It’s no secret I love a good find and lately Walmart has been killing it! The most fun part is seeing what they look like on compared to the models online! Check out my latest finds below and remember, things sell out quickly here, so if you love it, snag it! #walmartpartner
I can not believe I waited this long to execute this project! I love change so I went from white to black and for the past year wanted wood! I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to get a good result and was honestly pressuring my husband to just redo the kitchen [lol] but I did some research and with experience in “like wood paint”, figured I would try this before spending thousands! This is the first time I used this Retique It brand and I would recommend it any day!! *Note: I painted right over other paint.
Now, I messed up and ordered the wrong color; not sure what I was thinking…but had I bought the barnwood, I probably would’ve been done with just the 2 steps. I bought pickled oak [pictured above] and therefore decided to experiment with adding my holy grail of stain color to the kit, as a last step. I linked the items below that I used in addition to the above Retique It Kit.
Minwax Special Walnut Stain, Rags [but old t-shirts work just as well, as long as there’s no fuzzies] and the water based Polycrylic. I prefer the water based [I used it on my floors as well] because the smell is mild, it doesn’t yellow over time and I like the satin [matte] finish. There are also gloss options.
The kit is super simple to use but here are directions, easily explained. Always wipe down your surface, clean. I did not sand but you can lightly if you feel you want better adhesion. I painted all cabinets with the base coat and once dry, painted them with a coat of the stain. Using the rubber wood grain tool, I tilted up and as I glided it down or across, I slowly rounded it back toward myself. You can’t really mess this up bc if you don’t like it the first time, you can literally just redrag it over what you did until you get the hang of it. I did this several times to get the shaker style trim of the cabinets to match up, etc.
I let that dry and then I took the rag and my Minwax stain in Special Walnut and stained away. This is probably one of my most favorite things to do. I find it so therapeutic and satisfying. I actually hate painting! I went with the grain of the wood, as always and rubbed back and forth or up and down to get an even coverage. I took another rag and wiped off any excess. The wood kit is unique because it is actually made up of wood fibers; so it’s completely stainable and takes the same as a raw piece of wood…would! I let this dry and went around the whole thing with my water-based Polycrylic because it’s the kitchen and I wanted to make sure it had protection. I did this on my exposed kitchen shelves too.
left w/out stain | right with
I can not believe how good they came out and everyone that sees them, is in awe! I spent about $100, using the 8oz kit! I really stretched it out but I made it work! i actually bought the kit again, but in the Barnwood this time, to do the inside of my front door and sidelights! Stay tuned for that!
I hope you love it as much as I do and found this helpful!! Comment with any questions!
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After waiting for years, we finally made a decision to make this the summer we complete our outdoor kitchen and we could not be more satisfied! We decided to go with Pro-Fit Outdoor Living, out of Staten Island, which was about 20 minutes away from us, here in NJ. We were so impressed with their show room because they left us wanting for nothing! We were able to see and touch all of the different surfaces, select samples, see the possible configurations, fun optional features…everything from soup to nuts!
Anthony was patient and explained the various grills to us and after hearing our needs, was able to easily guide us in a direction that would suit our family without breaking the bank. Each kitchen is completely custom to your space, specifications and preferences. Here, I’m sharing what we went with, from the size to appliances and finishes. I hope this helps with your search or design questions! Enjoy!
An impressive feature is their design tool that is super user friendly. I was able to go home and play around on my laptop with all of the various combos of finishes and appliances. You plug in your sizing info and if an appliance won’t fit, it tells you that! I was able to get a 3-D rendering of what our kitchen would look like and within days of submitting it, it was delivered and installed!
I actually helped build it; it’s so simple and easily labeled. If you’ve built ikea furniture in your lifetime, you can do this blindfolded! However, they are full service and will do it all for you, but it’s nice to know that if you have the diy itch, like I do, you have that option.
Kitchen Finish:
Harvest Cedar (fireproof, anti-rot, mold, and moisture resistant) – See brochure for details: Link to brochure
Countertops:
Granite Pitaya White
Appliances:
Grill: Kokomo Professional 5-Burner 40-Inch Built-In Grill with Lights & Infrared Back Burner (Link to product page)
If you end up contacting them, (contact info below) tell them Emma Grace Blog sent you! I don’t get anything out of it, other than spreading the word, but I’d love him to know you discovered him through my page! Check out these amazing steaks…is your mouth watering yet?
Pro-Fit Outdoor Living | 3030 Veterans Rd. W. Staten Island, NY 10309 | 888.617.7008
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I was recently asked to represent Holley Girl Boutique and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share my picks with you! First, because this is so important to me…Holley is amazing! I had an zoom with her and I loved her personality, authenticity and spunk! I picked out a bunch of best sellers and each one is better than the next. These will be your go to basics to mix and match! While they do have new arrivals and trendy pieces, the main goal of her shop is to essentially provide a capsule wardrobe with sprinkles of fun! It aligns 100% with my own blog’s goals and it felt like the perfect partnership! The best part, which is rare to find in a shop like this, is that she restocks her best sellers throughout the entire year! So if you want to grab that amazing button down in another color, 6 months from now, you can! Loved those jeans so much and want to buy them for your bestie’s birthday? Snag em whenever! I am sharing everything I grabbed below, along with sizing details and will be updating my personal styling photos as I wear the pieces. My first look is for my last day of school today! It’s me in the driveway with my coffee wearing some of the comfiest Mavis jeans. DISCOUNT CODE: KELLI15 for 15% off; stackable w/ promos! Click the underlined links to access the items.
As I said, as I style these pieces, I will update this post with those photos, but for now, trust me that these are so good! I have tried them all on and washed them! So far, 10/10 in quality, fit and comfort! Code KELLI15 gets you a stackable 15% off sitewide! Free returns over $100 too!
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These jeans have been a top seller of mine since I posted them just 2 weeks ago and for good reason! They are SO comfy, soft yet supportive and they look great styled any way! I thought it would be fun to show how I have worn them for the different seasons and with different shoes! They’re also only $50! Click the links below the photos to shop the outfits! Enjoy!!
For reference, I am size 8/29, 5’3 with a 29″ inseam [to the floor] but a 26″/26.5″ inseam to the ankle and I am in the CLASSIC length. They’re perfect!
I enjoyed creating this type of post because it shows the versatility of an item, which is fantastic when you are building a capsule wardrobe! I want to know how useful something is going to be to me if I’m going to spend the money on it! Let me know what you think and if you want to see more of this type of post! Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog with your email [on the right side of the page] so you see all of my posts first! Have a great day!
With the ever evolving trends these days, I am on a mission to remain hip while getting a long lifespan out of my clothes! I am putting together a capsule wardrobe that will check both boxes; trendy and classic! Let’s get right to it! Below are the jeans that have made the list for 2024 that I was able to style timelessly. [I left out the boldly trendy ones]
#1. Dark Indigo Jeans
Here are four different looks that fall under this wash trend. The darker, richer wash works really well to dress up an outfit for a casual jeans Friday as a teacher, an office setting or date night but it can also be styled casually, as you see in my last photo. It just elevates it a bit more. Links to each look are below the photos! [If you click on the links that bring you to Darcy Park Boutique, 2nd link, be sure to use code KELLIDP10 for 10% off of $50 or more + free shipping!]
My personal opinion on Ecru jeans is that you have to be careful. I don’t particularly like the very yellow ecru; I prefer more of a creamy color or even oat, like you see on the right! If you end up click on the link for the photo on the left, use code KELLIDP10 for 10% off and free shipping on purchases over $50. I also size down 1 in that brand. SO soft and Very stretchy.
These are so good and fun to style. Whether you have light/ice gray, true/medium or a dark faded, gray jeans elevate any outfit! They can be dressed up or down and all three of these options are so comfortable! I did cut the hem on the middle ones to make them true ankle length.
I honestly have so many pair of wide leg jeans because I think they’re so forgiving and I hate my thighs! I LOVE these trouser style ones! Each pair I have shown is well under $100 and so good! Scroll through my LTK to check out all of the ways I styled each one! Whether you like it or not, cargo is back and if done right, can be very flattering and look super classy. See first photo below! [refer back to #1 for more styles in a dark indigo]
This is a hard one. I don’t like the super tight thighs with an exaggerated flare from the knee. I prefer subtle. Here are my favorites! [If you click on the links that bring you to Darcy Park Boutique, 3rd link, be sure to use code KELLIDP10 for 10% off of $50 or more + free shipping! These are selling out fast!]
Contrary to some popular belief, distressed or ripped jeans are not just for teens, nor are they sloppy, if you do it tastefully! I hate to say “at my age” [40 in May] but truthfully, I try to stay away from the full on, need safety pins to keep them closed rips. [Who remembers?!] Instead, I aim for a single [or sometimes double] knee placement with a simple slice. Maybe one on a lower thigh if it’s very subtle and clean. Below I showed my take on this trend!
This may be one of my favorites because it truly adds to much interest to the jeans! Depending on placement, it can help to thin your hips by drawing the eye upward rather than a wide open blank lower belly area. Each person will feel differently and I respect that; but for what it’s worth, I went to art school and have a pretty extensive knowledge of the use of line and movement to create visual interest 😉 So try it before you knock it! You can always return!
Do yourself a favor and add these to your closet. Invest in a nice pair of soft jeans like the ones I have below. I have had these for years and just recently rebought them to revive the black. It was my own doing. To keep them stark and bold, do NOT dry! They fade over time. The reason I like these soft ones is because 1, they’re extremely comfortable but 2, they can be worn as trousers and don’t look like denim [for those friends with a more strict dress code at work or event] A faded black denim is also very in right now but will stay classic and timeless.
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I’m back with an updated review on a favorite brand of mine, Chicwish! You may have heard of them; they’re popular on Amazon and also have an independent website that you can order from. I tried a variety of items to be able to provide you with an honest review on the quality and sizing and have been shopping them happily for a little over a year now. My overall take away is I am still pretty impressed with the design and quality. They have some really adorable pieces and their sweaters are some of my absolute favorites! My only issue was with the size charts but they have worked hard to make them more accurate. My last order is shown below and everything was true to size based on the charts! For reference, I am 5’2 and approx. 140lbs; size 6/8/M in pants
and between a small and medium in tops.
Something else that’s important to me is a company/brand that practices sustainability. Chicwish has been working hard to improve their contribution and you can read about that here! Make sure to check out the bit about organic cotton practices and reusing materials!
Sweaters: These sweaters are so adorable and I love the subtle details, from the texture to the knit designs and they’re all silky soft and cozy! I am in size S-M or M and am in love with the fit!
Cardigans: These cardigans are perfect for layering or keeping at the office. They go with everything and are understated yet adorable. They’re soft and comfy and not at all scratchy.
I am in size S-M or M and am again, in love with the fit!
Coats & Dresses: This moto jacket is everything! Layer it over a longer button down blouse or a basic turtleneck. It’s soft and feels like real leather; it’s a total show stopper. I’m in a Medium and it’s perfect! The dress runs a little small; I’m in a medium and for the looser fit, a large would’ve been better. It’s perfect for an easy throw on for so many occasions and the eyelet details adds so much interest.
I hope this helps you and you feel more comfortable purchasing from them or their brand on Amazon. Feel free to reach out and ask me anything! I’m happy to answer questions or discuss pieces further and don’t forget to subscribe to never miss a post!
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I discovered theBalm cosmetics in an ipsy subscription a few years ago and it’s been some of my favorite products!I love them because they are all clean and the packaging is green and comical! I was lucky enough to have them send me a bunch of products to try [some of which I’m already familiar with] and I am pumped to share them with you, along with a breakdown of how they feel, they’re texture and so on! These are perfect for your purse and wallet because they’re super affordable! Happy reading and if you found this helpful, leave a like or comment and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a post!
This is an all time favorite and remains one of my quick grab and goes for when I need a little lip elevation! It’s not tacky, goes on smooth and is pretty sheer. The colors are way darker than they turn out but they’re all beautiful!
This lipstick is quite lovely. Again, it’s smooth and has nice coverage. This will dry with a MATTE finish, as the name suggests and it is not shiny at all. The colors are pretty true to how they look in the tube. It’s also easy enough to wipe off when you’re ready. This is great for the person who wants long lasting wear without needing to reapply.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite mascaras! The brush is next level and it leaves your lashes looking long, delicate and feminine. It doesn’t clump, it comes off easily and it offers the best curvature. It’s a quick application for gorgeous lashes all day!
This bronzer is perfection. I’m going to say my next statement about all of their powder products; bronzer, illuminator and blushes; it’s potent and you don’t need much at all! I actually don’t rub my brush in it; I tap the brush and that provides me with enough pigment/coverage to last all day! I am in love with how my face looks when I apply these!
As I said above; potent and fabulous! I dab my brush on this once and apply it on the tops of cheek bones after my blush application. I also tap just under my eye brows and go down my nose bridge. I glow all day; subtly!
This baby is the trifecta and perfect for not taking up a lot of space in your cosmetic bag/vanity but offers most of what you need! I work my way from right to the left and I’m set for the day! I place the blush on the apples of my cheeks and back toward my ear. I apply the bronzer slightly in the creases of my cheeks, below the blush, in the same direction and finally I sweep a bit of the highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones, my brow bones and down the bridge of my nose. PERFECTION!
This “clean” cleanser is an experience. It foams up, cleanses great and leaves your skin feeling invigorated and fresh! I love the natural fruit extracts and the subtle fresh scent!
This undereye jelly is amazing when kept cold. It instantly brightens and depuffs tired eyes and feels oh so good! I use it in the morning and at night. It’s lightweight and refreshing.
This cream is so good. It’s thick and moisturizing but not greasy at all. It absorbs nicely and a little goes a long way. You’ll wake up feeling nice and hydrated!
Like the night cream, this day cream is lightweight, fresh and you don’t need a lot. It’s thick and hydrating but not greasy and your makeup goes on great afterwards.
Thank you so much for being here and feel free to comment or email me with questions! Look for more everyday, casual style and beauty recommendations on my social media and don’t forget to subscribe here to get all of my posts first!
Our bedrooms were in need of a serious refresh and while I have big plans for some minor renos and diys; I decided to start with the rugs! I felt like I needed to get rid of the dust mites, the stains and just the overall worn out feel. I was super selective and took forever to make my decisions, but I have never been happier and more satisfied; way more than I thought I would be! Here we go!
Quite honestly, I loved the quality of the Lexi Rug I got for my foyer so much and you really can’t beat their prices! Code EMMAGRACE gets you an extra 10% off on top of already on sale items! They have a large selection of rug sizes, styles, types; including washable rugs with free shipping, free 60 day returns and they even have home accents!
The Selection Process…
When choosing an area rug, you have to think about all of your factors; environment, location, usage etc…Viscose is not suitable if you have pets or children. It wears quickly and can lose its luster. Some natural rugs aren’t good in direct sunlight, as they can fade, other materials don’t handle stains well and so on. For the bedroom, I really love softness and for the kid’s room specifically, I like it to be comfortable enough to play on.
I have an extremely neutral palette in the house with very light linen [warm] walls and Boutique Rugs has such a great selection of neutrals!
A stunning combination of white, bone, black and gray to tie in the warm and cool tones of a space. It is smooth, soft and feels amazing when wake up and place your feet down!
This rug is not my normal neutral but this is the only bedroom left with these grayish blue walls and when I saw it, it just spoke to me! It ties in the various wood tones and the furniture so nicely, is so soft to walk and play on, is washable and really created such dimension for our little guy’s space; going from nursery to toddler room!
This rug is for our soon to be 5 year old’s room. I have plans for some wall accents but wasn’t ready to commit yet. The softness, dimension in the beautiful design and neutral color will go with any color and concept I finally decide on! I love that it also keeps a hint of innocence in this otherwise growing, dinosaur/baseball room! It also vacuums beautifully, even after a broken ceramic piggy bank innocent..
Boutique Rugs uses a 2 in 1 formula that doesn’t require rug pads, but if you want to use one they have a bunch!
A rug is an integral part to creating the vibe for a room. It adds warmth, character and can really soften a space. It’s a great way to tie elements of your home together and anchor the space. Make sure to think about all of your environmental factors and choose one that showcases your personality! As always, thanks for being here and I hope this helped you make a decision! Make sure to subscribe to get all of my posts first!
It’s no secret that I love me some Pink Lily and if you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your time.
They just dropped a new athleisure line and I am here for it! They offer soft neutrals and bold color options so there should be something for everyone! I curated a post with my favorite pieces and looks from the drop and hopefully can inspire some of you too! Don’t forget to subscribe with your email
so you never miss a post! Happy Shopping!
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Kitchen Finish:
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