Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Twenty-Twelve Resolutions

Every year we publicly proclaim a few of our resolutions in the hope that it’ll light a fire under our arse (arses?) and help us “get there.” So without further ado (except for this gratuitous and very much in-progress pic of the cabinet doors being primed)…

Priming All Primed Close

… here they are:

Resolution #1 – To Get Around: We’re excited for 2012 to be a good travel year for us, since we have been invited to speak at the Portland Home & Garden Show in February (really? us?) and at the Haven Conference in Atlanta in June (we’re the keynote speakers, which makes us excited and nauseous all at the same time). So we’ll hopefully get to meet a lot of you guys at those events. And when our book comes out this fall we hope to get to do some touring just to thank as many of you for reading our blog right to your face as possible. You know and be awkward and blushy and say things like “that’s so weet of sou” instead of “that’s so sweet of you.” True story.

sunday-driver2

Resolution #2 – To Make Our Archives Easier To Navigate: With 2,000+ posts that have been written over 4+ years, we completely understand how hard it is to find things, especially all of the projects that get buried as we go! So we’d love to revamp our Projects page with photos and easier to use archival systems. You know we like to DIY things, so that means learning some coding stuff as we go. Should be fun…

Resolution #3 -To Find More Balance: This guy’s a repeat because we haven’t conquered it since declaring it last year. We mentioned that “since the internet is 24/7, and we work from home, sometimes it’s hard to resist working nights, weekends, and even on vacation, so we hope to get a handle on that.” Especially with Clara around, some healthy family-friendly balance seems like a good idea. Here’s hoping 2012 is the year that we get it down!

Resolution #4 – To teach Clara how to prime & paint: Ok, maybe that’s not very age appropriate, but at least let me teach the girl how to caulk. Kidding again. Hmm, maybe we can show her how to peel painter’s tape? Seems like something she’d love! This resolution is just about keeping Clara involved and hopefully raising a little DIY lover like ourselves. I mean, we won’t force it on her, but including her in some toddler-friendly projects or steps could be fun for the whole fam. The girl does love her tape measure (more on that here), so we’re off to a good start…

Clara Measure

Resolution #5 – Simplify, simplify, simplify! Sometimes it seems like we should say yes to every opportunity (why not?) or try to tackle ten projects at a time (gung-ho!) but we’ve learned that keeping things simple and staying focused on one task at a time might just be the key to sanity. So we have to fight that “little voice” that pushes us to do more/attempt to be super-human/cater to everyone else. Just sharing whatever’s going on in our little world is what got us here (over four million hits a month is both humbling and mind-blowing). So we have to fight the urge to keep piling more on our plate or attempting to please everyone on the planet. This is just a good old fashioned DIY diary. And simple = a beautiful thing.

Who’s ready for 2012? What are your resolutions? I’d love to hear what you guys would like to accomplish this year (either in list form like ours or just a sentence or two about whatever you plan to focus on). Do you have any personal resolutions going on? I’d love to drink more water, eat more veggies, read more books, and get back into painting (on paper and canvas – since I have wall and cabinet painting covered already). Oh yeah and to Netflix Homeland since so many people have recommended it. Is that resolution-worthy? From what I hear, it is.

Psst- We’re over on BabyCenter sharing a cute handmade-with-love nursery that’s gender neutral, modestly sized, and packed with DIY ideas! Check it all out here.

Comments

  1. Jess says

    Preface: this is completely off topic.

    I have a very serious question for you– my fiancee and I spray painted some nightstands and we love them BUT we brought them in after drying for over 30 hours and everything kind of sticks to them? This was our first furniture painting process and I feel like a new mom whose kid has a cold. PLEASE HELP US!

    Also, I love Love LOVE your blog! I read it every day, woo! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hmm, sounds like they’re not quit cured yet, so I’d allow them more time to dry/harden before putting stuff on them. After a few more days of waiting I would also try dusting them with baby powder (we hear that soaks up the stickiness, so it might help). Then just wipe them down so the powder is gone and hopefully you can use them like normal!

      xo,
      s

  2. Kelly says

    Yahooo – Atlanta! Let me know if you need a place to crash or a babysitter for sweet little Clara while you’re here. I live just a couple miles from the Crowne Plaza, where the event is being held. And we have a daughter just a couple months younger than Clara, so she’d love a playmate while you’re at the Haven Conference :)

    Reply

  3. KathyG says

    Balance? What’s that? haha And how to judge it? It’s more like see-saw, either all work, or all play. But it’s ok. What would I do differently? I think that’s the biggest question. Otherwise, I just try to appreciate each for what it is.

    Reply

  4. Kim @ Wonderings says

    2012 is the year of home improvement!! We have been itching to get new flooring since we moved in 2 years ago. This is the year!! We are going to paint the whole inside of the house as well.

    Reply

  6. Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says

    My resolution is to simply get my arse in gear and make our home more presentable. I have a slew of projects in mind!

    I also had a quick question. I will be (eventually) painting our cabinets in our kitchen. However, they are already painted. Do we simply use all the same steps as you guys did, including a deglosser? Or, will sanding the paint finish a bit be enough to hold the primer on?

    I am so excited about your progress!

    Reply

  7. Wom Mom Ethne says

    I’d love to see and easy navigation page for your past projects. I didn’t see your old house being done. And you won’t have to work to hard getting Clara involved now. She’ll love to get in the middle of the kind of stuff you guys do and she’s getting closer to the age where she can help without totally getting in the way.

    We’d like to enjoy every minute with our kids. 4 years went fast. If we got a new house, bonus.

    Reply

  8. Rosie says

    I’m so excited to see that you are coming to Portland OR. You’re like the DIY Gods to me. Can’t wait to actually meet you in person.

    Reply

  9. Linda says

    My resolutions run the gamut from really silly personal goals like “Learn to do a Cartwheel” (I seriously have NEVER been able to do one, and I’m over 30), to home goals like “Tear down the faux-tiling in our upstairs bathroom” (It’s plastic. Horrible.), to goals to better myself like “Raise $500 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund”.

    Yeah, I actually have a detailed list of “30 Things I Will Do in 2012”. I’m annoying like that. ;)

    I love how your list gets down to the basics! Simplify. Ease. Balance. Pretty much what you need to be happy.

    Happy New Year, kids!!

    xoxo Linda

    Reply

  10. Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says

    Wondeful resolutions! Number 2 makes me cringe for you, but I will be anxious to see how you change it up.

    Mine are quite simple, and I’m hoping to actually have a list to stick to this year.

    The top runners?

    1. Learn to use the sewing machine my husband and kids gifted me for Christmas
    2. Tackle a really hard DIY project that has big results
    3. Organize my home!!!!

    Here’s to you for tackling yours! All things are possible! :)

    Reply

  12. jess says

    Here’s to completing your resolution list! I know you guys must feel a lot of pressure to please people. I can say you’ve done a great job this year, so much inspiration and good ideas. Cheers! My resolutions are to continue spending more time with family, get myself more “together” in the mornings (which I have been attempting for YEARS), and to carry my positive attitude into every facet of my life.

    Reply

  13. Lauren says

    I think I’ll make my resolution this year to stop talking about Sherry like she’s one of my best friends when I go shopping. I kid you not it goes something like this:

    Me: Colleen, what do you think of this?
    Colleen: Ooo! I love it! You know who else would love that?
    Me: Yea,….Sherry.
    Colleen: Yea, Sherry would say you NEED to take home the ceramic owl.
    Me: You’re right! It’s mine!

    When did discussing whether or not Sherry would approve trump discussing if the husband would?

    Reply

  14. Debbie says

    My biggest New Year Resolution this year is to quit texting and driving. It’s illegal where I live, and dangerous everywhere, and I shouldn’t be doing it.

    Reply

  17. Nora says

    You should totally come to Chicago for your book tour. Theres a giant, silver bean just waiting to have its picture taken with you guys.

    Reply

  19. Bridget says

    I can’t wait to see your remodeled kitchen. I have a HUGE to re-do the main level of our house that looks like a golden oak shrine. It seriously smacks you in the face when you walk into our house. Cabinets, trim, banister, doors,etc. Where do I even start? Do you ever wonder or think that golden oak will come back into style?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I always try to take things apart so they’re a bunch of small doable projects instead of one big overwhelming one. With you I’d start with the bannister and then I’d do the trim and then I’d do one door at a time, etc. Work up to the cabinets since they’re hard! As for wondering if golden oak will come back into style, I think everything goes around and comes around! So for me I just think “what do I really love and always seem drawn to?” and ignore the trends or what’s cool now (since everything changes anyway). I have always loved white cabinets (they were in kitchens 100 years ago and probably will be in them in 100 more, so they’re classic – much like wood toned cabinets are). Just think about what you really love! Sometimes looking at a bunch of magazines to see which rooms stand out will help. You might mark ten rooms as favorites and they might all have wood cabinets, so that could save you from painting yours!

      xo,
      s

  20. Christine Olson says

    Okay Sherry and John you are both my inspiration to remodel the kitchen of a house I inherited. It’s very dated and dark (except for the beautiful marble floor tiles). I’ve never attempted such a major project but I keep telling myself I can do it. I’m so glad my daughter told me about your blog because I’ve learned so much about how to do things the right way. It’ll probably take me a few months to accomplish this project and I’ll send you a before and after picture. Wish me luck!!

    Reply

  22. Katie says

    I’m hoping this is going to be the year I finally clean out/organize everything. I’d also like to exercise, read the entire Bible, and make popsicles. That last one might sound weird, but we were gifted a popsicle maker and I’ll feel bad if I don’t use it. :)

    Reply

  23. Alli says

    I used to manage the accommodations for Portland home and garden show. I’m sure I would have been totally star struck if I were still doing that and met you two in the process. You’ll love Portland – amazing/bizarre shopping and dining experiences

    Reply

  24. Carolyn H. says

    If/when you do your book tour, please please, please come to Minneapolis! There’s a lot going on here in terms of DIY, and I think you would have tons of support from eager fans.

    Reply

  25. Katie says

    How long will you be in Portland? You should check out the gorge if you can- Hood River is an awesome little town that I think you would love. As for resolutions… I haven’t gotten that far yet- still recovering from the last holiday! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Netflix is a video rental service and Homeland is a series on Showtime that everyone says is amazing, so we’ll rent the whole season of Homeland via Netflix.

      xo,
      s

  28. Jessika says

    I’m in Eugene (1.5 hours south of Portland). I just informed my friend in Sacramento that you were coming to Portland. She said she’d likely pee her pants if she got to meet you– especially Sherry. Not sure if I should encourage her to make the trip, based upon this info….

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, I say do it! Chances are I’ll be sweaty and possibly covered with cream cheese or yogurt (courtesy of Clara) so it’ll be a nice medley of gross going on.

      xo,
      s

    • Jessika says

      I’m sure you’ll get many suggestions of where to go, but…I did live in Portland for a few years and I go up there regularly. Shoot me an email, if you like, and I’ll tell you some places we like! Not sure how much time you’ll have, but there are different places to recommend for every length of visit. Just bring a waterproof jacket with a hood or a good hat!

  29. Holly says

    Yeah I am so glad that you are coming to Portland! I will definitly come to the show! You guys have inspired me to make so many changes on our house. If you guys have time, the Portland Rebuiling Center is awesome- http://rebuildingcenter.org/. They have lots of materials and also completed projects that are great for ideas. Their reuse library is really cool.

    Reply

  30. Carrie says

    I was thinking last night things like balance and getting caught up are the grown up version of fairy tales. Just like fairy godmothers, singing mice and Prince Charming, they just don’t exist!
    I love the gratitude journal you mentioned a few comments up. Maybe that should be my resolution. My midyear accidental resolution was to learn to be ok spending money on things just because they are beautiful, even though they have no practical use. I’m a tightwad and usually ask for the pretty things as gifts. However now I have discovered the joys of retail therapy and must keep a tight reign on that!

    Reply

  33. Laci says

    To have a baby! My hubby and I are in the process of starting fertility and hope we’ll start ASAP in 2012!! Our other resolutions include remodeling our kitchen and his mancave (If we have the $)!!!
    P.S I love your blog! Thank u for so many wonderful ideas and tips for a young couple who bought a fixer-upper and are on a tight budget!!! Have a Happy New Year!! :)

    Reply

  34. Katie says

    So excited for you guys to come to Portland, OR!!! Please keep us posted on which day it will be! :) Can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

    Reply

  35. Laurel says

    Good for you! While I’ll be devastated to see fewer posts, I especially applaud the efforts to balance. I regret working from home so hard during my daughter’s infancy because I feel like I missed it all. It really does pass too quickly, and that sweet little child will never exist anywhere ever again. But you’re right, now she’s old enough that you can multi-task and play with her and work at the same time! Our daughter is only 3 and absolutely knows how to sand, paint, screw, and hammer. I love combining the 2 loves of my life! My daughter and home improvement! Good luck!

    Reply

  36. Dianne says

    Hooray Portland Oregon! Checked the schedule of the Home and Garden show, but it’s not published yet. I’ll be there (it’s just 110 miles to the north of where I live) – to see your presentation.

    Here’s to a balanced 2012 year for your family with your new year’s resolutions.

    Reply

  37. Natalie says

    I’m excited you guys are coming to the Pacific Northwest! You will love it here! My resolution this year is to survive my husbands deployment!

    Reply

  38. Michelle says

    If you ever find Balance, please send him my way. I have the same issue with having internet/computer 24/7 and the inability to turn it off…. Hence why I am writing here instead of playing with my kids this exact moment. Balance, where are you? Or a swift kick in the….. :D

    Reply

  39. Megan says

    My resolution in 2011 was to lose weight… so far I’ve lost 111 lbs so in 2012, my plan is stay healthy and keep it all off and maybe even lose some more :)

    Reply

  43. Sarah says

    I love your resolutions! Mine are as follows:

    1) Set in motion a plan to quit working for someone else and create a mommy friendly business that will allow for way more time with my little man.

    2) Get involved in my new community. Since moving to Saint Petersburg, the hubs has joined a rugby team, but all I have time for is work (see resolution 1)

    3) Get up and get moving. It helps that Saint Petersburg has about 364 days of sun per year. Today we are going to the park with our (I mean Little Man’s) stomp rockets.

    4) Reduce, reduce, reduce. Stuff, debt, weight…there is just too much!

    Reply

  44. Wrenaria says

    YAY Portland! I might have to swing up there and see you guys since you’ll be all the way in my state (I’m about 1.5 hours southish of Portland).

    Lots of exciting going-ons in 2012 in store for you guys! So very happy for you!

    Reply

  46. Jennifer G. says

    wow…total emotional roller coaster here.

    “OMG, they’re coming to Atlanta! My birthday is in June…what a great gift! OMG the conference is ON MY BIRTHDAY!!! (Can you feel the excitement?) Oh wait…family vacation is that week. Noooooo! I mean…yay beach!!! but NOOOOOOOO!”

    Reply

  48. Jill says

    I’m confused about the ‘Netflix homeland’ thing. I Googled it and all that comes up is a war movie with a terrible star rating… is that what you guys are referencing? HALP!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry! Homeland is a series on Showtime that everyone has been raving about, and Netflix is a video service. So we’ll rent the first season of Homeland thanks to Netflix! Hope that makes sense!

      xo,
      s

  50. Ginny @ Goofy Monkeys says

    My resolutions are almost always the same – eat better, move more, trim down. And get on top of home life – cleaning, laundry, and improvements. And I want craft more and get an Etsy shop up and running.

    Happy New Year!

    Reply

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