I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your living room is giving tired, mismatched, or “meh”… it might be time for a refresh. Not a little fluff and a scented candle. I mean full-blown, pull-it-apart-and-start-over vibes. And that’s exactly what I did.
What started as “I should do something with that TV wall” turned into a full living room makeover—with new furniture, a 9-piece photo collage, and yes, an olive tree that made me question if I’m now a plant person. Spoiler: I am.
The TV Wall That Started It All (Literally)
This glow-up wasn’t just a design choice—it started with a hammer and a decision.
I had to tear out the electric fireplace and mantle to expand my son’s room. Once that wall was down, it opened up a whole new layout opportunity. I realized I could move the TV to the much bigger wall, completely rethinking the flow of the space.
That move changed everything.
I’ve got a Samsung Frame TV (yes, the one that looks like art when it’s off), so now when you walk in the front door, it’s one of the first things you see—and it actually feels intentional. Like, “oh this person has taste,” not “they shoved a screen where it fit.”
Design meets function, and it’s finally working for me.
Lake Erie (Sort Of)
You might notice the piece of driftwood sitting on the shelf below the TV. Funny story—I’ve never even been to Lake Erie.
I spotted it during a visit to my dad’s house. It was just laying around, looking all perfect and sculptural. So I casually (and repeatedly) mentioned how obsessed I was with it. You know, just enough comments to make it very clear it would look better in my house than in his garage.
Sure enough, by the time I was loading up to head home, it was already tucked into the back of my vehicle.
Yes, I’m 37 years old and still out here taking stuff from my parents. Some things never change—and thankfully, neither does driftwood.
The shelf itself—and the full TV wall it lives on—is a whole DIY project of its own. I’ll be sharing that build in a separate post soon, because trust me… it deserves its own moment.
The 9-Frame Gallery Wall (a.k.a. My New Favorite Thing)
I’ve always loved a good symmetrical grid, and this one hits just right. A 3×3 layout using matted weathered frames created a high-impact moment above the oversized chair. It’s clean, dramatic, and makes every photo look professionally printed—even if it was taken on a cracked iPhone and printed on the cheapest possible paper at home!
The matted frames are the secret sauce. Trust me on this one.
The Couch Chronicles (Because Yes, I Replaced It… Again)
This was couch number two within just a few years, and let me explain why—because this was not just a “because I wanted to” situation.
My living room has what I like to call a chaotic layout. There’s a giant window on one side and a constant flow of traffic running straight through it, thanks to the entry at the opposite side that leads to my boys’ rooms. It’s not exactly a cozy nook—it’s more like a design puzzle with elbows and backpacks flying through it.
My first solution? I bought a modular sofa set so I could configure it to the weird shape of the room. Great idea in theory… until I realized it was the most uncomfortable furniture on the planet. No one sat in there. My family literally avoided the living room like it was cursed.
So, round two.
I replaced it with something much more modern and low-profile—clean lines, soft fabric, and a neutral tone that didn’t compete with everything else going on in the space. It was still cozy enough for Sunday naps, but stylish enough that I wouldn’t cringe every time I looked at it.
Most importantly: it worked. The room finally feels like a place we can all hang out again.
Olive Tree Energy 🌿
I swore I didn’t need one. I was not going to give in to the overdone olive tree trend. It felt like one of those Pinterest things everyone has and no one questions. But after Ava’s surprise bedroom makeover (read about it here), I couldn’t not have one. It just made sense.
Now that it’s here? I’m fully converted. The faux olive tree softens the room, fills that awkward corner like it was custom designed for it, and brings in that warm, designer-magazine vibe without trying too hard.
Plus, it never dies. And that’s exactly the kind of plant energy I can commit to.
Before Pics Coming in Hot
There’s something wildly satisfying about seeing the before photos that show the fireplace and the old couch. What used to feel like a mismatched mashup now feels intentional, cozy, and so me.
What I Love About This Refresh:
It was budget-friendly but made a huge impact
Nothing permanent—just layered styling and thoughtful swaps
It blends clean design with cozy textures
It finally feels like a space I want to be in, all day every day
Oh—and the Art?
If you’re wondering about that textured art moment above the couch, yep… I made that too.
It’s part of the full living room glow-up, and honestly? One of my favorite DIYs to date. I used plywood, spackle, and flat black paint to create this big, bold, three-piece set—and it looks like it came straight out of a designer showroom.
If your space feels stale, change it. Rearrange it. Add a tree. Hang a gallery wall. Toss the couch that makes you cringe.
You don’t need permission to make your home feel amazing. You just need a free afternoon, a little vision, and maybe some spackle.
This space makeover made you double-tap in real life?
Share it! Pin it, post it, text it to your group chat of home-decor-obsessed humans. Sharing this post helps my blog grow and keeps the DIY projects flowing—and I seriously appreciate it.
Round 4 Las Vegas. Back to the land of neon lights, slot machines, and questionable life decisions. But let me tell you, this trip wasn’t about gambling away my life savings (although I did consider it after one overpriced cocktail). We were invited by friends, Heather and Eddie who had never been to Vegas before. We were all ready to celebrate Heather’s 50th birthday in full-blown food snob style! And I’ll tell ya, we definitely all walked away with some new, higher standards for a steak!
Staying Classic at the Flamingo
We kicked things off at the Flamingo, because if you’re going to Vegas, you might as well stay somewhere iconic. Plus, pink birds and palm trees? Yes, please. The room had that vintage Vegas vibe, and an amazing view, with a side of “this carpet has seen some things.”
Even though this was my second stay at the Flamingo, I still haven’t caught any of their famous shows. But let me let you in on a little secret: the slots there? Very generous in the early morning hours. One of my favorite rituals was placing a Starbucks pickup order, heading downstairs, and enjoying my coffee with a side of gambling. There’s nothing like sipping on a venti pikes place while pretending you’re Archie Karas at 7 a.m. That’s peak Vegas energy. Bonus points if you’re rocking sweatpants and a messy bun while placing your bets, because nothing says ‘high roller’ like looking like you just rolled out of bed and straight into a jackpot.
Steak with a Side of Kitchen Secrets
Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Steak wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. We enjoyed a full menu tasting that included: a scotch egg, Hamachi Crudo, Diver Scallops Risotto, Beef Wellington, and Sticky Toffee Pudding! We reserved a spot next to the kitchen, where we could watch the magic happen, and even chat with the chef. I don’t know if it was the extra dirty martini talking or the proximity to fame, but I was ready to quit my life and become a sous chef by the end of the night. The Beef Wellington? Perfect. The vibe? Even better. The Quail Egg? HOLY SMOKES! And yes, I did resist the urge to yell, “IT’S MUSH, ABSOLUTE MUSH, WHAT IS HAPPENING?” Even though the risotto was so dang good!
Pro Tip: If you want to indulge in this kind of foodie experience, consider booking a more budget-friendly hotel so you can splurge on unforgettable meals. Let’s just say, when that check arrived, it wasn’t for the faint of wallet—but every bite was worth it!
Because every bougie night out deserves a dress that’s as unforgettable as the memories. This one? It nailed the vibe. Grab your own show-stopper here!
Desert Detour: Hoover Dam and Beyond
Because we’re not just about glitz and glam, we rented a car and headed to the Hoover Dam. We walked halfway across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to get a fabulous view of the Dam, Lake Mead, and even some of the Colorado river! The engineering was impressive, but the real highlight? Random desert photo op stops. We even hiked up to this little cave for a shot that screamed, “Yes, I’m an adventurer. Please admire me.” Oh, and I may or may not have taken home a rock as a souvenir. Because nothing says “memorable trip” like smuggling a piece of the desert back in your suitcase.
Golden Steer: The Holy Grail of Steak
You know a place is exclusive when getting a reservation feels like winning the lottery. The Golden Steer is old-school Vegas, dripping with history and beef so good it makes you want to cry. Frank Sinatra probably still haunts that place.
But let me be real—I rolled in miserable from an earlier cocktail. Not wanting to kill the vibe, I kept my game face on, and our amazing waiter totally saved the day. He brought me some Tums, served in the fanciest little bowl you’ve ever seen. Vegas knows how to keep it classy, even when you’re fighting heartburn.
Don’t sleep on the famous tableside Ceasar salad! Watching it being crafted right next to our table felt like a whole event—because somehow, tossing lettuce with style really does make it taste better. Classic, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it was the kind of salad that makes you question why you ever settle for the bagged stuff.
And let’s talk about the crab legs. The biggest, pre-busted beauties I’ve ever seen. Nothing better than a crab leg you don’t have to fight for. Just pure, buttery, seafood bliss.
The steak was melt-in-your-mouth, and the sides were worth every carb. This is the kind of dinner that makes you legit want to be in a whole new tax bracket!
Pro Tip: Want to lock down one of these impossible-to-get reservations? Download the OpenTable app and set an alert for cancellations. When that notification hits, don’t hesitate—tap ‘book’ faster than you can say “Vegas jackpot.” And just a heads up, once you’ve secured that coveted table, be ready for another big ticket. Fine dining in Vegas? It aint cheap!
While I messed up and didn’t get a full pic of my dress that night, you can catch this beaut in my friend’s hilarious Tik Tok (see links below).
Sky-High Views on the High Roller
If you haven’t seen Vegas from 550 feet in the air, are you even doing it right? The High Roller gave us all the views and a few moments of deep reflection on how tiny we really are compared to all that glitter. You can read more about the High Roller on my previous Las Vegas Wedding Post here.
Blackjack Shenanigans on Fremont
We couldn’t do Vegas without a little Fremont Street action. We hit up Circa, Golden Nugget (my absolute favorite), Binion’s, and Four Queens. The vibe? Pure old-school Vegas fun. Our strategy was simple: sit down, win some chips, and once we were ahead, pack up and move on to the next place. Like a little blackjack hop, but with more adrenaline and less walking.
Golden Nugget was the standout—maybe it was the vibe, maybe it was the cards, or maybe it was the drink service keeping spirits high (literally). Either way, there’s nothing like that sweet moment when you stack some chips and strut out like a winner. Sure, we probably broke even in the end, but it was a whole lot of fun pretending we were pros for a night.
Pro Tip: Keep moving once you’re up. It keeps the night exciting and your winnings in check. Not sure how to bet on Blackjack? Take a blackjack strategy card like this one with you, most casinos allow it, just be sure to ask the dealer for permission to use it ahead of time!
The Moments Between
The best parts? The laughs, the random stop at a 360 spinner on the Strip that we definitely off of a few times (graceful is subjective, right?). Then there was our stop at Blake Shelton’s bar, Ole Red, where the music was loud, the drinks were cold, and the vibe was pure country-meets-Vegas chaos.
And of course, making all of our Vegas trip TikToks in the hallway, in the uber, and even one poking fun at our husbands because nothing says “Vegas” like choreographing a video in your fancy shoes while someone yells, ‘One more take!’
Last but not least: gambling away all of our winnings on the very last day of the trip. We’re not exactly high rollers, but hey, breaking even is a HUGE WIN in Vegas.
TikTok Shenanigans: Because What’s Vegas Without Some Laughs?
Vegas brings out the wild side, and we made sure to capture it—awkward spins, hallway dancing, and maybe a few questionable moves. Check out some of the TikToks we made that had us laughing until our sides hurt:
Comfy, but stylish tennis shoes: These are my go-tos and they have survived 3 Las Vegas Trips! They literally go with every outfit!
Pro Tip: Think chic but functional. Vegas is all about being ready for anything—from fancy dinners to random adventures.
See You Again Soon Las Vegas!
Vegas is always a little chaos. We conquered it this time with a solid plan and it really paid off. Will I keep going back again and again? You know it! Though maybe with less ambition to conquer every steakhouse on the strip. I’m still full – and my wallet hurts!
Cheers to good friends, unforgettable experiences, and stories that definitely don’t stay in Las Vegas.
Because what happens in Vegas… gets blogged about later, put on TikTok, or both!
Happy 50th Birthday, Heather!
Feeling the Vegas Vibes?
If this post made you laugh, inspired your next girls’ trip, or just reminded you how fun it is to travel with your favorite people—share it! Pin it to your travel board, post to your stories, or share with your group chat and get to planning the next trip!
Let’s be real. If eating healthy required a degree in culinary arts and a personal assistant named Karen to handle all the prep, most of us would be living off chips and queso. (No judgment if that’s your current situation. Queso is a lifestyle.) But here’s the truth: eating healthy doesn’t have to be a full-time job. You can have your kale and eat it too, without spending every night sobbing over a cutting board.
Chop It Like It’s Hot
The second you haul that bag of vegetables home, act like a ninja and start chopping. Don’t shove them in the fridge to die a slow, wilted death while you “wait for inspiration.” You’re not waiting for inspiration; you’re procrastinating. Chop them. Toss them in containers, like these airtight veggie storage containers. Boom. You just shaved 20 minutes off your next meal prep. And future you is going to feel like an absolute boss when dinner or lunch takes five minutes to throw together.
Stop Overcomplicating It
Listen, you don’t have to be the next Top Chef to feed your family. Nobody is handing out Michelin stars in your kitchen. Pick a few staples that you like and rock those babies on repeat. Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, rice. Done. Taco Tuesday? Keep it simple with some seasoned ground meat, chopped veggies, and tortillas. The next day? Nachos from the leftovers. You can even have a “Snack Plate Dinner” where you toss random things on a plate—like cheese, nuts, fruit, sausage, and whatever else isn’t expired—and call it a day. Fancy? No. Effective? Hell yes.
Want some go-to staples to make your life easier? Here’s a no-nonsense list to keep stocked:
Proteins: Ground beef, steak, fish, turkey, chicken, pork. Keep it rotating so you don’t feel like you’re living in a grilled chicken loop.
Veggies: Frozen green beans, white rice, Brussels sprouts, black beans, chickpeas, asparagus, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and always the ingredients for a solid side salad. And side note? Sometimes frozen veggies are actually fresher than the “fresh” ones. They’re frozen at peak ripeness, while the “fresh” ones might have been hanging out in a truck for days. So don’t sleep on the freezer aisle.
With these staples on hand, dinner becomes as easy as tossing some meat on the grill (like this handy Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker) adding a small starch, and piling on the veggies. Keep it simple and ditch the casseroles—because basic doesn’t mean boring, it means done, delicious, and most of all – healthy.
Variety is Great, But You Gotta Chill
Do you need to be a culinary Picasso every night? No. Stick to your basics until you’re bored, and THEN toss in a new recipe. Variety is awesome, but consistency keeps you sane. It’s okay if you rotate the same meals for a few weeks. Your kids probably won’t even notice as long as they’re fed and it doesn’t taste like sadness.
Prep When You Can, Not When You Should
If Sunday meal prep is your love language, go for it. But don’t force yourself into this box. Do small things when you can. I DO NOT MEAL PREP ON SUNDAYS! Sundays are for sweatpants, not sweatshops! I personally grocery shop and chop on Mondays, because let’s face it, they already suck. I also try to make sure to cook enough for leftovers for lunches. Side note, I used to be disgusted by leftovers until earning a serve safe certificate realizing restaurants are ALL LEFTOVERS. Yep, most restaurant food is prepared and kept for up to 6 days!
How I define “Healthy” as a Nutritionist
Eat Real Food. It’s that simple. Real Food to me is food that comes from plants, animals, or the sea – not created in a lab. I also don’t consider it to be “real” if I cannot pronounce it. If you must do Packaged food, look for labels with fewer than 5 ingredients. If you are using whole food to fuel your body instead of counting calories on the side of packaged lab food, you are on the right track! Once you are used to making meals out of whole ingredients, you can start to cut or add carbs, protein, etc.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not on a Cooking Show
You don’t need to perform culinary gymnastics to be healthy. You just need to make small, smart choices that work for you. And hey, you might enjoy spending hours in the kitchen prepping a meal that your family underappreciates. Pin a rose on your nose, Mother of the Year. The rest of us are just out here trying to survive and maybe look decent in swimwear this summer.
If anyone judges you for keeping it simple, hand them a knife and let them do the cooking. Bet they’ll shut up real quick.
So, cheers to eating healthy without losing your mind. Because the only thing that should be full-time is your paycheck, not your kitchen schedule.
Let me just say: I am obsessed with how this textured wall art turned out.
I had a massive wall in my living room that was giving big “blank stare” energy. Like, no personality, no pop—just drywall sadness. I needed something bold, custom, and not $900 from a fancy design site. So I got scrappy (as I do) and made my own three-piece textured art using literal plywood and spackle. And you know what? It looks high-end, it was super affordable, and it makes me feel like a DIY goddess every time I walk past it.
The Vision:
Something modern, dramatic, and big enough to anchor the space. I didn’t want color—I wanted texture. Mood. Drama. Black-white – wood, but make it art.
The Supplies I Used:
1/4 inch Plywood Project Panels (2ft x 6ft) – I used three of these bad boys. 👉 Shop them here
DRYDEX Heavy Weight Spackling – This stuff is thick, buildable, and textured like a dream. 👉 Find it here
Flat Black Paint – Because nothing says “I have my life together” like matte black on the walls. 👉 This is the one I used
1×2 Pine for Framing – Simple, classic, cheap. Cut to fit each panel like a DIY boss.
Wood glue, screws, and a whole lotta patience.
The Process (A.K.A. Controlled Chaos)
Texturing the Plywood I applied the spackling right onto the plywood using a drywall knife and my hands—and let me tell you, it was weirdly therapeutic. I didn’t follow a pattern, I just went for a raised, abstract feel. Kind of like frosting a giant cake, but it’s your living room wall and not a birthday.
Let It Dry (Alllll the way) This part takes patience, and I am not known for having any. But seriously, let it dry completely or you’ll end up with cracked texture. Unless you like that vibe—in which case, go off.
Paint It Black Once it was fully dry, I went over the entire thing with flat black paint. No primer, no fuss. Just full send. The black really brought the texture to life.
Frame It In – Complete the Textured Wall Art! I cut 1×2 pine strips to size, glued and nailed them around each piece to give it that clean, finished look. It instantly elevated the whole thing from “Pinterest fail” to “designer dupe.”
Hang It Up and Stare at It Like It’s a Picasso Three vertical panels, evenly spaced on the wall = instant drama. And compliments. So many compliments.
Why I Love This Project:
It cost a fraction of what a similar piece would run retail
It’s huge and makes a real statement
I got to play with texture, which feels way more fun than just hanging another framed print
It’s completely custom to my space—and easy to tweak for any style
Wanna Make One Too?
Here’s everything I used, all in one spot (affiliate links because mama’s tryna monetize this creativity 💁♀️):
I’ll definitely be making more textured pieces like this—maybe with a neutral or tone-on-tone color palette next time. And yes, I’ll be sharing it all here because one project always leads to five more. You know how it is.
Pin it, share it, save it for later.
Because this is the kind of project that looks way more expensive than it is—and we love that for us.
Mindset Shift: Stop Faking It and Start Embodying the Future You
Let’s talk about the mindset shift that actually changes things—the one that moves you from “faking it till you make it” to fully becoming the version of you who already has what she wants.
I get it all the time. Every week, sometimes every day. People ask how I’ve accomplished so many things or learned so many skills. I even have a friend who jokes about putting up a billboard that says, “There’s nothing Jess can’t do.”
From small business ownership to economic development, from photography to home décor—you name it, I’ve probably dabbled in it. But I’m not a prodigy or a perfectionist. What I’ve mastered is the mindset shift that says, “I can do this”—before I ever have proof that I can.
I never once thought I couldn’t do it.
That right there is the secret. I didn’t doubt myself. I wanted to be a photographer, so I saw myself as one. And then I became one. No hesitation, no long-winded plans. Just belief followed by action. That’s the mindset shift that changes everything.
And guess what? You can do it too.
If visualization doesn’t come naturally to you, no worries. Try this: Think of something you want—money, strength, confidence, love, community, whatever. Now picture yourself already having it. Imagine yourself walking into your dream home, rocking that outfit in the back of your closet, smiling with someone who truly values you, or doing work that lights you up.
See it. Feel it. Experience it. Write it down if that helps. This is where the mindset shift begins.
Now take it further. Don’t just picture it—embody your future self. Show up today as if it’s already done. How would that version of you speak, think, and make decisions? Start living from that place. When you do, your reality will catch up.
Here’s why this works: “Fake it till you make it” might get you through a job interview or your first day at the gym, but your subconscious always knows when you’re just going through the motions. That’s why it doesn’t stick. Faking it keeps you operating from a mindset of lack—always chasing, never becoming.
But when you embrace a true mindset shift and fully embody your future self, you start living as if it’s already true. Your subconscious starts to believe it, and your actions start to align. That’s how real change happens. You’re no longer pretending—you’re stepping into alignment.
This is something I teach all of my clients early on—because once they shift their mindset, everything else falls into place. The results last because they’re operating from belief, not burnout.
And yes, I’m a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach. But nutrition isn’t just about food. It’s everything that feeds you—your thoughts, your relationships, your spiritual life, your environment. All of it matters.
This is why the “just eat better” approach doesn’t work long term. You have to shift your mindset before you can stick with the habits that nourish you. And that starts by deciding—right now—to embody the version of you who is already thriving.
So no, I don’t believe in “faking it.” I believe in becoming it. And that, my friend, is the mindset shift that changes everything.
Please Share This Post Know someone stuck in the fake-it phase? Send them this post. Share it, pin it, or drop the link in a group chat. Every share helps this blog grow—and maybe it helps someone else start their own transformation.
