As the long Labor Day weekend ushers in the unofficial close of summer and the final days of August, we find ourselves reflecting on a month brimming with creative energy, home improvement triumphs, and cherished memories. While it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to the warmth and light of summer, taking a moment to appreciate our journey and accomplishments helps maintain the incredible momentum we’ve built. These monthly roundups are not just personal journals; they are invaluable resources for you, our dedicated readers, making it infinitely easier to explore our archives. Imagine delving into years of DIY inspiration, home decor tips, and renovation stories, with posts neatly organized for your browsing pleasure. You can journey back to January of 2011 through just 19 curated posts, a much more digestible experience than sifting through 665 individual articles! This August was particularly vibrant, filled with significant projects, exciting discoveries, and plenty of lessons learned. Join us as we revisit the highlights of a month that truly captured the essence of home, creativity, and community. Plus, keep an eye out for a special hint about Monday’s exciting giveaway; feel free to start guessing what delightful surprise awaits!
Most Redeemed: This August, I surprisingly earned the title of ‘Most Redeemed,’ finding a moment of personal vindication after Sherry’s minor mishap with a lamp. My own history with accidental breakages around the house – a certain ceramic dog, unfortunately, comes to mind – has often left me feeling like the resident klutz. However, when Sherry had her own unexpected encounter with a falling lamp, it created a humorous, shared experience that made my past blunders feel a little less isolated. It was a lighthearted reminder that in the world of DIY and daily life, accidents can happen to anyone, offering a brief, comical respite from my self-assigned title of ‘chief breaker.’ This moment of collective human clumsiness highlighted the relatable side of home life, demonstrating that even with the best intentions, things occasionally go astray, providing a much-needed dose of empathy and humor in our ongoing home projects. It’s a comforting thought that even the most careful among us can have their clumsy moments, making our journey feel more authentic and less about achieving flawless perfection.
Mood-iest: Our ‘Mood-iest’ achievement this month was undoubtedly Sherry’s meticulously crafted mood board, a critical first step in envisioning the aesthetic and functionality of our new deck. This wasn’t merely a collection of inspiring images; it was a strategic exercise in planning precisely what elements, from furnishings to decor, would adorn our outdoor living space. Sherry painstakingly selected various textures, color palettes, and potential furniture pieces, laying the groundwork for a cohesive and inviting environment. This process allowed us to explore different styles and ensure every component aligned with our vision for a relaxed yet stylish outdoor retreat. While the deck still requires some finishing touches, this foundational mood board provided invaluable direction, ensuring we started off on the right foot and that every subsequent decision contributed to a harmonious and beautiful design. It’s an essential part of our design process, preventing impulse buys and ensuring the final result truly reflects our desired atmosphere and comfort level.
Freshest: August brought us to the threshold of ‘Freshest’ finds as we embarked on an exciting pilgrimage to Ikea, eager to explore their brand-new offerings for the 2013 catalog. This annual ritual of discovering innovative and affordable home furnishings is always a highlight, and this year was no exception. We spent a delightful afternoon window-shopping, marveling at the clever designs and practical solutions Ikea consistently delivers. Based on the outpouring of comments from our readers, it became clear we weren’t alone in our admiration for their latest collection of chairs; there was a collective drooling over the fresh designs! The sheer variety and modern aesthetics of their new seating options sparked numerous ideas for future home updates and decor refreshes. It’s always inspiring to see how new trends and functional pieces can elevate a space without breaking the bank, reminding us that good design can be accessible to everyone. Just be sure to wipe down those seats before you settle in, as they’ve likely captured the widespread enthusiasm of many fellow shoppers!
Most Painful: Our journey through August was not without its bumps, and the ‘Most Painful’ memory goes to the unfortunate fall I took while diligently working on installing the deck boards. It was a stark reminder that even seemingly straightforward DIY projects can carry their own risks. The incident resulted in some rather significant marks across my back and inner thigh, a direct consequence of an awkward smack against some exposed joists. While the initial pain and bruising were quite unpleasant, I’m relieved to report that those unsightly marks have since faded, leaving behind only the memory of a hard-earned lesson in caution. This experience certainly underscored the importance of safety and awareness when tackling construction tasks, no matter how confident one might feel. Despite the temporary discomfort, it didn’t deter my spirit to complete the deck, adding another layer of personal investment to the finished outdoor space. It’s a testament to the fact that every DIY project, big or small, comes with its own set of challenges, some more physically demanding than others, but the satisfaction of completion always outweighs the temporary setbacks.
Least Musical: August also revealed Sherry’s ‘Least Musical’ side, much to our collective amusement (and perhaps a little embarrassment!). In a creative attempt to introduce a post about framing art around our house, Sherry decided to infuse it with a musical twist by singing a rendition of The Brady Bunch theme song. While her enthusiasm was admirable, her vocal stylings left a little to be desired, transforming the catchy tune into a rather butchered, albeit memorable, performance. We can only hope that none of the original Brady family members happen to stumble upon our blog, or we might have some explaining to do! This lighthearted moment, however, added a unique and personal touch to the post, proving that even a less-than-perfect musical interlude can make a piece of content stand out. It’s a testament to our philosophy that home and life are full of imperfections, and embracing them often leads to the most genuine and enjoyable experiences, even if it means sacrificing a little vocal harmony for the sake of fun.
Most Blushy: We experienced our ‘Most Blushy’ moment of the month when we were absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support and excitement from our readers. This heartwarming response came after we officially announced that our upcoming book was available for pre-order, and we shared a delightful behind-the-scenes anecdote about the cover design process. The sheer volume of positive feedback, kind words, and early pre-orders truly left us speechless and filled with immense gratitude. It’s incredibly humbling to see such enthusiasm for a project we’ve poured our hearts into, and your collective excitement serves as powerful motivation as we continue to finalize all the details. We are so incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and are bursting with anticipation to share even more exciting updates about the book very soon. Knowing that our work resonates so deeply with so many of you makes every late night and every challenge worthwhile, confirming that we’re on the right track and truly connected with our amazing community.
Most Organized: This month brought a significant upgrade to my side of the closet, earning it the title of ‘Most Organized.’ Sherry, ever the thoughtful and practical organizer, decided to enhance my storage solutions, transforming a previously somewhat chaotic space. She transitioned my belongings from a collection of a few woven baskets to a sleek and efficient system of white bins from Ikea. This seemingly simple change made a dramatic difference, creating a much tidier and more functional closet. The uniformity and clean lines of the new bins not only improved the aesthetic appeal of the space but also made it far easier to keep everything neatly categorized and accessible. It’s a testament to how small, strategic organizational upgrades can have a profound impact on daily routines and overall household efficiency. This thoughtful improvement showcases Sherry’s keen eye for design and her dedication to creating organized, serene spaces throughout our home, proving that even a closet can be a source of calm and order.
Most Athletic: August saw many of you demonstrating your ‘Most Athletic’ side, a revelation that truly excited me! In a recent post where I delved into my personal reasons for being a runner, I was thrilled to witness an incredible outpouring of comments from our community. So many of you generously shared your own running journeys, whether you’re casual joggers enjoying a weekend stroll or dedicated athletes tackling marathons. It was genuinely inspiring to see such a diverse group of individuals embracing the joy and challenge of running. This shared passion highlighted the vibrant and active spirit within our readership, creating a wonderful sense of camaraderie. It’s always rewarding when a personal reflection sparks such an engaging and positive conversation, connecting us through shared experiences and motivations. Your enthusiasm reinforces the idea that an active lifestyle is not only beneficial but also incredibly unifying, building a community around health, perseverance, and the simple pleasure of putting one foot in front of the other.
Most Fun You Can Have With A Circular Saw: The ‘Most Fun You Can Have With A Circular Saw’ award undoubtedly goes to the satisfying process of finally completing the installation of our deck boards. There’s a unique, almost therapeutic pleasure in wielding a powerful tool like a circular saw to meticulously cut through lumber, especially when each precise cut brings you closer to the finish line of a major project. This stage of the deck construction was particularly gratifying; knowing that every board I cut and secured meant I was one step closer to declaring the deck officially ‘done-zo’ filled me with a sense of accomplishment. The rhythmic whir of the saw, the scent of fresh sawdust, and the visible progress all contributed to an exhilarating experience. It’s these moments of tangible creation, of seeing a vision transform into a functional and beautiful reality, that make the hard work of DIY so incredibly rewarding. The culmination of weeks of effort was embodied in those final cuts, solidifying the realization of our outdoor living dream.
Comfiest: August also saw a significant upgrade in our kitchen’s comfort factor, earning our new acquisition the title of ‘Comfiest.’ We managed to snag this fantastic new chair specifically for that cozy corner in our kitchen, and it has been an absolute game-changer. It proudly replaces the old, too-small chair that had been a placeholder since we first moved in, a piece that never quite fit the space or offered the comfort we desired. This new addition not only visually anchors the corner but also provides a wonderfully comfortable spot for quick breakfasts, coffee breaks, or simply a moment of repose. The transformation is remarkable; it’s astonishing how a single piece of furniture can so dramatically enhance both the functionality and the inviting atmosphere of a room. This comfortable chair has quickly become a beloved feature, proving that even small design updates can yield substantial improvements in daily comfort and overall home enjoyment, making our kitchen even more of a central hub for relaxation and casual gathering.
Longest: This month, our house to-do list proudly (or perhaps dauntingly) earned the title of ‘Longest’ as we presented an updated version to all of you. It’s always a fascinating exercise to review just how much has been accomplished, but also a sober reminder of the myriad projects still awaiting our attention. While we’ve definitely managed to cross off a good number of tasks, signaling steady progress on our home improvement journey, the list still boasts a substantial number of items yet to be tackled. A prime example is the third bedroom, which currently looks considerably more chaotic than the serene image you might imagine. This room has temporarily transformed into a bustling hub for secret book projects, carefully stored away for a charity auction slated for this fall. It’s a testament to the ongoing nature of homeownership and our continuous pursuit of making our house truly our own, always balancing current projects with future aspirations and charitable endeavors. The ever-evolving nature of our home projects ensures there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon.
Most Improved: The ‘Most Improved’ award for August goes to the mirror situation in our kitchen, a subtle yet impactful transformation that significantly enhanced the space. We often don’t realize how much a small design element affects a room until it’s changed. In our case, the existing mirror in the kitchen had always felt a bit undersized, appearing somewhat dwarfed by its surroundings. This month, we remedied that by replacing it with a larger, spare mirror from our guest bedroom. The difference was immediate and dramatic. The bigger mirror instantly made the kitchen feel more expansive and open, reflecting more light and creating a greater sense of depth. It’s a wonderful example of how a simple swap, utilizing an item we already owned, can lead to such a noticeable improvement in both aesthetics and perceived spaciousness. This smart repurposing not only saved us money but also proved that thoughtful design doesn’t always require grand gestures, but often clever adjustments.
Best Deal: This month, we stumbled upon what we’re calling the ‘Best Deal’ – an incredible find that truly exemplifies the thrill of smart shopping. We managed to score a gorgeous outdoor lantern, originally priced at a hefty $295, for an astonishingly low $19! This budget-friendly treasure was immediately put to good use, proudly hanging in our carport. It replaced our previous light fixture, which had long felt too tiny and inadequate for the space. The new lantern not only provides much better illumination but also adds a significant dose of style and curb appeal to an often-overlooked area of our home. It’s moments like these, discovering high-quality items at an incredible discount, that make our DIY and decorating adventures so rewarding. This fantastic bargain proves that with a little patience and a keen eye, you can dramatically upgrade your home’s aesthetics without breaking the bank, transforming functional spaces into stylish statements.
Most Likely To Get Vertigo: This distinction goes to anyone with a fear of heights, particularly my sweet wife, who bravely (or perhaps reluctantly) crossed the impressive High Bridge Trail near Farmville, VA. The expansive views from the bridge are breathtaking, but for those prone to vertigo, the sheer height can be a bit unsettling. However, her courageous effort was well rewarded! She felt considerably better and back on solid ground once we made our way to the immense furniture outlet conveniently located nearby. This retail therapy proved to be the perfect antidote to her earlier discomfort, allowing her to immerse herself in the joy of discovery amidst countless home decor treasures. This adventure perfectly blended a moment of overcoming personal challenge with the fun of exploration and shopping, creating a memorable day trip that showcased both Virginia’s natural beauty and its fantastic shopping opportunities, a true testament to the diverse experiences our home improvement journey sometimes entails.
Most Fascinating: Our ‘Most Fascinating’ discovery of August came while creating a new DIY light fixture for our kitchen. We learned the incredibly intriguing origin of the basket we repurposed for this project. It turns out these unique baskets are traditionally used to catch fish! This unexpected bit of cultural insight added a rich layer of history and utility to our modern home decor. It’s truly amazing how everyday objects from different cultures can be reimagined and given a new life in a contemporary setting. To truly appreciate its original purpose, we highly recommend checking out this Flickr photo, which vividly illustrates the basket in action as a fishing tool. This DIY project not only resulted in a beautiful and unique light fixture but also broadened our understanding of craftsmanship and tradition, proving that some of the most inspiring design elements have stories far beyond their immediate appearance, adding character and conversation to any room.
Most Egg-sessive: Sherry definitely earned the title of ‘Most Egg-sessive’ this month, particularly when it comes to her undeniable fondness for egg chairs! Her passion for these iconic, uniquely shaped pieces of furniture reached new heights, inspiring a delightful post dedicated to an ‘egg-tastic’ update. This included not just full-sized versions but even miniature egg chairs for Clara’s dollhouse! It seems her philosophy is to start cultivating an appreciation for good design early. This playful obsession highlights how personal preferences and quirky passions can infuse so much character into a home, from the largest furniture pieces to the tiniest details in a child’s toy. Sherry’s egg chair enthusiasm is infectious, reminding us that decorating should always be fun and reflective of individual personalities, and that sometimes, a little “egg-sessiveness” is just what’s needed to create truly memorable and charming spaces, inspiring future generations of design lovers.
Most Versatile: Our ‘Most Versatile’ accolade for August goes to an incredibly simple yet highly impactful element: a charming bunch of $5 tulips. Sherry truly showcased her creative ingenuity by reimagining these budget-friendly blooms a trio of times, demonstrating just how much mileage you can get from a single floral purchase. She skillfully styled them in three distinct ways, proving that even the most inexpensive flowers can serve as a powerful decorative tool, adapting beautifully to different vases, lighting, and room aesthetics. This clever exercise highlighted the transformative power of fresh flowers in home decor and offered fantastic inspiration for maximizing a small investment. It’s a wonderful reminder that you don’t need elaborate arrangements or expensive bouquets to bring beauty and freshness into your home; sometimes, it’s about the creativity and intention behind the styling that makes all the difference, allowing a single bunch of tulips to tell multiple design stories and brighten various corners of the house with minimal effort.
The “Goliath” Award: This month, the “Goliath” Award is proudly bestowed upon our finally completed deck, a colossal project that I, as the designated “David,” have spent ten sun-drenched, sawdust-filled weeks wrestling into submission. The sheer scale and complexity of building this deck from scratch presented numerous challenges, requiring countless hours of planning, constructing, and figuring things out on the fly. There were moments of frustration, certainly, but also immense satisfaction as each piece fell into place. Unlike the biblical tale, however, this Goliath and I have grown quite friendly; the finished deck is a beautiful and functional space that makes all the hard work worthwhile. It stands as a testament to perseverance, problem-solving, and the rewarding feeling of seeing a large-scale vision come to life through your own efforts. This deck isn’t just an addition to our home; it’s a monument to determination and the joy of creating an incredible outdoor living area that we’ll cherish for years to come.
Most Well Traveled: While we might not have been globe-trotting this August, we certainly earned the title of ‘Most Well Traveled’ in the realm of Richmond’s thriving thrift store scene. Our passion for discovering unique, budget-friendly treasures led us on an epic six-store tour of the River City’s thriftiest spots. From hidden gems to sprawling second-hand emporiums, we scoured every aisle, each stop a new adventure in sustainable shopping and creative repurposing. This recap of our thrifting marathon not only highlighted some fantastic finds but also served as a valuable guide for anyone looking to explore Richmond’s vintage and resale market. It’s a testament to the idea that some of the best home decor and fashion pieces can be found not in big box stores, but through patient searching and a keen eye for potential. Our well-traveled journey through these thrift stores proved that embracing pre-loved items is not only kind to the wallet but also to the planet, making every unique find a truly rewarding experience, full of character and stories.
Most Moroccan: Our ‘Most Moroccan’ find of the month was this cool little side table, a true stand-out piece we happily discovered during one of our thrifting excursions. Its intricate details and distinctive North African aesthetic immediately caught our eye, adding a touch of exotic charm to our collection of unique home decor. We were particularly delighted by the enthusiastic response from our readers, who shared a wealth of creative ideas for how they would style or repurpose this delightful piece. From suggestions of bold paint colors to incorporating it into a bohemian-inspired nook, the diverse range of ideas underscored its versatility and universal appeal. This Moroccan-inspired side table isn’t just a functional piece of furniture; it’s a conversation starter, bringing a sense of global flair and artisan craftsmanship into our home. It’s a wonderful example of how finding unique, character-filled items can spark immense creativity and engage a community in imaginative design discussions, proving that the best decor often carries a story and a distinctive cultural touch.
Wordiest: While we could probably claim the ‘Wordiest’ award for almost every post we publish, this month it goes to Sherry’s ingenious ‘text-y art hack’ on the painting in our dining room. This creative project involved transforming a seemingly ordinary piece of art into a personalized, word-filled statement piece. Sherry demonstrated how thoughtful text and graphic design elements can be integrated into existing art to create something entirely new and unique, reflecting personal style and injecting a playful, intellectual touch into a space. This innovative approach to art decor proved that you don’t always need to buy new pieces to refresh your walls; sometimes, a clever intervention can breathe new life into what you already own. The resulting artwork is not only visually striking but also carries a deeper, more personal meaning, making it a true focal point in our dining room and an excellent example of how to make your home decor truly speak to who you are, quite literally with words.
Most Delayed Gratification: Our ‘Most Delayed Gratification’ moment this month involved the careful application of teak oil to our new deck chairs and a protective poly finish to our outdoor table. This wasn’t a project that yielded immediate, dramatic results; instead, it was an investment in the longevity and durability of our outdoor furniture. The process involved a considerable amount of rubbing and waiting, with the visual impact appearing subtle at first glance. However, we know that these preventative measures are crucial for protecting our pieces from the harsh elements, preventing damage and extending their lifespan significantly. While it might have felt like a lot of effort for seemingly little immediate reward, we firmly believe this upfront work will translate into less maintenance and replacement costs down the line. It’s a testament to the importance of proactive care in homeownership and the understanding that some of the most valuable efforts are those that pay off slowly but surely, ensuring our beautiful deck furniture remains pristine for many seasons to come.
Most Likely To Include A Gratuitous Burger Shot: This charmingly specific award goes to a little mantra we shared in a post discussing our creative process: “how we decide what to post about.” In a lighthearted nod to our beloved dog, Burger, and our casual approach to life, we managed to weave in a delightful, and entirely gratuitous, shot of him alongside our discussion on content creation. It’s a subtle yet effective way to inject personality and authenticity into our blog, demonstrating that even behind the scenes of planning, there’s always room for humor and the cherished presence of our furry family member. This moment perfectly encapsulates our blog’s spirit: a blend of practical home advice, personal anecdotes, and genuine moments of joy. It’s a reminder that blogging isn’t just about the projects; it’s about sharing our lives, and sometimes that includes a candid, adorable snapshot of our dog, making our content relatable and endearing to our loyal readers, proving that even a simple image can convey so much about our family life.
Future Fashionista: Our adorable daughter, Clara, undeniably earned the title of ‘Future Fashionista’ this month, showcasing her burgeoning sense of style and independence. Her insistence on bringing her purse to Home Depot, of all places, was a particularly charming and telling moment. It’s these small gestures that highlight her blossoming personality and an early appreciation for accessories! In a related post, we candidly “spilled the beans” on where and how we approach buying clothes for our little lady. We discussed our strategies for finding practical, stylish, and durable outfits that suit both our budget and Clara’s active lifestyle. This peek into our approach to kids’ clothing resonated with many parents, offering insights into balancing cuteness with functionality and cost-effectiveness. Clara’s confident fashion choices, even at such a young age, remind us that personal style starts early, and fostering that creativity is just another wonderful aspect of family life and growing up.
Most Chillaxed: Our beloved canine companion, Burger, effortlessly claimed the title of ‘Most Chillaxed’ this month, immediately putting our freshly furnished deck to the ultimate test. As soon as the new outdoor furniture was in place, Burger wasted no time in exploring and approving several prime relaxation spots. Whether it was basking in the sun on a lounge chair or napping comfortably under the shade, he thoroughly embraced the tranquil new additions to our outdoor living space. His immediate endorsement served as the perfect seal of approval for our design choices, confirming that the deck is not just aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly comfortable and inviting for all members of our family, including the four-legged ones. Burger’s serene presence reminds us that the purpose of creating beautiful home spaces is ultimately for enjoyment and relaxation, and sometimes, the best reviews come from those who simply curl up and unwind, perfectly embodying the chill vibe we aimed to achieve.
Most Likely To Result In Underwear Chatter: This rather unique award goes to a particular post detailing how Sherry whipped up a “so so shiny hoop” for our little one. Leave it to Sherry to ingeniously (and hilariously) find a way to bring ‘underwear chatter’ into a crafting project! The post, which celebrated a simple yet creative DIY for Clara, took an unexpected turn into lighthearted family banter about, well, undergarments. This candid and humorous digression is a perfect example of our blog’s authentic voice, showcasing the everyday quirks and endearing conversational tangents that make up our family life. It’s moments like these that foster a true connection with our readers, reminding everyone that while we share home improvement tips and design inspiration, we also embrace the messy, funny, and utterly relatable aspects of life with a young child. This post proved that even the simplest craft can lead to the most memorable and amusing stories, reinforcing the joy in sharing not just the projects, but the genuine human experience behind them.
Most Cryptic: And finally, for our ‘Most Cryptic’ moment of August, we presented a challenging visual hint designed to spark your guessing prowess for Monday’s exciting giveaway. This image was carefully curated to contain three distinct clues, subtly woven into its composition, prompting keen observation and clever deduction from our astute readers. We love engaging our community with these little puzzles, adding an element of fun and anticipation to our regular content. The mystery behind the giveaway hint generates lively discussions and creative theories, building excitement for what’s to come. It’s a wonderful way to interact and connect, transforming a simple announcement into an engaging communal brain-teaser. So, take another close look at the image, ponder the possibilities, and let your imagination run wild – the answer holds a delightful surprise that we can’t wait to reveal!
As we wrap up this comprehensive review of our August adventures, we’re curious: how did the month unfold for you? Did you tackle any significant home improvement projects, finally crossing off those long-standing items from your to-do list? Perhaps you embarked on particularly fruitful shopping trips, unearthing hidden gems and stylish bargains to enhance your living spaces. Or, did you simply embrace the last precious weeks of summer, savoring every moment before the bustling back-to-school season kicked into full gear? For us, the thought of our little one heading off to preschool for two mornings a week in just a few short weeks brings a mix of excitement and a touch of sentimental sniffles. It’s a poignant reminder of how quickly time flies and how every month brings new milestones, challenges, and joys in the ongoing journey of home and family. We eagerly await your stories and reflections, as your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope ours inspire you. Share your August highlights and join the conversation as we look forward to the adventures that September will undoubtedly bring!