Welcome to our latest monthly recap, a tradition we cherish, albeit sometimes delivered with a slight delay! As December swiftly approaches, we’re taking a delightful retrospective journey back to October. This past month was a whirlwind, especially with several book tour stops that delightfully disrupted our usual flow. While our typical yearbook-style superlatives are arriving a little later than planned – right in the midst of Thanksgiving festivities – we hope you’ll enjoy this comprehensive look back at a month filled with creative projects, unexpected discoveries, and significant milestones. For those who love a good archive dive, you can always revisit our past monthly roundups, starting from January 2011, all neatly summarized in just 21 concise posts instead of sifting through hundreds. And as a special treat, keep an eye out for a hidden clue about Monday’s exciting giveaway at the very end of this post. We trust you’re having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with your loved ones!
October proved to be an incredibly dynamic month, blending the excitement of a book launch with our ongoing home renovation and DIY projects. From tackling an unruly garden to celebrating the simple joys of family life, each moment contributed to the rich tapestry of our home story. These yearbook-style awards are our way of highlighting the most memorable, challenging, and satisfying aspects of our journey, offering a blend of practical insights, design inspiration, and a touch of our personal experiences.
Most Adventurous: Clearing the Butterfly Bush (with a Surprise Guest!)
This award unequivocally goes to Sherry for her sheer bravery in tackling our incredibly overgrown butterfly bush. Before we could even begin to cut it back, she ventured deep into its dense foliage to capture a crucial “before” photo. You might wonder, what’s so brave about a bush? Well, the plot thickened when we later discovered a snake lurking within its branches! This incident was a vivid reminder of the unexpected encounters that can arise during outdoor home improvement projects. Clearing this bush wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about reclaiming our outdoor space, making it more manageable, and, as we later found out, safer. It highlighted the importance of approaching even seemingly mundane tasks with a spirit of adventure and caution, always prepared for what nature might reveal. This initial step was vital in transforming our backyard into a more functional and beautiful area, setting the stage for bigger landscape improvements to come. It’s a testament to how even the smallest acts of daring can kickstart significant changes around the home.
Simplest: The Personalized Key Art Project
Sometimes, the most impactful projects are also the simplest. This month, Sherry crafted a quick little key art project that beautifully symbolizes our family of four Petersiks. From left to right, it represents me, Sherry, Clara, and our beloved dog, Burger – with his key lying horizontally to reflect his four-legged stance! This DIY project perfectly illustrates how thoughtful, easy-to-execute decor can add profound personal meaning to a space. It didn’t require extensive tools, specialized skills, or a significant time commitment, yet it yielded a charming piece that brings a smile to our faces every day. Simple projects like this are fantastic for beginners or for when you need a quick win to boost your home’s character. They prove that art doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to be deeply personal and visually appealing, offering a refreshing break from larger, more intensive renovations.
Biggest Eyesore: The Temporary Bagster Beast
The award for “Biggest Eyesore” goes to the trash-filled Bagster that became an unavoidable fixture at the end of our driveway for a few days. While certainly not pretty, this overflowing bag of debris was a necessary evil, representing the critical phase of clearing out for our basement transformation. It patiently awaited its collection, a temporary symbol of the organized chaos that often precedes significant home improvements. The sight of it, though unappealing, brought us immense satisfaction, knowing that its contents were making way for the “long-lasting pretty-ness” we envisioned for our basement. This experience underscores a fundamental truth in renovation: sometimes, things have to get worse (or at least uglier) before they can get better. It was truly #worthit, serving as a reminder that patience and an understanding of the end goal are key when navigating the messier stages of DIY.
Hottest: Embracing School Nostalgia in Design
According to a fantastic mood board Sherry created, “School Nostalgia” earned the “Hottest” award this month. Perhaps this subliminally explains our penchant for these yearbook-style superlatives! This was our inaugural attempt at a comprehensive roundup mood board, and the positive feedback from you all means there will certainly be more in the future. Mood boards are invaluable tools in interior design, helping to consolidate ideas, themes, and color palettes into a cohesive vision. This particular board tapped into a universal sentiment – the comforting, often whimsical, memories of school days. It demonstrated how design can evoke emotion and create a sense of timelessness by drawing inspiration from personal history. Identifying and incorporating such a theme can guide decor choices, from vintage finds to specific color schemes, ensuring a home feels both stylish and deeply personal. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about crafting an atmosphere.
The Hand-Me-Down / Hang-Me-Up Award: A Second Life for Sconces
This award goes to our old bedroom sconces, which, despite their charm, never quite found their perfect niche in our new house. Rather than letting them gather dust, we decided to pass them on to our cousins, extending their lifespan and giving them a new purpose. We even had the pleasure of helping them install the sconces during a recent trip to their home just outside Washington D.C. This act of “handing down” and “hanging up” beautifully illustrates the sustainable side of home decor and the joy of sharing. It’s a wonderful example of how items can continue to bring beauty and utility in new environments, fostering a sense of connection and reducing waste. Finding new homes for beloved items is not only eco-friendly but also a thoughtful way to contribute to someone else’s space, transforming a simple light fixture into a shared story.
Most Asked: The DIY vs. Hire It Out Dilemma
The question we receive most frequently, and one that resonates deeply with many homeowners, is: “How do you know when to DIY something versus when to hire it out?” This persistent query finally prompted us to dedicate an entire post to answering it comprehensively, using our French door installation as a prime example of a project we chose not to DIY. Deciding whether to tackle a project yourself or bring in a professional involves weighing several factors: your skill level, the complexity of the task, the time commitment, the cost savings versus potential risks, and the importance of a professional finish. For projects like installing French doors, where precision, structural integrity, and weather sealing are paramount, investing in professional expertise often makes more sense, even for avid DIYers like us. Conversely, simpler aesthetic upgrades or tasks requiring fewer specialized tools are excellent candidates for DIY. Understanding your limits and knowing when to call in the cavalry is not a failure; it’s smart project management that ensures quality and safety, leading to a more satisfying outcome in the long run. Our detailed post offered a framework to help readers make informed decisions for their own home projects, empowering them to balance ambition with practicality.
Most Coveted: Window Shopping for Inspiration
This award highlights some truly desirable items we spotted during a strategic run through Target for one of our beloved occasional Window Shopping posts. An arrowhead notebook, anyone? Window shopping is more than just browsing; it’s an essential part of the design process. It allows us to keep a pulse on current trends, discover new brands, and gather inspiration without the immediate pressure of purchase. These posts are designed to spark ideas, showcasing how accessible stores like Target can offer stylish and affordable pieces that elevate home decor. Identifying “coveted” items helps us refine our aesthetic, understand what’s available, and even inform future DIY projects by providing a vision to emulate or adapt. It’s about seeing possibilities and collecting ideas, transforming a casual shopping trip into a source of creative fuel for our home. The thrill of the hunt, even if just for inspiration, is undeniable.
Most Open: The Expansive French Door Access
The “Most Open” award triumphantly goes to the wonderfully wide access to our deck, a glorious result showcased in the “after” photo from our French door installation. This project dramatically transformed the connection between our indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating a seamless flow that has truly opened up our home. The new French doors not only flood the room with natural light but also provide an inviting gateway to the deck, making outdoor entertaining and everyday enjoyment so much easier. This improvement wasn’t just about aesthetics; it significantly enhanced the functionality and spaciousness of our living area. It’s a powerful example of how strategic architectural changes, like expanding an entryway or installing larger windows, can profoundly impact the perception and utility of a space. The feeling of expansiveness and connection to nature that these doors bring is simply invaluable, making it one of our most cherished upgrades.
Fastest: Sherry’s Speedy Fall Mantle Decorating
Sherry’s fall mantle decorating takes the “Fastest” award, thanks in part to the magic of a time-lapse effect applied to the process. Because, let’s be honest, who really wants to watch someone meticulously fuss over decor for 30 minutes in real-time? This project highlighted how quickly and efficiently a seasonal refresh can be achieved. Sherry’s knack for creating beautiful displays in minimal time proves that you don’t need hours to transform a space. Seasonal decorating can be a quick, enjoyable task that injects fresh energy into a room without overwhelming your schedule. The time-lapse not only made the process entertaining but also demonstrated the simplicity of achieving a polished look. It’s a great reminder that small, focused efforts can yield significant decorative impact, making your home feel current and festive with ease.
Most Satisfying: The Long-Awaited Yard Sale
Receiving the “Most Satisfying” award is the joyous occasion of finally, finally, hosting a yard sale. This was a monumental effort to declutter and offload the “overflow” items that had accumulated in our home, some dating back to our previous residence, still seeking a purpose after nearly two years. We even included some items for my sister, allowing us to proudly label it a “multi-family” sale. The sheer relief and satisfaction of seeing these items find new homes, rather than continuing to occupy valuable space, was immense. A yard sale is an incredibly effective way to organize, declutter, and even earn a little extra cash, all while giving your unused possessions a second life. It’s a powerful step towards a more organized and minimalist living environment, and the sense of accomplishment it brings is truly unparalleled. It’s not just about selling; it’s about simplifying and streamlining our lives.
Most Satisfying (Runner-Up): Liriope Liberation and Brick Pathway Discovery
Coming in as a close second for “Most Satisfying” is the extensive work of finally, truly, getting rid of the insane amount of liriope that had taken over our backyard. This project was a major undertaking, but the reward was twofold: not only did we tame the unruly greenery, but we also made a delightful discovery. Beneath the dense liriope, we uncovered brick pathways that were far wider and more charming than we had ever imagined! This project, detailed in Bushwhacking Part 2, was a true labor of love and patience. It reminded us that hidden gems often lie beneath years of neglect in our landscapes. The process of clearing, cleaning, and revealing these pathways not only enhanced the beauty and functionality of our backyard but also added a touch of historic character that we deeply appreciate. It’s a powerful lesson in the transformative potential of consistent effort in landscaping, revealing unexpected beauty and value.
Oddest: The Moose Lamp Transformation
The “Oddest” award goes to this unique moose lamp, a peculiar find at a moving sale in West Virginia. Initially, it was a quirky, almost strange piece, but with a dash of creativity, it underwent a remarkable transformation. A fresh coat of white spray paint instantly modernized its look, and with the magic of Photoshop (since we couldn’t reveal the real secret-book-project shade yet), we reimagined it with a colorful lampshade. The result? It went from being simply “odd” to “oddly awesome,” especially for nature enthusiasts and design geeks like us. This project perfectly exemplifies the power of a simple makeover: how paint and a new perspective can completely revitalize a thrift store treasure, turning an unusual item into a distinct and cherished decor piece. It encourages embracing unique finds and customizing them to fit your personal style, proving that beauty truly can be in the eye of the beholder – or the DIYer.
Most Nerve-Wracking: The Book’s Grand Debut
The “Most Nerve-Wracking” award undoubtedly goes to the impending release of our book. Sherry articulated all our fears and anxieties about this significant “birth” in this heartfelt post. Burger, our loyal canine companion, perfectly captured our occasional desire to hide under the covers, illustrating the vulnerability and apprehension that comes with putting a piece of yourself out into the world. Launching a book is akin to sharing a deeply personal project with a vast audience, a process that brings both immense excitement and considerable trepidation. It involves overcoming self-doubt, facing potential criticism, and embracing the unknown. This period was a powerful reminder that even seasoned creators feel the jitters before a major unveiling. It underscores the courage required to pursue creative endeavors and the importance of having a supportive team (and a cuddly dog) to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a major life milestone.
Cuddliest: The Uncuddled Baby Squirrel
This award goes to an adorable baby squirrel we encountered. Admittedly, we didn’t actually attempt to cuddle it, despite Sherry’s strong desire to do so! Thankfully, the little creature scampered off, allowing us to resume our ongoing backyard bushwhacking adventure. This brief, charming encounter provided a moment of levity amidst the hard work of landscaping. It’s a sweet reminder of the unexpected wildlife that shares our spaces and the simple joys of nature, even when tackling more demanding outdoor projects. While we prioritize safety and not disturbing wildlife, moments like these add character and warmth to our home improvement narratives. It’s a testament to the fact that even during focused tasks, pausing to appreciate the small wonders around us can refresh and inspire.
Most Boring: The Pumpkin Drilling Project (Pun Intended!)
I claim the “Most Boring” award, not because the project was dull, but in the delightful sense that it required me to bore a multitude of holes – specifically, into pumpkins. There was something strangely satisfying, almost sickeningly awesome, about drilling into a pumpkin and watching its orange guts spill out. All this effort was for Sherry’s creative vision: to later weave fake snakes through the holes for a unique Halloween display. This project perfectly blends practical skills with a quirky aesthetic, transforming ordinary pumpkins into something far more intriguing. It highlights how even a seemingly simple task like drilling can be part of a larger, more creative decorative scheme. It’s about embracing the process, even the messy bits, to achieve a unique and memorable seasonal look. This kind of hands-on, slightly unconventional DIY is what makes home decorating truly fun and personal.
Manliest: Guy-Friendly Fabrics (Beyond the Stereotypes)
“Manliest” might be a playful exaggeration, but this award recognizes my breakdown on guy-friendly fabrics. In my humble opinion, decorating with fabrics doesn’t have to default to overtly feminine styles. This post offered practical tips for incorporating textiles that appeal to everyone, even venturing into how to select not-insanely-girly florals! It’s about demystifying interior design for men and showing that comfort, texture, and pattern can be chosen in a way that feels universally appealing. Breaking down gender stereotypes in decor is crucial for creating a home that feels welcoming and reflective of all its inhabitants. This guide provided actionable advice for selecting durable, stylish, and comfortable fabrics that contribute to a sophisticated and balanced aesthetic, proving that good design is inclusive and versatile.
Most Historic: Unearthing Basement Treasures
The “Most Historic” award commemorates the fascinating items uncovered while cleaning up my basement workshop. Among the intriguing finds, my favorite was an old fire extinguisher last inspected when Sherry and I were about Clara’s age! This deep dive into the basement wasn’t just about decluttering; it was an archaeological excavation of our own home. Discovering these relics provided a unique glimpse into the property’s past, connecting us to previous generations and their everyday lives. It underscores the idea that our homes hold stories, and sometimes, those stories are literally buried beneath layers of forgotten items. An organized workspace is essential for productivity and safety, but the journey to achieve it can often be filled with unexpected, meaningful discoveries that add depth and character to our personal histories.
Creepiest: Sherry’s 1994 Halloween Persona
The “Creepiest” award is playfully bestowed upon Sherry for this vintage Halloween photo from 1994, which she used to announce this season’s Pinterest Challenge. For the record, her costume was supposed to be a ??????! This throwback image not only provided a good laugh but also served as a fantastic, relatable hook for our community-wide Pinterest challenge. Using personal anecdotes and nostalgic photos is a great way to engage readers and make content feel more personal and fun. It reminded us of the simpler, often more mysterious, Halloween costumes of our youth. The Pinterest Challenge itself encourages creativity, community participation, and tackling those inspiring projects saved on our boards, making it a beloved tradition that gets everyone in the DIY spirit.
Most Polarizing: The Fast and Free Duck Makeover
This award acknowledges our fast and free duck makeover, a project that proved to be quite divisive – a big hit with some of you, and not quite as lovely to others. Admittedly, it was a bit quirky, but as we always say, it only has to live in *our* house, so… no harm, no fowl? #duckpunforthewin! This project perfectly illustrates the subjective nature of personal style and decor choices. What one person loves, another might find unusual, and that’s perfectly okay. It encourages taking risks in your own home, embracing elements that bring *you* joy, even if they don’t align with universal trends. These polarizing projects often spark the most interesting conversations and highlight the diversity of taste within the DIY community. It’s a testament to the idea that your home is your canvas, and personal expression should always take precedence.
Nerdiest: Our Cincinnati Book Tour Adventure
The “Nerdiest” award goes to both of us – especially Sherry – during our first book tour stop in Cincinnati last month. The tour was a delightful mix of embarrassing photos, like geeking out over seeing stacks of our book for the first time, overly dramatic cooing for babies, enthusiastically stuffing chili into our chili-holes (a local delicacy, of course), and a memorable photobomb near Cortney Novogratz. We truly had a grand old time in the O.H.I.O.! This award celebrates the joyous, slightly awkward, and utterly genuine excitement that comes with reaching a major life goal. Book tours are incredible experiences, connecting authors with readers, exploring new cities, and creating unforgettable memories. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every polished project or publication, there are real people with genuine enthusiasm, sometimes bordering on outright nerdiness, for what they do.
Most Improved: The Backyard Transformation
I proudly award the “Most Improved” title to our backyard, which is looking worlds better after finally removing those stubbornly overgrown bushes and creating space for some beautiful grassy open areas. The transformation is astounding; we can barely believe it’s the same place! This significant upgrade only required a few phases of digging, leveling, and seeding, yet the impact is dramatic. A well-designed backyard can extend your living space, provide a serene retreat, and significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. This project underscored the importance of having a vision for your outdoor areas and the rewards of consistent effort in landscaping. It wasn’t just about clearing; it was about reimagining the space, creating functionality, and fostering an environment where our family can relax and play. The before-and-after contrast is a testament to the power of thoughtful landscape design and diligent work.
Most Obsessed: Sherry’s Nate Berkus Hunt
The “Most Obsessed” award goes to Sherry, particularly when it comes to her admiration for Nate Berkus. Her dedication was evident when we drove to four different Targets before finally locating new items from his collection to bring home. This chase highlights the thrill of finding specific designer pieces that resonate with your personal style. Nate Berkus is renowned for his sophisticated yet accessible designs, and Sherry’s passion for his aesthetic drives her determination to incorporate his pieces into our home. It’s a fun example of how personal obsessions can fuel decorating choices, turning a simple shopping trip into an exciting quest. This pursuit also demonstrates the power of designer collaborations with mainstream retailers, making high-end style more attainable for everyone. It’s about investing in pieces that you truly love and that reflect your design sensibilities.
Spottiest: Clara’s Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Project
The “Spottiest” award playfully describes this kid-friendly pumpkin project that we tackled with Clara this year. Since she’s not quite old enough for carving, tissue paper polka dots were the perfect solution, right up our little sticker-lover’s alley! This project highlights the importance of involving children in seasonal decorating in age-appropriate ways. It’s about fostering creativity, developing fine motor skills, and creating cherished family memories without the use of sharp tools. Kid-friendly crafts like this make decorating inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, transforming a simple pumpkin into a vibrant, unique piece of art. It’s a wonderful example of how to adapt traditional holiday activities to suit younger participants, ensuring everyone feels part of the festive fun.
Biggest Flirt: My Passion for the Basement Pegboard
I proudly accept the “Biggest Flirt” award, at least when I’m in the presence of my basement pegboard. Seeing my tools neatly organized sparks such joy and satisfaction that I confess, I get a little “Shana” (from Kristen Wiig’s SNL character) around it! This post’s title, “Classic Peg,” was also one of two SNL Justin Timberlake references of the month, adding a layer of humor to the mundane. A well-organized workspace, particularly a pegboard system, is a game-changer for any DIY enthusiast. It not only makes tools easily accessible but also reduces clutter and enhances efficiency. The visual appeal of an orderly workshop can be incredibly motivating, transforming a functional space into one that inspires creativity and productivity. It’s a powerful testament to the idea that even organization can be an art form, bringing immense personal satisfaction and a touch of playful charm.
Most Pinteresting: The Rustic Oversized Chalkboard Project
The “Most Pinteresting” award goes to our stellar project for this fall’s Pinterest Challenge. Our creation? A rustic, oversized chalkboard for our living room, crafted from a scrap piece of plywood, some cheap framing lumber, stain, and chalkboard paint. As an added bonus, we incorporated magnet paint we already owned to make it magnetic, too! This project perfectly embodies the spirit of DIY – taking affordable materials and transforming them into a functional, stylish, and personalized decor piece. Oversized chalkboards are incredibly versatile, serving as a dynamic art display, a message center, or a creative outlet. This challenge pushed us to create something both aesthetic and practical, showcasing how simple materials can yield significant design impact. It’s a testament to the power of inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, translated into a tangible, beloved item for our home.
Most Pencil-tastic: Commemorating the Book-Writing Journey
What? Your high school didn’t have this superlative? If it did, it would undoubtedly go to something as symbolic as this shadowbox we crafted. This special piece was designed to commemorate meaningful items from our book writing process, including the many pencils we painstakingly ground down through countless rounds of editing. This project is a beautiful way to celebrate milestones and acknowledge the hard work that goes into significant creative endeavors. A shadowbox creates a tangible display of memories, transforming everyday objects into cherished artifacts that tell a story. It’s about honoring the journey, not just the destination, and finding beauty in the tools and struggles along the way. This “Pencil-tastic” award celebrates the dedication and perseverance inherent in bringing a large project to fruition.
Most Adorable: Toy Story Halloween Family Costumes
We absolutely must award “Most Adorable” to Clara, or rather, Jessie, for her incredible homemade, Toy Story-inspired Halloween costume that Sherry masterfully whipped up. Oh, and Burger’s Slinky Dog costume definitely deserves the “Most Likely To Require An Explanation” award! This family costume theme was a triumph of creativity and homemade charm, capturing the joyous spirit of Halloween. Crafting costumes from scratch adds a deeply personal touch to the festivities, creating unique outfits that are far more special than store-bought alternatives. It also creates wonderful opportunities for family bonding and imaginative play. These costumes were not just about dressing up; they were about bringing beloved characters to life and making unforgettable memories, perfectly encapsulating the fun and warmth of family traditions.
Most Likely To Give You $200: Unveiling Monday’s Giveaway
And finally, for the “Most Likely To Give You $200” award, we present Monday’s giveaway, originating from one of our absolute favorite stores! To add a bit of fun and a challenge for you, test your wits with the anagram below. Rearrange the letters to form the answer – a clue to the store. Hint: the answer doesn’t follow the same letter-per-word count as the anagram. Get ready to put your detective skills to the test for a chance to win big!
As you can see, October was a truly eventful month for us, a vibrant mix of challenging projects, creative endeavors, and heartwarming family moments. From significant backyard transformations to the quiet satisfaction of decluttering, each experience contributed to making our house feel more like home. We hope this detailed recap has provided not only a glimpse into our lives but also inspiration and practical insights for your own home journey.
So, how was your October? Did you manage to check off any major or minor projects from your to-do list? Can you even recall that far back now that we’re standing on the brink of December? Share your own highlights and reflections in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your adventures and successes!