Vintage Style Gal

Vintage Equestrian Decor

2026-06-17T16:51:52.984-04:00

Ten Minute Vintage Styling: Equestrian Foyer Refresh Using Vintage Decor

Life has been moving at full speed lately, and if you’re anything like me, you don’t always have the time (or energy) for a full room makeover. That’s why I’ve started giving myself small decorating challenges — not to compete with anyone else, but because I love seeing what I can create with what I already have. Today’s challenge? A Ten Minute Vintage Styling refresh in our foyer. It was still dressed for Easter, and I wanted to see if I could give it a fresh, vintage equestrian look in just ten minutes using only pieces from my home.

Ten Minute Vintage Styling: Equestrian Foyer Refresh

I love decorating with vintage pieces because they bring instant character and history into a space. Here lately, our home has been leaning heavily into masculine, collected, equestrian-inspired style, so this quick foyer refresh was the perfect chance to play with those elements again.

The Idea:

Refresh our foyer using vintage equestrian touches and items I already own.

What I Used:

one metal lantern
a brass/glass cloche filled with porcelain wheels
dried hydrangeas
a stack of vintage books
a late‑1800s sardine tin designed to look like a book
brass bells
a velvet riding hat
equestrian artwork

What I Did

I layered one lantern in front of the mirror to create height and reflection - an easy win since it was already in place from Easter.

Next, I added the porcelain casters I found at a barn sale last year. Their rounded shape reminds me of the old hardware and little wheels you'd find in a vintage equestrian office, so they fit right in with the theme and add a bit of curiosity.

The dried hydrangea in the decorative box were already there too, and I kept them because they soften the metal and wood.

Then came the books - and one of my favorite pieces in the entire vignette: a vintage sardine tin designed to look like a book. It dates to the late 1800s and still has its original lithograph artwork. Modern decor can't replicate the charm of old advertising graphics, and this little "book" adds so much character and a masculine, collected feel.

On the decorative wall hooks, I left the velvet riding hat and brass bells exactly where they were. They already brought in that equestrian touch I love.

Finally, I added horse artwork to echo the theme - one print inside the lantern and two more on the wall. Just that small change pulled the entire space together.

Why It Works:

Repeating the equestrian motif makes my space feel intentional.

The mix of metal, dried florals, and old books adds texture and warmth.

The mirror reflects the foyer and metal lantern and makes the entry feel welcoming.

Try It Yourself:

Pick one theme — horses, travel, music, botanicals — and repeat it in three small ways.

How Did I Pull This Off in 10 Minutes?

You may be wondering how I pulled this off quickly? The secret? I've been collecting vintage images from the internet for years. I keep them in a digital file, and sometimes I print them and store them in a paper file for quick grabbing.

For this refresh, I already had the images printed. I simply added them to my frames. I always put the newest artwork in the front and tuck older prints behind it - no extra storage needed, and no creased prints. This gal has learned a thing or twelve since decorating our home. I like easy decorating, nothing too fussy.

Life keeps getting busier, and I'm sure you're like me - who has time to constantly overhaul their home? That's why I make small changes, fast. Keeping photos on hand, storing prints inside the frame, and having a few go-to themes makes decorating simple.

The striped wrapping paper was already in place too from when I updated our dining room prints. That little trick gives inexpensive prints a more upscale look, don't you think?

And now you can see how this ten-minute styling trick completely changed the look of our entryway - even though I barely changed anything at all. Adding the equestrian artwork brought in that Ralph Lauren feel and tied in beautifully with what I've done in the dining room. I love when an update looks like a lot of work but isn't.

A Little Note Before You Go

This little ten‑minute challenge reminded me how easy it can be to refresh a space with just a few thoughtful changes. I’ll be sharing more Ten Minute Vintage Styling ideas soon, so stay tuned if you love quick, collected, vintage‑inspired decorating as much as I do.

More Vintage Equestrian Inspiration

P.S. If you want to see the “before” version of this space, you can find my Easter foyer styling post, where many of these same pieces were used in a somewhat different way.

This equestrian foyer refresh also ties directly into the work I’ve been doing in our dining room. If you want to see how that space came together, you can follow the full series: the wrapping paper artwork DIY, the DIY clock makeover, the vintage frame repair, the budget friendly mirror makeover, and the Beagle prints frame update. Each post shows a different step in building a cohesive, collected, vintage‑inspired home.

Ciao,

Cara

How to Decorate With Vintage Trophies

2026-06-10T13:06:17.348-04:00

How to Decorate With Vintage Trophies (1950s Sports Memorabilia Display Ideas)

Have you ever wondered how to decorate with family memorabilia — especially vintage trophies? Today I’m sharing how I styled a collection of 1950s vintage sports trophies and family memorabilia into a masculine vintage vignette that feels like it is straight out of a mid‑century college dorm room. If you love vintage décor, mid‑century style, or meaningful pieces with history, this project is right up your alley.

DIY Vintage Home Makeovers: Bringing Old Things Back to Life

2026-05-26T14:51:37.888-04:00

DIY Vintage Home Makeovers Using Thrifted Finds and Upcycled Decor

Have you ever noticed how some of the best pieces in a home aren’t actually “new” at all?

They’re the old door that got a second chance.
The frame you fixed instead of replacing.
The thrifted find that didn’t look like much… until it suddenly did.

That’s kind of the theme running through my house lately.

I don’t really decorate by buying everything new anymore — I decorate by figuring out what something could become. Most of my projects start with something worn, broken, or completely overlooked, and slowly turn into something that actually feels like home.

This page brings together some of my favorite vintage-style home makeovers in one place. These are real projects where old things were repaired, reimagined, or completely transformed — sometimes with simple fixes, sometimes with bigger makeovers, but always with the same idea: use what you have and make it beautiful again.

If you enjoy thrifted finds, upcycling ideas, or DIY home projects that focus on creativity over perfection, you’ll probably enjoy browsing through these.

Each project stands on its own, so feel free to start anywhere.

Hollow Core Door Turned Stained Glass Statement Piece

Project type: Large-scale home transformation / upcycled door makeover

A plain hollow core door is transformed into a stained-glass-inspired feature using trim, design detail, and paint techniques.

This project shows how basic builder-grade materials can be turned into a decorative focal point with character.

After

👉 See the full transformation: Hollow Core Door Makeover Stained Glass

This project really pushed me into thinking differently about what doors (and overlooked materials) can become.

Before

DIY Frame Repair + Painted Mat Makeover

Project type: Frame restoration / found decor repair

A broken, found at the curb frame is repaired and the mat is refreshed with paint to create a softer, more vintage-style finish.

This is a simple restoration project focused on saving and improving found decor instead of replacing the broken parts.

After

👉 Read the full project here: DIY Frame Repair and Painted Mat Tutorial

This is one of those “don’t throw it out yet” projects — especially if you love giving old frames a second chance.

Before

DIY Leaded Glass Cabinet Door Using a Vintage Window

Project type: Upcycled architectural salvage / cabinet transformation

An old vintage window is repurposed into a custom cabinet door, preserving its character while giving it a functional new purpose in our kitchen.

This project highlights how architectural salvage can be reused in modern cottage-style decorating.

After

👉 Full project: DIY Leaded Glass Cabinet Door Using a Vintage Window

It’s proof that sometimes the best decor pieces are already sitting in your house — just not being used the right way yet.

Before

Rub ’n Buff Frame Refresh (Quick Vintage Fix)

Project type: Small-scale frame makeover / surface restoration

An old frame is refreshed using Rub ’n Buff and paint to create a warm, aged vintage finish without replacing the original piece.

This is a quick restoration method for updating decor that is structurally fine but visually outdated.

Before and After

👉 Full tutorial here: Transform Old Frames with Rub ’n Buff

This is one of my favorite “quick wins” when something feels almost right but just needs a little character.

Why Upcycling Matters

Upcycling is more than saving money or reducing waste- it's about changing how you see your home.

Instead of viewing something old as finished, you start seeing it as unfinished potential.

Upcycling helps you:

Create a home with more character and history
Save money by reusing what you already have
Reduce waste by keeping unsable items out of the trash
Build confidence in your creativity and DIY skills
Develop a more personal, layered decorating style

Most importantly, it helps you slow down and notice what's already around you - and what it could become with a little time and imagination. And once you start seeing things this way, it's hard to unsee it.

More Vintage + Upcycle Home Ideas

If you like this kind of DIY — the “use what you have, fix what you can, and make it beautiful anyway” approach — here are a few more projects you might like:

DIY Cupboard Door Makeover – Vintage Cottage Transformation
Upcycled Packing Paper Wreath: Trash to Treasure Decor
Paint Stick Chevron Cabinet Panels for a Cottage Kitchen
Make Plastic Pots Look Expensive with Simple Upgrades
DIY Metal Crafts and Small Home Fixes

I’ll keep adding to this as I finish new projects, because honestly this is the kind of decorating I keep coming back to again and again.

A Little Note Before You Go

I don’t really believe your home has to be filled with brand new things to feel beautiful.

Most of the time, it’s the opposite.

It’s the broken frame you fixed instead of replaced.
The old door you gave a second life.
The random thrifted find that suddenly makes sense in your space.

That’s the kind of home I like living in — one piece at a time, a little imperfect, and very lived-in.

Ciao for now,

Cara

What to Make With Furring Strips: DIY Cottage-Style Seed Tray

2026-05-23T05:25:16.114-04:00

DIY Seed Tray Made From Furring Strips

Have you ever admired something from afar? You know — one of those pieces you see in someone else’s home and think, “One day, I’ll find one of those, I'll scoop it right up, and life will be grand.”

For me, that piece was an antique seed tray. A blogger friend had one, and every season she styled it so beautifully that I found myself swooning over it from a distance. But no matter how many antiquing adventures my husband and I went on, I never stumbled across one.

So what do we do when we can’t find the piece we’ve been longing for?
We make it.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with furring strips, this is one of my favorite unexpected answers…

DIY Vintage‑Inspired Organizers: Simple Ways to Store Spice Jars With Vintage Finds

2026-05-19T13:36:35.286-04:00

DIY Vintage‑Inspired Organizers: How I Store My Vintage Spice Jars (No DIY Required)

Just the other day, my friend Sadie (name changed for privacy) told me she didn’t know how to store her vintage spice jars. I lit up like a Christmas tree because I already had the perfect solution — my antique ribbed mission‑style spice jars tucked neatly inside a vintage cheese crate.

When I shared how I was storing mine, she said, “Cara… you need to share that on your blog.” I laughed and said, “Oh, I doubt anyone would be interested.” She replied, “You just solved my problem. You don’t think others have the same issue?”

So if this helps you, you can thank Sadie. I never planned to write a whole post about this, but here we are — exploring one of my favorite DIY vintage‑inspired organizers that technically requires zero DIY. Teehee.

DIY Americana Coffee Filter Banner (Easy Memorial Day & 4th of July Craft)

2026-05-15T21:30:35.709-04:00

Vintage‑Inspired Americana Banner Using Coffee Filters and Leftover Paint

If you love simple, nostalgic, use‑what‑you‑have projects, this DIY Americana banner is the perfect craft for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or any summer weekend. I made mine using coffee filters I’ve had for nearly 20 years — yes, really — and a few leftover paint pots from old paint‑by‑number kits. This perfectly imperfect banner has that soft, vintage Americana look I adore, and it comes together in just a few minutes with supplies you probably already have at home.

Back When Life Was Simple: My Days as a Brownie in the Girl Scouts

2026-05-14T15:21:38.270-04:00

This week, I went over for a visit at my mom’s house.

I was searching for something specific from my childhood, and instead, I came home with a Brownie sash.

Oh, the memories that flooded my mind seeing this one simple sash

Isn’t it funny how you can be so focused on one thing, and then a million other memories come flooding into your mind the moment you touch something familiar?

This little Brownie sash was a big deal in my childhood.

We found other badges, but I didn't think about it at the time and didn't bring them home

I remembered a photo of me walking across the bridge, saying the Girl Scout pledge, and earning that sash (if we come across it, I will share it here). I can still picture the first three fingers of my right hand held together as I said that pledge, feeling so proud to be a member.

Source: Back In Time Today, same uniform I remembering wearing

This is exactly as I remember my Brownie uniform looking, I also had the brownie pin. Maybe the sash did not have other badges on the front, only the troop you belonged to? I cannot remember now.

Debbie was my troop leader back then. She had a daughter in the troop who was also in my class.

Her mom would drop her off at our house every morning before school because she had to get to work at Kroger. My mom would then take both of us to school.

Gosh, that feels like a lifetime ago. My sister was just an infant then — tiny, new, and completely unaware of the life around her.

Speaking of life, I also remember the time Debbie’s daughter gave us headlice. My mom was not thrilled, especially because my baby sister couldn’t have the shampoo put in her hair.

My best friend and I were in the same Brownie troop, and we attended weekly meetings at Debbie’s house. We weren’t troublemakers — not really — but we did get in trouble nearly every week.

All we had to do was look at each other, and we’d crack up for the entire hour. Debbie would get so frustrated and ask if we had anything we wanted to share with the troop.

Of course we didn’t. We were laughing at absolutely nothing. We just couldn’t contain the giggles.

Eventually, Debbie and her daughter moved away, leaving a void in our troop.

My mom stepped in as the new leader. Funny enough, I don’t remember laughing nearly as much after that. Mom kept us busy with crafts and field trips instead.

One of my favorite memories is her going to local carpet stores asking for donated carpet samples. We ended up stenciling “Home Is Where the Heart Is” on them and turning them into doormats for our Mother’s Day gifts.

Mom had that stenciled doormat at our backdoor for many years. I even remember when we got a puppy — he’d curl up on that doormat and sleep for hours. He was only five weeks old, much too young to be away from his mother, but we didn’t know then what we know now.

My sister would complain, “Can we send him back for another one? All he does is sleep!” That dog was with us for eleven years. Even through cancer, he was always making sure he was coddling us. I miss him to this day — all 152 pounds of him.

We also participated in the local parade.

The entire family got involved. My dad found an antique mantel, added faux brick, laid carpet on the float, set up a rocking chair, and created a whole cozy scene.

My mom played Mrs. Claus, and we troop members gathered around her while she pretended to read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. We waved as we drove by.

I remember being so proud of that float — the streamers, the decorations, the whole vibe. It was quite the production for its time.

Oh, the 80s were so much fun in Brownies.

I remember these two badges being my favorites because I loved seals

We even went horseback riding as a troop.

We saved our money, and every single one of us got to go. I remember not being able to get my horse to follow directions. They told me to slap it with the riding crop, but I refused to hurt the horse. So I slapped my own leg instead. That one smarted. I still remember the sting.

We sold Girl Scout cookies the old‑fashioned way — door to door. I think they were around $2.00 a box then. A far cry from what my husband pays now when they sell them at his work.

Eventually, I graduated from Brownies to Girl Scouts and received my green vest. I have no idea where that vest is now. Mom wants us to come home and go through our treasures, so maybe it’ll turn up.

I also remember having a chores list to earn a badge I desperately wanted.

There were daily, weekly, and monthly chores, and my mom had to check each one off. Making my bed every day was one of them. I remember thinking, Why do I have to do this every day? I’m just going to unmake it again tonight.

I wish I could say that habit carried into adulthood, but… it didn’t. Making my bed daily is not at the top of my priority list.

Cleaning up dog poo was another chore. I hated it, but I did it for that badge. At least our yellow lab always went in the same spot. I wish I were that lucky now. At least I have a pooper scooper these days.

Doing dishes was also on the list, and that one stuck. One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing dishes in the sink. Girl Scouts must have rubbed off on me there — I make sure they’re done every evening right after dinner.

As for the sash itself, the front has the bare minimum of badges, but the back is filled. This gal didn’t want the front cluttered. Sounds like me, doesn’t it? I needed that nice, clean front.

We made ruler holders, magnets for the fridge, and we even went on a train ride in Nelsonville, Ohio.

I remember the wind rustling my hair — it was all over the place. The ride isn’t long; I’ve gone as an adult, but I have to say, even now, I enjoy it.

Adult me even rode in the open‑air cart. Your hair may be a mess when you’re finished, but it is so much fun letting go and being in the moment.

The fall foliage train ride is the best — all those colors. Real life here: I wasn’t nearly as excited about leaves changing as a kid as I am now, but I had a blast riding on a real train.

Some of you may recall that my grandpa and I always played with his trains. I loved when he’d let me hit the choo‑choo button. I even had a striped cap I would wear.

Getting some tomboy vibes here? Oh yes, I was all about it — as long as I didn’t get my clothes dirty. That was where I drew the line.

I also came across my Girl Scout card. I don’t actually remember the card, but that sash… it brought back so many memories.

Guess I didn't sign the back

I hope you enjoyed taking this little trip down memory lane with me.

If this is something you’d like more of, please let me know. I have a lot of things to clear out from Mom’s house, and I’m sure a million more memories will come with them.

Life has been heavy lately, and maybe we could all use a little transport back when life was simple. Let me know, and I’ll keep them rolling. See you later, my friend.

Ciao,

Cara

How to Store Platters Using a Vintage Metal File

2026-05-08T15:42:00.000-04:00

O

rganizing Our Built-In Cabinet With a Vintage Metal Paper File (Yes, Really)

If you’ve been reading along for any length of time, then you know I am not the most organized person in the world. One… I have too much stuff. Two… my brain is always thinking. Three… I like to see my things. That last one drives some people crazy, but it’s how my visual brain works. And today I’m sharing how I organized our built‑in kitchen cabinet using a vintage metal paper file — a simple, budget‑friendly way to store platters upright and finally bring order back to this space.

DIY Leaded Glass Cabinet Door Using a Vintage Window

2026-05-07T13:08:00.002-04:00

Kitchen Chronicles XII: DIY Leaded Glass Cabinet Door Using a Vintage Window (Kitchen Remodel Project)

Today I’m sharing how we turned a vintage leaded glass window into a DIY leaded glass cabinet door for our kitchen remodel. This small upper cabinet may look simple, but between the weight of the leaded glass, tricky installation, and a few unexpected surprises, it turned into one of those projects that tested our patience from start to finish.

It’s coming together—perfectly imperfect—just the way we tend to do things around here.

How to Turn a Vintage Window Into a Cabinet Door

The Reality of a DIY Kitchen Remodel (When It Starts to Wear on You)

Can you believe we keep inching closer to that finish line in our kitchen? Some days I have to pinch myself. Those early days in this process... there were days when I wondered why did I agree to do this mostly on our own? There were days when I wanted to sit down and cry.

Do you know I did not open the curtains in our dining room for six long months? Not because I didn't want to see the outside world and sunshine day in and day out, but because I could not even get to the windows. There was no room, not even a path to get to the windows. We were beginning to feel like a hoarder show, only we were the only ones seeing it.

During those days, I was beginning to get a bit depressed. I didn't feel like we were getting anywhere. We would have people come in and it was one step forward, two or three backwards since there was always something holding us back from moving to the next step.

We felt like those real life home remodeling shows where everything goes wrong. I never shared with you that when my husband went to place one of the stacked cabinet boxes up, it slid right out of his hands from my super duper waxing job, went right over his head, and hit the floor—just missing our glass top range by an inch!

I nearly passed out.

I thought, why are we doing this?

Why We Chose to Build Our Own Cabinets

I had to remind myself that we were doing this for experience, to see if we could. We were doing this because every time we hire a contractor, something happens—and not in a good way. Our home always seems to have a major issue when others come in and work (thank goodness Double D Floors and More was a positive experience!).

For our new folks: Paint drips on the wall upstairs. Pipes not tested before the bathroom was put back together, leading to water coming through the ceiling. Cast iron drains needing replaced after everything was finished. Ceilings torn out. A patch job that never should have been called “finished.” Blue paint on my floors (we have never used blue paint!).

And the roof? Don’t even get me started.

So when I thought about everything we have been through over the last two years, I had to suck it up and say—we are doing this. No one else is remodeling our kitchen. We are. We take our time, we pay attention to details, and this is our home.

Building the Upper Cabinet Box for a Leaded Glass Door

This kitchen has given me the confidence to do more on my own though. I feel more confident I can tackle some of those upstairs projects now. But first—we finish this kitchen.

Which brings me to our small leaded glass cabinet.

We finally built the cabinet box… and whew, it was a doozy.

Perhaps making one continuous cabinet would have been easier, but at the time we thought building two separate cabinets would be more manageable. My husband is 6'2", I am 5', and let me tell you—working from a ladder while trying to help hold things steady is not exactly efficient.

I guess this is the only photo I took while we built the cabinet box

This small leaded glass cabinet was a real stinker to install.

Restoring the Leaded Glass Window Frame

Before we could install it, we needed to restore the leaded glass window frame.

See the years of use along the right side, not looking so hot is it?

I’ll admit—we took the easy route. I had Restore-A-Finish on hand and decided to give it a try. When my sister first gave me these windows, I cleaned them up using Murphy’s Oil Soap, and they looked so much better. Then I cleaned each pane of glass and finally used Old English on the wood, which really brought it back to life.

Nope, I did not have the correct wood type, but I used it anyway.

But I kept thinking… it could look better.

Steel wool and Restor-A-Finish to the rescue.

This time around, I used Restore-A-Finish with very fine steel wool (0000), and I was honestly amazed at what came off. Our hands were black from handling the window—lesson learned, I wore gloves the next time.

What I always thought was a dark, worn lock turned out to be brass. I had cleaned this window before, but this was the first time that detail really came through.

We also needed to repair the joinery. You could see the wood pegs (trunnels) on one side, so we decided to reinforce both sides to make sure that leaded glass wasn’t going anywhere. My husband carefully pulled it apart, we applied the special wood glue we have been using throughout this remodel, and clamped it tight.

If you need more information on this: we used two clamps, and hooked the clamps together to create one large clamp to be sure everything stayed in place.

Even though the glue sets quickly, we left the clamps on for about 30 minutes just to be safe.

How to Restore a Leaded Glass Window for a Cabinet Door (Step-by-Step)

Clean the wood frame with Murphy’s Oil Soap
Clean each pane of glass individually
Apply Restore-A-Finish using 0000 steel wool
Wipe clean and assess wood tone
Reinforce joints with wood glue and clamps
Let dry before installation

Attaching the Leaded Glass Door to the Cabinet

Once everything was dry, we attached the leaded glass cabinet door with a continuous piano hinge while the cabinet was still on the ground. There was no way I could safely hold that heavy window in place while standing on a ladder.

One important detail we ran into was that the leaded glass window was not the same width as the bottom cabinet door. Because of that, we had to add an additional piece of wood to close the cabinet opening properly.

This also meant we could not center the cabinet door the way we originally planned. If we had centered it, the leaded glass would have only been attached to about a 1 1/2 inch deep piece of wood on one side, which just didn’t feel stable enough for something this heavy.

Instead, we shifted the cabinet slightly off-center so the leaded glass door could be anchored more securely to a wider, stronger section of the cabinet frame.

It’s not perfectly symmetrical, but it’s solid—and at the end of the day, that matters more to us than being perfectly centered. It’s ours, it’s sturdy, and we know it’s not going anywhere.

After attaching it, we lifted the cabinet up and over the lower cabinet. You’ve seen how we build cabinet boxes before, so I didn’t take many photos this time—but I will for the next one since we’re building an identical cabinet on the other side of our kitchen.

Things to Consider Before Using a Vintage Window as a Cabinet Door

Weight of leaded glass
Cabinet support needed
Hinges (why piano hinge worked)
Not always perfectly sized
Safety/stability

Common Cabinet Installation Problems (And How We Fixed Them)

Once the cabinet was in place, we tested everything before securing it—and thank goodness we did.

The leaded glass cabinet door hit the lower cabinet door and wouldn’t open. So we recessed the upper cabinet about half an inch and added shims underneath to get the clearance we needed.

Then came the next issue…

The door wouldn’t stay closed properly. We added a magnetic strip catch, which worked at the bottom—but because the leaded glass door is so heavy, the top stuck out slightly. It looked terrible.

So we added a second magnetic strip at the top.

Problem solved.

(After a few rounds of trial and error, of course.)

I think this looks odd here in photo, but looks nice in person.

When the Smallest Cabinet Causes the Biggest Problems

We would make progress, then have to rework things again and again. Isn’t it funny how the smallest cabinets cause the biggest headaches? We had the same issue with our stacked cabinets—the smallest one was the troublemaker there too.

Once everything was finally working properly, my husband secured the cabinet with anchor screws into the stud, that cabinet is not going anywhere. This vintage leaded glass cabinet door has become one of the most unique parts of our DIY kitchen remodel—and one of the most challenging to get right.

Styled inside of cabinet which I am sure will change soon and many times over

A Piece of History in Our Kitchen

These leaded glass doors came from a home built in the 1800s in Chicago. My sister drove there and back to pick up two identical sets. They were removing all that character, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering why.

I’ll never understand it—but I do know this…

They ended up here, in our home, where they will be appreciated every single day.

We still have our work cut out for us no matter how much progress we make

What Still Needs to Be Fixed

We do still have a few things to work out. There’s about a quarter inch gap between the cabinets from the added shims we didn’t plan for.

We already have a plan to fix it—but that will come after the next step.

What’s Next: Range Hood Cover Plans

Our next project is the range hood cover. We’re currently waiting on materials that are backordered until mid to late May.

Once that is in place, we can go back and add trim to cover all of our little “oops” moments.

Because let’s be honest—home remodeling is basically a series of figuring it out as you go.

Don’t you love home remodeling projects? If you’ve ever tackled one yourself, I would love to hear your experience.

This has been a real-life learning experience for us… or maybe I should say me.

That hasn’t stopped my brain from coming up with new ideas though. I have plenty waiting in the wings—but first, we finish this kitchen.

I’m trying to be better in 2026 about not letting my ideas get too far ahead of what I can actually accomplish. I can quickly overwhelm myself with ideas, and I just cannot do that right now.

Easier said than done… right?

Follow Our DIY Kitchen Remodel (Kitchen Chronicles Series):

How to Refinish a Vintage Buffet

Kitchen Chronicles I: Our DIY Kitchen Adventure

Kitchen Chronicles II: Behind the DIY Kitchen Remodel (What No One Tells You)

Kitchen Chronicles III: Unexpected Repairs, Cold Weather, and Slow Progress

Kitchen Chronicles IV: Vintage Lighting

Kitchen Chronicles V: DIY Paint Stirrer Stick Chevron Cabinet Panels

Kitchen Chronicles VI: Reworking Our Existing Cabinets for a New Kitchen Layout

Kitchen Chronicles VII: Choosing Natural Stone Cabinets for an Old Kitchen

Kitchen Chronicles VIII: DIY Stacked Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Chronicles IX: How We Built a Hidden Microwave Cabinet

Kitchen Chronicles X: Double D Floors and More Review

Kitchen Chronicles XI: How to Transform a Hollow Core Door into a Stained Glass Look

Kitchen Chronicles: XII: Restoring Leaded Glass Window Cabinet Door DIY Kitchen

Ciao,

Cara

How to Boil Eggs So They Peel Easily (Foolproof Method)

2026-04-27T13:44:00.004-04:00

How to Boil and Peel Eggs Easily (My Foolproof Method)

The easiest way to make hard-boiled eggs that peel beautifully every time—no sticking, no frustration.

Quick Answer: Boil eggs for 10 minutes after the water returns to a full boil. Drain, add cold water, gently crack the shells, and peel for easy results every time.

Use What You Have Pantry Organization (No Clear Bins Needed)

2026-04-24T17:17:00.004-04:00

Pantry Organization Without Buying Anything (Using What I Already Had)

Pantry organization doesn’t have to mean buying a bunch of clear bins or spending money you don’t have. I organized this entire pantry using baskets, trays, and random things I already had around the house—and honestly, I like it better this way. And if you’re tired of being told you need matching bins and perfectly labeled containers just to feel organized… you’re not alone.

DIY Wrapping Paper Picture Mat

2026-04-07T11:34:00.001-04:00

How to Make Printable Art Look High‑End on a Budget

Taking free printables or simple wall art and making them look high-end doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, this easy DIY picture mat idea uses something unexpected—wrapping paper.

If you’ve ever felt like your wall art was missing something, or just needed a little more presence on the wall, this is one of those simple updates that can completely change the look without spending much at all.

And if you’ve been around here for a while, you already know… I’m all about decorating for pennies on the dollar.

This year's makeover Beagle prints hung in our dining room

An Easy Way to Upgrade Printable Wall Art

This time around, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I already had something I loved—my Beagle prints from last spring—but I just couldn’t stop thinking they needed something more.

Not a full makeover. Just a little extra.

You know that feeling, right? When something is good… but not quite done?

A Little Backstory on These Beagle Prints

You may remember when I gave our dining room a full refresh without spending any money. That was a fun one.

If you missed it, you can catch up here:

Those frames looked very different back then. I even shared how you don’t always need a traditional mat—you can fake the look using a little Rub n Buff and call it a day.

And honestly? I still love that idea.

But…

I kept looking at those prints.

I loved the Beagles (obviously), but I started getting that itch. The kind where you walk by something ten times a day and think, maybe I should change that…

I tinker. I stare. I rethink. That’s just how I decorate.

The $3.99 Wrapping Paper That Changed Everything

One Saturday morning—right after Mother Nature dumped several inches of snow on Ohio —my husband suggested we get out of the house and head to Home Goods.

Cabin fever had officially set in.

Now, I never shop with a plan. If I do, I won’t find a thing. But if I go in just browsing? That’s when the magic happens.

We were wandering the aisles, he was loading up the cart with kitchen things. I had all my gift cards ready (which, let’s be honest, makes shopping way more fun when it’s not your own money).

And then I saw it.

Wrapping paper.

Striped. Classic. The kind that just feels like it belongs in a Ralph Lauren catalog.

I zoomed in on it like Bentley going after a squirrel.

And right there in the aisle, I knew exactly what I was going to do.

I was going to use it as a mat for my Beagle prints.

I was more excited about that $3.99 wrapping paper than anything else in the store. Total happy dance moment.

Last year's print with abstract DIY mat

Supplies for This DIY Wrapping Paper Picture Mat

Here’s everything I used to give my printable art that high-end look:

Printable Beagle art (or any artwork you love)
Striped wrapping paper
Scissors or a paper trimmer
Glue stick
Frame
Optional: scrapbook paper for a thicker “mat” look

I found my striped wrapping paper at Home Goods, but any classic stripe or neutral pattern will give you the same high‑end look.

How to Use Wrapping Paper as a Picture Mat

This is one of those projects that looks high-end but is incredibly simple to do.

Step 1: Trim Your Print

Carefully cut around the actual image of your printable or artwork. This removes the extra white space, or in my case, abstract gold space and gives you more control over the final look.

Step 2: Cut the Wrapping Paper to Size

Use the original paper (before trimming) as your guide, or if you still have the paper that comes with your frame. Lay it over the wrapping paper and cut the wrapping paper to the same size.

Step 3: Center Your Artwork (The Easy Trick)

Now here’s the trick—because I will be the first to admit, centering things is not my strong suit.

Place the original cut-out paper over the wrapping paper like a template.

Then set your trimmed artwork back into that opening.

This gives you perfectly even spacing all the way around without guessing.

No eyeballing. No frustration. Yay for me.

Step 4: Secure and Frame

Add a small dab of glue stick to hold everything in place, then pop it back into your frame.

And voilà—you’ve just created a custom mat using wrapping paper.

Why This Simple Trick Makes Art Look More Expensive

There’s something about adding that extra layer around artwork that instantly elevates it.

The contrast from the striped wrapping paper creates depth.

The “mat” effect draws your eye in.

And the whole piece suddenly feels more intentional—like something you’d find in a higher-end store.

It’s such a small change, but the visual impact is huge.

Tips for Choosing Wrapping Paper Patterns and Colors

Not all wrapping paper is created equal for DIY mats. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Stripes or subtle patterns add interest without overpowering your art.
Neutral colors (white, beige, gray, navy) work with almost any decor.
Bold patterns can make the piece a focal point, but only if your art is simple.
Metallic accents like gold or silver give a luxe feel.
Test your paper behind the frame before cutting—it saves mistakes.

The Finished Look (A Little Ralph Lauren Inspired)

When I stepped back and looked at the finished frames, I couldn’t help but think…

Okay… this is giving a little Ralph Lauren vibe.

Classic. Tailored. A bit preppy, but still cozy and lived-in.

And the funny thing? I didn’t change much else in the room.

I kept almost everything the same, aside from adding a planter that also went through its own little makeover (you can check that out by clicking the link).

That’s kind of my thing—I like keeping what I have and just shifting things around until it feels right. And last minute, I did make a few more changes with my DIY planter.

Perfectly imperfect.

More Budget-Friendly Ideas

If you love this kind of project, here are a few more ways I’ve updated my home without spending much at all:

There are so many ways to work with what you already have—you just have to look at things a little differently.

If you want to try this project yourself, here are a few similar wrapping papers and tools I recommend.

Shop This Post

Here are a few wrapping papers and tools that give the same classic, high‑end look as the one I used:
Striped Wrapping Paper (Classic / Preppy Look)
Navy & white stripe
Black & white stripe
Neutral beige stripe
Neutral Wrapping Paper (Safe + Versatile)
Solid white matte
Kraft paper (always looks elevated)
Soft gray
Metallic Wrapping Paper (Luxe Option)
Gold foil
Silver foil
Metallic stripe
Tools & Basics
Scissors
Glue stick
Simple black frames
Scrapbook paper (for a thicker “mat” look)

FAQ: DIY Wrapping Paper Picture Mats

Q: What if I don’t have a frame?
A: You can use scrapbook frames, clipboards, or even binder clips for a casual display. Wrapping paper still works as a background/faux mat.

Q: Can I use scrapbook paper instead?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough not to wrinkle behind the glass. Wrapping paper works best for subtle patterns and metallic accents.

Q: Will the wrapping paper wrinkle over time?
A: Use a smooth cut and a dab of glue or tape. If you anticipate humidity, try lightweight cardstock or mount the paper to a thin piece of cardboard.

Q: Can I switch patterns seasonally?
A: Totally! One of the perks of using inexpensive wrapping paper is that you can update it anytime for a fresh look.

My Thoughts on Wrapping Paper Mats

I couldn’t be happier with how these turned out.

It’s one of those simple changes that made a bigger difference than I expected.

And honestly, if I hadn’t said anything… would you have guessed that was wrapping paper?

Would you try this in your own home?

I’ll be honest—I’m not afraid to use things in ways they weren’t intended. I’ve had napkins on my kitchen wall before, so at this point, wrapping paper as a picture mat feels like a normal Tuesday around here.

And something tells me… this won’t be the last time I reach for it in a non-traditional way.

Ciao,

Cara

Free Vintage Easter Printables + Decorating Ideas

2026-03-31T16:57:00.001-04:00

Simple Easter Decorating Ideas with Free Vintage-Inspired Printables

Can you believe Easter is almost here? I thought I had an extra week to get my life together—but nope. We are hosting this year, and my dining room is still halfway packed with my kitchen mess.

If you’re in the same boat (busy, behind, and still wanting things to feel special), I’ve got you covered. Today I’m sharing free Easter printables along with easy Easter decorating ideas you can pull together in no time—using things you already have at home.

These vintage-inspired printables have that storybook charm (think Peter Rabbit and childhood favorites), and I’ve been using them all over my home—from simple flower arrangements to quick little hostess gifts.

If you have a printer and a little creativity, you can create meaningful Easter touches your guests will remember—without spending a fortune.

Hollow Core Door Makeover Stained Glass

2026-03-28T06:30:00.013-04:00

Kitchen Chronicles XI: How to Transform a Hollow Core Door Into a Stained Glass Look

If you’ve been searching for an easy way to upgrade a hollow‑core door and give it a vintage stained‑glass look—without replacing the door—this tutorial will walk you through exactly how we transformed ours.

The good news? You don’t have to replace them to get the look of a vintage door.

In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how I transformed a basic hollow core door into a vintage-inspired pantry door with a faux stained glass window, wood trim, and antique-style details—using mostly materials I already had on hand (I only spent about $20 on wood). No special carpentry skills, no replacing the door, and no hunting down the “perfect” antique that may never fit your space.

If you’ve been searching for ways to upgrade a hollow core door, make it look more expensive, or add glass to a flat interior door, this DIY might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

This DIY hollow core door makeover is something you can do in a weekend, and I’ll walk you through exactly how we did it step by step.

Boy, am I so excited to share my latest kitchen DIY with you!

This project is part of my vintage home transformation series, check out my DIY Frame Repair and Mat Tutorial.

Why I Chose to Upgrade a Hollow Core Door Instead of Replacing It

100% honesty here, my husband and I are kind of old house nerds. We love most everything about old homes—it is why we settled on our 1950 cozy cottage from the beginning.

Okay, so that is not 100% true... he wanted to build, and I wanted our home to be old. So while he was moving forward with building plans, I was searching for the perfect older home with loads of charm.

I guess we know who won out, huh?

So, when we began this kitchen remodeling journey, both my husband and I wanted an old door for our pantry. No, we did not want one of those doors that says “Pantry.” We were dreaming of a door like you see in old schools—chicken wire where the glass window is, frosted glass, something that caught your eye.

We thought we could find a vintage or antique door with the exact dimensions and it would fit, and that would be the end of our perfect pantry door dreams.

Guess what?

That did not exactly happen.

Not only do your dimensions need to match up, but you also need to consider the door latch and a whole host of other questions I wasn’t prepared for.

I let the pantry door of my dreams go—for a while anyway. You know I can never let things just drop off permanently. I have to keep reworking it in my mind until I land on the perfect solution.

So, when you cannot find what you want, you make it, right?

Well, that is how this gal took a hollow core door and made it look like a vintage old house door. If you’re also wondering how to make a hollow core door look more expensive, this is such a simple way to do it.

How hard can this be? Right?

By the way, this is part of the Do It Over Designers Blog Hop hosted by Ann with The Apple Street Cottage. She gets us together every other month on the fourth Saturday—you just never know what we will be giving a makeover to. Please visit my friends at the end of this post to see what they have been up to, you won't be disappointed.

Our home has 1950s hollow core doors throughout. Being built post-WWII, things were a little different than those pre-war homes. Who knew I would one day appreciate the fact that they fit perfectly into their existing door frames?

I do not think I would ever want to take on the task of fitting a vintage door into an existing frame. This gal has learned a thing or twelve during this kitchen remodel—I like to think I may be a bit smarter about my DIY ideas now.

I started a project with this door, but it wasn't going as planned. That's why you see streaky brown at the top.

Supplies and Materials for This Hollow Core Door Makeover

Hollow Core Door with doorknob
Special Glue for Wood
Trim of your choice
Faux Stained Glass (this one has sold out, but here are beautiful stained glass options)
T-square
Miter saw
Stain of your choice, I used Old Masters Early American
Wax, I used Minwax
Mail Slot (optional)
Respirator mask, I use it for all sanding jobs, and sometimes when I stain, depends on how asthma is treating me that day

Step 1: Preparing the Hollow Core Door

I removed the hinges and then realized I forgot about everything hanging on the inside. Talk about an airhead moment around here.

After I removed the cast iron hooks and Bentley’s things, I was able to remove the doorknob next.

I am all about upcycling and recycling, but you will see later—that doorknob finds a new look, sort of anyway.

I got straight to work sanding down the paint. I have been switching my love of white paint for stain these days thanks to our nearly 50-year-old cabinets that I made over.

Not off to a great start, this is after 1 hour of sanding

If you think the paint came off easily, I can assure you it did not. I took photos at one hour, two, and then three hours. At hour three, in 41-degree weather, my sanding disc began kicking off.

I am seeing wood, woohoo!

Is this a joke? I thought I would be further by this point.

2 hour mark, I was a little frustrated by this point

3 hour mark, and I am still not finished

Never having this happen before, I gave up after the third time and closed up shop.

I waited for my husband to come home that evening, and that is when he took over. Did the sanding disc kick off on him? Of course not.

Husband to the rescue, all sanded down, and sander fixed.

I am not sure what that sander had against me, but I was ticked it didn’t give him any issues. He mentioned cleaning the Velcro part of the sander, but didn’t think there was enough debris to cause my problem.

He finished the door about an hour later, as you can see, I did get pretty far in my paint removal journey.

If you decide to remove paint from a door, know that it is possible it could take a while—if you are working with an older door, there is also a chance it could have been painted with lead paint, so proceed with caution.

My mother mentioned the paint may have been enamel. It had an odd odor when removed, so I am not entirely sure, but I do know it was a bear to get off.

Step 2: Planning the Faux Stained Glass Window

Wood Trim and Faux Stained Glass

I went online and searched for stained glass doors, and wow—you will find a plethora of inspiration out there.

I fell in love, and ideas began rolling around in my mind. I thought to myself, I can totally make this happen with the hollow core door we already have. No need to purchase something new.

I settled on a simple, single-pane stained glass design with trim around the “glass” and a ledge underneath.

We measured our back door for reference to figure out how large we wanted the window to be. With those measurements in mind, we marked everything out on the door.

I knew I wanted the “glass panel” to sit above the doorknob for a more realistic look—not my full fantasy version where the entire door is stained glass.

Step 3: Adding Trim to Create a “Window”

Once everything was marked, my husband cut the trim using our miter saw.

My husband cutting the trim with the miter saw

We cut the top and bottom pieces at 22 inches (end to mitered end), and the side pieces at 30 inches.

Placing trim on door to get an idea where the window will be

One of our mitered edges needed to be fixed (cut again)

I was impatient, and began staining the trim right away. I get this way when I want to see if an idea will work out as I think it should.

Staining the trim before it is attached to the door

Now, can you believe we put this together without any nails?

Window film set on door, checking mitered edges to be sure they line up perfectly

We used a strong wood adhesive we already had on hand, and it worked like a charm.

This glue has been amazing to use for our kitchen remodel, and goes a long way

I am pressing the wood piece down onto the glue so I do not get it on my fingers

Keep the film backing on the vinyl, and face it out, it gives the window a more realistic look

We centered the stained glass by measuring four inches from the top and sides. My husband will tell you it is slightly off, but I cannot see it. I am also the person who cannot tell if a picture is crooked on the wall, so take that for what it’s worth.

We drew lines where we wanted the top and bottom of the window placed on the door

I placed a T-square on the side of the door to be sure my trim was level before gluing down

Once everything was in place, we added a small amount of glue to the corners and pressed the stained glass vinyl onto the door. Then we placed the trim around it to create the look of a real window using the same adhesive.

Notes:

When cutting out the faux stained glass, cut from the center so the window has an ever more realistic look. You do not want a full design on one side, and a half design at the end. Reference above, the glass pieces are halved on either side of the window.
Be sure of placement if you decide to use the wood glue we have been using recently. It dries in about 60 seconds, sometimes less. Once it is "stuck" it is not going anywhere.

Step 4: Adding a Decorative Ledge for a Vintage Look

Once everything was in place, we decided a ledge would be the perfect finishing touch.

We took inspiration from a built-in cabinet in our kitchen that has a tapered ledge underneath. We thought adding something similar to the door would help it feel like it had always been here.

The ledge is being glued down, we are tapering the edges to mimic an existing ledge in our kitchen

We used the same adhesive and secured the ledge right under the stained glass window.

Step 5: Staining the Door for an Antique Finish

After everything was glued down, I stained the door. 24 hours later, I waxed the door to protect the door and trim.

Staining the door, trim, and ledge

Buffing Minwax with white cloth

We intentionally placed the stained glass vinyl directly onto the bare, sanded wood first to give the illusion of light coming through. That is why we saved the staining for last.

We used the same stain we’ve been using throughout our kitchen.

This hollow core door makeover completely changed the look of our kitchen.

Ahh... look at that window. Oh, and Bentley too - he likes to be included.

Step 6: Adding Vintage-Inspired Details (Mail Slot + Hardware)

But... I still wondered what else I could do to make this door feel more realistic.

So I went on eBay and searched for mail slots. A few days later, I found a brass one that felt like the perfect addition.

The mail slot looks more brass in person

Hmm.. now what to do with that shiny doorknob?

We attached it directly to the door. It is not functional, but I like to think maybe one day I will slide a little something into it for someone to find.

Then came the doorknob.

I searched Marketplace, Columbus Architectural Salvage, and eBay, but I just wasn’t finding what I wanted within my budget.

So, I started thinking… and remembered I had an old doorknob from a previous project, the paper towel holder.

I asked my husband if we could somehow make it work—and he figured it out by retrofitting the antique knob and using the existing brass knob together. I honestly could not tell you how he did it since this was 100% trial and error. We were not sure it would work, but he has a way of making my upcycling dreams come true.

I have had this doorknob for nearly 20 years, so glad it is being used now.

We reused part of the existing hardware, painted what we needed black, and I used Rub ’n Buff in antique gold to give it a more aged look.

It may not be the doorknob of my dreams, but for free, I will absolutely take it.

FAQ: Hollow Core Door Makeover

Can you add stained glass to a hollow core door? Yes — faux stained glass film is lightweight and works beautifully.

How do you make a hollow core door look more expensive? Trim, stain, and decorative details like a mail slot instantly elevate it.

Can you cut into a hollow core door? You can cut shallow channels for trim, but deep cuts require caution.

How long does this DIY take? You can complete it in a weekend. We spent 8 hours total on this project.

Final Reveal: My Hollow Core Door Makeover

The result?

I love our new/old door.

I cannot believe we were able to get the look without the huge price tag

I already had most of the materials on hand and only spent about $20 on wood. Now, if you decide you would also like a mail slot, ours was $17 + shipping, but the door looked awesome without it. I am just a fickle gal with my details.

It checks all the boxes for me:

Vintage-inspired look
Stained glass detail
Wood trim that matches our cabinets
No need to replace the door
Budget-friendly and resourceful

Gosh, I am sure there are more—but who cares, look at that door!

Would you have ever thought it was a hollow core door? I never thought I could add a stained glass look to one, but here we are.

Would I Do This Hollow Core Door DIY Again?

I like to think it turned out perfectly—or at least perfectly imperfect, like I tend to do around here. Yes, 1000% I would do this again!

We saved so much money. If you take a look at stain glass doors online, they can go as high as $5500. We would have had to hire someone to install it since we are not sure how to retrofit a door. And if you are spending that much on a door... well, I do not want to be responsible for the installation. No thank you.

If you’re not ready to replace your hollow core doors (who wants to replace things when we can DIY them for less?), this is such an easy way to upgrade what you already have. This hollow core door makeover turned out to be one of my favorite vintage‑style DIY projects, and it’s an easy way to upgrade any flat interior door on a budget.

If you are interested in seeing more of our Kitchen Chronicles, you can find the links below. There have been many recycled and upcycled materials used throughout the remodel.

How to Refinish a Vintage Buffet

Kitchen Chronicles I: Our DIY Kitchen Adventure

Kitchen Chronicles II: Behind the DIY Kitchen Remodel (What No One Tells You)

Kitchen Chronicles III: Unexpected Repairs, Cold Weather, and Slow Progress

Kitchen Chronicles IV: Vintage Lighting

Kitchen Chronicles V: DIY Paint Stirrer Stick Chevron Cabinet Panels

Kitchen Chronicles VI: Reworking Our Existing Cabinets for a New Kitchen Layout

Kitchen Chronicles VII: Choosing Natural Stone Cabinets for an Old Kitchen

Kitchen Chronicles VIII: DIY Stacked Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Chronicles IX: How We Built a Hidden Microwave Cabinet

Kitchen Chronicles X: Double D Floors and More Review

Kitchen Chronicles XI: How to Transform a Hollow Core Door into a Stained Glass Look

Kitchen Chronicles: XII: Restoring Leaded Glass Window Cabinet Door DIY Kitchen

Now, hop on over to see what my friends have been up to this month. There are always so many surprises to be found and seen.

Exquisitely Unremarkable
Little Vintage Cottage
Modern on Monticello
Pandora’s Box
Purple Hues & Me
Unique Creations by Anita
Sum of Their Stories
Vintage Style Gal
The Apple Street Cottage
Birdz of a Feather

Ciao,

Cara

Easy Applesauce Bread Recipe

2026-03-26T13:04:00.002-04:00

Moist Applesauce Bread Recipe + Free Vintage Recipe Card Printable

If you’re looking for an easy applesauce bread recipe that’s soft, moist, and not overly sweet, this one has quickly become a favorite around here. It’s a simple quick bread you can make with pantry staples, and it works beautifully with either regular or gluten free flour. Plus, I’m sharing free printable vintage bunny recipe cards to go along with it—perfect for spring baking and Easter.

Baking has been on my mind lately, and I think it’s because life has been… a lot. Between our kitchen remodel, going through not having water for months (yes, really), and everything in between, homemade baked goods have felt completely out of reach.

And maybe that’s why I’ve been craving them so much.

Do you ever want sugar more when you know you probably shouldn’t have it? Because same.

So I finally gave in a little and put together this easy applesauce bread recipe, and let me tell you—it hit the spot without being overly sweet.

But that’s not even the best part.

Today I’m also sharing these free printable vintage bunny recipe cards (because apparently I needed a creative outlet too). Think storybook charm, a cozy kitchen, and a mama bunny baking away—printed on a slightly distressed card that feels like something you’d find taped to the cupboard door in an old kitchen.

Yep… they are not only adorable, but there are two per page, so you can actually use them.

Plus, well, baked goods are so yummy, and everyone else gets to eat them, so why not me?

Do you feel like there is an angel on one shoulder and a little she devil on the other shoulder? I know I feel like that sometimes, but I am throwing caution to the wind and sharing what this gal has been up to lately.

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Bread Recipe

Soft, moist texture with warm cinnamon flavor
Not overly sweet—just the right balance
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Works with both regular and gluten free flour
A quick and easy applesauce quick bread recipe anyone can make

Easy Applesauce Bread Recipe

This homemade applesauce bread is soft, moist, and lightly sweet with warm cinnamon flavor. It’s an easy quick bread recipe you can make with pantry staples, and it works beautifully with either regular or gluten free flour.

Ingredients

1 1/2 c flour
1 c applesauce
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c oil
2 eggs
1 t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 t vanilla

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients together
Slowly mix in wet ingredients
Mix on high (or level 3) for about 30 seconds to fully combine, especially for gluten free batter
Grease a bread pan
Pour batter into pan
Bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes - I checked mine at 50 minutes, and needed an extra 5 minutes

Tips for Making Moist Applesauce Bread

Don’t overmix the batter, but make sure gluten free flour is fully incorporated
Check your bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking, I needed an extra 5 minutes - each oven is different though
Applesauce helps keep this bread naturally moist, so don’t skip or reduce it
Let the bread cool before slicing to keep the texture just right

The Story Behind This Recipe

I kind of surprised myself with this quick bread recipe. It is not overly sugary, just the right amount of sugar for me.

As a little girl, my grandmother would make homemade applesauce, and I think that’s where my love for it began. Although, you would either love her version or hate it. Her applesauce was more like a pie filling, and it was delicious. I wish I had her recipe now.

The recipe cards were just something I thought I would have fun with. Are you curious about AI? I know I am, and so I decided to try something small and see where it went. I am on the fence.

With Easter around the corner, I thought this little bunny would make the perfect recipe cards. I like to think they came together looking quite cute.

Free Printable Bunny Recipe Cards

If you love a little vintage charm in your kitchen, these free printable recipe cards are perfect for spring and Easter baking. Each sheet includes two bunny recipe cards with a soft, slightly distressed look—meant to feel like something you’d find tucked inside Grandma's recipe box.

Pin this for later so you have it when you’re ready to bake or print.

There are two cards per page, so you can print, cut, and actually use them (which we all appreciate).

I printed mine on regular paper and used a straight edge to rough up the edges a bit for that worn, tattered look. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much character.

Oh please… ignore my handwriting. It’s atrocious. I’ve been told people expect something neat and loopy when they see me, and instead they see chicken scratches. What can I say—gotta keep people on their toes.

You can print these recipe cards and set them beside the dishes you’re serving this Easter, or use them to write out your favorite recipes to share with family.

I don’t know about you, but I always love discovering a new recipe, especially when it comes from someone I know.

It’s also a simple way to let folks know what’s in each dish—helpful for food allergies or anyone with a special diet.

And honestly, even something small like a handwritten recipe card feels like a gift. It’s a quiet way of saying, “I care.”

With times feeling a little tough these days, these small, thoughtful touches can make a holiday feel extra special.

How to Print Your Recipe Cards

Print on cardstock for best results
Set your printer to “actual size” (not fit to page)
Cut each sheet in half to create two recipe cards
Use a fine-tip pen or marker for best readability

More Easy Recipes and DIY Ideas

If you enjoyed this easy applesauce bread recipe and printable, you might also love:

FAQ: Applesauce Bread & Recipe Cards

Can I make this applesauce bread gluten free and with regular flour?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite cup for cup gluten free flour. Just be sure to mix thoroughly so the batter is fully combined. Regular flour will also work with this recipe.

Can I use unsweetened applesauce?
You can. It may slightly reduce the sweetness. This bread is not overly sweet to begin with, I would prefer sweetened applesauce for me.

How do I know when applesauce bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Can I freeze applesauce bread?
Yes, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

What paper works best for printable recipe cards?
Cardstock works best for durability, especially if you plan to reuse or store them.

Don’t forget—if you enjoyed these recipe cards, let me know. I had way too much fun creating them, and I’d love to keep making more to go along with our recipes if there’s interest.

Ciao,

Cara

Double D Floors and More Review Lancaster, Ohio

2026-03-20T15:30:00.015-04:00

Our Experience With Double D Floors and More in Lancaster, Ohio

Double D Floors and More (Quick Overview)

Location: Lancaster, Ohio
Business Type: Family-owned flooring and remodeling company
Owners: Derrick & Amy Schneider and Dillon & Aimee Pinkstock
Services: Flooring installation, tile work, backsplash installation, remodeling projects

We worked with Double D Floors and More in Lancaster, Ohio for our kitchen flooring installation and backsplash tile installation, and today I’m sharing our full experience—from our flooring decision spiral to the final installation.

Double D installed slate look floors and our arabesque tile backsplash

Kitchen Chronicles: Flooring/Backsplash Chapter

If you’ve been following along with our kitchen remodel, then you know this old 1950 cottage has taken us on quite the adventure. A little background if you are new here: After years of less-than-stellar experiences with contractors, my husband and I decided to tackle much of this renovation ourselves.

But when it came time to install our new kitchen flooring and backsplash, we knew we needed professionals.

That’s how we ended up working with Double D Floors and More in Lancaster, Ohio—a family-owned flooring and remodeling company run by Derrick Schneider and Dillon Pinkstock, along with both of their wives, Ashely and Aimee.

And friends… after the contractor experiences we’ve had over the years, I don’t say this lightly:

Working with Double D Floors and More was one of the best home improvement experiences we’ve had.

So today I’m sharing the full story—from how we found them, to the flooring decision spiral (oh yes, there was one), to the final installation that completely transformed our kitchen.

Here is where we left off: Rugs were covering holes in the floor from moving plumbing

Contractors Experiences Can Be Hit or Miss

For those of you who have been reading along with us over the years, you know we have not had the best of luck when it comes to projects on our home. From bathroom remodels, the roof, and other various projects along the way—to say there have been issues has been an understatement.

Those reasons alone were one of two reasons we decided to do a lot of the work on this kitchen remodel ourselves.

I have shared before that when beginning a major renovation, you should always get three quotes. Three is the magic number, and I will tell you why.

It weeds out the quotes that are out of this world, it also shows you someone who has little experience and how they may provide a much lower estimate, and it gives you a better idea of who the yes people are.

Yes people are not always the best choice. They tell you what you want to hear, they tell you yes we can do this work, and sometimes they promise things that really shouldn’t happen for safety reasons.

We have had a lot of people in and out of this charmed cottage. I have shared positive and negative experiences here, but this experience with Double D Floors and More?

Out of this world.

How We Found Double D Floors and More

It all began last summer when my husband and I were getting ideas for our kitchen. At that time, I really had no idea we would be doing it so soon.

You may recall my husband woke up one morning and said we are doing this now.

Although this gal likes a challenge and had been thinking about this kitchen for nearly 13 long years, I was like wow… okay.

I stumbled upon Double D Flooring online and thought we should visit the shop so we could see what was out there. I am that gal who has an idea in her mind, and let’s just say what I envision is not always what is available on the market.

My husband and I walked in and were greeted by their shop pup, a yellow lab named Zeus, and one small fella who immediately grabbed my hand making BFFs with me on the spot.

He stole my heart right away, sharing his gummies with us and making my husband and I chuckle.

Ashley, Derrick’s wife, was working during this Saturday visit and helped show us around the shop while I asked questions about flooring options.

Touring the Double D Floors and More Showroom

They even have sheet vinyl in the basement, which is what I initially thought we would need since we have an older home with floors that have what I call a lot of movement.

There have been times when a ball of Bentley’s will roll across the room from the slope in our dining room.

With this in the back of my mind, I knew we would need something flexible enough to handle that movement.

Some people might immediately say no way to sheet vinyl, but I am not averse to it. I would have preferred linoleum, but beggars can’t be choosers.

My Search for the Perfect Vintage Kitchen Floor

Initially I had visions of vintage flooring like the days of old. I really thought I could find this too.

Since there are more vintage home improvement options these days, I assumed I would find something close to what I had in my mind.

I quickly learned… no. The creators of flooring have not caught up to me just yet.

Trust me, I tried.

I was catfished twice when ordering samples thinking I was receiving a tweed and later a chevron linoleum, only to receive carpet samples with this printed on them.

Aimee, Dillon’s wife, and I had a good laugh over those two experiences.

The Flooring Decision Spiral

All along my husband had been telling me for years that he did not want checkerboard floors in our home.

Only guess what?

He caved.

Then suddenly we were searching for checkerboard floors.

I didn’t want the traditional black and white style though. I had a more charcoal gray and softer white in mind.

After looking into tile, I started worrying about leveling and the added weight on our old floors.

Floors crashing through to the basement were suddenly on my mind.

So by the time our appointment rolled around with Derrick, we had completely torn the kitchen apart, and were making flooring decisions in the dark because the kitchen had no electricity for two weeks, and we still had a checkerboard pattern floor stuck in our heads.

LVT only offers 18x18 tiles which I felt would make our kitchen appear smaller. I was stuck on 12x12 tiles, and I could not make my mind comply with availability.

Looking back, Derrick probably thought we were a little crazy.

Honestly? I probably would have too.

Flooring Options We Considered for Our Kitchen

Hardwood Floors in a Kitchen

Some people believe there is no other choice than hardwood in a kitchen.

Me? I analyze every possible scenario.

Leaky pipes or a rogue RO system could mean replacing those floors much sooner than expected, and depending on the size of your kitchen, that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

So for us… pass.

Sheet Vinyl Floors in a Kitchen

Sheet vinyl actually works wonderfully in older homes because it can handle movement in the floors.

The issue I had was finding the perfect style for our vintage cottage kitchen.

The black and white checkerboard options felt too stark, and our kitchen is 13x16, which would likely mean seams in the flooring.

I didn’t love the idea of seeing seams across the room.

Another pass.

Marmoleum Flooring

I was quite stuck on the idea of a marmoleum floor.

Linoleum is made of linseed oil, pine rosin, cork dust, wood flour, and limestone pressed onto a jute backing.

Because of that composition, it is durable, biodegradable, and flexible enough for older homes.

In my mind, it would have been the perfect vintage flooring.

Unfortunately, finding the style I wanted proved nearly impossible, plus remember those two carpet samples sent? Well, they were supposed to be marmoleum samples.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank is incredibly popular, especially for kitchens.

But I feel like everyone goes with the wood look.

And if you know me, you know I like things that feel a little different.

Discovering Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

In the end, we settled on luxury vinyl tile with a slate look.

Now came the next challenge.

Which one?

I narrowed it down to ProGen and Triversa Prime.

Both options could handle uneven subfloors and were marketed as water resistant and waterproof.

ProGen vs Triversa Prime Flooring

Triversa Prime has a cork core, which initially appealed to me.

Cork is comfortable underfoot, reduces noise, and provides insulation.

However, I could not find clear information confirming that the cork core was fully waterproof since not all corks are.

ProGen uses a foam core, which offers dent resistance (we have pieces that will move in our kitchen for a more unfitted kitchen look) and full waterproof protection.

Aimee explained from experience, if a leak occurs, the floor can be removed, dried, and reinstalled.

That sealed the deal for us.

Installing Our New Kitchen Floors

On the first day, Derrick and Dillon removed the blue Berber carpet, filled the hole left from previous plumbing changes, and installed the underlayment.

Wood underlayment installed, what a difference it makes!

I started snapping photos the moment they left because I had never seen this kitchen without carpet before.

For a brief moment, I imagined hardwood floors.

This kitchen has had carpet on the floor since it's last remodel in 1980 something

Then I reminded myself why we had chosen the slate look.

I couldn't resist snapping this photo of the light dancing on the wood underlayment

Getting Used to the New Flooring

I’ll be honest.

It took me a minute to get used to the new floor.

Slate look tiles sure make a huge difference in this kitchen

I’m not a fan of feeling grit under my feet, and since the guys were in and out working on the backsplash, the floor collected a bit of dust and debris.

Let’s just say the floor has been mopped five times in six days.

Both Derrick and Dillon with Double D Floors installed our slate look tiles

But once everything settled down, the slate look really began to elevate the space.

Our Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Now let’s talk about this backsplash.

Oh my goodness… it is so good.

My husband actually found the tile while we were out shopping.

Oh.. the backsplash, isn't she a beaut?

He asked what I thought, and I said what do you know, I think we have found our backsplash.

The only problem was the quantity.

So we began searching stores across Central Ohio until we finally found matching tile in Chillicothe.

We ordered it immediately.

I hear a lot of suggestions floating around the internet that subway tile is the way to go with older homes when you are trying to keep the vintage feel. I have another suggestion. Arabesque tile, it has actually been around longer, since the Egyptian times, so it is another great option when you are considering a vintage feel kitchen.

I am all about keeping that vintage feel in mind when we are making upgrades to our home. This tile is actually a recycled glass, something I read was difficult to install. Of course, I jumped in right away because I loved the look, and researched later.

Derrick on a ladder installing the arabesque tile

I wondered how on earth are we going to pull this off? Derrick and Dillon to the rescue.

My research showed that only experienced tilers should install glass tile. It can be quite a stinker to work with, breaking easily. My research also indicated you may want to only consider certified glass tile installers. Well, that just put quite the spin on this project, didn't it?

Derrick and Dillon were not deterred from working with the recycled glass, and I have to say, I was so worried over how this tile would turn out, but take a gander, don't you love what you see? I know I do.

If you saw the before, you may have wondered if we would ever get here, love the tile!

Double D Floors and More Installation Experience

When Derrick came out for the initial consultation, I wasn’t sure they would install tile that we had purchased ourselves.

A range hood cover will cover everything above the tile backsplash

They absolutely did.

We also discussed how they would handle installing pencil tile around the window where cuts would be required.

Their solution was using full pieces in the center and finishing with smaller cuts at the edges.

It worked beautifully.

Working With Derrick and Dillon

I have been called picky by previous contractors.

I am so happy we went with Double D Floors and More, they did an outstanding job

Derrick and Dillon never made me feel that way.

They worked diligently, communicated clearly, and treated our home with care.

For someone who has had many contractors in and out of this house over the years, that level of professionalism meant a lot.

Thank you to the Double D Floors Team for all you did to get us here, I know it wasn't easy

When a Small Issue Turned Into an Easy Fix

Once our cabinets were back up and in place, we realized the stomping on the ceiling did not quite meet up with the cabinet by the window.

I mentioned this to Derrick when he dropped off the quarter round I planned to paint and stain to match our cabinets and asked if he had any suggestions on how to fix it.

He told me he would bring his stomping brush and take care of it for us.

I was honestly surprised he was willing to do this since it wasn’t part of the original scope of work. What felt like it was going to be a bigger issue for me to figure out suddenly became a small potatoes problem.

As most of you know, I usually research fixes and consult with others who have more experience than I do—but this time, the solution didn’t need to go any further than simply asking Derrick - thank you Derrick!

Would We Hire Double D Floors and More Again?

Short answer: yes.

After everything we’ve been through with contractors over the years, finding a team that communicates well, shows up, and genuinely cares about the final result is rare.

Between the flooring installation, backsplash work, and even the small details that weren’t part of the original scope, this was one of the smoothest projects we’ve experienced.

Why We Recommend Double D Floors and More

Finding contractors who take pride in their work can be incredibly difficult.

Derrick and Dillon proved to be thoughtful, professional, and skilled.

This kitchen project has been my baby for months, and handing over part of the work made me nervous.

But in the end, I had nothing to worry about.

They treated our home as if it were their own.

And that’s exactly the kind of people we want to work with again.

Double D Floors and More in Lancaster Ohio

If you are located in Lancaster, Ohio or the surrounding Central Ohio area, Double D Floors and More offers services including:

flooring installation
luxury vinyl tile installation
backsplash tile installation
remodeling services
drywall and plaster work

Whether you are tackling a small project or a full renovation, their team brings experience, care, and craftsmanship to the job. I don't know about you, but that is exactly who I want working in our home.

More About Our Kitchen

If you are interested in learning more about our kitchen remodel, you can find the links below.

How to Refinish a Vintage Buffet

Kitchen Chronicles I: Our DIY Kitchen Adventure

Kitchen Chronicles II: Behind the DIY Kitchen Remodel (What No One Tells You)

Kitchen Chronicles III: Unexpected Repairs, Cold Weather, and Slow Progress

Kitchen Chronicles IV: Vintage Lighting

Kitchen Chronicles V: DIY Paint Stirrer Stick Chevron Cabinet Panels

Kitchen Chronicles VI: Reworking Our Existing Cabinets for a New Kitchen Layout

Kitchen Chronicles VII: Choosing Natural Stone Cabinets for an Old Kitchen

Kitchen Chronicles VIII: DIY Stacked Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Chronicles IX: How We Built a Hidden Microwave Cabinet

Kitchen Chronicles X: Double D Floors and More Review

Kitchen Chronicles XI: How to Transform a Hollow Core Door into a Stained Glass Look

Kitchen Chronicles: XII: Restoring Leaded Glass Window Cabinet Door DIY Kitchen

For those of you who are keeping up with this kitchen remodel, we still have a few things we will be building:

Range hood cover
Stacked cabinet with leaded glass window over the large cabinet by the range
Floor to ceiling cabinet beside the refrigerator with a leaded glass window
Extend the kitchen island to allow for seating
Add trim molding to the tops of the cabinets, range hood, and taller cabinets
I am sure we will think of something else along the way.

We are getting there! Thank goodness.

Ciao,

Cara

How We Built a Hidden Microwave Cabinet for Our Vintage Kitchen

2026-03-05T16:01:00.004-05:00

Kitchen Chronicles IX: How We Built a Hidden Microwave Cabinet

We recently built a custom DIY cabinet to hide our microwave as part of our vintage-inspired, recycled kitchen remodel — and let me tell you, this one humbled us a bit. Instead of buying new cabinetry, we decided to build a tall cabinet from cabinet-grade plywood and attach a reclaimed eight-panel door to the front so our microwave could disappear when not in use.

If you’ve ever wondered how to hide a microwave in a vintage kitchen without sacrificing character, this is exactly what we did. Our cabinet measures 26 inches deep, 29.5 inches wide, and just over 6 feet tall — designed to fit our 8-foot ceilings while blending modern convenience with the old-house charm I love so much.

Are you ready for another fun-filled kitchen remodeling post?

Removing Kitchen Soffits and Extending Cabinets to the Ceiling

2026-02-27T09:11:00.005-05:00

DIY Stacked Kitchen Cabinets: Kitchen Chronicles VIII

Our kitchen soffits were hogging some of the best real estate in the room.

Instead of letting that space sit there looking bulky and unnecessary for another decade, we removed them and built cabinets above our existing uppers to display some of the vintage pieces we’ve collected over the years.

And let me tell you right now — I should have done it sooner.

Choosing Natural Stone Countertops for an Old Home: Kitchen Chronicle VII:

2026-02-18T15:34:00.005-05:00

Our Experience with Discount Granite (Columbus, Ohio)

If you’re researching Discount Granite in Columbus, Ohio and wondering whether they’re worth visiting, our experience was overwhelmingly positive. From the warehouse staff to installation, the entire process was professional, respectful, and stress-free — something we don’t say lightly after years of renovations.

Gluten-Free Molasses Bread (Easy Cinnamon Gingerbread Quick Bread)

2026-02-16T11:31:00.001-05:00

Gluten-Free Molasses Bread (Easy Cinnamon Gingerbread Quick Bread)

This gluten-free molasses bread is an easy cinnamon gingerbread quick bread made with pantry ingredients. It’s soft, warmly spiced, and perfect served warm with a pat of butter on top. If you love old-fashioned molasses recipes, this simple loaf comes together fast with no yeast required.

This easy gluten-free quick bread recipe is perfect for cold weather baking and cozy weekends at home.

How I Gave My Grandpa’s Old Metal Drill Case a Second Life

2026-02-09T12:30:00.003-05:00

What to Do With a Vintage Metal Drill Case When the Tool Is Gone

In this post, I’m sharing how I gave my grandpa’s old metal drill case a second life—turning something industrial, worn, and left behind into a decorative piece for our kitchen using paint, rub-on transfers, and a lot of trial and error.

Aunt Betty’s Chocolate Chip Cookies (A 50-Year Family Recipe)

2026-01-29T13:51:00.002-05:00

A Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe That’s Been in My Family for Nearly 50 Years

It has been a while since I’ve shared a recipe, hasn’t it? This isn’t just any recipe — this chocolate chip cookie recipe has been in my family for nearly 50 years. It’s the one written on my grandma’s well-worn recipe card, and it’s been made for family gatherings, holidays, and everyday cookie cravings for decades. If a recipe sticks around that long, you know it has to be a good one.

Upcycled Moss Heart Made from Recycled Packaging

2026-01-24T03:00:00.007-05:00

Saving Trash from the Landfill with a Laundry-Day Craft

This post is part of the Do It Over Designers Blog Hop, where the challenge was simple but meaningful: save something from the trash or landfill by turning it into a handmade project.

I’m sharing an upcycled, moss-covered heart made from a packing paper envelope and—wait for it—dryer lint. Two things most of us toss without a second thought, transformed into a decorative piece that’s full of texture, character, and heart.

And somehow, like many of my ideas, this one began on laundry day.

This upcycled moss heart is a simple DIY decor project that can be used for Valentine’s Day, spring decorating, or everyday natural home accents.

Using What You Already Have Is a Design Skill: Reworking Our Existing Cabinets for a New Kitchen Layout

2026-01-22T14:32:00.009-05:00

Using What You Already Have Is a Design Skill: Kitchen Chronicle VI

Are you ready for another Kitchen Chronicle? This one covers a few weeks at once — because that’s how real progress happens around here. Some weeks you knock things out. Other weeks you’re stuck in a holding pattern, trying to figure out one problem area before you can move forward.

This kitchen remodel has had both. Progress and waiting it out. All in one post.

Somewhere in the middle of reworking cabinets we were told couldn’t be reused, it finally clicked for me: using what you already have is a design skill. And this phase of the kitchen has required every bit of it.

DIY Paint Stick Chevron Cabinet Panels: Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets

2026-01-14T18:52:00.006-05:00

Kitchen Chronicles V: Paint Stick Panels

DIY Chevron Cabinet Door Panels Made from Paint Sticks (That Have Held Up for Nearly Two Years)

We replaced the flat panels in our 1980s cabinet doors with chevron-style panels made from wood paint sticks. Nearly two years later, our test panels are still holding up beautifully. This project works best for cabinet doors with removable panels and is about texture and character — not factory perfection.