A Home Contentment Reminder & Book Giveaway!
Hey friends! Recently my sweet friend Bre from Rooms for Rent published her second book, The Gift of Home! I am so honored to be able to share it with you as well as reflect on it’s theme which for me was a beautiful home contentment reminder.
If you are coming over from Lucy at Craftberry Bush, welcome!
I’m so excited and honored to be joining my friend Bre from Rooms for Rent in the launch of her beautiful new book, The Gift of Home.
I absolutely love the whole premise of her book, as it encourages readers to love the home they are in right now, and learn to find contentment even when their space isn’t perfect.
I actually wrote an entire blog post on this same topic not long ago, so it made me smile when Bre asked me join this blog hop and once again encourage readers to love the space they’re in.
You can read that blog post here, but today I’d like to share a few more thoughts on this topic since it’s so near and dear to my heart!
If you’ve been following along on here, YouTube or Instagram lately, you know that we recently tackled a massive project in our home – refinishing our floors.
I’ve already shared about the floor prepping and sanding process, and next week I plan on sharing the stain color that we chose! It was a lot of work, but we were prepared for it and I am so thankful we were finally able to get it accomplished.
This project was also pretty special for me because I’ve wanted to refinish our floors for ten years. Yes, you read that right.
Ten years!
This coming March, that’s how long we will have lived in this home. And while it feels like so long ago that Mike and I were moving in, it also feels like it was just yesterday.
When we emptied our home a few weeks ago to prepare for refinishing our floors, I was a little emotional as I looked around at all that we’ve accomplished over the years.
We weren’t able to do everything we wanted all at once. We were on a tight budget, so every project we took on was something we had to tackle all on our own.
We have learned so much during those ten years – what to do, and what not to do. But we also learned how much you can really accomplish when you put our mind to it.
When I stood in our empty home and looked around, I thought about how easily I could have chosen to feel stuck.
To allow the list of things I still wanted to outweigh the many things I already had.
Yes, our floors were red orange for ten years. But they were beautiful, and I made them work the best I could. I used pretty area rugs to cover them and brought in items to downplay their color. Most of you encouraged me that they weren’t as bad as they seemed, and I appreciated that so much.
Now that they are refinished, though, I can’t wait to “start over” as I slowly start bringing items back into each space.
I also can’t wait to bring you guys along and share my thought process with you!
All this to say, my floors are just one of the many things that I could have let derail me as I tried to decorate my home and create a haven.
But I want to remind you that even though the project of your dreams might be out of reach at this exact moment for whatever reason, there are still so many things you can find in your home to be thankful for.
I’ve already had the chance to flip through Bre’s new book – The Gift of Home – and guys. This book is SO beautiful, not only the because of the stunning photos, but because of the encouragement and tips she shares, as well!
Every page inspires me, and I hope each and every one of you guys will grab a copy of this book! In my opinion, there’s nothing like sitting down with a hot cup of coffee and flipping through a good home decor book. It FAR outweighs scrolling endlessly through Pinterest or Instagram 🙂
I am also excited to share that she is giving away one free copy of her book as well! Simply enter the giveaway at the end of this post for your chance to win! You can also visit the following blog pages and enter on each post sharing Bre’s book for additional chances to win!
Visit these pages to enter:
- www.roomsforrentblog.com
- www.homestoriesatoz.com
- https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/
- https://www.craftberrybush.com/
- http://theinspiredroom.net
- www.thistlewoodfarms.com
- https://clairelynnhome.com
- https://dreamingofhomemaking.com/
Thank you for joining me today friends! How do you choose to love your home in the stage it is in? I would love to read in the comments below!
I am always looking for new ideas on how to make my home look and feel like a home I want to be in 24/7. I would totally enjoy the chance to check out this book!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Love your home, Andrea! I’m trying to love my home — it’s one small project at a time.
I’m trying to create some cozy spaces that make me happy to “be home”. For me to find some of that peace, I need to work more on the decluttering process.
Yes, simplifying things can help so so much!
I love this post! We just sold our farm (our labor of love) and are in the process of building our small dream home. As of now, we’re living in our camper while building a shop with living quarters while building our forever home. Making a space beautiful and inviting is so important, no matter where it is or how long we’re there.
Yes, this is so true!
Look forward to seeing the results of your hard work.
I enjoyed the sentiments in this post. My house will never be perfect, but there are so many things I love about it!
We moved into our brand new home in September and I have slowly been crossing off things to do to make it perfect, after reading your blog I just realized I have a beautiful home and I have everything I’ve ever wanted. That just hit me like a ton of books. I need to be happy with what I have. Thank you ladies.
Such a beautiful realization isn’t it? Congratulations on your new home as well, so exciting!
I choose to love my home by loving the people in it, by seeing it as a place of refuge and a place to welcome guests, to extend hospitality and show kindness.
What a beautiful way to look at your home, thank you for sharing!
Love the changes you share with us.
I struggle with the “to-do” list as well, but the memories made are what’s most important.
Yes, such a good reminder as well!
We – my husband and I are in the process of putting a in=law suite in our son’s home and this book just might be what I am looking for to make it the home we want.
Yes, I hope you are able to take a look at it, I am sure you will love it!
Your home looks so inviting.
Thank you so much Carrie!
Andrea, I appreciate your posture of sharing and how you’re able to add just the right pieces for your home. You give us ideas and add inspiration to do the same, in our lived in spaces. Thank You. 😀
I love my home I created until I start comparing.
Looks like a wonderful book!
It truly is such a good book, I hope you are able to take a look at it!
Nothing will ever be perfect this side of heaven, but choosing to be happy where we are is truly something to strive for daily! It sure can be tough some days though. Mostly on bitter cold, grey, cloudy days!
Yes, sometimes winter can be hard, but yes this is something daily to be thankful for!
Good reminders!
I love our home faults and all. I try to make it a happy and loving home that wraps our visitors in warmth. A work in progress!
Yes, so very true and little by little it will become perfect!
Lovely words and home!
Such a great reminder! You have a beautiful home
Thank you so much Angie for your sweet words!
hey girl- loved this post! I can’t wait to get Bre’s book soon. I have been following her for a long time. She is just so cool! And I discovered you just a short time ago. Love ya girl! My husband and I live in Oklahoma. But we are from Arkansas. And would love to move back someday. If it is in God’s will. We have lived here for almost 8 years. This house was built in 1940. There was alot of changes before we even found this house. Plumbing, electrical. We have done so much also ourselves. Painting the outside. New windows, carpet in 3 of the bedrooms( we had someone come in to do this) So many improvements. It looks so much better! I am so thankful to God for this house. This is where he wants us to be. Like I said we would love to move back to Arkansas. We are content for the most part. we do have a nice home to live in. I do my best to decorate it. So thankful.
Wow, 1940? I am sure it is full of charm and character, but I know it was probably work as well, I am so thankful you have come to love it!
I really enjoyed reading this post!! I actually watching your YouTube video on this just the other day 🙂 We are in a small house right now(not where we plan to stay) but we are making extra big steps towards having it paid off by the end of next year!! I am finally starting to enjoy our home as we have only been here a year in February and it’s been quite an adjustment…but honestly, filling my house with plants and colors and textures that make me smile is what has caused me to finally enjoy this house 🙂 i think the biggest thing is making sure we are still tire to who we are no matter where we live ♥️
Yes, I can’t agree more, and having your house paid off will be such a dream!
My struggle is the fact that I’ve found my self living in a rental at 58 years old. I never thought this would happen. But here I am and I’m trying hard to live from a heart of gratitude and embrace this little cottage farmhouse and all of its flaws as my home. Yo huh inspire me so much. I can’t wait to see your posts as you “start over” as that is exactly what I’m doing right now. Thank you always for sharing your wonderful home and family with us.
Of course Lisa, and there are so many pro’s to renting as well, I am so happy you are able to find the good in this and this was an encouragement to you!
HI, I was curious about the white linen chair in the living room (I think). Did you re-upholster in the white linen yourself ??? Looks great. especially with extra fluff back and seat. Thanks
I love the chairs, I actually have two of them, here is another post I wrote about them! I hope this answers your questions: https://www.pineandprospecthome.com/ikea-farlov-chair-review/
Thank you for sharing! It is easy to get wrapped up in the things that are not perfect or what we do not have. Being content is something that I am working on and striving for. Thank you for being a wonderful role model and inspiration.
Blessings,
Alicia
Thank you so much Alicia, you are too kind, this is something I need to work on at times as well.
I love my home and all the memories it holds! Thank You for sharing your journey with us!!!
Andrea could you possibly tell me where you found the roman shades on the windows over the window seat? I found one site but my budget won’t allow my purchasing from them. Thanks so much.
Your home is the essence of warmth and love. It is so cozy and welcoming. I am amazed with both you and your husband’s skills to do any renovation and improvement. Love how you recycle preowned pieces and make them absolutely beautiful and perfect for your home decor. Thank you for sharing the process of remaking your old home into a charming cottage!
you have a lovely home!!
Thank you so so much Mary!
It has taken me a long time to get my home just the way I wanted it. You have done wonderfully with your home and so much inspiration, I love the things you have done. Do we ever truly finish our homes, I think not, it’s an on going procedure. Maybe God is keeping us busy till He comes.
So very true Marlene, thank you!
Lovely!
I love your inspiration.
Thank you!!
Originally we purchased our home because we saw the potential. We thought of it only as a “starter” home. Once we could afford a larger/better home we started looking. Almost 23 years later we are still in our “starter” home because we have never found a home that feels as wonderful as ours. So much of our hard work and love has gone into making our home feel just right for us. Sure there are larger, more expensive homes out there but once you pour your heart and soul into restoring/renovating a home for your family nothing else feels quite as right.
I can’t agree more on this, thank you for such an encouraging comment filled with wisdom. Renovating your own home really does make your house a home!
I love your home !! the kitchen is my favorite !! I live in an apt. that is very nice but I love seeing homes. Your blog is a favorite !!
Thank you so much Wanda!
Thanks for sharing! Your home is beautiful and inspirational. We’ve been working on our home and I hope to make my home a cozy beautiful place too! I love being a homemaker and decorating each room!
I enjoy it so much too, I hope all of you home projects are going well, it is a rewarding process!
I love your kitchen…some great ideas in this post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!
I watch your u-tube channel….looking forward to seeing the completed floors. It is so true that we need to enjoy what we have while waiting on the “wants”!
Thank you Melanie, yes it is so very true!
I would love to get a lot of wonderful ideas and place my own spin on it while remodeling.
Yes, making them your own is what makes your house unique and your own home!
Looks like great book
It truly is, I hope you are able to take a look at it!
Very nice. Love your decorating style.
Thank you so much Lisa!
I am in the middle of re-modeling right now.
It is a process, but so worth it in the end. I hope it is going well for you!