
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this week of Better After Gives Back! I had so much fun doing it. Here are the links to the last few days if you’ve missed anything: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Let’s have a quick recap:
– As my blogiversary neared, I decided I’d like to do a little ‘giving back’ as my way of saying thanks to all those who have given to me over the years.
– I decided to do a surprise makeover for someone who could use a little pick-me-up.
– I chose Jessi, a single mom of four girls who moved herself into a tiny, drab bedroom after her divorce so that her girls could have the master bedroom.
– Jessi left town for a few days.
– I assembled a crew of friends and family, and we transformed her bedroom and bathroom into a space that mirrored her spunky, vibrant personality.
We managed to capture her reaction on video! Remember, she had absolutely no idea that anything had happened. (If you’re reading this in a reader, you may need to click over).
Did you like the part where I pop out of hiding, give her a hug, then realize I’m 100% grimy and in no state to be recorded and awkwardly slink away? Ha!
Once again, I have to give huge thanks to everyone that helped. There is no way I could have pulled it off without the help and talents and kindness of Stephanie Alger and her crew, Franki Ely, Laura Earl, Krystal Avila, Dandi Wright, and their families. It was a lot of work, but so rewarding.
And a special thank you to Nicki Willis, who not only worked her tail off making sure everything was perfect for Jessi, she also captured the moment and created the video. Check out her production company Prickly Pear Blooms Productions if you’re in the Phoenix area and looking for a great videographer.
And three cheers for Jessi, who now has a restful retreat full of light and good vibes. I hope she can feel the love of all her family and friends around her every time she walks in, and that she loves it as much as we all love her.
And one more big thanks to these kind-hearted companies who made it possible, Online Fabric Store, RustOleum, Reclaim Beyond Paint, and UGallery.
Till next time!






29 Comments
Michelle L
July 18, 2014 at 10:14 AMAwe. SOME!!!
theresa
July 18, 2014 at 10:35 AMthank you – I just had my Friday morning cry!! The rooms are gorgeous, what a great gift!
Diane
July 18, 2014 at 10:40 AMIt looks wonderful! Great job…..
Bambi
July 18, 2014 at 10:41 AMAwwwww 😀 and whaaaaaaaah :’)
Tenille
July 18, 2014 at 10:44 AMThis was awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Swan
July 18, 2014 at 11:08 AMWhat a breathtaking way to express your generous and creative spirit! Way to rock humanity! Brava!
Shanna Gilbert
July 18, 2014 at 11:21 AMYou did such a beautiful job Lindsey! The look of appreciation and awe on her face was priceless. You are such a wonderful person for doing that for her.
Hanna
July 18, 2014 at 11:32 AMCan I admit that I cried? So, so neat. Thanks for sharing! Wishing Jessi so much happiness!
Laura
July 18, 2014 at 12:03 PMUgh! I’m crying!
This whole series was SO fun! Thanks for doing this. Totally brightened my week just reading about it.
Jake's a Girl
July 18, 2014 at 12:17 PMYou’ve made me laugh out loud on so many occasions but today you made me cry. Happy heartfelt tears for Jessi. Bless you for giving back to such a deserving Mom who we know would always think of herself last as we Mom’s tend to do.
May the Lord bless Jessi and her girls as they continue on this new journey.
Katie Skiff
July 18, 2014 at 12:34 PMAmazing. Way to go guys.
MaryAnn@easy-gallery
July 18, 2014 at 1:32 PMTotally wonderful. I love your choice of colors and patterns. So fun for a fresh start!
laura@top this top that
July 18, 2014 at 2:06 PMdoes crying mean that I loved it and thought the reveal was amazing?
Bonnie P
July 18, 2014 at 3:47 PMI’m bad at leaving comments…But I had to tell you this was GREAT! Congratulations Jessi. Wonderful work everyone!
Virginia Cumberbatch
July 18, 2014 at 4:20 PMThis was a wonderful makeover for someone who truly deserved it.
Lindsey, your generous spirit will be remembered by Jessi for a long time.
The room is beautiful….and the video production was a stellar work of art…totally enjoyed it.
Melanie H.
July 18, 2014 at 5:11 PMLove it! You guys are amazing, giving her a bright happy room that fits her personality instead of just a place where she sleeps and keeps her clothes. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful surprise with us!
Gilmer Gal
July 18, 2014 at 5:58 PMThat was SO sweet! Giving makes everybody happy! Thanks for the inspiration, ’cause I would like to do this for my friend (if she will get lost for about a week).
Kim G
July 18, 2014 at 6:48 PMI’ve been waiting for the entire story to finish before commenting. Y’all did a FABULOUS job. That room is completely transformed. I just love the colors and everything you did. I also love how bloggers give back. It just shows all the awesome goodness in people out in the world. You also gave me boatloads of ideas on how to re-do my front bedroom. I’ve been contemplating painting my childhood furniture (that is really old, but pretty). Now I am definitely going to do do this and use a turquoise and coral color scheme. Thank you so much for give back, for sharing and for being the awesome person you are. Hugz from Texas.
Ammanda
July 18, 2014 at 10:38 PMWonderful job with the makeover!!! And I love that you chose Jessi – she’s wonderful too! Great job with the video – it was fun to watch (and the music was fun – good choice)
Cathie
July 18, 2014 at 11:13 PMTotally inappropriate and off topic: tell me about the meadow in the family picture at the beginning of the video. I always joke about having family pictures done in an orchard or meadow, but I do actually want some really nice family photos this year for our fifth anniversary.
Lindsey @ Better After
July 19, 2014 at 10:14 AMHa! It’s a friend’s orchard, way out in Wadell Az. I think everyone in my town has had their pictures done there at some point!
Rosie S
July 19, 2014 at 6:33 AMWhat a great project! And it turned out so cute…what fun!
Elyse
July 19, 2014 at 6:26 PMThis is one of the many reasons I love this blog. Amazing work Lindsey.
Katie J
July 20, 2014 at 6:12 PMHappy tears! What a fun project and her reaction was priceless. Sleeping on the couch??! Not anymore!
LeeAnn
July 20, 2014 at 6:39 PMThat’s a great video and you looked wonderful! I am glad Jessi loved her new room. It was fun t see her reaction.
Meggan
July 21, 2014 at 6:11 AMJust beautiful Lindsey. The room, yes, definitely, but Jessi’s response, oh the tears! Best of luck to you, Jessi, on your new beginning. Thanks for sharing this, it was absolutely heartwarming!
Sonnie
July 21, 2014 at 10:09 AMI have tears in my eyes….what you and your crew did was one of the kindest things I’ve seen. The rooms are beautiful, too! Thank you for sharing this.
Reenie
July 23, 2014 at 8:32 AMHow sweet… love both rooms and especially the colors. Great job!!
Abbey
July 25, 2014 at 1:46 PMYou and your team did an amazing job Lindsey! What a pleasure to be a small part of it 🙂 I hope Jessi enjoys relaxing in her own space–she really deserves it. And as a mom of two little boys I know how important that is! 🙂