I read blogs for many reasons, but #1 is undoubtedly… to learn.  I have learned so much from blogs.  Food blogs taught me to cook, mommy blogs taught me what not to say to a pregnant woman, political blogs confirmed all my pre-existing biases (kidding!), and fashion blogs taught me about color blocking (although I still can’t do it in real life).

 

Young House Love is my favorite home design blog, and John and Sherry taught me 1) a room makeover doesn’t need to occur overnight, so you shouldn’t just add pieces in to finish the room ASAP – hunt for goodies!  And 2) you can spray paint pretty much anything and make it look pretty.

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Ever since we lost the deal on our first house, I’ve been making an effort to spruce up our apartment.  As I wrote in this post, “Don’t let the future steal the present.  Enjoy what you’ve got right now.  Find something to love about your too-tiny apartment, your current running pace, your body, your family, your job.  Even if it’s something small, embrace it.”  Home is where the heart is!  And my heart wants to decorate.

 

So – I have two fun Young House Love-inspired projects to share.  And trust me – if I can do it, so can you.

 

First up:  this old mirror.  My mom Goodwilled three matching mirrors, which apparently used to hang in an old restaurant.  She kept one, gave one to my aunt, and gifted the other one to me.  I loved the detailing but the color was blah.

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I used painter’s tape and a garbage bag to cover the mirror, and then I sprayed it with a generous coat of Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint.  All I could think was, “If you’re a-sprayin’, your arms better be a-swayin’.”  Wise words from YHL.

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An hour later, I had a ‘new’ pretty mirror to hang near my front door.  Handy for checkin’ hair and teeth.

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(Side note: my mother-in-law painted that picture above the white chair.  Incredible, right?)

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Now – time for Project #2.  I feel so handy!

 

We are currently re-designing our bedroom, and I really wanted to swap out this fake orchid plant for something more… me, I guess.  The plant was a (very nice) gift, and while I like it, I wanted a change!

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Out with the plant, in with some art!  I spray painted a frame (originally a plain black frame from Target) with Oil Rubbed Bronze, which made it match with our dark wood dresser.  And I found this neat National Geographic map of Britain + Ireland for only $11 at a local store call The Map Shop.

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I found two fun vases at Home Goods for $45 total.  YHL has also taught me to not only combine colors, but also textures!

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All together now:

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I just hung the frame, so I’m hoping the Husband doesn’t read the blog before coming home!  He’s British, and I think he’ll really like the little homage to his native country.

 

Now, if I could just figure out what to do with the wildebeest above our bed…

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That’s a topic for another post.

 

Okay – it’s your turn!  What have you learned from reading blogs? 

{ 121 comments }

 

  • Sweet and Savvy August 8, 2011, 2:34 pm

    Props to your momma in law on that painting! It’s amazing!

    What have I learned from blogs?

    Being and eating healthy [does not equal] restrictive eating!

    • LindseyAnn August 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

      ^ What she said!

  • Kara August 8, 2011, 2:36 pm

    Is Maggie hiding her face in shame because we can all see her generous spotted belly in that photo? 🙂

    • Caitlin August 8, 2011, 2:38 pm

      Maggie likes to tuck her head behind my neck when I hold her like that.. but seriously… that gut is not healthy for poor Miss Margaret. Girlfriend is on a vet-ordered diet right now. It doesn’t seem to be working.

      • Kara August 8, 2011, 2:40 pm

        My dog had to diet too after the baby started eating (and sharing) real food with her. It took WEEKS before the weight started to come off, and that was even with running! So, patience with doggie dieting is key. 🙂

      • Reenie August 9, 2011, 10:26 am

        ….not working cause you keep sneaking her some of your cereal….ha!!! 😉

        • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:29 am

          Wahh I know, i Know!!!

  • Theodora August 8, 2011, 2:41 pm

    I have the same bedding!

    • Jess-The SemiAbnormal Gal August 8, 2011, 9:20 pm

      I love the bedding…Ladies, where is it from?

      • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:30 am

        West Elm!

  • Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey August 8, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Love your little projects! I’m currently working on changing things up at my house, as well – and have been visiting YHL for inspiration, too! 🙂

    What have I learned from blogs…? Well, all about the Diva Cup, of course! 😉

    ~

  • Gavi @ Gavi Gets Going! August 8, 2011, 2:42 pm

    These are awesome tips! From you, I learned how to make a wedding bouquet at home for under $25! From Angela @ Oh She Glows (via YHL!) I learned how to thoroughly clean my drain with vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water (1/2 cup of vinegar and baking soda, topped off with boiling water). I’ve learned so many new recipes, workout techniques, and helpful tidbits from reading blogs!

  • Tami August 8, 2011, 2:43 pm

    i think i have learned how we are all so connected.

    • Caitlin August 8, 2011, 2:44 pm

      Hell to the yes.

  • Mary (A Merry Life) August 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I love your love for Young House Love. There blog is really awesome and I’ve learned a lot of things about what I want when I get my own place. Love the projects you did.

    Also, your mother-in-law’s painting is incredible!!

  • Rachel W August 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I love both of your YHL inspired projects! I, too, am a big fan of the YHL blog. I grew up in Richmond and my family is still here. Whenever we go to visit and I go shopping, I always keep my eyes peeled for them. It would be like a celebrity sighting for me!

    Love the blog world and all you can learn from it 🙂

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life August 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Oh gosh that is a question that would take me forever to answer! I seriously learn something new from blogs each and every day!

  • Kelley August 8, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I had a friend in college who had a white deer head over her bed, and all around it she had empty white picture frames of all different shapes and sizes. I guess it may not appeal to someone who hates clutter or asymetry but it looked awesome!

    • Caitlin August 8, 2011, 2:46 pm

      Oh, that’s a fun idea! I ordered two white sconces from Etsy and I’m going to see how they look (and potentially hit them up with oil rubbed bronze…). We’ll see!

      • Tami August 8, 2011, 2:52 pm

        i just had to Googled sconces…at first i thought you ordered scones!

  • Donna @ Life of a Happy Blonde August 8, 2011, 2:47 pm

    Ohhh i just bought a national geographic map to hang in our office, i’m so excited to find it a frame, it will be a challenge though as its about 4 times bigger then your map 🙂
    Great tips!!! Talking about colour blocking, doing colour blogs around mirrors and/or shelves adds dimension to walls at a super cheap cost!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me August 8, 2011, 2:48 pm

    How fun! Love the new set-up!

  • Rachel August 8, 2011, 2:49 pm

    Nicely done! I’m a daily YHL reader and I am itching to pick up some ORB paint to spruce up some of our old hand-me-down furniture so it matches our brand new furniture 🙂

  • DadHTP August 8, 2011, 2:50 pm

    “pretend” you’re dreaming you’re on safari and shoot the wildebeest.

  • Freya August 8, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Oohh I need to start reading YHL!!
    I’ve learnt a million and one cooking techniques from blogs – Iowa Girl Eats was the first blog to teach me, and that was a glaze! I never knew that if you marinaded something, then added in the marinaded at the end of frying, it would glaze…life has been much improved since that day 😀

  • Michelle August 8, 2011, 2:55 pm

    hahah – Does Sherry know her ORB obsession is contagious? 🙂

  • Sarah August 8, 2011, 2:58 pm

    Great job! Spray painting is so much fun!! I love turning objects that I already had lying around the house into something new, I feel so enviro-cool!
    And what have I learned from blogs? Beside the fact that people like to talk about themselves (cough, myself included), I have learned sooo much about preparing food and new recipes. I know my husband is grateful for (most of) the things that I have cooked since reading healthy living blogs 🙂

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over August 8, 2011, 2:59 pm

    I love these projects! Great job! Especially the mirror, I want it.

    Blogs have encouraged me to always stay excited about cooking and trying new things 🙂

  • Rachel August 8, 2011, 3:02 pm

    you’ve taught me A TON about running & races! reading about your love of fitness helped push me into running. race #2 is this saturday & #3 is next sunday 😀

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:31 am

      Good luck!

  • Kristina @ spabettie August 8, 2011, 3:02 pm

    Maggie is SO stinkin cute with her head tuck – I LOVE HER!!

    I have learned there is much power and awesomeness in a group of like minded people!

  • Hannah @ theflexitarianeater August 8, 2011, 3:03 pm

    I’ve learned that there’s such an incredible blog community!

    I haven’t really been blogging much, but one of my goals is to get more into it, largely because of said community!

  • Brooke @ Tales of a Bride-To-Be August 8, 2011, 3:04 pm

    First off, I love Maggie in the photo. She needs a caption like, “no photos please, too early this morning.” Second, I’ve learned a lot from your blog, mostly running tips, etc. I’ve learned some thrifty ideas from YHL and a lot of growing and learning (health wise) from some great blogs. Blogs offer a lot of advice that fits in with everyday life!

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal August 8, 2011, 3:04 pm

    So crafty! I’m impressed:) I’m so not crafty…I really wish I were!

  • Asta from Iceland August 8, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Use the “beast” above your bed for jewellry. You could hang long necklessess and such on it. I know yours is bigger but such as this http://img.coplusk.net/projects/0004/6359/main_170x128.jpg

  • Asta from Iceland August 8, 2011, 3:08 pm

    Use the “beast” above your bed for jewelry. You could hang long necklaces and such on it. I know yours is bigger but such as this http://img.coplusk.net/projects/0004/6359/main_170x128.jpg. Ps like the mirror- its very chic!

  • Baking N Books August 8, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I love what you wrote about finding something small now. It’s really all we can do.

    Hmm…well, I learned (am learning) not too get obsessed with blogs – and not to compare…read, enjoy, take a little of this and that. But don’t try to emulate or be someone. Find out you and what works for you.

    • Vikki August 8, 2011, 3:20 pm

      This is my favorite comment. I think we all need to cultivate an attitude of non-comparison. 😀

      • Vikki August 8, 2011, 3:21 pm

        I feel I should add that I also love getting inspiration from blogs such as YHL and HTP.

        • Baking N Books August 8, 2011, 3:32 pm

          Thank you. I get criticized and shot down a lot for not always saying I “love” something or jumping on a crazy bandwagon – and saying it. So this was unexpected. Who’s YHL?

          I agree though – HTP is one of the few I enjoy now. I don’t want to see just food and exactly what someone eats and exercises all day. Real posts and issues and inspiration – and fun posts! – are real 🙂

        • Camilla August 9, 2011, 9:51 am

          YHL = Young House Love 🙂

  • Megan @ On the Road Again August 8, 2011, 3:09 pm

    I recently (ok, so my husband actually recently discovered) Young House Love, and my goodness, I’m in love. I want to be best friends with John and Sherry. They have the best DIY attitude ever.

    Love what you did with the mirror and framed art! It’s so nice to see that cute design can actually come from “normal” (read: non-HGTV magic) people.

    What I’ve learned from blogs: it’s ok to share stories about yourself and your life. People like to know about you. Tear down the walls once in a while and open up.

  • hannah August 8, 2011, 3:10 pm

    What are some of your favorite fashion blogs? I, ahem, could use some help in that department!

  • Brittany August 8, 2011, 3:16 pm

    Bahaha, I was spray painting some lamps ORB last week and my mom comes outside and goes, “If you’re a-sprayin, your arms better be a-swayin!!”

    I turned her onto YHL and she is not obsessed and wants to spray paint everything in our house ORB.

    Blogs have taught me A LOT. More-so they have INSPIRED

  • Brittany August 8, 2011, 3:18 pm

    Bahaha, I was spray painting some lamps ORB last week and my mom comes outside and goes, “If you’re a-sprayin, your arms better be a-swayin!!”

    I turned her onto YHL and she is not obsessed and wants to spray paint everything in our house ORB.

    Blogs have taught me A LOT. More-so they have INSPIRED me. To run, to pick up something new every time I go grocery shopping, to venture into the world of spray paint and upholstery…. I have a DIY problem.

  • Crystal August 8, 2011, 3:22 pm

    I think your apartment looks awesome! I am going to follow your advice about being in the moment–we are renting an old house and I have put off making it look pretty until we buy. But I should start doing that now! I have also learned from blogs that people are more alike than we sometimes may think…

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen August 8, 2011, 3:24 pm

    I love those vases! I could lose hours of my life in Homegoods. So much good stuff! I’d have to say that everything you mentioned about what you’ve learned from blogs has been true for me too. They were also the springboard for overhauling my lifestyle. My “healthy tipping point” if you will 😉

  • Heidi August 8, 2011, 3:25 pm

    This post came at the perfect time! All day I’ve been feeling meh about our too small apartment and total lack of outdoor space. (And feeling like I want to punch the people on House Hunters in the face!) But-I’m going to focus on the positive so yay for central air and hooray for being super centrally located! I’m going to have to check out Young House Love for some tips on sprucing up our space!

    As for what I’ve learned from blogs…I’ve learned about Bondi Bands, stainless steel drinking straws (changed my life!!!), the importance of intervals, and how to fuel my body in healthy ways!!!

  • Mel August 8, 2011, 3:26 pm

    Dude, is that a Malm bed from Ikea? If so, we are couch twins (I spotted your west elm couch in another post) *and* bed twins.

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:31 am

      hahah yay! we have the same style i guess.

      • Mel August 9, 2011, 12:18 pm

        And that style embraces hard corners. 🙂

  • Courtney August 8, 2011, 3:29 pm

    I’ve learned to eat more “normally” and that normal isn’t the same for everyone!

    Also… random idea… perhaps hang a rectangular frame around the wildabeest? It would look almost like a headboard and frame the ceramic piece nicely 🙂

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:31 am

      That’s a good idea!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss August 8, 2011, 3:36 pm

    I love that! Such simple renovations do so much. We just bought a super cheap dresser at the thrift store that’s perfect other than it’s in need of a paint job.

  • katie @ KatieDid August 8, 2011, 3:45 pm

    I just went out and bought some stuff for one of my first real DIY projects, and if all goes as planned I’ll have a nice blog topic for tomorrow morning. I love what you did with your bedroom, its very very chic.
    I’ve learned how much good there is out there in the world, I’ve been so inspired to continue on my journey with photography, and I’ve learned tons about random foods that I never would have tried otherwise.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 8, 2011, 3:55 pm

    Nice mirror project! I’ve learned tons from reading other blogs as well, both food/fitness and non-healthy living related. I’ve been loving home design blogs lately and Young House Love is quickly becoming a fave!

  • Nicole August 8, 2011, 4:10 pm

    How to eat a whole head of kale in one sitting with kale chips!

    I love YHL, too! We are also updating our condo to make it not only better for resale but also more enjoyable for us. The housing market is terrible- 9 condos in just our neighborhood are for sale with most of them on the market for well over 100 days. It seems it will take a LONG time to sell. Not to mention saving up for a down payment while still being saddled with student loans.

  • HTPMom August 8, 2011, 4:16 pm

    The mirror turned out great and the finish is a nice match with your deco! Isn’t it fun to “play” with creativity! You’re doing great – looks lovely.

  • Suman August 8, 2011, 4:18 pm

    Quick question… which political blogs do you follow? From what I can tell, I think we have similar political beliefs, so I’d love to know what you read! Thanks!

  • Kelly August 8, 2011, 4:28 pm

    I learned that a leopard printed lamp shade goes great with a red flower quilt. 🙂

  • jen August 8, 2011, 4:33 pm

    Caitlin I have learned SO much from your blog, especially about how to fuel myself adequately with veggie food! Cooking is so intimidating but you have taught me it can be easy and really yummy too! Thank you so so much you help so many people every day 🙂

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:34 am

      🙂 thanks jen!

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats August 8, 2011, 4:44 pm

    I feel like some of the most valuable things I have learned from blogs include finally figuring out that calorie counting doesn’t have to consume an individual’s life, various workouts, how to deal with injury, more about living a natural more eco-friendly lifestyle, and of course all of the amazing recipes that are floating around out there! 🙂

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) August 8, 2011, 4:45 pm

    I learn SO many things from reading blogs! Recently, I found on HEAB’s blog that I can wash my hair with baking soda and use vinegar for conditioner. There’s so much valuable stuff out there, I can’t get enough. 🙂

    “political blogs confirmed all my pre-existing biases (kidding!)” ,- LOL, I say yes to this and NOT kidding, haha.

  • Army Amy* August 8, 2011, 4:49 pm

    I love the framed map! I’m going to steal that idea!*

  • Marissa August 8, 2011, 5:04 pm

    i, too, love reading decorating blogs & have learned so much from them. the best thing i have learned thus far is to shop thrift & second hand stores because you will get an authentic look from doing this. you won’t have what everyone else has & it’s super cheap! i’ve incorporated a few things like this recently & love the look it’s giving my home. thrift stores & spray paint can accomplish A LOT in a house!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife August 8, 2011, 5:18 pm

    Whoa!! Cool. I had no idea such blogs existed! Woot.

  • Erica August 8, 2011, 5:19 pm

    I love your Wildebeest head.

    I learn to live a healthier lifestyle via new exercises or healthy recipes. I also get a lot of motivation from reading other blogs. It’s always fun to see what’s new, or who’s doing what with that.

  • Bec August 8, 2011, 5:43 pm

    Too Funny – we’ve realized we’re probably going to be in our apartment a little longer than we want, so I’m working on sprucing up our place, too 🙂 Lots of projects going on around here. Guess it gives us good blog material!

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble August 8, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I think the wildebeest is perfect and wouldn’t change him at all!

  • CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ August 8, 2011, 5:54 pm

    I definitely agree that blogs provide an education! I love the great tips everyone has to offer! I was so excited today to see an operation beautiful message painted on the back window of a car. It was right outside my nutritionists office who speacializes in eating disorders. I hope everyone who passed through those doors saw it!

  • Angela August 8, 2011, 5:58 pm

    I’ve been reading blogs for about a year now and I still can’t get over banana soft serve. Best thing I ever learned from the internet!

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:35 am

      This comment made me have BSS for breakfast.

      • Angela August 9, 2011, 6:56 pm

        Ha! Don’t think I’ve ever had it for breakfast … yet!

  • Jen @familyfoodfitnessandfun August 8, 2011, 6:04 pm

    Love those vases you got!
    I’ve learned a lot from blogs….but mostly some great recipes!

  • Katie August 8, 2011, 6:27 pm

    That’s awesome! I love DIY stuff. The most recent thing I learned from a blog was that I’m only getting half the protein I need. Eek!

  • Moni'sMeals August 8, 2011, 6:39 pm

    simple…Operation Beautiful I learned from Blogs. 🙂

    xo

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:35 am

      <3

  • Lauren August 8, 2011, 6:53 pm

    I think I tell you this all the time, but your blog was honestly the first blog I ever read and it inspired me to one. start my own and two. accomplish so much more than I ever would think I was capable of. You’re my blog idol! 🙂 <3 you girl.

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:35 am

      thank you sweetie!!!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled August 8, 2011, 7:27 pm

    I’ve learned that I am not alone in my passion for fitness and eating healthy. Reading them has also led me to start my own blog to share my experiences. The blog world is awesome!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 8, 2011, 7:30 pm

    I love what you did with the space on your dresser. The vases look perfect there!

    I credit blogs for teaching me how to love, and not fear, healthy fats! And also for introducing me to sunflower seed butter. Best. discovery. ever.

  • Christine @ BookishlyB August 8, 2011, 7:32 pm

    The best thing I’ve learned from blogs is how to make my meals great without meat. I consider myself a “flexitarian” (I know, half-assing it) and now I am able to cook better quality things while incorporating enough protein.

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:35 am

      flextarian isn’t half assing anything!!! your choices make a difference.

    • Amber K August 9, 2011, 11:43 am

      I think any change toward eating other protein sources is great! Although I LOVE Roseanne’s Nuts and loved her son’s quote about the term “flexitarian.” It was something along the lines of: “I asked him what flexitarian meant and he said ‘I just eat whateverI want.’ That means you’re a human being…” lol

  • Laura August 8, 2011, 7:36 pm

    I love what you’ve done, it looks so elegant and peaceful! I’ll have to check out YHL.

    I think the wildebeest needs to be a different color/texture (maybe some kind of faux finish) the white is strangely clinical considering it’s a wildebeest.

  • Jamie August 8, 2011, 7:51 pm

    Do you mind if I quote you? Just got a new job (and therefore a new office!) and I’m putting up some encouraging quotes to get me through the rough days I’m anticipating… also to encourage students as they come in for advice and just to vent! But I won’t quote you without permission.

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:36 am

      Go ahead 🙂

  • Amy @ ahealthyandhappyheart August 8, 2011, 8:37 pm

    I have learned eating healthy does not mean “low-fat low-sugar low carb foods.” I am also learning to love running and myself! Thank you!

  • Nathalie August 8, 2011, 8:53 pm

    Love the photo of you and Maggie…no photos please 😉
    Also love YHL and your YHL-inpired new bedromm decor, it looks lovely!
    And I really want to ORB something too now… will keep an eye out for the stuff over here, and I am sure I can find something to spruce up…anything will do…I want to ORB 🙂

    • Nathalie August 8, 2011, 8:54 pm

      inspired even…oh and bedroom not bedromm…maybe it’s time for bed…

  • Sarah @ w30 August 8, 2011, 9:20 pm

    You are so right – a lot of my friends tease me about my blog obsession, but, seriously, I have learned so much!

    The best part, to me, is reading so many different perspectives (yogi/runner food bloggers, mommy bloggers trying to adopt, hip DIYers) – people living in different states, leading different lives, with different priorities – and yet everyone’s choices are valid and we are all so interconnected. Pretty cool!

    PS Sherry would be very proud. 😉

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul August 8, 2011, 9:30 pm

    Oh gosh~ I wanna see that painting up close! It looks beautiful and she’s quite gifted. 🙂 You’re really makin’ me wanna decorate like crazy now!

    Reading blogs has taught me that there are far more inspiring and strong people out there than I ever knew! And also, we can truly birth great friendships through blogging.

  • Sara K August 8, 2011, 9:59 pm

    I’ve learned about so many new products (food/fashion/other) from reading blogs as well as innovative ideas of all sorts. Initially I read blogs as a daily inspiration, a forum of ideas, then one day I thought…hey I’m gonna make my own blog as well!

  • Jen August 8, 2011, 11:03 pm

    A few thoughts on the wildebeest head:
    You could paint it a cool pattern with a stencil or lace, or decorate it with script of a favorite quote, book passage, other words, etc.

    I’ve gotten lots of awesome recipes from blogs!

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:36 am

      oh man… good ideas!

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com August 8, 2011, 11:46 pm

    YHL is one of my favorite DIY blogs!! They make DIY projects so doable and under-budget. Love their tips and tricks!

    I also love Lettered Cottage. So fun!

  • Sana August 8, 2011, 11:47 pm

    I have learned soo much about myself form blogs! I am literally more awesome because I read blogs 🙂

  • Mai August 9, 2011, 12:14 am

    Love YHL! I’ve definitely gotten a lot of decorating ideas from there (for my future house! haha). Style blogs are great for fashion inspiration. I would say that healthy living blogs have made the biggest impact on my life though. I’ve learned about so many different foods and it’s really improved my diet.

  • Khushboo August 9, 2011, 1:16 am

    I learnt that healthy living does not equal eating the bare minimum and working out like a maniac…at least not always with regards to the latter 😉

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East August 9, 2011, 5:24 am

    Your projects turned out fabulous! I am loving that mirror 🙂

  • CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ August 9, 2011, 5:35 am

    I just noticed the new pic in your side bar! I love it! It really demonstrates your strength.

  • Jenn August 9, 2011, 8:37 am

    Ooh, pretty! Your bedding is from west elm right? I’ve been desperately searching for a cool yellow patterned duvet all week to no avail. I saw that one and loved it but it seemed really gold on the site. Yours looks yellow though! Is it just the lighting or would you say it’s more yellow-y that gold-y? Thank you!!!

    • Caitlin August 9, 2011, 10:37 am

      Hmmm… I would say the last pic in the post is very true to color. It’s pretty gold.

  • Kellie August 9, 2011, 9:06 am

    Love the reminder that spray paint can be used for anything! What a great and cheap way to change up a room’s look. Beautiful mirror!

  • Emily August 9, 2011, 9:45 am

    I’ve learned that baked beans and sweet potato are awesome together!! 🙂

  • Ali @ Ali Runs August 9, 2011, 9:53 am

    I love the wildebeest above your bed! Too funny! 🙂

  • allpointswhole August 9, 2011, 11:15 am

    Oh so much! Healthy living blogs have taught me so much in regards to eating and keeping me motivated on workouts!

  • Amber K August 9, 2011, 11:40 am

    I love reading blogs to learn things! I like learning new cooking techniques, recipes, and I love it when a blog can really touch down deep and make me reevaluate myself and what I’m doing with my life. (I also have to shamelessy say that your blog has done all three of those things for me!)

  • Stephanie August 9, 2011, 7:38 pm

    Oh, I’d keep the wildebeest. And decorate him at Christmas time. I’m picturing red and green balls hanging from his horns…maybe some twinkling white lights…classy and festive.

    I love how the map looks! We have a big map of the world in our hallway, and I love looking at it.

    (And really, I do love that wildebeest.)

  • Hillary August 9, 2011, 10:00 pm

    I adore YHL—I can’t wait to own a house and actually get to use some of their tips!

    Blogs, especially healthy living ones, have taught me so much about…well…healthy living. My outlook on food and exercise is drastically different from where it was just two years ago. It’s incredible how much I’ve learned as a result!

  • Carin August 10, 2011, 3:48 am

    I have a fun idea – you can choose an area of the Uk from your new map and get the husband to impersonate the accent… maybe as a chat-up line, given that it’s in the bedroom? Hilarity all round.. particularly if terms of endearment are incorporated such as “me duck” from the Midlands (no, really!), ‘loverrrrrr” from Somerset (Zummerzettt) and “orright darlin’ ” from the Cockernees!

    I think I’d feel a bit homesick with a British map on display, but I might be going home to visit for the first time in 5 years next year! Do you have another trip to Blighty in the offing?

    Tatty-bye, toodle-pip and TTFN (ta-ta-for-now)!

    • CaitlinHTP August 10, 2011, 8:51 am

      Hahah I love this comment.

  • Brittnie August 10, 2011, 7:34 am

    To sum up what blogs have taught me… Don’t forget to live in the moment & stop obsessing or worrying about things out of your control. Take time to slow down and enjoy life! 🙂 Great job on the projects!

  • Sarah August 10, 2011, 10:13 am

    I have learned SO much from blogs! for one, they have opened my mind up to ideas, new food choices, exercises habits etc. They make life easier because I learn new things everyday!

  • Mary August 24, 2011, 11:27 am

    I know I’m late on this, but does anyone else find it ODD that a vegetarian has a (fake) dead animal on her wall?

    • Caitlin August 24, 2011, 11:30 am

      It’s just a design element? What’s the difference between this and faux leather chairs?

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