Home Sweet Home

"What I love most about my home is who I share it with." — Tad Carpenter

G and I purchased our home almost three years ago. Many of our friends and co-workers ask about our home buying experience, as well as how we've adjusted to being homeowners. The hubby and I both rented before we decided to have our dream home built in Summer 2015. The journey was great for both of us. While it hasn't been super easy, owning a home is something we both really wanted and absolutely love to this day. One of our favorite day dates is to go up and down the aisles of Home Goods, then to our favorite wine shop to do a tasting afterwards.

Today I am sharing a few tips we learned during the home buying process, as well as several of our favorite decor items.

1. Save, save, save. This was a biggie! G and I ended up getting new construction and opted out of a home that was already built. We didn't want to go through the hassle of doing upgrades out of the gate. Make sure you have a solid savings account to prepare for the home buying process. You'll need to provide the bank a statement to prove that you have the sufficient funds in acquiring the house. Also, it will come in handy as you begin furnishing your new home. It is also key that you have money stowed away just in case you need to fix or upgrade items once you move in. Money is very important, but make sure you check your credit as well, and keep tabs on it throughout the home buying process.
2. Location is everything. It is so important to determine the area you want to live. We knew the exact location in which we needed to build our house. Our home is close to both of our families, in a fantastic school district, and a growing area. Building our home in a neighborhood in which the resale value would increase was very important. Ultimately, G and I knew that this area would be home for 5-10 years. Also, if we did outgrow our home, it would be a fantastic rental property.
3. It's an investment. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make. Make sure when you purchase your home you don't end up house poor. Our bank granted us a massive loan - way more than we felt comfortable with. G and I decided to review our finances, and agreed on a monthly mortgage that we'd both be comfortable with. With that we knew certain home upgrades we'd pass on upfront and acquire later down the line. Also, the main objective was to be able to live comfortably and happily in our home. Make sure that whatever you purchase makes sense for your lifestyle and doesn't drain your budget. Your home should enhance your wealth and most importantly add value.
4. Take it one step at a time. Once you move in, make sure to take one room at a time. Do not rush to furnish your home in the first month. Like I mentioned before, we had our own places before moving in. The majority of our home encompassed furniture from our previous places. One amazing tip we were given, is to purchase some big items before moving into the house. A few months before G and I closed on our home, we bought some key pieces that were absolutely needed. We had those items delivered on move-in day, and they were already paid for!

What are some things you learned during the home buying process? Also, are you looking to buy a new home?

Happy house hunting!

XO, Analise

Spring Cleaning

"I look forward to spring cleaning and putting things in their place. It's therapeutic for me." - Kimora Lee Simmons

Spring has sprung! I absolutely love spring. It is the start of a new season, and to warmer days! I prepare for this moment in many ways. One of my favorites activities is spring cleaning! As you all know I'm a huge neat freak, and cleaning is something I take very seriously. I typically clean out my closet each quarter, just to make sure everything is in tip top shape.

Today I'm sharing my tips and tricks for the ultimate closet clean out!

1. Toss. Donate. Sell. Keep. This is a phrase I live by when I'm cleaning out my closet. I create four piles and indicate which item goes into the category. The Toss category is for any item that is worn out and no longer worth keeping. These items are typically damaged or broken beyond repair. Donate are for the pieces that have been used, but are still in decent condition. These items can certainly be worn again but may not be worth re-selling. The Sell pile is perfect for gently used pieces. I get amazing luck on selling my purses that are in excellent condition! My favorite pile is the Keep! When I see what I'm left with in my wardrobe, it gives me a great idea of items that need to be replaced. I make a list of my must-haves and begin updating my closet. Also, I uncover some amazing pieces that suddenly appear during my closet clean out :) 
2. When was the last time you wore it? My ultimate rule of thumb is, if I haven't worn the piece in the last 6 months, it has no place in my closet. If there are items that are collecting dust let it go. With these items you can donate or re-sell them if you find that you're not getting much use out of it anymore.
3. Check the fit! If the piece doesn't fit get rid of it! When the article of clothing is too tight, there is no sense in trying to hold onto it. Also, if the item is too big, take the piece to a local seamstress and see if alterations can be made. I've done this for a few items that I really love and didn't want to get rid of. 
4. Does the piece match your current style? My style has changed and evolved over the years. It's really important to acquire and keep quality pieces that fit your lifestyle. If an item doesn't match my current style, out it goes!

What are some of your tips for spring cleaning your home?

XO, Analise

Home Made

"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and a collection of what you love." - Nate Berkus

Crate&Barrel has fabulous home decor to make your house very cozy! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite pieces from the wonderful store. Many of these items we own and absolutely adore. My top priority is for our home to be warm and inviting to our guests.

Below are my favorite items I love most! They are a great addition to any home!

What's In Our Home

1. Marble Board - We love this piece. I use it for cheeses and different items for my guests to nibble on!
2. Throw Blanket - I get cold very often. Having a few blankets throughout the house is a must.
3. Vases - Flowers are one of my favorite things. Often times when I go grocery shopping I'm likely to snag a beautiful bouquet of blooms. Also, G gets me flowers quite often. It's wonderful to have a nice vase to display them in!
4. Red Wine Glass - Olivia Pope is one of my faves! So when I found out Crate&Barrel had the "Scandal" wine glass, it was a game changer for me. I immediately got one, and proudly use it on Thursday nights when the show airs!
5. Serving Bowl - This is one of my favorite bowls to use when I make a large salad for my guests. It is gorgeous and goes with everything!
6. Wall Mirror - I love mirrors - they make the room feel bigger and more open!
7. Marble Wine Cooler - This is perfect after I open a bottle of white wine or champagne! Not only is this piece gorgeous, but it keeps your wine chilled.
8. Lidded Baskets - These items are so functional! The baskets are very stylish, and can hold whatever you like. I like to throw in extra linens or blankets for guests!
9. Tray - I enjoy using trays to style my tables and countertops. They organize our books, candles, and keepsakes.
10. Wreath - We have several wreaths that we swap out for each season throughout the year. They always brighten up our door!
11. Hurricane Candle Holders - As you all know I love candles! These holders are gorgeous and will go with any home decor.
12. Grommet Curtains - I absolutely adore these curtains! They have an elegance to them and make our downstairs space so lovely.

What are some of your favorite household items?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Photos Courtesy of Crate&Barrel

Cabin Fever

"Winter is a season of recovery and preparation." - Paul Theroux

G and I have been snowed in for almost 4 days in Virginia Beach! Our city was hit with a blizzard that is rarely seen in our area. We even lost power during the first day snowed in! Nonetheless, we made the extra time spent at home worthwhile. 

Below are tips on how we fought cabin fever!

1. Declutter, clean, or organize your home. Take this time to clean out your house! I cleaned out my closet and took time to decide whether to toss, donate, or sell items.
2. Listen to a podcast, or read a book. While snowed in, I was finally able to listen to all of my podcasts! Also, I started reading a new book! It's so nice to have downtime, and catch up on my favorite hobbies! 
3. Binge watch a show. I'm very much into Netflix and love finding different shows to watch! For the past several weeks, I've been addicted to Friends. I was so thrilled in knowing that I'd be able to watch several episodes of this fantastic show.
4. Try new recipes. You all know that I love to cook. During this time, I used out my new Air Fryer my mom got G and I for Christmas! Trying new recipes and playing with gadgets has been a blast!
5. Get some much needed rest. Unfortunately, I don't get many opportunities to sleep in. With this snowstorm, I've gotten much needed rest. I have been able to wake up on my own time, make a cup of tea, and lounge around the house - it has been absolutely glorious!

What are some things you do when you're snowed in?

XO, Analise

Beauty Sleep

"Sleep is the best meditation." - Dalai Lama
 

Who doesn't love to catch some zzzz's?! A good night's sleep is something I take very seriously. Personally, I try to aim for 8 to 9 hours of rest each evening. I'm a morning person, typically I wake up around 5:30 AM. Going to bed early works absolute best for me.

When G and I purchased our home, the master bedroom was one of the first rooms we designed together. We went to many stores to find the perfect pieces for our space. Yet, Wayfair is one of our favorite places to purchase home decor! 

Having a peaceful and comfortable bedroom really helps me get my ultimate beauty sleep. Today, I'll be sharing how we made our bedroom cozy to get the best rest possible!

1. Bedroom Set. Having a room that is comfortable was very important to G and I. We immediately went on the hunt for a style that embodied our personalities. After weeks of searching, we decided on a set that was lovely, and met our minimalist style. Fast forward a few years later, and we couldn't be happier with how our space looks!
2. Faux Fur Throw. It was a complete surprise how much I would love this item! My faux fur throw is something I absolutely adore. This item goes with me in almost every room of our home. It is absolutely soft and cozy. It's perfect for those cold winter nights and helps me fall asleep fast!
3. Sheets. Having the right thread count is important. I bought several different sheet sets to see what worked best for us. The softer the better! We love sheets that stay cool and soft throughout the night.
4. Body Pillow. I had a spinal fusion over a decade ago. Having a body pillow is an absolute must! This pillow is lovely, and provides the proper support and balance for my spine. I recommend this item to anyone who needs that perfect alignment while sleeping.
5. Candles. Aromatherapy is something I take very seriously. In our master bedroom, I have several candles to ease me into a good night's rest. The wonderful fragrance fills our room, and helps me relax before bedtime. They are absolutely helpful in easing me into a perfect slumber.
6. Mattress. This is a biggie! G and I tried out several mattresses, and visited many stores to figure out the exact type we needed. We ensured our new mattress felt comfortable. It's essential to take the time in researching which mattress is best for your body type. 
7. Pillows. This is major as well. We change out our pillows every 6 months. Swapping out these items, and keeping them fresh is very important. This process will ensure that your pillows will not flatten over time or harbor any unwanted bacteria. 
8. Lighting. Having the proper lighting in your bedroom really helps! In the evening before bed, I'll read or catch up on a few items for the blog. Whether you choose overhead lighting, or a nice lamp on your nightstand, pick the option that works best for your nighttime routine.
9. Duvet Cover Set. I absolutely adore our duvet cover set! I love adding several layers of blankets within our bedding. Our duvet set is ideal and much needed. 

What ways do you make your bedroom cozy and optimal for the perfect sleep?

XO, Analise

Photos: Courtesy of Wayfair

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bedroom set, faux fur throw, sheets, body pillow, candles, mattress, pillows, lighting, duvet cover set.