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Final Kitchen Reveal ($100 Room Challenge)

September 25, 2019 By Lauren 14 Comments

Thanks to DecoArt for providing me with the stencil and the Americana Chalky Finish Paints that I used to create my DIY stenciled table runner. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Welcome to the $100 Room Challenge, hosted by Erin of Lemons, Lavender and Laundry. In the challenge, bloggers like myself aim to update a room for no more than $100. I love this kind of challenge -- I am always working to update my home without spending a lot! The room I decided to update is my home's kitchen. My plan was to add new nickel knobs to my DIY-painted kitchen cabinets (I Continue reading...

Planning a Kitchen Remodel

April 10, 2018 By Lauren

If you've been following this blog, you probably know that I've taken steps to update the look of my home's kitchen. I've repainted most of the oak cabinets white. (I just have a few more to paint.) I've purchased some new cabinet hardware to install. I've made small changes like organizing drawers and installing inexpensive tile under the kitchen sink. I'd love to change out the flooring and the counter, too. A good blogging friend of mine is doing a complete kitchen remodel -- I have to admit I'm a bit jealous! If you are considering a DIY kitchen remodel or if you are thinking of having Continue reading...

A Graduation Party on a Budget

May 30, 2017 By Lauren

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links. My twin daughters will be graduating eighth grade this month. I can’t believe how quickly time has flown! I’ve been researching some ideas for putting a graduation party together without busting the budget. I’ve been finding that I can host a great party while sticking to my budget, all with the help of Groupon! One place that I have found savings with Groupon is with 1-800-Flowers. Through Groupon, I can get 40% off graduation flowers. I can order flower centerpieces, bouquets and even balloons. I really like the It's Your Day Continue reading...

Super-Cute & Inexpensive Throw Pillow Covers

October 11, 2016 By Lauren

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that helps fund this blog. Thanks! I love to switch up the pillows on my living room sofa. I find that just by changing out the pillow covers on the sofa, I can give the living room a whole new look. I often make my own throw pillow covers, but I was recently happily surprised to find super cute and inexpensive throw pillow covers on Amazon -- all for less than $6! A total find! Since I'm not one to hog great information to myself, I thought I'd share some of my best Continue reading...

Four Easy Wooden Crate Projects

June 27, 2016 By Lauren

Thanks to Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Stain for sponsoring this post by providing the waterproof stain used on my new bench and crate table. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own. I've been obsessed with wood crates recently. They are sturdy, inexpensive, and can serve multiple purposes in the home. I started out by using wood crates to create much needed shelving in a coat-closet-turned pantry. I've discovered that by simply screwing a few crates together with some wood screws and a screwdriver, I could put together functional and really sturdy shelving in a Continue reading...

Curb Appeal Final Reveal & $110 Gift Card Giveaway

June 21, 2016 By Lauren

*Thanks to Paint-a-Pillow for sponsoring this post. I received a pillow kit, paints and a pillow cover in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own. Welcome to the final week of the Curb Appeal Blog Hop! For the best few weeks, a few blogging friends and I have been working to improve our homes' curb appeal. It's been hard work, but we are all happy to share our final results today! I can't believe how much we have all accomplished. When I started out with my curb appeal project, the garden area to one side of my home's driveway was basically just Continue reading...

Back to School Savings with Barnes & Noble Mastercard #BNschoolsavings

August 29, 2015 By Lauren

This post is sponsored by the Barnes & Noble MasterCard, powered by Barclaycard. All opinions are my own. My daughters and I love to read! For us, a fun day is to go to our local Barnes & Noble and shop for some books and magazines! Last week, we went to Barnes & Noble with a gift card that was given to me by Barnes & Noble Mastercard. We used the gift card to purchase books that my twin tween daughters will need for the school year. Saving on School Supplies My daughters will enter the seventh grade this September. In their school, they are required to read at least 20 Continue reading...

15 Ways to Go Green /#SunrunSolar Sweepstakes

June 23, 2015 By Lauren

Want to be cool this summer? Look to go green! By going "green" or striving to be more eco-friendly this summer, you can save money on everyday home costs and be kinder to our Earth. Being kinder to the Earth is very important because being it impacts what kind of world our kids will inherit from us! I've found that these 15 ways to go green are both cost effective and easy! 15 Easy Ways to Go Green Go solar - Many homeowners who go solar save money in the summer when the sun is out the longest and air conditioning costs are high. E.g., with Sunrun, a solar service company, you can get Continue reading...

Gift for Garden State Grads #gardenstategrads

June 21, 2015 By Lauren

*This review is a sponsored post. I received compensation for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. These days, it can be hard to find a bank account that doesn't charge monthly fees. My own bank charges me when my balance falls below a specified minimum balance and when I visit an ATM machine outside my bank. Those fees can add up! Imagine how tough those fees can be for high school students, college students and recent grads! Luckily, Boiling Springs Savings Bank has made it easier for students and new grads to manage a bank account. Boiling Springs Savings Bank will give students and Continue reading...

Buying Your First Home

May 27, 2015 By Lauren

For many families, buying one's first home is a big step in achieving the American Dream. But affording that first home can be tough! It wasn't after a few years of marriage that my husband and I were able to afford a home. Before then we lived in apartments, and stayed at my mother-in-law's house when my husband was in graduate school. Luckily, we were able to purchase our home just a few months before our twin girls were born. Thankfully, there is a lot of quality information online that can guide first-time buyers on the road to a home purchase. One great source of information on the Continue reading...

#followfriday: Great Blog Finds This Week #FF

February 27, 2015 By Lauren

One of the best things about being a blogger is following the work of other bloggers! I am always impressed by the ingenuity and creativity of my blogging friends! These are some of the recent projects that I like the most from some of my favorite bloggers ! #Followfriday (#FF) is a great time to discover new blogs. Check them out! My daughters really enjoy mozzarella sticks, so in the past, I've purchased frozen ones at the grocery store. I love that with this low-carb mozzarella stick recipe from Wife Mom Geek, I can make my own with regular string cheese! I can even tailor the recipe Continue reading...

Save at Dunkin’ Donuts with DD Perks

February 4, 2015 By Lauren

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dunkin’ Brands. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.” Remember when I introduced you to the DD Perks program? I shared information about this program back in November, and since then I have been enjoying all the "perks" of the DD Perks program! I have the Dunkin’ Mobile App on my phone, so I can easily get coupons and points toward free drinks and food at Dunkin' Donuts! The app is so easy to use, and since all the perks and coupons are on my phone, I don't have to worry about Continue reading...