So yeah… it’s suddenly December? Guess that means it’s time to take a moment to look back on all that we’ve done in the past month at a glance (and gather all the links in one handy place for ya). And of course we tossed in some never-before-seen stuff to keep things spicy. This month we were all over the place as usual, from doing some exterior, nursery, office, ornament, and place-setting stuff to a bunch of kitchen things. So let’s take a walk down memory lane, with yearbook-esque superlatives (you know, just for giggles).
Oddest Couple: Little ol’ Sherry and this tall built-in that we made to give our fridge a more finished look in the new kitchen. It’ll look even more finish once we get around to adding doors and painting it…
Cutest Couple: Me and the giant 7 (actually an L from a Dollar Tree sign) that a reader picked up for us in Maryland after we lamented leaving it behind. Best $25 we ever spent. Thanks again Lesley!
Most Shocking: The fact that our grass looked this green (and leaf free) just one month ago when we did a little mum-ification to our mailbox area. Let’s just say everything is looking a lot more “wintery” (aka: faded and brown) these days.
Handiest: The newest member of Sherry’s ceramic animal collection (Henrietta is rocking eight hands, which makes her the envy of all DIYers).
Most Pin-able: The results of our Pinterest Challenge, Fall Edition. We’re not talking about the 38 DIY ornaments that we made, but rather the awesome 800+ projects that folks linked to at the bottom of the post. Wow.
Easiest: Painting a few test swatches on our front porch… and then not doing anything else about them all month (we fear that it’s now getting too cold at night to paint until spring). Oops. At least we picked a color.
Strangest: Pictures from posts like this one about choosing a contractor. It’s so weird to see the opening between the kitchen and the dining room as just an idea outlined in green painters tape. Now that it’s done, we can hardly remember the room without it.
Creepiest: My Dexter impersonation whilst (yep, I just whilst-ed y’all) prepping our house for wall demo.
Awesomest (it’s a word, okay): This.
More Awesomest: This.
Less Than Awesome: This little hiccup in drywalling the doorway. Don’t worry, it worked out okay in the end.
Okay, Now We’re Back On The Awesome Train: Installing trim around the doorway so it really started to look finished.
Most Likely To Die Happy: Me, since I accomplished a fair amount on my high school “Things to Do Before I’m 30” list before turning 30 last month. You know… important things like living to see a Real World: Washington DC.
Most Likely To Say “Thanks”: Anyone who printed & shared our free Thanksgiving card download, which included one to fill out yourself and one to pass along blank (so the recipient could pay it forward).
Most Likely To Procrastinate: Our last minute table setting ideas for Thanksgiving… just in time for us to pack up and head to New Jersey for Turkey Day.
Most Mischievous: Burger, aka our resident baguette robber (as seen in our lil Thanksgiving greeting).
Most Likely To Be Misread… With Disgusting Results: Our post title “We’re Now Officially Sinkless” which was apparently seen as “We’re Now Officially Skinless” by many. Shudder. Let’s hope that never gets blogged about (or happens). Ever.
“It’s The Little Things” Award: Small touches to the kitchen, like filling some gaps next to the stove and putting a panel on the back of the peninsula, so that our counters could be accurately templated.
Least Accurate: Clara, at least when it comes to measuring for counters. Thank goodness the real professional showed up from the fabrication company to make sure our counters will fit.
Most Musical: Our ceramic pig speaker from West Elm (just one of the random things that we covered in a roundup of four little finds).
The “Here We Go Again” Award: Just when things were starting to get put back together in the kitchen, they came back apart as we removed our upper cabinets in preparation for our new counters (which are hopefully arriving sometime next week!).
Class Crybaby: This (sarcastic) tear-jerker of a video bidding farewell to the tile we had to demo, along with the plywood walls behind it.
Most Awkward People In A Checkout Line: Us, while buying a giant piece of throwback wood paneling. Let’s just say people looked at us as if we were committing some sort of decorating sin. But we had to install that new wood paneling to match some missing pieces where our tile and cabinets used to be (and can’t wait to paint it to match the rest of the room). Whatever it takes to inch closer to a finished kitchen…
Most Demonstrative: Burger and his superb posing skills in this play-by-play of how our book deal came to be and the progress that we’ve made on it so far.
The Daddy’s Girl Award: Doesn’t go to Clara, I guess. This post about some updates to our nursery frame collage turned into an overwhelming consensus that Clara looks like Sherry (which is funny because both of our families are on The John Train). It’s music to my ears since I love the idea of a mini Sherry. And I don’t think I’d make the prettiest lady…
The Momma’s Girl Award: Continuing the theme of being a clone of Sherry, Clara LOVES pickles (which I detest). In fact, on a recent dinner out she devoured an ENTIRE PICKLE. Like, not just a spear – a whole, oblong oversized uncut pickle. Sherry was seriously impressed. And I (predictably) was disgusted.
Woo-wee, so that’s what November looked like around here? What about in your neck of the woods. Did you guys accomplish any major projects or have an especially awesome holiday? We’re hoping to enjoy more of both in December. Happy (almost) holidays everyone!
Psst- You can check out July’s superlatives here, August’s here, September’s here, and October’s right here.
Anna See says
Yowza! What a productive month! I enjoy watching the progress. xo
Kelly R says
I love the pickle coma Clara is in! Bahahhaha! What a cutie pie!
Abby says
Haha. That’s what I thought!! Also, know I know what my face looks like when I’m enjoying me a pickle. Yum yum.
Lindsey @ arkadian belle woods says
I was going tell you my personal fav for this month but now that you have this rundown…well I loved it all! :-) I’m still hyped about the kitchen and the wall demo and those ornaments are gorgeous, Clara and Burgs are still stealing my heart, and well you two are amazing!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Dexter. Are you guys caught up on Dexter? Holy M. Night Shyamalan last week…
YoungHouseLove says
Yessss!!!!!! Ahhhhhhh! And Walking Dead was amazing last week too. Those are our two obsessions these days.
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
We’ve heard so much about Walking Dead we may have to start watching it. We’re also addicted to Homeland after Dexter. Two of the best shows right now!! Paying for Showtime is definitely working out :)
KathyG says
We have a theory about Geller – and I know you guys are theorists too! You have a theory too? (we prob. shouldn’t discuss for those who aren’t caught up yet)
YoungHouseLove says
That totally threw us for a loop. Hmm, dying to know your theory but agree that I don’t want to ruin it for folks who aren’t caught up. Just have to wait and see I guess!
xo,
s
Kim says
Yeah – I’m not the only one who loves the Walking Dead!!! My hubby and I got hooked on it this season and were blown away by the 2nd season ending! Now I want to read the comics too.
BTW – my 4 year old daughter just LOVES pickles too and proceeded to eat a whole one in the supermarket while I was still shopping! Gotta love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it sounds like we have twin lives. Love it.
xo,
s
Jamie says
My grandmother would be so proud of all the work you got done. She’s the head of the church of “Being Productive”. Cheers you guys!
Rachel says
I wish I could accomplish half the amount of things you accomplish in a month! Love it all!
Christine says
“I love the idea of a mini-Sherry…”
awwwww! How sweet is that.
P.S. – I’ve been meaning to congratulate you on the book! I hope that a book tour that includes NY is in your future!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! We’d love to get up there when it’s out since we have family in that area!
xo,
s
Julie B. says
whoa. i finally watched the farewell tile video. so clever and funny!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
What a list! Busy month for you, which made a very entertaining month to read. Last night we FINALLY finished our basement guest room and office. We were lucky enough to win True Value’s DIY True Stories contest, which gave us all the money and supplies we needed to transform the room. It is an amazing difference and we are equal parts exhausted and excited.
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
We can’t show the true “afters” until the video goes live, but here are some pictures of our last big project down there that we finished this week. Baseboards!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow congrats!
xo,
s
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I am still amazed at how much you guys accomplish in a month! I have to say that building in your fridge was definitely our favorite post this month, though! Kevin and I are already making plans to do the same thing to our poor little stand-alone fridge!
jess says
Congrats! You guys got SO much done in November. We finished up our patio project (sheers are hung and looking lovely, farmhouse table is built, gutters re-routed) and I have all our Christmas decor up! Happy Holidays!
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2011/11/baseboards-boom.html
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo,
s
Suzy Smith @ Suzy Home Made says
It’s crazy how fast November came and went! I especially loved your Dexter inspired construction zone :-) Dexter would have been proud.
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
Haha I love the picture of Clara eating the pickle. I’m a pickle fan too and mostly eat them out of the jar. John – how can you not like them?!
YoungHouseLove says
I know, right? They’re awesome.
xo,
s
Diana @ Boy + Girl says
We closed on our first house in November! We’ve been busy but not as busy as you guys! And…I could eat pickles for breakfast! I lurve me some pickles so I really like that last picture of Clara!
-Diana
Lindsey d. says
Funny story re: pickles. My brother and sister-in-law (and I, for that matter) HATE pickles. And we’ve all let my nephew and nieces know that we hate pickles. Rhett, my 6-year-old nephew came home one day last year in a state. When my sis-in-law finally got the story out of him, it turned out he had been served a sandwich with a pickle in AND HE LIKED IT! He was worried about his parents’ reaction! He was quickly reassured that it was okay that he liked pickles, but he shouldn’t expect to find any in the house, ever… :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, too funny!
xo,
s
Melanie @ Mailbox Journey says
I must of missed that pickle post, because i absolutely love pickles. My boyfriend thinks I’m so weird when I just eat a plate full of pickles. haha
Alison says
What a productive month! Will you guys do a 2011 version of superlatives?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that could get crazy. Although we could highlight our favorite ten projects of the year or something! I like that idea!
xo,
s
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
Typo alert: Second paragraph. “More finish.” x2.
Love how the kitchen is coming along, BTW.
TheChangingHouse says
Is that not a little Clara face Sherry is making in “Oddest Couple”??? I can’t believe how much she looks like Sherry!!
So cute :)
Erin @ One Project at a Time says
You guys have been busy! Are you going to paint the cabinets before your counters get there so you don’t risk dripping on them? That seems like a ton of work before next week when they arrive. Busy weekend up ahead!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re actually going to do it after counters go in since they can brush up against things and scratch cabinets since its a right fit!
xo,
s
Meg@Keeping up with the Jenks' says
I’m a true believer that pickle eaters find non-pickle eaters to fall in love with so then they will get all the extra pickles the rest of their lives! It just makes sense.
YoungHouseLove says
Agreed! It works out so well.
xo,
s
Alison says
I feel that way about olive eaters, yummm! :-)
Amanda says
I must ask, Clara’s jacket in the last pic is SOOO cute! Where did you find it?
YoungHouseLove says
That was a gift from Baby Gap about six months ago. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristin says
I’m so glad you asked this, Amanda! I was perusing comments before I asked :)
Staci says
Okay here’s how it all comes down on the Clara thing. She totally has “now-John” facial expressions all the time, but looks closer to “baby-Sherry.” Wrap your brain around that one…?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we hear that a lot actually!
xo,
s
Micha says
Wow :o) You always make me feel like a slacker! Here at the Ugly Duckling, things are winding down for the holiday season. The really big projects that are left are more outdoor-sy and it’s getting too cold for that so they’ll have to wait until spring. Hopefully Santa will leave some nice new tools underneath the Christmas tree for us!
Rachel says
LOL at Clara devouring the pickle. What a cutie. Happy December, y’all!
Jessica says
That pickle pic is adorable! When will you folks be putting up your xmas tree???
YoungHouseLove says
Soon we hope! Ahh, running late on Christmas stuff!
xo,
s
SushiMama says
Well, now my preggo self wants a pickle! Love seeing the roundup, and Clara is just too cute!
Lindy says
I totally ordered the ceramic pig a few weeks ago and am eagerly anticipating his arrival in March 2012. Does he come with the little black cord? I tried to find the answer on West Elm’s website and could not find it! Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup! Cord comes with pig!
xo,
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
It’s crazy to see how much the kitchen has come along in a month! You guys have been working hard!
Oh and pickles are delicious! I also love fried pickles! Mmmm!
Katy says
Wow, its amazing to see what you guys have accomplished in one month! Mine would probably be THE PERFECT BEDSIDE SMALL TABLE http://thefirstapartment.blogspot.com/2011/11/50-dollar-fix-bedside-tables.html It may not have been difficult but it made my bedroom so much better! It’s amazing how its the small things that really count!
~Katy
YoungHouseLove says
I love finding the perfect thing. Congrats!
xo,
s
Alice says
LOVE pickles!! SO happy to see that picture of Clara– maybe it’s more of a girl thing? (my boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of pickles either)
manyhatz! says
lovin’ the pickle pic! we have a pic of our youngest eating (trying) a big fat green apple, and we messed around with it and turned it into a sort of andy worhalish print! super cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds so cute!
xo,
s
Rachel Tatem says
What fun! Love all the changes in the kitchen, can’t wait to see it finished
Shannon @ Bungalow960 says
Yay for Clara liking pickles! They are my favorite.
Also, I thought that post was “skinless” as well. Yikes!
John@Our Home From Scratch says
I think you guys get more done in a month than we do in a year!
Brandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says
Busy busy month! You guys sure did do a ton of stuff!
Leigh says
I can’t stand pickles! Normally people look at me like I’m the craziest person alive when I say I don’t like them. I can’t even stand the smell of them. So glad I am not the lone pickle hater in the world.
Jamie says
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone not liking pickles!! I guess there’s a first time for everything. Although I’ll never understand it because I’m on the Sherry/Clara pickle-love bandwagon!!
Justin says
When my wife was pregnant with our daughter, she craved pickles like all the time.
Somehow we deemed “Pickles” as our nickname for Carly, and now that is what everyone calls her.
Poor Pickles.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, cute!
xo,
s
Amy @ A New Old House says
What a month! I’m always in awe at how much you guys get done (not to mention the stuff for your book that we’re not seeing yet!)
The pickle pic of Clara is too cute! And thanks- it reminded me that the cucumbers I canned in the summer should be pickles by now- I can’t wait to get home from work & try them!
YoungHouseLove says
Mmmmmm, that sounds awesome.
xo,
s
t says
Awww–girls after my own heart–I love a good pickle!
Allison says
Breaking news: I just re-checked West Elm on a whim, and it said the pig speaker was available! I got my order in quickly. Fingers crossed….
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome! Hope it comes soon!
xo,
s
Kristen says
You guys got so much done this month! And awesome picture of Clara…I love pickles too!!
As a side note, what the heck is going on in the background of the Clara picture? Is there a woman standing on a chair? Sounds like it was a fun night, LOL! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- not sure what’s going on back there. We were just at a local restaurant (Dickie’s) for some bbq.
xo,
s
Stacey says
Way to go Clara! Dickie’s pickles are the best!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- ten points for restaurant identification!
xo,
s
candace says
Loved the video of the tile, too funny!! You continue to amaze me with how productive you are in one month!!!!
CherylM. says
No bib … no napkin…. how on earth does Clara keep all that pickle juice from getting all over herself.
I know when I bite into a pickle I wind up with juice running down my chin and onto my shirt. Does she suck all the juice out first??
Clara is too cute!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- yes! She is like a vampire, she sucks the juice out first. It’s how I used to eat those colorful ice pop things that were encased in plastic. Must be a family thing. Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah W. says
i stumbled across this and it looks like it has sue the napkin colors!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63871299/large-13-x-19-a-little-flower-bird-print
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, I love it!
xo,
s
Stefanie says
It’s ok, John, I can’t stand pickles either. Even the smell of them…
Teresa says
Can I just say that you all have been super duper busy and productive. I, on the other hand, feel that I am going to need to step up my game. lol
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, don’t feel that way! This is our full time job and there are two of us! Three if you count Clara (who likes to “help”) and four if you count Burger (who likes to “supervise”). Haha.
xo,
s