It’s that time again! When we 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, just because we’re over-sharers. This month felt pretty scattered since we did everything from finding secondhand night stands and starting to stencil some walls to building a 13 foot desk, altering a light fixture, framing out a mirror, making free art, and beyond. So let’s take a walk down memory lane, with yearbook-esque superlatives. Why? Because that’s our idea of a good time.
Most Pro-Banquette: Starting off the month with a half-baked idea to add a kitchen banquette.
Most Pro-Banquette (Runner-Up): The continued discussion on the topic in this follow-up post, which included a reader submitted rendering (where I looked a little bit like a receptionist).
Least Pro-Banquette: Ending the month with the exciting revelation that we’re over the banquette idea and happy to our true love: a peninsula.
Weirdest Giant Metal Chicken: This girl (aka Beyoncé) that we spotted on our way to Delaware (if you don’t know how she got her name, you must read this (warning: there’s profanity, but it might be the funniest thing on the interweb).
Best Deal: Our $11 yard sale night stands, which we added to our bedroom (along with a faux gold banding treatment on our bedposts).
Least Appetizing: Our empty fridge after Hurricane Irene, which we refilled with a coupon-tastic trip to the grocery store. (Update on that: we put in a $250 “spoiled food claim” with our electric company, who actually accepts those – so we don’t have to worry about insurance premiums going up or meeting a deductible at all – hooray!)
Most Improved: Our $1 (each) orange secondhand cabinets became slightly-taller, white office built-ins thanks to some wood and paint.
Most Tall, Long, Dark & Handsome: The 13-foot wood tabletop made for our built-in desk out of framing lumber and dark stain (for just 27 beans).
Most Inebriated: The walls in our office, after getting their Moonshine on (see what I did there? Moonshine is the name of the paint color, but also a reference to alcohol…).
The Josh Groban “You Raise Me Up” Award: Our office light fixture, which got hung higher (no more head bumps for me), sprayed indigo, and covered with a discounted drum shade.
Most Grounded: The trim that we added to the bottoms of our desk to give it a more built-in look.
Most Secretive: These never before seen parts of our house that we hadn’t highlighted before now, like our spaceship-like sunroom roof line:
The “You’ll Be Missed… But Not Much” Award: The tree growing on our house that we finally removed (to avoid any risk of foundation damage), along with trimming some overgrown shrubs nearby.
Most Persistent: Not giving up on this bathroom mirror framing project (even after a false start with too-small trim and, oh yeah, the whole thing crashing down after the first attempt).
Most Photogenic: Our television. Yes, we have a weird habit of taking pictures of the TV to document decor inspiration.
Easiest: Making a fast & free food coloring print for the hallway frame gallery.
Easiest (Runner Up): Sherry’s simple faux cross-stitch that she broke out to make a personalized anniversary gift for her brother and his wife.
Most Likely To Result In Claw-Hands: Stenciling the walls of the office, which isn’t exactly a quick project – but should be well worth it in the end (we hope to share final pics on Monday).
Best Sentence Ever Uttered By A Sixteen Month Old: “Iss my hoo hat.” Which was said by Clara after insisting that we help her put on a jacket and a crocheted hat (that looks like an owl) over her pajamas. Such a snappy dresser.
Most Three Dimensional: My take on the pros & cons of three different 3D interior design tools.
Most Intense: All of the Blogiversary posts last week…
… so if you missed any of those – here’s a quick recap of what was covered:
- An hour-by-hour look at a day in the life of us Petersiks
- Pie charts illustrating topics like how we spend our time & how we make money
- A breakdown of interesting (and weird) numerical stats about YHL
- A video response to various personal questions you asked us on Facebook
- A chance to talk about yourselves by answering our reader poll
- Setting goals for year 5, while evaluating how we did on year four’s
- Basic tips and advice on the coding side of blogging
- A play-by-play recap about how a post goes from concept to completion
- Ten lessons we’ve learned over our four years of blogging
So there you have it. September at a glance. What have you guys been up to this month? Have you ever made a list of accomplishments to look back on? It’s nice to take a break from adding things to our to-do list and take a moment to appreciate what we’ve accomplished. Just for a minute. Then it’s back to that $%@**&ing stencil…
Psst- You can check out July’s superlatives here and August’s here.
Pssssst- We’re so excited about the curated collection that we put together for Joss & Main (it comes out this Tuesday!). Click here to sign up and get alerted when the sale goes live!
Marina says
Joss and Main, cool! I’m a member already and I really look forward to the collection.
Please, if you can, remind us again next Tuesday so we remember to go to the sight(it’s not always a daily ‘look see’ for me).
P.S. This is making me feel pretty lazy. I didn’t even finish the 2 decorative pillows I was planning to make and look at what you both accomplished. I better get to it!!
YoungHouseLove says
Sure thing! We’ll definitely post a little ditty about it on Tues.
xo,
s
Jennifer B. says
I just saw this DIY deer head wall art & thought of $herdog!
http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/09/900-diy-deer-head-decor-idea.html
Jennifer B.
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!!!!!!! Seriously. Obsessed.
xo,
s
Kierston says
The desk looks soooo good! I would never know it wasn’t a custom built in.
Superlative for best blog: Young house Love!
I recently discovered you guys and just moved so I have been turning to you all the time!
Claudia says
“iss my hoo hat.” made my heart melt…toddlers are the cutest! My 14 month old has been walking around flapping her arms (bent at the elbows) and saying “boo” for bird after watching her first animated movie “rio”. :)
Maggie says
Psst… the editor in me can’t not mention it! Sorry in advance. A superlative is a word that is already the “most” something and doesn’t need the “most” preceding it. Like you could say “he was happy”, but the superlative is “he was the happiest!” Or ECSTATIC! Not “the most happy”.
Love your blog. Yous truly, the Grammar Fairy ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks! Who woulda thought?! We just use that term loosely and mimic those weird yearbook categories (like “best looking” and “most likely to succeed”) that are commonly referred to as “Senior Superlatives.” Hope that makes sense!
xo,
s
Susan says
I am glad you decided not to be pro-banquette…it is obviously your house, but I was never quite keen on the banquette idea. I think the newer design is much more on target, what a great plan! I could only dream of doing so much on our house in one month but am inspired by all your Sept. projects!
Kathy says
aww, man…this post just made me feel like a lazy slob! haha! I thought I’d had a productive September, but… you guys rock, as usual!
btw, I’m really curious about how you have had (or will have?) time to work on all of those secret projects for your upcoming book??!
YoungHouseLove says
Um yeah, we have no idea how we’re going to juggle that! We’re just going to try to take it one day and one project at a time!
xo,
s
Lyn says
I loved the percentage breakdowns of how much time you spend on each daily activity. Geeky me. Couldn’t believe that such a small amount was on actual diy. It seems that there is a new project every day! I pretty much figured what your demographic was as far as readers and knew I was way out of it at 61. It would be interesting to me to know how many others in my age group follow you. As to the kitchen remodel, I like the peninsula better than the banquette but have you really thought it out. I lived in a place with a peninsula once and thought I would go insane walking around that darn thing. Wanted to take a sledge hammer to it.
Lyn says
And another thing…about not wanting to Jon and Kate yourselves when anyone mentions a TV show. How about a special on HGTV or DIY, 100 decorating ideas under $100.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Ya never know!
xo,
s
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we’re 100% sold on it. Haha. It’s just The One for us (we won’t really walk around it a lot, most of the time it’ll just be parallel with our path from the kitchen to the dining room – since the fridge and sink and dishwasher and stove will all be on the other side of the room after we’re done, so we won’t have to circle back).
xo,
s
Cindy says
OMG! Beyonce! I. Cannot. Breathe. Laughing. Too. Hard!
OK, it’s getting close to midnight here. Everyone is snuggled in bed, but I’m trying to get some last minute work done, so of course I have to take a break to dink around on the interwebs, right?
So I click on this tab that seems to contain a post about some very peeved folks blogging about towels. I completely could not remember where or how I found this blog, but I continued to read…and then I started to snort a bit, and then chuckle, and then it just turned into full-on cackles! I mean tear-streaming, nose-running, hyperventilating CACKLES!
I kid you not – I woke up the little one, the dog started barking and my husband drug himself out of bed to see just what in all that is holy was going on with me! :-0
I have now calmed down and caught my breath, thank you very much. I just had to come back to post a big old THANK YOU for the best LOL moment I’ve had in quite awhile.
Whew! Thanks!
Chaucea says
I really like the monthly round-up of posts! I can’t wait to see how you’re tackling the bottom of the stencil area, just above the chair rail. Really curious what you come up with for that area! :-D
We’ve been workin’ on a huge outdoor project involving a patio and a formal(ish) garden that has resulted in us finally being unable to avoid a myriad of other areas and projects throughout the yard and garage. The main project has demanded these other areas and projects be sorted out to get the main project done–which has ultimately resulted in being a serendipitously awesome experience.
Suddenly all these excruciatingly neglected areas and projects are finally getting attention, but without us feeling overwhelmed by dealing with them as Big Separate Projects because suddenly they’re smaller projects needing to get done and out of the way to get the Big Main Project taken care of.
Never thought it’d work out this way, but so many projects and areas around the yard and in the garage that we’ve been putting off for so long have finally gotten attention, and its all been getting done so quickly, painlessly, easily. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Yay, that’s awesome. We have so much outside work on the to do list!
xo,
s
ColleenwithMurals&More says
I’m kinda new to YHL so I came in late on Beyonce. However I had to read Jenny’s post. Thanks for that link. Made my morning! From here on, every rooster I see will forever be known as Beyonce.
I usually do a month in review but I joined up with other ‘crazies’ at Nester’s for a 31 day blogging challenge. Just shoot me now. It’s day 1. And instead of planning and writing I’m reading your blog and all of your links. gah!
grace Nielsen says
You guys are so totally wonderful and inspiring – I’m addicted to your blog!! I feel like you are members of my extended family – is that too “stalker weird”???
My absolute favorite of all this month – in spite of fabulous inspiration and incredible projects – has to be Clara in her “iss my hoo hat” get-up – thanks for sharing your precious girl with your “internet blog family” !!!
S @ Ess and Jae V2.0 says
Friggin’ love those $11 side tables – SCORE! Think I’ll head out thrifting today – I’m inspired by those tables! LOVE!
Janelle says
“Iss my hoo hat” is about the cutest thing ever. I’m glad you shared that one — I don’t remember seeing it over on Young House Life, though it’s perfect for that side story blog.
Claire says
i thought you highlighted everything in your house. you’ve been holding out? and i can’t believe you got those cabinets for $1!
YoungHouseLove says
Wait, holding out on what? Our bonus thing was the “hoo hat.” Haha. All home improvement stuff gets shared as we go for sure!
xo,
s
Brittney Colyer says
How cute is your daughter!! “Iss my hoo hat!” LOVE! Happy October 1st :)
Serena says
I’ve been bouncing around in the comments and I see a lot of people have been asking about Clara’s owl hat. I know if you just do a search on Etsy for “owl hat” tons of cuuutttteeee options are available. Just thought I’d throw that out there for anyone who reallllllyyyy wants to recreate their own “Iss my hoo hat” moment at their house. Love the blog (and have added your book to my Christmas list 2012).
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip!
xo,
s
Natalie says
I still can’t get over those nightstands ~ such a great deal!
Sarah @ thatspeachykeen says
I’m loving seeing all of your kitchen ideas, we are in the middle of one ourselves..we have no idea what we are doing, but I’m thinking of biting the bullet and painting the fireplace in there white like you have, scary! Pinterest and your two painted fireplaces are inspiring me…love ALL of the yummy inspiration from your blog!
Samuel@Stained Glass Tutorials says
Hey John!
That Hoo Hat makes me smile…:-),your office pics are amazing,even i have got some great ideas from your inspirational creative work,i really admire that.I am waiting for Monday to see those Stenciling work completed pics.Thank you for sharing such a great,interesting,valuable and admirable stuff with us.
Good Luck and God Bless!!
With Regards!
Samuel Joshua
esther aka craftyvox says
That is just the cutest pic of Clara and her owl-hat!! <3
Sabrina says
Very productive month. Right now I plan on repainting my cement front steps. They are painted a weird blue color right now and are all chipped. Do you guys know if I have to sand them? Can you sand cement steps? Do I prime them? I have no clue! They also have some gashes in them from my hubs using a pick axe on the ice during the winter (don’t ask lol)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, no idea about how to get them smooth. Maybe power washing? Or ask at your local home improvement center. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Tiffany says
Hi John & Sherry. I just want to let you know that I LOVE your blog. I check it everyday…sometimes twice or three times! It’s so inspiring and has some awesome practical ideas. We’re thinking of building a house in the next year or so and need to do it on a low budget. Will certainly keep following your blog and try to incorporate as many ideas as I can into our new home. Thanks again for your wonderful blog :)
Eileen says
I live one mile from the giant rooster. In the past there has also been a giant dinosaur and giraffe in the yard of that store. I would love to know where they found a home!
Love your blog – just found it researching mid century modern furniture (I’m a collector)
Eileen
Brandan WH says
Can I just share that I am so grateful that you put “Beyonce” in my life! That blog has brought me to tears far too many times. Just recently, I was waiting for my car to be serviced and had to stop reading a recent post because I was turning red from trying not to laugh out loud and thus scare the entire waiting room. You are the best!
Kate says
Ok so this has nothing to do with September superlatives and your gonna think I’m nuts, but I had to tell you that last night I had a dream that you guys were doing a talk show… and Sherry I kept going into your wardrobe closet, it was awesome but surprisingly not a lot of black ;)… I think I dreamt about you because I keep hoping you will do a feature on how to balance the expense of home decorating with saving money. I am having a hard time balancing wants and needs I keep having to plan things out and sometimes those bigger things keep getting pushed further and further to the future as I find the perfect accessories… plus the list is so long that if I find the right bedding then the living room console gets pushed to the future and so on. I hope you’ll do the post. Thanks for all you do.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s too funny! Here’s a post that I hope will help: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/03/email-answer-money-management/
xo,
s
Kira says
I love what you did to the desk cabinets and painting them white. I am wanting to paint my black kitchen cabinets white now, and do you know if there is any paint options without VOC’s so pregnant me and my toddler don’t have to worry about the fumes? Or do we have to do oil based paint for the primer and trim/cabinets made of wood?
YoungHouseLove says
The best we’ve found so far is low-VOC latex-based alternative (it’s Benjamin Moore’s Advance paint and primer- and it’s awesome- we used it for our desk). Since it is low-VOC and not no-VOC I would definitely still wear a mask and open windows/run fans. Maybe there’s someone your toddler can have a playdate with to get him out of the fumes too? Good luck!
xo,
s
Kim Armstead says
Wow!! Too bad the “sentence” by Clara couldn’t have been a video. She’s too cute!! BTW…where did you get the “hoo hat”??
Thanks.
ka
Julie says
Aw! I love Clara and her little “hoo hat”!