Pin This! 11 Beautiful DIY Bulletin Boards

Bethany Kosten
Jul 09, 2020

You may have spent the summer enthusiastically pinning ideas to make your life more functional but the season is ending and your home is still sadly in need of a refresh. Just in time for school to go back in session, we've rounded up some fun — and functional — ideas to turn any cluttered area into a command center, provide a catch-all for papers that you need to keep handy or to simply cultivate your creativity. Just below, 11 perfect IRL pinboard ideas. Forget Pinterest. These pretty pinboards will make all your real-life pinning better.

1. DIY State-Shaped Memo Boards: Show off your state pride and conquer clutter at the same time? These cute memo boards are a no-brainer. (via Brit + Co)

2. Color Block Mood Board: Color-blocking is still seriously stylish, whether we’re talking about a tank dress or a bulletin board. All your most cherished mementos and inspiration pieces just found a beautiful place to call home. (via A Beautiful Mess)

3. Tufted Bulletin Board: Gray textured fabric and silver upholstery buttons transform an ordinary cork board into a perfectly polished place to keep your goodies organized. (via Thistlewood Farm)

4. Travel Map Bulletin Board: We may be living in the age of Google Maps and mobile phones but even in a digital age, the most meaningful way to keep track of all your road trips might be a bit old-fashioned. Display this travel map board in your home as a proud memento of your travels and enjoy bragging rights every time a guest points out the curio. (via Lil Blue Boo)

5. Colorful Crafting Board: Give your crafting area a colorful, functional focal point. This version is tricked out with handy utensil holders and even a couple clipboards to hang up your latest inspiration pieces. (via Love Print Studio)

6. Metal Mesh Pinboard: Focusing on your studies/grown-up things is a cinch when your desk area is clean and free of clutter. This metal mesh pinboard lends a cool architectural feel to any space. (via Catview)

7. IKEA Placemats to Oversize Striped Framed Cork Board: Give yourself a beautiful home office that reflects your style and promotes dreaming. A striped cork board is a creative backdrop and catchall for bits of inspiration that you collect over time. This one is crafted from cork place mats and a bit of white paint. (via Infarrantly Creative)

8. Real Life Pinterest Board: Take a good look. This pinboard is made from some unexpected items: clipboards! Now you can cleverly clip every inspiring visual piece you discover to create your own real-life Pinterest boards. (via Brit + Co)

9. DIY Bulletin & Dry Erase Board: Want a better bulletin board? Welcome to a two-in-one solution. This clever version was crafted from the end of an old baby bed. (via Houseologie)

10. Geometric Wall Art Board: We love this combo of colors, lines and geometry. (via Brit + Co)

11. DIY Message Board: This simple upgrade is sure to make your message board a lot more sleek. Then sit back and admire just how clever you are with a paintbrush. (via Emilie sans Chichi)


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This article has been updated from a previous post.

6 Parent Hacks To Make Back-To-School Mornings Less Stressful

Boka
Toothpaste

My daughter goes back to school in a few weeks and I’m bracing myself for the usual morning routine hustle. The juggle is real! At the end of her third grade year in May, though, we were getting to school on time consistently without the mad rush out of the house – with teeth actually brushed and homework in a backpack!

As someone who hasn’t ever had a cavity (for real!), oral health is important to me and I want it to be important to her too. I get it though, it’s boring!

Photo by Dan Evans

But we’ve recently tried Boka n-Ha Toothpaste, a fluoride-free, non-toxic toothpaste for adults and kids that actually tastes delicious. She literally is excited to brush her teeth now. She loves their new flavor Boka Strawberry Mango. There’s also Orange Cream and Watermelon Mint – yum! Now when I ask if she’s brushed her teeth, I’m becoming less surprised when the answer is a resounding yes.

(The n-Ha stands for nano hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that’s great for gum health like removing plaque and avoiding tartar build up as well as enamel repair.) Use code BOKABRIT15 on both Amazon and Boka.com for 15 percent off!

Here are more ways I’ve given my kiddo Matilda a little more incentive to brush her teeth, her hair, and get to school bright eyed and ready for the day.

Create A Chalkboard Checklist

I found this removable chalkboard paper online and she enjoys checking the things off her list before we head out the door – it’s a good reminder for what needs to be done in the short time we have. It’s a great tool for kids learning to read too. Sometimes we’ll leave each other love or funny notes – a perfect way to start the day!

Use Timers

Shouting “we’re late!” doesn’t always inspire a good mood, and kids don’t always pay attention to clocks – like ever. We’ve started using timers to help Matilda give herself enough time to mentally prepare for the end of something, such as brushing her teeth (2 minutes experts recommend) or the end of the screen time. Small sand timers are timers kids can actually use themselves when brushing their teeth.

Keep It Positive

I’m not a fan of alarm clocks. I wake up pretty early on my own to start making breakfast and lunch. Our pup and I will go in for some cuddle time when it’s time to wake M up. It’s a way we love to bond before the day, and she wakes up happy vs. grumpy, 99% of the time. Occasionally, I'll bring out the “morning spider” and tickle her back as motivation to wake up.

Photo by Dan Evans

Give Age-Appropriate Tasks

At 9, Matilda will make her own toast now and grab some frozen blueberries from the freezer. She’ll dress herself too, often setting out her clothes the night before, and brush her teeth without me actually asking – a small parenting win but I’ll take it!

I still brush her hair because she hates to do it; it’s my last frontier in our morning ritual. One thing that helped her get on board with brushing her hair was reading a book called The Girl Who Wouldn’t Brush Her Hair by Kate Bernheimer. It’s a hoot!

Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes we wake up late or cuddle time goes on too long, and she’ll forget something like brushing her teeth. I use a pencil pouch as a toothbrushing kit so she can brush her teeth at school or in the car (nothing a little water bottle wouldn’t swish away). She can also eat breakfast in the car if totally necessary – we recently put a small trash bin in there to keep my “mom” car less of a food disaster!

Set Up A Go-Time Entryway

We put shoes, jackets, and backpacks in one place near the door. This is where everything goes after school so everyone’s ready to grab their things in the morning. It keeps clutter at bay in the rest of the house and chaos at bay when we’re trying to find our shoes in the morning.

Keep a Consistent Bedtime

Finally, we keep bedtime consistent even on weekends, so that she isn’t exhausted the next morning or always trying to catch up on sleep. This helps us stick to a consistent routine and make that 8:15 start time at school every time.

Morning rituals are important, but also it’s ok to slide once in a while. Extra cuddles are always worth a tardy sometimes. Good luck mamas with a new school year! Check out Boka for yourself too – the whole family will love it! Use code BOKABRIT15 on both Amazon and Boka.com for 15 percent off!


Photos by the author unless otherwise noted.


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Everyone's Convinced 'The White Lotus' Told Us The Killer In The Very First Episode

We're only one week away from The White Lotus finale — and finally answering the biggest question of all: who dies in The White Lotus season 3? Here's your official reminder that Mike White never passes up the opportunity for a death to be accidental & ironic (not to mention the character's fault), meaning we probably don't need to be looking for a murderer. And there's one White Lotus theory that suggests the killer's been in front of our faces the whole time: the poisonous pong pong fruit.

Here's a truly genius White Lotus theory about the season 3 finale, Saxon, and that poisonous fruit.

'The White Lotus' season 3 death will probably be another egomaniacal accident.

Theories are running rampant around who dies in The White Lotus season 3 finale — and who's responsible. But @popcultureari points out that, "In previous seasons we've seen how Mike White builds a ridiculous amount of tension between all the characters only to have the loose ends tied up with some ironic twist. And the main deaths aren't about killers lurking in the shadows, they're about people tripping over their own egos."

Remember when Tanya tripped in her heels, hit her head, and then drowned? "So in season 3, the body won't be from some shocking murder, it'll be from another self sabotage masterpiece," she continues. And the leading suspect? That poisonous fruit introduced in the first episode.

And it could cost the Ratliff family Saxon, Harper, and Lochlan.

More than one fan is wondering whether Jason Isaac's Timothy Ratliff will make a smoothie with the poisonous fruit to end his own life (since he doesn't have the gun anymore), and someone else will accidentally drink it. "There's a reason why they specifically mentioned the poison fruit so early on," one user says in the comments, while another points out how the camera always zooms into the blender.

But the most devastating take on this theory to me? That "I also do believe there will be 3 deaths because Chelsea keeps bringing up that bad things happen in 3s," another comment says. "3 siblings, 3 Russians, 3 friends."

More comments applaud @popcultureari for coming up with "such a good theory," but if Timothy makes the smoothie in The White Lotus season 3 finale, and then all three kids somehow end up dead, y'all will need to check on me!

What do you think about this White Lotus theory? Are you excited for the finale? Read up on The Most "Batsh—t" Yellowjackets Theory: "Everything Came Together" before the finale airs.

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Everything Your Kid Needs To Head Back to School In Style

Ibotta
Ibotta app

Whether your kiddo is stepping into school for the first time or reuniting with their friends again, back to school season marks a new beginning and a return to routine. Return to early bedtimes, to extracurricular activities, and of course, to back to school shopping. We gathered fresh new kicks, school supplies, backpacks, and more using Ibotta, the app that gives you cash back on everything, to make your BTS shopping a breeze.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

With Ibotta, you can earn real cash back – not points. Earn cash back on every item on your list, from backpacks and shoes to electronics and toys. When you’re ready to cash out your earnings from Ibotta, simply deposit them directly into your bank account or PayPal, or load the funds onto a gift card from your favorite retailer. Most Ibotta users earn $120 per year! (AKA, fresh kicks for yourself?). Score cash back from thousands of retailers too, like Target, Staples, Zappos, even most grocery stores. Ibotta has hundreds of cash back offers for name-brand grocery items, from perishables and pantry goods to personal care.

Check out these cash-saving back-to-school offers from Ibotta below!

Vans Kids Classic Slip-On ($45)

Vans never go out of style. These adorable checkered slip-ons come in a bunch of colors and are great for little ones who are not yet tying their shoes.

Earn up to 6% cash back at Zappos when you shop with Ibotta

Deuxpardeux Faux Fur Fanny Bag Tie Dye Purple ($35)

This super-soft fanny can go around the waist or chest and is just the right size for holding small essentials like keys, lunch money, and school supplies.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Deuxpardeux Jersey T-Shirt With Print Auburn Red ($28)

Long sleeve tees and flannels are the perfect transition wear for fall. Choose from three graphics, including dinosaur, tic tac toe, and board game.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Hey Dude Wally Youth Mossy Oak Original ($50)

Easy-on laces make these camo sneakers ideal for school and recess. Find a bunch of fun patterns and colorways for kids.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Dakine Lunch Box ($27)

Love the nature-inspired patchwork on this insulated lunch box, made from recycled materials. Go explore kiddo!

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Cool Gear Sipper Water Bottle ($8)

Keep them hydrated all day long with a reusable water bottle. This fun and colorful one has a sipper cover to keep their spout germ-free.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Bentgo Pop Lunchbox ($30)

Get creative with their lunches with this leakproof, BPA-free lunch box. The three-compartment tray keeps their protein, fruit, and snack neatly in their own box.

Earn up to 2.5% cash back at Staples when you shop with Ibotta!

L.L.Bean Kids Junior Backpack ($35)

They can store their lunch box, notebooks and homework in the main part of this durable backpack, and pencils and smaller things in the front. The side pocket is a great spot for their water bottle too. (Available in multiple colors.)

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Columbia Kids Benton Springs III Overlay Fleece ($40)

Get ready for actual fall with this fleece jacket, available in six colors.

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Kamik Kids Cascade Insulated Jacket ($90)

Keep them dry and toasty on their winter walks to school with this insulated jacket, available in four colors.

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Amazon Fire 8" HD Tablet ($99)

Download all the learning apps, and their favorite movies, on this protected tablet, available in four colors.

Earn up to 4% cash back at Best Buy when you shop with Ibotta!

Moto JR 300 Wireless Kids Over Ear Headphones ($50)

They can tune into their homework or their favorite shows with these wireless headphones.

Earn up to 5% cash back at Macy’s when you shop with Ibotta!

Western Chief Kids Backpack Bundle w/ Lunch Box & Pencil Pouch ($50)

Send kids off in style with this affordable three-in-one set. (Also available in shark print)

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Post-it Super Sticky Notes Bus Cabinet Pack, ($20/24 Pads)

Post-its are great for learning, taking notes, and reminders of all the fall to-dos but also make sweet love notes for their lunch box. Aww…

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Eccolo Lena + Liam Paper 2-Pocket Folder ($2)

Stock up on folders to keep homework and all the school year paperwork in order.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Eccolo Lena + Liam Compbooks Groovy Butterflies ($2)

Retro composition books get a creative upgrade with fun retro prints in these 80-page notebooks.

Earn up to 2% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Crocs KIDS’ CLASSIC RETRO FLORAL CLOG ($45)

It’s still Crocs season! Find colorful patterns and creative charms at Crocs for the fall.

Earn up to 4% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Appaman Kids Ruby Sweatshirt ($59)

Fall is all about layers. Keep them cozy and on trend with colorful checks.

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

Stance Sunshine Stripe ($12)

Don’t forget to stock up on socks! Zappos has loads of cute options like these stripey ones.

Earn up to 6% cash back when you shop with Ibotta!

All offers were valid as of publish date. Check your Ibotta app for details, as offers change frequently and may not be available in all areas.

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6 Simple Things You Should Always Do Before Guests Arrive

I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.

Here are six things you should always do before guests arrive.

Askar Abayev

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Anna Shvets

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

  • Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
  • A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
  • A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

  1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
  2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
  3. Add your ingredients to the water.
  4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

Kaboompics.com

Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

taylor hernandez on Unsplash

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

Shutterstock

Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

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Surprise! We Could Get 'Paradise' Season 2 Sooner Than You Think

The only thing keeping me from being upset about A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show being canceled is how well Hulu handled it's newest thriller, Paradise. Created by screenwriter Dan Fogelman (This Is Us) and starring Sterling K. Brown, it's a murder mystery with dystopian undertones that explores what could happen if states become uninhabitable.

Besides feeling relevant to our current timeline, Paradise has a soundtrack that rivals Strangers Things and leaves viewers wanting more. Fortunately, Hulu got the memo and renewed it for Season 2 — thank goodness!

Here's everything to know about Paradise season 2!

Has 'Paradise' Season 2 began filming? 

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A post shared by Dan Fogelman (@danfogman)

I'm pinching myself because Paradise Season 2 has started filming! Dan Fogelman shared the amazing news on his Instagram a few days ago and his comments are buzzing with excitement! "We’re baaaaaaaack. #Paradise#S2," he wrote which means we could see Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nichols on our screens sooner than anticipated.

This comes after an update Fogelman shared with a hopeful fan on X. In response to a fear viewers would have to wait a long time to see more action from our new favorite characters, Fogelman put all fears aside. "we start shooting in just a few weeks. It won’t be 2 years I promise! #Paradise," he said.

When does 'Paradise' season 2 premiere?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Filming just started for Paradise Season 2, so a premiere date for it hasn't been shared yet. But at the rate Fogelman's going, we could possibly see the thriller series on Hulu towards the end of the year or at the beginning of 2026!

For now, fans can rewatch Season 1 on Hulu or when it appears on ABC April 7 at 10:00 p.m. (via The Hollywood Reporter).

What is 'Paradise' about?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise begins in an idyllic community where homes are picturesque, streets are clean, and everyone lives in perfect harmony. However, it doesn't take long for the peace to be disturbed when the President is discovered murdered by his trusted Secret Service agent Xavier Collins.

Before long, he begins questioning the world he and his children live in while also searching for clues about his missing wife.

Who's in the 'Paradise' cast?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise Season 1 has a stacked cast! Besides Sterling K. Brown, there's other familiar faces who help with the show's equilibrium.

  • Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins
  • James Marsden as President Cal Bradford
  • Julianne Nicholson as "Sinatra"
  • Krys Marshall as Robinson
  • Sarah Shahi as Dr. Gabriela Torabi
  • Jon Beavers as Billy Pace
  • Nicole Brydon Bloom as Jane Driscoll
  • Aliyah Mastin as Presley Collins
  • Percy Daggs IV as James Collins
  • Charlie Evans as Jeremy Bradford
  • Richard Robichaux as Carl

What's happened in 'Paradise' so far?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Wow, where do I begin?!

After it was revealed that the community he and everyone else lives in has been artificially created due to a disaster, the brief moments of unease Collins shows begins making sense. It's clear he and President Cal ended on bad terms before his death, but it doesn't seem like he was responsible for murdering the man he was sworn to protect.

What's odd is that Sinatra, the mastermind behind the beautiful community they live in, has been playing puppet master. She ordered the deaths of scientists sent to the surface to test the air quality AND she made sure Agent Billy was blindsided by his love interest's manipulation. Upsettingly, his murderer is none other than seemingly docile and clueless Agent Jane.

Viewers were also introduced to President Cal's father and were able to see how much he never wanted to be the face of the country. Though his father appears to have dementia, it's clear he feels guilty about something and may have seen who killed his son.

When did the season finale of 'Paradise' season air?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Paradise left off on several cliffhangers on Hulu March 4!

How many seasons of 'Paradise' will there be?

Disney/Brian Roedel

Dan Fogelman already knows what he wants to do with Paradise! He said, "I have a plan for three seasons of the show. Without giving away too much, each season of the show is a slightly different show, within the same show with the same characters," (via The Hollywood Reporter).

For more exciting entertainment news, be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

This post has been updated.

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