DIY Personalized Cupcake Toppers
Let’s talk about one of my favorite little party details: personalized cupcake toppers. They’re the kind of thing that makes a dessert table feel extra special, and the best part is you can totally make them yourself. No fancy tools required, just a little crafting and some patience.
I made these for my daughter’s 1st birthday party and had so much fun putting them together. Here's how you can do the same:
What You'll Need:
Photos with the face big enough to actually show up once it’s cut out
How To Make Them
Pick your photos
Start by choosing clear, front-facing photos where the person's face is large enough to show up well once cut out. I used Canva to zoom in and fit two to three faces per page. You want the faces to be big enough to stand out on top of a cupcake, so don’t be afraid to crop in close.Print and cut
I printed mine on photo paper using my home photo printer, but you can absolutely get them printed anywhere you normally develop photos. Once they’re printed, just cut around each face. They end up looking so cute and personal.Attach to skewers
Flip the face cutouts over and tape a skewer or toothpick to the back. That’s it. No fancy supplies or tools needed. You can also add a second face on the back if you want them double-sided, but I usually keep it simple.Stick them in and enjoy
Once they’re ready, just pop them into your cupcakes. These always get a good laugh and make the whole party feel a little more personal and fun. They're perfect for birthdays, graduations, bachelorette parties, pretty much any celebration where faces on cupcakes would make people smile.
That’s all it takes. It’s a super quick and budget-friendly DIY that adds such a personal touch. I love how easy it is to switch up the style depending on the occasion: birthdays, showers, holidays, or even just for fun.
Let me know if you make some. I’d love to see how yours turn out!
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Vintage-Inspired Touches in the Hallway
I love how this hallway turned out, and I thought it’d be fun to share some of the little vintage-inspired details that give it its character. Most of these weren’t big projects, but they added so much charm once they were all layered in.
Let’s start with the lighting. I used can light converter kits to swap out the old recessed lights for these Amazon glass pendant lights, and I’m still not over how pretty they are. They have that antique-y feel but are easily available and at a great price point. The converter kit makes it super easy to turn a builder-basic can light into something with way more personality and I’ll be using these in future room makeovers.
Then I got kind of hooked on the gold details. The ornate light switch cover is such a small thing, but it instantly made the wall feel more styled. I also found gold outlet covers and even swapped out the door hinges to keep that vintage look consistent. It's one of those things no one really notices until they do, yet it brings the whole space together.
The doorknobs were another easy upgrade, and these have a crystal knob with a super pretty backplate that makes them feel like something you’d find in an old historic home. They make me smile every time I walk past them.
For the gallery wall, I used a combo of my favorite picture hooks and adhesive plate hangers. I love mixing in vintage plates, and these hangers make it easy to get that clean, floating look without any visible hardware.
It’s definitely one of those spaces that came together slowly, one little detail at a time. But now it feels layered and thoughtful—like it’s always been this way, in the best possible way.
Links At A Glance
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How to Pick the Right Paint Color (the First Time)
Let’s be honest, picking paint is one of those things that seems easy until you’re actually doing it. You bring home a dozen little swatches, tape them to the wall, and suddenly every beige looks green and every gray feels… blue? It’s wild how different paint can look once it’s in your space.
That’s why I’ve stopped relying on tiny paper samples and started using peel-and-stick paint swatches (made with real paint) instead. They make such a difference. You get a bigger sample, it goes right on the wall (no painting required), and you can move it around to see how the color behaves in different lighting. It’s such a simple switch, but it’s saved me from so many paint mistakes.
Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right color the first time:
Test multiple walls. Light hits differently depending on where the wall is. A color that looks warm and cozy on one wall might feel totally flat on another.
Check it throughout the day. Morning light, afternoon shadows, and evening lamps can all change the vibe. I like to peek at my samples over a couple of days before making a call.
Put it next to your trim and flooring. Sometimes a color looks perfect until it’s right next to that bright white baseboard or warm-toned wood floor. Seeing it in context helps avoid surprises.
Try at least 2–3 shades. Even if you’re set on a general color, comparing subtle undertones side by side makes it easier to spot the one that actually works in your space.
Don’t rush it. It’s tempting to just pick something and get started, but giving yourself a little time to sit with the samples really pays off.
Honestly, this has taken so much stress out of the process for me. When you get it right the first time, it makes everything else feel smoother.
So if you’re staring at swatches and feeling stuck, try testing a few peel-and-stick samples around the room. It’s such a small step that makes a big difference, and your walls will thank you.
Links At A Glance
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Using Canva to Plan My Primary Bathroom Design
If you’re trying to pull a room together and want to make sure everything actually works, do yourself a favor and make a mood board in Canva. I use it all the time for room makeovers, and it never fails to bring clarity.
This project is a no-demo reno, so I needed a way to visualize the whole space. I dropped all my ideas into a Canva board and suddenly, it all started to make sense. I could instantly see what clashed, what felt too cold, and where I needed to pivot.
What’s on the Mood Board:
Here’s where things are at right now:
The black-framed shower that’s staying
My current custom wood vanities
Paint swatches I’m choosing between
the light fixture I like
Dragging it all into one space helped me quickly spot what was working and what wasn’t.
The Color Palette:
I also made a quick color guide to keep my vision focused.
I’m using Virtual Taupe for the main walls and Favorite Tan in the water closet. The rest of the palette comes through in decor and textiles.
Why Canva Makes Design So Much Easier:
Canva is such a game-changer for planning a space. It turns all your scattered screenshots and ideas into one clean, visual layout. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You just need enough to see what’s clicking.
Here’s why I love it:
It helps me see how colors, textures, and finishes actually work together
I can play around with bold choices without commitment
It keeps me from overthinking every tiny detail
It’s free and easy to use (but the Pro version let's you quickly remove the background of images which is nice)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the design process, try throwing together a mood board. It gave me clarity, helped me make confident decisions, and made the whole thing way more fun.
I’ll keep sharing updates as this room comes together. And if you’ve ever used Canva to plan a room, I’d love to hear how it worked for you too!
Links At A Glance
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Sheet Storage That Actually Works
These sheet organizers are one of my favorite finds! Let’s be honest, linen closets are chaos waiting to happen. No matter how many times I’ve tried to keep mine tidy, it always ended up with a jumble of mismatched sheets, slipping stacks, and a rogue pillowcase or two wedged in the back. And don’t even get me started on trying to store king-size sheets or my heated blanket. It was basically a wrestling match every time.
But then I found these zip-up organizers and everything changed.
They come in a set of four, and they’re roomy enough to hold even the bulkiest sets of bedding. I’ve stuffed mine with king sheets, tablecloths, and yes, even that giant heated blanket I always struggle to store. Each organizer zips closed, keeping everything neat and compressed. No unraveling. No refolding. No drama.
One of my favorite parts? They have a clear little window. I can see exactly what’s inside each one without having to unzip or pull anything out. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when I’m looking for the guest bed sheets or trying to find the right tablecloth five minutes before company shows up.
I stacked them up in my linen closet and honestly, it’s a game changer. Everything looks so much more put together, and I don’t dread opening the door anymore. Plus, they’re super easy to pull out when I need something, and because they hold their shape, the whole shelf doesn’t collapse every time I grab one.
If you're looking for a simple, affordable way to get your linens under control, these organizers are it. I wish I had found them sooner.
Links At A Glance
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How to hang decor, using the toothpaste method
How to Hang Wall Decor Using the Toothpaste Trick
You know when you measure and mark exactly where you want a frame or mirror to go, but then you flip it over and realize the hangers on the back are in totally different spots? That’s where the toothpaste trick comes in.
Here’s how it works: you still measure to center your decor or get it at the right height—this isn’t a total free-for-all. But instead of guessing where the nails need to go based on mystery hangers on the back, you use toothpaste to mark their exact spots on the wall.
Just dab a little toothpaste on each hanger, press the decor against the wall right where you want it to hang, and boom. You’ve got perfect marks for where your screws or nails need to go, no extra measuring required.
It’s weirdly satisfying, saves so much time, and makes things way easier to get level on the first try.
What You’ll Need:
Your art, mirror, frame, or whatever you’re hanging
Two nails or screws (or however many hangers are on the back)
A tape measurer (to find the right spot)
A pencil to mark your spot
Toothpaste. Yes, really.
The Method:
Flip It Over: Look at the back of your frame and find the hangers. Those little keyhole openings or sawtooth brackets? That’s where the toothpaste is going.
Dab It: Put a small dot of toothpaste on each hanger, right where the nail or screw would go.
Press & Mark: Carefully press your frame against the wall exactly where you want it to hang. Don’t wiggle it. Just a nice firm press. The toothpaste will leave a dot on the wall in the perfect spot.
Nail It: Drive your nails or screws right into those toothpaste marks.
Hang It Up: Wipe away any extra toothpaste, and hang up your piece. That’s it.
Why It’s So Good:
It works every time. Some decor has hangers in the most random, hard-to-measure spots, and trying to line everything up can drive you a little nuts. Whether you're creating a perfectly centered gallery wall or dealing with one stubborn mirror that never wants to hang straight, the toothpaste trick takes all the guesswork out.
Final Thoughts:
I still measure to get things centered or at the right height, but figuring out exactly where the hangers are? That’s where the toothpaste trick saves the day. No more guessing, no more flipping frames over five times. Just dab, press, and hang.
Once you try it, you’ll never go back.
Links At A Glance
Candleholder (Estate Sale Find)
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Our Little Cheetah Bathroom Glow-Up
If there was ever a room that gave me the green light to go a little wild, it was this one. Our half bathroom may be tiny, but it came with a big opportunity to pack in all the personality I could. So I did what any maximalist at heart would do and covered the walls in cheetahs.
The wallpaper really sets the tone in here. It’s bold and a little playful, but it still feels polished and grown-up. I pulled in more warm tones with the gold mirror, a vintage-style towel ring, and that marble and brass console sink that kind of steals the show. Everything works together to make the space feel styled and intentional without tipping into full-on theme territory.
One of my favorite little spots is right by the sink. I use a decorative box to hold paper towels, paired with a textured glass soap dispenser, and it all just works. It feels pulled together without trying too hard and adds a little bit of style to an otherwise functional corner.
Even the back of the toilet got a glow-up with a thrifted woven basket that holds spare rolls and looks way cuter than anything plastic. Little things matter in small spaces, and this room is proof that no corner is too small to style.
So here’s the takeaway: if there’s a room you’ve been playing it safe with, maybe it’s time to go for it. Try the bold wallpaper. Add the fun details. Make it a space that feels like you, even if you're the only one who sees it.
Links At A Glance:
Decorative Box (mine was thrifted but I’ve linked something similar)
Soap Dispenser (this one is out of stock but I’ve linked something similar)
Toilet Paper Basket (thrifted)
Candleholder (thrifted)
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DIY Turtle Sandbox Makeover: From Thrifted to Adorable
How to Give a Faded Sandbox Turtle a Fresh New Look
I found this classic turtle sandbox at Goodwill for $5, and I knew right away it had potential. Sure, it was faded, scratched, and looked like it had lived a full life, but the shape was iconic, and I love a good transformation project. A few hours and a couple cans of spray paint later, this little guy got a whole new lease on life.
What You’ll Need:
Scrub brush and soap (for cleaning)
Spray paint made for plastic (I used two coordinating colors: one for the body and one for the lid)
Contrasting paint for the shell details (I used some craft paint I already had)
Small paint brush for the shell details
Clear outdoor spray sealant (non-yellowing)
Painter’s tape (for detailing—especially the eyes!)
A comfort grip spray can handle (optional, but makes a huge difference for even coverage and avoiding finger fatigue)
A bag or two of sand (for the fun part)
How to Do It:
1. Clean it really well.
Start by giving the turtle a thorough scrub with warm soapy water. Mine was definitely showing its age, so I made sure to get into all the little nooks and rinse it really well. Once it was completely dry, I wiped it down again just to be sure there wasn’t any leftover grime or residue.
2. Protect the eyes.
Before painting, I used painter’s tape to cover the turtle’s little eyes. It’s a tiny detail, but keeping them paint-free helped preserve that classic, recognizable expression, and made the final result feel more polished.
3. Prime it.
This step is easy to skip, but so worth it. I used a spray primer that’s safe for plastic to help the paint stick better and last longer. A light, even coat is all you need—just be sure to let it dry fully before moving on to color.
4. Spray the base and the lid.
Once the primer was dry, I sprayed the turtle’s body with a soft neutral beige and the lid with a warm blush pink. I stuck to light coats and let each one dry before adding the next. The contrast between the two colors gave it a fun but modern look that felt totally fresh.
5. Add shell detail.
After the base coat dried, I used some craft paint I already had, and a small paint brush to paint the little spots on his shell.
6. Seal it.
Once all the paint was dry and I was happy with the look, I finished it off with a few coats of clear spray sealant made for outdoor plastic. It adds a bit of shine, protects the paint from chips, and makes cleanup after play days so much easier.
7. Fill with sand!
After everything cured, I added fresh play sand and tossed in a few fun toys. Our toddler was in it immediately, and it’s easily become one of the most-used toys.
How It’s Holding Up:
Look, when you mix sand, spray paint, and an enthusiastic toddler, you’re obviously going to get a little chipping. And yep, we do have a few spots where the paint has worn off, especially around the edges where little feet climb in and out. But honestly? It’s held up way better than I expected.
The color is still vibrant, the shell details are intact, and the sealant has definitely helped protect it from full-on flaking or fading. It lives outside, gets played with constantly, and still manages to look cute. Considering it started as a $5 thrift find, that feels like a major win.