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SheIn -Your Online Fashion Vintage Dress




3/random posts
The Renovation - Mudroom Reveal

The Renovation - Mudroom Reveal



Wow, so it's been a while since I've posted a blog and I think I've almost forgotten how to do it! :)  This year has certainly been a whirlwind, some good, some not so good. However, I'll leave that for another time... I do have a mudroom reveal for you!  

Working on this renovation has give me so many emotions.  Happy, excited, tired (actually exhausted), anxious, sad and most of all determined.  I'm a fairly determined person to begin with and once I have something in my mind I really love to see it come to fruition.  This is no exception.  

In general our house was a dump.  We have (or should I say had) a 1950's rancher (a style of house I actually hate).  Although we're still in the process of turning this rancher into a french country house from the outside, things are completely different inside.  We bought this house from the original owner which is both good and bad.  Good because we know WHO owned the house since the house was built.  Bad because I'm not sure they did much to the house in the almost 70 years they owned it.  And much of what they did for "improvements" were really not improvements at all, but rather awful half  *ss jobs.

The mudroom in the beginning was like an addition to the kitchen that had a second sink, carpeted floor (which they ripped up when the put the house on the market), and just a very odd layout.  Honestly after we closed, came directly to the house and I started a plan with my contractor I had a huge wave of anxiety (which I do not typically get).  WHAT. HAD. WE. DONE...!  Yikes, this was a project like I had never taken on before and there was SO much to do.

One of the reasons I chose to complete the mudroom (and the powder room which I'll blog about next) first is because they are the smallest rooms.  I have also finished both the kids bath and guest bath, which I'll post soon also.  The mudroom was one of the easiest rooms to renovate.  I really didn't change the layout too much other than taking out cabinets and the sink.  Since it's directly off the kitchen and on the way to the powder room which guests will use, I definitely wanted a "pretty" mudroom.  Many people have commented that they could never have a glass paneled door from their kitchen to the mudroom/laundry but I'm sort of a neat freak so it doesn't bother me much.  

Now the pictures here are staged and I don't want you to think my mudroom/laundry looks like this all the time.  That would be crazy.  I am also planning a second phase, adding some artwork and a washer/dryer base.  My husband built one several years ago that we actually left for the new owners and it was awesome.  It will raise up the w/d enough to slide my baskets under it.  In addition it will be nice not to have to bend down to pull the laundry out which tends to hurt my back.  So let's get on with it!





We gutted this room completely.  My husband demo'd the cabinets, sink and that crazy half brick wall.  I designed a wall from the new kitchen to the new mudroom so there would be designated spaces.  My contractor built the wall, created the frame and hung the amazing antique door, relocated plumbing and updated all the electric, and screwed down hardy backer board so I could tile later.  My hubby did a great job with the floor, door and window trim!



The new space.  I've linked and added all products below.

Taking out the cabinets under the sink and creating a wall gave us more space to add cabinets to the new kitchen.  This door is AHmazing.  I loved it when I saw them.  They are actually a pair and the other door goes to our pantry.  The bench is a necessity when you have young kids to hide shoes, boots, hats and whatnot.  This is a large bench perfect to hide all of it!  The hooks are perfect so my kiddos quickly hang up their coats because if you momma's know, kids cannot take the time to hang up their coats with a hanger.  That just takes too long... (la sigh...).  I like to have a place to hang shirts, pants and other delicate items as they come out of the dryer directly because it prevents wrinkles.  I had a ladder in mind and wanted to hang it from the ceiling (crazy right?).  I think it turned out so great and I LOVE the patina on it.  The blue blends so beautifully with the door to the garage and the color of the mudroom.


Wow, look at that wallpaper and alllll the baseboard registers.  They were everywhere in our house.  Although that was a huge undertaking and expensive, I'm so glad we did it!




As you can see we kept the washer and dryer in the same spot.  It really only made sense to keep it there.  Can we talk about this tile?  I had it picked out from the very beginning and I just love the classic, yet farmhouse feel of it.  I love adding old farmhouse touches without being too overwhelming.  I was super happy to have left over tile to be able to use it in the closet.  Because they had carpet in there too (so gross) there was so much glue and until I realized I could tile there, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the floor.  So happy to have that left over tile!


Another baseboard banister... I'm telling you they were everywhere and SO heavy to remove.


I got this bench for $40 from my favorite salvage shop in Pittsburgh.  There were metal legs on it that I removed and replaced with these round wood legs from Lowes.  Very easy to screw on.  I spent some time looking for the before picture, but couldn't find it.  Basically it was a sort of lime green...  
I used Annie Sloan "original white" paint on it.  The cup pulls match the ones I used in our kitchen.



I love crisp white washer and dryers.  It blends into the space and doesn't really draw attention to them which is what I want.  Plus they are typically less money!  As I mentioned earlier when my husbands chores come to a close (trimming the upstairs etc), I've requested a w/d pedestal stand.  This is part of the phase two!  Side note on these w/ds... I LOVE them.  They clean extremely well, the washer spins so much that the clothes sometimes feel dry when I put them into the dryer so they dry in no time!  They both have a steam function.  I love that feature on the dryer because I absolutely detest ironing!

So that is our new mudroom!  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

------ Resources ------

Contractor: Total Property,  Joe Renz (610) 742 - 7645
**services Philadelphia and surrounding areas**
I can't express how great these guys are.  So dependable, professional, great work and priced very reasonable.

Tile : Riad Tile

Rug : Rugs USA

Washer & Dryer : GE Washer / GE Dryer

Bench and ladder : Salvage Pgh

Bench cup pulls : Pottery Barn

Broom organizer (love this one! it's the simple things :) : Walmart

Vacuum (amazing, can't live without) : Dyson

Wreath : Wayfair

Door knob : Schlage

Antique door knob : Etsy
**Shop owner was great to work with, answered ALL my questions!**

Paint colors from ACE, Clark & Kensington 
Walls : Designer White
Door : Hidden River





xo, Lulu
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Lulu Soler
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Fall Layer + J.Crew

Fall Layer + J.Crew



There's something about fall that makes you just want to dress in all cozy layers!  Although today and the last several days we've definitely had an Indian summer, cooler temps are headed our way.  Today I'm having the chimney cleaned and ready for fires!  This look is super cute for when you want to go from lunch out to errands, staying chic and comfy.



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How do you stay chic and comfy out running around?

Want to stay in shape and look great in your clothes?  Join my next FASTer Way to Fat Loss® bootcamp - October 29th HERE.

Have a fabulous day!
xo Lulu
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Lulu Soler
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Be Stylish, Get Fit, Make Money & Give Back

Be Stylish, Get Fit, Make Money & Give Back


The Laurel Lane is a destination where I want my followers to come and get inspired.  I want you to get outfit inspiration, get health and fitness tips and now you can make money!  Yes,  you read that right.  You can be stylish, get fit, build a healthy life and give back!

First things first, today's looks are all about fall and layering.  That is one of the reasons why I love fall is all the fun accessories you can wear.  Scarves, hats, light layering jackets.  The possibilities are endless and so pretty!  Check out these looks for some inspiration.


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-------GETTING BACK TO MY INNER GYMNAST-------

I don't know about you, but I want to feel good in my clothes.  Lately I've been trying on some old pieces that I haven't fit into in years and they are too big!  Since starting the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® in March I've been so happy with not only my external results, but the internal transformation as well.  I have much more energy and focus for my day with the workouts and nutrition education.  Most diets lower your calories to lose weight so you will also experience fatigue, cloudy thoughts and even light headedness.  With the FWTFL I'm eating all the calories so my body is getting the fuel it needs to workout and live life!

Did you know that when you join the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® you can earn money just by getting referrals?  Our mission is to help our clients have healthy lives, prevent disease and help them earn significant income to give back to their families, church and community.

Generosity is one of the FASTer Way's core values and we want to be generous to our clients.  When you join my program you will lose the weight, you will look amazing and you can earn the money!  For each referral you will receive cash to spend and give back.  This is not monopoly money or FASTer Way "bucks".  This is real money that is given to you by me as a thank you!  It's because of my clients that I'm here and I think you all deserve it because you're amazing!

Learn more about the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® HERE and how it can change your life.

Join my private 

Have an awesome day friends!
xo Lulu
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Lulu Soler
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What makes you - YOU?

What makes you - YOU?


Since I'm now middle aged (yikes!) I think about this question a lot.  What makes me, me?  Gosh you'd think I would know that at my age, but I'm still figuring things out.  I think we all need to remember at ANY age, there are still things to figure out, still things to learn about ourselves and still things to work on.  There are surfacey things to me like I love fashion, design all things pretty.  I love the feeling of being in shape and the confidence I now feel wearing a bikini.. yippeee!!




But there are things, deep down that make me, me.  Like I am an introvert.  Always have been and even though I've "learned" the art of being more extroverted, I still am deep inside an introvert.  There are thing that make us, us because that's the way God created us.  Then there are things that make up us, but were not mean to ever be apart of us.  Things like insecurity, the need of acceptance from others, doubt about our selves, being self conscious.  Those types of things are hard to admit and when I look in the mirror I don't want to see or maybe it's the ONLY thing I see.  

These things, insecurity, the need of acceptance from others, doubt about ourselves, being self conscious, those are things that ARE NOT me.  They are because of what has happened to me, or to you.  What I have been learning is that those things don't have to control me.  They don't have to be apart of me.  But I have to learn what those things are in my life, admit it, why they are there and then... and most important.... release it.

Release it into the hands of the God who never created you to be those things.  For me this has been tough, to release it.  I want to hold on, to be in control, it's sort of my defense against hurts.  But God doesn't want us to have the chains binding us to these things.  He wants us to be free in what we know God knows about us.  Because what makes us is what HE created us to be.

Thanks for stopping by!
xo Lulu

Learn more about the FASTer Way to Fat Loss®.
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Lulu Soler
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Change Up with Target

Change Up with Target


September is always a little funky in Pennsylvania.  It's a little like April when one day it's 80 degrees and the next day it's 60...  So dressing in layers is key and often taking that little summer dress to a fall look can be a perfect outfit.  Case in point this little number from Target that I bought a few years ago.  I'm sure you all have something similar hanging in your closet.  Am I right?  This can be such an easy dress to throw on in the warmer weather with a pair of pretty sandals.  Easy breezy - who doesn't love that!

white lace summer dress with gold accents

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Here are a few looks to take that white dress from summer to fall with a few classic pieces.  


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This week on The Laurel Lane IG I'm talking about change!  We either love it or refuse it.  Change, good or bad can be stressful and a lot of it depends on how we deal with it, or choose to deal with it!  Change can happen from 2 sides.  One is change that happens TO us, or change that happens BECAUSE of us (meaning we choose the change).

If the change happens because of something or someone making a decision that affects our life, how do you deal with it?  Do you dig in your heels?  Do you go with the flow?  Everyone is different and uniquely created but we can all learn to thrive and not just survive when life throws us curve balls.  For me, having my faith and trust in the Lord keeps me grounded.  When I feel like the waves are rushing over me faster than I can catch my breath, God says, I got your back.  I've learned from many trials that the God of the universe, who created me, who love the VERY thought of creating me knows better than me.  I don't have to depend on my broken self.  His wisdom is so much higher than mine, His love for me is more than I could ever imagine.  Why wouldn't He want the best for me?  He does want the best for me and for you.  I'm so not perfect and letting go of something can incredibly difficult.  But in God's gentle fashion, He calls me to let Him take care of things.  Don't stress, don't worry, don't fret - God says, "I got this."  Friends I write this as much for you as for me.  My life is not perfect.  There are changes, have been changes that I have to let go of.  Every day I work to let go, to unclasp my hands, be free to just be at peace.  

Now sometimes we CHOOSE the change and isn't it exciting!  Especially the change to better ourselves, make improvements, dive into something that we've always wanted!  This leap of faith for me began in March in making improvements to myself for what I thought was just going to be a physical transformation.  But the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® has been so much more.  It's been a physical transformation yes, but the mental and emotional transformation was completely unexpected.  THIS is what made me become a coach.  I thought, goodness if I need this - so do others!  If you're interested in making a better change to yourself I would encourage you to check out the FASTer Way.  I'll be doing a live post later this week on intermittent fasting and why you should consider making the change into your eating habits.  I'll be talking about the benefits, what to expect and why should NOT take this on by yourself.  

So I'll end with this.  Do you love change or do you dig your heels in?  My hope is that you are able to be at peace with the ebb and flows that life brings your way.  

Have a wonderful week!
xo Lulu
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Lulu Soler
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Getting Started Living Your Best Life

Getting Started Living Your Best Life


Change doesn't come easy does it?  Many times we need to go out of our comfort zone to really see the change we desire and once we take that leap we think, "I'm SO glad I did this!"

This week on The Laurel Lane IG I'm discussing small steps we can take to start living your best life.  Because living your best life is always a process, it's not instant perfection!  We continually make changes and improvements to get to our better selves.  We are a work in progress.  In the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® our mantra is progress over perfection!

black leggings with white tunic, blazer, sneakers

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Today on the blog I'm sharing how to look your best that is easy and one that many of us can throw on to go run errands or have lunch with a friend.  We've all seen it, maybe we've done it..  leggings.  Leggings can be our best friend or our worse enemy.  Leggings can be a wonderful wardrobe staple IF you wear them right.  Ok, I'm just going to say it - cover the derrière!  Even if you have a great bum, cover it.  It's just. Not. Ladylike.  And I think we're missing some ladylike in our culture.  There are plenty of cute tunics out there to cover up.

Leggings are great this time of year too when the temperatures start to get cooler and you can layer up.  Add a beautiful scarf and some cute sneaks and you have yourself a casual yet chic outfit!

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Yesterday I shared on a live Instagram (you can check it out on my IG TV channel) a way you can begin to live your best life in a practical and healthy way - eating whole food nutrition.  Whole food nutrition gives your body the best micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) it needs to function optimally for health and energy.  Generally anything that comes from the ground or has a mother is whole food nutrition.  This is food found in it's most natural state.  Fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, legumes, beans, herbs and spices are all fair game.

Whole food nutrition is one of the main concepts to the FASTer Way to Fat Loss®.  The FWTFL is not a deprivation diet.  It is not a calories in/calories out program.  The FWTFL is about fueling your body with enough good food to increase your metabolism to burn fat!

In the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® you will eat generous amounts of whole food nutrition to fuel your body.  You will incorporate carb cycling and intermittent fasting to train your body to become a FAT BURNER instead of a sugar burner.  Through the nutrition and workouts you will loose fat and gain lean muscle.  Learn more about this effective and amazing program HERE.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend and are ready to challenge yourself, and get a little out of your comfort zone to start to live your best life!

xo Lulu
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Lulu Soler
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Are you Tired of being Tired?

Are you Tired of being Tired?





Are you tired of being tired?

Perhaps you want to have energy, live your best and feel better but you don’t know how...

Friends, I was feeling that all familiar afternoon slump 6 months ago too.  Let me share 
with you something that has radically changed my life: the FASTERway to Fat Loss®.

The FASTERway to Fat Loss® is NOT a diet.  It is NOT a fad.  This is a REAL wellness program 
backed by science and proven results.

In my own life I have seen over 13” lost, significant fat loss and lean muscle gained 
(my clothes fit better!).  What I have added is more energy (no more afternoon slump), 
I’m more confident, I feel stronger and an overall renewed spirit.

Want to see more transformations? Check out #fasterwaytofatloss hashtags on Instagram
and be amazed!  If you follow me on Instagram you'll hear me talk more about the program and what an impact it has made me this year.  You'll see what I eat and how I work out on Stories and I have been sharing LIVE teachings on everything from what the program is like to taking care of you!

Earlier this month I was accepted to be a FASTERway to Fat Loss® coach!  I'm working through the orientation now and will be having my first bootcamp soon.  If you’re ready to gain more energy, live your best life and make your own transformation visit HERE and click on “Get Details for the FASTERway to Fat Loss® and ”Get on the Wait List” to join my next bootcamp coming in September!

I am thrilled about helping others achieve their best in their health, physical, mental and emotional.  It would be an honor to help you!  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for stopping by!
x
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Lulu Soler
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