January Unwrapped: Our Month of Home Projects, Culinary Creations, and New Adventures

Home Decor Projects: Lighting Up Our Bedroom

January kicked off with significant progress on our bedroom makeover. We were thrilled to finally get both wall sconces professionally installed, instantly transforming the ambiance of our sleeping space. These sleek fixtures not only provide a warm, inviting glow but also serve as stylish focal points above our bed. We’re eager to complete the next phase of this project: adding custom shelves that will perfectly complement the new lighting.

The journey to these shelves began with a trip to our local lumber yard. We meticulously hand-picked the perfect pieces of wood, envisioning how they would soon hold our favorite books and decorative items. The process involved careful sanding to achieve a smooth finish, followed by a rich staining to bring out the natural beauty of the grain, and finally, a protective clear coat for durability. With the shelves now prepped and ready, our goal is to tackle their installation this upcoming weekend. We can’t wait to share a full picture of the complete setup once everything is in place, revealing the cozy and refined bedroom aesthetic we’ve been dreaming of.

Facing the Storm: Unexpected Winter Preparedness

The second weekend of January brought with it a significant weather warning. Our trusty weather station predicted a substantial ice storm, followed by 4-8 inches of snow. Living in an area where power outages during such events are a common 50-50 gamble, we decided it was prudent to prepare. On Friday night, anticipating the storm’s arrival on Saturday, we embarked on a mission to purchase a generator.

What followed was an eye-opening experience. Our first stops—Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart—were entirely sold out. Shelves that usually displayed a variety of generators were completely bare, with only advertising signs hinting at what they typically carried. It was a stark reminder of how quickly essential supplies vanish in the face of impending weather. Undeterred, we then headed to the grocery store, only to find the scene reminiscent of a pre-apocalyptic movie. Every aisle was bustling, shelves were being rapidly emptied, and all twenty checkout lanes were open, each with a long queue. Amidst the chaos and urgency, Ryan, ever the pragmatist with a touch of humor, declared that Bailey’s Irish Cream was an absolute necessity for surviving the storm—a delightful comfort amidst the uncertainty!

Cozy Comforts: Weathering the Weekend In

Despite the dire weather predictions, we were fortunate enough not to lose power during that blustery weekend. The bad weather outside provided the perfect excuse for a cozy, indoor retreat. Ryan, our resident culinary wizard, whipped up an incredible veggie lasagna. Layered with fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, it was a warm, comforting dish that perfectly hit the spot and made the gloomy weather feel a little less daunting.

The rest of the weekend was dedicated to pure relaxation. We embraced the quiet time, catching up on movies, reading, and simply enjoying each other’s company without the distractions of the outside world. It was a much-needed break, proving that sometimes the best weekends are spent simply hunkering down at home, surrounded by good food and good company.

Back in the Kitchen: Recipe Testing Extravaganza

January marked a return to one of my favorite activities: recipe testing! I dove headfirst into experimenting with ways to elevate humble box mixes into gourmet-tasting treats. One of my primary focuses was finding the ultimate hacks to make a simple box brownie mix taste like it came straight from a high-end bakery. I explored various additions and techniques to enhance their richness, chewiness, and overall flavor profile. Be sure to keep an eye on the blog for the full recipe, which will be live on 2/3/2020 – you won’t believe how easy it is to transform them!

In addition to brownies, I also dedicated time to perfecting an easy white cupcake recipe using a standard cake mix. The goal was to create light, fluffy, and incredibly moist cupcakes that are perfect for any occasion, proving that convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. This delightful recipe will also be making its way to the blog later in February, just in time for spring celebrations.

Ryan’s Culinary Masterpiece & A Giant DIY Project

While I enjoy my baking experiments, Ryan undoubtedly holds the title of standout chef in our household. This month, he surprised me with his culinary creativity by making cauliflower tacos. Initially, I admit I was a bit skeptical—tacos without meat or beans? However, my doubts quickly vanished with the first bite. Instead of traditional fillings, he masterfully roasted and seasoned cauliflower to perfection, creating a surprisingly flavorful and satisfying alternative. It was an absolute revelation and a dish we’ll definitely be adding to our regular rotation!

Beyond the kitchen, I also dedicated time to a significant DIY project for our bedroom. I’m crafting a giant sign to hang prominently above our bed, and this month I focused on building a sturdy, complementary frame for it. This sign, along with the shelves we’re installing, will be key elements in completing our bedroom’s refreshed look. I promise to share the finished photo of the sign once it’s proudly displayed, alongside the newly installed shelves!

Fitness, Friendship, and New Beginnings

Staying active and maintaining our fitness routine is a big part of our lives, and one of our favorite activities to do together is weight lifting. There’s something incredibly motivating about hitting the gym as a team, especially when we’re feeling “matchy matchy” in our workout gear—it just adds a little extra fun to our routine! It’s a great way to bond, push each other, and stay healthy.

January also brought immense joy with the arrival of my friend Kirstin’s baby girl. I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to visit them at the hospital and capture some precious newborn pictures. Welcoming a new life into the world is always a magical experience, and being able to document those first tender moments for Kirstin and her family was truly special and heartwarming. These are the moments that remind us of the beauty of friendship and new beginnings.

Office Life, Spiritual Growth, and Community Engagement

My furry office assistant, Salsa, was a constant companion throughout January, often curled up beside me as I worked. In fact, he’s right here in my office now as I’m writing this, a comforting presence during long work sessions. His quiet company makes the workday feel a little less solitary and a lot more cheerful!

This month, I also embarked on a new spiritual journey, starting a devotional called Embraced. This particular devotional came highly recommended by a dear friend, and I’ve found its insights incredibly enriching and thought-provoking. It’s been a wonderful way to start my mornings and cultivate a sense of peace and reflection amidst the daily hustle.

Beyond personal growth, January presented a fantastic professional opportunity. I had the pleasure of giving a talk about all things Pinterest to a group of approximately 20 local women who own their own businesses. Sharing my knowledge and strategies for leveraging Pinterest for business growth was incredibly rewarding. It was a dynamic session filled with engaging discussions, and I truly enjoyed connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and contributing to our vibrant local business community.