
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.
-
9 Energy-Saving Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend
Saving money is never a waste of time....
-
Concrete Patio Makeovers
Brighten up the gray....
-
Bringing Light into Basements
Illuminate an underused area....
-
Don't Be Such a Square: Alternative Window Trends
Just because it's a window, doesn't mean it has to be square...
-
14 Home Exterior Design Apps
Imagine your next project before buying materials....
-
Low-Tech Clay Pot Irrigation
Spend more time enjoying your garden and less time watering....
-
Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Out of Your Kitchen
Your plant friends can help....
-
Stop Leaking With Smart Pipes
Protecting your home from water damage just got easier....
-
What's the Most Useful Tree to Grow in My Yard?
Find the perfect plant before heading to the nursery....
-
Garbage Disposal Cleaning Tips
Banish sink stink with a little help from your freezer....
-
Preventing car break-ins/theft
Thieves don't want to work too hard to steal your stuff!...
-
Low-Maintenance Vegetable Gardening
Pick plants that keep producing on their own....
-
How to Enjoy Your Patio Year Round
Your outdoor lounge can be more than a summer fling....
-
7 Quick Ways to Prep Your House for Rain
It's hard to chase rainbows when you're patching leaks....
-
What Are the Benefits of a Tiny Home Community?
Share the challenges and joys....
-
Adding a Statement Wallpaper Wall to Your Bathroom
If you've got something to say, say it in wallpaper!...
-
What You Can and Can't Put Down Your Garbage Disposal
Just because it's a disposal doesn't mean it's for trash....
-
9 Popular Design Trends
See ya 2020. We've got some new looks on our to-do list....
-
What Is the Grow Food Not Lawns Movement?
Some plants provide free food year after year....
-
4 Major DIY Projects To Complete This Year
Plan ahead for big results....
-
5 Ways to Gift Wrap Presents Not Shaped Like a Box
Gifts can come in all sorts of disguises......
-
Smart Home Devices for Older Folks
These gadgets make life safer and more comfortable....
-
Outdoor Smart Home Devices
Add these outdoor tech miracles for your next summer party....
-
How to Get Rid of Brown Recluse Spiders
A little cleaning, a little prep—no bites....
-
8 Tips to Get Back Your Security Deposit
Don't leave money behind when you move out of your rental....
-
These Accessibility Projects Help Older Folks Age in Place
Increase safety around the house and keep your independence....
-
How to Winterize a Pond
Don't let your oasis get caught out in the cold!...
-
Kitchen Remodeling - Uninstalling Kitchen Appliances
Remove large appliances properly before your next remodel....
-
12 DIY Life Hacks for Everyday Situations
Life's hard. Make it just a little easier....
-
5 Road Trip Snacks to Cook With Your Car's Engine
Pop these under the hood for your next long haul....
-
How to Set Up a Hydroponic Garden
Indoor water gardens can grow healthy produce all year long....
-
5 Smart Tech Products for Gardeners
Maybe it's time to automate your green thumb!...
-
The Most Lucrative Trades to Get Certified For
Who says a four-year degree is the only way to get a job?...
-
7 Budgeting Tools to Get Financially Fit
A few simple habits can make saving easy....
-
Post Road Trip Maintenance—What to Check After a Long Drive
Stay ahead of potential danger or expensive repairs....
-
15 Places You Can Hide Your Secrets....
Pick a clever plain sight spot or craft a tricky hideaway....
-
5 Mini Greenhouses for Protecting Plants
They range from little tents to pop-up rooms....
-
How to Paint a Car Yourself
An auto paint job doesn't have to cost a fortune....
-
7 Backyard Gym Ideas
Get fit, catch some sun, and skip the steep membership fees....
-
How to Incorporate Soothing Sounds in Your Backyard Retreat
Bring sound into the garden for a peaceful atmosphere....
-
Make Your Backyard a Destination
You'll enjoy the rewards all year round....
-
2020 Exterior Home Improvement Trends
Durable materials and dark elements dominate 2020 exteriors....
-
These 9 Beautiful Groundcovers Make Lawn Care Easy
Grass lawns are much more work, and worse for nature....
-
DIY Lawn Care Calendar
Some projects should only be done at the right time of year....
-
How to Install a Rain Sensor in 7 Steps
Don't water the lawn when Mother Nature is doing it for you....
-
Homesteading for Beginners
Build up your skills before you consider going off-grid....
-
Car Problems You Shouldn't Ignore
These are signs that car trouble is imminent....
-
Patio Lighting on a Budget
Don't end the party just because the sun goes down....
-
8 Projects Never To Do During the Rainy Season
Get other rainy day projects done before tackling these....
-
11 Tiny Homes Under $50K You Can Buy Right Now
These entry models give the small world big appeal....