About Roeshel

author of DIY Show Off blog

Meditation Room Makeover

Happy Winter Solstice!

Thyme & Mint Meditation Room Makeover

Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.

Butler Suite Thyme airbnb

 

The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.

The update:

 

 

As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan  and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!

meditation room mood board

Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!

The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.

meditation room ruggable meditation space sun moon fireplacesound healing space diyshowoff meditation room meditation space meditation decorblack door and trim shungite sphereboho rattan daybed meditation spot room decorself care library meditation decor reiki room indoor water fall

Additional purpose and function of the space:

The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.

meditation decor

The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.

Butler PA Suite Thyme lodging airbnb

Suite Thyme

The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe. 

This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.

Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!

Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!

Gratitude:

A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.

Butler County Tourism

A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo

In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation: Our Story

With a halt on our traveling these last few years, we decided to create our own little resort at home by installing an in-ground pool. It’s not the same as vacationing to our favorite tropical locations but we’re now swimming pool owners and enjoying playtime and our backyard paradise more than ever!
Before…
backyard transformation
After…
backyard oasis
(still a little work to do on re-installing the brick pavers they removed)

 

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Decision time:

To be honest, it took me a little while to warm up to the idea of being a swimming pool owner. I knew they came with a hefty price tag and require maintenance. However, after looking at options, my Mr. DIY’s ability to influence and inspire me to get on board (thanks, honey!), our daydreams and designs, I quickly got on board with visions of family fun and pool parties and changing up our outdoor living spaces.

Add to that, a future son-in-law who’s family is in the pool business. We thank you, Steve at Country Pools and Spas! I am so grateful for his patience, reassurance, and answers to probably way too many texts!

I’ve never owned a swimming pool and didn’t grow up with one so I didn’t know what to expect. It seemed overwhelming and very involved for someone who has no clue. But when all is said and done, I feel like most of our choices made for an easier experience over the long term. We’ve spent more time together. We enjoy using it for relaxing. Crank up the heat and we enjoy it as therapy!

Our pool install story:

If you’re like me with no idea what it all means, you may have a better idea going in. I’ve included a few affiliate links for some of our favorite finds too. Let’s go.

(Of course, this is just me reporting all that I witnessed at this point, my words on the process…not meant for a tutorial or instructions. I’m no expert! Your experience may be completely different!)

Time frame:

When the company says they can install in 1 day…that doesn’t mean you have a completed finished ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ magazine worthy swimming pool and backyard oasis the next day, week or even month. Get four months into your head to be on the safe side.
You will preferably want to decide the year before installation to get on the schedule. Because we’re practically family, we were able to be squeezed in but that’s not always the case. Most likely, the pool company you choose is already scheduling into next year (western PA outdoor construction season is shorter than warmer climates).

Budget:

It’s probably different when it comes to cost too. There may not be one price that’s all inclusive. There may be a few areas you’ll want to consider in your total budget. Here is a collection of where a budget was required in our experience:

  • Permit
  • Pool itself (included pool, excavating/transport/crane, basic equipment)
  • Add ons/accessories – heater, salt system, lights, solar or auto cover, winter cover
  • Fencing or auto-cover
  • Electrical
  • Gas line for heater if needed (our gas meter was at the front of the house, so they had to dig a trench/run the line from front yard to back yard)
  • Tree branch trimming if required
  • Water (our pool size took 1 tanker truck + additional from our outside hose)
  • Concrete company (additional fee for a pump truck)
  • Landscaping
  • Pool accessories (spot vacuum or robot, etc.)
  • Lighting for backyard
  • Shed (you may want to house in your pool equipment and create storage for pool accessories and pool floats and toys

Permit:

Check with your local area. Our township requires a pool permit in advance. This was our responsibility. The process was pretty easy – fill out a form, draw up a sketch, have the pool company fill out a portion of it and submit for review. Then throughout the installation process, keeping the permit officer in the loop to inspect things along the way (electrical). Our township also requires a fence or a locking auto-cover for safety. We chose an auto-cover to avoid blocking backyard views.

backyard idea

Pool options:

We had two choices, a steel walled pool with a liner or a fiberglass shell. We preferred the low maintenance and durability of fiberglass. It costs a little more but we weighed the slight increase in price against the maintenance of replacing liners, etc. Fortunately, Country Pools and Spas had several in stock and once we saw the beautiful sparkly pearl white finish on one in just the right size, I fell in love. A sun deck, stairs and swim up seats. A sparkly shimmery glitter finish (it’s gorgeous in the sunshine!).

We went with a 12×25 for our backyard spot. We considered that most of the time, it would only be the two of us, plus our grandsons. And if entertaining with a larger group, that mostly likely all guests wouldn’t be in at the same time. After the fact, there’s been plenty of room for us, guests and family.

fiberglass pool shell

Size and placement:

12 x 25 also fit our space best. Remember to consider pool decking and patio will fill the yard too. Once we decided the best location in our backyard, we had a few things to take care of in advance to prepare.

Preparation:

For us that included tree trimming. We have a huge oak tree with branches extending over top of the backyard where the pool was going in and had to have them cut back. This required renting a lift as well as paying someone with some experience recommended by the pool company. I recommend calling a tree trimming service directly. We didn’t know. So I believe we paid more than what directly contacting a service would have been.

tree trimming

Overhead wires from our house to our barn were in a path hanging above the pool area. This required hiring an electrician to run wiring underground. Speaking of electricity, he was also the one we paid to run wiring and plumbing to the pool and pool equipment including the pool pump, lighting, sump pump, switch for our auto-cover.

moving electrical wires

Add ons:

In addition to the fiberglass shell and pool auto-cover, we opted for a gas heater and salt system. We’re located in PA, so a heater is a luxury I didn’t want to go without. And once we had our “pool school”, the salt system has proven to be an awesome low maintenance chemical free option. We recommend it! We also added two lights to the pool. (Pssst. It’s October and yes, we’ve tested that heater! Worth every single penny!)

In-ground Swimming Pool installation:

After those things were decided and underway, the pool company scheduled and performed the excavation. Amazing how fast they can dig a giant hole!

excavating inground pool

Once the excavation was done, they had a load of gravel delivered, a crane showed up, the fiberglass shell arrived on a flatbed (they scheduled these things and acquired the transportation permit).

They added the gravel and made sure the spot was level. They lifted and put the pool in place (on the first try…mentioned that’s rare). They then connected the plumbing and lighting and wiring for the pool pump/filter and heater. Next they backfilled with gravel and placed ground wiring too.

Then the water arrived! Our pool took one truckload + some additional from the hose/our outdoor water spigot. I keep meaning to look at our paperwork for how many gallons.

inground pool installation

The actual placement went pretty fast! One day!

Concrete:

The next step was concrete. We liked the look of stained/stamped concrete so we hired a separate company for the concrete pool coping (the edge where concrete sets over top of the edge of the pool), pool deck, walkways and integrating stairs to our existing concrete patio.

Made in America Concrete

stained stamped concrete stairspouring concrete pool deckinstalling concrete pool copingThe concrete workers had to get into the water. Of course it was a cold summer day and the heater wasn’t connected yet. Brrr!

In addition to lining up each contractor for a seamless install, concrete was the most time consuming. They excavate, frame, add gravel and rebar, then pour and stamp. It’s weather dependent so rainy days set things back. Then they return another day after concrete is set and dry to stain. Add at least one day or more if it’s the weekend or rain is in the forecast. Then another day to seal. Our project wasn’t small and they did it in 3 parts (stairs, then half of the concrete patio/1 walkway, then the pool deck/pool coping, then the rest of a walkway, pad for a shed and surrounding the pool equipment).

Stain by DecoCrete. Color: weathered oak. It’s recommended that stained concrete is sealed every year. Can also be re-stained as needed. It dried to a nice natural looking taupe-color.

Learning experience: If overspray from stain gets into your pool water (can happen even if pool is covered with plastic), metallic ingredients in the stain may react to chlorine (even salt water chlorine) and turn your pool water green. This will require a trip to your pool store with a sample of pool water for instructions and a bottle of metal remover. Ask us how we know. ::freaked out!:: But don’t panic, it’s then back to normal after 24 hours.

stained stamped concrete patio

Security: Fence or Auto Cover

We chose the auto pool cover. When the pool was installed, they also took final measurements for the auto-pool cover (made to order). That took about 10 weeks to arrive. The pool company installed it for us (included in the price) once it arrived in September.

auto star pool cover

Landscaping:

Once all of that was done, our yard was quite a mess. I didn’t really consider that they don’t drop a pool in and leave the yard the way they found it. Haha! So, figure in landscaping into your budget. The machinery tears up the lawn so it’ll require grading, top soil and grass or plants and mulch. Thanks to Orloski Landscaping! We have grass and mulch and the start of a beautiful landscape!

Budget friendly tips: We were able to re-plant several costa and bushes and that were removed prior to the pool installation as well as some stones that came with our property. We also made a few trips to Lowe’s after the landscaping was completed for clearance perennial flowers, grasses and plants and planted those ourselves. Mr. DIY did the hard labor intensive part of digging holes. I mostly supervised and leant a hand in deciding placement and pushing mulch back into place. And since its fall, I did put in some spring bulbs.

fiberglass pool

Misc:

Of note, I also found a cantilever umbrella anchor and had them place that (requires a hole and gravel and concrete to set in place so level with the patio). So smart! I love that it’s super anchored and it doesn’t require the big “x” base and sandbags (tripping hazard and it very aesthetically pleasing).

Cantilever umbrellaUmbrella anchor

With an auto-pool cover, draining off rain water is a task! A pool cover pump was provided but hooking up the hose is inconvenient and takes a while. The pool company recommended this little tool. This small spout is powerful, easy to connect (game changer) and shoots water 25 ft. The hose connection is a slower process. This spout is fast!

automatic pool cover pump

CoverBlast pool cover pump

I was also suckered into a Facebook ad for a Skim-Around. All good reviews, including ours! Love the whirlpool it creates and it does seem to keep the surface cleaner quicker!

Skim-Around

Also worth mentioning, once the auto-cover was installed, the pool didn’t require a lot of vacuuming … just a little. And connecting the hose and sweeper to the pump/skimmer is time consuming. I love this small rechargeable handheld vacuum for a quick vacuuming job!

Similar to this rechargeable handheld pool vacuum

Let’s swim!

diyshowoff inground pool

Check out our fun pool party reel on Instagram! 

 

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We were able to swim before the concrete job. And we did! But once the concrete was poured, we had to stay out to avoid salt water on the concrete until sealed. But before you know it, what felt like a project was dragging out all summer long, will be complete. Just in time to close it up for the season! Actually – we are able to fit in some swims when the sun is shining and the heater makes that possible. Also of note: the first pool closing is included in the cost.

Closing thoughts:

Our driveway is simply limestone. It was also torn up during the process and we’ll need to spread more limestone (another cost to consider when looking at your own property and the route to pool and concrete placement/surrounding area).

Was the entire investment worth it? YES! We’ve lived in this house for 15 years and consider it our forever home so it’s worth it to us and we’ll enjoy many summers making memories! It hasn’t been long since it was finished up and now we’ll be closing it soon for the season but next year, we will enjoy it every day all summer long right from the get go!

So … yes! It was, is and will be. We love that our girls and grandsons, family and friends can visit for swim days! We love that we spend time together in the evenings relaxing in the pool. It’s been a great way to unwind and bond. And our 7 year old grandson gets a lot of exercise when he visits weekly. And the little one is acclimating to pool life (that sun deck is perfect for little ones) too.

Despite not having a full pool season, the older one has already improved his swimming skills. No fear, no hesitation. He’s worked his way up to braving the deep end and swimming under water. He wakes up Saturday mornings, changes from pajamas to swimming trunks, grabs his towel, fins, mask and bluetooth speaker (beach music is a must) and waits for me to accompany him to the backyard. That big smile on his face? Priceless!

  • Are you a swimming pool owner?
  • Was your experience similar?
  • Do you have anything to add?
  • Any favorite tips or tricks for pool care or anything a pool newbie should know?
  • Or are you thinking of installing an in-ground pool?

Every job and budget is different but I hope our experience helps you feel a little more prepared on what to consider and expect.

DIY Decorative Juju Hat Inspired Wall Decor Tutorial

African/Cameroon Juju hats have been around as home decor for a few years. They’re so beautiful, artisanal/handmade (symbolize prosperity, worn by ceremonial dancers). DIY decorative Juju hat inspired tutorial:

DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorial

juju hat wall decor diy

When a friend of mine had to part ways with her African Juju hat wall decor (you don’t want to know), she was in the market for a replacement. It’s been a while since I’ve been crafty and what better time than the new year for a fresh start?! Perfect timing. A perfect opportunity to focus on the positive and to send some good juju to a friend. 

What’s your first DIY project of the new year? Looking for and easy, fun and “GOOD” DIY to jumpstart 2022? This is the perfect little project for you to try! I felt empowered and inspired so I opened up my Amazon app and ordered these supplies: 

diy materials for juju hat wall decor

Materials I used (referral links):

cardboard circle (could easily make one from recycled cardboard too, especially if you’ve been procrastinating the holiday clean up!)

• feather trim ( purchased 2 of this feather trim and 1 of this feather fringe trim)

• aluminum pop top (removed from can) to hang (could also use string or hang with push pins)

Tools:

hot glue gun/sticks, scissors

What I did:

I found the center of my cardboard circle. From there, I drew a straight line to the outer edge. 

tape measure

Using scissors, I cut along the line. 

scissors

Next, using hot glue along one side of the cut, I glued the other side slightly on top to create a little bit of a ‘bowl’-shape. It’s very slight…just enough to give it a 3D look.

Gorilla Glue gun cardboard circle

Then, protect your fingers ‘cuz that hot glue is HOT! Be careful! (I used a capped pen to hold down the ribbon as needed.) Determine placement and start attaching the bottom of the feather trip to the cardboard circle. I worked my way around the outer edge. 

hot glue feather trim feather crafts feather circle

Repeat in circles for complete coverage. Based on your supplies, determine how close together to cover the cardboard. I alternated the 2 different feather trims. 

gluing feather trim feather ribbon juju hat craft project making a juju hat decoration gray feathers placing feathers circle of feathers juju hat inspired wall decor circle of gray feather trim cutting feather trim hot gluing feathers diy juju hat wall decor making a juju hat DIY juju hat tutorial easy diy feather project juju hat DIY

For the center, add a coordinating or same color silk flower. Or, like me, take a bit of leftover trim and roll to create a “center” piece. Attach with hot glue. 

glue gun and feather trim feather trim craft flower feather boa craft craft project with feathers

Fill in with individual feathers as needed.

scissors and gray feathers gray feather and glue gun gray feather craft idea

Attach hanging mechanism of choice to the back with hot glue. 

hanging wall decor with a pop top

Easy peasy! Much lighter and not as detailed or heavy as the real thing but beautiful none-the-less and special because you made it yourself!

The result:

diy juju hat wall art diy gray juju hat wall art

Texture! Softness. Beauty!

poofy feather wall art sitting room wall art diy DIYShowOff Juju hat wall decor tutorialgray juju hat wall decor diy gray feather juju hat decor

I’m hooked and plan to create several more! More feather trim as been ordered! I need a fluffier one! A feather boa would work as well (although a little messier)! Maybe some rattan coasters for the center or a coordinating silk peony would be beautiful too. I’ll come back and post more pictures. Interested in adding yours to the feature? Submit your juju hat photo to thediyshowoff at gmail. 

How about you? Ready to get crafty, creative and inspired in 2022?

 

DIY Shed Door

DIY Shed Door! You know those projects you procrastinate, something that just sits around unfinished for years? Until finally, you just can’t take it anymore and the time arrives for getting ‘er done? Yep, that’s this project.

 

For four years now, the shed at the my downtown property has been wide open! And while it always bugged me, it just kept holding it’s position at the bottom of the to-do list. Until now. 

When I bought the property, there was only 1 plank with hinges for a door. lol And it wasn’t high on the list of priorities but with an upcoming photo shoot of the short term rental apartment (Suite Thyme) AND with the only quiet seating area right there beside it AND with summer coming, that eye sore worked it’s way to the top of the list. 

Before: just a small shed, filled with dead leaves, probably home to a few squirrels and lots of spiders. ::shudders::

An old fence gate propped up…really didn’t serve any purpose. Other than it just came with the property and found it’s way there. I don’t even know how it got there. haha!

And so…

Supplies I used for a custom 22.5 x 75 inch shed door:

  • OSB cut to size. 
  • (5) 1×3 pine boards – I just guessed on what I’d need for all of the wood pieces and over-estimated a bit. I never mind having extra on hand. 
  • (3) 1×2 pine boards
  • (2) 1×1 pine boards
  • (1) paintable outdoor rated caulk
  • (1) outdoor rated adhesive
  • (2) outdoor rated primer
  • outdoor rated paint
  • this handle
  • this hasp
  • these hinges (not used, more on that later)

What I did:

After measuring the space (and believe me, nothing in this old late 1800s property is square…so frustrating), Russ cut an old piece of OSB to size for me to use as my base. OSB isn’t the best product for an outdoor project, but this is the first door I’ve ever built and this was the best and easiest way for me personally to test my design skills. Fingers crossed that with it being the inside of the door/in the shed and that it’s good and sealed, that it works just fine longer term. 

I then set about sketching up some inspiration, nothing to scale but I wanted to get an idea of what I was going for. Something with a little more detail and style than the standard barn style shed door. 

Then I set the OSB on saw horses and created a frame on the face of it with 1x3s. 

I messed around with the pieces a few times before I decided on a pattern. 

 

Utilizing a mix of mitered 1x3s, 1x2s and 1x1s, I settled on a chevron design. I enjoyed this part, like putting together a puzzle. 

After cutting each piece, I adhered them to the OSB base with adhesive and clamped the edges and weighted the pieces where the clamps couldn’t reach. I did notice what putting them together with adhesive is different than just laying them out and re-cut 2 mitered pieces for a better fit during this process. 

Once dry, I caulked all of the joints and cracks. 

Then applied a coat of primer. I used a spray primer but next time, I’d go with (and recommend) applying with a brush and roller. 

All sides got two coats of paint. 

And … tada!

Time to hang. The sizing was pretty much spot on but we did have to make a few adjustments and the new hinges gave us such a hard time that after about an hour, we decided to utilize the old original hinges which took about 10 minutes! Live and learn. lol 

Now there’s no longer a gaping hole! Guests enjoying the outdoor seating probably won’t think much of it but I do think they’ll notice. And I’m happy to have a place for outdoor yard tools, pots and salt for winter. 

Urban Nest Apartment Makeover Series

Hellooooo my DIY loves! It’s been forever! Not to say we haven’t been busy over here at DIYShowOff behind the scenes. 2020 was a crazy year but I love when there’s a project in the works to keep my brain busy. There was an amazing apartment makeover in the works and now that it’s nearing completion, I have SO much to share with you in the way of a before and after Cinderella transformation story. I can’t wait!

roeshel urban nest makeover

See me in this corner? All comfy cozy. It’s where the Urban Nest design dreams began. Notice the walls, the blue industrial carpet, The need for a lamp left behind by previous owners because the only window in this empty room is on a door to the left. Just me, sitting here with a dear friend and her cat, walking around an empty ugly bare space, visualizing potential. My thoughts running wild, my creativity inspired, my mind’s eye seeing the future. Where to put a kitchen? How to create a dream spa bathroom? Knocking down walls, putting in a window, all.things.design to create a beautiful luxury retreat space in my little hometown. Our favorite pastime…creating pretty spaces, right? 

Fast forward to this year. The same corner…

modern kitchen open shelving

What?! Can you believe it?! A stunning modern kitchen with open shelving, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, subway tiles, gold accents. LOVE! Oh my gosh. Prepare to be wow’d!

So stay tuned. Lots of before and after photos coming your way and a happily ever after renovation with more details on how to get away, see Urban Nest up close and personal if you’re looking for a charming small town getaway in western PA.

It’s so good to be back! 

2020 Catch Up

Hellooooo, DIYShowOff friends! I know. I know! “What the heck, Roeshel?!” It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. What a crazy year it’s been, right? I’ve been itching and wanting to get in here to post but … LIFE. You know how it goes. Things have been busy and I’ve been pulled in so many directions (bringing it on myself, do you do that too?) and I’ve neglected my little slice of cyber space. But here I am! I’m ready to catch you up, my faithful followers and friends, my DIY buddies. And gasp! A blog post with no lovely pin-worthy photos this time around but stay tuned because this girl is back! Here’s what’s been going on with me. It’s been a whirlwind!

Wellness Inspired Living – It’s been over 6 years of discovering Young Living and making healthier choices and 3 years ago today (bring on the champagne!), we closed on a property in the city of Butler. It wasn’t in my plans but when opportunity falls into place and things just work out, you go with the flow, right? I wasn’t property shopping or looking and I didn’t stress over it. I stumbled across it. I met with the owner. He was so sweet, so cute and there was a connection over the character and charm in the old building. I told myself if it was meant to be, it’d happen. And it did! #helloredreno was the beginning of creating a space for my wellness and short term rental business and it has been a blessing to so many with educational workshops, a place to support an amazing team with small wellness events and changing lives. It’s a blast! It’s a mission so dear to my heart. I love my circle of oily friends! My love for the roller coaster experience with this amazing network marketing company because making a difference in raising awareness for building a strong immune system is as strong as it ever was! 

Suite Thyme – with Wellness Inspired Living on the main floor, the upstairs was an empty shell of un-utilized space. I knew I wanted to renovate “someday” to create a short term rental where I could host out of town guests and contribute to our small town. My original mindset was much like our house … DIY makeover as time and money allow. Well, you know how that goes. There’s never EVER enough time or money to complete a large scale project and nothing was being accomplished. I think that’s why God introduced me to one of my best of friends, Shelby from Suite Retreat Bed & Biscotti from right across the street. Full of life, motivation and a huge adventurous spirit bigger than life, she gave me the advice and little push to make it happen, to get my butt in gear and a little over a year and a half ago, that empty upstairs shell transformed into Suite Thyme and was listed on AirBnB and VRBO. First year of business is always a little rocky, especially when you throw “lockdown 2020” into the mix but I have to tell you, hosting out of town guests has become one of my favorite things to do! I love being a part of inspiring beautiful memories and making getting away special for others!

Thyme & Mint. Those things inspired some beautiful connections with the creating of personal wellness retreat options. A collection of carefully curated intention collections with The Lunar Fae (my amazing daughter, Evangeline’s etsy shop) providing reiki infused crystals and The Witchn’ Kitchen (a sweet friend who opened up shop on the adjacent corner of Wellness Inspired Living (essential oils) /Suite Thyme) … all things herbal knowledge providing bath soaks, these collections are created with lots of love and personalized intention. We also partnered up to provide options for creating a personal wellness retreat including private yoga sessions by Healing with Amber; crystal healing, guided meditation, sound baths by The Lunar Fae and The Wandering Bramble, Aroma Freedom with Wellness Inspired Living, tea leaf readings and herbal/energy consultations with The Witchn’ Kitchen. We’ve had wonderful positive feedback on the collaboration of these services and put so much care and love into offering up these one on one self care packages. 

WoW. I’ve had the best time getting to know Shelby from Suite Retreat. Down the street is another women owned business, a quaint antique boutique shop called Then & Again and Forever. Wellness Inspired Living and Suite Thyme on another corner. And when The Witchn’ Kitchen opened up along with Bent Oak Plant Co. across the street, and All About ReClaimed, — a boutique/wellness/shopping/lodging district was born! We call ourselves Butler Women of Washington (our street) or WoW and are on a mission to support women owned business, work together providing fun vendor events and local festivals and to inspire revitalization in our community. 

Oh! And I’ve been having the time of my life helping with designs on a new short term rental space. Simply helping a friend with decorating and design decisions and it’s starting to come together. I know I’m going to want to LIVE there. It’s unfolding into this beautiful magical happily ever after makeover story. I plan on sharing some crazy before and after about it as soon as it’s ready. Exciting! 

So whew! A lot going on, right? 

And you know my heart is filled with so much love for my grandson and you guys! He’s turning 6 years old already this month! SIX! Time is just flying by! Know what else? He’s getting a brother in less than 2 months!!! This mother of two girls is going to be a grandmother to two boys! I am so excited! I am so blessed! I can’t wait!

2020 is also the year I turned 50. Oh.my.goodness. A big milestone that’s gotten pushed aside. A lot of reflection. A lot of gratitude. March 2020 didn’t allow for a big celebration. We haven’t felt comfortable booking a celebratory travel destination either. But I’m looking forward to finishing out the year on a positive happy vibe and making the 5th decade of my story the best chapter yet! 

Okay. Back to DIYShowOff. With so much going on, I’ve neglected my passion for maintaining a beautiful home. Projects half finished, rooms cluttered and un-used, things feeling blah and boring. I miss surrounding myself with cozy comfort, seeing my home as my favorite safe haven and have a new desire to freshen things up and to resume my DIY lovin’ habits. Maybe a little ‘nesting’ with a new grand-baby on the way (?) but I am SO ready to dive in and get things done!

First up I’ve been working to downsize my closet. You guys, there are still professional work clothes from at least 10 years ago hanging untouched in the dressing room. And my craft room? It’s like a sealed vault. I haven’t opened that door in well over a year or more. We have a man cave creation in progress that’s been on hold. And remember one of my very first DIY makeovers…that bathroom with the painted floor? It’s time to give it some grown up DIY with tile! 

Time to clear out the clutter that’s weighing me down. There’s no two week tropical vacation in our December this year (boo) so I’ve decided to move full speed ahead into creating an in-home oasis. For me that means, out with the things that no longer serve us and changing up rooms to utilize and make the most of our entire home. Those early DIYShowOff room makeovers are feeling old and tired and I’m ready for some good old budget friendly DIY to change things up!

What’s new with you? I’m so ready and so happy to get re-acquainted and can’t wait to see what’s new with you!