Making good on a promise...
Sharing pics from the transformation of our bathroom, plus links & recs to help you transform your space, life, summer, and travel plans.
Greetings Friends ~
If you’ve been reading the past couple of months, you probably know about the time capsule destruction bathroom remodel that was going on at our house for most of the spring. It was a pretty massive project that I like to call “the destruction of Liberace’s Palace” ~ tile was removed from walls, a 47 jet stand up hot tub/shower (as confusing as it sounds) was removed, and basically we took out a lot of floor and wall tile, gold hardware, gold fixtures, and sinks with… gold fixtures. (#shocker)
Our bathroom was very gold. And beige.
Let’s take a look at what Rebecca Sabourin (remember her interview?) and her crew at Surface Design Company were up against.
At one time, all of this was really cool. The craftsmanship is there, no shade to that. It was just time to bring things up to 2025. And get rid of all the gold.
From the start of the project, I promised you the after pictures.
When I first promised these pics, I thought omg, I can’t wait until the moment I’m sharing the pics. Because, that would mean the hard part was over ~ I’m not the most organized person on the planet, but I do like a general sense of order. If you’ve gone through any sort of demo/remodeling in your house, you understand how you just feel a little undone when your stuff is everywhere and there’s drilling and pounding and such. (ALL GOOD, mind you. Just chaotic.)
Then, before I knew it, the project was done.
The entire crew did such an amazing job and were so nice that we kind of missed them when the project was over. So much so that we had the painters come back a few weeks later to do our bedroom.
Bottom line, we’re tickled pink with the outcome.
I never imagined how much I’d love the new space. It feels crisp and clean, and full of light. I also didn’t realize how much color, light, and personal design choices affect how one feels in a space.
Photos by James Meyer Photo. Bathroom remodel by Surface Design Company. Painting by Picky Painters. I recommend all 100% ~ if you live in the Greater Milwaukee area, contact them for home improvement or photography needs.
And of course, the process of transforming a space is What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.
While a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or whole home remodel are certainly fabulous ways to transform a space,
you don’t have to go “all in” to change the way a space feels.
It’s possible to change the look and feel of a space simply by
making small tweaks like…
clearing clutter
cleaning
painting
and replacing colors, objects, and accessories
that don’t feel right
with colors, objects, and accessories
that do feel right.
(And actually even… move your soul.)
The same thing goes for jobs, relationships, living situations,
and physical or emotional conditions.
If something doesn’t feel right,
ask yourself
“How can I make this better? How can I make it feel more like me?”
Often just a few tweaks can make all the difference.
Unless you’re talking about Liberace’s Palace.
Then, I suggest a sledge hammer and clean slate.
Here’s to making your life, relationships, jobs, and spaces feel more like you.
To help you do that, I’ve put together a ton of links, all curated with wellness in mind.
Enjoy!
making your house a home
What’s my word of summer? Not beach. Not international travel. But… wait for it… ORGANIZATION. Sexy, right? I’m using the “didn’t know” rule to give some summer lovin to my closets, basement, garage, and every inch of our casa.
Do you know about the 10 areas of your home you absolutely need to clean? I’m doing #10 as soon as I finish this newsletter.
Just for fun, check out how abandoned malls have become living communities. (Head to the bottom of the article for the story.)
Outdoor spaces need love too. If you’ve got SheShed dreams, read this. Unfortunately, our HOA does not like sheds, so I’m turning to Pioneer Woman for garage organization tips.
listen to this
I always love recs from friends and readers, and especially former Who I’d Rather Be Talking About guests like Kate Floss. Kate recently had a few suggestions ~ The Genius Life Podcast, a wellness oriented podcast that shares insights and recs for a healthier, happier life, and the Golf Yourself Healthy podcast with the simple belief that “golf is good for you.”
speaking of golf
If you’re reading this on May 29- June 1, I’ll likely be at the U.S. Women’s Open, volunteering or spectating. I feel so lucky that a world-class course like Erin Hills is so close to where I live.
If seeing such talented golfers inspires you like it does me, maybe it’s time to sign up for lessons for yourself or your kiddo? Find golf lessons at the PGA website, join the LPGA Amateurs, or search for junior lessons in your area, and then join Youth On Course for access to $5 rounds for kids. (No kidding!)
Also, don’t forget about summer golf outings - consider playing in one or sponsoring one as a company or individual. They’re a great way to give back while having fun. My dad started a golf tournament 35 years ago - today we run it in his memory - and is a great example of golfers coming together to help their community. (If you’re near Milwaukee, WI on July 8… consider playing in the Algiers Goldbug Golf Classic!)
Or, ladies… how does a golf and yoga retreat in Portugal sound? Kate Floss (former guest and podcast recommender above) has some amazing golf and yoga retreats this November ~ one for beginners and another for all levels. Both mix yoga and golf and give you the time you need to balance your mind/body/spirit.
public restrooms
Hold the phone! When did public restrooms become a header? Answer- the beginning of time, because they’re almost always gross, and we need to talk about making them less gross. Problem solved thanks to Roame, a self-care luxury brand founded by Julianna Claire ~ a West Point Military Academy graduate with high standards and high aspirations for aesthetic solutions to self care on the go.
fun read
A new Substack if you love wellness. I recently discovered Best Case Scenario by Liz Plosser. Liz is the former editor of Women’s Health Magazine and now “surfaces the best stuff” in wellness. (Like Roame, mentioned above and these coffee-inspired running shoes.)
healthy eating
13 products nutritionists endorse from Trader Joe’s. I regularly buy four of them - riced cauliflower, cauliflower pizza, ginger/turmeric tea, and the Green Godess Dressing.
Did you guys know I have a personal chef? His name is Eric and we’re celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary in June. Husband who loves to cook is a big fat #blessed if I ever heard one. Anywho, I’ve got a summer lineup for him including this spicy cucumber salad, one of these mediterranean meals (especially 7,13, or 17), grilled chickpea tofu (any day of the year) or one of these vegan recipes, reserving #12 for a fun no-cook kind of night.