Off the Trail: Where Elbow Grease Meets Grout Lines

Company's Comin' ... So I Cleaned The Shower No One Will See

We’ve got company coming to stay for the weekend, so naturally—I deep-cleaned my master shower before even making it to work this morning.

Not the guest bathroom. Not the front porch or kitchen counters. No, I tackled the one place I’m certain our guests will never set foot in. I can’t explain it—other than it must be one of those knee-jerk responses that must be passed down in my bloodline. When I was little, my mom used to clean like the Pope was coming for brunch every time we had someone over. And now here I am—bleach in one hand, impact gun in the other—scrubbing a shower that my cousin’s family will never even set eyes on. Tell me I’m not the only one who does this?

The Orange Tint War + The Impact Gun That Saved The Day

We didn’t build this house, and the tile in the master bath reflects that. White subway tile, white grout, and a whole lot of frustration when the water and minerals in our area decide to settle in and leave a not-so-cute orange tint.

Believe me when I say I’ve tried every cleaning solution under the sun. The only thing that works?

💡 Toilet bowl cleaner.
Yep. The blue gel kind. I know it’s weird, but it works like a charm.

And because I’m a woman who believes in efficiency [and also one who likes power tools a little too much], I paired it with the impact gun I borrowed, [okay, stole!] from my husband’s shop. This setup, along with a mystery brush I’m 90% sure came from Fisks, knocked the grime out faster than you can say “Corvette wheels”—which I’m hoping he won’t try to clean with this brush ever again, now that it’s been thoroughly baptized in bleach.

Making Time To Make A Home

Here’s the truth behind the toilet cleaner and scrub brush saga:
It felt so good to finally give that shower a deep clean. Not because it was filthy. Not because I had to. But because, for the first time in a long time, I had the mental margin to care.

Broker Leather’s brick-and-mortar storefront is officially closing soon [Last day open is April 18, 2025!], and while that decision comes with all kinds of emotions—it also comes with a newfound kind of freedom. I’ve spent years pouring everything into the business. Now I’m slowly reclaiming little pieces of myself. My time. My home. My peace.

We’ve lived in this house for four years, and I’m just now feeling like I have the time [and energy] to turn it into a home that reflects who we are.

Fresh Grout & Fresh Towels

That’s why I’m finally investing in things like the good towels. You know the ones—thick, cozy, hotel-luxury softness that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if your laundry pile begs to differ.

These are the very towels I am preordering, and I wanted to give y’all the chance to order some, too. The preorder closes TONIGHT, and after that, they’ll be gone like summer dust off the trail.

Now, I know the colorful Aztec Tripp Towels—with their turquoise and tan southwest vibes—might not exactly match the black-and-white checkerboard tile in my shower. But I’m working with what I’ve got, and honestly? I’m confident I can make it work. Just like I somehow throw together an off-the-wall outfit and end up rocking it with confidence—I’ll do the same with these towels. Because home style, just like personal style, is about embracing what makes you smile.

Once they arrive, I’ll be sharing a full tour of our freshly scrubbed, finally-loved master bath. It’s not perfect—but it’s ours. And that feels pretty dang good.

Your Takeaway From The Trail

Sometimes, the things we clean, fix, or freshen aren’t about impressing anyone.  Sometimes, it’s just about making a space that feels like you again.  And girl, you don’t need guests coming over to deserve a clean shower or a fresh towel.  You’re reason enough.

✙ Preorder your new favorite towels before midnight! ✙

#offthetrail #brokerleather #makingahome #smalltownliving #domesticrodeo