What an unbelievable year it’s been! I’m so grateful to amazing clients who have given me the privilege to come into their precious homes and transform their spaces. Thank you for all the referrals! My business would be nonexistent if it wasn’t for the word of mouth advertising from friends, family, and pleased past clients. Thanks for understanding the much needed time off as I recovered from a divorce. Thank you for the busyness and purpose Stay Awhile has brought back into my life! This gig has gone from a hobby to a side hustle and now into a full blown J-O-B! It is the biggest blessing and I can’t wait to see all the things this new year brings. Stay Awhile is growing and changing and committed to breathing new life into the Clear Lake area. This community is everything to me and I hope it is to you too. Thanks for letting me make it beautiful again so we can all put down some roots and Stay Awhile. xo – Rachel
master bathroom
Delta
I recently had the opportunity to go to Indianapolis (all expenses paid) to visit the Delta/ Brizo Faucet company! To say I was spoiled would be an understatement. I mean…when wine flows out of the kitchen faucet you KNOW you’re in for a good time! I learned a ton, and was so honored to be chosen as one of Ferguson’s guests. The food was delish, the drinks were strong, and the music was fab but nothing compares to the beauty of those faucets. I was totally blown away by their commitment to quality and innovation. It’s like functional art and I was in heaven. Thanks again, Delta for the wonderful experience!
Rachel’s Renovation Part 5
It’s a wrap, y’all. Some small details left like a touch up here, a shelf there, chalk paint a mirror in the office, find a rug for the bedroom and for sure my office built ins still need some styling, but those things will eventually find themselves done. For now, I’m basking in the doneness and all the shiny details. Enjoy the pics.
Rachel’s Renovation Part 4
Y’all, 8 weeks is a LONG time! We’ve been so fortunate to have hubby’s parents let us stay at their beach house for 2 weeks and even their own home for a week but there’s nothing like being back in your own bed. (Even if it’s your guest room bed upstairs.) It seems like the to do list is still incredibly long but I know that the dust will soon settle and we’ll be home sweet home.
My office desk is being delivered tomorrow (yikes, there’s no place to put it) and the tub should be in Houston by Thursday! I have boxes stacked with lighting and door knobs and cabinet hardware, shelving and even circus decor for an upcoming party I’m planning. Gulp. Little by little it’s getting put back together. Trying to stay positive and remember that I didn’t come this far only to come this far.
Rachel’s Renovation 3
Finally some pretty things!!
Rachel’s Renovation Part 2
Yes, this is uncomfortable and at times challenging but I know it will all be worth it. Thankfully, I’ve had enough experience to expect the unexpected. Cuz y’all, surprises pop up every single job. I’m not immune to it either. Mirrors break, pipes crack, and bathtubs are never delivered on time. So pour a tall glass of wine and surround yourself with your pretty tile samples because it’ll be over before you know it.
Rachel’s Renovation Part 1
To all my past clients that I’ve put through a renovation, I FEEL YOU! This is for sure uncomfortable but I know it will be SO worth it! I keep telling myself that it’s a much needed spring cleaning and a perfect opportunity to go through drawers and cabinets and closets that desperately needed organizing. And wine. Lots of wine. There’s a vid below that walks you through my house and gives the details on the projects that are coming. Thanks for enduring this with me. Can’t wait to see and post some big changes!
Done! (almost, sorta, kinda)
Really sorry for all the crying and blubbering but y’all, this one has got me all in tears. Tonight, 8 months after the flood, she sleeps back home.
None of this would have been possible without all the amazing and generous donations of time, money, sweat, and free labor from friends AND strangers. University Baptist Church and it’s members not only served for days mucking her out and sorting through her things, doing her laundry, ripping out flooring and drywall, but they also donated over $8,000 to pay for her appliances! My parents, without hesitation, let this kind stranger and her dog live in their condo while she waited for her FEMA housing. My landscaper, Lorenzo Carbajal donated his time and labor to give her a new flower garden in the front and the back even in the midst of doing his own flood repairs. heavydutypocketdoorframes.com donated a pocket door frame, including shipping and a flight down from Phoenix for the installation. Forgital USA donated funds for her garden. Mindy Thompson spent hours listening, elbow deep in moldy muck, carrying, packing, folding, hauling, and listening some more. I could NEVER have managed those first few weeks without her. My girlfriends and my mom gave up afternoons to help clean out her garage. Y’all revived and refreshed me and your support was so encouraging. My husband let me borrow the work truck half a dozen times and did a TON of dirty, heavy lifting. Thanks, babe. Last but not least, there’s Pastor Steve. It was your kind heart that saw a need and jumped in head first to meet it. Thank you for dragging me along with you into this life changing adventure and for being there with wisdom and encouragement every step of the way. You are an inspiration and I’m following where you’re leading. Stuck with me, I guess.
Nita…that’s a long list of love. I hope you feel it and are surrounded by it every day. Welcome home, sweet friend.
Below is how I found her condo on the day I met her, September 2, 2017.
This is some footage of her complex from the week we met. Her things are piled out there with the rest of the hurricane victims’.
Video Updates
Y’all, it’s been crazy busy in Friendswood this month! We’ve been hustling to get our dear friend, Nita back home! We’re getting closer everyday. Watch below if you’d like to see the progress unfold.
Welcome Home
I stopped by this morning to take “after” photos of a job I’m finishing up. The place was FULL of boxes and picture frames and laundry baskets. Never has a mess been more of a welcome sight. You see, this family has been living in a cramped apartment away from their home since it flooded in Hurricane Harvey back in September. Seeing their things littered around and filling up their beautifully renovated home made me giggle with joy. Because of the unpacking, I was only able to take photos of the master bathroom. Totally worth not having pictures, if you ask me. Welcome home, sweet family.
Stay Awhile Designs 