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How To Tile A Floor
The process; part 1 “Tiling”:
I loosely laid out a few sheets to make sense of my pattern and see how many I could fit before making my cuts. This is also a good idea, because I have done this and found that some sheets at the bottom of the box were chipped and unusable. Threw a wrench in my tiling plans for the night, so it’s good to know ahead of time!
[I purchased a hand chipper, a charcoal pencil and a manual tile scorer/cutter. You’ll need scissors or a utility knife too, if working with the mesh backed panels.]
Once I had my plan in place for the first row across the back and had made my cuts [I used the charcoal pencil to mark up where I would cut, the hand chipper to score and work my way around odd shaped cuts for around the toilet and corners and for the simple straight cuts, like shortening a sheet entirely, I used the manual score and snap, hand held tile cutter and just went right down the whole sheet. The scissors/knife are great to just cut off excess tiles to help clear your working space.] I laid down a layer of acrylic pro, a ready made tile adhesive, using a trowel.
Spread out a trowel full, then using the serrated ends, make a crosshatch pattern. This ensures it really sticks to the tile backs [ever notice they have that grid pattern built into the backs?]. If you leave it smooth, there’s a more likely chance it will just fall off and will pop up down the road. It’s the same concept as scoring and slipping when working with clay attachments, for any artists out there. ** Plug from my art teaching days** Once I was done, I went over the floor and gave it gentle pressure, with my hands, to ensure the floor was level.
What’s nice about the sheets is that they’re automatically spaced out. However, when you go to start the next sheet, you need to be aware of the spacing. I eyeballed it, but you can buy spacers that are the same width as the sheet’s spacing. If using individual tiles, you may just want to stick spacers in between to help keep things consistent.
I would highly recommend, as you go, to take a paint can opener or screwdriver and clear out the spaces of any adhesive that’s squeezed up through. If you don’t do this, when it hardens, it will show through the grout and it is quite difficult, if not impossible, to chip it out after.
The process; part 2 “Grouting”: Once I had the entire floor laid down, I allowed it to dry until the next day. They say 24 hours without walking on it, but I didn’t wait quite that long. I made sure it was all secure and I went to work. We picked out a natural gray color grout, because it would pull out the chrome fixtures we had and compliment the slate blue walls nicely. [This is important information for when we get into the redo of the redo].
Fill a bucket with warm water and pour the grout into it, until little islands start to develop. Then start mixing! You want the consistency to be thicker but still soft. It should slop off of your trowel but not drip. It should also not be gritty and grainy. If it’s too thick and gloppy it won’t bind and will crumble and come right up once dry. Using either the trowel or a spackle knife, scoop and slop [very technical terms here] a heap of grout onto the back corner of the floor. You always want to work your way out, so you don’t “paint” yourself into a corner. Another art pun plug. Then you use your grout spreader and pull towards you, pushing the grout into all of the spaces. It helps to go in a rainbow shape too. Make sure the grout is up to the top of the tile [it will settle in and will ultimately be just slightly lower than the tiles.] You should scrape the excess as you go, to avoid a bigger mess in the end. I would wait maybe 20 min or so after you’re done grouting before you start to clean it up. Taking a big yellow sponge, wet it and wring it out really well. Wipe in a rainbow direction, rinse and repeat, until the leftover grout is all off of the tiles. I would then wait another 20 min or so and give it all a chance to dry [the more you work it with the wet sponge, the more it will continue to pull it up and re-smear it.] Finally, with your sponge, go over and give the tiles one last clean. VOILA! You’ve just tiled your first floor! Congratulations!
Feel free to post any comments or questions you may have and I will do my best to help you! You can also reach out to me on social media for a faster response!
Below is a list of everything I used!
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Modern Farmhouse Bathroom
Updated:Â Mar 4
This bathroom was so fun to design and to be honest, didn’t really play out much differently than we expected, which can’t be said for a lot of gut renovations! We actually started designing this space, including having purchased the flooring and subway tile, 3 years ago when we first moved in! We decided to wait, with the expectation that we were doing an upstairs renovation and would be ripping it out to move it, but in the end, we decided to wait on that and pulled the trigger on this main bath beauty!
Since we purchased the flooring so long ago, the color has actually been discontinued. It is ceramic tile that looks like wood planks. It’s by Lifeproof, is anti slip and waterproof, perfect for 3 young boys in the bath! Here is the same color but in a gorgeous hexagon pattern! These sheets are great to work with, especially for DIYers. I did both our powder room and master bathroom using sheets, entirely by myself, never having tiled before that! Here is the plank version like we have, but in a different [yet very similar] color. This tile is exceptionally affordable as well. Our whole bathroom floor cost about $60.
I’ve linked this amazing rug. This has been one of my most popular links to date! It says spot clean, but I’ve thrown it in the washing machine on delicate cycle and then put it right back here to air dry and it came out good as new! [But, I love to push boundaries]
Shop the details below, by clicking on the small thumbnails below the images. Slide the arrows right & left.
Turn your troubles into bubbles sign is linked here.
There are not enough good things I can say about this vanity. We found it at Lowes and it is perfect! It has since sold out but I found it elsewhere and linked it for you here. The quality is superb and as you can see, it’s gorgeous. We got the double vanity but there is a single. The top is solid white quartz and this baby is heavy! A bonus is that it comes with two sets of hardware; matte black and chrome! We chose to install the black so it would match our Moen faucets. They’re linked here. I’ve also linked the shower and tub faucet. It also comes with 1 or 2 [depending on the vanity] mirrors that match. We chose to keep our current flat, frameless mirror and utilize a company called mirrormate to upcycle it!
Ignore the half painted door in the mirror…but this frame is so beautiful, matches perfectly, was so easy to install and is so affordable! I was really torn between black and wood toned but they took the guessing out for me because you can get free samples and see first hand, what the outcome will look like! In the end, it was unanimous for the Cherokee Barnwood finish. Use code EMMAGRACE15 for a discount at mirrormate.com
See how we assembled and installed the frame by clicking the video below!
Lastly, the necessities:
Thanks for being here!
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Pink Lily Must Haves For Spring & Summer
I just placed the best Pink Lily order of the season! I am so excited for these pieces to take me through the summer and some, into fall! Everything is returnable but easy to size! Lots of elastic waistbands and oversized tops; you can’t go wrong! Happy shopping!!
Corded Sweatshirts – I size up 1 to a medium in these for a looser fit. These things are amazing!
Salty Corded Sweatshirt | Just Doing My Best Smiley Corded Sweatshirt | Sunkissed Corded Sweatshirt
Light Sweaters – I got a true size small in all of these, based on reviews, etc. They are all oversized.
Sage Open Knit Cardigan | Gray Waffle Knit Sweater | Sage Star Open Knit Sweater
Bikini & Shorts: I got my true size medium in all of these. UPDATE: size down 1 in the shorts and size up 1 in the bikini bottoms (unless you’re super toned and firm lol)
Black Bikini Top | Black Bikini Bottom | Ivory Pull-on Paperbag Shorts | Teal Acid Wash Shorts
Sandals: I’m between an 8/8.5 and Pink Lily shoes in an 8 always fit me perfect, so I got an 8 in both!
Black Studded Sandals | White & Gold Double Buckle Sandals
I am so excited to get all of these pieces and share them with you! I have been shopping Pink Lily for years and their quality and fabrics are always so amazing. The hardest part is taking that first leap! I hope you’ve been inspired and see something you like! Always comment or email me with questions and don’t forget to follow me on social media for more everyday casual style!
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
Kel
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The Best Target Activewear Under $30
On a whim the other day, I ran into Target for a birthday gift, strolled through the active section and man, was I impressed! I was like a kid in a candy shop and since I had the kids with me, I couldn’t really indulge myself. I picked out two things; a sports bra and a top, and as soon as I got home I hit up target.com. Here is what I got! The quality is amazing and everything is pretty true to size. I size up one in the tops because I like the oversized look with activewear. I got a medium in the sports bras and I am a 34b/c but I don’t use them for high impact, I just like to look the part and be comfy. Everything is UNDER $26!!
Links are below the photo, in order shown.
Sports Bras
Women’s Medium Support Longline Seamless Bra – All in Motionâ„¢
Women’s Cozy Spacedye Longline Bra – JoyLabâ„¢
90 Degree By Reflex – Women’s High Neck Seamless Racerback Bra
Long Sleeve Tops
Women’s Super Soft Modal Sweatshirt – All in Motionâ„¢
Women’s Waffle Long Sleeve Top – JoyLabâ„¢
Women’s Supima Cotton Cropped Long Sleeve Top – All in Motionâ„¢
Short Sleeve/Tank Tops
Women’s Spray Dye Short Sleeve T-Shirt – JoyLabâ„¢
Women’s Active Cropped Tank Top – All in Motionâ„¢
Women’s Muscle Tank Top – JoyLabâ„¢
I hope you enjoy as much as I do and as always, thanks for reading!!
XOXO
Kel
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Why I Love My Sarah Flint Shoes
Shoes have always been a weakness of mine. I will 100% spend money on them when I feel it’s worth the investment, and if you find the right pair of shoes, it’s exactly that, worth the investment. I don’t go overboard with higher priced shoes; I usually try and make each pair purposeful and work in a variety of situations. For instance, I won’t buy 2 pair of expensive black sandals if they’re similar. My first pair of Sarah Flint shoes were unique and classic at the same time. I chose them because they were neutral but I had nothing else like them. I went with the Taupe Suede Perfect Pump 100 [100 is the height of the heel, in MM]. They also have an 85, which is slightly lower, approx. 3″ but I wanted something a little sexier.
Sarah Flint shoes are hand crafted in Italy and designed for the everyday woman. Their style is feminine but offers a level of comfortability I haven’t seen elsewhere. Get $50 off your first pair by clicking here!
They provide extra cushion in the heel and have arch support to help relieve the pressure on the balls of your feet. In terms of sizing, I would size up. I am normally an 8/8.5 and I ordered a 39. They fit perfectly.
I love these shoes because they are so versatile. I have styled them with jeans and dresses; dressing them up or down. The shoes themselves can even dress up an outfit. Perfect for a trendy vibe for girl’s night out; throw on a blazer and some distressed jeans or pair them with a dress and denim jacket for a bridal/baby shower or even a day at the winery. [assuming there’s pavement, of course].
SF’s Natalie Flats are actually what put her on the map when Meghan Markle wore them to a tennis match. They are so perfect for my lifestyle; busy mom of 3 who teaches, because they are cute and practical. You can see the added support in these as well. I’m thinking these might be my second pair!
[Photo cred: People Magazine]
If you decide to try out these beauties for yourself, definitely let me know what you think! Obviously you can shop online, but they’re headed for a flagship store right in Manhattan! Until then, look out for her Pop Up Shops! Nothing makes an outfit like cute accessories and the perfect pair of shoes!
Thanks so much for being here and remember, if you want $50 off your purchase, click here!
XOXO
Kel
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Chicwish Spring/Summer Styles
This is my second Chicwish Haul and I am seriously looking forward to my third…and fourth… I am in love with everything I picked out and am excited to share it with you! The sizing was much more straight forward this time around, but I will break it all down for you!
First up is this Tulle Skirt in Turquoise because I just had to! I don’t know where I’ll wear it but I feel like SJP and I needed that in my life and closet. I’m wearing a S-M and it’s perfect! It comes in a few colors, is $45 and true to size. In all seriousness, it would be great for a holiday brunch, garden party, shower etc.
Check out my liketoknowit, instagram, tiktok, pinterest or youtube [whichever you’re into] to see an actual live try on. You can get a better feel for the movement and fit of each piece.
Next up are the dresses; keeping it fancy over here! These are such great closet staples for any occasion or even just a fun dinner at a winery! I sized down one to an XS in the Navy Floral Dress and am wearing a true size Small in the Pink Chiffon Dress. Both dresses are under $60!
Now for some super comfy pieces; These tops and pants are all true to size and so soft! They’re perfect for dressing up or down, come in a few colors and are all under $60. [Links are below the photos.]
Lilac Ribbed Boatneck Top | Ivory Boatneck Cape Top | Paperbag Waist Ribbed Pants
This Black Bikini is pretty incredible but also super funky in sizing. I sized up to a Large from a Medium, but wish they had an XL. So, unless I lose some weight and tone up [which I need to do anyway] this won’t be in the rotation anytime soon…but for $20, if you’re a tad smaller than me in the chest, you need this bikini! I actually love this suit so much, it could just be the motivation I need to take that extra class at the gym!
If you haven’t purchased from Chicwish before, I would definitely recommend them. They have some pretty funky stuff but also simple, timeless pieces for a really affordable price. The sizing can be wonky but if you read the reviews, they’re pretty spot on and helpful and the quality is fantastic. I have yet to receive anything thin, cheap or even different than pictured. It’s all pretty much, what you see is what you get!
They offer free shipping over $50 and free returns if you’re in the US or UK. Look out for codes that give you % off certain amounts too! They’re usually in the top banner of the website!
I hope you found something you like and as always, thanks for reading!
Happy Shopping!
XOXO
Kel
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Summer Target Finds
I had the rare opportunity to peruse Target yesterday, uninterrupted and boy, was it glorious! I found some really cute items for the Summer and also a few basics that can be worn starting now. I included pieces that are great for layering and boy’s staples. Enjoy!
Women:
These Birkenstock dupes are so comfortable and come in a million colors and materials. I got the taupe and love the lighter, neutral look! I got my true size 8.
I’m loving this $5 cropped tee by Wild Fable. It comes in a bunch of colors, is soft and nice quality and will be perfect for yoga, to wear with my high waisted pants. I got it in an XXL and normally wear a S/M. It also looked super cute with the jean shorts I picked up for $15 too [in my true size 6]! I snagged this $8 t-shirt and love it. It’s a little longer but so comfy and a great staple basic! I got a medium.
This Yosemite t-shirt was super soft and I committed to the material before I saw the design. I thought it was cute to pair with denim and my new sandals, so I went with it! For $9.99, it was well worth it! I got a large for a looser fit.
This next outfit is perfect for a vacation vibe or hanging by the pool! this gorgeous $40 One Piece has medium coverage for the bootie and great support on the top I love the crochet detail and keyhole. I paired it with the airiest and more adorable beach pants for $25. Add a big floppy hat and a straw tote and you are good to go! I got a medium in both the bathing suit and the pants.
Boys:
I’m loving these Cat & Jack active shorts for my boys. I got Robert [5] 2 pair; the navy and gray. They have a bunch of colors and are only $6!
These T-Shirts are so soft and the quality is amazing! I got 2 of these for Robert too, in a size small. Lots of colors and only $4…you can’t beat that! I grabbed this other $6 shirt in gray too! It’s heathered, super soft and on sale for $5 right now!
While these active jogger pants are a little pricier, they’re worth it in my opinion. I got Robert a pair for Christmas in the navy and found a black pair yesterday. I get him a small. They’re so soft and comfy and are light and moisture wicking; perfect for Spring and great for a kid who’s active all day! They’re $22 and come in a bunch of colors.
I grabbed 2 pair of these Cat & Jack shorts for Jack and a pair for Ben. They’re $5 and so soft! They’ll be great for an easy on, comfy look. Great for potty training and breathable for the warmer weather. They have a ton of colors.
Jack is very particular about the sweats he wears, so I picked these Cat & Jack joggers up for him to lessen the battles we have in the morning. [He won’t wear regular pants to school]. They’re $15 but the quality is great and I can pass them down to Ben!
I hope this helped you find something you needed [or didn’t]!
Happy Shopping!
XOXO
Kel
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The Cutest Pink Lily Vacation Pieces
Sharing some quick, adorable pieces from Pink Lily that are perfect for traveling and the beach! For sizing, I highly recommend watching the videos for each item and reading the reviews.
Use code KP20 for an additional 20% off! NOTHING IS FINAL SALE! Yay! Happy shopping!
I ordered:
Medium Medium One Size Comes as a set
Navy Suit | Aqua Suit | Grass Hat | Bon Voyage Bag Set
The bathing suits come out to be less than $30 and are so adorable! Perfect for the hot young thang or an average mom bod like I have! [Kinda mushy, size 6, no bubs!] The hat is perfect to dress up any outfit but also keep the sun off of your face and chest and this bag is perfect for all the things; airplane travel, beach bag, life…the mini clutch is great too because it attaches to the interior [which is black by the way; perfect for messes] and can help keep your money, chapstick/gloss and any other small thing nice and organized!
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you found some goodies for Spring! Can’t beat the prices!
XOXO
Kel
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Target Bedding
Sharing all of my Target Bedding finds below! Every one is great quality with soft and lovely material! A design tip I recommend is to get a comforter/duvet a size larger than your bed; if you have a queen, get a king sized duvet. That being said, I found it especially difficult to accomplish this when you have a king bed! I searched for what seemed like forever and although some said oversized king, once I read the dimensions, they were not. I was able to finally find one at target and a cover on amazon.
18″ x 18″ Textured Cotton Flare Tassel Throw Pillow Gray | Oversize Square Woven Stripe Pillow
Bold Textured Stripe Throw Pillow | Goose Down Alternative Comforter Duvet Insert
Duvet Cover [from amazon] | 6.7 fl oz Serenity Oil Diffuser
Some of my items are not longer available, so below, I’ve linked some similar!
Chunky Stripe Fringe Throw Blanket | Oversize Embroidered Textured Lumbar Throw Pillow
DII Chevron Throw Collection Handloomed Cotton, 50×60
I hope this helped solve some bedding needs! Happy Shopping!
As always, thanks for being here!
XOXO
KelFollow me on your favorite app!
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2022 Chicwish Review
You may have heard of the brand Chicwish; 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. My overall take away is I am pretty impressed with the design and quality. I think they have some really adorable pieces. My only issue is with the size charts. They’re a little difficult to navigate but I managed to work through it. They are inconsistent across designs; some are S-M, L-XL and others are small, medium, large etc. My suggestion would be to size up when in doubt and read the size charts very carefully on each item. For reference, I am 5’2 and approx. 135lbs; size 6 in pants and between a small and medium in tops.
Sweaters:
This Turtleneck Batwing Sleeve Asymmetric Knit Sweater in Taupe is so adorable and I love the subtle details, like the V shape on the front and back hem. It’s comfortable once it’s on but take’s a second to get use to with the batwing. It’s stretchy, so the sleeves want to stay up vs falling loosely to your wrist. Once you scrunch them up a bit, you’re good to go. I am in size S-M and am in love with the color!
These next two sweaters; Lovely Heart Button Down Knit Cardigan in White and Knit a Chance V-Neck Frilling Sweater in Grey are must haves! They are so soft and comfortable and fall so nicely on your body. I love the looser fit and all of the details. The faux pearl buttons on the heart cardigan add such an elegant touch and the ruffles on the grey sweater takes it from super casual to a step above. I am in size S-M in both and they’re perfect!
Cardigans:
Moving on to some duster cardigans/coatigans and they are phenomenal! This Classy Open Front Knit Coat in Light Tan is one that I have had my eye on for years and started seeing it all over people on IG. Once I saw it on a few people, I had to have it. I am in size M-L and it fits great. The sleeves are literally perfect, so if you’re use to a longer, slouchier sleeve, it might take some getting use to but otherwise it’s great. I love the color; it’s a perfect neutral to complete any outfit as a cardigan or a coat. The material is on the thicker side, so it can definitely be used for warmth purposes and it’s loose and drapey, which makes it super chic.
This Waterfall Longline Knit Cardigan in Cream is ah-mazing…and it has pockets! I’m in a size medium and it fits perfectly. It’s loose and drapey and really soft and cozy. The cream color is gorgeous, especially for the winter but what’s nice is the light color lends itself to be a perfect layering piece for spring too. Unlike the above cardigan, the sleeves on this one are longer, which I personally love.
Coats:
Now let’s talk coats! I am a sucker for a coat and try every year to keep it simple….I just can’t. If it’s drapey, neutral or furry, I need it…This Free Myself Open Front Wool-Blend Coat in Sand is a great option for a lighter coat. It’s on the thinner side but has a belt to keep it closed. It looks great both open and closed and I love how drapey it is. This is another fabulous neutral tone to accompany any outfit. I’m in size Medium.
You know me and my neutrals…this Rabato Wrap Belted Wool-Blend Coat in Ivory is another one that I think is just beautiful. I love the belt detail and the rounded lapels. I also l love the wrap design and how it falls in the front. It’s a light to medium weight, perfect for layering and wearing through Spring and the color is gorgeous, with its grayish tones. I’m in a Medium but think you have some flexibility if you wanted to go up a size for a bit more room.
Let’s talk statement pieces. This Feeling of Warmth Faux Fur Longline Coat in Black is one of my favorite finds. It’s perfect for a night out when you want to look super chic and trendy. It’s nice and warm and the faux fur is super soft and silky. I’m actually in a Small in this one and it fits nice, but you can definitely size up if you’re nervous and it’ll look just as cute. Next, is this Flap Pocket Double-Breasted Tweed Cape Coat. This is the second cape I own and when I saw it, I had to have it. The tweed material and gray tones give it the classic, English vibe, perfect for elevating any outfit. I’m in a Small and it’s perfect. The buttons are a little stiff to maneuver but it’s worth it for the few times you’d be wearing this iconic piece. Picture it with sling back mules or heels and black trousers…Kate Middleton, watch out!
Swimsuits:
Now for the total opposite…swimsuits! My body is far from ready but my mind is all in, especially as we’re planning our Spring Break trip to Florida. This Zippered Back Ruffle Bikini Set in Black is so adorable and fits like a glove! It’s comfortable, doesn’t pinch anywhere and is super flattering! I am super particular about the tooshie area too. I don’t like cheeky and full coverage is not good on me. This cut and coverage is just the right amount of all of it! I’m in my true size Medium.
This Lace-Up Back Tropical Palm Ruffle Swimsuit is life. I spoke earlier about my weird opinions of the coverage amount in the toosh area. Part of the problem is when one pieces are too high up the back; they pull too tight, smushing my bum. The open back on this suit is not only aesthetically appealing but also allows for the perfect amount of taughtness for my hiney’s liking! The padded cups and adjustable ties keep the front looking nice too! After nursing 3 babies and not being totally happy with how that left my chest, I’m pretty satisfied with how I look in this suit! The quality is superb and I love all of the subtle details, like the ruffle trim. I’m in a size medium.
Overall, I would recommend this brand. The price is right for the quality and they have some amazing pieces that I haven’t even begun to touch. Their tulle skirts are so beautiful and give me all of the Sarah Jessica Parker vibes. You should definitely check them out as they’d be perfect for spring! Feel free to reach out and ask me anything! I’m happy to answer questions or discuss pieces further!
Thanks for being here! Your support means the world!
XOXO
Kel
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