try it! We have some amazing animal photographs because of it.
Layers: I wore a hat every single day we were there as well as two jackets, a scarf, and long sleeve shirts.
Wool Socks: Just trust me on this, your feet will be so much happier when they are nice and warm. I was so glad that I brought mine.

Where to Stay

My mother-in-law is an incredible traveler and trip planner and I am so grateful for the time she put into every detail of the trip. If you are headed to Africa I would 100% recommend going to Pilanesberg National Park. That is where we started our trip and it is what dreams are made of. We stayed at the Ivory Tree Lodge which is an upscale paradise with some of the most delicious food I have ever had. One of my favorite things they do there is an afternoon tea filled with delicious snacks and the creamiest hot cocoa. My husband and I stayed in our own thatched roof hut complete with luxe robes, a gigantic marble bathtub and gorgeous outdoor shower – we felt like we were on our honeymoon! Think of the huts similar to the ones over the water in Bora Bora but instead in the middle of a national park with elephants, giraffes, and lions mere feet from your door! When you stay at Ivory Tree Lodge the game drives are a complimentary part of your stay and it truly feels like you are driving into Jurassic Park when you descend down the winding driveway and through the electric gate each morning. We saw the “The Big 5” within the first two hours of arriving at the park! The Big 5 is the goal when you are on game drives and is comprised of: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and cape buffalo. We saw lions mating (in middle of the road), a mama and baby rhino at a watering hole, a pack of lion sub-adults (what they call teenagers), and so many more incredibly beautiful wild moments. Our guide told us that we were extremely lucky and that some people don’t see all of the big 5 during their entire visits to Africa. Pilanesberg is super beautiful, when you think of African grasslands this is it. It is also easy to access from Johannesburg. I highly recommend it!

Our safari through Kruger National Park

We ended our trip with Kruger National Park, which was a 6 hour drive from Pilanesberg. This is the national park that I had heard of before visiting. It is massive and touches borders multiple countries in Africa. We only had one day in Kruger so we chose to spend it with a guide. That is my other biggest piece of advice: pay for a guide! The OSV’s or (Offroad Safari Vehicles) set you up quite high off the ground so you have a much better view than if you were in your own car. The guides know where the animals are, it is their passion, they will take you to the watering holes and other spots to get the best animal sightings. I talked to a few people who drove their own cars and they did not see half as many animals. Go with a guide, they are so knowledgable and it is so interesting to hear them tell you about the vegetation and how the animals all interact with each other.

Goodbye Africa

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to visit Africa. A truly magical place that is unlike anything I have ever experienced. If you are wanting to save up for a big trip, start planning your African safari! It was incredible and I am not sure how any other trip in the future will compare.

5 Hacks for Staying on Budget While Building a New Home

Building a dream home is exciting—but if you’re not careful, costs can spiral out of control. Here are practical, proven hacks to help you stay on budget while still getting the home you want. For most people, building a new home is a huge expense and one that needs to be thought out. There are several things you can do that will save you money in the process. I’m going to share my top five.

First, start with a realistic budget and add 10% cushion.

This is critical. It can be really easy to be distracted and change your mind during the process. This usually comes with budget changes as well. If you know what you want from day one, everything will go smoother. This means you go room by room and know what materials you would like, what finish work you would like and about how much those things cost. Pinterest is a huge, free resource for this! I suggest going room by room and creating a board that reflects what you would like it to look like. This includes exterior as well. It is important to do your research before you start to build so you don’t waste valuable time stressing over decisions. The 10% cushion is amazing to have for small adds throughout that you know you have money set aside for.

Second, use the internet to do research while building your new home.

There are so many great tools and resources online to help you build a new home. My greatest tool was Pinterest when building a new home. It gave me all sorts of ideas and a very simple and easy way to organize those ideas into boards. I would highly recommend creating a Pinterest board for every single room in your new home. This simplifies things and gives you a reference to come back to throughout the process of building a new home.

Third, find a great builder that cares about you.

This should probably be number one. In all of the building stories I heard from friends where things went awry, it was due to the builder. Make sure you find a builder that you get along with because you will be talking to them on almost a daily basis for the entirety of the build. I would highly recommend talking to previous clients and hearing what their experience was like. I would also recommend walking through some of their previous builds. It really helps if they have built a house similar to the one you are hoping to build. Different builders have different standards for their sub contractors and you want to make sure it matches your budget and expectations. You need to ask them what they estimate your cost per square foot to be. It is critical you learn how to negotiate with a home builder.

Fourth, Prioritize Must-haves vs. Nice-to-Haves.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t know anyone that had an unlimited budget for their new build. The large majority of people building a new home have to prioritize what is most important to them when building so they can fit in a budget. For us, we wanted to prioritize getting the finishes we wanted throughout the home. We shrunk the house by 500 square feet in order to give ourselves a bigger budget. Talking with your builder before they begin and going line by line over every expense is also very helpful. They should be very clear about budget and cost. Most builders work on a cost plus basis, so ask before you start building and make sure you understand how they bill you.

Fifth, be willing to wait.

This one is tough. I would love to have my entire home completely finished when I move in, but I know that is not super realistic. We chose to not finish a bonus room upstairs and a storage room in the basement in order to save money. We don’t need them right now and can use them for storage. Know that it is ok to design and decorate a home in phases, depending on your available budget. You can also do some DIY in your home build if that interests you.

I hope these tips were helpful. Building a new home is so exciting and fun – but also terrifying. Hopefully these five hacks will help you stay in budget and build the home of your dreams.

How to Pick a Home Builder

How to pick a home builder – I am writing the blog post I wish I had read before building my new home. This is the most important part of building a new home and I hope these tips help you find a great builder.

#1 Do Your Research

Ask around and do your research. Who have people in your area used to build their new homes? Did they like them? How was their experience? Did the builder stay on budget? This was a huge source of knowledge for me. If I would have based my choice on social media, I probably would have hired a builder that is notorious for adding YEARS onto the timeline of a build and going way overbudget. But, they have beautiful photos on their feed. You need to see what the local pulse is like on home building and what your neighbors have liked/disliked about their builder.

#2 Interview Builders

This one is so important. You need to get to know the person that is building your home by talking to them not only on the phone, but also in person. You have to get along with them because you will talk to them on almost a daily basis throughout your build. I would suggest meeting the whole team, not just the builder, because most of the time they will assign a specific project manager to your home and they will be the person on site daily. It is imperative that your personalities mesh and you communicate well. A couple of questions to ask in your interview:

How often do you come to the homesite?
How do you select subcontractors?
How often will there be a draw on my account? How does your finance system work?
Do you work on a cost plus basis?
Who is my contact person?
What should I do if I see an error?
Do you think you would be a good fit for building this home?
What is your workload like over the next year or two and do you have the bandwidth to build my home?
If you had to pick another builder to build my home, who would you choose?

#3 Talk to References

Speaking to the people who have used the builder is key because they have already lived through it. Most people are very candid about their building experience and will tell you exactly how it went. This was a key factor in picking my builder because the references I spoke to were very positive about their experience. They were pleased that the builder stayed on time and under budget. I would not skip this step. If it is a reputable home builder, they will have no problem giving you a list of references to contact.

#4 Go look at their previous homes

This proved to be really important for me when picking a builder. They need to understand your vision. If they don’t, your home will not turn out the way you are hoping it will. By looking at their previous work, you can tell if it matches your personal aesthetic and style. This was huge for me when picking a builder because I had a very specific style and aesthetic for my new home. Since it was custom, there was nothing to “copy” per se and I had to trust the builder to understand exactly what I wanted.

#5 Have at least 3 different builders bid on your home

This one is key. If you want to get a good idea of pricing, you need to have more than one builder bid on your home. I would suggest no less than three. They will look at your plans and probably come check out your lot to give you an estimate of what it would cost. Our bids were all over the place – varying by about $500,000. The timelines they provided varied by more than six months as well. I’m so glad we didn’t just trust one person and go with that number. You need to get a good idea of what the differentiators are in the builder you choose and see the costs that go along with that.

Good luck! Building a new home is such a fun adventure. I hope these five tips help you find the home builder of your dreams. We are so happy with our builder and have had an extremely positive experience, which I know is not always the case. If you want more information on who we went with, send me a message and I will get your their info.

Guide to an Unforgettable Anniversary in Italy

How to Decide Where to Travel in Italy for Your Romantic Anniversary Vacation

Is your anniversary coming up? Are you dreaming of a trip to Italy? Follow this guide for a foolproof itinerary to get the bang for your buck! We knew we wanted to do a European trip to commemorate our 10th anniversary. It took us a while to narrow down the locations we wanted to visit, but we ended up choosing Florence, Lucca, and Cinque Terre. We were hoping for the perfect mix of city, idyllic village, and seaside beauty.

As we were getting ready for this trip, we were prepping our house to sell… so the rest and relaxation was exactly what we needed. The days leading up to the trip were pure chaos of packing our suitcases and the house! We were so lucky to be able to leave the kids safe at home with family and other trusted babysitters. Once the plane landed, we were able to push pause on all of our daily family responsibilities and bask in the happiness of 10 years together.

Where You Should Begin Your Trip in Italy

Florence was the perfect launch pad for our Italian adventure! We landed in the city after a rainstorm (with a cab driver that kept yelling “Mama Mia!” at other drivers and made us feel like we were in a movie) Once we got dropped off at our AirBnB the rain had cleared and we were greeted with empty streets and stunning views! Our trip took place in early May, and we found it to be the perfect window of time for the weather and less crowded streets. Florence is packed with all of the art, history, and food you could ever dream of! Our AirBnB was as close to the Ponte Vecchio bridge as you can get, and I cannot recommend it enough. The location was so convenient for all of our activities.

Florence is the Most Walkable City!

When you book your stay in Florence, choose something close to the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. We found AirBnB’s to be much more affordable than hotels. Once you are near the Ponte Vecchio you can walk to everything, which makes your days even more romantic and spontaneous. Your day could be filled with seeing the David, hitting up a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner, and then taking an evening walk along the Arno River. And gelato, always gelato! My favorite flavor was cinnamon!

Staying in a Storybook Village

We knew we wanted to stop by ALL the sights in Florence: Boboli Gardens, Accademia, the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. We loved it all, and everything is a must-see in our book. A couple of tips: download the Rick Steves audio tour for the Uffizi. It’s a quick 60-minute highlight reel, and it was perfect (and free!). For the Accademia with the David, we chose to hire a guide. I love Michelangelo’s work and was interested in hearing more about the nitty-gritty details of the journey to create the David sculpture and his other, less well-known works of art. The Boboli Gardens were a perfect afternoon spot after museums in the morning. You can take in the skyline of Florence with all of the red roofs and relax at various spots throughout the gardens.

After the hustle and bustle of Florence, we were ready for something a little slower-paced and heard that Lucca was the perfect stopping point on our way to Cinque Terre. We found an adorable Airbnb to stay in near the city center that was very charming. The entire town of Lucca is surrounded by a city wall (that you can bike around!). The city has historic cathedrals, delicious pizza cafes, and fun little souvenir shops to explore. We thought one night was the perfect amount of time for Lucca.

The Magic of Cinque Terre

I had heard that Cinque Terre was beautiful and was a fun place to visit. That being said, I tried to temper my expectations, and they were happily blown away. Cinque Terre is the absolute perfect spot to celebrate with your spouse. The views are insanely gorgeous, the food is incredible (foccacia sandwiches for 2 euros!?), and our hotel was the best find! I came across Porto Rocco in Monterosso, Italy on Google and we decided to go for it. Not only were the views beautiful, but the service was amazing. Monterosso is one of the larger cities in the Cinque Terre. The town is fun to explore at night and very easy to get around.

Don’t Get Too Strict on Schedules

The beauty of Italy is relaxing and taking things one day at a time. Give yourself some wiggle room in your schedule to have spontaneous adventures. They always lead to something amazing! You cannot go wrong in Italy. We truly had the best time and were charmed by everything we were able to experience together. For travel, I suggest flying into Florence so you can hit the ground running. At the end of the trip, we took a train from Cinque Terre to Pisa and caught a flight home from there. Pisa was a perfect stop for a couple of hours to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and have a delicious meal.

You really can’t go wrong when you are travelling to Italy. My wish for you is that you can find all the best pasta dishes, have incredible museum visits, and enjoy the amazing views!

10 Essential Steps to Take Before Building Your New Home

Building a home from the ground up is an exciting and rewarding journey but one that requires careful planning before the foundation is ever poured. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cottage or a modern masterpiece, these 10 essential steps will guide you through the early stages of your home-building journey.

1. Find the Right Lot

Before you build your dream home, you need to find the perfect place to put it. Think about the neighborhood, commute time, nearby amenities, school districts, and your long-term goals. Take your time – this decision will shape your future. We ended up buying an old home to tear down because vacant lots are very rare in our area of choice.

2. Buy the Land And Make Sure It’s Buildable

Buying land is more than just a transaction. You’ll need to confirm it’s zoned for residential use, accessible by public roads, and connected (or connectable) to utilities like water and electricity. This is so important because it can cause major budget issues down the road.

3. Conduct a Land Survey

A professional land survey can reveal crucial information like property boundaries, groundwater presence, fault lines, soil stability, and flood zones. These factors can affect both your design and buildability and might even influence your insurance rates. We’ve dealt with so many random things that were found in our survey – like a fault line and property lines. Often times, these tests have an added cost, so make sure you know what that is before you agree to them. This is crucial and must be done before you can start building.

4. Hire an Architect or Find a Ready-Made House Plan

If you’re going custom, hiring an architect ensures your home fits your land, lifestyle, and budget. We needed to do this because of the shape of our lot and the home inside my head that we hoped to build. I did look online and there are so many great options available if you are not entirely sure what you want. Many of them are available to purchase for around $2,000. You can find a house plan online and modify it to fit your needs with your builder. If you do choose to go the architect route and design from scratch, pricing can vary widely, but the median price where we live is about $50,000. That includes creating the plans from start to finish. We were lucky to use an architect who really captured my vision and listened to all of my ideas. It took about 20 different iterations, but we eventually got to the point where I knew it was complete.

5. Customize the House Plan

Tailor your layout, number of rooms, finishes, and special features to suit your family’s needs. This is the moment you need to identify your top priorities. Want an extra garage? A home office? Make sure it’s all planned out before you break ground. It’s very hard to make changes once the foundation is poured and framing starts. For us, we were most excited to add a large butler’s pantry (since our current pantry is a tiny cupboard) and a mud room. Both were at the top of our list and we made sure we designed the house so we could include them.

6. Create a Realistic Budget

It’s not just about materials and labor. Your budget should include land costs, permits, utility hookups, landscaping, interior finishes, and unexpected contingencies. Building is expensive in so many different ways. You need to create a clear and realistic budget to avoid being constantly disappointed with costs.

7. Research Zoning and Building Rules

Each city or county has its own rules regarding how land can be used. Zoning laws may restrict the height, square footage, or style of your home. You’ll need to comply with local regulations before construction begins. Our city has rules for height and setback. They also have rules on how much concrete you can have on your property. We had to work through all of these things to ensure our house was built to code.

8. Apply for Permits

From building permits to utility access to septic system approvals you’ll need to submit applications and pay fees before construction can legally begin. Work with a builder or architect familiar with the process in your area.

9. Knock Down Any Existing Structures

If your lot isn’t completely vacant, you’ll need to arrange for demolition. Hire a licensed contractor to handle any teardown safely and in compliance with local laws, especially if asbestos or lead paint is involved. The house we knocked down was filled with asbestos, which cost $10,000 to remove.

10. Clear the Land and Check Sewer Access

Remove trees, shrubs, rocks, and debris. You’ll also need to determine how your home will connect to water and sewer systems. Some lots are already connected; others may need septic tanks or additional hookups and those can be costly. This is something that surprises a lot of people when they build. It is great to get a sewer inspection before you begin so you know where the lines are.

Bonus Tip:
Document every step of the process with photos and videos. These memories will last long after the final nail is in place. It’s so fun to look back on all of the progress!

Final Thoughts

Taking the right steps before building can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned homeowner, a solid foundation begins long before construction starts. Use this checklist to ensure your build gets off on the right foot.

If you are wondering where to start, I suggest talking to home builders. I have a post on questions you should ask your builder before you start to build.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

The perfect kickoff to summer is this amazingly delicious fresh strawberry pie! This no bake dessert comes together in under 15 minutes and is such a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

Graham Cracker crust:

6 whole Graham crackers, crushed

1/3 Cup coconut oil

Cream Filling:

1 pkg cream cheese

1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream

1 Cup powdered sugar

Strawberry Glaze:

1 Cup fresh strawberries, mashed

2 Tablespoons corn starch

1/3 Cup white sugar

Fresh strawberries:

3 Cups sliced strawberries

Preparation: Make Graham cracker crust and set aside. Whip together cream filling and place on top of Graham cracker crust. Mix together ingredients for strawberry glaze in a pan. Cook on stovetop until barely boiling. Set aside and let cool. Chop up fresh strawberries, and place them on top of cream filling. Pour strawberry glaze over the top. Refrigerate for at least two hours, I like to freeze mine for the last 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Ultimate Photo Shoot Guide: How to Prepare for Studio Family Pictures with Little Kids

Do’s and Don’ts for a Family Studio Session

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Family Photo Shoot Tips and Tricks

Over the years we have shared our photo tips for every stage of life. Britt shared her do’s and don’ts for couple photos – you guys loved that one and it has been shared millions of times. The blog post is perfect for newly engaged couples wanting to prep some poses before their first photo shoot together. Or at least know the ones to avoid! I shared my family photo shoot when we just had Lila and did some do and don’t do poses that have been shared more than 5 million times. Thank you for the support! If you have headshots coming up or just want to know some tricks from photography pros check out this blog post we did with Jessica Janae. She was so helpful in teaching us ways to position our bodies for flattering shots.

And now onto the newest addition to the lineup. Tips for a studio family photo session: how to keep little ones happy, what poses to include, and how to prep the day before.

Plan Your Time Wisely for the Family Photo Shoot

When it comes to photo shoots and little kids you want to keep it as short as possible, especially in a studio where they are in a restricted area with little space to run and play. Our entire photo shoot was 15 minutes — that’s it! We knew the shots that we wanted to get and moved quickly. Our photographer Beth was great to work with and helped us move fast so we could get all the photos we wanted.

Winston almost fell asleep on the way there and we were ready for the worst but with a little bribery (I promised him ice cream after the shoot) things thankfully worked out! Also, start the photo shoot with your kids solo and together so that you can get those done before you lose their attention.

Get Photos of Your Kids on Their Own and Together

We chose to start with photos of our kids together. That way they weren’t too nervous and the photographer was able to capture moments that we will treasure forever. I loved the bright light and clean lines of the studio. It was our first time opting to do family photos indoors and I am so glad we did. It was nice to switch things up and have a different vibe for our photos.

After the kids’ photos together we had them do solo shots which was so much fun! (they were really good at making each other laugh so we got some great smiles) After that Parker and I did photos together which might seem odd but I have come to love looking back at our photos of just the two of us over the years.

We also started with just the blank wall and standing shots and then moved the bench in and did the remainder of the photos sitting. I am glad we tried out both and got some variation in the photos. I never expected my favorite photo to be the one of us sitting cozied up together on the couch but it is!

Be Silly to Get Real Smiles

With little kids, you have to add in some silliness or you will get robotic smiles. Our kids are 6 and 3 and love nothing more than when mom and dad are silly with them. Some things that worked for us were booty shaking, silly faces, and potty words. Kids will be kids and these all worked like a charm! I love the real emotion and happiness that was captured in the photos instead of them feeling too formal and staged. It was nice to keep the mood light and everyone smiling during the photo shoot.

Try on Outfits Before the Photo Shoot

This is a must with kids! I had ordered both of their outfits online and am so glad we did a try-on one week before the photo shoot because Lila’s dress ended up being way too big. I decided to swap it out with her Easter dress and thankfully it worked with our color scheme. Phew!

Winston’s shirt fit perfectly but we had to try on a few different pairs of pants to land on our favorites that fit well and went with the vibe. I also had them try on their new shoes ahead of time so we could troubleshoot any problems ahead of time.

I LOVE little girl bows and accessories but could not find anything I loved. We went searching the day beforehand and I found this linen bow for Lila that I ended up loving. Family pictures are the opportunity to be picky and particular. I am not normally as detail-oriented when I am getting the kids (or myself) dressed every day but for family pictures you want everything to fit and be cleaned/ironed.

I was thrilled with the green dress I found at Anthropologie. We used the photo shoot to announce my pregnancy and this dress fit so beautifully over my growing bump. It is not maternity and Britt wore it the other day and it looked amazing on her too. The cut is super flattering for all body shapes.

And I have told everyone about my velvet heels because I am obsessed with them! They are so beautiful in person and the perfect fall/winter shoe to dress up otherwise boring outfits with a little bit of texture and warmth.

I hope these tips help ease your nerves the next time you are headed into a studio family photo shoot. I know I was nervous going into a studio photo shoot with little ones but the most important thing is to have fun! It definitely shows in the photos. Please share any other tips you have in the comments!

Movement Makes Magic in Family Photos

If there is one thing I’ve learned from talking to dozens of photographers over the years, it’s that movement makes magic in family photos. It is the key to getting beautiful photos. Moving is also a great way to capture the things that make life special – like secret handshakes, dancing, running, and playing.

In our most recent family photos, we made movement our main focus. It was a rainy afternoon in the mountains of Utah, but that didn’t stop us from having fun! My 4-inch heels may have been a mistake to hike in, but I love the way the photos turned out. So, here are three magical moments created by movement:

Secret Handshake

My husband and daughter have a secret handshake. It was her idea after she saw The Parent Trap for the first time. She created every step and I love it. It’s so cute and brings a huge smile to my face every time they do it. So, we insisted our photographer capture this sweet moment in time.

We will treasure these photos forever. Hopefully, they will keep doing their secret handshake forever too!

Play with Your Kids

We really made an effort to play with our kids like we would if we were on a nature walk. We were singing songs, spinning around, trying to make them laugh. All of this made for the cutest and most genuine smiles. I also love the way movement in a photo makes you feel. It makes everything come alive for me.

Twirl in the Dress

If you wear a dress, you’ve got to twirl in it. I don’t care if you’re 5 or 65! It makes for the prettiest photos. There’s something so magic about movement. Even if your photographer doesn’t suggest it, I would tell them you would like to do a couple of twirling photos. For a 6-year-old, there is also nothing more fun than spinning around in your new dress and sparkly princess shoes.

Family Hug Photo

In our family, we do a family hug before bed every night. It was so sweet when my daughter yelled “family hug” during the photo session. Now, we get to remember this special moment in time. I suggest every family do one “family hug” photo because they are just so full of love.

Just Move

It feels odd when you start making movement a priority in photos simply because so many of us are used to the sit perfectly still and smile type of photoshoot. I promise the results of movement will be worth the tiny bit of awkwardness you may feel. Movement in family photos creates magic. Copy some of my ideas here if you need ideas and let us know how it goes! Happy family photo season!

The Best Resort in Mexico

We just got back from the most relaxing anniversary trip. Punta Mita, Mexico was our location of choice. We booked a stay at the St. Regis Punta Mita and it really is the best resort in Mexico. It had been years since either Sam or I had been to Mexico, but we heard great things about this place. It completely exceeded our expectations and I’ll tell you why. (By the way, we paid for everything on our trip, none of this is sponsored. It is my honest review).

It’s so Peaceful

The resort itself is situated 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. You get completely out of this busy tourist area. The resort is in a private and gated peninsula featuring gorgeous landscaping and fun walking paths and trails. I felt very safe.

The Food Was Off the Charts Amazing

Having lived in this area for two years in his 20s, my husband was very picky about the food. He was just hoping it would live up to the amazing Mexican cuisine he experienced while living there. Fantastic news – it did! From the chilaquiles for breakfast, to the al pastor tacos and churros, everything was excellent. It was very obviously freshly made and super high quality. We ventured into town one night for dinner and decided the food was so good at the resort we never needed to leave again haha. The freshly caught seafood was my personal favorite, as you can watch the fishing boat bring in all of the daily fish early in the morning on the beach. I could talk for days about all of the delicious meals we had – just do not miss the al pastor or the fresh guacamole! The food was off-the-charts amazing! It just solidified that it really is the best resort in Mexico.

Every Guest Has a Butler

It’s fancy! But in the best way. We had a butler available to us 24 hours a day. It was so nice. They made restaurant reservations, brought us towels at the hot tub, and just generally answered all of our questions. Each night our room was decorated (tastefully) to celebrate our anniversary. It made the trip feel really special. Plus, the butlers were all so kind! Sam speaks Spanish, so he loved learning about their personal lives and getting to know each one.

It’s Immaculate

I took so many photos because every inch is just beautiful. We stayed in a villa and it was gorgeous! A giant main bedroom with a huge porch overlooking the ocean. Then a giant bathroom with a stunning outdoor shower. The resort and beach were so clean.

The Service is Unmatched

I’ve never stayed anywhere with such a high level of service. It seemed like someone was always bringing me something or asking to help. My favorite was the snacks they would pass out on the beach every day – including the best pineapple and coconut popsices! The employees were so kind and we loved getting to know them better. They work so hard and made the experience so memorable. The best service at the best resort in Mexico.

It’s Private

It was such a great choice for an anniversary trip because it’s so private and quiet. We never ran into other people at the pools or hot tubs. There were only a handful of other people on the entire beach. It felt very private because of the peninsula the resort is on. No one is selling you things at the beach or bothering you, like they typically are at other Mexican resorts. If you are in need of rest and relaxation, it’s the perfect place!

We can’t wait to go back. The St. Regis Punta Mita is the best resort in Mexico. You can get more information on the resort here.

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