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The Chill Pill … Just What the Doctor Ordered

spring cocktail

It’s the weekend, and we’re ready for some R & R … so what better a time to whip up a new cocktail? I found this recipe on Pinterest, and it does not disappoint! Of course, it took me down a rabbit hole on Pinterest, and I discovered that the recipe is from a mixologist at Deep Dive in Seattle. This bar looks right up our alley for a special date night — but, until we can actually get to Seattle, I’m just going to give it a try at home. 😉

The key is making the Pineapple Shrub. I had never tried this before, but it’s sooo easy! It’s an extra step for sure — in fact, you have to let the pineapple sit overnight in sugar, Then you drain the solid pieces of pineapple with a colander or cheese cloth, and mix the reserved pineapple-infused syrup with champagne vinegar. It makes plenty, so you can store some in the fridge.

The recipe calls for Yellow Chartreuse, which we have used before. But, it was years ago so I didn’t have any in our little bar. And let me tell you, I called several local liquor stores to see if I could track some down, but no luck. I guess there’s a shortage in Oregon. Who knew?!? Anyhoo, our friends at Newport Market in Bend suggested we give this brand a try as an alternative. (As a bonus, it’s made in our hometown, Portland, Oregon!) We don’t know any differently since we’ve never tried this recipe before using the Yellow Chartreuse, but it worked beautifully. It’s so refreshing and unique! What a great cocktail to serve friends this weekend 🍸

CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: Don’t skip the grated nutmeg on top … it really adds a fun kick to the flavor. Trust us!

bar in kitchen


THE CHILL PILL

 

2 OZ. VODKA

1/2 OZ PINEAPPLE SHRUB

1/2 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE

1/4 OZ YELLOW CHARTREUSE

1/8 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP (1:1)

1 FRESH EGG WHITE (PASTEURIZED IF YOU PREFER)

Combine the egg white, simple syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple shrub in a shaker and shake, without ice, until frothy. Add the vodka and Chartreuse and shake again with ice to chill, then double-strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a spray of Angostura bitters from an atomizer (or drip the bitters on the drink’s surface), and add fresh-grated nutmeg.

PINEAPPLE SHRUB: Peel, core, and cube a fresh pineapple (I bought pre-cut pineapple chunks) and add it to a large container along with 1 quart (32 oz.) of raw sugar. Stir to coat the pineapple with the sugar and cover the container; let the mixture rest at room temperature for 24 hours. Use a cheesecloth-lined strainer to strain out the solids, and mix 16 oz. of Champagne vinegar with the reserved syrup.


We served ours in a coupe glass with a sprig of mint, and it looked fancy and professional with the frothy top and sprinkles of nutmeg. Maybe we should take up mixology?! 😂

Cheers to the sunshine and gorgeous weather this weekend. Let us know if you give this one a shot.

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20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
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Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!