I've been keeping you updated on the hallway progress over on Instagram Stories, but have yet to update Prettyrealblog.com. So here we are. I'm sharing some of the progress and steps we've taken to renovate our drab and neglected hallway. Come back tomorrow for the full reveal!

A little backstory- the hall hasn't been touched since about 2016- I'm talking beaten up walls, boob lights, and all. Our family room and all of our bedrooms are upstairs so it's not as though it's an 'out of sight, out of mind' situation. It just hasn't been a priority- until now. Here are my goals for the hallway makeover:

Add drama with paint- I'm using HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Add character with wall trim- I'm DIYing picture frame box trim and chair rail with affordable materials

Add personality with family photos

Replace 'boob lights'- I ordered these

Add storage- I keep a pile of thrift store bound clothing/objects in the corner and it's such an eyesore.

Hallway Before

Let's start with some before shots of the hallway. As you can see, it is completely devoid of personality or care. Other than replacing the carpet last year, it's remained virtually untouched. Once I replaced the carpet, though, I knew it would be the impetus to making the hallway pretty.

Look 1: Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames  |  Woven Flush Mount Light Fixture  |  Square Brass Wall Frame  |  Matted Gold Wall Frame  |  Pink Boho Washable Rug Runner  |  Round Leather Handled Baskets  

Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror  |  White Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture  |  Green Scalloped Storage Bench  |  Plaid Rug Runner

Look 1: Square Brass Wall Frame  |  Matted Gold Wall Frame  |  Brass Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture  |  Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames  |  Ivory Boucle Storage Bench  |  Loloi Blush and Graphite Rug Runner

Look 2: Rattan Wall Mirror  |  Loloi Aqua and Sand Rug Runner  |  Truffle Brown Upholstered Storage Bench

Look 1: Framebridge Gallery Staggered Grid Wall Frames  |  Brass Conical Flush Mount Light Fixture  |  Rattan Wall Mirror  |  Upholstered Blue Storage Bench  |  Loloi Blue and Brick Red Rug Runner

Gold Picture Frame with Mat (a 4 pack!) |  Custom Silhouette Frame  |  Thin Metal Matted Frame in Gold  |  Thin Gallery Wall Frame   |  Black & Brass Matted Wall Frame  |  Natural Wood Gallery Wall Frame  |  Square Natural Wood Matted Wall Frame

I had about half of these frames and the silhouette art already but I've linked them all above- including this very affordable 4 pack of frames from Amazon!

Sorry to be dramatic with the black and white photos but you'll have to wait until next week to see the paint color. ;)

 

I love a bunch of small gifts! Give me a basket to fill any day. I've shared a bunch of Easter gift guides (here, here, and here) and am focusing on my kids' ages/genders this time around. Dax is 10, Nadia is 13, and Genevieve is 15. I combed through pages of sites' suggestions so you don't have to! And of course I added in some things we have and love. Let's go!

Easter Basket Filler Ideas for Big Kids/Boys

I try to keep it simple on holidays (other than Christmas because, y'know, it's Christmas). But lately when it comes to Valentine's Day gifting, I haven't been able to help myself. I love to get the kids something I wouldn't necessarily buy 'just because.' This year I kept seeing things I thought would make such great Valentine's Day gifts and I couldn't wait to put them all in one place to share them with you! Unlike The Christmas Gift Guides, I focused on the age groups I buy for- big boys and teen girls. But regardless of your kids' ages, (and I'd take any of the teen gifts, thanks), I think you'll be inspired! Here are the 2025 Valentine's Day Gift Guides:

Valentine’s Gifts for Teens and Tween Girls

Ribbed Crew Heart Socks  |  Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet  |  Touchland Powermist Hand Sanitizer  |  Pink and Red Striped Coffee Mug  |  Hey Baby Graphic Valentine's Shirt  |  Pink Owala Free Sip Water Bottle  |  e.l.f. Lip Gloss  |  White Tie Sleeve Pajama Set  |  Brown Bear Holding Heart Squishmallow  |  Sculpted Bow Mug

Valentine’s Gifts for Boys

Speks. Magnetic Fidget Toy  |  Valentine's Joke Book for Kids  |  Black Gamer Valentine's T-shirt for Boys  |  LEGO Roses Botanical Building Set  |  Candy Filled Tackle Box  |  Red Owala Free Sip Water Bottle  |  Pindaloo Skill Juggling Game  |  Wilson NFL Football

My kids read the blog sometimes so I can't share what I grabbed (adn what's in my cart) but I'm hoping you found something you love! Happy Valentine's Day!

If you liked this post, you may like:

15 Fun Family-Friendly Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day Snack Board

5 Ingredient Valentine's Day Treat

Valentine's Day Gifts for Everyone on Your List

A Valentine's Day Party Made Simple

One of my favorite parts of this job is shopping for you. I love curating home and fashion finds and my goal is always to find beautiful products at an affordable price (but since Pretty Real readers have a variety of budgets, I love to throw in aspirational items too).  Be prepared for more round ups in 2025, but in the meantime, let's look back to see what resonated with you all and I'll pontificate as to why! These are not in order but here are the top 10 sellers of 2024. Affiliate Links Included.

1. Beautiful 2 Quart Slow Cooker Set. $26.46

The popularity of this set was due to 3 things- 1) They're adorable! They come separately packaged so maybe some of you bought one and gifted the other? 2) The price! The set from December was a Black Friday doorbuster that has since sold out. However the current price of $26 for 2 slow cookers is still a great deal so if you missed it then, here's your second chance just in time for the Super Bowl! 3) It was the season of entertaining. A small crockpot for dips and for appetizers is one of those things you always wish you had. I used them at our Christmas eve party and it was perfect.

2. CosmoLiving 7 Holder Candelabra. $27.21.

This one surprised me. But while it seemed to come out of left field, I showed it with red candles for Christmas and pink candles for Valentine's Day and I stand by the fact that swapping candles is a fun and easy way to celebrate the holiday without buying a bunch of seasonal stuff you have to store. Between the price and the practicality, people agreed. It also comes in black.

3. BHG Outdoor Wicker Cushioned Stackable Chairs. $248.

These chairs check a lot of boxes- they can be used for outdoor dining or seating, they're easier to store since they're stackable, and at only $124 per chair, they're super affordable too. I wish they'd come with covers, but other than that, we've been very happy with them.

4. No Boundaries Lace-Up Sporty Sneaker. $19.98.

I shared these shoes over and over again because they are just so cute and comfortable! If you don't have sambas (or you do but can't necessarily buy them in every color), these give a similar vibe. While the maroon isn't available in most sizes I'm so happy that they're back in bright, fun colors for spring. I grabbed the red pair. I promise you- they will sell out!

5. UV LED Nail Lamp. $19.99.

This was the gift that both me and my girls told everyone about. I had moms texting me asking for a link. Whether online or in-real-life friends, it was a bestseller! Genevieve uses hers almost weekly and it's such a great alternative to going to the salon plus I love that it's contributed to her getting really good at doing her own nails. As a side note, when I began writing this post, the price was over $30 so snag it while it's on deal if you're interested!

6. BHG Pine and Cream Rope Back Chairs. $138 for two (!).

The deal on these is insane. They're so pretty and have held up really well for us. We use them at our desk vs. the dining table. There was a tiny bit of pilling on the one we use the most (I'd say it gets used way more than it would if it was used as a dining chair) but nothing our pill shaver couldn't handle.

7. Ruta Wood Wall Mirror. $171.

I adore these mirrors! They were a splurge for me but they *make* the bathroom. When I shared the bathroom, I had so many request for the link but they were sold out for months (boo!). But they're back in stock now and worth every penny in my opinion.

8. FloorPops x Chris Loves Julia Peel and Stick Floor Tiles in Bonneville Beige. $20.99

After a reel performed well, sales took off of these super easy and pretty peel and stick tiles. You won't find an easier or more affordable DIY that completely changes the look of a room! 10/10 recommend! You can find other bathroom sources here.

9. 18" Wood Kitchen Step Stool. $49.99,

10. Chunky Knit Bed Blanket by Casaluna. $59.

I adore this blanket- it comes in so many colors and the texture just can't be beat. I use a full/queen size at the end of my king bed. Every time I share it, people ask for a link and of course they do! 

Did you buy any of these items? Do you have a favorite on the list? What home or fashion finds are you looking or this year?