This isn’t a groundbreaking blog idea, but it came to me the other day while I was settling into a restorative class at Shine Yoga Studio . I couldn't have picked a worse time, because the whole idea behind restorative yoga is to clear your mind and, essentially, think about nothing for an entire hour. And here I am, trying to come up with random facts about myself. 😂 These aren’t in any particular order or ranked by importance. Thank goodness. You could say they’re very... random . Enjoy! I recorded the Seinfeld  series finale on VHS (I was so excited), and then someone in my house recorded over it. RIP. Growing up, I was obsessed with the Titanic, mummies, Laura Ingalls Wilder  books, and New Kids on the Block . When I was 16, my dream was to move to New York City and become a makeup artist. Wow, so fancy. This book heavily inspired that unfulfilled dream. I played softball for years. I started in elementary school and quit right before my senior year. Why? I thought I was too cool for it. See below. Before the term "emo" existed, I was considered "goth" during my junior and senior years of high school. My favorite bands were Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. I wore black every day. It was a funny time. Two of my favorite movies are Rosemary's Baby and Midnight Cowboy . My mom and I have very noticeable crooked pinky fingers. I dare you to look at the pinky finger on my right hand the next time you see me. I started going to estate sales 15 years ago. Shortly after that, I had my first (and only) flea market booth. After that, I started selling vintage on Etsy , and expanded into Facebook Marketplace and occasional IG story sales. #grandmajacki I eat the same thing for breakfast , and I bring the same snacks to work every day: one organic apple, one kiwi, one meat stick, and three cans of the best sparkling water on the planet. This is totally normal behavior. Speaking of drinks, I didn't start drinking coffee until I was 36. I finally understand (and fully support) coffee addiction. I’m on a roll with the “speaking of's”—SPEAKING OF addiction, I’ve been 100,000% sober for over four years. I wrote about my experience here . I graduated from Missouri State University 20 years ago with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Who gets a fashion degree in Springfield, Missouri?? I’ve only been in four serious relationships, I’ve never been married, and I had a health-related hysterectomy two years ago. I would’ve been considered a witch back in the day, and you know it. I've been a Boston terrier mom for nearly 20 years. I ❤️ BOSTON TERRIERS. I worked for A Beautiful Mess for nearly ten years, and I've been at BigPxl for over two years. I loved that job, but I have a newfound love for marketing agency life. I was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder in 2016, and I'm 100% pro-medication because it has been life-changing for me. My great-grandparents (on my mom's side) immigrated from Lebanon  to the U.S. in the early 1900s. I tell people all the time because I think it's neat. I put an offer down on my house 15 minutes after seeing it for the first time. I try to avoid gluten and dairy, but once a week I go HAM and order a Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich with a giant portion of hand-cut fries from the drive-thru at Buckingham’s . There, I said it. My dad taught me about the stock market when I was a teenager. I used my high school graduation money to buy Ford Motor Co. stock. That account is empty now. A real learning experience. Sorry, Dad! xoxo, Jacki

Buying a house is as rewarding and intimidating as it sounds. I never knew if I would actually do it, but here I am, 14 months later, living in a 100-year-old house that I feel incredibly fortunate to own. I thought I'd give you a little backstory about the whole process! Before I bought my house, my living situation was pretty ideal. My uncle purchased a home in 2013 and asked if I wanted to rent it until he moved back to Springfield from California. I had been living in an apartment for years, so living in a house (and not just any house) felt like a dream come true. My uncle moved to Santa Barbara in 1983 (the year I was born, thanks a lot!), so I wasn't sure when or if he would return to Springfield. It was a unique situation. But we both figured it would be about three years. I ended up living in the house for NINE years. Lol. Those nine years were pretty great. I mean, many good and bad things can happen in your life within a long period like that, but living in a big, incredible historic house on Walnut Street was something I never thought I would be able to do. Like I said, it was a unique situation. It was, in my mind, truly my dream home. The apparent catch was that it wasn't mine. But I didn't care. It felt like home. Fast forward to 2022, a year filled with change and heartbreak. My grandma passed away that January, and I was grieving the loss of my dog Kennedy (who had suddenly passed the December before) at the same time. A few months later, I learned I needed to find a new place to live because my uncle was moving back. Bad timing, indeed. I was given a heads-up and had about six months' notice before I needed to move out. But my brain went into major freakout mode. When it rains, it POURS. But it all worked out in the end. It always does! I felt like I was finally in a place where I could afford to buy a house. However, it was still scary and intimidating, especially with everything else going on in my mind. I started perusing Zillow multiple times a day and realized why people get so obsessed with it. It was my main focus, other than my job. It took about four months of looking to find "the one." It was also a crazy time to buy a house. Not that it isn't now, but homes were being sold left and right, and most were on the market for only a few days. It was nuts. If I saw a house I liked, I had to put an offer down that day to get it. And I couldn't compete with people who could afford to offer more money and all the things. Yada, yada, yada. Looking back, the houses I thought I wanted to buy wouldn't have suited me AT ALL. I didn't want to settle, but I also didn't want to rush into something right before I had to move out. My goal was to find something built between 1920 and 1960 with lots of historic charm. There were a lot of boxes to check, and I had a conservative budget. I even looked at a big historic house (that needed a ton of work) in a neighborhood I've always loved. I thought it was the house for me and considered buying it. I realize now how massive a disaster that would have been. I needed a home that didn't need a lot of work. One evening, a Zillow alert popped up for a house that appeared to check all the boxes— a fieldstone craftsman bungalow built in 1923. It was also in a great neighborhood with lots of charm. I texted my relator, and she made an appointment for us to see it the following day. I was so nervous and excited! It turns out that I knew the realtor (and local historian) Richard Crabtree, who was selling the home. I figured that was a good sign. I looked through the house for about 15 minutes and decided to go for it. I nervously put an offer down. I forgot to mention that I qualified for a grant with UMB Bank. It was a huge blessing. The requirements weren't demanding to meet, such as being a first-time homeowner and earning less than $100,000 a year. There was a lot of paperwork involved, but I couldn't believe how great of a deal it was. The grant covered my down payment and closing costs. Sold! I put my offer down on the house on a Friday morning and figured I wouldn't hear back until Monday. I received a phone call from Richard the same evening—the seller had accepted my offer! It was a done deal. And the crazy thing is that nobody else looked at the house after I put the offer down that Friday. I was the only one! Maybe it was because I knew the realtor, or perhaps it was a universe thing. Either way, I was elated. It truly felt as if it were meant to be. It still does. Moving is highly stressful, and starting over is more difficult for some people than others. I guess you could say I'm one of those people. It took about five months for my new house to feel even remotely close to "home." Now that I've lived here for over a year, I'm so glad I did something that felt impossible and out of my comfort zone. And I did it by myself! That makes me proud to say. I would still live in my uncle's house if I weren't forced to move. I would have stayed there forever. Even though starting over felt terrible at the time, I needed to move forward. Oh, and if I decide to live in my house until it's paid off, I'll be 70. Grandma Jacki, indeed! P.S. Here are a few room tours from my house. Many friends have told me that it reminds them of my old home, but it feels more like me. I like that. Vintage Living Room Tour Vintage Dining Room Tour 1970s Bathroom Makeover Pink and Blue Bedroom Tour Spare Room + Open Closet Makeover

The older I get, the simpler and faster my makeup routine becomes. Seriously, what was I even doing in my 20s—and why did it take me forever  to get ready? The world may never know. A couple of years ago, I shared my everyday makeup and skincare routine , featuring mostly clean beauty products. But it’s 2025 now, and guess what? I’m obsessed  with horrible, toxic ingredients—like, I truly can’t get enough. Signed, sealed, and delivered! In all seriousness, I'm sure all of these products are completely fine . They are my tried-and-true favorites, and I recommend them with all my heart and soul. So, let's get into it! But first, here's a before photo—1,000% unfiltered eyebrowless goodness. Everyday Makeup Routine Products L'Oreal True Match Hylauronic Tinted Serum : This foundation is lightweight, buildable, and formulated with skin care ingredients. It's incredibly hydrating and leaves a soft, dewy finish. 10 stars! Shade: Rosy Light NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer : A full-coverage, creamy matte concealer that stays put all day—an $8.00 dream product. Shade: Natural Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder : The name rings true! This pressed powder delivers a luxe feel and a flawless, shine-free finish. Shade: Natural Milani Baked Highlighter : One sweep instantly brightens my complexion, delivering the perfect touch of shimmer. I've been buying it on repeat for years . Shade: Champagne D'oro Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad : I love sparkly eyeshadow , but I'm also into the neutral colors in this eyeshadow palette, and the formula is smooth and blendable. Color: Mocha Motion L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara : This mascara does it all— it's volumizing, lengthening, and completely smudge-proof. And, dare I say... my absolute favorite. Color: Blackest Black e.l.f. Eyeliner Pen : I tried this budget-friendly liquid eyeliner on a whim, hoping it would live up to my expectations (whatever those are!), and I was so impressed. The felt-tip glides on like a dream, and the formula dries quickly. Color: Black Maybelline Expert Wear Brow Penci l : I've relied on this eyebrow pencil for decades! It effortlessly fills in my (very) sparse brows, and the twin pack ensures fewer trips to the store. Shade: Blonde (It's more of a medium-brown) e.l.f. O Face Satin Lipstick : This lipstick is as creamy as it is richly pigmented, with a pretty satin finish. It's my go-to every day when I'm not slathering on lip gloss . Color: Effortless And now, for the magic wand after photo: I don't know about you, but I rarely go without makeup, even if I stay home all day. Why? Because it makes me feel good. And that's all that really matters. xoxo, Jacki

My memories of Mansfield, Missouri, began when I was little. I loved reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books , which were written in this small farm town during the 1930s and 1940s. I've always been a creature of habit when it comes to rewatching movies, ordering the same thing at restaurants, and ... asking my mom to take me to the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum over and over again when I was a kid. And she did. Thanks, Mom. It had been 28 years (give or take) since I visited the museum and toured the home where Laura wrote her books. I was in the mood for a little day trip yesterday, so I decided to head that way. Only an hour from my house, Mansfield is known as "the town where the Little House books were written." It's 100% worth the trip if you're a history enthusiast. I toured the museum, but I didn't arrive in time to visit Laura's house. Well, technically, I got to see the kitchen. When the tour guide closed up for the day, she let me take a quick peek. It was a cozy yellow-and-green kitchen straight out of the 1950s. And my dreams . I felt as if I had been taken back in time and didn't want to come back. You know, classic " Grandma Jacki " stuff. The wallpaper, the appliances, and the little view of the living room I wanted to see in person SO bad (next time) were just too good. I used the old "put your phone against the window trick" to take this photo of Laura's office. The golden hour light was perfect. Here's a little history of Rocky Ridge Farm, the home of Laura and Almanzo Wilder. Laura's writing desk and typewriter I highly recommend visiting the museum. I couldn't believe how many items were saved and preserved over time. OK, so not to completely switch gears here, but here's a hilarious way that someone has tried to profit off Laura's name and legacy ... a good old-fashioned RV park with a sign that once said "welcome Laura fans" that now says "welcome L U A fans. Lol. Like most small towns, Mansfield has historic buildings with old signage. Here are a few things that caught my eye: I can't resist a rock building, and this giraffe stone was so darn pretty. The owner of the Friendship House (an Airbnb) was decorating for Christmas when I drove by. Here's an old church from the 1940s. I peeked inside, and this is what it looked like: I stopped by Ava on the way home to take a photo of "the sign." Ava Drug is now owned by Walgreens. The original drugstore soda fountain is no longer in service, but they kept the original red, glittery barstools. I was told that this building would be torn down soon, so I snapped a photo of the old painted Coca-Cola advertisement. Here's another view of Laura's home. It has a certain magic, and the view feels serene and calming. Pro tip: Be sure to visit Mansfield in the fall! xoxo, Jacki Related Posts: Time Capsule: Junker Joe's Time Capsule: Freistatt, Missouri

Someone near and dear to my brain and heart was recently let go from their job. In fact, a few of my friends have been forced to ride the job rollercoaster these past few years. When it happens, the grief hits hard. Kinda like this (lol). "Lol'" aside, nothing heals grief like time. Case in point: I wrote this post while I was looking for a job two years ago . And oddly enough, in November. I was feeling optimistic in a seemingly stressful time. And it all worked out. It always does , even when it feels like it's not going to. Soooooo, how about those Amazon finds? 🥁🥁🥁 I hope you can hear the sarcasm in my voice right now. I cleaned the house today, and even though the temperature dropped, like, 40 degrees, the sun was beaming through the windows in the best possible way. It was nice. Here's a palette cleanser photo of my kitchen. I took down my Halloween decorations last week, and it feels good to have a clean slate before I start decorating for Christmas (which I’d rather not think about just yet, thanks for askinggg). :D I finally jumped on the  Only Murders in the Building   train. It's SO good. I'm not great at starting new shows, but when I do, I won't watch anything else until I'm finished watching... every episode. My favorite jeans for winter, spring, summer, and most definitely fall. We could all use a few rainbow-colored tea lights in our lives. What's your favorite before-bed lip balm ? Trinkets > decor Important news flash: it's 100% possible to connect your cell phone to ANY HOME PHONE for a one-time charge of $37.00. We're talking Bluetooth voodoo magic. I can't tell you how excited I was when I heard my landline phone ring for the first time. But you can imagine. My face keeps getting drier as I get older. It's really fun! I swapped my usual face cream for  this glowy goodness , and all is right in the world again. I loved this documentary . A few tears were shed at the end. The cutest gosh-darn vintage pennant . My friend Katie launched a new website for her local shop, Springfield Mercantile . It's perfect! Until next time, xoxo, Jacki P.S. Here's a link to my last 10 Favorite Things post.

Sometimes the universe lines things up in the most unexpected, wonderful ways. Case in point: the story behind my home's connection to The Ozark Mountain Daredevils ended up in the November issue of 417 Magazine last year. What?? Here's a link to the article ! You can only imagine how high my excitement meter went when Heather Kohler, 417’s Home Editor, reached out. The opportunity to share this experience with thousands of readers? Wow. Okay, I guess I'll do it. Ana Walle, The Daredevils, and this crazy-cool connection will always have a special place in my nostalgic heart. It’s one of those feel-good stories we all need more of. xoxo, Jacki Related Posts: Photos of My House From the 1980s (And the Stories Behind Them!) Why I'm Obsessed With The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Well... It's been thr ee months since I've posted a new blog. What is this? Amateur hour? Life updates include: Learning how to file a homeowners insurance claim (80 mph winds + one giant tree limb = chaos I did not sign up for) Taking an autism test  and scoring above 145 Trying to "fix" the wax in a 22-year-old lava lamp (please don't ask) Switching from extended-release to slow-release Wellbutrin (breaking news) Constantly daydreaming about the past and thinking things like, “Did I even drink water in high school? Like, ever?" (see #2) My Springfield matchbook collection I rarely switch up my skincare routine, but I replaced my go-to toner with Zero Pore Pads . These things are like magic, I swear. I want to try this pink serum next. This laundry detergent is 100% worth the hype. I only used it on my sheets and towels, and it feels like a treat every time. Stop what you're doing right now and watch the new Jayne Mansfield documentary, My Mom Jayne . It's wonderful. "Put a decal on it" is my new slogan. I found the cutest set of  vintage fruit decals  at the flea market , and I want to put them on EVERYTHING. AHEM. Everything ... Have you ever gone through an entire tube of lip plumping gloss ? I can finally say I have! I live a wild and crazy life. IYKYK (I haven't 😞) I don't sleep with a top sheet. There. I said it. I'm a fitted sheet + lightweight bedspread person. Protein bars are a hot topic. I mean.. they either taste "weird" or they're crazy high in sugar. I don't want to say these are perfect... but they're pretty darn close. I eat one EVERY DAY. I finally shared my sobriety story . It felt so good to write about this! Last but not least, I want to share a few of my favorite local shops: Ten Years Gone Vintage , Springfield Mercantile , and Culture Flock. Okay, yes, I do  work at all of these (sporadically), but I TRULY do love them. I hope you’ll show them a little love, too! xoxo, Jacki

As a certified creature of habit, I don’t venture out of Springfield very often to go thrifting. Why? I tend to have surprisingly good luck at the two places I frequent, which I won’t reveal here. This is top-secret, confidential information. Did I also mention I'm a creature of habit? Last month, a friend told me about some flea market gold mines in Joplin, Missouri. And if there’s one thing you know about me, it's that I love day trips and flea markets. So, we went! This post is heavily (one hundred percent, actually) inspired by our trip to Joplin. I found a plethora of cool things that I don't usually see at my frequent haunts. And just for fun, I've included Etsy and eBay links under most items in case you don't want to search for them "in the wild" like I did. So, let's start with my favorite find of all time (I made that up, but it's pretty close), which I didn't find in Joplin (lol) but is very worthy of this list. Vintage Y2K Acrylic Tulip Lamp: First of all, the term "Y2K" annoys me, but ... that's the best way to describe this INCREDIBLE lamp. To my surprise, I found this and a matching glitter butterfly lamp in the same booth at the flea market. They were both covered in a thick layer of dirt and dead bugs, but I saw the glowing potential within them. Did I mention they worked ? I brought them home and meticulously cleaned them with Q-tips, and the butterfly lamp shorted out. Cool. Nevertheless, the tulip lamp is proudly displayed in my dining room and will be forever. F-O-R-E-V-E-R. A few weeks before I found these, a delightful memory popped up on Instagram: Girlfriends LA catalog *Insert loud squealing sound here* Vintage Light-Up Jack-O-Lantern Blow Mold: I have an ever-growing and everlasting love for my vintage Halloween collection . I add a few things to it every year, so it's impossible to predict how much I'll have by the time I'm 80. An entire house of Halloween decorations, probably. Blowmolds are the ultimate Halloween novelty item, and if I find a good deal on one, I will buy it. Every time. It's hard to tell from the photo, but this one lights up—and it's in perfect condition! I can't wait to plug it in and bask in the orange glow. Here's the Halloween candy bucket version . LA Times Magazine, Christmas 1974: My vintage Christmas collection has also grown like crazy over the years, and I couldn't resist adding the Christmas edition of LA Times Magazine to it. Here's a peek inside. Art Foam Sculpture Book, 1973: Okay, how could I say no to THIS cover ? I knew I needed it for something, but I wasn't sure what for. It didn't take me long to realize it should be framed and proudly displayed on my dining room wall. Vintage Glass Owl Jar Candle: This is the quintessential candle of the 1970s . Not only is it in perfect condition, but there's still wax inside. It now lives on my mantel, but it truly belongs in a shag-carpeted stoner basement. Smiley Face Deck of Cards: Two things. Well, maybe three. I made a loud, audible sound when I found this deck of cards . Not only is the smiley face design the epitome of COOL, but the cards are packaged in a gold glitter case. Eeeeee. Vintage Colorama Drip Candles: If you thought I made a loud, gasping sound when I saw the deck of cards, imagine what everyone in the flea market heard when I found these . As an avid collector of vintage packaging , I would have been perfectly content with the box alone. But wait. The unused candles were still inside . Get. Out. Of. Here. Right now. Porcelain Lard Container: What a hilarious thing to type. This lard container can be used for many things, but it didn't take me long to fill it with potting soil! Vintage Honeycomb Jack-O-Lantern: Here's another Halloween decoration I couldn't pass up— an unopened Hallmark honeycomb jack-o-lantern from the 1960s. There's something very special about opening a 60-year-old package and assembling the contents. *Sigh* I still can't believe I found everything (minus the lamp) in one trip— all for under $100. Flea market dreams do come true. xoxo, Jacki

The other day, someone asked me how I've stayed so positive after being laid off from my job in July. My initial response was, "I HAVE NO FREAKING CLUE," but after giving it some thought, I realized they were right. There's been a shift in my attitude and perspective on life ... for the better. Crazy, huh? Let me explain. A recent auction find. 🔮 I'm writing this post four months after losing my job. If you want to know all the juicy details about that, there aren't any. The company I worked for decided to scale back and focus more on family and less on business. If there were a way to keep me there forever, they would have. We were (and still are) extremely close ... like family. There are no hard feelings between us at all . I was given a generous severance and have felt well taken care of, considering the circumstances, for which I'm incredibly thankful . But yeah, as many of you know, I spent over nine years living and breathing A Beautiful Mess . I loved my job and felt like I was "set" for life. Maybe it was naive thinking, but that's how I felt—like the brand itself was completely indestructible. After getting the news that I was laid off, I panicked and spent the majority of the day in bed. I also had a big surgery planned a couple of weeks later, so my mind was shifting back and forth. Everyone's situation is different, but knowing that I didn't have to cash out my retirement fund to pay my mortgage and bills was a HUGE sigh of relief for me. I had a little buffer. Once I had recovered from my hysterectomy, I began the job search. Looking for a job at 40 is A LOT different than when you're 30. I have way more "boxes to check." I would describe the process as mind-numbing with small bursts of encouragement. Considering everything that's happened this year, I haven't completely lost my mind. In fact, I have a positive spark inside of me that I didn't know existed. Here are a few things that have helped me in the past four months: I started this blog. I never intended to write a blog. Ever. My goal has never been to become an influencer or make it big— I just wanted to have a creative outlet other than Instagram. I soon realize d how therapeutic it felt to write blog posts, check comments, start an Amazon affiliate program, and share my photos on Pinterest. These are all things I did at A Beautiful Mess, and I can still do them. I had no idea how much I needed this until I started doing it! Branching out. Having severance pay has made a huge difference in this situation for obvious reasons. But the idea of running out of money has always been at the back of my mind. Initially, I didn't think about doing freelance or part-time work. Still, after sharing my situation on Instagram, I had two friends (who own local businesses) reach out to me about occasional work. The balance between looking for jobs and working a little has been beneficial for my mental health. Networking. Yes, we hear the term "networking" all the time, but I realized I needed to take it to the next level to make things happen. The first thing I did when I started looking for a job was update my decade-old resume. Never in my life did I think that I would put my photo on a resume, but here we are. I'm proud of the resume I put together (with the help of some smart friends), which I shared on social media, first on Instagram and then on Facebook. I had over 40 people re-share it on Facebook, and it resulted in several job interviews. Changing my surroundings. I make it a point to leave my house every day and surf LinkedIn from a coffee shop. It has made me realize that I didn't get out of the house enough while working remotely for ABM. Like, at all. Making a simple change, such as adjusting   my surroundings, has made me feel better. Staying busy. I know this might sound annoying, but I rarely get bored. Perhaps it's because I'm not good at sitting still, but I try to keep my days busy. Currently, I have more free time than I'm accustomed to having, and life will eventually return to being really busy, work-wise. I try to remind myself every day that this is temporary , and I should make the most of the extra time I have. Embrace hobbies. I have been buying and reselling vintage decor for over 15 years, and it's truly one of my favorite hobbies. It m a kes me happy. So, while this isn't a new hobby for me, I've been listing more items than I usually do (on Facebook Marketplace, Etsy , and IG stories) to make extra money. I also started a series on this blog called 10 Favorite Things. Yes, this is exactly what A Beautiful Mess does weekly, but I enjoyed writing those posts. Lol. I make a little extra money from commissions between the blog posts I write and the things I share on Instagram. I don't care if I make $5.00 from it— it's fun for me regardless. Moral support. This is the most important thing on my list. The advice, support, and encouragement I've received from my family and friends have been my biggest ga me-cha ngers. Listening to what someone says is one thing, but believing them changes everything. Everyone I've talked to during this big transition in my life has told me the same thing. "We aren't worried about you at all. You're going to find something even better than you had before!" Wait. What? I guess I'm trying to say that if you hear something enough, you will start to believe it. I've been surrounded by positivity this whole time. And I can feel it. I hope this post is helpful if you're currently facing a similar situation in life. I tell myself that things will work out and be OK every day. That doesn't mean I don't have bad days. Trust me . It’s time for a change, and I can’t wait to find out where I land. Until then, chin up. Let's be happy while we're here. xoxo, Jacki

If you live in a home built before 1950, the nostalgic charm of your bathroom was likely legit, flat-out, 100% destroyed many years ago. Sometime around 1970, people decided to get rid of their pedestal sinks and pink toilets, causing the rest of us a few headaches and the (expensive) urge to renovate our bathrooms back to their original glory. When I bought my 1920s bungalow , it was pretty obvious that the bathroom had been renovated a few times. Did it look horrible? Meh. Was it fixable without spending a fortune? Yes! It just needed a little love. The tile floor isn't bad. It's not original to the house, but I don't mind it. I'm not sure why they put it on the vanity or didn't use any grout, but it's fine . This 1970s bathroom only needed a few tweaks to be a happier space: The wallpaper needed to be removed The wood vanity needed a coat of white paint The room needed a BIG dose of color I was fortunate to have hired someone to remove the wallpaper and paint the walls white before moving in, so I can't take credit for that part. A couple of months after I moved in, I tackled the vanity. Paint can transform a space like pure magic, which did not disappoint in this scenario. It helped so much! Sweet, sweet progress. The last step was to add A LOT of color, which is one of my favorite things to do while decorating. I will say that having a large vanity is nice from a decor and storage standpoint. My brain wants a 1920s pedestal sink in here, but I get why it's not the first choice for people anymore. I found my mirrored tray at a flea market a few years ago. I often come across them, but I had never seen one like this. The colors were my starting point when decorating the bathroom. Links: Salt Lamp Night Light / Vintage Perfume Bottle From there, I added a framed piece of embroidered fabric, floating shelves , and a bunch of knick-knacks. The bathroom is pretty tiny, so I didn't have room to add a cabinet or table. I thought about an over-the-toilet cabinet but opted for white shelves instead. And they were extra fun to decorate. I've been slowly adding to my vintage apothecary collection. Two of my latest additions are the cough drops (still in the box) and a bottle of cough syrup containing chloroform. Nobody truly understands how exciting these things are to me. Lol. Speaking of shelves, it took me almost a year, but I finally put some in the shower. These are the stick-on kind and very sturdy. Oh, and I'm not afraid to show off my Navage . This thing has improved my sinuses for the better, and I will continue to use it twice a day forever. Other links: Honest Face Cleanser / Dae Signature Shampoo The Shining is one of my favorite movies, and the bathroom scene will be permanently embedded in my brain. If you know, you know. I found this art print on Etsy, and it's perfect . I hear that clear orange shower curtains make you happier. Actually, I didn't hear that, but I can confirm they help. Other links: Shower Curtain Rod / Clear Hooks / Vintage Mustard Dispenser (perfect for hand soap) / Similar Mirror / Orange Toilet Paper (lol) Hi, Norman. I hope this post serves as a reminder that you can be happy with what you have without spending a lot of money. I have an old pedestal sink waiting for me in the basement, but I'm not in a hurry to put it in here anymore. xoxo, Jacki More room tours: Vintage Living Room Tour Spare Room + Open Closet Makeover Pink and Blue Bedroom Tour Vintage Dining Room Tour

Do you believe in manifestation? It took me months to write this post because I wanted to let the experience sink in. It has been incredible, and I can't wait to share it with you! I wrote a blog post last year about my connection to The Ozark Mountain Daredevils , which prefaces this story, but it all started after I bought my house and heard rumors that Rune Walle, one of the band members, had lived here in the early 1980s. After I heard the rumor, I thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if I could find a photo of the band practicing in my basement?" Or just any photo in GENERAL. I left it at that. Well, for a little while. I went on Facebook to do some "research." I might have sent a few DMs —I have no shame—b ut I didn't get anywhere. A year later, I had pretty much moved on from the idea. Last winter, a woman named Ana Walle commented on a mutual friend's Facebook photo. I recognized the last name but assumed she was Rune's sister. But because "I have no shame," I sent her a message. I figured it was a long shot. But she replied, told me the rumors were true, and left this comment on a photo of my kitchen: As you can imagine, I was completely ecstatic and couldn't believe my eyeballs , especially when she mentioned Munchies. I wasn't around in the Munchies' days, but I heard about them. It was the spot where all the hippies hung out in downtown Springfield in the 1970s. And Ana was a waitress there. She met Rune there, too. They later got married and bought my house. Well, their house. Our house? Ana in front of Munchies I already had two things in my house from Munchies— a set of matchbooks and a framed print of their logo. Cosmic goodness. Related Post: Collections: Vintage Matchbooks From Springfield, Missouri The Ozark Mountain Daredevils : Buddy Brayfield, Steve Cash, Larry Lee, Michael "Supe" Granda, Rune Walle, and John Dillon. To make a long story short (which I'm terrible at doing), soon after our first message exchange, Ana sent me a bunch of old photos, and we talked on the phone for 2 hours . We both felt like we had known each other for decades. I know! I went from thinking about how great it would be to see a photo of the Daredevils having band practice in my house to forming a friendship with an amazing woman. We have sent each other care packages. I sent her a text on Mother's Day. Lol. I feel very close to her and don't care how crazy it sounds! I wanted to share some of the photos she sent me. I hope you feel all the fuzzy feelings I felt when I first saw them. Who am I kidding? I still feel them. Related Post: Why I'm Obsessed with The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Ana and Rune Birthday party in the living room Here's a peek at the kitchen. The WALLPAPER. The orange curtains. 🧡 Here's a fairly recent photo of the kitchen. Birthday party in the dining room The large, original window in the dining room had three panels, and you could open them! I'm thankful to have a large, weather-proof version of this window today, but I love seeing how it originally looked. Here's what the dining room looks like now . The living room It's hard to imagine, but the whole house (minus the kitchen and bathroom) was covered in carpet. You can see an old TV in the corner and the original fireplace. Here's what the living room looks like now . This photo is PRICELESS. Apparently, there was a rock BBQ grill in the backyard that matched the house (!!!!). It's sadly long gone, but this photo of Rune and a friend makes me feel slightly better about it. This picture of Rune's parents painting the back of the house really got to me. Due to age, the wood needed a fresh paint job, so I started scraping the paint down to the bare wood last year. I scraped off three layers of paint: orange, brown, and blue. 😢 PSA: I need to finish this project this summer! I snapped this photo on a snowy morning so I could compare it to the one Ana sent me. Remember when Ana mentioned eating smoked lamb on Christmas Eve? Here's a photo of Rune in front of the big dining room window that night. Ana with her daughters Ana told me this house was filled with positive energy, music, and love. People were always in and out, and it was a happy place . I've never been more sure that this is where I am meant to be. My forever home! xoxo, Jacki

My everyday makeup and skincare routine in my 40s is incredibly simple. When I think back to my high school and college days, I have no idea what the heck I was doing every morning, as it took me forever to get ready. Speaking of high school, I had a giant caboodle filled with all the makeup I wish I still had, mainly because the brands and the products are so nostalgic. Scented body glitter gel was a staple for me. I always dabbed some on the outside corners of my eyes. And don't get me started on the Hard Candy black glitter eyeliner I had in 1999—big ole drool emoji. After 40 years, I can confidently say that I've figured out what works and what doesn't . I buy all the products in the post on a repeat basis. I think the cool kids call them "empties." My skincare routine is pretty minimal. Being stone-cold sober for two years has helped my skin tremendously. I also drink a lot of water between the gallons of coffee I drink every day—OK, not gallons, but still. And 95% of my makeup is made with clean ingredients. It does make a difference. I promise. Here are my tried and true favorites: Skincare Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Face Cleanser - It's simple, effective, and made with ingredients that make my skin feel good. Thayer's Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Toner - I recently started using this toner twice a day, and my skin is smoother and flake-free. Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel - This is the best moisturizer I've tried. It's very lightweight and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen Face Oil - I apply a few drops of this face oil to my skin after moisturizing. Gua Sha - I use this tool religiously. It helps de-puff my face and the areas below my chin. Makeup Kosas Skin-Improving Foundation - A clean foundation with staying power, skincare ingredients, and SPF 25. ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer - A medium-coverage concealer with clean skincare ingredients that blend seamlessly. Kosas Cloud Setting Powder - I love this powder. It gives my skin a "blurred" look and instantly removes shine without being cakey. Milani Baked Highlighter - This is the best highlighter in the universe. It instantly makes me look more awake without looking like a full-on disco ball. Pacifica Beauty Mineral Eyeshadow Palette - These budget-friendly, clean eyeshadows are infused with cocoa butter. I use the cocoa and pink palettes. Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara - I've tried many mascaras over the years, and this is the best one ever. It has a primer on one side. Maybelline Expert Wear Brow Pencil - This old-school eyebrow pencil is the only one that works for me. I use the shade blonde (it's more like a medium brown). ILIA Color Block Lipstick - My favorite everyday lipstick. It has a rich and creamy texture and is long-lasting. Tower 28 Milky Lip Jelly - A non-sticky, nourishing lip gloss that looks perfect on top of any lipstick. Ready for a before photo? It really shows my age because you can tell that I plucked the heck out of my eyebrows in the 90s. After! Unedited and real as ever. Let me know if you have any questions! This was fun to write. xoxo, Jacki