Wallpaper is making a comeback and it’s easier than ever now. I’ve gathered all the best wallpapering tips and tricks (including what I’ve learned!) to help make it even easier.

I’ll go over all the big things to think about and all the little things that you didn’t know from how to make the adhesive a tad easier to work with to how to stay organized during the install. Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to transform and personalize a space. Make this one of your DIY skills and you’ll open new doors and opportunities for your home design! Okay, let’s get started!

Wallpapering Tip #1 : Consider The Room & Function

It’s tempting to order whatever wallpaper is prettiest (isn’t that the whole point?), but first, you should consider the room and its function. For example, if you are putting wallpaper in rooms that are likely to get dirty and need a scrub down (like a kitchen, hallway, or bathroom), then picking a vinyl-type wallpaper will be best. Also, some wallpapers, like grass cloth, should not be installed in rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms.

Most wallpapering websites have an option to sort papers by type, so you could easily see the options that would work best for your room. You can order wallpaper at Spoonflower in a variety of different types, and they have a handy informational pop-up to help you pick the best wallpaper for your project.

Wallpapering Tip #2: Know About the Wallpaper Installation Methods

There are four general ways to install wallpaper:

1. Prepasted – This type of wallpaper already has the paste adhered to the wallpaper. You’ll need to spray or soak it in water and wait a certain amount of time before installing it.
2. Unpasted | Paste-The-Wall – This wallpaper does not have any adhesive on it. You’ll apply the adhesive to the wall and then install the dry wallpaper on top of it. This type of paper is usually non-woven and easy to install.
3. Unpasted | Paste-The-Paper – This wallpaper does not have adhesive on it. However, you’ll need to apply the adhesive to the paper, wait for 5 minutes or longer, and then install it.
4. Peel & Stick – This wallpaper is like a big sticker. I’ve used it on a project before and it does allow you to reposition it and can be removed easily in the future without any damage.

The installation method depends on the type of paper and is generally noted on the label. By knowing the installation method, you’ll be able to purchase the right supplies and get the most longevity out of the paper.

Wallpapering Tip #3: Read the Directions

I have ordered over 5 different wallpapers over the last couple of years and found a wide variety of instructions. Some are very detailed and others are very vague. If it is very detailed, you should follow the directions exactly. For example, the directions could outline how to prime your walls, how long to soak your paper and other valuable tips. I’ve also had instructions that provided basically no information beyond stating a professional installer should be used (not that helpful).

However, when looking at the directions you should also take a look at the wallpaper symbols as this will help you when installing or prepping for the wallpaper. These symbols will tell you how washable the paper is, how the paper will react to the sun (i.e., does it bleach easily), how to install the paper, how to remove the paper, and the pattern alignment. This website contains detailed explanations of all the symbols.

Wallpapering Tip #4: Order More Wallpaper Than You Need

When calculating how much wallpaper you’ll need, always add an extra roll. It’s likely that you’ll make a mistake if this is your first time. It’s also nice to know that you’ll have extra just in case you ever need to repair the wallpaper down the road.

It can be painful to spend that extra money, but you may be able to return it if you don’t use it. Also, ordering a little bit more will prevent you from running out mid-install.

Wallpapering Tip #5: Know the Lot Number

Every roll of paper will tell you the batch or lot number. This is important because there can be slight variations (i.e., color) between batches. The best practice is to order all your wallpaper at one time. When you receive it, check the batch numbers and verify they are all the same. If you need to order a new roll, you can request the same batch number but it’s not guaranteed by most suppliers.

Wallpapering Tip #6: Gather Supplies & Make Yourself A Wallpaper Kit

To make things easier, gather all your supplies and store them in the same place. Better yet, store them in a Tupperware box and keep a checklist of supplies in the box. Some of the required supplies won’t fit in a reasonably-sized container but if you have the checklist you can grab the last few items.

I made myself a wallpaper kit and I uploaded my checklist here. You can download the list and quickly make your own kit. Some supplies are only needed for certain types of wallpaper installation.

Wallpapering Tip #7: Prep Your Walls Accordingly

After reading the directions, you should prep the walls. This usually means cleaning them and occasionally painting on some wallpaper primer. I really like the Zisser primer. It’s affordable and seems to have worked well for the project that we used it on. We have a couple of other wallpapering projects in the hopper, so I’ll continue to update everyone on how wallpaper holds up.

Wallpapering Tip #8: Understanding Double Rolls Vs. Single Rolls

Wallpaper can come as a single roll OR a double roll. The double roll is still only 1 roll, but it has twice as much paper as the single roll. When you buy a double roll, you’ll pay for two rolls even though you’ll only get one. The length of the wallpaper for “double roll” wallpaper is for the total amount.

Let’s use an example as this is sometimes confusing. Below is an example from one of my favorite wallpaper websites, Going Decor. This particular wallpaper is sold in double rolls. Remember, you are still only getting ONE roll, the length is just longer (as it detailed below). The price listed is for a single roll, but you can only order a quantity of two at a time. However, you will only get ONE roll that is double the length.

Wallpapering Tip #9: Add a Small Amount of Water to Paste if Thick

If you need to use adhesive (for unpasted papers), I’ve found a very small amount of water can help loosen it up a bit if it starts feeling thick and doesn’t spread easily. Don’t add too much water, because you don’t want to dilute the paste. A splash of water (~1-2 teaspoons) in the entire container is all I would typically use.

Wallpapering Tip #10: Use an Apron or Belt to Hold Tools

Wallpapering requires a surprising number of tools that you’ll need to frequently use. It’s easy to misplace the smoother or loose the utility knife under a rag or two. I just bought myself an apron to hold the abundance of tools and it’s a game-changer. I’ve never felt so prepared.

Purchase an apron with lots of pockets. It should have large and small ones to give you storage for all the things. This is the one I purchased from Amazon.

Wallpapering Tip #11: Use a Laser Level to Install the Paper Straight

The most important thing for wallpaper is to make sure your first piece (and I would argue the first piece on every wall) is completely straight. When the paper is installed straight, it will be much easier to install the rest and, of course, your pattern will look amazing! I have found when my paper is not straight, wrinkling, and bubbling start to be bigger problems.

To get the wallpaper straight, we use a fancy laser level. I particularly like this self-leveling one with vertical and horizontal lines, as you can use it for all kinds of projects. It is an investment but well worth it if you are a DIYer.

Wallpapering Tip #12: Don’t Fret too much about Corners

If you are doing more than one wall, you’ll need to tackle the corners and they are intimidating at first. What I’ve learned is that I shouldn’t fret too much about the corners. The corner will create a slight distortion because of the nature of it, so instead of focusing on lining up the pattern perfectly, focus on getting the piece of paper that goes on the new wall perfectly straight (see tip 11 above).

It’s not easy to describe how you should install wallpaper into the corner, so you should watch a few of my favorite videos before doing it (I’ve linked them in this post and this one too).

Wallpapering Tip #13: Change Water & Rinse Sponge after 3 or 4 Panels

The adhesive from the wallpaper can easily be smeared all over your freshly papered wall with a dirty sponge or dirty water. This can lead to long-lasting marks on your wallpaper that are impossible to remove. To avoid this, I like to change the water and rinse out my sponge every 3-4 panels. It can be a little annoying but it’s much easier to start with a clean sponge and water than to do it frantically once the glue is all over the wallpaper.

Wallpapering Tip #14: Have a Damp & Dry Rag

Like tip # 13, this one is to help keep your installed wallpaper as clean as possible. Keep a wet and dry rag on you at all times. I use both rags to wipe off my wallpaper smoother when it starts accumulating adhesive. I’ll first use the wet one to clear the glue and then the dry one to dry off the smoother. Just like a dirty sponge or dirty water, a messy wallpaper smoother will spread adhesive all over your new wallpaper. Some of this is unavoidable but the goal is to make as little mess as possible. It’s also nice to wipe off your hands occasionally.

Wallpapering Tip #15: Have a Buddy Present

Wallpaper can be done by one person, especially if they are experienced, have the right tools and patience. However, if this is a DIY project, I would recommend having someone help you. This person can be another set of eyes to make sure things look right and can help when wallpapering around objects, like doors and windows. Most importantly though, you can tag this person in to do some work when it starts to feel tedious or if you start getting frustrated.

Patience is key for wallpaper installation, so always having a buddy ensures that at least one person will have the reserves to jump in when needed. Also, it’s just funner to do everything with someone else.

Wallpapering Tip #16: Order Samples Before Making a Decision

I know how tempting it is to just order a wallpaper that you love without purchasing a sample first. However, seeing something in real life versus on the computer can be a totally different experience. I would recommend you spend the $5/$6 and get a sample (try to get a couple so you have options!).

The samples will give you an idea of the scale, paper quality, sheen, true colors, textural elements, and print quality of the image. I’ve gotten plenty of papers that surprised me (some good and some not so good). One time I ordered two rolls without getting a sample and I was very disappointed in the quality. Learn from my mistakes – always order a sample!

Wallpapering Tip #17: Watch a Few YouTube Videos Before Installing

Youtube is a treasure trove of resources for DIYers. I spent a few hours watching all kinds of videos the first time I installed wallpaper. I linked my favorite videos in a couple of posts (here and here). You can start with those videos, but don’t hesitate to find your own if none of these apply to your type of paper (they’ll still give good tips on going around doors and windows).

Wallpapering Tip #18: If you’re a beginner, Start with An Accent Wall

I already mentioned that wallpapering around corners can be a pain in the tush. An easy way to get started is to wallpaper a single wall. The first wallpaper I used was a mural in my son’s room. It was large enough for a single wall and I cut my teeth (and made mistakes!!) with that first install. I learned many valuable lessons that helped with my future wallpaper projects.

Wallpapering Tip #19: If you’re a beginner, try Non-Woven Paste-The-Wall Wallpaper

Non-woven, paste-the-wall wallpaper is very DIY-friendly. I’ve used this several times and it just keeps getting easier. Why is this a great choice? Well, you don’t have to worry about soaking times for starters. With other types of wallpaper, you may need to have it soak in water or adhesive for a given amount of time. If it doesn’t soak long enough, your paper may not be fully saturated and therefore not fully stretched out. If installed before it’s fully saturated, the wallpaper will shrink which creates seams between your panels. This is not a problem for non-woven, paste-the-wall types because it doesn’t stretch when wet.

Another great thing is this type of paper is usually very cleanable-perfect if you have kids or pets. Lastly, I find the install to be straightforward and require minimal tools.

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Well, there you have my 19 favorite tips for wallpapering. Do you have any special tips or tricks? Please share them in the comments!

Don’t sweat gift giving this year! These gift ideas for women will help you find the perfect gift for your mom, girlfriend, grandma, sister, or wife!

Not to alarm anyone, but there are only 76 days until Christmas! I know that sounds like a lot, but if you are like me, you want to spend every second of the holiday season soaking up all the Christmas movies, food, and family time. My main goal is to bathe in that holiday magic and the fastest way to squash the holiday spirit is to stress about gifts.

I love giving gifts and I especially like finding the perfect gift for each person. So, in an attempt to make shopping more manageable this year, I’ve spent the last few weeks scouring the internet to find gift ideas for all the people in my life. This week, I’m sharing gift guides for women. There are gifts at every budget and probably contain some gift ideas you haven’t seen on other guides (at least that was my goal). I’ve broken the guide up into different “types” of women, but I think any woman (in any group) would love these ideas.

Gift Ideas For Women Who Like Quality Accessories

The first group of gifts is for any woman who has a casual, easy elegance and wants to extend style to her everyday accessories. The focus here is on quality, durability, and function.

1. Rothy’s Driver Shoe: These loafers are indestructible, super comfy, and washable. They can be worn while running errands or in the office. I love the timeless brown color, but they have other color ways, too.
2. Kate Spade Cross Body: Crossbody bags are super easy and convenient. This style allows women to go hands free everywhere, making it perfect for women-on-the-go. I particularly love to use it while shopping and traveling.
3. Duck Head Umbrella: Umbrellas are a humble accessory that rarely gets much attention, design-wise. This adorable duck head umbrella adds personality and pizzazz and will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face when they use it.
4. Quality Knit Cap: A high quality knit cap is one of the small joys of the winter time. Not only will it keep your head warm, but you’ll also look good (and feel good!) wearing it.
5. Leather Passport Cover: This leather passport cover will make any woman feel a little more put together at the airport. The leather case is classy and elegant.
6. Large Tassel Keychain with USB Charger: Talk about fancy and smart. This key chain combines form and function. The USB charger is cleverly integrated, so you’ll never be without it again (one less thing to worry about packing!). Note that this charger is only for i-phones, this one (via Amazon) can be used for Samsung/most Android Phones.
7. Leather Driving Gloves (totally compatible with your phone): I’m a huge fan of $1 knit gloves that you can find at Target or Walmart. However, when I want to feel like a grown up, I reach for nice driving gloves. These leather ones are lined with cashmere, so they will be soft and warm. Also, they are 100% compatible with your smart phone.

Gift Ideas for Women that Will Encourage Self Care

Everyone needs a little self-care these days. Show the people you love that you recognize all the hard work they do by encouraging them to have time for themselves. These gifts focus on comfort, peace, and care.

1. Matching Sweatsuit: Every woman wants to have clothes that are comfortable and makes them look good. This matching sweatsuit is the perfect combo – totally comfortable and very cute. I particularly love the stylish cropped top with bellowy sleeves.
2. Silk Eye Mask: It’s not always easy to go to sleep while traveling or if you have a partner that stays up later than you. This silk sleep eye mask will block out all the light but still be gentle and beneficial for skin.
3. Knit Slippers: Knit slippers give the ease and movement of socks but with the durable underfooting of a shoe. It doesn’t hurt that these are also extremely cute. I can imagine slipping these on those winter days that just won’t stop snowing.
4. Weighted Blanket: Trouble sleeping or feeling anxious? Weighted blankets can help with both. I particularly like the ones with soft, washable covers. It makes them so easy to clean.
5. Yoga Mat: This is for the lady who wants to do yoga or pilates. This mat is very thick, so you won’t have to worry about your lower back acting up 20 minutes into class.
6. Droplette: This is a splurge, but a great gift idea for the skin-care loving woman in your life. This device was created by scientists (and it’s being tested in a hospital setting and with the military). It has technology that allows different products like retinol or collagen to be perfectly misted on the skin (at the right size/speed), to allow excellent penetration, much deeper than ingredients applied topically (in the typical manner). (Here are a couple of sources if you want to learn more: Article 1 & Video 1)

Gift Ideas for the Gardner

Do you want to cultivate someone’s interest in gardening? Then pick one of these gifts to help their outdoorsy passion bloom. I think that’s enough gardening puns for now. These gifts focus on bringing a little style to very functional gardening accessories.

1. Utility Apron: When gardening, you can never have enough pockets. A pocket for clippers, gloves, markers and, if you are like me, a butter knife. This handy little apron has all the storage needed to tote all the necessities with you. Plus that brown trim is gorgeous and the deep v cut is feminine (dare I say a little sexy?).
2. Leather Gardening Gloves: These long sleeved gardening gloves are perfect for those nasty little plants that are covered in spikes. It can also protect against poison ivy (my arch nemesis).
3. Plant labels: This 25-pack of labels will be handy for the attentive gardener. It will help keep the garden organized. These could easily be slipped into a stocking.
4. Paint Pen (for Plant Labels): This paint pen is supposed to be the best for the plant labels.
5. Garden Basket: Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, this little basket will make toting any bounty back to the house cute and adorable.
6. Knee Pad: Weeding and planting requires a lot of kneeling and sitting on the ground. This can be especially hard on knees. This super thick knee pad will make yard work more comfortable and it’s convenient carrying handle makes it that much better.
7. Planting Guide: This little ruler will make measuring between plants much easier. Not only does it have a hole at every inch, but it also lists common planting distances, so the gardener doesn’t even have to look at the seed packet for directions!

Gift Ideas for the Home

This next group of gifts is for the ladies who are all about practicality. They like their surroundings to be clean and functional.

1. Custom Address Stamp: It’s rare these days to get mail, but when we do it feels really special. This stamp will make sending mail a little extra memorable. Plus, it’ll be especially handy for the holiday season – no more writing all those return addresses by hand!
2. Multi-function Steam Mop: For me, a steam mop is all about making cleaning quicker and easier. This little number has both a floor function and a detachable hand-held piece for cleaning those stubborn stains on other surfaces. This is perfect for the woman who wants a clean house but doesn’t want to spend the whole day doing it.
3. Little Village Baking Pan: This pan is just plain cute. Anyone who loves to bake (especially around the holidays) will enjoy making little cakes that look like a Christmas village. I am totally buying this and giving it a try.
4. Battery Organizer: You know what’s worse than running out of batteries? Knowing you have batteries but having no idea where they are. This little organizer will keep everything together, so no one will ever need to go on a mission to find batteries again.
5. Car Vacuum: Having a dirty car is inevitable if you have kids or if you live/work out of your car. This handy little vacuum will make clean up easy and convenient. With all the additional attachments it’ll get into every nook and cranny, so those random crumbs won’t be missed!
6. Lint Shaver: This is a practical but also fun gift. You know how sweaters or blankets start getting little balls of lint on them after multiple washes? Well, this little device will shave them right off and make it look brand new. It’s extremely easy to use and satisfying. I’ve used it on blankets, furniture, and sweaters.

Gifts for Career Women

Lastly, we have ideas for the working woman. This would be perfect for anyone working in an office, at home, or as an entrepreneur. These gifts are meant to make work just a little easier.

1. Light Ring with Stand: Since virtual meetings are the norm now, this little light ring will ensure that everyone will always look their best. Bonus – it has a cell phone holder, so if your special someone is an influencer or just shares their life on social media, this device just made it a little easier.
2. Upright Clipboard: This clipboard frame can be used to display photos or hold important notes. This can be especially helpful if you need to refer to notes when typing up a report. Although, it’s not big enough to hold a standard piece of paper.
3. Weighted Bookmark: This innocuous little guy can be a VERY big help. If the lady in your life reads a lot or reads text books, this weighted bookmark will hold the book down while also marking the page she is on. Handy, cute, and practical.
4. Leather Travel Pouch: This pouch holds all the essential gear needed when traveling from home to the office. With a pocket for everything, it’ll make going to the office a breeze and it’ll make sure those earphones are never forgotten again!
5. Keyboard Vacuum: I’m not sure if you’ve ever looked at your keyboard, but I’m sure if you haven’t it’s disgusting. It’ll slowly accumulate mounds of dust (and crumbs if you eat while you work). Cleaning everything out of it is not easy (I know because I have tried). However, a handy little vacuum like this will make cleaning it a piece of cake.
6. 2021 Planner: Paper planners will always have a place in my heart. The act of writing something down is a great way to help you remember something. Plus there is something so fun about getting a fresh planner to restart the year. This adorable planner is from Papier, but cute planners have proliferated like crazy in the last 5-10 years. This is perfect for any woman who has a busy schedule and needs to stay on top of it all.
7. Monitor Memo Board : I just learned about this cute little thing. It is a clear piece of plastic that attaches to the side of a monitor. You can attach post it notes, pictures, and more. It will help clean up your desk area and make your workspace look adorable.

Do you want more ideas? Check out my gift guides from 2020 and 2019. I also shared my go-to formula for stuffing the stockings perfectly.

I’m finally sharing my living room progress. I’ve been dragging my feet because, well, I’m still working on my photography skills. The room feels so good in person, but I can’t seem to capture the right images. I’m trying to be patient with myself as I learn the right height, exposure, and settings. I used a wide-angle lens for all the shots, which I think contributed to some of my problems (some of the images look a little distorted – like the proportions are off). I also think I should have tried to capture photos on an overcast day, as I was battling bright light for some of the pictures. Nevertheless, let’s talk about and celebrate the progress of this room. It makes me very happy, and I just like spending time here.

Let’s start with the before pictures because it’s always fun to see how things have changed. This first photo is from the real estate listing. The room was bright, painted white, and had wood trim. This room is not large by any account. It opens up into the dining room and has a doorway into the entryway (you’ll see that in some of the photos below).

Right before we started demo, I snapped some quick photos on my phone. They are dark (it was a cloudy day), but it gives a good sense of the overall room size. The first photo looks into the dining room, and the second one looks into the living room from the dining room.

Here is a quick shot after we removed the carpet and prepped it for the hardwood flooring installation. I had also painted the walls (Asiago by Valspar) and trim (Ultra Pure White by Behr). These small changes started to make it feel like a different room.

We installed the white oak hardwood flooring, and I was over the moon excited. Sadly, this is how it sat for a couple of months while we worked on the dining room and all the trim work.

After some delay, we finished it off by installing larger baseboard trim and quarter round around the perimeter.

And now the official after photos – all furnished!

We had all the furniture and accessories before the demo, so we just put everything back into place. These two chairs are from HomeGoods (one is Charlotte style by La Z Boy, and the other is from a manufacturer I’ve never heard of). I had the two chairs flank the window and put a small table between them. I searched for months for the right table because I needed something relatively short as I didn’t want to block the window. The floor lamp is from Target (years ago), and the wicker basket under the table stores some board games.

You can also see the doorway to the entry at this angle. Don’t mind our shoes (hey, this is real life!). You’ll also see that the entry has old hardwood floors and unpainted wood trim. We are installing the hardwoods room-by-room, so the entry will eventually get the new floorings/trim, but for now, it’s in an in-between phase.

Here is looking into the living room from the entry. Our XL DIY art is on full display here. The coffee table is from Hayneedle (no longer available), and it’s topped with a large blue woven tray. Of course, it’s full of magazines. They seem to be taking over the house these days. The rug is from Overstock.com, and I love it. It’s textured, soft, and has two different weaves that create a nice striped pattern. Quick disclaimer – I ordered an 8′ x 10,’ but the dimensions are slightly smaller. I ordered the “bleach” color.

Looking into the living room from the dining room, you see an old console table (I think it’s 10 years old!). We bought it for our first house, and it has moved with us everywhere. It’s starting to show its age, so I may replace it or do a DIY makeover. I use it to display a bunch of family photos. I’ve talked about this before, but I’ll repeat it. Kate Spade’s home tour really inspired me. She had a table just crammed full of family photos, and I thought it was so sweet. It’s not necessarily the most “beautiful” thing, but it’s probably one of the happiest moments in the room. We also have some baskets which store my son’s craft supplies. I threw blankets on top for a little more grown-up look.

As I said, the living room is pretty small. With a different layout, I could have included a full-size sofa but decided to use a loveseat (also a HomeGoods find) instead, so it could float in the middle of the room and face the chairs. I wanted this space to feel intimate and be an area for people to have conversations and play games.

It’s always fun to take a few detailed shots. I love snails (you’ll see them throughout the house). This little wood snail is from Target (many years ago now).

I really like the piping and texture on this blue pillow.

This room is done for now. Eventually, I’ll change out the blinds for a bamboo shade, replace or refinish the console table, and layer in more art on the walls (I already have a ton that I just need to frame and hang). Also, let’s do a sneak peek of the dining room because it’s almost done, too! EEK!

My family and I visited Myrtle Beach for the first time this year. It’s such a great, affordable beach vacation with lots of things to do nearby. I wanted to write down our favorite sites, so others could check them out if they are looking for something to do.

1. The Beach

Obviously, we need to start with the beach. It’s clean and super easy to get to. There is consistent and easy access every block or two. Likewise, they have showers and foot spigots at every entry/exit point (at least of the ones I visited). The only thing I wished I knew before is that there is a layer of shells when you walk into the ocean, and it can hurt your feet. You can get past it if you go out far enough, but I recommend swim shoes. In addition, you will get bits and pieces of seashells everywhere, and some seem embedded into your skin! It’s a wonderful place to take a walk, and people are out there all hours of the day.

2. Broadway At The Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a short drive from the beach boardwalk and has basically everything you need to stay busy. They have shopping, entertainment, and many great places to eat (We really liked the Dave & Busters and Yamato Habachi). Most entertainment venues are indoors, so it’s a great place if you need a break from the sun. In addition, they have fun shops, like Broadway Magic or It’s Sugar, that kids will enjoy.

3. Ripley’s Aquarium

While visiting the boardwalk, check out Ripley’s Aquarium. It can be a nice break from the sun or something fun to do when it’s raining. It’s a compact aquarium but has show stoppers like the stingray tank and shark tunnel. The ticket line can grow quickly, so I recommend purchasing the tickets on your phone. It saves you so some time!

4. Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf

Like many tourism destinations, Mrytle Beach has a wide array of mini-golf options. There were tons to choose from, but we decided to go to Mt. Atlanticus, and I was very impressed! It has two courses (you can do both for a reasonable price). The course is easy enough for kids but still fun for adults. It’s designed to keep you moving, which is helpful since it’s hot outside and usually bustling. We did the “Caves” course and appreciated the opportunity to be out of the sun for many of the holes. Lots of fun and you get some beautiful views of the ocean. It’s hard to see, but the picture above has the ocean in the back.

5. Brookgreen Gardens & Zoo

This botanical garden and zoo are located 30-45 minutes away from Mrytle but worth the drive. You pay a single price to access the gardens and zoo, which are on the same property. Also, the tickets are good for 7 days. It’s a nice retreat from the hectic atmosphere of the beach. You can stroll through the gardens and grounds, take in the beautiful landscapes, and even view some art. They have the largest collection of sculptures. The zoo is small and houses animals local to the area. Like the gardens, the zoo has a meandering path, so it feels peaceful.

A Deep Dive Into Claire McCardell: Until last month, I didn’t know who Claire McCardell was. I stumbled on an interesting bathing suit on Pinterest, which took me down an hours-long rabbit hole to read everything I could about the designer. Claire McCardell is an American women’s fashion designer that was prominent in the 1930s-1950s. She was notable because she established the “American” look and emphasized function, wearability, and comfort. Her clothes were well made, comfortable, and stylish. Claire studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York and was well versed in couture construction, fashion, and structure. However, her clothing was designed for the everyday American woman using durable, common fabrics. Her clothes were considered “simple” as they didn’t include a lot of fanciful decoration, but the lines and cut of the garments were sophisticated and interesting. One article even credits Claire with designing the precursor to the ubiquitous hoodie and ballet flat shoes. I find Claire’s designs flattering, interesting and relevant. Her story is equally as fascinating. If you want to learn more, check out these articles: Article 1, Article 2, Article 3 (watch video), Article 4 (Claire’s Time Magazine Article), Article 5, Article 6 (nice pictures). I’m also impatiently waiting for a book about her. It’s out of print but seems widely available at libraries (particularly colleges).

The Time Tax: Why is so much American bureaucracy left to average citizens? This article highlight all the hurdles that citizens must clear to get access to government programs and benefits. It states that government makes the process difficult and time-consuming (hence time tax), so fewer people use the services. It’s interesting and worth a read. However, it makes me think of another article I read years ago. It focused on how companies have essentially put a greater burden on the consumer to do more work (another time tax), so the companies can profit more (this article is a good overview of the concept but focuses on employment). Employers argue this change is “giving customers the power.” But, most times, it gives the customer a headache. This is one of those concepts I started seeing everywhere once I was aware of it.

Three Birds Renovations: Facade & Floorplans (episode 2): Three Birds Renovations is an Australian-based interior design company that produces a YouTube series (I list their YouTube channel as one of my favorites). Each season follows the renovation (or construction) of one client’s home. This season is different. They are working with a home builder to design a “Three Birds Home.” Basically, they are collaborating to create a spec home that anyone can build. So far, it’s been an interesting look behind the curtain. It’s a totally different process than how I would have imagined, but that’s another conversation for another day. Today, I want to talk about a company highlighted in this episode, Lifesize Plans. If you watch the episode, you’ll see the designers go to what looks like a warehouse that projects their floor plan to scale on the ground. It allows them to walk through and make sure the details are right (i.e., hallways aren’t too wide or narrow, kitchen spacing feels adequate). It seems like such a cool service! Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be available in the US (yet).

I usually post home updates on Thursday but I took last week off after completing the one-room challenge. So I’ll have a new post next Thursday. Please enjoy the monthly link-up.

Chip and Joanna Gaines on Walking Away From “Fixer Upper”: I really enjoyed this article from the Hollywood Reporter. I have a ton of admiration for the Gaines and think they have a lot more to offer than just the farmhouse aesthetic. I’m also glad that they discussed diversity and inclusion in the interview. Unfortunately, the discussion was brief, but I hope they talk more about it in the future.

Britney’s Declaration on Her Conservatorship: I was a huge fan of Britney Spears when I was a kid. Of course, I hadn’t given her much thought until last summer when my husband told me about the “Free Britney” movement (a fan movement that declared Britney should no longer be in her conservatorship). I read a couple of articles and watched Britney’s Instagram videos. I was casually following it when I heard that she spoke out about her conservatorship. My husband and I listened to her statement. Parts of it disturbed me, and I think Britney made several good points. I wish someone could have helped her polish the statement, but I am glad she said what she felt. I think it’s worth a listen.

Never Have I Ever, Season 2 Trailer: I am so pumped for the second season of Never Have I Ever, a Netflix comedy that follows Devi, an Indian-American, as she tries to navigate friendships, family life, and dating. I have watched the first season three times (whenever I don’t know what to watch, I just turn it on!). Mindy Kaling writes it, and I think it’s perfect. The release date is July 15th.

Living Room & Dining Room

Can you believe that we started updating our floors almost 6 months ago!? While we finished the floors in early January, sadly, the living room sat empty without any baseboards until last weekend. Here is what the room looked like right after we finished installing the floors.

The floors looked greeaat (imagine Tony the Tiger saying that) and, in my mind, the rooms were basically done. I knew we had a couple of weeks of work left. But the seriously cold winters of the Midwest really slowed things down. We planned on installing new trim, so my husband needed to cut each piece in the garage. As you can imagine, that didn’t sound like a very appealing job in the middle of winter. As any responsible couple would do, we ignored the project until the weather improved. (To be fair, we had a few warm weekends between when we finished and last weekend, but it didn’t seem like a priority.)

After just a couple of hours of work, the living room baseboards were installed on Sunday. Installing baseboards is pretty easy, but it takes time and patience to get it right. I learned a ton about different types of joints – butt joints, scarf joints and coping corner joints. I’m not an expert, but I found this, this and this helpful when learning about installing trim. Now that they are installed, its tempting to move everything back into the room, but the finishing work (filling holes multiple times, sanding, caulking and painting) needs patience. My plan is to work on this a little bit every day for the next week and finally re-install the living room furniture next weekend (hopefully!!!!)

That also means that I need to finalize the updates I was planning for this room, which are minor. I plan on replacing the pillow covers (already ordered!), updating the blinds to a natural fiber and possibly changing up the console table.

The dining room is, uh, going a little slower. I am hoping that next weekend we’ll start installing the board and batten (again weather really delayed us). Fingers crossed this happens soon, because I am already…..

Planning for the Next Project

You know when there is a lull in another project, so to keep yourself busy you start planning the next one? Well, beyond the living room, dining room and bedroom, I have started planning ANOTHER room. I don’t want to go into too many details, but we’ve started getting wallpaper samples and I am VERY excited. Want to guess what room I planning?

We’re going to complete this secret room during the One Room Challenge (starts May 6th). The project is going to include NEW FLOORS! WALLPAPER! CABINETS! I am slightly worried about getting all the supplies in time, so I am trying to finalize the design decisions within the next couple of weeks and order the big stuff by April 1st.

Better get back to work. 🙂

My bedroom re-do has stalled. While talking to my husband about purchasing a new bed, he requested, you know like a normal human, to see the new bed. The minute he saw it, he scrunched up his nose and said no.

I really thought he was joking, but after a couple of minutes I realized how series he was. I had a few alternative beds in mind and showed him those. He liked a couple of them better. Yet, there was a problem. I didn’t measure any of the other beds to make sure they would fit or ensure the mattress would be the appropriate height. Alright…let’s break out the measuring tape.

Not long after the bed discussion, I received the rug sample. The rug is beautiful. The colors and pattern are perfect, but the texture is not right for the bedroom. It feels too rough for the space. Both my husband and son said they would not want to get out of bed and step on it. Point taken.

I started playing around with the design board and I came up with some alternatives. But none of the rugs really spoke to me or felt “right.” The bedroom has carpet and we eventually plan to replace it with…more carpet, so I don’t think a rug is necessary. I’ve decided to eliminate the rug for the time being. After the room is put together, it may become clear that a rug is needed…but I’m not going to force it. I’ll know when I find the right one. I removed the rug from the new design boards and everything still feels cohesive.

Jer and I then narrowed down the design to three beds and, surprise, the original bed is still a contender. I really struggled to make a decision and Jer felt bad for me and said I should just get it if that’s really what I want. I haven’t ordered the bed though because I want Jeremy to be happy and I started second guessing myself.

Option 1 is the original design and I still like it very much. My only concern is that the wood on the bed will read too gray and feel out of place in the room.

Option 2 is Jer’s favorite. This bed is a warm wood, so the room will be pretty well balanced. I like this bed, but the headboard’s height is shorter than Option 1. For most mattress it may not matter, but since ours is super tall I’m afraid the headboard will look dinky.

Ah, option number 3. The one my husband never asked for and surely doesn’t want. I really like the bed and like that it’s metal and upholstered versus wood. It will compliment the oil rubbed bronze light fixtures and hardware that’s in the room. I like it, clearly, but my husband worries that the bed isn’t very sturdy.

I’m still waiting on a few of the other things to be restocked (nightstands, wicker table, chair). It seems that everyday I wait to make a decision, the more likely it is to be sold out and not available. I better make up my mind soon.

It’s officially spring and I am feeling renewed and hopeful.

Magnolia Network: I couldn’t help myself and I signed up for the Discovery + app, so I would get access to all things Magnolia Network. My review is simple – it’s good. The programming is heart warming and sweet. Programs that did not initially appeal to me totally pulled me in. Want to cry? Watch Courage to Run. Want to hear how interior designers design spaces? Watch Point of View. Want a cute cooking show that feels so relatable? Check out Magnolia Table. I have enjoyed everything that I’ve watched. The Gaines have my number (and I’m sure a large portion of America) and they know how to tell a story. Bravo. I can’t wait for the full launch.

The Best Towels: I am in love with these Quick Dri Towels from JCPenney. They are so good and dry lightening fast. But I am crying because JCP discontinued them. WHY????

English Cottages Meets California Cool: Wow! This home tour is beautiful. It feels put together, intention, lived-in, comfortable and effortless. #Goals.