I stand firmly in the belief that we are meant to have joy in our lives and not just a little bit, a lot, a lot of joy.  And we should experience it every single day.  Sounds a little crazy and perhaps conjures up the idea that I'm constantly planning and prepping fun filled adventures. Throwing myself into one party after the next.  The truth is, yes, we have the opportunity to do fun things on a fairly regular basis, but just like you, my days most resemble the movie Groundhog's Day.  

The kids are awoken before the sun comes up for family scriptures and prayers.  Then it is getting dressed, making beds, eating breakfast and kissing them out the door.  Then I repeat the process for myself and the baby.  Off to  work, meetings, errands and emails and before you know it, the kids are home.  We do chores and homework before heading to play or piano or soccer or basketball or scouts or choir.  Simultaneously, dinner gets made and then it's gathering everyone back home for dinner.  We catch up over dinner, settle a few arguments for sure and then we clean it all up.  Lunches get prepped for the next day, showers get taken & everyone gets tucked in before we do it all again the next day.  Sound familiar?  

Maybe yours includes things like grocery shopping, laundry and yardwork too?  As you think through all these routines, schedules and demands on your time, perhaps you're wondering where all the joy is.  Trust me, I've wondered that too...the question usually pops up around my 5th load of laundry.  Oddly enough, the joy is there for the taking, right in front of you,  in that 5th load of laundry if you want it.

Do you want it?  Do you want to feel content in your day-to-day?  Do you want to feel satisfied each night when you go to sleep when you can't quite remember anything you accomplished because your days run together?  Sometimes we need to get out of our own way & give ourselves a little more credit. 

I've created 28 Days to a Happier Home, as a 4 week course.  Week 1 will focus on taking care of yourself, because as the saying goes, 'If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.'  Week 2 will focus on your space.  Our space primes our thoughts and actions, so as we make our space tidy & more functional, our emotions will follow.  Week 3 will focus on your relationship with your spouse or significant other.  This relationship is the bedrock of the family and home, so we're going to treat it that way.  Week 4 will focus on the family unit as a whole.  By week 4, we prepped ourselves, our space and our spouses and now, now it can come full circle to include everyone.  Trust me, by week 4 your kids will already be feeling the positive effects of weeks 1, 2 and 3. 

My thought for 28 Days to a Happier Home isn't to make all the mundane tasks go away.  Take note of that, the laundry is never going away...ever.  Instead, it is to learn to better embrace those sacred offerings and learn to lean into them more and believe it or not, enjoy them.  

There was a day I'll never forget, when Max was still a baby, as in spanking-new-up-all-night baby.  My husband was at the very end of his MBA program, the weather was nice & kids were in and out of the backyard.  I stood at the kitchen counter folding, well probably my 5th load of laundry.  I was in the season of life that was physically exhausting, where the mundane chores never seemed to end.  As I folded burp cloths and blankets, socks and swimsuits, towels and tops, it struck me that while mundane, this was my offering and I had a choice.  I could bemoan the simplicity of it all or I could lean into it and celebrate it. 

As I stepped back to take a look around I realized I had just the life I always wanted and the laundry was just a bi-product of that.  The sun was shining and the back door was swinging back and forth.  I'm sure flies & footprints were following my kids and their friends in and out as I folded and folded.  As I watched this unfold, I realized I actually WANTED my kids to be running in and out of the house with dirty feet and flies following them, while I folded laundry.  It was, in fact, the very dream had dreamt for myself as a young girl, the childhood I wanted to create for my children.  In that moment, my heart began to soften and I realized I can be happy folding laundry.  It wasn't a nuisance, it was a privilege, this was what I wanted and I committed to not push or wish it away.

As I've done that I've learned that the real joy is always found in what I like to call the 'Messy Middle' -- you know the moments that don't show up on a stat sheet or can't be captured in an Instagram reel.  It's doing yardwork as a family and teaching your 8-year-old how to mow the lawn and seeing his look of satisfaction.  It's shooting baskets past bedtime, so that your daughter can finally sink that shot.  It's cooking dinner so that everyone can sit around the table together.  

It's making deliberate and meaningful sacrifices of ourselves for the betterment of those around us.  That is where you find the joy and it can be best and most fully experienced at home. 

As you embark on these 28 days I encourage you to be patient with yourself.  There will be moments where you have to grit your teeth, hold your tongue and where you will fall short.  The goal isn't to do it perfectly, but with intent.  Do it with the intent to learn, grow and expand.  As you do this, you'll have thoughts come to your mind of how you could adjust these suggestions to better work for you.  Make those adjustments.  No home is going to function exactly the same.  This is merely a list of suggestions that have worked in my home over the years, that I think will work for you as well.  

I'll be posting the each week's course on the Saturday prior.  I realize this will mean we won't stay nice & neatly in the month of February, but each week will flow better if we always start on Sunday.  If you want the weekly course sent right to your email with expanded thoughts and extra reminders sent right to your inbox, sign up here:   

Otherwise, you'll have to check the blog weekly for the courses.  As you try to implement some new ideas and perspectives into your home, be sure to share and tag #sonnydaily

PS: Did you know the title of this whole blog was a nod to this idea of finding the silver lining everyday? That and living in AZ where it literally is sunny daily ;) 

We’ve been enjoying this soup for about 10 years and its still always a favorite.  The first time I made it, Scot and I were just married living in a tiny apartment in Chandler.  We had barely any counter space & I had to read the recipe about 100 times as I was making it.  Checking and double checking that I was doing it right.  The kitchen was a total mess & I felt like I was using every appliance in our kitchen. Now?  I don’t even look at the recipe & am not sure I even make it the original way.  Funny how quickly time goes and how what we once that was hard, becomes second nature.  

Tortilla Soup

1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 - 10oz cans Rotel tomatoes, drained
1/2 t ground cumin
2- 14oz cans chicken broth
Shredded cooked chicken (I use a food processor to get it nice & fine)

Toppings:
Fresh limes
Monterey Jack Cheese
Avacado, chopped
chili powder
flour tortillas, cut into strips & fried golden brown
Sour cream

In a frying pan, over medium hear, heat 1 TB olive oil.  Add onion & garlic, sauté about 5-8 minutes, add cilantro and continue sautéing for 2-3 minutes.  Combine the above mixture and 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes in blender until puréed.  In stock pot, combine puréed mixture, 1 TB oil and cumin.  Heat until it thickens and darkens, about 5-6 minutes.  Over medium heat add chicken broth, cover partially and let thicken slightly.  Add cooked and shredded chicken, season with salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.  

On each serving of soup add fresh avacado, cheese, sour cream, lime and my favorite? Tortilla strips.  My picky eaters add lots and lots of tortilla strips.  
​
Enjoy the night you make it & again the next day, its even better as a leftover.

Try it & tag me when you do.  

I get it.  Looking at homes is fun...really fun.  You walk in the front door and immediately you conjure up pictures of  lazy Sunday mornings sleeping in & enjoying a big breakfast.  Saturday's spent mowing the lawn and laying by the pool.  Evenings gathered in front of the big game with all your favorite treats spread on the kitchen counter.  Tucking kids into bed at night with lullabies and bedtime stories.  I get it.  When you find the perfect house, you mentally move yourself right in & make yourself well...right at home. 

BEFORE you get to the fun part of finding, you've got to check these 5 things off your list...and since I don't know how to be anything but upfront and honest with you: most of them are not that fun.  Necessary, but not fun.

1. Save Your Money.  If you're currently renting, start saving as much as you can.  I know this is easier said than done, but make the sacrifices to do it. Stash away money from tax returns, eat out less & stash that too.  Cut back all round and build your down payment.  The bigger your down payment the more house you'll be able to afford.  If you currently own your house & already have a down payment with your current equity, I'm going to give you the same advice: save your money.  Moving is expensive and every hurdle seems to have a $2k price tag, have a cushion so when it happens you don't panic.  

2. Talk Budget.  Ew, I know.  The dreaded "B" word.  I used to run when my husband would mention it, but turns out like most things, he was right.  Be realistic with yourself and each other.  Set aside some time & determine what is a reasonable amount to spend on a mortgage.  If you're not sure what that number should be?  We've always stuck to the 30% rule, which is that no more than 30% of your take home pay should go towards a mortgage.  So, for the sake of ease, lets say you bring home $6,000 a month (this is after taxes), you'd want to set your max mortgage amount to $2,000.  Combine that number with your downpayment to find out what your max home purchase price is.  I like using this mortgage calculator to play with the numbers.  Remember, if you don't have 20% to put down, you'll be required to pay for mortgage insurance -- that number should be included in your max mortgage amount of $2000.  So if you have $100,000 to put down, you can afford a $500,000 house and have your mortgage still be below $2000.

3. Meet with a Lender.  Now that you have a handle on the numbers you're working with, meet with a lender to make sure you're comfortable with those numbers & get a pre-qualification letter.  The lender is going to compare your assets to your liabilities and tell you the cold hard truth of what you can afford.  Don't get me wrong, lenders will allow you to stretch as . much as you want, but if you have a lot of other debt, you might want to scale back your monthly mortgage.  If there is one thing I cannot stress enough it is this:  Do not be house poor.  

4. Hire someone to represent you.  Whether it's me, or someone else, you should be represented by someone that knows more about real estate than you do & is not emotionally involved in the process.  I realize there is a low barrier of entry to be a real estate agent so let me tell you what a good agent should be able to do.  A good agent can tell you if you're over paying for a property, what's going to be built on that vacant lot down the road & if it's wise for you to re-model that fixer-upper.  They can give you the actual numbers and then manipulate them for your circumstance.  in real estate the numbers matter, do not ignore them.  A good agent will also be able to negotiate.  On a purchase, the deal gets negotiated at least 2 times, if not 3.  They will know where they can scoop up an extra $2k for you...and it isn't usually in the purchase price.  A good agent will also be totally upfront and honest, they know the numbers & if they aren't in your favor or best interest, they should tell you, even if it sacrifices the deal.    

5. Begin your search.  Now.  Now you open up those apps and begin the search.  Start by first narrowing it to your 2-3 favorite neighborhoods.  It's true what they say, 'location, location, location.'  You can re-do the kitchen & put in a pool, you can never change the neighborhood.  Go on some Sunday drives, park and get out to walk a few neighborhoods you're considering.  Drive by the parks in the afternoons, drive by on your way home from work, talk to people, you'll learn a lot.  Once you've got your neighborhood selected, walk everything that is for sale every weekend.  This will familiarize you with the norms, so that when that good buy pops up?  You're ready to make it yours.
​

Want more tips & tricks to finding the perfect home?  Sign up for our newsletter.

I'm a creature of habit.  I love structure and routines.  When I was a young mother, my work forced a schedule on us and it was the best thing that ever unexpectedly happened to me.  With a new baby joining the ranks, well, we've all been out of sorts for a bit...until now.  We are all stepping firmly back into our modified routines.  Do they happen every single day like clock work?  Um, no.  I consider them more of a framework, but each day is a slightly different juggling act and I constantly ask myself, "What's important now?"  I've practiced this enough to know what I can move around, skip and catch up on another day.  If it all just goes to heck, well I don't beat myself up about it.  For the record?  It all goes to heck about 50% of the time sooo, just go with it.
​
My Ideal Morning Routine:

1. Make bed.  I know this is silly & I used to give my mother all sorts of grief for making me make my bed growing up, but there is a lot of science to it!  By making your bed first thing, you start your day with an accomplishment.  Even if everything else goes astray, when you go to bed that night, you're reminded that your day started off with completing a task. Furthermore, I'm a big believer in the thought that your physical space effects your mental space.  Keeping my physical space tidy helps me keep my mental space tidy as well.  

2. Work out.  This is the one that moves and shifts the most.  Some days I can throw Luke in is stroller and get a long walk in, other days, I wait until Luke is napping and do some circuit training with weights.  I'm also loving the app Down Dog for 30 minute yoga sessions.  I'm still trying to find what my work out is post baby, but I'm certain this will soon fall into a more consistent groove...until then, I'm enjoying the variety.  Like most people, I don't always love working out & oftentimes, it's hard to get started.  Time and again though, it's been my saving grace.  I know that my hormones are started to move & shift post baby and I know that regular exercise on my part is going to make us all happier, so I try to knock it out first thing.  If it doesn't happen some days, that's okay, but on those days, I'll try to sneak in a late night walk with Scot...this usually includes a baby in his Sollywrap.

3. Meditate.  Call this part what you want, but it is a sacred part of my morning routine.  I grew up in a home of prayer and have continued that practice in my own home. Twenty minutes of meditating is that quiet time for me to commune with myself and my Maker.  When I am consistent in this practice few things can shake me, when I'm not, just about anything can shake me.  I've read about all sorts of people's meditation practices and I loved Tony Robbins version the best.  His is a 10 minute practice and goes like this:

1 minute: deep breathing
3 minutes: think of 3 experiences you're grateful for -- think of them in detail and re-feel the moment
3 minutes: think of 3 people you're grateful for -- think of them in detail and wish them happiness
3 minutes: think of 3 things you'll be grateful for -- looking forward, identify 3 things that you'll be grateful for once they come to pass

I've modified his version to fit my own beliefs and goals, but like his as a starting off point if you've never done it before.

4. Journal.  This takes less than 5 minutes.  I identify 1 thing I'm grateful for and write at least 5 sentences about.  Writing it connects it firmly into your brain and thoughts.  The physicality of writing is important, so don't skip it & just think it.  Actually write it.  It doesn't need to be overly grand.  This morning I was grateful that Luke woke up at a convenient time and believe it or not, I can write down 5 sentences why that's important.

5. Get dressed and listen to a podcast.  I typically take about 30 minutes to get dressed, hair, make-up.  During this time, I usually turn on a thought provoking podcast.  Instead of listening to my list of favorites, search your favorite hobby or something you want to learn about & discover your own.  You'll be amazed at what you find.  Or heck, just listen in to something that's ranked on the top 10, you'll be surprised what you learn.

The most re-pinned image on Pinterest this week was this beautiful lakehouse -- to see everything I'm loving, follow along on Pinterest here.

Weekend Open Houses
​Since it's Friday, I've got your weekend Open Houses all linked up for you!  
If you walk them, share them on stories & be sure to tag me, so I can walk them too!
​
If you've never used these lists before, start by clicking on which city you're interested in.  Listings will be stacked by price, lowest to highest.  Click through the listings until you find one you like, then click on the 'detail' tab in the top right corner & under that you'll see the Open House' link.  Click there for the date & time. 

MESA  ||  GILBERT   ||   SCOTTSDALE   ||   ARCADIA

I think we might be finally getting back into a routine of sorts after a new baby...and all the holidays.  Sleep is happening in more regular and predictable patterns, which is a game-changer for all of us, because let’s be real, if I’m not functioning great, everyone feels it.

A few things on my mind these days...

Read this article today about CVS banning the altering of images used in beauty brands — I’m so on board with this!  In this social media world, its easy to want to remove or edit every wrinkle & blemish, creating an idealized version of ourselves  and perhaps coveting idealized versions of others.  Yikes.  It’s cringe-worthy when you really think about it and a dangerous landscape for our daughters to grow up in. What are your thoughts?  

Have you seen the new show on HGTV Restored by the Fords?!?  I'm in love with every single thing Leann does...and her brother, Steve, they compliment each other perfectly.  How fun to work with your brother!  And while her home renos are off the charts good, so is her fashion.  If you see me with a bandana tied around my neck, well you'll know why...#forreals.  I the meantime, I'm loving these pants, this button down, these kicks and well, you've got to have a  kerchief too.   

Just finished reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah.  I’d like to read more fiction than I do, but I sometimes have a hard time justifying the time spent, I need to get reeled in fairly fast.  That being said, I learned a lot from this story based on events from WWII — the Leningrad siege in particular.  A touch heavy in parts, its a story of redemption and relationships shaping our lives, particularly between mothers and daughters.  Once again, I was reminded that we are more capable than we realize.

Still can’t quite fit back into my pre-baby clothes, I’m loving loose, oversized tees like this one, this one and this one.  Ultimately, I know I won’t loose all the weight until I stop nursing & I’m still enjoying that.  I’m trying to be patient with myself and these last 10 pounds.  In reality, the only person they bother, on occasion, is me.  I’m grateful for this 4th go-around and the wisdom that has come with it.  Mostly, the wisdom to know that it doesn’t matter, because there are more important things to worry about and the gratitude I feel towards my body.  Honestly, I think through the pregnancy, delivery & recovery and can’t help but feel a touch overwhelmed at what our bodies are capable of.  Call me in May when I start wearing a bathing suit everyday and remind me of these feelings, because I'm sure I won't be so gracious with myself then. sigh. 

Speaking of gratitude, it’s my main goal for 2018.  Mostly to practice it more often, as in daily.  I’m convinced that real joy can only be achieved through a practice of gratitude.  Yes things can go wrong and tragedies occur, but I’m determined to lean more into the joy and the ticket to that is in gratitude.  Ideally, I like to spend a few minutes writing in gratitude each day, but in all honesty, sometimes that doesn’t happen.  When I can’t get pen to paper, I at least aim to spend several minutes in thought and prayer on very specific things, people, events I’m grateful for.  In May, when I’m unhappy pulling on that bathing suit, I’m going to practice being grateful for all my body can do. :) 
I'm loving Sophisticated Pop station on Amazon music.  Did you know you can download playlists through your Amazon Prime membership for free?  All commercial free? Yeah, game changer

Re-thinking my kids’ shared space.  When we added the loft space (here) we moved Max and Liv into the shared bedroom.  With a baby on the way, we just used what we had for that space & it’s fine, but not ideal.  Re-thinking the bunk beds mostly — they made lots of sense in our old house, not as much sense in this space.  Loving the look of this space for them.  We’ll see what I can drum up.

On my morning walks/runs I’ve been listening to podcasts...have I told you of my love for podcasts?  Pretty much everything you need to know you can find in a book...or a podcast.  I like activities where I can double up: exercise + learn.  Something on my mind from this morning’s was this thought, ‘What you appreciate, appreciates you back.’  ​

This past week I mentioned on IG stories that I met with a client about the purchase of a 'fixer-upper' type property.  They are beyond talented and are looking for their not-quite-but-maybe-possibly forever home.  You know the one...where you could stay forever if you decided, but maybe you won't decide that?  Anyway, the house is brick with some wood accents on the exterior & as we sat brainstorming cool options to update it, this image kept coming to mind.  It's a house in Nashville that was recently on the market with Domaine Residential.  

Pretty incredible right?  I'll keep you posted on the status of that one, but did you see the status of the Gentry Project?!

Jenny, of course, nailed it.  Walking this prior, I knew she had her work cut out for her. There was not only a blue tub & toilet combo, but also a black tub & toilet combo -- let's never repeat those trends please!  I'm heading over today to walk it as we finalize getting ready to take it to market.  If you want to snatch it up before it hits the market, you know where to find me.

I love the start of a new year...mostly because it is a moment in time to reflect on what was & prepare for what could be.  2017 was so good to me in so many ways, I wrote about here, here and here.  Did you read all that?  If not, I basically said, 2017 was awesome and full and amazing and incredible.  All that being said, there were perhaps more sleepless nights in 2017 than ever before...and that's before Luke was born.

There was Scot's company being acquired and the option to move to San Antonio sat on the table for most of the year...which carries all the thoughts & questions about really fun things like insurance and c-sections.  There were deals that, if I'm being totally honest, at the start I had no idea how I was going to find the solution.  There were clients that down right kicked me in the face.  Yes.  It happens.  And yes, I said it.  Add in a tough pregnancy & 3 kids involved in lots of good things, and you get the idea, it was busy. 

While I can list all those 'hard' things from 2017, things that stretched me and kept me up at night. I don't feel them.  Instead I feel more accomplished, incredibly satisfied, totally content, definitely capable, and wiser, much wiser.  

Looking forward, I might tell you I want another year, just like this past year, except bigger and better, stepping more outside my comfort zone.  Then I start to remember all those things outside my comfort zone that gave me sleepless nights and I cringe a little.  Turns out those are the same things that gave me that end-of-year-contentment.

And there, that is where the magic lies, in realizing that it doesn't ever get easier.  The challenges become bigger, with bigger things.  So while I haven't chosen a word, or phrase or motto, I can tell you this: 2018 is sure to have a lot of sleepless nights.  The trick now, is to embrace the heck out of them, because now I know that those sleepless nights mean I'm outside my comfort zone.  They mean I'm being stretched in new ways.  They mean good things are on the horizon.

Instead of boring you with the actual nuts and bolts of my 'Goal List' for 2018, because that paper does exist...and is still being tweaked...I'll tell you about the little acronym I use to guide my day-to-day & perhaps it can help you too.  Remember, the goal is not to be more busy, it is to be more effective and the word WIN helps guide this.  It stands for 'What's Important Now.' 

Some days it's important that I lay outside on a blanket with my kids, some days it's important that I meet with a client, sometimes it means date night, and other times it means getting to bed early.  It requires a bit of focus and thought to keep reminding yourself about what you're actually chasing & what you're willing to sacrifice.  I'm pretty sure none of us are chasing busy for the sake of busy, so if it's not important now, put it aside for what is, no apologies needed.  Good news is, most things you can circle back to without a problem.

So farewell to 2017 and hello 2018, looking forward to the wisdom that is sure to come through lots of sleepless nights.

If you've never used these lists before, start by clicking on which city you're interested in.  Listings will be stacked by price, lowest to highest.  Click through the listings until you find one you like, then click on the 'detail' tab in the top right corner & under that you'll see the Open House' link.  Click there for the date & time. 

MESA  ||  GILBERT   ||   SCOTTSDALE   ||   ARCADIA