Creating a Slate Pathway to Our Front Door

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It’s been a while—bet you nearly forgot about our front walkway project. If you want the full backstory you can refer to the original post, but here’s the short version: we tore out the old, failing path and used leftover slate to build a larger, more attractive walkway to the front door. The main task … Read more

Add Remote Controls to Your Bedside Lamps: Step-by-Step Guide

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Number five is alive! (Short Circuit, anyone?) I’m using that line because we recently added a helpful little robot to our home — and you know I’m into gadgets. One of my favorite posts ever was the “Super Toilet” upgrade, so a remote-controlled lighting fix felt right at home. We’ve always been big proponents of … Read more

HomeGoods Finds: Window Shopping for Home Decor Inspiration

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You’ve probably gotten used to our impromptu shopping tours through stores like Target, Ikea, Crate & Barrel, and Anthropologie with a camera in hand. This time we wandered through HomeGoods and couldn’t resist photographing the standout finds—great style with wallet-friendly prices. Here are the pieces that caught our eye on this visit to the decor … Read more

Rainbow Fluorite Meaning and Uses: Healing Properties & Care

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Rainbow fluorite is one of the most visually striking minerals, prized for its layered bands of purple, blue, and green. Beyond its decorative appeal, this multicolored form of fluorite has practical industrial applications and is valued by many for its purported metaphysical qualities. What Is Rainbow Fluorite? Rainbow fluorite is a colorful variety of the … Read more

Fix a Wobbly Toilet: Quick Steps to Stabilize It Safely

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The toilet in our hall bathroom wobbled from the day we moved in (the home inspector even noted it). While some rocking toilets can be stabilized with plastic shims or tightened bolts, we discovered the problem was a rusted bolt under the toilet flange. Fixing that required removing the entire toilet and replacing the bolt … Read more

Paint and Hang a Birdhouse: Step-by-Step Guide for Durable Results

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We bought a new house! Well, actually two — but they’re for the birds. We picked up a pair of inexpensive $3 birdhouses at Michael’s after learning that now is the best time to put them out to attract feathered tenants who will, in spring, help control mosquitoes. The store-bought versions were cute but not … Read more

17 Creative DIY Shelf Ideas to Upgrade Any Room

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Over the years we’ve added many types of shelving to our homes — from floating shelves and built-in bookcases to decorative display shelves and heavy-duty storage units. Below is a curated collection of favorite DIY shelving projects and ideas for adding smart vertical storage and visual interest to any room. We cover: Floating Shelves Storage … Read more

Quick Craft Projects to Try When You’re Short on Time

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Since we always share our road-trip adventures with the Bowers (like this one, this one, and this one), here’s a long-overdue recap of our most recent visit. It included plenty of kid-friendly fun, some antiquing and crafting, and even a little luxurious mom time — plus a really sweet gift idea. Ready? Let’s jump in. … Read more

11 Smart Ways to Cut Clothing Costs Without Sacrificing Style

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Ever since this post about Clara’s clothes, I’ve had a surprising number of requests to share how I save money on my own wardrobe, what my staples are, and how I manage to avoid blowing my momdrobe budget. I’m hardly a fashionista — that thought makes me laugh — but I do love a good … Read more

How to Paint Exterior Brick in a Sunroom for Lasting Results

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We painted a section of our exterior brick—but not in the way you might expect. People often ask whether we’d ever paint our little brick ranch. We considered it when we bought the house, but over time we’ve grown to appreciate the brick’s look and its low-maintenance benefits. Brick is durable and ownership-friendly: no siding … Read more