After so many readers asked how we keep everything—from bills to receipts—organized, we realized our recent post about seven simple life hacks only scratched the surface. So here’s a deeper look at the systems and habits we use to store, stash, and stockpile nearly everything in our home. These routines help us find things quickly … Read more

It’s high time we highlighted a few projects from our prolific, pregnant Twitter friend Jen Woodhouse, who recently relocated from Nashville to the Richmond area. Since arriving in Virginia Jen has been busily nesting, and we thought you’d enjoy seeing several of her recent makeovers and DIYs. You can find more photos and details on … Read more

Guys, I did it. I pulled out the sewing machine to make something special for Clara’s third birthday. It’s become a little tradition for us to create a homemade gift rather than buy another toy, since she already receives so many store-bought presents from family and friends. I even used fabric from her monthly photo-project … Read more

Everyone loves an imaginative and awe-inspiring kid’s room, right? That’s why we were so excited to see this bright redo from Amandelin. Here’s her note: My son’s room desperately needed a refresh. Beyond the visual issues — knotty wood paneling and bargain-bin particleboard furniture my mother kept “gifting” us — the room itself was awkwardly … Read more

I think this deserves a place in the record books as our first-ever reader submission showing a furniture makeover in video form (the photo transformation is equally impressive). If you haven’t seen Susan’s couch upholstery time-lapse yet, you should definitely watch it: I’ve long admired your blog and work. Recently my husband and I reupholstered … Read more

After finishing the two end sections of our three-piece DIY console table, I moved on to the middle unit. That center piece is going to sit hidden between the other two units and be sandwiched between the back of the sectional and the wall. Because of that, I could have simply built a basic platform … Read more

And now for a behind-the-scenes story involving a ceramic animal. While we were working on this project, something unfortunate happened. …this occurred: I’m not quite ready to write about it in detail, so here’s John’s account of how the mishap unfolded: My favorite giant ceramic dog—rescued from HomeGoods three years ago for just $29—lost its … Read more

She wasn’t a local anymore, but she was visiting this past weekend—along with her partner Jeremy and their adorable little boy, Will. If you’re not familiar with them, you can learn more about the Bowers on their blog: Bower Power. We had a wonderful time hosting them: feeding them, showing them around, and enjoying each … Read more

Tomorrow is the big day: we’ll finally reveal our porch makeover, completed as part of Better Homes & Gardens and The Home Depot’s 48-Hour Challenge. Since you’ve been so patient, here’s a little teaser to hold you over until the full before-and-after reveal tomorrow. First, meet the tiny frog we discovered near the end of … Read more

Q: Dear John (no it’s not a Dear John letter) and Sherry. I’m begging you (on bare knees in front of laptop now) to write a post that teaches the following: HOW… HOW, I beg you, do you find the motivation and… ENERGY to take on such things after work?! Or even a whole weekend … Read more