Consider this a “halfway makeover” because I have big plans to make this wall and my latest furniture find way better.

But… if I had a nickel for every time I tripped over a backpack or shoe in our living room, I could probably build a mudroom from scratch by now. But alas, we live in a house that was built long before the concept of a “family drop zone” was even a thing.

There’s no entryway mudroom storage. No cubbies. Just a door from the garage that opens straight into the breakfast nook and living room and a bunch of belongings that somehow scatter like confetti every single afternoon.

But then one day, while scrolling Facebook Marketplace (as one does), I spotted it: the most beautiful antique armoire for a whopping $300.

It had those charming old wood doors, a worn patina, and a whole lot of potential. And in that moment, I had a light bulb moment. Who says an armoire can’t moonlight as a mudroom?

I still have plans to possibly pickle it or white wash it (maybe even black wash it or gel stain it) to neutralize that orange finish. And I’m toying with some other ideas for the entire living room (including the 3-stack of botanical art beside it). But for now, this is functional, and that’s what matters most.

Function > aesthetics

Where There’s a Wall, There’s a Way

We had this one blank wall in the back of the living room that wasn’t doing much. It wasn’t the grand entryway of my Pinterest dreams, but it was something.

So I measured, crossed my fingers, and messaged the seller. A few days later, that antique knockdown armoire was ours—and the makeshift mudroom magic began.

How We Transformed an Armoire Into the Ultimate Coat Closet

Let me tell you—this thing is working overtime now. We basically gave it a whole new job title.

Here’s how we made it functional:

• Labeled Baskets:
  Inside the armoire, I placed a storage basket for each family member and labeled them with our names with these gold clip label holders. It’s their personal drop zone for everything—keys, sunglasses, school papers, mystery rocks (if you know, you know). The other baskets I labeled for “hats” and “tote bags,” because apparently we own 37 of each.
• Hooks Galore:
  I installed antique style brass hooks on the back wall of the armoire and on the doors for jackets, bags, and scarves. Now, instead of backpacks ending up under the coffee table, they can neatly hang just a few steps from the door.

• Shoe Drawer Dividers:
  The bottom drawer got a little love too. I added simple drawer dividers to create shoe compartments. And yes, it has mostly helped cut down on the morning “Where are my shoes?!” chaos.
• Self-Check Mirrors:
  Just for fun (and function), I added small mirrors on the inside of each door. Now we can do a quick check for spinach in our teeth or bedhead before heading out the door. It’s the little things.

Not only does our new armoire coat closet keep the clutter off the floor, it looks like a curated piece of decor. Unlike open cubbies or plastic bins, it actually enhances the room instead of shouting, “We’re barely hanging on over here!”

And it closes. Which means when things inevitably get messy (because, life), I can shut the doors and pretend we have our act together.

That’s the beauty of choosing closed storage over open storage. (If you know your family won’t keep things tidy 100% all the time, closed storage is your best friend.)

Entryway Mudroom Storage Without a Mudroom

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a lack of entryway storage, but you don’t have a designated mudroom, an armoire might just be your golden ticket. You can create a fully functional family drop zone without needing to knock down walls or install custom built-ins.

It’s one of those storage solutions that makes me wonder: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Now, let’s hope by the time the school year rolls around, my kids will be trained to use it like we’ve had a mudroom all along. Fingers crossed.

Now the question is… what sort of makeover should I give it? White wash? Black wash? Gel stain? Paint? Or leave it be?

I’m thinking I want to tone down the orange while still allowing that pretty wood grain to shine, but there are lots of ways to make that happen.

Entryway Storage Cabinets for All Budgets

Here are more armoires and storage cabinets for all budgets, if you want to skip the thrifting route to buy new. (But I’m gonna be the encourager to shop secondhand first to be eco-friendly and stretch your budget further.)

1. White Louis XVI Armoire
2. Summerville Armoire
3. Moorland Cabinet
4. Finley Cabinet
5. Black Wood Mansell Cabinet
6. Chris Loves Julia Armoire
7. Everson Wood Cabinet
8. Ezra Glass Door Cabinet
9. Whitney Curtain Wood Hutch

P.S. If you’re hunting for an armoire of your own, Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove. I teach all of my FBMP shopping tricks in my DIY Decorator School™ course. You’d be amazed how many beautiful, solid wood pieces are just waiting to be repurposed into something practical and beautiful.

The post Our Entryway Storage Solution When We Have No Mudroom appeared first on Bless'er House.

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is here!

Today and tomorrow, I’ll be hosting Amazon gift card giveaways and my favorite things on sale in real-time on my Instagram Stories.

You can find my go-to Amazon Prime Day Deals Lists on my Amazon storefront. I’ll continue monitoring the deals and will update the list throughout the next 48 hours.

Friendly reminder: You don’t need to go broke on Amazon Prime Day (also telling myself that over here). If the deals help you, cool. But don’t feel pressured by social media today to spend for fear of missing out. In the end, it’s just stuff. It can be helpful, it can be fun, but in the big picture, there are far more important things.

Best Amazon Prime Day Deals 2025

Shop My Home Decor & Furniture Favorites

Hunter Fan Dempsey Ceiling Fan – $127 (was $149) These have been running constantly on our back porch this summer. The blades are reversible if you prefer a wood finish instead of white. They can be used indoors too.

Bubble Ball Semi-Flush Mount Light Fixture – $193 (was $269) We just put this light fixture in my office last year!

Real Touch Norfolk Pine Garland – $39 (was $58) with coupon | My favorite Christmas garland of all time! It looks and feels very real. I buy a little every year to keep increasing my stock pile. (One of these days, I’m just going to garland every room of this place.)

Half Price Drapes Velvet Curtains – $33 (was $45) We have these in 3 rooms! They come in 41 color options, so it’s easy to customize any room.

Loloi Rug – $117 (was $150) for 8×10 | After owning it for several years, this particular Loloi Rug is still the “magic rug that goes with everything”.

Velvet Swivel Chairs – $454 (was $579) Our media room chairs! They hug my back perfectly. Even though our kids use and abuse them, they still look like new.

Waffle Blanket – $21 (was $27) Our family fought so much over this blanket I had to buy a second one.

6 Piece Towel Set – $34 (was $57) As close to a super plush hotel towel as you’ll ever get at home. (I always buy white so that I can bleach them for extra cleanliness.)

Casper Original Memory Foam Mattress – $1,046 (was $1,495) for a queen | This mattress we bought for Regan rivals our much pricier Tempur-Pedic mattress! If I had to do it over again, I’d buy the Casper for our bed too.

Shop My Kitchen & Dining Favorites

Adjustable Barstools – $69 (was $89) I tried several different barstools before these. They’re sturdy, swiveling, adjustable, come in 6 different colors, and look so sleek.

Hobnail Drinking Glasses – $32 (was $42) So pretty and have a great weight to them!

Caraway Ceramic Bakeware Set – $355 (was $445) Totally impressed with this set I bought two years ago, but the best part is the organizer that comes with it. Genius!

Bentgo Modern Lunch Box – $26 (was $39) Just bought more of these for the girls before they head back to school! We’ve used them for years. No more need for plastic sandwich bags at our house.

Mueller Hand Blender Set – $23 (was $39) Comes in handy for so many recipes in the kitchen.

Melamine Dinnerware Set – $59 (was $79) Non-breakable plates that don’t LOOK like non-breakable plates. I never have to worry about my kids destroying them.

Shop My Outdoor Furniture & Decor Favorites

Solar Landscape Spot Lights – $52 (was $65) These have been going strong in front of our house for over 3 years! They look every bit as good as hardwired for way less $.

UV Treated Faux Ferns – $36 (was $76) Bought these last spring and still love them. Guests can’t even tell they’re fake.

Solar Deck Lights – $29 (was $49) We’re still big fans of these a year after installing them. They’re so bright and last through the wee hours of the morning.

No-Dig HVAC Privacy Screen Fence – $89 (was $109) We just used this to hide our unsightly pool pump in our backyard. Such a difference! It’s great for hiding HVAC systems in a yard too.

Shop My Cleaning & Organizing Favorites

Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket – $31 (was $39) Absolutely every single home everywhere should have one of these in their kitchen. You don’t want to use it, but you just never know.

Washing Machine Cleaner – $15 (was $19) I use this once a month to clean out the funk and keep our laundry smelling fresh.

Tineco Wet/Dry Vacuum – $179 (was $280) I gave this to my mom last year, and she loves it! Much easier than vacuuming and mopping separately.

Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum – $149 (was $219) Our go-to vacuum that has served us well for a long time.

Acrylic Wall Calendar & Notes Board – $269 (was $319) Seriously keeps our family sane! Especially during the school year, we use it constantly to organize schedules, important dates, reminders, and shopping lists.

Clear Stackable Storage Drawers – $15 (was $25) for a 2 pack | I use these everywhere for toiletries, cleaning supplies, school supplies, pantry items, you name it.

Vacuum Storage Bags – $23 (was $35) I never could have packed carry-on only in Europe for 12 days without these.

Delsey Carry-On 2-Piece Luggage Set – $441 (was $749) This luggage has been going strong for me since 2021. I saw them all over Paris and love how chic they look.

Shop My Tools, Tech & DIY Favorites

Portable Movie Projector Set – $89 (was $116) We love our backyard movie nights, especially as the evenings cool down in the fall! This setup is a great deal.

Samsung Frame TV with Bezel – $797 (was $1,497) Still so happy with our TV! You can read our full Frame TV review here. (I customized the bezel by adhering wooden half beads and spray painting it gold.)

Portable Wireless Printer – $66 (was $136) Easy to carry in a tote bag for work-on-the-go and requires no ink!

Paint Touch-Up Pens – $14 (was $19) I try to fill up one of these every time we finish a paint project to make fixing scuffs quick and easy later on.

Kodak Digital Film Scanner – $167 (was $209) I just got this and cannot wait to organize all of our family’s old (pre-digital era) photos!

Dewalt Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit – $129 (was $259) We use this on pretty much every single DIY project. It never fails.

Soundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker – $11 (was $22) Perfect if you love streaming music while you get ready in the bathroom every day.

Black and Decker Mouse Detail Sander – $30 (was $44) If you ever want to refinish furniture, this is the ultimate must-have. (And the perfect beginner power tool.)

Shop My Health & Beauty Favorites

Neutrogena Sunscreen 3-Pack – $26 (was $39) My go-to sunscreen all summer! I just stocked up. It’s my favorite because it’s so light without feeling greasy.

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse – $30 (was $44) My tried and true self tanner I always come back to.

L’Ange Volume 2-in-1 Blow Dryer Brush – $48 (was $69) I have very fine, flat hair, but this always gives it a volume boost like I just went to the salon.

Mary Ruth Probiotics – $18 (was $29) Our whole family has used this for the past 2 years and it has helped our digestion immensely! It seems to have boosted our immune systems too. Whenever we run out, we feel bloated and tend to catch colds, so it must be doing something right. I never start the school year without it.

Hanging MakeUp Bag – $9 (was $22) So handy for travel especially, but I use it every day too.

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips – $29 (was $44) Finally whitening strips that don’t feel like your teeth are on fire! These don’t work quite as fast as Crest White Strips, but they are very effective without the sensitivity pain. Very happy with them.

EltaMD Tinted Face Sunscreen – $36 (was $46) A little goes a long way with this stuff; I’ve used the same bottle for several months. Best lightweight, non-greasy daily sunscreen with just enough tint to go without makeup.

L’Ange Glass Hair Thermal Blowout Primer – $20 (was $30) So helpful to combat the frizz in the summer humidity! Makes my hair shiny and soft.

I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled over the next couple of days for our go-to home, furniture, organization, tools, tech, and health/beauty items we use and recommend. As long as it helps you, that’s what I’m here for.

The commercialism of Prime Day gives me the “ick” sometimes honestly, but then I know it also helps people trying to get things they need for their families within a budget.

You can get deeper discounts by checking Lightning Deals here to get discounts on top of the deals.

I hope it helps!

I’ll keep an eye out for more. Any you need help finding?

More Amazon Resources for Home

• Best Luxury for Less Amazon Curtains & Window Shades in 2025
• Best Beds on Amazon for Designer Style on a Budget
• Best Luxury for Less Amazon Outdoor Decor and Patio Furniture
• Best Bar Stools for a Kitchen Island from Amazon
• The Best Wireless Lights from Amazon
• Best Battery Operated Christmas Lights from Amazon

The post All the Best Amazon Prime Day Deals 2025 (Frequently Updated List) appeared first on Bless'er House.

Our hallway makeover has been a gradual project over the past couple of years—one of those “work on it as we go” kinds of spaces. You know the ones. It’s not a room you really hang out in, but it still deserves a little love because it sets the tone for the rooms around it.

Eight years ago, this hallway was… well, rough. Beige walls. Not much character. And a huge attic fan smack dab in the ceiling that made me cringe every time I walked under it. That old thing was noisy, clunky, and definitely not cute.

Plus, it leaked heat into our house in the summer and cold air into our house in the winter. I won’t even mention how many times I caught spiders hanging down from it. Ew.

Some say we’re crazy for removing it because so many people love their attic fans, but I say good riddance.

Last year, we finally said goodbye to the attic fan (hallelujah!), but it left behind a giant scar of drywall patchwork on the ceiling. We’ve been staring at that eyesore ever since, just waiting for the right idea to hit us.

We went back and forth trying to figure out what kind of ceiling treatment would give this hallway some much-needed character without overwhelming the narrow space. Beadboard? Maybe. Pressed tin? Beautiful, but a little too ornate for what we had in mind.

In the end, tongue and groove won the debate.

It’s subtle, timeless, and adds just enough texture to make the ceiling feel intentional. Plus, if all goes well, I’m hoping we can run it right over the attic access door to help it blend in a little more. Fingers crossed.

So I placed some images on top of a photo of our hallway to see how it would look. I cannot wait! It’s even better than what I envisioned in my head.

(By the way, you can learn all of my mood boarding tricks here. I highly recommend it to “try on” ideas before you buy them so you don’t waste time and money making mistakes.)

The Color Plan: Willowleaf Love Continues

Ever since we painted our foyer and staircase wainscoting in Sherwin Williams Willowleaf, I’ve been itching to carry that color into the upstairs hallway. It’s the most perfect soft olive green—moody but fresh—and it adds just enough drama without feeling dark or heavy.

To test it out, I asked ChatGPT to help me visualize it in our hallway. (Technology is wild, y’all.) And when I saw it… I gasped. It was exactly the cozy, elevated look I had in my head.

So we’re continuing Willowleaf on the hallway wainscoting and even painting the doors to match. The rest of the walls and ceiling will stay crisp white to keep things feeling light and airy.

(Get my ChatGPT Room Visualizer prompt here.)

Found Treasures and Design Surprises

You know I love a good Facebook Marketplace score, and I struck gold with a pair of vintage-style sconces I found for a steal! We installed them recently, and they add such a pretty glow to the space at night.

We’re also keeping the large antique mirror we found years ago—it’s one of my favorite finds ever. It bounces light around beautifully and adds a sense of history that works so well with the other elements in the space.

Related: Best Places to Do Antique Shopping Online for Furniture & Home Decor

And for a little surprise pop? I’m jumping on the Unexpected Red Theory train again. I put a red rug in our foyer to pop against the Willowleaf walls, and it is absolute perfection.

I found the most gorgeous red vintage style runner rug that will run the length of the hallway and add that chef’s kiss layer of interest to keep the space from feeling too polished.

The Hallway Mood Board

To pull everything together visually, I made a quick mood board to give you a peek at the hallway makeover plan:

Our Hallway Makeover Elements:

• Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Willowleaf (wainscoting + doors)
• Ceiling Treatment: Tongue and groove planks
• Lighting: Secondhand vintage-style brass sconces
• Mirror: Antique Facebook Marketplace find
• Runner Rug: Red vintage-style, for a pop of color
• Walls + Ceiling: Clean white for balance
• Indoor Tree and planter
• Flush Mount Light Fixtures
• Vase

I plan to add some art from the Bless’er House Art Collection to create a small gallery wall too.

It’s a simple formula but feels classic and layered. And best of all, we’ve been taking our time to make thoughtful updates that feel right for this home.

I’ll be sharing more soon as we tackle the tongue and groove ceiling install (wish us luck), but I’m already so excited to see how it’s all coming together.

If you’re working on your own hallway makeover, I rounded up some of my favorite hallway decorating ideas in this post to help you get started with small changes that make a big impact.

More soon!

More Hallway Decorating Tips

• 8 Small Hallway Decorating Ideas to Make Your Space Look Bigger
• How to Replace an Attic Door String With a Hook
• How to Hide a Thermostat Without Affecting Its Performance

The post Hallway Makeover: Our Mood Board and Plans! appeared first on Bless'er House.

Core memory unlocked: backyard movie night! Over the years, hosting an outdoor movie night in the backyard has become one of our family’s favorite ways to make memories together. 

My favorite time of year is when the air gets crisp, the bugs calm down, and the sun starts setting earlier to create the perfect environment for watching outdoor movies with friends and family.

If you’ve ever wanted to host a movie experience in your own backyard, this post has you covered.

How to Set Up a Backyard Movie Night on a Budget

A while back, when I shared how we made a DIY outdoor projector screen using just a cheap shower curtain on our back porch, I had a ton of messages asking for all the details about our outdoor movie projector screen set up.

So I thought it was the perfect time to walk y’all through it.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. (Full disclosure)

Equipment

• 5G Wifi Bluetooth 4K Projector
• 120 Inch 4K Portable Projector Screen with Stand
• Fire TV Stick 4K
• 3 Outlet 50ft Outdoor Extension Cord
• (optional) Adjustable Tripod Stand
• (optional) JBL Bluetooth Speaker

Since last year, I’ve done a lot more research on projectors and outdoor projector screens to determine the most bang for our buck. And I managed to pull together an excellent quality movie experience for around $400!

I figured out a few alternatives to make it even cheaper than that too.

Best Projector on a Budget for a Backyard Movie Night

There are several outdoor-rated projectors that are specifically designed to weather the elements, some even with solar power capabilities.

But not a single projector I found was less than $600, and I just can’t see spending that steep amount for a casual family backyard movie night, especially since we likely wouldn’t watch an outdoor movie in the rain anyway.

UPDATE: The exact projector we used is no longer available, so I have linked a similar one of equal quality.

After lots of comparing, this projector from Amazon beat them all with over 1,000 5-star reviews for around $60 (make sure to click the coupon) without sacrificing the bells and whistles for a great user experience like:

• 5G wifi
• Bluetooth
• 4K
• Dolby sound
• iOS/Android pairing capabilities
• 9500 lumens to be viewable in brighter light

The projector does need a power cord so I’ll explain how we set that up later in this post.

Outdoor Projector Screen

We use this 120-inch 4K outdoor projector screen for $104 for larger 160 degree viewing and results in a clear, high resolution picture with richer colors versus the homemade route we used before.

Cheaper Screen Alternative

If you want a really cheap alternative to a store-bought outdoor projector screen, you can see this post for a DIY projector screen repurposing a shower curtain liner and bungee cords for around $20.

How to Stream Movies onto a Projector

The easiest method we’ve found to stream movies onto a projector is with an Amazon Fire TV Stick for about $50.

Cheaper Streaming Alternative

Just the basic $30 Fire TV Stick Lite works completely fine too, if you don’t mind sacrificing the 4K picture quality and Dolby Vision.

Setup: Just plug the Fire TV Stick receiver into the HD-2 port into the back of the projector.

Select HD-2 on your projector’s menu screen, and follow the directions from your Fire TV Stick manual to register your device and sign in to whatever streaming services you prefer – Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, AppleTV, ESPN, etc.

How to Position and Power Your Projector

We chose to use this adjustable laptop tripod for $36 so we could easily raise and lower the projector as needed to best fit the outdoor projector screen.

Cheaper Projector Stand Alternative

Just a simple stool or small table you already have will work totally fine if you don’t mind sacrificing the ease of adjustability.

To get power to the projector, we just used a long outdoor extension cord. Make sure to use a cord with at least 2 ports to plug in the Fire TV Stick along with the projector for movie streaming.

We are still in a waiting period for our backyard fence replacement, so while we wait for power in our backyard added onto the new fence, we ran the outdoor extension cord behind our fence…

…and up to our porch to plug into our back porch outlet.

We made sure to place it where no one would trip over it. That’s not ideal, but it works. Just keep tripping hazards in mind when running an extension cord and always store it out of your yard when not in use.

Setting Up an Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker (Optional)

You definitely can get away with only using your projector speaker and forgoing this Bluetooth speaker step without any additional cost.

If you need to increase the volume of your projector or want the flexibility of directing the sound from your movie closer to your viewing audience, you can pair the projector to a portable Bluetooth speaker. Follow the steps on the projector menu for Bluetooth pairing.

We used this JBL Flip speaker for a volume boost and placed it in the middle of our seating area. Depending on how loud you need the movie experience to be, you can utilize speakers as loud as this JBL boombox with 20,000mAh.

That’s the set up! And now you can enjoy a fun-filled backyard movie night.

It really is one of our favorite ways to spend time with family and friends making memories during this season.

Do you recognize this movie we watched?

Seating

We like to set out any and all patio chairs or beach chairs we own in case people don’t bring their own. Here is a post with some of our favorite outdoor furniture. 

In case it gets chilly later in the evening, we keep a big stack of blankets on our back porch for anyone to grab for sitting in the grass or snuggling under to warm up. 

For a birthday slumber party for Olivia one year, we even set up air mattresses to let her friends have an outdoor theater experience camp out on our back porch in September. It was a total hit! We just added some twinkle lights for extra magic. 

Honestly, I kind of wanted to be 8 years old again. See more slumber party ideas here. (For younger kids, it would be so cute to set up large cardboard boxes decorated like cars for a drive in movie theme.)

Lighting

Hanging a few outdoor string lights in a section of the yard away from the movie screen is helpful in case anyone needs to get up in the middle of the dark movie to get snacks or take a bathroom break. Or use these solar powered walkway lights to light a path for party guests.

To keep kids occupied since their attention spans are shorter, it’s fun to hand out glow sticks (I usually can find a whole tube of them in the Target Dollar Spot or at the dollar store). 

Timing

Plan for your crowd to arrive about an hour before sunset so that everyone can get settled with snacks, drinks, seats, and the kids can run around in the yard or on the playground to get their jitters out. 

The lighting for the outdoor movie is usually best a few minutes after sunset (we just refer to the day’s weather forecast for sunset times to send invites set for an hour prior). 

Backyard Movie Night Snacks

Best Popcorn Machines

The most budget-friendly popcorn maker for the most delicious popcorn is the Whirley Pop (it won a taste test here) that makes it just like movie theater popcorn on the stovetop.

You have to babysit the pot a little bit while turning the crank, but it makes a fluffy popcorn portion equivalent to 3 standard microwave bags in about 3 minutes. 

After a few years of outdoor movie night hosting, we finally sprung for this larger popcorn machine that we can set on a tabletop or countertop for people to serve themselves into these paper popcorn boxes.

These popcorn flavorings make it even better to set up at a popcorn bar for people to personalize. 

More Snack Ideas

S’mores – If we’re hosting a backyard movie on a chilly night, we usually light a fire and set out a tray with s’mores ingredients: graham crackers, cookies, marshmallows, Reese’s cups, and Hershey bars. 

These retractable marshmallow skewers are next level.

If you don’t have a real life fire pit, we love this tabletop fire pit you can simply place on an outdoor table. 

Candy – We can usually just pick up movie theater style candy at the dollar store: M&Ms, Skittles, Whoppers, Twizzlers or Red Vines, Gummy Worms, Milk Duds, Junior Mints, and Raisinets. If we feel like prepping, we’ve even put together baggies with assorted wrapped fun-sized candy inside to hand out.

Hot Drinks – If it’s a chilly night, we love setting out a big batch of hot apple cider, cocoa, or hot buttered rum (for the adults) in a slow cooker for people to ladle into their cups. 

Cold Drinks – People usually just bring their own cold drinks, but we put bottled water and sodas in this rolling cooler in case anyone needs some. For the adult crowd, I sometimes make a batch of sangria in a drink dispenser so they can serve themselves. 

More Movie Night Snack Bar Ideas:

• Nachos
• Chex Mix 
• Candied Pecans
• Chips and French Onion Dip
• Chips and Salsa / Guacamole
• Pizza

Crowd-Pleaser Outdoor Movies to Watch

If you need some movie recommendations, here is our huge list of the 100 Best Outdoor Movies to Watch for a Backyard Movie Night.

Here are some back porch movie night decorating ideas we did for a backyard movie night too that helps make the entire experience even more magical.

Got any good movies that are crowd favorites and perfect for crisp, cool nights?

More Backyard Entertaining Ideas

• Fall Porch DIY Outdoor Movie Screen and DIY S’mores Table
• Backyard DIY Fire Pit Done in a Weekend
• DIY Hidden Backyard Beer Garden
• Our Modular Outdoor Kitchen Built in a Day!

The post How to Set Up a Backyard Movie Night on a Budget appeared first on Bless'er House.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years of having a swimming pool in our backyard, it’s how to host a swim party on a large scale.

In any given weekend, especially in the summer, our backyard often has an average of 30 people in it for Labor Day, July 4th, family reunions, a random Friday night, you name it.

This week, our girls have been asking for a pool party for their upcoming birthdays after school starts.

So I realized maybe it would help if I shared some of our backyard party prep tips with resources we use and a swim party checklist to make every event go as smoothly as possible.

Pool Party Theme Ideas

Not every swim party has to have a theme to make it a great time. But it’s fun to put out a few colorful banners and decorations to make it feel special.

Above, we did a “Sunny Days Ahead” end-of-the-school-year bash a few years ago for the teachers in our community.

Wrapping paper makes great, inexpensive table decor and hanging bunting is a great way to add a lot of “wow” factor on the cheap. If you want to have fresh flowers, get them wholesale in bulk to save money.

One year, we hosted a poolside fiesta taco party as a baby shower.

Here are more pool party theme ideas if you need help brainstorming.

• Hawaiian Luau / Tiki Party
• Beach
• Under the Sea / Mermaid
• Nautical
• Pirate
• Mexican Fiesta
• Shark / Jaws
• Rubber Duck
• Patriotic
• Flamingo
• Barbecue Picnic
• Sports

Pool Floats

We love carrying a party theme with a few floats we toss into the pool. For kids’ birthday parties, we usually buy a big multi-pack of small kiddie floats that everyone can take home as a party favor. It works perfectly as double-duty for decor and a pool party favor idea people can actually use during the party.

Below, we did a flamingo themed birthday party when our oldest daughter turned 5, and the kids all got to take home their flamingo float when the party was over. (By the way, can you believe how much our pool area has changed since then?! Those DIY backyard projects have paid off over the years.)

Crowd Pleaser Pool Floats for Swim Parties

We love having pool floats as party favors that guests can use during the party and take home with them afterwards. So we get theme-y with them. Bonus: they double as decor!

• Motorized Pool Tube (We have two of these that the kids love to race. It’s always a hit.)
• Nautical Stripe Noodle Sling (These are so comfortable and especially a hit for crowds of adults to relax in.)
• Stars and Stripes Inflatable Tube
• Cozy Coupe Float (So cute for a toddler pool party!)
• Flamingo Ride-On Float
• Unicorn Glitter Float
• Duck Baby Boat Float
• Illuminated Tube (Perfect for a night swim party.)

Water Testing

Before every big pool party, it’s important to do a quick water test to make sure it’s safe and clean. Leslie’s Pool Supplies has free in-store water testing available.

Each water test takes only 60 seconds and includes a customized treatment plan so you know exactly what you need to take care of your pool.

They also have free in-store pool cleaner inspection and repair, if you ever need help from a pool expert.

Pool Party Games and Toys

To keep everyone entertained, we like having a few swim games and pool toys set up for anyone to play with. If you enjoy having some structure to the party, plan a pool relay race, Minute to Win It games, or creative diving contests.

Keep a stash of goggles handy, especially for kids who love diving for underwater toys.

Here are more pool games and pool toys that are a big hit.

• BULZiBUCKET Toss Game
• 3-in-1 Basketball and Volleyball Game (Perfect if you’re hosting a sports themed pool party)
• Tic Tac Toe Floating Game
• Inflatable Cornhole Game
• Chicken Fight Game (So much fun for middle school / high school aged kids)
• Waterproof Playing Card Deck (Great for adult pool parties if people just want to relax)
• Floating Pong Game
• Swim-Through Underwater Pool Hoops
• Diving Toy Variety Pack Set

Backyard Games

There are often non-swimming party attendees who still appreciate when backyard games are supplied that don’t require getting wet.

These lawn games are popular favorites.

• Backyard Bocce Ball Set
• Giant 4-in-a-Row Game
• Golf Chipping Game
• Slammo Game Set
• Ladder Toss

Backyard Seating & Tables

Ideally, it’s good to have a seat available for each person invited to a pool party, especially if a meal is being served. In the past, we have rented extra tables and chairs from local vendors or borrowed tables and chairs from friends.

These are our favorite outdoor patio furnishings we’ve owned for the last few years.

Shade

Summer backyard parties can get miserably hot pretty quickly without shade, so we like to keep a few patio umbrellas and canopies set up.

It’s nice to run a plug-in outdoor caged fan or two on the unbearably hot days near seating areas, especially for non-swimming guests to stay cool.

Best Pool Party Songs & Playlist

It’s totally worth having a waterproof outdoor Bluetooth speaker to set an upbeat atmosphere.

We have a Pool Party Playlist on Spotify just for those backyard hangouts timed at 3 hours and 45 minutes, the average time length of a pool party. The Pool Party station on Pandora is great too.

This waterproof XL RockBox Party Speaker comes with a light show, 20-hour battery life, and bass-boosting sound to be heard throughout a large backyard area.

Here are some pool party songs guests love.

• “Rockaway Beach” by The Ramones
• “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters
• “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris
• “Steal My Sunshine” by LEN
• “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
• “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys
• “Sunshine” by OneRepublic
• “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and The Wailers

Tiki Torches & Bug Repellent

From spring to fall, we have our yard sprayed monthly by a local pest control company to reduce the presence of mosquitos and biting/stinging insects. But it’s a good idea to keep tiki torches and citronella candles burning on tabletops around the pool area to reduce bug bites even further.

Pool Lighting

If you’re planning a glow swim party, hang a few string lights around the perimeter of your pool on cables for extra light and ambiance. Add some illuminated LED pool floats for fun.

You can also get a floating underwater light show with a fountain.

Pool Party Food Favorites

Our family’s goal for backyard parties is always casual, inexpensive, and food for both kids and adults. Whether it’s a taco bar or pizza spread we can quickly schedule for food delivery or easy grab-and-go items we can cook on the grill as everyone plays, these have proven to work for rowdy crowds.

Pool Party Food Favorites to Feed a Crowd:

• Taco / Fajita Bar
• Nacho Bar
• Delivery Pizzas or Build-Your-Own Pizza Bar
• Hot Dogs and Brats Bar
• Hamburger Bar
• Sandwich and Salad Bar
• Meat and Veggie Kebabs
• Lowcountry Boil
• Wings
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Fruit Tray with Yogurt Dip
• Veggie Platter with Ranch Dip
• Southern Barbecue

Beverage Station

Keeping a cooler stocked with water, juice, and soda is always a good idea. Make it extra fun with a floating cooler caddy. We usually set up a separate “adult drinks” station with beer on ice and a cocktail I make for a crowd to serve themselves as they wish from a drink dispenser.

(Never use glass by the pool since the only way to completely remove it is to drain the pool. We like using these acrylic tumblers, wine “glasses”, and pitcher that only look like glass for backyard parties.)

Here are some crowd-pleaser poolside cocktails you can serve in a pitcher or drink dispenser:

• Sangria
• Mojitos
• Margaritas on the Rocks
• Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
• Blue Hawaiian Party Punch

Sunscreen Basket

Help guests prevent sunburns by filling a basket or bin with sunscreen. Include different levels of SPF for body, face, and kid/baby-friendly so everyone has access to what they need.

Extra Towels

Even when asking guests to bring their own towels, someone inevitably forgets. It helps to have a basket full of guest towels available for people to grab and use as they need.

Our household has one set of 14 identical striped pool towels so we can always tell at a glance which ones should stay at our house.

Swim Party Planning Checklist

To help you prepare for any backyard parties you have coming up, you can download or print our swimming pool party planning checklist below.

Have you ever hosted a big pool birthday party or backyard party? Got any DIY pool party ideas or other recommendations you would add to the list? Whatever makes the job easier so that we can relax and enjoy is always a plus.

The post Swim Party Checklist and Backyard Party Planning Tips appeared first on Bless'er House.

I don’t know if it’s the fireflies, the twinkle lights, or the fact that we can now roast marshmallows out here, but this back porch of ours has officially turned into my favorite room. And yes, I said room—because it honestly feels like an extension of our home now. Our very own outdoor living room.

Back when we bought our house in 2013, one of the biggest selling points for us was the big back porch. I remember standing out there during our first walkthrough and dreaming about what it could be. But, like so many home projects, it took time—a lot of it. Over the past 8 years, we’ve chipped away at it one layer at a time.

And now? We’ve finally achieved the vision we had all those years ago.

Rug | Furniture Set | Outdoor Coffee Table (similar) | Day Bed | Mosquito Net Curtains | Outdoor Ceiling Fans | Fire Bowl | Solar Lamps | Greek Key Pillow Cover | Floral Pillow Cover | Blue Pillow Cover | Floral Fringe Pillow Cover | Green Block Print Pillow Cover | Outdoor Pillow Inserts

This week, I hung mosquito net curtains on tension rods around the porch (to keep the bugs out and add a romantic, breezy vibe), and something about it made me stop in my tracks. It was the final touch. The cherry on top. I sat on the porch that night with a glass of iced tea and realized… this is it. This is what we pictured.

If you’re dreaming about creating your own outdoor living room, here’s how we made ours a reality—bit by bit, weekend by weekend.

Our DIY Outdoor Living Room Makeover Projects

1. Painted the Porch Ceiling – Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue

We started with the ceiling—because every good Southern porch deserves a “haint blue” sky overhead. Palladian Blue was the perfect soft, airy shade that gives the whole space a peaceful, open feel.

Related: The Best Haint Blue Paint Colors for Porch Ceilings

2. Limewashed the Brick – Romabio Bianco White

The orange brick felt a little heavy for the vibe we were going for, so we lightened it up with a coat of Romabio limewash. It instantly gave the space a timeless, cottage-y feel without completely covering up the texture we loved.

Related: How to Clean and Maintain Limewashed Brick

3. Painted the Doors and Windows – Behr Cracked Pepper

To add some contrast and make the windows and doors pop, we gave them a moody, dramatic refresh with Behr Cracked Pepper. It’s that perfect “not quite black” shade that still feels cozy.

Related: The Best Time-Saving Trick for Painting French Doors

4. Refinished the Deck – Behr Taupe Stain

The original deck boards were showing their age, so we sanded them down and gave them a driftwood-inspired stain that complements the soft neutrals we’ve used throughout.

5. Built a DIY Outdoor Electric Fireplace

We needed a focal point—and nothing sets the tone for an outdoor living room like a fireplace. We built one using electric logs so we can flip it on with a remote, and it adds the coziest glow on cool nights.

Related: Easy DIY Plaster Fireplace With Electric Insert

6. Repurposed a Daybed With a Waterproof Cover

I dreamed of having a bed swing out here, but the porch ceiling wasn’t built to support the weight of one. So we had the idea to repurpose a daybed instead and encased the mattress in a waterproof cover. Now it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book or sneak in a weekend nap.

7. Added Rattan Furniture from Walmart

Believe it or not, this conversation set has been going strong for over four years. We arranged the chairs and loveseat in a U-shape around the fireplace to make it feel like a real room, perfect for actual conversations.

Related: Our Walmart Patio Furniture Review (How It All Held Up Years Later)

8. Upgraded the Outdoor Ceiling Fans

This is probably the most practical upgrade we made. Outdoor fans keep the air moving, which keeps the heat and bugs at bay. Total game-changer.

9. Hung String Lights for Ambience

String lights are the easiest way to create instant magic. They cast the prettiest soft glow that makes every evening feel a little more special—even if we’re just out here with grocery store pizza and juice boxes.

Related: How to Hang String Lights Anywhere in Your Backyard

10. Rolled Out an Outdoor Rug

I love coming out here barefoot with a cup of coffee in the mornings, so having a soft outdoor rug underfoot is the best feeling. It helps define the “room” and makes the space feel finished.

Related: DIY Floral Block Outdoor Rug

11. Tossed in Some Outdoor Pillows

A pop of pattern and color never hurts. I grabbed a few outdoor pillows from Amazon to tie in our accent colors and make the furniture even more inviting.

Related: My Favorite Outdoor Throw Pillows from Amazon

12. Added a Fire Bowl

It gives us a little extra warmth on cool evenings, and the flame keeps mosquitos away too. Bonus: perfect for impromptu s’mores nights.

Related: How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit in a Weekend

13. Brought in a Few Plants

Even just a couple of potted plants or ferns can soften hard edges and make an outdoor space feel lush and lived in.

Related: 40 Best Faux Outdoor Plants for Porches

14. Hung Mosquito Net Curtains

These outdoor curtains were the final touch (and a revival of a project I did years ago). I popped them up on tension rods around the porch so we can close them in the evening. Not only do they keep the bugs out, but they add this light, floaty elegance that reminds me of a five-star beach resort.

Related: Simple & Cheap Outdoor Curtains for a Bug-Free Porch

15. Added Solar Lamps

These floor lamps are meant for porches and patios! They’re solar and add a cozy indoorsy feeling outdoors.

Design Tips for Creating Your Own Outdoor Living Room

• Think in “zones.” Treat your porch or patio like a real room. Define seating areas, add lighting, and use rugs to separate spaces visually.
• Blend comfort with durability. Waterproof covers, fade-resistant fabrics, and bug-repelling touches make outdoor spaces both livable and low-maintenance.
• Layer for charm. Plants, textiles, and a mix of materials (rattan, wood, metal) keep the space from feeling flat or generic.
• Make it functional. Whether it’s hosting friends, enjoying your morning coffee, or reading a book during naptime, your space should serve you.

Rug | Furniture Set | Outdoor Coffee Table (similar) | Day Bed | Mosquito Net Curtains | Outdoor Ceiling Fans | Fire Bowl | Solar Lamps | Greek Key Pillow Cover | Floral Pillow Cover | Blue Pillow Cover | Floral Fringe Pillow Cover | Green Block Print Pillow Cover | Outdoor Pillow Inserts

It took nearly a decade to get here, but this DIY outdoor living room feels like a dream realized. It’s where we gather, unwind, laugh, snack, plan, and just be.

And honestly? That’s the best kind of home extension there is.

If you’re thinking about creating your own outdoor oasis, I hope this gives you a little spark of inspiration. Start small. Add a piece here and there. One day, you’ll look up and realize you’ve built something beautiful.

And the best part? It didn’t come from a catalog. It came from you.

More Porch Decorating Ideas

• 6 Small Front Porch Ideas on a Budget
• Cheap DIY Outdoor Movie Screen for a Back Porch
• How to Keep Mosquitos Away from Your Porch and Patio

The post How We Extended Our Home With a DIY Outdoor Living Room appeared first on Bless'er House.

A round up of the best Amazon curtains and window shades with tips for how to hang curtains and choose the right length for a room.

There are three magical little things that can make a room feel polished and put together: a great rug, amazing lighting, and the right window treatments.

My favorite Amazon curtains hung all over our home’s windows do exactly that.

Homerilla Curtains

This brand is on the new-ish side and definitely growing in popularity (for good reason). I now have Homerilla curtains in 3 rooms of our home. My favorite thing about them is they arrive “pre-trained”, meaning they come right out of the box already pressed with those beautiful clean pleat lines ready to hang. I don’t even have to steam out any wrinkles!

We used the Homerilla Lille linen curtains in our bedroom in the color Pure Cashmere Light Grey.

We have the Homerilla Vol velvet curtains in the color Dark Jungle Green our media room and have been very happy with how luxe they look.

These curtains have a slight edge over the others because they arrive already trained and come with hooks and rings already included.

Cons: The only downside is they’re only available in solid colors. There aren’t any pattern options for Homerilla.

Two Pages Curtains

If you follow home decorating accounts on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the “famous” Amazon drapes brand called Two Pages Curtains that look exactly like high-end custom designer linen curtains from Pottery Barn for way less than the real thing. 

When I was on the lookout for luxury looking curtains for less than the high-end kind for our dining room, I stumbled upon these gorgeous lined faux linen pinch pleat curtains and they instantly made the room feel bigger and brighter! 

Be aware that with the classic pinch pleat drapery style, you do have to order curtain rings to work with the drapery hooks. Unlike, Homerilla, there are pattern options available.

Tip: You can order fabric swatches to see samples in person, if you need help choosing the right color and texture. 

You can also customize designs with liners (blackout / privacy), header types (pinch pleat / grommet / rod pocket / back tab), and exact width and length measurements. 

Mine are longer so that they softly puddle, and I chose beige white faux linen with a room darkening liner that darkens the dining room about 70% of the way (not blackout) when closed. 

Con: They still are on the pricey side if you’re used to buying $30 curtains from Target, but for the customizations, liners, and tailoring, it is still cheaper than most custom curtains out there.

Half Price Drapes

The quality is so good for the price that I’ve even gotten the same brand Blackforest Green velvet curtains and in our guest bedroom and London Blue velvet curtains a couple years later to change up the color scheme.

Even though we chose room darkening, they don’t let in much light at all, which is great! The velvet offers a little noise reduction as well since it helps absorb sound, resulting in a good night’s sleep.

We have multiple sets of Amazon window curtains from Half Price Drapes in several rooms of our house over the years. Various sizes are available including extra wide width if you have large windows.

We used these white velvet pleated curtains in our primary bedroom and home office in the past, and we absolutely loved them! They are less expensive than Half Price Drapes and Homerilla.

Cons: One of our white curtain panels did arrive with a little smudge of dirt on it, which was disappointing, but it wasn’t super noticeable or a dealbreaker for me. We’ve ordered 20 curtain panels from them total over the years, and that one smudged panel seems to have been a fluke.

There aren’t quite as many customization options as Two Pages Curtains or Homerilla and they’re not quite as polished, but HPD’s broad range of colors is gorgeous!

We’ve had the faux linen curtains from Half Price Drapes in our living room, and while I do like them, I would buy the faux linen curtains from the Two Pages brand, if I could do it over again.

The faux linen fabric from Half Price Drapes is stiff and doesn’t have as nice of a weight to it as Two Pages.

How to Hang Curtains

When hanging curtains, it’s best to hang them “high and wide”.

Usually for me, that means hanging curtains about 12″-18″ from each side of window trim and 2-3″ below the crown molding so windows feel open and ceilings feel taller.

How Long Should Curtains Be?

For a polished look: Curtain panels should be no shorter than 1/2″ above the floor.

For a casual look: Curtain panels should kiss the floor at just 2 inches longer than the distance to the floor.

For a dramatic, romantic look: Curtain panels can puddle at the floor at 6-10″ more than the length to the floor.

I always gravitate toward curtains with pleated tops versus rod pockets or tab topped curtains. You can also cut curtain tabs off and hang them using ring clips for a more polished, high-end look.

These are all of highest rated Amazon curtains, curtain rods, and window shades that could definitely pass as their designer look-a-likes.

Best Amazon Curtains

1. Faux Linen Pinch Pleated Drapes
2. Extra Wide Faux Linen Room Darkening
3. Yellow Floral Linen Curtain
4. Sage Green Thermal Insulated
5. White Plush Velvet
6. Chambray Pinch Pleat Room Darkening
7. Windowpane Plaid
8. Gray Thermal Insulated
9. Textured Linen Semi Sheer
10. Forest Green Blackout Velvet
11. White Blackout Thermal Insulated
12. Dark Gray Faux Linen
13. Navy Extra Wide Blackout Velvet
14. Beige Faux Linen Blackout Pinch Pleat
15. Jouy Paradis Cotton Panel
16. Room Darkening Green Paisley Print
17. Blue Toile Cotton Panel
18. Thermal Blackout Sliding Door Curtains
19. Buffalo Check Blackout Curtains
20. Equinoxe Print Cotton Panel

Best Amazon Curtain Rods

We have used several of these curtain rods from Amazon over the years as well and have been very happy with all of them.

1. Nickel with Cylinder Finials
2. Black with Marble End Caps
3. Gold with Clear Square Finials
4. Blackout Rod
5. Faux Wood with End Caps
6. Black with Square Finials
7. Nickel with End Caps
8. Gold with Acrylic Ball
9. Brushed Nickel with Modern Finials
10. Black with Classic Ball Finials
11. Gold with Doorknob Finials
12. Gold with Cylinder Finials
13. Gold with End Caps
14. Acrylic with Gold End Caps
15. Black with Wood and Gold Cylinder Finials
16. Gold with Marble Ball
17. Bronze Blackout Rod
18. Brushed Nickel Double Blackout Rod
19. Gold Double Rod
20. Black Double Rod

Best Amazon Window Shades

If you need help pairing curtains with window shades, I love the look of combining both. If Amazon bedroom curtains you love don’t come with a blackout liner option, window shades can be a way around that.

1. Ivory Cordless Roman Shade
2. Light Filtering Bamboo Shade
3. Cordless Bamboo Shade in Gray/Brown
4. Bamboo Shades in Fox
5. Cordless Bamboo Shade in Driftwood
6. Blue Thermal Insulated Roman Shade
7. Natural Linen Roman Shade
8. Gray Linen Roman Shade
9. Cordless Bamboo Shades in Whitewash
10. Cordless Bamboo Shades in Tuscan
11. Light Filtering Bamboo Shade
12. Bamboo Shades in Squirrel

Do you have any Amazon curtains in your house that you rave about? We’re always needing recommendations for future room makeovers!

You can see more ideas for dressing up your windows below.

Window Decor Ideas

• DIY Window Trim – The Easy Way Without Miter Cuts
• Window Film Ideas to Create Decorative Glass Around Your Home for Less
• DIY Built In Cabinets and Window Seat
• DIY Window Box from Repurposed Scrap Wood
• DIY Window Seat From a Kitchen Cabinet

Frequently Asked Questions

Do curtains make a room look bigger or smaller?

Curtains are a key element to making a room look bigger. By hanging curtains 12-18″ wider than a window and hanging curtains slightly taller than the top of the window height, you create the illusion of a larger room. Hanging curtains “high and wide” makes windows look bigger too.

How much wider should curtains be than the window?

Curtains should be at least 2 times the width of your window. If your window is 30″ wide, your curtain panels should be at least 60″ wide. If your curtain panels are too narrow, hang two or three curtain panels side by side on each side of the curtain rod to fake the look of one wide panel.

Should all rooms in a house have the same curtains?

That is totally up to your personal preference, but there is no rule that says you should have the same curtains in every room of your house. In fact, most interior designers recommend different colors, patterns, and window treatment types in every room that complement each other but not necessarily match.

The post Best Luxury for Less Amazon Curtains & Window Shades in 2025 appeared first on Bless'er House.

I’ve been on a mission to bring more order into our chaos—especially now that it’s summer (aka the season of overlapping camps, travel plans, and snack-time negotiations).

So I finally tackled a project I’d been putting off since last year: installing our Skylight Calendar Max I’d found on sale on Black Friday and creating a digital command center that disguises itself to look like an art gallery wall in our kitchen.

Yep, a family command center… but make it pretty.

We’d been using our old-school wall calendar system for years (remember our original organized family command center with the dry erase acrylic calendar?), but with school out and our routines shifting, I knew it was time for an upgrade.

Related: How to Hang a Gallery Wall Perfectly Every Time

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. full disclosure

Starting With the Basics (and a Recessed Outlet)

We mapped out the gallery wall layout first… because function should never come at the cost of pretty, right? (If it’s pretty, I’m also more motivated to keep it organized.)

Once we knew where the digital calendar would hang, we had a recessed outlet installed right behind it so there wouldn’t be a dangling cord situation. It was a pain to take that extra step, but that little detail made such a big difference.

Mail Sorter / Key Rack | Skylight Calendar Max | Calendar Frame | Calendar Art | Felt Memo Board | Memo Board Frame | Bird Art | Wall Planter | Clock (similar) | DIY Air Return Cover

Making the Calendar Look Like Art

To blend the Skylight Calendar Max into our home’s style, we framed it using an antique-style frame. I even uploaded a few art files from the Bless’er House Art Collection so when the calendar isn’t in use, it just looks like a beautiful scenic painting.

It’s the best kind of tech… where you forget it’s tech. It’s like the Samsung Frame TV’s very organized Type A cousin.

Creating an Organized “Drop Zone”

Above the calendar, we hung a white felt memo board and framed it to match, perfect for pinning notes or reminders without it looking like a dorm room corkboard.

To the side, we installed a wooden mail sorter that has a hidden compartment to store keys, sunglasses, wallets… basically everything that tends to get dropped in a random pile on the counter.

We finished the look with a classic wall clock we already owned and two sweet wall planters to add some greenery and warmth.

The whole setup feels more like a curated gallery wall than a typical digital family command center, and that’s exactly the vibe I was going for.

The Verdict (So Far)

I’ll do a full Skylight digital calendar review once we’ve used it for a bit longer, but for now? I’m genuinely impressed. It’s been so easy to sync up everyone’s schedules even directly from our phones, and I love that it keeps our family organized without looking like a cluttered bulletin board.

If you’ve been itching to streamline your family routines and make your walls prettier, this might be your sign. Your kitchen deserves art. Even if it comes with calendar reminders and dentist appointments.

More Gallery Wall Ideas

• Best Staircase Gallery Wall Formula: Frame Sizes Broken Down
• How to Hang a Gallery Wall Perfectly Every Time
• Audubon Bird Art Gallery Wall and Free Printable Set

The post How We Turned a Digital Command Center Into an Art Gallery Wall appeared first on Bless'er House.

We’ve been giving our primary bedroom a little refresh lately… just small upgrades here and there to make it feel more peaceful and pulled together.

And after years of living with a standard ceiling fan, we decided it was time to part ways with the big bladed beast and replace it with something a little more… charming.

Enter the crystal fandelier of my dreams! (Look closely. Do you even see the fan blades?)

I found the viral crystal fandelier, and I’m not even being dramatic when I say it completely changed the feel of our bedroom. The blades are clear making them practically invisible, so it doesn’t even look like a ceiling fan.

It’s just a beautiful crystal chandelier hanging above the bed—until you hit the remote and whoosh, cool air magically appears. ✨

How the Viral Fandelier Performs

Robert is very hot-natured and typically a fan snob (is that a thing?), but he wholeheartedly approved of this one. It keeps our room feeling just right at night, especially around the bed.

That said, I wouldn’t count on it to chill a large living room. It’s perfect for bedrooms or small spaces where you want a little sparkle without sacrificing comfort, but I don’t think the blades are powerful enough for a big common area sort of space.

Because this one tends to sell out quickly (and I totally get why), I rounded up a few more crystal look fandeliers that are gorgeous and practical:

Favorite Crystal Fandeliers That Don’t Look Like Fans

Dome Flush Mount Caged Ceiling Fan

The “viral” fandelier that keeps selling out (but it totally worth the hype, in my book).

Flush Mount Crystal Ceiling Fan

This one would be the absolute sweetest in a nursery or little girl’s room.

Double Layer Crystal Caged Ceiling Fan

What?! If my ceilings were taller, this baby would be in. my. house.

Art Deco Gold Crystal Fandelier

For some reason, I feel like I would need to be sipping on a glass of champagne and wearing a flapper dress if this were in the room.

Matte Black Modern Crystal Ceiling Fan

I love how versatile this one is. Its sleek shape would work well in a modern home, but it would be great in a traditionally styled home too.

We’re definitely not newbies to fandeliers and have used them in other rooms of our house too. If you’re not a fan (har har) of the crystal look, here are more of our favorite fandeliers.

Let me know if you try one! Or if you have another favorite fandelier, drop it in the comments.

More Lighting Ideas

• Best Light Bulbs for Every Room in Your House
• Best “Boob Light” Replacement Fixtures for All Budgets
• Cozy Shower Lamps are Trending – Here are the Best Ones to Try

The post I Tried the Viral Crystal Fandelier – Here’s What You Should Know appeared first on Bless'er House.

30 fun, useful, and unique Father’s Day gift ideas for dads of all interests and all budgets from $13 and up.

So… uh… Father’s Day is sneaking up on me way too fast. And today, I realized it’s right around the corner!

Last month, I shared all of my favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas, so it seemed only right to round it out with a Father’s Day guide too.

In preparation, I not-so-stealthily asked Robert what were some of the coolest Father’s Day gifts he could possibly get (besides good ol’ quality time with the fam).

And these were what he came up with, a few of his favorites that he already owns, and a few I threw in as perfect ideas to give him and my dad. Just in case you need some gift ideas for dad in your life.

Not gonna lie… I kind of want a few of these for myself.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. full disclosure

Gifts for Dad Under $30

Outdoor Movie Screen Kit $30 – Transform the backyard into a movie night wonderland—just add popcorn, cozy blankets, and Dad’s favorite flick.

Grill Baskets $16 – For the dad who claims the grill as his kingdom—these toppers make it easy to cook up veggies, fish, and small bites without losing half of it through the grates.

Backpack Cooler $24 – For park days, beach trips, or backyard barbecues, this cooler backpack keeps his drinks cold and his hands free.

TableTopics $25 – These cards are perfect for sparking meaningful convos (or hilarious debates) at the dinner table, road trips, or family game nights.

Safety Nailer $13 – This clever little gadget holds nails securely in place, keeping Dad’s fingers out of harm’s way while he hammers—because DIY projects shouldn’t come with band-aids.

Golf Ball Retriever $23 – For the dad who refuses to leave a ball behind, this extendable retriever is a big help if dad has a bad back and can’t bend over easily.

Drop Stop $25 – This clever little gadget fills the dreaded gap between your car seat and center console, so Dad’s phone, keys, or fries never disappear into the abyss again.

Dad’s Story Journal $21 – Especially a great idea for the patriarch of the family who has a lot of wisdom to share.

Isaac Jacobs Frame $14 – Simple, sleek, modern, and perfect to put on dad’s desk at work with a favorite picture of his family.

BruMate Hopsulator $30 – Like a koozie on steroids… if dad has a family beach trip coming up, this definitely needs to go with him.

Gifts for Dad Under $100

Manscaped Weed Whacker 2.0 $40 – If Dad’s grooming routine could use a little upgrade, this ear and nose hair trimmer is sleek, powerful, and way more appreciated than a necktie.

Pura Car Diffuser $52 – Give his car that just-cleaned smell—without the gas station pine tree. He’ll thank you every time he hops in.

Dewalt Cordless Screwdriver $89 – One of the handiest tools in the tool box! We use this little guy on so many quick projects around the house.

Shiatsu Massage Cushion $99 – This massage pad has rave reviews yet is cheaper than the real deal full-sized massage chairs. Dad can enjoy it on his desk chair, on the couch, or in the car.

Loop Switch 2 $60 – I just discovered these a few weeks ago and they are a game changer! I use mine to help me stay focused on work, but they also come in handy at concerts, sporting, events, or when you need quiet time.

Harry Potter: Page to Screen Book $43 – Okay, I know we’re total nerds for this but we have this as a coffee table book in our media room. The BEST if dad is a Potterhead.

Wooden Ladder Ball Game $90 – A summer essential for the backyard cookouts coming up soon for July 4th.

Valet Tray Charging Pad $34 – A sleek spot for charging his phone, earbuds, and watch all at once.

Motorized Mini Exercise Bike $76 – A great way for dad to get some cardio in if he’s stuck at a desk job or for grandpa if he needs a low-impact, safe workout.

SKLZ Putting Green $60 – Totally cliche, but it’s a Father’s Day hit for a reason.

Slim AirTag Wallet $35 – If your dad’s always asking, “Where’s my wallet?”—this sleek little number solves that in one shot. It’s slim, stylish, and made to hold an Apple AirTag so he’ll never lose it again (or at least won’t have to tear apart the house looking).

Hybrid Swim/Street Shorts $70 – Classic, comfy, and built to last—these pants are basically the dad uniform done right that can be worn out and about or for swimming.

Splurge-Worthy Gifts for Dad

BedJet 3 Climate Comfort $569 – Whether he runs hot, cold, or both—this gadget turns his side of the bed into a personal climate zone. Total game changer.

Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Sunglasses $299 – They look like stylish sunnies, but these Ray-Bans also take calls, play music, and make Dad feel like James Bond at the soccer game.

OluKai No Tie Boat Shoes $120 – Robert introduced this shoe brand to me and now we’re both hooked. Comfiest shoes ever!

Oura Ring 4 $349 – I gave this to Robert at Christmas and he’s been a huge fan ever since. It tracks stress, sleep, heart rate, so many health metrics to keep dad on track.

Garmin Approach GPS Golf Watch $150 – Perfect for the golfer dad: easy-to-use golf watch comes preloaded with over 42,000 courses and provides accurate distances to the green, hazards, and doglegs.

Power Tool Organizer $110 – A garage workshop game-changer.

Nebula Capsule 3 Projector $400 – This projector is the size of a soda can! And has built-in Google TV and Dolby Digital sound. It’s one of the more pricey projectors out there, but it’s worth it if picture/sound quality is important to you.

Marley Wireless Turntable $250 – This eco-friendly turntable combines classic vinyl vibes with modern Bluetooth streaming, all wrapped in a sleek bamboo design that’ll make Dad’s music corner look extra sharp.

Tushy 3.0 Bidet $110 – This sleek, non-electric bidet installs in under 10 minutes and delivers a refreshing clean with adjustable water pressure—because even Dad deserves a spa moment every day.

Got any other Father’s Day gift suggestions? Or ones you’ve given in the past that were a big hit?

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