Thursday, December 21, 2017

What to Wear for New Year's Eve

New Year's is right around the corner and truth be told, it has been several years since I actually got dolled up and went out. Even so, it is one of the few times of year that you have an excuse to go all out and wear your most glamorous outfit.

Get Glammed up for New Years Eve with these 3 affordable outfit options

If you are not sure what to wear, I have 3 New Year's Eve Outfit options for you that I have worn in the past.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Easy Snowflake Grapevine Wreath


Welcome back to 12 Months of Wreaths!

This is the last month of 12 Months of Wreaths! I have had so much fun participating in this challenge! I had been scared to try my hand at making a wreath prior to this challenge, but now I have one for every season!

Use a scarf and dollar tree ornaments to make this Winter Snowflake Grapevine Wreath!



Monday, December 18, 2017

Personalized Gift Idea with CaseApp

I was introduced to Caseapp a year or so ago by one of my blogger friends when she did a review of their cases. I ended up winning the giveaway and designed a custom case for my mother with a cardinal (her favorite bird) and Bible verse as a Mother's Day gift. I recently got a new phone so I was excited to get to collaborate with Caseapp for a new case.


Disclosure: The product in the post was provided to me, but all thoughts are 100% my own.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Pom Pom Filled Christmas Ornament

I realize Christmas is quickly approaching, but there is still time to craft when it is a project as easy as this one! DIY ornaments make great neighbor or hostess gifts or gift toppers. I used plastic ball ornaments, bright pom poms, and holographic vinyl to make this Festive Pom Pom Filled Christmas Ornament.

I used plastic ball ornaments, bright pom poms, and holographic vinyl to make this Festive Pom Pom Filled Christmas Ornament.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

How to Wear a Velvet Tunic 2 Ways

I recently worked with an Agnes and Dora rep on a collaboration and one of the items I selected was a purple velvet tunic. When I put it on, I was taken back to a simpler time when I worked at the Mall and listened to Stone Temple Pilots and Brittany Spears. If you have no idea what I am talking about then you are too young to have been around when velvet was "in" during the early 90's! It is times like this that I wish I would have kept my velvet pieces.


Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Rustic Wooden Snowflake Sign

I think I have an obsession with snowflakes, since my last few projects have used them in some way. I use a lot of snowmen in my Christmas decor, so snowflakes obviously fit right in. Since I have another mantle to decorate this year in the basement, I have had to pull out all of the decor I own and get crafty as well. To compliment the snowman theme, I decided to use scrap wood, paint, and vinyl to make a Rustic Wooden Snowflake Sign.

I used scrap wood, paint, and vinyl to make a Rustic Wooden Snowflake Sign.

When we installed the cedar closet in our basement, we had a pile of scrap pieces left over that we did not want to throw away. We planned on using them in projects and I thought they would be the perfect size for a rustic sign.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Creative Planner Organization Ideas

It is no secret that I love my planner and ways to stay organized, as I have written about it in several posts. When my friend Ashley, from The Mixed Bag, recently contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing some planner items she received as part of the  Busy B Ambassador Program, I jumped at the chance! After all, I am going to need a new one in a few weeks for 2018!

A new year is right around the corner, get organized with Busy B planners and these creative organization tips!

Here are some of the items I received and how I plan to use them. I actually have two planners...one that I use at work and one that is my personal/blog one that I carry in my purse.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

What I am Wearing - Winter White and Black

The holidays are here, which calls for dressing up more than any other time of the year. I am making a bold statement by pairing winter white and black together in a geometric print dress and wool coat. I recently won a giveaway for  Eliza J dress and I picked this one, since I do not have a lot of long sleeved dresses that are appropriate for Winter.

I am making a bold statement by pairing winter white and black together in a geometric print dress and wool coat.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Styling a Buffet for Christmas + Pumpkin Pie Dessert Coffee

I am partnering with Oriental Trading to bring you some affordable ways to style your buffet for Christmas. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am in Christmas mode and am excited to show you some affordable ways to decorate a buffet for Christmas. I went with a bright color scheme, using reds, greens, and teals.

I am excited to show you some affordable ways to decorate a buffet for Christmas. I went with a bright color scheme, using reds, greens, and teals.

 I mixed some of the items I had on hand with a few new pieces from Oriental Trading Christmas decor.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Wooden Snowflake Christmas Ornament + Crafty Giveaway

Christmas crafting is in full swing at my house. I have been using my Cricut for ornaments, decor, and gifts. Today I am sharing an easy wooden snowflake Christmas ornament that can be personalized with any word or design.

Today I am sharing an easy wooden snowflake Christmas ornament along with a crafty box giveaway.

If you stick around till the end, I will tell you about FOUR crafty giveaways and how you can enter!

Winter Snowflake Hoop Wreath

Welcome back to 12 Months of Wreaths! I am excited to be co-hosting again with a few of my crafty friends. This month I am sharing a Winter snowflake embroidery hoop wreath with pom poms.

Make this easy embroidery hoop snowflake wreath for the Winter.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Faux Leather Santa Hat Ornament

Each year, I like to add one or two new ornaments to my tree that mean something to me or my family. Although I love looking at all the themed trees on Pinterest and Instagram, who has the budget or the storage space to change up all the ornaments every year. Plus, there is something about pulling out handmade or special ornaments each Christmas and reliving the memories, especially since my son is 16 and won't be at home many more years. (OK, I need to stop before I cry all over my keyboard) 


 I used my Cricut to make a Santa hat Christmas ornament using faux leather and glitter iron on vinyl.

Today, I am using my Cricut to make a Santa hat ornament using faux leather and glitter vinyl for an Ornament Exchange I am participating in with some of my Cricut blogger friends!

Sunday, November 26, 2017

The Creative Corner Link Party for DIY, Home Decor, and Crafts - No. 172

Welcome back to The Creative Corner, our DIY/Craft Link Up Party! Thank you for stopping by every week!

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For this week’s feature, I picked the DIY Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornaments from Crafts Unleashed.  I use a lot of bottle brush trees in my holiday decor and love the mini bottle brush wreaths on the ornaments. Each of our co-hosts picks a different feature, so be sure to visit their blogs to see what they featured this week!

Crafts Unleashed/ConsumerCrafts.com

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Barre Themed Shirts Using Iron On Vinyl

I stay fit by taking several classes a week at my local YMCA, including Barre, Yoga, and PiYo. Obviously, I still want to look fashionable while working out, so I am always on the hunt for cute tees and tanks I can wear. After seeing a couple of my instructors wearing tank tops with barre quotes on them, I was inspired to DIY my own. I picked up a few $5 Mossimo tank tops at Target and got to work.

DIY your own barre themed shirt with $5 tank tops from Target and Iron on Vinyl from Cricut.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting Real Girl's Realm!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Bible Journaling with an Illustrated Bible + Giveaway

Bible Journaling is one of my favorite ways to spend time in the word. If you have been following me a while, I have shared many posts on how I journal and what supplies I use. You may still be on the fence about getting started, so I am here with another option for you. If you feel like you do not know where to start with being creative, maybe you would be comfortable with a Bible that contains illustrations. All you need is some colored pencils to get started.

If you feel like you do not know where to start with being creative, maybe you would be comfortable with a Bible that contains illustrations.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

The Creative Corner Link Party for DIY, Home Decor, and Crafts - No. 171

Welcome back to The Creative Corner, our DIY/Craft Link Up Party! Thank you for stopping by every week!

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For this week’s feature, I picked the DIY Plaid Fabric Glass Plates from The Style Safari. I love using plaid in my holiday decor and this easy project is right up my alley. Each of our co-hosts picks a different feature, so be sure to visit their blogs to see what they featured this week!

DIY, Plaid Fabric Glass Plates // thestylesafari.com
The Style Safari

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Basement Mudroom Reveal (One Room Challenge) - Week 7

Yay! We made it to the reveal! I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to have this space done, since it was the last area in our basement to finish. And, I have to say, it turned out pretty fantastic! If you are just joining me, I am a guest participant in the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda at Calling It Home and this week all of the participants are showing off their finished spaces.

See how I transformed a dark basement entry way into a beautiful bright mudroom in just a few weeks.
This was my first One Room Challenge and I decided to start small and tackle our empty basement entry and turn it into a mudroom area. Here is where we started; we basically had to build from scratch.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

How To Dress Comfortably for a Fall Festival

#advertisement I received compensation from Dr. Scholl’s® to write this post. All opinions are entirely my own. #CustomFitRelief #DrScholls

One of the things I love about Fall is all of the outdoor festivals. Around my local area, there are apple festivals, pumpkin patches, the county fair, and many other craft fairs and festivals. Recently, I attended the Nest Fest, which is an event that is hosted on a 12 acre farm and offers a wide array of vendors, music, and food trucks. It is one of my favorite festivals, but it includes a lot of walking, which can be hard on my feet. Here are my tips on how to dress comfortably for a fall festival.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Creative Corner Link Party for DIY, Home Decor, and Crafts - No. 170

Welcome back to The Creative Corner, our DIY/Craft Link Up Party! Thank you for stopping by every week!

I am so excited to be joining The Creative Corner Link Party as one of the hosts. I have been linking up for a while now, so when my friend Carrie from Curly Crafty Mom asked me to join, I jumped at the chance! 

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For this week’s feature, I picked the Buffalo Plaid and Floral Painted Pumpkins from Lolly Jane. I am obsessed with buffalo plaid and pattern mixing, so I love how these pumpkins coordinate with each other! Each of our co-hosts picks a different feature, so be sure to visit their blogs to see what they featured this week!

Cute and Easy Plaid + Floral Painted Pumpkins. I am obsessed! So darling for fall!!!

Lolly Jane

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Fashionable Hostess Gifts That Give Back

I am partnering with World Vision to share these hostess gift ideas with you. All opinions are my own.

The holiday season is right around the corner with Thanksgiving and Christmas gathers to attend. Why not say "thank you" to your hostess with a meaningful gift that also gives back? World Vision’s Gift Catalog offers gifts that have a multiplier effect—positively impacting the giver, receiver, and those in need.


I am a huge proponent of supporting companies that give back and offer hope to those in need. These gifts help support clean water, food, education, sexual exploitation, job training and other areas of need. The World Vision Catalog has everything from beautiful artisan gifts to gifts like medicine, livestock, or clean water that saves lives.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

DIY Boot Tray (One Room Challenge) - Week 6

We are in week 6 of a 7 week Mudroom renovation. If you are just joining me, I am a guest participant in the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda at Calling It Home. Since next week is the reveal and we are pretty much done with the mudroom, except for accessorizing, I have a DIY project for you this week. We used a large plastic tray and scrap wood to make a drying tray for our shoes and boots.

We used a large plastic tray and scrap wood to make a drying tray for our shoes and boots.

Catch up on the other posts here:

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

What I am Wearing - Styling a Quilted Vest

I received these items for free, as part of my Brand Ambassador contract, but all opinions are my own.

Now that the weather is turning cooler, it is time to start dressing in layers. A quilted vest is the perfect outer layer to wear when you do not need a heavy coat. I am pairing it with one of my fall essentials...a sweater dress! These are two of my favorite pieces from the Fall/Winter Aventura collection. Stick around until the end of this post to see picks from three of my fellow Aventura Ambassadors.

A quilted vest is the perfect outer layer to wear when you do not need a heavy coat. I am pairing it with one of my fall essentials...a sweater dress!

Thursday, November 2, 2017

My Favorite Holiday Accessories

A special thanks to JORD Wood Watches for sponsoring this post.  I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Sweater weather has arrived, which means holidays and gatherings are right around the corner. Who has the budget to buy new outfits for all the various events that you will be attending? I don't, so I make use of accessories, such as scarves, clutches, and jewelry to change up my wardrobe staples.


My Favorite Holiday Accessories


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

DIY Basement Mudroom (One Room Challenge) - Week 5

I am back with our progress on the basement mudroom. We are in week 5 of what is now a 7 week challenge.  If you are just joining me, I am a guest participant in the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda at Calling It Home. This week things are finally coming together!

Follow along as we build a mudroom in 6 weeks with the One Room Challenge


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

3 Pom Pom Crafts for Girls Night

Pom Poms are all the rage right now in both fashion and decor, which makes it the perfect craft for a Girl's Night In. We all need an excuse to get together with the girls once in a while since we all have busy lives.

Here are three easy DIY pom pom projects you can whip up for a Girl's Night

Today I am going to share three easy DIY pom pom projects you can whip up for a Girl's Night In.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

DIY Mudroom Bench (One Room Challenge) - Week 4

I am back with my progress on my mudroom. If you are just joining me, I am a guest participant in the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda at Calling It Home. We are in week 4 of a 6 week renovation and have been making steady progress on the Mudroom bench and built in cabinet.

Use scrap wood to build a bench for the mudroom.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

How to Clean a Kitchen Sink

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScrubWithDots #CollectiveBias


We live in a house that was built in the 60's and it has porcelain sinks and tubs. While I like the charm of the porcelain, it is a pain to keep clean because it stains and scratches easily. I do not like to use harsh chemicals for cleaning, so I found an easy way to clean my porcelain kitchen sink using baking soda and vinegar.

I do not like to use harsh chemicals for cleaning, so I found an easy way to clean my porcelain kitchen sink using baking soda and vinegar.

My husband was skeptical on how well it would clean the stains and mask the scratches, but he was pleasantly surprised at how shiny and clean it came out! The process is super easy and you probably already have the supplies on hand.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

What I am Wearing - Mixing Fall Colors

These clothes have been provided to me by prAna as part of the Mom Blogger Club, but all opinions are 100% my own. #FallprAnaBlogger

Fall is finally in the air and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and brown. The changing of the leaves inspires me to incorporate fall colors into my wardrobe. I am back with another outfit from prAna, who offers sustainable, fair trade, and organic clothing for active women.

Incorporate fall colors into your wardrobe with sustainable organic pieces from prAna clothing!

Cozy cotton sweaters and denim in gorgeous fall colors are catching my eye this season. This outfit is perfect for a trip to the pumpkin patch or running errands.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

What I am Wearing - 4 Ways to Style a Sweater Dress

Disclosure: The dress in the post was provided to me as part of the Aventura ambassador program, but all thoughts are 100% my own.

Even though it may seem like I never wear the same outfit twice, I do not have an unlimited wardrobe, so I use accessories to change up a basic piece into several outfits.  A sweater dress is a must have for fall and winter, so I am sharing four ways to style it.

 A sweater dress is a must have for fall and winter, so I am sharing four ways to style it.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Mudroom Built-ins (One Room Challenge) - Week 3

Today I am back with my progress on the One Room Challenge. To refresh your memory, this is a twice a year blogger event hosted by Linda at Calling It Home that consists of a 6-week challenge where 20 featured designers and hundreds of design bloggers get to showcase a room makeover that they’ve completed in just 6 weeks. In my last post, I shared my space and makeover plan.

See how I transformed my mudroom in 6 weeks with the One Room Challenge!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

DIY Farmhouse Style Laundry Sign

Since we recently finished building a laundry room in our basement, I have been trying to find ways to make it pretty. I have already made this Chalkboard Wall Art to hold my lost socks and I wanted a sign on the opposite wall too. When I got the chance to participate in a Wooden Sign blogger challenge for Rust-Oleum, I knew I wanted to make something for the Laundry room.

Use Wood Accelerator to age a plain board and make a stenciled farmhouse laundry sign!

I picked up a mat to go in front of the washer and dryer that had a retro vibe, so I wanted to stay with that look.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Halloween Scarecrow Box - Popcorn Box Challenge

This is my second year participating in the Popcorn Box Challenge hosted by Laura Kelly Designs and Sponsored by World Market. I had so much fun last year, making a Jack Skellington Luminary that I jumped at the chance to be a part of it again. I had a couple of ideas that I was considering, but once I received my package, I decided to make a Scarecrow Popcorn Box with Candy Corn Popcorn.

 Use a popcorn box as cute packaging for a fun fall treat or to gift to a friend or neighbor!

 Use a popcorn box as cute packaging for a fun fall treat or to gift to a friend or neighbor!

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Easy DIY Geeky T-Shirt for Halloween

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link

I love Halloween! If you have been following me for a while, you will know I love to dress up for Halloween and have won several costume contests over the years. Last year, my company decided to not have a costume contest for Halloween, like they had for years. It bummed me out, so I decided the night before to make an easy DIY geeky "non-costume-costume" using a T-Shirt.

Need a super easy costume for Halloween? Make this easy geeky t-shirt using your Cricut and vinyl!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Tips on Painting a House + Giveaway

Since we moved into our home 8 years ago, we have changed pretty much everything on the outside of our house. We rebuilt the deck, re-painted the entry doors, changed the color of the shutters, and updated the landscaping. The only thing left was repainting the exterior of the house. The paint on the siding was in pretty good shape, with the exception of a few spots, but my husband hated the color. It was a boring tan that blended in with the roof and brick. Since we recently finished our major basement reno, we had a couple of free weekends to tackle this project.




This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting Real Girl's Realm!

Thursday, October 5, 2017

What I am Wearing - Floral Bomber Jacket + TFF Linkup

Earlier this year, I started seeing bomber jackets all over my fashion feeds. I really liked the look, but was not sure how long the trend would last, so I waited to get one. When I saw this lightweight floral bomber jacket on ADORNit, I thought it would be perfect for fall! Today I am joining my friends Jill from Doused in Pink and Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom in the Thursday Fashion Files Link Up to show you 3 Ways to Style a Bomber Jacket. I’m excited to have you here and would love to have you link up one of your latest outfits at the bottom of this post.



Recently I wore it over a striped tank top with jeans and booties, but today I want to show you how you can dress it up and wear it with your favorite LBD.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

DIY Basement Mudroom (One Room Challenge) - Week 1

I am so excited to be joining in the One Room Challenge as a Guest Participant for the first time! If you have not heard of this, it is a twice a year blogger event hosted by Linda at Calling It Home that consists of a 6-week challenge where 20 featured designers and hundreds of design bloggers get to showcase a room makeover that they’ve completed in just 6 weeks.

Follow along with me on the One Room Challenge as I transform my mudroom space in 6 weeks.

I have been following along for a couple of years now, but have not been able to dedicate 6 weeks to any room due to being consumed with the basement renovation. This time I plan on showing you how I transform an empty basement entry into a functional mudroom space.

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Small Laundry Room Reveal and DIY Ideas

I am so excited to be showing you my completed laundry room! I have been using it for a while, but wanted to find a cabinet for the wall before I shared the final reveal. You may remember the washer and dryer was in the middle of the garage workshop area, which was not convenient at all! I was so excited to get to plan my own laundry space!

You do not have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful laundry room. Get my tips for how we built a laundry room from scratch on a budget.

Lets take a trip down memory lane and see what I started with....this is a shot of when we first started framing the laundry room.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

What I am Wearing - Striped Dress and Velvet Sneakers

I am slowly transitioning my wardrobe to fall by adding a few new pieces, like this striped dress with crochet detail from PinkBlush and a pair of burgundy velvet sneakers. The best thing about this dress is you can change the look from casual to dressy by adding some tall boots and a scarf or jacket!

The best thing about a t-shirt dress is you can change the look from casual to dressy by adding some tall boots and a scarf or jacket!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Nightmare Before Christmas Costume and Decor Ideas

I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I love to dress up and participate in our church's Trunk or Treat. Last year I went with a Nightmare Before Christmas theme since it is one of my favorite movies.  I am going to show you how I transformed myself into Sally and DIY'ed my trunk into Halloween/Christmas town!

I usually DIY my costumes, like the Mad Hatter and Flo, but I had the Sally costume on hand from several years ago, so I figured it was time to re-use it.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

DIY Wooden Arrow Wall Hooks

We finally finished building the bathroom in our basement and I recently shared the reveal with you. In that post, I shared that I still had a few more small projects to do in the bathroom and having a place to hang swimsuits and clothing was one of them.

I created this Wooden Arrow Wall Hooks project out of scrap wood to hold swimsuits and beach bags.

I decided to DIY my own and created this Wooden Arrow Wall Hooks project out of scrap wood, hardware from the salvage store and wooden arrows from Oriental Trading.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

What I am Wearing - Eco-friendly Workout Wear

These clothes have been provided to me by prAna as part of the Fit Approach Influencer Program, but all opinions are 100% my own. #prAnaStyle


I am so excited to be sharing a cute, eco-friendly workout outfit with you today from prAna! I work out 3-4 times a week and do a variety of classes including PiYo, Barre, Body Flow, Yoga, and CXWorx and I want workout gear that I can wear to all of these classes.

I am sharing a cute, eco-friendly workout outfit with you today from prAna!

I was recently introduced to prAna and have tried their active wear and swimwear, so I was excited to be able to also try out their workout gear.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Easy Halloween Spider Wreath

Welcome back to 12 Months of Wreaths! I am excited to be co-hosting again. If you missed my other posts is this series, you may want to hop over and pin my Spring Deco Mesh Wreath and Easy Summer Grapevine Wreath. This month I am sharing an Easy Halloween Spider Wreath!

Greet your little ghouls with an Easy Spooky Spider wreath on Halloween!

Saturday, September 16, 2017

DIY Painted Jar Pumpkins

If you have been following me for a while, you know I am always trying to use things I have on hand to make into DIY projects. Have you seen or tried the new yogurt from Yoplait, called "oui?" Well, it is packaged in the cutest little glass jars, so I knew I had to save them. When I saw my friend Carrie talking about this yogurt in her IG Stories, I knew we had to do a project with them!

I am partnering with Curly Crafty Mom and Mom Home Guide to bring you 3 ways to re-purpose these glass jars! I decided to make my glass jars into pumpkin votive holders.

I am partnering with Curly Crafty Mom and Mom Home Guide to bring you 3 ways to re-purpose these glass jars! I decided to make my glass jars into pumpkin votive holders.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

How to Personalize a Compact Mirror

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are mine alone. #ShineWithClearEyes #MyShiningMoment #CollectiveBias

Most of us spend a large part of our day on the computer and other devices, which leads to tired eyes. They say the "eyes are the window to the soul" and I do not want them to look red and weary, especially being a lifestyle blogger. When I am on-the-go, I keep a small zipper bag in my purse with essentials to make sure I am camera ready at any time.

Make sure you are camera ready with a personalized compact mirror, using holographic vinyl and your Cricut.

My essentials kit includes a portable charger, Clear Eyes Pure Relief® for Dry Eyes, earbuds, sunglasses, and a small compact mirror that I personalized to keep me motivated.

Monday, September 11, 2017

How to Create a Spooky Halloween Mantel

I am partnering with Oriental Trading to bring you ideas for a Spooky Halloween mantel.

Last week, I shared the Rustic Fall Mantel in my upstairs living room. Since we recently finished remodeling the basement, I decided that I would use the fireplace mantel downstairs to create a spooky display for Halloween. I know Halloween is still over a month away, but I get so excited about decorating for this holiday!

How to Create a Spooky Halloween Mantel on a budget.

Ya'll know I love Oriental Trading! I have been a customer of theirs for years and now I am one of their ambassadors, which means I get free product in order to share these fun projects with you. Oriental Trading is a one-stop-shop for Halloween; they have everything you need from costumes, party supplies, and spooky home decor.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

3 DIY Decorated Pumpkin Ideas

I am partnering with Oriental Trading to bring you 3 DIY ideas for decorating a ceramic pumpkin for Halloween. I received product in exchange for this post, but all thoughts are 100% my own.

Fall is here, so it is time to pull out everything pumpkin for my decor! Since we finished our basement renovation, I now have two mantels to decorate! I decided to use fall decor on the upstairs one and Halloween decor on the one in the basement. I picked out a set of three ceramic pumpkins from Oriental Trading and came up with three different ideas for decorating them.

I used items from the dollar store to decorate ceramic pumpkins three different ways for Halloween.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

3 Ways to Style a Tunic and Leggings

My go-to Fall outfit has to be a tunic and leggings because it is easy to throw on and super comfy. This combination does not have to be boring when you add layers and accessories. Today I am sharing 3 Ways to Style a Tunic and Leggings by mixing and matching pieces in my closet.

Create multiple looks from a basic tunic and leggings by adding layers and accessories!

Pieces such as jackets, cardigans, and scarfs are great options for adding some color and texture to a plain tunic and leggings. They also look great with flats, booties, heels, tall boots, or sneakers. You can still look put together in a tunic and leggings, while being comfortable!

Monday, September 4, 2017

Rustic Fall Mantel and Wooden Toolbox Centerpiece

School is back in session and the mornings are getting a little cooler, which means it is time to break out the pumpkins and fall decor. I enjoy mixing neutral shades with the traditional orange and yellows of fall to create a rustic feel in my decor.

I enjoy mixing neutral shades with the traditional orange and yellows of fall to create a rustic fall mantel and wooden toolbox centerpiece.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link

Saturday, September 2, 2017

How To Clean and Paint Ceramic Tile

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link

If you have been following along with my basement renovation saga, you will know that our original plan was to tear up all the tile and install vinyl flooring throughout the entire space. A few months ago, after tearing out the tile in the mudroom, we realized it was a pain in the butt to chip up the tile and mastic....and it created a huge mess. On top of that, we had to spend a few hundred dollars on concrete leveler to prep the area for the flooring. So, we started trying to come up with a Plan B and ultimately decided on Painting the Tile.


Hate your ceramic tile? You do not have to tear it out, just paint it! It's easy and cheap!

Thursday, August 31, 2017

The Easiest Way to Whiten Your Teeth at Home + a Giveaway!

Are you self conscious about your smile? Do you feel like your teeth could be whiter? As a fashion blogger, I feel like my smile is not as bright as it should be due to my love of coffee. I have tried the "white strips" you can buy over the counter with lackluster results. I do not have the time or money for expensive whitening treatments done at the dentist's office, so what is a girl to do?

Do you feel like your teeth could be whiter? Whiten at home with Smile Brilliant's professional teeth whitening kit!

Monday, August 28, 2017

Bible Journaling - Using Rubber Stamps

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small financial compensation if you make a purchase using this link

I recently showed you how you can trace in your Bible if you feel like you cannot draw. Another way to decorate your Bible pages if you are not artistic is by using rubber stamps. I have come to love rubber stamps and they are so easy to use and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and words! Here is how I used stamps to journal Psalm 23.

One way to decorate your Bible pages if you are not artistic is by using rubber stamps. I have come to love rubber stamps and they are so easy to use and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and words!

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Our Basement Renovation - How to Remove Ceramic Tile

We are actually nearing the end of our basement renovation and I have recently revealed the finished bathroom, but I am taking a step back for a moment. I was looking through my pictures on my phone and ran across the ones I took during our tile removal in the mud room and realized I had not shared this project yet. That is what happens when you have way too many projects going on and are trying to document and share them all.

How to Remove Ceramic Tile

Thursday, August 24, 2017

What I am Wearing - Pumpkin Spiced Bell Sleeved Tunic

Fall is right around the corner and even though the weather is still quite warm here in the South, (it was in the 90's when I took these photos!) I am already adding some new Fall pieces to my closet. This Pumpkin Spiced Bell Sleeved Tunic from Pink Blush is perfect for Fall!

Get ready for fall with this trendy, pumpkin colored, bell sleeved tunic from Pink Blush! It is perfect for jeans or leggings!

Monday, August 21, 2017

Myrtle Beach Vacation Recap

Every year we take a family trip to Myrtle Beach, SC with my dad, sister, and her family of 6. We stay the Sands Ocean Club each year and mostly visit the same places. Today I am sharing my beach style, along with some of the fun things to do, in case you ever visit Myrtle Beach!

Today I am sharing my beach style, along with some of the fun things to do, in case you ever visit Myrtle Beach!

My goal for the week was to read an entire book...which I did! But, in addition to spending time on the beach, we did get some shopping in, filled our bellies at our fave restaurants, and celebrated our wedding anniversary.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Create a Painted Tray with Holographic Vinyl

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We recently finished our guest bathroom in the basement, so now I get to finally accessorize it! Since we spent our entire budget and more on the reno, I had to find budget friendly decor, which means DIY projects.

Make a plain wooden tray fancy with paint and holographic vinyl arrows using a Cricut.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

What I am Wearing - Lace Up Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses are a staple in my closet year round. They can easily be dressed up or down and are perfect on days when you do not feel like shaving (am I right?) Today I am sharing a heather grey maxi dress with a lace up front from PinkBlush.

Maxi dresses are a staple in my closet year round. They can easily be dressed up or down like this one from Pink Blush!

The best part about this dress is that it is under $50 and has POCKETS! It is super cute with striped sneakers like I am wearing here or you can add sandals and a statement necklace to dress it up.