Budget Kids Bathroom Update: What I’m Planning (Before & After Coming Soon)

Updating a kids bathroom feels a little risky.

They splash.
They drip toothpaste. Everywhere.
They somehow get water on the ceiling.

So while I want the space to feel fresh and intentional, I’m not about to spend thousands on finishes that may not survive real life.

Instead of a full remodel, I’m planning a budget kids bathroom update — small, practical changes that will make a big difference without breaking the bank.

And yes… I’ll be sharing before and after photos once it’s done.

Here’s the plan.

---

Why We’re Updating (Without Remodeling)

The bathroom is functional.

Nothing is broken.
Nothing needs replacing.

But it feels very builder-basic — beige walls, plain vanity, flat mirror, zero personality.

It’s part of that “sea of sameness” so many new builds fall into.

Rather than gutting the space, I’m focusing on updates that are:

• Affordable

• Durable

• Easy to redo later

• Low commitment

Because kids.

---

The Plan: 5 Budget-Friendly Updates

1. Painting the Walls

This is the first and biggest change.

Fresh paint will:

• Brighten the space

• Cover years of splash marks

• Instantly make the bathroom feel clean and intentional

I’m leaning toward something fresh but still practical — nothing too trendy that we’ll regret in a year.

And definitely satin or semi-gloss for easy wipe downs.

---

2. Painting the Vanity Instead of Replacing It

A new vanity? Expensive.

A painted vanity? Smart.

Instead of replacing it, I’m planning to repaint it in a deeper tone that hides scuffs and adds contrast.

If it chips in a few years, I can repaint again — no stress.

This feels like the best move for a kids bathroom makeover on a budget.

---

3. Replacing the Builder Mirror

You know the one — the large, flat mirror glued to the wall.

It works. But it doesn’t add anything.

I’m planning to swap it for a framed mirror to give the space more personality and make it feel finished.

It’s one of those simple changes that can elevate the entire room.

---

4. Adding a Shelf Above the Toilet

Kids bathrooms need storage.

Extra toilet paper.
Towels.
All the random bath items.

A simple shelf above the toilet will:

• Add vertical storage

• Make the space more functional

• Give me a little styling opportunity

Practical and affordable.

---

5. New Shower Curtain

This is where I’ll probably bring in a little personality.

Pattern, texture, or subtle color — something that feels intentional but still kid-friendly.

And if they outgrow it? Easy swap.

Low cost. Big visual change.

---

What I’m Not Doing (On Purpose)

No tile replacement.
No new countertops.
No plumbing changes.

Those upgrades can wait.

Right now, the goal is a fresh, functional space that looks updated but doesn’t feel precious.

---

Before & After Coming Soon

I’ll be sharing:

• Before photos

• The exact paint colors

• Budget breakdown

• What worked (and what I’d do differently)

• Final after photos

If you’ve been wanting to update your kids bathroom but don’t want to commit to a full renovation, this might be the push to start small.

Sometimes a glow up doesn’t require demolition.

Sometimes it just requires a plan.

Stay tuned for the before & after. 

How I Started a Traditional Sourdough Starter (Without Wasting a Ton of Flour)

For the longest time, I wanted to try making a traditional sourdough starter… but every recipe I found told me to use 100 grams of flour at a time and discard half of it every single day.

Maybe it’s just me, but that felt so wasteful.

All I could think about was perfectly good flour going straight into the trash.

So I kept putting it off.

Finding a No-Discard Method

After going down a sourdough rabbit hole (as one does), I came across the no-discard method from She Bakes Sourdough and decided to give it a try. The biggest lightbulb moment?

You do not need a massive quantity of flour to create a healthy, active starter.

You just need the correct ratios.

That completely changed the game for me.

Instead of feeding 100g at a time, I started very small — and it worked.

Starting Small (Like, Really Small)

I keep a tiny starter. Most days it’s around 9 grams total.

Here’s exactly what I do:

• Keep 3 grams of starter

• Add 3 grams flour

• Add 3 grams water

That’s it.

No giant jar.
No huge discard.
No guilt.

When I’m ready to bake, I simply build it up a few days before. Otherwise, I keep it small and manageable.

If you’ve been avoiding sourdough because it feels overwhelming or wasteful, this is your sign that it doesn’t have to be.

The Winter Struggle (Ohio Edition)

Now… here’s where things got interesting.

I started this in the winter here in Ohio, and my starter wasn’t quite doubling like it was supposed to. It would rise a little… but not enough to feel confident.

Instead of scrapping the whole thing, I did some research.

One tip that kept popping up? Try rye flour.

So I swapped out my regular flour for rye during a feed.

The very next day, there was a noticeable difference.

It was bubbly.
It was rising.
It was alive.

And from that point on, we were off to the races.

What I Learned

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I started:

• You don’t need large quantities to create a healthy starter.

• Ratios matter more than volume.

• Temperature plays a huge role (especially in winter).

• Rye flour can give your starter the boost it needs.

• You can keep your starter tiny and build it up only when needed.

Sourdough doesn’t have to mean dumping flour in the trash every day. It can be simple. Low waste. Manageable.

And honestly? Kind of addictive once it gets going.

If you’ve been thinking about starting sourdough but feel intimidated, start small. Use the right ratios. Adjust for your environment. And don’t be afraid to experiment.

If you try it, let me know — I’m always up for talking sourdough. 

Updating our Builder Grade Pendants

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

There’s nothing technically wrong with builder-grade kitchens.

They’re clean. Neutral. Functional.

But if you’ve ever stood in yours and thought, “It’s nice… but it feels like everyone else’s,” you know exactly what I mean.

That was us.

Our kitchen was perfectly fine — good cabinets, good layout, plenty of light — but it felt like part of the sea of sameness so many new builds fall into. Especially when it came to the lighting.

Those standard glass domes.
The tiny mini-pendants.
The fixtures that look like they were selected from a drop-down menu labeled “Option A.”

It wasn’t bad. It just lacked soul.

And then we upgraded our builder grade pendant lights for our kitchen island.

---

The “Why” — The Sea of Sameness in New Builds

New builds are designed for mass appeal. That means neutral finishes, safe choices, and lighting that won’t offend anyone. The problem? It also doesn’t excite anyone.

Builder grade pendant lights are often:

• Too small for the size of the island

• Generic clear glass domes

• Installed too high

• Lacking personality or design presence

They check the “lighting” box — but they don’t elevate the space.

And upgrading builder grade lighting is one of the simplest ways to make a kitchen feel custom without changing countertops or cabinets.

Lighting has power. It defines mood. It creates scale. It frames the heart of your home.

---

The Impact — How New Pendant Lighting Changed the Room

Here’s what surprised me:

Swapping our builder grade pendant lights didn’t just change the brightness.
It changed the entire feel of the kitchen.

Once we replaced the original fixtures with pendants that had more intention — still with a translucent shade for function — the island finally felt designed instead of default.

Because we use our island constantly (homework, dinner prep, coffee refills), we needed something that was still bright. That’s why choosing pendant lights with fabric shades was important.

A translucent shade or glass allows light to spread evenly across the counter. It keeps the kitchen bright and functional while still looking elevated.

The right kitchen pendant lighting ideas don’t just improve visibility — they improve the atmosphere.

---

What to Look for When Upgrading Builder Grade Pendant Lights

If your kitchen feels “fine” but unfinished, here’s what I recommend when choosing a replacement:

• ✔ Translucent shade or frosted glass for everyday task lighting

• ✔ A diameter that fits the length of your island

• ✔ A style that complements cabinet hardware

• ✔ Enough visual weight to anchor the space

You don’t need a full renovation to create impact. Sometimes a lighting swap is all it takes.

---

Budget-Friendly Glass Pendant Lights to Consider

If you’re ready to upgrade your builder grade pendant lights but want to stay budget-conscious, here are a few beautiful, practical options that work well for high-use kitchens:

(Note: These are affiliate links. I only share pieces I genuinely think offer style and function at a good price point.)

1. We Went With This — Fabric Shade Pendant

Shop the Designer's Fountain on Amazon

This is the one we chose — and we absolutely love how it brightens the space. The translucent shade spreads light beautifully, and the simple silhouette complements almost any kitchen style.

---

2. Distressed Black & Wood Tone Seeded Glass Pendant

Shop the Kichler Barrington Pendant at Lowe’s

If you love a little rustic warmth, this one has character without feeling heavy. The combo of metal + wood tones with seeded glass adds visual interest while still keeping the glass translucent for task lighting.

---

3. Industrial Vintage Combo Pendant

Shop the Home Decorators Collection Knollwood Pendant at Home Depot

This design mixes industrial style with softer glass elements. It’s a great way to dress up builder grade lighting while keeping the illumination functional.

---

4. Modern LED Cube Pendant

Shop the Artika Crystal Cube LED Pendant at Home Depot

If minimalist, modern design is your vibe, this cube pendant puts a subtle contemporary spin on clear lighting. The integrated LED makes it energy efficient and crisp.

---

Each of these styles typically comes in under $150, making them an easy way to upgrade builder grade lighting without overspending.

---

Final Thoughts: A Small Change with Big Design Impact

We didn’t repaint.
We didn’t replace cabinets.
We didn’t redo countertops.

We just upgraded our builder grade pendant lights.

And suddenly, the kitchen felt:

• More balanced

• More personal

• More intentional

If your kitchen feels like it blends in with every other new build, look up. Your glow up might already be hanging there — just waiting to be swapped.

Easter Decorations

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Still waiting first day of Spring, but in the meantime dreaming of warmer weather and all the bright colors of spring! There is so much adorable Spring and Easter decor out there right now and I want it all! My kids love anything holiday themed too, so it's hard not to buy all the Easter decorations. 

Below are some of my favorites with links below in blue.  You can find even more decor and DIY ideas on my Easter Pinterest board (link in sidebar).

1. Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass 2. MacKenzie-Childs Bunny Figure   3. Celebrate Together Easter Towels 4. Pottery Barn Kids Felted Tabletop Tree  5. Mudpie Egg Platter  6. Kohl's Easter Banner 7. Mud Pie Bunny Carrot Candy Pedestal 8. Threshold Spring Bunny Coir Mat 

This post contains affiliate links, which I may receive a commission from when you click or make a purchase.

Have you decorated for Easter / Spring?  Would love to see if you have!

Happy almost Spring!  Hope you are having a great week!

Potato Flake Sourdough Starter

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In the whirlwind of modern life, finding time for homemade baking can feel like a luxury. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, there exists a simple and low-maintenance recipe that captures the essence of home: potato flake sourdough starter. Join me as we explore how this humble yet magical concoction brings the warmth of tradition into even the busiest of kitchens.

As a child, I marveled at the wonder of my mom's potato flake sourdough starter. Little did I know, simplicity was the key ingredient. With just a few simple ingredients and a pinch of patience, my Mom effortlessly nurtured this living culture, breathing life into our kitchen.

The beauty of potato flake sourdough starter lies in its simplicity. No elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients required—just a jar, some potato flakes, sugar, yeast and water. In a matter of days, this unassuming mixture transforms into a vibrant ecosystem, ready to leaven the most delicious loaves of bread.

Unlike finicky sourdough starters that demand constant attention and meticulous feeding schedules, the potato flake version is refreshingly low-maintenance. Mix it, set it on the countertop, and let nature take its course. No need for daily feedings or fretting over temperature fluctuations. This starter thrives on benign neglect, rewarding your patience with bubbly fermentation and mouthwatering results.

With a fully activated potato flake sourdough starter at your disposal, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice enthusiast, crafting artisanal loaves of bread becomes a joyous endeavor. The starter's sweet flavor and reliable performance ensure consistent results with minimal effort, leaving you free to savor the creative process.

One of the greatest joys of baking with potato flake sourdough starter is sharing the fruits of your labor with loved ones. As you slice into a freshly baked loaf and inhale its intoxicating aroma, you're not just enjoying bread—you're sharing a piece of home. Whether it's a simple weekday meal or a special occasion, this bread serves as a reminder that life's most cherished moments are often found in the simplest of pleasures.

In a world filled with complexity and chaos, potato flake sourdough starter offers a beacon of simplicity and serenity. With its minimalistic approach to baking and low-maintenance nature, it invites us to slow down, reconnect with tradition, and savor the simple joys of homemade bread. So why wait? Grab a jar, some potato flakes, and let the magic begin. In the heart of your kitchen, amidst the gentle hum of fermentation, you'll find the true essence of home.

Ingredients for Starter:

1 cup, warm water

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons Potato Flakes

1 packet yeast

Ingredients for Feeding:

1 cup, warm water

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons Potato Flakes

Tools:

Jar or bowl with lid

Non-metal stirring utensil (I use a little silicone scraper and this Cuisinart set is probably my most used kitchen tool)

Measuring spoons and cups

Not required, but I do use, a instant read thermometer (cold here in the winter and I use water from my refrigerator, so like to make sure the water is at least 100 degrees.

Day 1: Stir all ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Cover loosely and leave on counter

Day 2: Stir once daily

Day 3: Stir once daily

Day 4: Feed starter and let sit out for 8-10 hours, refrigerate for 3-5 day.

Day 5-7: Stir once daily

Day 8: Remove 1 cup, if making bread reserve for that, if not, you can discard or use in a sourdough discard recipe (will be sharing soon).  Feed starter. Let sit on counter for 8-10 hours then refrigerate. Feed again in 3-5 days. 

You can store in any container with a lid (mason jar, pyrex bowl, I'm currently using an old glass mayo jar).  Will just need to hold at least 2o ounces.