April Achievements: Celebrating Our Home Improvement Superlatives

We know, we know – April feels like ages ago, but better late than never to celebrate our accomplishments! For those who’ve been wondering about our monthly recap, we’re thrilled to finally share our April Superlatives. Life gets busy, and sometimes organizing a blog post falls through the cracks, but the progress we made last month is definitely worth highlighting. Before May truly gets away from us, let’s take a delightful look back at all the exciting projects, personal milestones, and even a few never-before-seen moments that made April such a productive and memorable month. Presented in our much-loved yearbook style, these superlatives offer a fun, concise, and inspiring overview of our ongoing home improvement journey. You can explore all our past monthly roundups, stretching back to January 2011, right here – it’s a treasure trove of over a year’s worth of DIY adventures packed into just a handful of posts. But first, let’s kick things off with my latest obsession. Consider yourself warned!

Most Addicted: Embracing the Visual World of Instagram

This award unequivocally goes to me, for my newfound obsession with Instagram. It took us a little while to jump on the visual social media bandwagon, but now this intuitive iPhone app has become as integral to my daily routine as Pinterest is to Sherry’s. It’s truly transformed how I capture and share glimpses of our life and creative process. We invite you to follow our adventures (our username is, unsurprisingly, YoungHouseLove!) for a vibrant mix of random life snippets, candid behind-the-scenes peeks at our projects, beautiful things that catch our eye, spontaneous shopping finds, and, of course, an abundance of adorable photos of our children. For those who aren’t avid Instagrammers, don’t worry – we also make an effort to share most of our visual updates across our Twitter and Facebook channels, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the fun. It’s just another delightful way for us to over-share our journey with our incredible community!

Favorite New Hashtag: Celebrating Bathroom Privacy

Our favorite new hashtag is undoubtedly #nomoreeyecontactwithstrangerswhilepeeing. This gem was born after our own bathroom window frosting project inspired our wonderful reader, @kandisebrown, to tackle her own privacy dilemma. The initial challenge was a common one: a bathroom window that offered little discretion, leading to those awkward, unintentional moments of eye contact with neighbors or passersby. Our simple, cost-effective solution of applying window frosting transformed the space, providing much-needed privacy without sacrificing natural light. Kandise’s adoption of the project, coupled with her hilarious and perfectly descriptive hashtag, truly resonated with us and our community, highlighting a shared, relatable experience in home improvement. It’s a testament to how practical DIY solutions can spark joy and laughter!

Most Improved: The Master Bathroom Toilet Upgrade

The “Most Improved” award in April goes to the toilet situation in our master bathroom. Thanks to a little loo-switcheroo, we’ve completely transformed the functionality and aesthetics of this essential space. We happily waved goodbye to our old, squat, space-aged almond-colored toilet – a relic that felt both outdated and surprisingly uncomfortable. In its place, we installed a sleek, normal-height, classic white toilet, bringing a much-needed touch of modernity and comfort to the bathroom. The relief was immediate and immense! Beyond the personal upgrade, we were incredibly happy to find a new home for the old toilet. We managed to list it on Craigslist and arrange its purchase by a family in need, contributing to a more sustainable approach to home renovation. This wasn’t just a simple replacement; it was a win-win for everyone involved. We even received a heartwarming update from Habitat For Humanity, informing us that many of you, our incredibly generous readers, also made donations to that family, bringing them one significant step closer to their new home. Your kindness truly rocks!

Phat-est: Sherry’s Unexpected Encounter with Eminem

This superlative is reserved for Eminem, at least through the eyes of a 17-year-old Sherry during her unforgettable meeting with him as part of MTV’s Fanatic. For years, this iconic clip has been floating around YouTube, a source of endless amusement for us, though perhaps less so for Sherry. After a long period of playful denial, she finally owned up to the existence of the video, much to our delight and the internet’s continued enjoyment. Despite her acceptance, the mention of it still prompts her to cover her face in mock embarrassment, a charming and enduring reaction. It’s a fantastic, humorous peek into Sherry’s past, reminding us that even the most grounded home improvement experts have had their moments of teenage pop culture glory!

Biggest Succa: Our Thriving Succulent Garden

The title of “Biggest Succa” is lovingly bestowed upon our flourishing succulents (with the one on the left taking the crown for sheer size!). These resilient and stylish plants have brought so much life and greenery into our home. Sherry effortlessly planted them in a collection of elegant glass containers, creating a beautiful and low-maintenance display. We’re thrilled to report that they are not just surviving, but absolutely thriving, having grown significantly since their initial planting. Succulents are fantastic for adding a touch of nature indoors, requiring minimal fuss while offering maximum visual impact. Their robust growth is a testament to their easy-care nature, making them perfect for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and those new to gardening. We promise to share some updated photos of their impressive progress very soon!

Most Transitional: Seamless Kitchen Floor Transitions

Our “Most Transitional” award highlights the subtle yet significant improvements we made to our kitchen floors. This category focuses on the functional and aesthetic transitions that we meticulously installed in our kitchen. In many renovation projects, especially when integrating new flooring with existing sections, you encounter slight variations in height or material. These transitions are crucial for smoothing over the subtle drop between the newly laid floors and the older sections, ensuring a seamless and safe walking surface. Beyond preventing trip hazards, well-executed floor transitions create a polished and finished look, enhancing the overall appeal of the space. It’s a detail that might go unnoticed by many, but it dramatically contributes to the comfort and high-quality feel of our renovated kitchen.

Most Inspiring: A Tour of Richmond Homearama

Taking the prize for “Most Inspiring” was our enlightening visit to Richmond Homearama. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the latest home design trends and innovative architectural ideas. We had the pleasure of touring eight distinct houses, each one a showcase of unique styles, clever layouts, and exciting decor concepts. Every home we entered was brimming with fun and fresh ideas, from inventive storage solutions to stunning color palettes and creative material uses. The sheer volume of inspiration was overwhelming in the best possible way. We spent hours discussing our favorite features, what we could adapt for our own home, and which elements truly stood out. Even after all this time, we still haven’t managed to pick an absolute favorite, which speaks volumes about the incredible diversity and quality of the designs we encountered. It was a truly reinvigorating experience that fueled our creative engines!

Most Avant-Garde: Clara’s Artistic Fabric Design

Our own Clara earns the “Most Avant-Garde” distinction for her wonderfully abstract squiggles, which we magically transformed into a unique fabric design. Children’s art possesses an unparalleled charm and originality, and Clara’s creations are no exception. Her artistic expressions, which she proudly informed us “contained lots of worms,” were not just drawings but imaginative narratives brought to life. The idea of taking her innocent, uninhibited scribbles and turning them into a tangible, usable fabric was a deeply personal and heartwarming project. This endeavor celebrated her creativity in the most unique way, allowing her art to become a part of our home’s decor in a truly unexpected fashion. It’s a constant reminder of the joy and inspiration that can be found in the simplest, most authentic forms of artistic expression, especially from our little ones!

Most Helpful: Professional Landscaping Consultation

The “Most Helpful” award goes to the fantastic LivingSocial deal we seized for professional landscaping advice. Our outdoor spaces, while full of potential, often present unique challenges that can leave even seasoned DIYers feeling a bit overwhelmed. We had been “hemming and hawing” over our landscaping for far too long, unsure of where to start or how to effectively tackle the wilderness that our yard had become. This consultation was exactly the kick in the pants we needed! We received invaluable tips and actionable strategies from experienced professionals, covering everything from plant selection and placement to irrigation and overall garden design. More than just great advice, it gave us the confidence and direction to finally stop procrastinating and start doing something substantial outside. It proved that sometimes, a fresh perspective from an expert is precisely what’s needed to transform a daunting task into an exciting project.

Best Worn Out Face: The Fruits of Manual Labor

This award is proudly (and perhaps a little grimly) claimed by my own “worn out face,” a direct result of vigorous digging and gardening. April saw me tackling some serious garden renovation around the front of our house. My mission was to remove several bushes that were simply not thriving, making way for a fresh new planting scheme designed to boost our curb appeal. This involved considerable manual labor, digging out stubborn roots and preparing the beds for their new occupants. The goal was to introduce new, vibrant plants while carefully transplanting any existing survivors to better locations. The satisfaction of seeing the immediate transformation and knowing the hard work would pay off in a more beautiful exterior was well worth the tired muscles and the “worn out face” captured in this moment. It’s a true badge of honor for any DIY enthusiast!

Least Likely To Share Her Worn Out Face On The Blog: Sherry’s Brick Battle

And for “Least Likely To Share Her Worn Out Face On The Blog,” the prize goes to Sherry, who famously maintains her composure even during the most demanding tasks! While I was busy digging up bushes, Sherry was engaged in her own significant battle – meticulously digging up an abundance of old brick from our front planter bed. Her goal was to clear the area thoroughly so that it could finally, and properly, become a functional and beautiful planter bed. This task, often underestimated, is incredibly physical and requires immense patience and persistence. Despite the strenuous effort involved in wrestling out countless bricks, Sherry tackled the job with her characteristic determination, always striving for perfection. While she might try to play it cool, the effort behind such a transformation is undeniable, contributing significantly to our home’s improved curb appeal.

Narrowest: Transforming Our Front Walkway

The “Narrowest” superlative highlights a significant improvement to our home’s entrance: the transformation of our front walkway. Initially, the path leading to our front door was indeed quite narrow, feeling constricted and unwelcoming. This was largely due to an aggressive overgrowth of bushes that encroached from both sides, creating a literal gauntlet for anyone approaching our home. It wasn’t just an aesthetic issue; it was a practical barrier that made navigating the entrance cumbersome. Our initial step was to address this overgrown jungle. We systematically cleared out the offending bushes, immediately opening up the space and making the walkway feel much more inviting and accessible. This project was about much more than just curb appeal; it was about enhancing the functionality and welcoming nature of our home’s entryway. We’re excited about the progress so far, and hopefully, we’ll soon have an update for you about our efforts to successfully grow grass in this newly cleared area, further enhancing its appeal.

Most Problematic: Taming the Overgrown Patio

Our “Most Problematic” area in April was undoubtedly our patio, which had fallen victim to winter neglect and general overgrowth. Over the colder months, it had become an unruly space, cluttered with fallen leaves, encroaching weeds, and a general air of disarray. It was clear that a significant intervention was needed to reclaim this valuable outdoor living area. So, we embarked on a comprehensive patio overhaul. This involved a major clean-up effort – sweeping away debris, pulling countless weeds, and scrubbing down surfaces. Following the thorough clean, we added a bit of fresh planting, strategically placing new greenery to revitalize the space. This concerted effort finally got things under control again, transforming the patio from a neglected eyesore into an inviting and functional extension of our home. It’s a testament to how much impact a good spring clean and a touch of intentional planting can have on an outdoor space.

Most Likely To Be A Rockstar: Clara and Her Rock Box

This award for “Most Likely To Be A Rockstar” goes to our spirited Clara, primarily due to her rockstar-level enthusiasm for the rock box we built for her. Rainy days often bring a universal sense of gloom, but for Clara, “The Girl Obsessed With Rocks” (said with the dramatic conviction of “Katniss: The Girl Who Was On Fire”), they signify nothing short of the end of the world – because they interrupt her rock-collecting and playing sessions! We constructed this special box with the intention of providing an engaging outdoor play area, and it has far exceeded our expectations. Clara spends countless hours meticulously arranging, digging for, and playing with her beloved rocks, showcasing a fascinating dedication. It’s truly inspiring to witness her focused play and the immense joy she derives from such a simple, natural element.

Most Fleeting: The Sandbox Era

Our “Most Fleeting” moment is the brief, yet memorable, era of the rock box in its pre-rock days as a traditional sandbox. The original idea behind constructing the outdoor structure was to create a classic sandbox, providing a beloved space for imaginative play with sand. However, as often happens with children’s evolving interests, the allure of sand proved to be somewhat short-lived. Clara quickly developed a much stronger affinity for rocks, transforming the intended sandbox into her personal “rock box.” This swift transition highlights how adaptable and dynamic children’s play environments can be, and how quickly their fascinations can shift. While its life as a sandbox was brief, it paved the way for an even more beloved play area, perfectly tailored to Clara’s current passion.

Most Delayed: The Construction of Clara’s Play Box

The “Most Delayed” award goes to the actual building of the aforementioned sand/rock box. This project had stubbornly lingered on my to-do list for nearly a year, a constant reminder of unfulfilled intentions. Like many DIY enthusiasts, we often find ourselves with ambitious plans that take longer to execute than anticipated, or simply get pushed down the priority list by more immediate tasks. Finally dedicating the time and effort to construct this play area for Clara was incredibly satisfying. It reinforced the timeless adage: better late than never, right? The joy it brought Clara, regardless of its original purpose or the delay in its creation, made every moment of planning and construction worthwhile. It’s a great feeling to finally check off those long-standing projects!

Spring-iest: Our Refreshed Mantel Decor

Our “Spring-iest” feature of April was undoubtedly our mantel, which received a delightful seasonal refresh. Mantels are often the focal point of a room, offering a fantastic canvas for seasonal decoration and personal expression. Sherry masterfully remixed the mantel decor, bringing in a vibrant array of seasonal colors, fresh textures, and light-hearted accents that instantly brightened the living space. This refresh wasn’t just about new items; it was also an opportunity to take a nostalgic moment to look back on the mantel’s past incarnations, appreciating its evolution over time. By incorporating elements that evoke the freshness and vibrancy of spring, our mantel now radiates warmth and cheer, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season and inviting a sense of renewal into our home.

Least Straightforward: The Bathroom Fixture Upgrade Saga

The “Least Straightforward” project of April turned out to be the seemingly simple task of swapping out our bathroom light fixture. What began as a quick and easy upgrade quickly spiraled into a more involved renovation. Many DIYers can relate: you start with a small task, and before you know it, you’ve uncovered a much larger underlying issue. In our case, removing the old “boob light” fixture revealed a giant, unexpected hole in the drywall behind it. This transformed the project from a simple fixture swap into an impromptu “hey, let’s patch this giant hole of drywall” endeavor. It’s a classic example of the unpredictable nature of home improvement, where even the most minor changes can expose unforeseen challenges. However, tackling these unexpected issues head-on is part of the DIY journey, and the satisfaction of a beautifully installed new fixture, complete with perfectly patched drywall, makes it all worthwhile.

Class Artist: Sherry’s Personalized Bathroom Art

Sherry once again earns the title of “Class Artist” for her beautiful painting, which we proudly decided to hang in our bathroom to inject more color and personality into the space. Creating original art for your home is a fantastic way to personalize your surroundings and ensure your decor truly reflects your unique style. Sherry’s painting, completed a while back, had been awaiting its perfect spot. We realized its vibrant colors and engaging composition would be ideal for adding a much-needed pop of visual interest and warmth to our bathroom, a room often overlooked in terms of artistic expression. The addition of her artwork not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings a touch of her creative spirit into an everyday space, making it feel more inviting and thoughtfully designed.

Closest Shave: Our Bathroom Door Adjustment

The “Closest Shave” award goes to our bathroom door, which underwent a precise modification to improve its functionality. This seemingly minor adjustment had a surprisingly significant impact on the usability and comfort of our bathroom. We had a persistent issue where the door couldn’t open all the way due to interference with our floor grate, making the space feel cramped and preventing the proper placement of a much-needed bath mat. The solution was elegant in its simplicity: we carefully cut a small piece off the bottom edge of the door. This “closest shave” allowed the door to swing fully open, accommodating a comfortable bath mat and greatly enhancing the practicality and safety of the bathroom. It’s a prime example of how small, thoughtful DIY adjustments can dramatically improve daily living.

Weirdest: Sherry’s Bold ORB Transformation

This superlative, “Weirdest,” is affectionately dedicated to Sherry, for her willingness to buck conventional logic and embrace a bold DIY experiment with Oil-Rubbed Bronze (ORB). Her decision to “get down with her bad self and some ORB” stemmed from a delightful sense of adventurousness and a “nothing to lose” attitude. This project truly showcased her unique approach to home decor and her confidence in trying unconventional methods to achieve a desired aesthetic. On a personal note, about three dates into our relationship, Sherry playfully warned me that she had been unanimously voted “weirdest family member” by her dad, brother, half-brother, and stepmom during her teenage years. I’m incredibly glad to see she’s still proudly upholding that title, continually bringing her distinctive creativity and personality to everything she does, including our home projects. It’s this “weirdness” that makes her, and our home, so wonderfully unique!

Most Likely To Get Replaced: Our Fickle HP Printer

Our HP printer earns the “Most Likely To Get Replaced” superlative in April, following a recent update on the longevity of some of our purchases. This piece of tech has been giving us a fair share of headaches, performing inconsistently and often falling short of our expectations. In the world of home offices and creative projects, a reliable printer is non-negotiable. Our post detailing its issues garnered a fantastic response from our community, with many generous readers offering a wealth of recommendations for better, more dependable options. We’re actively evaluating these suggestions and doing our research. If we can’t get to the bottom of its persistent issues and restore its reliability soon, this HP printer might very well be getting the boot in favor of a more efficient and user-friendly model. The search for the perfect printer continues!

Most Likely To Induce A Whale Obsession: The Richmond Craft Mafia Show

This delightful award for “Most Likely To Induce A Whale Obsession” stems from our inspiring visit to the Richmond Craft Mafia’s Spring Bada-Bing show. This vibrant event is always a highlight, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of local artisans. As we explored the myriad of unique crafts and artworks, we found ourselves particularly captivated by a recurring theme: whales! More than one exquisite piece of whale art caught our eye, drawing us into a delightful, unexpected fascination. Beyond the charming cetaceans, the show featured an eclectic mix of creations, from whimsical alligators and ostriches to adorable birds, humorous bacon-themed art, trendy cactus designs, and even intriguing zombie-inspired pieces. It was a truly stimulating experience, demonstrating the endless possibilities of artistic expression and reminding us of the joy of discovering unexpected passions, like, perhaps, a burgeoning whale obsession!

Longest: Our Ever-Evolving To-Do List

The “Longest” superlative, much to our ongoing effort and occasional exasperation, goes to our updated to-do list. While we’re proud to admit it’s not quite as dauntingly long as it once was, it remains sufficiently comprehensive to keep us incredibly busy. In the world of homeownership and continuous improvement, the to-do list is an ever-present companion. Every completed project often sparks ideas for two new ones, leading to a dynamic and constantly evolving roster of tasks. This list, affectionately dubbed “Listy McListerson,” represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing our home, tackling new challenges, and continually bringing our creative visions to life. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities and fulfilling work that goes into making a house truly a home, always ensuring there’s something exciting on the horizon.

Most Unintentionally Naughty-Sounding Post Title: “You Down with O-R-G”

Finally, the award for “Most Unintentionally Naughty-Sounding Post Title” is humorously given to this memorable entry: “You Down with O-R-G.” This title, intended to kick off a week of posts about our organizational efforts, certainly raised a few eyebrows and caused some amusing confusion! The playful reference to Naughty By Nature’s “O.P.P.” was a deliberate choice, as Sherry genuinely liked how “O-R-G” rhymed. However, when some readers misread it as having a ‘Y’ at the end, the connotation shifted entirely, suggesting a very different (and far more risqué) way to start a week of home improvement content! Sherry, ever the one for clever wordplay, assures us it was purely a nod to the catchy rhyme and her affection for Oil-Rubbed Bronze (ORB), demonstrating her unique blend of humor and home decor passion. It was a good laugh for everyone, and a reminder that sometimes, the best intentions can lead to the most unexpected interpretations!

Your April Achievements: Share Your Superlatives!

Now that we’ve shared our collection of April achievements and humorous reflections, we’re eager to hear from you! What exciting projects did you tackle in April? Did you embark on any spring organizing endeavors that brought a sense of calm and order to your home? Perhaps you, like Sherry, stumbled upon some hilarious “vintage” footage of your 17-year-old self, leading to much laughter and fond reminiscences. Or maybe you simply took a moment to compile a list of your accomplishments, reflecting on how far you’ve come. We firmly believe in the power of looking back and celebrating progress. It’s incredibly motivating to pause, even for a second, from constantly adding new items to the never-ending to-do list and truly appreciate all the things you’ve already checked off. This practice isn’t just about self-congratulation; it genuinely helps us maintain our momentum and enthusiasm for future undertakings, especially as we gear up for bigger projects like renovating the deck and planning Clara’s big second birthday party this weekend! Please feel free to use the comment section below this post to list what you’ve done, share a few highlights, or even bestow your own “yearbook superlatives” on your April accomplishments. Let’s inspire each other with our creativity and hard work!