Posts in How-to
How to Love Your Current Home

Now that interest rates are so much higher than in recent years and our local real estate market does not seem to be cooling down, more and more people are finding themselves stuck in homes that are seemingly less than ideal. That starter home many people bought with the intention of moving in a couple years is now becoming a family home that is bursting at the seams and has a whole new list of demands.

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How to Decorate on a Budget - Part 2 - In Person

If you aren’t new around here, you know my opinion of thrifting - it can be absolute gold! If you are new here, let me tell you - it can be absolute gold! It can also be absolute junk. If you go thrifting once and find nothing, don’t give up!

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How to Decorate on a Budget- Part 1 - Online Options

You know about Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist but do you really know how to use them? Knowing the ins and outs of each can save you some serious time and money - and if used properly can help you discover things you didn’t even know to look for!

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2023 UpScale ReSale ReCap - Part 1

Over the course of the past few months I have given a few sneak peeks of what I was working on but now that it’s over I can give more details. For this particular post I will give a brief recap of the furniture found in the space and how I transformed them. Check back next week for information on the decorative pieces I completed!

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Gadget I Didn't Know I Needed - Cabinet Knob Guide

If you have ever tried installing knobs/pulls on new cabinets, you know what a pain it can be. I mean, math, am I right?! And trying to create a template that is stable and always in the right place is time-consuming and usually ends up bending.

So what’s my secret to perfect knob placement every time? These cabinet guides!

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Autumn Stovetop Potpourri

There is a chill in the air and Autumn is officially here! Whether you like Pumpkin Spice everything or not, there is something about the smell of cinnamon, cloves, apples, and pumpkin spice that just screams Fall. Want a cheap and easy way to usher in Autumn or set the mood for your next seasonal get together? Follow this easy recipe for stovetop potpourri and instantly bring out those Hygge vibes!

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Gadget I Didn't Know I Needed - Light Splitter

One of the things that drives me nuts about the house is the lack of lighting options. Each room has 1 light, no matter how large or how small. That usually translates to 1 LIGHTBULB per room. We kind of operate under the BYOFL rule - bring your own flash light.

But I no longer need to feel like a mole! I recently discovered this light splitter and it has been a game changer!

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Gadget I Didn't Know I Needed - Rust-Oleum Comfort Grip

I’ve had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for years and even using a can of spray paint for a short period of time will leave my hand numb (or at least tingly) for a couple of days. So imagine how excited I was when I found the Rust-Oleum Comfort Grip!

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Stone-Look Vase Hack

A trend we are seeing a lot right now is the use of pieces of pottery/stoneware with an old-world feel. These pieces aren’t perfectly polished and the imperfections are part of the appeal. However if you aren’t bringing back authentic ancient relics from your frequent travels around the globe (me neither) then you either have to buy an expensive imitation or create your own.

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No-Sew Pinch Pleat Curtains Hack

Finding curtains that are just the right length can seem almost impossible. And having drapes custom-made can be cost prohibitive. Try sewing them yourself? Well, let’s just say my grandmother would roll over in her grave if she saw my attempts at using a sewing machine.

So what’s the solution? No-sew pinch pleat curtains! All you need is the fabric of your choice, iron-on hem tape, an iron, a standard stapler, and curtain rings with clips.

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Renter Friendly Design That is Actually Landlord Approved

In the past few years, more attention than ever has been given to renter-friendly design. As house prices have drastically increased, many people have found themselves priced out of the housing market and settling in to the renter life. And while a new home can be an exciting blank canvas for self expression, rentals often come with a laundry list of stipulations that regulate what a tenant can and cannot do to personalize their space. Luckily, there are several things that can be done to make your new house feel like home, no matter how long you plan on living there.

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Serena and Lily Cane Headboard Dupe

I have been eyeing the Harbour Cane bed from Serena and Lily for a while. I love the natural feel found in the caning detail accented with the white frame. However, at almost $4000, I decided to go for something less expensive. There are several options with similar looks from various retailers. (Click on the photos to be taken to the retailers’ sites for further details.)

If you know me, you know that I love a good DIY. So, after a few weeks of thrifting, I found the perfect king sized headboard to modify for only $30 at our local Habitat Restore.

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Wallpaper Wednesday - Tips and Tricks

Have you tried hanging peel-and-stick wallpaper yet? I have hung peel-and-stick wallpaper several times but still have so much to learn. However, after completing several projects, I can confidently say that there are a few things that have helped me tremendously. Let’s look at a few things you may need to get started.

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Easy Drying Rack Upgrade

During the summer, most of our time is spent outside, in and around the pool. And you know what happens when you swim a lot? You end up with a LOT of wet towels and bathing suits. Wet towels and bathing suits that need to be hung somewhere to dry. And in order to keep every room in our house from looking like the bathroom accessory aisle at Lowe’s, we decided to consolidate the rails and install a different solution - a drying rack.

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