Once upon a time, I was a younger mom at home just trying to survive the days. Like, throwing cheerios at my kids on the floor while I fed the youngest, survive. I wore yoga pants, (uh, still do-shhhh) and it was a good day if I brushed my teeth. We were in the days where Jamin once forgot to place the freshly procured breast milk in the fridge when he’d removed it to get something else. It was discovered four hours later and I was a murderous raving lunatic in the form of the incredible Hulk. Any of you who have been there know why. Liquid gold can not be wasted and I cried while I made him pour it down the sink. We laugh about it now, but everything was just. So. Overwhelming.
I’d always had a passion for design, DIY, and creative ideas. I dabbled a bit in my home. But in the days of feeding my children like chickens and running interception on the toddler who thoroughly enjoyed devouring dog food unless I ran a diligent prevention system, the saturated magazines with unattainable to-the-trade 8,000 dollar accent pieces (and perfectly poised photos) were a total turn off to me. They were downright discouraging and intimidating. I had a desire to create a haven for our family, and wanted someone to relate to. Inspiration in the form of someone who understood where I was. Someone who had been there. I knew our budget and who we were as a family would never measure up to a glossy magazine’s ideal of perfection. And I didn’t want to measure up. I craved real. I think in a way, we all do.
And then one day, while throwing cheerios at the floor {I was an awesome multitasker} I stumbled across the Nester’s blog. There was this brave woman with a fearless voice and a beautiful home and she spoke to me. I was a creeper and she was letting me see her life and who she was. This person was real. This person was honest and this person had fun in her home. In a world of stuffy and dark builder’s beige designs circa 2008, I was unaccustomed to that. It was as if the stars had aligned and I couldn’t get enough of this remarkable, relatable, honest take on creating a home for our family. The most appealing part about it all, was that she was content where she was. Despite the imperfections.
Total cheesy confession: I’ve said it here before, but Myquillyn was a huge catalyst of inspiration for me in more ways than just the home front. At a time when I, managing my personal blog at the time, was still trying to figure out what I wanted to be in this world when I grew up. She was a huge encouragement and I realized I needed to work more on being happy where I was, living in the now. That meant embracing the fiberboard brown kitchen cabinets, and all. Not ten years down the road in my ‘dream’ farmhouse. It was a challenge, and I was ready to love living in the now.
When The Nester’s book arrived at our doorstep a few weeks ago, I literally teared up a little.
I am so excited for this former stranger on the internet who has become a friend. Who, over the years, has been a bit of an unintentional mentor. I was able to grow as a mother and person, quietly appreciating her honesty and inspiring approach to creating a real home for her family. I was challenged by her to appreciate where I was, now. And I realized a lot about myself because of what she chose to stand for, and the inspiration she shared.
“Creating a home is a journey, not a destination.” – Myquillyn
There’s a lot to be said about embracing where we are and living it fearlessly. Finding contentment in the unknown, and the imperfect. The lessons to be learned in that, are priceless. We have to embrace the process, because that is part of what makes us who we are. This book is such a labor of love for anyone who has ever been there. For anyone who has ever been caught up in feeling like they were not enough, or discouraged by what seemed unattainable… A heartfelt, genuine approach to life and what it means, and how much more goes into a house than just decor. Creating a real home of love for those who live there… because we all know it’s about so much more than that.
Perfection is overrated. And this incredible book is just like her blog, illuminated in so many beautiful, thoughtful little ways.
Did I mention it’s major eye candy, too? I think you got the gist from a few of the pretty little photos I was able to sneak in. ;} Trust me when I say this: whatever your phase of life, if you’ve ever been there… if you’re there now or if you crave something a little different… you will not regret picking this one up.
But guess what? The Nester and her fabulous publishers are graciously giving away three of her gorgeous books to three lucky duck winners. Want to win? Simply follow the instructions below! Have an inspired day, y’all! Because it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
alison says
love your blog! it speaks to me everyday! i have 3 kids under the age of 5 (i am the one throwing the cheerios now) and a brand new home. It’s all very overwhelming sometimes….thank you for your simple inspiration!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Alison. You are not alone! ;} I had 3 under 4 at one point… it’s hard – but it DOES get easier in that aspect.
Lori H says
Would love to win this fabulous book! You and the Nester are both such an inspiration 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re too sweet, Lori. Gotta love that Nester! ;}
Tasha Beene says
Would love to win!
Julie Davis says
I’ve heard so much about this book lately. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks!
Tammy says
This looks so lovely! Thanks!
Carrie says
Thank you so much for the chance to win this book. I read her blog too!
Talitha says
I am really excited to read the Nester’s book! I’m starting from scratch in my “new” home and would love to read it before I begin. She is an inspiration {you as well!} to me!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Talitha. ;} PS. your name was my great grandmother’s name!
Angie says
I need this book! ..and the inspiration 🙂
Sharon says
Looking forward to reading this book! I am so overwhelmed by our fixer-upper – I could use some inspiration to help me tackle all those projects.
Krissy says
Looks like a great book! Can’t wait to read it.
Joelle says
I truly enjoy your fresh, exuberant perspective on family and home. This may be a book a need to give my daughter who is making a new home in Georgia with husband, wild girl #1 and soon to be wild girl # 2.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Joelle. It’s a fresh perspective, for sure! ;}
julie Conner says
I am embracing my uneven wood floors and cracks in my plaster walls.
Christina says
I reeeeallly want this book! And I absolutely love the Nester! Thank you for featuring her book & for the great giveaway!
Lindsey says
You are to me what she has been to you!! I want to read this book so hard.
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re too sweet Lindey! And the so hard part just made me laugh.
Casey says
Would love to win a copy! I want to make our home work for our little family, a place where we feel comfortable and nurtured, and not worry about attaining some perfect image.
Lori says
I pre-purchased this book and read the entire thing right away! I LOVED it! I have started reading it a second time… and it looks beautiful sitting on my imperfect re-painted thrift store coffee table! I’d LOVE to have a second copy to share with my mom. I wanted to give one to her for Mother’s Day, but it didn’t arrive in time. ( I live in Canada.) Ashley and Myquillyn — you are both so inspirational — hugs to you BOTH! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
It’s great, isn’t it Lori? You are too sweet. ;}
Amy N says
I have total stage fright when it comes to decorating my home. I am finally ready to be content & happy in the “state” I’m in. Sad to say, but after we painted the rooms and did new carpet before our daughter came into the world(6 years ago, where did the time go!?!) I still haven’t put anything on the walls. We were going to move, because we didn’t know anything about the school district, no kids in our neighborhood for her to play with, etc. Well, right after I had her, is when the recession started! Noooo houses were moving in our neighborhood. We were going from two incomes to one. Etc. fast forward 6 years and we are so glad we didn’t move. The school district is small. It feels like a big family. The teachers are awesome & truly love their jobs and kids. So we aren’t moving and I need to make our house a HOME!
I would love to win this book and see all the inspiration!! Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
We have stayed put as well. It’s kinda great. ;} I love that you’re making it your home! ;}
Michael says
I’ve found my new favoriate DIY blog!
Heather says
Myquillyn has taught me so much about how I want to see my home. I love how she gets all “Phoebe from Friends” by giving her furniture pieces and rooms in her house a personality. It has taught me to look for unique pieces that speak to me and are truly usable rather than just simply the latest trend. Her style has freed me to trust my own instincts and inspired me to simply get off my rear and make my house a home! 😉
Susan Boyd says
Love your blog and that books i gorgeous!
Benay Blume says
I am praying for my own home, but I love Nester’s attitude about renting. Her blog has inspired me to make the most of my “now”. I would really love to have her book!
Nicole says
I love nester! I’d say my style is a hybrid of hers and yours.;)
Megan says
So many imperfections exist in this home, having 3 young boys…but I do try to embrace the craziness & mess because they won’t be kids for long.
susan says
You and your post…let me tell you, they just got me. I was crying reading that first paragraph!! I felt like my phone died for a reason, forcing me to get on my desktop just so that I can read your entry today. (which is something I rarely have a second to do!) I am so new at this, well the mom thing and the pursuing my passion thing and as a mom it is so easy to become so overwhelmed and forget about myself. Thank you for allowing me to “creep” into your life and for providing me comfort that it is ok to not have an exact plan. It is ok to be overwhelmed. It is ok to just survive. And it is ok to not know what I want to be when I grow up. Baby steps are ok. Thank you for the reminder friend.
Also, I always say whoever came up with the phrase “don’t cry over spilled milk” never spilled a bottle of breast milk before!!! (seriously though…) 🙂
susan says
also, it’s Susan from Ruby & Rosemary. :0)
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re not alone at all, Susan. I think that in taking our time to figure it out, it truly molds us into who we are. We can stand behind it and say, this is it. ;} This is who I am. And be proud of that. BLESSINGS AND HUGS to you and your precious milk! This too shall pass. It’s a trade off, but so rewarding… and this too shall pass. ;}
Kathryn says
Thanks for the giveaway! I am looking forward to reading this book!
Heidi C says
Would love to win this book – looks exactly like what I need at this time in my life!
Marci says
I need to embrace the floor plan of my home….it’s not perfect, but I can’t change it. I need to choose what’s positive about it, and highlight those areas! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
jackie says
toys always around the house – fun is more important than a “perfect” housr
Jenny d says
This book looks amazing and I love this post. My family just moved into a new home and the pressure to make it perfect and keep it new is seriously killing me! It almost feels like we will forever be unpacking and decorating and I yearn for the day where we can just sit back and enjoy it without a huge to-do list or workers ringing the doorbell everyday. But, we truly should be able to enjoy it right in this moment. Thank you. Fingers crossed I win bc I need to read this!
Mary DeMuth (@MaryDeMuth) says
As a closet decorator (no I don’t decorate closets), I’m super excited about this book!
Shala says
It’s so nice and refreshing to have honest inspiration. That’s why I love your blog!
julianna says
Looking forward to reading this one. It’s from a great blog!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Agreed! It truly is. You will love it! ;}
Debra Southern says
Giving up the perfectionism to chase my real purpose.
Wren says
So true.
Ashley says
I love the Nester. I am embracing the very imperfect wood floors.
Kenna says
It looks like an amazing book – will definitely have to add it to my wish list! Thanks.
Jessica says
So beautiful! Thanks for always encouraging us to live and love life right where we are 🙂 With 6 little ones (and one on the way!), there’s always Cheerios on the floor whether I put them there intentionally or not! And I have been so inspired by you to love my home even if it’s not where I want to be – we’ve just moved out of state and our dream home fell through at the last minute, leaving 8 of us in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment. Thank you!
Shambray says
I would love this book and all the inspiration that comes with it! We are going through a complete renovation. So I am going to embrace all the imperfections that come with that! I love your blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
Deena says
Great looking book!!!
Tiffany says
Right now, with two little bitty ones, I’m embracing the un-cleanness! I’m done stressing over the state of the floors and just cleaning when I can.
d rasmusan says
reading this was like reliving our starting out with 3 kids too. love to hear I wasn’t the only one dawna
ashley @ the handmade home says
NOPE. You certainly are not! ;}
Debra Schramm says
Dust! I’m going to embrace a little dust and not worry about it if someone comes over.
Sara R says
Such a great book I’ve already got it on my Amazon wishlist, but winning would be better 😉
Aubrey says
I would love this! Fingers crossed!
Aubrey says
Oops – way to not read the instructions! The imperfection I plan to embrace in my home is the size – we are in a duplex and BURSTING at the seams, but a move may not be in the cards this year. So let the purging and organization begin!
Kathryn says
You and the Nester are my favorite online people – I learn so much and leave so encouraged after I sit and read either of you! Thanks for doing what you do! And thanks for the giveaway!
Anthea says
I am learning to live with the gaps in my floor that come and go with the seasons and the lack of private space other than the bedroom. If I use the bedroom for privacy, I just sleep!
Amber says
Oh, this book! And your blog! All such an inspiration to this mom of two under three while working a full time job and trying to start blogging.
So.thankful.
Amber 🙂
Julia says
I’ve been following the Nester for a couple years now…love the “on-a-budget” and kid-friendly design ideas…and explanation of her process!
Linda @ Home is Where My Heart is says
The imperfection I am embracing in my home is the fact that it is not magazine ready EVER!! It is lived in and sometimes (rarely) clean! I’m enjoying my children and my life. ~Linda
Jessica says
I have been following your blog and thenester after finding you both on pinterest. Love the creativity, the DIY’s and realness of them both!
Rachel says
Imperfections yes, I embrace, plain ugly no.
Alicia says
I am embracing the scratched up wood floors. With 2 young boys, I have a feeling they’ll be that way for years to come. Maybe when the boys are in high school/college they can help with the refinishing 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA Alicia! Jamin and I are still waiting for our land… taking great comfort in the fact that we will have two teenage boys to help care for it. ;}
Jessica says
pickme! I adore both of your blogs.
Kim says
With 4-year old twins, I have learned to embrace a tornado of toys and bins to keep them in among other things. My focus is on my happy kids, not my sparkling house. If my kids are feeling good and full of energy and excitement, then I know my priorities are on track. Cleaning and organizing are helpful to keep a good flow in the crazy, but not number one for us.
Tonya says
I am learning to embrace the incomplete state of my home.
Anna Cooper says
I would love this book. I love reading your blog and getting inspried. I dislike a lot about my home and trying to change it, now I just need to find the time to do it.
Cecile says
Yours is my favorite blog, Ashley! You are such an inspiration! Thank you for what you do.
PS Love the mini disco ball bookmark! Does that come with the book?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, Shucks… Cecile. Thanks so much. You’re too sweet. ;} The bookmark, I do not believe comes with the book. She made it and sent it to me with a sweet card. But something tells me if she doesn’t already have a tutorial up about it, it will be on her site, soon. ;} It’s amazing, no? Kind of want to take it with me to the beach and blind everyone while I read.
Angie says
I would love to win this book. Yourself and the Nester have opened my eyes to embracing what I have now and not sitting idle while I wait for what may never be.
Maryann C says
I’ve been eyeing this book. I’d love to win it!
Emily says
Can NOT wait to get my hands on this book, NESTER FOR PREZ!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA. Yes. I will help be her campaign manager. ;}
Bridget J says
Thank you so much for your post! You are that inspiration to my home (especially knowing that the kids will survive my throwing Cheerios at him while I empty the dishwasher). Maybe someday our house will be as cute as yours! 🙂 (said in a totally not creepy way). This book would be a great inspiration as we set up in a new home.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Not at all. Oh my goodness. The sweetest compliment, ever. But if you came to my house, you’d see that it really is a mess 99.999% of the time. ;}
Meghan M. says
I’ll embrace the limited amount of storage and just get creative on how I organize!
Monica says
Gorgeous book! Would love to win it!
Brittany Avery says
I’ve been DYING to purchase this book, but have been working on “wants” vs. “needs”… After reading your post… I’ve decided this book is CLEARLY a NEED for this newly wed….who’s on a spaghetti-for-dinner-newly-wed budget and who wants to keep it real 🙂 Thanks for the extra push I needed!
Niki says
I plan to embrace my completely off centered fire place. There may never be built-ins but its time to have fun on the big wall.
Lisa D. says
I would Love to win this book!! The imperfections I need to embrace in my home is the fact that I have 5 young kids and it is a battle to just keep my house clean let alone having pillows sitting perfectly on my couch. There are so many things I want to do to our home but with limited funds and limited time it seems I will never be able to do it all. And I guess that is ok.
mary says
Love your blog and the nester too!!! Am trying to love my imperfect kitchen!!!
Christa @ BrownSugarToast says
Hmmm…there are so many to choose from… 😉
I choose to embrace the imperfections in the outside of my home. {We’re renting, so there isn’t going to be anything major changed unless someone else changes it.} But having an imperfect home reminds me that this world isn’t my home. Imperfections point me to the only One who is perfect – and that’s Jesus!
Megan says
Love your Blog and would love to win!
Meghan says
I have a newborn and a two-year old- so to say that there are some imperfections around my house is an understatement. It looks like a bomb went off 99% of the time. But I look at your beautiful, loved and lived-in house and think there’s hope- we may be able to get there some day!
Holli says
I need creative energy. Or positive energy today. Coming home to a house you love is a good thing to dream about.
AmyNicole says
This looks so perfect for my coffee table! Would love to have a copy. I am in desperate need of some home inspiration!
Rebecca M says
This looks like a book I need to read!
Monica says
Shoes lying around, dust on everything, laundry, dishes… All blessings if I turn my perspective properly!
Megan CC says
My not so perfectly decorated home. It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s still my home.
Kendra says
Between 2 (almost 3) kids under 3yo and 2 dogs, I have an abundance of imperfection that I am trying to embrace everyday! I have embraced “clean enough” since there is absolutely no way to keep everything sparkling and “perfect” every day.
Regan Brooks says
So need this for my mom – she is so unhappy where she is now in life and a good chunk of the issue is being overly concerned with what everyone else thinks and having to have everything perfect! (okay, and admittedly, I so want one for myself too! ~shameless)
Kay says
I keep hearing how great this book is and could really use some inspiration to get me over the hump of downsizing my home. I don’t have the space I use to and I’m trying hard to embrace that, but without much success as of yet.
BP says
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
A. Marie says
I have an old home with many imperfections but my favorite is the scorch marks on my wood floor from the oil burning free-standing fireplace that used to be there.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the give-away!
Sarah says
Would love to win- my family recently moved into a new-to-us home, and some extra inspiration would be fabulous!
Beth M. says
Love Nester! I’m embracing all the ugly door knobs that I want so badly to replace!
Virginia says
Imperfections are when you’ve arranged the bookshelf beautifully when the 2yo wakes up and wants to get All the Books Out!
Kitty says
I love Nester! The two of you are just adorable. I love my home, but one imperfection I’m learning to embrace is the no carpet thing. We built our home and purposely put down hardwoods everywhere, thinking that we would get some super-fab area rugs. Well, we have an eight pound dog that is the boss of us all and likes to remind us of this fact should we choose to forget – hence no rugs. I’m learning to get over it, sort of. Okay, maybe I’m slightly bitter – but I’m trying. Embracing bare floors – that’s my imperfection.
Cristina says
Hmm…which of the many imperfections??? haha 🙂 I’m {slowly} learning to embrace the dog-hair-tumbleweeds and the forever filthy floor under the kitchen table. Neither are pretty, but neither are the end of the world either. Looove the Handmade Home and looove the Nester and loooooooooove that you two love each other! ha! that’s a lot of imperfect love right there.
Hannah says
I keep reading about this wonderful book online and have been meaning to get my hands on a copy!
Laura C says
The wood walls in the dining area…the brick at the fireplace….cabinets
Hanna Caldwell says
The wall colors! We just bought a house and most of the walls are tan. I drool over pictures of those light and airy rooms with white walls and accents; however, I HATE painting and in this case it would be pretty much our whole house! Lately I’ve decided I’m just going to embrace the color for now and decorate around that. I loved this post too by the way. So inspirational and such a good reminder! Thanks!
Erin Young says
our tiny kitchen and a mess of a backyard!
Bethany says
I really struggle trusting myself when it comes to decorating. I continually struggle to find my style and really know what’s “me” in this arena. I would love to win this book!
Manette Gutterman says
There are too many imperfections to accept but I’m not moving in this lifetime unless I win the lottery haha. It’s the house I grew up in, though, so lots of memories here….
Mindy says
So wonderful to read of how you were inspired by Myquillyn and now you in turn are inspiring others! THAT is what I love about the blogging community. I would love to read the book – thanks for the entry : )
Judy says
Love your blog, which it found after finding your art book at Powell’s. Looks like I should also look up this book, if I’m not lucky. I enjoy homes that are pretty, but real!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Judy. That is very cool to know that you found the book and THEN the blog. I was wondering if that would happen! ;} You will LOVE this book. ;} AND the Nester.
Cecilia says
I’d love to win one of these books! I too have had to learn to be happy with my journey and enjoy where I’m at! Thank you for the opportunity!
Amy W says
Not stressing out when friends pop over and the house is not perfection.
Bailey, T says
Such inspiration!
Bri says
I follow The Nesting Place blog as well. One of my favorites, along with yours! 🙂 I plan on buying the book, just haven’t yet so winning would be even better! My husband and I have been in our first home almost three years now. There are still so many things I want to change, from the countertops to the carpet. It is a challenge to embrace those things you don’t love, but it makes it that much sweeter when you finally get to make those changes! Thanks for the chance to win.
Catherine says
I plan to embrace our almond colour tiled master bathroom. A pretty chair painted a fun colour will surely grab my attention instead!
Kristin says
Love this giveaway. I’ve learned to embrace the oddities of my house and learn to live with them until we can change them.
Jennifer Bukowiec says
That bookmark though….
Cindy says
Ashley, I want… no, NEED this book. Guilty guilty guilty. If I don’t win it, I’m buying it.
So proud of and happy for Nester! xo
Cindy says
P.S. And what a lovely tribute you wrote here, btw! ♥
Mindy says
Nester was my first inspiration too! She convinced me that it was better to do SOMETHING imperfectly than to sit around waiting (and complaining) until we had enough money. Ironically, I found that I LOVE most of my temporary fixes and I’m not really itching to gut entire rooms anymore! Thank you Nester!
Melissa says
I want her book! This is such a great giveaway!!
Sherri G. says
I have been slowly working on converting my bedroom look, I love that saying it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful! Wow!
Brittany says
I want this so bad! I’m dropping hints to my husband since my birthday is coming up, but I’m thinking it might be better just to send him the link 😉
Pam M says
It’s small size and floor plan that isn’t the greatest.
Erin says
I’m embracing our low rent! haha Our current place is definitely not our dream, but it provides us everything wee need and the price is right.
Valarie says
I would love to win a copy of this book. So many things in my home I’m trying to accept for being imperfect. Mostly me. I really find my attitude about my home really affects whether I love my home or not. So many days its easy to see everything that is wrong with it. Trying to change my negative thinking about it is key for me. I would love to win a copy of the book.
Stephanie says
What a great giveaway! I would LOVE to win a copy of the book!!!
Jody P. says
I love your blog-it has the perfect mix of inspiration for my home, and inspiration for my soul!
There are a lot of imperfections I embrace in our home, because each one reminds me that its OUR home, and we know it like it’s the 5th member of our family. We know which goofy light switches go to which outlets, and how to open the basement door so that it doesn’t bump the back door. Our house is small, but it has seen us bring home babies from the hospital, take care of sick children, and share lots of great memories!
Sandra says
With 3 pets, I’ve come to terms with the fact that there will always be some pet hair visible on our hardwood floors and furniture.
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
I love her message so much. Thanks for sharing more of your thoughts about her – and how it applies to your life.
Christine says
Looks like a really great book!
Maureen says
Yippee!!! Another chance to win something.
Keep shining the path for those of us in the dark.
Liz Piccione-Volger says
“Clean enough to be healthy, dirty enough to be happy”. That was my motto when they were young. Now I have more time to focus on house stuff. Would love to win this beautiful looking book!!
Kathie from CA says
I am really enjoying your book. It has been so encouraging. I think it is great for all stages of a woman’s life. I am 71 and plan to give it to some young friends.
Karyn says
The question is outside or inside? My bedroom is in dire need of a makeover. I’m loving gray lately so maybe I’ll start with the walls! We did buy over $100 in plants to help with the outside but we have a ways to go! I need inspiration! :o)
Susan says
I plan on working by starting in my den. I’m now living in the house that I grew up in and it needs alot of work done.
Liz Moss says
I am plan to embrace the fact that my house will never be perfectly clean. My walls will probably always have something on them. But that is okay.
Noel McCormick says
I’m not a huge fan of the layout of our main floor but I’m working with it! Thanks for the giveaway!
Kendall says
I live in a 75-year old house, so I have a lot of imperfections to embrace. My floors aren’t always level and my walls aren’t always square, but I love how the charm of my home!
Elizabeth says
Seeing this on all the blogs, I would love to read it!
Vicki H says
Would love to win!! An imperfection I would embrace in my home, is the wall separating my foyer and dinning room with two doorways:)
Sarah says
We’ve lived in our house for 2 years now and have kind of stalled in our journey to making it feel like a home…sounds like this book could help!
Beth Garland says
I have a “beach themed Mom-cave” I am trying to create in our den. I have lived in this house for 28 years and I still can’t figure out the furniture placement/arrangement for this room. I need all the help I can get!
Ashley, I love your blog! It’s so refreshing to see a young Mom like you, spend as much time as possible with your children, including home-schooling, and still craft a fulfilling career from creating and blogging….doing what you love! You will never regret sowing so much time into your children’s lives!
Ashleigh hall says
I am learning each day to embrace the multitude of imperfections in our home, like shoddy woodwork and sheetrock work and imperfectly laid tiles!
Sharon P says
I can always use another inspiring book! Thanks for hosting this giveway.
Lacy says
I’m trying to embrace the flooring in our home. The carpet in the bedrooms is seriously a cream/beige shag. I don’t like carpet anyway because everyone here has allergy problems, but shag! And then, EVERYWHERE else has tile. The grout drives me crazy because I can never seem to get it all clean!
Jessica Marhoefer says
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this book. Can’t wait to read it!!
Amy miller says
I think I’m still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up, but we have lived in our “starter home” for 10 years now and I sure could use a little shot in the arm about how to love where I am NOw instead of where I think I would rather be!
Nicky says
Thank you so much for the giveaway! I especially love the hand lettering Lindsay Letters did on the cover and the first image you posted for this book. So beautiful and inspiring!!
Courtney says
I plan to embrace my bare hallway walls and worn stairway carpet
Kylie D says
This book looks amazing! Thanks for the chance 🙂
Lisa says
I’ve been following you for several years and totally remember you going through where I am now in life…3 kids under 5 – GAH! My mind is numb most days, but I know for a fact I’ll look back someday and just smile…just not today 😉 hehe…would LOVE this book!
Gina says
Have been following you and Nester for quite a while. Love you both. Would love to win this book as I need some inspiration to update. Empty nesters yet stuck in a nest filled with things as if the kids were still here.
Mary says
I’m a big fan of The Nesting Place! Her house seems so cozy and is an inspiration for my own home.
ashley says
Love the first quote from Emily Dickinson
crystal d. says
oh, yes!!! I want this book!
Elizabeth S says
well, MOST places in our home …. we bought a semi-gutted HUD home 2 years ago and are STILL patching holes in walls, replacing/redoing just about everything …but hey, it’s a blank slate! And one of the wonderful things is, our three littles are growing up knowing that unfinished and imperfect is still beauty-full 🙂
Susanj says
CONGRATULATIONS on your book!!! What an amazing accomplishment. You are such an inspiration each and every day!
kimberly says
this looks like a beautiful book!
I look forward to reading it..
Cheryl Choinski says
I am a downsizing senior citizen. I would like renest in comfort and beauty.
Kim says
The layout of my kitchen!!
Cheryl Choinski says
I am a downsizing senior citizen. I would like to renest with comfort and beauty.
liz olsen says
Adore both you and Myquillyn! Both very real girls
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Liz! You’re so sweet.
Deana says
I’d love a copy of the book! I love her, she is speaking my language.
Gretchen says
Love The Nesters’ whole philosophy! Would love this book for more inspiration!
Christine says
I’ve only been following you for a few weeks, but you are an inspiration to me!! And I would love to read the book of someone that inspires you!
Jamie says
We are embracing the terrible floors in our kitchen until we can replace them. We have a very nice home, and others would kill to live here. Working on being grateful.
Kelly says
I waited 8 years to invest in our home because I knew it wasn’t our forever home. Looking back, I wish I would have just done the things I wanted to at the time. I’m going to embrace the things that I don’t like right now, but can’t afford to change (ahem, wall paper), but also invest in small things that can make a daily difference – like a motivational quote hung in our kitchen. 🙂
Jordan says
I love the Nester, I would just love to win her book!
Nicki says
Such a great message! Everyone deserves good design, no matter what phase they are in. I’ve heard great things about this book…thanks for hosting the giveaway!!
Denyalle says
I’m embracing the intimidating blank and empty canvas of being newlyweds in a newly built home. The combination of minimal funding of having new careers, and having to decide and design everything down to our TP holders has been a crazy undertaking for us.
Erin O. says
Would love to win! I’m embracing the messes and imperfections, or at least trying to, everyday!
Sandi Vetter says
Congratulations on the release of your beautiful book.
I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago and have been following it ever since.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and inspiration!
Kelly says
I am loving your blog and have a feeling you just introduced me to yet another blog to read!
Ashton N says
I love the honesty of this post, and I especially love your desire to create “real”, lived-in spaces. Sometimes, the unattainable “Pinterest Perfect” needs a reality check, so thank you!
Joanna says
I already own a copy of this book, but I LOVE it SO much, that I really hope to win one to give away to a good friend!
TaraO says
Looks like a great book! We are embracing a lack of storage in our home.
Bethie says
Would love to win and be encouraged to embrace living in the now!
Cindi says
The imperfections I plan to embrace in my home when I win “The Nesting Place” book is redoing my fireplace area, painting the great room walls, redoing artwork and décor, and finally, take up flooring that is now in my great room and replace it with wide plank wooden flooring or tile that looks like plank flooring.
Amy C says
Great! This new home needs all the help it can get! 🙂
Kelly says
There are a ton of imperfections in my Uganda home- one of which is the hodge-podge furniture that we’ve collected from other missionaries. I am excited to look for fabric that can pull them all together in a happily imperfect way!
Laronda says
Definitely need to check this book out! We’ve got #3 expected any day now, and boy, is our home far from perfect these days–and we know from experience now that the chaos will be with us for quite a while!
Lorraine R. says
I would love love love love this book!!! I get caught up in the perfection trap all of the time and need some tips on how to let that go!!!
amanda says
Your blog was the first I read and felt connected to…You’ve inspired me to do so MUCH to my home – where we are now, even though we are renting and don’t know how long we will be here for. I understand what she did for you because that’s what you did for me:)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Amanda- so sweet! That really makes my day. High five to you and your awesome home! So thrilled for you! ;}
Torey says
I’d love to win Nester’s book!
MelissaMarie says
I am so excited about her book! I am already inspired to embrace the unfinished projects all over my home and learn to enjoy what I am able to accomplish.