Sorry for the slightly delayed post — two of the three humans in our house caught the flu. Not fun!
February Superlatives: A Month in Review
We skipped our usual late-February round-up because we were in Hawaii the week they were due, so these superlatives rolled over into March. February was packed: three weeks of a secret book project and a photoshoot, prepping for a presentation in Portland, and continuing our kitchen renovation. We survived it all, and now we’re pausing to celebrate the small wins from the month. Below is a curated list of highlights—yearbook-style—along with a few never-before-seen moments.
Most Hooked Up
Clara earned the honor of having a spot to hang her coat after Sherry repurposed an old brown rail hook, spray-painted it white, and hung it in the entryway. It’s simple, sweet, and perfectly practical.
Brightest
These horse bookends got a cheerful update with yellow spray paint as part of one of our quick weekend challenges—an easy way to add color and personality to a shelf.
Best Cover Up
We patched the holes in our ceiling where old fluorescent fixtures used to be. The process involved a lot of spackle (and a few unexpected drips), but the result is clean and seamless. We even captured some of the chaos on video for our own reference.
Best Cover Up (Runner Up)
I built a simple cover to hide the range hood before painting it. Seeing the raw, unpainted piece made us appreciate how much a coat of paint can transform a project.
Best Supporting Role
The brackets we installed to support our open shelves might be controversial, but they’re doing their job and we love the look and security they provide.
Most Open Minded
Once the open shelves went up in the kitchen, it was love at first sight. They instantly changed the room’s energy and feel, making the space feel airier and more functional.
Most Improved
The shelves looked even better once we filled them with dishes, glasses, and a few decorative pieces. They’ve streamlined daily routines like unloading the dishwasher and added a curated, lived-in look to the kitchen.
Biggest Quack
We finally hung a wooden goose by the front door. It’s a little whimsical and a lot charming—perfect for the entryway.
The Close Call Award
Reinstalling the crown molding in the kitchen nearly turned into a bigger project when we realized we were close to running out of matching scraps. Fortunately, we made it work and avoided redoing entire sections.
Biggest Splash
We added a colorful piece of art to the kitchen featuring a swimmer and some whimsical fish. It instantly became a playful focal point that livens up the space.
Blingiest
The light fixture above the kitchen sink got a fresh finish and a new home after hanging around the house waiting for the perfect spot. It now adds subtle glam to a frequently used area.
Blingiest (Runner Up)
Our backsplash tile regained its shine after a thorough cleaning with haze remover. The difference between before and after is dramatic and surprisingly satisfying.
Freshest
A bouquet of tulips brought a bright, springlike touch to the kitchen and reminded us that the season is changing.
The “It’s About Darn Time” Award
After living with a bisque dishwasher for years, we finally upgraded to a matching stainless steel model. Small changes like this make the kitchen feel more cohesive.
Biggest Potty Mouth
I talked at length about replacing the wax ring under the hall bathroom toilet. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary, and now it’s done and working properly.
Biggest Smash
One casualty of our book photoshoots was Ramsy, our ceramic ram head. He didn’t survive the chaos, and we miss the little guy.
Most Organized
Sherry is feeling particularly in control after creating a simple coupon-sorting folder. Small organizational wins can feel huge in the middle of a hectic season.
Least Organized
Our tool drawers are still a work in progress, though they’re finally back inside a cabinet instead of spread across a daybed. We repurposed an old cabinet to give them a temporary home while we sort everything out.
Class Clown
The Richmond Comedy Coalition’s improv performers had us laughing hard at their Richmond Famous show where we made a guest appearance. It was a memorable night and a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously.
Most Flattering
The people of Portland went out of their way to welcome us when we were at the Portland Home & Garden Show. Meeting readers in person and hearing their stories was one of the warmest parts of the month.
Biggest Beach Bum
Clara couldn’t get enough of the ocean on our first real vacation from blogging in Hawaii. She spent hours playing by the water and exploring the shore.
Longest House Guests
The book photography crew essentially lived with us for three weeks. It was hectic, but their work made the disruption worthwhile—our home looks amazing in the photos. The house is slowly returning to normal.
How was your February? Did you tackle a list of small victories or complete a long-standing project? Taking a moment to celebrate what you’ve finished—big or small—helps build momentum. Share a highlight or two in the comments if you’d like; we always enjoy hearing about what you accomplished.