As the fresh paint on our sunroom stools finally cures, we’re thrilled to dive into our long-awaited May superlatives – a tradition many of you have grown to love! This comprehensive roundup offers a vibrant look back at all the memorable moments, exciting projects, and significant milestones we achieved throughout May. We’ve even sprinkled in a few never-before-seen snapshots and insights, giving you an exclusive peek into our lives and latest DIY endeavors. For those eager to explore more of our journey, you can revisit all our monthly roundups, stretching back to January 2011, right here. That’s over a year of creative projects, practical tips, and personal stories distilled into engaging posts. And since I had my fair share of modeling gigs this month – from showcasing a new hairstyle to confidently posing for a permit photo – I’ve included a fresh, stylish shot of myself at the conclusion of this recap, sporting what I predict will be next season’s hottest look. Remember, you heard it here first!
Our monthly superlatives aren’t just a fun way to reflect on our progress; they serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking inspiration for home improvement, family activities, or simply a more organized and joyful lifestyle. May was particularly packed with diverse projects, from major outdoor overhauls to detailed indoor organizational tasks, all undertaken with our signature enthusiasm and hands-on approach. We believe that celebrating these smaller victories is crucial for maintaining momentum on larger, more daunting projects, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivating us to continue transforming our home, one DIY step at a time.
Biggest Party Girl: Clara Steals the Spotlight for Her 2nd Birthday
May was an exceptionally joyous month, largely thanks to our little one, Clara, who truly embodied the title of “Biggest Party Girl.” We celebrated her second birthday with immense excitement, and she was absolutely thrilled, especially with some of the party supplies we managed to acquire. Her pure delight and anticipation made all the planning and effort worthwhile. It’s truly heartwarming to see the sheer joy a themed party brings to a child, marking another wonderful milestone in her young life. The preparations themselves became a fun, family-focused activity, generating excitement long before the actual celebration began. We believe in making every birthday a memorable occasion, filled with laughter, love, and personal touches that reflect our child’s budding personality.
Wormiest: Clara’s Unforgettable Birthday Bash
Taking inspiration directly from our birthday girl’s unique preferences, Clara’s birthday party earned the “Wormiest” superlative. It was a day brimming with fun, vibrant colors, and an abundance of worm-themed decor and activities. Clara herself selected this delightful theme, making the celebration even more special and personalized. From worm-shaped snacks to playful decorations, every detail resonated with her choice, ensuring she had a truly unforgettable experience. Creating a party theme around something as unconventional as worms allowed us to think outside the box, leading to creative and engaging elements that delighted all the young guests. This imaginative approach proves that the best parties are often those that truly reflect the personality and desires of the guest of honor, no matter how whimsical.
Most Gigantic: Clara’s Dollhouse Adventures
Clara also clinched the “Most Gigantic” award, particularly when placed alongside the charming miniature pig family residing in the new dollhouse we meticulously built for her. This project was a labor of love, designed to spark her imagination and provide endless hours of play. Watching her interact with the tiny furniture and characters in the dollhouse emphasized just how grand and expansive the world must seem through her eyes. The process of building and decorating this dollhouse was a wonderful creative outlet for us, allowing us to miniaturize our own home improvement passion. It’s a joy to create toys that not only entertain but also encourage imaginative storytelling and fine motor skills in children.
We thoroughly enjoyed decorating it, adding intricate details that made it feel truly special and personalized, much like a real home.
Tidiest: Our Bathroom Drawer Transformation
The “Tidiest” award goes to our new and vastly improved bathroom drawer. As part of our dedicated organization week, this drawer underwent a much-needed reorganization and de-disasterizing process. Previously a chaotic catch-all for various toiletries and forgotten items, it’s now a beacon of order and efficiency. This simple yet impactful project highlights the profound difference that even a small organized space can make in daily routines. A tidy drawer not only saves time when searching for items but also reduces stress and contributes to a more serene bathroom environment. We firmly believe that every little organizational win contributes to a calmer and more functional home, proving that you don’t need a complete overhaul to feel a significant improvement.
Most Secretive: Mastering Toy Storage
Our “Most Secretive” accolade goes to our versatile storage ottoman and other kiddie storage areas. These clever solutions now discreetly house a rotating collection of surplus toys, enabling us to cycle them in and out without constantly being surrounded by a sprawling sea of plastic. This strategy has been a game-changer for maintaining a semblance of order in our living spaces, preventing toy fatigue, and encouraging focused play. The ability to “hide” toys means we can enjoy a clutter-free home while still providing Clara with a fresh selection of playthings whenever she desires. Effective toy storage is essential for any family home, helping to preserve sanity and keep shared spaces livable and inviting.
Simplest: Embracing a Streamlined Lifestyle
Sherry’s simplified beauty routine, alongside other practical methods we shared for keeping life simple, earned the “Simplest” superlative. In an increasingly complex world, we’re continuously seeking ways to declutter not just our physical spaces but also our daily schedules and mental loads. This focus on simplicity has allowed us to free up precious time and energy, redirecting it towards what truly matters: family, meaningful projects, and personal well-being. From streamlining morning rituals to adopting minimalist habits, every step towards a simpler life has contributed to a more peaceful and fulfilling existence. Our aim is to inspire others to identify areas where they can simplify, proving that less often leads to more – more joy, more time, and more tranquility.
Prettiest: Our Enhanced Projects Section
The “Prettiest” award goes to our reorganized Projects section on the blog. We’ve significantly enhanced its aesthetic appeal and user-friendliness by integrating captivating project thumbnails. This visual upgrade makes browsing our extensive portfolio of DIY endeavors much more intuitive and enjoyable for our readers. Each thumbnail acts as a visual gateway, quickly guiding visitors to specific projects of interest, from kitchen renovations to garden makeovers. This redesign was driven by our commitment to improving user experience, ensuring that our valuable content is not only accessible but also visually engaging. A well-organized and aesthetically pleasing project gallery is crucial for inspiration-seeking DIYers, and we believe our updated section now beautifully serves this purpose.
Most Appreciated: Illuminating the Kitchen
The “Most Appreciated” superlative undoubtedly belongs to the new light fixture in our kitchen – the elegant Aläng from Ikea. This addition has been a revelation, finally bringing much-needed illumination to a corner of the room that has languished in shadows for far too long. Proper lighting can dramatically transform the functionality and ambiance of any space, and our kitchen has truly benefited. The new fixture not only brightens the workspace but also enhances the overall warmth and inviting nature of our most-used room. This project serves as a perfect example of how a relatively small change can have a massive impact on daily life, making mundane tasks more pleasant and highlighting previously obscured design elements. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest upgrades yield the most profound satisfaction.
Dirtiest: Confessions of a Basement Workshop
I begrudgingly accept the “Dirtiest” award for my basement workshop. It’s a space I shamefully owned up to being in a crazy state of disarray, and I must confess, it hasn’t improved dramatically since that admission. While I did share some updated shots here, the workshop remains a testament to the ongoing battle against clutter that many DIY enthusiasts face. This chaotic environment, though functional for immediate projects, is far from ideal. It underscores the perpetual challenge of keeping creative spaces organized, especially when new projects continuously introduce tools, materials, and sawdust. Acknowledging this “dirty” truth is the first step towards rectifying it, and we are determined to bring some much-needed order to this essential workspace in the near future, making it more efficient and inspiring for future DIY endeavors.
Most Likely To Embrace The Chaos: The Joy of the DIY Journey
We collectively earned the title of “Most Likely To Embrace The Chaos” as we candidly discussed the importance of taking your time and truly enjoying the journey that is DIY. Home improvement, especially large-scale projects, often comes with a degree of mess, unexpected challenges, and periods of disarray. Instead of fighting against this inevitable chaos, we’ve learned to lean into it, viewing it as an inherent part of the creative process. This mindset shift allows us to appreciate the progress, learn from setbacks, and find joy in the transformation, rather than solely focusing on the finished product. Embracing the imperfections and the evolving nature of a home project can significantly reduce stress and enhance the overall experience. It’s about finding beauty in the process and celebrating every small victory along the way.
Most Level Headed: A DIY Tripod Challenge
I proudly (and occasionally) claimed the “Most Level Headed” award, particularly for my ingenious method of capturing a perfectly straight picture of our new hall bathroom fixture. This feat was accomplished by balancing the camera on my head, effectively serving as a human tripod. While it sounds humorous, it was a necessary and successful improvisation to achieve the desired shot without the proper equipment readily available. This anecdote highlights the resourcefulness often required in DIY and blogging – sometimes you just have to use what you’ve got and think creatively to get the job done. It’s a testament to the dedication we have to providing high-quality visuals for our readers, even if it means a little unconventional maneuvering. Plus, it always makes for a good story!
Class Shopaholic: Sherry’s Target Treasures
Sherry was dubbed “Class Shopaholic” for her delightful “window shopping” post, where we showcased our latest finds and coveted items, particularly from Target. This type of post resonated incredibly well with our audience, inspiring a lot of love and engagement. It’s clear that our readers enjoy seeing what catches our eye in stores, offering a blend of practical product reviews and aspirational decor ideas. These “store-cruising” posts provide real-time inspiration and allow us to share products that we genuinely love and believe in, helping others discover new items for their homes. The success of this post has definitely motivated us to create more content in this vein, blending discovery with inspiration for home decor enthusiasts. We’re always on the lookout for affordable style and functional finds that enhance daily living.
Most Likely To Contain A Hosta Pun: Mailbox Garden Makeover
This award goes to the post detailing our mailbox garden refresh, which, as the title suggests, was brimming with hosta-themed puns! The project was centered around utilizing existing resources – specifically, spare hostas we already owned – to elevate our previously weedy mailbox garden. This eco-friendly approach not only saved money but also gave a new lease on life to plants that might otherwise have gone unused. Repurposing and relocating plants is a smart gardening strategy that maximizes resources and minimizes waste. The transformation of this small but visible area significantly boosted our home’s curb appeal, demonstrating that even minor landscaping efforts can yield impressive results. It was a fun project that combined gardening with a bit of wordplay, making it enjoyable for us and our readers.
The addition of these hostas also helped to introduce more greenery and structure to our evolving planting bed out front, contributing to a more cohesive and welcoming landscape.
Most Likely To Become A Teenage Mutant Ninja: Our New Patio Turtle
The highly coveted “Most Likely To Become A Teenage Mutant Ninja” award goes to this charming turtle we added to our patio, alongside some vibrant hydrangeas and cheerful petunias. This little guy wins the award for no other reason than, well, being a turtle! Let’s be honest, have you ever heard of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Hydrangea? Unlikely! This whimsical addition to our outdoor space brings a touch of personality and fun, reminding us not to take every decor decision too seriously. It’s a delightful conversation starter and a nod to our playful side, proving that outdoor decor can be both beautiful and amusing. Integrating unique elements like this adds character and tells a story about the homeowners, making the space truly feel like ours.
Beyond the turtle, we also strategically transplanted some existing boxwoods into the planters on our front porch. We’re happy to report they’re thriving – no casualties yet!
Math Nerd Alert: Precision Art Hanging
I proudly earned the “Math Nerd Alert” for employing algebra to precisely relocate and rehang two stunning Alaska botanical prints between our bedposts. This wasn’t just a matter of eyeballing; it involved precise measurements and calculations to achieve perfect symmetry and balance within the space. While it might seem excessive to some, the meticulous placement of art can dramatically elevate a room’s design and create a sense of harmony. For us, details like these are crucial in creating a cohesive and well-thought-out interior. This project underscores our belief that even small decor decisions benefit from careful consideration and a touch of scientific precision, resulting in a polished and professional finish that truly enhances the room’s aesthetic. It’s proof that a little bit of math can go a long way in achieving design perfection.
Most Potential: The Deck Alley Transformation
The “Most Potential” superlative highlights the area we affectionately call “the alley,” which is slated to become the future site of our new deck. Our detailed plan of attack, outlined in a previous post, showcased our vision for transforming this overlooked space into a functional and beautiful outdoor living area. Recognizing the inherent potential in underutilized spaces is a cornerstone of our home improvement philosophy. This project represents a significant undertaking, promising to expand our usable outdoor footprint and enhance our enjoyment of the property. It’s exciting to envision the transition from a neglected alleyway to a vibrant deck, a space where we can relax, entertain, and create lasting family memories. We’re eager to embark on this transformation, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can unlock the hidden potential of any area.
Best Score: The Bedroom Rug Bonanza
We celebrated a genuine “Best Score” with the acquisition of a magnificent 9 x 12-foot rug for our bedroom. This incredible find was purchased at a local tent sale, where we managed to snag it at a discount exceeding $1,000! Holla! Such a fantastic deal truly makes a DIY enthusiast’s heart sing. A large, high-quality rug can anchor a bedroom, add warmth, and introduce texture and color, instantly elevating the space. This unexpected bargain not only saved us a significant amount of money but also served as a catalyst for further bedroom design decisions, inspiring us to continue refining the room’s aesthetic. Discovering such a treasure at an unbeatable price is always exhilarating and reinforces our love for smart shopping and patient searching for the perfect pieces.
The Brick-Breaker Award: Deck Area Demolition
The “Brick-Breaker Award” was hard-won through the arduous task of clearing out the area where our new deck will be constructed. This demanding job involved the removal and hauling of over 100 bricks from a section we had previously humorously nicknamed “the shrine.” The physical labor involved in clearing such a dense and heavy accumulation truly tested our endurance and commitment. Demolition and site preparation are often the most physically challenging aspects of a large DIY project, but they are absolutely essential for laying a solid foundation. This accomplishment signifies a major step forward in our deck-building journey, transforming a cluttered space into a clean slate ready for construction. Every brick removed brought us closer to our vision, reinforcing the satisfaction of hard physical work translating into tangible progress.
Most Noodled: Our Evolving Bedroom Sanctuary
Our bedroom received the “Most Noodled” title, reflecting the continuous thought and refinement poured into its design throughout May. Beyond the fantastic new rug and rearranged art, the room was further enhanced with stylish new lamps and cozy pillows by month’s end. While it’s still far from a complete overhaul, the introduction of the new rug has undeniably ignited our inspiration, driving us to keep working on transforming this space into a true sanctuary. “Noodling” – or continuously tinkering and tweaking – is an integral part of our design process, allowing us to evolve a room’s aesthetic organically. This iterative approach ensures that each element is carefully considered, contributing to a layered and personalized look that feels truly authentic. Our bedroom is a testament to the idea that design is a journey, not a destination.
Most Likely To Get Wood: Our Deck Material Decision
We humorously awarded ourselves “Most Likely To Get Wood” – for our deck, of course, let’s keep our minds out of the gutter, folks! After careful consideration and weighing numerous options, we made the pivotal decision to forego composite decking in favor of pressure-treated wood. This choice was based on a combination of factors, including cost-effectiveness, the natural aesthetic of wood, and our comfort level with working with this traditional material. Selecting the right material is a critical step in any construction project, influencing durability, maintenance, and overall appearance. Our detailed research and discussion ensured we made an informed decision that aligns with our budget and design preferences. This choice sets the stage for the actual construction, moving us closer to realizing our outdoor living dream.
Most Chipper: The Hidden Clipboard Project
The “Most Chipper” award goes to a super fast, incredibly cheap, and entirely free ($0!) hidden clipboard project that Sherry cleverly crafted for our microwave cabinet. This ingenious solution helps keep essential items like menus and grocery lists conveniently at hand, yet discreetly out of sight. It’s a perfect example of how small, thoughtful organizational projects can significantly improve daily functionality without requiring a big investment. Sometimes, it’s the simplest innovations that bring the most satisfaction and make life a little bit easier. This project embodies our commitment to practical, budget-friendly DIYs that enhance efficiency and reduce everyday clutter. It’s a testament to Sherry’s knack for finding smart solutions that are both functional and aesthetically unobtrusive.
Hairiest: The DIY Haircut Adventure
Sherry, surprisingly, took home the “Hairiest” award this month, at least after giving me a DIY haircut that we finally documented for all to see. For the first time, I found myself in the unfamiliar role of hair model. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it – mostly embarrassed, to be honest! However, this daring venture into home hairstyling showcases our willingness to try new things and embrace the DIY spirit in all aspects of life, even personal grooming. It was a fun, if slightly nerve-wracking, experience that yielded satisfactory results and a good story to share. This playful anecdote reminds us that DIY extends beyond home renovations and can be a source of entertainment and personal growth, even when the outcome is a little rough around the edges.
Best Dressed: The Permit-Getting Power Outfit
I proudly accepted the “Best Dressed” title for my carefully selected “permit-getting outfit.” This ensemble was specifically chosen to boost my confidence and professionalism when heading out to secure the permit required for our new deck project. Dressing the part, even for administrative tasks, can genuinely impact one’s demeanor and the perception of others. The successful acquisition of the permit was a significant milestone, representing the official green light to move forward with a major outdoor construction project. This accomplishment warranted a celebratory high five! It’s a testament to the fact that preparation, both practical and psychological, plays a crucial role in the success of any endeavor, big or small. Sometimes, a little sartorial confidence is all it takes to get the job done.
Most Likely To Rock The Runway: Our Kitchen Rug Fashion Show
“Most Likely To Rock The Runway” was unanimously awarded to all the rugs that grandly strutted their stuff in our entertaining kitchen rug “fashion show.” This creative exercise was essential in helping us pinpoint the perfect color and design for a rug that would complement our kitchen’s aesthetic and withstand its daily demands. Trying out multiple options in situ, rather than just imagining them, proved invaluable for making an informed decision. The “fashion show” approach allowed us to visualize how different textures, patterns, and hues interacted with the existing decor, ensuring we selected a rug that was both practical and stylish. It’s a fun, engaging way to tackle design dilemmas, and it encourages experimenting with different elements before committing to a final choice. This method is highly recommended for anyone struggling to make a decor decision, as seeing is truly believing.
Worst Dressed: The Ballerina Skirt Incident
Confession time: I also earned the dubious distinction of “Worst Dressed” for this unforgettable look at Clara’s birthday party. But let’s be fair, what dad wouldn’t see the brand-new ballerina skirt gifted to his daughter and immediately think, “This needs to go on my head”? It was a moment of pure, unadulterated fatherly silliness, designed to elicit giggles from the birthday girl. While my fashion choice might have been questionable, the joy it brought to Clara was priceless. It’s a reminder that sometimes, embracing a bit of playful absurdity is far more important than adhering to conventional style norms, especially when celebrating with loved ones. This moment perfectly encapsulates the fun and often messy reality of family life, prioritizing happiness and laughter above all else. It’s a memory we’ll all cherish, long after the skirt is outgrown.
May was undeniably a whirlwind of projects, celebrations, and memorable moments. From ambitious outdoor renovations to the joyous chaos of a second birthday party, and the satisfaction of finally organizing a cluttered drawer, each accomplishment contributed to the ongoing story of our home. We find immense value in compiling these monthly superlatives, as they provide a moment to pause, reflect, and genuinely appreciate all the progress we’ve made. It’s a powerful exercise in celebrating successes, both big and small, which ultimately fuels our momentum for future endeavors. This habit helps us stay motivated, especially when facing daunting tasks like our extensive deck project, the detailed work of painting kitchen stools, and the upcoming tile updates in the bathroom, among a dozen other items at the top of our ever-growing to-do list.
Now, we turn to you, our amazing community! What did your May look like? Did you check off any major or minor projects? Have you ever taken the time to create a list of your own accomplishments to look back on? We invite you to share your experiences in the comment section below. Feel free to list what you’ve achieved, or simply toss out a few highlights. It’s always incredibly rewarding to take a brief respite from adding things to the to-do list, just to look back and appreciate the things that are already “done-zo.” Sharing these wins not only helps you acknowledge your efforts but also inspires others in their own home journeys. What are you most looking forward to tackling this coming month? We can’t wait to hear about your plans and cheer you on!