Uncategorized

Eight Candles

November 28, 2011

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

Portfolio

Projects

Design

We're Chris + Julia

read more

What we're                   right now

Loving

browse the shop

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here. 

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen. 

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.

browse all

browse all

browse all

02

01

03

Popular Posts

1.

2.

3.

Top Categories

Yesterday, I blew out eight candles because I turned 26 and 2+6 is eight.  I have had the same Cinnamon-Pistachio Bundt Cake for my birthday since I can remember and I just scarfed down the last slice right after snapping a picture:

It tasted just as good as previous years and twenty-six feels just as good, too.  25 was a kind of a tough year.  I have had many blessings come my way in the last year–hi, first home!  And lots of trials, too–a whole year of trying to get pregnant with no success can really get you down.  Now I am 26.  I have learned in my 26th year, there will always be someone older and wiser.  Lots of people may never take me seriously. Someone will always be married longer than me with more children than I have.  Someone will always start a sentence with “Just you wait….”  But in my 27th year, it’s going to slide right off of me.  This year I am content with who I am and what I have.  I am going to enjoy my little girl who is getting older each day just like I am.  I am going to keep being madly in love with Chris–and there are no “Just you wait’s” that will change that.  I am going to keep doing what I love doing and re-trying the things I don’t (read: laundry and anything that involves heights).  I am going to keep smiling and sharing and having people in our home. Twenty-six is going to be a great year.  Can’t wait to continue sharing all of my trials and triumphs with you.
————————————————————–

Cinnamon Pistachio Bundt Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (I like Duncan Hines Butter Recipe)
1 box instant pistachio pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

cinnamon mixture:
6 T sugar
2 T cinnamon

Grease bundt pan with butter and dust with a little bit of the cinnamon mixture.  Mix first six ingredients and pour half of the batter in dusted bundt pan.  Layer the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter and add remaining cake batter.  Dust with any remaining cinnamon mixture.  Bake at 325 for 50-55 minutes.

You are gonna wish your birthday was every day.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

What do you think?

  1. I liked this post Julie, and that picture is flawless, wow

  2. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

    Looks yummy . . .

    P.S. I feel old. I’m 27, lol. I remember 26 like it was last year.

  3. 26 rolls off the tongue a little easier for me–but I am sure it will take me months to remember and get used to my new age. Hahaha.

  4. LOVE our Rebel! Let’s share bundt cake for real soon.

  5. What a great reflection. And a great photo. I love pistachios, but I’ve always been a little hesitant to try them with desserts. NOT ANYMORE! I am going to have to make this. Excuse me while I go to the kitchen…

  6. Freya Dian says:

    happy belated birthday julia!
    great post. i love your perspective on your birthday. it’ll be a great year, i’m sure!

  7. Victoria Bradley says:

    Beautiful photo! Don’t you love your Rebel?! We do.
    I’m very proud of you, little sister. And I can’t believe you’re 26! (Does that mean I’m 28?) You have great insights and great taste and great style. I’m sharing bundt cake with you by proxy and bragging about you lots.

  8. meaganbriggs3 says:

    You’re amazing. I thought 25 sounded established, but I think I like the sound of 26 better :-) that bundt cake looks divine!!!!!

all the latest

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

HI! We're Chris + Julia

read more

Load More

Reader Faves

SHop all

What We're                     Right Now

What We're                 Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop. 

Loving

looking for inspiration? 

A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

Follow Along on Instagram

Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations

@chrislovesjulia