Nicole Olea 3/10/25 Nicole Olea 3/10/25

DIY Disaster: The Night Our Bathroom Tried to Sink the House

It started as a simple bathroom upgrade. You know, the kind where you think, 'This will be easy!'—and then your house hears that and laughs. One fallen mirror, one busted pipe, and one surprise indoor geyser later, and we were starring in our own low-budget disaster movie. Spoiler: the bathroom won.

The real Old Faithful—majestic, powerful, and exactly the kind of geyser you'd expect to see... outdoors. Unlike the surprise version that erupted in our bathroom last night.

You know how sometimes you're just minding your business, trying to upgrade your bathroom, and then your house decides to test its emergency response system? No? Just me? Cool.

Here’s the story. Yesterday, my husband Denniss and I were in the trenches of a mini-bathroom reno. And by “we,” I obviously mean he – because my role was making the hard-hitting design decisions and offering the kind of moral support that only someone armed with Pinterest boards and strong opinions on tile can provide. He tackled removing the old vanity like a seasoned pro. We decided to leave the mirror/medicine cabinet for later. It looked like it was connected to the light switch, and I had to run to pick up the new light at Home Depot. The plan? Wait to take it down when we were ready to swap out the light fixture. It had been hanging there perfectly fine for, oh, 27 years, so we figured it was in it for the long haul. (Spoiler: it was not.)

In order for our new vanity to lay right we had to fill in the spot where our old vanity was sitting on the original flooring - so we pulled our extra laminate flooring planks we had stored in the shed. Turns out, they were about as straight as a curly fry, so my husband laid them out with some bricks over them to let them chill and straighten overnight. The plan was for him to install the vanity today. Easy. Simple. Foolproof.

Cut to 10 PM. Denniss and I are downstairs, editing a photo (just practicing some new techniques), when we hear this massive crash from upstairs. We sprint up, and guess what? The mirror decided it was done with life on the wall. It fell, smashed into the pipe, and suddenly we had our very own Old Faithful in the bathroom. Water. Everywhere. Gushing like it had been waiting it’s entire life for this exact moment.

Cue the chaos: It was all hands on deck. I was barking orders like a pirate captain—directing the boys to grab every towel, bucket, bowl, and random Tupperware they could find. If it could hold water, it was enlisted. Meanwhile, Denniss was racing to shut off the main valve like his house depended on it (which, considering the amount of water that was flowing-that is not an exaggeration- I am convinced our well was trying to empty itself). We were moving fast, but the water was faster. It slipped through the ceiling, gave our dining room table an impromptu bath, and then took a casual stroll down to the basement. Because of course it did. Why settle for ruining one floor when you can try to ruin three?

Thankfully, we were quick enough that our hardwood floors on the main floor were spared. But our chandelier? Swamped. We set up buckets under every drip, mopped up the puddles, and laid towels on the waterlogged carpets as best we could, and placed every fan we owned (which, surprisingly, were more than a few) on the most affected areas.

Last night as I dozed off to sleep, I was mentally preparing to become best friends with a shop vac and a drywall patch kit.

But, surprise! Turns out this was less of a DIY fix and more of a "call in the pros before the house floats away" kind of situation. The plumber came, the insurance kicked in, and a team of very nice gentlemen arrived to demo the bathroom, a few ceilings, and pull out some carpet. Now we get to live with the constant hum of fans and dehumidifiers—like a spa day, but for the house, and way less relaxing. Really it’s more akin to having a wind tunnel experiment in our own house. At least it’s only for a week. And really, it could have been worse. Thank God we were home when it happened.

Moral of the story? Maybe don't trust a 27-year-old mirror—especially one that's been clinging to the wall since the Clinton administration. Or at least give it a good shake every once in a while to make sure it's still committed to the relationship. Because if it's plotting an exit strategy, better to find out before it decides to make a dramatic exit.

Cheers,
Nicóle

12/29/21 12/29/21

This and That

Hi!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas holiday if Christmas is your thing.

We're still celebrating Christmas around here, and I enjoy every second of my Christmas home.

However, I'm looking forward to the new year and chose this paired-down paper planner I found at Target. Winter skin got you down? I've added these two new products to my skincare routine. I am enjoying them and feel compelled to share these two products. The first is Aveeno's Calm And Restore Oat Serum. The other product is from L'oreal's Revitalift line. It's the Hyaluronic Acid Serum - *Quick tip - rub this on your lips and follow with your lip balm for lips that aren't dry or cracked. It all helps heal cracked and chapped winter lips.Help keep the air moist in your home with a humidifier. I'm using this one bedside, and it works great. It is reasonably priced and also doesn't look horrible on my bedside table.I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I read very little this year. My goal is to get back to my old reading habits. If you, like me, wish to boost your reading routine, here is an excellent list to get you started.I love a good furniture transformation and testing out new paints while I do it. I recently discovered this paint on Pinterest. I'm itching to try it.Is one of your new year's goals to stop procrastinating? Mine too! Check out this article for some helpful/apparent tips.I am currently giving Joan Didion's book of essays a re-read. She passed away recently, and I wanted to give her words a fresh read with my more aged perspective. If you're looking for a book to add to your TBR list - Add, Slouching Towards Bethlehem, you won't regret it. My favorite sweatshirt. I want all the colors. Speaking of color, I want to wear this sweater-like every day. It's so bright and cheerful, and I am in love.Santa gifted my daughter this Teepee tent, and she loves it.

11/17/21 11/17/21

This and That

How are you doing? We've been busy making some small changes in our home. It's nearly a year since we bought the place, and through we painted my office, and the kids' bedrooms, that was all we did as far as the interior. It is so nice to FINALLY put our own taste into our home.This week Autumn exploded here in the south of Maryland. It was absolutely breathtaking.My husband took advantage of the long Veterans' Day weekend he had and began to paint the front rooms of our house. We and when I say we (I mean he) painted our first bathroom and replaced the vanity. I've got a new light fixture and ___ he still needs to put in. We're also updating the light switches and outlets. Our house was built in the late 90's and they are this almond color that no one likes. Once everything is all done, I'll share pictures and colors.This No-Knead bread from Martha Stewart is what a carbavore's dream. Watch her make it on YouTube here. I'm serving on Thanksgiving.If you're looking for a new read, you may find something on this list of best new books to read in November.LEGO's customer service is top notch.If you like photos this app is fun!My husband sent me this article. If you like history and archeology. Check it out.My mom moved in with us last November, she brought her two dogs and all of her house plants. Which means we have a lot of plants. I've decided to try out something to make them more of a feature in a big window in our kitchen. It involves this clothes rack. I haven't recieved it yet, so I'm a bit nervous as to it's quality, but *fingers crossed* it will be good enough for this plant project, I've got in mind. Well, that's it for now.I'm praying for you!xo nicóle

10/29/21 10/29/21

This and That

How are you? It's been like, a REALLY long time since I've posted any new content.I don't know if it's the cool autumn breeze or the fact that I've been creating art in new and exciting ways this summer, but I'm feeling energized to breathe some life back into this space.If you are actually reading this... I hope you'll stick around.I thought I'd start a new weekly series as a way to ease back into posting regularly that features some of my favorite things I use and love, and stuff, I am plain crushing on; but either can't afford, or can't pull the trigger and hit "confirm purchase" on. I guess it's my way of window shopping. I'll also share things I've come across that I've read, found inspirational, or just plain cool.Things will be kept pretty positive. If they're not, I'll be sure to let you know in advance.So here goes...Quote: I've been mediating on this quote for the last month. I ran into some challenges with my work as a Youth Minister and it's helping me to keep moving forward, despite, what feels like one thousand obstacles.

“Nothing great is ever achieved without enduring much.”-St. Catherine of Siena

Check out these hair ties. They are so chic.Need some inspiration? Watch this quick video on changing a behavior.How to Decorate with Roses, by Nell Whitaker at The English HomeI am currently reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. More to come on that end.We are big fans of ice cream cake over here. This is a Turkey Shaped Ice Cream Cake, you didn't know you needed. Apparently Baskin & Robbins has been serving up this turkey shaped cake since the 70's. Why am I only learning about it now? By Tim Nelson at Food and Wine.I am a huge fan of sparkling water. I can't get enough of the stuff. Between you and me, I prefer it unflavored, but I won't turn down a fruit flavor fizzy sip. I just added a bunch of new brands to try because of this article. Proceed with caution if you like bubbly water too. We Tasted 75 Drinks from 25 Brands to Find the Best Sparkling Water, Period, by Naomi Tomky at Saveur.I love a ribbed beanie. I really want this one in this color.My husband bought Ellena and I a pair of these classics home last week. I'm not gonna lie. I love twinning with my daughter for stuff like this.How cute are these flocked Christmas trees in galvanized tins?I've got this fleece jacket in my cart for Ellena. It's cute right?That's it for now.Be well friend.I'm praying for you.

5/12/21 5/12/21

Summer Hair-Care Tips

This post contains affiliate links.

While this summer may not be quite back to "normal," it does mean we can be outdoors enjoying all the summer season has to offer. Before you head out to the beach, we thought it a good idea to share our best summer hair care tips to ensure you will have the healthiest hair this season!Before summer gets into full swing, place a call to your stylist and make an appointment for a trim. When you trim your hair regularly, you encourage healthy hair to grow. Getting your haircut frequently helps prevent split ends and breakage. First begin your summer hair care routine with a scalp treatment. Healthy hair begins at the scalp. Whether your scalp is dry or oily, A scalp treatment is a great way to prepare your hair for the summer. If you have dry hair, we also suggest adding a mask to your routine. A maskwill add nutrients to your hair to help heal and prevent damage.Can't wait to hit the beach? Don't forget your SPF! Just as you would protect your skin when enjoying a day out in the sun with an SPF, protect your hair from the damaging UVA/UVB rays with a product with SPF for your hair. Itprotects your hair from the sun, as well as chlorine and saltwater. We also recommend wearing a hat. A hat will help protect your skin and hair from the damaging and aging effects of the sun.

Virginia Beach-based hair stylist Dallas Hoegerl recommends keeping a leave-in conditioner in your bag to spray into your hair. She also suggests rinsing your hair in fresh water before diving in. Jumping into the pool with wet hair helps your hair absorb less chlorine. When you rinse your hair post-swim, add the leave-in conditioner which will help keep your hair moisturized. If you are a blonde, wash your hair with a color-safe clarifying shampoo once a week to remove impurities and buildup, which will keep your blonde looking fresh. If you're a blonde with an icy or cool shade, a purple shampoo is a must-have during the pool and beach season. The sun and saltwater will contribute to fading your toner faster; a blue or purple shampoo once or twice a week will help prevent any unwanted yellow or brassy tones. The summer months offer the perfect opportunity to let your hair do its own thing! Enjoy your natural hair and try to use your hot tools as little as possible during the summer. An anti-humidity spray or Our Curl-Enhancing product are perfect for enhancing your natural hair typeIf you have curly hair, hydrating products are your go-to all year long, especially during the warmer months. Our Curl-Enhancing Ritual products are perfect for enhancing your natural curl. After cleansing, follow with a curl-enhancing cream product like our curl butter. These products will bring your curls to life, prevent frizz and unwanted crunchy curls. Add the cream to very damp hair using an old t-shirt instead of a towel to remove excess moisture and let your hair air dry. If you want to achieve more volume, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Keep your just off the beach look all summer long with a sea salt spray. Sea Salt Sprays are great for any hair type. It will give your hair the effortless, "fresh out of the ocean" textured hair we all love and crave. Spray throughout wet hair and air dry for a natural texture. If you desire more body and volume, spray, comb through, and flat brush dry with your head help upside down to achieve maximum volume + texture.Rinse and repeat these tips for healthy summer-perfect hair all season long!

7/10/14 7/10/14

Favorite Colors

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Salvia esse nihil, flexitarian Truffaut synth art party deep v chillwave. Seitan High Life reprehenderit consectetur cupidatat kogi. Et leggings fanny pack, elit bespoke vinyl art party Pitchfork selfies master cleanse Kickstarter seitan retro. Drinking vinegar stumptown yr pop-up artisan sunt. Deep v cliche lomo biodiesel Neutra selfies.

7/8/14 7/8/14

Flowers & Decorations

This is a Heading

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