After 7 years of teaching, I became a stay-at-home mom (now 15 years ago) which meant learning how to live on one income (sometimes as low as $30k a year). Although this was challenging, it taught me how to create beauty in my home by thrifting, shopping deals and renovating our home, with the help of my handy husband. I love intentional design with neutrals (function and beauty on a budget is my jam) and love helping others create a cozy home on a budget too.
Grab a paintbrush with me and let's do this!
I'm Amy. Wife. Mom of 4. Former high school teacher. Avid Thrifter and DIYer
mom +DIY designer
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What is one way I have recently personalized our unfinished basement? Recently, I was #gifted a large wooden USA wall map from Enjoy the Wood which Mitch and I hung on our basement cement wall. I chose a United States map because we love to travel throughout the USA and visit national and state parks […]
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How do you save money decorating for spring? Budget friendly tip #1: Bring in a few new elements each season and use what you have from past years. This year, I received 3 spring prints from paperhouseprintshop I chose neutral and minimalist spring designs and sprinkled them throughout my home. I love this company […]
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I found this midcentury sideboard at Community Action Resale Holland Thrifts for $10 but it needed some TLC. The shape reminded me of the Arhaus Finnley sideboard that costs $2,999 which was WAY out of my budget but I had a vision to make this piece work in my home. So, I sent my husband […]
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This particular side table was only $20 @ditto. It took less than 1 1/2 hours to transform using my orbital sander and the tan wash method (you can watch the DIY end table highlight for the whole process). Here are the DIY steps: Sand with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper with an orbital sander […]
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I bought this antique kitchen table for $75 at a local thrift shop last fall and finally finished restoring it last weekend. It sold within a week on @FacebookMarketplace for $450. Woo hoo! That is a $375 profit! I was so excited because this was the first piece of furniture I specifically bought to refinish […]
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