Thank you for Walmart for sponsoring this post.

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.

 Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.

I've been refreshing the patio this spring and the next step was to replace or refinish the table. I decided to save my pennies and refinish it which made it real easy to justify buying new chairs ;). I loved our old ones but 2 of the 6 had broken and we need at least 5. When these chairs went on sale at Walmart, I jumped on it. I admit they're bigger than I thought they'd be- they'd make awesome front porch chairs- but I love them. They're so comfortable and well priced. I love Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart for outdoor furniture and entertaining. The style and price can't be beat. Here's a close up of our new chairs and a few more budget-friendly patio finds on rollback that are still in stock!

Supply List:

Watco teak oil + Stain in flagstone

staining cloths

Orbital Sander 

120 grit sanding discs

Step by Step Instructions:

First, I cleaned the table with a cloth and a tiny bit of dish soap

Next, I sanded the table 

I waited until I sanded it to see if I wanted to use teak oil on its own, or one tinted with a stain. Here's what it looked like after sanding:

After I allowed the table to dry thoroughly, I soaked the staining cloth and wiped in the direction of the grain while feathering the ends so there wasn't a clear line of demarcation where one section ended and the other began.

Per the instructions on the can, I waited 30 minutes and then wiped it off. 

If I had it to do over again, I think I'd use a brush for more even coverage, and sand a bit more. But it is a vast improvement from where we started! Tomorrow I'll share it with the new chairs and umbrella. It feels like an oasis!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.

Do you ever wake up with an urge to paint? I can't explain it- some days I just have an itch to paint that won't go away! And then there's the other end of the spectrum; times I procrastinate out of fear of making the wrong choice. This was the case with the entry. I told myself I was waiting for our door to arrive to choose a paint color, but once it arrived, I still hadn't moved forward. That all ended this week when I woke up and thought 'Enough is enough. I'm choosing a paint color TODAY.' But there was a problem. I needed a few supplies and I really didn't want to add a trip to a home improvement store to my day. But my seize the day energy could not be denied. Walmart makes it so easy to get what you want or need now. I was able to order a few more painting supplies on Walmart for same day delivery. A few hours later, I was painting. Seize the day! I rounded up a few paint supplies I ordered or use regularly that were available as soon as same day in my area. (Heads up: delivery speed varies by region so make sure to slide the 'fulfillment speed' bar when you search to filter results).  

The next time you get the urge to paint and need supplies, grab them on Walmart! Did I choose the color you voted for? (This one is #3 from the reel!)

Shop the post below or on LTK!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post!

I initially grabbed this shorts set for this post and then immediately grabbed it in yellow. I've worn both so often (both as a regular outfit and as a swimsuit coverup) that I thought it would be fun to show you all the colors styled with different swimsuits. Matching sets are so easy, yet still feel stylish and put together. I also have always preferred shorts to a dress, as a cover up and since these come in such fun colors, they match all my swimsuits perfectly! And speaking of swimsuits, these three are all under $30 and have the cutest details! I continue to be super impressed with Walmart fashion- both style, value, and quality! Let me know which look is your favorite!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post

Last year the girls and I wore Walmart Fashion for the 4th of July but by the time I shared, it was nearly all sold out. I learned my lesson and am sharing early this year. And it's a good thing because it's ALL SO GOOD. I know I'm yelling but I can't believe the style and quality for the price! I've really been digging the Scoop and Free Assembly line but the Time & Tru shorts set is the literal cutest and I want it in every color! Here are my picks for Memorial day and/or the 4th of July. Oh and if you're a Walmart+ member, these items ship SO quickly. I'd love to know, which look is your fave?

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. 

Walmart does it again! The last time I worked with Walmart, I grabbed a shorts set (and here) I didn't intend to share. It just felt like a great versatile outfit to have on hand for summer. So when Walmart contacted me to work together again, I knew exactly what I'd feature- this pretty linen blend shorts set styled 3 ways. I'm picturing it for work, date night, vacation, or a school function- it's appropriate for so many occasions. I may need to grab the shorts in black too! I've felt like Walmart fashion is underrated for a long time, but they continue to step up their game. Walmart is often the first place I look when I need something - especially when I want to stretch the budget! I also want to point out that this set is Time & Tru which tends to stay in stock a little longer than Free Assembly and Scoop (other Walmart exclusive brands). Anyway, take a look and tell me- which look is your favorite?

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. And thank you for supporting the brands that make Pretty Real possible.

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post.

After Christmas, the spring fever hits hard. I want to wear pastels. I want to travel. I want an entirely fresh wardrobe. Luckily Walmart is just a click away and I can make these dreams come true. Fine, I don't totally replace my wardrobe, but at these prices, it's tempting! I shopped on Walmart to grab a few looks for our upcoming winter break, church (also would be perfect for work) and general spring things. I can't wait for you to see how far $40 gets you. Oh and I should add that I've been a fan of Walmart fashion for long enough that I can vouch for the quality. Despite the low prices, it wears and washes well. Here's what I grabbed:

I cannot believe this jumpsuit is $36. It's so cute and structured yet still comfortable. I paired it with flat espadrilles but I can't wait to dress it up with wedges.

This is going to be a fun year! Since 2021, we've moved slowly regarding projects. Guys, I'm not 25 anymore. DIY is physical and tires me out. Add to that busy family life with 3 kids, health issues (nothing serious, but enough to affect our capacity for other things), and simply using our budget other places besides renovation, and well...maybe I'm describing burnout. Whatever the reason, both Joe and I decided, this year needs to be a year of progress! We're being realistic about it- we'll never be a couple who pumps out monthly renovations- but we're putting our foot on the gas just a bit and I'm excited for the journey! Here are the home projects we plan to tackle this year not necessarily in order.

1. Entry

The entry has definitely improved- take a look at that before! We wallpapered it and added Crown Moulding which were major upgrades. However, it doesn't function well for our family. In August, I ditched the console table for a the prettiest bench and this year we'll finally make it beautiful and functional. Our plans include adding trim and pegs to the wall, swapping the rug and light fixture, and giving it a fresh coat of paint. 

2. Guest Bath

Almost immediately after painting, I hated the guest bath color. Since the photo above, our sink has cracked and the floors have sustained water damage. Since it's a space guests see, it's becoming harder and harder to unsee. Frankly, bathrooms intimidate me. So far, we've added added wall treatments, trim, art, and paint to our bathroom and the kids' bath, but have never done a full renovation. This one won't be too crazy- the footprint will stay the same but we'd like to add beadboard (maybe wallpaper?) a new vanity, toilet, and flooring. We also plan to make the little nook into a utility closet. Can we do it? Stay tuned to see!

3. Primary Bedroom-ish

I've never planned our primary bedroom outside of an initial coat of paint (side note: it's Sherwin Williams Cascades and hands down my most asked about paint color) and bed purchase. Everything in the room has always slowly evolved- often due to collaborations- but without the kind of thought and intention needed to really make it sing. Our plans for this room include flooring, wall trim, and new furnishings. I say "ish" because depending on budget, it may just be flooring and paint this year. We'll see...

4. Kids' Playroom

At one point, we made the playroom into a temporary guest room. Shortly after that, it became storage while we renovated the office. And it just hasn't recovered. It used to be adorable and organized but lately, it's largely ignored. Dax loves to lug our extra TV in there (anyone else have a TV that doesn't technically have a home?) and game but with no seating or TV stand, it's a sad set up for sure. We plan to add a loveseat and a TV and sideboard. If space permits, we'll add some sort of game (maybe a small foosball table or wall mounted arcade game?), and small table for Lego or crafting. Of course I plan to add fun decor and accessories and I've been dying to wallpaper a ceiling...Let's see what we come up with!

5. Carpet

I told Joe what I don't want is to replace the carpet just before listing the house. I want to enjoy it while we're still in this house. We were starting down that path last year until a few unexpected and costly repairs hit. Following those expenses, we took several big [read expensive] trips and no regrets. ha. But it's time!

6. Kids' Bath

I still love the kids' bath. It just needs a little refresh. The flooring is peeling and I'm afraid the subfloor is going to rot if we don't do something about it soon! I grabbed these and can't wait to install them. But I can't stop at replacing the floor. If you give a mouse a cookie...I might as well swap mirrors and maybe the light fixture too. Stay tuned!

We've been in our home for 9 years and I wish it was "finished." At the same time I'm comfortable moving at the speed of cash and our energy level, neither of which is limitless. ha. We haven't touched the laundry room, the garage needs serious help, and our kitchen could use a refresh. But we'll cross that bridge in 2025. By then, everything else will be in a good place and we can really put our all into the heart of our home. And then we'll move. ;)

What are you planning to tackle this year? I'd love to hear about it!