Cooking In & Getting Our Kids on Board with New Foods! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

This post was sponsored by Blue Apron // We strive to only partner with and endorse companies who promote products and messages that we already love, and know you can appreciate too!

I was thinking about it the other day and I realized that it's been over 4 years since I've been a full-time stay at home Mom. 

I've always had another job, or something else going on outside my everyday mommy and wifely duties, and I just feel SO lucky to finally be able to focus on my kids, my husband, my house and myself again - with NO work stress!

All of that being said, there are definitely things that I'm noticing I need to make big improvements on.

* Patience

* Laundry

* Continuing to get ready for the day even though I have no plans to go anywhere. ha! (it just makes me feel better about life in general, if I have my hair done and makeup on)

* Working out regularly 

And last but definitely not least... 

* COOKING. 

For the last handful of years we've gotten into some really bad habits with eating out. I'm talkin' like 3-4 times a week people :( 

And let's get real, when you are constantly eating out, no matter HOW many good choices you try to make, you always feel either unsatisfied or grossly stuffed. Not to mention that theres something to be said about making dinner in your own home with your family that just brings everyone together and makes a home feel... homey!

I definitely struggle with dinnertime more than any other meal. I think it's because by the end of the day I'm tired, out of creativity and don't feel like cleaning up a huge mess. If I plan ahead (which I'm trying to get better at) then it's about a MILLION times better for everyone; and throwing in a couple of totally unique, freshly picked and 100% ready-to-cook meals from Blue Apron each week, can pretty much make you feel like a gourmet chef with no extra shopping needed.

We're in love :)

If you want to try out a couple of these awesome dinners for yourself, go for it! They're offering two FREE meals off of your first Blue Apron order.

I'm anxious to still try the Crispy Eggplant Pitas, Spicy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup and Brown Butter & Butternut Squash Gnocchi. YUM!

This leads me to my next point. Something I've been strongly enforcing around here the past year has been a love for ALL types of foods; not just carbs, cheese and chicken. ughhhh. I swear, those are the only things offered to our kiddos when you go out nowadays.

Fruits, veggies, different types of grains and spices/sauces are SO important for kids to try as they grow up. I think it has really helped my girls to become better adjusted to situations where they have to eat meals that are offered outside of our home. Plus, it has really expanded their taste range, and even THEY are surprised at the things they end up liking! 

The BIGGEST tip that I can give any parent who struggles with the typical kid(s), who doesn't love stepping out of their food comfort zone, is to get THEM involved in dinner planning and preparing WITH you. I feel like when my girls know what exactly goes into their foods and they can help cut, chop or cook it up, they are way more likely to eat it.

Yes. This can take an insane amount of patiences, and sometimes double your meal prep time, so I'm not saying do this EVERY night, but maybe just on nights where you know they might have a tougher time with select ingredients or new flavors. 

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

How We Battled an Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

Oh Jocey girl. Who is she in a nutshell?

She's our independent, loving, sassy, helpful, determined, creative, passionate twin B.

And if I could show you one picture that sums her up... well, the below would be it.

Every year we head to the DI (our local thrift store) and pick out every semi-decent $5-$10 women's dress that we can find, for our big ol' dress up box.

Yes, sometimes they are gaudy, tacky, ridiculous and even funny... but my twins LOVE them, and it's basically impossible to find any dress up clothes that fit my twins' almost 5 foot tall frame. And yup, my two 9 year olds and 7 year old are still OBSESSED with playing dress up - and I love it so much :) I mean, isn't life just one big fashion show, where you dress up each day to feel good about yourself!? Well, that's how I feel anyway.

Like I mentioned before, my strong-willed, passionate little chick is totally determined to dress, look and act like a "business lady" who looks fancy and knows ALL the things, ALL the time. HA!

Don't know where she gets that from. lol

Another thing about Jocey, is her awesomely awful ability to attract almost every mosquito wherever she is, and then blow up like the human Michelin Man after she's bitten.

And before you ask, yes, we are usually very good about putting bug spray or Terashield Oil on her before she goes anywhere where she could get easily bit. Buuuut, I'm a Mom who forgets things, and she's a kid who doesn't care... so sometimes it doesn't happen like it should.

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

All of the Things and None of the Things + An Office Peek From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! I found an article the other day that really struck a cord with me. I've been trying to hunt it down for the past two days, and for the LIFE of me, I can't find it. But when I read it on my phone, I quickly highlighted and copied parts of it into my notebook so I could send it to Cason later.
Within minutes I was crying and laughing all at once, and I knew I had to share it with you too, because as women, I think we all feel these things from time to time.

In my whirlwind to copy and paste, I missed some parts, so I've filled them in. If you know where this article is, I'd love a link so I can put it here and give credit where credit is due to the author :)

Explaining to your Husband how your day was.

"It was the best of times and the worst of times. There were moments when my heart was so full I thought I might explode, and there were other moments when my senses were under such intense assault that I was CERTAIN I’d explode.

I was both lonely and absolutely desperate to be alone. 

I was saturated—just BOMBARDED with touch and then the second I put down the baby, I yearned to smell her sweet skin again.

I was simultaneously bored out of my skull and completely overwhelmed with so much to do.

Today was too much and not enough. It was loud and silent. It was brutal and beautiful. I was at my very best today and then, just a moment later, at my very worst.

Husband—when your day is completely and totally dependent upon the moods and needs and schedules of tiny, messy, beautiful kids, your day is ALL OF THE THINGS and NONE OF THE THINGS, sometimes within the same three minute period.

But I’m not complaining.

This is not a complaint, so don’t try to FIX IT.

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Measure Twice, Buy Once - Lesson Learned From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! Remember how I wanted this awesome light fixture in my new office downstairs?

Well, I found it on Joss & Main at a great price, so I ordered it right up!

The other site I found it on originally had it on backorder for a few months, so I knew I had to snag it quick.

I had about $150 store credit from a return a few months ago and was so scared that this fixture would be sold out before I had a chance to get it, so I quickly put it in my cart, paid for the remaining balance and did a happy dance!

It came lightening fast (just about every Joss & Main order does, that's why I love them so much!) and when I opened the box, I quickly realized that it definitely wasn't as "gold" as I thought it would be, AND I HAD TOTALLY BOUGHT THE WRONG SIZE fixture!!!

cue: palm to forehead

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Trifle in a Jar - My Favorite No Bake Dessert! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

Here's one of my FAVORITE sweet, quick, easy treats for Summer - Dark Chocolate Raspberry Trifle in a jar!

This treat is seriously addicting and sooooo yummy.

Most trifle recipes can be full of calories, so I did all I could to cut the excess, unnecessary fat from this recipe.

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Our Summer Plan to Keep the Girls Learning & Active From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! I don't know about you, but about a week ago I started to panic about what the heck my kiddos were going to do the entire summer.
Yes, playing together with dolls, the occasional trip to the pool, riding bikes and running through the sprinklers is great... but then what do I do after the first week is over? LOL

My kids are a lot like me, they love to have something to look forward to, so I went searching for a few things to get them involved in, and found an AWESOME little 4 day camp that I just HAD to share with my Utah peeps!

The Petersen Family Farm Summer Camp!

How cute and great is this idea!?
Kids can enroll from ages 5-12, and they have a half or full day option when you sign them up.
They get to:
Care for animals.
Learn about different farm crops and how they are planted and grow.
Experience real working farm equipment.
Plant pumpkins and then come back and harvest them in fall.
Help prepare and eat healthy snacks and lunches everyday... The list goes on!

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Sharing ALL the Things + Life's Roads... From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! I don't know about you, but my kids highjack my stuff all the time.

The most popular items of choice tend to be my nice camera, my iPhone and any type of gum.

I even tried JUST buying cinnamon gum (in hopes that it would burn their mouth a bit and they would hate it... because truth be told, I don't even really like it), and they STILL swiped pieces!!!

I used to get angry when my kids took these things (especially without asking), so I came to terms with it pretty quick and heavily educated them on how to safely use the camera/iPhone, and to always ask for permission first when taking or using something that wasn't theirs. 

Sounds easy right? 

Well... there was a stipulation. In return for always asking permission, I had to promise to say YES sometimes to them if they wanted to use my nicest camera, the coveted iPhone or begged for the last piece of gum.

It's funny how life happens in cycles with sharing, don't ya think?

When you're little you're told to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! Think of others and be nice!

Then as a teenager and young adult, you usually become super self-absorbed. Since you can take care of yourself and don't need other peoples help as much, you tend to be a lot more selfish. The phrases "I" and "Me" come out of your mouth more than you can even imagine, or would like to admit. 

Then you get married or into a serious relationship with another person, and all of a sudden you start with the "Us". If you're like most people, you put that other persons needs in front of your own and you start a lot of that sharing stuff again :)

Bank accounts, last names, responsibilities, a place to live and even a bed!

It can be tough. Especially if you've been on your own for a long time. 

But then come the kid(s). 

Ohhhhh the kids...

They can literally suck the life out of you and leave you lifeless on the bathroom floor in a pool of their dirty, soggy bath towels.

And then magically... fill you up with so much light and happiness that you just cry in the middle of Target for no reason, while shopping for french bread and spaghetti sauce (yes, this happened to me last week)... because really, it hits you like a ton of bricks that YOU made that little, messy, wonderful human being who sings and dances through the aisles without a care in the world!

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Chocolate, Caramel and Fruit... Don't Mind If I do! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

I'm super into fruit lately. 

Like, I eat it ALL the time. Me and all the Costco employees are on a first name basis :) #bestpriceonproduce

I will eat fruit all by itself, all day long, but adding a little somethin'-somethin' every now and then is totally how I roll too. 

Raw sugar, raspberry vinegar drizzle, whipped cream, and my new favorite...

CHOKLADKROKANT BREDBAR! 

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

When the Guilt Sets In How Do YOU Deal? From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! This morning was tough. I felt like everything was working against me. 

As I pulled up at the gym after FINALLY dropping the girls off to school... 20 minutes late I might add... It clicked. I need to go home and write. Write while these feelings are raw and at the front of my mind. So here it goes.

So I'm home now. All day.
I have no outside job, event or responsibility other than my husband, my kids, the upkeep of my house, and the blog... of course, to worry about.
There's not too much to tell. I was just ready to be home again.

This transition (for my personality) has been a bit tougher than I thought it would be.
I'm trying to not let ALL of my newfound free time be completely filled with the everyday monotony of picking up the house, making dinner, running errands and getting back into a workout routine (blehhh).
But then when I get close to feeling like I've got a bunch of that stuff under control... I start dreaming about ALL of the millions of house projects I want to do, and completely overwhelm myself.
It feels like being a crazed artist, standing in a studio with an infinite amount of amazing brushes and paint, but no canvas in site. That's the only good way for me to explain it.

So what does this have to do with this morning?
Well, everything.

As a Mom and wife that has ALWAYS brought in an income, this is the first time that I haven't.

Yes, blogging brings in a bit here and there, but nothing really consistently... unless I have a ba-jillion page views... which I definitely do NOT. And unless I slave away here posting about something AMAZING, NEW, EXCITING and PIN-WORTHY everyday... those ba-jillions of page views won't come, and either will the extra bit of money along with it. (shrug)
At this point in my blogging journey, I'm tired.
I'm just sort of done blogging for everyone else. I'm ready to get back to more of my ramblings and everyday life moments, with home projects and an occasional DIY project or recipe mixed in. I miss that kind of blogging.
So, long story short... I blog when I want and how I want now. Sometimes it's once a day, sometimes it's once a month. I refuse to let money or status be the reason I share my creativity or life. I want to blog because I'm excited to... not because I have to.

All of that being said, being home, being happy, finding quiet moments of stillness and really reconnecting with what grounds me everyday, makes me feel GUILTY.
I cried to Cason about this for about an hour last night.

I feel guilty about not bringing in money.
I feel guilty about "just" being home and loving it!
I feel guilty that my husband has to go to work everyday and now has to carry the sole income for our family. (which by the way, he somehow is totally fine with, and feels no stress at all... wouldn't that kind of personality be nice!?)

All of this guilt put on me ONLY by myself, sort of ruins my joy everyday.

WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT!?!?!?!?
WHY DO WE DO THIS AS WOMEN!?

I'm not speaking for ALL women here, but I know I'm in a pool with a few more than just me and a couple of my close friends who will all agree, that sometimes the guilt of being happy will creep in to rear it's ugly head from time to time.

Guilt is an emotional killer!
Unnecessary guilt about what I should, could or would do better, is something that I'm realizing keeps me from being 100% in the moment a lot of the time.

Am I a good enough wife?
Am I a good enough Mom?
Am I a good enough blogger, friend, counselor at church, etc...?

And this my lovelies, is where being home and alone, and with my thoughts for TOO long really starts to mess with me.

Do I sound completely crazy yet?
Good. Because sometimes I feel like it. And if you ever feel the same way... I'm here to tell you, you're not alone. I'm right there with you.

This morning was tough. I feel like everything was working against me. 

Because of my crying rant last night to Cason, I stayed up later than I should of, which made it a lot harder to get up this morning and get going.

5 seconds before we walk out the door Emberly starts whining about how school lunch is going to be gross today.
At first I feel like saying... "Sucks for you, you should of made a lunch for yourself while you were down here goofing off"... but then the GUILT kicks in, and I happily say "If everyone helps, we can whip together sandwiches and a few snacks really fast!"

In the middle of a ham, cheese and condiments tornado, Aubrielle jumps up on the counter to "help" and flips a knife full of mayo on the ground sending white globby bits all over the floor and wall.

I stay calm; firmly ask her to get her "BUTT OFF THE COUNTER!" and bark orders at my two dogs to stop licking the mayo up while I frantically top off sandwiches and then rinse out a dirty dishrag to clean up the rest of the mess.

Everyone has lunches in hand. All is well in the world.
Then I hear a loud CRASH.

Emberly has accidentally bumped an entire box full of mason jars onto the garage floor, sending about a ka-jillion shards of tiny pieces of glass all over the place.

I freaked.

I screamed.

I cried.

And then I got a broom.

My kids all go silent and just start walking around in a panic when I do this.
(does that last sentence make it sound like I've behaved like this more than once? well good, because I DEFINITELY have.)

I immediately feel GUILTY for losing my temper over something that was an accident.

We are now 10 minutes late.

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Quick, Easy & Healthy Protein Pancake Recipe! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

If there's one thing I've learned from dieting always trying to lose/maintain a certain body shape or weight... it's that starting my day off with a big, protein-filled breakfast ALWAYS helps me to stay fueled and on the right track for the rest of the day. 

I once had a personal trainer explain it like this:

"Imagine your body as an empty fire pit, and you want to ignite a big fire in there that will burn ALL day long. If you fill your pit with just one piece of not-so-great wood to start with, there's no way you'll keep your fire going. But if you build up a big ol' stack of logs with lots of small, spark-catching starters... you'll burn the kind of fire that will last a LOT longer!"

Translation (or my take on it):

If you start with a healthy, filling breakfast, your metabolism skyrockets, your calorie burn will be greater and your energy will last longer!

Um... sounds good to me - let's eat!

These protein pancakes are packed full of awesomeness and have NO sugar. (well, unless you add some on top at the end...heehee). You can whip a batch up in less than 10 minutes, and have them in your fridge for the whole week. YUM!  

PROTEIN PANCAKES:

1 lb Container of Fat Free Cottage Cheese
12 Egg Whites
2 Cups of Uncooked Oatmeal
1 or 2 tsp. Cinnamon (I usually do 2, but it's up to you)

Mix all ingredients really well in a blender.

The consistency of your batter should be thick enough to coat a spoon, but not so thick that it doesn't drip off easily. 

NOTE: The batter will thicken up a bit naturally as it sits.

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Just Put Your Favorite Lipstick on and Deal with It! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

I don't think there could be a better motto for me in my life... especially this past year or so.

As MANY of you know, I'm what some would like to consider "a lipstick hoarder" ha! 

There's something about a GREAT shade of lipstick that can make you feel like a million bucks. I've always said that if there were only 2 beauty products that I could take on a deserted island, then it would be mascara and lipstick. Yeah, I know, the other stuff is awesome too, but there's not much else you'd need beyond these two super impactful tools to look fabulous in a beauty bind. 

SO when I saw this print the other day, I just KNEW I had to have it in my office.

Print: Joss & Main // Frame: Michaels

I've been feeling a lot lately like............. well, I just don't know how to finish that. Mostly because that's it! I've just been feeling. a. lot. lately.

It's like something inside said... "Okay, you're 32. Time to open up the flood gates!"

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Staying Connected as a Mom From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! With Mothers Day coming up, I can't help but think about how much I love being a Mom myself - something I KNOW I wouldn't be as good at, or understand the importance of, if it hadn't been for my own amazing Mothers examples.

I have to be honest and say that my Mom and I struggled with our relationship for quite a while... and we still do sometimes.

As much as both me, my Mom and my sister would have probably loved to be in one of those relationships where the mother and daughters grew up always being BEST friends, who counted on each other for everything, hugged all the time and shared their deepest, darkest secrets together... we just weren't that way. 

READ THE REST OF THIS POST >>>

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

How to Apply Removable Wallpaper - An Office Update! From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog! When we last left off, my basement office was... white. ha! But you can see all the inspiration I had for it in this post. I'm so excited!

Okay, so like I mentioned before, while shopping Joss & Main not too long ago I came across this fab, speckled removable wallpaper, and I knew I HAD to have it :) 

(yes, I have an obsession with this website, I know)

I ordered my paper from here because I had some store credit I needed to use, but Chasing Paper sells LOTS of great removable wallpaper designs, and is even a couple dollars cheaper.

So there were a few things I loved about this removable wallpaper idea: 

1. It's not permanent.

2. It's easy.

3. It could make a big impact.

See!...

I la-la-la-love it!

First of all, I was really happy that the paper was actually black and WHITE... and not black and cream. I was a bit worried when I first ordered it. 

Secondly, putting up this paper was straight forward enough... but tricky at the same time. Here's what we used and how we applied everything. I thought it might help, because this stuff isn't cheap, and you want to get it right the first time.

- Removable wallpaper of choice

- A step stool

- Level

- Scissors or box cutter

- Pencil 

- An extra hand... or two ;)

The wallpaper will come with two layers. The actual paper itself, and then the backing that keeps the sticky portion from being exposed.

Measure the space where you're putting your paper and make cuts BEFORE you remove the backing. Duh... I know, but I just wanted to put it out there. ha!

We also made sure to flip the wallpaper over to the backside to draw our measurement lines, so that we didn't have any pencil marks on the nice designed portion. The great part about OUR particular wallpaper design, is that it was SUPER forgiving. You might have to go with a different measuring technique if you have a very stubborn pattern that needs careful lining up. (good luck!) LOL.

The level itself wasn't necessarily used for leveling anything, as much as it was handy for making those really straight, long cuts. 

Once we were ready, we peeled off the backing, and both held the paper at one end. Cason would place the top portion where it needed to be, and then I would line up the rest. 

It took a few tries, but since this material IS removable (much like vinyl) you can reposition it - BUT... it is VERY sticky. Make sure NOT to let it fold over on itself, it was almost impossible to pry apart, and we even messed up a large sheet due to some tearing while trying to manipulate the sticky paper :( 

PS: you might want to partner up with someone who you feel comfortable enough with gettin' REAL close to. haha! To position the paper straight and where it needs to be, you sort of have to be all up in each others space. Oh! - and a height difference doesn't hurt either :-P

After you've applied your piece of wallpaper, try to smooth it from the middle out, to avoid any big air bubbles or wrinkles. 

Once we got the hang of everything, the application for the paper went really fast. There were portions that had to be cut out for the outlets, but other than that, it wasn't too bad.

We were a handful of sheets short when it came to finishing the whole wall, but I ordered more so hopefully I can finish next week... I just couldn't help but share the portion that we DO have done!

I'll be back with an update once the entire wall is finished too, so keep your eye out!

xoxo

Chairs: Joss & Main

Table: Down East Home (slightly damaged product section for $200), but it's West Elm

Rug: Costco

Bookshelf: Ikea

Books: Puffin Classics

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***

Our New Homes Paint, Flooring & Carpet Colors From noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths)

Today's Inspiration comes from guest blogger noreply@blogger.com (House of Smiths) Be sure to check out their blog!

I've had a bunch of people on Instagram ask about the exact paint and flooring colors in our new house, so I thought I'd create a post with all the resources for you!

None of this paint or flooring was picked out by us personally, it was all set to be installed about the week we first looked at the house. That being said, I don't think I would have picked colors that were that much different. They're all really neutral, and go with warm OR cool tones. MAJOR plus!

Gold Sconces - Joss & Main

Rug - Rugs USA, Table - The Black Goose (you can also find it sometimes on Joss & Main for less!)

1. Wood Floor - Hallmark Hardwoods: American Birch Canvas.

Online it says that Birch Canvas looks like this:

Uhh... I can KINDA see where they get this, because in the brightest of sunlight I pick up some more yellow tones, but honestly, I see WAY more deep brownish/gray when I look into my kitchen and entryway.

Below is a picture that I just snapped real quick, from our own entryway, and I didn't edit the colors at all, in hopes that this will give you the truest idea of what WE see.

Maybe it just depends on what batch of Birch Canvas you get (?) ha! 

If you are considering installing this color floor for a project or in your next house, maybe go check out an actual sample, so you can make sure yours is the exact color you want... because if I would have only seen the top, lighter version picture up there, I definitely wouldn't have picked it. 

Here it is with our carpet, and also a bit of a white and gray rug that we have, so you can see different shades next to it. 

CARPET: Into the Wood - Shaw 12 linen B Standard 6lb pad. 

It hides pretty much EVERYTHING. It's a higher pile, super comfy and goes really well with the floor and both the Salsify AND white paint. 

2. Salsify: form Kwal in eggshell or satin finish.

The perfect medium Greige. Yup... that would be gray-beige. You know, that color that EVERYONE wants when they can't decide what their actual home decor accent shades will be - hence the reason it works so well for a standard home building color. lol

Okay but honestly, I really like it. Sometimes I see more brown and sometimes I just see gray. It's a sneaky shade of paint, but it goes with anything, and I love that. 

If I were to have had any say on this color, I would have changed the paint finish to satin verses eggshell (because it's easier to wipe clean) and possibly would have gone a smidgen lighter as well, so in the corners of my house where there's no sunlight, wouldn't be quite so dark.  

3. High Hide White: Sherwin Williams in a semi gloss finish.

Guys, it's the perfect white - really! 

No blue tones, no creamy yellows... just WHITE! I love it so much, and even though it may sound weird to be so passionate about simple white; it's only because it's not as easy to find as you may think.

We painted our entire basement this High Hide white, and it's fresh and lovely! Below is an idea of how the carpet looks next to the white paint, going down to our basement. 

Well... this was definitely the worlds most uninteresting picture post ever... but it does the job :) 

Hopefully this helps out those of you who have been wanting to see if these colors will work well for YOUR home! I know how much of a headache it can be, finding the perfect shades to go into a house, where you may not even know yet what other colors you'll be using! 

Trust me, these are GREAT options :) 

xoxo

*** original post via TheHouseofSmiths.com ***