• Cozy Living and Midlife Reflections | Home Hero Jen
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  • About Jen: REALTOR Spokane WA + Coeur d’Alene ID
  • Cozy Living and Midlife Reflections | Home Hero Jen
  • Blog
  • About Jen: REALTOR Spokane WA + Coeur d’Alene ID

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Living with ADHD

6 ADHD Life Hacks That Help: Tools & Routines That Actually Work

Let’s be real: ADHD life hacks that help are less about Pinterest perfection and more about surviving with soul. When your brain’s got 12 tabs open and none of them…

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May 10, 2025
Empty Nest Life

I Feel Invisible as I Age: The Shift No One Talks About

The Shift No One Talks About.. I feel invisible as I age—and I never expected that to be something I’d say out loud.But one day, it hit me—and I’ve never…

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May 9, 2025
Porch Vibes

Summer Porch Decor That Feels Like a Mini Getaway

Summer porch decor is your permission slip to slow down and savor your space. Whether you’re hunting for fresh summer front porch ideas or easy summer outdoor decor that doesn’t…

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May 4, 2025
  • Cozy porch vibe on a budget with warm string lights — tap to save this front porch decor idea for later!
    Porch Vibes

    Porch Vibe on a Budget: 5 Easy Ideas That Don’t Cost a Fortune

    May 14, 2025 / No Comments

    Porch vibe on a budget? Oh yes, it’s possible. If you’ve ever scrolled Pinterest and thought, “Okay, but how much did this porch cost?!”—this post is for you. You don’t need a wraparound deck or a designer budget to create a cozy, welcoming vibe right outside your front door. Just a few smart ideas, a little layering, and some intentional…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Front yard decor ideas can do more than make your house look cute on the outside—they can completely shift how you feel when you come home. I’ve walked up to thousands of front doors as a Realtor, and the ones that stick with me? They’re not the biggest or the most expensive. They’re the ones that feel intentional. Warm. Loved. That “someone lives here and actually cares” energy? That’s what we’re after. Whether you’re getting ready to sell, expecting guests, or just pulling into the driveway thinking, “Something’s missing”—this is for you. You don’t need a massive budget or a full landscape crew. You just need a few cozy, curb-appeal-boosting touches that tell the world: “This is home. And it matters.” 🚪 Start with the Front Door—Because That’s Where the Story Begins I’ve stood at thousands of homes, and you can tell a lot by someone’s front door. It doesn’t need to be dramatic—it just needs to feel like you. A freshly painted door, a fun doormat, or a wreath that says “someone lives here and loves it” instantly shifts the energy. This is the moment you set the tone, both for guests and for yourself. You deserve to walk up to your home and feel a spark of joy. Whether it’s a pop of color or a simple upgrade, this is the one place where small touches feel huge. You don’t need a full porch remodel—just something that says, “Yep, this is mine.” Trust me, even a $10 mat with a little sass can change your whole mood. Some ideas to consider: Colorful Doormat with Sass Wreath with a Twist Sleek House Numbers 💡 Outdoor Lighting That Adds Safety—and a Whole Mood Nothing transforms a front yard faster than good lighting. The first time I added solar path lights, I stood outside just looking at them like a weirdo because it felt so good. Warm, soft lighting adds more than just visibility—it adds safety, calm, and that “home sweet home” glow. Whether you’re using lanterns, garden lights, or fairy twinkles, it changes everything after the sun goes down. You go from basic yard to cozy, styled space in seconds. And here’s the magic: it’s not expensive, and you don’t need an electrician. Just a few warm bulbs, some solar power, and a little intention go a long way. It's porch therapy—minus the co-pay. Some ideas to consider: Solar Pathway Lights Hanging Porch Lanterns Color-Changing Garden Lights 💛 If your front yard’s getting the glow-up, don’t miss these Small Backyard Vibe Ideas for the rest of your outdoor space. 🌿 Potted Plants That Say “Yes, Someone Cares About This Place” You don’t need to be a plant pro to make this work. Some of the most charming front yards I’ve ever seen had one or two mismatched planters and a fern they may or may not have forgotten to water. But it still worked. Plants—real or faux—add life, texture, and the kind of charm that says, “I give a damn about this space.” Play with height, groupings, and containers that show your personality. It’s one of the fastest ways to cozy up your curb appeal without breaking the bank. You can literally spend $20 and come away with a whole new vibe. Bonus: plants are forgiving. Even if you forget them now and then, they still show up for the vibe. Some ideas to consider: Tall Planters with Ferns Vintage Containers Mix-and-Match Pot Styles 🌼 Little Signs + Garden Stakes That Quietly Speak Your Style These tiny details make a big emotional impact. A garden stake with a little humor, a wooden sign with heart, or even a yard flag with seasonal flair—these are the pieces that tell your story without shouting. They’re low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and they add warmth fast. I’ve seen the plainest front yards come alive with just one or two of these. You don’t need a theme or a perfectly curated style. You just need something that makes you smile when you walk by. It’s about showing that someone lives here—and lives well. Don’t overthink it. Just start with one thing that feels like you. Some ideas to consider: Metal Floral Stakes Wooden Welcome Sign Seasonal Yard Flags 🪑 A Place to Sit—Even If You Never Actually Sit There You’d be amazed what one chair can do. It says “welcome,” even if it’s never used. It softens the space, makes it feel lived-in, and gives your front yard that cozy, layered look. The first time I added a bench near my porch, I realized I never had to use it—it just made the space feel more complete. Add a little cushion, a throw pillow if it won’t blow away, and you’re done. It’s one of those simple decor tricks that instantly feels expensive, even when it’s not. Even if it’s just decorative, it shifts the mood from “house” to “home.” And that’s the whole point. Some ideas to consider: Wrought Iron Bistro Set Adirondack Chairs Outdoor Cushions 🙈 Hide the Eyesores—Because Peace Deserves to Be Seen First Let’s be honest—we’ve all got something ugly in the front yard. Trash bins, electrical boxes, utility eyesores… and you don’t have to pretend they’re not there. You just don’t need to see them every time you walk by. Cover them. Distract from them. Build a little visual peace into your everyday. I used to walk past a row of bins every day and just cringe—until I added a planter wall. Boom. Mood shifted. You deserve to see beauty first. Not the garbage. Some ideas to consider: Tall Planter Walls Outdoor Privacy Screens Fake Boxwood Panels 🍁 A Seasonal Touch That Tells the World “Someone’s Home” You don’t need a whole theme or seasonal overhaul to stay fresh. One or two seasonal swaps make a huge difference. A fall flag, spring wind chimes, or even just a little front step decor says “we live here and we’re in this moment.” It keeps your space from feeling stale. And it takes like… five minutes. Even the smallest seasonal touch gives your yard presence and keeps things feeling cared for. You don’t need to do much—you just need to show up with one thoughtful piece. It adds life, charm, and a sense of flow. Some ideas to consider: Fall Pumpkin Stackers Solar Snowflake Lights Springtime Wind Chimes 💛 Final Thoughts Your front yard doesn’t need to be perfect or Pinterest-famous. It just needs to feel like you. A few thoughtful touches—a wreath, a planter, a cozy glow when the sun sets—can completely shift the energy. And when you feel good pulling into your own driveway? That’s the kind of magic that matters. So start small. Pick one section. One planter. One cozy moment that makes you smile. ✨ More Cozy Inspiration You’ll Love: Porch Vibe on a Budget Fire Pit Friday Vibes: Cozy Backyard Ideas Weekend Declutter Projects That Make a Big Visual Impact
    Front Yard Decor Ideas

    Front Yard Decor Ideas That Instantly Boost Curb Appeal

    May 13, 2025 / No Comments

    Front yard decor can do more than just make your house look cute from the street—it can completely shift how you feel when you come home. I’ve walked up to thousands of front doors as a Realtor, and you know which ones stick with me? It’s not the biggest homes or the fanciest. It’s the ones that feel intentional. Welcoming.…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • How can I declutter my house – Pin these quick and calming weekend declutter ideas for later!
    Weekend Home Projects

    How Do I Declutter My House Without the Overwhelm?

    May 13, 2025 / No Comments

    How do I declutter my house without spiraling into a weekend-long breakdown? If you’ve ever whispered that while stepping over a pile of shoes or opening that drawer—you are not alone. As a mom who once had diapers in the kitchen and sippy cups next to shampoo bottles, I’ve lived the chaos. I used to think a full home makeover…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Airbnb turnover day essentials for a smooth, stress-free guest changeover. Pin this quick clean and host prep checklist for later!
    Airbnb Hosting Tips

    5 Airbnb Turnover Essentials That’ll Save Your Sanity and Impress Your Guests

    May 13, 2025 / No Comments

    I’ve been in enough homes—both as a REALTOR and as someone who’s cleaned up after my own family chaos—to know this: you need a system that works when you’re tired, running behind, and completely out of paper towels with three beds still unmade. Because let’s be honest—Airbnb turnover day is chaos. It’s that frantic sprint between goodbye and hello, with…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Airbnb host essentials that protect your space and your peace – Pin this list for stress-free hosting!
    Airbnb Hosting Tips

    Airbnb Host Essentials That Protect Your Space Without Killing the Vibe

    May 12, 2025 / No Comments

    Let’s be honest- Airbnb hosting is a mix of excitement, hustle, and the constant fear someone’s going to wreck your space. One minute you’re prepping fresh towels, the next you’re wondering how to remove glitter from a mattress. The truth? Damage happens. But you don’t need to baby-proof your entire home to protect it. You just need the right Airbnb…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Townhouse backyard ideas for creating a cozy outdoor retreat – Pin this small space transformation guide for design and decor tips.
    Backyard vibes

    Townhouse Backyard Ideas That Feel Like a Retreat (Even Without the Square Footage)

    May 12, 2025 / No Comments

    Townhouse backyard ideas aren’t just for people with perfect patios or pro landscapers. They’re for anyone standing in their tiny outdoor space thinking, “What the hell do I do with this?” You know the feeling—you’ve got a patch of concrete, a fence that’s seen better days, and about 6 feet of wiggle room… and you’re supposed to make that feel…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Small backyard design ideas on a budget – cozy glow-up inspiration with seating, lights, and plants. Pin this look for later!
    Backyard vibes

    Small Backyard Design Ideas on a Budget

    May 12, 2025 / No Comments

    Let’s turn your backyard into something that makes you breathe deeper, feel proud, and want to invite someone over (even if it’s just the cat). Small backyard design isn’t about turning your outdoor space into a magazine spread. It’s about creating something that feels good—something that grows from simple small backyard ideas and turns into a space you actually want…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Fire Pit Friday vibes in a cozy backyard setup – string lights, warm fire pit glow, and comfy seating for the perfect weekend retreat. Pin this outdoor idea for later!
    Backyard vibes

    Fire Pit Friday Vibes for the Coziest Backyard Ever

    May 11, 2025 / No Comments

    I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Fire Pit Vibes: How to Create the Coziest Backyard Retreat for the Weekend Wind-Down There’s just something about winding down the week with a crackling fire, soft lighting,…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • I don’t know what to do with my life – honest midlife reflection about feeling lost and searching for purpose. Pin this for encouragement.
    Midlife Reflections

    I Don’t Know What to Do With My Life – Real Talk for When You Feel Lost

    May 11, 2025 / No Comments

    You know what’s crazy? Life is a trip.And sometimes, you reach a point—maybe midlife, maybe any age—where you just stop and think, I don’t know what to do with my life. You’re not alone in that. We’re told to choose a path when we’re just teenagers—long before our brains are even fully developed. But what no one tells you is…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
  • Believe in your dream – Save this encouraging reminder to come back to when you need a little hope.
    Jen’s Encouragement Corner

    Believe In Your Dream: Why It’s Never Too Late

    May 10, 2025 / No Comments

    It’s never too late to start over. Just Believe in Your Dream…. One of my favorite quotes is short, simple, and completely life-altering:“If you’re not happy… change it.” Because it’s never too late to start over. One of my favorite quotes is short, simple, and completely life-altering:“If you’re not happy… change it.” I’ve whispered that to myself more times than…

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    jengriest@gmail.com
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