Please excuse our slight delay in posting this morning; two out of our three household members have been battling the flu. What a month!
For those eagerly awaiting our February Superlatives, the wait is finally over! We were enjoying a much-needed retreat in Hawaii during the week they were originally scheduled, so we’re thrilled to bring you this retrospective now. And truthfully, we are incredibly relieved that February is behind us. Not the part where we were luxuriating oceanside in glorious 80-degree weather, of course, but the three-week whirlwind of a secret book project, intense photoshoots, and non-stop kitchen renovation progress that left our heads spinning. Surviving that period of creative chaos and relentless work, all while preparing for a significant presentation in Portland, truly called for a moment of reflection.
As we navigate the exciting, albeit demanding, journey of home improvement and family life, taking a moment to appreciate our accomplishments is crucial. So, in our signature yearbook superlative style, we’re looking back at the incredible progress and memorable moments packed into those 29 days. We’ve even unearthed some never-before-seen glimpses into our projects for an extra treat. If you enjoy this look back, you can explore all our monthly superlatives, chronicling our home transformations and adventures since January 2011, right here. It’s a fantastic way to see a year’s worth of dedicated projects summarized in just 12 engaging posts!
February Superlatives: Celebrating a Month of DIY Triumphs, Design Progress, and Unforgettable Memories
Most Hooked Up: Clara’s Charming Coat Hook Addition
This superlative goes to our daughter, Clara, for earning a dedicated and adorable spot to hang her coat. In a brilliant move that exemplified creative repurposing, Sherry tackled this as part of our ongoing “Dude Get On That Already” challenge. She ingeniously transformed an old, forgotten brown rail hook by giving it a fresh coat of crisp white spray paint. This small but mighty DIY project not only added practical organization to our entryway but also infused a touch of personalized charm. It’s a testament to how minor updates can make a significant impact on both functionality and aesthetic appeal in any home, especially in busy family spaces.
Brightest: The Radiant Horse Bookends Transformation
Our beloved horse bookends certainly claimed the “Brightest” title this February, all thanks to a dazzling yellow spray paint treatment. This vibrant makeover was, you guessed it, another successful conquest from our “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge list! What were once understated, perhaps even overlooked, decorative pieces were instantly elevated into cheerful, eye-catching accents. This project perfectly illustrates the power of a simple, budget-friendly spray paint update to completely revitalize home decor items. The bold yellow now adds a playful pop of color, injecting energy and personality into our living space, proving that sometimes the brightest ideas come from the simplest solutions.
Best Cover Up: Our Ceiling’s Seamless Revival
Earning the coveted “Best Cover Up” award, we proudly present the meticulous patch job we performed on the holes in our ceiling. These unsightly gaps were remnants from our old fluorescent light fixtures, and frankly, they were an eyesore that demanded attention. While “Best” might be a strong word given the messy reality – a process that involved more than a few globs of spackle raining down on Sherry (which, yes, we even captured on video for your amusement and our documentation!) – the end result was truly transformative. This essential home repair significantly enhanced the overall aesthetic of the room, preparing it for the next phase of our renovation and showcasing that even the most daunting repairs can yield satisfying results.
Best Cover Up (Runner Up): The Custom Range Hood Enclosure
Taking the “Runner Up” spot for Best Cover Up is the custom cover I meticulously built to conceal our rather utilitarian range hood. It’s quite amusing to look back at the initial stages of this project, seeing the raw, unpainted structure taking shape. The challenge was to integrate a functional appliance seamlessly into our kitchen’s aesthetic, transforming it from a noticeable fixture into a refined, built-in element. This DIY range hood cover not only provides a cleaner, more streamlined look but also allowed us to tailor the design perfectly to our kitchen’s style. It’s a true testament to how custom carpentry can elevate a space, making it feel more intentional and cohesive.
Best Supporting Role: Our Dependable Open Shelf Brackets
The “Best Supporting Role” award undoubtedly goes to the sturdy brackets we selected to ensure our open shelves remain securely affixed to the wall. We know the “to bracket or not to bracket” debate is a classic in the world of kitchen design and home decor, and it’s a topic that often sparks passionate discussions. While some prefer a floating aesthetic, we firmly believe in the practical strength and visual interest our chosen brackets provide. They not only offer essential structural support for our heavily-used shelves but also contribute a touch of industrial charm that complements our overall kitchen style. We couldn’t be happier with our decision; they are truly the unsung heroes of our kitchen’s new look.
Most Open Minded: Embracing Open Shelving in the Kitchen
This superlative fittingly describes us, the moment we finally saw our open shelves majestically hung in the kitchen. After much deliberation and planning, the transformation was instantaneous – it was pretty much love at first sight! This bold design choice represented a significant shift in our kitchen aesthetic, moving away from traditional closed cabinetry to a more airy and accessible display. The open shelves not only visually expanded the space but also injected a modern, curated feel into the heart of our home. It was a leap of faith that paid off beautifully, proving that sometimes, being “open-minded” about design can lead to truly inspiring results.
Most Improved: The Art of Styling Our Open Shelves
Our open shelves truly achieved “Most Improved” status once they were actually filled with a thoughtfully curated collection of dishes, elegant glasses, versatile serving bowls, and a scattering of decorative items. This crucial step moved them from mere structures to functional and beautiful focal points in our kitchen design. Unloading the dishwasher has never been quicker or more intuitive, thanks to the easy accessibility these shelves offer. The verdict so far on living with open shelving is overwhelmingly positive: we are absolutely enamored with them! They’ve not only streamlined our daily routines but also provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase cherished kitchenware and personalize our culinary space.
Biggest Quack: The Grand Debut of Our Wooden Goose
This lighthearted superlative goes to the charming wooden goose that finally found its rightful place next to our front door. This piece had been patiently waiting for its moment to shine, and February was its month! Hanging this whimsical decor item wasn’t just about filling a blank wall; it added a playful and welcoming touch to our entryway, setting a cheerful tone for anyone who steps through our door. It’s a small detail, but one that instantly infused personality and a touch of rustic charm, turning a simple transition space into an area with character and warmth.
The Close Call Award: Crown Molding’s Dramatic Return
The “Close Call Award” is aptly bestowed upon the nail-biting process of re-installing the crown molding in our kitchen. This project brought us to the very brink of disaster when we nearly exhausted our limited supply of existing molding scraps. Running out would have meant a complete redoing of the entire room’s molding, not just patching the missing sections, which would have been a significant setback both in terms of time and budget. The sheer relief upon successfully completing this intricate task was immense! It underscored the importance of careful planning and precise measurements in DIY projects, and the satisfaction of overcoming such a challenge truly made this a memorable “close call” moment in our renovation journey.
Biggest Splash: The Vibrant Swimmer Art Installation
Taking home the “Biggest Splash” award is the striking new art piece we hung in our kitchen. Featuring a dynamically posed, very colorful swimmer, this artwork immediately became a focal point. What’s even more delightful is the imaginative element it sparked: both our daughter Clara and several of our observant readers have pointed out the imaginary fish they “see” swimming alongside her! This artwork transcends mere decoration; it infuses our kitchen with energy, movement, and a playful narrative. It demonstrates how a single, well-chosen piece of art can create a vibrant atmosphere and even encourage imaginative interaction within a family space.
Blingiest: The Orb-ed Kitchen Sink Light Fixture
Our “Blingiest” award goes to the elegant light fixture we orb-ed and finally hung above our kitchen sink. This beauty had been patiently awaiting its grand debut, having resided in our home for nearly eight months, just biding its time for the perfect spot. The “orb-ing” process (Oil Rubbed Bronze finish) transformed its original look, giving it a rich, sophisticated sheen that perfectly complements our kitchen’’s evolving style. Now, it not only provides essential task lighting but also serves as a sparkling jewel, adding a touch of glamour and refinement to one of the most hardworking areas of our kitchen. Its installation marked a significant step in completing our kitchen’s lighting scheme.
Blingiest (Runner Up): Our Restored Sparkle Backsplash
The “Runner Up” for “Blingiest” is proudly claimed by our kitchen backsplash tile, after we dedicated some serious elbow grease and haze remover to restore its original sparkle. The difference was truly remarkable: you can clearly see the dull, hazy appearance on the left side of our before-and-after comparison, contrasting sharply with the brilliant, reflective shine on the right. This often-overlooked step in a renovation process made a monumental difference, bringing out the true beauty and depth of the tiles. It’s a vivid reminder that sometimes the most impactful transformations come from meticulous cleaning and attention to detail, making our kitchen gleam with renewed brilliance.
Freshest: A Burst of Spring with Our Beautiful Tulips
The “Freshest” award goes to these vibrant tulips, which brought a much-needed burst of color and the promise of spring into our kitchen. After a long, busy winter, and particularly a hectic February, these budget-friendly blooms served as a delightful reminder that warmer, more relaxed days were on their way. Their cheerful presence instantly brightened the space, adding a touch of natural elegance and a refreshing aroma. It’s amazing how simple, fresh flowers can utterly transform the mood and aesthetic of a room, making it feel more alive and welcoming. They truly embodied the essence of renewal and fresh beginnings for our home.
The “It’s About Darn Time” Award: Our Dishwasher’s Stainless Steel Upgrade
Receiving the well-deserved “It’s About Darn Time” Award is our dishwasher, which finally received its long-awaited upgrade from an outdated bisque finish to sleek, matching stainless steel. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a crucial step in achieving a cohesive and modern look for our kitchen. The bisque dishwasher had been a visual outlier, a relic from a previous design era, and its replacement brought a sense of continuity and sophistication to our appliance suite. This upgrade, though seemingly minor, made a significant impact on the overall flow and contemporary feel of our newly renovated kitchen, marking another satisfying completion in our home improvement journey.
Biggest Potty Mouth: Unveiling the Wax Ring Saga
I’m taking home the “Biggest Potty Mouth” award for my detailed and perhaps overly enthusiastic blabbing about the process of replacing the wax ring under the toilet in our hall bathroom. This particular DIY task, while absolutely essential for home maintenance, is far from glamorous and definitely falls into the less-talked-about categories of renovation. However, I believe in sharing the full scope of our home improvement adventures, even the less appealing ones! Tackling this project provided a valuable learning experience and, despite its messy nature, resulted in a perfectly sealed and functional toilet. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest achievements are in tackling the unglamorous but necessary repairs that keep a home running smoothly.
Biggest Smash: The Unfortunate Demise of Ramsy
This somber superlative goes to the “Biggest Smash” of the month: poor old Ramsy, our beloved ceramic ram head. He tragically became our one major casualty during the intense book photoshoots. It was a heartbreaking moment, a collateral damage from the creative chaos that overtook our home. Ramsy had been a cherished decorative item, adding a unique touch to our decor, and his accidental breakage was a sad reminder of the sheer volume of staging, moving, and re-arranging that went into capturing the perfect shots for our book. Rest in peace, little buddy; your memory lives on, a testament to the dedication required for a book project.
Most Organized: Sherry’s Coupon Clutter Solution
“Most Organized” is a title Sherry confidently claimed this month, thanks to her ingenious solution for tackling coupon clutter. She found true bliss and efficiency after falling head over heels for her new non-grocery-coupon sorting folder. This simple yet incredibly effective organizational tool helped her categorize and manage the influx of various coupons, ensuring that important discounts and offers are no longer lost in a chaotic pile. It’s a testament to how even small organizational hacks can significantly reduce stress and improve daily efficiency, bringing a sense of calm and order to previously messy aspects of life.
Least Organized: Our (Still Messy) Tool Drawers Rehomed
While Sherry found her organizational zen, our tool drawers unfortunately remain contenders for “Least Organized.” They are, admittedly, still a chaotic mess of nuts, bolts, and various implements. However, there’s a significant silver lining that earned them a spot here: they are at least now properly housed within a cabinet again, rather than being splayed out haphazardly across our daybed. The ingenious solution involved cutting down the old wall oven cabinet from our kitchen and repurposing it in our sunroom. This clever DIY project created a dedicated, albeit currently messy, home for our tools, taking a big step towards better organization in our workshop area. It’s progress, not perfection!
Class Clown: Our Hilarious Improv Night with Richmond Comedy Coalition
Who takes the “Class Clown” title? Perhaps us, but honestly, this honor should truly go to the exceptionally talented performers of the Richmond Comedy Coalition! They had us absolutely roaring with laughter during their “Richmond Famous” improv show back in January, where we even had the chance to “guest star.” Their quick wit and hilarious sketches made for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and genuine belly laughs. Though, on reflection, Sherry might just deserve a special prize for her unexpectedly bizarre “Weirdest Underwear Story” that night – a moment that still elicits chuckles! It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the best moments are found in spontaneous joy and shared laughter.
Most Flattering: The Warm Welcome from Portland’s Readers
The “Most Flattering” award is unequivocally dedicated to the wonderful people of Portland. They genuinely went above and beyond to make us feel incredibly welcome and special in their vibrant city during our visit. We still can’t adequately express how much fun it was to meet so many of you, or how truly flattered we were by the immense effort some of you made to pop in for a visit while we were at the Portland Home & Garden Show. Your enthusiasm, support, and willingness to connect made a profound impact on us. It’s a constant reminder of the incredible community we’ve built and the genuine connections that extend beyond our blog. Truly, you are the best readers ever, and your kindness resonated deeply.
Biggest Beach Bum: Clara’s Hawaiian Ocean Love
Our daughter, Clara, undeniably earned the title of “Biggest Beach Bum” during our first-ever blogging vacation in picturesque Hawaii. She simply couldn’t get enough of the ocean – which, by the way, is her preferred term for the beach! Watching her delight in the waves, the sand, and the sheer vastness of the sea was a heartwarming experience. This memorable trip allowed us to disconnect, recharge, and truly soak in precious family moments away from the daily grind of home projects and blog commitments. Her pure joy was infectious, making our Hawaiian getaway an unforgettable milestone filled with sunshine, relaxation, and a whole lot of beach time.
Longest House Guests: The Dedicated Book Photography Crew
The “Longest House Guests” award goes hands down to the incredibly dedicated book photography crew who essentially “house-crashed” us for a full three weeks. While their presence brought a whirlwind of equipment, props, and endless staging, every moment of chaos was completely and utterly worth it for the stunning photos they captured for our upcoming book. Our home is still a long way from returning to its pre-photoshoot normal, but we are slowly but surely getting there. Perhaps by the time our book is finally released in October, we might even have everything perfectly re-situated! Their hard work and artistic vision were instrumental in bringing our book to life, and we are immensely grateful for their extended stay.
February, though a short month, proved to be an incredibly jam-packed and productive period for us, filled with a diverse array of DIY projects, significant renovation milestones, and cherished family moments. We love taking this time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, pausing the constant march of the “to-do” list to genuinely appreciate the victories, big and small.
We’d love to hear from you! What exciting projects did you manage to squeeze into the short month of February? Was your month as busy and fulfilling as ours, or perhaps more focused on relaxation? Have you ever taken the time to create a list of your own accomplishments to look back on, much like our monthly superlatives? We believe it’s an incredibly motivating practice. Feel free to use the comment section below to share what you’ve done, or simply toss out a few highlights and personal victories. Taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements is a fantastic way to maintain momentum and stay inspired on your own home improvement and life journey!