Yesterday, I took my first class at Board & Brush, and I have to say — I’m hooked.
I have never been much of a do-it-yourself-er, but I love the idea of it. I enjoy watching shows where people embark on DIY projects, and on several occasions, I have even tried to build things for my home — with a very low success rate.
So when my best friend suggested we go to a DIY wood sign workshop, I was slightly skeptical about what the outcome of this workshop would be, but regardless of my lack of skills in this department, it sounded like fun.
Prior to the class, we had to select the type of wood project that we wanted to create. Board & Brush has a variety of wood sign styles and customization options to choose from on its website. I chose an 18-inch round tray with the word “cheers” on it, accompanied by a floral design, and Deana chose a planter with the phrase “let love grow.”
On the day of the class, we walked into a studio filled with avid-DIY-ers. I walked up to our table expecting to see a round wooden board ready to be painted with my chosen stencil; but instead, I was greeted by a round piece of unfinished wood, hammers, meat tenderizers and chains.
I quickly learned that this was much more than a pick-your-project-and-paint-it type of class. We sanded our wood, and then weathered it with the tools on the table (I highly recommend using this part of the class as a stress reliever!). We then stained the wood, added as wash, applied the stencil and painted it to reveal the final product. I even got to convert my tray into a lazy Susan for my kitchen!
At the end of the class, I walked away with a finished product that I am proud to display and excited to use. The class was simple to follow, and the instructors give you all of the tools you need to create a wood project that is truly a reflection of your own personal style. I know that I will definitely be going back again soon, and who knows — maybe with a few more classes I will become the DIY-er I have always aspired to be!
Board & Brush has locations in more than 30 states, so if you are not a New Jersey native, not to worry! For more information about Board & Brush classes available near you, click here!
On an absolutely frigid day like today, the last thing I want to do is leave my bed. Those who know me personally know that I rarely make time to stay home and relax, but when the temperature falls to single digits, I tend to bend that rule a bit.
In addition to the décor items, I also wanted to make sure we had useful pieces of furniture in our bedroom. Aside from a mirrored dresser and two bedside tables, we also found this bench at Home Goods and mirror at Kirklands. These two items were the perfect pieces to fill space in the room that was otherwise empty. The bench has plenty of storage inside, and it is also a great option for extra seating when we have company!
It is way too cold out.
Secrets The Vine Cancun
If you are traveling for a special occasion, be sure to tell the concierge! Connor and I booked this trip for our anniversary, and after our first day on the beach, we came back to our room decorated for the occasion! Our door had a Happy Anniversary banner on it, we received champagne and we had a complimentary breakfast delivered to our balcony any morning we wanted! It was definitely a nice surprise!
We dedicated one day to an excursion while on this trip. We decided to go snorkeling and take a boat ride to Isla Mujeres. Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not ideal for snorkeling that day, but the captain made the best of it for us. Before we reached Isla Mujeres, he stopped the boat to let us all swim in the ocean for a bit! Once we got back on the boat, we sailed the rest of the way to the Island, where a tour guide took us around for the day. It was such a beautiful trip, regardless of being unable to snorkel! You can’t beat this view!
We also booked a massage at the spa while on vacation, which was one of the best decisions we made! We chose a wine therapy couples massage, and it was an incredibly relaxing and refreshing experience! Before the scheduled massage, we were also able to use the spa facilities at our leisure. The spa was beautiful, clean and well worth the price.
Our first all-inclusive vacation we ever booked was to Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana. This adults-only resort was filled with fun activities, great excursion packages and wonderful rooms and dining options!
Our hotel room was about a five minute walk away from the beach, and once on the beach, there were chairs available to bring over to the ocean, or there were tiki huts to sit under to escape the sun for a bit! After spending our days by the ocean, we would wrap up the day at the swim-up pool bar before heading in for dinner and nightly entertainment.
In addition to spending time at the resort, we also booked two excursions on this trip. The first excursion we went on was such an amazing experience! We hopped on a boat and set sail to swim with sharks! We even got to hold a sting ray! That is definitely not something you get to do every day!
Our second excursion involved driving through the Dominican Republic to zip line through the trees! The views were amazing from the treetops, and we had a chance to see more of the Dominican Republic than we would have if we just stayed on the resort property. Our tour guide for this excursion gave us so much history and information about the culture and lifestyle of the people who live here. He also brought us pure cacao beans to try, and we had an opportunity to explore and do some shopping before going back to the resort!
Grand Ole Opry Tour
Join the Studio Audience at The Ty Bentli Show
other studios in the building, and we even learned how to line dance with Shawn Parr from Nash Nights Live! Whether you listen to Ty’s morning show every day or hear it for the first time while in Nashville, this is an experience I highly recommend! Click 
Nashville Pedal Tavern
Belle Meade Winery
Shenanigoats
Biscuit Love
Pancake Pantry
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
5th & Taylor
simply gray 