We can’t believe we’re already halfway through February (January flew by). To pause and appreciate what we actually accomplished — which helps keep momentum and quiets that nagging feeling of “we didn’t get anything done” — here’s a yearbook-style roundup of January. If you want to go further back, we’ve summarized every month from the last two years in 24 posts instead of 840.
First, a few highlights that haven’t been on the blog yet (and a silly theory about bacon and mustaches)…
Most Likely To Sport A Mustache: Everyone who stopped by the FLOR store in SoHo during our signing, where we had homemade mustache photo props. I also coined a completely logical theory there: “The mustache is the bacon of the face.” Both bacon and mustaches are trendy and show up on unexpected items like mugs and bandages, so there has to be a connection. Conversely, I declared that “Bacon is the mustache of breakfast.”
Most Intrigued: Clara, when she opened the homemade latch board we made her for Christmas. Her first reaction (“oh wow man!”) made us laugh, and she’s been fascinated by it ever since — especially the colorful carabiners we added to make it more fun.
Biggest Relief: Finally revealing our new lighting collection at Shades of Light felt amazing after keeping the project secret for over a year. We aimed for a colorful, fun line that feels like us — including price points under $99.
Worst Speller: I’m notorious for relying on spellcheck, so props to Sherry for catching a typo (“resoltions”) in every graphic right before we posted our 2013 blogging resolutions. A quick Photoshop fix saved the day.
Most Handsome: The Burg-ster takes this one — he looks especially regal next to the pillow I gifted Sherry for Christmas. We also posted a round-up of the gifts we exchanged, which included a few surprises and silly faces.
Most Text-y: Both of us, really — texting led Sherry to find the thrift-store media console that became our new media center. But she wins for the longest text threads with faraway friends.
Biggest Nerd: I usually claim nerd status, but this month it goes to Sherry for developing a very scientific-sounding recipe to clean our thrift-store media console. If she gets any more inventive, she might design her own DIY periodic table — likely involving many new pillows.
Most Talked About: Sherry’s bangs. She trimmed them herself on a whim and they’ve become a recurring topic on Instagram and during book tour stops. It’s amazing how much attention a haircut can get.
Most Compact: Our simple system for Christmas decoration storage, which we shared for anyone curious about how we tuck holiday decor away for the other 11 months of the year.
Most Quotable: Clara, hands down. We turned some of her hilarious sayings — and a few of Burger’s poses — into our annual DIY calendar. We even shared a free template for anyone who wants to make their own.
Most Trendy: The artwork above the daybed in our sunroom earns this one. I’m a bit obsessed with maps lately, and I even made an animated GIF to show the art wall’s progress — apparently I’m trendy now.
Most Adulterous: I’ll accept this cheeky title for my not-so-secret affection for the oversized bike prints in our sunroom and the easy DIY frames I made for them.
Most Colorful: Our whole-house color palette may not scream neon, but the post explored how our house pulls together many colors through fabrics, rugs, and accessories — essentially every color of the rainbow if you count the details.
Most Helpful: My newest little DIY assistant, who helped hold the drill while we assembled a new Expedit for the sunroom. Yes, we used a power tool instead of wrestling with allen wrenches by hand.
Most Revealing: The glass-doored bathroom at a Miami hotel we stayed at during tour stops. That trip produced plenty of memorable moments, including some goofy impressions and funny backstage stories.
The “Clean Slate” Award: Our playroom/junk room finally got cleared out and repainted after serving as our book photography staging area for months. It’s now a space we enjoy instead of a room we hide from.
Most Honest: We shared a behind-the-scenes look at the book business from our perspective, including the reality that publishing a book doesn’t make you rich. We did it for the love of the work, and that’s what really matters.
Most Excited: Clara is thrilled with her new big girl room. Adding a daybed, bright bedding in her favorite colors, and a play table cut down to her size really made the room come together.
Most Likely To Be Pregnant: Our friend Lori — by coincidence she was pregnant both times we crashed her house. Her new home drew attention for its charming built-ins and cozy family room.
Most Likely To Keep Instagram In Business: Us — we ordered prints and magnets to turn Instagram photos into tangible decor for our frame collage and Clara’s play kitchen.
Most Fudge-ing Awesome: The response to our Unofficial Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge was incredible. We worried we were the only ones obsessed with that ode to thrifting, so seeing you all join in was the cherry on top.
Most Debated: The new dresser we found on Craigslist for Clara’s room sparked plenty of opinions. We’re still deciding whether to refinish it or paint it — thanks for all the suggestions!
Most Organized: The basement pegboard finally got completed and filled with both decorative items and useful storage — a satisfying mix of form and function.
Most Likely To Get Lots of Action: The new pink polka-dot/ombre rug in Clara’s room will surely see plenty of playtime — jumping, tea parties, and stuffed-animal mosh pits included.
Most Likely To Miss The Memo That Christmas Is Over: The white ceramic houses Sherry received as a gift. Even though they’re from a holiday collection, they earned a permanent spot on our mantle — and they don’t run up the electricity bill.
How was your January? Did you travel for work or for fun, finish a big project, or simply hunker down and keep your DIY-loving hands warm?
Psst — we’re sharing the funniest kid house-related quotes on Young House Life. Seriously, these kids are hilarious — I dare you not to laugh.