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Pennies for a Fortune

Transform your space without breaking the bank! I'm Fariha, the creative force behind Pennies for a Fortune. Join me as I share tutorials, tips, and hacks for crafting beautiful spaces on a budget. Subscribe to my newsletter for DIY inspiration straight to your inbox!

Oak Accent Chair

Sunday Letter #21: Squeezing it all in before summer ends

August 10, 2025 Hey friends, This week was such a fun one! We had round two of the book photoshoot and the stylists came out to work their magic. Everything turned out so good!! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you might’ve seen a few behind-the-scenes moments on my stories. Next week, things get even busier. My brother’s family is flying in from Dubai and then we’re all heading to Chicago to meet my other brother. Basically, a mini siblings reunion and we’re all so excited for...
Best Paint Colors for Nursery

Sunday Letter #20: Let's talk skincare...

July 27, 2025 Hey friends, It’s been a fun little mix of DIY and self-care over here lately. I’ve been walking everyone through the behind-the-scenes of my guest bathroom tub-to-shower makeover on stories, and I cannot wait to share the final reveal soon. The project is fully done but I’m loving taking you through the step-by-step, especially the shower area which turned out better than I imagined. On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve also been deep in my skincare era. I am...
Sunday Letter 19

Sunday Letter #19: This one simple DIY made life so much easier

July 20, 2025 Hey friends, This week’s been a blur of writing, planning, and getting our house ready for the second round of my book photoshoot (it’s crunch time!). Honestly, at this point I’m just proud of myself for remembering what day it is. All the chaos got me thinking about the little wins — the kind of projects that make everyday life feel a little easier. And one of those for me is: The Garage. Last year, I added a simple shelving system to finally tame the mess, and it completely...
Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color

Sunday Letter #18: The most asked question on my blog...

July 13, 2025 Hey friends, If you've been following me on Instagram, you know we just gave our kitchen and dining area a full makeover: new paint, fresh wallpaper, and all. One question has come up more than any other: “What’s the best paint and finish for kitchen cabinets?” Well, this topic is hands-down one of the most visited post on the blog, and for good reason! Picking the right paint type and sheen isn’t just about style, it’s about surviving life in the kitchen. Cabinets take a...
San Francisco Trip

Sunday Letter #17: One for the Books (Literally)

July 6, 2025 Hey friends, We’re back from the most magical week on the California coast, and my camera roll is overflowing with coastal views, hidden beaches, and the most stunning trails. We started our trip in San Francisco with a stay at the iconic Palace Hotel. And yes, Eesa did eat Oreos off the floor of the same suite RBG once stayed in 💀 Parenting wins all around. We took a day trip to Muir Woods where the redwoods were even more majestic than I imagined. Then, we made our way down the...
Sunday letter 16

Sunday Letter #16: 10+ Stunning Patio Floor Ideas for Every Style

June 29, 2025 Hey there! We’re in San Francisco this week, and while the weather is a bit chilly, we packed plenty of layers so we’re all set. We’re headed to Big Sur soon, and I can’t wait to see the views! If you’ve been to that area, drop your favorite spots in the comments, I’m always looking for hidden gems. In the meantime, I wanted to share something exciting: my latest guide, all about patio flooring ideas that’ll help you create a space you’ll love. Whether you’re looking to refresh...
My Favorite Sneakers

Sunday Letter #15: My New Favorite Sneakers + The Best 30A Travel Guide

June 22, 2025 Hi fam, We’re heading to San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea next week, and I’m deep in outfit planning mode, aka the most chaotic yet fun part of any trip prep. I just picked up a pair of New Balance 530s for all the walking we’ll be doing, and let me tell you: they feel like clouds. Like, barely-there, all-day-comfort, throw-them-on-with-dresses-or-jeans kind of amazing. Highly recommend if you're after that cute-but-functional travel shoe. Speaking of travel… If 30A is on...
Eid 2025 Photo

Sunday Letter #14: This One’s Definitely Going on the Wall

June 15, 2025 Hey friends, This week has been a lot... in the BEST way. We had prop stylists and photographers over to shoot parts of our home for my book!! 😭✨ This was part one of the shoot, and we focused on the upstairs floor for now. Part two is coming up in the first week of August, right before my manuscript is due (wish me luck 😅). I still have SO much to wrap up, but I can’t believe we’ve already made it to the shoot stage. It’s starting to feel real real now, and I can’t wait to...
Board and Batten Walls

Sunday Letter #13: The Easiest Way to Upgrade Your Walls

June 8, 2025 Hey friends, Question... Have you ever looked around your space and thought… it just needs something? Because same. A lot of you have asked for easy ways to upgrade plain walls without breaking the bank, and one of my favorite tricks is Board and batten 🙌 It’s simple, classic, and adds so much charm with just a little effort. Whether you’re working on an entryway, a bedroom, or even just a small nook, board and batten instantly adds texture and character (and trust me, it’s more...
Spa Bathroom by Fariha Nasir

Sunday Letter #12: The Newest Corner of the Site Is Live! 👀

June 1, 2025 Hi Reader! Okay, I know these Sunday Letters have been a little all over the place lately 😅 — but I had to pop into your inbox again this week because I’ve got something I’m so excited to share… and honestly, I just couldn’t wait. There’s a brand new section on the site, and it’s all about the things I get asked about most: Shoppable Moodboards and Printable DIY Plans!! 🎉 Here’s what’s up there so far (and yes, I saved the best for last, so be sure to scroll all the way 👀):...