Exterior Makeover & Window Help!

Here is a current picture of our house. We're finally getting new windows to replace all the old ones. All the stained glass is going! (If any of you are interested, I'll be selling them at the next market I'm sure). So now is the question: What  do I replace them with?  

I tried to find a website where I could virtually change the windows on my house. I couldn't find anything that was letting me do what I wanted. So instead I uploaded a pic of the house to good ol' My Paintbrush. AMAZING! As you can see I've added shutters and drawn in the different style of windows I like. (Sorry for some of the not-so-straight lines). Now I need your thoughts. 

Here are some facts:

-We're ordering vinyl and can arrange the grids however we like in each window

-I love the look of LOTS of panes

-I love cute skinny windows

-I don't necessarily want them to all match the existing vinyl windows (the ones surrounding the sunroom in front)

I've looked around at the other historical homes in the area and so many of them do not have all matching windows and I love it! 

I can mix and match from each picture, so what windows work and what windows don't? GO!

In the empty top middle section I would put a leaded glass window.

Leave your vote in the comments! 

Vanessa's Home Renovation: Suggestions for the Living Room

This "GRAND" room was finished about 9 months ago. I have changed things in this room several times. But for some reason, I'm just never happy with it. Of course that window with the bold-colored stained glass is going...and very soon. I can't wait to get a pretty window! But that can't be why it's my least favorite area. 

It always seems so dark and I'm wondering if that's the reason I am never happy with this room. It has plenty of windows but it's on the north side of the house. I love the dark wood floors but that doesn't help with the light issue. At one point I realized I needed everything in the room white. So nearly every piece in there now is white or very light-colored. 

I found the hutch at a local antique store for a great deal! I ordered the ottoman from World Market. And I found that amazing French chandelier on ebay. I'm so in love with it!!

So I'd like your opinion. What would YOU do with this room? What would you change? 

Taking suggestions.

Let Them Eat Cake!

As many of you may know (well maybe not), I rent out vintage pieces for weddings. Well I've been adding to my inventory all these pretty dishes and wanted to use them for my own pretty display. I also wanted to inspire brides with my new (old) green goblets and gold-rimmed china. So I put together a little tablescape. 

My awesome mother bakes incredible desserts (for weddings as well) so of course I needed her to bake a cake. (The fact that I was craving something sweet had NOTHING to do with it!) Now, I am a chocolate fan all-the-way, but this cake, well, it "takes the cake". It's one of my favorites...even though there is no chocolate! Sweet Notions is available for weddings and events...click HERE to go to her website! 

I wanted to put flowers on the cake but I had never done that before. That was the most fun I've had in awhile! I think if my job was to JUST put flowers on wedding cakes...well let's just say it would be kinda great!

 

Well since I was planning this beautiful table, and there would be a cake involved, why not invite a couple friends to come over and help me EAT the cake?! Well I'm not afraid to destroy a pretty cake...and that's what we did.

Marianne Wiest was kind enough to photograph the whole thing. And thank goodness she did since I am NO kind of photographer.  It was SO fun to visit with friends while eating such amazing dessert! Hmmm....I think I'll have to come up with more tablescapes to shoot!

Plum Clementine Gin Fizz

In Colorado, we're finally starting to have more warm, sunny days than dreary cold days, and I couldn't be happier! Tanner started an office position recently that allows him to have weekends off (YAY!), so after church we decided to make our own cocktail to celebrate the sun! The syrup that gives this drink a complex and sweet flavor (with a bite) is the most involved part of the recipe, but once it's done, you can store it for up to two weeks! Use it on ice cream, in coffee, on pancakes even!

We added ginger, rosemary, and cardamom to give it a bit of a kick!

Now,  I must admit that I know nothing about making or mixing cocktails. haha! I know there are proper ways to mix things and do things, but we just went for what tasted good. Feel free to suggest any and all improvements in the comments!!

It's fizzy and complex, with a bite!

Plum Clementine Gin Fizz

2 cups sugar
1 cup water
4 red plums, sliced
1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
2 inches ginger root, sliced
1/4 TSP cardamom
2 TBSP honey
2 Clementines, juiced
2 oz. Gin (we used and REALLY like the botanical flavor of Hendrick's Gin. It's infused with rose and cucumber!)

Juice your clementines, set juice aside and save the peels (We also saved some zest for the actual cocktails). In a saucepot, combine the rest of the ingredients, including your Clementine peels, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil for five minutes, and then turn the heat down until its slowly simmering.

Let it simmer for an hour. The fruit should break down and the syrup should be a pretty red color. Allow it to cool, then strain and transfer into a container.

In an 8 oz. glass, pour in 2 TBSP of your syrup, 2 oz. of gin, and top it off with tonic or club soda. Garnish with rosemary & clementine zest, and enjoy!

Companies We Love: Emme + Ivy

When it comes to our babies, we love companies who combine easy-to-use and cuteness! My doctor told me that babies don't need shoes, but moccasins fall somewhere in between shoes and socks, don't they? In fact, I think Emme + Ivy's moccasins are easier to put on than some baby socks. The moccasin trend is so wonderful...my only complaint is that they don't make them in my size. :)

Emme + Ivy was a vendor at our Salt Lake Vintage Whites Market, and every time I passed their booth, it was completely full!! Besides moccasins, they make and sell the cutest felt and leather headbands and bows. Esme is wearing a wool felt headband in the mint color. So cute!

She's also wearing the scarlet moccasins by Emme + Ivy.

Their moccasins are SO soft, and they're breathable!! I got Beckett the camel color. Make sure to use their sizing chart if you order! It's best to measure baby's feet & then look at the chart to get the correct size.

The price point on these is so attractive, and you aren't sacrificing quality!! $28 for a pair of moccasins...so good!! Beckett wears his at least four times a week, and I have yet to see any signs of wear. Granted, he's only 7 months old, but I think they'll hold up really well even as he gets older.

You can check out Emme + Ivy's products for yourself HERE!