I can’t believe it has already been two months since our engagement! Where in the hell does time go? Back in July, Andrew and I had started planning weekly dates as advised by my amazing life coach (more on her and that experience coming soon). We alternate back and fourth on who plans the date. It was mid-august and Andrew’s week to plan the date.

We love to travel, but sometimes it feels nearly impossible with limited time off of work and a tight budget. Earlier this year, we made the decision to take one big trip in 2018. Four months ago, we landed on Italy. With help from my world traveler brother, we decided to fly into Florence, spend a few days in Tuscany and then travel down to the Amalfi Coast. You guys know I’m a thrifty gal when it comes to my home, and the same goes for our travels. With one day left before we board our international flight, I’m scrambling with last minute details.

Our bedroom has gone through quite a few “phases” since we moved in last fall. I’ve recapped them below for your amusement. That said, I’m finally feeling like I have a vision for this house and the vibe I want to go for. I truly believe design is a journey and not a destination.

I’m finally ready to share some photos of our budget kitchen updates. Initially, I wanted to gut this thing, but I knew that was not financially smart for us. That said, I couldn’t live with our disgusting, outdated kitchen. A little, jk a lot, of paint, and some elbow grease have gone a long way on this kitchen. It might not be my dream kitchen, but it feels so much fresher than it did with what we were able to do on a $500 budget! 

This one is for all the hearts out there wondering if love will ever find them. I want to share my story (thus far) with you. Not to cheer on my own happy, new beginning, but to give you a glimpse into the REAL side of my life & love.

Are you ready for some serious black & white kitchen renovation inspiration? I have been drooling over these kitchens for years.

This summer, we saw countless houses and all of a sudden we discovered this big, purple (some claim it is grey) Victorian. Andrew made us drive by it before we even met the realtor to see the other houses that day. As soon as we walked inside he looked at me, and we both knew this was the place we would call home. The closing kept getting pushed back, and we were on the seat of our pants for a couple months. Finally, in October… keys! 

We went to Costa Rica during rainy season. The dry season, considered summer by Costa Ricans, is from mid-November to April. Even in the rainy season, days often start sunny, with rain falling in the afternoon and evening.

I’m a little late to the party blogging this trip, but it was just too cute not to share. Last month, we snuck away for a much needed weekend of quality time and relaxation. We rented the most adorable cabin in Sawyer, MI, just a few short miles away from the Warren Dunes. To my surprise there were antique shops EVERYWHERE, which was icing on the cake!

There are four main types of rugs, machine made, hand knotted, flat weave/hand woven, and hand tufted. Here is how you can tell the difference between handmade rugs and machine made rugs.

I can’t tell you how many messages I get about where I thrift shop! Today, I’m spilling all my not so secret, secrets about where to find the best stuff for the best price. 

If you have been following along for a while on my Instagram account @thoughtfullythrifted you have probably read some of my vague posts about me having to sell my house and downsize to an apartment.