Location
Kettle Falls, Washington
School
Bonners Ferry High School
Expertise
Organic gardening, Outdoor projects, DIY Homebuilding
- Nancy has built two homes from the ground up, including every phase of construction, from foundations and framing to drywall and custom concrete countertops.
- Through a lifelong passion for the outdoors, she developed extensive plant identification and foraging skills.
- Nancy worked with youth for over ten years in a wilderness setting and as a sports director for a parks and recreation department.
Experience
Nancy has spent her life engaged in hands-on work, from learning carpentry skills with her father to participating in community volunteer projects. She started her career working on a trail crew for the Forest Service and has cultivated extensive outdoor experience through outdoor education, gardening, and landscaping. An avid hiker and snowshoer, Nancy enjoys being outside at all times of the year. Both professionally and in her personal life, Nancy's affinity for the outdoors has inspired her to take on various home improvement and DIY projects. Over the years, she's honed her construction skills by working on practical outdoor spaces that are both functional and inviting. A long-time creative writer, Nancy started writing professionally to share her passion for gardening and outdoor projects with others. She has been a home and garden content writer for four years.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
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Furniture
By Nancy Schaffer
Need a better way to store your shoes? Wayfair has some options that look great and provide lots of storage space. Get them cheap during their hot summer sale.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
If you're looking to add some charm and curb appeal to your yard, these DIY pavers using Dollar Tree trays can add a little whimsy without breaking the bank.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
Ready to ditch brick and cement for a sustainable paver? There's an alternative that's made from one of the largest waste products clogging our landfills today.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Home Goods
By Nancy Schaffer
If you want to welcome birds into your yard, but your current bird bath isn't doing the trick, this Amazon find could be just what you need.
By Nancy Schaffer
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This Permastool 6-bay power tool organizer at Costco is a better deal than comparable options at Home Depot and Harbor Freight — here's why.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Could a kitchen device that was essential over a century ago work today? If you're into off-grid living and appliance restoration, this idea is worth exploring.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Organization
By Nancy Schaffer
Learn how to make these DIY tool organizers and save money while repurposing your unused wire shelves. You can use and craft them for different hand tools, too.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Ever grown a jade plant? You're probably wondering how to transform this rather boring succulent into art. In fact, it's one of the easiest plants to reshape.
By Nancy Schaffer
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DIY Home Decor
By Nancy Schaffer
Bathroom hardware can get surprisingly expensive, but one simple DIY uses inexpensive materials to create a stylish look with plenty of personality.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Certain tile layouts end up creating more upkeep than others, and designers are increasingly favoring a cleaner approach that also feels more current.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
It’s true that your lawn mower deck should be at a slight angle for the best and most efficient cut — but should the back be lower than front or vice versa?
By Nancy Schaffer
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Home Goods
By Nancy Schaffer
This particular type of tea set can potentially resell for thousands of dollars, depending on a few key factors — here’s what to look for when thrifting.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Edible Gardening
By Nancy Schaffer
Traditional tomato plant pairings are not the only option in the garden, especially when one flowering favorite offers more than visual appeal.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
A polarizing garden fad brought to life by a German potter in the late 1800s is back. The test is whether gardeners and H.O.A.s alike will embrace the trend.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Houseplants
By Nancy Schaffer
Succulents are low-maintenance, but their soil doesn’t last forever. Learn how often it should be replaced and what signs to watch for.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Gardening Hacks
By Nancy Schaffer
Bricks can be quite cheap, but there’s another garden edging material that can be practically free, and the result is functional as well as decorative.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Appliances
By Nancy Schaffer
Not every refrigerator brand is known for longevity, but what about Whirlpool? We’ve got the lowdown on how long this popular brand's fridges last.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Organization
By Nancy Schaffer
If you usually cram your hats into a drawer or a cubby in your closet, crushing them in the process, you need this nifty yet surprisingly simple storage idea.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Shopping
By Nancy Schaffer
Plenty of affordable garage gadgets end up forgotten in a junk drawer, but a handful of practical finds from Ace Hardware can actually earn permanent space.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Newly transplanted hostas need different kinds of care depending on the season, especially when it comes to encouraging healthy root development.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Not loving your current spice storage setup? There's a bathroom essential that can be better than drawers and shelves for holding your spices.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Edible Gardening
By Nancy Schaffer
Keep your lettuce and the soil around it happy, healthy, and thriving with this common companion plant that will feel right at home in your vegetable garden.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
There are many types of asters, all of which are lovely, but if you're looking for a plant for a container that provides fall blooms, check this one out.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Flowers
By Nancy Schaffer
If you are looking for a beautiful rose type to plant in your yard, we've got one. It's an award-winner and can be a shrub or a trellis climber.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Landscaping
By Nancy Schaffer
Lawn mower deck wheels may seem like a minor detail, but improper adjustment can affect both your lawn's appearance and overall mowing quality.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Repairs
By Nancy Schaffer
If your washing machine has been acting up, the culprit may be the drive belt. How can you tell when it’s time to replace yours? Here’s what you need to know.
By Nancy Schaffer
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Outdoor
By Nancy Schaffer
Extension cords come in a myriad of different colors and types. If you're curious what they mean, the answer might surprise you and help you avoid safety risks.
By Nancy Schaffer
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