March is already peeking around the corner, but before we rush headlong into spring, let’s take a moment to look back at February. Pausing to appreciate progress helps keep momentum going, and this short month brought a mix of travel recovery, hallway makeovers, and big-girl-room updates. Below is a round-up of February’s highlights—our usual yearbook-style list of favorites and memorable moments. If you want to go further back, we’ve summarized each month from the past two years right here (25 posts instead of 840).
Thriftiest: This one goes to you—the more than 200 readers who joined our playful Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge. It was a blast seeing the clever and hilarious items everyone hunted down with just $20 in their pockets. See the finds.
Most Well-Trained: Clara seems to be inheriting our eye for fabric. She helped pick a print for her room, and we turned it into curtains that fit the space perfectly. Curtain details.
Most Inspiring: Our window-shopping trip to the Jonathan Adler store in Georgetown was a color lover’s dream. We left without purchases but full of ideas for future makeovers and secondhand upgrades. Tour the visit.
Most Confusing: Our post about using chalk paint for the first time stirred up questions because chalk paint is often mistaken for chalkboard paint. We added a clarification: chalk paint is simply a paint formula—not necessarily meant for writing on—although writing is possible if you skip sealing with wax. Read the chalk paint primer.
The Worst: I managed to lock our rental car keys in the trunk during a Portland stop on our west coast book tour. It was a flub, but luckily the trip overall was full of good memories. Portland recap.
Biggest Help: Clara showed off her drill skills again when she helped install postcard ledges in her room. It’s a sweet reminder that the kids are already picking up practical skills—and that soon I might be the one asking for help with DIY projects. Ledge how-to.
Least Remorseful: Our post about buyer’s remorse explored the styling missteps that happen in decorating (hello, questionable dining room chairs) and how we move past them instead of letting regrets stall progress. How we cope.
Most Thrilling: Testing paint samples for Clara’s room was surprisingly dramatic (we staged it like a mini competition). After trying four shades we finally chose one we all loved—proof that sampling can be part of the fun. See the shade showdown.
Most Last Minute: We pulled together cheap, cute valentines for Clara’s preschool exchange in under an hour, thanks to Target finds and a little homemade poem—16 valentines for under $7. Valentine DIY.
Most Transparent: Sherry adapted a standard frame into a floating frame with just a few supplies—an easy, affordable project that shows how small tweaks can make a big visual difference. Floating frame tutorial.
Most Delayed Satisfaction: Hanging thrifted birdcages as playful art in Clara’s room checked a long-held idea off the list—the big cage was bought years ago and finally found its place. Birdcage details.
Most Influential: Sherry continues to sway Clara toward ceramic animals—this time using Anthropologie hooks to organize hair accessories. Small touches like that make everyday routines feel special. Accessory hooks.
Most Quotable: Clara’s candid comments are always entertaining. This month she stole the show in our Pinterest Challenge video when her marshmallow craving became an unforgettable moment. Watch the clip.
Most Awesomely Awkward: A New York restaurant bathroom we visited during our book tour has a photobooth inside a unisex restroom—delightful and mildly awkward as we waited for pictures. Tour recap.
Most Playful: Clara’s closet was converted into a tiny toy and game hideout after a quick declutter and a few new additions—perfect for play while most of her clothes remain elsewhere. Closet makeover.
Cutest Couple: A tie: me with Jeremy Bower (park time and guys’ movie night) and Sherry with Katie Bower (antiquing and late-night crafting). Visitors, teamwork, and spontaneous creativity made the trip memorable. Trip highlights.
Biggest Basketcase: Sherry celebrated with a gleeful laugh after adding a dipped detail to Clara’s toy baskets and crossing several to-do items off the list. Creative energy in full swing. Basket makeover.
Longest List: We updated our running list of completed projects and those still on the docket. It’s encouraging to see many rooms coming together and exciting to plan improvements for the carport and front porch—ideas include boxing porch columns and adding a pergola. This post links to nearly every project we’ve done, so it’s a great catch-up resource. See the full list.
Longest List (Runner Up): Nearly 650 project links collected at the bottom of our Pinterest Challenge post—a massive source of inspiration if you’re hunting for pinspired projects. Explore the roundup.
Cheapest, Biggest Upgrade: The board & batten we added to the hallway during the Pinterest Challenge dramatically transformed the narrow space for about $57. Small materials, big impact—why did we wait so long? How we did it.
Most Likely To Give Burt Wonderstone A Run: Paper tulips from West Elm that Clara gave Sherry for her birthday somehow transformed into real blooms overnight—an accidental bit of magic courtesy of a little imaginative staging. Double the flowers, double the charm.
How was your February? Did you spend time traveling and then blissfully enjoy being home? Did you tackle any projects, discover a new favorite paint shade, or have a marshmallow-related breakthrough? Share what you packed into those 28 days—we love hearing about your wins, big and small.