FAQ: Paint Colors In My House
“What paint color is that?” - A frequently asked question so I finally decided to put it somewhere beside my IG highlight bubble! As a reminder paint looks different depending on the light, room, time of day, etc so I always recommend painting swatches in your space before you decide on a color.
Drum roll please….
BEDROOM : Field Trip by Clare
TODDLER ROOM - 50% of Malted Milk by Sherwin Williams
This is a beigey-pink. If I could go back I would have done 100% of the color instead of cutting it 50%
Sheen is eggshell for ceiling and walls
Links for the room here
This is a great example of a color that look different depending on what side of the wall I’m photographing (ie next to the pink curtains or the wall directly opposite the big window.
A Detail I Keep Adding To Every Room Makeover
A year and a half ago, I set out to transform our all-white rooms into spaces filled with color, personality, and warmth. Now, I’m on to room number six, and there’s one detail that ties them all together—new doorknobs.
I first discovered Nostalgic Warehouse while searching for items for our primary bedroom makeover, either on Amazon or Instagram. From the moment I laid eyes on their collection, I was smitten. The doorknobs looked stunning online, but when I held one for the first time, I was blown away by its weight and quality.
I often get asked if these doorknobs come with locks, and the answer is yes! Just be sure to choose the privacy version when selecting your door hardware. While the lock may look different from a traditional doorknob, it’s definitely there.
In addition to the privacy version, we’ve used single-sided dummy knobs in the office since they only need to function on one side—they don’t turn; you just pull. We also opted for passage-style knobs on my daughter’s closet for a seamless look.
This year, I’ve added these doorknobs to our hallway, my office, my daughter’s room, and the guest bathroom. They truly are the jewelry of each room, adding a unique and special touch to every space. Alongside the doorknobs, I also found matching lightswitch covers last year, which have become another favorite.
If you’re looking to elevate a room with a high-quality piece, I can’t recommend Nostalgic Warehouse enough. There’s a reason we keep coming back for more.
Turks and Caicos Trip
Embark on an unforgettable journey with me as I recount my incredible adventure in the stunning paradise of Turks and Caicos! From unforgettable activities to luxurious accommodations and delectable dining experiences, I'll share every detail with you!
Before delving into the highlights of my trip, let me offer some valuable insights prior to your arrival. As a developing island, Turks and Caicos boasts raw beauty alongside some unique quirks. Be prepared for rugged roads, stray dogs meandering about, and a different approach to waste management compared to what you might be accustomed to. However, let these nuances serve as a gentle reminder of the vibrant local culture and the warmth of the island's inhabitants. We felt safe the entire time, but of course, stay vigilant just like you would at home. In addition, being on an island where everything needs to be imported, expect higher prices across the board, from dining and groceries to gas and more. For phone service, we added the international plan to our phones while we were. Although helpful when using GPS, my AT&T service was so-so on the island.
As far as where to stay, for those seeking a bustling hub with easy access to resorts and tourist attractions by foot, Grace Bay is the ideal choice. I would compare it to a similar vibe of 30A in Florida if you’ve ever been there. It’s a more updated part of the island with shopping, food, and tons of places to stay. However, if you share my love for immersive exploration, and want to see more of the local culture, my heart lies with Chalk Sound Bay. We rented an exquisite villa, about 30 minutes from Grace Bay, and used two rental cars to explore the island for five days. It was incredible!
Let these tips be a helpful guide rather than a deterrent because Turks and Caicos is truly an incredible destination. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the beaches boast some of the most stunning and clearest waters you'll ever see.
TRAVEL
We prefer to fly Delta Airlines, but at our time of travel (June) they only offered one inbound and outbound flight per day. You deplane outside and venture to an inside customs line that flowed seamlessly, especially during our Friday arrival. Don’t forget a pen for the paperwork!
Like I said, if you’re staying somewhere other than Grace Bay, it’s advisable to rent a car for convenient exploration. A heads up about the cars, as a small island that has to have everything imported, the vehicles available (that we rented through Grace Bay Rentals) may not be the newest models and gas is $7/gallon. Additionally, be prepared to adapt to driving on the opposite side of the road, but I promise you catch on quick! It's worth noting that the island relies heavily on roundabouts instead of stoplights. Additionally, be prepared for frequent passing on the roads, numerous potholes to navigate, and the occasional sight of people parking on sidewalks.
When we departed on a Wednesday (one of their slower days), we found the TSA line so quick, but the airport has limited seating and no air conditioning (but big fans!). A helpful tip: venture upstairs for additional seating options and more store options. You can also get a massage while you wait!
Currently in the news, you may have seen that Turks and Caicos is imposing jail time for anyone found with ammunition. Firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons are strictly prohibited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so make sure to triple-check your bags. I was even randomly selected for additional screening as I was boarding the plane, along with several others. Despite having just passed through TSA, they had me remove my shoes and laptop and proceeded to swab my clothes, the palms of my hands, my shoes, hand luggage, and computer to test for explosives. It was an experience I had never encountered before.
ACCOMODATIONS
Our stay at this amazing villa was next-level! Tucked away in stunning surroundings, this five-bedroom gem had everything our crew of seven adults and two kids (including a 2 year old) could dream of.
Picture this: a sparkling private pool overlooking the water, our own dock access, a game room, a gym, plus kayaks and snorkeling gear for some aquatic adventures. And inside? Well, let me introduce you to Fritz, the absolute MVP of housekeeping. This guy made sure we had it all covered - from laundry duty, to dishes, to keeping the place spotless. Not to mention one of my favorite things - nearly every room has both an indoor shower and a private outdoor shower.
Oh, and did I mention the thoughtful extras? I used their two pack and plays, a high chair, Keurig coffee machine, and even a clothes steamer. Plus, each bedroom had its own A/C control, just like a hotel room would.
But wait, there’s more! Need groceries? No problem, they’d stock your fridge with whatever you wanted. Feeling fancy? We even hired a private chef one night!
Seriously, this villa was the stuff of dreams. From luxury to laid-back vibes, it had it all - making our stay absolutely unforgettable.
FOOD:
For breakfast and snacks by the pool, we made use of the groceries we had stocked at the villa.
For lunch, we visited Omar's on the Beach, a laid-back beachside spot featuring an incredible DJ, delicious food, and tasty Bloody Marys. We also dined at Baci Pizza, located at the marina, where we enjoyed excellent pizza and salads right after snorkeling at Smith's Reef. Another great spot was Crest & Berry, where we savored amazing smoothies and acai bowls, and I enjoyed a lox bagel.
Dinner was my favorite part of the day because we ate at some incredible places. Las Brisas, situated near our villa, served amazing food and offered lovely views of both an on-site pool and overlooked the water. Caicos Café, though not waterfront, impressed us with its fantastic food and excellent service. Another favorite of mine was Indigo, located at the Wymara Resort. Overlooking the pool, it was by far the most expensive, but the outstanding food and impeccable service made it well worth it. The only place I wasn't a fan of was Somewhere Cafe for Mexican. Despite its incredible ocean view, the food was so-so, and the service was lacking.
For drinks one night I joined my sister-in-law and brother-in-law at Da Conch Shack. This casual beachside restaurant features a live DJ and offers seating right in the sand.
Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also enjoyed a meal at Conchy Conchy, a beach-side tent serving dishes like jerk chicken on Sapodilla Bay Beach.
ACTIVITES:
For activities, we enjoyed hanging out by the villa pool and using the private dock to access the provided kayak and stand-up paddleboards. We also snorkeled at Smith's Reef (bring your own gear), where we saw turtles, coral and fish. Plus there is an incredible spot right by where you park that has incredibly clear water that my toddler LOVED!
However, my favorite experience was renting a private catamaran with Island Vibes Tours. We opted for a half-day trip, but I highly recommend a full day. Request Dre and Lamont as your captains; they are amazing. They took us to see dolphins, snorkel at the Turks & Caicos Barrier Reef, and visit a secluded sandbar with the clearest water I've ever seen, perfect for collecting seashells. We also explored Iguana Island, took a detour through a canal to see luxurious private homes, and had a blast using the slide on the boat. They provided lunch, which included assorted wraps, soda, water, local beer, and rum punch.
Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also visited Sapodilla Bay Beach, a cozy spot with tent bars and food options like Conchy Conchy, where they tried the jerk chicken. They described the beach as serene, with available rentals for chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, and even glass-bottom kayaks.
I hope my experiences have inspired you to embark on your own unforgettable journey. From the raw beauty and unique culture of the island to the luxurious accommodations, delectable dining, and beachy activities, there's no shortage of amazing experiences in TCI. Whether you choose to explore the bustling Grace Bay or immerse yourself in the local culture of Chalk Sound Bay, rest assured that Turks and Caicos offers something truly special for everyone. As you plan your trip, remember the valuable tips shared here and get ready to create lifelong memories in this stunning paradise. Cheers to your extraordinary adventure ahead!
Wallpaper Details
Let’s talk wallpaper! I have 2 (going on 3) rooms in my house covered in wallpaper and it’s a question I get asked about frequently!
Luscious leopards
Lucious Leopards by Love vs Design is a vinyl peel and stick wallpaper in my powder bathroom. We used their “smooth finish” that has a 1inch overlap. If I could go back I would have tried their Glissade or Woven options instead as I found the “smooth” a little hard to work with as it would stretch when you needed to reposition it. This wallpaper can also be customized meaning you can choose any color combination you’d like.
2. forever & always
Forever and Always by Wallblush comes in peel and stick, but I used their luxe traditional. I have found their luxe traditional to be the easiest temporary wallpaper to apply so far. It’s a paste-to-the-wall removable adhesive that has a butted joint (no overlap). Although, it doesn’t call for any overlap, I found it to shrink JUST A SMIDGE when the paste dried causing very thin gaps so I would suggest overlapping by a cm or two. Code LUTZGOHOME saves you 35% off! I also put a photo of the custom green color that I matched from the wallpaper below.
3. Natalia
Natalia by Peel and Paper is the newest wallpaper I added to the house (see here). This is also a peel and stick application and this site also allows you to choose any color combination you’d like. I applied their new matte paper in their “Peel and Stick Wallpaper” paper type (not vinyl) and LOVE it. It has a butted joint (no overlap). Code LUTZGOHOME10 saves you 10%!
DIY dog cutouts
I custom made dog cut outs for my daughters 2nd Puppy Pawty! Here is the tutorial on how I did it.
SUPPLIES:
8’ x 8’ vinyl banner
2x pieces of 4’ x 8’ insulation board
Foam hot knife and replacement blades
regular white foam board from Dollar Tree
INSTRUCTIONS:
Purchased artwork from Etsy and changed the blue hats to pink in Photoshop. I’m sure for a small fee the seller could do this as well.
Created an 8’ x 8’ TIFF file in photoshop and arranged the dog graphics to fit as many as I needed and in various sizes. TIP: don’t make any small ones or anything that has a lot of detail. The larger ones were MUCH easier to cut out. The biggest dogs are roughly 40” x 18” and they were the easiest and the smaller dogs are roughly 10” x 20” and they were a pain.
3. Ordered an 8’ x 8’ step and repeat banner from https://www.stickersbanners.com/8x8-step-and-repeat.html with no hem, no grommets, no stand, and no carpet. I did local pickup because I live near one of their locations but they also ship.
4. Purchased (2) panels of insulation board that were 4’ x 8’ each and glued the banner to the insulation board using spray adhesive.
5. Cut out the dogs with a foam hot knife. You’ll need to wear a mask because these fumes are so intense and so toxic.
6. Attached a triangular piece of regular foam board from the Dollar Tree to the back of the dogs using white duct tape so that they stand upright on their own.
Here is how they looked at the party!
Free Teacher Survey
My daughter is in school for the first time ever - woohoo! She has some amazing teachers and I’m looking forward to giving them something for the holidays. My daughter didn’t start school at the beginning of the year so I’m unsure if they sent out anything like this to the parents (I’ve heard that some schools do) so I decided to make my own instead. If this one isn’t your style, you can buy similar ones on Etsy. I customized mine to include questions that I thought would be relevant for gifts that I might give throughout the entire school year. For example - scent is helpful if I ever decide to pair a gift card with a candle. Scents can be so polarizing so I didn’t want to give a vanilla scented candle to someone who hates vanilla, ya know?
After asking you guys on IG stories what teachers want most, the overwhelming answer is GIFT CARDS, so I made sure to ask questions that would allow me to choose the right store for each person. I’m also a crafty mom so I asked other things that would allow me to craft a potential future gift basket, personalize something, etc. The music question was purely to find out if anyone was a swiftie - haha!
I also know that a lot of teachers end up using their own money for school supplies so I added a classroom wishlist on there as well.
Lastly, I want to note two more things that I heard from teachers. First off, no more cups lol. Secondly, a hand written card is so meaningful so if dishing out extra money right now isn’t possible, remember the power of words. A simple card letting them know how much you appreciate them goes a long way.
The graphic is 300dpi 8.5” x 11” so perfect for printing on a standard size sheet of paper.
HOW TO DOWNLOAD:
If you’re on your phone, click the “download here” button below. The graphic will pop up. Hold down on the screen and select “save to photos.”
If you’re on a computer, click the “download here” button below. Right click the graphic and select “save image as.”
Cozy Coupe Makeover
Supplies Used:
Orbital Sander (not required)
Sandpaper (220 grit)
1-2 cans of spray primer for plastic
2-3 cans of Vintage Blush Spray Paint
2-3 cans of Smokey Beige Spray Paint
1-2 cans of clear sealer spray paint
Comfort Grip for mess free and more comfortable spray (not required)
Frog tape painters tape
Automotive Trim 1/4”
Construction Adhesive for name plates
I had to order a new steering wheel because mine was broken. You can buy replacement parts here.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove any stickers and any removable plastic pieces with a flat head screw driver (gas tank cap, headlights, tail lights, hub caps, etc). If I could go back I would have disassembled the top from the bottom. There are step by step videos on Youtube for assembling the Cozy Coupe. If you don’t want to remove these things then cover them with plastic bags and painters tape.
2. Apply All Purpose Bondo (use directions on container) to any holes left behind from removing unwanted pieces. My cozy coupe was the lady bug so I filled in holes on the top of the car and on the dash where the attenas and eyes were.
3. Sand the All Purpose Bondo and give the entire car a once over with 220 grit Sandpaper.
4. Wash the car with soap and water. Let dry.
5. Cover the wheels, and anything else you don’t want to get paint on, with tape and plastic bags if you didn’t remove them.
6. Give the entire car a coat of spray primer for plastic.
7. Spray the entire car with the colors of your choice. Let dry, remove any tape you may have added. Touch up paint as needed.
8. Seal your masterpiece with several coats of clear sealer spray paint, allowing the car to dry between coats.
9. Remove the plastic bags from anything you were protecting (wheels, steering wheels, etc)
10. Apply automotive trim. This is such a nice touch! Highly recommend. TIP: Measure AND CUT the trim before applying, If you have to lift the trim up to cut it , you’ll peel back the paint.
11. Replace any plastic parts that you removed that you want back on the car like headlights, gas tank cap, etc.
12. Add special touches like VW logo, or in my case, I used custom name plates from Etsy using construction adhesive.
It's all in the details - bedroom makeover
Embarking on my bedroom makeover, I anticipated a few weeks of work to transform the plain white box into my vision of a green and moody retreat. However, as the days turned into months, I realized that creating the perfect space required more time and attention to detail than I initially expected. But let me tell you, every moment spent was worth it. From the dark green walls to the carefully selected furnishings, every choice was made with intention. And it was the incorporation of gold unlacquered brass Nostalgic Warehouse doorknobs, switch plate covers, and door hinges that truly brought the room together, elevating it to a whole new level of elegance.
I've always been captivated by the allure of a dark green and moody bedroom, but have been a little afraid of going bold. The idea of transforming my room into a sanctuary of tranquility seemed worth it seeing how we have had all white walls in this room since we moved in and we were ready for a change. To achieve this desired ambiance, I knew that paying attention to even the smallest details would be crucial. That's why I chose to incorporate gold unlacquered brass hardware into my bedroom makeover. Its timeless elegance effortlessly blends with the dark green surroundings, infusing the space with a warm and inviting atmosphere. These intricate elements have truly brought my entire room together, creating a visually captivating and cohesive aesthetic.
When I stumbled upon Nostalgic Warehouse's collection, I was instantly captivated by their commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The gold unlacquered brass doorknobs, switch plate covers, and door hinges exuded a sense of sophistication that perfectly aligned with my vision. Each piece showcased the dedication and artistry of the brand, reflecting a time when quality and beauty were paramount. By incorporating Nostalgic Warehouse hardware into my bedroom makeover, I've not only added a touch of luxury but also embraced the essence of timeless elegance, turning my space into a true sanctuary of style.
