Jess Carrier’s
We have spent a great deal of time working on the basement, garden, chicken coop, and kitchen… and our poor living room needed some love. Follow along as I add to this post updating my living room.
Surprise Transformation
One of my greatest friends asked me to completely transform her daughter’s room while she was away at college. It hadn’t been done since she was seven years old. She gave me the keys, blind trust, and her budget, then we waited patiently for her to return to reveal her surprise.
Jess Carrier’s
We transformed a section of our unfinished basement into an adult hangout with a quirky vibe. The best part? It’s completely hidden… so we call it our “speakeasy.”
@jesscarrier Area 4 of 6. Making my unfinished basement a whole vibe!
♬ original sound - Molly-DIY + Home Design
@jesscarrier Ugh! I just can’t get over what a vibe this room is! #decor #interiordesign #quirky #basement ♬ original sound - Gabriel Wulf
@jesscarrier Basement transformation! #milwaukeetools #speakeasy #dontaskmehowididit ♬ NOTHIN' TO IT - ON THE HUNT & Chandler
If Bora Bora is on your bucket list but the 17-hour flight isn’t, let me introduce you to Palafitos, the overwater bungalow section of El Dorado Maroma Resort in Mexico. It’s the luxury escape you didn’t know you needed—think five-star vibes without the jet lag. If you’re dreaming of experiencing overwater bungalows in Mexico, this is where relaxation meets pure luxury.
Our arrival kicked off with a golf cart ride through the zen-like resort. We passed serene gardens, Buddha statues, and the kind of landscaping that made me want to reimagine my entire backyard. Then it was off down the pier to our private overwater bungalow—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Pro Tip: When you arrive, you get to pick your room’s scent and your pillow softness. Yes, luxury smells and feels exactly how you want it.
This trip wasn’t about packing in adventures. It was about soaking in every moment of peace and privacy. Most of our time was spent lounging on the deck, dipping in and out of the plunge pool, and enjoying drinks delivered by our butler faster than we could finish them. Staying at overwater bungalows in Mexico is all about embracing the slow and soaking in the view.
We even scored a raft from another guest who didn’t want to pack it home. That raft became our VIP seat for hours of floating and pretending we were the main characters in a luxury travel ad.
Pro Tip: Embrace the butler service. They’re there to make your life easier—from delivering morning coffee to setting up the perfect sunset cocktail hour. Be a good human and take some cash to tip each time!
One afternoon, while swimming in the ocean, we heard music from the main resort. Naturally, we walked across the ocean (yes, really) to check it out. We stumbled upon a wild pool party with a DJ, hopped right in, and instantly made some of our favorite memories of the trip.
Every meal felt like an experience. Here’s the foodie breakdown:
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk to the staff about what you hope to experience—they’re more accommodating than you think! Just don’t be a Karen, obviously!
Each morning started with a private yoga session on our deck. Ocean breeze, morning sun, and a whole lot of “this is what dreams are made of.” Read About My Vacation Zen Here.
Pro Tip: When staying at Palafitos, you can attend their group yoga, or you can arrange private lessons. I recommend the private lessons at least once. It’s such a vibe and the ultimate way to feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you don’t.
Every evening came with its own unique show. Dancing, acrobatics, music—every night was unforgettable and just the right mix of culture and entertainment.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the shows. Even if you think you’re too tired, they’re worth it.
If you’re dreaming of an overwater bungalow escape, here’s what you’ll want to pack:
This trip wasn’t about crossing things off a to-do list. It was about embracing the slow, soaking in the sun, and realizing that sometimes the best adventure is doing absolutely nothing at all—unless you count trying to spot fish from the toilet.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I’m bringing an extra raft.
Because luxury isn’t about what you do, it’s about how you feel—and this trip felt like heaven.
Going on vacation can be a much-needed break from our busy lives, but it can also disrupt our regular self-care routine. If you’re looking to incorporate some mindfulness and movement into your vacation, here’s a quick 10-15 minute meditation and yoga routine that you can do almost anywhere.
Find a quiet spot and take a seat. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you: the ocean waves, the birds, and any other natural sounds. Focus on your breath and feel it moving in and out of your body. Take a few deep breaths and as you exhale, release any tension in your body. Then, practice gratitude for being able to travel and experience new things. Take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life right now.
From the seated position, move into child’s pose. Take a few breaths here, then come up onto your hands and knees for a few rounds of Cat-Cow. Inhale and arch your back, exhale and round your spine. After 10 rounds, come back to a neutral spine and hold a plank for 10-15 seconds. Lower down to cobra for another 10-15 seconds, then move into downward dog for 10-15 seconds. Repeat this sequence 1-3 times, depending on how much time you have.
From the final child’s pose, come up into mountain pose. From here, move into warrior 1, holding the pose for 10-15 seconds. Then, move into warrior 2, holding for another 10-15 seconds. Repeat this sequence on the other side. Finally, settle back into a forward fold and bring yourself into downward dog. End the routine with one final cobra and child’s pose.
This routine is designed to help you create lymphatic flow, no matter where you are. This is great especially after a long flight! The mindful meditation can help you reduce stress and improve your overall mental health, while the yoga poses can help you stretch out any tension in your body and promote detoxification (which is super important when you are traveling). By setting an intention and expressing gratitude, you can start your day on a positive note and carry that energy with you throughout the rest of your vacation.
Child’s Pose:
Cat-Cow:
Plank:
Cobra:
Downward Dog:
Mountain Pose:
Warrior 1:
Warrior 2:
Forward Fold:
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, give this routine a try and see how it makes you feel. Ps. I cannot make a post about yoga without mentioning my dear friend, healer, and favorite yoga instructor, Amanda Rush! If you are in the Siouxland (Iowa) area, check her out -if not, her IG has a lot of great content about mindfulness and motherhood – give her a follow.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. The author is not a licensed healthcare professional or yoga teacher, and the exercises and recommendations presented here may not be suitable for everyone. Before starting any new exercise routine, please consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified yoga instructor to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries or damages that may occur as a result of following the information provided in this blog post.