How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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A step-by-step beginner’s guide to painting cabinets including necessary supplies, tips to make the process easier and faster, and how to get a smooth, professional finish. Celebrate — the hallway bathroom cabinets are finally painted! If you’ve been staring at wood cabinets that don’t suit your style, painting them is one of the fastest, most … Read more

20 Affordable Neutral Accent Chairs for Tight Budgets

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20 Neutral Accent Chairs for a Tight Budget I can’t yet share photos of our new house— the current owners are still moving out and I didn’t want to photograph their belongings— but I’ve been pinning, planning, and shopping online nonstop. Our top priority after closing will be the living room, since we spend most … Read more

How to Turn a Shower Curtain into Large Wall Art

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How to create large-scale wall art from a shower curtain for under $100 — plus a curated selection of beautiful shower curtains ideal for this project. This DIY became one of our favorite art projects yet — and we’ve made a lot. It’s an easy, affordable way to produce striking oversized art that looks custom … Read more

Creative Gifts for Kids by Age and Interests

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Gift ideas for kids ages 3-9 in STEM toys, pretend play, and creative fun. One day I know I’ll miss the thrill of Christmas morning and the joy of hunting for the perfect kid-friendly gifts. These years—when little ones gasp, giggle, and tear open presents—are fleeting. Olivia has already taken on the role of “Santa’s … Read more

2017 Christmas Night Candlelight Tour: Carols and Lights

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Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve, everyone! I’m officially signing off for the season to enjoy some much-needed family time. The presents are wrapped, the house is clean (for now), grocery shopping is done, and somehow I managed to cross everything off my list with two days to spare. It feels like a small Christmas miracle. … Read more

How to Upcycle a Sunburst Mirror into a Stunning Light Fixture

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How to combine a basic flush mount light and a sunburst mirror to make a custom designer dupe DIY light fixture We turned an ordinary sunburst mirror into an eye-catching ceiling light for our playroom — a simple, budget-friendly way to get a designer look without the designer price. By pairing a basic flush mount … Read more

8 Side Yard Play Area Ideas and Trampoline Decor Tips

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In all the years we’ve lived in this house, I’ve rarely shared the side yard play area. After Robert and I moved a trampoline into the corner of our fence for the kids a year and a half ago, the space slowly fell into semi-disarray. The trampoline, worn pad, and mud underfoot made the area … Read more

Transform an IKEA Dresser with Burl Wood Contact Paper

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Create a high-end burl wood look on a plain dresser with this easy IKEA dresser hack using burl wood contact paper—for about $30. Last week we began a room makeover in a shared bedroom for three pre-teen girls at our neighbors’ house. The design direction is beachy and vintage with a refined, slightly rustic vibe. … Read more

6 DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing

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Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee! We spent the weekend visiting my husband’s family for an early Christmas, so my usual holiday spirit is running on high. I’m even blogging from the road, with our toddler singing her own version of Jingle Bells from the backseat. Since I already shared a full Holiday Home Tour of our … Read more

Jute Rug Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

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A totally honest review with the pros and cons for what to know before buying jute rugs along with where to buy them on a budget. Affiliate links may be used in posts for convenience. For full disclosure, see my website. My husband jokes about my rug obsession. He teases that when we move someday … Read more