⸻ Summer has a way of reminding us to slow down. Between tending the garden, mowing grass, and keeping up with everyday life, it can be easy to forget to simply sit and enjoy the season. Lately, I’ve been wishing for a shady spot in the yard where I could put my feet up and take in the view, a backyard retreat if you will. So when a hammock arrived at our doorstep, it felt like the perfect excuse for a simple summer project. ⸻ ⸻ The hammock came neatly packed in a box, but be

⸻ There’s something special about taking a space that feels fine… and turning it into something that feels intentional, warm, and completely you. Our dining room had good bones, but it was missing character. After fresh paint throughout the house, we decided it was time to give this space the same attention—with two major upgrades: custom-built barn doors and a modern farmhouse light fixture. This transformation completely changed the feel of the room, and I’m so excited to s

⸻ There’s just something about getting your hands in the dirt when the weather starts to turn warm. It feels like the beginning of something—slow, simple, and full of promise. Last year, my summer garden didn’t start with a trip to a garden center… it started out at the old dairy barn. Cowboy and I went “shopping,” pulling together old tractor tracks, metal milking buckets, and cow watering troughs—giving them a second life as planters. A few drilled holes, a little shaping,

Farmhouse Bathroom Lighting Upgrade (Before & After) Lighting is one of the fastest ways to change the feel of a room — especially in a bathroom. Our guest bathroom still had an older builder-grade dome light and outdated vanity fixtures. They worked fine, but they didn’t exactly match the farmhouse style we’ve been slowly bringing into the space. So we decided it was time for a simple lighting upgrade. Builder Grade Bathroom Lighting (Before) The original setup included a ba

Every home project starts with a vision. Sometimes that vision is big and detailed, and sometimes it simply begins with the feeling that a space could be brighter, more welcoming, and a better reflection of the people living in it. Our kitchen needed that kind of refresh. ⸻ Nothing about the space was terrible, but it felt a little dark, a little dated, and like it wasn’t reaching its full potential. So little by little, project by project, we started transforming the space.

The Kitchen Needed One More Thing… Lights When we finished installing the kitchen backsplash, the kitchen was already looking like a completely different space. But something was still missing. Lighting. The room still had that typical builder-grade lighting situation — not enough brightness and nothing that really highlighted the work we had done. And after putting in the backsplash, it became obvious that the kitchen deserved better. So we decided it was time to install rec

⸻ A Budget-Friendly Kitchen Refresh (No Demo Required) This kitchen didn’t need a full renovation — it just needed an update. Instead of tearing out the existing laminate/Formica-style backsplash, I installed peel and stick tile directly over it, added rechargeable under cabinet lighting, upgraded the outlet covers, and finished everything with trim and caulk. No demolition. No grout. No contractor. Just layering over what was already there. ⸻ What I Used: • Peel and stick ba

⸻ From the kitchen… to the tool shed 🛠️🛁✨ Last summer, I decided to give our guest bathroom a simple refresh. Nothing major — just a weekend, paint, border tape, and a little patience. And honestly? The finished look still makes me smile every time I walk in. Sometimes the smallest DIY projects make the biggest difference. ⸻ The Before: This space was fine… but it felt a little plain and unfinished. I wanted something cleaner, brighter, and more “RGJ cozy.” ⸻ The DIY Proces

Seasoning cast iron properly creates a natural nonstick surface and helps your skillet last for generations. This step-by-step guide walks you through the exact method I use at home. TOOLS YOU’LL NEED • Cast Iron Skillet(s) • Neutral, high heat oil (grapeseed, vegetable, etc.) • Paper towels • Oven 🔥 Step-by-Step Seasoning Method 1. Preheat your oven to 450°F High heat helps the oil bond to the metal and create that slick, durable black coating. ⸻ 2. Clean the skillet If it’