Our Staircase: Reno Series Vol. 3

Greetings and happy Friday!

Today I'm continuing our Renovation Series, i.e.  the never-ending project that is our house. Luckily we have made a lot of progress, even just over the past few months.

Other than the kitchen, the renovation of our staircase probably makes the second biggest difference in the overall appearance of the home. The stairs are the first thing you see when you walk in, and they were bad. The spindles were thick and far apart, Cooper could fit right between them and there were gaps between each stair. Super safe. The carpet was brown shag. Need I say more?

As I began research on how to remedy our situation, I was surprised to find that I could literally, replace our staircase; my husband was thrilled! And that's what we did. Take a look at the before and after pictures:

Right when you walked in the front door BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE view from office:

AFTER view:

Who's sad I didn't keep the lovely yellow paint? 

I love the end-result, regardless of the huge headache it was doing this project while living in the house with a toddler and a newborn. Chew on that for a bit.

Paint colors used:

Benjamin Moore Clay Beige (Walls) - Note: we darkened the paint 50% because we have a ton of natural light come in the front of the house.  

Benjamin Moore Alabaster (Trim/stair spindles and risers).  

Here are 5 sources of some of what you saw in the pictures:

Chandelier / Sconces / Paintings / Gold Decor / Rug

Thanks for stopping by! We have a few more projects to do around the house, but in the meantime, I am just trying to finish one room at at a time in - I'll share pictures as I complete them.

You can check out other posts in my Renovation Series here (the kitchen reno) and here (the simple front door reno).

Have a great weekend!

Keep in touch! Follow along on Happy Haven Blog's Facebook page.

Friday Five: Rompers, fritters, and kitchens.

Well, another week come and gone my friend! I hope it was good to you. We have a jam-packed weekend full of family, friends and baby showers! After a weekend away last weekend I am happy to spend some QT with my favorite men. Let's talk about what I'm loving this week:

one. this romper. 

It's pretty obvious I'm on a romper kick and y'all, look at this one I found on EDIT BY LAUREN'S Instagram (she's a stylist so if you are looking for awesome fashion finds, I highly recommend following her). She pulls it off better than the model and I want her entire wardrobe.

two. garlicky & cheese zucchini fritters. 

Recipe and image c/o Diet Hood.

I'm a vegetarian, so I'm always making veggie fritters (quinoa, black bean, etc). But these I could eat all day every day. Delicious with a greek yogurt sauce on the side.

three. missing my friends. 

Fortunately (or unfortunately) I've lived a lot of places, and have friends all over the country. After spending three straight days with ladies I've known for 15+ years last weekend, I'm missing my girls; all over! I wish life allowed more time to see one another, but man am I grateful for each and every one of my amazing friends. Denver included.

four. baby obsession. Listen, I love my three-nager as much as the next guy, but I really am loving this baby. He is so snuggly, cuddly and happy it just makes this mama's heart melt.

five. kitchen reno. The labor of love that is our kitchen is done! Ish. Sharing before and after pictures Monday here on the blog. You will be shocked, of that I am sure. Here's a sneak peak:

Wishing everyone a great weekend, I myself am hoping to squeeze in some R&R! Happy Friday!

LINKING UP TODAY WITH:

and Friday Favorites: Momfessionals

Week's Round-Up: Babies and outdoor decor.

Why was this week fast? In the work-world, every week after a holiday was S  L  O  W. This week I blink and it's Friday. Here's what's been up:

ONE. WATCHING: or actually MOURNING, the end of Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. WELL? What are you thinking about the craziness this season? Tune out here if you're not Bravo-obsessed:

* what's up with Stassi. Is she that big of a B? 

* how crazy-town is Kristen? That is all.

* does anyone else feel bad for Kim Richards? 

* how HILARIOUS is Lisa Rinna? #whatdidharrydo

TWO. HE'S 9-MONTHS ON THE 12TH: which means he's almost one-year old, which means omg. And, oh-KAY. I'll say it. Have you ever seen a cuter baby?

THREE. WEDNESDAY DATE NIGHTS: The hubs and I recently started a weekly date night. Growing up my parents went out one night a week for as long as I can remember, and left us four kids home with a sitter. Mom has always told us to set one night aside and spend it alone if we can. What is it about adult conversation with your husband that makes the world right? I don't know, but if it's one night a week I get to sit at the restaurant bar and eat dinner, I'm in.

FOUR. PATIO READY: Y'all since last summer I couldn't stop thinking about how I want to beautify the outdoors around the casa, and lo and behold West Elm decided to put some fabulous planters on sale this week. I'm thinking the gray or the black planter would look great next to my bold front door. If you're in the market, check 'em out:

FIVE. VERSE: Disclaimer: I do not watch 19 Kids and Counting but I do read people.com daily and they shared the story of one of the kids, Jill, who was pregnant and also a midwife, and had planned a home-birth. She ended up delivering in the hospital and obviously things didn't go as planned. BEEN THERE. She shared this verse and it really stuck with me this week. Maybe you need to hear it too.

Once again reminding me that I have NO control. Why can't I get used to this?

I hope everyone has fun plans this weekend! Wishing you a great one.

Linking up today with these lovely ladies:

Five on Friday: Hello! Happiness/A.Liz Adventures/Carolina Charm/The Good Life Blog

Oh, Hey Friday September F A R M

Friday Favorites at Momfessionals

Let's stay friends! Follow along Facebook. 

Weeks wrap up (vol 3)

Happy day sweet friends!

I'm 33 plus one day today, y'all. I'm going to go ahead and take a sec to wrap my head around that fact, but I will tell you this, every year I'm given I am grateful. It's true what they say, 30s really rock.

I'm going to keep it short today as we are spending the holiday weekend "up the hill", as local Denver-folks say, at my in-laws house near Aspen.

ONE: MY VIEW THIS MORNING: Spectacular!

TWO: SPRING HAS SPRUNG, IN MY KITCHEN: What is it about fresh flowers?

THREE. DAILY DOSE OF DARLING: We lived outside this week and I snapped this picture of my two favorite people! It was lunch time people. 

FOUR. CELEBRATING CHRIST'S RESURRECTION: Happy Easter to those who celebrate, sweet friends! This truth is one of the biggest decisions that I believe you can make. 

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day. -1 Corinthians 15:3-5

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth." -Job 19:25

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans, 10:9

FIVE: THANK YOU! Thank you to all who liked, commented and shared this blog as I celebrated the name change this week. You rock.

Next week is going to be exciting!  I'll be sharing some of our home renovations here on Happy Haven AND Denver Metro Moms Blog is going to be LIVE!! Can't wait.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Linking up today with these lovely ladies:

Five on Friday: Hello! Happiness/A.Liz Adventures/Carolina Charm/The Good Life Blog

Oh, Hey Friday September F A R M

Friday Favorites at Momfessionals

Let's stay friends! 

Connect at Happy Haven Blog's Facebook and Instagram pages! 

Weeks wrap up (vol 2)

Hey Friday, let's dive right into wrapping this week on-up!

1. THE TOP KNOT: I've been throwing this up all week, it's my mom-do. It is the perfect quick, my-hair-is-dirty-but-my-clothes-are-clean, pulled together look. Throw on some red lips and your set. Fake it 'til you make it y'all. 

2. MOM GUILT: That's all I'll say about this heartbreak. 

3. ETSY-WIN: I ordered this for a fabulous friend and I am a big fan of how it turned out and this shop. Check out her shop too if you like the gold foil look. 

Img via Etsy: SprinkleofSparklebyJ 

5. CHA-CHA-CHA-CHANGES: Changes are happening around here friends. I look forward to sharing next Tuesday. *Hint* #DMMB and #HHB.

Chat with you next week!

Let's link! Lot's of lovely ladies to follow today. Check 'em out:

Five on Friday: Hello! Happiness/A.Liz Adventures/Carolina Charm/The Good Life Blog

Oh, Hey Friday September F A R M

Friday Favorites at Momfessionals

Weeks wrap-up (vol 1)

Greetings friends!

This week was weird; weird like busy. I don't want to complain because I got a surprise trip to the Garth Brooks concert, a hockey game, and dinner with friends two days in a row. Fun right? Like, need a nap fun.Y'all I get stressed when I have more than one activity in two consecutive days. Am I the only one that thrives on quiet and being alone? Non-busy-ness?

ONE. Y'all it's here, it's here!
Welcome spring!!

No seriously, WELCOME. And like, STAY AWHILE.
Please and thank you.
-Love your Colorado mamas who just want to go to the park already.

TWO. Let's talk the two cutest boys that ever were.
Gawsh. They just love each other so much.

The kindest, most compassionate little boy.

Spunky, independent and lovable.

Seeing double? I think I left my genes back in Texas.

THREE. Loving this article: Gentle C-Sections

When I read this article my heart lifted. As someone who has to give birth via c-section, I read this article and felt like I let out a big breath of air that I've been holding in for awhile. Like I can change the tone of my story. Take a read: Family Centered Gentle C-Sections.

FOUR. Napa rewind

My husband surprised me with a trip to Napa for our 5-year anniversary and y'all. It was the best trip ever. We totally spoiled ourselves, relaxed, started AND finished conversations and not once did I rush around. It was worry-free and the best gift he could have given me. I've been to wine country several times (we got engaged there) and I will tell you my favorite things this trip were:

Brunches at Auberge du Soleil

Sips on the deck at Elizabeth Spencer in Rutherford

The Chardonnay at Newton Vineyards

and homegrown winery/history tour at Chase Family Vineyards

FIVE. NORDSTROMS TRIPLE POINTS!!

ALERT! ALERT! It's Triple Points weekend at Nordstrom. I love Nordstrom Notes, I love Nordstrom coffee, I LOVE NORDSTROM.

Looking forward to time with family this weekend, and enjoying this beautiful SPRING weather! While it lasts. Have a great weekend, friends!

* Linked up today - check these lovely ladies out at: *
O Hey Friday | September Farm
Five on Friday | A. Liz Adventures, Hello! Happiness, Carolina Charm, The Good Life Blog

5 Ways to Feel Balanced

Happy Friday to you, friends!
I hope this week has been good to you. It has flown by for us, and don't ask me how because it's been total whiplash here with 60 degree mornings and 14 degree afternoons with 8 inches of snow. Say wha? 

Some days I feel like I'm a see-saw, like I'm going up and down just trying to find that even balance in my day-to-day. One of my New Year goals was to get on top of things, and knowing what I need in my days is where I have to start. 

I've noticed there are 5 things that I need to incorporate into every single day to feel like I'm on the right foot. 

1. Quiet time alone. I repeat alone. 

It is my daily goal to get both boys down at the same time at least once a day. Often it's a struggle.  But as an introvert I am constantly craving time to myself. When I'm able to avoid the TV, the iPhone or the computer and just sit with a book or devotional I always, ALWAYS feel a weight off my shoulder and renewed energy. 

2. Exercise.

My hardest struggle for sure. How great do we all feel when we sweat? How many excuses do we make not to? I am the queen of excuses, and yet never feel better than a week with a couple days of intense exercise. 

3. Food.

I struggle feeding myself. Both my boys are well fed, but by the time they've eaten and I've cleaned up we are on to the next thing, and next time I look at the clock it's 3PM and I haven't eaten. These are the days I feel foggy, tired and cranky. My goal is to have leftovers from the night before, prep salads earlier in the week, or have homemade smoothies ready to go so I can keep my energy up.

4. Be presentable. 

There is something to be said for feeling good about how you look. Initially, this requires some work up front (ie: shower, makeup, hair, etc.) but I notice I absolutely drag when I don't look the part. So suss it up girlfriend!

5. Fresh air.

Sometimes it is so hard to get out of the house, especially during some of these winter wonderland days when it's easier to cuddle up on the couch. But I feel so much better if I'm able to get us out, even if it's just for an hour. 

I didn't include coffee but, obviously, that is a no-brainer.

What do you need to keep the day on the right foot?

*** Linking up today! ****