I wasn't planning on writing a blog post on my root canal. Until it became such a popular subject in my direct messages, I thought it deserved a post. I learned a lot about dental care from others stories that ultimately helped with my decision to have my tooth pulled instead of a root canal. I do want to preface with this - YOU have to be your own health advocate. This is not bashing a medical profession at all. Many have and will have root canals with success. It is simply stories, letting you know that there are options besides a root canal, also that teeth are more than something to chew ... Read More
5 Affordable Ways to Make an Impact in a Teenagers Bedroom
As you know we are in an apartment right now, while we remodel our home. We will live in this rental about 6 months. Even for the short period we are living here, it was important to me to make an impact in my teenagers bedroom. And really all the rooms. You can add personality and an impact in any bedroom, especially a teenagers room with these 5 tips! 1- Big Impact Light Fixture- See that light before?? Just a basic tiny light fixture. Too small for the room. Since this is a rental (and even if it wasn't) I wanted to quickly make a big impact with the light. All I did was hung ... Read More
Cross Country RV Road Trip Where we Stopped East Coast to West Coast
After we had decided to sell our home and make the move back to Utah, I knew I wanted to make our return trip memorable. I had always wanted to take a cross country trip with the family and thought that this would be the perfect time! I was actually a bit hesitant on sharing my idea with Kevin, I didn't know if he would think the idea sounded crazy!! 60 hours driving in an RV with our 3 kids and puppy? That could scare anyone. Luckily he doesn't scare easily. He was onboard. I share in this post all the stops we made, how much it cost, if we would do it again and more!!!! Well, little ... Read More
Five Entry Ideas with Painted Rock Wall as Backdrop
I am itching sooooo bad to decorate our entry. It is really hard to fight the urge to lay down a rug, change out the light, bring in a few plants (obviously). Since that would make me look a little crazy…right? Or no? Ok yes, I will just settle for dreaming and creating design boards. If you missed it, yesterday we shared how we made over the Idaho Travertine wall in our entry by adding mortar and painting it white with a Limewash. After we shared it, there were a few comments who said…"you took away the character, I liked it before". I totally get it. It looks like we just covered up some ... Read More
How we Modernized our 1970’s Rock Wall
In our new Utah Ranch Style Home we have a lot of rock. A LOT. Over 50% of the exterior is this same rock, the actual name is Idaho Travertine. Looks a lot like a lava rock. We did not want to just tear it out (even though we could have). We LIKE the character and texture the rock adds to the home. We decided we wanted to try to modernize it. Fill in the deep grout with mortar and make it more flush. In my head that was all we were going to do. But, 20 hours later and 8 bags of mortar, we ended up with something different and we really like it! First let's look at our current rock wall, ... Read More
Living Room Affordable Refresh and Floor Lamps
You know that saying , "If you give a mouse a cookie". That is exactly how this project got started! My sister was hosting a party at her home and asked for some help refreshing her front room. Having people over is great motivation to do projects that we put off for too long! (about 10 years in this case!) I remember when my friend hosted a bridal shower for a mutual friend and we jokingly called it that $10,000 shower! I was happy to help my sister, after shopping for new accessories I knew that we needed to take it a step further, by 9pm that night, her husband was putting up a board and ... Read More
Our Kids Bedrooms Design Boards
If you read my blog or follow me on social media, you know I love a design board. I can see it written on my headstone... "loved her family, sweet potato fries and design boards". I actually wasn't always good at them. I wanted to be. And just like anything in life, practice makes you better than before. I make design boards before I buy anything, they save me money and are also a good "brain dump" for me. It allows me to move onto other things once I get my ideas out. I put together bedroom design boards for Finn (our 4 year old), Lola (our 10 year old) and Ella (our 13 year old). The ... Read More
Urban Outfitter Home Favorites and Bedroom Ideas
You might be surprised that one of my favorite places to browse home decor online is Urban Outfitters! My girls have a really good quality dresser from Urban, and I have several accent pieces. I was looking for things for my girls new bedrooms and came across some great pieces I thought I would link up for you! I also put together a girls bedroom and boys bedroom plan. Favorites from Urban Outfitters Chelsi Rattan Chair- anything with cane on it, I love! Concrete Outdoor Dining Table- such a pretty table! Birdy Side Table- we have this, it is super cute for plants! Make sure it is ... Read More
Apartment Living- Five Ways to add Personality to your Apartment or Any Rental
We are living in an apartment and loving it. I think I am just really loving living back in Utah and being near my family and friends. Our apartment is great too, pleasantly surprised because we didn't seen it in person before we got the lease. The kids really like that there is a heated pool and a playground. As you can imagine, I can't help myself, I have to decorate it. Some might think it is a waste to put effort into a space that we will be in for such a short period (thinking around 4 months). But I say, why not? You really can do simple things, for not a lot of money, to make your ... Read More
Ideas for Family Room in our Utah Ranch and Things I bought on Serena & Lily Sale
I can't wait to work on our family room in our new home! So many ideas churning through my head. I decided to put it on a design board, helps me sleep at night 😉 I knew the exact lights I wanted to buy, and was just waiting for them to go on sale. Well, today is the day, they are on sale! Along with other things I already have waiting in storage. Below is the space I am talking about. I fell in love with these ceilings! I am trying to decide if we will leave the ceiling the wood stain or just leave the beams wood and the ceiling white. I know my walls will be white. And we are planning on ... Read More