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Monday, April 30, 2018

Our Bedroom Renovation and Shiplap Tutorial

Happy Monday, friends! After sharing a few pictures of our updated bedroom a while back, I had so many people reach out for a DIY guide on how we added shiplap. So after forcing Matt to jot some notes down, I bring to you our step by step tutorial! I was 9 months pregnant with August when this little reno project went down, and in interest of full disclosure, I fell asleep on our bed while "taking a break". Matt finished the project on his own and then snapped some pictures of me "helping". The first picture, below, is how the room looked when we first saw the house. We saw the potential (and the work ahead), and after sleeping in this wallpapered box for 2 weeks, we couldn't take it anymore and got to work. Or, Matt did :)

The Before
The After


How To:

1. Measure your surface area. 
2. Place your shiplap order, with an allowance of an extra box or two for mistakes or cuts that aren't just right. We actually went with a Pergo laminate product (found here) which saved us a significant amount of money as compared to refurbished barn wood or the like. Pergo actually makes a product specifically for walls, so the make is a little bit lighter than a floor board would be.
3. Start from the middle of the wall, at the bottom, and work your way out. Use a jig saw to make any cuts necessary.
4. Use liquid nails to attach the wood to the wall, and a nail gun (sparingly) to fasten. We found that the liquid nails just weren't cutting it, and a little backup with a nail gun was necessary. 
5. Finish with trim on the top and around any windows to make the transition seamless.
6. The whole shiplap project, from end to end, took about 7-8 hours. Not too bad for a day's work. 

We love our accent wall, and it creates such a calm and relaxing space. Add some edison bulbs and a comfy blanket or two and soak in that rustic charm.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Bringing you some unique ideas on Mother's Day gifts...or really just a list of everything I'd love for myself :) Hopefully some of these bring you some Mother's Day inspo to treat that mama in your life who is likely short on enough hours in the day to get it all done, but somehow still does. One of my very favorite quotes is this: "One of the luckiest things to happen to you, I think, is to have a happy childhood." -Agatha Christe. And how very true that is. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mama heroes who create happy childhoods day in and day out, even when it's not so easy and the weight of the world feels like it's on your shoulders. I see you, mamas, and I know how it feels to be running on a few hours of sleep every night with work emails piling up, a house that's been in need of a good cleaning for months, and haircuts, exercise, and self-care put on the back burner. It's time to celebrate YOU and those little lives that you are shaping with all of the love you physically and mentally have to give. I'm constantly reminding myself that gratitude and struggle can exist in the same space, and Mother's Day is a perfect day to recognize and appreciate exactly that. Even though it's not easy and some days leave me so defeated, being a mama is everything I had ever dreamed.

Patterned Mixing Bowls: The prettiest mixing bowls that would look so nice on open shelving or even left on counter tops as a statement. 
 
Herb Growing Kit: Now that it’s spring I like to plant my own herbs, and love that this little kit comes with everything you need for thyme, basil, cilantro, parsley, and sage.


Sketch of your Family: I love this as a gift idea and think it’s so unique and fun. 


Hello Sunshine Bag: Hello sunshine, hello warmer weather. Give me this tote for the pool or for summery days out and about.


Weekender Bag: Such a classic staple. Perfect for a getaway or a carry-on.


Gold Bangle: I love the simple yet sweet messaging.


Stacking Birthstone Raw Opal Rings: I’m so intrigued by these beautiful stacking rings and really want two for each of my boys’ birthstones.


Breathe Mama Breathe: This book has been raved about on just about every forum and I’d love to add it to my reading list.


Clay Mask: Just look at the reviews on this product: over 1,000 5-star votes for Mothers Day pampering.


Yeti Mug: If you’re anything like me, your coffee is always cold on the counter somewhere by the time you get to it. This Yeti is simple and sleek and keeps your beverages hot for hours on end, AND comes with a lid so your littles can’t spill it on the couch.


Spring Cleaning: Did you know you can schedule professional services through Amazon? This one is for a Spring Cleaning, which includes deep cleaning of all rooms in your home, bathroom vanity, tub, and toilet cleaning, kitchen counters, floor, and range/cooktop cleaning, and washing all window interiors and countertops. Amazon Home Services handpicks the best service providers in your neighborhood and requires all service pros to be background checked, insured, and licensed if applicable. What an amazing gift: a freshly scrubbed down and clean house for you to celebrate Mother’s Day in together. Hint hint.

 
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