March is already peeking around the corner, but before we dive headfirst into spring (let’s be honest, we’re all counting down to warmer days), here’s a moment to look back at February. Taking time to acknowledge progress keeps momentum going, and February was a month of refreshing travel breaks, hallway makeovers, and big-girl-room finishes. Below is a roundup of the shortest month of the year—plus a little preview at the end—served up in a yearbook-superlative style. If you want to go further back, we also have summaries for every month from the last two years compiled in one place.
Thriftiest: That award goes to you—specifically the 200+ readers who took part in our Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge. It was hilarious and inspiring to see what folks found with just twenty dollars. The creativity on display proved that a small budget can yield big personality.
Most Well-Trained: Clara gets this one. She showed a keen eye for fabric and even helped pick the material we used to make curtains for her big-girl room—her input made the project feel much more like hers.
Most Inspiring: Our trip to the Jonathan Adler store in Georgetown was a colorful feast for the eyes. We didn’t buy anything on the spot, but we came home with plenty of ideas and plans for updating thrifted finds and injecting more color into future projects.
Most Confusing: A post about using chalk paint for the first time caused some head-scratching in the comments because we didn’t make a clear distinction between chalk paint and chalkboard paint. Chalk paint is simply a different paint formulation—not necessarily meant for writing with chalk unless you choose to forgo waxing.
The Worst: This one’s self-explanatory: I managed to lock our rental car keys in the trunk during our Portland stop on the west coast book tour. Thankfully, the rest of the trip was still a lot of fun and made for a memorable story.
Biggest Help: Clara again—she stepped up with her drill skills to install postcard ledges on her wall. Watching her tackle small DIY tasks makes us think it won’t be long before she’s running projects of her own.
Least Remorseful: In our post about buyer’s remorse, we talked about the inevitable decorating missteps (yes, including some questionable chair choices) and how we try not to let those mistakes stop us. The best progress often comes from iterative trial and error.
Most Thrilling: When we sampled paint shades for Clara’s room—presented with a playful take called “The Shade”—we tried four options and finally landed on the one we love. It was surprisingly entertaining and satisfying to see the transformation take shape.
Most Last Minute: Our last-minute Valentine’s for Clara’s preschool exchange were quick, cute, and budget-friendly. With a little help from Target and a homemade poem, we assembled treats for 16 classmates for under seven dollars.
Most Transparent: Sherry’s easy floating-frame tutorial turned a regular frame into a sleek, modern display using only a few supplies we already had on hand. It’s a reminder that small tweaks can yield polished results.
Most Delayed Satisfaction: Hanging thrifted bird cages as wall art in Clara’s room felt especially rewarding because one of those cages was purchased back in 2011—proof that sometimes you just need patience until the right spot appears.
Most Influential: Sherry wins for subtly nudging Clara’s tastes toward charming ceramic animals—this time using Anthropologie hooks to keep hair accessories organized and whimsical.
Most Quotable: Clara consistently supplies the memorable lines, and this month’s highlight was her candid moment in our Pinterest Challenge video when she simply couldn’t wait any longer for a marshmallow.
Most Awesomely Awkward: A restaurant bathroom in New York took home this awkward accolade: a unisex restroom with an in-room photobooth. It was equal parts brilliant and slightly uncomfortable as we lingered while pictures developed.
Most Playful: Clara’s closet earned this title after we cleared it out and turned it into a cozy toy-and-game nook. With most of her clothes still in the nursery, the closet is acting as a fun little hideaway for now.
Cutest Couple: This one’s a tie: me with Jeremy Bower and Sherry with Katie Bower. During our Atlanta visit, the guys enjoyed movie night while the ladies stayed up late crafting and scoring finds at antique stores.
Biggest Basketcase: Sherry embraced a gleeful, slightly maniacal energy while adding dipped details to toy baskets and checking off other items on the to-do list in Clara’s room.
Longest List: We updated our running list of house projects, showing what’s finished and what’s still in the pipeline. It’s rewarding to see many rooms coming together and exciting to imagine improvements for spaces like the carport and front porch. That post also links to nearly every project we’ve done in every room, so it’s a handy resource if you want the full history.
Longest List (Runner Up): The Pinterest Challenge post collected nearly 650 project links at the bottom—an impressive trove of creative, pinspired projects worth browsing for ideas.
Cheapest-Slash-Biggest Upgrade: Our DIY board-and-batten hallway makeover transformed a narrow corridor for about $57. It’s amazing what simple trim and paint can do—definitely one of those “why didn’t we do this sooner?” moments.
Most Likely To Give Burt Wonderstone A Run For His Money: Paper tulips from West Elm that Clara gave Sherry magically became real tulips overnight, courtesy of a little floral sleight-of-hand. Two bouquets for the price of one made for a charming birthday surprise.
How was your February? Were you traveling and then ecstatic to be home, like we were? Did you tackle any fun or dramatic projects—marshmallow-related or otherwise? We’d love to hear what you packed into your 28 days.