I'm Gonna Make This Place (Our) Home

This post is sponsored by Uncommongoods.com. However, all opinions are my own.

Our house is coming right along folks. In about 45 days the keys will be in our hands and we will be officially homeowners!

The floors, granite, cabinets, and appliances are in--all things we had to pick months ago from a teeny tiny sample swatch. I was sweating the fact that they might not all go together. But fortunately, everything couldn't look better. 

Now I can move on to worrying about other things. More specifically, what decor is going in the living room, guest room, etc. I've got tons and tons of ideas spread out all over my Pinterest boards, but y'all. It's harder than I thought to basically build a whole room design from scratch and to make two people's different tastes work together. 

I recently stumbled across Uncommongoods.com and I'm loving all of the unique items they have to offer (because no one wants "cookie cutter" decor). They are committed to offering a creative and exciting merchandise assortment, working with artists to small manufacturers. They also strive to be environmentally and socially responsible--which is an idea I can get behind.

I can see Josh loving this game and I would love this to hang on the wall in our office. I'm looking to combine rustic + modern items in our kitchen, and this cookbook stand (since I do so much cooking--I really will start!) would be perfect! They have so many items to choose from that would be perfect for a couple!

The 45 days will be here and gone before we know it. Other than still having a whole house to decorate and big pieces (washer/dryer/refrigerator) still to buy, I think we are ready for this next adventure!

P.S. Father's Day is coming up! You'll want to check out their selection of unique gifts for the all of the men in your life! Seriously!

5 Reasons to be Active in the Morning

I did it, y'all. I have become a morning person. I'm not going to lie, it was tough at first. I slept through alarms and hit snooze a dozen times before I finally got it right. But then, I got addicted to how much better it made me feel throughout the day and have come to crave the routine.

There are TONS and TONS of reasons to be active in the morning (and be active in general)--here are a few of my favorites:

1. You'll have more energy throughout the day. 

I know, it sounds counterproductive. The longer you're awake the more tired you are, right? WRONG. Being active in the morning, whether for 15 minutes or an hour, gets your metabolism going. I gave up coffee a few months ago and was only sometimes struggling with being SO TIRED during the afternoon. Since I start incorporating morning walks (with and without my fur child), I've been able to make it through the afternoon without wanting to take a nap.

2. The quietness.

I've been getting up at 6:15 AM almost every morning (which is an ENTIRE hour earlier than I'm used to) and I'm still amazed at how still everything is outside. Getting up early allows you a chance to get a jump on the day when your phone isn't blowing up with emails, texts, and social media notifications.

3. More time in the day.

Getting up an hour earlier actually makes more hours in the day. Technically not. But more "working" hours during the day counts for something. If I can work out in the morning, it's one less thing I have to do during the day or after work. 

4. You'll feel better (see #1).

And not just your metabolism. Being able to clear your mind with a walk/run or whatever kind of activity you prefer is the best feeling. Working out gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people aren't stressed and love life more.

5. You'll be closer to your step goal.

Sorry not sorry that I'm obsessed with hitting my 10k step goal everyday. Getting up early and going for a walk allows me to get a leg up on my goal. My job requires a lot of sitting, so the more steps I can get before work hours, the better!

Are you active in the morning? Or do you prefer working out in the evenings?