Many readers have asked—here, on Flickr, and on Facebook—how we create the weekly photos that document Clara’s first year. After answering several messages individually, we decided to write a concise how-to so anyone curious about our process can follow along. We love step-by-step projects, and photographing your family is an easy and rewarding DIY art … Read more

“Not funny.” That’s what I said when a tree branch across the street fell and took out our power yesterday, just two minutes before Richard the mason and his crew arrived. Fortunately, widening a brick wall is mostly manual labor—chiseling out bricks and cinder blocks didn’t depend on electricity. When the power came back about … Read more

We’ve been drawn to outdoor spaces lately — perhaps because we’re midway through a makeover of our lofted sunroom, or maybe because we’re holding on to the last days of summer. Whatever the reason, Stacy’s backyard transformation into a cozy, verdant retreat feels especially inspiring. Here’s Stacy’s story in her own words: Several books from … Read more

***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries.*** More free pillows are on the way, so prepare your couches, armchairs, and beds for a touch of shabby-chic from Sa-Sea Boutique. Whether you want a hint of beach-inspired charm or a classic Parisian flair, Sa-Sea Boutique offers stylish pillow covers to suit both looks. We were drawn … Read more

When Erin and her husband Ben sent their before-and-after photos, we were eager to share their stunning transformation. Here’s the letter they sent: I read your blog every day and love your style, your thriftiness, and your wit! My husband and I have lived in a 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow for almost two years, … Read more

This kitchen overhaul feels as inviting as fresh-baked bread. Here’s a note from Bridgette about the transformation: I love following your blog and all the inspiring ideas! We are on step two of three for our remodel of our kitchen—we still need to install crème subway tile for the backsplash, add cupboard knobs, and finish … Read more

So it turns out I’m a little bit Monica Geller when it comes to organizing. I get questions about craft storage all the time: Q: “I was hoping you could tell us how you organize your crafty supplies…mine seem to be spread all over the house!” – Chris Q: “Can you give us a peek … Read more

As we teased briefly in an earlier post, Clara chose the theme for her birthday this year. She loves monkeys, ice cream, firetrucks, and the mailman, but this year her obsession is worms. The first order of business was setting the date (Saturday the 12th, two days before her birthday on the 14th) and deciding … Read more

Alternate punny post title: Gimme Some Moore. Yes, that was a Busta Rhymes reference — that song was my junior year jam. And speaking of jams, our new nail gun is the latest household favorite. John’s gearing up to tackle crown molding this weekend, assuming he can wrestle it from my hands. First we’re letting … Read more

After 15 slow days of waiting, our kitchen remodel finally resumed this Monday when the replacement corner cabinet arrived. That allowed the installer to come by yesterday—right at 8 a.m.—to install the final cabinet, which had to be reordered from KraftMaid because the first one was assembled backward. Mike, the installer, also completed several finishing … Read more