It's officially summer time, and boy is it HOT outside!  Are you drinking enough water?  My friends used to call me 'the camel' because I had a water bottle with me literally everywhere I went.  Fast forward ten years and now my hands are full of diaper bags, children, and THEIR drinks.....certainly not mine!  I've been really making an effort to drink more water this summer.  There are so many health benefits to staying adequately hydrated!  When you drink enough water it can improve your mood, treat headaches, help your digestive system work properly (and regularly), flush out toxins in your body, promote clear, glowing skin, and aid in healthy weight loss.  It's kind of a no brainer, right?  

Here are 6 easy things you can do that can help you drink more water....

1. Start Early!  Drink a tall glass of warm (or room temperature) water when you first wake up
Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning gives your metabolism a jump start and gets things going!  If you want to take it a step further, make it a warm or hot glass of water.  I read about this philosophy in a chinese medicine book, and I'm telling you, it works wonders.  The warm water relaxes your muscles and really gets your digestive system working smoothly.  *Side note: If you already drink a lot of water, but still have constipation issues, take out the ice and opt for room temperature or warm water instead.  It's a game changer.  It sounds crazy, but you'll thank me later!  

2. Invest in a good water bottle
This can help make all the difference! Keep it on your desk at work, or in your car if you're running errands. I love my camelback, and  

3. Set a daily goal to help you stay committed
The medical community has differing opions about how much water you should be drinking everyday.  The standard is 8-10 glasses a day, but I've also heard that you should drink half of your body weight in ounces.  Listen to your body, decide what is best for you, and then stick to your goal!  There are lots of free apps out there that will help you track your progess, or compete with your spouse or a friend and turn it into a contest!

4. Drink a full glass of water 30 minutes or so before every meal 
This is a great rule of thumb to follow, because you'll drink 3-4 glasses of water per day without having to remember or make much of an effort! It will not only keep you hydrated, but it will help you from over-eating because your stomach will feel full!

5. Use a straw
Why does every liquid taste so much better with a straw?!  I buy them in bulk and use them every single day.

6. Infuse your water with fruits & veggies
You hate the taste of water?  I get it.  I love my Dr. Pepper, and if I wasn't concerned about the calories I would opt to drink 8-19 glasses of soda per day!  I try to reserve sodas for special occasions or the weekend, and opt for water during the week.  Adding fruits and vegetables to your water can really spice things up and take it from boring to refreshing and delicious!  There are lots of health benefits too!  Below are some great recipes.

via pinterest

via pinterest

What do you do to help you drink water?

Pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and start planning a road trip! There is nothing like a road trip in the summer. Because you are the one in charge of your adventure, a road trip is one of the most freeing ways to travel. If you’re planning on hitting the road this summer, make sure you’ve followed these tips for planning a road trip. 

1. Plan your routes and stops before you leave. If you are alone or with friends, you may be able to just start driving to see where the road takes you, but anyone traveling with kids knows how important it is to find pitstops and activities along the way. Have hard copies of your maps in case your phone dies or you have no service.

2. Be flexible with your plans. Don’t give yourself such a tight schedule that you won’t be able to stop at a park or go on a spur of the moment hike if you want. I read somewhere that you should always have a free day with nothing scheduled to allow for emergencies or extra adventures.

3. Get your car completely checked out and ready to go before you start driving. In addition to your regular car maintenance check your oil, washer fluid, tire pressure, brake pads, etc. to make sure there are no surprises once you start your trip.

via RoadTrip America

4. Have emergency things ready in your car. In addition to your luggage, you should have a spare tire and the supplies to change a tire, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, your car manual, and some extra cash on hand. Check out this list of 30 essential things you should carry in your car for more ideas.

5. Be smart with what you pack! Remember that the lighter your car, the farther your gas tank will take you. Leave room for a cooler with food and snacks within easy access and pack light enough that all your passengers will have a comfy ride. My parents used to say, “If you bring it, you carry it” which really limited the number of books and toys we brought to the most essential. No one wanted to drive to Mt. Rushmore with a bag of books on their lap!

6. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have figured out ways to stay entertained on the road! Come up with playlists before you leave and pick out an audiobook or two that will appeal to the whole family. Decide how you feel about screen time for your kids so you have set expectations before you even get in the car. For some classic car games, look here and here for ideas.

Where are you going this summer? What ideas do you have for planning a road trip?

How do you feel about animal prints? I’ve never really thought about incorporating any animal prints into my home before, but I’ve been seeing some different animal print accents that have gotten me excited about trying some out! Here are some different ways I’ve been inspired to include animal prints in my home. 

WALLPAPER

via Style at Home

I’ve been looking for fun wallpaper to put into my daughter’s room and something like this dalmatian print is subtle enough that I think it’s a contender.

via Conde Nast Traveler

I also love how this zebra print feels so abstract and modern. Wouldn't it make a bold statement somewhere in your home?

ACCENT FURNITURE

via Brit + Co

via RC Willey

An easy way to bring in animal prints to by using a piece of accent furniture. You won't look like you're trying to bring in the entire jungle with just a small piece of furniture and you'll have a fun pop of personality in your home when you find one that you love. 

RUGS AND ACCESSORIES

via Tag and Tibby

A rug can be a subtle way to include an animal print in your home. Even though it might not technically be considered an animal print, I love the idea of layering a cowhide rug on top of a neutral rug as well. 

via Pillow Splash Studio

via Olivia's Smile Decor

And of course, throw pillows are one of the best ways to bring in a print that you're not ready to commit to! Don't you love both of these pillows? I want the cow print one for myself!

Do you use animal prints in your home? 

There is nothing that screams summer more than an outdoor movie night. Pick out your favorite flick, invite some friends over, grab a couple of blankets, and enjoy a summer night! If you’re wanting to host an outdoor movie night, here are some ideas of how to make it perfect. 

via RC Willey

First, you’ve got to make sure you have the right equipment. A nice projector and screen will make your evening so much easier than trying to wrangle a sheet or work with a cheap projector. Nothing is more frustrating than a movie cutting out halfway through and ending the party early. 

via Fresh American Style

Make sure you have a variety of seating options for your guests. Sitting on the ground for a whole movie may get tiring, so be sure you have chairs available. You may also want to lay a rug, tarp, or waterproof blanket down for people sitting on the grass so they won’t get wet or cold.

via Divine Party Concepts

Try to incorporate some lighting to light up your seating area and help your guests move around easily.  

via Happily Hughes 

Nothing beats good snacks! Have a popcorn bar with different add-ins available or different types of drinks and sodas to make the movie seem even more special.

Have so much fun with your friends and family this summer! What outdoor movie night ideas do you have to add to the list? 

On the surface, galley kitchens may seem less desirable than other kitchen layouts. For small spaces with more length than width, though, a galley kitchen is exactly what you need! Not only will the parallel counters fit most small areas, if you’ve planned it out correctly you’ll have easy access to the work triangle (sink to fridge to cooktop). If you’re redoing a galley kitchen or hoping to do an easy facelift, these tips are for you! 

via Jenny Wolf Interiors

One of the best parts of having a galley kitchen is that because it is smaller than other kitchen layouts, your budget will go further leaving you more money to spend on fixtures or appliances. 

via The Inspired Room

Because your galley kitchen may seem small or low on storage, go all the way up the walls with your storage. To keep things feeling light think about using open shelving above your sink.

via Emily Henderson

Keep all your features consistent. Whatever finish you use on your sink, try using it with your light fixtures and cabinet knobs or handles to create a more cohesive look.

via deVOL

To make your room feel bigger, think about using a monochromatic color scheme.

via HGTV

To make your galley kitchen feel cleaner and more spacious, keep your galley kitchen focused on food prep and, if possible, use adjacent spaces for dining.

Do you have a galley kitchen? What ideas have you used to make your galley kitchens amazing? 

I'm convinced that if you searched the world over, you wouldn't find a single human being that loves chocolate chip cookies more than I do.  That being said, I've tasted, and baked, a LOT of chocolate chip cookies in my lifetime.  I have a handful of tried and true chocolate chip cookie recipes that I go to regularly, but I just discovered this one a few months ago, and I think it's safe to say that it's my new favorite.  My husband agrees!

Levain bakery is located in New York City, and they are known for their ENORMOUS chocolate chip cookies.  Si Foster, a food blogger who writes A Bountiful Kitchen, concocted this Levain Bakery copycat chocolate chip cookie, and it's genius!  They are wonderful, and they are huge.  Each batch of cookies literally only makes eight cookies!  I'll be honest.  I've never had the real thing, but I don't think I need to after making these!  Recipe is down below!  Check out Si's blog for the story behind how she developed this recipe!  

via a bountiful kitchen 

• 1 cup butter cut into tablespoons, I prefer unsalted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1½-1¾ cup all purpose flour* see notes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 2 cups walnut halves
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips* see notes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees and set rack in middle of oven.
2. Place butter into bowl and turn mixer on low. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
3. Add sugars and beat butter until smooth on medium speed. This should take about 1 minute. Mix until the butter pieces are completely blended with the sugar and is no longer visible in pieces.
4. Add the eggs and beat on medium just until incorporated with butter and sugars, about 30 seconds
5. Turn the mixer off. Add the cake flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Pulse the dry ingredients on low until the wet and dry ingredients are mixed together.
6. Pour the walnuts into the batter all at once. Pulse the batter 5-6 times.
7. Pour the chocolate chips into the batter and pulse again 5-6 times.
8. Pour the batter out onto a clean surface. Fold the dough together a few times until all of the chocolate chips and walnuts are mixed into the batter.
9. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces about 6 oz each. Use your hands to shape cookies. Do not use a cookie or ice cream scoop. The cookies are meant to be roughly shaped. Do not flatten the dough.10
10. Bake 4 cookies per pan, for 11 minutes on regular bake or 400 convection bake for 8-9 minutes.
11. The cookies are done when the top is a bit golden and the bottom is also golden
12. Do not over bake. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
13. To make the cookies without walnuts, see recipe notes

NOTES:

-It is important to let the oven fully heat up. Turn it on for at least 15-20 minutes before baking.
-I use 1 cup Cake Flour and 1¾ cup AP flour. You may try using 1½ cups AP flour. I found the dough to be too sticky. If you have issues with the cookies flattening out, use 1¾ cups flour.
-If you do not have cake flour, try using All Purpose flour. 2½ cups should work. When purchasing Cake Flour, look for it on the upper shelves of the grocery aisles. Cake Flour is usually found near the regular (All Purpose) flour, cake mixes or with other baking items.
- If you can't find cake flour at your grocery, you can make your own at home by using this simple method: Measure out 1 cup of all purpose flour into a medium size mixing bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons of the flour and place back in the flour container. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour in mixing bowl. Sift the flour and cornstarch mixture. Sift again about 3-4 more times. You now have cake flour! Place in a bag or container and use as needed.
-Cake flour is usually found on the top shelf at the grocery store, near the All Purpose Flour or near other baking goods.
-I buy chocolate chips in bulk and scoop my semi sweet chips out of a jar. This recipe calls for 2 cups of chocolate chips. Most bags of chocolate chips are 11-12 oz or closer to 1½ cups of chips, which will work for one recipe, no need to open another bag of chocolate chips.
I use food handlers gloves to shape the dough, and also weigh the dough balls on a scale. Each dough ball is approx 6 oz.
-These cookies freeze extremely well. After cooling completely, place cookies in a large ziplock bag or small sandwich size bags. Place in freezer. When ready to eat, either let thaw, or wrap in paper towel and microwave for about 15-18 seconds. The cookie will not have a crisp exterior after being frozen, but will still be moist and taste fresh.
-In the recipe it says to turn the batter out onto a clean surface and mix the chocolate chips and the walnuts together by hand. I do not do this step. I add this to the recipe because it is shown in the video. I simply fold the dough a couple of times with a spatula in the bowl to make sure all of the walnuts and chocolate chips are distributed.
Update 5/3/2017**
-Dislike walnuts? You may add additional chocolate chips or try increasing the All Purpose flour by ¼ cup.
Add 4 cups chocolate chips in place of the original 2 cups chips and 2 cups walnuts. If you omit the walnuts, you must replace with another substance that will take up mass in the cookie. Two additional cups of chocolate chips or 2-11.5 oz packages per recipe. Bake as directed. Refrigerating dough for 30-45 minutes after shaping and before baking is recommended, especially if baking in a regular bake and not a convection bake oven.

Decorating with books adds warmth and visual interest to a room. I know you probably have a pile of old books waiting to be sent to a donation center somewhere, but don’t toss them yet! Once you’ve started using them in your interior design, you won’t be able to stop. I’ve come up with a list of six different ways you can start decorating with books below. 

via The Curious Bumblebee

Using books in bookshelves is an obvious place to start. Rather than having all your books organized the same way, think about arranging them in groups with some vertically and some horizontally. Cluster your books in odd numbers and include art, photographs, and other accessories throughout.

via Tidbits & Twine

If the books you have laying around have unappealing covers or are old and torn, you can still use them! Pick some paper that will look good in your home - you could even use wrapping paper if you have some - and cover your books. You’ll have a uniform look between each book that will perfectly fit with your style.  

via AB CHAO

Put a couple of books under an accessory to prop it up and avoid having everything at the same level. You can do this in your bookshelves, on a coffee table, or any other flat surface you’re planning on decorating.

via HGTV

If the thought of cover all your books seems overwhelming, just turn the books so the spine is facing the wall and the pages are facing out.

via The Order Obsessed

Organize your books by color to give your room a pop of personality.

Which one is your favorite way to start decorating with books? 

I've been petrified of mice since I was seven years old.  It all started when I was helping my dad clean out the garage, looking for a mouse he had spotted.  I was carrying my mom's snow boots out to the sidewalk, and BOOM- a mouse jumped out of one of them!  It started running around on the ground, and my dad killed it with a shovel while I stood watching in horror.  Ever since then, I've been scared.  Actually, scared doesn't even begin to describe it.  I think it could probably be considered a full blown phobia.  

Fast forward twenty-five years.  As a grown woman, I literally have my kids stick their hands in my rain and snow boots before I put them on.  That's how paranoid I am!  I also live in a dreamy neighborhood in the south that happens to be smack in the middle of THE WOODS. (What was I thinking??)  You guys, it's pest city here.  The snakes, cockroaches, spiders, frogs, and squirrels don't bother me one bit.  But the thought of mice??  The exterminator and I are pretty much best friends at this point, simply on a preventative level.

A couple of weeks ago, my world was rocked.  I FOUND MOUSE DROPPINGS ON MY KITCHEN TABLE!!  You can imagine the screams that were heard two hours in every direction!  Even typing this sends shivers up and down my spine.  You might be thinking I'm disgusting, but I promise I'm kind of anal about keeping my house clean.  I was baffled- I thought I had taken every measure to prevent this!  We had been traveling for a few weeks and had just gotten home, so I have no idea how long this little friend had been shacking up in our house.  Upon further inspection on my husband's part, my very worst fear in the whole world was realized: he found that said friend had been living in my RAIN BOOT in the hall closet.  Eeeeeeeeekkkkk!  I should really probably call a therapist.  

Part of me feels kind of awesome.  My worst fear actually happened, and I lived through it and, a week and a half later, I'm finally living back in my house! Hahah!  So, now that I'm on the other end of this life-altering experience, here are my 10 things to do when a mouse gets in your house....

1. Vacate the scene immediately.  And pack an overnight (or a week-long bag in my case) for all of your family members.  RUN.

2. Sit in the car and bite your fingernails/wet your pants/pull out your hair while your husband proceeds to set not 1, not 2, but TWELVE traps around your house.

3. Call the exterminator and have him go check your house out ASAP to figure out what went wrong!  How did the little critter get inside??  Lay poison in places your children can't access (back of the fireplace, behind the oven, under the kitchen sink, etc), and then wait it out.

4. Check into a hotel (if you can, make a trip out of it!).

5. After you're sick of paying for hotel rooms, stay at your friend's house who is on vacation! (Bless her soul!)

6. Once you've found the source of intrusion, fix it.  In our case, we needed to sure up our fireplace (there was literally a huge hole from the back of our fireplace to the outside- we are lucky there was just one mouse!) with a better door.  We also added wire netting, and laid steel wool all over just for good measure.

7. Once you haven't trapped a mouse or seen any new droppings for a WEEK (according to the CDC website), your problem is gone.  It's safe to move back into your house (from a phobic perspective at least).  

8. Hire a cleaning lady to come.  

9. Once you muster enough courage to enter the premesis again, bleach EVERY SINGLE TOY THAT YOU OWN.  And pretty much everything else too.  Just to be safe.

10. Get a book about overcoming phobias.  You guys, I'm making progress!  Haha!  

And there you have it.  

Hope if nothing else, this experience is comical!  Anyone have any animal phobia like mine they've been forced to deal with?  Please share!

I found myself google searching “how to get wax out of clothes” after we tried to have a festive dinner and my daughter pulled at a napkin, which knocked over a glass, which hit a candlestick and spilled wax all over my husband’s pants. So much for that! I found some instructions and was doubtful it would work at all. I tried it out, though, and ended up amazed that afterward there was no trace of wax left in the pants at all! While there are probably many ways to get wax out of clothes, this is what worked for me. 

First: Let the wax dry and scratch off any extra wax that is sitting on top of the clothes. Use your fingernail, a butter knife, or the edge of a spoon to get as much off as possible.

Second: Put a paper towel on top and under the wax stain. Make sure it is completely covered! Put a thin towel on top of the paper towel and iron on top of the towel. This will melt the wax, which will be absorbed by the paper towels.

Third: If it was a colored wax, use a stain treatment and wash it like normal. If you can’t see any color left from the wax, just toss it into the washing machine and it should come out clean!

Fourth: Check your clothes after the wash and before you put them in the dryer! If there is any wax residue or color stain left over, repeat the first three steps.

Do you have any other ideas of how to get wax out of clothes?

Sometimes it’s hard to find the exact shape, size, and style of bookshelf to fit your space, and if that’s the case, it’s time to make some DIY bookshelves! There’s something about creating and designing something of your own for your home, and a bookshelf is an easy place to start. Whether you want to design your own or are looking for step by step instructions, check out these DIY bookshelves below for inspiration! 

via ADAesthetic

Install shelves right onto your walls to make a personalized bookshelf the exact size and color you want it to be! Get the tutorial here.

via Tara Michelle Interiors

Find some old crates, stain them your favorite color, and create a bookshelf with a unique look and shape. Find out how to make it here.

via The Picket Fence Projects

What could be cuter in a nursery or playroom to have bookshelves that show off the colorful covers of your picture books? Check out how to make these shelves here.

via Tool Monger

If you have a large wall to fill, why not use it to display all your books? I love how impressive this full wall bookshelf is. Find instructions to make this bookshelf here.

via A Beautiful Mess

Install your own shelves in a corner or above a corner desk. Not only will you have a place for your books and knick-knacks, you'll also fill that empty corner! Click here for instructions. 

If the thought of making your own bookshelves seems totally and completely overwhelming, don't worry. You can always check out the bookcase options at RC Willey! Do you think you'll be making DIY bookshelves?