I still can’t believe it… but friends, we moved! To say it happened quickly would be an understatement… hence why I’ve been looking a little wide-eyed lately, ha!
So let’s back up to the beginning, or in other words, a few weeks ago! You may recall I mentioned Little Miss transferred to a new school this year, and it has been a huge blessing for her after suffering devastating loss last spring. She’s making new friends and it’s given her the fresh start she so desperately needed. Thank you, Lord!
But the downside is the school was a 30-40 minute drive each way. She was so excited to go to this school that she insisted she didn’t mind, but we quickly noticed the long drive wearing on her (she started going August 1 for volleyball). Not to mention, my constant worry about her on the busy Dallas freeways!
So I reached out to my realtor-friend and asked her to send me alerts for new listings within a reasonable area around the school. We hadn’t even talked about the possibility of moving, we’d only started considering the idea of it…when BAM!
Wall and Trim Paint: SW ‘Pure White’
on me: Racerback Tank (Color: 1white, Size: Small) | Flounce Skirt (Color: C.biege, Size: Small) | Cut-Out Sandals (Also HERE)
Scoopneck Tee | Levi’s Jean Shorts (Color: Luxor Baked, Size: 27) | NB Sneakers | Moving Essentials
When I saw this listing go live I could hardly believe it was real…a brand-new build in the middle of an older, developed neighborhood…and 2.5 miles from Sloan’s new school! It only took one walk-thru for us all to fall in love (Mr. College was still home, so we got to see it as a family), and two days later it was ours! WHAT?!
As you know, the housing market is crazy now, so there’s really no time to ponder, hem and haw! I was a wreck for the last couple of weeks…prepping to leave the house I love with my whole heart was not easy, but I kept reminding myself we were making an investment in Sloan. And really, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to give that precious girl her best shot at happiness. And although she’s likely only home for two more years, we want them to be the most joyful.
Plus, the house is freaking gorgeous! It’s strange to move in to a house that doesn’t need overhauling…but, it’s also a beautiful blank slate, just waiting for some Sugarplum fun!
Thanks to some fabulous movers and the SOS Organization Team, we are almost settled in to the new house…and I love how all our pieces are looking in the new spaces! This house has the same number of rooms as our last house, but a different mix of spaces (for example it has one dining area rather than two, and a library/study instead of a formal living), so it’s been a bit of musical chairs and lamps to figure out the best spots for things. (I’ve been sharing lots of progress on my Instagram Story HERE.)
Similar Rug | Walls: BM ‘Cinder’
Similar Mirror | Similar Designer-Inspired Blanket | Faux Plant | Planter | All furniture & decor pieces sourced from A Well Dressed Home
The first goal is make each room feel as complete as possible with our existing pieces, so it feels like home. That includes unpacking every last box so we aren’t living in a state of ‘moving limbo.’
Then comes the fun stuff…adding our own flair to make it feel like us. As soon as I saw the arches and exposed wood throughout the house, I immediately thought of La Serena Villas, one of my favorite and most-stylish hotels, and the inspiration for this new home was born!
My friend Kristen of The Hunted Interior (you may remember our work together on this room!) is helping me bring my dreams of a Modern Spanish Casa to life! It will mix my love of color, pattern, texture, and the Mexican culture, but grounded in traditional neutrals.
1. Pendant Light Fixture // 2. Decorative Tray
3. Wood Bead Garland //Â 4. Faux Fig Leaf Plant
5. Counter Stools //Â 6. Wooden Knot
7. Storage Cabinet //Â 8. Blue Floral Pillow
9. Star Pillow
The night before we closed on this new home, I walked in our old house and the sadness that I’d been feeling about leaving just lifted, and from then on it’s been nothing but excitement and gratitude.
We feel so grateful for this home, and can’t wait for all the memories we’ll make here. And of course the decorating part will be fun, and you know I’ll bring you along for it all!
Friends, I can’t thank you enough for your continued love and prayers for our family, and especially our girl! xo. C.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Thank you so much for following along! xo, C
Wow just…wow! 🤩 Your moving story sounds like it was meant to be and happened exactly as it should have. Blessings all around! I know you’ll miss the old house, but the new one will soon be filled with precious new memories and lots of joy! Have fun with it, Sugarplums! 😉💙
Thank you, thank you, Sandy!! We can’t wait to make it a home! xo, C
This post is so much more than sharing details of a move. It’s about embracing change, flexibility, family values, love, honesty. There are some of us on the verge of major changes and decisions and seeing it can be done in joy /gratitude is so helpful.
Our families are growing, downsizing, changing all the time and I thank you for sharing. You’re our brave friend Cassie
Wow thank you Maura, I could not have said this any better <3 <3
Congratulations on the new home! I pray it is a space for healing and new memories for your whole family!
Thank you so so much, Sue <3
Congrats, your new home is beautiful!
Thank you so much, Melanie! xo, C
So happy for you and thrilled to be along for the journey! From the glimpses you’ve shown us, this new house is stunning. I’m glad the school change has been so great for Sloan, and that you were able to get her closer!
Thank you, Kristin! <3
I love Kristen’s work. Can’t wait to see what you two will come up with for your new place.
Thank you, Patricia!!
Those living room chairs really pop in a way they never did (at least in photographs) in the old house! Can’t wait to see all the updates!
Thank you so much, Kara!!! Cannot wait to keep sharing! xo, C
You’re new home is beautiful. Praying this will be a much needed new beginning for you all. Any idea on the source for the family room chandelier?
Hi Terry, thank you so much! I am working to compile a post with as much of this info as possible! Stay tuned!
Congratulations to you and your family on your new home! I have been following you for a very long time since your house before this last one. In fact, you were the first blogger I ever followed. I like to think that I knew you were something special right away! I think its wonderful that you are giving your girl this fresh start. I lost my brother to suicide in 2007 and there’s no one size fits all approach to healing. Anything you can do as a mom to love her through this is a wonderful gift that she will never forget. It’s been fun watching your success over the years and watching your family grow. I’m just a mom from Michigan and nobody special for sure, but I love to see good people be happy. Thank you for years of good style advice and laughs along the way!!
Oh wow, Jackie, you’re making this mama heart swell! I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. <3 And do not fool yourself, you are a great somebody with passions and talents and brains. Much love to you! xo, C
Congrats. What a beautiful new home and I can’t wait to see the decor choices you make changing it from a house to your home. Yes, these next few years will go by fast (I’m a mama of two boys in University), but grounding your daughter and having a change will be so great! I’ve always told our boys our home is a “safe place to land” whenever you want, it’s always here. I’m so excited to follow along on your journey. Sending the best wishes.
So well said, Sandra! And yes, no matter the address, our home will always be a safe place to land for our kids! xo, C
Modern Spanish Casa-LUV that! It has such good bones and many details remind me of the old house and the lake house.
Looks like you will have to find some flea mkts. w/Mexican decor, goodies=fun!
And congrats! Wow, not buying someone else’s problems when buying new. I am so ready! xo. : )
Hahaha, yes exactly Sandy!!! xo, C
Congratulations! Wow – what a nice house! It’s going to be fun for us to see how beautiful you make it with your decorating talents.
Thank you, Kim, so nice!!! But don’t be fooled, I’ll have lots of professional help, ha! xo, C
Congratulations! So true we do everything for our children because to see them happy is what makes all the JOY in ours! Bless that girly, she needs that short drive home to rest and regroup for the next activity in her life. They are so busy at her age. The house looks beautiful and it just works wonderful for some glorious content! We are here for it!
I couldn’t have said that better myself, Christine! I would do anything for our Little Miss! xo, C
WOW WOW WOW! That house looks made for y’all! I simply can’t wait to see how you put your stamp on it. 🙂
It sounds like it was meant to be for your family…many blessings!!
Thank you Laura!!! Get ready for photo overload! xo, C
Sounds like it was a God thing! So exciting! I look forward to seeing more pix of how you style each room. Love your taste!
Thanks so much, Cindy!!! Get ready for photo overload! xo, C
I really relate. We decided very quickly and somewhat on a whim last winter to move to the next state to be near our kids and grandkids. But since we had just built a new home five years ago, we knew it have to be another home that we love, soooo– we are building again! Moving next month! Let the adventure begin!
What a blessing to be able to spend that time with your grandkids though!!! You really can’t put a price on that time! XO, C
I’m so happy for you and your family. I’m excited to be along for this exciting time and to watch you make this beautiful house a home.
Thank you so much, Mindy! Your thoughts mean so much to us! xo, C
So excited to see your new home decor evolve – congrats! And so smart to move closer to her school – 40 minutes is a long drive. We moved a few years ago to be closer to my kiddo’s school and it has made such a difference. Fresh starts are always so exciting! xo
Thank you so much, Lisa! 40 minutes one way is just A LOT, especially for a teenager! xoxo, C
Hi Cassie,
I just wanted to lift you up and say that it is such a testament to the kind of parents that you and your husband are to be such strong a support system and foundation for your daughter as she navigates through a very difficult chapter in her life. As a parent of two teenage daughters, I can only imagine what the last few months have been like for all of you. You are blessed to have each other and keep up the good work! I hope that your new home brings you all comfort and joy. We are cheering you all on from afar!
Thank you so much, Brooke! As I’m sure you would agree, we would do anything for them!!! xoxo, C
Congratulations to you and your beautiful family on your new home. Your family values are to be so respected in everything you do and care for each other, which is always evident in your blogs and is again evident in this big move to be closer to Sloan’s new school and fresh start. We also love your Sugarplum Mom! Looking forward to following this journey in your beautiful new home.
Well gosh, thank you so so much, Sharon! That means so much! xo, C
Congrats. Beautiful home! The floors are amazing. Do you happen to know what stain color the floors are?
Hi Steph, thank you so much! I’m working on a post to answer questions about the new home, so if I’m able to figure that info out, it will be there! xo, C