A Little Home Refresh And $100 Kohl's Gift Card Giveaway

Last week I shared tips for picking art and our new gallery wall as part of our little home refresh for the New Year, and this week I want to share a couple of new items we received, which make all the difference! (Especially as a renter with little control over home updates and changes.)

Drum roll, please...

New cookware and bedding! Yes, it's that simple, but it makes a world of difference in feeling more updated.

Let's start with the cookware. We used our non-stick Cuisinart cookware we received for a wedding gift up until the beginning of this month. In May we will be celebrating our 7th anniversary, if that puts it into perspective for you. The stuff was scratched, and peeling, and anytime I made a light colored sauce you could see black flakes in it. Yuck!



Ever since starting my food blog and deciding it was time to start cooking like an adult, I wanted stainless steel cookware. I was stoked when I found this BergHOFF 10-piece copper clad set from Kohl's. The reviews were sparkling, and I got it on mega super sale! Think $169 mega super sale for something that is worth over $300. I've been using them for a month now, and they cook like a DREAM. Truly, a dream! Smooth, evenly distributed heat. If you are thinking about getting new cookware, just do it already. I have said to Matt, "Why didn't we get these sooner?!" over 10 times. Easily.

Next up is bedding! The home blogs finally convinced me I need all white bedding. Mostly in the name of bleach, because we have two little boys and dirt smudges are inevitable. Guess what?! They are right! We bought this quilt set, these sheets, and this bed skirt (also on mega sale from Kohl's). I've already bleached those suckers—twice!—and they wash up nicely, still look brand new, and are extra soft. I also love how calm and clean they make our bedroom feel. We still don't have a lot of furniture in the space, so it helps it look more pulled together.

Now it's your turn to go shopping to do your own little home refresh! I am giving away $100 gift card from Kohl's. They are having a huge home sale right now, plus you can stack multiple coupons on top of the sale price! Use the promo code HOME10 for $10 off $50 home purchase on January 29-February 3, and 20% off using promo code FORYOU20 on January 29-30.

Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter widget below. I will select the winner on January 30, and email the gift card code that day so you can get the deals mentioned above. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was sponsored by Kohl's. Thanks for reading!

How To Pick Art And Tips For Creating A Gallery Wall

The new year urges me to refresh our home and only bring in items I really love. My top priority these last few months has been starting a legit art collection that is conscious and personal, along with giving our walls some color. We rent our house, so there is not much I can do in the way of making it feel like my style. Those orangey-beige walls are tricky to work against, but this gallery wall on our staircase turned out beautifully (and someday it will look even better against a bright white or drastic dark grey wall).

I received a few art prints from Minted, which connects independent artists from all over the world, to get my collection started and I am thrilled with how stunning and high quality they are. The large focal one is called Untitled 4 by Jaime Derringer. I choose this piece because I was drawn to her intense brushstrokes, which are inspired by Japanese art, and her choice of bold, yet calming color. Her approach to art is one I identify with as well. "Everything is unplanned and completely intuitive—each mark is a response to its predecessor. The repetition of shapes and lines is an exercise used to escape from everything else around me. I'm a believer in embracing happy accidents and approaching each piece as an experiment." Even her explanation of her method is artistic! I love it!

The dark framed piece is titled Point of View by Renee Stevens. The simplicity and contrast of black and white pulled me in, but the message behind the work was the sinker. "Inspired by the contrasting views of two different people. You can see one face at a time or the opposing faces looking away from one another, yet still together. Inspired by the metaphor of a relationship and how working together and offering separate view points make it all work." This description and art print held me in silent contemplation. I strongly believe in the importance of different view points and respecting and honoring them, even if I don't agree. That's what makes us human.

Now, after multiple holes in the wrong place and hours agonizing over frame placement, I give you my tips for creating a gallery wall!

1. Choose an odd number of frames and art pieces. In my case, I went with five. Initially I had seven, and it looked chaotic for the wall on our staircase. Sometimes less is more, and since I have two large focal pieces, it just made sense to go with fewer frames.

2. Color scheme is everything. This is the hardest part for me when buying art. I want it to hold meaning, but I also want to make sure the colors aren't overwhelming and can incorporate nicely with the other pieces. It's important to select three main colors, plus a shade. In this instance, it is blue, red, yellow and black. Typical. I can't get away from the primary colors! I also tried to give it some variety by pulling in a mint and pink color as well. They don't veer too far from the main reds and blues, and you can see them in Untitled 4 and my abstract canvas. The combination of the two brings it together along with black. Black is classic. Black is chic. When in doubt, go with black to make everything cohesive. Also, do not go with more than three colors for the frames. This also gives it a connected look.

3. Make it personal. Add in photographs of family. Create your own artwork. Put up posters of places you've traveled. Choose art that has a deeper meaning to you. This is what our wall is made of and I couldn't love it more if I tried. Luke and Wes are the heartbeat of our family, so it was essential to include them in the gallery. You can also make engineer print portraits for your wall, which are AMAZING. We have them on the opposing wall by the couch, and you can get my tutorial here. The poster is from our trip to Spain for our first anniversary. Matt lived there for two years serving a church mission, so it is a beloved place for him, and now me. The abstract art is catharsis on canvas, where I unleashed my feelings about life. It's like I took all of my feelings and transferred them to the canvas, freeing myself from their weight. Now I can look at them from a third-person perspective and receive closure. It reminds me of a quote I saw which says, "When it comes to art, it's important not to hide the madness." There you have it.

4. Use parchment paper to arrange and hang the frames. Before taking the old nail and hammer to your precious drywall, make the arrangement on the ground! I prefer to space mine no more than two inches apart, and like to stagger them. Tinker with it until you find the right arrangement and the colors flow nicely. Next, trace the size of your frames onto parchment paper and make a mark where the hanging hook sits. Tape the parchment paper onto the wall in the exact arrangement on the floor and adjust until everything is even and centered. Hammer in the nail on the marked spot on the parchment paper, then hang! It's like handy magic.

How To Make Engineer Print Portraits For Your Wall

I posted this picture of the boys playing in our living room on Instagram a few days ago, and I had smattering of questions about our engineer print portraits. I aim to please, so here is a little tutorial on how I did them!

More than likely you have seen them floating around Pinterest, and the genius who started it was Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia. I am merely a copying, literally and figuratively, with these prints, and I am glad I did!

The ceilings in our living room are enormously tall, meaning there was this giant blank wall staring at me every day. I needed something that was clean, crisp, yet impactful to go on there. I toyed with the idea of a gallery wall, but since I don't have a Smithsonian supply of art or pictures, it was a deal breaker.

One day I was scrolling through my home inspiration board looking for a very specific steel framed window, when, what to my wondering eye should appear! The engineer prints! Bing! It was a done deal.

Here's a list for my process of making them and putting it all together, because I am a list-maker and that's just how my brain works.

Step 1: I started with buying the frames, which are the 27½ x 39¼ RIBBA frames from IKEA in medium brown. At $24.99 you cannot get a more sturdy and nice looking frame for that price. I promise, promise. We decided to go with three since my sister is a pulpit pounder about The Rule of Three. Good thing I obediently followed her command. We centered them and spaced them seven inches apart—I was also schooled about hanging objects—always space in odd numbers, she said! Yes, ma'am! I took the mat out because I wanted the drama of negative space and a laser sharp focus on the subject.

Step 2: Three months later after hanging the picture frames, I finally got my act together and took THE portraits to hang in the frames. I dressed Luke and Wes in neutral matching tank tops, and had them sit against a blank wall. The key to getting a good shot is the lighting. I shot in natural light next to a north-facing window around 3:30pm. That's when the light hits the sweet spot in that room and it worked like magic. I made sure to leave plenty of negative space on the top half of the portraits, so I would only have to make small cropping edits and have a better image to print.

Step 3: Editing! I have a very intense passion for editing photos. Whether it is in Photoshop or on my iPhone, I love it all. Need someone to edit your Instagram photos? I will be your editing assistant! ;) Anyway, I edited the portraits of Luke and Wes in Photoshop. First and foremost, I cleaned up the lingering dirt smudges on their faces, because boys. Then, I used Pioneer Woman's B&W action. I did, however, delete the ugly edge burn. Next, I used A Beautiful Mess actions to enhance and sharpen. My favorite action is Stella, which does a mix of brightening and sharpening. After adjusting that action, I went back to the light on the B&W action until it was closer to a pure black and white, and vibrant.

Step 4: Resizing! I wanted the photo to be as clear as possible, so I made sure my resolution was 300 dpi. Next, I selected inches and sized it to my exact measurements of 27.5 x 39.25 inches. I saved it as a PNG image file (I always feel like they give my photos a better finish versus a JPG) to my flash drive and was on my merry way to Staples!



Step 5: The folks at Staples were friendly and helpful as always. Initially, they said the file wasn't showing up in the correct dimensions, but that it wasn't an issue and they would have them ready and cut down to the exact size. After twenty minutes of roaming the back to school supplies and waxing nostalgic about my Lisa Frank folders from third grade, I heard my name being called. They showed me the finished product and I was incredibly impressed with my skills. I felt like a professional! Such exhilaration! Upon calming down about my finest works of art (my children) I finally got to the register. Because I live in California and everything here is about double from any other state, my prints were $5 each to my surprise, instead of the $3 cost you will hear about engineer prints anywhere else. Meh. The $2 difference did not matter. The outcome is WORTH. IT.

Step 6: I raced home and hung these bad boys immediately. The one downer was the stupid little groove thingamabobs jacking up my thumbnail. So, yes, word of advice: use a knife or something other than your fingernails to pry them up! There are like, 25, on each frame. Multiply that by three and that's one sore thumbnail by the end.

Ta-daaaaaa!!! I think the wall looks beautiful. (And yes, our couch is ripped and peeling. 🙈 Don't look too closely! We are in the market for a new, sturdy couch that can withstand boys. Holla if you have any good suggestions.) For under $100, it's nothing short of a miracle.

Free Succulents And Cacti Wall Art Printable

Adding a touch of green is the best way to brighten up a home, in my opinion. We've been on a plant kick lately and it's kind of addicting. Although, I do have to share a freaky story with you regarding live plants being in the home...

Luke and I were hanging out in our living room stacking blocks when I saw a gigantic, dark brown spider scurry underneath our shelf. I don't usually scream when I see spiders but this one made me let out a "OHHWAAAAOHAAA!"

I gathered my wits, thinking to myself, Get it together, Abbey. You have children who need you to be the responsible adult and get rid of the spider.

I have a hard time killing bugs, because they are living things. (I know, so very Buddhist of me, although I do eat meat so that point is probably moot.) Whenever I find spiders I always catch them and release them into the wild to eat all of the other nasty insects, and I find spiders the lesser of the insect evils. Well, it so happens as I plopped down a glass and slid some paper underneath, that not only was it a huge spider, but it was a freaking BROWN RECLUSE. Shudder.

Luke thought this spider removal extravaganza was the coolest thing in the world, and helped me investigate all of its markings. We were both looking at it, our bellies down on the pavement outside, to be sure it was the venom-spewing monster we thought it to be. Yup. It was. Violin markings, body shape and all. Of course, I flipped out as soon as we confirmed it and was all, "LUKE! Stay far away! This thing is a baby killer!"

So, yeah. The moral of the story is that having lots of house plants will quite possibly create a tropical paradise for bugs and critters. I mean, I can't really blame them. I'd rather hang out in a protected and shady jungle in an air-conditioned home than in the sweltering heat where I could be eaten or stepped on. But that still doesn't change the fact that it is terrifying to be host to poisonous spiders. I religiously inspect for spiders every morning now.

Anyway, the REAL point of this post was about this succulent and cacti print I painted the other day. A couple of people were wondering if it was going to be available as a free printable, so I thought, sure! Why not! So, here you go! You can download the 8x10 succulents and cacti wall art printable here. Also, I am still trying to figure out which color profile settings work best for printing, so the color may vary when you print it.

This print is a great way to add some color to those walls for spring! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @alongabbeyroad if you print it out! Hope you love it!

'Have A Cute Day' Floral Wall Art Printable

The other week when I shared my "life is good" free wall art printable, there was a floral painting I talked about sharing, but I ended up making this cute little thing instead!

I don't really know where it came from. It just flowed out of my brush and onto the paper. And the result was OHMYGOSHTHISISSOCUTE! The inspiration for the words resulted from Kjrsten's old blog, but she now is a crazy talented film photographer. She was one of the people who inspired me to start a blog four years ago, so I thought it fitting.


Naturally, I had to share this floral wall art print with you! It is an 8x10, and yes, it is free! You can download it here. Please note that your monitor and the print itself may slightly vary in color, and make sure to print on high quality paper for the best results!

Also, I will be giving away an original (always more vibrant and full of texture and awesome) of this painting later today on Instagram, so be sure to follow along and enter!

Have a cute day, friends!

Bright And Colorful Bedroom Ideas For Kids

Childhood is lively and colorful, so I think kid bedrooms should reflect that. Since I am always feverishly pinning any bright and colorful bedroom for kids, I thought I should share my favorite ones with you should you be looking for some inspiration and color for your own little ones!

If I ever have a girl, you better believe those walls are going to be plastered with pink! In fact, I wouldn't mind MY bedroom looking like this. I love everything about these colors and patterns! (image source)

I think black and white walls are such a great place to start for a boys room, and then it's fun to throw in all the pops of colors with pillows, wall art and toys. Makes me want to paint another chalkboard wall in Luke and Wesley's room like we did in our last place. Also, I am very seriously considering that we build house bedframes for their beds... except for the fact that we don't own any power tools... And don't know how to use power tools. Looks like this is the year of becoming a handywoman! (image source)

How fun would it be to build in a swing or a set of gymnastic rings into a bedroom? I can see Wesley's future as an Olympic gymnast already! ;) And again, those pops of color and natural light are perfect. (image source)

This yellow half wall with the pinks and mints make such a sweet color combination. And would you get a load of those nesting dolls? Too good! (image source)

Now it looks like I am going to need two baby girls so one can have this room, and the other one can have the room above! I really like the creative way this wall was painted, which could work for a boy or girl bedroom. (image source)

Alright, guys. Now the bright and colorful cuteness overload is getting out of control. In fact, I think this might be the mecca for bright and colorful bedrooms for kids. Right?! (image source)

And last, but not least, behold this amazing collection of colorful accessories. That shelf! Those pillows! Color explosion! I give it two enthusiastic thumbs up. (image source)

Mommy Mailbox Reveal

The December Mommy Mailbox I curated with Haley finally came in the mail last week, and I was BLOWN away — and I already knew what was going in it! I am so excited to finally be able to share the goodies we picked out for the first gift box.


Greenish Gold Polka Dot Scarf. This little beauty is the perfect accessory for the holiday season. The gold polka dots are what do it for me, and I love it with a tulle skirt for a girly, festive look. (Come check out how to make your own DIY tulle skirt here! It's an easy, basic tutorial, I promise!)


Hello Maypole Felt Balls. I have spent hours searching the internet high and low for felt balls for garlands, so when Haley introduced me to this shop, I was 100% on board. The colorways are beautiful, and the packaging is absolutely adorable. Definitely one of my new favorite shops. And aren't the colors in the box this month perfect? I love a little pink thrown in for Christmas, and it will carry over through the rest of the year. I plan on making a garland for our mantel.


Make Pie Not War Triangle Necklace. K, so this is one of those necklaces you buy and wear with everything. It is simple and delicate and has the sweetest imprinted arrows on it. I've been wearing it nonstop since I got it!


Salt of the Earth White Ginger Body Creme. All I can say about this creme is mmmm, mmmm, MMMM! The scent is just right — not too strong, yet leaves your body smelling amazing. And my skin is soooo soft now. It is definitely one of those beauty products that makes you feel expensive and pampered, and the packaging is incredible.


Rifle Paper Co. Gift Tags. Because it just isn't Christmas without some illustrated Christmas tags! I love the whimsy these will give to our presents.


Plum Street Prints Art Print. Haley and I decided it would be fun to have this custom "It's A Wonderful Life" print made for the holiday season. It's a beautiful piece to place somewhere in the home, and a good reminder to always be happy and grateful.

I hope you love your gift box as much as I love mine. It was such an honor to collaborate with the Mommy Mailbox team and Haley to bring you this surprise, and it is definitely something I will be looking forward to in the mail every month. Be sure to add a monthly subscription to Mommy Mailbox to your Christmas list!

Cute Holiday Card Ideas

Have you ordered your Christmas cards yet? I always feel like I am pushing the envelope (ha!) on getting our cards out by an acceptable time. (Which means at least by Christmas Day.) In fact, this last year we didn't even get a real one out! It was an e-card, but it's the thought that counts right? I blamed it on having a newborn. (Always an excellent excuse for pretty much anything, so if you have a newborn, you better take advantage before your time runs out! I suggest adding nightly foot massages to your list.)

Well, this year I am acting like a bonafide adult and getting our cards done professionally AND out on time! I have always loved the designs from Minted, and I am absolutely thrilled we get to team up with them to order our cards this year. Their charm and colors are right up my alley and I love all of the hand lettered details and illustrations. They don't miss out on the details — even the envelopes are cute!

Above I've selected my favorites. Now the problem is choosing one! What is your vote? I think I have it narrowed down to middle left, bottom left, and bottom right. But I can't be too sure. I really like bottom middle, top right, and top middle as well... so, basically all of them ;) Help!

Be sure to check out Minted if you are looking to order cute holiday cards this year, too! They have some great Cyber Monday sales coming up. Also, I'll be back in a couple weeks to reveal the Christmas card we selected. Happy holiday card shopping!

An Awesome Astronomy 1st Birthday Party

Last weekend was Wesley's official first birthday party! The theme was an aWESome astronomy party. Get it? I didn't even realize our little guy puts the Wes in awesome until I thought of the party theme, but he is a pretty spectacular kid, so it's not surprising, now is it?

Here is how we decorated for it...

 

Target has an adorable line of sustainable items that just so happened to go along with our astronomy theme. It's like the stars were aligned... (I am in one of those terrible joke telling moods, so bear with me.)

Constellation cookies! He is a Scorpio if you couldn't tell by my marvelous cookie decorating handiwork ;)

It's aWESome to be one banner!

We had a pizza party, so we served the fruit and salad in some mini, scallop-edged boxes and used milk bottles to serve the soda in.

The cake smash is always the best part of a first birthday party. These parties are basically pointless without the cake smash, am I right? Matt kept reminding me that Wes will not rememeber this party so why did I go to all the effort? For posterity's sake, of course! One day Wes will look upon these archives and thank me... or loathe me, but that's a different topic of conversation for a different day. We are focusing on sunshine, cupcakes and sprinkles today. Literally!

And last, but not least, the piñata! It may have taken a quarter of an hour to bust open, but it was definitely a hit! (Okay, I promise I am done with the ridiculous puns.) You can find out how to make your own DIY piñata here!

And here is a list of the party supplies:

Susty Party disposable cups

Susty Party disposable tablecloth

Susty Party disposable wooden flatware

Wit and Delight for Target disposable plates

Spritz silver striped disposable napkins

Handmade banner

Glass milk bottles

Scalloped edge salad boxes

Wilton gold and silver edible stars

DIY moon piñata