Howdy, Lovelies!
Well I have to say, it’s really good to be back and we hope you had a wonderful weekend! We thought we’d have a small hodge-podge post today while we try to catch our breaths to give you a little bit of an update on what’s been going on around here… So without further ado:
1. We finished our ebook.
No. Really. Let me say that again in case you missed it : WE FINISHED OUR EEEEEEEBBBBBOOOOOOOKKKKKKK! And if we’re totally honest, we couldn’t be more of a delicate combination of excited/on-the-verge-of-a-bad-case-of-the-voms, nervous. (And by we, I mean me.) See above for aforementioned verge-awkward face.
This is what our dining room has looked like for the past two months, as everything was carried over to the final stages of design and implementation by yours truly. Yes, there are enough macbooks and ipads present to power a small space station. We’re ready to get back to life as we know it. But I’ll be honest, it hasn’t really hit me yet. I’m not sure I’ll know what to do with myself now. Wait. Yes I do…see no. 2, below. Between that and ninja princess warrior Halloween costumes, I have my hands full.
Last Saturday and Sunday alone, I spent a total of 24 hours proofing with my wonderfully patient mom and dad. The New York Times Should hire them as editors, and I can’t thank them enough. I then handed it over to a few more eagle eyed, awesome reliable friends…as my eyes were starting to bleed. This is how one copy came back to me per my fave person/friend Andrea. I nearly fell on the floor for a good laugh when I came to that page at 2 in the a.m. We are easily amused. And completely grateful.
We met with our awesome friend Tony of Evenpar Solutions this Saturday. In case you’re wondering, he’s our friend to my left in these photos. He’s also the guy behind the scenes who keeps everything here running so smoothly on the tech side. From here, he’ll be taking care of packaging our final version for all of our favorite people. (You.) We’re just super excited, and want everyone and their grandmother to know all about it.
This book is the embodiment of blood, sweat and tears. I’ve literally shed all three, as our heart and soul have gone into this work. With 22 original one of a kind projects for your handmade walls, and detailed, illustrated plans at 250 pages long…we promise not to disappoint. Oh, and did I tell you that the amazing Nester has written our foreword? She’s the best. We’re so excited.
We’re officially (soft) launching this puppy here on Monday, October 29th. Mark. Your. Calendars. You can also find our book on our fantabulous affiliates’ sites the following week. We are so grateful and floored by the outpouring of support from such talented friends. This entire project has been a real personal growth and enlightening blessing for us. We can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned for a few upcoming peeks in the meantime!
2. We’re in the middle of a back porch extension/makeover/redo.
Here’s a little sneaky peeky, but in the next few weeks, we have that coming up as well. We decided to throw this one in, and if you’ve been reading for a while now, you know we *hate* our back yard, so we’ve decided to do something about it. I am so excited about our plans, and how all of this is turning out. It’s going to be a fun change with some practical how-to’s to boot. We needed more lounging space to go with the hideaway, after all. And here in the tropics of Alabama, the weather is just now permitting us to enjoy it all. I see lots of s’mores in our future…
3. I’m officially a jet setter.
Not really…but flying twice in three weeks’ time makes me feel like a big deal travely businessy person. {Read: I’m such a total homebody who wears yoga pants on a regular basis, that this is a huge deal for me.} But it’s Miami this time, for another great project with The Home Depot…so stay tuned! {Also read: let’s all cross our fingers that I don’t end up on Nancy Grace as the missing person. CSI Miami has ruined me. I think we’ve already established that I should be crowned queen of paranoia central. I know jujitsu.}
And that’s about it, for now. Thanks for being patient during our season of irregular posting… Stay tuned as we acclimate back to life as we know it, with things to come!
Have an inspired day everyone!
Lesley Mcquade says
Loling at your nancy grace/csi Miami comment.. Too funny !
Congrats on the ebook, I’m sure it’ll be all worth it!
Charron Ann says
Thanks for the heads up! Can’t wait!! CAN’T WAIT!! To read the new book!! :-D!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks, Charron Ann! ;}
Jenna says
How exciting! I can’t wait to take a peek at it all! 🙂
JP says
I can’t wait for your book! I know tht was a lot of work!
MaryE says
You should build a cute little wooden sports car to park under the hideaway! 🙂 By you, I mean maybe the hubs? 🙂
Vera says
I can’t wait for the book! Is it going to work for DIY beginners too (which I am)? I certainly hope so! 🙂 Love your bag!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Vera! What we love most about our book is that it builds on difficulty. So even if you’ve never tackled a project a day in your life, and don’t own any tools, there are ways around that, to get you started. We realize you have to build on your bravery, so there are skill levels from 1-5 and easy to reference guides to get you there. We’re so excited!
Kelsey Kronmiller says
The 29th!?! Noooooo. I can’t wait anymore!! 😛
I’ve been harassing the boyfriend about it since you first mentioned it and I think he wants to strangle me by now because I won’t shut up about it >_>
shar y says
I am really looking forward to that book. I am marking the 29th on my calendar. Congrats!!
Emma Huffs says
LOVELOVELOVE!
Cathy says
Congratulations on the book completion!! And, btw, what kind of bag is that in your photo?
paige says
as i was scrolling through the comments, i was like, how has no one asked about that bag yet?! so thanks for making me feel like less of a stalker/loner by being totally into it.
in case it wasn’t clear: i am also wondering where your sweet bag is from.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey guys. sorry for the slow response-I’ve been swamped and away from the mac, traveling. ;} This bag is a Kelly Moore bag. It’s both a laptop case + a camera bag. I Adore it. My only complaint is that the straps can get uncomfortable for that trek through the airport with lots of heavy equipment, but I think any bag would. It was an early birthday present to me, since I’m a December baby. ;} http://kellymoorebag.com/ Check it out!
Cathy says
Thanks for the link! Those are great bags. Hmmm…I am a December baby, too.
Amy says
Congratulations! The book looks great! And now I’m gonna ask probably the dumbest question you’ve ever encountered on your blog. How exactly does one read an ebook? Do I need a fancy dancy kindle-y type thing? On the computer? I’m not really a fan of screens, but might be willing to try if that’s what it takes!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Amy! When you purchase this book, it will come downloadable as a basic PDF, and in a version for your ipad, as well. So whichever one you have, it should work. We will even have an amazon/kindle version (that’s what Tony the fabulous web guy is working on now.) It actually works great as an ebook, because it’s a nice way to package all those plans so you can zoom in and check them out. I hope you do enjoy reading, and that is not a dumb question! Have an awesome week!
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
I was reading this in my reader and was wondering if that was Tony! haha. I had to jump over and say I thought that was him 🙂 Congratulations on finishing up your book. That is a great accomplishment! Looking forward to reading it 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much sweet Jessica! Yes, Tony is our peep. ;} Hope you are well! (yes, I did just write peep.)
Jen says
I am so stinkin’ excited for your ebook!! 🙂 It’s gonna be incredible, and I will be first in line to snag an copy! 🙂
xo,
Jen
Pine Tree Home says
How exciting! I just know it’s gonna be full of fabulous tips, tricks and ideas.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you! Here’s to hoping…we certainly think so! ;}
emily hope says
congrats on finishing the e-book – how veeeery exciting. I’m in the beginning stages of doing one of my husband’s counseling books, and I can’t *wait* to be on the other side of the process 😉
love your friend’s enhancements of your bio pic too. I say you keep it that way …
Shaunna says
YAY!!!! I know what a BIG deal this is for you guys!!! Congrats!
🙂
shaunna