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March 10, 2026

6 Best Non-Plastic Cutting Boards for Meat (Safer Kitchen Alternatives)

We love our wooden cutting boards. They’re classic, durable, and beautiful on the counter. But when it comes to cutting raw meat, wood can be high-maintenance and harder to sanitize properly. For a while, we switched to plastic cutting boards because they’re easy to clean and dishwasher-safe — but the growing concerns around microplastics made us rethink that choice.

So we started looking for non-plastic cutting boards for meat that are easier to clean than wood but don’t rely on traditional plastic surfaces.

Plastic-free cutting boards are gaining popularity as more people try to reduce microplastics and avoid materials that can trap bacteria in deep knife grooves. That said, some commonly recommended options — like wood-fiber composite boards — still contain small amounts of food-safe resin, so they aren’t always 100% plastic-free.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best non-plastic and low-plastic cutting boards for meat prep, focusing on materials that avoid traditional plastic surfaces and are practical for everyday kitchen use. Most of these recommendations come directly from my Instagram community, along with highly rated options from trusted reviews.

 

1. Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board with Juice Groove

Best overall plastic-free cutting board

Material: Wood fiber composite

Price: $61.99–$91.99 depending on size

Description

Epicurean cutting boards are made from compressed wood fiber and food-safe resin, creating a durable surface that behaves similarly to wood but requires far less maintenance. The boards are dishwasher safe, heat resistant up to 350°F, and non-porous, making them ideal for cutting raw meat.  

I appreciate the juice groove, which is particularly helpful when carving poultry or steak.

Reviews

Epicurean boards consistently rank among the best cutting boards in professional and home kitchen tests because they resist odors, stains, and bacteria while staying lightweight and knife-friendly.  

Reviewers also report these boards lasting 10+ years in home kitchens with minimal maintenance.  

Pros

•Dishwasher safe

•Non-porous surface

•Lightweight but durable

•Resistant to odors and stains

Cons

•Shows cosmetic knife marks over time

•Can slide slightly without a towel underneath

Why it ranked #1:

This was by far the most recommended board from my followers and consistently receives top expert reviews online.

 

2. Material Kitchen MK Free Board

The MK Free Board

Best modern plastic-free cutting board

Material: 100% plant-based composite

Price: ~$40–$48 depending on size

Description

The MK Free Board from Material Kitchen was designed to replace plastic cutting boards entirely. It looks and feels similar to plastic but according to their site, is made from plant-based materials that don’t release microplastics. I own a few Material Kitchen products and have been very happy with their quality. We have their reBoard cutting boards which are made of 75% recycled plastic, 25% renewable sugarcane. As much as we love them, we will be replacing all of our plastic boards. 

It includes:

•A juice groove side for meat and juicy ingredients

•A flat side for everyday prep

•Dishwasher-safe construction

Reviews

The board holds an average 4.8-star rating and is praised for being durable, odor resistant, and easy to clean.  

Reviewers also note the large size and double-sided design make it versatile for everyday cooking.

Pros

•Plastic-free plant material

•Dishwasher safe

•Spacious cutting surface

•Minimal scratching compared with plastic boards

Cons

•Slightly more expensive than standard boards

•Can slide on countertops without a towel

 

3. Weber Cutting Board (Dishwasher Safe)

Best cutting board for grilling and meat carving

Material: Natural fiber composite

Price: ~$39.99

Description

Originally designed for grilling prep, this cutting board features deep grooves that catch meat juices and prevent spills when carving steaks, brisket, or poultry.  

It’s made from knife-friendly fiber material and can go directly in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Reviews

Grilling enthusiasts like the Weber board because of its larger size and juice groove design, which makes it especially useful when carving meat straight from the grill.  

Pros

•Excellent juice groove for meat

•Dishwasher safe

•Durable fiber material

•Large prep surface

Cons

•Designed primarily for grill setups

•Not as widely reviewed as Epicurean boards

 

4. Stainless Steel Cutting Board

Best for hygiene and raw meat safety

Material: Food-grade stainless steel

Price: $20–$50

Description

Stainless steel cutting boards are becoming more popular because they are completely non-porous and extremely easy to sanitize.

They are especially recommended for raw meat preparation, because the surface does not absorb odors or bacteria.  

Reviews

Reviewers appreciate their durability and hygiene — they won’t crack, stain, or retain odors even after heavy use.  

Pros

•Extremely hygienic

•Dishwasher safe

•Won’t absorb odors or stains

•Long lasting

Cons

•Can dull knives faster than wood or fiber boards

•Louder when chopping

 

5. Titanium Cutting Board (Dual-Sided)

Best innovative plastic-free board

Material: Titanium + high-density wood fiber

Price: $30–$50

Description

Titanium boards are a newer option designed specifically for cutting meat and preventing bacterial buildup. Many models are double-sided, with a titanium surface for meat and a softer surface for produce.  

Reviews

Thousands of shoppers praise titanium boards for their durability, odor resistance, and easy cleaning, making them a popular alternative to plastic boards.  

Pros

•Non-porous and hygienic

•Extremely durable

•Easy to clean

Cons

•May dull knives faster

•Some inexpensive models have inconsistent quality

 

6. Natural Wood Fiber Composite Cutting Board

Best budget alternative to Epicurean

Material: Compressed wood fiber

Price: $16–$49 depending on size

Description

Wood fiber composite boards are made from compressed paper or wood fibers, creating a durable and lightweight cutting surface that behaves like wood but requires little maintenance.

Many versions, like this one, include juice grooves for carving meat.

Reviews

These boards are praised for being dishwasher safe, stain resistant, and knife friendly, making them a practical alternative to plastic boards.  

Pros

•Affordable

•Dishwasher safe

•Durable and lightweight

Cons

•Not as thick as wooden butcher blocks

•Cosmetic knife marks over time

Final Thoughts

Based on all the options I pulled together for non-plastic and low-plastic cutting boards for meat prep, I’m debating between the Epicurean or Material Kitchen The MK Free Board.  While these are my recommendations, I always suggest you do your own research and I hope this is a good starting point.

Sweetest Regards, Patti
before and after
March 6, 2026

Outdoor Patio Transformation: Fireplace & Pergola Before and After

Spring is just around the corner and I can’t wait to start spending time outside again. Today I’m sharing the full story behind our outdoor patio transformation, including the design process, building our outdoor fireplace, and installing the pergola.

If you’re planning your own outdoor patio renovation, I hope this post gives you helpful ideas and inspiration. And if you’re just here for the visuals, feel free to scroll down for the before and after photos!

Read this post for My Midwest Plant Recommendations for Drought-proof, hardy, rabbit-proof and low maintenance landscape

When We First Saw the House

The first time we toured this home was in the spring of 2011. The house had been on the market for a while, and my brother-in-law actually sent us the listing. We booked a showing and instantly fell in love with it.

Like so many Tudor style homes, it had so much character and charm. While the house itself was beautiful, the outdoor space left a lot to be desired. The backyard was almost non-existent and both the front and side yard sloped significantly, which meant we had very little usable outdoor space. Still, we had a vision—and over the years we slowly worked to bring that vision to life.

Creating Our Outdoor Patio Space (2013)

In the summer of 2013 we started a much larger renovation project. The plan was to:

  • Convert our attached garage into a kitchen

  • Build a detached garage

  • Turn the space between them into an outdoor patio/courtyard

Once the project was complete, we finally had a functional outdoor patio where we could relax and eat outside.

Even though we loved having the patio, we always envisioned something more—specifically an outdoor fireplace and pergola.

Because of budget limitations, we knew those features would take time. But we tried to plan ahead whenever possible.

One smart decision we made was roughing in a gas line for a future outdoor fireplace.  This way we didn’t have to spend more money to dig up the patio when the time came. You can see the footing against the garage below.

Designing the Outdoor Fireplace (2022)

By 2022 we had finally saved enough to install the fireplace. But first we had to decide on a design.

Our home is a 1927 Tudor, so we wanted the fireplace to feel timeless and integrated—as if it had always been there.

Personally, I find designing outdoor spaces even more challenging than interiors. You have to consider weather exposure, materials, and even plant hardiness zones. For reference, we live in Zone 4B.

To help us kickstart the design, we worked with Yardzen for landscape renderings. They provided their service in exchange for an Instagram post, and honestly, it was incredibly helpful.

If you’re unsure where to start with a landscape project, I highly recommend them.

We sent them:

  • Measurements of the space

  • Inspiration photos

  • Ideas for both the pergola and fireplace

They created three design options.

Option 1: Stone

Option 2: Limestone with Stucco

Option 3: Stone with Stucco and Curve Details

After a feedback session, we landed on the final design and were so excited!

The Final Design

The design featured:

  • A stucco fireplace

  • A brick insert

  • A limestone base

Since the fireplace sits against the detached garage, it feels intentional and architecturally grounded. We also have limestone steps throughout the house, so the material choice felt very cohesive.

Huge thanks to Yardzen for helping us refine the vision!

Building the Fireplace

Once the design was finalized, we gave the renderings to our contractor, Carter Custom Construction, who had worked with us on previous projects.

Construction started in November 2022.

The renderings were extremely helpful for the build, although the project didn’t start perfectly. The initial framing wasn’t symmetrical—clearly a measurement issue.

Thankfully it was corrected quickly and things went smoothly after that.

Choosing the Limestone

Once framing was finished, we hired a professional mason to install the limestone base.

After reviewing several samples, we selected the lightest, cooler-toned limestone which created a beautiful contrast with the stucco and stone pavers.

Sconce Placement Challenge

During construction we also had to decide on sconce placement.

The initial plan included a rectangular bump-out for the electrical box.

While this would have been the easiest solution, we pushed back and worked with the team to find a cleaner option that didn’t interrupt the design. I always recommend being open, honest and respectful with your contractors to advocate for the best solution. Communication is key.

Choosing the Stucco Color

Next came the stucco color.

After reviewing several samples, we selected Finesse #3046.

By September 2023, the outdoor fireplace was finally complete—and we absolutely love how it turned out.

For the fireplace insert, we used Heat & Glo (style Courtyard), which we’ve also used for our indoor gas fireplaces. Their inserts have been incredibly reliable.

Building the Pergola (2024)

In the spring of 2024, we were ready to move forward with the pergola.

We worked with our friend Ben from Local Lakes Construction. After measuring the space and discussing design ideas, we decided to use rough-sawn cedar for its durability and natural character.

Next came stain testing.

After trying several options, we chose Oxford Brown (semi-transparent) from Woodluxe.

Ben sent us a preview from his wood shop and the cedar took the stain beautifully.

Custom Rafter Tail Design

Brian and I also wanted the pergola to have a little architectural personality, so we designed a few custom rafter tail profiles. We mocked up our favorite one and sent it to Ben.

Once the pergola was installed, I was completely blown away. It added so much character and structure to the patio.

 

Outdoor Patio Before and After

And now for the transformation!

Seeing how far this space has come over the years makes us appreciate it even more. What started as an underwhelming outdoor space is now one of our favorite places to relax, entertain, and enjoy Minnesota summers.

If you’re planning your own outdoor patio renovation, I hope this post gave you some helpful ideas and inspiration.

Sources and product details are listed below.

 

 

Product Sources

Outdoor Fireplace Insert

Dining Table and Chairs – from Smith & Hawken but no longer sold. Linked similar here

Outdoor Umbrella

Outdoor Seat Cushions

Outdoor Rug

Teak Wood Deck/Storage Box

Teak Wood Coffee Table

Outdoor/Indoor Pillows

Patio Sofas – from Brown Jordan x Home Depot but no longer sold.  Linked similar here.

Planters

Fireplace Lanterns

 

Plant Types

Hanging Plants: Scaevolas

Roses in Large Planters: Icecaps

Alliums

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas

 

Local Contractors:

Patio Pavers: W Design Landscapes

Fireplace: Carter Custom Construction

Pergola: Local Lakes Construction

 

If you enjoyed reading this, you may also enjoy reading about our other outdoor projects below:

Midwest Plant Recommendations for a Drought-Proof, Hardy, Rabbit Proof and Low Maintenance Landscape

How We Created a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Backyard Garden in Less than Two Days

 

 

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
design
February 23, 2026

Small Home Office Remodel: Converting Our Unused Back Entryway (Part 1: The Before + Design Plan)

For over a decade, this little back entry has sat untouched.

Unused.
Undefined.
Full of potential.

Ever since we moved in, I’ve had a quiet vision in the back of my mind: one day, this will be my office.

And we’re finally making it happen!

For years, I’ve been a bit of a work-from-home nomad — floating between our bedroom, the dining room, and the living room. While I’m incredibly grateful to work from home, it’s been hard to stay organized when all of my notebooks, files, and office supplies don’t have a dedicated place to live.

This small home office remodel feels long overdue — and I’m so excited to finally share the process with you of converting our old unused back entryway into my home office.

Today, I’m walking you through the before and my design plan.

The Old Back Entry (Before)

Here’s a look at what the back entry currently looks like:

It’s essentially been an empty space without a real purpose. It’s not insulated and pretty small — roughly 83″ x 39″ x 86″ in height (22.47 sq ft.).

But what it does have is:

  • Natural light

  • A separate feel from the main living areas

  • Enough depth for a workspace

  • Tons of untapped potential

Which makes it the perfect candidate for a thoughtful small home office remodel.

My Design Process

Whenever I design a room from the ground up, I follow the same general process. Whether it’s a full renovation or a small-space refresh, this framework keeps everything intentional and functional.

If you’re planning your own small home office remodel, I hope this helps.

Step 1: Start With the Layout

Whenever I begin designing a space, I start with the dimensions and overall layout. I sketch out a few different options and measure everything to make sure it actually works in real life. Scale matters a lot—something that looks great on paper doesn’t always translate once it’s in the room.

This room is super narrow — only 39″ in width. We landed on having the desk face where the current door is at. To maximize the space, we’ll most likely DIY the desk.

The layout is the foundation to making this a successful small home office remodel.

Step 2: Build the Design Board
Once I land on a layout I like, I move on to creating a design board. I use Adobe InDesign because I’ve worked in the Adobe Suite since college and it’s what I know best. If you’re looking for something more user-friendly, Canva is a great option.
Sometimes I start a project with a very clear vision, and other times I like to explore a few directions. For this office, I’m playing with two different color stories to see which one feels right for the space.

Office Design Board: Color Story 1

Sources: 

I want this office to be character-filled. When building the boards, I focused on:

  • Texture

  • Warmth

  • Functional lighting

  • Personality

This may be a small office, but I still want it to feel charming and intentional.

Office Design Board: Color Story 2

Sources: 

The second option explores a slightly different mood by just switching out the palette. I love placing two concepts side by side because it forces me to evaluate:

  • How do I want this space to feel day-to-day?

  • What complements the rest of our home?

  • Which direction will feel timeless in five years?

In a compact small home office remodel, every decision carries more visual weight — so narrowing the design early makes the execution smoother.

Demo Process: What’s Next

Demo is coming up next!

We’ve hired our go-to subcontractors to replace the windows so it’s up to code. We’ll also be replacing the existing door with an exterior wall, followed by adding insulation to make the space comfortable year-round.

These updates are essential for turning this from an unused + uninspired empty space into a true working office.

If you’d like to follow along in real time, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates on my Instagram Stories.

And of course — I’ll be documenting everything in Part 2 of this small home office remodel. Stay tuned for my 3-D rendering of this space!

After many years of imagining this space as my office, it feels surreal to finally bring this old unused back entryway to home office conversion to life.

 

If you love room transformations, you may also like reading:

Our Guest Bedroom & Office Using Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Knee Wall Cabinets that are the Perfect Solution for Storage

How We Transformed Our Basement Into Our Dream Family Room

Repurposing and Converting Our Sleeping Porch into the Ensuite Bathroom: Before and After Photos

Sweetest Regards, Patti
Beauty
February 26, 2025

Top 5 Sunscreens for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Finding the right sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin can be a challenge with so many out on the market. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’ve suffered from acne since I was a teenager. Determined to find the best option for my skin, I reached out to my wonderful Instagram community to compile a list of the top 5 sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin.

Before my trip to the Bahamas, I ran out of my Hero Force Shield SPF 30, which had been working okay for me. Since I was curious to find a more suitable sunscreen for my skin to take on the trip, I ordered Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, based on positive reviews. However, the sunscreen made my forehead red, itchy, and super uncomfortable. I ended up giving to my husband, who I’m envious that he has no skin issues. This led me to crowd-source from my Instagram community after returning from my trip and hundreds of recommendations poured in!

Shop Sage One-piece Swimsuits

Top 5 Sunscreens for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin – Instagram Followers’ Recommendations

Sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Without proper protection, your skin can suffer from sun damage, premature aging, and breakouts. The right sunscreen helps protect your skin without exacerbating oil production or clogging pores —  preventing breakouts. Here are the top 5 sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin recommended by my Instagram followers that have been tried and loved by many.

1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is a holy grail for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains niacinamide, which helps calm inflammation and redness. It blends in effortlessly and leaves no white cast. This sunscreen helps protect against breakouts and is an essential acne sunscreen for those with acne prone skin care concerns. It is lightweight and silky and helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and discoloration while providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. My Instagram followers rave about how well it works for acne-prone skin, and it’s perfect for wearing under makeup.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Oil-free and non-comedogenic
  • Niacinamide to reduce redness and inflammation
  • Protects against breakouts
  • Lightweight and perfect under makeup

2. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46

For those who want added coverage, the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is an excellent choice. This tinted version of the UV Clear sunscreen helps even out skin tone while offering the same lightweight, oil-free formula that’s perfect for acne-prone skin. The tinted face sunscreen helps soothe sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Tinted formula to even out skin tone
  • Leaves no white cast
  • Oil-free and non-comedogenic
  • Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin

3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (Also Available in SPF 50)

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (Also Available in SPF 50) is a fan favorite among Instagram followers, especially for those with oily skin. It has a lightweight, velvety texture that smooths over the skin without leaving any sticky residue. It has a mattifying effect, making it ideal for controlling oil throughout the day. It’s also water and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities. *Lots of people also mentioned that Trader Joe’s has a dupe of this that they love! 

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Clear, weightless formula
  • Matte finish ideal for oily skin
  • Water- and sweat-resistant
  • Great under makeup

4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 (Also available in SPF 100)

When it comes to high-performance sunscreens, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 is a go-to for oily, acne-prone skin. This sunscreen provides high SPF protection and features broad-spectrum defense against harmful UV rays. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture leaves skin hydrated and smooth with a velvety texture. Many of my followers love the fact that it’s suitable for both face and body use, offering SPF 60 (and even SPF 100 for those with extra-sensitive skin).

Why You’ll Love It:

  • High SPF protection (SPF 60 and SPF 100)
  • Non-comedogenic and oil-free
  • Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
  • Water-resistant

*You may also want to check out La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear-skin Sunscreen SPF 60 and there’s a tinted mineral version, too.

5. Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ (Korean Beauty Brand)

For those looking to try something from the Korean beauty world, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is a fan favorite. This sunscreen contains rice extract and grain-derived probiotics, making it incredibly soothing and nourishing for oily, acne-prone skin. Fitted with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ to fend off UVA and UVB rays, this organic sunscreen comes in a lightweight cream texture that absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a white cast while keeping skin supple and hydrated. Formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate and animal-derived ingredients, the Relief Sun is suitable for sensitive skin. *A few mentioned to only buy from Kbeauty retailers like Yesstyle or Stylevana, and not Amazon. Look for the white cap, not beige.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Rice extract and probiotics for soothing benefits
  • Contains ingredients of EWG green grade
  • Lightweight, matte finish
  • Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin

Honorable Mention: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted and Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 30 - 1.7 fl oz, 1 of 15 CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 for Balanced to Oily Skin #1

Cerave offers two great options for oily, acne-prone skin:

  • Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted: Offers SPF 30 protection with a mineral-based formula that provides a slight tint to even out skin tone while protecting against the sun.
  • Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: A lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that provides both sun protection and hydration without clogging pores.

Both are non-comedogenic, gentle, and great for those looking for affordable options.

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

When selecting the best sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin, here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic: Make sure the sunscreen is labeled oil-free and non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.
  2. Matte or Lightweight Formula: Choose a matte sunscreen to control shine or a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly.
  3. Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure your sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB protection for full sun protection.
  4. SPF 30 or Higher: Aim for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.
  5. Soothing Ingredients: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or rice extract to calm and hydrate acne-prone skin.

In addition to these top five recommendations, some suggested other Korean beauty brands like Innisfree and Purito Daily Soft Touch SPF 50. Again, the suggestions were to avoid purchasing these from Amazon.

You can definitely go down the rabbit hole with this because there are so many sunscreens out on the market geared towards oily, acne-prone skin. If you’d like to do more research, these are ones with multiple mentions:

Conclusion

Crowd-sourcing from my amazing Instagram community, really helped with my research for the top five sunscreens for oily, acne-prone skin. These top recommended sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, are oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fast absorbing, lightweight and are formulated with soothing ingredients to keep your skin safe and healthy under the sun while preventing breakouts. As for me, I’ll be ordering the #1 recommended sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 and I’ll keep you updated!

A BIG thank you to those that provided their recommendations! Have you tried any of these sunscreens?

—–

Other related blog posts:

Most Recommended Best Concealer and Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin

My Acne Journey to Clearer Skin

My Acne Treatment Update

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
before and after
September 10, 2024

Our Guest Bedroom & Office Using Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Over a year later, we finally painted our guest bedroom & office using Farrow & Ball Pigeon! This is the room where we DIY’d a Murphy bed with built-in inset cabinets (see the tutorial here). I was very excited to reveal it on my Instagram the other day because we are smitten by this paint color! Keep on reading to see the before and after photos, as well as the progression of this room.

Read about how we DIY’d our horizontal Murphy bed with built-in cabinets here

Side note: our projects tend to take longer than what you typically see on social media. We focus a lot on quality and design. Mix that in with work, family and other home projects and it’s a recipe for a long lead time. We try to give ourselves grace on our home journey, especially when we’re doing the work ourselves. I truly appreciate you for sticking it out with us. My intent in sharing is to always encourage, inspire and be a point of resource for this community.

Shop the Room

The guest bedroom & office was put on hold when we decided to add a bathroom inside our loft with Brian’s band practice space. A tunnel was dug up between our garage and house to install a water and sewer line. There was a lot of work happening in our boiler room. Everything in our boiler room had to be moved to the guest bedroom & office. Thus, delaying progress for the guest bedroom & office.

Once we passed our electrical and plumbing inspections for the loft, it was go time! Before I share more reveal photos, here’s a look back at this project after we got done building the horizontal Murphy bed with built-in cabinets. Seeing the process always makes us extra grateful for the end result.

Where We Started

This room is approximately 13’9″ x 10’8″ with 7′ ceiling height. It was our dumping ground and an eyesore. It became a bad habit to toss everything on this bed if it didn’t have a place. Kind of like the broken windows theory.

Building the Murphy Bed with Built-in Cabinets

In July of last year, Brian impulsively took apart the bed and entire room. He had this idea to build a Murphy bed with built-in cabinets to make better use of this space and I was totally on board! Taking apart the room was to hold us accountable to follow through.

As a reminder, this room has a ceiling height of 7′ which is why we built a horizontal vs. the traditional vertical Murphy bed. You can read all about the DIY here, including the horizontal Murphy bed kit we used.

Shop The Products

Paint Color Selection

Deciding on a paint color wasn’t easy. Our guest bedroom & office barely gets any natural light because it’s in the basement. There’s an egress window but in the summer time, the hydrangeas out front block most of the sunlight. Our main source of light is the ceiling light. The picture below is from the winter where the snow outside helps to brighten up the room.

We decided to lean into the dark moody feel of this room vs. trying to make it light and bright. Several colors were sampled and ultimately, Farrow & Ball Pigeon was the winner! It’s a blue gray color that feels sophisticated, yet casual all the same.

Level the Floor

Before painting, we decided to rip out the carpet in order to install new flooring. The carpet didn’t do the bedroom & office justice after putting in all that work. However, before we could install new flooring, we had to level out the floor.

We found a pouring company who did a fabulous job! If you’re local to the Twin Cities, I highly recommend them.  They were very professional and courteous.

Skim Coat Ceiling, Sand and Prep for Painting

We live in an old house and the walls and ceilings are not perfect. If you look closely at the upper left corner and left side, where the built-in cabinets meet the ceiling and wall, you’ll notice small gaps. To close these gaps, we floated out the ceiling and walls. Then skim coated.

Afterwards, the wood and trim were sanded down. A lot of prep work went into this before we could start priming.

Prime

Now onto the exciting part! For the first.time.ever, we planned on color drenching. Meaning to paint the walls, trim and ceiling the same color. Farrow & Ball was so gracious to send over their recommended primer and paint.

I’ve always admired the color Pigeon from Farrow & Ball. They recommend for color-drenching, to use Dead Flat finish on all the surfaces to give that seamless rich look. And that’s what we did!

The aesthetics of Dead Flat is an ultra-matte look that makes Farrow & Ball‘s rich colors even richer. Also, it’s scrubbable and scuff-resistant which is ideal for high traffic areas.

Install Floor and Paint with Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Prior to painting, we had the floors installed which I’ll save this story for another time.

After the first coat on the Murphy bed, built-ins and doors, I was simultaneously excited and nervous. The color, Pigeon, is a bit of a chameleon. Depending on lighting, it can read more blue gray or taupe gray. I almost second guessed color drenching at this point because I was afraid it would look too dark.

We’ve lived with mostly white walls for so long that going dark, was a little out of our comfort zone. However, our home is our canvas and hope that it’s true for yours. It’s part of the journey to experiment and see every room and corner for its full potential. Thoughtfully creating a home for our family that we love spending time in, is our goal.

After painting the walls, ceiling, trim, Murphy bed and built-in cabinets, the guest bedroom & office started to come to life. We did two coats of Farrow & Ball paint for all the surfaces. Once the doors were installed and the plastic came off, I was in LOVE! I’m so happy we both stepped outside our comfort zone. Here are some before and after photos – enjoy!

 

Before and After

Before

After

Before

After

Our guest bedroom & office is so much more functional! We only hosts guests a handful of times a year, so a Murphy bed allows us to use the room as an office for our everyday living. Bonus that the built-in cabinets provide more linen storage since we have a small linen closet.

Also, do you see the pipe coming through on the upper left corner in the before photo above? Moving it is non-negotiable. The built-ins cleverly hide them away!

Shop the Products

So what do you think? Would you consider color drenching and could you envision Farrow & Ball Pigeon in your home?

Sources: Artwork is a Facebook Marketplace find | Gallery Picture Sconce

I hope this post has inspired you to make the most out of your space if you have a small guest bedroom like us.

If you enjoyed this before and after, you may also like:

PINK BEDROOM MAKEOVER REVEAL FOR OUR TWO GIRLS SHARED ROOM

HOW WE TRANSFORMED OUR BASEMENT INTO OUR DREAM FAMILY ROOM

REPURPOSING AND CONVERTING OUR SLEEPING PORCH INTO THE ENSUITE BATHROOM: BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

REDESIGNING OUR DINING ROOM WITH SOME FALL INSPIRATION

Product Sources:

paint color: Farrow & Ball Pigeon with Dead Flat finish for all surfaces

Murphy bed kit

ceiling flush mount lighting

mattress

green upholstered armchair

leather basket

ruffled throw pillow

stripe ceramic vase

woven throw blanket

floor lamp

scallop braided jute rug

gallery Picture Sconce

Sweetest Regards, Patti
Beauty
May 30, 2024

My Acne Treatment Update

It’s been one week and four days since I started my new routine and wanted to give you an update on my acne journey. I wasn’t expecting to give an update this early but I could cry looking at the dramatic difference from 11 days ago! I can’t believe it. I’m sharing the details of my current acne treatment routine, along with what I believe is the biggest factor that has been helping my skin.

Read about My Struggles with Acne here

Before and After

May 19th, 2024
May 30th, 2024

The improvement from May 19th to today, May 30th, is unreal! 

It’s not easy sharing the before photo. But I want to provide empathy and encouragement for those experiencing awful hormonal acne. You are not alone. Social media has a way in making us feel like everyone has flawless skin through filters, lighting and layers of makeup. We are constantly bombarded by skincare ads of models with airbrushed-looking skin. But that is far from reality. This is my bare skin with all its textures, uneven tones and bumps.

No one has perfect skin. But for some of us, we’ve had to deal with more chronic skin issues. Cystic acne is painful and can cripple our self-esteem if we let it. I’m mostly a very happy and positive person but can’t deny that I had some hard days looking in the mirror.

When my hormonal acne flared up four weeks ago, I thought the journey to clear my skin would be long, like they have been in the past. If one pimple heals, another pops up and the cycle continues. Typically, it takes me three months to see results.  I’m blown away that it’s just under two weeks and the difference is unreal! My skin is still healing but my biggest relief is not feeling pain from those deep cystic acne.

 

My Current Acne Treatment Routine

If you read my last blog post, you know that I’ve tried everything, even Accutane.  I’m so happy to finally have found something that is helping without prescriptions. Here’s what my routine looks like:

Morning:

 

Night:

I truly believe that using Clearstem’s Hormonal Acne Supplement is the biggest factor. This is my first time taking supplements for my acne but knew that I needed to clear my skin from the inside out. I’m not associated with this brand but you can read about what convinced me to try it in this post. I was skeptical after first because I’ve suffered from acne most of my life and nothing has worked well without prescriptions. Now I’m a believer. My skin has never healed this quickly after a flare up by solely using OTC skincare and I’m convinced it’s because of this supplement. I would encourage anyone to give it a try if you’re experiencing hormonal acne and feel defeated like I did. Please note this is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor if you have questions.

Update 6.28.25: My friend, Megan, introduced me to Clearstem over a year ago and it was a game changer for my acne! I’ve shared with my IG and blog community and heard from so many how much it has improved your acne as well. A few days ago, I decided to sign up for their ambassador program to be able to pass on discounts to you. Use code: PATTICAKE at checkout for a discount on your order! Shop here.

 

Other Things That I’m Doing to Manage My Acne

In addition, I ditched coffee and have been drinking Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality tea. I add a little bit of oat milk and non-dairy vanilla creamer and it tastes amazing! I’m also consuming more of my favorite foods with probiotic like Kombucha and Kimchi because they support your immune system, strengthen your bones and joints, destroy bad bacteria, and make your skin healthier. They have truly helped my digestive system.

I am so amazed and incredibly thankful by how quickly my skin has improved and hope it continues. If you’re suffering from this right now, I know how it feels. How you want to hide away but I want to encourage you to please keep on showing up. Live your life, meet friends for lunch, schedule a date night, go for walks, etc. I promise, it will help keep your mind in a more positive state and therefore, helping your acne as well.

I am so grateful that this new treatment routine without any prescriptions is working and never want my skin to return to what it was before. Thank you so much for your kind words this week after I shared my last blog post. I’m excited for my niece’s wedding this Sunday. It’s been awhile since I’ve attended a wedding and have not gone wedding guest dress shopping, yet! Wish me luck finding one!

See below to shop all products

 

You may also be curious to read:

MY ACNE JOURNEY TO CLEARER SKIN

MOST RECOMMENDED BEST CONCEALER AND FOUNDATION FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
Beauty
May 26, 2024

My Acne Journey to Clearer Skin

The word “acne” has such a negative connotation to it. Just like with any skin condition, no one really knows the struggle unless you’ve personally dealt with it. For me, it was debilitating, it lowered my self esteem and confidence tremendously. I’ve missed out on so many things because I wanted to hide away. It made me feel like people were judging me as if it’s something I can control.

In this post, I’ll share about my journey with acne, my current hormonal acne situation and treatment plan.

My Journey with Acne

It started when I was about 14-15 years old and has been ongoing. Unfortunately, I inherited my acne-prone skin, so genetics play a big factor. My first pimple was a giant one on my nose and there’s still a pitted scar from it. Every single day, I had at least two pimples. There was not one day that I had clear skin. They were painful and I was so embarrassed by it. I tried everything. My mom finally took me to the dermatologist during senior year in high school. Because of our financial situation, I’m sure that it wasn’t easy because those visits, along with prescription medications were costly.

List of Prescription Oral and Topical Medications I’ve Been On

  • Topical Clindamycin (finally had some relief with this and it helped for about a year)
  • Prescription Strength Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Tretinoin (worked for a short period)
  • Topical Erythromycin (helped for about a year)
  • Accutane (worked well)
  • Differin (before it was available for OTC)
  • Spironolactone

List of Over the Counter Topical Solutions *I typically use for about 3 months to give it time to see results

  • Proactiv
  • Murad
  • Clinique
  • Obagi
  • Face Reality
  • Curology
  • Mario Badescu spot treatment
  • Neutrogena
  • La Roche Posay
  • CeraVe
  • AcneFree
  • Cetaphil
  • Tatcha

The only solution that truly kept my skin clear was Accutane. I was on that in 2009 but the side effects and risks were too much so I stopped less than a year after. I’ve been given hundreds of well-meaning advice. It’s overwhelming and confusing to navigate.

Acceptance and a Miracle

I came to accept my very imperfect, bumpy skin. Then something incredible happened…

During my first pregnancy in 2013, I experienced for the first time, clear glowing skin without medications or expensive skincare! Just naturally clear skin with a simple skincare routine that would’ve never been effective prior. In fact, I could go to sleep with makeup on with no issues. It was pure bliss.

Flash forward, after I stopped breastfeeding my last baby, my skin problems came back. It was 2020 and we all know how awful that year was in general. I tried everything recommended. Expensive treatments with an esthetician, cutting out dairy, not wearing any makeup, not washing my face in the morning, popular skincare brands but nothing worked. I even did silly things like eating fresh garlic and dabbing them on my breakouts which I don’t recommend.

Acne Management

The only thing that helped manage my acne was the Proactive line which I’ve been using on and off since college. Last year, I turned 40 and felt more confident than ever. My skin was the best it had been in a long time so I let my guard down. I wanted more improvement and tried new products.

My skin was responding well until I made the mistake of using a vitamin C serum a month ago. I forgot that my skin doesn’t respond well to that 😔. A combination of this and hormonal changes meant a recipe for painful cystic acne. The skin around my jawline developed tiny bumps. Those tiny bumps turned into big painful cystic acne day after day 😭.

Hormonal Acne in My 40’s

I debated on sharing photos publicly. But decided if it can help someone else who is navigating something similar feel not so alone, that it will be worth it. I’ve felt very alone in this journey. On top of that, since I was young, I’ve been told that my nose is too wide, my skin too dark for being Asian, I’m too short and my skin could be better if I just did XYZ. The media has skewed our perception about beauty. Our physical appearance is too judged by others.

I digress, but here’s what my skin looked like three weeks ago when my hormonal acne flared up and continued to get worse until about a week ago when I started a new skin treatment routine.

my skin 3 weeks ago, when my hormonal acne flared up

My Acne Treatment Plan to Clearer Skin

Now that I’ve entered my 40’s, I’m throwing all the criticism out the door. I won’t let acne define my worth and will be patient as I work to clear up my skin. Here’s my current acne treatment plan.

I’m sticking to my basics of using the 3-step Proactiv treatment, taking Clearstem hormonal acne supplement recommended by a friend, ditching coffee and drinking tea with Turmeric, consuming more foods with probiotic and drinking lots of water.

Proactive 3-Step System: (morning and night) this haș always been the best at helping manage my acne. However, it’s like the poor boyfriend where you think you can do better. I’ve not been consistent with it and have tried other skincare on and off to experiment. But now, I’m sticking to the 3-step system both morning and night. It’s gentle on my skin, exfoliates nicely with the face wash and the toner is the best out of all that I’ve tried.

Verse Dew Point Moisturizing Gel Cream: (morning) the 3-step system will dry out my skin so it’s important that I use a moisturizer. I would use Proactiv’s tea tree oil moisturizer but it’s 3 times the cost and this moisturizes my skin the same. It glides on well and doesn’t gunk up after my 3-step routine. It’s a bit sticky though so I just use in the morning and it actually helps as the base for my foundation.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Night Cream: (night) while the CeraVe ace face wash and serums did not work for me, I love this moisturizing night cream. Feels weightless and helps my skin from drying out.

Clearstem Hormonal Acne Supplement: (take at dinner time) knowing that my skin cleared up during pregnancy, hormones play a big part with my acne. My friend Megan has been using this for over two years to manage her hormonal acne, after getting off birth control pills, before she became their brand partner. She shared her journey with me using Clearstem’s hormonal acne supplement months ago but I was hesitant to try. Then when my skin was at its worst, I reached back out and she sold me on it after she texted me her before photo. Social media skincare girlies will proclaim that they’re “experts” but they’ve never experienced horrible and painful acne so I steer clear from those accounts.

Acne Patches: I have been through so many! The Hero Mighty Patch – The Original is great for my whiteheads or after a zit has popped. It helps them heal so much faster! However, it can irritate my skin with the clusters of deep cystic acne and make them worse. For those, I use Zitsticka Killa patch or Hero Mighty Patch – Micropoint for a stand alone cystic acne and they help reduce the inflammation and heal faster.

In addition, I’m ditching coffee and drinking my Honey Chai Turmeric Vitality tea.  I add a little bit of oat milk and non-dairy vanilla creamer and it tastes amazing! I’m also consuming more of my favorite foods with probiotic like Kombucha and Kimchi. Apparently they support your immune system, strengthen your bones and joints, destroy bad bacteria, and make your skin healthier. They have truly helped my digestive system.

I’m only one week in with this routine and have noticed improvement. Typically, it takes me months. My hope is to see more improvement with clearer skin before our niece’s wedding on June 2nd.  Countdown is on! Wish me luck!

Read an update on my new acne treatment routine here. Spoiler alert, the progress has been short of amazing!

 

You may also be curious to read:

MOST RECOMMENDED BEST CONCEALER AND FOUNDATION FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Sweetest Regards, Patti
Beauty
May 25, 2024

Most Recommended Best Concealer and Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin

A few months ago, I asked my Instagram followers for recommendations on the best concealer and foundation for acne-prone skin. Lots of responses poured in! I haven’t used foundation or concealer since high school due to my acne-prone skin. It would feel so heavy and caked on but that may be because it was the cheap Wet & Wild brand.  Now that I’ve entered 40, I’m more confident than ever but still have red and brown spots from old acne scars that I want to conceal while out and about.

I’ve compiled the most recommended concealer and foundation from my community and you can read until the end to see what I ended up buying!

 

Most Recommended Best Concealer and Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin

 

Two Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer

Too Faced - Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer Porcelain 0.45 oz / 13.5 ml

Rated: 4.3K stars (4,761 reviews)

Price: $36 for Size 0.45 oz / 13.5 ml

Coverage: full

Description: A hydrating, full-coverage, weightless, four-in-one, concealer that conceals, contours, highlights, and retouches in a wide range of flawless shades.

Where to Buy: Sephora

 

Tower 28 Beauty Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Tower 28 Beauty - Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer 8.0 LBC 0.22 oz / 6.5 ml Clean at Sephora

Rated: 4.3K stars (1,324 reviews)

Price: $36 for Size 0.45 oz / 13.5 ml

Coverage: medium

Description: A hydrating, non-comedogenic concealer that glides on like a serum and has the medium-buildable coverage power to instantly cover dark circles, redness, and blemishes.

Where to Buy: Sephora

 

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer

Rated: 4.2 stars (1092 reviews)

Price: $31

Coverage: full

Description: A liquid concealer that provides full matte coverage for up to 24 hours. A lightweight, liquid, long-lasting concealer with a comfortable matte finish. This pro concealer gives a smoother, flawless look to skin. The full-coverage formula helps to conceal blemishes, dark spots, skin discolouration and undereye circles

Where to Buy: Ulta, MAC store

 

Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation

Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation #1

 

Rated: 4.5 stars (3,872 reviews)

Price: $36

Coverage: moderate

Description: Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Foundation. Dermatologist-developed liquid foundation visibly reduces dark spots in 12 weeks.*

Where to Buy: Ulta

 

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

bareMinerals ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 #1

 

Rated: 4.6 stars (14,763 reviews)

Price: $39

Coverage: buildable sheer to full

Description: BareMinerals ORIGINAL Loose Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is a lightweight, talc-free, skin-improving foundation made with only 5 Ingredients. It provides sheer-to-full, all-day coverage with a naturally luminous finish, while minimizing the look of pores and imperfections.

Where to Buy: Ulta, Bare Minerals, Sephora

 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation #1

Rated: 4 stars (17,325 reviews)

Price: $40

Coverage: full

Description:A soft-matte, long-wearing foundation with climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine—available in a wide range of shades.

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta

 

Merit – The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Rated: 4.3 stars (6,108 reviews)

Price: $38

Coverage: light-to-medium

Description: It’s not a foundation or a concealer, but it’ll replace both in your makeup bag. It’s breathable, conditions skin and locks in moisture, helps diminish the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots and doubles as a contour. Formulated without acne-triggering ingredients.

Where to Buy: Merit Beauty

 

Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C

ILIA - True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C Chicory SC1 0.16 / 5 Clean at Sephora Clean at Sephora

Rated: 4.2 stars (1,854 reviews) on Sephora.com and 4.5 stars (4,656 reviews) on Iliabeauty.com

Price: $32

Coverage: medium

Description: A creamy, ultra-lightweight serum concealer that evens and brightens the look of skin over time with vitamin C—now available in a range of shades.

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ilia

 

Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color Correcting Foundation

Rated: 3.6 stars (37,321 reviews)

Price: $36

Coverage: light to medium

Description: weightless formula is baked for 24 hours and hand-finished in Italy, giving you the easy application of a powder with the benefits of a cream. Color correcting swirls of pigments make shade matching a breeze!

Where to Buy: Laura Geller

 

It Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40

IT Cosmetics - CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 Neutral Tan 1.08 oz / 32 mL

Rated: 4.5 stars (2,502 reviews)

Price: $47

Coverage: full

Description: A full-coverage matte foundation for oily skin, skin-balancing serum, and broad-spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen in one.

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Target

 

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill

Refillable Compact Sold Separately Here

jane iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill #1

 

Rated: 4.7 stars (2,727 reviews)

Price: $46

Coverage: medium to full

Description: Jane Iredale’s #1 best-selling PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill is a one-step foundation, concealer & sunscreen that blurs lines and nourishes skin with weightless, medium-to-full coverage and a second-skin finish.

Where to Buy: Ulta

 

What I Bought

 

I decided on the It Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 and really love it! I’ve been using it for over two months now. I like that it has SPF 40 and has a very natural coverage that glides on easily.  The matte finish is perfect for my oily skin. I’d recommend for acne-prone skin. And I’m so happy to have this on hand because three weeks ago, my hormonal acne flared up on my jawline! It’s the worst it has ever looked in a really long time but this has helped cover up the redness.

Before and After (prior to my hormonal cystic acne flare up)

*I realized I didn’t capture a before picture until I had dabbed on the foundation

After is with the It CC foundation (in Neutral Tan), Merit flush balm, Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, Benefit Mascara, Loreal Eyeliner, Benefits Eyebrows

*Tip: I used the beauty  blender (first time) and would highly recommend for application

I’ll share more about my acne journey in an upcoming post. While I’ve definitely entered my confident-than-ever era, I’m still hoping for clearer skin. For those suffering from skin issues like acne, remember that it does not define us. YOU are beautiful!

 

Shop All The Most Recommended Best Concealer and Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin Below

 

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
Lifestyle
May 21, 2024

April 2024 Favorites

April Favorites: The most loved items from last month.

 

Directly Click on Image or Scroll Below to Shop the Favorites

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
design
April 19, 2024

Beautiful Ceiling Lights for a Girl’s Bedroom

Not too long ago we installed a beautiful new ceiling light in the girls’ pink bedroom which has made a big difference! It gives out more light and the scalloped detail is so darling.  I wanted to share all the ceiling light options we considered for the girls’ bedroom before deciding on this flush mount one.

READ: PINK BEDROOM MAKEOVER REVEAL FOR OUR TWO GIRLS SHARED ROOM

Bedroom Sources:

Scalloped Flush Mount | Vintage Rug | Bed Frame (Similar Here) | Voile Quilt and Shams | Wicker Shade Lamp | Basket w/ Lid | Globe | Horse Framed Artwork

Beautiful Flush Mount and Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Light Options

It was so hard to decide because the girls loved all four lighting but option A won their hearts.

a)  Scalloped lighting we installed are sold here and here. It frequently goes out of stock though!

b) Madelyn Capiz Faceted Flush Mount

c) Petal Flush Mount

d) Lotus Flower Ceiling Light

 

What’s Next for the Girls’ Pink Bedroom?

 

We plan on doing little updates to their room here and there.  I’ve been on the lookout for a stool to go with their antique desk and found one on Facebook Marketplace that I’ll share next week!

 

We’ll also be swapping out their white curtains (these are from my old apartment) for something that adds more character.

Vintage Rug | Bed Frame (Similar Here) | Voile Quilt and Shams | Wicker Shade Lamp | Desk is Vintage

 

These are the two curtains that I ordered.  There’s a sale on the striped curtain and the other one is already at a great everyday price.

Option 1: Pieced Stripe Curtain – at time of post is on sale for $84.60

 

 

Option 2: Embroidered Edge w/ Attached Valance Curtains 52 x 84

Modern Faux Linen Embroidered Edge With Attached Valance Window Curtain Panels Dark Linen 52X84 Set, 1 of 7

If you need more sources for the girls’ room, please see here. The girls love both so stay tuned for what they’ll pick!

Sweetest Regards, Patti
family
April 12, 2024

Our Spring Break Trip: My Guide On Family-Friendly Things to Do When Visiting San Diego

We had an amazing spring break and per your requests, I put together a guide on family-friendly things to do in San Diego based on our trip! It was our first time to America’s Finest City and it definitely did not disappoint! So many fun things to do as a family. I’m sharing our Airbnb, theme parks we visited, leisure activities and restaurants we dined in. Along with what I recommend and one thing we wished we did if we could go back.

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS ON THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING CHARLESTON

5 FUN WINTER ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES AROUND THE TWIN CITIES

La Jolla Cove

 

Where We Stayed: Our Airbnb

We rented an Airbnb in the vibrant North Park neighborhood. We loved that it was walking distance to some great restaurants but not too far of a drive to the theme parks and beaches. *This is not sponsored – we just love using Airbnb or VRBO on family vacations.

The craftsman style home was cozy, clean and we felt right at home. Here’s the listing for our Airbnb along with images from the site.

Tour our 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom Airbnb

 

My Guide to Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego

Where We Ventured: Theme Parks and Zoo

*Note, we visited when most schools in San Diego were also on their spring break which meant the parks and zoo were busier than usual.

Legoland: while we’ve been to a few theme parks, we’ve never been to Legoland. Because it was spring break, the very long wait times for rides and food did steal some of the fun. But overall our kiddos were troopers.  This park is catered towards younger children so we wanted to visit before Ava (our soon to be 10 yr old) grew too old for the rides. While most said the long wait times are normal year round, someone shared that they went a week before Thanksgiving and the wait times were much shorter. All in all, we’re glad that we went because our kids are Lego fanatics. It was really neat to see all the things built out of Legos!

San Diego Safari Park: I polled my IG community between the Zoo and Safari Park after our visit and more than 6o% said they preferred the zoo over the park. We went to the park and while some things were really neat to see, we felt a little underwhelmed. We paid an extra $95 a person for the safari tour but our kids actually loved the free Amtrak tour much more. The big difference was that we got closer to the animals with the paid tour. If you’re on the fence about the extra cost, I would opt out.  The good thing is that we felt at least our money was going towards conservation so it wasn’t a lost.

SeaWorld: this was all three of our kids favorite out of the four. The lines weren’t bad at all. There was so much to do.  I, unfortunately, didn’t get the full experience. For our first ride, the kids voted on the Tidepool Twist.  PSA – if you get motion sickness like I do, DO NOT go on this ride! I was so excited about being here that I completely didn’t realize how badly this ride would take me out.  However, I made the best of it and Brian being the amazing dad he is, took the kids on all their requested rides. I still can’t believe that our little Livy (7 years old) went on the Manta!  A few recommended their waterpark, Aquatica, but it closed in 2021.

Belmont Park: this was a quick stop as we passed through to Mission Beach. It’s a super cute historic amusement park where you don’t have to pay for entrance but rather buy tickets for the rides. It was fun to walk around.

*tip for all any amusement park and zoo visits.  Pack lots of snacks and water to keep the littles occupied while waiting in lines and bring your own lunch if possible!

 

Where We Ventured: Leisure Activities

 

Balboa Park: great place for kids to play and picnic between the museum hopping.

Air and Space Museum: there are lots of museums around Balboa Park.  This was our top pick and the kids loved it! A great place to explore and learn. Brian majored in aviation so our kiddos are obsessed with aviation and space.

Old Town: if you want great Mexican food, stop here! There are lots of Mexican restaurant options with high ratings so you can’t go wrong.  We had lunch at Miguel’s and the fresh chips and salsa were the biggest reward after a long day of exploring – we were hungry! It’s a great place to walk around, shop and grab coffee or ice cream.

La Jolla Cove and Beaches: we loved this area! Minus the “stinky” sea lions as Jack called them, everything about this town was so dreamy. The scenery, shops, restaurants and beaches will make you fall in love with it.  We’d moved there in a heartbeat if we could snag that dream $17M home overlooking the ocean that we saw in a listing 😉

Coronado Island: this is another dream town. We visited when it was raining off and on. I wished we stopped in at the Hotel Del to explore but didn’t have time. However, we did walk around the little downtown, strolled along some quaint streets while dreaming about buying one of the homes and had an amazing lunch at The Henry.

Mission Beach: it was very chilly when we stopped here but the kiddos loved walking around the beach searching for shells. There are lots of little beach shops with very affordable shirts and sweatshirts if you’re looking for that kind of memento.

Little Italy: after our Mission Beach adventure, we arrived in Little Italy. Parking is pretty tough so I’d recommend the public parking.  After circling around, we decided it was smarter to pay $22 to park at a nice public parking ramp. Of course, there are lots of Italian restaurants. If you’re around on Saturday, I hear that their farmer’s market is a must!

North Park: this was our Airbnb’s neighborhood. There are lots of amazing restaurants along 30th street. We enjoyed the walkability and cute homes.

Gaslamp District: we drove by on a Friday afternoon but it was pretty quiet. While I can see the appeal with all the different shops, bars and restaurants, a lot of you said it wasn’t very kid-friendly.

So what did we miss?

These were other recommendations of things to do in San Diego from my IG community:

    • Cabrillo National Monument/Park
    • Seaport Village
    • Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma
    • Hotel Del Tour
    • Torrey Pines State Park
    • San Diego Zoo
    • USS Midway Museum 

 

Restaurants: Where We Ate

 

In & Out: does this count as a restaurant LOL? We had to introduce our kiddos to this California staple. They liked it but didn’t think it was as good as Culver’s.

Bangkok Spices – Thai food in North Park: loved the food and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend the fried rice – one of the best I’ve had!

Miguel’s Cocina Mexican food in Old Town: they brought out baskets of fresh tortilla chips and salsa right away so we knew it was going to be good! We all loved our food, even picky eater Jack!

Blue Ocean/Harumama – Japanese food in La Jolla: the food was good but the great ocean front view made it better. It’s all indoors so you won’t get a whiff of the sea lions.

Bobboi Natural Gelato in La Jolla: the gelato was excellent!

Encontro – American food in North Park: very kid-friendly and we enjoyed the food and service. Brian was asked “does anyone ever tell you that you look like some actor?” She was referring to…you guessed it, Paul Rudd haha

So Saap – Lao food not too far from North Park: this was off the beaten path but worth it if you’re looking for authentic Lao food. Our family pretty much had a feast and I’m still dreaming about their spicy papaya salad (tum mak hong).

The Smoking Goat – French-American food in North Park: we went for dinner and the food + service was excellent! We enjoyed the atmosphere and even indulged in three different desserts!

The Henry – American food in Coronado Island: the space was beautifully designed and the food + service was really amazing! I had the most delicious refreshing salad with the Seared Tuna Chop. Even the kids menu had great options. Jack ordered the buttered noodles with roasted chicken and 10/10 recommend.

Sogno Di Vino – Italian food in Little Italy: obviously, there are tons of Italian restaurants in Little Italy. We didn’t make reservations ahead of time and they were all booked. However, we were relieved to book one at Sogno Di Vino with a 4.5 star review. When we entered the restaurant, it looked like chaos and the atmosphere was very underwhelming.  To our surprise, they took us through a hallway into another part of the restaurant that looked better in scenery.  The food was good but next time, I’d love to book another highly rated restaurant in advance. But overall, this is a great family spot. *Tip: make a reservation!

Little Italy Food Hall: it was cold when we visited Little Italy and our reservation wasn’t for another 1.5 hrs. We stumbled upon this food hall off the common area.  It was the perfect place to sit and order some drinks while we waited.  They have different food options as well if you’re not in the mood for Italian.

Salt & Straw – handmade ice cream in Little Italy: this was recommended to us so we stopped in and the kids thoroughly enjoyed their ice cream!

Snooze – breakfast food in Del Mar Heights: while this is a chain restaurant, they always deliver in service and great breakfast! Very family friendly. Their Bloody Mary’s are some of my favorites, especially the Thai Bloody!

Other Restaurants My Instagram Community Recommended for San Diego

  • Underbelly
  • Cuatro Milpas
  • Puesto
  • Menya Ultra – Ramen
  • Mikes Tacos
  • Colimas
  • Wise Ox

One of my followers was very passionate about San Diego restaurant recommendations but I wasn’t able to read it until we were towards the end of our trip. So I want to share it here because I really appreciated it:

Pacific Beach 

  • Costa Brava $$- pb I think maybe I took you there Spanish tapas 
  • Miss Bs coconut club $$- brunch
  • Oscars Mexican seafood $- tacos
  • Fig tree cafe $$- coffee/brunch

Ocean Beach 

  • Mikes taco $- best tacos 
  • Wonderland $$- view and sunset cocktail

Bankers Hill/Mission Hills/North Park 

  • Trust $$$- upscale traditional food
  • Fort oak $$$- steakhouse 
  • Menya ultra $$ – best ramen 
  • Extraordinary desserts $$ – cake
  • Azuki sushi $$$
  • Wolf in the woods $$$ – small wine bar/share plates 
  • Great Maple $$ -brunch, maple bacon donuts
  • Buona forchetta $$- Italian, Naples style pizza
  • Piachere mio $$ – Italian best pasta (my wedding dinner location)
  • Wise Ox $ – this is a butcher but fresh meat great sandwiches and breakfast sandwich 
  • Black market $- coffee/ chocolate raspberry scone 
  • Mr trustee $- homemade ice cream

Little Italy

  • Kettner exchange $$$ – rooftop share plates, great cocktails
  • Born and raised $$$$$ – dress code,steakhouse, could go just for happy hour 
  • Craft and commerce $$$ – craft cocktails, go in the back for a speakeasy 
  • Bencotto – $$$$ fancier Italian 
  • Further: oceanside
  • Wrench and rodent sushi 
  • Jeune et jolie – $$$$$ Michelin star excellent food

 

I also created a highlight on my Instagram profile of our trip. The one place I wished we toured was the USS Midway Museum but other than that, I think we hit up as much as we could in one week. We truly had the best time and would love to visit again. Hope you enjoyed reading and found my guide of family-friendly things to do when visiting San Diego helpful!

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy reading these:

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS ON THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING CHARLESTON

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Sweetest Regards, Patti
design
March 19, 2024

Glass Vases and Vessels for the Dreamiest Flower Arrangements

Who doesn’t love fresh flowers? They add life to any space and spark so much joy. I tend to put them in my earth tone vases but recently, pulled out my old glass hurricanes to use as vases.  And wow, I feel like glass vases and vessels make my flower arrangements look even dreamier!

See my favorite neutral earth tone vase round ups here

ball footed vase | short footed vase with fluting | turkish hand towel | copper pepper grinder | oil rubbed bronze pulls | oil rubbed bronze knobs

Glass Vases and Vessels Round Up

I bought a couple more for my vase collection. The footed and fluted details are my favorites! I also like seeing the water which reminds me to change it more often and keep my flowers alive longer.

If you’re looking to add more elegance and romance to your flower arrangements, I’ve rounded up some glass vase and vessel ideas to help you achieve the dreamiest look!

click on photo to shop or see links below

Shop Glass Vases and Vessels

 

Happy spring!

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Sweetest Regards, Patti
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Took a long time to get here. Love it when a vision comes to life 🌸. I have more outdoor projects planned for this spring. Follow along for home & design inspiration! #curbappeal #outdoorfireplace #landscapedesign | pergola design, spring inspo, outdoor living space
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With three young kids, we move kind of slow here with projects. But quality is never sacrificed in our 1927 Tudor home. This is one of my favorites to date and my husband did an amazing job 🤩! If you’d like to know which murphy bed kit we used, just head to my blog at patticakewagner. com and search “murphy bed”. Follow along for more ideas to help you create a home you love.
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