Twin Tested

We test the latest beauty, fashion & lifestyle trends so you don't have to!

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.

2. Buy the Land — But 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.

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. Alternatively, you can find a house plan online and modify it to fit your needs.

5. Customize the House Plan

Tailor your layout, number of rooms, finishes, and special features to suit your family’s needs. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Bonus Tip:
Document every step of the process with photos and videos. These memories will last long after the final nail is in place.

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.

Need Help Getting Started?
Contact a local architect or real estate agent who specializes in new builds — and let your dream home become reality.

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.

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.

Our DIY Bathroom Remodel

How to do a bathroom remodel on a budget

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We mapped out every product and purchase for our bathroom remodel before we did any demo. In short, the vanity, hardware, mirror, bathtub, tile, wallpaper, and shelves were all chosen before a hammer was taken to any walls. Bathroom remodels are notorious for being expensive so we knew we wanted to do the tile ourselves. By “we”, I mean Parker haha.

How did we save money?

We saved money in a few specific areas like the tile and bathtub because we relied on our skills and got professional estimates and opinions. When a contractor did an estimate for us and encouraged us to do the tile work ourselves if we wanted to save money we took it to heart! If you have been here for a while then you know that Parker has already tiled our fireplace and kitchen backsplash.

What to watch out for when it comes to bathtubs

Going into the remodel we planned to totally replace our old tub. However, that changed once we had a contractor come look at the bathroom. He encouraged us to keep the tub and instead get it refinished in white. I had no idea that removing a cast iron tub can be super expensive because they are so heavy and hard to deal with. By getting our bathtub refinished we spent $600. In comparison, purchasing a brand-new bathtub and getting it installed is about $3,000.

What we splurged on for the bathroom remodel

I love Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper and decided on a navy and white color palette for the bathroom remodel. We decided to buy the peel-and-stick product and it turned out beautifully. Although, I wouldn’t say it is best for your marriage to install wallpaper together in a small space until 1 AM. 😅

We went with marble tile for the shower. This is on the pricier side but white marble is timeless and really completed the look we were going for. Clean, simple, and classic.

Where to look for bathroom products

I was able to find our vanity (similar) at Lowe’s and the toilet at Home Depot (similar), great options if you have a small space. Then we picked out our tile for the shower and floor from Floor & Decor. Lastly, the wallpaper was purchased through Anthropologie.

How long does it take?

Overall, the entire project from start to finish took about 10 months! It is not a small job to take a bathroom down to the studs and then rebuild it piece by piece. Therefore, my number one piece of advice is to be patient. It always takes longer than expected. Be okay with that and have an extra bathroom that you can use in the meantime!

What I would do differently next time

All things considered, I honestly love how it turned out! The navy wallpaper really packs a punch against the white marble and the gray tile on the floor has held up really nicely. Nonetheless, if we do it again I would shift my expectations and prepare for delays. They always happen and it is not the end of the world. My husband was amazing and spent many late nights and weekends working in the bathroom. I guess it’s time to think about our next project!

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.

Strawberry Brownie Homemade Ice cream

We are back with another crowd-pleasing homemade ice cream favorite! Drumroll please, introducing… strawberry brownie homemade ice cream! Last summer was all about Raspberry Oreo Icecream, thanks to everyone that has tried it and shared the recipe. You have made it one of our most popular posts and we understand why!

The best homemade ice cream maker

If you are new to homemade ice cream may we suggest the Cuisinart Icecream Maker? It is about $100 on Amazon and can make the most delicious ice cream in less than an hour. We have tried a few different brands and this one is our favorite for a few reasons:

  • FAST: It’s super speedy! We grew up with an old-fashioned ice cream maker that took 4-5 hours to make ice cream. It was a time-intensive labor of love. This Cuisinart ice cream maker simplifies the process.
  • NO SALT: You don’t have to buy rock salt (who has that on hand?!)
  • NO ICE: You don’t have to fill it with ice (it can be tedious to continually refill the ice on a hot summer day)
  • SIZE: You get two quarts of ice cream, a lot of the other at-home ice cream machines make one quart, we are usually feeding a crowd for a party or event so the bigger option is better for us. And the best part of making some is saving a bite or two in the freezer for the next day!
  • EASY: It takes minutes to clean and put back in the cupboard

First-timers

For your first batch, may we suggest our chocolate marshmallow recipe? It is super simple to follow but the results will knock your socks off! The super creamy texture of the chocolate is something I crave often. The chocolate marshmallow ice cream does not have any mix-ins so it is a good one to start with so you can see how the texture turns out.

How we decided on strawberry brownie

We settled on the new strawberry brownie recipe after a deep discussion about Ghiradelli brownie mixes from Costco versus the grocery store. (There is a difference, although it is slight) The fudgy texture of the Ghiradelli mix is perfect for this recipe. We love that the brownie mix has chocolate chips sprinkled throughout each brownie.

The big mistake we made

When my new ice cream maker was delivered I was so excited to use it! I put it in the freezer for a few hours and forgot about reading the instructions. When I tried making ice cream that night — it never thickened up! Lesson learned. You have to keep the bowl in the freezer for at least 48 hours before using it. Now we just keep ours in the freezer all the time so that we can have ice cream ready at a moment’s notice.

A few notes before starting

Raspberry was an obvious choice when we were using oreo so we wanted to try something different and went with strawberry. A few notes before you make this recipe:

  • Make sure to puree the strawberries, we diced and then mashed ours and the chunks still felt a little too big once they were frozen.
  • Crumble the ENTIRE brownie pan into the ice cream, we only did half of the pan and regret it. Obviously, the brownie chunks are the best part!
  • It’s all about quality ingredients, we like to get our heavy cream at Costco, with organic berries and Ghiradelli chocolate.
  • Make sure you put your freezer bowl for your ice cream maker in your freezer for AT LEAST 24 hours before making ice cream. This is the only part of the recipe that requires any planning!

Here is the recipe, it should take you less than an hour from start to finish with about 5 minutes of prep!

Yield: 2 quarts

Stawberry Brownie Icecream

strawberry brownie icecream

This icecream recipe has the perfect combo of creamy vanilla, fudgy brownie, and fresh strawberry all in one bite!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 C white sugar
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 C heavy cream
  • 1 C 1% milk
  • 2 C strawberries, pureed
  • 1 pan of Ghiradelli brownies, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Add sugar to beaten eggs and whip until stiff peaks. This takes 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients.
  3. Remove from mixer and pour into ice cream maker.
  4. Turn on and mix until it starts to thicken (mine takes 20-25 minutes)
  5. When the ice cream has started to thicken, add the crumbled brownie.
  6. Add in pureed strawberries
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Do not overbake the brownies, you want to have a fudgy texture!

© admin
Cuisine: dessert / Category: Food

Silk’n Infinity Laser Hair Removal Honest Review

I am finally giving an update to the Silk’n Infinity Laser Hair Removal product I started using about 9 months ago. It is not recommended for use while pregnant or nursing, so I eagerly waited until I could use it. I have been using it regularly, about every 2-3 weeks. Let’s just get one thing out of the way first – I am a hairy beast. Like, this is the perfect product for me because I have pale skin and thick, dark hair. So, if you are blonde and tan, this may not work. Or, if you have olive or darker skin tones, it may not work. This system of laser technology needs pale skin and dark hair to work effectively.

The Silk’n Infinity‘s eHPL™ technology uses pulses of light to get rid of hair. You can buy one here.

It is EASY

It is so easy to use. I was worried about the learning curve and I shouldn’t have been. It comes with a great little booklet that explains how to use the product. It requires very little set-up, you really just plug it in and turn it on. 

It saves TIME

As someone who has spent thousands of dollars and way too many hours in medical spas getting professional laser hair removal treatments done, this is such a welcome tool! I used to spend 30 minutes driving to a very popular spa and then would be there for about an hour getting my laser treatments. Not only that, but they would apply ultrasound gel everywhere they were going to laser, so I would leave feeling like a goopy mess. As if it isn’t humiliating enough having someone laser your bikini area, let them squirt ice cold gel on it right before. Miserable.

I can do my entire body – armpits, bikini area and legs in less than 10 minutes with the Silk’n Infinity. .

It saves MONEY

I know $400 may seem like a steep price, but if you compare it to the cost of getting professional laser hair removal done, it is a steal. Typical laser treatments cost about $400-$500 per area. That means if you want to get your underarms, bikini and legs, you would be paying well over $1,500. Not only that, but unfortunately it doesn’t last forever. Pregnancy taught me that. All of the hair grew back – and then some. So you do need to do touch-ups and treatments repeatedly through the years. I think it has been such a great investment. You can also share the tool with a sister or friend and pay half the cost. I have let many friends and family members try mine out before they purchase their own. Of course I thoroughly sanitize it after every use.

You look incredibly SILLY using it

My husband now knows if I’m walking around the house with sunglasses on, I’m headed to do some laser hair removal. Ha. But seriously, don’t forget to wear sunglasses! You never want to stare directly at the laser and the sunglasses will protect your eyes. You will for sure feel like an idiot and that’s just part of the fun.

It actually WORKS

I am thrilled to report that it actually works. I have been faithfully using it and have noticed the biggest difference in my underarms and bikini area. My legs are more stubborn (and also tanner) and have not been working as well.

UNDERARMS

I was back to the point of having a permanent shadow – even right after shaving. Now, I can go 3 days without shaving and I never have any visible shadow. The hair in my underarms has thinned dramatically. I think if this product only worked on underarms, I would still buy it. I’ve been so pleased with the progress.

BIKINI AREA

I have held my breath through many bikini and brazilian waxes and I’m happy to report this is a lot less painful. Unlike a wax, it has not gotten rid of all the hair, but it has thinned the hair dramatically.

LEGS

I regularly use self-tanner on my legs, so they are darker than the other areas. I have not noticed a huge improvement, but maybe a slight thinning. I think I may need more time to see better results on my legs.I also think my skin tone on my legs does play a role in it not working quite as effectively.

You can SHAVE

One of the best parts about the product is the fact that you are supposed to use it right after you shave and shower. This makes it such a simple step to add to my routine. You don’t have to apply any gel (thank heavens!) and can easily finish your entire body in 10 minutes. There is nothing worse than wearing long pants in the middle of summer because you haven’t shaved for 3 weeks while waiting to get your legs waxed. Shave and be free! It’s so great.

It doesn’t HURT

It is not painful. If you are interested in buying a laser hair removal tool, chances are you’ve gotten a wax before and this is way less painful than that. If you’ve done professional laser hair removal, you know it can sometimes feel like the snap of a rubber band. Maybe a tiny sting, but nothing more. I think it is less painful than any of the professional treatments I have had. There are also 5 different intensities you can choose from, so you can start slow and ease into it.
I think I’ve covered everything, but if you have questions, please feel free to ask!

Do’s and Don’ts for family photos (PART II)

Family photo tips

Family photo refresh

It’s time for a family photo refresh! I want to share tips and tricks for looking your best in family pictures with your littles in tow. Our first family photo post from a couple of years ago has been viewed by more than 3 million people so I wanted to give you an updated post now that our family has grown.

Our baby boy!

This time around we have added another member to our family! Winston is our lovable, squishy 1-year-old baby boy. We all know that toddlers are notorious for tricky photo shoots, so I tried to be as prepared as possible. However, on this particular day, we were up against a nap strike and an older sister that fell and scraped her knees twice BEFORE we had even started taking photos. Read on to find out what saved our photoshoot.

Some things that saved the day:

  • A full bag of marshmallows (you may think I am kidding, but we needed the entire thing)
  • A full box of tissues: runny noses, dirt, and tears – be gone!
  • Adult family members to make the kids laugh and smile (grandparents work like a charm)
  • Cousins: my daughter was in heaven playing with her cousins and we got some beautiful, candid photos of them all interacting together

Tips from photographers that I like to follow:

  • DUSK: Take photos at dusk, you just can’t replicate that beautiful glow any other time of day. The way the sky changes makes for a variety of looks in your photos as the sun goes down.
  • MONOCHROMATIC: Don’t be afraid to match your surroundings, I have been very into monochromatic dressing according to the setting I am in. I really liked the fact that we blended into our surroundings instead of having a stark contrast.
  • MOVEMENT: Don’t be afraid to move. Movement adds life to still images and helps personalities shine. My daughter’s favorite thing to do at this age is spin in a dress, so that is what we did for a majority of the shots to get her to smile!
  • THE TOSS: There isn’t a baby on earth that will be able to hold in a smile after being playfully tossed in the air by their parents. This can relax your baby so they think it is more of playtime instead of being trapped.

The most important photo

The main priority for most families is to get the “Christmas card photo” that will be sent out to dozens of your closest family and friends over the holidays. I recommend telling your photographer that is your main priority and knocking it off the list first thing. That way you can be relaxed when you get some other photos of the family. Here are some photos that you need to put on your list:

  • Couple photos. Pictures with just you and your spouse. So many times as parents we put the entire focus on our kids. However, I cherish the photos that my husband and I got together. It gives me warm fuzzy’s when I see what we have accomplished and created together! I printed a photo of just the two of us to frame on my nightstand.
  • Solo baby photo. Babies change so fast, it is so fun to get solo baby shots where you can capture their silly expressions and sweet personality.
  • Mom with kids. I love the photos I got that are one-on-one with my kids. I plan to do this with them until they turn into moody teenagers and refuse to 🙂
  • Dad with kids. Parker and Winston together just melts my heart! Seeing how tiny your baby looks in their dad’s arms is priceless.
  • Grandparents. If grandparents are at the photoshoot it is worth getting a few pictures with them and the grandkids. Parker’s mom is in Africa for the next year so we wanted to get some special pictures with her before she left. The kids love her so much and it shines through in the photos!

What to do with your photos? I have a few ideas:

  • Turn them into a Chatbook. This app is so easy to use and I feel validated in spending hundreds of dollars on a good photographer when I print them in a beautiful book that can double as coffee table decor.
  • Hang them up! My favorite right now is a gallery wall in our hallway. My kids point and talk about the pictures almost every day.
  • Print off your kid’s favorite pictures and find a cute photo stand for their room to display it on. I really love this acrylic one.
  • Use them on your holiday cards! This is the most popular – and for good reason! We all love seeing friendly faces on our walls during the holidays.

What to wear

Now for what to wear in a family photo. It’s hard to find the balance between coordinating but not too matchy-matchy. For this photoshoot, I found my dress first and fell in love with it. It is sold out but this one on Amazon is really similar and affordable. Then I spotted my daughter’s dress (which has since sold out at Old Navy) and thought it would pair really nicely with mine for the photos. My baby’s sweater is an amazingly affordable Amazon find. And I love when my husband wears a button-down to tie the entire look together. This time around I avoided a few things due to the look I was going for:

We did not have any

  • patterns
  • jewel tones
  • jeans
family photos

Poses to avoid

I did not share any “do not” poses from this recent photo shoot. But if you need a refresher check out this post from our last family photo session. And don’t forget about the post that started it all – Britt and Sam show do’s and don’ts for couples that has been seen by millions of people- I know we can’t believe it either! But there are some incredibly helpful tips if you are taking engagement or bridal photos soon! If toddlers are what you are worried about we have a post dedicated to them, How To Get Your Toddler To Smile in Photos

As always thank you for reading and being here. I always love to hear your feedback and ideas from these posts. Be sure to share them below!

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