Exterior House Paint

When we first saw our house, we were definitely not in love with the exterior paint color.
It was a very 70's shade of peach with a pale yellow trim.  Not exactly the combination we would have chosen.

Note:  The top picture was taken the first time we came to look at the house.  The bottom picture was after the painters had pressure washed.

After living in our home for a year and a half, we decided it was time to look into getting the exterior repainted.  We knew it needed to be done for maintenance purposes, but were also super excited to change the colors to something more our style.  

Actually picking the new colors was a really tough task!  There was this added pressure of knowing we couldn't blame anyone but ourselves if we didn't like the new paint colors. Thank goodness we love the end result!  

We went with a nice light gray for the main house color, a dark charcoal (with a blue undertone) for the shutters and front door, white trim and a pop of light blue on the back porch ceiling.  

That back porch ceiling was inspired by a southern tradition I heard about recently. The light blue is thought to keep bugs and evil spirits away.  I'm not sure how true that part is, but the idea of always having a "blue sky" above you sure is lovely.

The new color palette is fresh and has a much more Northwest-y feel.  We are just loving it. Plus, look at how those pink rhodies pop against the neutral paint color!

Full Body Workout

Looking for a great full body workout to get ready for summer?  Give this one a try!  It includes a little bit of everything and some of my favorite exercises.

Running Playlist

Until recently, I rarely listened to music while running.  Crazy, right?  Well, I put together a new running playlist a little while ago and have rediscovered how much music can improve a run!  Certain songs really give me that little boost I need.  Others just make me happy and distract me from thinking about how much further I have to go.

Here are some songs that help me get through my run (and actually enjoy it).

1. Livin' It Up - Ciara
2. Beg For It - Iggy Azalea
3. Goodness Gracious - Ellie Goulding
4. Heartbeat Song - Kelly Clarkson
5. Honey, I'm Good - Andy Grammer
6. Set You Free - 3OH!3
7. Want To Want Me - Jason DeRulo
8. Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

Tissue Paper Pom Poms

These tissue paper pom poms were the main decor in the tents at our wedding reception.  I absolutely love how delicate and pretty they looked strung up among the little white lights. Plus, they are a super fun way to bring in color.  

You can buy premade pom poms that simply require a bit of fluffing.  However, they are a little pricey and it adds up when you need hundreds of them!  Luckily, I had some amazing bridesmaids at my side to help me make this fabulous pom pom garland.

Running Motivation

I usually end my runs feeling fantastic and accomplished.  Unfortunately, there are some days that I'm just not in the zone.  I feel sluggish, tired, just... off.  Today was one of those days. That's when I need a little reminder:  the important thing is that I got outside and gave it my best effort.

Arm Workout

Check out this arm workout!  You'll definitely feel the burn after this one.  All you need is a pair of dumbbells (5 - 10 lbs each).

Abs Workout

Summer will be here before we know it, so I'm adding this abs workout into my exercise plan for the week.  I like mixing up my workouts from time to time.  While I've been enjoying my running routine lately, it will feel nice to exercise some different muscles and focus on toning.

Give this a try if you're looking for a fun core strengthening workout!