Preparing Our Long-Term Rental for the Next Tenants

Those of you who might not know this—I rent out a townhome here in Charlotte. It’s actually the first home I ever bought, back in 2011, when I was single and still fairly new to the city. It was my first big purchase, and I loved that house. I lived there from 2011 until 2023,…

Backyard Makeover: 10 Months of Progress and Still Going!

This backyard has truly been a labor of love—nearly 10 months in the making! After finishing our major interior renovation, we declared 2024 the year of the backyard. Little did we know just how much time (and effort) it would take. While we’re not 100% done, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. What…

What I’d Do Differently: Reflections Two Years After Our Renovation

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since we wrapped up the major renovation of our 1980s American Colonial. Overall, I’m still so happy with how everything turned out—but now that we’ve lived in the space for a while, a few things stand out that I’d probably do differently if I had the…

DIY Painted Checkered Porch Floor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let me start by saying—this project takes a lot of patience. But trust me, it is so worth it. I’m completely in love with how it turned out! Originally, I dreamed of adding checkered pavers to our back patio, but with the size of that space, it just wasn’t in the budget. So, when it…

DIY Planter Light Post – A Charming Patio Upgrade

Ever since we put in the new patio I’ve been dreaming of hanging string lights to give it that cozy, magical vibe. But once I measured the space (a full 30 feet wide!), I realized it wasn’t going to work without adding multiple support posts. Rather than overcomplicating things, we decided to pivot — and…

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

I’ve always loved the idea of having a garden—fresh produce just steps from my kitchen, vibrant greens and reds in the yard, and the satisfaction of eating something I grew with my own two hands. But between work, life, and the sheer effort I knew it would take, it never felt like the right time….

 A Half Bath Transformation: Embracing the DIY Journey

This half bath project has truly been a labor of love. It all started shortly after we finished our house renovation. Eager to test our DIY skills, we decided to wallpaper the bathroom ourselves. Well, let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. By the end of it, we were ready to strangle each other,…

Starting Seeds Indoors for Your Garden: A Head Start on Spring Planting

With spring right around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about your garden. Whether you’re dreaming of homegrown vegetables or fresh herbs, getting a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors is the way to go! Here in North Carolina, with the last frost typically occurring around April 1st,…

How to Get Your Home Ready for the New Year: Beyond the Basics

As we bid farewell to one year and welcome the next, there’s something incredibly satisfying about giving our homes a fresh start. While the typical new year’s resolutions might focus on decluttering, organizing, and deep cleaning, there are also a few often-overlooked tasks that can make a huge difference in how you feel about your…