It feels like Christmas came early this year for me. It feels like this for three reasons, and two of the reasons are particularly exciting!
The first reason (and this is the less exciting of the 3 reasons) it feels like Christmas came early is:
I went outlet shopping! I bought a lot of gifts for other people to get ahead of the game but admittedly, I bought quite a bit for myself, as well. Hey, I rarely go clothes shopping, and the deals were soooo good.
The second reason it feels like Christmas came early is:
This book (stifling an excited squeal!) arrived from Amazon:
I have been reading about this book through a number of the blogs I follow, and I had to get my hands on it. It is authored by an Alaskan Mom who, with her husband, built not only their home from scratch, but everything in it. I am so inspired. I am totally going to be making my own furniture now. The reviews are incredible, and her plans are supposed to be quite easy to follow. With Matt’s help (but just at first) I hope to make this bad boy.
Yes, a beautiful, hand-built farmhouse bed.
Isn’t it dreamy?! It is supposedly quite simple and inexpensive to make. I love it. It’s definitely going on the project list for spring/summer. Okay, maybe I’ll tackle something easier, to start with. Regardless of what I choose first, (the book showcases 34 different plans) I want to say “I made that.” I want to say that reeeeeaaaally bad. I can’t wait to feel the sense of accomplishment that accompanies that sentence.
The third and final reason (for now) that it feels like Christmas came early is:
This book (stifling another excited squeal) arrived from the library in nearby Wilton, CT:
I picked up an advance copy in person, after having my copy signed by and meeting John & Sherry Petersik from Young House Love! So exciting!
If you haven’t yet stumbled upon this supremely popular DIY/Home Improvement blog, you’re sooooo welcome for introducing you the beauty of what this couple does with their Richmond, Va based home. I was so happy to be able to attend their CT book talk and signing. They were even sweet enough to take a picture with little ol’ me. Sherry looks so pretty (and is in real life, too!) - guess I should have tried to put some make-up on. Oops.
The book has a ton (234) of tips to update and beautify your home in chic yet inexpensive ways. The tutorials are so easy and fun, and the book is beautifully laid out. I have read through it a few times already and am planning how I can use their ideas and inspiration for projects in our home! Check out all the dog-eared pages just 5 minutes into browsing through.
I am so happy to be a proud owner of these two books - the inspiration I am drawing from them is infectious. You can get them both on Amazon for a great price. Let me know if you pick up a copy of either book. I would love to hear what you think of them. Plus, we can discuss what ideas you’re going to try in your place!
Image of shopping bags from here.
