
Rowena lives and works in paradise, where a year round growing season inspires more projects than she can afford. She currently works as a Programming Librarian at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) where she is proud to serve US Marines and their families. She received her BA in English at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB), and her Masters in Library Science at San Jose State (SJSU).
Prior to moving to Hawaii, she wrote catalog descriptions for an antique bookseller specializing in artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, Japanese internment during World War II, and events that shaped LGBTQ history. Her research/writing career was preceded by 13 years of public service at the King County Library System in Washington.
Rowena got her start in DIY as a builder of cages and enclosures for the pets she regularly brought home during her youth. When not DIY-ing she’s paddle boarding, snorkeling, or hanging out at the beach. She has the honor of being a mom, a wife, and a barely mediocre ukulele player.
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How to Espalier Trees
Maximize space and fruit yield with this beautiful approach....
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11 Tiny Homes Under $50K You Can Buy Right Now
These entry models give the small world big appeal....
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Motion Activated HVAC
Another great way to save money and protect the planet!...
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What Are the Best Items to Buy in Bulk?
Just because it's in bulk, doesn't mean it's a good buy...
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What Do You Really Need In Your Spice Rack?
Focus on the things you really use....
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Create a Little Free Library for Your Neighborhood
Join the book sharing movement sweeping the world....
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7 Backyard Gym Ideas
Get fit, catch some sun, and skip the steep membership fees....
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Make Your Backyard a Destination
You'll enjoy the rewards all year round....
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DIY Lawn Care Calendar
Some projects should only be done at the right time of year....
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8 Projects Never To Do During the Rainy Season
Get other rainy day projects done before tackling these....
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Car Problems You Shouldn't Ignore
These are signs that car trouble is imminent....
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Homesteading for Beginners
Build up your skills before you consider going off-grid....
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8 Ways to Transform Your Bathroom In One Day
Refresh the look and feel of your cleansing space....
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7 Budget Hacks that Do More Harm than Good
Skimping up front may cost more in the end....
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9 Ways You're Ruining Your Wood Flooring
Keep your cherished surface looking great with simple rules....
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Patio Lighting on a Budget
Don't end the party just because the sun goes down....
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6 DIY Questions You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask
Identifying what we don't know is a key element of learning....
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Speedy Spring Cleaning Checklist
You don't need a long list for success....
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How To Make Money Selling DIY Projects
Make your hobby a profitable side hustle....
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An Intro to Ikebana
This elegant floral arrangement style celebrates simplicity....
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9 Popular Design Trends
See ya 2020. We've got some new looks on our to-do list....
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What Home Security Companies Don't Tell You
They might have more access than you're comfortable with....
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Exterior Home Improvement Trends
Durable materials and dark elements dominate 2020 exteriors....
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5 Road Trip Snacks to Cook With Your Car's Engine
Pop these under the hood for your next long haul....
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How to Incorporate Soothing Sounds in Your Backyard Retreat
Bring sound into the garden for a peaceful atmosphere....
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How to Install a Rain Sensor in 7 Steps
Don't water the lawn when Mother Nature is doing it for you....
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How to Build and Install a Mailbox
It must meet certain size requirements....
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Where Should I Move?
From big cities to small towns, these spots are on the rise....
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How to Build a Multi-Level Deck
Multi-level up your deck game....
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Connecting a Rain Barrel to a Downspout
Rainwater is free. Why not put it to good use in the garden?...
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Flooring Trends
Update your floors with some of these popular options....
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10 Shrubs for Beautiful Fall Color
When the weather cools, don't let the garden fizzle out....
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Things to Know If You’ve Never Lived with a Septic Tank Before
A lush lawn means something different to septic tank owners....
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Don't Be Such a Square: Alternative Window Trends
Reframe your possibilities....
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Preventing Car Break-Ins and Theft
Protect your belongings with good habits....
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9 Energy-Saving Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend
Saving money is never a waste of time....
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Concrete Patio Makeovers
Brighten up the gray....
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Bringing Light into Basements
Illuminate an underused area....
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14 Home Exterior Design Apps
Imagine your next project before buying materials....
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Low-Tech Clay Pot Irrigation
Spend more time enjoying your garden and less time watering....
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Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Out of Your Kitchen
Your plant friends can help....
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Stop Leaking With Smart Pipes
Protecting your home from water damage just got easier....
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What's the Most Useful Tree to Grow in My Yard?
Find the perfect plant before heading to the nursery....
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Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tips
Banish sink stink with a little help from your freezer....
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Low-Maintenance Vegetable Gardening
Pick plants that keep producing on their own....
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How to Enjoy Your Patio Year Round
Your outdoor lounge can be more than a summer fling....
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7 Quick Ways to Prep Your House for Rain
It's hard to chase rainbows when you're patching leaks....
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What Are the Benefits of a Tiny Home Community?
Share the challenges and joys....
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Adding a Statement Wallpaper Wall to Your Bathroom
If you've got something to say, say it in wallpaper!...
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What You Can and Can't Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
Just because it's a disposal doesn't mean it's for trash....