So, would you totally dislike me if I told you that 2011 has been FILLED with tons of secret keeping over here at our house? Literally I am THE WORST secret-keeper, when I'm excited about something...and I hate to say it, but I have a few 'secrets' that I've HAD to keep, and I feel like I'm about to burst!
I guess I should clarify and say that some of these so-called "secrets" really aren't secrets at all. Mostly just things that I didn't want to talk much about until they REALLY happened. (in fear of jinxing them) Does anyone else do this?
There have been a few times in my life that I've gabbed about something that COULD happen and get really excited... just to find out that it's not going to really work out that way in the end. (makes you feel quite silly, especially if you've told almost everyone you know) So... I've learned my lesson, and even though it's EXTREMELY hard for me, I've tried to foster the talent of just being patient and waiting for the "right" time to reveal things. (which usually means when they're ACTUALLY in motion, or have already happened)
Have I lost you yet?
No? Good...
So on with my story.
A few months back I was contacted by the cute editor at Cottages and Bungalows magazine. She asked if I'd be interested in submitting my pantry for a feature in their January organizing issue.
Um... someone pinch me!...
When I got the email I ran straight upstairs to where Cason was and almost burst into tears out of pure excitement! (okay, I actually did). Being featured in a magazine has been on my "bucket-list" since we started getting a little bit more exposure for our projects. And for me, Cottages and Bungalows was one of my top 5 "Oh my gosh I'd totally freak out and be massively flattered if they ever featured anything I've done" magazines. It's such a great publication, and really speaks to my style as a DIY'er and self-proclaimed 'designer'. (I use that term for myself loosely)
As January rolled around I waited anxiously for my copy to come in the mail, and nothing! So I searched high and low for one in our local stores, but had no luck :(
Finally a fabulous reader and fellow twitter-er-er (?) did me the ultimate favor and mailed me a copy herself.
(LOVE MY READERS! Thank you Gloria @ Potentially Beautiful!)
Only a few days later C&B sent me a couple of copies to have... yes, I was THAT impatient
:)
I really wasn't sure what to expect from the feature, but even if a teeny photo at the bottom of a page was included of one of our projects, I would be ecstatic! So you can imagine my excitement when I opened to about page 68 and gasped over this ridiculously awesome 2-page spread!!!
I'm about to get dramatic... but, you know those moments in life when you feel so happy that your stomach turns, your heart feels like it's going to burst and you do that weird subconscious 'cup-your-hands-over-your-mouth, squeal-like-a-baby-pig and dance-from-side-to-side-like-you-have-to-pee...jig' ???...
.
.
.
Yeah...That happened.
I know, I know. It's probably old news to most of you... "bloggers and their projects being featured in magazines"... but for me, it was a first. A freakin' awesome, I couldn't be more surprised, thrilled and amazed...first! It really made me stop and think about just how far that our little hobby, blog and family have truly come in the past two years. From jobless and directionless, to being published in one of our favorite magazines.
Blogging has changed our lives. It's given us ambition, drive, income, passion and (for me)... purpose. It's been such an amazing journey for us and even through those 'face-plant-to-the-palm' moments, while learning through trial and error how to manage and cultivate our talents and blog ... we still feel like it's one of the best decisions/risks we've ever made.
Thank you for the endless amounts of support. We are beyond thrilled and anxious to share all of our latest adventures with you in this new year... sticking strictly to our original 'game-plan'of keeping our blog authentic, real, personal and as easily relateable to the everyday DIY'er and decorator, as possible.
:)
Congratulations! That project absolutely deserves the coverage (heck, it inspired me to attempt stenciling quatrefoil- something I'll NEVER do again!) Congratulations on getting such a great article. I'm sure your project will inspire all sorts of pantry remodels and more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That is so awesome and totally warrants a squeal and pee dance!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you. I wish I had a pantry cuz I'd want it to look like yours. Caryl
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! So So happy for you guys! I can only imagine how amazing that must have felt! You totally deserve it! Enjoy this feeling as long as you can, and seriously, if you're ever feeling discouraged, I hope you remember this moment and how far you've come! You should be soooo proud of yourselves!!! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm doing the happy dance with you! I just love it when a blogger I "know" is in a magazine...:)
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!!!!! Love your projects! Love your blog!! Keep it up=)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you! 2012 is gonna be your year!!! Squeeeeling for ya!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!!! Doing a happy dance for you!!! That is truly awesome and you are so deserving!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, how exciting it looks so great in there!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou totally deserve it!
Your projects totally rock!
We <3 you!
Oh my gosh!!! Congratulations!! That is so so exciting!! Girl, you are beyond deserving for this. I expect we'll be seeing even more of your work in magazines and all over the place now!! *happy pee your pants dance!!*
ReplyDeleteCongrats! This is sooooo awesome!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that!! LOVE that magazine...and totally know that feeling of wanting to spill the news..but have to wait until it is actually rolled out! Nice work..you deserve it! You work very hard!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! This is AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You are a much needed inspiration to me. What blessings life is bringing to you.
ReplyDeleteCheers! That is so wonderful...
ReplyDeleteSO, can i be famous too since i painted that pantry door?!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome Shelley, im way excited for you!!! i wouldnt be able to sleep cuz i would be too excited!!
That's awesome congrats for an amazing accomplishment. What a fun thing to check off the bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThis is so totally awesome I'm doing a little dance for you in my office chair--YIPPEE!!!
ReplyDeleteHUGE Congratulations!!! This is totally deserved and the 2 page spread is fabulous! So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome! I am SO proud of you.
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations to you guys!!! That is so awesome and you definitely deserve it! xx, Monica
ReplyDeleteThat is soooo awesome!!!! So happy for you:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm so excited for you. I love your pantry and this is so well deserved. You have such awesome projects and ideas. I'm so happy for you sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That is such a huge accomplishment and seriously so exciting! I am so happy for you! You deserve it! Your projects and blog are AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats on the feature. Looks like 2012 will be a great year for House of Smiths. You totally deserve it!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! That is BEYOND exciting! :] That is definitely something to be proud of. CONGRATS AGAIN! You totally deserve it.
ReplyDeleteOMGravy!!! CONGRATS!!! You guys totally deserve this and I look forward to the continued inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! It is really awesome to read your perspective. Often when I read magazines and see fabulous rooms I think they are staged by the magazine. I never think that someone actually lives there.
ReplyDeleteUmmmm AWESOME!!!! You need to buy like 20 copies of this issue.
ReplyDeleteAww congratulations. That's awesome. I love your pantry. I fell in love with it a long time ago i've been wanting to stencil it for he longest time. :)
ReplyDeleteWow I am so excited for you Shelley!!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for about 6 months or so, and to see these amazing things happen for you is so great! You are an inspiration, and you deserve every single tidbit of excitement and honor you receive! You've inspired me to do more of my own DIY projects!! They can be scary, but I am having so much fun! Thank you for being a wonderful influence! Yay for magazine publishings!!!!
That is so cool;)
ReplyDeleteTo be published is beyond cool;))
Congrats!
Lovely greetings...
http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/
Congrats! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing, Shelley. You and Brooke (@ All Things Thirfty) are my favorite bloggers/DIY'ers. I learn so much from you. And also I love your style. I wish you keep on blogging forever! ;)
xoxo,
MarĂlia
PS - I'm an LDS housewife as well. :)
FABULOUS!!!! I know how excited you must be...sadly, I got that excited just about having My {Little} Craft Nook featured on Tatertots and Jello yesterday...baby steps, huh? Keep reaching for the stars!
ReplyDeleteJessica @ Mom 4 Real
Yippee - This so super exciting. I'm going to buy the magazine! I have your pantry "pinned" and may other absolutely manageable projects that you have completed and shared. I have given a makeover to my powder room and my formal living room now turned office, the dining room is next and then my daughters bedroom. Thank you for the inspiration :o)
ReplyDeleteFabulous news and article, what a great start to the New Year.
ReplyDeleteLori m
tiredlady47@yahoo.com
Yay for you! As I've said before, you guys rock and you work so hard, you deserve it!
ReplyDeletedlskdnc/
ReplyDeleteWow - that is so great and so well deserved. Congratulations! Take care, Laura
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely wonderful for you! It is the cat's pajamas of pantries, to be sure. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteMiss Charlotte
www.lesbonnesideesmag.com
Exciting news! And no, not everyone has rooms featured by a national magazine. It IS a big deal!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you and your family. I love what you do and never miss a day of checking out your blog. I hope 2012 gives you everything you want and deserve. Congratulations Shelly!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you and your family. I love what you do and never miss a day of checking out your blog. I hope 2012 brings you and your family everything you want and deserve!
ReplyDeletesoooo happy for you Shelley! Well deserved! LOVE that pantry, (wish I had one!)
ReplyDeletesecrets are hard to keep, aren't they?
gail
Totally awesome. I am so happy for you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSaw you last week when I picked up a copy at Lowe's. Congratulations!! It IS a big deal and you should be so proud to be recognized for your hard work and dedication to teaching others through your blog how to conquer our homes! Kudos to you guys!! Deb
ReplyDeleteThat is so amazing! You deserve all the good things that come your way. Great job, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That is beyond exciting! You totally deserve the recognition- your pantry is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! The pantry itself, the magazine spread, but especially your enthusiasm! What an awesome thing to check off your bucket list! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your pantry is to die for and is the model we all strive for!!! Enjoy your feature!
ReplyDeleteWow! How cool...that pantry is rocking so no wonder.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I love your blog! I think you and your family are just the cutest:) I've never seen this magazine, but am going to have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you on this major accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteYou have a right to be excited, I know I would be. You were my total inspiration to re-do my pantry..thank you. Keep up the great work you and Cason do and here's to a wonderful 2012
Andrea xo
congrats! How fab and rewarding! You have every right to be proud, crying and excited :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Your pantry is for sure magazine worthy. I'm always impressed with all that you do. Keep living your dream!!
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting!! CONGRATS!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Shelly! Congratulations! You deserve it. Your blog is very inspiring and incredible to look at. I just found you through Pinterest and I am hooked!! Way to go!
ReplyDeletewow! I am so excited for you. I'm actually really surprised this is your first! My "dream" is the same. I can't wait ( I say can't wait because I WILL make it happen one day!!) until I get featured in a magazine! I just have to keep trying to get a really great space together . Congrats, again!!
ReplyDeleteWOW Shelley! This is amazing news! It truly shows what a talented individual you are. I am so happy for you. Here's look at an even better 2012!! :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS! You deserve it! Your blog was the first one I had ever read (and fell in love with)! I am SUPER HAPPY to see good things happen for you and your family!!
ReplyDeleteThats awesome !!!!!! Congrats ;)
ReplyDeleteOMG! Shelley, that is awesome! Congratulations you guys, well deserved:)
ReplyDeletexo
This is so well deserved, Shelley!
ReplyDeleteI picked up my copy & saw your spread a couple weeks ago:) Congratulations!!! That is such a great accomplishment! So happy for you guys. Best of luck in 2012. Carrie
ReplyDeleteso fun Shelley!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. Congratulations! I'll have to go and find this magazine now.
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! Your excitement is oozing off this web page. :) That is super fabulous, you must be over the moon! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHow thrilling for you guys! Definitely well-deserved - your pantry is fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteEeeeppp!!! Congrats, Shelley!!!! That is amazing and you totally deserve it!! I can only imagine how darn excited you are!! And I'm super stoked for you! Congrats again!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYippee!! I am so very excited for you guys! I would be doing the same dance!
ReplyDeleteWhoa girl! U r big time now! Being featured in a popular mag AND being featured on Launren Conrad's blog. Wow!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your moment because you are extremely talented. Can.not.wait to see you master bedroom reveal. Hurry up will ya?! ;)
Congratulations! That's so cool! I don't blame you for the squealing and dancing! :)
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow, that's so cool!! That pantry is one of my all time favorite blog projects; awesome!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! I'm so excited for you! It's great to see your hard work pay off in something that's so personally rewarding :) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing! That is a HUGE spread! All your hard work does pay off!
ReplyDeleteWHAT?!?!?!? This is A W E S O M E!!!!! Congratulations, guys... very much deserved!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! How did you ever contain yourself?!? What a great start to 2012...the mag and 20 lbs. lighter! Good job, girl :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats ~ woot woot!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS! You SO deserve it! XO
ReplyDeleteSo awesome, I would be squealing too!! Your pantry is actually pinned in my projects section on pinterest! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations my friend. I know you have been looking forward to this :) May many more features come in your future...
ReplyDeleteOh now, we're not sick of bloggers getting featured, you simply rock!
ReplyDeleteI'm teary for you, congrats, congrats, congrats!!!
Now go frame it for the wall :-)
Congratulations! Such a worthy project...it's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - I'm doing a little happy dance for you over here!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! How exciting :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm so happy for you! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
First off I am not a regular commenter but am a regular reader so much that I have you on my phone! I love your blog...ideas, projects, colors, etc! I could go on and on. You have inspired me to do those projects that I always say, "man I should really make that". so thanks for that! this is getting pretty long...heehee
ReplyDeleteI just want to tell you Congratulations and thanks for sharing your lives with all of us. It is much deserved! Wow, that was a long way to say congratulations!
:) Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! Congratulations on the accomplishments. Great design too!
ReplyDeleteCheck you out!!! I'm so happy for you, Shelley! Congratulations :) I am doing a little happy dance for you over here in my studio... xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!!! That is fan-flippin-tastic!!!!!! Might have to go snag myself a copy at the store!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Wow, that is so exciting- you totally earned it! :)
ReplyDeleteWow and congratulations you deserve it!! You've inspired me, i want a pretty pantry! It will have to be on the bottom of the list behind: the kitchen, dining room, bathroom and Flickerwhips room~sigh~
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I can't even begin to imagine how excited you must be.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I've never commented before, but you are one of my favorite blogs, handsdown and I have to speak up! You are such an inspiration to me, especially as I am just starting out on my own blog (Day 4). You deserve every bit of recognition for your creativity and amazing talent as a blogger! You go girl! Soak up this moment..although I'm sure this will not be the first time you are featured in a magazine! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a great way to start the year! Beautiful project and beautiful blog! Pat yourself on the back...you did real good!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. Congrats on marking off another bucket list item. You rock!
ReplyDeleteOh Shelley I am SOOOOO happy for y'all!! I would be peeing in my pants I think. You totally deserve the spotlight so take it girl. :)
ReplyDeleteSo awesome! Its funny, I was out yesterday night (Sunday) and was at a book store and saw this in the magazine. Looked great in the magazine. Great job! I love all the projects you do.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure you have had! I am so happy for you! You definitely need to frame that and place it somewhere in the House of Smiths with PRIDE!! :) Congrats......
ReplyDeleteAmy
crazyclutterlady.blogspot.com
I think I'm just as excited for you! I had that feeling last week when I got two comments from people I didn't know for the first time! So I can just imagine how giddy you must be!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Kim (www.plumberrypie.blogspot.com)
I saw your blog post, and when I was out had to pick up the Jan issue! How amazing is it to be featured, congrats!!!!!! You'll have to frame the issue :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! How awesome and well deserved!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I just started following and I think you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Shelley! You are my inspiration when it comes to blogging and "self proclaimed designer"!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Inside and out! Very proud of you. Your blog really has come a long way since the beginning, I remember when you were just a blogspot... then a dot com and now a published designer! 2012 is going to rock your socks off!!!
Congrats! You totally deserve it. That project was what brought me to The House of Smiths in the first place... and I'm so glad I found you guys!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! Your pantry project is so inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteMy family and I are in the process of buying a little bungalow right now, so tonight I picked up this issue of C&B when I was grocery shopping. I literally just got finished reading through it and then I came to your blog! That's so great for you to be featured!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats. Great pics. Be excited you deserve it. Julie
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I had a similiar experience with being published in Romantic Homes this month. When I found out and called my husband, I could barely breathe! You deserve the attention.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I am going to have to go and get one! I have a stack of magazines that I keep because my "Blog Friends" have been featured in them! Wow, I would just DIE to have one of my projects featured!! I'm still at that stage were being featured on some one else's blog makes me do the 'cup-your-hands-over-your-mouth, squeal-like-a-baby-pig and dance-from-side-to-side-like-you-have-to-pee...jig'...Hehe. I'm SO excited for you!
ReplyDeleteShelley-- I am so excited for you. You guys deserve this so much. Enjoy it! Your pantry first brought me to this blog over a year ago...I have no doubt that it (along with many of your other amazing posts) will bring bunches more people to enjoy the love you put into this! Congrats!!
ReplyDelete{HUGS},
kristi
That is really awesome and so exciting. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteShelley-
ReplyDeleteI am THRILLED for you! And I want to copy your pantry when I move into my new house. Right now, our place is so small, we don't actually have a pantry! Thanks for all the great posts you do!
I completely get your excitement. I am new at blogging. The first time my blog was featured at someone else's...well...it was RIDICULOUS around here! Be thrilled. Scream. You deserve it!
Heidi@HomemadeBeautiesByHeidi
A huge congratulations!!!! Janell
ReplyDeleteYour home is just SO beautiful!!! I love the simplicity of colors. Have a great night!
ReplyDeleteYay! I love that magazine! You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm always excited to see bloggers featured in magazines, as it's almost like I'm seeing a friend's success - does that make sense? Being published in a magazine is on my bucket list too, so I'm sharing your excitement!! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to see you in the Cottages & Bungalows mag! I was on the next page and it was my first feature also! What a great first spread for us both, congrats to you, it's so deserved! Your pantry was probably the most talked about organizing project in 2011 across all of blogland! You are such a superstar! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo!
Jen