I’ve been thinking for quite some time that I’d love for there to be away to bring more personality into this blog in a casual way. We could share and chat about what we’re reading or wearing or seeing or something we bought our kids that I just HAVE to tell someone about. Weekend plans. Funny quips from the week. And then I realized “Maybe that’s why people do Friday links?” Truthfully I don’t know why other bloggers do, but it makes sense to me. That sometimes I have little things or thoughts I want to share with you, that perhaps don’t justify a whole post. So, I thought here on Fridays would be a fun way to share those thoughts in a concise and casual way with all of you. Sound good?? Onto the links!
•  The One Room Challenge started this week! Are you following along? I’m really anxious to see how Gwen’s basement progresses. It’s nice to see another basement renovation in the blogosphere and I have no doubt hers will be amazing. I haven’t followed the ORC for very long, can someone explain the bloggers that have hired designers? I feel like my eyes crossed a little when I read a few of those. I sincerely need enlightened.Â
•  This skirt is so effortless and casual. I ordered it to wear in a big photoshoot we have in two weeks. (I’m not allowed to go into details until it goes to print later this year (worst!), but we’re very very excited)
•  Have you been following this Modern Mountain Home being revealed this week? That staircase stopped me in my tracks.
• And finally, all 30 of our Minted winners! (We announced the Schlage winner, too!):
@eskimomama @grittb @sixtyfifthavenue @lemonboyce @impatientgardener @missssleah @glpaints @courtneyseo @sarahschultz710 @domesticaited @jennywalt @kfullms @mamareaux @kirsten_weis @dianaschneider @rwagner @alyssahaws @chippasunshine @currie.12 @lizlemonwood @ladyluchia241 @elysekemper @megsdaly @nicholnaranjo @nikkikingslayer @birdsofberwick @alycat_27 @ericastubblefield @baileyaad @emilyjpotterÂ
Have a great weekend! (It’s supposedly freezing in Long Island, but we’re smiling the whole way there. #adrenaline)
SOURCES FROM LIVING ROOM PHOTO:
I really look forward to the One Room Challenge, it’s one of the most fun blogging events for people who love interior design. I really enjoy watching designers create rooms and I also love the participants who just love design link up and give it a go too, in fact some of those were my actual favorites last time. The ORC progressively has gotten bigger each year and we’re now talking some nice products that come along with it so personally it does rub me the wrong way that some of the popular bloggers who actually are very good designers already on their own are asking for help from other designers. I guess I just looked at it as more of a challenge without outside help showcasing their talents if that makes sense. If that person is a featured designer I guess I just figured they should be the one doing the design.
New reader here — happy birthday and love the dollhouse!
I’m another person who’s confused and disappointed by supposed design bloggers using designers in the ORC. I also don’t understand some bloggers who are participating in a six-week challenge who announce in the first week that their project was already 80 percent done before starting : ( . With a limited number of design bloggers participating, I’d like all the projects to be “meaty” ones.
It’s great to see Linda here, too! I don’t know about other readers, but while at the end of each project there are certain rooms I prefer because of style, the best thing about the ORC is following along with the process for the first five weeks, when style doesn’t really come into it for me.
LOVE Squints and the whole Sandlot crew, it’s my son’s all time favorite movie and we watch it often. One of my favorite recent summer memories, while having an outdoor family movie night is hearing my son and all of his 9 year old buddies quote along (scream in unison) with the movie “YOU PLAY BASEBALL LIKE A GIRL!”
*kudos, not kiddos;)
Hi! I’m a big fan of your blog! I’m participating in the one room challenge for a second time and again collaborating with a designer whose work I admire and respect. I originally contacted Sita for the first challenge just to bounce ideas off of and we ended up making a great team. I had a vision for the room originally, including adding built-ins that I designed and contracted out, but I felt like I could use help with scale and the tight timeline. Sita was wonderful to work with and I’m comfortable saying we had a true partnership in completing the room. She sourced some things, I sourced others. She was available to talk through things and I really appreciated her input. Also, as a fan of Sita’s work, I was happy to have her on board so I could promote her and help give her some exposure. That the nursery was so well received and got recognition was great and I’m happy to share the kiddos with Sita! I’m proud to have worked with her and sing her praises! Because my first experience with her in the ORC was so positive, I figured it was only natural to work together again on my office makeover. I know other participants in the ORC have used designers in the past, so I didn’t realize there was any faux pas in that (especially if you’re up front about it and give appropriate credit). I’m super excited about the challenge this time, it’s starting to come together! Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts here!