American Farmhouse Magazine Feature & What It’s Taught Me

We’re honored to have our home featured in American Farmhouse magazine this month! A major magazine feature has always been on my bucket list ever since I started this decorating/design journey. As I combed the pages of it the last couple of weeks I realized that it’s taught me a few things and I want to share them with you.

Last year we had the honored of being published in Reclaim magazine. It was our first time beginning published in a major publication. I didn’t mention it then here on the blog because it’s a magazine stationed in London. Online order was available here in the states, however at a very high cost due to mailing such a long distance. This time it’s much different. We’re on shelves near you! This time is extra special because I get to share it with all my dear friends here in the states. We’re honored to have our home featured in American Farmhouse magazine this month! A major magazine feature has always been on my bucket list ever since I started this decorating/design journey. As I combed the pages of it the last couple of weeks I realized that it’s taught me a few things and I want to share them with you.

Can I be honest for a moment? I don;t want to come across as ungrateful but I had two emotions when I opened that mailing envelope and flipped through our feature. The first was a surreal feeling wrapped in excitement. The feeling that followed was, what now? It’s always been such a dream to be published that I hadn’t really thought about how I would feel if it actually happened. It left me with several thoughts and conclusions that I want to share with you guys.

1. Don’t let a sense of being unqualified stop you from pursuing what you love.

Have I ever mentioned that I never finished design school? I have about a 1 1/2 left and I quit. I was already married when I started the program and after some time I just felt that it wasn’t quite for me. I wanted to be in the residential field, in the home, not in the commercial field. This is in no way meant to discourage anyone from attending art school but I personally began to realize that you simply have an eye for design or you don’t. Sure, you can learn technique but I think that true talent is a gift from God. For years I didn’t pursue design because I simply felt unqualified. My best friend encouraged me the entire time to just jump but I was too scared. It took me having Charlie and desperately wanting a create outlet and a purpose to finally start a blog. From there I slowly found my courage to share my own home, tips, and to take on design projects for others. It took me so long to step out there because I felt “unqualified”. Friends, don’t fall into that trap. God’s given everyone unique gifts. You just has to be brave enough to share them and I’m so glad I finally did!

2. Crossing off a bucket list goal isn’t the end of a dream. It can be used to propel you even further.

Remember how I told you I started to have those thoughts of, what now? I later realized after a long conversation with Josh that yes, this is just something we can add to the resume but it’s also serves to show that my story, my design is worth something. It’s valued. It got me to thinking that maybe my dream of owning my own store isn’t so far off after all. Have I ever mentioned I want to own my own antiques store right here in our quaint little town? I do and I want to offer new items as well such as, custom linens, gift wrap, and all the entertaining essentials. Chatting with Josh showed me that that dream doesn’t have to be so far off. Starting small by offering an online option to start might be possible in the near future. So this is to say that this feature is the start to what I hope will be a growing career and adventure.

3. Last but now least, I’m beyond thankful to God that I get to do what I love and connect with people all over who love design as much as I do.

I was so hesitant to start a blog. I always thought they were a place where people shared their thoughts for the day and what they made for dinner that night. It wasn’t until Pinterest that I discovered a whole different kind of blog. One that encouraged and helped people. To be able to share our projects, tutorials, home-making tips and family favorite recipes with you all while making an income for my family is truly a dream. Design will always be the second love of my life and just knowing that I get to wake up each morning and share a little piece of that with you all makes me so joyful. I’m so happy you’re here and I hope to continue to connect with new friends going forward. Let’s face it, you guys are a big part of this. If it wasn’t for you guys showing up and reading and sharing our home with others this little blog wouldn’t be near as special.

Next time you’re in the grocery store or maybe Target take a peek! We’re honored to have 6 whole pages back and front of our home last spring featured. I’d love to send you all a copy if only I could. Friends, wait until the end of the day when the little ones are finally asleep and you’ve got your glass of wine in hand and you can finally take a moment to get lost in all of the spring inspiration. There are some beautiful homes in this edition. I’m just so thrilled to be apart of it!