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Bagels + Lox Brunch Board

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Bagels and Lox, have you tried it? This traditional brunch dish is not only delectable, it is visually stunning.  Whats even better? It requires zero cooking! Yes, you heard that right.  If you can push the toaster lever down to toast the bagels, you are well on your way to creating this incredible brunch spread. 

What you need for the ultimate Bagels and Lox platter 

Everything Bagels – toasted

Cream Cheese – plain, herb, or whipped

Red Onion – sliced thin, or pickled

Capers

Smoked Salmon – Verlasso Smoked Salmon 

Cucumber – sliced thin

Quick-Pickle Red Onion

1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbsp Sugar

1.5 tsp Kosher Salt

1 cup Water

1 Large Red Onion sliced thin

 *Slice red onion, place into a mason jar.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, salt and sugar.  Pour liquid over the red onions, place cap on and keep in fridge for 2 hours.  The longer they sit the better! Keep them in the fridge and enjoy on top of sandwiches all week long!*

Bagels + Lox Brunch Board

The simplicity of this platter will fool every guest that walks by.  Set the largest items on the tray first.  Bowl of cream cheese, bagels, one or two pre-made bagels.  Use your imagination and fill in the blanks with the condiments and toppings.  This week at Heinens, there are the most beautiful Dahlias.  Simply take off the stem, all the way to the base of the flower and place on the platter.

However you stack it, bagels and lox are the perfect chic addition to any brunch.  One that can be done on the fly, and set out for others to create this brunch bite! 

Tag @Heinens and @abby_thome with all of your kitchen creations! 

Dan’s Diagnosis

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Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis, the beginning to a journey that we know all too well in The Thome Home.

To say I was speechless is a total understatement.


It started back in February, at least the height of the storm. Three long months followed of sickness. Like, around the clock, sun up till sun down. Waking in the middle of the night to be sick for hours on end. All to wake up and muster enough energy to hold together work, coaching hockey, family life and day to day tasks.

Quite honestly, I have no clue how he kept it all together looking back.

I knew and understood the depths of just how sick he was. It may have fooled others around him, because he would put on the bravest, most composed face he could in gatherings. Make jokes about how he was feeling, to try to lighten the subject – in hopes to not be asked too many questions in return.


I however, was more worried as each day past. With each test, and false lead as to what may be going on with him. Every night hearing him jump out of bed. Each pound lost. The more gray he appeared. My heart sunk, it all seemed far too familiar.

“Like father, like son” the first words said as the gastroentronologist pulled back the curtain.


Dan was still loopy and fading in and out of twilight. The doctor jumped right into the next steps to be taken. I hardly had time to let the words sink in before the doctor jumped straight to the plan of action for steroids and medication. Before we could even digest what we were just told, Dan was coming too and being prepped to leave.

I held back tears the entire car ride home. Part of me was excessively relieved. It could have been way worse, that I know. The other half of me was already anxious and exhausted thinking about the uphill battle that lies ahead to get him healthy again. It was probably the quietest 30 minute car ride home we’ve ever had together.

It has been a few months since his diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis.


Months of an extreme amount of steroids and prescriptions to try to heal his gut. It will be a process, a process we are excessively familiar with seeing Brody (now 10) was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of five. You can read all about his journey HERE, HERE + HERE. It was a time full of uncertainty and fear for our family, years of hospital stays and Brody missing so many days of school.

Somehow, Dan managed to keep it all together for work, and carried himself and our family financially through the worst months prior to his diagnosis.

That still amazes me.

He was so weak, so so sick, and still managing to met and exceed his performance at work. I am still amazed at how he manages to keep it all together, when I know deep down all he wants to do is sit and rest. He is still on a ton of steroids and prescriptions to attempt to treat his U.C. Unfortunately he’s had to extend the steroids even longer because they are not working to the degree his doctor would like to see.

After all is said and done, his journey with U.C. is just beginning. But that sweet man I married is a total bad ass (pun intended) so I know he’ll get through this.

Kitchen Essentials Every Home Cook Needs from Wayfair

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Regardless of what your dietary needs are, having a kitchen stocked with the right cooking tools is an essential piece to creating recipes successfully! I like to start each week with a fairly strict meal plan, each meal inspired by the ingredients I buy, and the time I may have to execute it during the busy school and sports season. Time isn’t always on my side, so having a variety of kitchen tools at my side is the only way I get things done these days. Also, let’s just say – having a few great pieces is far better than a kitchen stuffed to the brim with gadgets you will never use!

The love I have for my Cuisinart Coffee Maker is real. It is beyond affordable, and stands the test of time. We make a pot (or two!) every single morning, and have always turned to Cuisinart as our go-to for the coffee maker that we can wear down for years at a time until we replace it.

Hear me out, don’t roll your eyes just yet at my push for you to purchase a Belgium Waffle Maker – I get it, frozen waffles are quick. But, lets face it. The majority of frozen waffles on the market are packed with so many preservatives and necessary ingredients, my Belgium Waffle Recipe is well worth spending an hour on a Sunday to bust out a massive batch and put them in the freezer for easy mornings too!

If there is one meal I can guarantee my family will eat before I get to sit down and enjoy my own, its paninis. Chicken Pesto Paninis, Grilled Cheese, Turkey B.L.T., Spinach Artichoke, the fillings are endless – and nothing is more satisfying than crunchy bread and oozy cheese in the middle. A panini press is worth the space it will take up in your cupboard!

Care for a spot of tea? Fall is coming, and enjoying a cup of afternoon tea is such a relaxing way to stop and relax for a few minutes. This Kitchenaid Kettle in white is always on my stovetop ready to go. My favorite tea right now? Matcha!! Hot water, matcha powder, splash of vanilla soy milk and pinch of cinnamon – it is so luscious and delicious.

My mom has owned an immersion blender for years and years. And, I always thought it was such a silly thing to have in the kitchen. Like, how often are you really going to use that, mom? Well, well, bite my tongue and eat my words – because I get the hype. If you love to make soups, or sauces, an immersion blender is such a safe and effective way to blend hot soups and sauces without putting it into a blender. The price? Incredible! You can grab one for less than $40 and be well on your way to whip up delicious tomato soup and a grilled cheese from the panini you just ordered too!

Making Your Dream Room a Reality!

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After years of messages rolling in from readers asking for advice on how to decorate their spaces, we are launching Brickstreet Design! I am SO excited to help make your dream room a reality!!

Now, this is not your average mood board/vision board service for clients whom are looking for direction in decorating a room in their home. This service is far more personal, and approachable. A vision board curated based on your budget, style, with all of the links you need to shop the items to pull your room together in a snap!

We all look at images online, and long to recreate the space only to be three clicks away from realizing that you’re $12,000 deep and you’ve only added a sofa, rug, and pillow to your cart – whoops! Been there, done that. I want to show you all, that regardless of budget, you can create a space that you love. Each vision board will have the links you need to purchase the items – a beautiful vision board that is set within your budget so that you can shop successfully!

Yes! You heard that right – a room that is pulled together, with pieces curated and chosen based on your style and budget to create the environment you’ve been longing for!

Whether you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom, redecorating a family room or dining room. Master bedroom, basement or kids room – I am here to help you gather all of the pieces you need to pull your desired look together! If you are feeling stuck, finding it difficult to pull a space together in your home – I’m your girl to help guide your way!

How does this work?

  1. Sign up! Email me, Abby at thethomehome@gmail.com subject : Mood Board ___________ <—- your last name!
  2. Specify the room(s) you are looking to decorate
  3. Budget – mention the maximum dollar amount you have to spend
  4. Submit pictures, send at least 3 images of each space you are wanting to redecorate/renovate
  5. Send me a few inspirational pictures of spaces with the style/vibe that you love (think Pinterest!)

What will I receive?

  1. One vision board per room
  2. Customized furniture/decor choices based on budget all with links to items that are ready and available to shop online
  3. Direction and advice from me throughout your makeover process

How much does this cost?

  1. Rates are set – flat rate based on number of rooms you are looking to have vision boards for.
  2. Payment made via Venmo or PayPal

What if I have a few pieces I want to use already?

  1. Well awesome! That’s more $ in your pocket, or more to allocate elsewhere. Whether it be a sofa, bed, coffee table – regardless the piece of furniture, its great to have pieces you want to roll over! I do not expect anyone to have a full “blank slate”
  2. When you submit the pictures, you let me know what you are keeping – I go from there!

Are you ready?!?

Let’s go babes! Email me at

thethomehome@gmail.com subject : Vision Board ___________ <—- your last name!

I can’t wait to make your dream room a reality!!

xoxo – abby

Back to School Jitters – How to Ease the Butterflies

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It’s happening, it’s really happening.  Another school year is rapidly approaching.  School supplies lists are out.  Teachers lists are being shared, and schedules are about to get really crazy for families.  Sure, we as parents definitely look forward to the start of the new school year.  It means our kids are back into the groove, at school all day, learning, kept busy.  Some summer days can feel so long! On the other hand, we as parents are facing the fact that we all have maybe one, two, three or more children diving into a calendar year packed with homework, extra curricular and sporting events.  It can be really overwhelming to parents and teachers across the board.  

Sometimes I have to take a step back when I am feeling like I am drowning in the kids schedules to try to take a minute to think about how THEY may be feeling during this chaotic time.  Back to school jitters are a real thing.  A feeling that arises and shows its colors in a multitude of ways in kids.  It may be crying, yelling, panic attacks, upset bellies.  The list of ways our children may allow the jitters to get to them can go on and on.  Anxiety and roller coaster emotions can be the most difficult thing to navigate as parents during the school year.

From making friends, new hallways to adjust too, curriculum struggles and missing home, it can become a daunting task as a parent or guardian to manage those feeling, and help your little one navigate those emotions when you are not there to hold their hand through it. Learning to “let go” and allow your child to navigate their emotions is a difficult, yet very rewarding skill to teach your children as early as possible. In todays world, between the news, social media and friends talking, our kids are constantly hearing different stories and being exposed to information that is not only not age appropriate, but can truly takeover their train of thought in their growing minds.

Our oldest two sons have both had very different health battles their entire lives, as you know. Both of which have led them to miss a lot of school.  They get sick very easy, have hospital stays and spend a lot of time at the doctors.  They have become hyper-aware of how they are feeling, in fear of getting sick at school, and that in return leads to nervous-nelly kids at school when I am not there to calm their fears. There were days when one child would be hyper-ventilating in the back of the car before school. It would take two teachers to bring him into the school, and they would constantly assure me that “he would be fine”. I would sit crying in the car, feeling like a failure – that my childs anxiety caused a scene, and now it has probably escalated further by being separated from his parents so dramatically.

After years of trying to figure out exactly what works for our boys, I finally feel like I have a few key steps to take to ease kids worries about different experiences they may encounter when coming back to school, or even throughout the school year.  I had to help them develop the skills to give themselves the confidence to ease their jitters that arise throughout the school day.

First thing first – EXPLAIN:  I remember thinking when my boys were little that the less they knew the better.  Fool me once, because come to find that just allows their minds to wander and worry even more.  Now, I do my best to outline the days as they come.  Whether it be the night before school, or the morning of, simply explaining what the days schedule is like and allowing them to ask questions back helps ease the “whats going to happen next??” worry.

Secondly – RELEASE + RELAX: This tactic came in handy more times then I can give credit.  My boys both suffer from having anxiety attacks before school and during.  No matter the scale of severity, I had to learn quickly how to teach them how to calm themselves when I not there to lean on.  This technique is simple.  When your child feels overcome with worry, teaching them to acknowledge what they are feeling first.  That this moment will pass.  Take a few deep breaths in and out (3 works!) And then release those icky feelings.  If your child seems to experience these moments more often than not, I found it helpful to give them little things to think about that can help shift their mindset to a happier thought.  So, as they are releasing their breaths, perhaps you told them to think about the new book you are going to read together after school.  Or the trip to the playground, or ice cream treat you’ll enjoy before bed.

Thirdly – PRAISE.  It sounds so simple, every morning, every bus pick up, every night before bed – at some point in the day try your best in the midst of the crazy schedules to acknowledge that your child is doing a fantastic job! Even on days when they had a hard time, give them praise that they were able to work through it!

This back to school season, remember that we as parents all are in the same boat.  And, so are our children.  Let’s do our best to instill in our kids to be kind, caring and compassionate, helping to make each day a little easier for everyone.  

Back To School Photography c/o: jplusnphotography

Hosted by: @abby_thome +@hausofcool_llc

Set Design: @LittleMissPartyPlanner_hudson 

CLE Irish Festival 2019

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It was a total scorcher this past weekend. Like, sweat in areas that no one would like to admit it was happening hot. But, traditions are traditions, which meant we loaded up on h2o and ice and hit the streets to the CLE Irish Festival for another year of music and fun!

The kids feasted on shaved ice, ice cream, funnel cake and french fries, all the while we tapped our feet to some amazing bands. Before we knew it the breeze picked up and made spending the day in the blistering heat far easier to push through!

This summer the boys have been such troopers. Dan works from home the majority of the week, but is obviously occupied from 8-5. Some nights, calls stretch him longer. My job as a Realtor has the most random hours, and content creating keeps the same frequency. Long days, with breaks – and then late nights when the kids sleep. I’ve been so proud of how well they’ve adjusted to the craziness!

And then there’s this stud. It has been a really long time since I’ve posted anything really personal on this blog. A lot has happened in the past few months, that I’ll update you all on soon enough. Today was just an amazing reminder to enjoy the GOOD days.

I am so grateful for this crew that I call my family.

Guess I’m the lucky one, eh?

Welcome Heinens to The Thome Home!

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For nearly a decade I have dedicated this blog to sharing content that revolves around every facet of my life that brings me joy.  Whether it be our home renovations, family stories, or recipes that we are making as a family.  My goal is to consistently provide you, as readers, content that you can feel inspired with and connected to.  Over the years, the blog has gained a lot of momentum, and I have had the honor to work with brands that we as a household utilize and talk about daily.  I am so excited to introduce to you a new adventure The Thome Home is embarking on – as a Heinen’s Contributor!

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You’ve more than likely noticed the ample amount of recipes that are coming out in the past two months, revolving around this incredible grocery store.  Heinen’s has been a huge part of our lives since moving to Hudson.  The proximity to our home, and their superior customer service had us fall head over heels with the entire company.  At least five days out of the week I find myself picking up ingredients for recipes and doing my weekly shopping for our crew.  Heinen’s makes what normally is a very stressful, overwhelming grocery trip, one that moves smoothly.  I know that the produce is always picked fresh, the meat is top notch, and the shelves are always neatly stocked.  I can roll through with my list, get everything I need and get my shopping trip done with ease.

I was chosen to be a contributor to Heinen’s, and I could literally pinch myself.  I’ve always loved bringing my followers recipes that are fresh, delicious and approachable! I want you guys to hop on my blog, or Instagram and see a new recipe and feel inspired and motivated to want to make it for yourself or loved ones! Sure, a pretty picture is worth a thousand likes, BUT I wanted to provide you with recipes that for the average home cook can tackle and feel confident in doing so!

Here are few of the amazing recipes we have done with Heinen’s thus far.

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DIY Body Scrub : Rose : Sushi Night : S’mores : Veggie Burgers : Sundried Tomato Orzo : Carrot Cake Balls : Sweet Potato Tots :

 If you are new to Heinen’s, you should definitely sign up for their Tasteful Rewards Program! This program not only provides you with member-only savings, you’ll be rewarded with discounts towards products that are custom to your shopping preferences.  You’ll receive weekly emails with the tastiest recipes to inspire your grocery haul for the week! Follow the link to sign up, it is FREE!

To stay in the loop with all things Heinen’s – head to their awesome Instagram page!

Click HERE 

You’ll find a daily dose of an insane amount of content that will leave your belly growling! Show some love and following along with some of the other AMAZING contributors Instagram accounts –

@abby_thome

@chefbillyparisi

@tableanddish

@thefoxyden

It is so fun to interact and engage with all of you on Instagram! I love the outpouring of comments and questions, keep them coming! That is exactly how we better our content and continue to grow together!

Sushi Night with Heinens!

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This blog post is in collaboration with Heinen’s.  As a Heinen’s Contributor, I am honored to bring you recipes to enjoy with your loved ones!

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It is only July, and if you are anything like us, you may be getting a little sick of the hamburger/hot dog offerings at summer gatherings.  Sure, grilling out is by far the most common thing to do at a social event during the warmer months.  But, why should we stand in front of a steaming hot grill making sure everything is cooked just right , when you can run to Heinen’s and pick up the most refreshing meal to serve at your next gathering!

Every single day, you can go to Heinen’s and watch the most beautiful sushi get rolled behind the counter.  On Wednesdays, Heinen’s holds the most insane deal – $5 Sushi Rolls! Yes, you read that right, FIVE dollars! Whether you’re getting an awesome deal on a Wednesday, or you decide to purchase on another day, sushi is the most refreshing dish to enjoy on a hot summer’s day!

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We hosted a large group the other week and knew that they all loved sushi of some sort so we decided to take the plunge and throw the most incredible Sushi themed night for our family! I love that all we had to do was pick up the Sushi, and set it in our fridge until we were ready to plate later that day.  I whipped up one of our favorite Asian Noodle Salads (recipe to come!) and our infamous Edamame recipe (recipe to come!)  Having a wide variety of Sushi Rolls kept the crowd mingling and moving, which I think is so important at a party!

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I used a variety of platters to display the Sushi.  Cake stands provide the perfect height to add dimension to your table!

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Crowd favorites of the night were the Spring Rolls, finely diced cucumber and carrot, a hunk of avocado, wrapped in romaine lettuce and rolled with a rice wrapper.  SO light and refreshing, Oh! and dipped into a sweet and spicy chili sauce.  They are incredible! Another crowd favorite were the fresh salmon rolls – both spicy salmon roll and the salmon roll with a dollop of cream cheese in the middle.  Guests wandered back and forth, eating at their own pace and comparing their favorites with one another.  It was such a fun twist to a summer dinner party with friends and family!

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Serving Sushi made entertaining such a breeze.  I prepped the noodle salad the morning of and whipped up the edamame in under 15 minutes before guests arrived.  The table was set, and all that was left to do was to plate the sushi.

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 Don’t forget to grab a handful of chopsticks, low sodium soy sauce, and wasabi paste for your guests to truly customize their sushi experience.

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I’ve already spoken with a few of our guests that said that are officially hooked on Heinen’s Sushi! I don’t blame them.  The quality and freshness of the produce and fish used makes for the most delicious Sushi.   I’m not drooling, you’re drooling.

Tag @Heinen’s  + Abby_Thome when you enjoy Sushi this summer from Heinen’s!

DIY S’mores Tray

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This blog post is in collaboration with Heinens.  As a Heinens Contributor, I am honored to bring you new recipes to enjoy with your loved ones!

Have you ever eaten a S’more you did not like? Didn’t think so! This nostalgic summertime treat embodies every ounce of summer memories smooshed between two graham crackers.  Our boys love when we start a fire after dinner time.  There is something so calming, as the fast pace of cooking and cleaning up dinner is suddenly slowed down by the twinkle of a fire in the background.  Our pantry is always stocked with the basic S’mores ingredients so that we are prepared for an impromptu fire with friends.  We all know the traditional ingredients to make this classic treat.. two graham crackers, marshmallow and a hunk of Hershey’s chocolate.  But what would happen if we elevated your basic S’more experience? Taking this traditional treat and giving it the most delicious twist possible?!

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Imagine a fruit and cheese board, except you are making a spread for your guests that let their imagination run wild with combinations for their S’mores! I took basic graham crackers and added a dollop of melted semi-sweet chocolate in the middle.  On top of the melted chocolate you add your topping of choice! We used mini chocolate chip cookies, hunks of candy bar, sprinkles, shredded coconut, and milk chocolate pretzels with a pinch of himalayan sea salt.

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These decadent decorated graham crackers will soon hold a toasted marshmallow squished in between!

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Walking out to your campfire with this beautiful spread will make your guests jaws drop! Assorted graham crackers topped with a multitude of treats.  Cookies to be used instead of graham crackers, because, you only live once! Two Brothers chocolate bars (some are filled with caramel!) And a tangy raspberry jam to spread on the base you picked for your S’mores sandwich!

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My favorite combination is the graham cracker with peanut butter cups, a dollop of jam – and of course, the toasted marshmallow.  It’s a PB&J S’more that pairs so well with a glass of red wine.

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Strolling down the aisles of Heinens you’ll be astonished at all of your choices when creating your S’mores board!

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Treat your friends and family to the most incredible campfire this summer, by walking out with this enormous spread!

Basement Bathroom, Finally!

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I begged for a bunk bedroom, the boys begged for a place to pee.  It’s a 4:1 ratio in this house – and yep, you’ve guessed it.  The boys won.  When, just tell me when I’ll get to trump the family vote??

I’ve decided to swallow my bunk bed dreams and face the fact that I have 3 little men that hang out in the basement around the clock that obviously cannot climb 12 stairs to take a wiz. SO, we give them a nicer bathroom then the one Dan and I have in our master.  Of course, right? There is one piece of the bathroom design I was adamant about having – black hexagon floor tile.  It is the only component that I truly care about having in this space, and once we placed the order it changed my entire attitude towards pulling the trigger on this room!

In the next few weeks we are pulling inspiration from multiple sources, playing to ultimate game of “Which spouse will get their way?!” and going from A to Z in this bathroom basement that will house the anxious bladders of little boys that will surely wiz all over the walls to their hearts content.

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For nearly a year, a little devil on my shoulder keeps pushing me to the idea of a very deep, dark, moody bathroom.  I love the idea of our basement housing a bar, and in reflection, having this very underground/chic/modern/retro space.  Does that make sense? Probably not, but I can envision the entire room, all the while Danny said NO no NO!

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So then I pulled this inspiration – love the hexagon black tile (check) I’m a girl who needs wood, metal, black and texture in every single room in our home – so this space really checked SO many boxes.  Dan definitely likes this space more than option numero uno.  So, whats a girl to do? Oh, I know – try my best to get away with every drop of what I like because I am a mother to three boys, and a giant boy, and they get to have the final say 99% of the time.  If I’m the chick scrubbing dry piss off the walls, I’m going to be the one who gets to choose what walls I’m scrubbing.

Ya heard?

With that all said – Take a look at my mood board.  As always, a room done on a budget – so I am always super excited to share with you all my tips and tricks to designing a space on a dime!

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Can you guess my dilemma? Yes, sir.  The freaking vanity.  I truly cannot decide whether I should go more traditional and whiter, because we do not have any windows.  OR choose the modern wood floating vanity.  IF I could find the white vanity in the wood tones, I’d be sold.  But, this chick is really sticking to a budget and the ones that I have found thus far are wayyy to expensive!

Which vanity do you like more?

Tile is getting laid next week, and we’ll keep you guys in the loop with the entire process!