I prefer subtle fall decor (ie you'll find just a pumpkin or two in my home). In that vein, I also prefer preserved floral, grasses, or twigs to faux flowers but sometimes it's hard to maintain preserved stems season after season. A few I'd stored lived their best lives and it was time to replace them. Here are the few stems I grabbed plus 6 more, starting at just $15. And here are some ideas to style faux fall stems!
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!
Faux leather is TRENDING and Walmart is nailing it. I put together 4 looks with vegan leather from their fall drop and love them all! They're so fun and priced well. Oh and the jeans just had a restock but at under $35 will go fast! But I'm getting ahead of myself- keep reading to see looks featuring vegan leather from Time &Tru and Scoop plus denim from Free Assembly- all brands exclusive to Walmart. Check it out and tell me which look is your fave!
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.
It's still in the 90s here but I'm craving fall fashion hard. I've been brainstorming looks other than my jeans and a t-shirt uniform, and Walmart's fall fashion is delivering. I thought it would be fun to choose one shirt and style it 4 ways with various layers from Walmart. The most expensive piece is $45- which is just crazy for a lined tailored blazer- but prices start at $15.98. Most of these items are available from XS to XXL or sizes 02 to 18. Here are the 4 budget-friendly fall looks I put together! Which is your favorite?
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Nadia desperately wanted a canopy bed but I couldn't find one in our budget in a full size. When she said "Mom, can't you DIY it?" I was all, 'Yes. Yes I can.' Fast forward to me spending hours researching DIY canopies and coming up short. Of course there was a lot out there but it's me. Hi. I'm the problem. It's me. Meaning none of them was just right. I ended taking bits of inspiration from various sources but I'd say this image was my jumping off point.
Other titles included "Resting Bench Face" and "Don't Be a Bench." 😆 I can't help myself. Anywayyyy, I finally pulled the trigger on a bench I've been watching for about a year and of course it immediately sold out. So I thought I'd pull together a round up of modern shaker style wooden benches at every price point. I literally love them all! Prices start at $140. Which is your favorite?
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.
Back to school shopping used to be fun. Unlike when I was a kid, the lists now are very specific and very...how do you say...boring. For example: "Red folder. Black Expo Dry Erase Markers. 3" White Binder." No Lisa Frank or Trapper Keepers (showing my age here) allowed. The pro of a very specific back to school supply list is that you can skip the store and have all of the school supplies delivered right to your doorstep- which is precisely what I did! I did 90% of my school supply shopping on Walmart.com, back in May but I almost wish I'd waited because the rollbacks are insane! This time of year can be expensive so I'm happy to save where I can and Walmart makes it easy. Here's how to do your back to school shopping in MINUTES plus my favorite supplies from Walmart at the end!
This post is sponsored by Spoonflower. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Pretty Real possible!
When Nadia requested a canopy, I knew exactly where I'd go for fabric. I always regretted letting go of the girls' darling twin beds that I reupholstered in gorgeous fabric from Spoonflower and this was a chance to redeem my regret! What I didn't know is that Spoonflower offers so many home decor products, including bedding. Custom bedding in the fabric of our choice was a dream! In the end, we ended up with a pretty canopy, a duvet cover and shams, a sheet set, throw pillows and a velvet-y throw- all made with quality materials and amazing craftsmanship in fun patterns.
In one of the very first patio posts, I mentioned wanting to close in at least one side of the pergola. 3 years later we finally did it! Here's how:
This post is sponsored by Walmart. As Always, all opinions are mine.
We built our patio in 2020 and since then, it's been a place of respite and memory making. To continue making it the summer oasis we want, we decided to add a privacy wall to the pergola. Our neighbor's home is pretty close to ours and staring at their siding wasn't giving (as my teen would say). We also needed a place for Joe's new griddle. With a privacy wall, the griddle can live next to the grill without slipping off the edge of the patio. Testing out the new griddle was the perfect excuse to grab a few patio must-haves from Walmart. I purchased the griddle from Walmart in June for Father's Day but it's still on rollback! Walmart is always first on my list for affordable and pretty finds and when will I stop being surprised at the selection?! Their patio and garden section is FULL of things I wanted but I used some self control and limited my haul to a few fresh pots, outdoor serve ware, and pillows for our outdoor sofa. Here's how the privacy wall turned out.
There are certain home décor categories that you innocently delve into before realizing how broad they are and how expensive they can be. I almost always see a photo online and instantly fall in love with something well out of my price range. oops. Thus begins the quest to find something I love that's easier on the budget. Next comes me sharing with you, well, because I love you. And generally on said quest, I learn a few things too. So here are a few things I've learned about window coverings and my favorite budget picks that we have in our home. Make sure to check out the GOAT budget option from amazon, at the end!
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!
I had given up hope. After ordering several "full coverage" suits that could only be described as LIES, I thought I'd never find a suit that was cute, flattering, fun, and covered my bum. But as is the case more and more lately, Walmart came through! I found an adorable swimsuit for under $30 plus a bunch on my weekend getaway list (happy 19th anniversary to Joe and me!), including cute PJs, and a date night dress! I always search Time & Tru, Free Assembly, Scoop, and Joyspun- all brands exclusive to Walmart that do not disappoint! Here's the try on:
Nadia's room refresh continues and the next step was choosing her nightstands. I've always gone the asymmetrical route when it comes to nightstands, for aesthetics (it seems fun in a kids room doesn't it?) and to stretch the budget. In both Dax's and Genevieve's room I paired a small side table with a nightstand. But when I did this experiment, I loved the high end look of matching nightstands and Nadia's room seems like the perfect place for that look. I love the thought of her pretty headboard flanked by two substantial nightstands. Here are the light and white nightstands I considered and the one she chose. The price tags start at just $80 and they all ring in under $280! Side note, it's a good idea to narrow down options for kids- both to set them up for success and to avoid overwhelming them. I showed her 3 of these and she chose the one we bought!
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!
It's been like 5 minutes since I shouted Walmart Fashion, so let me tell you what I'm diggin lately. First, let me say Walmart is now a legit style destination thanks to exclusive brands like Scoop, Free Assembly, and Time and Tru. My weekly grocery order often finds a piece or two from these brands 'added to cart.' The prices are incredible, the quality is legit, and the style is so good! I've grabbed a few things lately that are now sold out but here's what's still in stock:
Father's Day is in less than 3 weeks so I thought I'd round up a few of Joe's favorite things (plus a few things on his list- or my list for him. ha.) I'll note which is which!
Father's Day Gift Guide:
Wooden Ladder Ball Set. $89. Fun and beautiful- it would sort of be a gift for you too now wouldn't it? ;)
Embroidered Trucker Hat. $19.50. Joe always wears a similar hat to the beach- they're cool both literally and figuratively.
Lacoste Polo. $76. Joe is a polo guy through and through- If your dad or partner is too, might as well make it a cool one.
Mesh Sneakers. $40.49. Joe has these and after seeing him wear them, his dad grabbed a pair too! Casual, comfy, and stylish. win/win/win.
Striped Flip Flops. $49. Refresh his flip flops. These come in 3 colors.
Whiskey Decanter Set. $19.98. If he's a whiskey drinker, beat him to the punch and buy him a classy decanter. Otherwise, he might buy an ugly one. Joe has recently become obsessed, er, I mean a collector of whisky so this will be perfect.
Blackstone 28" griddle. $197. Joe has made it very clear that he wants a griddle for Father's Day and he doesn't ask for much. so....♥ This is the 36" version with a lid.
Slim Wallet. $35. Another thing that needs refreshing every once in awhile- love this slim wallet and it comes in 12 leather finishes.
Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes. $9.99. The kids love to hate his jokes so let's keep 'em comin! We have this and it's fun!
Tech Organizer. $35.95. A thing to organize his things- perfect for the dad who travels. Comes in 3 classic colors.
Leather Messenger Bag. $99. I bought this for Joe for Christmas and it's such a glow up from the canvas laptop bag it replaced. I love that it can work in a casual office setting or dressy one.
Need more ideas? Check out this post!
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The DIY office renovation is finished and we are so happy with it! We started chatting about it and planning all the way back in August so it's been a long time coming but now that it's finished (well 95% finished- more on that later), I can officially say it was worth the time and effort. It always is, isn't it?! Home takes time. Our first idea is rarely our best...aaand whatever other cliches help get you through to the other side! Here are some things to look for:
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this Post!
My mom and I were talking about our pajama situation the other day and we looked at each other and at the same time said "We should get each other pajamas for Mother's Day!" aaaand this post was born. The spring new arrivals from Walmart's Joyspun line are so cute, comfy, and perfect for gifting (but I won't tell if you grab some for yourself). I love that they're made with high quality materials and are easy on the wallet. Here's how they look on and a round up of my favorites!
Top: Striped Twill Cotton Pajama Top and Bottom | Gauze Patterned Pajama set and top | Striped Blue Knit Pajama Set
Keep in mind these sets and separates come in multiple colors and patterns and are size inclusive up to 3X and 5X. There's something for every mama! Also, I wore the gauze set as a cover up on the beach and no one was the wiser! It's cute, cool, and comfortable!
*This set is 100% cotton poplin for under $30- you just can't beat it!
Shop them all below!

We found a leather chair for the office and it wasn't easy! Since I spent so much time searching, I rounded up my faves to save you some time. Because I love you, that's why. Per usual, I had specific parameters- like a genuine leather chair, a small footprint (but not too low to the ground), and a neutral, vs a caramel tone that I knew would look orange beside our blue built-ins. I also wanted it to be relatively budget-friendly because of course I did. Here's the one I chose and a round up of 8 other top contenders starting at $467 for GENUNINE leather! Sorry I'm yelling but that's a good deal people.
Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are mine!
I'm a jeans girl. I try to branch out but I'm most comfortable in denim. The problem is, wearing jeans and a tee or sweater everyday is...yawn. The fix? Switch it up by wearing jeans in different washes, silhouettes, and rises. Then pair them with something special instead of a plain tee or simple sweater. Add fun shoes, and you've got yourself a lewk. With that in mind, here's how I styled my new Free Assembly Denim from Walmart. Literally everything you see is from Walmart and I could not love it more! It's cute, on trend, affordable, and made of quality materials. Guys Walmart is showing up as a legit style destination! Oh and I share a BONUS non-denim look at the end! Ok, here we go!
Thank you Kirkland's Home for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions are mine.
The built-ins are done! Ok, so 90% finished but potato-patato okayyy? Not only are they finished but they're looking all cute for spring thanks to Kirkland's Home. Here's a peek (full reveal coming soooon!) and my top tips for transitioning your home to spring!
Guys, our trip to St. Thomas was pretty magical. Joe and I love to travel and it feels like we're coming out of that that natural hiatus that sometimes occurs after you have kids, buy a house (or two), and experience a worldwide pandemic. It happens. But with the kids being older, restrictions being limited, and living debt free (I need to share more on that journey!), we're coming into what I hope is a season of more travel. Anyway, the purpose of this trip was to celebrate my mom's 65th birthday- she chose the location- and it was such a special celebration. Sharing my review, pictures, tips, and a harrowing story of survival below so keep reading!
How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? We usually have a special family dinner the night of and then the weekend after or before, Joe and I treat ourselves to a very nice dinner date and that's gift enough! However you celebrate, here are some ideas for everyone on your list!
Oversized Printed Pajama Set. $35. Bonus- matching sets available for the fam!
"I just want to be friends..." Dwight Valentine's Day Card. $6. I got this for Joe a couple of years ago and we still laugh at it. Plus it didn't immediately go in the trash. Always a plus.
Stanley Classic Tumbler for Kids. $26. So cute for your mini-me. It's too bad Genevieve made it very clear that she's holding out for a purple one.
Cologne Sampler. $17.99. I always feel weird about choosing a scent for someone- this solves the problem.
8 cup Pour Over Coffee Maker. $19.79. Perfect for those late to the pour over party. It's me. Hi, I'm the problem, it's me.
Ceramic Mug with Protective Sleeve. $24. In the prettiest shade of pink. Heart eyes.
Gummy Luncheable. $5.99. Remember "gummy vs. real food?" My kids are still obsessed with gummy food and I gotta be honest; so am I.
Quad Goals Multi Palette. $16. This comes in a few colors and let's face it- is adorable.
Gummy Controller. $9.99. For your little sweet tooth gamer. (Adds to cart).
Essential Oil/Candle Warmer. $40.07. Are these trending?? If not, they should be. Love the thought of not having to remember to blow the candle out (also thanks Joe for always remembering).
Date Night Ideas scratch off book. $19.99. A gift for both of you! Challenges and dates to shake things up! It's on its way to me- I'll keep you posted!
Nintendo Switch Sports. $49.99. I love the idea of a family gift and this nails it. So much fun!
Beats Studio Buds. $99. Joe gifted me air pods one Valentine's Day and it was the best gift- I never would've splurged on myself but sure appreciated him doing it! Bu also a teenage boy would love these too!
Mini Finger Skateboard Ramp. $11.99. Dax has been begging for this for like years. I finally got him a finger skateboard as a stocking stuffer and it only stoked the fire. They're super fun and why am I a sucker for anything miniature?
Herschel Beanie. $15. This is a men's hat but looks pretty gender neutral to me. Love the color.