Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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May Superlatives: Ninja Turtles & Hairy Sherry

As our freshly painted stools dry in the sunroom (woot! pics tomorrow!) we thought we’d finally catch up on the May superlatives that we owe you (sorry to those who have been asking about them!). So here’s a look back at all the stuff that we check off in May. We even tossed in some never-before-seen stuff for kicks. You can check out all of our superlatives dating back to January of 2011 right here (it’s over a year of projects crammed into 16 posts). Plus, since I got to play model a lot this month (hair model, permit-getting model, etc) I threw in a new shot of me sporting next season’s hottest look at the end of this round-up. Just remember you saw it here first.

Biggest Party Girl: Clara, who was pumped for her 2nd birthday party this month… or at least pumped for some of the supplies we bought.

Invite Target Balls

Wormiest: Clara’s birthday party, which was a fun, color, and worm filled day thanks to the theme that the birthday girl selected herself.

Party Food Spread Pretty Shot

Most Gigantic: Clara, at least in comparison to the sweet family of pigs that reside in the new dollhouse that we built…

DHouse 19 Totally Built

… and decorated for her.

Doll 19 Clara Crouching

Tidiest: Our new and improved bathroom drawer, after it got a little re-organizing and de-disasterizing as part of our organization week.

Drawer4

Most Secretive: Our storage ottoman (and other kiddie storage areas), which now houses a bunch of secret surplus toys that we can cycle in and out without having a sea of toys all over the place all the time.

Ottoman

Simplest: Sherry’s beauty routine, along with other ways we shared for keeping life simple around here.

Simple Life Makeup

Prettiest: Our reorganized Projects section that’s now been beautified with the addition of project thumbnails for easier browsability.

Projects New Main Page

Most Appreciated: The new light in our kitchen (Ikea’s Aläng) because it’s finally bringing some illumination to a side of the room that’s been shadowed for months.

Alang 12 John With Shade

Dirtiest: My basement workshop, which I shamefully owned up to. It’s been in a crazy state of disarray and still hasn’t improved much since admitting this, although I did share some updated shots here.

Basement Labels 1

Most Likely To Embrace The Chaos: Us, as we chatted about taking your time and enjoying the journey that is DIY.

Fridge Sherry Staring

Most Level Headed: Me (but only on occasion). Like when I managed to get a fairly straight picture of our new hall bathroom fixture whilst serving as a tripod and balancing the camera on my head.

Hall Bath 10 John Tripod After

Class Shopaholic: Sherry, for this “window shopping” post where we shared our latest loves (this time at Target). We gotta get back into more store-cruising posts thanks to all of the love you guys showed for it!

May Superlatives Target

Most Likely To Contain A Hosta Pun: This post, which was all about using what we had (some spare hostas) to upgrade our weedy mailbox garden…

Mailbox 7 Planted

… and add a bit more greenery to our work-in-progress planting bed out front.

Mailbox 11 Hostas Mulched

Most Likely To Become A Teenage Mutant Ninja: This turtle that we added (along with some hydrangeas and petunias) to our patio. He wins the award for no other reason than being a turtle. C’mon – have you ever heard of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Hydrangea?

Plants 4 Turtle Close

Oh and we also transplanted some already-owned boxwoods to the planters on our front porch (update: haven’t killed them yet!):

Plants 13 On Porch Straight

Math Nerd Alert: Me, for using algebra to relocate and rehang these two Alaska botanical prints between our bedposts.

Botans 7 After Closer

Most Potential: The “alley” where our new deck is gonna go, according to this plan of attack that we outlined here.

Alley 4 Other Direction AC

Best Score: This giant 9 x 12′ rug for our bedroom, that we scored at a $1,000+ discount at a local tent sale. Holla!

New Rug91

The Brick-Breaker Award: Clearing out the area where our new deck will go, which involved hauling over 100 bricks from an area that we previously dubbed “the shrine.”

Alley 13 Pile Of Bricks

Most Noodled: Our bedroom, which in addition to the rug and art change, was sporting new lamps and pillows by the end of the month too. It’s far from complete, but our new rug is definitely inspiring us to keep working in here!

Wide Pillows Lamps

Most Likely To Get Wood: Us… for our deck (get your mind out of the gutter people) after weighing lots of options, and making the decision to skip composite and go for pressure-treated wood.

Deck Estimates

Most Chipper: This super fast and cheap ($0!) hidden clipboard project that Sherry made for our microwave cabinet (to help keep our menus and grocery lists handy). Sometimes it’s the little things.

Clipboard8

Hairiest: Sherry, actually – at least after giving me a DIY haircut that we finally documented for everyone to see. And I got to be a hair model for the first time. Not sure how I feel about it (embarrassed. mostly embarrassed).

Haircut Before N After

Best Dressed: Me, in the “permit getting outfit” that helped boost my confidence to get the permit to build our new deck. High five.

Permit John Dressed Up

Most Likely To Rock The Runway: All of the rugs that strutted their stuff in our little kitchen rug “fashion show” to help us pin down the perfect color and design.

May Superlatives Rugs

Worst Dressed: Also me, for this lovely look at Clara’s birthday party. But c’mon, what dad wouldn’t see the new ballerina skirt that his daughter was gifted and immediately think “this needs to go on my head.”

May Superlatives John Hat

What’d your May look like? Any major (or minor) projects checked off? 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 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 kitchen stool painting and some tile-updating in the bathroom among at least a dozen other things at the top of our list. What are you guys most looking forward to tackling this month?

Comments

  1. Betsey says

    The picture of the dollhouse took me back to Christmas as a child. My mother stayed up all night hand crafting a dollhouse for my sister and me, gluing in the carpeting, painting and sanding tiny furniture. Great blog. Thanks!

    Betsey- San Diego Home Remodels

    Reply

  3. Allen says

    This has nothing to do with anything, but;

    This morning I saw a commercial for the new Dremel MAX and immediately thought to myself, ‘Ooo, I bet John would love that!’

    While I enjoy living vicariously through you guys in a number of ways, I think it might be time for me to put down the laptop, step away and participate in my OWN life!

    ;)

    Reply

    • Wendy says

      Have you guys tried the Dremel on Burger’s nails? I used to use it for my dog and it’s awesome. I just used a regular sanding band. Just hold it to the edge of the nail for a second or two at a time – if you pull it away and then do it again it won’t get as hot (as opposed to holding it on there for 10 seconds straight).

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Genius! I just worry the sound alone would spook Burger. He’s not very good at letting us hold his paws. Haha. We have to get the vet to cut his nails when he’s there since he’s such a thrasher. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  4. Amy says

    My husband ALWAYS puts our 2-year-old son’s pajamas on his head, so you’re in good company, John. :)

    Reply

  6. Megan says

    Haha, I have a few photos of family members where the tutu on the head too! But ours was bright pink with glitter!!!

    Our May was busy too… my little girl’s birthday, planting a ton of flowers, making new flower beds, organizing the house… gotta love this time of year!

    Can’t wait to see the stools and your deck too! We’re about to make a small deck too. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We chatted a little bit about that here. We basically just tackle things and post our progress in real time (across several posts if it’s complicated and just one if it’s quick).

      xo,
      s

  8. Carly Walsh says

    We had a new exterior door put last month. As it exciting as it was the reason for the new door was not! Our mudroom was broken into in the fall and Mr. Robber tried the door first. The new door was the big project checked off of our list!

    Reply

  9. Linda says

    Okay, I know this sounds awfully weird that I would see/notice this in your bathroom drawer pic…but do you guys have EIGHT containers of dental floss? haha If so, that would explain why you both have loverly pearly-whites. ;)

    Reply

  10. Brenda says

    This was all just May? Crazy. And even though I’ve read all the posts, it was worth it to re-read about them for the shot of John with a skirt on his head. So, so worth it.

    Reply

  11. Kathi says

    I’m sure you know this already, but your book is available for pre-order on Amazon!! Really good price too so I just ordered…can’t wait to see it!

    Reply

  12. Brynn says

    In May we signed contracts on our first house! Soon I can start putting to use all the stuff I have learned from you two!

    Reply

  13. Ally says

    I think the “PINK TUTU ON HEAD” look should have been the real “PERMIT GETTING OUTFIT” :)

    xox

    Reply

  14. Stephanie says

    It’s totally logical to put tutu’s on your head. I find that kids think anything on the head is hysterical.

    My May didn’t really consist of me personally doing that much but I did get a lot done.

    I closed on a condo. I had the plumbing and electricity repaired. Moved in. My cousin and uncle changed my locks, put on a storm door, helped me put bulbs in all lights (my cousin is like 6’4″, easier than me getting on a step stool!), removed a cabinet, removed a TV stand in a bedroom, removed tub door, fixed closet doors. I also had to get my dryer repaired. And then I got cable. And then I got cable fixed b/c they didn’t install it right the first time.

    Oh and I bought 2905089895 things to make the condo function. Like a can opener. Because it’s really hard to open a can without one I’ve discovered.

    Reply

  15. Suzannah says

    Yes, well – the tutu suits you, John. I’ll post a pic on your facebook of my uncle feeling just the same thing when I was about Clara’s age and received a tutu. This has got to be one of my all-time favorites of him. Perfect impression of a flower child…

    Reply

  18. Kim says

    Love that last picture John! Real men can DEFINITELY wear pink. We have 2 daughters and my husband has also sported various clothing/makeup/accessories that are girly and I LOVE that about him :) You are in good company John!

    Reply

  20. julie says

    I go to the permit counter quite frequently as part of my job, and today while I was waiting, I noticed a couple of homeowners come in, and they were dressed in “permit getting” garb as well!

    Kudos to you for braving that all yourself!!

    Reply

  21. Randa says

    Ha haa.. much as I enjoy the photo of John w/ the tutu on head, what really cracks me up is still the “before haircut” photo. That blasé look that says, “I’m too cool for you.” (after a sigh, of course :)

    Reply

  22. LDD says

    Enjoyed that! And thank you for reminding me to congratulation myself on what I’ve accomplished in May:
    Replaced dated living room sofa with awesome new one on super-sale;
    Purchased relatively inexpensive art from an artist I know to go above sofa;
    Framed a couple of photos that I’ve been meaning to get to;
    and though technically in June, I just finished painting our daughter’s room PINK, finally fullfilling all of her pink dreams! That was huge for me, as finding time to paint with kids + work seemed impossible, but a couple hours of time over 3 days and it got done!

    Reply

  23. gina says

    Sherry, PLEASE do a quick make-up tutorial for us! PLEASE PLEASE!

    I Know you like it simple and clean, girls of today wear tooo much make-up, and I feel if YOU did a tutorial showing that one only needs a tad as apposed to a ton, you could change their minds ((:
    I LOOOVE you and your family.
    Please please do it for US! your fans!

    love all that yall do, Burger too!
    xoxo

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, you’re so sweet Gina! Maybe I can do that on video someday. And blush the whole time. Haha. In the meantime there’s this post with a detailed list of the makeup I use, so maybe that’ll help? I just put on eye shadow, bronzer, curl my lashes, and add mascara. Takes a minute tops. Haha. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Sorry, comments sit in moderation for a second (just so we can catch spam and answer questions before they slip through and we miss them!) so if you ever don’t see your comment, just picture it waiting patiently in line for us to read it :)

      xo,
      s

  25. Lara says

    ok…most likely to get wood did make me snort diet coke up my nose a bit. i’m still giggling as i think about it…immature much? i got a lot of organizing and closet purging done last month. i filled up 4 giant trash bags for goodwill. i’m trying to work on simplifying my life and living more minimally, and that seemed like the best place to start!

    Reply

  26. Nicole says

    So my question is all nerd business: Can John say how he used algebra to hang the pics above the bed? As a high school math teacher, I’m always in the market for new answers for “when will I ever use this?”

    Great to hear the book is coming so soon! Can’t wait!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, there’s actually an image in that post (here) with his little equation, so hopefully that helps! And thanks for the kind words about the book! We can’t even believe it’s real. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  27. Jenny says

    Thank you! For what looks to be about an hour of additional sleep per night. On Friday, after an unusually overcast day saw our two young’uns sleep an extra hour (until 6:30!), I checked back to your old post for a source and then ran out to Jo-Ann Fabric for some black-out shade liners. Had plenty of help from their one- and three-year old selves in hanging it (just by clipping it behind the curtains, like you guys did), and the next morning they slept until….7 am!! Miracle! Since then they seem to have settled on a 6:30 wake up time. Which totally beats the old 5:30 norm. Hoorah! Thank you!!

    Reply

  29. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    I couldn’t help but scroll down to see John’s other model picture before reading through the rest of the post. :) Reminds me of when my husband has had 10 bead necklaces around his neck or 5 headbands on. :)

    So nice to take a second and think back on all we accomplished last month – especially as a break from all the stuff at work! New storm door, new curtains in living/dining room (didn’t have them before), repurposed chandelier for dining room, rearranged living room furniture, made progress on a box cushion cover I’m sewing and more probably!

    Reply

  30. Kate says

    I didn’t get much done around the house, but we did make a baby in May, lol! Now we’re just hoping this one sticks (unlike one in February).

    I’m hoping next month will be a little more productive on the home side of things… maybe it will help if I make a list that I get to cross things off of.

    Reply

  32. Christi says

    I already posted but when can we preorder your book? My dad is sooo excited for it even though he doesn’t read blogs, I send him pictures of your projects!

    He keeps asking “when is your friend’s book coming out?”

    {he does not understand blogland!}

    Thanks!

    Reply

  34. Missy says

    Hi, don’t know if it has been mentioned during other posts, but I just saw your bedroom rug in the latest Simple magazine. It was in an article about updated a little girl room into a teen room.

    Reply

  35. Vanessa says

    Another great month! I cannot wait to see your completed deck. I know it will be great and useful. Also, I LOVE your new rug, you always wait it out and end up with something that is perfect for you. I cannot wait until the book comes out, will there be a book tour including Dallas????

    Reply

  36. Rebecca says

    We had a busy May getting ready to list our house for sale. Painted doors, got new carpet, painting railing, spilling half gallon of paint on new carpet (yep, I did that), scrubbing floors, rearranging furniture, moving lots of “junk” (says the realtor) to a storage unit, steaming the curtains, getting the A/C which enver worked well inspected, hanging flat sheets as dividers in the basement and painting the basement bathroom.

    Still to do, fix the patched ceilings we have lived with for 16 months then paint the ceilings and live as a much cleaner person. Something tells me that will be the hardest part yet. Hope our place sells quick so I can DIY more projects in a new house!

    Reply

  37. Megan says

    Nice tu-tu on the head shot, John. We don’t have any little ballerinas in out house, but a while back we attended a little girl’s second birthday party where they had several tu-tus out for the kids to enjoy. Before my husband and I arrived our friends took bets on how long before my hubby would be wearing one. The winning bet? 3 seconds. Yep.. proud wife right here.

    Reply

  38. Callie says

    …speaking of pink tutus… Have y’all seen The Tutu Project? http://thetutuproject.com/

    Saw it/him going around the internet/morning shows. Sweet concept/idea. Super sweet husband. That last picture made me think about it.

    Reply

  39. KathyG says

    Is she still enamored with the doll house? We’re still debating that our is old enough yet…their attention span is SO short!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      She’s playing with it right now! Haha. She loves giving them baths, helping them use the potty, putting them in their crib, even “changing their diapers.” Haha. They’re her babies. Sometimes we find them all hanging out on the roof too.

      xo,
      s

  40. Anna says

    Completely random comment: I just realized that John looks a lot like Garrett Hedlund when his hair is long and with stubble.

    Reply

  41. JoniB says

    I think May was the most production month for me ever! Here’s the list: painted the kitchen, took apart a quilt from my grandma and started making it into throw pillows for all 6 us grandkids, put up a retractable clothesline outside, expanded a flower bed, put down yards of mulch, added new gravel next to the carport for more parking, built a raised garden box/bed and cleaned out a new landscaping area in the back yard. Wheww, I think I’m tired.

    Reply

  42. Cara says

    This May, we finally tackled painting the girls’ room. I think the “tutu=goes on head” thing is instinctual…after my daughter’s last dance recital, she ran around with her yellow tutu on her head for an hour pretending to be the sunflower from Plants vs. Zombies.

    Also, I hope speaker pig makes it in to the June superlatives. Just sayin’.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, that’s hilarious! And Speaker Pig is guaranteed to make it into a lot of posts these days since we seem to just carry him around with us. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  43. Kathy says

    I love seeing your monthly superlatives…but I have to say it always makes me feel so unproductive. haha! If I could just quit my darn teaching job, I’d try to follow your DIY lead and get some stuff done around my house. :D

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, just remember this is our full time job and there are two of us. Well four if you count Burger and Clara- but they might not always be the most help. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  44. Helen says

    I want to continue to LOVE your blog, but I am wishing you would stop repeating photos, etc…make it new and fresh every time you blog…not a re-run. :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Helen, we’ve done these monthly posts for a nice long time and we love looking back on all that we’ve done (it’s just one post of the 35+ that we share each month)! It really keeps us motivated to keep at it (gotta take a breather and reflect on what you’ve accomplished for a second, or it’s easy to burn out). It also allows us to share 16 months worth of projects in just 16 posts for folks who want to easily comb the archives here! We definitely know that other people might do things differently if this were their blog, but that’s the beauty of blogging – everyone can do it in their own way, so this is just what works best for us:)

      xo,
      s

  45. Megan says

    I love these posts! Please don’t change a thing about the way you blog. If people don’t like a post they can just scroll past it or close the window. I never understood the need to comment to tell someone else how to run their blog.

    Reply

  46. Missy G. says

    Love these posts; thank you for lumping all the inspiration in one spot! Btw, the Benjamin Moore link isn’t working for me. I don’t think it’s just on my end because I was able to find the colors through the main BM site. FYI!

    Reply

  47. Shelley says

    Ran a half marathon! I keep forgetting about it, but I’m super proud of it b/c it was my first post-baby event, & I did it <1 year after baby!

    Reply

  48. Katie @ Miss Tweedle says

    Awesome projects! I am in love with the rug in your bedroom. But I’m more in love with the picture of the tutu on your head! I have so many pictures of my dad with my girly things on his head when I was a kid! Must be a dad thing…. :))))

    Reply

  49. Samantha says

    Not sure if you guys have read the Hunger Games or seen the movie, but John’s fashion statement would fit right in at the Capitol :)

    Reply

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