Friday favorites

Now that the cat is out of the bag about our business ventures, lets talk about some of my favorite products we have used on a couple projects and why.

This vanity will be going in our bathroom remodel, and we also used it in a clients bathroom.
It looks high end, has a great finish and chunky counter top, but the price is very very reasonable.

Another off the shelf product I have been loving, is this luxury vinyl tile. Vinyl tile isn't for everyone, but if you are considering using it, this is a great looking inexpensive one.

For bathrooms and kitchens I like to add in some great smelling soaps. I love soap and lotion combos. This is one of my favorites to use, and it comes in a cute caddy.

Here are some of my other Friday favorites I am loving right now.

Blush pink is my new color crush and I am having fun incorporating it into my decor. These would make a beautiful accent. 

Holiday pillows with a little bit of bling. I have this exact one and it is so good!

This is another pretty one.

I went to a friends house yesterday and she had just got 2 of these chairs in. O. M. G. They are so cool and add a cool modern look to her traditional living room. They are super comfortable too. I must find a spot for them! And, you can save up to 30% on them right now with the code: SAVEMORE

Amazon is having a ton of great early black Friday deals. To see them all, click here.

Have you heard of or done the Keto diet? My husband and I are doing it right now and we are loving it! You gotta love a diet where you eat butter, cheese, and half and half all day and still lose weight, haha! I have been making a lot of recipes out of this great cookbook. What I love about it is that it also gives you tips for eating out at restaurants, gas station snacks, etc. 

Is anyone starting their holiday decorating this weekend? 

Whatever your plans are, make it a great one!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/friday-favorites_9.html

BIG NEWS

I have some exciting news to share with you today! 

Several months ago my husband made the choice to leave his job where he had worked for over 20 years. 
It wasn't an easy decision, but one that changed everything. 

I won't lie. It was a bit scary at first. However we soon came to realize it was the best decision not only for him, but also for our family.

After working the same job for that long you can get burned out and it just wasn't rewarding anymore. What he really wanted to do was start his own business.

And that's just what we did!

We thought long and hard about how we could team up together and it just seemed natural. 

Thompson Design + Build was born.

It has been a few months now and we have several projects completed and underway.

We have done everything from small scale projects to whole house remodels.

Our goal is to flip houses, and while we have been searching for one to buy, we just haven't found the right one quite yet.

Our website launched a few weeks ago, {although it still needs some tweaking} 

and our local paper did a great write up on us.

It's been a really exciting time for us. We have fallen into our routine quite nicely and it has been great working together. 

Initially we thought this could be a two man job, but since we have gotten busier we have hired one employee, and will be adding to our team shortly. 

I want to encourage anyone reading this that is feeling stuck in your current job. If you aren't feeling like you are living life to the fullest or really want to take the leap and do something you really love, do some research, it might just be for you.

There was a lot of work that went into starting this business. Licensing, Bonding, Insurance, Business Licenses, Lawyers, Book keepers, Payroll, etc. But we are learning fast and it has been an amazing journey so far.

We are currently booked through the end of the year but are accepting new jobs for 2019. If you live in our area {take a look at our website} and are looking into sprucing up your space, big or small, please fill out the contact form on our website. 

I will be sharing our projects along the way right here with some great before and after photos. 

I still plan to blog as usual, because being able to share things with all of you is truly what makes me happy.

If you have been following along on our One Room Challenge, now you know why it is taking longer than expected. Juggling 4+ jobs, raising a family, publishing a blog, and adding in our own home renovations is a juggling act as you can imagine. Thank you for being patient with me as I learn how to find that balance. 

You are all truly the best,

xoxo



from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/big-news.html

Christmas decorating ideas for the kitchen

I have started decking the halls!

I have so much fun decorating for Christmas. I blast the Christmas tunes and get all those bins out of the attic and go to town. 

I started our Christmas decorating this year in the kitchen. I have been baking holiday goodies already and it just seemed like the right time. 

I don't go overboard in the kitchen because I like to keep the slate clean for cooking and holiday prep, but a few things are fun to throw in.

There are a ton of Christmas decorating ideas for the kitchen below, so be sure to read through all the way to the end! 

Sometimes all you need is a little greenery to make it look festive. I clipped cedar branches from trees in the yard and used boxwood topiaries and wreaths for that pop of color in our mostly white kitchen.

Our coffee nook is always fun to change up seasonally. 

I got this shimmery Noel sign at HomeGoods, and for a bit of color, a pink velvet ribbon on a small gift. 

A few vintage ornaments and some candy canes add to the look. 

I will have a printable for you coming soon on that little sign I created!

I kept our little workstation pretty clutter free. 

A holiday pillow with sparkle adds a bit of bling to the chair.

I opted for more greenery on the door instead of writing a Christmas-y saying, but the season is still young!

One other corner on the counter holds holiday items as well as practical items.
It's important to me to not get rid of everyday items just to make room for holiday decor, they should blend seamlessly.

I hope you got a little inspiration from this.

From our kitchen to yours, happy decorating, and happy baking!

For more Christmas decorating ideas for the kitchen, click on my friends posts below:

Ella Claire | Nina Hendrick Design Co. | Zevy Joy | Boxwood Avenue French Country Cottage | Craftberry Bush | Rooms for Rent | The Lilypad Cottage My Sweet Savannah | Beneath My Heart | Nesting with Grace | Maison de Cinq Julie Blanner | Nest of Posies | Dear Lillie Studio

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/christmas-decorating-ideas-for-kitchen.html

sugar free almond flour sugar cookies

Sugar cookies are our favorite!
But this year we are trying to cut down on our sugars and carbs, so I have opted for a slightly healthier version than the usual.

I just discovered Swerve sugar substitute and I am really liking it. It also comes in a confectioners version which is also very tasty. 

So for these sugar free almond flour sugar cookies, I would recommend swerve, but you can certainly use splenda or something similar.

Also, make sure your almond flour says "blanched" and the finer the better. 

No one will ever know these are less calories than the others. Your secret is safe with me!

Yield: 30

SUGAR FREE ALMOND FLOUR SUGAR COOKIES

prep time: 40 minscook time: 15 minstotal time: 55 mins

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/4 cup softened coconut oil
• 3/4 cup sugar substitute such as swerve or splenda
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon  salt
• 2 1/4 cups blanched almond flour {packed tightly}
• 1/2 cup coconut flour

instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, coconut oil, and sugar substitute.  Add the eggs, vanilla and almond extract, mix until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, salt, almond flour, and coconut flour. With the mixer running on low, add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients 1 cup at a time.
3. Form the dough into a ball with your hands and place on a piece of plastic wrap. Form the dough into a disc and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray.
5. Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with coconut flour and roll the dough out until it is 1/4 thick. Cut out the cookies using your choice of cutters. Work somewhat quickly so the dough stays cold. Using a spatula, transfer the cut cookies to the baking sheets.

1. Gather the remaining scraps back up into a ball and roll out again. Repeat rolling and cutting out cookies until you use all the dough. If the dough gets too warm while you work with it you may need to chill it again.
2. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, until lightly golden. These cookies need to bake longer than typical sugar cookies. They will stay soft and just get a little crispy, which is just what you want! Cool on a baking sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
3. Frost with your choice of frosting and enjoy!

Created using The Recipes Generator

Perhaps you are going to a cookie exchange, or just love to bake? 

Be sure to check out the other tasty Christmas cookies by clicking on the links below.

The Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies by Ella Claire | Classic Sugar Cookies by Nina Hendrick Design Co. | Plaid Sugar Cookies by Craftberry Bush | Buttery Shortbread Cookies with Icing Sugar by A Burst of Beautiful | German Chocolate Cake Cookies by City Farmhouse Cranberry Orange Walnut Tassies by Inspired by Charm | Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies by Julie Blanner | All Natural Orange Almond Cookies by Tidbits | Choco-mallow Peppermint Cookies by Summer Adams Designs | Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies by Love Grows Wild Paleo Chocolate Cranberry Cookies by Nesting with Grace | Raspberry Gingersnap Sandwiches by anderson + grant | Christmas Tree Cookies by Rooms for Rent | Large Thumbprint Cookies by So Much Better with Age | Rum Balls by Tidy Mom Countdown to Christmas Cookies by House 214 Design | Ginger Sugar Cookies by Zevy Joy | Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies by Boxwood Avenue | Double Chocolate Christmas Cookies by Nest of Posies | Almond Sugar Cookies by My Sweet Savannah M&M Cookies by Sweet C's | Rustic Granola Cookies by Farmhouse on Boone

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/sugar-free-almond-flour-sugar-cookies.html

Christmas inspiration

Every year I like to change things up a bit for our holiday decor. 

Nothing major, like buying all new things, but just little things here and there.

This year I am going for a white, bright, and clean look.

I have pulled so much inspiration from several sources and would like to share them with you, in hopes they inspire you as well!

The first one is Monika Hibbs~ her aesthetic is so clean, with a lot of white. She has used a different accent color from year to year. I really liked the one year she used bits of pink. It's unexpected and really refreshing. 

Another blogger I am drawing inspiration from this year is Jillian Harris.

Her look is similar to Monika's, with a lot of white.

This simple white Christmas that Becki Owens blogged about is also an oldie but goodie.

Do you like this look as well? Here are a few items that will help you achieve this look as well!

I actually just ordered this tray. I think it's such a versatile piece. I originally got it thinking I'd use it in the kitchen, but Now I am thinking living room.......

This stocking is so chic and so fuzzy!

This twiggy reindeer is super sweet.

These little light up Christmas houses are pretty cute, and more than half off!

This flocked tree is what dreams are made of.

This pink Nutcracker is absolutely adorable.

I cannot wait to start the decorating!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/christmas-inspiration.html

Friday Favorites

Did everyone have a good Halloween?
Is everyone ready for the plethora of Christmas posts and pictures about to come out in every Instagram photo and blog post? I am!

One inspiring Christmas tour from way back when is this one. It is serving as major inspiration for me this year. Clean, simple, and a lot of white.

I will also be adding a bit of grey blue this year and I think this pillow is a must.

I have a slight addiction to hoarding pillows, just ask my husband.

It reminds me of these Trompe L'oeil Fawn stockings I got last year.

Been eyeing some things at Pottery Barn? Well now is the chance to purchase as they are having a mega sale with up to 70% off!

Our leather recliners are deeply discounted. I can say that they are super comfortable and have stood the test of time with our dogs laying in them! The color we have is "molasses" 

Tartan is huge again this year. It is such a classic look that goes with so many different styles.

If you aren't quite ready for the Christmas decorating, and Halloween is your thing, take advantage of the after Halloween sales!

Home Depot has some great oversized items that are deeply discounted.

Wayfair has some great Halloween and fall decor on sale as well.

All Modern has a fall clearance sale happening with many great high end deals.

I really want this slim flocked tree, I know I am jumping back to Christmas but......

What are your weekend plans? I have some projects to work on like our ORC, a football game, and a flea market in the plans.

Whatever your plans, make this weekend great!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/friday-favorites.html

One Room Challenge Week 5

Hello there! This past week on the one room challenge in our guest bathroom, we got the plumbing and electrical finished. We now have lighting in the ceiling and a new bluetooth fan installed. 

We added a rain shower head in the ceiling over what will be the shower. 

I also have been going back and forth over the tile selection for the shower itself. I was going to do subway tile but after thinking about it, I decided I wanted to do something a little more exciting.

So, I have selected tile and I love, love, love it!

BUT, it is backordered and it won't be here in time! So sadly, we won't be finishing in time. Our goal is to have it done by Thanksgiving, so I will still be posting weekly on Thursdays to keep you updated.

I also decided to put in a wall of shiplap. I think it will add interest on the back wall.

I picked this tile for the shower walls. It has a wavy texture to it and is barely off white. It comes in a 4x16 size so the scale will be really nice.

Then because I didn't want boring, I chose this vintage blue penny tile for the shower floor.

I am really excited to see it all come together!

To see this bathroom renovation week by week, click the links below!

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Happy almost weekend, and happy November!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2018/11/one-room-challenge-week-5.html