Teenagers: Angsty. Emotional. Tech wizards. Full of energy. Playful. Adventurers. And forever your little babies!! Shopping for teens can be challenging, but if you stick to few basic rules, you can’t go wrong. Focus on cool gadgets, lots of creature comforts, and cold hard cash. This holiday season doesn’t need any extra stress, and our gift guide for teens is full of great gift ideas to help you out. Find some inspiration below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

1. New phone, who dis? This hilarious card game combines everyday technology with outlandish humor for entertainment that will have everyone lol-ing.

2. An Echo Glow is the perfect customizable companion for any teen. Set up daily routines and reminders, listen to your favorite music and podcasts, and so much more.

3. Earbuds are always a good gift idea. Take your listening on the go with these wireless Beats earbuds.

4. Did someone say movie night?? Turn any room into your own personal theater with this mini projector.

5. If you run out of ideas for presents, a gift card or cash will do the trick! Make them work for it though with this gift card escape box.

6. We could all use a little extra emotional support, and this adorable weighted sloth will give just that.

7. With the hectic pace of teenage life, it’s no surprise they need their caffeine fix. This to-go mug will ensure their favorite morning beverage stays hot (or cold) for hours.

8. Funny socks are always a hit, and these pizza ones are no exception!

9. We’re all content creators at heart, and this tracking phone holder will allow them to make flawless videos for anything they wish.

10. Give them all the cozies! This comfy hoodie is sure to be a coveted gift for any teen.

11. A silk pillowcase may seem a little luxurious, but gifting them a good night’s sleep is a precious commodity.

12. From school to work to weekends with friends, this mini portable speaker will deliver big sound for any occasion.

13. Moments are fleeting but memories last a lifetime with this portable photo printer!

14. A mini donut maker. ‘Nuff said.

Let the countdown to spooky season begin! We may be just getting ready to gear up for fall but for us, that means thinking about Halloween too! And if you love Decocrated as much as we do, then you’re gonna want to grab this year’s Halloween deluxe add-on box before it sells out! Kristy received her box and is just loving the items included this year. If you’re a new Decocrated member, use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription! See Halloween decor from Decocrated below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This wooden stand makes a great showcase for your Halloween-scented candles, faux flowers, or even fun holiday-themed bowl fillers (like adorable mini pumpkins)!

This fall-inspired foliage is perfect for Halloween with its blood-red hues. Place in a black vase for a chillingly chic accent piece.

These candlesticks are ghoulishly glamourous! Use black or white tapered candles for a neutral, modern look, or opt for purple or orange to add a pop of color!

Trick or treat! We’re picking treat every time. This spiderweb dish is great for keeping those Halloween candies on the counter!

Wash your sweets down with a refreshing beverage in one of these spooky skeleton hand glasses! Perfect for a kids’ punch or an adult cocktail.

Don’t forget to grab your winter box now (use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription) and stay tuned for our Decocrated winter decor post!!

Let the countdown to spooky season begin! We may be just getting ready to gear up for fall but for us, that means thinking about Halloween too! And if you love Decocrated as much as we do, then you’re gonna want to grab this year’s Halloween deluxe add-on box before it sells out! Kristy received her box and is just loving the items included this year. If you’re a new Decocrated member, use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription! See Halloween decor from Decocrated below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This wooden stand makes a great showcase for your Halloween-scented candles, faux flowers, or even fun holiday-themed bowl fillers (like adorable mini pumpkins)!

This fall-inspired foliage is perfect for Halloween with its blood-red hues. Place in a black vase for a chillingly chic accent piece.

These candlesticks are ghoulishly glamourous! Use black or white tapered candles for a neutral, modern look, or opt for purple or orange to add a pop of color!

Trick or treat! We’re picking treat every time. This spiderweb dish is great for keeping those Halloween candies on the counter!

Wash your sweets down with a refreshing beverage in one of these spooky skeleton hand glasses! Perfect for a kids’ punch or an adult cocktail.

Don’t forget to grab your winter box now (use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription) and stay tuned for our Decocrated winter decor post!!

Let the countdown to spooky season begin! We may be just getting ready to gear up for fall but for us, that means thinking about Halloween too! And if you love Decocrated as much as we do, then you’re gonna want to grab this year’s Halloween deluxe add-on box before it sells out! Kristy received her box and is just loving the items included this year. If you’re a new Decocrated member, use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription! See Halloween decor from Decocrated below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

This wooden stand makes a great showcase for your Halloween-scented candles, faux flowers, or even fun holiday-themed bowl fillers (like adorable mini pumpkins)!

This fall-inspired foliage is perfect for Halloween with its blood-red hues. Place in a black vase for a chillingly chic accent piece.

These candlesticks are ghoulishly glamourous! Use black or white tapered candles for a neutral, modern look, or opt for purple or orange to add a pop of color!

Trick or treat! We’re picking treat every time. This spiderweb dish is great for keeping those Halloween candies on the counter!

Wash your sweets down with a refreshing beverage in one of these spooky skeleton hand glasses! Perfect for a kids’ punch or an adult cocktail.

Don’t forget to grab your winter box now (use our exclusive code DECO15 to save on your first subscription) and stay tuned for our Decocrated winter decor post!!

Time is a thief for real – I can still vividly remember all of the details of the evening that my first daughter was born and now, seven short years later, she has moved into her big-kid room a few weeks shy of entering the second grade! I let her take the creative director roll and she decided the color scheme and theme and it turned out better than I could have imagined….and let’s just say that I wish that I had cool parents like me when I was growing up! See her big kid room redo below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this post, see full disclosure here.

We have a 4-bedroom home so originally she had her own nursery and toddler room, and when I was expecting my fourth baby, we purchased full-sized bunk beds from Pottery Barn Kids and moved our second daughter in with our oldest. It’s been two years of sharing a room and she’s getting more independent, so I started hinting around the idea of her having her own room again, and she was open to the idea towards the end of the school year. Then she started asking when she could move in, so I decided that my goal would be to have it completed and have her moved in before the new school year started.

I asked her to start thinking about her color scheme and that was easy – teal had become her new favorite color in the past six months replacing the longtime favorite, purple. Next, I had asked her to think about if she wanted a theme, and that was a bit trickier, but it soon came to her once we hit the stores.

First we went to At Home, and there it began! She found the perfect accent pillow to start off with…it was so soft and priced well. Then we grabbed some of the not-so-much-fun things like a mattress protector, pillows, two regular cooling sleeping pillows and two-pack pillows for the decorative sham covers.

Next we looked for bedding. Nothing really stood out until we saw the display and that was it. SOLD! Then we started to check out some of their decor, and then…the theme was born! She found a stuffed pig pillow and instantly it became a teal pig room! At first I was hesitant and couldn’t figure out how I was going to pull this one off – I even tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted, so pig it was. We headed into the wall decor isle and then we found the cutest canvas of a pig with glasses, and then I started to get excited about it all. The teal and pig pink colors could definitely work! We grabbed a couple other items and checked out.

We stopped in at a couple other stores, but didn’t really find what we were looking for. We grabbed some pink Pillowfort Sheets from Target and stopped in a Mattress Warehouse to shop for her new mattress. She got to do their bedMATCH quiz and diagnostic to match her up with the best mattress for her. She loved being able to use their system and picked out a great full-sized mattress that was easy on the pockets too! We ended up with a mattress in a box – the Simmons Blue Dream Memory Foam Mattress. The best part was they had one in stock for us to take home that day and it fit in my “mom van”!

We grabbed smoothies from our favorite smoothie place, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and headed over to Hobby Lobby – jackpot! We found all types of room decor and more, and then we came across the creme-de-la-creme of all pig decor! A huge canvas picture of the cutest pig you ever saw, and I was in love! It ended up being 75% off y’all! It was the easiest purchase of the day! We ended up with a whole cart full of items from HL and finally headed home!

Let’s start with the room re-do. First, I vacuumed and mopped the floors and baseboards and wiped down all of the dressers and windowsills. Since we had always purchased the convertible cribs for 3/4 kids, we transitioned the bed and switched out the decor, made the bed, and started transferring all of the personal items and clothing between the two rooms.

I ended up ordering ombre curtains and an accent rug off of Amazon, and I got the curtain rods from Wal-Mart. I found the vanity/desk off of Facebook Marketplace, brand-new, still in the box! It took a total of four days until we did her room reveal…she LOVED the end result. It was all smiles and she even gave it two thumbs up! If you’d like to see more of this room transformation, be sure to check out the video on Tik-Tok here!

Time is a thief for real – I can still vividly remember all of the details of the evening that my first daughter was born and now, seven short years later, she has moved into her big-kid room a few weeks shy of entering the second grade! I let her take the creative director roll and she decided the color scheme and theme and it turned out better than I could have imagined….and let’s just say that I wish that I had cool parents like me when I was growing up! See her big kid room redo below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this post, see full disclosure here.

We have a 4-bedroom home so originally she had her own nursery and toddler room, and when I was expecting my fourth baby, we purchased full-sized bunk beds from Pottery Barn Kids and moved our second daughter in with our oldest. It’s been two years of sharing a room and she’s getting more independent, so I started hinting around the idea of her having her own room again, and she was open to the idea towards the end of the school year. Then she started asking when she could move in, so I decided that my goal would be to have it completed and have her moved in before the new school year started.

I asked her to start thinking about her color scheme and that was easy – teal had become her new favorite color in the past six months replacing the longtime favorite, purple. Next, I had asked her to think about if she wanted a theme, and that was a bit trickier, but it soon came to her once we hit the stores.

First we went to At Home, and there it began! She found the perfect accent pillow to start off with…it was so soft and priced well. Then we grabbed some of the not-so-much-fun things like a mattress protector, pillows, two regular cooling sleeping pillows and two-pack pillows for the decorative sham covers.

Next we looked for bedding. Nothing really stood out until we saw the display and that was it. SOLD! Then we started to check out some of their decor, and then…the theme was born! She found a stuffed pig pillow and instantly it became a teal pig room! At first I was hesitant and couldn’t figure out how I was going to pull this one off – I even tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted, so pig it was. We headed into the wall decor isle and then we found the cutest canvas of a pig with glasses, and then I started to get excited about it all. The teal and pig pink colors could definitely work! We grabbed a couple other items and checked out.

We stopped in at a couple other stores, but didn’t really find what we were looking for. We grabbed some pink Pillowfort Sheets from Target and stopped in a Mattress Warehouse to shop for her new mattress. She got to do their bedMATCH quiz and diagnostic to match her up with the best mattress for her. She loved being able to use their system and picked out a great full-sized mattress that was easy on the pockets too! We ended up with a mattress in a box – the Simmons Blue Dream Memory Foam Mattress. The best part was they had one in stock for us to take home that day and it fit in my “mom van”!

We grabbed smoothies from our favorite smoothie place, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and headed over to Hobby Lobby – jackpot! We found all types of room decor and more, and then we came across the creme-de-la-creme of all pig decor! A huge canvas picture of the cutest pig you ever saw, and I was in love! It ended up being 75% off y’all! It was the easiest purchase of the day! We ended up with a whole cart full of items from HL and finally headed home!

Let’s start with the room re-do. First, I vacuumed and mopped the floors and baseboards and wiped down all of the dressers and windowsills. Since we had always purchased the convertible cribs for 3/4 kids, we transitioned the bed and switched out the decor, made the bed, and started transferring all of the personal items and clothing between the two rooms.

I ended up ordering ombre curtains and an accent rug off of Amazon, and I got the curtain rods from Wal-Mart. I found the vanity/desk off of Facebook Marketplace, brand-new, still in the box! It took a total of four days until we did her room reveal…she LOVED the end result. It was all smiles and she even gave it two thumbs up! If you’d like to see more of this room transformation, be sure to check out the video on Tik-Tok here!

Who is ready to break out all the autumn accessories?! We start getting excited for fall usually around the beginning of August, though we try to wait ’til September creeps closer to start our switch to all things fall. If you’ve been with us for a while, then you know all about Decocrated – the home decor subscription service that delivers a box of carefully curated decor to your door every season! This year’s fall box has come and gone and is unfortunately sold out, but Kristy is showcasing everything that was included so you can see exactly what this box is all about. If you’re interested in hopping on the Decocrated train, go grab your special Halloween add-on box before that one sells out too, or shop the winter box that’s also available now! Use our exclusive code DECO15 to score some extra savings!! See fall decor from Decocrated below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

An entryway table that we are seriously falling for! The rope basket, beige woven blanket, and gorgeous glass pumpkin are all from the Decocrated Fall 2023 box!

How gorgeous is this mantle setup? The white vase with artificial flowers is from this year’s fall box, while the mini pumpkins and the wooden lantern are from past Decocrated boxes.

Keep your shelf decor simple to really make the pieces stand out! The wooden frame is from a past Decorated box, and the “fall breeze & autumn leaves” insert is from this season’s box!

This simple striped throw pillow is the perfect accent on any couch! The fun tassels add a touch of personality, but this is an otherwise understated piece that can be mixed and matched and used all year long!

Who is ready to break out all the autumn accessories?! We start getting excited for fall usually around the beginning of August, though we try to wait ’til September creeps closer to start our switch to all things fall. If you’ve been with us for a while, then you know all about Decocrated – the home decor subscription service that delivers a box of carefully curated decor to your door every season! This year’s fall box has come and gone and is unfortunately sold out, but Kristy is showcasing everything that was included so you can see exactly what this box is all about. If you’re interested in hopping on the Decocrated train, go grab your special Halloween add-on box before that one sells out too, or shop the winter box that’s also available now! Use our exclusive code DECO15 to score some extra savings!! See fall decor from Decocrated below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

An entryway table that we are seriously falling for! The rope basket, beige woven blanket, and gorgeous glass pumpkin are all from the Decocrated Fall 2023 box!

How gorgeous is this mantle setup? The white vase with artificial flowers is from this year’s fall box, while the mini pumpkins and the wooden lantern are from past Decocrated boxes.

Keep your shelf decor simple to really make the pieces stand out! The wooden frame is from a past Decorated box, and the “fall breeze & autumn leaves” insert is from this season’s box!

This simple striped throw pillow is the perfect accent on any couch! The fun tassels add a touch of personality, but this is an otherwise understated piece that can be mixed and matched and used all year long!

Sitting outdoors on your front porch is the perfect summer pastime. Whether you’re curling up with a cold drink, a good book, or your favorite tunes, kicking back and relaxing in a cozy environment is a great way to pass an afternoon in the heat. Revamp your front porch for summer with these decor ideas below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

How fun is this front porch setup?! Most of these items come from Decocrated. This looks like the perfect way to pass a warm summer afternoon with your best gal pals or your family.

This seashell doormat is so cute for a beach chic, coastal vibe! Bring a little bit of beach right to your front door (minus all the messy sand!).

With Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day all being major “summer” holidays, what better way to show your patriotic pride than with a red, white, and blue striped welcome mat layered over a simple woven rug?!

This banner from Decorated is also a great way to show your love for your country! Add these gorgeous pillows to your porch seating for an added flair.

These floral solar lights are so stinkin’ cute! A Mother’s Day gift for Kristy, these garden lights make a beautiful addition to any landscaping you may already have.

Sweet sweet summertime! This adorable garden flag just about sums it all up – watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, and a pair of sunnies. Yes please!!

sunny porch with comfy chairs and potted plants

Sitting outdoors on your front porch is the perfect summer pastime. Whether you’re curling up with a cold drink, a good book, or your favorite tunes, kicking back and relaxing in a cozy environment is a great way to pass an afternoon in the heat. Revamp your front porch for summer with these decor ideas below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

How fun is this front porch setup?! Most of these items come from Decocrated. This looks like the perfect way to pass a warm summer afternoon with your best gal pals or your family.

This seashell doormat is so cute for a beach chic, coastal vibe! Bring a little bit of beach right to your front door (minus all the messy sand!).

With Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day all being major “summer” holidays, what better way to show your patriotic pride than with a red, white, and blue striped welcome mat layered over a simple woven rug?!

This banner from Decorated is also a great way to show your love for your country! Add these gorgeous pillows to your porch seating for an added flair.

These floral solar lights are so stinkin’ cute! A Mother’s Day gift for Kristy, these garden lights make a beautiful addition to any landscaping you may already have.

Sweet sweet summertime! This adorable garden flag just about sums it all up – watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, and a pair of sunnies. Yes please!!

We’re back with more darling decor from Decocrated! This decor solution box delivers carefully curated pieces for the home based on the upcoming season or holidays! If you want to find out more about it, you can check out all things Decocrated here. Use our exclusive code FRUGALLYTHRIVING15 for 15% off everything sitewide, including subscriptions (for new members), holiday add-on boxes, and shop items!! See this summer’s box and the Americana add-on box items below!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ummm does this setup scream summer or what?! Light colors, lemonade, a fresh caprese dish…does anyone else want to spend all afternoon here?? Woven and wooden details are balanced with crisp, clean pieces for a refreshing summer look!

This place setting is perfect for an afternoon picnic with girlfriends or an evening dinner with the fam! The woven placemats topped with a white plate, neutral napkin, and wooden napkin ring match any decor and furniture. Add a cute finishing touch like a sprig of baby’s breath to really tie it all together.

We are bringing back the summer lemonade stand! This adorable mini chalkboard is a great addition to a drink bar, whether it’s fresh lemonade (kid- or adult-friendly!!), morning mimosas, or big pitchers of sweet tea!

Seeing stars and stripes!! These flag-patterned wooden stars are a sweet addition to your table centerpiece setup, but they look great as standalone pieces on an accent table!

America the beautiful! This burlap banner is a rustic farmhouse way to show off your patriotic pride!

And if the bugs and the heat and the outdoor living aren’t really your thing, all of these pieces are also gorgeous inside on your dining room table! Add a couple pillar candles and a wooden basket for extra napkins (orrrrr…bread?!) and have yourself a perfectly pleasing summer dinner indoors.

See past Decocrated box items here, and remember to use our exclusive code FRUGALLYTHRIVING15 for 15% off everything sitewide, including subscriptions (for new members), holiday add-on boxes, and shop items!!

We’re back with more darling decor from Decocrated! This decor solution box delivers carefully curated pieces for the home based on the upcoming season or holidays! If you want to find out more about it, you can check out all things Decocrated here. Use our exclusive code FRUGALLYTHRIVING15 for 15% off everything sitewide, including subscriptions (for new members), holiday add-on boxes, and shop items!! See this summer’s box and the Americana add-on box items below!!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Ummm does this setup scream summer or what?! Light colors, lemonade, a fresh caprese dish…does anyone else want to spend all afternoon here?? Woven and wooden details are balanced with crisp, clean pieces for a refreshing summer look!

This place setting is perfect for an afternoon picnic with girlfriends or an evening dinner with the fam! The woven placemats topped with a white plate, neutral napkin, and wooden napkin ring match any decor and furniture. Add a cute finishing touch like a sprig of baby’s breath to really tie it all together.

We are bringing back the summer lemonade stand! This adorable mini chalkboard is a great addition to a drink bar, whether it’s fresh lemonade (kid- or adult-friendly!!), morning mimosas, or big pitchers of sweet tea!

Seeing stars and stripes!! These flag-patterned wooden stars are a sweet addition to your table centerpiece setup, but they look great as standalone pieces on an accent table!

America the beautiful! This burlap banner is a rustic farmhouse way to show off your patriotic pride!

And if the bugs and the heat and the outdoor living aren’t really your thing, all of these pieces are also gorgeous inside on your dining room table! Add a couple pillar candles and a wooden basket for extra napkins (orrrrr…bread?!) and have yourself a perfectly pleasing summer dinner indoors.

See past Decocrated box items here, and remember to use our exclusive code FRUGALLYTHRIVING15 for 15% off everything sitewide, including subscriptions (for new members), holiday add-on boxes, and shop items!!

The hallways are often-neglected areas of our home, and most of the time we don’t give them much thought. They mostly serve as a means of getting from point A to point B, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need and deserve love and attention. If your hallways are currently giving off “eh” vibes, you can easily turn up the wow factor with a little paint and a few modern touches. Don’t believe us? Kristy is here to show you just how easy it is! Check out her DIY hallway revamp below.

Before

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I have been wanting to update my 1988 hallway since I began projects on my home – deciding what I wanted was the real question though. I began my research (aka pretty much watching millions of YouTube videos and reading a bunch of online forums), figured out a game plan, and gathered the supplies I’d need. A little detail on this hallway makeover: I’m never afraid of a little challenge, but this was my first time using power tools for a home renovation project, and let’s just say my entire family was on edge. I was also a tad nervous, but I was ready!

During

I immediately began by pulling all the old trim off the walls. I used a flathead and hammer to wedge and separate. A little bit of good, old-fashioned elbow grease got this part done in no time!

Once the trim was removed, I measured out where I wanted my boards to go and how far apart I wanted each one to be. After that was finished, I headed to Home Depot and picked out my trim for the baseboards and the walls. I recently had a renovation done and the contractor used this trim that I just loved, so I went with that same look.

I sat in the aisle at the store cutting board by board before I told myself, “I WILL NOT be doing this my whole project!!” That’s when I decided, “I’m getting an electric saw!” BEST DECISION EVER. The tool I grabbed was perfect for my project – my boards weren’t too thick, so the cuts were very precise. I used the blade that was included, but I recommend grabbing a few extra blades just in case. I began cutting my wood with my jigsaw tool. As I mentioned, this was my first experience with power tools, and this was a GREAT introduction tool. Now I feel like I need to do many more projects with this…it honestly was a great stress releaser!!

After the pieces were cut, I began gluing them to their designated spots with my wood adhesive, and then I followed it with my nail gun to ensure that it would stay in place! Brad nails were perfect for this project because they are so small, it doesn’t even look like nails were used. Tip: make sure you grab nails that fit your nail gun!

Once the boards were in place, I started with the caulking. I’m obsessed with this process for some reason – I really enjoyed smoothing out each crevice with my finger. I am a hands-on type of person, and this wasn’t my first time using caulk, so it was easier for me to do it this way. You can also purchase a special tool to help smooth it out, though! Don’t forget to caulk any holes from your Brad nail gun too, and then let the caulk dry overnight. Once the caulk had completely dried, I went over and sanded any areas that needed smoothing. If you have holes that need patching, I recommend doing that at the same time as your caulking.

After the sanding was done, I was so ready to get the paint on the walls. I fell in love with the color “Fine Black” by Magnolia Homes, which I had grabbed from Ace Hardware, and then picked a traditional white which I got from Home Depot. Once I started painting, the transformation really started to come to life!! I couldn’t put my paint brush down because I was so excited to see the finished product. I ended up using two coats of paint for both the black and white.

After

This project took me a total of 4 days and was worth every minute! I replaced the ceiling light with this new fixture and installed dimmable bulbs, and I added collages of family photos on every wall. It has made my 80’s home feel way more updated and CLEAN, and walking down my hallway gives me such a warm and inviting feel as I take a trip down memory lane. If I can do this with very minimal experience, there’s no doubt in my mind that you can too!

Such subtle changes can make the biggest differences! The revamped space looks so much more contemporary and open, and it’s a lot brighter now. Eventually I’ll redo the stairway too, but that’s a project for another day!

The hallways are often-neglected areas of our home, and most of the time we don’t give them much thought. They mostly serve as a means of getting from point A to point B, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need and deserve love and attention. If your hallways are currently giving off “eh” vibes, you can easily turn up the wow factor with a little paint and a few modern touches. Don’t believe us? Kristy is here to show you just how easy it is! Check out her DIY hallway revamp below.

Before

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

I have been wanting to update my 1988 hallway since I began projects on my home – deciding what I wanted was the real question though. I began my research (aka pretty much watching millions of YouTube videos and reading a bunch of online forums), figured out a game plan, and gathered the supplies I’d need. A little detail on this hallway makeover: I’m never afraid of a little challenge, but this was my first time using power tools for a home renovation project, and let’s just say my entire family was on edge. I was also a tad nervous, but I was ready!

During

I immediately began by pulling all the old trim off the walls. I used a flathead and hammer to wedge and separate. A little bit of good, old-fashioned elbow grease got this part done in no time!

Once the trim was removed, I measured out where I wanted my boards to go and how far apart I wanted each one to be. After that was finished, I headed to Home Depot and picked out my trim for the baseboards and the walls. I recently had a renovation done and the contractor used this trim that I just loved, so I went with that same look.

I sat in the aisle at the store cutting board by board before I told myself, “I WILL NOT be doing this my whole project!!” That’s when I decided, “I’m getting an electric saw!” BEST DECISION EVER. The tool I grabbed was perfect for my project – my boards weren’t too thick, so the cuts were very precise. I used the blade that was included, but I recommend grabbing a few extra blades just in case. I began cutting my wood with my jigsaw tool. As I mentioned, this was my first experience with power tools, and this was a GREAT introduction tool. Now I feel like I need to do many more projects with this…it honestly was a great stress releaser!!

After the pieces were cut, I began gluing them to their designated spots with my wood adhesive, and then I followed it with my nail gun to ensure that it would stay in place! Brad nails were perfect for this project because they are so small, it doesn’t even look like nails were used. Tip: make sure you grab nails that fit your nail gun!

Once the boards were in place, I started with the caulking. I’m obsessed with this process for some reason – I really enjoyed smoothing out each crevice with my finger. I am a hands-on type of person, and this wasn’t my first time using caulk, so it was easier for me to do it this way. You can also purchase a special tool to help smooth it out, though! Don’t forget to caulk any holes from your Brad nail gun too, and then let the caulk dry overnight. Once the caulk had completely dried, I went over and sanded any areas that needed smoothing. If you have holes that need patching, I recommend doing that at the same time as your caulking.

After the sanding was done, I was so ready to get the paint on the walls. I fell in love with the color “Fine Black” by Magnolia Homes, which I had grabbed from Ace Hardware, and then picked a traditional white which I got from Home Depot. Once I started painting, the transformation really started to come to life!! I couldn’t put my paint brush down because I was so excited to see the finished product. I ended up using two coats of paint for both the black and white.

After

This project took me a total of 4 days and was worth every minute! I replaced the ceiling light with this new fixture and installed dimmable bulbs, and I added collages of family photos on every wall. It has made my 80’s home feel way more updated and CLEAN, and walking down my hallway gives me such a warm and inviting feel as I take a trip down memory lane. If I can do this with very minimal experience, there’s no doubt in my mind that you can too!

Such subtle changes can make the biggest differences! The revamped space looks so much more contemporary and open, and it’s a lot brighter now. Eventually I’ll redo the stairway too, but that’s a project for another day!

I am not sure which is more memorable: N’Sync’s “It’s Gonna Be Me” (May) or Star Wars’ “May the force (fourth) be with you!” Either way, both will be sticking around for years to come, and I am here for them both! Star Wars fans around the globe eagerly anticipate the commemorative day to celebrate the very successful and beloved franchise. See our roundup of Star Wars fun below!

white and grey ceramic mug on brown wooden table
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full details here.

“The belonging you seek is not behind you … it is ahead.”

— Maz Kanata

Super fans or self-proclaimed Jedi Masters all around the world may be gearing up to binge the whole saga for the umpteenth time, but if you’re like me and haven’t technically watched any of them, there’s no time like the present to play catch up on the whole Star Wars collection, which can be found on Disney+ if you have that streaming service!

“The force will be with you…always.”

– Obi-Wan Kenobi

Depending on your skill level, you may also be honoring the day by building a Lego set recreating a memorable scene, character or ship to add to the collection!

“The Force is strong in my family, my father had it, I have it, my sister has it. You have that power too.”

– Luke Skywalker

Is Star Wars a family-wide phenom in your house? Check out some of this family-friendly decor that I came across. Whether the kids are baby Yoda fans like mine, or the chef of the house could use some new kitchen utensils and essentials to cook like a Jedi, or your workspace needs a little boost of the force, there is plenty of themed decor that will not disappoint!

“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.”

– Yoda

If your kiddos are anything like mine, they loooovvvveee books! A favorite collection of mine growing up were the Little Golden Books and don’t think for a second that I don’t get them when I can for my crew! So this May 4th, you can guarantee that we will be reading one from the Little Golden Book Star Wars library!

However you spend the day, just remember to “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda and May the fourth be with you all!

close up of yoda toy

I am not sure which is more memorable: N’Sync’s “It’s Gonna Be Me” (May) or Star Wars’ “May the force (fourth) be with you!” Either way, both will be sticking around for years to come, and I am here for them both! Star Wars fans around the globe eagerly anticipate the commemorative day to celebrate the very successful and beloved franchise. See our roundup of Star Wars fun below!

white and grey ceramic mug on brown wooden table
Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full details here.

“The belonging you seek is not behind you … it is ahead.”

— Maz Kanata

Super fans or self-proclaimed Jedi Masters all around the world may be gearing up to binge the whole saga for the umpteenth time, but if you’re like me and haven’t technically watched any of them, there’s no time like the present to play catch up on the whole Star Wars collection, which can be found on Disney+ if you have that streaming service!

“The force will be with you…always.”

– Obi-Wan Kenobi

Depending on your skill level, you may also be honoring the day by building a Lego set recreating a memorable scene, character or ship to add to the collection!

“The Force is strong in my family, my father had it, I have it, my sister has it. You have that power too.”

– Luke Skywalker

Is Star Wars a family-wide phenom in your house? Check out some of this family-friendly decor that I came across. Whether the kids are baby Yoda fans like mine, or the chef of the house could use some new kitchen utensils and essentials to cook like a Jedi, or your workspace needs a little boost of the force, there is plenty of themed decor that will not disappoint!

“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.”

– Yoda

If your kiddos are anything like mine, they loooovvvveee books! A favorite collection of mine growing up were the Little Golden Books and don’t think for a second that I don’t get them when I can for my crew! So this May 4th, you can guarantee that we will be reading one from the Little Golden Book Star Wars library!

However you spend the day, just remember to “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda and May the fourth be with you all!

While Easter spirit brings us bunnies and carrots and colorful eggs, we all know what the best part of this holiday is…the treats! Whether it’s the chocolate in your child’s Easter basket or a fluffy marshmallow Peep, a sweet snack is what puts a smile on our faces every time. Make your own Easter treats for your family get-together, your office colleagues, or your kiddo’s classroom! See our recipes below.

Easter Bark

A pretty pastel Easter treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Colored chocolate pieces (colors can be interchanged for each holiday!! This is a great party snack for anytime of the year) I went with pink, white, orange and I used a light green food coloring gel with white chocolate for Easter
  •  Sprinkles for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Melt chocolate pieces in 40 second increments – if chocolate becomes clumpy add 2 tsp of vegetable shortening! 
  • Pour into baking dish and top with sprinkles
  • Place in refrigerator and let cool for about 2 hours (or until hardened)
  • Cut into small pieces and enjoy! 

Easter Dirt

This Easter Dirt is a super cute treat for the kiddos! Prep it in an Easter-themed bucket to really make it feel like a tasty garden of goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pack Oreo
  • 3.5 cups milk
  • 2 small boxes instant serve vanilla pudding
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8-ounce tub of cool whip
  • Decorations for top

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break the Oreos into crumbs (can use food processor or ziplock back and rolling pin)
  • Whip the milk and two pudding boxes together until pudding forms- set aside in fridge
  • Cream together cream cheese and butter – once smooth, add powdered sugar
  • Once smooth, add in the pudding mixture
  • Once combined fold in the cool whip
  • In a truffle dish (or Easter bucket), layer Oreo crumbs then pudding mixture until you end on Oreo crumbs
  • Decorate with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolate carrots, edible grass, or gummy worms and dig in!!

Peeps S’mores

Our favorite campfire snack just got an Easter makeover! These Peeps S’mores are not only delicious, they’re convenient for the classroom too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Graham crackers
  • Peeps
  • Hershey’s chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break apart graham crackers and chocolate bars into s’mores-sized pieces
  • Top graham cracker with chocolate, Peep, and another graham cracker
  • For the classroom, prep individual s’mores ingredients in Ziploc bags!

Rice Krispies Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat?! These Rice Krispies Eggs are gooey and chewy and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Rice Krispies
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Almond bark
  • Easter sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow Rice Krispies treat instructions on back of cereal box
  • Mix in Easter sprinkles
  • Spray Easter egg-shaped molds with nonstick spray and fill with mixture
  • Let set and remove from molds
  • Melt almond bark and dip one end of egg then cover with sprinkles (optional)
  • Enjoy!!

Snickers Salad

This yummy candy “salad” is perfect for an Easter dessert, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover candy after the holiday!

INGREDIENTS:

  • (1) 5oz pack of Vanilla Instant pudding 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz Cool Whip 
  • 3 Granny Smith apples 
  • 3 share-size Snickers 
  • Caramel sauce to top (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix instant pudding with 1 cup milk
  • Fold in Cool Whip 
  • Dice up apples
  • Stir into pudding mixture 
  • Chop up Snickers and fold half into mixture (if you’re taking this dish to-go, transfer mix to new bowl)
  • Top with rest of Snickers and optional caramel sauce and enjoy!

While Easter spirit brings us bunnies and carrots and colorful eggs, we all know what the best part of this holiday is…the treats! Whether it’s the chocolate in your child’s Easter basket or a fluffy marshmallow Peep, a sweet snack is what puts a smile on our faces every time. Make your own Easter treats for your family get-together, your office colleagues, or your kiddo’s classroom! See our recipes below.

Easter Bark

A pretty pastel Easter treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to make!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Colored chocolate pieces (colors can be interchanged for each holiday!! This is a great party snack for anytime of the year) I went with pink, white, orange and I used a light green food coloring gel with white chocolate for Easter
  •  Sprinkles for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Melt chocolate pieces in 40 second increments – if chocolate becomes clumpy add 2 tsp of vegetable shortening! 
  • Pour into baking dish and top with sprinkles
  • Place in refrigerator and let cool for about 2 hours (or until hardened)
  • Cut into small pieces and enjoy! 

Easter Dirt

This Easter Dirt is a super cute treat for the kiddos! Prep it in an Easter-themed bucket to really make it feel like a tasty garden of goodness.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pack Oreo
  • 3.5 cups milk
  • 2 small boxes instant serve vanilla pudding
  • 1 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8-ounce tub of cool whip
  • Decorations for top

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break the Oreos into crumbs (can use food processor or ziplock back and rolling pin)
  • Whip the milk and two pudding boxes together until pudding forms- set aside in fridge
  • Cream together cream cheese and butter – once smooth, add powdered sugar
  • Once smooth, add in the pudding mixture
  • Once combined fold in the cool whip
  • In a truffle dish (or Easter bucket), layer Oreo crumbs then pudding mixture until you end on Oreo crumbs
  • Decorate with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolate carrots, edible grass, or gummy worms and dig in!!

Peeps S’mores

Our favorite campfire snack just got an Easter makeover! These Peeps S’mores are not only delicious, they’re convenient for the classroom too!

INGREDIENTS:

  • Graham crackers
  • Peeps
  • Hershey’s chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Break apart graham crackers and chocolate bars into s’mores-sized pieces
  • Top graham cracker with chocolate, Peep, and another graham cracker
  • For the classroom, prep individual s’mores ingredients in Ziploc bags!

Rice Krispies Eggs

Who doesn’t love a Rice Krispies treat?! These Rice Krispies Eggs are gooey and chewy and melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Rice Krispies
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Almond bark
  • Easter sprinkles

DIRECTIONS:

  • Follow Rice Krispies treat instructions on back of cereal box
  • Mix in Easter sprinkles
  • Spray Easter egg-shaped molds with nonstick spray and fill with mixture
  • Let set and remove from molds
  • Melt almond bark and dip one end of egg then cover with sprinkles (optional)
  • Enjoy!!

Snickers Salad

This yummy candy “salad” is perfect for an Easter dessert, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover candy after the holiday!

INGREDIENTS:

  • (1) 5oz pack of Vanilla Instant pudding 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 8oz Cool Whip 
  • 3 Granny Smith apples 
  • 3 share-size Snickers 
  • Caramel sauce to top (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix instant pudding with 1 cup milk
  • Fold in Cool Whip 
  • Dice up apples
  • Stir into pudding mixture 
  • Chop up Snickers and fold half into mixture (if you’re taking this dish to-go, transfer mix to new bowl)
  • Top with rest of Snickers and optional caramel sauce and enjoy!

The Easter countdown is officially on! If you’re hosting a family gathering, or just looking to bring a little holiday spirit into your home, it’s not too late to decorate! These Easter decor ideas will put a little spring in your step and a smile on your face, so hop to it! See our Easter decor ideas below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Decorate the focal point of your room (like this fireplace mantle) with a balance of fun Easter elements and year-round decor. These jumping bunnies from Decocrated and this rabbit garland are perfect for the holiday, while these candle holders and faux eucalyptus can be used for every season and occasion!

Stack your shelves with a mix of neutral decor, like this bunny figurine and woven carrots, and pops of color like this “Happy Easter” sign.

Hoppy spring! This sweet sign and bowl full of carrots from Decocrated are the perfect pieces to get you in the mood for Easter!

This gorgeous metal and wood tray is a stylish centerpiece for your kitchen counter or coffee table. Top with cute Easter decor, like this bunny statue, and a fake plant or candy bowl to complete the look.

Such adorable additions to the kitchen! This “hello spring” dish towel from Decocrated and this woven basket filled with pretty faux flowers adds a pop of fun femininity to your cooking space.

If you have an entryway table, this is a great spot to display a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and an Easter- inspired sign (similar) is the perfect complementary piece.

Pastels, Peeps, and pairs of pals are perfect for Easter!!

This DIY vase with Peeps and daffodils is so easy to make! Get two vases – one large enough to house another smaller vase inside, and then fill the smaller vase with daffodils, place it inside the larger vase, and fill the space with rows of Peeps!

This pretty pastel rainbow set with an Easter egg treasure is so cute and brings a little brightness to a table, mantle, or shelf! Complement it with this fun bunny candle and these bottle brush carrots!

How fun are these little Easter pals?! This chick and egg are definitely BFFs.

The Easter countdown is officially on! If you’re hosting a family gathering, or just looking to bring a little holiday spirit into your home, it’s not too late to decorate! These Easter decor ideas will put a little spring in your step and a smile on your face, so hop to it! See our Easter decor ideas below.

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

Decorate the focal point of your room (like this fireplace mantle) with a balance of fun Easter elements and year-round decor. These jumping bunnies from Decocrated and this rabbit garland are perfect for the holiday, while these candle holders and faux eucalyptus can be used for every season and occasion!

Stack your shelves with a mix of neutral decor, like this bunny figurine and woven carrots, and pops of color like this “Happy Easter” sign.

Hoppy spring! This sweet sign and bowl full of carrots from Decocrated are the perfect pieces to get you in the mood for Easter!

This gorgeous metal and wood tray is a stylish centerpiece for your kitchen counter or coffee table. Top with cute Easter decor, like this bunny statue, and a fake plant or candy bowl to complete the look.

Such adorable additions to the kitchen! This “hello spring” dish towel from Decocrated and this woven basket filled with pretty faux flowers adds a pop of fun femininity to your cooking space.

If you have an entryway table, this is a great spot to display a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and an Easter- inspired sign (similar) is the perfect complementary piece.

Pastels, Peeps, and pairs of pals are perfect for Easter!!

This DIY vase with Peeps and daffodils is so easy to make! Get two vases – one large enough to house another smaller vase inside, and then fill the smaller vase with daffodils, place it inside the larger vase, and fill the space with rows of Peeps!

This pretty pastel rainbow set with an Easter egg treasure is so cute and brings a little brightness to a table, mantle, or shelf! Complement it with this fun bunny candle and these bottle brush carrots!

How fun are these little Easter pals?! This chick and egg are definitely BFFs.

17 days ’til spring and it’s officially time to break out the floral decor, Easter accents, and fun, bright pieces for the warmer weather. We’re gearing up for spring with a gorgeous home refresh – see our inspiration for spring decor below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A mantle is usually the focal point of the room, so make the most of it by decorating it with careful thought and precision. Balance different elements like neutrals with pops of color, mix and match shapes and sizes, and add a few unique pieces, like these woven carrots and jumping bunnies from Decocrated, to draw attention!

Bunnies & birds (both from Decocrated) and a beautiful reminder to “live simply” make for clean, classic decor on your shelves. Natural elements like faux greenery and woodsy-looking filler in a glass bowl tie everything together and help bring the outdoors inside.

Hoppy spring! This sweet sign and bowl full of carrots from Decocrated are the perfect pieces to get you in the mood for Easter!

This gorgeous metal and wood tray is a stylish centerpiece for your kitchen counter or coffee table. Top with cute Easter decor, like this bunny statue, and a fake plant or candy bowl to complete the look.

We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s where all the good things happen! Cooking, eating, gathering with friends and family…this engraved cutting board in this wooden recipe book holder from Decocrated serves as an eye-catching decor piece for all of your kitchen endeavors.

Such adorable additions to the kitchen! This “hello spring” dish towel from Decocrated and this woven basket filled with pretty faux flowers adds a pop of fun femininity to your cooking space.

This tiered basket from Decocrated is perfect for the bathroom! It looks great on the countertop or on shelf, and you can stock it full of towels, beauty product jars and soap dispensers, and accents like a candle or faux plant to make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa!

17 days ’til spring and it’s officially time to break out the floral decor, Easter accents, and fun, bright pieces for the warmer weather. We’re gearing up for spring with a gorgeous home refresh – see our inspiration for spring decor below!

Frugal and Thriving may earn a small commission via affiliate links in this post. See full disclosure here.

A mantle is usually the focal point of the room, so make the most of it by decorating it with careful thought and precision. Balance different elements like neutrals with pops of color, mix and match shapes and sizes, and add a few unique pieces, like these woven carrots and jumping bunnies from Decocrated, to draw attention!

Bunnies & birds (both from Decocrated) and a beautiful reminder to “live simply” make for clean, classic decor on your shelves. Natural elements like faux greenery and woodsy-looking filler in a glass bowl tie everything together and help bring the outdoors inside.

Hoppy spring! This sweet sign and bowl full of carrots from Decocrated are the perfect pieces to get you in the mood for Easter!

This gorgeous metal and wood tray is a stylish centerpiece for your kitchen counter or coffee table. Top with cute Easter decor, like this bunny statue, and a fake plant or candy bowl to complete the look.

We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s where all the good things happen! Cooking, eating, gathering with friends and family…this engraved cutting board in this wooden recipe book holder from Decocrated serves as an eye-catching decor piece for all of your kitchen endeavors.

Such adorable additions to the kitchen! This “hello spring” dish towel from Decocrated and this woven basket filled with pretty faux flowers adds a pop of fun femininity to your cooking space.

This tiered basket from Decocrated is perfect for the bathroom! It looks great on the countertop or on shelf, and you can stock it full of towels, beauty product jars and soap dispensers, and accents like a candle or faux plant to make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa!