LIVING ROOM REFRESH WITH ARTICLE

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This post is sponsored by Article.

There are many functions of a home. I believe the primary function of a home is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos and busyness of the outside world. When you walk into your home you should be able to exhale a sigh of relief that you are in a safe, comfortable space. I’ve partnered with Article to refresh Rennai Hoefer’s (my photographer’s) living room with Article’s latest Refresh Collection, and breathe new life into a space that hasn’t felt very relaxing and comfortable to Rennai for quite some time.

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When beginning a room design, most people focus on the function of the space. For example, a living room is used for conversation and watching TV, so seating orientation and the amount of seating matters. However, we forget that spaces evoke emotion in us. We also forget that we laugh, cry, fight, celebrate, mourn and live out life’s various emotions in our homes. So, the amount of light, the colors, the textures...all of these variables impact our experience in a space just as much as its functionality. 

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To break it down even further, you can purchase the right amount of seating and orient the room for optimal TV viewing, but you can feel incredibly uncomfortable even though your design goals have been met. Thus, when you begin designing a space, be sure to identify the emotions that you would like to experience when you are in the space in addition to the function of the space.

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Because of everything I just mentioned above, design matters. Article is a company that carefully balances function and form - never sacrificing either with every piece they create. Article is attune to offering various colors, textures and surfaces while paying close attention to the lines and functionality of the pieces. You can’t go wrong when designing a space with Article home accents and furniture.

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Before I refreshed Rennai’s living room, Rennai’s seating consisted of one oversized sofa that couldn’t fit many people. The sofa became worn and tattered, and it didn’t allow for much else in the room. It also focused all of the attention in one direction of the room ignoring the adjacent dining space and kitchen. The gray-ish brown color of the sofa also overpowered the room creating a drab experience.

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We solved their functionality issue with one sofa that comfortably seats three people, one bench that could sit three kids (or two adults), one large reading chair, and one conversation chair. Seven or more people can easily have a conversation in this room now. But, more importantly, we breathed relaxation, serenity and comfort into the space with various wood textures, warm gold accents, soft leather, wool and velvet fabrics. We also played with a cheery green color, which communicates life, growth and energy heavily used in Article’s Refresh Collection.

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When we finished designing the space, Rennai texted me the next morning saying, “The morning is so pretty. The colors are very serene and calming and peaceful inducing. It’s like therapy in a room right when I need it.” That’s when you know you have done your job well. When someone can feel like their home is a sanctuary, you have completed your goal.

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Of course, rooms are constantly evolving. Sometimes when you set a up space you continue to iterate on it to achieve the optimal experience. Just be sure to start with quality furniture elements (i.e. sofa, chairs, table) as a solid foundation and build from there.

Stay tuned to see how this space is tweaked over the next couple of weeks to achieve our ultimate living room experience. 

Also, if you didn’t know Article has FREE SHIPPING for orders over $999. They go out of their way to make everything easy down to the box.

List of products used:
- Green Burrard Sofa
- Ivory bench
- Leather reading chair
- Leather conversation chair

Photos by Rennai Hoefer


MANGO-NIFICENT

This post is sponsored by Jamba Juice.

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Jamba Juice saved my life last year. I lost a lot of my appetite at the beginning of my separation. Everything came as quite a shock to me and the grief was so strong that I couldn't eat. I dropped almost 10 pounds in a month. Smoothies were the only thing I could stomach, and thankfully Jamba Juice has some really tasty ones.

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One of the best things about smoothies is that you can pack them with a ton of fruits and vegetables and protein, and somehow when you combine it all Jamba Juice makes it taste good. My personal favorite is Mango-A-Go-Go. It's my go-to (wink). 

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Having to stay energetic and strong for my kids, I was there almost every day. Sometimes I would even take the kids and treat them to one. They still to this day think it's just like ice-cream. I love it because it doesn't have any ice cream in it and, instead, a ton of fruit. 

I'm not sure if you have tried their smoothie bowls, but if you want some added banana, coconut, strawberries and crunch be sure to try their Mango Medley Bowl. YUM!! I just tried it, and I'm obsessed. 

If you want to try anything mango at Jamba Juice between now and June 6th use the special code JAMBASTYLES for $2 off your purchase. 

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Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Munchery Review

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Have you ever thought about meal kits? A lot of people have been trying them for the cooking experience, but I am more intrigued by the fresh, pre-made meals that would help save me time. After working a long day, and then coming home to cooking the kids dinners and getting them in bath to bed...Sometimes I don't even eat or I eat whatever is left over from their dinners...Sometimes it's barely anything. So, I tried out Munchery for a week....GAME CHANGER!

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I picked out six meals for the week, and they came to my door fresh, cold and ready to heat. Some were even made by local providers, so you know you are truly getting fresh. It was brilliant!

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The food tasted awesome! I tried shrimp with saffron rice, brisket with mac 'n cheese, and steak with sweet potatoes. Soooo good! Some days I took a kit to work for lunch, and other days I made it for my dinner while I cooked something more simple for my kids. 

All in all, I was really impressed with the ease of ordering, the packaging and taste. All of the packaging is recyclable, so there is less waste. Genius!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; meals were covered by Munchery

Custom Cutting Boards

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Wedding season is upon us. You might have one, two or even three weddings on the books. I know I sure do. So, this year I already know what I'm getting them all - custom cutting boards. 

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Words with Boards can create a variety of custom designs that are unique to the recipient. They also create wine racks, lazy suzans and pot holders. What makes these special is they are handcrafted using quality woods and are one-of-a-kind. I highly recommend! 

You can also package your gift with some yummy olives, wine and cheese. 

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Photos by Rennai Hoefer

AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS

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Packing lunches has gone to a level that I just can't compete with. From Bento Boxes to making animals out of vegetables, Pinterest has me all kinds of stressed out when I think about what other moms are doing. 

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Me, well, I just stick to simple sandwiches, bananas, and juice. And, you know what, that is totally okay because this simple lunch gives my kids the energy and nutrition they need to be healthy and happy, and I have more time to spend with them. 

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The same thing goes for snacks in our home. Though I would love to make banana sushi or something really creative for them every day, I just can't fit it in right now. But it's not the lunches that your kids remember when they are grown, it's how much you loved them and the time you spent. Moms, you're doing good just by making sure your kids have healthy food to eat. Minute Maid has been doing a great job on shedding light on parents #doinggood and taking the pressure off of themselves. Check out to see what I wrote for their blog this month, click here.

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