Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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July Superlatives

We’ve been getting requests for some sort of monthly roundup or recap when it comes to all of our undertakings (just so it’s easier to hunt posts down and see what we’ve recently conquered at a glance). And because we wanted to put our own weird little spin on it, while we were out to dinner alone (for the first time since Clara was born, mind you) we started chatting about how cheeky little nominations and titles for certain projects might be funny (or not, you decide)… and so the idea of monthly superlatives was born! As was the conviction that we have to get a life and stop talking about the blog while on our first date in 14 months.

Oh and since we’re on the subject of superlatives, you should know that John was voted “Friendliest Male” (three years in a row, actually – by his high school marching band) while I was awarded the title of “Best Friends” in the back of the yearbook (with Jenny Czajkowski, who helped me highlight my hair in her sink with mustache bleach). But enough about us. On with the July superlatives:

Most Cheerful: Painting The Laundry Room A (Pretty Darn Happy) Greeny Yellow Color

Painting Laundry2

Most Improved: Adding Some Laundry Room Built-Ins (then painting them and filling them with stuff we already had)

Laundry Room3

Nicest Legs: ORBing Those Parsons Chair Legs

Chair Bagged Sprayed

Most Likely NOT To Succeed (At Least The First Time Around): The Guest Room Light Switcheroo (And ReSwitcheroo)

BLight John Take 2

Runner Up, Most Likely NOT To Succeed (At Least The First Time Around): Framing Our Anniversary Note Cards (And Then Reframing Them Without Borders)

Square No White Close

Most Likely To Please The Queen: Tea Dying Some Pillow Covers (<–not only pleasing to the royals, but free).

Tea Stained In Pot

Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke: Filling The Patio Cracks With Polymeric Sand

Poly Sand Blown

Runner Up, Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke: Caulking The Laundry Room Ceiling (Slash Kicking Off Some Other Laundry Projects)

Cracked Ceiling 2

Most Outdoorsy: Spray Painting The Patio Furniture (you guessed it, ORB).

Patio Sprayed

Runner Up, Most Outdoorsy: Our Mini Porch Spruce Up

Bench Detail1

Class Nerd: Coding A Room Gallery

Gallery Main Page

Most Boob-Centric: My Breastfeeding Post (who would’ve thought that little diary entry of sorts would get almost 1,000 comments?!)

Clara Save It

Most Free Spirited: My Unironed Ribbon Chandelier (which shockingly still remains unironed, and I’m usually so anal…)

Chandy6

Most Controversial: Priming & Painting Our Laundry Cabinets, Switching Out The Hardware, and Hanging Our Ironing Board (which resulted in quite the directional debate).

Iron Both Directions

Most Glamorous: Painting Clara’s Closet Pink & Playing Around With Champagne “Stencils” (update: I played around with some more homemade stamps/stencils and have completed around 20% of the closet – I’m hoping to finish this weekend and have a post for ya early next week).

Claras Wall All Paint Tests

Most Embarrassing: The Pinterest Challenge Video. By far.

Most Spontaneous: We didn’t really post about it because it happened sort of gradually, but around the beginning of July, Clara just decided to walk (after lots of funny one-legged crawling like this). And just like that she’s too cool for us. See it here if you can’t below.


Most Immature: The Whole Twig & Berries Thing (Spraying Painting Frames & Mats & Losing Our Duvet)

Berries After Johns Side

So there you have it. July at a glance. And yes, this was more fun than we probably should admit. Dorks for life.

Anyway, what have you guys been up to this month? Have you ever made a list of accomplishments to look back on? We’re so used to adding things to the to-do list that stopping to see what we already did is kind of nice. And it’s interesting to look back and pick out the super cheap stuff (tea dying our pillows, painting our laundry room, painting Clara’s closet, and making that ribbon chandelier were under $2 total) and the more major stuff (like creating custom built-ins and adding an inspiration gallery) along with all the other stuff in between. We were all over the place, huh? Just the way (uh-huh, uh-huh) we like it.

Comments

  2. Donita says

    Great post guys. I’m so envious at how much you get done in a month. ;-) I am home all day, alone, and do not get MUCH finished in the way of home improvement. ;-P You make me want to try much harder. :-D
    I’m new to PINTEREST, thank you Sherry, for showing me the ropes……well somewhat, still learning here. I did try to find you, to follow, not sure how to do that. Have a great weekend.

    Reply

    • Rebe says

      I don’t often comment – but I registered for Pinterest and after signing in for the first time, I was already following 13 people – Sherry @YoungHouseLove included! I wonder if they are stalking my internet habits…

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Isn’t that crazy? I think if you log in through Facebook it adds your friends. At least that’s how I think I ended up following the folks I follow. No idea how to actually seek people out and follow them. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  3. Melanie says

    Huh. Apparently, I’m part of the weirdo minority who doesn’t see the need for a monthly recap. That’s what Archives are for, IMO. A recap post just makes me say, “But I’ve already seen all of this – where’s my new stuff?” Ah, well. Can’t please us all 24/7! Whatever makes ya’ happy. I do find your choice of superlatives fun and chuckle-worthy. :)

    Reply

  4. Mama D says

    I love this post because in a weird way I feel like I’m taking this journey with you guys as you DIY your way through your home! Also, my son is 21 months old, so I love getting tidbits about Clara mixed in with the home updates. I have gotten so much inspiration from your ideas and am working up the nerve to buy fabric for my very own hem tape curtain project AND some ORB spray paint for our oddly-colored builder-installed dining room light fixture. I love reading the switcheroos, too- makes me feel like it’ll be ok if my projects don’t quite work out the first time around. Keep it up!

    Reply

  5. Eliza says

    i love this idea! what a nice way to see what you’ve accomplished in a month. and, for me, a great way to make sure i didn’t miss any of the fun projects!

    Reply

  7. Lindsay says

    Love this post!
    The link for the guest room light switcheroo post is wrong however.
    (though totally made up for by the fact that you used “switcheroo” – best word ever) :)

    Reply

  8. cc says

    This has me thinking that the guy who probably would have been voted “Friendliest Male” in my own high school marching band wasn’t the kind of guy you’d want to marry, if you know what I mean (*wink,wink/nudge,nudge*)… Lot of unsupervised time at the back of the bus on band trips wasn’t about to go to waste, I guess. Not that I’d know anything about that. :/

    Reply

  9. MandyP says

    YOUR PINTEREST CHALLENGE VIDEO IS AWESOME! I laughed out loud several times…and my kids are supposed to be napping but they could hear me laughing. When I saw Emily Henderson, I almost fell over. How cool is it that you are all working together? I heart Young House Love.

    Reply

  10. LARY says

    HAHAHA I had to watch Clara’s video twice, I laughed so hard when she closes the door! I can’t believe she wants her privacy already? LOL
    Also great post… another tittle could’ve been “Keeping up with the Petersik’s” :)

    Reply

  13. Monika says

    I love this idea, it’s super fun!

    It’s amazing to see how much you’ve accomplished this month, you guys have done a really great job. I look forward to seeing Clara’s closet painted (I also really like the ribbon chandelier un-ironed).

    I think it’s time to relax and enjoy the weekend. :)

    Reply

  14. Nicole says

    Is there any way to sign up for pinterest without having a facebook account? I have one but I don’t have any interest in agreeing to all of the facebook related links, etc. Pinterest requests when you get an invite. I just want to look at Pinterest and have it not related to facebook whatsoever. Can you just use an email address?? Any help is appreciated!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I’m not sure but I bet there is because folks who don’t have FB accounts can still get on. I think you just request an invite and they send you one (to your email account) and follow the prompts? Anyone know?

      xo,
      s

  16. Stephanie L says

    We FINALLY picking a paint color for the master bedroom. Our battle went on longer and was faught harder than your “debt ceiling” issue, Congress! And it’s DONE. Oh, thank you sweet baby Jesus and Benjamin Moore. Well, OK, the paint hasn’t been rolled on yet, but the decision is made. Can I get an amen and alleleuia?

    Reply

  18. Tania says

    Awww, cute recap! Your post about breastfeeding had me wondering if you guys did any sleep-training with Clara? I think you mentioned she started sleeping through the night pretty early. I’m almost through my first trimester so starting to move from the pregnancy books to the newborn care ones and would love to hear your suggestions.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I think we just got lucky with a sleepy baby. At least during the night (she was pretty alert during the day in return). We did try to stick to a routine (no playing or singing or stories in the middle of the night so she knows that’s for sleeping) and also closed the blinds and turned on her sound machine to signal “it’s night – time to sleep!”

      xo,
      s

  19. KCatGU says

    I’ll add my own Superlative, “Most Freaky” I totally had a dream last night where the whole Petersik family made appearances – including John’s mom, being there to watch Clara. We were working on some basement renovation. Leaving me with a similar conviction that I have to got to back away from the computer a bit, so I made till lunch before checking yhl, hehe.

    Reply

  20. Marla says

    I really admire you guys for all your hard work! The only thing missing though are pics of you and John for the high school superlatives :) love it!

    Reply

  21. Pip says

    Great idea! Can we vote on our favourite superlative? Most superlative superlative? Perhaps thats going a little too far :) I love that when I read your posts, though I’m in another country & and a little older than you both, I get inspired to make our home more ‘us’ and find myself nodding in recognition (first date in over a year with new baby, boob stuff, gorgeous toddling princesses). You guys have such a gift – thanks for sharing your lives :) now where the heck can I get me some Rustoleum ORB locally..the search begins!

    Reply

  24. Kandace says

    My 21 month old son loves to watch the videos of Clara :) He just smiles and says “baby” the whole time.

    Reply

  25. Paige says

    OMG.OMG.OMG… That video was hilarious! I love Emily Henderson and watch her HGTV show all the time. She is super cute! Good luck and have fun with the challenge. Can’t wait to read/see updates. And P.S. Go Clara!

    Reply

  26. Darcy says

    First off — Clara is so stinkin cute — and I just love those wobbly first month or so steps!! My little guy is 22 months, and he still LOVES to close (er..SLAM)the door on us all the time!! It is literally HOURS are fun for him!! LOL! Welcome to all the fun!!

    Also — I wanted to comment on your wonderful breastfeeding post. I too, had a wonderful (if not painful in the beginning) breastfeeding experience, however, not for as long as you were lucky enough to have! I was able to breastfeed till he was 4 months old, but then had to stop after his heart surgery (it was too hard for him right after the surgery when he was still sore), and then after having bottles, he didn’t want the boob any more! So, I exclusively pumped until he was 9 months and I could take it no more!! I really, really loved that time with him for those 4 months, (honestly there is nothing sweeter than those early morning feedings in bed) and I often wonder how long I would have gone if not for him stopping. I definitely went through all the emotions you shared and more with stopping breastfeeding and then stopping pumping. Ugh, they were both so emotional for me! Well- I went into it not knowing how we would both do with it, and I am happy that it went as well as it did. I hope to have another baby, and hope that it goes as well and we can continue with it longer! So, kudos to you and Clara for having such an excellent and rewarding time with it!!

    Lastly, Just wanted to say how much I love this blog( a co-worker got me addicted about a month ago) and you have gotten me jump-started on FINALLY (after 5 years of living in our house) making some steps to make our house feel like our home!! I can’t wait to share with you the changes we started making! Thanks again — You guys ROCK!!! :-)

    Reply

  27. emilie says

    Hi first time commenting…but I confess I participated in some of the giveaway ;)

    I just wanted to say that this idea of looking back on what got accomplished in a month (a week or a day) instead of what’s still lies ahead is salutary in the midst of reno.

    I think I’m gonna get starting on my list this week-end.

    Keep on the good and inspiring work!

    ps : I’m french canadian so forgive any english mistakes I made (make)…

    Reply

  28. Ali Miller says

    I have to say that was the most awesome post ever. Productive, efficient, and lots of humor. PERFECT.

    Reply

  30. jeannette says

    the clara pic for the breastfeeding nom is hilarious. as is the first steps clip — watch out, daddy! NO BOYS ALLOWED!!!!

    Reply

  31. Iomay says

    Love the recap and hoping to watch the Clara video later tonight! It seems a lot of people have been having YHL dreams lately… I’m here to say that I happen to dream fabrics! :) Suzani VS Ikat anyone?! :) Can’t wait for next weeks videos…

    Reply

  32. kate says

    If there is an outlet handy in clara’s closet….take a curling iron in and run the ribbons through it to iron them. It may be easier than taking it down and ironing it. I always had the crispest hair bows on the cheerleading squad, because I would always run them through the curling iron :)

    Reply

  33. Amy @ this DIY life says

    As I was browsing Pinterest this week (shocker) there was a pin about straightening ribbon with a flat iron. So using that since with the humidity I don’t know why I bother trying to use it on my hair.

    I’ve kinda taken this whole Pinterest challenge and gone a little ca-razy. I picked one easy project that I knew I could finish in time then another and another and another. Since I have two fully finished I already blogged one cause I just couldn’t handle the suspense. Tuesday is going to be like Christmas to me!!! Three cheers for Katie!

    Reply

  35. Evelyn says

    I normally never comment…but that video of Clara was so funny! I caught myself actually LOLing and saying outloud, “That’s so cute!” hahaa, you guys are pretty amazing, I must say. Even with the dorkiness and all :) Thanks for sharing! xo, E

    Reply

  36. Jennifer W says

    Hi there, I just watched the video — and OMG Sherry, you are beautiful! I knew you were funny, creative, anal, bright, and so much more from following the blog, but I never realized just how beautiful you are! And I know it doesn’t matter, and our insides matter so much more– blah, blah :)– but I always like a compliment, so there ya go, lady! You are just beautiful! Lucky, lucky John!

    Reply

  37. alg says

    Hey, YHL-ers!
    I don’t know if you’ll even see this comment, b/c I know y’all don’t post much on the weekends (I do, btw… in case you just can’t get enough of me ;->)
    Anyhoo — Sherry got a mention in my post today for her spray-painting genius, and I hot-linked it to YHL, so I figured I’d pass along the news :) :)
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  39. Lauren says

    Want to help me brainstorm some ideas?! After seeing your art makeover, which I LOVED, thought maybe you could help me with a little project . . . I bought a bunch of blank notecards letterpressed at the top with animals in the theme of my little girl’s nursery and life. (Her name is Sydney, we have an Australia obsession . . . yes, I know. Major cheese.)

    Anyway, I now have 36 notecards with all kinds of Australian animals. I could get more too. What should I do with them? Let her scribble on them when she gets older to send with thank you notes? Let her draw on them and put them in a book of keepsakes? Just use them for regular notes?

    I don’t want to personally write on them because my handwriting is always crooked and I’ll spend forever lamenting it. These cards are too adorable to just, well, use. :)

    Thanks!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Well you know we’d frame those in a huuuge gallery wall, right? Or just swag some twine from two hooks and clip all the cards up with clothespins like a big easy-to-switch-out-display. But you could also let her scribble on them, maybe each at different stages of her life and save them all in a keepsake box for her? Maybe as she gets older she can write on them and record stuff sort of like an ongoing diary of her younger years? Could be cute!

      xo,
      s

  43. Jen says

    Hi Sherry-love the blog so much and keeping a monthly log of all that you have accomplished is a great idea! Definitely keeps things in perspective when one sees a lot of unfinished projects and starts to fee overwhelmed! Focus on what has been done! You guys are so inspiring and I love how cheeky you are :)

    I have a question that you may or may not get around to answering, but since you guys are on the up and up in the diy design, I thought I’d ask…

    Is is taboo to have different finishes in ones house? My husband and I just bought our first house and are in the process of updating all the awesome 80’s brass fixtures (along with a ton of other stuff). While we love the look of ORB on all of our light fixtures/pulls/front door etc, we like the brushed or stainless look for bathroom and kitchen. Is this bad? Is ORB the way of the future or is chrome going to make a comeback?

    Never thought in my entire life I’d be stressing over a shower handle :) Hope you’re all well. I’m from Richmond, but live in Portland so I love reading about your escapades. I bought my first couch from Diversity Thrift. Sorry for the novella, ack!

    Reply

  45. Colleen in MA says

    Love this! Please continue this feature. Because 1) It’s classic you guys – keeping it real with a huge dose of humor and 2) so many times I’ll think about a project you’ve done and want to go back when my own plans get organized but sometimes I can’t seem to find the original post (i.e. I’m too lazy to go digging). And thank you Sherry for NOT ironing the ribbons. So many times I don’t start projects because of my perfectionism but you’ve shown me that sometimes you just gotta start a dang thing and the finishing touches can evolve or just be postponed until life gets less crazy, which let’s face it, happens to everyone. xoxoxoxo

    Reply

  46. Laura says

    Sherry, I just have to tell you that you are not the only one whose friend gave her “highlights” with mustache bleach. My friend, Jenny, did my whole head and I turned into a carrot. The summer after 7th grade wasn’t so fun being grounded…

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, it must be some right of passage! I was grounded for an entire year once. Seriously. The whole grade year. All of the notes in the back of my yearbook are something to the effect of: “Can you believe you were grounded this whole year? Hope we get to hang out more next year! Just don’t get grounded again.” Oh memories.

      xo,
      s

  48. Brittani says

    Hey Sherry, I just had to tell you that my son crawls just like Clara did! We always refer to it as his “crab crawl” or “the butt scooting boogie”! Anyone that sees him crawl comments on it so it’s funny to see that my son is not the only baby to come up with his own special way to move around! Thanks for posting your videos of your lovely family, they are always so sweet!

    Reply

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