Project Plank: Part 2

The planked bedroom wall is done!

About a week ago, I posted about the progress we made on this project and this past weekend, we were able to finish it up.

As I previously talked about, we needed to safely cover up the outlets that we don't plan on using.

We started by attaching a metal socket plate (I think that's what they're called) using screws.

Then, we covered it up with some planks and spackled the nail holes and seams.

Here it is all patched up. 

Only if you look real close can you tell that it is behind there.

We also had to extend an outlet that we still want to use.

All this involved was loosening the screws so that the ends of socket could sit on top of the planks.

Lastly, we caulked the edges along the baseboard and the ends of the walls to give it a more finished look.

Here's a look at the finished product (ignore the bedding as that is another project in progress that you can read about here):

Overall, we are happy with how this project turned out and were surprised with how relatively simple it was. Now, onto tackling the rest of the bedroom!

Have a great day!

- Caitlin

Super simple shower switch (say that three times fast)

Sometimes it's all about the simple changes, isn't it?

Our bedroom and bathroom are a work in progress, so it was nice to make some simple changes in our shower to make life feel a little more organized and pretty.

This is pretty much a look into your standard shower, right?

Nothing to get excited over.

So, I decided to fill some pretty glass bottles with my shampoo and conditioner.

The bottles were originally a hand cream and soap dispenser from Anthropologie...

...and I already had the dish for the bar of soap.

It was a simple switch but makes me kind of feel like I'm showering in a hotel!

Have a great day :)

- Caitlin

Duvet dilemma

I've posted a bunch about the (slow) progress we have made in our bedroom:

painting a pair of garage sale nightstands, changing out the white roll up shades for dark brown bamboo ones, reupholstering my parents' chair, and beginning to plank the large wall behind our bed.

It seems like we've done a lot but there is a lot more left to do:

find a rug, paint the un-planked walls, add some drapes to soften up the windows, maybe build a larger armoire or dresser, and decide on some new bedding...

...which brings me to my duvet dilemma. 

Dramatic, I know.

I've been so indecisive that I've ordered not one, not two, not three, but four different duvet options.

It all began when I saw this blog post and immediately loved the look of the room.

So, when I saw this Pottery Barn bedding (currently on sale), it reminded me of Mary Ann's room.

I bought it but then had immediate buyer's remorse fearing that it might be too feminine for my other half's liking.

Pottery Barn

Which led me to purchase this bedding (also on sale).

I was drawn to the simplicity of it and envisioned jazzing it up with some patterned pillows.

Pottery Barn

But THEN, I stumbled upon this navy ticking stripe bedding, which reminded of the classic look I originally thought I was going for in the room. 

Pottery Barn

Well, all three Pottery Barn options have arrived and I still don't have a final decision.

I have decided however that the plain one is too stark white. I know one dog nap on it, and I'll have to throw it in the wash. 

The ticking stripe, which I was sure to be the one I would love, just didn't do it for me once on the bed. Just to confirm my feelings, I sent a picture to my mom and she agreed.

Surprisingly, the paisley was my favorite. Mixed with some navy pillows and a throw blanket, it didn't look as "girly" as I thought. 

Of course I had to go on Pinterest and come across this Ballard Designs striped bedding.

Back to being confused. 

So I've ordered this one too, making it duvet #4.

Ballard Designs

Hopefully I will have a decision once this one arrives.

Thank God for returns!

Which one do you like the best?

- Caitlin

Friday Fashion Fix: this one is for the moms-to-be

Okay let me start off by saying that I am by no means a fashion expert, 

especially not a maternity one! 

But I love clothes and have had fun so far learning to dress this bump of mine.

When I thought about maternity clothes before I was pregnant, I thought the following...
1) It's expensive and over-priced.
2) Maternity pants are frumpy.
3) Options are limited and boring.

While the above can be true of some maternity clothes, it definitely does not have to be the case.

I've pulled together some maternity steals and deals that I think will keep you feeling and looking good as your belly grows without the frumpiness and sky-high prices.

FYI- All of the finds in this post are under $50!

First are some things from Pink Blush Maternity, a maternity line I found via Pinterest that has really fun patterns and ridiculously affordable prices. I've ordered a few things from here (including a $13 dress that I love):

Pink Blush Maternity

Pink Blush Maternity

Pink Blush Maternity

Pink Blush Maternity

Pink Blush Maternity

I haven't ordered from Asos yet, but I've only heard good things.
Here are some things I am currently eyeing:

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

ASOS

Cute, right?

As far as pants go, my favorites that I've found have been these ones from H&M.
I think they are really flattering and I've even joked (although I'm kind of serious) about wanting to wear them post-pregnancy because they look better on than some of my regular jeans. Plus they are under 50 bucks!

H&M

Other brands worth checking out that carry good maternity options for reasonable prices include Old Navy, Loft, Gap, and Target.

Happy shopping & Happy Friday!
- Caitlin

i HEART easy projects

It is insane how quickly time passes by! 

It feels like we were just celebrating Christmas and now it is almost Valentine's Day.

Usually I don't decorate for this holiday and I am pretty sure Chris wouldn't stand for pink hearts and cupids all over the house, so I decided to try my hand at a not-too-girly Valentine's Day decoration. 

All it took was an old garage sale book that was sitting on our living room built-ins and tearing out a few pages. I folded each page in half and cut out a heart.

Then I poked holes on each end of the hearts and strung twine through.

Here's the garland hung on the mirror above the living room fireplace.

I also placed some extra hearts along the mantel.

I like it because it is subtle, goes with the look of the room, and didn't cost me anything!

Thank you for dropping by!
- Caitlin