We kicked off 2008 with a major home-improvement project that changed our master bedroom for the better. On New Year’s Day we were up at 8:20 a.m. and on the road to Ikea by 9. Why get out of bed so early? Simple: we wanted more closet space. Our master had only one small closet, … Read more

This week we’re taking a closer look at the two methods we used to find our Florida house. We explain how we balanced wants versus needs, sifted through hundreds of real estate listings, and leaned on technology to manage the search from 800 miles away. We also share how a tough phone call from our … Read more

We wish we could take credit for these dramatic before-and-after photos, but most readers already know our house is a one-story ranch—so that makeover wasn’t ours. Here’s what the stairway at my best friend’s Washington, D.C. townhouse looked like this morning: And here is the same stairway this afternoon: The transformation is gorgeous. Exposed wood … Read more

***This giveaway has reached its cap of 10,000 entries and is now closed – see who won below!*** Wow — you all really love great finds. After less than 24 hours of giveaway excitement, our random winner is joyfulcanary, whose favorite pieces are a $30 thrift-store china cabinet and her great-grandmother’s Hoosier cabinet. Congrats! It’s … Read more

With last week’s fabric-filled giveaway still on our minds, we wanted to share a practical way to turn leftover swatches into finished projects. Meet the Singer Vivo sewing machine: a compact, user-friendly option designed for beginners and casual crafters. It’s lightweight and easy to store, so you don’t need to wrestle with a heavy machine … Read more

We know this is a bit of a tease, but we can’t reveal everything yet: tune in to The Nate Show next Monday, the 25th, or set your DVR, because we’ll be on the program. The Nate Show is syndicated, so air times vary by market. If you’re unsure when or where it airs in … Read more

***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries*** We often fantasize about a classic white Christmas here in Virginia — something that’s rare in these parts — but after this weekend’s wild snowstorm, that dream might actually come true. Or at least we may get that half-melted, dirty-snow look that sticks around for days. Either way, … Read more

Leigh and her partner did impressive work renovating their Baltimore rowhouse from the ground up. Here’s her account of the project: I’m a regular reader of your blog and wanted to share part of our before-and-after transformation in our Baltimore rowhouse. More than a year ago we began renovating after paying a contractor far too … Read more

Happy (slightly belated) Father’s Day to everyone! To celebrate the makers, fixers, and DIY enthusiasts among us, we’re giving away some top-quality tools this week. The prizes come courtesy of eReplacementParts.com, a trusted source for replacement parts, materials, and step-by-step repair guides. Their resources make it easier to keep tools running and projects moving. This … Read more

Yup, that’s what I did. Well, technically 14 months and three days if you’re counting. And yes, this really is a post about breastfeeding, so feel free to skip it (I’m looking at you, brother). I never expected to write about it, but I get a lot of questions and this blog serves as a … Read more