Home Office Refresh
This office has officially undergone its third makeover, and I couldn’t be more excited about the transformation! The first makeover took it from an all-white space to a bold, colorful design with striking wallpaper and custom trim. While I loved the new direction, I wasn’t completely in love with the desk and decor. So, I decided to refine the space even further with a desk that brings both character and function, creating the ideal setup for a two-person home office.
I went with this solid wood Plank and Beam dining table that I repurposed as a desk. The quality is incredible, and the rich wood tone adds warmth and sophistication. This piece is perfect for a large single-person workspace or, as I’ve arranged it, a dedicated two-person home office setup, offering ample space for productivity and collaboration.
While the wallpaper, custom paint, chandelier, curtains, rug, and side buffet storage cabinets all stayed the same—because they’re timeless favorites—the new desk and decor have completely elevated the space. I sourced most of the decor from Goodwill, estate sales, and antique stores, making every piece feel curated and full of history. One of my favorite finds is the brass lamp on the desk. Since the original wiring was beyond repair, I simply snipped the cord and added rechargeable light bulbs to give it new life.
This third makeover feels like the perfect balance of bold design and curated charm. By incorporating a two-person desk and layering vintage decor with my rich color palette, I’ve created a workspace that is not only functional but also stylish and inviting. This evolution has been a journey, but I can confidently say this version of my office is my favorite yet!
If you’re looking for inspiration to refine your own workspace, consider repurposing furniture in creative ways and incorporating vintage elements for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Whether you need a single workstation or a two-person home office, choosing the right desk and decor can make all the difference. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this latest transformation!
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The Perfect Wine Chiller
Elevate Your Party with This Stunning Wine Bottle Chiller
Looking for a party trick that will have your guests raving? Say hello to the easiest and most stunning wine bottle chiller you'll ever use! This ice bucket mold comes in a set of two, and I found it on Amazon. With just a little creativity, you can customize it to match any party theme and make your drinks look as fabulous as they taste.
Gather Your Decorations
You can grab fresh flowers from the store like a civilized human being or embrace the thrill of the hunt by picking them from your garden (and maybe dodging a few spiders along the way). Either way, the effort is totally worth it!
Not into florals? No problem! Here are a few fun ideas:
4th of July: Red and blue fruit for a festive patriotic vibe.
Christmas: Cranberries, pinecones, and evergreen clippings for a cozy holiday feel.
Tropical Party: Citrus slices and mint leaves for a bright, summery aesthetic.
Prep Your Mold
Arrange your chosen decorations inside the mold. Get creative and layer different elements for a more dynamic look. I used a pair of chopstick to push everything to the bottom in the beginning!
Fill with Water & Freeze
Once everything is arranged to perfection, fill the mold with water and place it in the freezer for 12-24 hours. (Overnight works too, but the longer, the better!)
Unmold Your Ice Bucket
Run hot water around the outside of the mold to gently loosen your frozen masterpiece. Carefully remove the plastic, and voilà—a breathtaking wine chiller that doubles as table decor
Serve & Impress
Set your ice bucket in the included acrylic basin to catch any melting water, place your favorite bottle of wine or bubbly inside, and watch as your guests gush over your party-planning genius.
This wine chiller isn’t just functional—it’s a total conversation starter. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a holiday soirée, or an elegant dinner party, this eye-catching centerpiece will take your hosting game to the next level. Cheers to effortless style and ice-cold drinks!
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THRIFT FLIP - Google Home
A Simple DIY Frame Hack
Want to make your Google Home look more stylish? With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform it into a framed piece of art!
What You’ll Need:
🖼️ A 3 1/2” x 5 1/2'“ picture frame (I thrifted mine for just $1!)
🔪 X-Acto knife & pliers
🛠️ Velcro Command Strips
Step 1: Prepare the Frame
Start by removing the backing board of your frame. If it’s glued in, use an X-Acto knife to carefully cut along the edges and pop it out. Next, take pliers to remove any metal hanging hardware or turn clips—this ensures the frame sits flush against your Google Home.
Step 2: Attach the adhesive
I originally used velcro Command strips (seen below), but decided to switch them to these velcro mounting squares and it holds the frame much better. Attach them to the sides of the frame and make sure they’re evenly placed so the frame sticks securely. If your frame is heavier, consider using extra pieces for added hold.
Step 3: Frame Your Google Home
Peel off the adhesive backing from the mounting squares and carefully press the frame onto your Google Home. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond. Adjust as needed, and step back to admire your upgraded, art-like smart speaker!
✨ And just like that, your Google Home blends beautifully into your decor!
Would you try this hack? Let me know in the comments!
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Estate Sale Tips
Welcome back to Mae’s Thrift Tips! If you love a good bargain and hunting for hidden gems, then estate sales are a must. But I know what you’re thinking—how do you even find them? Well, today I’m spilling the secret that the gatekeepers don’t want you to know. (Sorry, guys!)
The number one question I get asked is: How do you find out about estate sales? And the answer is so simple… it’s an app!
The Estate Sale Secret: EstateSales.net
Yes, you heard that right. The easiest way to find estate sales near you is by using EstateSales.net. This app is a total game-changer for thrift lovers, antique hunters, and deal-seekers alike. Here’s why I love it:
✔ Customized Searches – You can filter estate sales by location, so you only see the ones closest to you. No more aimless driving around!
✔ Sale Schedules – The app shows you exactly when and where sales are happening, so you never miss out on a good one.
✔ Photo Previews – See pictures of what’s available before you even leave the house. This helps you decide if it’s worth your time.
✔ RSVP Options – Some sales require you to RSVP, and the app makes it super easy to do that.
Pro Tips for Estate Sale Success
Now that you know where to find estate sales, here are a few tips to make the most of your treasure hunts:
1️⃣ Arrive Early – The best items go fast! If you see something good in the preview photos, be there when the doors open.
2️⃣ Bring Cash – While some sales accept cards, cash is always a safe bet and can sometimes help with negotiating a better price.
3️⃣ Be Respectful – Remember, estate sales often happen due to major life transitions, so be kind and courteous.
4️⃣ Negotiate Wisely – Prices are usually firm on the first day but may be more flexible later in the sale. Day two is usually 25% off, and the last day is typically 50% off—so be there at opening! If you want the absolute best deal, go an hour before the sale ends on the last day. That’s when sellers are most willing to make amazing deals.
So there you have it—the inside scoop on how to find the best estate sales near you! Go download EstateSales.net and start planning your next thrift adventure. Happy hunting! 🛍️✨
Have you scored any amazing finds at an estate sale? Share your best thrifted treasures in the comments below!
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Upscale Your Plants
Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home — and your indoor plants deserve a little refresh too! If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to elevate your plant game, I’ve got a simple trick that makes a big difference: clear thrifted plates.
That’s right. For anywhere between 50 cents and $2, you can thrift beautiful clear plates that will instantly give your plants a chic new look. All you need to do is swap out those boring plastic saucers for these elegant glass pieces, and ta-da! Instant upgrade.
The beauty of this hack lies in its simplicity. The clear plates let the focus stay on your gorgeous greenery while adding a polished touch to your plant display. Plus, it’s a sustainable option that gives new life to secondhand treasures. Win-win!
So, next time you’re at the thrift store, keep an eye out for those glass gems. Your plants will thank you, and your space will feel a little more refined — all without breaking the bank. Happy upscaling!
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DIY Flower Bar
How to Create a DIY Flower Bar for Your Next Event
A flower bar is a fun and interactive way to let guests create their own bouquets to take home as a party favor. It’s a beautiful addition to any event, from birthdays to bridal showers. Here's a step-by-step tutorial, complete with a price breakdown, to help you set up your own flower bar with ease.
Materials Needed for 20 guests
Fresh flowers/greenery in a cohesive color palette (purchased from Trader Joe’s)
Buckets and/or vases for flowers (we used the free buckets from Trader Joe’s and several clear vases)
Step 1: Buying the Flowers
I purchased my flowers from Trader Joe’s at opening the day before the event. There was already a line of people, all there for flowers, and the best selections go fast! I highly recommend arriving at opening to get the best options.
Since I had 20 guests RSVP, I calculated how many flowers I needed based on the recommended 8-10 stems per person including a “thriller, some filler, and a spiller of greenery” guideline. This ensured I had enough for everyone while preventing guests from taking too many stems and leaving others without enough options. Planning this way made budgeting easier and kept the flower bar fair for all attendees. I also recommend using a cohesive color palette so no matter what each guest chooses or what is left towards the end of the event, all of the flowers are usable together.
I would also recommend buying more “thriller” flowers than I did, as people will gravitate to them first.
Flower Selection & Cost (Spring 2024):
Premium Assorted Greens – $3.99 each (bought 7) → $27.93
Eucalyptus – $3.99 each (bought 3) → $11.97
Raffine Dianthus – $4.99
Tulips (Seasonal, Big Bunch) – $9.99 each (bought 2) → $19.98
Rose DZ Yellow/Orange – $9.99
Chrysanthemums (Big Bunch) – $4.99
Carnation Mini Novelty – $4.99
Rose DZ Pink/Purple/Bicolor – $9.99
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) – 4 @ $3.99 → $15.96
Jumbo Mum Balls – $4.99 each (bought 2) → $9.98
Lily Calla Mini – $5.99 each (bought 2) → $11.98
Total flower cost: $131.75
Step 2: Setting Up the Flower Bar
Prep the Flowers – Trim the stems at an angle and place them in buckets of water to keep them fresh.
Organizing the Table – Arrange the flowers in separate vases or buckets, grouping them by type to make selection easy.
Precut Materials – Cut kraft paper and twine in advance to make wrapping easy.
Display & Signage – I purchased a themed sign from Etsy to guide guests. The sign suggested:
Choose 8-10 stems, including a thriller, some filler, and a spiller of greenery.
Wrap in paper and tie your bouquet up.
Take it home to enjoy!
Wrapping Station – Set up a space with kraft paper, twine, and scissors so guests can wrap their bouquets.
Again, I loved that the 8-10 stem recommendation on the sign helped guide people on how many to take, preventing anyone from making oversized bouquets and ensuring there were enough flowers for everyone to enjoy.
Step 3: Assembling Bouquets
Guests can mix and match stems, following the signage suggestion for how many stems to take.
Suggested Bouquet Formula :
2-3 focal flowers (like roses or peonies)
2-3 filler flowers (like daisies or carnations)
3-4 greenery stems (like eucalyptus or ferns)
After picking their flowers, guests can wrap them in kraft paper and secure them with twine or ribbon
Final Tips
Buy flowers a day in advance and keep them in water overnight.
Use an Etsy sign to guide guests on the amount of flowers to use.
Have plenty of scissors and twine so multiple guests can wrap their bouquets at once.
Buy more “thriller” flowers and less greenery than I did. No matter what your sign says, people gravitate to the prettiest flowers first.
This DIY flower bar was such a hit at my event and added a special touch. Have you ever tried a flower bar? Let me know in the comments!
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Dining Room Refresh
Cozying Up My Dining Room
My dining room has always been one of the smaller spaces in my house, and for the longest time, it felt a little neglected. I knew it had potential, though — it just needed some love and attention to bring out its charm. So, I decided it was time to cozy things up and make it a space that felt inviting, warm, and just a little bit special.
First up was the rug. To get it in place, I used some heavy furniture movers to easily slide the dining table out of the way — honestly, a total lifesaver! It might seem like a simple addition, but wow, what a difference it makes! The soft, neutral tones ground the space beautifully, adding warmth and texture. Plus, it helps define the dining area, making it feel more intentional and put-together.
I’ve had these gorgeous green washable chairs from Anabei for a few months now, and they’ve been a total game-changer. I wanted something practical but stylish, and these hit the mark perfectly. The rich green color adds a touch of drama and elegance, while the washable fabric means I don’t have to stress about spills — a total win-win.
Of course, no dining room refresh is complete without a little something special on the table. I put together a fun centerpiece that adds height and visual interest without overwhelming the space. (If you want to see all the details on that, check out my blog post about it here!)
The result? A dining room that feels cozy, inviting, and totally refreshed. It’s amazing how a few thoughtful changes can completely transform a space. I find myself lingering here longer, whether it’s over a meal or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Mission cozy-up: accomplished!
Links at a glance
Glass Table Top: custom 1/4”, made by local shower glass company
Clear Vase: Goodwill
Branch: my backyard
Wall Art: Goodwill
Floors: custom white oak live sawn 7 inch hardwoods that were stained on site
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Bringing The Outdoors In
I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for spring. The sun is starting to peek out, the trees are waking up, and my seasonal allergies are making sure I don’t forget it. Naturally, I decided to channel my spring fever into a little project: bringing some of that outdoor magic into my dining room.
Armed with my trusty saw, I ventured out to snag a few blooming branches and I may or may not have picked a tree where the flowers smell... questionable. Can’t say I nailed that part, but hey, we’re here for the vibes.
Once I got my new leafy friend inside, I realized she was a big girl and needed a little trim to fit the space.
After a bit of snipping and adjusting, I plopped her into the perfect spot in the dining room. The vase? A $6 Goodwill find. The tree? Absolutely free. The satisfaction of pulling this off? Priceless.
Now, my dining room has this fresh, organic feel that makes me smile every time I walk by. The branches are wild and a little unruly, but honestly, that makes me love them even more — perfectly imperfect, just the way I like it.
Mission "Bring the Outdoors In" accomplished. And I have to say, I’m pretty darn pleased with myself.
Links at a glance
Glass Table Top: custom 1/4”, made by local shower glass company
Clear Vase: Goodwill
Branch: my backyard
Floors: custom white oak live sawn 7 inch hardwoods that were stained on site