Gifts For Your Guy Under $50

I'd by lying if I said I like Valentine's day. To me, you should love people every single day of the year! Why all of a sudden buy expensive flowers and go out of your way?

Chris and I have a rule that if we are going to buy one another a gift, it better have a purpose. No more just buying stuff to buy stuff! We have enough c-r-a-p floating around.

Here are 7 gifts that are actually useful:

- Floral Tie: Every man needs a good tie. And this one has a fun floral pattern that is so trendy right now. C'mon ladies, make your man trendy! (I actually showed Chris this and he said it looks like his grandma's old couch...looks like he won't be getting this from me!)

- All-Over-Wash: We all know men like ease and this all-over-wash has raving reviews!

- V-Neck Sweater: If your man is like mine then you are the one buying all their clothes. V-Necks are casual and comfy and most men would actually wear this.

- Lounge Pants: Do I need to explain why these are a must-gift? Who doesn't like to be comfy?

- Amazon Echo: THIS IS A MUST BUY! Seriously, if you haven't gotten your man one of these, it is the best $50 you will ever spend. Not only will it keep them occupied and out of your hair, but Alexa is actually really helpful!

- Travel Kit: Most guys have one of these, but they never change them out. That's a problem because they become gross, because men are gross. Check yo' man's travel kit. If it needs to be refreshed, this one is perfect.

- Vineyard Vines Tee: Need I say more? You're gifting your man a tee shirt that he has permission to wear in public. No holes. No pit stains. He should love you forever for this gift.

- Facial Fuel: First off, Kiehl's is the best. Secondly, Chris is always slapping hand lotion onto his face wondering why it is always dry. I try to explain that your face needs different moisturizer, so guess who is getting some facial fuel? Mr. Tucker himself! It has great reviews, so I'm guessing he'll love it!

27 Things You Didn't Know About Me + WIWW Link Up

Today is my birthday! I had jury duty, but I got dismissed, so I'm celebrating with my kiddos at school!

In honor of my 27th birthday, here are 27 things you might not know about me.

1. I always dreamed of being a neonatologist, but then in high school I realized I hated science, so that wasn't going to work.

2. My braces got ripped off my a blanket a month before I was supposed to get them taken off. Long story short, my friend ripped a blanket away from me and as it was being pulled, somehow the blanket caught onto one of my brackets and ripped them all off. And, no, it didn't hurt.

3. Every year at summer camp we would have to swim a mile in the lake. Yes, it is as hard as it sounds. But, it was the best. camp. ever.

4. I eat cereal for dinner at least three nights a week.

5. I can't drink V8 because it looks like blood.

6. Going to the beach is probably my least favorite type of vacation. I need to be doing something!

7. My first car got totaled by my guy friend who was borrowing it to take a girl on a date. My dad wasn't mad at all. I think his exact words were, "Well, kids are stupid. As long as everyone is okay, the car can be replaced."

8. I once had the dog named Tommy that I got for my (maybe?) 8th birthday. And, on that same day, my friend and I were in the bed of the truck (we lived in the country) when my dad ran Tommy over. It was traumatizing.

9. In 1st grade I got blamed for putting gum in a girl's hair and I truly didn't do it. I was a goodie-goodie, so it devastated me.

10. In 8th grade my teacher would give us Gobstoppers when we got questions right. There were only five girls in the whole class, so we'd always sneak them when she'd leave the room. One day I choked on them because I had shoved so many in my mouth and we all got caught.

11. I cannot stand the sound of people chewing their nails. It is THE worst.

12. If I was a millionaire, I'd have a personal masseuse follow me around and give me massages on demand.

13. Black coffee is the worst. Give me all the creamer.

14. I always try to eat healthier, but salads are just the worst.

15. Chips are something that I can't live without.

16. Shy is not how people describe me.

17. I'm 5'3".

18. I'm the least germaphobic person, ever. I married the biggest germaphobe ever.

19. I'd rather drink a Coke than any form of alcohol any day.

20. My pet peeve is people who think they're fat when they're not. Live and be happy. No complaining about how you look. If you don't like it, change it!

21. Reality tv is the best.

22. Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.

23. Sometimes I'm too honest; brutally honest.

24. Pranks are my favorite. I'm convinced that I'm a 27 year child.

25. New York City is my most favorite place on earth.

26. I want 4 kids. Chris says we will talk after 3.

27. This year I'm trying to slow down and say 'no' more. The end of last year was exhaustingly busy and I'm looking forward to what this year brings!

Happy Wednesday!

An InLinkz Link-up

DIY Shiplap for Under $50

Okay, so if you haven't heard of Fixer Upper, or Chip and Joanna Gaines, then you must be living under a rock. Joanna is America's sweetheart and every husband wants to be Chip.

Including us. We want to be Chip and JoJo, so we were...for a weekend.

I've wanted shiplap ever since we first started watching Fixer Upper and my Chip Chris made it happen!

We went to Home Depot and bought the reallyyyy thin plywood called underlayment for $11.99 a sheet. We bought several sheets because we (Chris doesn't know it yet!) plan to do shiplap behind our bed as well, but we only needed about one and a half sheets for the fireplace wall. We had Home Depot rip the wood into 6 inch sections.

When we got home, I sanded down the edges because they are pretty splintery.

After that, it was all measuring and cutting! Chris did an amazing job working around the mantle. We used our brad nailer and nailed the boards into the studs.

Once all the boards were up, I slapped on one coat of paint and called it a day! The paint is not full coverage, but I like that it looks slightly distressed.

Now I am addicted and want it everywhere. Good thing we bought plenty of wood and paint:)

We have big plans for this room. Mount the tv, add scones, new coffee table, add wall decor, and finish that stinkin' tv cabinet. I will keep you all updated as we progress.

What do you think? Do you have shiplap?

PS: don't mind the crooked sign, off centered wicker chest, or the fact that we still  haven't attached the doors to our tv cabinet. Shiplap was a priority, people!