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Backyard Glow-Up: My Inaugural Blog Post & DIY Grass Transformation

Skott McKinney

5 days ago4 min read

Backyard Glow-Up: My Inaugural Blog Post & DIY Grass Transformation

From spurge takeover to lush green lawn—my inaugural blog post dives into our DIY backyard transformation (dogs & chaos included)!

Mini Home Upgrades: Skiffers, Rub ‘n Buff Fails, and the Joy of Small DIY Wins

Trisha McKinney

Feb 24 min read

Mini Home Upgrades: Skiffers, Rub ‘n Buff Fails, and the Joy of Small DIY Wins

Small DIY wins, a skiffer install, and a Rub ‘n Buff fail—see what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next in my Year of the Mini Project!

The Year of Mini Projects: Why 2025 is the Year of Bite-Sized Wins

Trisha McKinney

Jan 183 min read

The Year of Mini Projects: Why 2025 is the Year of Bite-Sized Wins

2025 is the Year of Mini Projects—small, satisfying wins that keep you moving forward without the overwhelm of big plans.

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COMPLETED AND ONGOING PROJECTS
(MOSTLY ONGOING)

As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words," and we couldn't agree more. So let's ditch the long speeches and descriptions and instead, peruse some visuals of our past projects and design elements that have brought so much joy to our home. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

THIS or THAT: Home Edition – Week 2!

Last week, we spilled the tea on what we regret not upgrading in our home (spoiler: some heated opinions were shared). This week, we’re back with another DIY showdown:

👉 Are you Team DIY or Team Hire a Pro?

Some projects are totally worth the hands-on effort (and bragging rights), but others? Let’s just say we’ve learned the hard way when it’s time to call in reinforcements.

So, where do you stand? Would you rather roll up your sleeves or write a check? Cast your vote in the comments and tell us WHY! (And yes, Skott and I may have very different answers on this one. 😅)

Tag your partner & hit follow for more home debates, DIY inspo, and real talk about making a house a home—together!

#DIYForCouples #couplesthatdiytogether #couplesthatplaytogether #bonsallca

POV: When you decide a French Drain is definitely the way to go… until it’s not.

Skott, channeling his inner grave digger: “I always wondered what it would be like if someone told me to dig my own grave.”

Me: “You might be if the yard doesn’t get put back together.”

Fast forward… the entire trench gets filled back in 🙃

Sometimes DIY is just trial, error, and sweat. Who else has had a project not go as planned? Drop your biggest DIY plot twists below.

#DIYFails #FrenchDrainDisaster #TheHumbleHearthstone #BonsallCa

Fresh starts aren’t just for Mondays… sometimes, they’re for backyards too! 🌿✨ Right now, it’s all dirt and dreams, but we’re on a mission to get this space ready for Kaitlyn’s graduation party (which is coming way too fast! 😅). Soon, this will be a lush, party-ready backyard—perfect for celebrating our girl. Stay tuned—sods being delivered this week!

#BackyardMakeover #DIYHome #GradPartyPrep #reellove2025 #bonsallca

Big transformations don’t have to take weeks! These 5 easy DIYs will make your home feel fresh, stylish, and intentional—all in a single weekend.

1. Add Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper – Instantly upgrade a wall, bookcase, or powder room with stylish, removable wallpaper—no commitment needed!

2. Install a New Faucet – A sleek new kitchen or bathroom faucet modernizes your space in under an hour—no plumber required.

3. Paint Your Front Door – A bold color refresh boosts curb appeal and makes your entryway feel intentional and welcoming.

4. Hang Outdoor String Lights – Create a cozy backyard oasis with warm, glowing lights—perfect for evening ambiance.

5. Replace Cabinet Hardware – Swap outdated knobs and pulls for a quick, affordable kitchen or bathroom makeover.

Which one’s going on your to-do list first? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

#WeekendDIY #HomeUpgrades #DIYForBusyCouples #reellove2025

30 seconds on the clock ⏳ … 5 home upgrades we wish we had made. Some of these still sting. 😅

What’s one thing you’d change about your home in a heartbeat?

#bonsallca #homeimprovement #homeregrets #homeupgrades

5 Ways We Made It Work:

🛠 We leaned into our strengths. I’m the precise measurer, Skott brings the ingenuity. We divided and conquered.
🛠 We stopped stressing over perfection. Mistakes happen—so what? It’s all part of the process.
🛠 We found ways to make DIY fun. Music, DIY date nights, friendly competitions—because some projects are just a lot of sanding.
🛠 We took on new tools & skills together. Before 2020, some tools felt off-limits. Now? We both handle power tools like pros.
🛠 We learned to communicate. No big DIY decisions happen when we’re tired (or hangry).

DIYing as a couple isn’t always smooth sailing, but we’ve figured out how to make it fun—and we’re sharing all our best tips!

Follow along for real-life DIYs, teamwork hacks, and proof that yes, home projects can be a great date night. 😉

#bonsallca #homeimprovement #lowespartner #diyprojects #diycouple #reellove2025

Shower rods and shower curtains are overrated. These two swaps made my daughter’s bathroom feel like a luxe hotel—no reno required. 💁‍♀️✨

Follow for more ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ home hacks!

#bonsallca #bathroomhack #reellove2025 #curtains #bathroomdiy

This is peak DIY entertainment. ✨ Slow. Suspenseful. Riveting. {Send Help} 😂

Ever caught yourself staring at a wall longer than you’d like to admit? Please tell me I’m not alone 👇🏼

#DIYDrama #Paint #NeverHaveIEver #bonsallca #RealLifeDIY

This little guy saves me so much unnecessary mess. If you’ve ever lost a brush to the depths of a paint can you need this in your life!

COMMENT: RED for 🔗

#DIYHacks #homeimprovement #PaintingTips #FixerUpperStyle #BeforeandAfter #bonsallca

There’s something about that first coat that makes all the prep worth it. Three doors down, and I might just be on a roll. (Or I might be done for the day—TBD. 😅)

Either way, progress is progress! What’s the next project on your list?
Drop it below! ⬇️

#DIYProjects #HomeUpdates #BeforeAndAfter #miniprojects2025 #bonsallca

I want to be the person who just grabs a brush and goes for it… but I know myself. If I don’t tape, I’ll be kicking myself later when I’m scraping paint off the trim and questioning my life choices. So here I am, taping every last inch like my sanity depends on it.

Are you the meticulous taper or the freehand risk-taker? No judgment 😉

#bonsallca #DIYLife #HomeProjects #PainterPrep #DoItRight #lowespartner #reellove2025

Friday night plans? ✅ Aisle strolling, project prepping, and making DIY moves tomorrow.

Who else thinks @loweshomeimprovement runs count as quality time?

#lowespartner #weekendprojects #diycouple #homerenovation #fridaynightplans

Skiffers are like little pieces of jewelry for your baseboards—decorative, functional, and oh-so satisfying (kind of like a classic watch 😉). If you’re not familiar, skiffers are corner guards designed to protect baseboards from bumps and dings while adding a polished touch to your space. In our case, they’re saving our entryway corners from constant run-ins with the Roomba while adding a bit of charm at the same time.

Here’s how I installed them:

1️⃣ First, I wiped down the baseboards to make sure the surface was clean and ready to go.
 2️⃣ I used a penny as a spacer between the floor and the skiffer—simple and effective for keeping things consistent.
 3️⃣ After marking where the screws needed to go, I drilled pilot holes with a 1/16” bit.
 4️⃣ Finally, I secured the skiffers in place with screws, using a hand screwdriver instead of a drill for better control.

It was a quick and easy project took less than 30 minutes, but the difference is huge. The skiffers not only protect the corners but also give the baseboards a finished, polished look that makes the space feel more intentional.

Tip: Take your time to align the skiffers evenly—small details like this really add up!

All things used to install skiffers to our baseboards!
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Follow my shop @thehumblehearthstone on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKHome #miniproject #miniproject2025 #bonsallca #yearoftheminiproject #baseboards

@shop.ltk https://liketk.it/53W4k

Have you tried skiffers in your home?

30 minutes, a couple of skiffers, and boom—our entryway corners got a little glow-up. I wasn’t sure if this small project would even be noticeable, but now I can’t stop looking at them.

Do I think bigger skiffers might have been better? Maybe. But I’m still loving the vibe, and who knows—maybe we’ll upgrade down the line. For now, it’s the little details that are making this space feel a bit more us.

What do you think—are you team ‘small details matter,’ or are corners just…corners?

#skiffers #bonsallca #baseboards #miniprojects #yearoftheminiproject #miniprojects2025

Ever have that one spot where your keys should go, but they never actually make it there? Same. So, I fixed that with a super simple DIY: adding an adhesive key ring holder to the back of my closet door. Here’s the quick step-by-step:

1️⃣ Cleaned the surface of the door to make sure the adhesive would stick properly.
(Not shown because I for got to 🎥)
2️⃣ Measured the width of the cabinet.
3️⃣ Found the center of the cabinet and marked it.
4️⃣ Measured the center of the key ring holder. (Not shown because I for got to 🎥)
5️⃣ Lined it up with the door’s center and gently pressed the adhesive back.
6️⃣ Adjusted it using a level to make sure it was straight.
7️⃣ Pressed firmly on the key ring holder to secure it to the door.
8️⃣ Used a microfiber cloth to clean off fingerprints.
9️⃣ Hung the keys and called it a win!

This small project made a big difference, and it took less than 10 minutes!

Want the link? Let me know below 👇🏼

#yearoftheminiproject #miniprojects2025 #bonsallca #thehumblehearthstone

Do you ever look around your house and feel completely overwhelmed by all the things you want to do but can’t find the time, energy, or let’s be real—motivation—to actually start? Same.

That was me a few weeks ago, staring at my list of projects and feeling totally paralyzed. Then it hit me: why does it all have to happen at once? Why not make it manageable? Enter: The Year of Mini Projects. 🎉

This year, I’m taking the “one bite at a time” approach to home improvement. It’s not about rushing to finish huge transformations. It’s about celebrating the little wins—like swapping out a faucet, organizing a drawer, or finally hanging that thrifted mirror (yep, that one’s done!). Each small project feels like a step forward, and honestly? It’s addictive.

If you’re ready to trade overwhelm for small, meaningful wins, let’s do this together. 💪 Check out my latest blog post for how I’m planning my mini projects for the year (link in bio), and tell me: What’s one mini project you’re tackling this month? Let’s inspire each other! ✨

#MiniProjects2025 #DIYJourney #TheHumbleHearthstone

Been craving a change in the hallway for a while now, and I’ve had my eye out for a substantial mirror that could really ground the space. Remember that thrift trip at the beginning of the month? That’s when we stumbled on her. This beauty had me at first glance, and after a little TLC, she’s finally found her forever spot on the wall.

Out went the old family photos—Kaitlyn didn’t even blink; apparently, she’s been campaigning to retire those awkward middle school stage shots for years. Don’t worry, the photos aren’t gone for good! I’ll find them a new home, but for now, this mirror feels like the beginning of something new. The hallway isn’t done—it’s far from finished—but this small swap feels like a first step into a new season for our home.

It’s funny how one piece can shift the energy of a space, isn’t it? Here’s to embracing the changes, little by little, and letting our home grow with us. 🪞✨ What’s the last thing you updated that made your space feel like it was stepping into a new chapter?

#ThriftedFinds #TheHumbleHearthstone #Mirror #yearoftheminiproject

Our hearts are heavy as we lift up prayers for everyone affected by the fires in Los Angeles. May God bring comfort to those who are grieving, strength to the first responders risking their lives, and protection for His people and creation. In the face of destruction, let us come together in love, support, and faith. ❤️

#PrayForLA #StrengthInUnity #FaithOverFear

Who says drama belongs only in the movies (or the family group chat)? I’m bringing it straight to the bathroom—in the best way possible, of course.

When it came to updating this space, I ditched the standard shower curtain for something a little more outside the box (because why not?). Enter: pinch pleat curtains on a ceiling-mounted rod. Yes, you read that right—pinch pleats. In the bathroom. And let me tell you, the effect is nothing short of D-R-A-M-A-T-I-C.

Why pinch pleat curtains?

✨Height = Elegance: By mounting the rod at ceiling level, the room instantly feels taller and more polished.

✨Tailored Vibes: These curtains give the shower a custom, high-end look that a basic curtain could never.

✨Double Duty: They’re not just functional; they’re statement-making!

And for those wondering—don’t worry, I did add a trusty shower liner behind the pinch pleats to keep everything practical and mess-free. It’s all about beauty and brains here.

Here’s the thing: Design doesn’t have to play by the rules. Want a little extra drama? Steal some style secrets from your living room and bring them into unexpected spaces like your bathroom.

So, what do you think—would you dare to dramatize your shower setup like this? Drop your thoughts below! (And if you’ve got questions about how I made this work, ask away!)

✨ PS: I might not be ready for my Hollywood close-up, but this shower curtain definitely is.

#DIYBathroom #PinchPleatCurtains #BathroomDrama #CeilingMountedShowerRod #HumbleHearthstoneDIY

New Year’s Day started with a spontaneous trip to the Estate Sale Warehouse in Oceanside—a place where every corner has a story (and occasionally a questionable vibe - kidding). Among the rows of treasures and trinkets, I saw it: the most beautiful vintage mirror. It had the perfect mix of charm and history, like it was just waiting for us to take it home.

But then… enter Skott, stage left, with his Haunted Mansion theories. He stared at that mirror like it was about to whisper, “Beware of hitchhiking ghosts.” No amount of reasoning could shake him from his imaginary séance scenario, so we left without it.

Fast forward to the weekend, and I couldn’t stop thinking about that mirror. What if someone else snagged it? What if I never found another piece like it? So, I dragged Skott (and his ghostly concerns) back to the warehouse. We walked out victorious—mirror in tow, no spirits attached (well at least that I know of 😬)

Now it’s sitting in our home, waiting for the perfect spot. Even Skott is warming up to it (though he’s did just leave it in the garage 🤔). Where will we hang it? Stay tuned, friends—this story isn’t over yet.

What do you think—does this mirror have a haunted past or just some great stories to tell?

#VintageFinds #DIYJourney #EstateSaleScore #TheHumbleHearthstone #OrnateMirror #Thrift

First project of 2025? Done.

We’re easing into the year with something simple yet satisfying: a ceiling-mounted shower rod for Kaitlyn’s bathroom. It’s not a full bathroom refresh (not yet, anyway), but this little upgrade adds just the right amount of drama to her space—the kind that feels fancy without the commitment.

This year, we’re all about these mini projects. Little updates that pack a punch without requiring a second mortgage or a month of chaos. Because let’s be honest, sometimes life doesn’t leave room for a full-blown renovation—and that’s okay.

Next up: the shower curtain. Decisions, decisions… Do we go moody and classic? Or keep it light and fun? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop your vote in the comments below!

Also, tell me—what’s your first project of 2025? Big or small, let’s celebrate the wins and inspire each other to keep going. We’ve got this!

#DIYHomeProjects
#BathroomDIY
#MiniMakeovers
#BeforeAndAfter
#HomeDecorInspo

It’s the end of December, and the quiet moments feel heavier somehow.

I light these candles not just for their glow, but for the hopes I carry into the new year—the little whispers of promises I’ve made to myself.

✨To hold joy closer.
✨To welcome the mess of change.
✨To remember that even in the stillness, there’s growth.

What hopes are you carrying with you into the new year? Let’s share them here—I’d love to hear yours.

Wrapping up 2024 with a look at the gifts that totally stole the show in our house this year! From finally switching to the brushed gold faucet of my dreams to a fridge we’re calling a Christmas miracle, these thoughtful additions have made home feel even more like… well, home.
Oh, and let’s not forget our stockings—Skott and I were so in sync this year we basically bought the same things for each other. (Who needs one stud finder when you can have two, right? 🤣)

what was your top gift this year? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!

#HomeUpgrades #GiftIdeas2024 #TheHumbleHearthstone #HolidayMemories #DIYLife

Drumroll please… The results are in! Our poll for the new color of our interior doors was so close—just like my indecisive Virgo brain! Between Sherwin Williams Ethereal Mood and Benjamin Moore Pashmina, it was nearly a tie.

Skott, ever the Libra, is all about harmony and beauty, and he’s completely sold on Ethereal Mood (SW 7639). The cool green undertones bring a serene, nature-infused feel that feels perfectly balanced and grounded.

As a Virgo, I’m naturally drawn to the subtle, calming vibes of Ethereal Mood too. It’s understated and elegant, bringing just the right amount of warmth and tranquility to our space.

In the end, we’re both in agreement that Ethereal Mood is the perfect choice for our doors—it feels like the right balance for our home.

What about you? Would you go with the calming, ethereal vibe of Ethereal Mood or the rich warmth of Pashmina? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

#ColorPoll #InteriorDesign #EtherealMood #Pashmina #DoorGoals #HumbleHearthstone #VirgoVibes #LibraBalance

This wasn’t the water feature we wanted in our home 😂 But seriously, here’s what we learned about leaks:

💡Quick Tip: If you find standing water, act fast! Mold can start forming within 24-36 hours. Turn off the water supply, and call your insurance company and a remediation company ASAP and try to get up as much water as possible using a wet vac.

Cheers to the joys of homeownership and to being a little more prepared for the next surprise!

Tag a friend who’s been there, done that, and maybe has a plumber’s number on speed dial.

#homedisasterhumor #leakytoliet #homeownership #homeownertips

🎶 Cue the music 🎶

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas,
Just my floors and walls restored.
Three long months of being patient,
Now it’s time for something more.
I just want to be back home,
more than you could ever know...”

After 3 months of waiting, our floors are finally being installed, and the countdown to moving back is on. This year, there’s just one thing on our Christmas list – stepping back into our home sweet home by the holidays.

What’s on your Christmas list this year? Share your wishes with us below.

#HomeForTheHolidays #MariahInspired #homeimprovement #DreamingOfHome #alliwantforchristmasis #Flooring #woodtile

I’ve been going back and forth on putting a tree at the front door. I originally envisioned one there but wasn’t sure if I wanted to put up a window covering instead. But I came across this 7 foot life like olive with a discount and couldn’t resist! I might still end up adding a window covering but for now this is perfect 🤩

Comment OLIVE for the 🔗

#olivetree #homedecor #fauxtree

I found my stud 27 years ago, and since then, he’s been our family’s rock, our jokester, and our adventurer. His humor keeps us laughing, his strength keeps us grounded, and his adventurous spirit keeps life exciting. ❤️

Thank you for being the incredible dad you are and for always being there with your love and support.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads who give their all every single day.

#HappyFathersDay

Do you ever crave those moments of blissful silence? As a mom and wife, I used to feel guilty about relishing alone time at home or spending it with the family. But now, with age and wisdom, I couldn’t care less 😝 After all, a little solitude is like the secret sauce of sanity! Can I get an AMEN 🙏🏻

#selfcare #silence #momguilt #homealone #cleanhomevibes

This arguably has to be my favorite part of the garage overhaul. Maybe it’s because it’s one of the three elements I had a “say so” in 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I’m so happy with the way it’s come together. We just need to put the outlet covers back on, seal the counter and this girl is done!

Look at all that open space … I kinda think we need some more tools😝

#garagecabinets #garageoverhaul #oneroomchallenge #orcat #organization #tools

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