So yeah… it’s suddenly December? Guess that means it’s time to take a moment to look back on all that we’ve done in the past month 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 to keep things spicy. This month we were all over the place as usual, from doing some exterior, nursery, office, ornament, and place-setting stuff to a bunch of kitchen things. So let’s take a walk down memory lane, with yearbook-esque superlatives (you know, just for giggles).
Oddest Couple: Little ol’ Sherry and this tall built-in that we made to give our fridge a more finished look in the new kitchen. It’ll look even more finish once we get around to adding doors and painting it…
Cutest Couple: Me and the giant 7 (actually an L from a Dollar Tree sign) that a reader picked up for us in Maryland after we lamented leaving it behind. Best $25 we ever spent. Thanks again Lesley!
Most Shocking: The fact that our grass looked this green (and leaf free) just one month ago when we did a little mum-ification to our mailbox area. Let’s just say everything is looking a lot more “wintery” (aka: faded and brown) these days.
Handiest: The newest member of Sherry’s ceramic animal collection (Henrietta is rocking eight hands, which makes her the envy of all DIYers).
Most Pin-able: The results of our Pinterest Challenge, Fall Edition. We’re not talking about the 38 DIY ornaments that we made, but rather the awesome 800+ projects that folks linked to at the bottom of the post. Wow.
Easiest: Painting a few test swatches on our front porch… and then not doing anything else about them all month (we fear that it’s now getting too cold at night to paint until spring). Oops. At least we picked a color.
Strangest: Pictures from posts like this one about choosing a contractor. It’s so weird to see the opening between the kitchen and the dining room as just an idea outlined in green painters tape. Now that it’s done, we can hardly remember the room without it.
Creepiest: My Dexter impersonation whilst (yep, I just whilst-ed y’all) prepping our house for wall demo.
Awesomest (it’s a word, okay): This.
More Awesomest: This.
Less Than Awesome: This little hiccup in drywalling the doorway. Don’t worry, it worked out okay in the end.
Okay, Now We’re Back On The Awesome Train: Installing trim around the doorway so it really started to look finished.
Most Likely To Die Happy: Me, since I accomplished a fair amount on my high school “Things to Do Before I’m 30” list before turning 30 last month. You know… important things like living to see a Real World: Washington DC.
Most Likely To Say “Thanks”: Anyone who printed & shared our free Thanksgiving card download, which included one to fill out yourself and one to pass along blank (so the recipient could pay it forward).
Most Likely To Procrastinate: Our last minute table setting ideas for Thanksgiving… just in time for us to pack up and head to New Jersey for Turkey Day.
Most Mischievous: Burger, aka our resident baguette robber (as seen in our lil Thanksgiving greeting).
Most Likely To Be Misread… With Disgusting Results: Our post title “We’re Now Officially Sinkless” which was apparently seen as “We’re Now Officially Skinless” by many. Shudder. Let’s hope that never gets blogged about (or happens). Ever.
“It’s The Little Things” Award: Small touches to the kitchen, like filling some gaps next to the stove and putting a panel on the back of the peninsula, so that our counters could be accurately templated.
Least Accurate: Clara, at least when it comes to measuring for counters. Thank goodness the real professional showed up from the fabrication company to make sure our counters will fit.
Most Musical: Our ceramic pig speaker from West Elm (just one of the random things that we covered in a roundup of four little finds).
The “Here We Go Again” Award: Just when things were starting to get put back together in the kitchen, they came back apart as we removed our upper cabinets in preparation for our new counters (which are hopefully arriving sometime next week!).
Class Crybaby: This (sarcastic) tear-jerker of a video bidding farewell to the tile we had to demo, along with the plywood walls behind it.
Most Awkward People In A Checkout Line: Us, while buying a giant piece of throwback wood paneling. Let’s just say people looked at us as if we were committing some sort of decorating sin. But we had to install that new wood paneling to match some missing pieces where our tile and cabinets used to be (and can’t wait to paint it to match the rest of the room). Whatever it takes to inch closer to a finished kitchen…
Most Demonstrative: Burger and his superb posing skills in this play-by-play of how our book deal came to be and the progress that we’ve made on it so far.
The Daddy’s Girl Award: Doesn’t go to Clara, I guess. This post about some updates to our nursery frame collage turned into an overwhelming consensus that Clara looks like Sherry (which is funny because both of our families are on The John Train). It’s music to my ears since I love the idea of a mini Sherry. And I don’t think I’d make the prettiest lady…
The Momma’s Girl Award: Continuing the theme of being a clone of Sherry, Clara LOVES pickles (which I detest). In fact, on a recent dinner out she devoured an ENTIRE PICKLE. Like, not just a spear – a whole, oblong oversized uncut pickle. Sherry was seriously impressed. And I (predictably) was disgusted.
Woo-wee, so that’s what November looked like around here? What about in your neck of the woods. Did you guys accomplish any major projects or have an especially awesome holiday? We’re hoping to enjoy more of both in December. Happy (almost) holidays everyone!
Psst- You can check out July’s superlatives here, August’s here, September’s here, and October’s right here.
Valerie says
Clara wins every time! Great pic!
Tiffany says
that is the best tile tribute video I have ever seen! crackin up over here!
annabelvita says
Would Henrietta like a twin for the tree? She’d need a coat of white paint…http://offbeathome.com/2011/12/ocean-christmas-tree (I love the Narwhal most but I don’t fancy anthropologie prices before the January sales!)
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!!!
xo,
s
Whitney Dupuis says
That picture of Clara enjoying the heck out of that pickle made me literally laugh out loud. (Please note: it is against my religion to type it shortened.) ;)
Allee says
Sherry, has anyone told you you sound just like mila kunis??
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I get Natalie Portman a lot too. Which I think is funny since they’re both in Black Swan. Haha.
xo,
s
JennyB says
Whew–I need a nap just from reading that list! Impressive!
Laura says
Haha I’m with you John! I can’t stand pickles. But my husband and 1.5 yr old loves them. Thank goodness he’s learned to brush his teeth.
Kathy says
pickles… must be a Jersey thing (we love them- jersey born&raised!)
John, I just read that pickle juice knocks out exercise cramps faster than water or other sports drinks.. with all the running you do you might want to get on that bandwagon!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I don’t know that anything could get John on that bandwagon!
xo,
s
Beth W. says
My husband likes dill pickles so much he has me save the juice in the jar so he can pour himself a tall glass of pickle juice! I like pickles too, but not that much! I’m only a dill fan- no bread and butter or sweet ones for me.
YoungHouseLove says
I did that once as a kid and tossed my cookies. True story. So I draw the line at pickles, but no juice. Haha.
xo,
s
Ashley says
I’m always impressed and inspired by how productive and resourceful your family is. Thanks for the inspiration.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s cool! My dad got his doctorate from there (sometime in the late 70s/early 80s). Such a small world.
-John
Blythe says
Seeing your fridge “wrap” makes me think…you could leave those cabinets open and add some up-lights in there so it could just be decorative space????
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we just think we’ll appreciate some concealed upper cabinetry since the open shelves will be full of stuff that’s easily seen too- so we might want a place to tuck stuff that’s not as pretty!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
My oldest (now almost 11) started eating pickles at Clara’s age. He quickly graduated to black olives (stuck on his fingers first, of course)and then on to all of the peppers off of my Greek salads. I guess pickles are a gateway food. My 7 year old watches him in horror – and I did, too, when he ate an entire jar of pickles that were made with Texas Pete this summer. I love pickles, but ewwwww.
I missed my warm weather window for painting my deck as well. Oh well, something to look forward to in the spring…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that pickles are a gateway food! She loves capers and olives and hummus already!
xo,
s
Sandy says
A “finish” look? As in, something from Finland? Or is more like a “finished” look?
Sorry….I couldn’t resist. ;0
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- sorry! Off to fix that!
xo,
s
Annie says
A-hahaha! I just tried to “like” ‘least accurate’!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- nice.
xo,
s
Tara S says
What a great month for you guys!!
I love the pickle picture. My Mom used to give my brothers and I a big pickle wrapped in a paper towel as a regular treat when we were little. When I told my husband that he thought it was the strangest thing. He, like John, is NOT a pickle eater at all. I actually have yet to try giving a pickle to my daughter (20 months). You are motivating me to try it but I don’t have my hopes up because she is a picky eater. Maybe she’ll surprise me though!!
Emily says
Congrats on an awesome month of project completion! I subscribe through RSS, and clicked on the site to check out the page that y’all used to have, listing tons of decorating ideas and smart money saving tips, all in one place. Is it still located somewhere or is it now off the grid? It was awesome! Thanks and sorry to be so behind the times. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh that’s the “projects” tab that you see under our header! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Oh Em Gee. Who hates pickles!!?!
I may have to stop reading.
I’m kidding, I’ll never stop reading.
Unless I find out that one of you hates cheese.
Now off to eat a pickle wrapped in cheese.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, who could hate cheese? That’s like hating cupcakes. Impossible.
xo,
s
Lauren says
So I know you probably thought I was kidding about the pickles and cheese thing, but ummm I wasn’t.
You can totally see a picture of my lunch from today at the bottom of this post.
http://filingjointly.blogspot.com/2011/12/honestly-at-this-point-im-just-dreaming.html
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Cheese + pickles = a special kind of awesome. Especially since that cheese looks extra thin sliced, which is my faaaaave.
xo,
s
Jen says
When you were in line with the paneling, I would love to think you looked at the people who were giving you the hairy eyeball and said, “I know. But we’re home decorating gurus. Trust us. It’s back.”
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we just put our heads down and tried to get out the door as fast as possible!
xo,
s
Ruth says
Don’t babies eat the strangest things? When our daughter (now almost 3!) was about Clara’s age, she ate an entire clove of roasted garlic. Just plain, like eating apple pieces. We were out to dinner at a restaurant and they served it alongside their pre-dinner bread. And she never even flinched! What a funny little girl.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so funny! She tries to suck on lemons and totally makes a face and keeps going. Hilarious!
xo,
s
Regan @ RenovatingRothenbergers says
Woah you got a lot done this month. Congrats!! I wish my next 6 months were as productive as your past month :)
Nessa@{CasaBraaflat} says
thanks for the rundown. still love the piggy!
Laura says
I can’t believe a pig beat out Clara for most musical… #sad
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, how about most musical ceramic animal? Clara’s our most musical child (sorry Burger, you just don’t sing enough!).
xo,
s
Marla says
Do you know about the paints sold by Sherwin williams that can be used in weather as cold as 35 degrees? We used it when it was about that cold on a restored wooden porch and had good results. You know, in case you’re itching to paint the front of the house b/f spring, though you seem quite busy already :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Marla! Didn’t know that- so we’ll have to look into it! Still worried my hands won’t work while trying to cut in when it’s so cold, so we’ll have to see! Haha.
xo,
s
Kelly says
Coolest ceramic animal-esque chip clips/magnets: These guys –
http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=17868&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C10087%2C10126&iProductID=17868#BVReviewsContainer
Saw them while I was Christmas browsing and thought of you! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- love them!!
xo,
s
Chrissie says
Haha go Clara! I inherited my mum’s love of pickle (maybe it’s a European thing – we’re from a Polish background), but my other half HATES them. But I’m not complaining, since I always get to steal the pickles off his burgers. Somehow he’ll always get at least 3 and I’ll get 1.
Lisha says
Wow, you guys made me spend an hour looking through all those old posts! (I like to click on anything that’s a link. Don’t wanna miss anything!)
My favorites are the things you’ll do before you’re 30 and the homemade “I’m thankful for you” cards you guys made :) Both inspirational things for me.
~Lisha
carolinaheartstrings says
You two sure managed to accomplish a lot in a little time. Kudos. Come visit us. We have a beautiful holiday dress giveaway from The Shabby Apple. Perfect for the night out you two deserve!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re sweet! Such a fun giveaway!
xo,
s
Mary says
When my two girls were 1 1/2 or 2 they loved to suck on lemons when we were out at at a restaurant. Now they would never do that. I think toddlers have under developed tastebuds. How else could they stand it! Love to see your baby girl pics!
Eileen Treitler says
I was a witness to Clara devouring the pickle….LOL…it was so cute!
Kristen Sutton says
Is anyone else having issues on their phones reading this?? The St Jude background makes it impossible to read/find the blog text, I’m having to use my reader-but that means no pics! Sad times :(
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry- we have heard from a few folks and it seems to be a smart phone glitch. We haven’t changed anything on our end and on our iphone and ipad we see the correct background. Not sure what’s going on but I hope it clears up soon! Wish it was something we could fix on our end!
xo,
s
Amy says
I love these, it’s great to be reminded about everything you’ve done this last month. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
It’s funny… I’m redoing my kitchen right now (well, I kinda fail and someone else is doing it for me) and it’s weird how the progress of the two kitchens line up. The demo of the wall, countertops, even the extra paneling are almost happening on the same day!
Emily says
Go Clara for eating a whole pickle! My husband Jon hates them too. Hopefully when we have little ones they’ll be good little eaters like Clara!
Alicia says
Ooh! Completely random question: From whence did that puppy on Clara’s changing table come? It looks just like my real-life pup, and I am intrigued.
YoungHouseLove says
That was a gift from my brother and his wife for my shower (it’s an eco pup made from organic cotton I think). Maybe try amazon.com?
xo,
s
Joanne F says
I can’t believe all that and a video happened in a month! I think I tested paint colors – still no decision tho.
W Conklin says
The project turned out awesome. I just installed the same sink in my kitchen its so deep i love it. Great work guys.
Lauren @ Around the World Food says
Wow! You guys did a lot in November. I’m sure it will be great to start cooking in your kitchen again when the construction is all over.
Courtney says
look at you on my West Elm email this morning…super stars ;)
YoungHouseLove says
How crazy is that?!
xo,
s
Jamie says
CONGRATS on the West Elm feature! I saw your cute faces on the email & was so excited for you guys :) Of course the ceramic pig was one of your picks…lol! I came SO close to buying the owl measuring cups last time I was in store but stopped myself after splurging on a white ceramic clock instead. Happy Sunday to you!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! It was so much fun to be invited to make those pigs, er picks! Haha.
xo,
s
Amber A. says
Is that a tiny black spider I spot lurking in the mums with Sherry?
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah- yes! It’s a fake one we tossed in there for Halloween (he stuck around a while afterwards too – haha).
xo,
s
Kate says
Oh you always achieve sooooooo much! House is looking amazing! We just got fans installed at our place (clearly not an electrician and there are some things we just don’t do!) and are pumped for our Aussie summer.. I think we’ll save so much in electricity! Just taking Clara sized steps toward the house being where we want it :)
Kristen Sutton says
It’s all better today, love weird iPhone hiccups…make my bedtime reading so easy lol
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Whew – so glad it’s better!
xo,
s
Dona says
I completed a makeover of my daughter’s room, which included building all her furniture.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2220186737356.104838.1028281807&type=1&l=03537d4d04
I also detailed my inspiration on Ana-White and gave a nod to Young House Love, which I found through her website, and got the idea to “Mood Board” her room.
http://ana-white.com/2011/11/sierras-new-room
You guys are my favorite GO TO blog each day.
Can’t wait to see more of the kitchen redo!
Dona
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much for the not Dona! And you did such amazing work on that furniture! Seriously, so fantastic!
xo,
s
LusterNYC says
Wow – that nursery collage is such a cute idea!
Jackie says
I have just recently(yesterday)discovered your blog and I’m just amazed and can’t stop reading, HA! When the boss is away, you know what they say.
I’m in awe of the creativity and how much the two of you can get done, WOW! I think I may have a lazy problem. ;) Your home is stunning! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jackie! So glad you found us!
xo,
s
Candice says
Hey didn’t know if you knew this but looking at your to do list before 30… The thing about real world Washington dc — they’ve actually done a season in dc! Thought I’d help you out with that! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes. We watched it! John was do excited. Haha.
xo,
s
bridget nolan says
Love the pig charger. It inspired me to create my own sort of techno art! Love your blog.
cozylittlehouse-bridget.blogspot.com/2012/01/headphone-bud-vase-for-pre-teens-add-i.html
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! I love how cheeky it is!
xo,
s