Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!🏌🏻‍♂️

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! 🍀

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! 💕

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
Picking just a few photos to share from our family Picking just a few photos to share from our family photoshoot with @keikilaniphotography was the hardest thing ever! 

I'm saving Ben's 2-year-old portraits for his birthday so that made it a little easier, but every picture Jennifer sent us is just perfection.

Love these two with all my heart. So grateful for this life. 💕

Linking mine and Ben's outfits in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/44beG

#familyphotoshootideas #familyphotooutfits #toddlermoments #shopltk #ltkfamily
Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Maste Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Masters' viewing parties. ⛳️ My husband is originally from Augusta, so the whole week becomes a Masters' viewing party at my house. 

To make this, drizzle melted butter over popcorn, then sprinkle garlic salt and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well and repeat the steps. 🍿 

I found these little "par-tee" containers to hold your popcorn!

Do you watch the Masters? 🏌🏻‍♂️

#mastersweek #mastersparty #popcornrecipes #savorypopcorn #easyrecipesformoms #recipereel #recipereels #easysnacks #easyappetizers #movienightathome
Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one work Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one works for spring or summer and makes your house smell fresh and clean!

Add lemon zest, slices of lemon, rosemary and vanilla extract to a pot. Cover ingredients with water and simmer on low heat. 

You could also swap rosemary for mint leaves! I'm definitely going to try that option too.

Do you use simmer pots? What is your favorite combination?

#simmerpot #springsimmerpot #easterideas #springideas #springhome #easterhome #summerhome #summerideas #recipereel #diyhomedecorideas
BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjami BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjamin and me. This was so much fun! I saw it on Pinterest and knew we had to try it! 

To make banana sushi you just coat a banana in melted chocolate or peanut butter and roll it in sprinkles, mini candies, coconut, Rice Krispies, crushed granola bars or whatever else you can think of! Then you slice it up like sushi pieces and enjoy with your littles. 

We had a blast making a big mess! 

#activitiesfortoddlers #recipesforkids #kidrecipes #bananasundae #bananasushi #ideasfortoddlers #toddlercooking #toddlercookingskills #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
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Home, Life · August 15, 2018

How to Create the Best Environment for Your Cat

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CelebratingMorris #CollectiveBias

cat environment

Almost five years ago, I was a lonely girl right out of college. My friends had scattered, my boyfriend was still two hours away, and I didn’t love my job. I spent most of my days going to work and coming home to watch television. My friend suggested I look into getting something living so I wouldn’t be the only being with a heart beat in my apartment.

I thought and thought about it, and finally decided to adopt a rescue kitten. On December 30, 2013 I met my Mimosa (also affectionately called Mimo, Mo Mo, Mo, Nugget or any other slew of names.) She was the runt of her litter and way too young to go home with me, but she needed to go home with someone and the moment I met her I knew we were meant for each other.

Fun little side story: My sister actually went with me to pick her out, and ended up rescuing her sister! So we are sisters and have sister cats who reunite on major holidays when we are all home!

Because she was so young when I adopted her, Mimosa has always been more than my pet. She is my companion. When we are home, she is never too far away. If I get up to go to the bathroom, she comes. If I get in the shower, she hangs out in between the curtain and the liner. She’s my girl and I want to give her the best life possible.

One thing that has always been really important to me is setting up her space. Cats are territorial and are very protective of their space. I wanted to give her an environment where she could thrive. So today I want to share with you how I set up the perfect environment for my cat.

1. Give your cat levels. Cats like to have places to climb when they feel unsafe (or want to pounce from high above lol!) So I purchase a “Kitty Cat Palace” very early after I adopted Mimosa. It has several levels, ladders and tunnels so she has a dynamic jungle gym. She also uses it to creep on our neighbors and the wildlife outside.

2. Exercise is important. My girl is petite. She is little in stature and height so it’s very easy for her to get overweight without proper exercise. I make sure that she has plenty of toys to boop around. Her actual favorite toy is ponytail holders. She loves them. It’s the craziest thing, she has even learned how to open the drawer where the holders are kept. She is also fond of something squeaky on the end of a string attached to a stick so you can wave it around in front of her face.

3. Feed them 9Lives® Cat Food. 9Lives is dedicated to the health and overall wellness of your kitty cat. I always feel like I’m making the responsible choice by feeding my Mimo girl 9Lives. Fun fact: this year, Morris the 9Lives Cat is celebrating his 50th Adopt-i-versary! So 9Lives has been helping cats live happy and healthy lives for 50 years! Little Morris went on to be a big star, but always remembers his humble beginnings of being adopted 50 years ago. You can follow Morris the cat on Twitter (@MorrisApproved) and Instagram (@morristhe9livescat).

Of course, I want to support a brand that supports pet rescue and adoption. Not to mention, my girl loves the taste!

Mimo particularly loves the wet food. Her favorite is the Meaty Paté with Chicken and Tuna. She goes a little bonkers over that one but I love how much she loves the taste. I love that I can also conveniently pick up 9Lives Cat Food in the pet food aisle at Dollar General. You can also get a coupon for the wet food here! So be sure to pick up some 9Lives wet food at Dollar General.

I love celebrating Morris and Mimosa’s adoption. You can check out Morris’s adoption story, 9Lives Facebook page, and Morris’s Cat Pack Article.

Did you adopt your cat? Tell me your adoption story in the comments because I love a good adoption story. 

In: Home, Life

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Comments

  1. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says

    August 15, 2018 at 10:40 am

    Mimosa sure is cute and it looks like she has it made! Adopting a pet is the way to go!

  2. Linh Vo says

    August 15, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    What a cutie! I don’t have any cats, but I do have 2 dogs and know exercise and a good diet is so important. I bet she loves mealtime!

  3. Jheelam Duttaroy says

    August 15, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Cuddling that cat must feel like heaven. 😛 Your fur babies look absolute gorgeous. Liking the photos very much.

  4. Jaye shields says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    I love the sweet pics of you and your kitty! I have a Maine coon cat that’s my man!

  5. Muna Kenny says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    My sister loves cats, but taking care of them is no joke. I would love to forward your posts link to her, I’m sure she too will love reading it 🙂

  6. Kelsie Kleinmeyer says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    You’ve got one lucky kitty there! Such great photos!

  7. Becky @ Disney in your Day says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    What a beautiful cat Mimo is! Our two furbabies are definitely spoiled. They have three of those climbing trees in different areas of the house and they love them. My little Janeway (about a year old) recently started playing fetch – she brings her ball to me while I’m sitting on the couch, chases it, and brings it back again! Exercising them is so important and something that is often overlooked.

  8. Summer @ Coffee With Summer says

    August 15, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    AWH! So cute! Love the name 100%! We use this food for our little Juniper, too!

  9. Stephanie says

    August 15, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    This seriously made my day to read! I love the name “Mimosa” – that’s adorable! My cat’s name is Luna and she’s a feisty little thing but I couldn’t do life without her. I’m so glad you shared this!

  10. Rachel@The Confused Millennial says

    August 16, 2018 at 7:52 am

    aweee the kitty!! I love the idea o f levels! I never did that for my cats and think they would’ve loved it!

  11. Jessica says

    August 16, 2018 at 7:52 am

    I would love to get a Kitty Cat Palace for my cat! They look like so much fun for pets, with places to jump around and hide!

  12. Holly says

    August 16, 2018 at 9:29 am

    Aww, what a cute kitty! We don’t have cats, but I totally need to share this with my mom who has two at home!

  13. Kendra Byers says

    August 16, 2018 at 10:39 am

    I have two sweet kitties, Harvey Jo & Meerah. I will definitely be letting them try 9Lives when I restock their food. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

    Kendra B
    http://www.helga-marie.com

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Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!🏌🏻‍♂️

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! 🍀

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! 🥧 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! 💕

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
Picking just a few photos to share from our family Picking just a few photos to share from our family photoshoot with @keikilaniphotography was the hardest thing ever! 

I'm saving Ben's 2-year-old portraits for his birthday so that made it a little easier, but every picture Jennifer sent us is just perfection.

Love these two with all my heart. So grateful for this life. 💕

Linking mine and Ben's outfits in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/44beG

#familyphotoshootideas #familyphotooutfits #toddlermoments #shopltk #ltkfamily
Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Maste Let's make everything bagel popcorn for your Masters' viewing parties. ⛳️ My husband is originally from Augusta, so the whole week becomes a Masters' viewing party at my house. 

To make this, drizzle melted butter over popcorn, then sprinkle garlic salt and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well and repeat the steps. 🍿 

I found these little "par-tee" containers to hold your popcorn!

Do you watch the Masters? 🏌🏻‍♂️

#mastersweek #mastersparty #popcornrecipes #savorypopcorn #easyrecipesformoms #recipereel #recipereels #easysnacks #easyappetizers #movienightathome
Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one work Let's make a spring simmer pot! 🍋 This one works for spring or summer and makes your house smell fresh and clean!

Add lemon zest, slices of lemon, rosemary and vanilla extract to a pot. Cover ingredients with water and simmer on low heat. 

You could also swap rosemary for mint leaves! I'm definitely going to try that option too.

Do you use simmer pots? What is your favorite combination?

#simmerpot #springsimmerpot #easterideas #springideas #springhome #easterhome #summerhome #summerideas #recipereel #diyhomedecorideas
BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjami BANANAS UNITE! 🍌 Make banana sushi with Benjamin and me. This was so much fun! I saw it on Pinterest and knew we had to try it! 

To make banana sushi you just coat a banana in melted chocolate or peanut butter and roll it in sprinkles, mini candies, coconut, Rice Krispies, crushed granola bars or whatever else you can think of! Then you slice it up like sushi pieces and enjoy with your littles. 

We had a blast making a big mess! 

#activitiesfortoddlers #recipesforkids #kidrecipes #bananasundae #bananasushi #ideasfortoddlers #toddlercooking #toddlercookingskills #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids
Office before and after! My husband and Instagram- Office before and after! My husband and Instagram-less dad have worked so hard on this! I love how it turned out. 

Our landing area was a catch-all! It's so exciting to have this functional space now. 

I can't wait to show you all the work they did and the cool features. I'm impressed!

#officerenovation #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterhome #beforeandafterhomeedition #officereno #homeofficeinspo #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspiration #homeoffices #homeofficespace #homeofficesetup #homeofficerenovation #diyhomeproject

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