Ok here's the story- I wanted a cute set up for Genevieve's 13th birthday party and was happy to splurge on it, but I kept running into obstacles. First, she and her friends are a bit big for the rental sleepover set ups. Second, my ideal date was booked with nearly everyone I reached out to, and lastly, we don't have the space to house 8 tents/teepees. After lots of calls, I became determined to DIY a sleepover set-up for her 13th birthday! We don't often host sleepovers- actually we never host sleepovers- but for 13 I wanted to do something special. Not only did I end up saving money (more on that later), but it also turned out cuter than I could have imagined! Here's what we did and how to recreate it if you'd like.
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!
This year my to-do list got a liiiittle bit away from me! I still needed teacher gifts the week they were due. Have no fear, Walmart is here. Not only do they have tons of options for last minute gifting, but I was able to add a few items to my grocery order- the hack of the season- and get it the next day! Holla! Between that and pick up in as little as 1 hour, it's saving the day for busy mamas everywhere. With 3 kiddos and multiple teachers, I love to save money where I can. The gifts I found are pretty and festive while starting at just $5! Here are ideas for easy and quick teacher gifts plus ways to elevate them (though they stand alone as well!) and these gifts work just as well for neighbors or community helpers! If you see something you like, act fast- it's your last chance to save on top gifts!
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!
For a couple of years (maybe more?), I've been saying don't sleep on Walmart Fashion and my conviction only gets stronger as time goes on. ha! Their clothing is so cute lately- on trend, quality, fantastic prices- the trifecta. They have everything you need for holiday parties and festive gatherings so you'll be ready to celebrate! I've loved sharing some fun looks with you (here and here) and you guys have loved it too so I'm back with 4 head-to-toe Walmart holiday looks! Would love to know which is your fave! First, I give you:
Part II- Here's another gift guide for teens and tweens- this one isn't quite as pastel. ;) Dax is only 8 so some of it is a bit old for him but I had so much fun putting it together!
Stanley Tumbler $40. It's on everyone's list- male, female, young, and old. You get a Stanley tumbler! You get a Stanley tumbler! EVERYBODY GETS A STANLEY TUMBLER!
Beats Headphones $270. When I created the guide, these were on serious sale! Now they're sold out on Amazon. Boo! I found them here but these (non noise canceling) are under $100 and the rose gold version is so cute!
Nike Hoodie $110. Universal gift for teens and the color on this one is 🔥!
Gaming Chair (or this more affordable one in the best shade of blue $196!) $374. I kind of love both of these! I can't wait to redo our playroom!
Echo Dot. $39.99 Apparently this thing does everything! I got one for Dax. Shhh. Don't tell.
Grid Blanket $72.99. A bigger version of the one on the little guy gift guide- we have this and love it- it's so cozy. It comes in 8 fun colors!
Charging Station $23. It charges a watch, pencil, phone, and air pods in one little organized contraption! It's basically magic.
FIFA 23 $47.95. I don't often recommend games for gaming systems we don't have, but when I do, it's this one.
Folding Small Foosball Table $73. Another thing I want for our playroom redo-it's small but I love that it folds and is bigger than a table top version. Perfect for a bedroom or other small space.
Ok full disclosure: some of these are my picks. ;) This gift guide is approachable, fun, and your not-so-little kid will love it! Here's the 2022 Gift Guide for Boys, around ages 7-10 (But girls would love it too!).
1. LED color changing light strip. $31.99 Genevieve has these and they all want them! Easy to use, remote controlled, and SO FUN.
3. Retro handheld game. $18.99 My nephew had this and Dax loved it. I love that it's an old school style of game. So refreshing!
4. Checkered fleece throw blanket. $16.19 A smaller, version of the IT blanket of Instagram, and fleece. And look at that price! Plus it comes in 5 fun colors!
5. Echo Dot 5th generation. $39.99 Friend after friend has recommended this so I finally pulled the trigger! I'm most excited about setting routines. I think he's going to love it.
6. Ninjago Lego Set. $37.00 Dax spent an hour on Amazon choosing his favorite LEGO sets and this one made the cut!
7. Glow in the dark basketball. $39.99 How fun is this? There's currently coupon plus a promo if you buy two- There's also a soccer ball, football, and more! So fun!
8. Shower speaker. $29.99 Another recommendation from a friend and I think all of my kids will love this! Some days we need extra motivation to shower. ;)
9. Big Nate Epic hardcover Book. $28.49 Genevieve got this last year and Dax and Nadia read it too- it's huge and so fun! They love Big Nate but breeze through them (they're comic books if you're not familiar) so I love that this takes longer. This is another good option for someone just getting into the series!
10. USB Power Charger Blocks. $9.00 AND 11. Colorful Lightning Cables. $4.59
You all I loved the gift guide for boys from last year! Check it out here!
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We finally decided on dining chairs and I couldn't be more pleased! We (and by "we," I mean I) ordered several chairs- including one unfortunate order of 6 chairs without testing first- and returned them all. I'm not new to returning stuff, but returning dining chair after dining chair started to feel a bit ridiculous. That said, I'm glad I trusted my gut and didn't keep a set because it was a good deal or inconvenient to return. If you're like me and just really need to see a chair in your space, I'll be sharing some ways to shop that will avoid returns or at least make them more feasible so stay tuned for that future post. In the meantime, here are the other chairs we considered!
And one more look at ours- #2. I adore them!
Rug | Chairs | Table | Light Fixture | Vase | Wooden Bowl | Curtains | Art (25% off!) | Candlesticks | Blinds (in Sahara)
This one is easy because I have 2 kiddos in this category and the oldest always has a running wish list. ;) Plus don't tell, but preteen girls are like the MOST fun to shop for! My kids sometimes read Pretty Real (how sweet is that?!) so I can't say what's on its way 😉but I can say we love all of this and have some of it!
Note: I tried to move from left to right. ha. Next year I'll number them.
1. Jessica's fave fuzzy headband $14.99. Whether for face washing or wearing IRL, your teen needs one of these!
2. Personalized 3D Check Throw $70.40 (20% off). ACT NOW- personalize items have a deadline. I love all of Bauble Bar's personalized blankets but Genevieve immediately oohed over this one!
3. Mini Photo Printer for Smartphones $79. I kind of want this for myself! Let's get those pics off our phones shall we? It would be perfect for Genevieve's bulletin board!
4. Minky Couture Throw $98. All of my kiddos love a soft blanket. And these have weight to them which is even better! Maybe if I get the girls this one, they'll release mine. A mama can dream.
5. Smiley Face Slippers $15.99. The IT slipper of the year. I guarantee her friends have them.
6. Iridescent Satin Pillowcase $19. A must-have for curly heads (or any heads?) but much more cool than the plain ones my girls have.
7. Modern Calligraphy Book $7.99. I always like to get the kids something crafty. And somehow doodles and writing is still relevant.
8. Personalized name bracelet $51 (40% off of $85, or BOGO free!) How cute is this? Classic enough to last for years to come while still being fun and fresh.
9. Quilted shopper $25. It seems like the older they get, the more stuff they cart to and from school. Filed under cute + practical.
10. Roller Rabbit Pajamas $118. Two girls showed up wearing Roller Rabbit PJs to Genevieve's sleepover. And that's when I realized it's a thing. Feel free to send this list to grandma. ;) I also love the look for less!
11. STUFF preppy makeup bag $30 (or the DIY version $19.99 pictured underneath it!). A thing for all their things.
12. Gel Nail Kit $25.99. Highly reviewed and supposedly easy to use with great results! If not for them, get it for yourself. Oh and grab some gel nail polish while you're at it!
PS- Last year's "Trending Gifts for Preteen Girls" was my most purchased from guide. You can find it here!
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At first, I hit a brick wall while curating this gift guide. You might be surprised to learn I don't buy a lot of stuff. ha. But then it hit me that my sample (instagram influencers) is probably skewed, and you likely don't buy a lot of stuff either. As soon as I stopped overthinking it, the ideas started flowing. Here are the gifts I curated. Per usual, I either have it, want it, or am gifting it myself! I'll make notes below and there's a "shop the post" widget at the end. Merry Christmas, friends!
Checkered Tote Shoulder or Waist Pack $48. For when her lululemon belt bag doesn't cut it. This one comes in gray and cream as well and incidentally is on its way to me. It's a nice size and on trend. She'll love being hands free without sacrificing style.
Basketweave Leather Gloves $32. Fine, I bought these too. They're really pretty in real life! In my experience, one can never have too many pairs of gloves. And bonus- they come in S/M and L/XL- one size does not in fact fit all.
Striped Leather Carry-On $199 (from $229). I need luggage in the worst way and IMO it's way more fun to receive as a gift than to buy it yourself- especially when it looks this good! You might want to add a protector too.
Owen Checkerboard Polarized Sunglasses $50. Clearly checkerboards are trending and why wouldn't they be? They're equal parts chic and whimsy. I love the color of these!
Black and Diamond Baguette Ring Price Varies. I've been craving dainty jewelry lately (who am I?!) and this fits the bill. Although it's precious, it's understated enough to wear everyday.
Leather Crossbody Bag $70.80 (currently 40% off!). Can't go wrong with high quality leather. It comes in 6 colors- something for everyone!
Marble Cookbook holder $47.60 (currently 30% off!). I thought of this because, well, I need one. This is beautiful and could literally be passed on. If the home chef you're buying for is more of a Pinterest recipes type, check out this marble tablet stand ($32).
AD coffee table book $60. For the design aficionado or the one with the perfect home- This is a great price (currently selling for $85 on Amazon!) for a classic design book.
Gold Filled Column Hoops $42 (from $60). Delicate but not too delicate. Perfect effortless-but-still-put-together earrings.
The infamous Gucci Fur Lined Loafer Lookalikes $52.89 For the maven in your life- these are HIGHLY rated. But hurry- they take some time to arrive! PS- who was in stories when I tried on the real thing? They were heaven.
A Stanley Tumbler $40. Need I say more? Apparently there's nothing like it and we all need one. Comes in a variety of colors and it's on my list.
Bomba Slippers $45. These have a cult following and I'm dying to try them. I love their colorful weave. And for every pair purchased, one is donated.
Gingham PJs $50. For the cutie comfort lover in your life. It's taking every ounce of self control to give Joe a chance to buy these before I snag them for myself. ha. They're so pretty and they come in a handful of colors.
Iron Frame $49.50. For your photography or art-loving friend- we have one similar to this on on our gallery wall and it's the one frame people ask about! For bonus points, add a photo of you and the recipient to the frame and watch her heart melt.
Jen Atkins' Core Four $59. I started using this 6-8 months ago and absolutely love it. It's simple and effective! It's the perfect gift for someone who doesn't know where to start with skincare.
As I think of more items, I'll add them to this list! Also, you can shop last year's Gift Guide for Her here. Happy Shopping!
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Dax has been begging for a bigger bed. His twin wasn't cutting it. We love his room and prioritized floor space when we renovated it, but 2 years later, he'd rather have a big bed and [insert tears here], rarely plays on the floor anyway. Here's the bed we bought and the cute bedding I chose!
We are ready to get started on the office! I need to find the footage of Joe saying we'd be finished by "the end of Q3" after I say "the end of the year?" ha. But really, I think Joe and I are at our best when we take our time and think things through. Behind the scenes, we have accomplished a few tasks:
I keep trying to not take family photos (so much work!) but I can't help it. I never regret a professional capture vs. the selfie that's required if I'm actually in the photo. We all know mom is behind the candid shots 99% of the time. I don't know how many times I've been frolicking with my kids wishing Joe had my same compulsive need to record everything that I posses. ha. Plus I love to include a professional picture in our Christmas card. You might not know this but I used to be a family photographer and loved providing consultations to my clients on choosing attire. So, here are my tips for choosing family outfits.
Genevieve's pretty, pink teen room is complete! I'm calling it "done," although there a few things left to do and I know I'll tweak it down the road. I've shared a lot about kid rooms (they're my favorite!)- how to have a room you both like, how this one has been a struggle, and tips on designing kids' spaces in general. And I love that this project pushed me, but I also think Genevieve will see it as a space that was pivotal in determining her own home style. Here are some things to look for:
Thank you Kirkland's Home for sponsoring this post.
I took a walk down memory lane and you know what the first dupe I shared was? It was a pair of Juicy Couture sweats (remember the velour sweats trend that tricked us into thinking we looked like J.Lo?) back in 2009. I shared my first West Elm Look for Less in 2011. I love finding a good deal but specifically, finding on-trend home items at a price that fits within my budget. Kirkland's Home has beautiful home finds at budget-friendly price points and they always have something new. You're not going to believe these Dupes! Keep reading to see a few look for less Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn Dupes! Plus see the items I grabbed and how I styled them.
The last time you heard about Genevieve's room, it was about what was working and what wasn't. Well I'm happy to report that though the scale is still a bit off in her room, we made some adjustments and it's coming along! We had friends over the other night and my girlfriend gave me the best compliment- she said it was such a fun teen room and such a blend of my style with Genevieve's. I almost teared up. ha! It hasn't been easy to balance what I want with what she wants with the actual function and space we have to work with. But we're nearing the end and I have to say, It makes me smile when I catch a glimpse of her room from mine and she seems happy! Ok, so what's left?
I recently shared a couple of reels about throw pillows but I wanted to say so much more! I mean, there's only so much you can write in a reel caption that's designed for short attention spans. ha. So here we go! First I don't have many throw pillow tips- just 3. 3 easy tips (one is sort of optional) to get your throw pillows looking luxurious, cozy, and beautiful. Plus I'm sharing my favorite throw pillow sources and some current faves from each source. Here they are!
The word "reveal" feels so awkward. It might be the added pressure of the term or maybe it's that I'm 100% sure that in six months I'll be like, 'wait, why didn't I do this?" and then proceed to undo my "finished" space. So let's just call this phase 1 ok? Though our primary bathroom looks completely different, this makeover falls in the renovate vs. remodel category. The changes we made were all cosmetic changes that anyone can do, yet I'm so happy with it! No tiling, no plumbing, no changing its footprint. If your bathroom is plain Jane, lacks character, or looks dated, and you don't have the budget or time to remodel, look no further! Do these 6 things (some for as little as $9!) and your space will feel brand new!
Thank you Walmart+ for sponsoring this post.
Being a family of 5 means plane rides aren't exactly frequent. Plus we're lucky enough to live within driving distance of several beaches. Basically, we road trip all year long and especially in the summer. Over the years, we've come to realize preparation can make or break a road trip. With gas prices sky high, it makes our trips even more precious (!) so I'm sharing some road trip must-haves that make the trip run smoothly plus one way to save on gas this summer.
When we renovated the family room, it was on a tight deadline. I liked it- we liked it- but after living with it for a year, a few things cropped up that I wanted to change. It's hard to describe, but I wanted it to feel a bit different, cozy yet bright maybe? I talked about brightening it up with a rug in this post, but let's take a look at the other easy ways I completely changed the look of this room. If your room needs a refresh, start here!
First, swap the rug. Depending on the size of your room, this is an easy and affordable way to change the look. If the rug I'm replacing is in good condition, I sometimes sell it to offset the cost of the new rug. And something I do often (and is free) is move rugs around. Our dining room rug has been in several other rooms at some point. I love how cozy this rug makes the room feel. It's incredibly soft and perfect for my rambunctious kids to roll around on.
throw blanket | striped pillow | olive fringe pillow | black "Dahlia" pillow
Secondly, swap or add throw pillows. I love Xasmin Interiors and Jasmine (the owner and a friend) was so kind to help me choose beautiful pillows that would compliment the new rug. Highly recommend her shop!
Lastly, change the art. The old art was beautiful but always felt a bit serious for the room. I swapped it with this beach art- Shallow by Lauren Neilson- which is perfect for our beach-loving family. The room already had some coastal elements in it so this art fit in perfectly.
Another thing to consider is changing your shelf decor- Sometimes, I'll change shelves by shopping my home and rearranging things without spending a dime. Small furnishings are also a great way to give a space a fresh look. In our case, our coffee table had broken (An assembly error on my part- I loved the old table and recommend it) so I grabbed this generously sized coffee table. It's real wood, under $350, and quick ship. Can I get an amen?
By changing these few things the room looks brand new. This is also a great way to work around a large furniture item you're not yet ready to replace like a sofa, dining table, or bed. In fact, I talked about refreshing a dining room inexpensively here.
What do you think? Do you prefer the new more neutral family room or the old one with the moody art and colorful rug?
Sources
affiliate links included
Paint Colors
Wall- Benjamin Moore Coriander Seed
Cabinet- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
Furnishings
Fluted Table - DIY tutorial here
Decor
Pillows
Art
Shallow/Lauren Neilson
Tribeca/Lauren Neilson
If I missed anything, comment below! You might also like these posts:
A Fun Family Room Loft That We'll Want to Hang Out In
How We Added Storage and Style to Our Neglected Family Room
Thank you Juniper Print Shop for sponsoring this post.
I have so many thoughts on adding art to your home that I'm having trouble knowing where to start...Ironically, that's exactly how I felt about art two years ago- I barely had any art in my home. When I'd peruse art, I'd feel overwhelmed. I'd think of all of these "rules," like the art should be meaningful...it shouldn't match the room...it should move your soul. At the same time, with a limited budget, art that "moved my soul" just wasn't a helpful parameter.
This post contains affiliate links
When I finished Dax's room, I promised to circle back and share a tutorial for his modern board and batten. Let me be the antithesis of a typical influencer and say no one was asking (haha) so I kind of moved on. But lately DMs have popped up asking how I did it so I figured it's time to do what I said I'd do, like 14 months ago. Oops. Here's how to complete a modern board and batten wall treatment-
affiliate links included.
Affiliate Links Included
How is Mother's Day in just a couple of weeks?! Eek! Here are some items I have and love, have gifted, and/or want in the worst way (lookin at you Always Pan).
Letters to You Journal. Genevieve and I have been writing notes to each other and it's the sweetest thing. It's such a fun and low pressure way to connect. This journal is simple and beautiful and the perfect way to capture thoughts meant for her kiddos ♥
Biossance Overachievers Cleaning Set. I got this for my mom for Christmas and she loved it! Just added to cart. Should I get myself one too?
Classic Heart Snapshot. I made this for my mom and it came out so beautifully! I think she's going to love it! (my code might still work- try TIFFANYMOM20 to save 20%).
Washed Linen Robe. I adore this robe so much! I originally ordered a different color and it was too big but I loved it so much I ordered this one in my correct size- incidentally I gave the other one to my mom and she loves it too! Comes in 6 colors.
Genuine Leather Apple Watch Band. If your mom has an apple watch, level up her game with this cute band- comes in a ton of colors and is under $15- mine is on the way! If she doesn't have an apple watch, go ahead and get her one- the best price is always here! ;)
Personalized Snap Tote in "Wandering." I have one of these (in this pattern) and I've been carrying it nonstop. It's great for an outing where you need a few more items than will fit in the purse.
Chatbooks Monthbook Subscription. I have this and love that it gets photos off of my phone. These would be perfect for grandma- especially if you live far apart. Using the link provided gets you $10 off (for new customers).
Terracotta Bowl. This has been on my wishlist for far too long. And now I'm putting it on yours. ;) Bonus points for gifting these beautiful beads (a fraction of the cost of this set!) along with the bowl.
Packable Straw Visor. Whether for gardening or sunbathing, this hat is perfect for mom. Bonus points- it's packable and suitable for mamas with big hair (don't care).
Washed Cotton Smock. Ok, I was in World Market the other day and spotted this adorable apron. When I went to link it, I came across the smock and fell in love with it too! I love that a smock can be worn for DIY or cooking. It also comes in several pretty colors and is just $24.99!
Medium Transport Leather Tote. I love the clean lines of this tote- it's form meets function in the best way!
The Always Pan. Would I even be a blogger if I didn't tout the Always pan? I don't have one (yet) but need it! Perfect for the mama who's always whipping up something delicious. It comes in so many gorgeous colors, including ivory if neutral is her thing.
Stadium Seat Cushion. Totally random and not pretty enough for a collage but I also grabbed this for my mom. She's so supportive and comes to all the kids events but those bleachers are not made for backs over 30 years old (I need one too!).
Check out these posts for more ideas!
Modern Mother's Day Gift Guide
A Pretty Mother's Day Gift Guide
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Remember the craft closet? One of the things I loved about that project is that we could easily convert it back to a closet when/if we needed one. Fast forward a couple of years and the time has come. When I made over Dax's room, I moved the dresser out but knowing how cheap, I mean, frugal I am, I couldn't quite let it go. Anyone else amazed at how expensive even "cheap" dresser are? I'm glad I hung onto it because with a fresh coat of paint, it made the perfect base for a quick closet re-do. Here's what we did to transform the craft closet back into a regular closet (no power tools required):
I've shared before about how we keep Easter gifts simple. But the shopper in me loves to fill their basket with lots of cute finds- and get creative too. Also I'm unashamedly that mom who sneaks some "I would've bought this for you anyway" items in their baskets (new undies anyone?). So here are my go-tos for their basket and a gift guide to go along with it! I'd love to hear what gifts always make it into your kiddos' baskets in the comments!
What I Put in My Kids' Easter Baskets
1. Something tactile like these wooden balance blocks! I thought Dax might be too old for these when I bough them last year but he loves them! And bonus, they're adorable.
2. Bunny Lip Gloss. I love gifting consumables. And the girls love cosmetics. Win/win.
3. Bunny Facial Mist. This is on its way to me- Genevieve (12) will love it!
4. A spiritual book/devotional like this prayer journal. Jesus is the reason y'all. This is the latest I bought for my 12 year old. This one makes me tear up (for kids toddlers through about 6).
5. Swimwear- I adore this simple pink one piece. Filed under woulda-bought-it-anyway, but in the best way. It's the only item on the list over $25 but I also love this for an under $25 option!
6. Plus Plus- Filed under something tactile, these are a staple over here. The basic colors come in a blue.
7. Tree Hut Cotton Candy Scrub. Is my daughter the only one obsessed with this?! Perfect for the teen/pre-teen in your life.
8. Accessories like these Heishi bracelets. Genevieve loves these! Oh and this kit was maybe her favorite Christmas gift! Check here for quick ship options.
9. Dax has these fun blue trunks. They come in 5 colors! I was unsuccessful in getting him to wear the hot pink ones. A mama can try.
10. Bubbles in some form always make it in the basket!
11. Shades. You get a pair of shades. You get a pair! EVERYBODY GETS A PAIR OF SHADES!
12. Stuffed Bunny. Always makes it in but life hack- I reuse the same one over and over. You're welcome.
13. More accessories. These adorable headbands make me miss the toddler years!
14. Welly bandages. Band-Aids also always make it into their baskets- but this kit is so cute plus this brand has waterproof ones too!
15. Smiley face trucker hat. Another item that's on its way. I'm not mad at the smiley face trend!
16. Bright flip flops (comes with a yellow pair too). See ya later. Heading to the neighborhood pool.
17. Jump rope. Exercise never looked so cute! Currently under $5!
18. Books. What Makes it Rain? is so educational and fun. Easily one of our all time faves.
19. Olive and June Nail Stickers. so so fun! This line drops on 4/2 and I want it all.
20. Filed under accessories, this smiley face purse has Nadia written all over it. Available 4/2.
21. Something for outdoor play like this Large Watercolor Kite. Also comes in leopard which I may grab for myself.
22. Something crafty like this Tiny Gardening Kit. Dax is super into gardening- this tiny kit would be perfect!
23. and 24. More books! I reached out to my favorite book expert (hi Emily!) for her spring book recs. The Secret Garden is perfect for older kids, while Over and Under, the Rainforest is perfect for littles!
25. Do slinkies always get tangled? yes. Does that make Dax any less obsessed with them. No. #addstocart
26. Love these kid gardening tools - available in 3 colors!
*note- items may have changed in price. The swimsuit was the only items over $25 when I started this round up!
Find more ideas in this post from a couple of years ago!
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