January was one of those you-sneeze-and-you’ll-miss-it months for us. It just flew by! Is it really already February? Crazyville. So before our behind-the-scenes-book-stuff threatens to completely erase our memory of this month, we like to take a moment to look back on all that we’ve done 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 for kicks. This month we were all over the place as usual, but focused a lot of our time on the kitchen along with making a mini kitchen for Clara and tackling some random stuff that we’ve been hoarding in the playroom in what we affectionately like to call our “Dude, Get On That Already” Challenge. So let’s take a walk down memory lane, with yearbook-esque superlatives, shall we?
Future Top Chef: Clara, considering the amount of time she spends using the play kitchen we made for her for Christmas. Although the thing she “cooks” most is a bunch of toy animals (they also get lots of fake baths in the sink).
Most Gifted: Us, at least when it comes to recapping all of our Christmas gifts – like earrings, art, art supplies, buttons, etc.
Most Secretive: All of the lady-bloggers (including Sherry) who participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange last month. January meant they could finally reveal their identities and the deets behind the gifts.
Most Likely To Be In The Dark: Clara, thanks to her new blackout curtains. They’re still not officially sewed, but that doesn’t keep us from getting some rock star naps lately! Thank goodness. It’s like she knows we’re trying to knock out five secret book shots in a two hour period so she gives us an extra half hour just to be sweet.
Most Artistic: The wall in our living room, which got a small little art switcheroo (color mats became more muted linen ones). Oh and we shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our ottoman. Our over-sharing spirit knows no bounds, apparently.
Class Stud: This stool that we made over for a feature in a recent issue of Do It Yourself magazine (after we gave it a little paint and fabric update with some nail heads).
Most Deranged Re-Arranged: Clara’s room, which is on its third layout in one year. I guess that’s what you get when you try to configure furniture meant for a smaller differently-shaped room into a new space.
Best Couple: The new sheer curtain panels that joined the existing printed panels (well, half panels) in our living room to beef up their visual presence a bit.
Book Worm: Our family yearbooks! Our big photobook featuring all of the highlights from 2011 arrived in January (and Clara has already learned to request “look at pictures” to go through it together – awwww).
Most Faux-Real: The antlers we sprayed white and hung atop Sherry’s noggin in the kitchen as our first “Dude, Get On That Already” project where we have vowed to use things or lose them donate/craigslist them.
Best Tour Guide: Burger, for showing you around his “room” in our post about hanging a new light fixture in our master closet.
Least Upright: Me, while snagging a few new closet chandelier pics while Burger supervised.
Most Dramatic: The transformation of our cabinets, having (finally) gotten their paint makeover.
Most Tedious: Installing our penny tile in the kitchen, which required a fair bit of time and concentration – so much so that the process spanned three whole posts. Including this one (where we covered how we figured out how to cut the penny tile)…
… this one all about how we planned and executed our first (small) wall of tile…
… and this one about finishing up the whole thing (including a video of the thinsetting process). Fortunately it was all totally worth it in the end. We still find ourselves petting it every now and then.
Most Annoying: Me, for getting a Tears for Fears song stuck in lots of your heads thanks to my post entitled “Grout, Grout, Let It All Out.” Uh oh, did I just do it again?
Most Swiss Cheese-esque: The ceiling in our kitchen, which was rocking quite a few holes following a visit from the electrician.
Most Well-Rounded: Our new globe pendant lights over the peninsula in the kitchen.
Little Miss Perfect Award: Definitely not Sherry, who owned up to the fact that life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns at Chez Petersik in her “The Real $her-dog” post. But that’s why we love her.
Mr. Mom: me (I’m feeling better about accepting this title thanks to lots of encouraging comments on my “The Real J-Boom” post where I talked about my insecurity about being a work-at-home-dad). Aw, shucks.
Cheapest: Our Jenn-Air range hood found on Craigslist for $60 (after we talked them down from 65). I’d say it’s our best deal of the year, but it doesn’t mean much considering we’re just one month in. It’s like seeing a movie preview these days that says “Critics are calling it the best film of the year.”
Most Supported: The aforementioned vent hood, which you saw us hang earlier this week (and a bit later – though technically in February – you saw it get all covered up too).
Most Commented: Our post about how we handle less-than-kind feedback (wowsa, it wracked up over 1000 comments in one weekend). Must have been this picture…
Most Chaotic: Our house, as the perfect storm of kitchen renovations and book photo shoots converge in one typhoon of craziness. Hey, on the bright side – one week of three is officially complete! And we have over 35 projects fully shot (before, progress, and afters) and in the can. Go team!
Biggest Chicken: Jarvis, the oversized ceramic rooster that we amped up with some aubergine spray paint.
Most Dated: Our page o’ monthly round ups that we finally organized (so you can see virtually all our 2011 projects in 12 posts). Guess we gotta go add this guy now…
What did you guys squeak out in the first month of 2012? Have you ever made a list of accomplishments to look back on? Feel free to use the comment section of this post to list what you’ve done (or just toss out a few highlights). It’s so nice to take a break from adding things to the to-do list for a second, just to look back and appreciate the things you can mark “done!”
Candie says
I can’t get enough of John’s ‘White Ceramic Husband’ shirt! You guys are genius beyond genius and hysterically funny! I love your blog and visit everyday…I have a blog of my own and am actually hosting my very first giveaway today! Eee! Incase any of your readers would like to enter it…http://www.rockcandieblog.com/fridays-rockin-giveaway
Thanks so much guys and I can’t wait for the book to come out! WOOHOO!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Candie! Love the blog and good luck with the giveaway!
xo,
s
Bethany says
Kay, this is kinda off topic, but Sherry your skin always looks great~ clear and glowing~ in your pix~ any secret skin care regimen or just good genes?
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Bethany! I use organic stuff (Dr Bronner’s soap and Avalon Organics shampoo & conditioner along with Organic Wear makeup) so maybe that’s it? I have super sensitive skin, so even washing it too much gives me break outs. So maybe the secret is less is more for me? At least that’s my excuse when I forget to wear makeup or wash my hair.
xo,
s
Charlotte | Living Well on the Cheap says
Sometimes when I feel like I’m doing a particularly awesome job of knocking things off my to do list left and right I’ll start a separate “accomplishments” list just to keep track of everything I’ve done and bask in my own glory.
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! I think it’s good for morale and for building up some momentum!
xo,
s
Brandy in Nashville says
Hi there, love your blog. =) Check it almost daily. Anyway, I spotted the white clothes basket (we have three). Do you use it for dirty laundry (we have nicer, larger ones in each room) or just to unload the laundry? If not, where do you store it? I’m having a hard time finding somewhere to store three of them – headache! I know it would make sense to use them, but they’re too small!
YoungHouseLove says
We have a hamper in our closet and a small basket hamper in Clara’s room for dirty laundry so we use the basket mostly for holding whites while we’re doubt darks or beingging clean laundry back to our bedroom to fold it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Would you pretty please … with sugar on top (and, yes, that is a Pulp Fiction reference. Um, I mean no, not a scary, threatening Pulp fiction reference) link up Most Supported or Most Well-Rounded or Most Annoying or Most Dramatic or Most Tedious …
… oh, how about all of them …
To our first-ever multi-blog link party (called a blog hop, though that term bugs me for some reason)?
Here’s the link:
http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/01/imagine-impossibilities-2012-link-party.html
We close at midnight. Maybe you can strive to be the last link. We’re rounding third base at 355 …
Thanks!
Linda
[email protected]
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds fun! Off to check it out! Can’t wait to peruse all the links!
xo,
s
Melissa @ Bless This Mess says
Hey! Every time I see Clara’s kitchen I think “oh I have to tell them” so I am! At the Children’s Museum in Phoenix they have cute little kitchens just like yours BUT from the faucet they have those tiny little metal balls that are all strung together (you know, the ones that dog tags and cheap necklaces are on…) hanging from the faucet. There were probably 6 to 8 strands that went down into the sink and they looked like water. Not only did they look like water but they almost felt like it when you run your hands through them. Does that make sense? My 2 year old stood and played in that “water” coming for the faucet for honestly 15 minutes. It was great tactile play and I’m sure you’re little girl would love it.
Tactile play = genius child
You should look in to it. I think she’s like the addition, it would make for a cute post, and who doesn’t want a genius child?
And while I’m at it. We are totally remodeling our house. I haven’t had a kitchen (no sink!) for the last 6 months, we live in one big room, it’s such a nightmare and party all at the same time. I blog about it but can’t even wait until I have some good before and afters to send you! That is my goal… have an after!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I love that idea!
xo,
s
Kate says
January was the month of 31 projects in 31 days (because I turned 31 on the 31st!). Most of the projects were things I’ve been putting off since we basically moved into this house four years ago and others were in preparation for an upcoming kitchen remodel. My husband and I felt so accomplished by the end of the list that we decided to do modified/less aggressive versions every month.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing! Congrats! I love that concept.
xo,
s
Brandy in Nashville says
So where do you store the white basket (if you don’t mind me asking)? It’s big and bulky and doesn’t really have a home, huh? lol Maybe the master closet?
YoungHouseLove says
The basket lives in the laundry room actually! Check him out here: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/08/the-laundry-room-done-for-now/
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Best Night Out: J-boom & $her-dog at Richmond Famous!
When are y’all going to post about that?!? C’mon — knit-cop, Tyra Banks, and care bear under wear — spill it!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we had so much fun! We hear the video will be available soon so then we’ll share a big ol’ link!
xo,
s
vicky says
YOU GUYS ROCK!!! You have no idea how much you have inspired us with your ideas! We bought what is possibly the world’s ugliest house and are ‘slowly’ transforming it. Painted knotty pine cabinets, removed “9”, yes, “9” layers of linoleum from the floor, etc. Hard to do when you have a toddler!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Vicky! Good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Jill&Eric @ Frozen Sunshine says
So awesome!
Love, love, love that kitchen set you made for Clara! Totally hoping you decide to create your own kid furniture making business! ;)
Jess Collins says
I love your blog!!! I have been doing a short list on paper of what i accomplish each month, and for january i say we accomplished a big one. We finalized on our house, packed, moved, mostly unpacked, and did all major electrical work :) I’ve started writing about it because of you two!! All those things i would have originally had someone else do, i now have faith that i can figure out, eventually, to do myself! Thank you two!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- you’ve been so busy! Congrats on all that you’ve accomplished!
xo,
s
Laci says
Like a previous commenter, I cannot believe I missed a post! I don’t know how it happened, but thank you for the reminder! Also, LOVE the secret, special extras ya’ll add to these posts! I knew the idea of having a monthly recap post would be helpful when trying to track ideas down, but I did not realize how helpful. Long story short, I was rushing to track down a post for a friend (she just found out she’ll have a c-section early in two weeks; so she’s on finishing projects overdrive…and a little crazy-eyed). I had mud in and on my shoes, grape slushy down my back, peanut butter and birdseed in my hair, desperately trying to get in the shower, needing to be at clinic in less than 20 minutes, and my friend on the phone in complete freakout-mode while I easily found your washer and dryer info in your Jan. 2011 mothly recap post in no time!! SERIOUSLY useful!! Thanks! *For the record, in addition to being friend of the year (or at least day), I managed to get showered, re-dressed, and de-frazzled in time for my first patient (they were running late as well).
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Laci! So glad it was easier for you! And I can completely applaud you for getting it all together in the final stretch. I’d totally find bird seed in my hair the next day and think “craaaap, was that really in my hair for the last 24 hours?!”
xo,
s
Kat says
I love reading your superlative posts. However they make me feel very lazy. I accomplished starting a new healthy way of eating, restarting my blog I had been away from for almost a year and getting caught up on laundry. I guess its better than nothing!
YoungHouseLove says
Um, that’s a lot! I have yet to accomplish starting a healthy way of eating. Haha. And we’re hopelessly behind on laundry! Congrats!
xo,
s
Ashley says
1. My married name is Grout and my dad does tile for a living, (how weird) so please sing “Grout, Grout, Let it all Out” as much as you want!
2. After becoming highly addicted to your blog, I have begun painting old dining room furniture white, hung up bamboo blinds with white airy curtains in the living room, and painted wine bottles for decor…all in the first month of 2012. Thanks for all the great ideas and how to’s!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Now I wish my last name was Grout. And congrats on all those accomplishments!
xo,
s
vickielovesjeff says
Happy Saturday morning ya’ll! Let me preface what I’m about to say with this (No worries, no negative criticisms): I totally adore your sweet family and love checking in w/ your blog daily, sometimes multiple times cuz’ you guys are so awesome about posting!) Anyhoo, apparently you’ve made a real impression on my 11yo daughter because you guys were in her dream last night. I’m not sure I should share specifically what happened to poor John for fear you would think we’re Super Freaks, (I’m personally beside myself concerning her dream content, but I know the books she’s reading TOTALLY influenced poor John’s, uhhh….demise. Hey, we can’t help what we dream about, right?) However, I find it comical that you have enough presence in our lives as complete strangers that my daughter dreamt about you. Thought you might find it humorous, too. Hope you have some wonderful family time this weekend!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! That’s too funny! Although I’m sad to hear that John met an untimely demise – dreams are so weird, huh?
xo,
s
Audrey says
Clara’s Kitchen is just the sweetest kitchen I have ever seen, and I want one of my own to play with…… Never mind my daughters, it’s there fault the rooster died……
Elise says
Being 6 months pregnant I’m in full nesting mode so this past month I’ve…
~Painted baby’s room
~Completely reorganized our office/craft room
~Replaced two ceiling fans (including one that’s been broken for a year and a half…talk about Dude Get On That Already!)
~Re-hung two sets of curtains that were taken down to redo windows back in December
~Reorganized multiple cabinets in kitchen and put in shelf paper
~Replaced a pendant lamp in the kitchen that I broke months ago
~Cleaned the garage
~Reorganized laundry room cabinets
~Lots of weeding back in our almost half-acre yard
so much done…still so much to do!
YoungHouseLove says
Awesome! Wow, that’s a ton of stuff. And congrats on the bean you’re baking!
xo,
s
Amanda Nowak says
You guys get a ton accomplished every month. It’s pretty stinking fabulous.
As a side note… Sometimes I get tired of kitchen posts because we live in an apartment so we aren’t doing any huge renos yet, but then I think about how someday when we have our home and we are redoing an ugly kitchen your posts will be there. :) And then I get less tired and more like “boo-yah!” So, yeah. Thanks :)
Jess Collins says
This is a tiny bit (or alot a bit) off topic, but do you have a button? I have looked everywhere for one to add you to my personal blog, and i can’t find it. You are my DIY god/desses and i must mention that…
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jess- we actually don’t! We’re archaic over here, so we haven’t figured buttons out- haha. We usually just suggest that folks take a screen grab of our header (just the type part usually) and just size it to fit whatever they need! So sorry not to be more helpful!
xo,
s
Heather V. says
I may have missed this post, but just wondering where you scored those gorgeous new toss cushions on Karl (off-white background with aqua lines)?
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from HomeGoods a little while ago. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Hilary says
I was inspired by your “Dude, get on it already” (or whatever it’s called) projects. Mine was actually a crib skirt made a la YHL. I’ve had the fabric sitting by my bed for a few months. I finally actually made it on Thursday and itlooks great! Thx for the motivation ; ) Good luck with your book stuff this weekend.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! And congrats on your crib skirt!
xo,
s
Bobby says
Aha, white ceramic husband! Excellent. Looking good.
kate says
i love you guys! you guys crack me up! lol.
clara’s kitchen set is soo flippin’ cute.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kate. Love you back.
xo,
s
Janelle says
Just be glad those play animals are getting fake baths. The ones in my house get real ones in the bathroom sink.
Kathryn Griffin says
I am amazed at how much stuff you guys can get done in a month! And, yes, I’m super behind in my blog reading. Anyhoo, great job! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Jennifer says
Ok now I want a penny tile backsplash, Love it!! And glad I can get info about how to do it on here.