The Nesting Place Book Giveaway

A phrase that fits our home and perhaps yours too: “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” That’s the mantra at The Nesting Place and one that applies to not only our decorative surroundings or our design style but imperfect beauty in real life. 

the Nesting Place book giveaway at diyshowoff.com

The Nester has just released an amazing book that covers the topic of accepting imperfection: The Nesting Place. 

Here’s a description that says it so much better than I ever could since I’m only part way into the book: Perfection is overrated. Popular blogger and self-taught decorator Myquillyn Smith (The Nester) is all about embracing reality—especially when it comes to decorating a home bursting with boys, pets, and all the unpredictable messes of life. In The Nesting Place, Myquillyn shares the secrets of decorating for real people—and it has nothing to do with creating a flawless look to wow your guests. It has everything to do with embracing the natural imperfection and chaos of daily living. Drawing on her years of experience creating beauty in her 13 different homes, Myquillyn will show you how to think differently about the true purpose of your home and simply and creatively tailor it to reflect you and your unique style—without breaking the bank or stressing over comparisons. Full of easy tips, simple steps, and practical advice, The Nesting Place will give you the courage to take risks with your home and transform it into a place that’s inviting and warm for family and friends.There is beauty in the lived-in and loved-on and just-about-used-up, Myquillyn says, and welcoming that imperfection wholeheartedly just might be the most freeing thing you’ll ever do.

It’s easy to get caught up in focusing on what I don’t have, how my home compares to others, what’s missing. You too? This book helps change and redirect focus to appreciating what we do have, living and that creating a beautiful home not only doesn’t have to break the bank, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. 

Find a quiet space, put your feet up and read every word. You’ll walk away inspired to look at your home in a fresh new way by embracing imperfections and flaws (they can be good and comforting!), accepting that a lived-in home is a happy home, as well as gain tips for making the most of where you live. Now. Without waiting for perfect conditions, without maxing out the credit cards.

The Nesting Place

Here’s the story behind the cover —> http://www.thenester.com/2014/04/risk-of-imperfections.html And here’s more info about the book: http://www.thenester.com/landing/the-nesting-place-book.

Want a copy for yourself? Of course you do! Here’s an affiliate link:

The Nesting Place is generously giving away a copy to THREE lucky DIYShowOff readers! Enter for a chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Giveaway starts right now and ends Friday, May 9th at midnight EST. Winners will be announced shortly after. Giveaway is only open to US residents (sorry, international friends!). Good luck!

The Nesting Place book review
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Add a Pop of Color to Your Decor (step stool makeover)

The Lowe’s Creative Ideas challenge for May is Pop of Color. We’ve been working on a laundry room makeover (still in progress) and while my goal is to keep the walls and fixtures neutral, I wanted to introduce fun pops of color in small amounts with accessories that I could easily swap out when the mood (often) strikes. Spray paint is a great way to update old pieces to add a pop of color to your existing decor. 

do-it-yourself laundry pedestals

With the washer and dryer on a DIY pedestal, adding a step stool to the laundry room was necessary and this $10 vintage step stool was a great estate sale find…don’t you love the wooden carrying handle? Sweet!

step stool before

…it just needed a little DIY TLC. 

vintage step stool makeover at diyshowoff.com

I carefully removed the old tread and used it as a pattern for a newer piece (rubber stair tread available at Lowe’s) since I wanted the stool to have the same original look (only not quite so worn, chipped and peeling). 

replacing step stool tread

Next I gave the stool a light sanding and wiped it clean. 

vintage step stool makeover at diyshowoff.com

The color I chose is Valspar’s Paint + Primer spray paint (Luscious Green). I applied one coat, let it dry then sprayed another. 

DIYShowOff before and after step stool

I re-used the old tacks to attach the new piece of tread.

And it’s as good as new and adds an awesome pop of color to our laundry room. 

DIY Show Off step stool makeover

Before…

step stool before

After…

vintage step stool makeover at diyshowoff.com

More DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas, follow Lowe’s on InstagramPinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app!   

LCI Spring

*Disclaimer: As a member of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas Creators and Influencers network, I received a Lowe’s gift card to complete this challenge. As always, all ideas and opinions are in my own words. The blog post above is what worked for me. Results may vary. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and to take the proper safety precautions.

That DIY Party

It’s that DIY Party time! Hurray, it’s May! Summer is on it’s way! Sunny skies and longer days are my favorite. I find I’m most productive this time of the year. Let’s get this party started. I want to see what you’ve been up to!

That DIY Party link party at diyshowoff.com

DIYShowOff weekly recap:

decorate your rain boots

DIY rainboots vinyl decal design tutorial at diyshowoff.com 

updated thrift store candle sticks

DIY candlestick update at diyshowoff.com

rooms and spaces highlights from April’s That DIY Party

11 room makeovers - That DIY Party Highlights - diyshowoff.com 

The winners of the Personal Planner giveaway have been announced!

The annual Earn Your Stripes™ painting contest is taking place right now!!! Grand prize is $5,000.00!! I’d LOVE for a DIYShowOff reader to win! Imagine what you can do with $5000! Since I can’t enter, I hope you will! I’ll be participating in the judging! Enter here —> https://promotions.frogtape.com/earn-your-stripes/

FrogTape Earn Your Stripes

Deadline to enter is now through July 1st – so, plenty of time to get creative hats on and execute a project.  You’ll need before, during and after photos.  Here are the official rules: https://promotions.frogtape.com/earn-your-stripes/rules. Here are the FAQ’s for the contest:  https://promotions.frogtape.com/earn-your-stripes/faqs

Best part, all entries (see official rules) will receive a free roll of Shape Tape! Good luck! 

That DIY Party time: Let’s see your creativity!

That DIY Party link party at diyshowoff.com

1. Please use the button above or text and link to this post to share the linky love. Here is the link: https://diyshowoff.com/category/other/that-diy-party/. 

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3. By joining the party, you give permission for your project to be featured and ‘shown off’ via blog highlight, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, G+. I love your shares too! Thank you!