Since it’s a holiday here in the US (America’s birthday, no less!) we’re spending the day with our family, but we thought we’d take a minute to look back on the month of June (once again we’re late with our little recap – sorry guys!). But in an attempt to TOTALLY REDEEM OURSELVES (name that movie), we’ve also linked to a bunch of Fourth of July related posts of yore for ya (here, here, and here) and we snuck a few never before seen things into this recap – like a new family portrait that the lovely and talented Katie B snapped for us while we were in Atlanta (how is no one crying?!). If you’re feeling especially sentimental, you can also browse all of our monthly superlatives dating back to January of 2011 right here (it’s almost a year and a half of projects crammed into just 17 posts). Happy Fourth of July everyone!
Most Refreshing: The new view of our house, now that the bush fence has officially become grass. It’s nice to look back at this picture now that the summer heat has since made things a little bit browner…
Biggest Surprise: How easy it was to demolish the balcony that stood in the way of our new deck. Still kinda crazy to think how easily it came off. Glad we didn’t try to use that sucker!
Most Worth The Wait: Our new scalloped rug in the kitchen, which we found at Urban Outfitters after a pretty extensive rug search.
Biggest Pop (Indoor): Finally putting some color on our kitchen stools – they totally add a little cheer to our peninsula.
Biggest Pop (Outdoor): Introducing a new accent color to our patio – tomato red! – courtesy of these new Adirondack chairs that we saved up for (literally, cash-in-a-jar style).
Biggest Tearjerker: This plate, which we had custom made as an anniversary present to my parents. When my mom saw our family’s simple dinner grace emblazoned on this platter she (and maybe a few of us too) got a little something in our eyes.
The “Never Thought I’d Do That!” Award: Taking a power saw to the brick exterior of our house. This was the first step in deck construction, so while it felt a bit weird, it was exciting to finally dive in.
Messiest: The floor of our bathroom after demo-ing out the sketchy tree border tile that we were less than loving.
Most Worldly: This little jaunt around our local World Market so that we could share all of the colorful and fun items that caught our eye.
Most Sparkly: The shiny new glass subway tile that we installed in our bathroom to replace the old tree tile border that we demo-ed the day before.
Most Technical: This post about some of our favorite Photoshop tricks for adjusting photos. It was a little nitty gritty, but we loved sharing our process and learning some new tips from you guys in the comment section!
Most Sentimental: The little arrangement of frames that we put on the wall in our bathroom with pictures taken on each of our four wedding anniversaries. The 5th one comes up on Saturday, so here’s hoping we get a great decent picture for that empty frame. Update: Just as Sherry predicted, those flowers died well before they could reach our fifth anniversary- oh well, at least they were free from the backyard.
Heaviest: The auger that we rented to dig holes for our deck posts. It was pretty hefty, but definitely not as bad as my face in these pictures would indicate.
Shiftiest: The furniture in our bedroom, which got shifted around when we finally broke up our crazy symmetrical arrangement for a new layout that gave the room more flow. Only took us a year and a half to figure that out. Haha.
Biggest Risk: Cutting the posts off sweet Ed The Bed. But it was a risk that totally paid off with a much improved and airier vibe. Thank goodness.
Biggest Sourpuss: Me, after learning that we failed our first deck inspection and that two days of work appeared to be totally wasted (that is, until we got some good news last week).
Shakiest: The cameraperson at the helm of our most recent outdoor tour video (this means you Sherry). I’d say she needs to quit it on the caffeine, but there’s not even caffeine in her diet to blame it on!
Most Well-Rounded: The new rug in our office (but definitely not the two workaholics making cameos in the background).
Most Helpful: Clara – or at least that’s what we tell her, especially when it comes to keeping her occupied at the home improvement store by asking for her assistance when we’re pushing the cart (she’s happy to dive in – even for large loads like the wood for our new bedroom headboard).
Most Improved: Our bedroom, which is totally on the up-and-up (if you ask us) thanks to the addition of this new upholstered headboard.
Most Unresolved: Okay, so I’ll admit that blogging about our little tiff over an accidental (and totally well-intentioned) trip to Goodwill with a towel bar that was not supposed to end up there was partially motivated by hoping you guys would all say I was right. Many of you did, but many of you didn’t. Case officially not closed.
Most Likely To Make Situations Awkward: Us – well, Sherry in particular – at the Haven Conference where we gave the keynote address, but also grinded on other bloggers, let our kids (that included Burger) run amok, and generally had a blast while doing it.
Most Disappointing (To Some): That our post entitled “The Vow” wasn’t actually about Channing Tatum, but instead featured some 4th of July tablesettings that Sherry whipped up just for fun.
Friendliest: These “Twenty Northern Friends” that were part of my Father’s Day gift. Sidenote: In high school, I actually was voted “Friendliest” a couple of times (although that was just in band superlatives, so maybe I shouldn’t boast that much).
Smiliest: The three of us, who Katie Bower miraculously caught all smiling in this sweet little family portrait that she captured during our visit. Thanks Katie B! Total miracle worker. And yes, Sherry is totally pinning Clara’s hands down (she’s a flailer just like her mom).
So that’s what our June looked like (along with some pretty hefty book proofing stuff that goes off to be printed in less than a month!). It’s always fun to take a break from adding things to the to-do list for a second, just to look back and appreciate the things that are done-zo. We totally think it helps keep our momentum up – especially when it comes to tackling things like our big deck project, some more bathroom and bedroom updates, other outdoor projects, and everything else at the top of our list. What are you most proud of accomplishing this past month? And what are you looking forward to checking off in July? Is it just us, or did it feel like 2012 just started and suddenly we’re halfway done with it? Oh where has the time gone…
kristin blake says
I’m naming that movie…..DUMB & DUMBER!!! My favorite movie of all time!
YoungHouseLove says
Correct!
How was your day? Fell off the jetway again.
xo,
s
Carolyn says
well, to answer you first question … in Dumb and Dumber the line is “You know, Lloyd, just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this… And totally redeem yourself!” Happy 4th!
YoungHouseLove says
Dear gas man,
You’re right.
xo,
s
Anna Hernandez says
I totally read ‘Shiftiest’ and ‘Shi**iest’. HA. Sorry!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I can see how that could happen…
xo,
s
Lesley@ChaoticallyCreative says
Awww! These were so great! Thanks for the wonderful re-cap. My fav is the picture at Haven and the very interesting placement of Sherry’s hand. That’s so something awkward I would do!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, totally looks like a boob smash. Haha.
xo,
s
kristin blake says
I’m naming that movie….Dumb & Dumber….my favorite movie of all time!
YoungHouseLove says
Aspen, where the beer flows like wine.
xo,
s
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
I have to say that your post on your go-to photo editing techniques was awesome! I’ve been using them (with Gimp) and they really make a difference! Thanks 1000 times for posting them!
Oh… and your Goodwill conflict is unresolved in this house, too. Kevin agrees with John and I have to agree with Sherry!
Happy 4th!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- thanks Jess!
xo,
s
Ainhoa@ALittleBite says
Happy 4th of July! I have to agree, the post on Photoshop was very useful. And I love the family picture that Katie took!
Annalie says
Dumb and Dumber! Your headboard is awesome! This is why I love the monthly roundup posts because I must have missed the post about this so I wouldn’t have seen it otherwise. I was thinking of doing something different in my daughters room and this has given me a great idea, thanks! Wow, I just used way too many exclamation points! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Annalie! That and the stools are our favorite two projects this month!
xo,
s
Lindsey @ A Pear to Remember says
I got just three extra clear storage bins (on wheels) from IKEA and TOTALLY transformed our very large hall closet. Not only are purses and tote bags on hanging hooks, I can wheel out gardening/painting supplies without having to beg the hubby to lift everything for me. I am so proud and smile every time I open the door!
And, I painted a stool yesterday. A really lovely fern color. Double points: used latex paint this time around (unlike spray paint for kitchen table and chairs) and managed to NOT paint the stone or living items on our patio. Score.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds so cute!!! Congrats!
xo,
s
Marta says
Your family portrait is absolutely ADORABLE!! You’ve got a total sweetie =)
karen says
wow…that was a busy month!!
Stephanie B. says
What a GREAT family portrait! That one needs a frame somewhere!
Meredith says
I was just doing some bedroom rearranging last night thanks to you guys! Looking at the updated pictures, it looks pretty close to being finished. Besides re-doing the floor, possibly the dresser, and doing something with the botanical prints wall, what is left on your bedroom to-do list?
YoungHouseLove says
The entire other side of the room is blank- so we need some art/furniture for over there. We’d also love to build out and repaint the sink cabinet, paint the ceiling, possibly repaint the walls, etc.
xo,
s
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Great pic of the 3 of you!! Such a miracle to get the little ones to smile at the same time that everyone is actually looking at the camera. I’m sure Jeremy and Katie were doing some serious antics behind the camera to get that kind of reaction :) Happy 4th of July y’all!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, Katie is a total magician!
xo,
s
KC says
Best looking family ever! Happy 4th to you all!
Sammy says
How do you get so many things done in one month?? Holy cow!! I only wish I could get up and get things done.
Happy 4th!!!
xx
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, happy fourth to you too Sammy! It helps that there are two of us doing this full time (although sometimes Clara tries to sabotage us- haha- so the key is working at night after 8 when she’s in bed, usually until around midnight or one!).
xo,
s
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I love to see the recaps–you all are busy! It motivates me to work on projects I have going on here–including trying a new Pinned recipe today to share at the Pinterest Challenge next week. :) Happy 4th of July!
PS. Thank you for the Dumb & Dumber quote. Made me smile.
Staci @ My Friend Staci says
LOVING your new family photo! Didn’t even catch the Clara-Restraining-Maneuver until you mentioned it!
Esther says
My favorite is your family portrait -so pretty. Can’t wait to see it up in your house somewhere :)
The Hill Hangout says
I’m totally digging those stools! We’ve been saving for some from Industrial West, which I loved, but they are like $165 each. Will be almost $800 for a set of four. I’m loving the idea of paying much less! And I’m glad to know how you painted them, because that’d be a fun pop of color in my kitchen. Thanks for the idea!
YoungHouseLove says
Happy to help! Good luck!
xo,
s
Sam says
No caffeine in your diet, Sherry? Is that just a choice or is it motivated by a certain condition wink wink?
Loved the round up, don’t know how I missed the post on photoshop, must go memorise that one now!
YoungHouseLove says
Promise I’m not prego! We’re not trying yet (just not ready) but I do eat chocolate- so that has caffeine right? I just don’t typically drink soda or coffee, and my tea of choice has always been herbal (just so I don’t stay up all night, haha).
xo,
s
Naomi says
Wonderful re-cap! Happiest Fourth of July to you :)
-Naomi {Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups}
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Naomi! You too!
xo,
s
Nevin says
I a envious of your family photo~ I need to ge over my photo shyness and just bite the bullet and do it! One day!
As always,your blog motivates me to accomplish my tasks. I just finished refinishing a small table with a “faux leather” top and nail head trim. Gotta go – more projects waiting to be completed!
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats! That table sounds so charming with the nail head trim!
xo,
s
Koliti says
Whew! Hope you have a relaxing 4th – you deserve it! Thanks for all of June’s eye-candy, inspirations, how-tos, and tips & tricks – Love your style!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! The day started off with a bang (or a whimper) when the car wouldn’t start! We think it’s the battery- boo! Here’s hoping we can get it taken care of in time to have some fun today!
xo,
s
Maria @ All Things Luxurious says
I love this post! What a busy month. :-) And that is a fantastic picture of you all! Love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Maria!
xo,
s
Nicole says
I know I’m not the first one to it, but I love that movie, and that quote–Dumb and Dumber! good stuff. We organized for a housewarming party over the weekend, and have managed to keep things pretty put-together, other than the pile of (empty) plastic storage totes by the door to return to the friend that loaned them to us for the move.
Koliti says
When things like your battery acting-up happens and causes a delay – I take it as a sign that you are not supposed to be on the road at that time (and a lot of times I’ll then come upon an accident – and think yay! for delays).
Drive safe and watch out for turkeys :)
(The ONLY friend you have on the road is SPACE.)
Take care!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, replaced that battery and that wasn’t it- so the car sits in the shop until tomorrow when they’re back to work and we can hopefully get to the bottom of it. Oh well, guess we’ll be staying in today. Haha.
xo,
s
Penny Smith says
Ya couldn’t have thrown the sunglasses to the side? LOL! My best friend has her’s affixed to the top of head all the time too! I guess those of us from the 80’s that don’t like anything taking away from the volume, don’t understand. :0)
YoungHouseLove says
I always forget they’re up there! As soon as we got the picture I was like “ahhh- why are my sunglasses up there?!” – I made Katie promise to yell at me to take them off next time.
xo
s
tracy a says
well, i was going to tell you which movie that was from, but everyone seems to know! :) your family photo is lovely!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Tracy!
xo,
s
Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says
That is awesome that you finally got a family picture of Clara smiling! We’re still working on that, my daughter (almost 2), likes to do what we call her “mug shot” in all family photos where she just stares at the camera and frowns hahaha.
I can’t believe it’s July already either, this year is just flying by!!!
Danielle says
John, Sherry and Clara,
I just want to let you know how beautiful your family portrait turned out and how it seems to capture you guys wonderfully! I hope you find a space for it on your gallery wall!
Jill says
Pullover!
No, it’s a cardigan but thanks for noticing.
Yeah, killer boots man!
About 8 years ago, I was looking for apartments to rent, and one of the leasing guys asked what kind of dog I have since I inquired about the apartments being pet-friendly. I told him a Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, and he goes “ha! a Yorksh*t!”. I didn’t find it amusing at the time, but looking back I realize I probably should’ve married the man.
Ally says
Your new family photo is a treasure! Excellent work (as always), Katie girl! :)
Oh, man…not the trusty ALTIMA?! *Fingers Crossed* it’s something really basic like the sparkplugs (cheap to fix) or worst case scenario, maybe the alternator(a bit pricier repair)?
Good luck, Youngsters! Hope your wheels are up & running soon! (I’m sure just like the Home Depot cart, sweet little Clara would be right in there helping Daddy push the car :)
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL MY AMERICAN FRIENDS! :)
xox
Jyl says
That new family photo Katie took gave me such warm and fuzzies. You guys look so happy and full of love!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Jyl!
xo,
s
Chrissie says
You guys really do amaze me, first with how much you do, and second with how much you write about it all! It’s so much fun to follow your adventures.
On an unrelated note, I spent some time in hospital last night, and had to be stripped down to look for rashes (suspected meningitis) and all I could think of was “at least I’m not wearing Care Bear undies!” It totally cheered me up when I was feeling icky.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- you’re a lucky girl to have been wearing normal undergarments! Hope you’re feeling better Chrissie! And you’re so sweet to share such kind words- you guys keep us going (and keep us laughing!).
xo,
s
Fe Renegar says
The family photo is best! That should totally take you to a happy place on any rainy day, say when somebody grows up and wants pink hair, lol.J/K. (I had just a little red streak hehe.) This has inspired me to pick out a happy place pic, preferably beach or water area, and put it up in the bathroom. My husband leaves his damp exercise clothes everywhere and I def need something to wash over the annoyance!
John@RemodelingBIBLE says
That scalloped rug is absolutely eye candy!
the rebel chick says
I love the family photo! Also, everytime I see the pics of your bedroom lamps I want to go to home goods! I still haven’t made it there since it opened last year!
Sara W says
Mad props to Katie B for that family portrait! It’s such a great picture of the three of you!!!!
Maggie says
The office looks very organized. Can you take more pictures of the office? I want to see how you designed it. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
If you click the link in that section of this post (this is just a recap) or that photo of the office, it’ll take you to a post with more photos!
xo,
s
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
WOW – you guys have been really busy (no surprise there). Love the family photo, it is beautiful!!
Whitney Dupuis says
What a great picture of you guys!
Andrea in KS says
Love the family picture!!! Even better that Sherry’s holding down Clara’s hands… priceless!
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
This year is going by wayyy too fast and the kids are growing up way too quickly. I can’t remember last weekend let alone last month to remember my proudest accomplishment. I guess that is why I blog! LOL
Hope the car’s just being cranky and nothing too expensive to fix.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! We should find out today what’s going on. Fingers crossed it’s nothing too major!
xo,
s
Karen says
I love the superlatives, I think they are some of my favorite posts. You’re right, it is always nice to take a break from thinking of all the things STILL on the to-do list and think about all of the things that were checked off of the list! This month I marked off our antique door into table/artwork project that has been sitting around since last January! Check it out on the blog if you are interested.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Karen! Off to check it out…
xo,
s
Cindy says
I love your videos! Although sometimes, the shakiness is a little “queasifying”.
Have you ever looked into something like a Merlin Steadicam? I saw a video of it being used in a hiking trip (not my video so no shameless plugging) and I was amazed with the smoothness considering the terrain.
YoungHouseLove says
I definitely need one of those!
xo,
s
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
Naming that movie: Dumb & Dumber (best movie everrrrr…along with Anchor Man)
Susan says
Wow! You two have done so much in a month. I had big plans to redo our bathroom this summer, but I broke my wrist riding my bike. So I will have to enjoy your projects instead! Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your blog each day.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, so sorry about your wrist! Hope you feel better soon!
xo,
s
Heidi says
ADORBS family photo! Clara looks SO happy!! Which as a parent is really all you could ever hope for from your kids :)
Kathy says
Perfect family photo! Except for one thing…where’s Burger?
YoungHouseLove says
I know! He was napping. Lazy bum! Someday we’ll get a picture with all four of us. Maybe in a decade or so, when the kiddos are less high energy- haha.
xo,
s