Bodega Blooms by Naomi

04/10/2026

We thought we were good until the selections started adding up.
Let me save you the headache:
Builder allowances are not your final cost.
If you don’t review + negotiate them upfront,
you will be coming out of pocket later. (Ask me how I know.)
Lesson learned the hard way:
– Ask what’s actually included
– Price out your real finishes BEFORE signing
– Negotiate allowances like your budget depends on it… because it does.
This part of building a home is not cute and if you are customizing it is expensive.

Nobody talks about this part:
Did your build stay within allowance or did you go over too?

04/08/2026

To be candid, and I see no reason not to be, the plumbing selection aspect was not fun. There was no designer involved; it was solely myself contemplating numerous chrome options and reflecting on did I make the right decisions?

I spent three hours selecting plumbing, fixtures, sinks etc. as they all needed to align with the design style of the house.

I believe what was most frustrating was realizing that I could have sourced the same products from local small businesses in my neighborhood for fraction of the price, rather than through subcontractors who were seeking to profit.

This is an aspect of building a house on a moderate budget that is rarely shared. Sometimes I feel played!

04/04/2026

POV: You show your vision… and get back something slightly different. I'm like confused. Did we look at the same drawing?

Be honest. Which version would YOU choose?

04/01/2026

GRWM to hang out with my first born...as a mom of adult daughters you seize the opportunity.
🤍
No agenda. No rushing. Just being present… which is rare these days.

Jeans + stripes from Old Navy and my go-to Keds… simple and comfortable, just how I like it.

Sometimes the best plans are the simple ones.

04/01/2026

We went to check on the home build and found a leak 😩
A little upset… but this is EXACTLY why we are going to walk through everything now on a weekly basis.

Grateful we caught it early.

03/30/2026

03/28/2026

Second floor update and somehow I’m already planning where everything goes like it’s done but I see the end.

Master bedroom ✔️
Laundry room 2nd flr ✔️
Podcast room loading… 🎙️stay tuned.
Daughter's bedroom 💕
And this VIEW?? God really showed up!

03/26/2026

Spring just showed up… and she smells like florals and fresh air!I'm introducing the Bloom Bar — a limited edition line inspired by garden moments, soft breezes, and that “windows open” feeling we all love.

If you’re in Nyack this April, come experience this line in person- or stop by the Valley Collective at the Jefferson Valley mall.

Hand-poured. Small batch. Made to feel like Spring has Sprung!! Corny but true.

📍 Nyack Spring Market
🛍️ April only

03/26/2026

This is my first Spring Market for 2026 and I am showcasing for this Market a Bloom Bar- candles with spring and floral scents. Spread the word and stop by to say hello or preferably shop!

03/24/2026

POV: Walking through my first floor like
dreaming up every space…but you also watch too many horror shows
“imagine if it were true…”
Relax — no bodies here - just vibes and a wild imagination. Stay tuned for the other parts of the house tour.

03/21/2026

Still in framing but already testing exterior house colors. I am down to 3 Benjamin Moore paint colors : white dove, swiss coffee & alabaster. Can't decide.

He said, “btw I’m using $1.00 Home Depot brushes… now I must be a content creator too?” 😂 or something like that - listen to the reel.
Didn’t even edit this — it’s too real.

Which one are you choosing?

HomeBuildJourney