a quick painting the stairs post…and how it’s been holding up

Home Decor

A Quick Painting The Stairs Post…And How It’s Been Holding Up

Drescription

This is a case of “how we tried to keep the budget low by saving money on the floors upstairs” which now just seems hilarious and cute. That’s right. Years ago when we bought this house we knew that we needed to do a lot of work on the first floor (reconfigure the living room, add the totally necessary sunroom, and redo the poorly constructed 60s addition). But the second floor was fine! Just needed some paint and new carpet. It’s just for the kids anyway, not our room…But once we realized that we needed all new plumbing and actual electrical, it was full of asbestos and lots of lead paint, we ended up tearing open the walls. But we were still in this “let’s save up here, the kids don’t need fancy” attempt. We wanted to splurge downstairs on some things, including the flooring, but upstairs? No, it was fine! We’d put in new carpet (there wasn’t original wood underneath), and paint the stairs and the landing. Done.

Underneath the carpet here on the stairs was wood flooring (just not in the bedrooms and I don’t remember why or what was in there). While I love a runner ideally this would’ve been a natural wood.

The stairs, underneath the carpet, were in great shape. The subfloor was good and they didn’t creak very much. The landing was fine, just needed some patching and a bit of restoration but I actually like the look of wobbly wood painted white in old houses. Great. So the decision was made and everyone agreed – just keep the wood stairs, the stringer, and the flooring on the landing and paint it.

This is after months of construction but as you can see it was in worse and worse condition.

Here’s a bit of the painted process:

The Painted Stairs

We chose the color Smoky Blue by Sherwin-Williams and we love it. Now in the grand scheme of things do I wish that we had wood stairs and wood floors instead of carpeted rooms? A tiny bit, but not very much. The cost difference was certainly not huge in comparison to the cost of the renovation so it just seems silly now that we tried to save money here. I truly do love the color and I love the wall-to-wall carpet – it’s very cozy, comfortable, and calming. Did painting the stairs instead of installing new stairs save us some money? Sure, but honestly probably just a couple thousand dollars in materials and a couple thousand in labor. Which isn’t nothing! If I could go back in time would I still make that choice? I honestly haven’t thought about it til this very second, which means I don’t really regret it. But sure, if I could snap my fingers I’d put that gorgeous Zena flooring everywhere and layer rugs.

I asked my painter what they used and how they did it and here’s what she said:

1. What kind of primer did we use on the stairs? We used Zinsser Cover Stain oil-based primer (Stain Blocker).

2. How many coats of primer were applied? 1 coat of primer.

3. How many coats of the TREAD-PLEX Waterborne floor coating will be applied? 1 light coat first, then 2 hours later we do a full coat of paint.

4. How will it be applied? Hand or Spray? Sprayed.

5. Do you do the tread and riser at the same time? If not, what order will they be painted in? Will the stringer be painted 1st? The stringer gets painted first, then once it is dry, we cover it up with masking paper. Once the stringer is completely covered, we start painting the stairs.

6. How long does it need to cure between coats? 2 hours.

The Real Question: How Has It Kept Up Since Moving In?

It’s only been since late August, so 3 months tops. We always knew that we were going to add a runner but it’s taken longer than I planned, so there are some tiny chips on the edges of the treads and hard-to-see cracks already due to a lot of wear and tear. I’m very excited to get the stair runner installed (we chose this one). Stay tuned!

I’ve Been Traveling With Just a Carry-On for Over 10 Years, and These Are My Packing Hacks Under $50

With family scattered across Canada, Italy, India, and Australia, international travel has become an integral part of my lifestyle. While my go-to airplane snacks and favorite in-flight entertainment remains unchanged, my approach to packing has undergone a transformation now that I only travel with carry-on luggage. I just spent a month abroad with loved ones for the holidays, and I’m still delighting in the memory of how good it felt to bypass the baggage carousel and head straight for customs—one less hurdle between me and the cherished faces waiting for me. As both a minimalist and seasoned shopping editor, I’m discerning in how I pack only the most essential items for my suitcase. Prioritizing versatile travel clothing, smart tech, and (most importantly) a set of compression packing cubes, I’ve mastered the art of packing light while still leaving space to do some shopping on my travels—even in the winter, when packing involves chunky sweaters and winter coats. In fact, I’m planning a trip this very (cold) month to Portland’s famous The Docent’s Collection—a luxe hotel alternative well-situated in the heart of the city’s rich historic district. Below, I’ve compiled a selection of my favorite winter travel essentials that will be coming with me—affordable options all under $50—available on Amazon, perfect for navigating trips of any length with ease and efficiency. Amazon Editor-Loved Carry-On Essentials Bagail Compression Packing Cubes Set, $19 (was $27) Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt, $20 (was $23) Sabani Portable Charger With Cables, $32 (was $36) The Drop Grayson Drop-Shoulder Turtleneck Sweater, $36 (was $41) Lanyani RFID Crossbody Wristlet Purse, $23 Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized Coat, $45 (was $62) Baleaf Fleece-Lined Pants, $39 Farmacy Bestsellers Skin Care Set, $40 Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo Conditioner Travel Set, $43 Bagail Compression Packing Cubes Set These packing cubes have been a game changer for me because they don’t just organize my clothes; they have a compression zipper that flattens all my plush sweaters, making the most of the limited space my small suitcase offers. Thanks to these, I was able to pack two winter coats, seven thick sweaters, and more. Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt This versatile button-down became my go-to travel staple this whole year, no matter the season. Whether dressed up with a pair of sleek trousers, casually thrown over a T-shirt, or even used as a cover-up over a bathing suit, the 100 percent cotton shirt is breathable and wrinkle-resistant, making it ideal for long flights and days spent exploring new cities. I own it in pink, blue, and white. Sabani Portable Charger With Cables Long layovers and lengthy sightseeing sessions are no match for this compact powerhouse. The Sabani portable charger comes with built-in cables to keep all my devices powered up through endless hours of travel. It’s sleek, lightweight, and has a charging capacity that can last me an entire day of use. I never had to sacrifice a photo op or navigation app for a low battery. The Drop Grayson Drop-Shoulder Turtleneck Sweater This turtleneck sweater was the perfect balance of warmth and chic vibes. With its soft, cozy knit and relaxed drop-shoulder silhouette, it elevated my casual travel outfits while still feeling comfortable on long flights or chilly evenings abroad. I paired it with fleece pants (more on those below!) for travel days, and then with a little skirt and knee-high boots for nights out. Lanyani RFID Crossbody Wristlet Purse Traveling through crowded airports or bustling city streets, I always felt secure with this compact RFID crossbody wristlet. Not only did it keep my credit cards and passport safe from digital theft, but its minimalist design also meant I could slip it into my jacket pocket when I didn’t need it, giving me peace of mind while keeping my hands free to explore. Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized Coat This oversized fleece coat was my ultimate comfort companion during chilly travels. Its plush, teddy bear texture made it feel like wearing a blanket while still maintaining a stylish silhouette. The best part? It’s surprisingly lightweight for such a cozy piece, and its neutral tone made it easy to pair with virtually everything in my wardrobe. I loved cozying up with it on my long-haul flight. Baleaf Fleece-Lined Pants These fleece-lined pants were an unexpected travel MVP I acquired right before my trip. Soft and stretchy, they offered both warmth and flexibility, whether I was hiking through the Italian mountains side or catching a red-eye flight. I even dressed them up with ankle boots, a turtleneck, and a blazer for an effortlessly chic holiday party look one evening. Farmacy Best-Sellers Skin Care Set When I’m on the go, my dry skin gets extremely parched. That’s where Farmacy’s skincare set stepped in. Its collection of best-sellers (which are also some of my favorite products) kept my skin hydrated with honey-infused formulas that managed to make my skin feel dewy while looking lightweight. The comprehensive set included everything I needed to cleanse and hydrate my skin (and lips!) every morning and night—including on flights. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo Conditioner Travel Set I shudder to think about the prospect of borrowing my brother’s three-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, so I always pack my own hair products when I’m traveling to see family. This Oribe shampoo and conditioner have been my go-to travel hair products for many years, and I always keep them on-hand to keep my dry, fine, and curly hair looking shiny while feeling hydrated.

4 Ways to Get Over Jet Lag Fast, According to Sleep Experts

Jet lag can make or break an otherwise stress-free vacation, but don’t let the fatigue get you down. (If only it were that easy.) Unfortunately, combatting the tiredness or insomnia from jet lag can be a challenge for most travelers. Certain types of trips seriously disrupt your circadian rhythm, but there are also effective ways to offset significant time changes. We spoke with several sleep experts to learn what jet lag is, why it happens, and how you can make it a non-issue. Sarah Silverman, PsyD, is a women’s holistic sleep health expert. Teresa Power, BS CCSH, is a clinical sleep coach and speaker. Olivia Arezzolo is a world-leading sleep expert and author of Bear, Lion or Wolf; How Understanding Your Sleep-Type Could Change Your Life. What Is Jet Lag? Jet lag is the onset of fatigue and other symptoms after traveling to different time zones. According to sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo, trips that travel eastward (where the clock jumps ahead) are the most difficult. “Logistically, this means that it’s more difficult to fly from the USA to Europe,” Arezzolo explains. Holistic sleep health expert Sarah Silverman, PsyD, says that experiencing jet lag while traveling is normal and to be expected, especially when crossing multiple time zones. “The general rule of thumb to keep in mind is the number of time zones you’ll be crossing is usually the number of days it may take for your body to adjust to local time," says Silverman. Both Arezzolo and Silverman note that there are some individuals who can adjust more quickly than others. If you're not that person, you may experience jet lag when you arrive at your destination, or you may feel it more once you get back home (or you could be someone who experiences it both times). How Can You Tell If You’re Jet Lagged? Arezzolo says there are several symptoms of jet lag. You may be experiencing it if you notice any of the following. Daytime fatigue Being extremely alert, awake, and energized in the evening Difficulties sleeping through the night, with exhaustion throughout the day Brain fog and memory lapses Moodiness, irritability, and anxiety Lacking motivation, akin to burnout 1 4 Ways to Overcome Jet Lag as Fast as Possible There are some simple secrets to getting over jet lag faster than expected, even if you’re especially susceptible to it. Along with keeping a solid routine, here is how to get your energy back or prevent it from dropping in the first place. 1. Use Light to Your Advantage Clinical sleep coach Teresa Power, BS CCSH, says to use light or the lack of light to adjust your sleep schedule in the few days before and once you arrive at your destination. “Light is a 'zeitgeber,' meaning it’s a natural way your body tells time and aligns your circadian rhythm. Try to get as much daylight and bright light as possible early in the day and reduce it close to bedtime. If you can, skip the sunglasses in the morning and keep the lights dim or off in the evening.” As tired as you are when you land, Arezzolo says you need to be awake when it’s day and asleep when it’s night. “With light, the circadian rhythm’s primary zeitgeber (influencing factor), this is absolutely essential,” she reiterates. Depending on the time zone, you could use artificial light to slowly adjust your sleep before your trip. A few days before the trip, avoid devices, turn off overhead lights, and wear 100% blue-light-blocking glasses if you are looking at a screen when it’s supposed to be night at your target destination. When it’s supposed to be morning, simulate natural sunlight for 20 minutes with light therapy glasses, Arezzolo says. Using light in this way can help you slowly acclimate to an adjusted sleep schedule. 2. Strategize Your Sleep During Travel Arezzolo suggests not making your travel routine more complicated than it needs to be. “Simply focus on what will make the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time,” she says. First and foremost, once on the plane, she says to set your clock to your destination’s timezone to get used to your new time before you arrive. For Silverman, napping or not napping on the plane could be helpful, depending on the time of your flight. “One option is to choose a sleep deprivation approach, meaning do not sleep on your flight, and the second option is a strategic nap approach, where you consider taking a 60- to 90-minute nap 1 to 2 hours before your flight lands.” These options depend on the time of your flight and what time you land at your destination. Silverman says it’s typically harder to adjust to very early morning flights or red-eye flights. A jet lag app could help you determine which approach would be more helpful based on the starting and ending time zone (more on that later). 3. Stay Hydrated and Eat on a Schedule Silverman emphasizes the importance of regular hydration when traveling and once you arrive. “During travel time to your destination, it's especially important to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water while traveling is what I consider to be a low-hanging fruit that can potentially mitigate how your body handles adjusting to a new time zone,” she says. Power agrees, adding that you should also be mindful about your caffeine intake in the new time zone. “Using it to stay awake in an earlier time zone is OK, but don’t drink it at dinner, or you risk having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep that night, even if you’re tired! Keeping your meal times close to normal in the new and current time zone can also help your body get used to the change.” 4. Use a Jet Lag Calculator Silverman likes to use a jet lag calculator when she travels. “It’s a great free resource to use for cross-country or international trips and can make some helpful suggestions based on your exact flight times,” she says. These recommendations can help you shift your sleep schedule in the days leading up to your trip. “Additionally, you can consider using the Timeshifter Jet Lag app. It’s subscription-based, but they do offer a free trial, and your first 'jet lag plan' is free. It specifically tells you when to eat, sleep, get light, consume caffeine, etc., which can be helpful when crossing multiple time zones,” Silverman explains.

I Tried On All Of The New Boots At Target And These 8 Are My Favorite

I’m clearly no stranger to the joys of Target but after hearing all of the internet chatter about how good their fall boots currently were, naturally, I had to go see myself. A little field research to help give any of you looking the real lowdown:) I have to say before we get any further, Target is doing something pretty special in the comfort department. It’s good, y’all! Oftentimes with affordable shoes, comfort isn’t always the top priority for the maker, just style. Not the situation here. Whether it’s memory foam or just a well-cushioned insole, your feet are going to be happy, thus making you happy. But they’ve really got some awesome styles too (duh) so let me take you throw my thoughts, feelings, and recommendations. Kenzi Tall Western Dress Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 Ok, these really took me by surprise. I was very impressed by all of the detailed stitching and how lengthening for the leg they are. Truly so good. There are plenty of more affordable knockoff cowboy boots that are cheesy but these aren’t. They are actually really good and are really comfortable. I’m a big fan of a memory foam insert as previously stated! Will they last as long as a traditional real leather boot? Probably not. But if you take care of them they will definitely last you a good amount of time. Final Verdict: I really do love these and recommend them. I would easily pay more than $45. This is the perfect way to enter into the cowboy boot trend (which is also a classic…win-win) if you’ve been wanting to! Livia Stovepipe Tall Boots – $45 Here’s what I’ll say – These have a really nice shape, are streamlined, but boxy up top. Because of the heel, they feel more like city shoes to me but if you are a heel wearer then you might love that about them! The only real downside is that without care, I’m a little worried they’re a “one-season boot” based on the leather. Jess loved them when she saw the pictures and I do like the shape of the toe. For me they weren’t a “hell yes” but I think it’s mostly based on my lifestyle. Hope Tall Boots – $45 But these guys are a different story! Look at them, SO CUTE. You might know by now that I love an equestrian vibe. Plus, I love the structured front and think it would be so cute on everyone. Oh, and they are so so comfortable. I didn’t buy them but do I need to go back and change that?? So easy to grab and go for the colder seasons and still look so cute (which at times is a challenge when you are all bundled). Rebel Tall Moto Buckle Boots – $50 These are the knockoff motorcycle boots that people are really talking about. I do have to say VERY comfortable. I have wider feet and these are perfect if you also need a little extra width. Plus, (like most of these boots) I was not expecting the cushion that’s provided in these very rough and tough-looking boots. It’s easy to assume that a heavy, affordable boot is going to be well, not that comfortable. Y’all these are really comfortable. Totally recommend. Want a little more edge to your wardrobe? These are a pretty cool and easy way to do that:) Oakley Harness Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 These are the Frye knockoffs which I have to say are pretty great. My beef with my vintage Frye boots (that I can’t seem to quit – I never wear them but I’ve had them for 20 years) is how heavy they are – making them pretty uncomfortable. These from Target are lighter-weight and very comfy. Will they last as long as the real deal ones? Nope, but if you want the Frye boot look for FAR less and a lot more comfortable, I can say that I was shocked and impressed by these. Logan Lug Combat Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $40 Speaking of really heavy shoes, that’s one of my problems with traditional Doc Martin’s. Just so heavy. But overall they aren’t really my personal style but are so great on other people whose style they are perfect for. The great thing about these knockoffs is that they are so much lighter than real Doc Martin’s which I love. And you bet the memory foam makes them also very comfortable. Lonnie Kitten Heel Stretch Ankle Boots – $35 If you remember from last fall, I got a VERY cute pair of Madewell tan kitten heel boots that I wore all of the time. Those ones ran about $200. So when I saw these for only $35 I was very interested. They are really cute, have that class dainty kitten heel look, really lengthen the leg with that pointed toe, are comfortable, and simply just great. Nothing negative! Oh, but one important thing to note is that they tuck really nicely into jeans. The jean/boot combo dream:) Mona Rain Boots – $30 Oh man, if they had had my size I would’ve probably snagged these! So great for the rainy weather that’s coming and perfect for the farm. They didn’t feel too heavy and the quality was great for a rainboot. Ugh, I might need to order them online as I’m pretty sure I just talked myself into them. Cute but very practical. Ok! Eight great, affordable boots (some I preferred more than others) that could help you get through fall and winter a little more stylish (if you are in the market). Happy boot shopping!

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ginseng ficus is commonly used for bonsai, particularly for its narrow elevated roots that swell into a potbelly trunk and thin at the branches before spreading out to the crown. Ginseng ficus is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Moraceae or mulberry family. Ginseng ficus grows best in acidic to neutral soil with higher humidity and full sun from a nearby window. The sap from this plant is toxic to humans, and touching it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; wash hands after touching it.1 Ginseng ficus is toxic to dogs and cats. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Care Here are the main care requirements for growing a ginseng ficus bonsai: Grows best with warmth and humidity; avoid drafts. Prefers bright, indirect sun. Give water when the soil dries out. Provide fertilizer on a regular schedule once a month. Light Your bonsai will need six to eight hours of light. Indoors, placing it on a windowsill is a good idea. If this is not available, grow lights can aid in growing your ginseng ficus. The bonsai will not tolerate shade at all. If you take your tree outdoors during the summer, plan to place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight but not too much afternoon sun. Soil Ginseng ficus trees do well in a soil mix of 60% aggregate and forty percent organic matter. You can buy a premix or make your own using pine bark, lava rock, and a product called akadama, which holds water and slowly breaks down over time. Water Water your ginseng ficus thoroughly whenever the soil gets slightly dry, but do not water it to the point where the bonsai is dripping or fungal issues may occur. More frequent watering will be needed if your plant is in a hot environment. Temperature and Humidity The ginseng ficus is an indoor bonsai and is not frost-hardy. It can be brought outside once temperatures are consistently above 60°F but must be kept in the sun and not allowed to dry out. Low humidity can be tolerated due to the waxy surface covering the ficus’ leaves, but it will thrive in a humid environment. Fertilizer Bonsai draw on very little soil, so it is necessary to replenish their nutrients occasionally. Any multi-purpose liquid fertilizer available at your friendly local nursery or garden center should be adequate. For bonsai, dilute the mixture by 50% with water before applying monthly. Using Ginseng Ficus as a Bonsai For newcomers to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, a great place to start is with a ginseng ficus. It looks terrific and requires minimal care compared to other bonsai, which can be challenging to maintain. Bonsai artists especially focus on the raised roots of these funky little plants to create a particular aesthetic. In their natural habitat, these aerial roots grow easily in high-humidity environments. The effect is achieved by roots growing vertically downward from branches until they reach the soil, developing into thick, strong trunks. This can achieve the desired pillar style or the root-over-rock bonsai style deshojo. Training a Bonsai To train your plant, use anodized aluminum or annealed copper wire. Wiring your ficus’ thin and medium branches is easy since they are flexible and bend easily. Ensure the wires are not cutting into the tree and readjust if needed. For larger branches, guy wires will be necessary and must stay on the tree much longer. Ficus trees are unique in that they can fuse their branches, roots, and other ficus plants. Clean Your Tools When working with a ginseng ficus—whether training or pruning—always be sure to disinfect your tools. These plants are highly sensitive to bacteria that are transmitted to the plant via pruning tools, pots, and potting medium. Pruning Pruning is necessary and part of what makes a bonsai a bonsai, not just a plant. You can forego the pruning for a year or longer to achieve a thicker trunk. When ready to prune leaves, an excellent rule is to prune back to two leaves after six to eight leaves have grown. New shoots will grow from old wood if you have left the trunk to thicken. But be sure to tend to any substantial wounds with cut paste so disease does not occur. Always use sharp and clean tools when working with your plant. Propagating Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus, aka ficus retusa, can easily be propagated, and there's no better time to do that than after you've pruned it. Here's how: Simply select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch cutting with scissors or pruning shears. Put the cutting in a container that has been prepared with potting soil mix, and then water it. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the moisture in and encouraging it to root. Water lightly every few days, making sure the soil stays moist. The cutting should root in a few weeks. Potting and Repotting Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Repotting a bonsai must happen when the root system has filled the pot. It needs to be done to give the tree new soil and to encourage a more compact root system. You will only need to repot your ficus every other year during the summer. Simply remove the tree and soil from its pot and trim its roots' outer and lower quarters. Be careful not to over-prune or remove too much root material. Place the bonsai into the original pot or a new container using the bonsai soil mix. Common Pests & Plant Diseases Caring for your ginseng ficus bonsai properly, with the correct lighting and water, will keep it strong and more resistant to pests and plant diseases. However, the ginseng ficus can get spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Use neem oil or a liquid dishwashing soap and water mixture to remove the pests. Root rot, a fungal disease, can be a problem for ginseng ficus if overwatered. If you see any white or black spots on the leaves, trim them off and treat the bonsai with a fungicide. Common Problems With Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Ginseng ficus is easy to maintain when given the right growing conditions. Losing Leaves or Wilting Water issues, such as too much or insufficient, can cause ginseng ficus to drop its leaves. Keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Leaves that are underwatered will appear wilted but should plump up again after giving water. Yellowing Leaves All leaves will eventually turn yellow and die, but prematurely yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering or a fungal infection, like root rot.