We’re sneaking in one last look at December, in case there was anything y’all missed – and also just to remind ourselves that we didn’t spend the entire month in a Christmas cookie-induced food coma. We’ve noticed that taking a second to appreciate the items that we have checked off the list each month inspires us to get going on even more projects that we have yet to tackle. So it’s a nice breath of you-did-it-now-don’t-stop to keep our DIY momentum a’ flowin. And if you want to see more of last year (or even the year before) we’ve got each month summarized right here (in 24 posts instead of about 840 – not bad, right?).
But first, something that we haven’t shown before: our New Year’s Eve photobooth pic that we took as a family. It’s a real old timey photobooth, which is why the photo processing is a bit, um, “vintage.” And by vintage I mean it obscures the fact that I was making a two-zero-one-three with my hands in each frame (get it? 2013?). But at least it’s clear that Clara is sporting some major photobooth skills. Check out that range of faces she’s giving us.
Most Undone: Our gradient Christmas tree, which we loved putting together (we even made a time lapse video of it!) but it sadly got disassembled a few days ago. But we’re already thinking about how we’ll dress it up again next year…
Most Improved: The mirror in our hall bathroom, which we framed out with some simple pieces of wood to give it a more polished and upgraded look.
Most Linked: We put up this linky-fest last month for folks to post projects they’ve done that were inspired by projects in our book so that we all could check them out. Right now there are nearly 200 projects to browse!
Most Overdue: Meeting Nicole of Making It Lovely in person, which we were able to (finally!) do in November during our Chicago tour stop. But it wasn’t until December that we got around to sharing the photos that we took when we crashed her beautiful pad.
ORB Victim of the Month: All of the doorknobs in our house, which we chose to update with a simple coat of our favorite spray paint (oil rubbed bronze by Rustoleum, for the uninitiated). It was a quick way to make our old mismatched doorknobs feel a bit less, well, old and mismatched.
Most MacGyver-y: When we decided to paint our extra-tall sunroom, we devised this system – a paintbrush taped to a pole, fancy I know – to edge around surfaces we couldn’t reach on our ladder. Take that weird area around our ceiling fan!
Most Magnetic: These ornament magnets that we busted out this year for just about the first time since making them for a local magazine article back in 2009. They would later hold all of our holiday Christmas cards. We photographed them and other random festive decorations around the house for this post.
Most Graphic: This tutorial on How To Change Your Outlets which we provided entirely in one 2000 pixel tall image (including captions) for easy reference.
Most Likely To Want World Peace: Me, as acting Miss District of Columbia for a brief moment when she let me wear her crown during one of our three recent book signings in the Virginia/DC area. This was also the post where we recapped the holiday crafting session that we led at Living Social.
Most Unimpressed: Burger (what’s new?). This particular instance of being unphased by a change in our house occurred when we finally bit the bullet and painted the brick wall in our sunroom to go with the rest of the walls that we already tackled. It was awesomely unifying, even if Burger couldn’t have cared less.
Most Back-To-The-Future-ish: The chance that we’d be able to move into our old house and make different design choices is pretty slim, but that didn’t stop Sherry from imagining what she’d redo and what she’d repeat if we were just tackling our first home’s decor now. It was fun to see what changed and what has stayed the same when it comes to our style all these years later…
Most Giftable: These three holiday gift guides that we put together – including one for kids, one for ladies and one for guys. We’d love to know if any of you ended up giving (or getting) any of the items we rounded up for ya.
Coolest: The homemade play fridge that we created for Clara for Christmas this year. It – along with a thrifted wire cart and some new play food – were a little addition to her much-loved play kitchen from last year.
Most Gifted: Well, just about everyone was probably feeling gifted in December. We were just proud not to have to buy any new wrapping stuff this year, thanks to reusing existing bags, paper, and tissue. In this post you’ll also see our Christmas lights all strung up outside as well.
Most Vertically Challenged (Plant Edition): Our tabletop tree, which we decked out again this year in fun, non-matching ornaments that are special to us (there were even a few Clara-creations in the mix). And this year we added a cheap DIYed window garland from some on-sale felt ornaments from Target last year.
Most Vertically Challenged (Human Edition): Sherry, who was given a covert behind-the-desk box to help compensate for a certain shortcoming (pun most definitely intended) during one of two live TV appearances that we eked out here in Richmond.
Most Dedicated To Their Craft: Clara and Burger, who had an easy time “acting” the part of children stealing Santa’s treats for our 2012 Christmas card.
Most Nervewracking: We sweated the idea of hosting Christmas dinner for the first time ever, but things went pretty darn well – especially since it gave Sherry a chance to break out the cloth napkins and even use magnolia leaves from the front yard for each place setting.
Most Handsy: All of the crafters and artists that we encountered at Richmond’s Handmade Holiday craft show this month. Our hands didn’t leave empty either – we came home with a few great things – including these wisdom cards that Sherry loves gazing at while she types away.
What about you guys? What’d you accomplish last month? Or what didn’t get done in the holiday craziness that you’re looking forward to tackling this year instead? We have a certain big girl room that we can’t wait to get a jump on as well as an unfinished basement and sunroom to attend to.
KathyL says
ok the guy with Sherry in Most Vertically Challenged….he’s made of wax right???? right???? he looks like he’s made of wax.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s the always dapper Ryan Nobles! Very nice (and perfect posture!).
xo
s
kristen says
kathyl – his dimples are do DIE for! @ryanobles
Kim says
Oh after I saw your gifts-for-guys post I went out and got the army men bookends for my little brother! I was kind of hoping he wouldn’t like them and I could keep ’em for myself… but he loves them, and they hold up all the new books he got!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so sweet!
xo
s
Amanda C says
I think I will have to give your sophistocated paint-brush-on-a-pole method a try when painting the walls above the landing of our stairs. Wish me luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Lots of luck!
xo
s
Marci says
@KathyL, That guy definitely looks like a wax figure! Creepy. Must be the television make-up and perfect hair.
This is a great recap. I just found this blog thanks to Nicole from Making It Pretty. I love it and find it so inspiring! Those ornament magnets for holiday cards are fantastic!
Marci
Kim says
I found something to help you guys build onto Clara’s play kitchen next Christmas! A play hardware store!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-diy-hardware-store-for-kidskates-creative-space-182340
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I’m impressed how much y’all managed to accomplish in the busiest month of the year! I was obsessed with your gradient tree – SO fun!
Tracie@MiddleClassMod says
Your hardworking blazer totally deserved its own shout-out! Most traveled? Hard working? Some sort of clever cost-per-ware pun I’m not clever enough to come up with? Something, though. It’s like another character on the blog at this point!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha it’s true. My trusty sidekick. Maybe I should name it Robin? Or is John the Batman and I’m the Robin and my blazer is Cat Woman?
xo,
s
Ali Miller says
Please excuse me for being love-creepy. I just want to take this opportunity to tell you guys how awesome you are. I wanted to write to say how I love this monthly post. You guys are always coming up with ways to keep the blog interesting and fun. You have a routine schedule (I check for your posts at exactly 9am central time, which is when I eat my morning piece of fruit at my desk), while adding in just enough whimsy to keep it fun. I love that you always throw in something new to keep it interesting and fun.
I met you in Dallas (I talked my husband into bringing my from Clinton, Mississippi by using the fact that I have an Aunt we could visit there), and was so nervous to meet you that we had a very generic exchange and I felt so silly afterwards! I did find a small white turtle shell (similar to the one you found at Target, but smaller) at West Elm which hangs on my dining room wall to help remember the adventure.
Thanks for everything you do. You guys are amazing at keeping it all together. Best of luck on your resolutions–and definitely “care for yourself”!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet! We totally remember you! Thanks so much for the kind words and for coming out to our signing.
xo,
s
John @ Our Home from Scratch says
I remember when I first saw you guys use the term ORB… I didn’t know it stood for something back then.. thought you were talking about like an orb of light or something. Right.. oil rubbed bronze. Got it. I applaud you for showing the step by step electrical procedures.. I’m too afraid to on our blog.
We’ll be attending your NYC book signing too. Really looking forward to it. Bringing the whole clan. I’m not sure if I should wear a Phillies tee or a Red Sox tee. Hmmm.
YoungHouseLove says
Red Sox all the way!
xo,
s
NYer says
oh, Sherry, I’m crushed. I think of you as a former NYer, and certainly a tri-state gal, so to read that you’re a Red Sox fan . . . well, color me surprised. (though nothing can change my YHL love!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! I love the Mets and the Red Socks. I have an odd love of the underdog in general.
xo
s
Ashley says
When I saw “How to Tell if Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You” on John’s list, I HAD to buy it for my brother’s girlfriend. We have all gotten a kick out of it. Thanks for the suggestion!
schmei says
I was going to ask this before and got distracted by something shiny, I think:
Why don’t you use cloth napkins every day? We do – we just have a stash of non-fancy ones we rotate through for everyday meals. I haven’t used a paper napkin (except for the occasional takeout burger) in years. You guys are so eco-friendly I was a little surprised at the big deal the cloth napkins were for Christmas.
Obviously fancy cloth napkins can be saved for special occasions – I wouldn’t expect Sue to get busted out every day.
YoungHouseLove says
I totally should! I love that idea!
xo,
s
SW says
I too got rid of our paper napkins and just use cloth ones. I got some fun ones from West Elm (and have some holiday and special occasion ones put away) and it’s just as easy to use them as paper.
I even got rid of our paper towels and just use the little washcloths from Ikea that you can get in multi-packs in the kids section.
It’s just as easy to throw these in the laundry :)
Kim says
I also use little washcloths instead of paper towels! I find that I like them better because they are more absorbent and are super easy to wash and then fold in a little wicker bin next to the sink. I actually got started using them thanks to my Grandmother who gave me a bunch when she was cleaning out her kitchen. She grew up on a small farm during the Great Depression so the idea of wasting paper towels everyday would be crazy to her haha.
Wendy says
Yes! I needed a last minute gift for my niece who is about two months older than Clara so I ordered the racer ramp thingy (#2). I have no kids so it was very helpful! I remember thinking “Seriously – YHL completely changed my life/entire house and now they are doing my Christmas shopping for me????”
YoungHouseLove says
Aw that’s so sweet!
xo,
s
Monika says
Most Handsy. Ha
Love you guys :o) Great job with another productive month!
Karen says
Just got your book in the mail! WOOOOOOOOOOOO! The dishes in the sink may have to wait a liiiiiiiiiitle bit longer!
YoungHouseLove says
Woop woop! Hope you love it!
xo,
s
Michela says
I purchased the gingerbread crayons and a cool recycled notebook (made from a NY map) for my boyfriend’s niece and nephew in NYC. They were a huge hit! Thanks for the idea.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!
xo,
s
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I’m still shocked by how much you guys manage to get done with a toddler, your book tour and all of the behind the scenes projects you have going on! Makes me feel like crap for not wanting to run to Lowe’s after work cause I’m “too tired” haha
YoungHouseLove says
Aw don’t feel bad! It definitely helps that there are two of us and we have to get things done since this little blog has to pay the mortgage :)
xo,
s
Kristi - SimplePrettyThings says
The vintage pics are cute and Clara made the cutest faces ever! Twas a good month for you guys!
Elizabeth Wiggs Maas says
I don’t want to be a demanding reader, but I would love to see a post from you guys about how your relationship with Burger has changed since Clara came along. I have a pup who is the apple of my eye, and whenever I talk with my husband about starting a family, I’m immediately wracked with guilt over my furbaby. I work with lots of people who claim that their dogs moved wayyyy down the totem pole after babies…and…well, sadly, you seem to be some of the only bloggers I read who still seem to love/be a little obsessed with your dog post-baby. Totally random, I know, but I figured I’d throw that out there.
YoungHouseLove says
The only way I can explain it is that we have two lids, Burger and Clara. And we love them both. There’s room in our hearts to love two :)
xo,
s
Leyna says
You guys have been my faves for a loooooong time. And today you just took it up a notch and made me swoon all over again. Why? It’s not really because of your fantastic and super impressive superlatives list. It’s because you know how to properly use the phrase “couldn’t have cared less.” HOLY MOLY. Do you know how rare that is?!!
It’s not “could have cared less”, people! It’s really, really not.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo,
s
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says
I missed way too much during December. First, I absolutely love the ornament magnets. Second, thanks so much for the electrical outlet switcheraoo post. Third, I completely missed the painting of the sun room ceiling but it looks great.
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
Awww I love the first pictures of the three of you – super cute. I think my biggest accomplishement in December was to completely let the entire month go by in a blur with nothing to show for it…..yup! Total success. ;-)
JenB says
Forgive me if this has been pointed out already, but did you guys know that you guys were the #1 editor’s pick for Amazon’s best of 2012/home and garden book? I couldn’t agree more! Sorry if someone pointed it out already and I missed it:) I can’t get the link to work! Go to amazon and click on books then ‘best books of 2012’ and you’re there under home and garden! Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhhh really?! That’s crazy!
xo,
s
Jen says
I actually gifted my hubs the San Francisco version of the vintage travel poster from your gift guide….it’s gorgeous and we’re actually using the colors as inspiration for our upcoming bedroom redo. It was my favorite gift to give this season — and one of the least expensive — so thank you!!
Sara says
Haha, that paint brush on a stick is too funny! We painted our house (the whole thing. in 3 days. not to brag or anything.) right before Christmas, and I can’t tell you how many times my husband asked if they made a paint brush on a pole for doing edging on our vaulted ceilings! I’ll have to tell him that it can be done. You two are awesome!
Mary | lemongroveblog says
Great round up! Miss Clara sure is looking grown up in the first round of photo booth pictures. She definitely looks more little girl now, than baby! :)
Kate W says
Not sure if you’ve seen this already, but it immediately reminded me of Clara and her worm obsession. Might be a nice addition to her big girl room!
http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-inch-worm-d492/?pkey=call-new&cm_src=all-new||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-
(I originally saw it on http://www.cape27blog.com/)
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!!
xo
s
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
I love these recaps! It makes me want to read all the posts all over again! Plus it is fun to see the photo strip shots!
Alyssa says
Speaking of the gift guides, I took inspiration from the nefarious ideas notebook in the guy’s list and created one of my own for my own guy. Leather notebook + stencil letters + black paint for the win. Plus the notebook has graphing paper inside so he can draw all kinds of diagrams, too. Thanks for those posts, they were so fresh and creative!
Ginger says
I couldn’t help but notice your cute magnets on your fridge, especially since it is stainless steel and I thought magnets wouldn’t stick to that. It must have a material beneath the stainless to make it magnetic. However, I am certainly no authority on the subject. I’ve just been looking at ss appliances to purchase. Actually, I asked you once before about fingerprints with it and you stated you had the frigidaire gallery with a coating that didn’t show fingerprints. Are all of your appliances this brand? I have been looking at these specific ones to purchase. Have you had any issues with them at all, as far as working properly, etc? Would you purchase them again? I trust and value your opinion and love reading your blog daily! Thanks for any info and suggestions!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we have had two Frigidiare Gallery suites (in each house) and they’ve both been magnetic! I think it varies by maker/brand. We’ve been very happy with them in general! No complaints.
xo
s
Jennifer says
So many great projects, you guys! I have to say I’m insanely jealous of the cute and creative Christmas card. I’m going to have to up my game next year! Like a mad person, I started a bunch of projects in December. Two days before Christmas my husband and I realized we were both home from work that day so we looked at each other and decided to tear the carpet off the stairs, lol. Loco, I tell you!
nilu says
I am so jealous of clara’s play food organizer…I have 2 and 3 yr old girls and playfood is everywhere and my enemy every night…I have to keep my eyes open for something similar…love everything!!
Kim says
I noticed you now list your first AND last names on the “by line” . I was curious why the change?
YoungHouseLove says
That was some Google search thing that we heard might help our articles be easier to find, so John is experimenting (it’s called the Google Authorship program).
xo
s
Jamielyn@iheartnaptime says
Love this! Your tree was my favorite! I love the picture of Clara and Burger. So stinking cute! You guys are seriously the cutest family EVER! I’m such a HUGE fan of yours. Keep up all your amazing posts. xoxo
Rachel says
Burger wrapped up on the couch is too funny – he looks insanely comfortable. And Clara gave some great faces in the photo booth pictures. And I love your use of MacGyver-ing. Although everytime I think of MacGyver, I always think of MacGruber. So stinkin’ hilarious.
Charlotte says
Not that I’m not always in AWE of you guys, but this recap reminds me of so many of your amazing graphics and makes me drool with computer savvy envy. Any tips for a novice on how to slowly begin integrating gorgeous labels like yours into my photos? I suspect the answer is ‘go learn photoshop’ but a gal can dream! xo
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes it’s definitely a lot of Photoshop work, but we hear there’s a free program called Gimp that allows you to put type layers on things and do some of the same things that Photoshop does, so maybe give that a spin? Good luck!
xo
s
Lanelle says
I bought my 2 year old grandnephew the wooden car ramp also. It was a big hit, and a huge relief after him being scared to death of the Mr Potato Head we’d also gifted him. In retrospect, of course something that had removable body parts could be scary. Thank goodness for the car ramp to save the day and my status as a favorite aunt!
Bella says
My cat is always very interested in our diy projects unlike burger :) we always need to be carefull that he doesn’t end up with paint in his fur or something haha
We recently renovated the kitchen of our one bedroomm appartment. Crazyness but totally worth it!
Next project: the bedroom :)
Giselle says
Totally unrelated to your post, but did you know that your book is in bookstores here in the Philippines? (And that you have at least one reader in the Philippines?) Hello from Manila!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow, no way! LOVE that!
xo
s
Staci says
Happy New Year YHL!!! I was reading this post and feeling like a slacker queen for having one dining room chair left to reupholster, when I realized what we have finished this year:
-Big boy room for our son
-Partial renovation of our kitchen, adding more cabinetry, staining the cabinets to match the existing, more counterspace, mosaic glass tile backsplash, painting, beadboard, trim, etc.
-Accent wall in our bedroom
-Got two new chicks, the fuzzy kind
-Got the YHL book and became a fan
For 2013:
Finish reupholstering eight mcm dining chairs
Refresh an mcm dresser to use as a sideboard
Make tufted, upholstered headboard for bedroom
Wrap the box spring in fabric in bedroom
Reupholster vintage bench, refresh legs
Reupholster the ugliest free chair in America
Spray paint a mirror
That’s for starters. I LOVE DIY. Boom. Love the photobooth pics and the posts.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome!! Congrats on getting all that stuff done!
xo
s
Kate says
Just wanted to say I love, love, loved your gift giving guides. I just wished maybe they came a little earlier? :) For OCD gift givers like me that try to have all their shopping done by the 1st week in December, I was a little bummed when I saw the lists b/c I totally would have gotten more things off them for family friends. They were loaded with tons of great ideas!! (Although I did get the “How to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you” book as an add on gift for my BIL after I saw the post. So funny!) Also, do you have a section under projects for “Gift Guides”? You guys always have the coolest stuff and I’d love to have an easy reference look back on for future gift giving. Thanks so much! You guys are awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that would be fun! We’ll have to see if we can make a tab or something for that! And we’ll try to get them out earlier next year!
xo
s
dumb mom says
I wish I was as home makeover adventurey as you guys are. Then maybe I wouldn’t be sitting here right now, watching a bucket fill with water from my leaky faucet while waiting for the elusive plumber guy who is supposed to probably maybe I think be coming to my house at any moment. Yep, I use electronics by water. I ain’t scurd. Accept when it comes to home improvements. I’m such a punk when it comes to using a screwdriver.
So happy my blog bestie Roo turned me on to your site! I fully intend to live vicariously through your awesome projects while I hire someone to do 98% of mine. Let’s hope these Dudes of mine are super fast or extra smart. At this rate it’s the only way they’ll be going to college.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! You’re so sweet. And I love Roo! That girl be hilarious.
xo
s
Gabrielle says
I just need to say how much I love your dog! I have a Chihuahua too named Charlie. He’s 12 (almost 13!) and is the cutest thing ever. He is just like Burger…completely oblivious to all the changes we make around our house. He just curls up in a ball and sleeps lol. He’s only intrigued when I open up packages on the floor because he thinks they have treats in it for him. Keep on posting pics of that cute little guy in all your awesome articles. I’m a crafter and a dog lover, making me a huge fan of you two :)
Rosemary says
My husband and I only have two rules: 1. no secrets (but surprises are great); 2. see a photobooth, must go inside photobooth. Clara is a natural!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! Great rules!
xo
s
Natalie says
I love Clara’s skills! Random question but what software (or whatever) do you use for your moodlboards/collections? I thought I had it favorited (a word.yep.)but I can’t find it.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s all just photoshop. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Allison says
Is that the photo booth at New York Deli in Cary Town?…
I never laughed so hard as I did trying to take photos in that thing…it is definitely VINTAGE
The timing between photos is inconsistent and it took SO long to take the first picture that we thought it wasn’t going to work so we weren’t ready ….the same was true for the last picture so we got a lovely shot of us exciting the booth assuming it was done…haha
YoungHouseLove says
Yup! That’s the booth!
xo
s
Melissa @ Renovations & Relationships says
I love that you guys do these wrap up posts so I can look back and see if I missed any posts that month. Oops – somehow I missed the one about the bathroom mirror frame in Dec! Time to read it now… Great job!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Melissa!
xo
s
Michelle says
It is so fun seeing the projects you come up with!! I thoroughly enjoy your blog. It is so fun. As for projects we accomplished. We (I should say I) did a lot of reorganizing. Kitchen, mech. room, storage room, daughter’s room. I think we finished up switching out all of the outlets and switches in the house. Hubby is very handy with the electrical and always works for an elec. wholesaler. ;) We updated two bathroom faucets. Over the course of the year, we added a laundry tub that was never there in the laundry room. Revamped a basic 30″ drawered base to work with a drop in laundry tub, hung cabinets above washer and dryer, hubby installed a sprinkler sys. this summer (we paid someone to trench the lines, he did the rest). We are slowly going around and installing under cabinet lighting, replacing door knobs/hinges to ORB. We wrapped the rough cedar posts and redid the railing on the teeny front porch, installed a new living room and dining window, painted the living room and had new carpet installed in there as well. DIY’ing is our entertainment. LOL This year our plans include tiling the bathrooms and laundry room floor.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome Michelle! Congrats!
xo
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
You guys work so hard. It’s like life is a lemon and you’re squeezing every last bit of juice out of it to make the bestest lemonade ever. Your work ethic is a thing of legends. I hope to copy your ways. So guess what? I finally passed my state exam and you are reading words from a full fledged legally allowed to sell houses Realtor! I DID IT!!!! So if ever you want to look at cute fixer uppers in the Sunshine state hit me up shawtys! I’m sorry…I promise I’m much more professional than that in person… ;o)
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! That’s so exciting Lynn! Congrats a million times over!
xo
s
Maidless Wonder says
The little ceramic bird holding the card in the last pic is so sweet. Have you seen the little white ceramic chihuahua at Anthropologie?
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-office/F25682014.jsp
YoungHouseLove says
Awwwww! He’s cute!
xo,
s
sarah says
i love the curtain in your bathroom!
Sar
http://www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage