One of my favorites is back…the ABP READER SURVEY!
In the past, (here’s the 2010 survey & the 2009 survey) I asked you a couple questions…kinda like a get-to-know-you of sorts…and each year, you guys slay me. I love hearing all about you! So if you would, pretty pretty please with a Jason Statham on top, take the time to comment, I would literally talk about you all night…
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? What is your name? Age? Job? Location? Kids? Marital Status? Pets?
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Are you everydayers? every once in a whilers? or never-ers and only answering this because you googled “Jason Statham” and are bored at work?
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Seriously. I need to know how lip-slutty you all are. And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? Mine is that I get weirdly excited about auto auctions. When I see the sign that states “AUCTION TONIGHT”, I shriek at Jeremy like I just won a million dollars. I have never been to one. It’s just that the cars are going to be bought…I’m very excited for them…yes, I’m thrilled for the vehicles. weird.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts? Photography stuff? Random Bower awkwardness?
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it 🙂
Kate/25/Architect/Pennsylvania
No kids, not married, no pets
2. I visit a couple of times a week
3. 2/I love 95 degree days in the summer!
4. Photography (but stuff, not kids…no offense, yours is cute) and home stuff.
5. Would you rather move to an apartment in NYC or a hut in Tahiti? Your family comes with.
Hi! I’m Robin, I’m newlywed 26 (wait I almost said 27, weird), I work in GIS in Raleigh, NC. No kids just a cat.
I like to visit BP a few times a week – I have you on my google reader so I catch up there. You and a few hundred other blogs – they can be exhausting sometimes!
uhh.. like 8 (wait is that low?). I honestly counted and I think 8 is correct. That doesn’t count kid kisses. I’m talking 12+. One quirk – I love cheesecake! That isn’t a quirk – everyone does. Maybe that I eat peanut butter toast every morning.
I like home posts the most – design, photos, shopping, thrifting, painting etc.
How does your hubby feel about the blog/the exposure of the fam/decorating etc?
1. Hello! I am Laura – I am married, 23, and a grad student at GWU in DC. I have 2 dogs, Sam and Ella (yes, like food poisoning), and they are jack russell/chihuahua mixes.
2. I have you in my google reader, so I read every entry. And I don’t just skim!
3. I have kissed 7 people, I think. Maybe 8? I feel like I always forget someone. My weird quirk? I hate the feel of velvet. Something about it just makes all my insides turn.
4. I love all of it! I started reading for the home posts, but the random Bower awkwardness kept me coming back. I like my blogs with some personality.
5. This question always makes me freeze in interviews, but I don’t think “What is the company culture like here” is a relevant question. So I guess, how did you come up with your tagline? Does it change every time you change your header, or is it always “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let it Shine”?
1. My name is Dacia; I’m 23; I live in Indiana with my husband and our dog Lucy..we are coming up on our 1 year anniversary 🙂
2. I ‘m a subscriber to the blog and I squeal with delight when I see a new post!
3. Hmm, well it might take me the better part of a month to try and remember them all and make an official tally, but I’m going to say I’ve kissed around 30 guys. And 0 girls. My quirk would be that the second I hear a song, I instantly memorize the lyrics. It’s like a photographic memory, but for song lyrics. It’s a lyrigraphic memory!
4. It’s hard to choose what I love the most, but I’d have to say I fell in love with the blog for the home posts and your southern charm and humor. And Will is pretty darn cute, too 😉
5. Random question: do you cook every night? If so, what are some of your easy menu staples? I know that’s technically 2 questions, but I’m feeling lucky.
1. Personal details –My name is Jackie, I am 27 years old. I live on Long Island (NY) with my husband. We bought a house 1.5 years ago, we’ve been married for 5 now! The time has flowny! No kids, yet…
2. Reading details –I read whenever something is new! I have you on my google reader. 🙂
3. Random details – I have kissed 3 guys ( I met my now husband when I was 15 and we’ve been together ever since!) One quirk of mine is that I am obsessive compulsive, mostly when it comes to organization, before I go to bed everything must be put away in its designated area, I will seriously have a heart attack if a plate is left in the sink, I am THAT crazy.
4. Blog detail – I love the home stuff. And of course you guys are adorably in love and I love that! I also love that you are friends with Sherry and John from YHL. So cute!
5. Question – One random question….how do you find time alone with your boyfriend with the blog and young child. Do you still go on dates? Basiclly, how has having a child affected your life I guess is my question! (I have babies on the brain….)
1 (&2). My name is Kim and I live in northeast Georgia. We visit Atlanta regularly, and I love reading all of your posts that relate to living in Atlanta/Georgia. And being in the middle of remodeling a farmhouse, I love your home posts also! I subscribe to your feed, so I don’t miss a post!
3. I kissed enough frogs to find my prince and that’s about it! I love garage sales- I think that if I were given enough time, I could furnish my entire home with garage sale finds.
5. What is your favorite store to find a good bargain?
Hi!
My name is Jen, 29, and I live in Toronto, Ontario with my boyfriend and two pups MJ and Champ.
I read your blog every. single. day. I return to your site multiple times a day just waiting for another post. No joke, I’m addicted. I’ve been a fan of yours for about 2 years now.
How many kisses… hmmm let’s say 30ish. My weirdness began five years ago when I started to test drive cars even when I have absolutely no intention on buying it. Maybe it’s the new car smell that got me hooked??
Home decor is what started me off on your blog, but it’s your humor that keeps bringing me back, Katie. Your absolutely hilarious! (Still love the home decor though!)
I don’t have any questions, but I do have a comment: Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face everyday!
My name is Brooke Buckingham, I’m 34 years old (ouch) I used to be a television news producer, now I’m an Executive Assistant at a Life Insurance Company. zzzzzz I’m married, but we do not have kids yet. However we do have a Brittany Spaniel named Gus who we ADORE!
2. I check every work day! 🙂
3. I really have no idea how many people I’ve kissed. I wouldn’t say I’m a kiss slut, but I did go to college… and I did have the occational cocktail….
A weird quirk of mine? I get incredibly embarrassed for TV characters if they’re in an awkward situation. Even though I know it’s not real, I will still have to hit the mute button if there are too many high-jinx going on. For example, I love “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, but I watch 60% of that show on mute.
4. I definitely like the Random Bower awkwardness! 🙂 And of course I love the before and afters. And I like the fact that it seems like you and Jeremy have a “real” relationship. You argue, you make up… just like anybody else. And it’s nice to know that I may not be the only one who will ‘occationally’ jump down my hubby’s throat for no great reason… 🙂
5. Do you ever just think – FORGET IT – I’m hiring people to do this, I’m burnt out! How often do you find yourself burnt out on home renovastions? Do you? I find that my burn out goes in waves. 🙂
1. My name is Meg. I’m 32. (BTW- I just had to double check with myself that that was right). I’ve lived in Manchester, England for about a year and half. I moved here from Dallas, TX because of my awesome husband (who I’ve been married to for about a year and half). No kids- yet. No pets- though my grandma keeps insisting that she “just feels like” my husband is going to buy me a dog. Perhaps this is some very specific psychic ability that is manifesting late in life.
2. I subscribe to your blog. When the entries pop up in my reader I am excited. I am a nerd. I’ve been reading for about 6-7 months. I found you through your BFFs YHL.
3. I love the term lip-slut. I use it myself. Well done. I’m am a non-lip-slut. I’d say between 10 and 15. As for a quirk- I now spell my words the British way. Not because I’ve assimilated, but because am so averse to the squiggly red line of doom that shows up if I don’t. But I still say y’all. And I always will.
4. I love a good makeover. The before and after pics make my eyes twinkle with glee.
5. What is one home decor trend that the blogosphere seems to love that leaves you cold?
1. I’m Kristen, 24. Currently living in New York (but from NJ). I’m engaged (!!!) and we have 2 cats.
2. I stop by every day Monday – Friday. Sometimes on the weekend if I’m feeling dangerous.
3. I think I’ve kissed 13 guys but don’t hold me to that. I’m terrible with math. One quirk: I can wave and pick up objects with my toes. If I drop something, I can just pick it up with my toes.
4. I started following your blog because I like the way you write. You’re hilarious and it almost seems like you’re just talking with friends. Oh, and I love picture-concentrated and home renovation posts. They’re fun.
5. Random Question: Since it was 95 degrees today, what do you do to beat the heat during those Georgia Summers??
1. My name is Kristen; I just turned DIRTY THIRTY a couple of weeks ago; I live in Honolulu with my boyfriend John. We’re both from NY/NJ and we both work in marketing and sales. And we manage a vacation rental home on the side (that we also blog about). No pets, but we have a lizard who lives on the back patio. His name is Henry, and he loves bugs, sunshine and long walks on the beach.
2. I subscribe in Google Reader and pop over to the blog to read comments or other posts (I must confess, I’ve been a dirty, dirty lurker). I think I first found you when I was googling around for spray paint projects, or glazing, or somesuch DIY stuff. And then I discovered your YHL connection and was all, OH SNAP! Love ya both.
3. Woman, I don’t kiss and tell! I stopped counting when I started worrying that someone would find the list I wrote them all down on. So I threw it out. Weird quirk – I love gawking at trailer parks when I pass them. I MUST LOOK. Especially trailers that are exceptionally well-maintained and ones that are exceptionally crazy or gross. Bonus points for large, intricate displays of plastic lawn animals. Sadly, not too many trailer parks in Hawaii so I have to savor these missions on mainland roadtrips. I once discovered a trailer park in an extremely unlikely place…Staten Island, NY.
4. I love your home posts and photos of Will. And I love watching your new house undergo its transformation. I gasp right alongside you at the hideous wall treatments left behind by the previous owners. Vom.
5. Random question – what are your fave beauty and hair products? Before I got addicted to DIY I was a beauty blogger for 5 years, so I MUST KNOW. 🙂
1. My name is Meghann (yep, with 2 n’s) and I’m 24. I live in Minn-esota with my lovely husband Matt of 1.5 years. We don’t have any pets or kids (yet).
2. I check a few times a day. I’m sort of stalker-ish, but not in a creepy way:)
3. I can count them on one hand. A quirk about me? I am a neat freak. Like, I purposely ignore walking on parts of the carpet after I vacuum because I don’t like to see the footprints.
4. I like all posts. Seriously, it’s a great mix of home, family and randomness. I especially liked Will’s b-day party post, I was inspired to have my own barnyard BBQ for my adult friends (costumes included). You blogging tone is great, a good mix of inspiration, humor and personality.
5. Have you ever exported your blog posts into a photobook to keep as a yearly journal?
1. My name’s Melissa. I’m 23, live in Raleigh, NC and work for a corporate barter network, which would take much more than a sentence to explain. I met my husband in 3rd grade and we got married last October. No kids yet- unless you count furbabies. Two very rambunctious cats that love the water.
2. Note: I am not a crazy fan, just a normal girl who wants to be just like you and Sherry Petersik one day. I read both BP and YHL everyday and I’ve recently started a “test blog” of my own as I love the creative writing and web design meets photography and diary/scrapbook. It seems like an amazingly awesome combo that combines everything I love… one day I’d love to make a little money off it, too. But I know this takes time, so for now I’m focusing on the content and hope the readers will come along with it.
3. I have kissed four people. And I am obsessed with dollhouse miniatures- dioramas, shadow boxes, etc… they are fascinating. I am also a fellow bacon obsesseee {maybe I just made a new word…}
4. I love the before & after’s and your ‘goodwill’/’furniture facelift’ posts. I am a fellow bargain hunter. And the random family details make you so relate-able that I talk about you like I know you personally to my husband- which is exactly what makes you so successful I’m sure 🙂
5. What was the moment that you realized your blog wasn’t just a hobby and was so much more? I would love to know the signs. 🙂
PS- a big thank YOU for the dedication to post almost every day! Even in the beginning stages I’m starting to see how much work this ‘hobby’ is- esp. when it comes to photos!
WHO ARE YOU? Claudia, almost 40, SAHM, Silicon Valley, CA, 2 boys, married to a third one, 2 boy cats. I’m overrun by testosterone.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? You’s all on my reader so I just read ya when you pop up on there ;D
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Two. Yeah, I know. I was a very, very, VERY late bloomer. Quirk? Hmmm. I make up movie soundtracks in my head, for stories I make up.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Your pics. Your way of telling stories. Very friendly, like we’re having a conversation. Wait, we’re not?
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Are ya ever coming out to California? How many people have YOU kissed? More kids in your future? I know that was three, but I like things in threes.
1. I’m Juliana, I am a production manager of my best friend’s company Southern Fried Paper (www.southernfriedpaper.com) really cute stuff, you’d love it! I’m 25, I have a 4 year old daughter, In a relationship and no pets!
2. Reading details – I’m an everydayer! Some people have the morning newspaper, I have evening blogs!
3. I honestly don’t know how many people I’ve kissed…we’ll say 24 just for a good number…probably less than that but I have no idea! Weird quirk – I love hotel pillows, I actually have 2. One was an accident, it came home with me from vacation and another one, well you can’t just have one hotel pillow! 🙂
4. You make me laugh. I love the way you write, I feel as though we are friends lol, I even had a dream about you once, I helped you redo your backyard…it was after I sat one night and read through the entire Baby Bower posts…so apparently my mind was Bower Bogged lol
5. Is your hair all one length or layered? Ha you said random!
My name is Sonda, I’m 36, live in a suburb of Des Moines Iowa, I’m married with four children, and I stay home with my children but also babysit for extra income.
I read your blog daily, the only important person I have kissed is my husband, and my quirk is that I let people think I am an airhead for humors sake. Oh and I’m a Christian but I don’t really consider that a quirk.
My favorite posts are about decorating, but I enjoy your entire blog!
I would like to ask you what you are planning for Will’s room?
1. Alison/ 31/ elem. teacher/ New Orleans suburbs/ daughter-16 months/Husband/3 cats (way too many), one dog
2. I have you on my google reader feed and it’s the first thing I do when I put the baby down for a nap or to bed…
3. You crack me up with the kissing and auto auctions…how many people have been kissed at an auto auction?? better question
4. I love the home posts and cute baby will posts and the funny/awkward/omg did she just say that stuff . good job bowers!
Hi! I’m Megan. I’ve commented maybe once before because I am a voyeur. Hey, at least i’m not the peeping tom kind, right? Right! So, I’ve been married for just over a year and a half. It’s just me, Bryan, and our three fur-babies. Yes, I did that think where people that don’t have kids call their pets their kids. Sue me. But don’t. We’ll have real babes some day, but until then, our pets are easy stand ins. 🙂 I’m going on 24, a Jesus lover, live in central california, I work at a school district with numbers, not kids and I love to read!
You can usually find me perusing my favorite blogs on a daily basis. But Sat/Sun depend on if i’m 1. at home 2. not cleaning something or 3. not watching a movie. So, we’ll say I’m only here during the week. 🙂
I am not super lip-slutty. I would say I’ve kissed somewhere around 10-20 guys. It seems high, but one summer we played spin the bottle so there were lots of random pecks in front of people. Awwwkward. Also? I love to read. I will completely ignore you if you are talking to me while I read. Not because I am mean, but because my imagination actually builds the story around me. I absolutely love. it. My husband? Not so much…
I think you are hilarious. And I’d like you to be my best friend. I don’t have a whole lot of girls that are normal/christians/hilarious/married, so I live vicariously through blogs. Which is sad…and AMAZING. I’m also awkward at making the first move. You seem like a girl that would walk right up to another woman and start a conversation about anything. I dig it. I love all your posts. I like the ones that show us how you live, how to decorate, how you build, how you act with Jeremy, everything. I love learning about peoples lives. Its awesome.
Question: What are the chances of you moving to California so we could be friends? Slim? None? ……And if you come ever come visit Central California, can you help me with my backyard? I have absolutely no vision back there! Grr.
1. My name is Jessica, I’m 28, a married SAHM from Iowa. I have two boys, 4 and 6. My 4yo has moderate autism. We just have a cat named Poppy.
2. I visit as often as you publish–I’m subscribed with Google Reader. I really look forward to your posts, actually.
3. Uh…four? I can’t remember. It’s sad that the number is so low and I can’t remember. It’s less than six. There are lots of weird things about me, how can I choose just one? I have a weird obsession with real estate. My dream is to buy a neglected old house (bonus points if it was subdivided into apartments), restore it and sell it to someone who will leave it restored and not mess it up again. So even though I have no plans to move I probably look at a few real estate sites once a week. By the way, you have much better real estate in the South than I do in the Midwest. At least in my part of the Midwest.
4. I like how to stuff, no matter what it’s about. The home stuff and the stuff about your life are probably my favorites. And the photography posts, those are great too. I guess I like it all.
5. I’ve got nothing. If I think of something I’ll cheat and come back later to ask it.
1. Hi! My name is Regina, I am 33 and married with 3 wonderful kids (2 boys ages 11 and 8, and my little princess just turned 3). I live in Montana and am a farm wife and stay at home mom. As for pets, we have one dog, 2 cats, a few horses, and as of recently, just acquired 9 chickens! (And some days, I do think I should get checked for a crazy gene 🙂
2. I am a fairly new reader, and I read every new post that goes up! (I have always gone back and read some back posts as well)
3. About 15, I think (could be more, I am sure there are some in there that I have probably blocked out). Weird quirk, let’s see- I lose it if someone touches me with their feet- totally grosses me out.
4. I love everything about your blog, but I think if I had to pick one, it would definitely be your writing- I love your sense of humor!
5. With your blog being so popular, do you ever worry about attracting any crazies? I just started a blog a while back, mostly to appease my family and friends who “never know what my kids look like anymore”, and I am enjoying it, but that thought is always in the back of my mind.
1. Tabitha-27- Pennsylvania (GO STEELERS!)-Married w/4 furry kids (2 dogs, 2 cats)
2. I’m a Mon-Fri girl
3. I’d say that I’ve kissed, give or take, 15 guys. Does that make me a lip slut?!? Biggiest quirk–probably that I have the worst OCD when it comes to cleaning. I.CAN’T.STOP! Everyday my husband asks “didn’t you just clean that?”
4. I like blogs w/personality and humor, which keeps be coming back to yours! I also love that Will and Clara will some day be husband and wife!!
5. How lip-slutty are you Katie Bower?!?!?
2. oops! meant to type, “also” instead “always” gone back and read back posts-
Who Am I? Katie, 24, Nurse, Ontario Canada, No kids yet, not married yet althought Ive been with my boyriend for almost 6 years! Yay. 2 cats- who are like my children.
How Often Do I Visit? Daily
Kiss Number- Uhhmm Im not about to count but Id 10-15,
One quirk? Just one… I never finish my drinks. No matter how thirsty I am, Im kinda like the little girl from signs with half empty glasses all over the house.
What I Like Most? the home posts/pictures, but my favorite part about your blog is that I never know what Im gunna get (kinda like a box of chocolates…)
Hi there! I’m Elizabeth, 25, living in East TN with my 2 dogs, and I found your blog through YHL. I enjoy your posts and am a daily subscriber. Random about me – I love thrifting (goodwill!) and collect vintage pyrex. It’s slowly taking over my house…
1. I’m Sarah. I am 26 years old. I’m an occupational therapist and live in Lansing, MI. I’m engaged to my man of 7.5 years; we’re getting married this fall! I have no pets, but I want a yellow lab someday.
2. You’re also on my google reader (just you and Young House Love)… so I read every post.
3. I have only kissed 2 guys! My weird thing? Every night I think about reorganizing. I have since I was probably 10. My mom used to come into my room late at night and find me moving furniture around and reorganizing things. I love it! It rocks me right to sleep 🙂
4. You are hilarious. And somehow I feel like we’re friends (you, me and Sherry) even though I don’t know you! Is that creepy? Hmm.
1. Ashley, 23, married no kids, Knoxville, currently unemployed but looking for a teaching job, no pets.
2. I visit everyday. You’re one of my favorite blogs & you’re linked to my blog so I can check everyday (a couple times a day) for an update!
3. I’ve kissed 5 guys, obviously including my husband (who’s the best kisser of the 5). Quirk: I hate car trips because my legs get jumpy & restless as soon as I start thinking about sitting in the car. Oh, and tomorrow I’m going with our youth group to Arizona. That’s 26 hours one way.
4. I can’t honestly think of a favorite. Your photos are gorgeous (and encourage me to keep learning about my camera), you’re really funny, and your house is beautiful! A mix of all three keeps me coming back.
5. Is it weird or hard to write knowing that your audience is both people who actually know you in real life, and people who don’t know you at all? I’ve written my blog for just a few months now and I never know if I should direct it towards the fam or pretend I’ve actually got a following out there and include details for those who don’t know me.
Also, happy blogiversary!
1. Cassie: 28, Pharmacist, Northern Virginia. Married and trying (!) for baby numero uno. I’ve got the silliest, most fun kitty ever. His name is Witten. I love him to death!
2. I drop in daily. Started following YHL in late 2009 and found my way over here a few months after that.
3. No idea how many kissing partners I’ve had. Hahaha.. don’t judge! I’d say my quirk is sleep talking. I do it waayy too much according to my hubby. Anything bothering me, embarrassing moment I’m reliving, or whatever else I’m OCD obsessing over flies out of my mouth as I’m going to sleep. Gotta let the crazy out somehow, right? 🙂
4. I love your home posts and photography alike. You should do more “how to” videos like the old table setting or bow making ones. I feel like I learn the most from seeing people in action.
5. My random question would be what is your daily beauty routine and what skincare, haircare and makeup products are must haves for you?
1. Christina. 26. Marketing. CA. No kids yet. Married. A crazy cat, Riley.
2. I’m an every dayer- love when I see a new one of your posts in my reader!
3. I’ve only kissed one, and he is now my husband (just high school sweethearts, not a prude- I swear!).
A quirk? I break out into song all the time. And I am the worst singer ever, and don’t know the correct lyrics to half the songs I sing. I also improvise, and make up lyrics to things I am doing, i.e. playing with the cat, painting, sitting. Drives my husband nut : )
4. I love your writing style. Usually when I read other blogs, I skim over their copy. Sorry- but I do! But yours is captivating and fun! I also love the way you approach life. And, your photos are inspiring (so the pain-in-the-butt time is takes for you to get them up here is so worth it to this girl!)
5. Question – what’s a good anniversary gift for the hubs? Mine is in a few weeks, and I am at a loss!
1. My name is Ashley and I am 20 years old. I go to college in Salisbury, NC but I spend my summers and breaks in my hometown of Marietta, PA. My parents have a dog name Ollie(who I always call Oliver) and a cat named Oppie(who I call Opium-they don’t appreciate that one haha)
2. I usually visit once a day if there is a new post. At college, reading blogs in the afternoon is my brain and body’s way to take a break after finishing classes and before starting homework and paper writing.
3. I have kissed 11 boys, yikes. I cannot cannot cannot stand the word moist. It makes me gag just thinking about it.
4. I love it all. I enjoy home posts because it’s like walking around the pottery barn. I make a pretend wish list in my head of all of the things I would buy if I was 10 years older and had more than a bedroom and a college dorm room of my own. And I love the random Bower life posts.
5. When are more Bower babies coming?! =)
1. I’m Sara, a 23 year old grad student in school for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I have zero children (it’s a good thing too, as I don’t have a life outside of school lately!) and a boyfriend of three years (don’t worry, I make time for him 🙂 ). I live in Nashville, TN, and would love to get a dog, but don’t have enough time to responsibly devote to one yet. Someday though…sigh.
2. I visit every other day or so, during study breaks!
3. The only person I’ve kissed has been my boyfriend. Who woulda guessed I’d have found the right one the first time? 😉
Two weird things: I love cheese. SO much. I put it on everything and it’s a wonder I’m not 400 pounds as a result. Also, I love/adore/am creepily addicted to small versions of things. I love the aisle in Target that has all of the travel necessities: mini toothpastes, hairbrushes, nail files, hair sprays…ahhh, the list goes on and on.
4. As a new homeowner, I love hearing about your new house! It gives me such inspiration (I have a definite fixer upper), and I love seeing your DIY projects.
5. No questions, but I just wanted to say that I think you’re wonderful, and I really respect/admire your views and thoughts on the blog. I love seeing your REAL relationship, and the values that you live by. It’s nice to meet someone (virtually, of course) who shares a lot of your standards, and I feel like I have found a kindred spirit in you. SOOOO, all this to say, keep it up! I enjoy it! 🙂
Hi, Katie!
I’m Caroline, a 21-year-old college student living in the dry heat known as Phoenix. AND I’m engaged to be married- May 19, 2012! 🙂
I’m pretty much an everyday-er, as you put it. haha I think Bower Power and YHL are the only blogs I’m super faithful to…
And your weird questions are part of the reason…I’ve only kissed one guy, and he’s now my fiance! As for weird quirks…I can recite the entirety of my favorite movie, The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser. I seriously drop everything when it’s on TV or if I’m in the mood for a 2-hour Mummy fest/recitation extravaganza.
I’d have to say the Bower awkwardness and your DIY makeovers of Goodwill finds are my favorite parts of the blog. That and every adorable picture of Will and his lack of sideburns.
AND random question: One of the other things I forgot to mention is that I love how faith-filled your family is. How do you and Jeremy keep faith alive in your marriage? It’s definitely something I want to focus on when I get married!
1. Hi! I’m Anna, years old, and a faithful ABP reader all the way from New Zealand. I work for the government and ifItoldyouIwouldhavetokillyou. I have a boyfriend (but quite possibly not for much longer), and no kids. Just a beautiful labrador named Islah who is the love of my life.
2. I read you on Google Reader, so I drop by every time you publish. One of my absolute faves.
3. Six… I think?? Wow, really had to cast my mind back there! As for weird things about me, where do I start?? Well, I get super nervous commenting on blogs…. I was too shy to do this survey for you last year – weird, I know! So this is my first ever comment on your blog. Also, I have this thing for mountains… I dream of climbing all the tallest mountains of each continent. You know, when I find the time.
4. I think that Home stuff, Bower stuff, and Photography stuff is a trifecta of blog awesomeness. Of course, I’m looking forward to some more dramatic transformations in your new house, but I’ll be patient! Keep up the good work:)
You’re great Katie Bower! Happy blogiversary!
I’ll jump in… Thanks for asking 🙂
1. Personal details – I’m Meredith; 35; technology sales; Ontario, Canada; expecting baby numero uno in less than 3 months 🙂 Married. With one awesome dog named Jack.
2. Reading details – I visit_every_day. Yup…I’ve got a Powerful Bowerful addiction.
3. Random details – I’m wussing out of the question, but I agree with Sondra, the best is my husband 🙂 I guess my quirk that I’ve recently realized is that I’m a real stickler for the rules of the road. I constantly refer to my driver’s ed class, ahem, a few years ago and correct every driver on the road (in my head & to my passengers) for their infractions. Not all that cool, but quirky 🙂
4. Blog detail – Random Bower awkwardness is awesomeness. But I also love love love the decorating and the crafting. You’re such a breath of fresh air, and I look forward to reading whatever you’re sharing.
5. Question – What’s the one thing you would tell every new mom that you wished you had known before having Will? 🙂
1. Catalina, 20 (do I win yougnest reader?), I’m a student (possibly future dietician), I live in Buenos Aires, no kids, no husband, no pets.
2. I visit everyday. I’m suscribed to your blog on my Reader and you’re always one of the first ones that I read when they update, and I’ve been reading for, probably two years now, because it was sometime before you were pregnant.
3. Um, quirks? I can’t think of any right now, I’ll get back to you and post it randomly on some future post when I do.
4. I love love love your home posts, but I never skip posts so I guess I like everything else too. I’m naturally very nosy (although that makes me sound like an annoying grandmother), so that’s probably why.
5. All my random questions (future kids? how many guys YOU’VE kissed?) have already been answered. Ooo, I know, would you care to elaborate on your “I won’t be blogging forever” statement? It freaked me out a little. Are you falling out of love with blogging? Or is it just an “I don’t want people to be mad IF someday I choose to leave” thing?
Also you’re hilarious, and the fact that you’re friends with John and Sherry me so happy since your blog and their blog are my favorites (yeah, I’m a freak, excited for friendships between people I don’t know, sorry).
1. Personal details – I am Courtney. 36. State Government Manager. I live in the Northwest with my husband and eight month old daughter and our dog and cat.
2. Reading details – I always read your blog when I see it has updates in Google Reader. Let’s just say – there are many in my RSS that I rarely get to.
3. Random details – My kiss number is seven (I think). And yes, that includes my husband. (wink). My random detail is I am currently really into belljars (or cloches or whatever you’d like to call them). I feel like I need to buy them when I see them fairly priced, yet I don’t always know what to do with them.
4. Blog detail – I think I like the family stuff best. Outings – stories about your marriage and Will. I loved the honesty of your birth story – I will never forget it.
5. Question – You share some pretty private things on here. Has that ever gotten uncomfortable for you? I would fear someone Googling me when I’m applying for a job and being super embarrassed. Wondering how you deal with that?
I’m Kristin. 30, live in southeastern WI. Married for going on 2 years. No babies except for our big black dog named Stella. I work in Marketing as a Trade Show Coordinator.
I log in to blogger every day so when you post, I read!
Hmmm, I think I must be a prude because if I counted correctly I have only kissed 5 people. Ever. Weird quirk… As a kid I would only eat the hot dog bun. No hot dog. But I would like the bun with ketchup and mustard. Totally gross, I know.
Love the home posts. And the photography. And the awkwardness. I hope you know how hilarious you are. Sometimes I literally laugh out loud. Plus, your kid is cute so seeing pictures of him is great, too. And I love how you keep it real about the fact that life keeps you too busy to get everything done on the house that you would like. My hubby and I just moved back to WI and bought a house that we’ve been living in for just over a month. Makes me feel better knowing we’re not the only ones who can’t seem to get all of our projects done exactly when we want.
Question…. if you could be any super hero for a day, who would you be?
1. Elizabeth. 22. Grad student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, studying social psychology. Single. Sadly no dogs or children yet.
2. I visit multiple times a day. My two favorite blogs are yours and YHL. I can’t visit one without visiting the other!
3. I’ve probably kissed about 6-7 guys. Quirk: I love sleeping and being in bed. I work, read, sleep and sometime eat in bed. It’s weird, but I love it.
4. Home posts are my favorite. Photog posts are probably least favorite, but only because I don’t have a fancy camera. I still read every word though! I really love that you are Christian! I honestly look up to you so much (even though we’ve never met). I admire your faith, honesty, family, and style. When I “grow up” and get married and have kids, I hope to be just like you. Cheesy, but true!
5. What denomination do you belong to?
1. AC/23 y.o./PA for ’boutique bank’/NZ/no kids yet/Married 1yr/1 lil pup called Maui
2. Everyday. I’m sad when there’s no upate, thrilled when there’s 3+ and email my friend about it. It’s a drug. I think I need more friends, hobbies and some prof help. :D…
3. Not many embarrassingly enough. Quirk: I never finish drinks. I always leave a bit of water/coffee/juice/coke/hot choc at the bottom of any cup/glass/mug/disposable. Once I saw two mugs, one had a bit of hot choc left at the bottom, I asked hubs why he didn’t finish it and he screamed “IT’S YOURS. IT’S ALWAYS YOURS. YOU NEVER FINISH YOUR DRINKS!!!!!” – but I could’ve sworn I did that night…
4. Before/After photos; I admire/envy your discipline/ambition and hope some of it rubs off on me!
5. No questions; I keep so up-to-date with your blog I feel like I know everything. Weird right? I know. But that’s what happens when your decorating exploits are so dang exciting like a suspenseful thriller movie. Before…. AND AFTER!!!! Ok weirdo out!
My name is Kelsey, I’m 17 (almost 18!)and I live in California.
I visit Bower Power daily.
Ive never been kissed. Yes you read that correctly, I’m almost 18 yrs old, graduated HS. and havent kissed a guy. I find that embarrassing sometimes but mostly I’m proud that I havent kissed any random guys I dont care about 🙂
I guess a quirk about me is I’ll imagine a friend or family members house and then think of how I would renovate and decorate it if I had endless funds!
I enjoy all of your posts. Ones about Will are obviously a favorite! (I’m majoring in early childhood education) You might wonder why a 17 yr old reads your blog. And I would have to say its because of your honest way of writing. And because you make me laugh. If I’m having a bad day I can count on one of your posts to cheer me up. I hope to be like you when I become a wife and mother.
1. Kirsten / 27 / Analyst / New England / None / Single / One awesome dog!
2. I check every other day or so and am always excited to see a spankin’ new post.
3. I was afraid I would be the blog-lip-slut, but I was happy to read that I’m not the only one in the 30ish range. What can I say?? I like kissing – ha! Quirky fact? I hate coffee – and even coffee flavored ice cream or anything else mocha-ish.
4. Your very funny writing (it makes me LOL for realz) and gorgeous home decor ideas. I also like to read about your Goodwill finds (thrift stores are my new favorite thing!).
5. Do you have a favorite smell?? I love the smell of a campfire. And I don’t think people talk about their favorite smells enough.
1. My name is Jaime I’m a 30 year old office worker and new wife. No kids yet, but one cat named Sputnik. We live in Ottawa, Canada.
2. I read your blog the second Google updates your feed in my reader. Unless that happens while I’m asleep. Then it takes longer.
3. I have no idea how many people I have kissed. I am the sluttiest lipslut out there. Probably not, but I am ashamed that I can’t answer that question. Quirk? I like filling out surveys.
4. I love the tone of your writing and how funny you are (NO PRESSURE OR ANYTHING BUT KEEP BEING FUNNY).
5. Have you ever visited Canada? You should. We’re pretty nice, and that thing about it always being snow-covered is only partly true.
Peace out, Katie B!!
Hi my names Nicola, im 22 and live in Victoria Australia with my partner and our maltese/poodle puppy. Were renovating our first home that we brought 6 months ago!!!
I visit your blog and young house love a few times a week to get some inspiration for our house!!
I’ve kissed maybe 4 guys but not completey sure on that number lol. Theres so much about me thats quirky so its hard to narrow it down to just one thing!!
I love the house posts, you have such great ideas and your house is just awesome!! and your little boy is pretty cute so love seeing photos of him. Oh and i love your writting style, the random tangents you go of in make me smile!!
Hi Katie!
1. I’m Elizabeth (Elz for short), live and work in Kirkwood, MO, which is in the St. Louis area. Married for just under a year, no kids, just turned 29. Trying to start my own blog and need motivation! Love to read blogs about travel and cheap, awesome home decor, as we try to make our less-than-1,000-square-feet house a home.
2. Found you through YHL’s website and have read every post since–usually on Google Reader, but sometimes on the site.
3. Have kissed five dudes. Randomness: I have man hands. I know it. I’ve accepted it. Oh–other randomness–bought my hubs a “Bacon is Meat Candy” t-shirt for Christmas. It kinda reminded me of you.
4. I love pretty much everything you post–but I guess especially the home posts, Goodwill finds, before/afters. I love to laugh, and you definitely keep us laughing!!
5. Inspiration boards/plans coming along for your sister’s wedding that will be at your house??? Can’t wait to see what you come up with! (Will understand if you don’t want to share until after the event :))
I’m Kristin, 31 years old and married to my high school sweetheart. We have two little girls, 14 month old Sophie & 4 year old Ella, and an 8 year old weimeraner named Beemer. We live just outside of Birmingham, Alabama and I work as a paralegal by day and design custom invitations and stationery by night.
I subscribe to your blog via Google Reader so I’m reading as fast as your posts are published, but I do stop by from time to time and peruse. Especially when you ask for answers to random questions in the comments section.
I’ve kissed 3 guys and two I could do without :). The husband? He’s a keeper.
I think it’s funny that someone already mentioned this, but I get VERY embarrassed for people on television. Reality TV? Check. Random sitcoms? Check. Flubs on the evening news? Check. My husband makes fun of me for hardly looking at the television, but I am mortified on their behalf and watch through my fingers. I don’t do poetry either. When they start reading each other sonnets on TV, I’m done.
The thing I love best about your blog is your transparency. You love your family, your home and Jesus and you aren’t afraid to share that. I love that you are a fellow southern girl and I totally “get” your humor. Home posts are great, but I love the kid posts and quirky humor the best.
My random question… can we be friends?
AHHH! Fellow friend who never finishes their drink!!! Have you ever thought about why you do it? I try but then I forge-
1. Personal details – I’m Holly! 25. Special ed teacher. My husband and I live in San Jose, CA right now…but we’re moving to Southern California in 3 days. Wow, 3 days? Anyway…
2. Reading details – I usually check your blog twice a day. Once while at work…and then since the pictures don’t show up at my work (darn district filters)…I look at the pictures when I get home 🙂 Sometimes I skip a few days here or there, but I love your posts, they crack me up! This is actually the first time I have ever commented on a stranger’s blog. Weird.
3. Random details – I think I have kissed 7 guys…maybe 8. One random thing is that I never finish all of my food. It bugs my husband to no end, but I always leave one or two bites left…like the corner of my sandwich, the last 8 cheerios, etc.
4. Blog detail – I get most excited about the home posts, but honestly I love it all! I love your honesty and your humor. And pictures of your white couch helped me convince the hubs to buy a white couch with lots of pillows for us. Love it!
5. Question – You mentioned once that you rarely leave Will with anyone besides you or Jeremy. Is there a reason for that? I don’t have any kids yet, but my sister honestly drops her kids off at my mom’s house at least twice a week. Just wondering…
1. Sarah, 26, Senior Pastor of a UCC Congregation (just call me Rev. Sarah!), southeastern MA, no kids, married, one cat (who thinks she’s a princess).
2. I read through google reader, but tend to come over from time to time to check out some of your past projects when I’m working on projects. I also pour over your photography tutorials and gear posts.
3. I couldn’t tell you how many people I’ve kissed (ha – but I did finally find my prince!). One random quirk is that I feel out of place when I’m not in heels. My clergy robe was hemmed to fit me in 4″ heels.
4. I love your photography posts – I’ve learned so much! I have been chronicling my quest to become a better photographer on my food blog – http://www.thestrengthoffaith.com –
and I love your tips.
5. What surprised you about motherhood?
Oh and my question would be the same as Cassie’s. Can you please do a post on your beauty must haves??
Hello my name is Falynn. I’m a 26 year old mom to Jax’s (8), Conner (4), and Stellan (1). I’ve been married to my husband for 5 years and live in Oregon. I visit your blog every day and love your home improvement posts as well as your photography posts. A year ago I bought a Rebel and Just started to try to make some extra dough taking pics! Oh and I’ve kissed probably 7 boys in my lifetime, so there you have it:)
I think these posts should revert to awkward college introduction games like 2 truths and lie or obscure facts that no one ever remembers
anyway.
1. Nancy O. 27 y/o. Denver CO. No kids. Not married but have an great bf and one goldendoodle pup
2. I wish someone would post on the overview of the blogsphere. Maybe it exists and I just haven’t crossed it, but I am for sure a blog group and use google reader. I have my G-reader grouped by personal finance, doggie blogs, photog blogs, home blog/DIY, Denver blogs and random new blogs
3. Random factoid? On weekends, I follow neon signs like little fat kids chase ice cream trucks. Ever seen it? The neon signs usually take me to crappy yard sales and nothing like Cash & Carry on HGTV.
4. I like how you keep it real. I like how you posts because you post, not because you have to. Have you ever followed a blog.. the holidays come and there are tons of posts that say “happy holidays. we’ll be back after christmas”. If you blog, blog about real things. No one will miss you all that much. I like that your blog schedule sometimes random but always quality. Or… at least great photography.
5. When is Mr Bower going to start posting like John did?
1. Rachel, Memphis, TN, married, homeowner, mother to three fur-babies and one reptile
2. I read everyday through Google Reader, but I always check to see if you posted before reading the “all items”
3. I’ve kissed one person, my husband. I love seeing DIY projects because its sort of like watching exercise videos, I just feel better afterwards.
4. Bower awkwardness for the win!
5. Can I be your and Sherry’s thrid BFF?
1. I’m Jena, 29, business analyst by day, blogger all the rest of the time, married, no kids of any sort, including the furry kind.
2. I visit whenever you post. I follow in a reader.
3. Hmm, you first :). A quirk is that I’m quite proud that I can still sing Fifty Nifty United States. It’s the song where you sing all the states in alphabetical order. Playing a trivia game and need to name four states that start with the letter “I”? I’m on it.
4. I like it all, really!
5. So, how many people have you kissed? 🙂
1. I’m Jenn! 32, single (sigh…), high school math teacher (nerd), Holland, MI, 2 cat kids
2. You are in my google reader. I look forward to your daily posts!
3. 2 people. How sad is that! My random quirk (or I should say one of my random quirks) is that my classroom must be spotless. Tables in perfect rows and columns, nothing on the floor, board spotless each morning, bulletin boards perfectly set up. But…my house is allowed to be a disaster!
4. I love everything about your blog! Keep the posts coming! Love the photography as well.
5. Can we be bff’s? 🙂 Also, could you come crash my house and help me decorate??
oops, meant blog groupie.
If I ever saw my favorite bloggers in real life (Ana White, John & Sherry, Emily from Design Star, J$Money from Budgets are Sexy, Catherine from Simply Solo) – I may rave about it to my friends like I just met someone famous.
a super lame blog groupie,
nancy
1. Sarah, ,25, Therapist, Northern British Columbia, Married, No kidlets yet but I do have an adorable 10 month old chocolate lab named Lexie.
2. I’m a faithful every-day ready.. check back multiple times in hopes of double-day posts. 🙂
3. Probably about 10. Does that mean I’m a lip slut? Quirk..when I get excited, I often turn conversations into songs.. like.. and I have a terrible voice too. 😉
4. I like your home-reno stuff.. also your adorable son!!
5. Where can I learn how to become a better photographer? I bought a rebel last year but it collecting dust because I am so overwhelmed by it.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it 🙂
Hi Katie! Happy Blogoversary and here’s to many more. I have never commented before, but since I feel like we are friends in real life, maybe you should know some things about me too. 🙂
1. Leah, 31 y.o., nurse practitioner in Charlottesville, VA. Married for 9 years and mommy to 3 y.o. and almost 10 mo old (both girls).
2. you’re in my google reader, so I check every weekday! You are one of my top blogs. So thanks.
3. 5?? I think?? I’ve been with my hubby since I was 18. Weird thing: I cannot roll my R’s. At all. Don’t try to teach me, it is impossible.
4. I like all your posts. Your photography is amazing, and your home style is inspiring. The random Bower awkwardness makes it all fun… and you are a fantastic writer! Is this going to your head? 🙂 I appreciate how you keep it real, and I also love that you are a Christian. I would love to hear about your church and how that fits into your family.
5. Random Ques for you: Is it weird at all that so many people feel like they know you? I guess it’s like you are a celeb! Also, can we be friends in real life? Next time you are in Richmond visiting your pals come to CVille.
xo
Hey KB,
1. My name’s Erin, I’m about to turn 24. I live in VA with my husband Bryan, we’ve been married for 8 months.We’re in full-time ministry together at a college campus. Despite my greatest efforts to beg and plead for a puppy, I don’t think I’ll get to play mommy to a littler life until we have kiddos, which we hope to do soon.
2. I stop by BP every day, sometimes more, whenever Google Reader tells me you’ve updated.
3. Okay, I’m seriously ashamed to answer this question. I’m not sure I know the total number, but I do know that my skanky lips kissed far too many boys in college (READ: before I knew Jesus.) As for random quirks… I am always hungry. Like, incessantly.
4. I love when you’re real about what’s going on in your life. Of course, I enjoy seeing your home improvement projects, but I appreciate that you don’t feel the need to constantly produce work for the sake of only blogging about DIY projects. I love reading about Will, and seeing that you’re human.
5. How many kids do you and your boyfriend hope to have?
1. Lauren/26/Social Worker/Chicago/One on the way!/Happily married/1 little pup
2. I visit a few times a week.
3. I don’t kiss & tell. 🙂 Quirk? I am 5’7 & have the smallest feet. Sometimes I tell people that I used to bind them like Chinese women.
4. Your random Bower awkwardness makes me crack up so I would say that is my favorite followed by the home posts.
5. do you have any advice for a momma to be?
1. josie/28/professional home executive/northeast ohio/married for 9 years/2 kids (2 & 4) 1 on the way/2 cats (roger and molly) and recently acquired 2 betta fish (cupcake and tom selleck)
2. you’re on my google reader. i may or may not squeal inside when i see you’ve posted something.
3.1 2 – one stupid kid in junior high school and my husband.
3.2 i wish i hadn’t kissed that stupid kid in junior high.
4. i like the strange mix of decor, DIY, funny stories, will pics and bacon.
5. are you guys gonna homeschool? you’d be the funniest homeschool mom ever. . . .
1. Hey there! I’m Chelsea! I’m a fellow Georgian but I live on the north side of the ATL, yo. I’m 24 and I’ve been married for (almost) two years, no kids yet other than our lovable black lab Zero (lovingly named to commemorate paying off our debt, hey!) Oh, and I’m a middle school teacher! Oh yeah!
2. You are a part of my goole reading repertoire, so I read pretty much everything you post you know when I’m procrastinating or bored or trying to look busy.
3. I’ve kissed 2 boys (one of which is my husband), does that make me a prude, oh well! And a quirk…. I use a q-tip every time I go into the bathroom, so I have really really clean ears.
4. I like home stuff and photography!
5. With all your talk of bacon, how do you stay thin?
Hey there! I’m Jules, 25, have a 18 month old daughter and I’m marrying her daddy in 3 weeks! No pets yet but when the kiddos are old enough to help out we’ll get a doggie or 2. We live in Omaha, NE.
I visit at least 1x a day.
How many boys have a smooched? Um, bunches? Yeah, I macked a lot in college. What can I say? Now you have to share w/ us.
I love your home stuff and your awkwardness but the boyfriend loves your photography stuff. Oh and my baby girl loves to blow kisses at Will. What can I say, you meet all our family needs as a blog. You’re like the Costco of blogs… if only you came in bulk…sigh…
Quirk? Um, I only like the large sized paper clips. If the things you are holding together are that minimal you can use a staple, otherwise gimme a giant paper clip! Also, I’m a crazy person!
Q4U- Do you still have dreams about Nate Berkus? 2nd, what’s your fav TV show?
Ooohhhh survey…..do I get a gift card at the end?!?! J/k lol.
1. Ok..Hi my name is Joanna from Wisconsin (born and raised in Il who turned into a cheesehead). I just turned 25 (Holla!) and happily married to the man of my dreams for almost 4years now. I am a pharmacy technician (6 year college senior….Haha just don’t know what I wanna be when I grow up!!) With no children yet (having issues in that dept right now) and a step fur baby, Max who is a golden retriever.
2. I’m an every post visitor…….for shizzle…..love me some Bower Power!!
3. I kissed a lot of people. I’m Polish so everyone I come across I do that European double kiss thing to (sometimes triple!). My husband is still uncomfortable with it. Lol. A quirk: I asked my husband what’s my quirk and he said “my stench…..haha…I about pee’d my pants!) But I would say that I am soooo afraid of storms (like bite off all my nails off and pee my pants when I here a boom!)
4. I love every tang Katie!
5. What is your advice to new bloggers like moi?? Congrats on 3 years!! Cheers!
I’m a 27 year old Actress/Decorator in NYC. I have a boyfriend and a Kitty!
I read BP in my google reader, I never miss a post!
I haven’t kissed too many boys because I have been with my BF for the last 12 years, since I was 15.
Quirk: I’m a southern girl at heart, so I love sweet tea and a face full of make-up!, and I freakishly clean my house late at night. Like hand clean my kitchen floors with counter spray and paper towels at 2am. crazy!
What do you like here? I LOVE your new house and can’t wait to see the results. Its so big I’m thinking that there will be like years and years of wonderful projects and before and afters. I love your realness about your relationship with your hubby. Your Photography is beautiful. Its kind of intangible, Bower Power blog just has an intangible magic that inspires! I loved your birth story too.
One randy? If you weren’t busy being a mom, photographer, and blogger what else do you think you would be doing?
I’m Cathey, 20 years old, from Lilburn! I’m about to be a Junior at UGA (daughter of a slightly disappointed Tech grad) studying Child and Family Development. Single, no pets, no kids, but a precious niece and nephew I get to borrow sometimes!
I visit whenever I should be studying.. sooo pretty much all the time..
I’ve kissed nada… unfortunately, that’s what happens when you grow up in Lilburn and graduate with the same 30 people you’ve been with since kindergarten, but I really don’t mind so much! I’m not a social outcast or anything, just kinda picky.
My quirk is that I hate using the AC in the car. Even in the GA heat, I prefer rolling the windows down and sweating if necessary!
I love the lightheartedness of your writing! The decorating and DIYing is awesome but the awkwardness it best!
I have to ask what you think of the new laser show at Stone Mountain, if you’ve been to it. I thought it was much better than the last few years!!
1. Personal details –
Allison, Home Decor/crafts/DIY Blogger. I’m 31, I’m a blogger at House of Hepworths. I live in Austin, Texas. Married with two kids, a boy; 9 and a girl; almost 7. We have an annoying yorkiepoo who is totally neurotic named Chase.
2. Reading details –
I visit your blog every time you update it, plus extra in between. I LOVE your blog. It’s one of my very favorites. I feel like we are BFFs.
3. Random details –
Kissed? Um, er, should I admit that?! In public?! Well, I was married at 18 and had my first kiss at 14, so in those short 4 years I kissed about 18 boys. Yikes. I LOVED kissing boys, just for the sake of kissing them. Good times.
As for other random things about me, I always think of the most random things I could say about myself, but then when it’s time to actually tell someone something random I can’t remember any of the crazy facts about myself. I’ll leave you with something mind-numbingly boring… you’ll want these 10 seconds of your life back… I love okra and brussel sprouts.
4. Blog detail –
I love when you post about your home and decorating, of course, I am a blogger who blogs about my house so that is why I love reading about yours. Plus your boyfriend is hot.
Also, I LOVE your humor. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I laugh OUT LOUD when I read your posts.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it
If I could prove to you that I’m not a creeper, and am actually a legit person, would you be my friend? ‘Cause I swear, we’d be BFFS. Move over Sherry! (Na, she can be my BFF too!). I seriously have readers tell me they would be my BFF IRL, and I’m like, “Um, yikes. I don’t even know you!” but srsly, I think that about you. We would SO be BFFs. And I’m even driving through Atlanta (or a suburb of) this July to see my actual IRL BFF, so maybe….?
xoxo You are the best.
Allison @ House of Hepworths
1. Kate, 29 and married, stay at home mom to 2 beautiful children in Illinois…no pets!
2. Check to see if there is a new post each morning when I skim through all my favorite blogs
3. Only kissed 2 guys…but I’ve been with my husband since I was a teenager. Hmmmm weird quirk…I looooove watching the food network even though I hate to cook…there is just something comforting to me about watching other people cook!
4. My fave thing about your blog are the home posts…I love your decorating style. But then, I do love reading about your family too…you, your baby, and your hubby are all adorable!
5. What is your must-have baby item that you absolutely could not live without?
1. Dawn/34/part-time college math instructor & full-time homeschooling Mom/south GA/3 boys/married/one cat
2. I’d say about 5-7 times a week on average.
3. just 2/a quirk – I have an insanely weak stomach when it comes to medical stuff…as in I get lightheaded just overhearing a conversation on the topic. I was once escorted out of a hospital recovery room because I almost passed out.
4. your photography inspires me, but I think I love the random stuff the most. 🙂
5. We’re planning on taking our 3 boys (ages 5, 7, and 8) to Atlanta for an extended weekend this fall/winter. Do you recommend any must-see attractions that aren’t too expensive?
1. Kari / 30 (31 in 17 days, but who’s counting?) / Dillsburg PA (yep, we drop a pickle on New Year’s Eve) / Stay at home mom to Charlotte (4 and a half) and Lila (7 months) / Married / 2 dogs (Roxy, long haired chihuahua; Nala, boxer) and 1 cat (Charlie, calico)
2. Everyday – Sometimes I shout with excitement when I see a new post because I feel like I am having a conversation with an adult after being with two kids on a farm all day. Don’t worry, I’m not a stalker 🙂
3. Hmm, I think 6…I’ve been with my husband since I was 15 (with a year off in there at one point). I get completely giddy to the point where I physically can’t stop smiling when my husband surprises me with a candy bar. What can I say, I’m easy 😉
4. I’ve been following you for a year or so and I loved the home posts, but I stuck around because you are so freakin hilarious.
5. What is your favorite guilty pleasure on tv?
1. Samantha, 27, married for 6 years, sons Caeleb (3) and Noah (2), special ed middle school math teacher for Richmond public schools, living in Glen Allen, VA, no pets yet.
2. Pretty much everyday – I subscribe though my Google Reader
3. I’ve kissed 3 guys. Met the husband when I was 19! Quirk? I’m terrified of riding down escalators. I’m always worried I will miss the step and tumble all the way down.
4. I love your DIY projects, and your posts about your family.
5. When will Will get a baby sister or brother??
1. My name is Emily. I am 26 years old. I work for the Legislature in Sacramento, CA. I am not married but have been with my boyfriend for 2 years. No kids yet but I do have an opinionated rabbit named Brady.
2. I subscribe, but feel like a stalker. I even send links of projects that I think are especially great to others.
3. I have kissed 6 guys in my life. I cannot handle it when people leave shopping carts in the middle of parking lots. I have even been known to grab someone’s cart when they do so in front of them (usually in a huff) and take it back to the corral.
4. It is hard to pick a favorite, but I did go through withdrawals when you first moved and had a few other things to do than post. I also have a strange addiction to your wardrobe wishlist. I have bought many of the items you have been eyeing, but usually returned them because we don’t have the same body shape.
5. Can we go to the Pottery Barn Outlet when I am in ATL in October? Random, but I did have a dream that we were there together.
1. Personal details – I’m Laura. I am 25. I work for the government. I am originally from Philadelphia but now live in San Diego with my boyfriend. No kids or pets but I’m dying for both when the time is right.
2. Reading details – I am an everyday-er, for sure. Probably many times a day thanks to my good ol iphone and a boring desk job. You definitely perk up my day when I see a new post!
3. Random details – I think i’ve kissed about 11? not too sure thanks to alcohol and college. I LOVE Hoarders. I moved to San Diego a year a half ago just because. We are moving back home at the end of the summer because we want to save for a house. I am eagerly waiting to DIY the crap out of my house when the time comes.
4. Blog detail – I love your home posts the most but who can’t resist your awkwardness?
5. Question – What was the biggest adventure you have ever been on?
I’m Karla, 26 I have an almost 22 month old son, Isaiah, who is unfortunately deceased, but is a HUGE part of my life! I have been married for 3 1/2 years to a man I’ve been with for almost 11 years. Yes, I was 15 when we started dating! We have 2 dogs a Shi tzu and a Chiuaua. We are currently working out preliminary stuff to start the adoption process, our first home visit is Friday! yay!
We live in Nebraska and I am an in-home daycare provider and free lance interior designer. (basically I decorate and redecorate my house twice a year :)) Actually in lieu of our home study I actually wanted to repaint our living room but my husband had to stop me. I have to remember I don’t have to repaint every time someone new comes over.
I am an everyday reader. I love your blog but am fairly new to it, like with in the last 6 months. I love decor blogs!
I have only kissed my amazing high schools sweetheart husband 🙂 My quirk is that I am a smaller stature girl and I have giant feet. I hate it, but my grandma says that it’s because I have a good foundation 🙂
I love how real you are. I can totally see myself doing most of the things you do! I of course love the home stuff and photography oh and family stuff. Really, I just love it all!!
What is your absolute least favorite color to decorate with? Are there any design trends out there that leave you thinking…what are they thinking!?
That smiley face with sunglasses was supposed to be 8 followed by a right parentheses…apparently I’m not savvy enough on my emoticon shortcuts!
1. What is your name? Adelita
Age? 29
Job? Registered Nurse
Location? Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Kids? Samantha Ann – 7 weeks young
Marital Status? married to my college sweetheart Christopher
Pets? deaf pitbull/lab mix named Riley aged 10
2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? I use google reader and check it multiple times a day on my android. When you post something new, chances are I will read it within the hour.
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Oh man…I guess you call me a kissing whore? Ha!
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I have to have a book within arms reach at all times. Kindle in my purse, stack of books in all 4 bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, babies nursery, living room…you name a place, I could grab something to read.
4. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I enjoy your home project/remodeling/updating posts
5. IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. What is your “go to” dish to cook for you and the husband when in a rush?
Susan/26/Soapmaker/Northern California (Santa Rosa, to be exact)/Not married but have been with my man for 9 years/2 boys, ages 7 and 4/a fish
I have your blog bookmarked and visit once a week or so.
I’ve kissed 4 people. Quirk- I can bend my big toe straight up. It looks really weird and dislocated. I don’t know anyone else that can do it, so i guess it’s a quirk.
I love all the content. I am especially excited to see photography stuff though.
1. Personal details – Hi! My name is Daniela, I’m almost 26, a software engineer, live in Mexico, married trying for baby number 1! and have a crazy shih tzu called Sheldon.
2. Reading details – My husband and I moved to our old new house a few months ago so I was googling for decoration/renovation blogs and found yhl and then you were mentioned so I had to check it out and now I’m a frequent visitor to both blogs (about 3-4 times a week)
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? ooh around 5.
And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? mmm lets see I love nachos and I have photographic memory just to name a few.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? My No. 1 interest are the home posts, then photography, I like to take pictures so it is nice to look at some inspiration
5. Question – How do you feel about living in the public spotlight?
1. I’m Brynne. I’m 21. I’m a piano teacher here in Dallas, TX. I’ve been married for a year and a half, no kids yet, but we have our little fur baby, Pocket, who is an adorable white chinchilla. For real, we are slightly obsessed with him.
2. I read BP via Google Reader, so every time you post something new!
3. I’m the exact opposite of a lip-slut……. I have kissed 1 person, and he’s my husband. I guess that’s already one weird thing about me? Another: my “dream job” may or may not revolve around designing beer bottle labels…
4. I love the home posts, but I don’t just skip over the other posts, because I pretty much love reading all of them. I love your humor!
5. My husband and I are always looking for couple friends who like good beer and will go to our favorite place, The Meddlesome Moth with us. Say you guys lived in our area, and say we were already friends in real life, would you be beer snobs with us? 🙂
Stephanie/27/Advertising/San Francisco
Married, two fur babies (aka pomeranians named Arnold & Lola-is it weird I am sad I can’t upload a picture to show you how cute they are?), and one real baby on the way!
2. I visit daily. Or more than once daily if I get the notice you updated.
3. Kisses=enough…kissed a lot of frogs to find my Prince. Quirk-I don’t like drinking out of glasses. I prefer plastic…unless the glass has a straw, then it is ok!
4. DIY! I am currently using your “dressier dresser” post as my Bible for a dresser I am painting for our baby’s future room. I am not nearly as handy as you but your step-by-step instructions are amazing!
5. I don’t really have any burning questions. But don’t worry, I’m not shy…I’ll ask any time one pops in my head!
1. Emily. 29.2 As of Friday. Arizona, but Michigander at heart. Teacher.
2. Check in daily.
3. I’ve kissed six guys. Quirky fact – I love even numbers. Especially ones that end in a number two. I hate to think that it has influenced my students, but it has. Oh, well. At least they know their evens and their odds. Ooh, quirky fact #2: When I get nervous or stressed, I use my pointer finger to write words that I’ve recently heard on my leg. This is when I’m sitting. This is probably also why I have only kissed six guys.
4. Blog detail – Home posts/photography posts
5. Question –How many guys have YOU kissed? You can’t ask everyone else to share and not share yourself. Just sayin’
P.S. Two dogs, one boyfriend, one cat.
I’m Emily; I’m a 25 year-old social worker, although admittedly the “work” I care more about is being a good wife (and someday future mother!) and making our old house a home. We live in Ithaca, NY, although hope to return to Pennsylvania and our families after my husband finishes his doctorate here at Cornell.
I enjoy a lunch-time and after-work check of my favorite blogs, although it’s not beyond me to check back here several times in the evening (particularly if there was nothing new earlier in the day!) I like your blog (questions out of order alert!) because it’s real. You write about what you want to write and don’t try too hard to please people by giving up who you really are. I guess that means I don’t really have a favorite part of your blog, I just enjoy reading it overall 🙂
The only guy I ever really kissed was my husband, but I also only applied to one college, one internship, and one post-college job, so I guess you could say I know what I want and I go for it (and I’m incredibly blessed to receive it!) One of my quirks (there are plenty) is that I really don’t like rubber bands. They always seem dirty to me, so I throw them away whenever they come across my desk. However, there are times I need them, so then I have to go beg less-quirky coworkers to search through their drawers for a rubber band.
My question for you: I’ve always been so curious as to how you and Sherry went from random commenters to BFF. Can you remember some turning point where the friendship evolved?
1. I’m Hannah. I’m 22 (23 in August). I teach U.S. History and Advanced Placement U.S. History to 11th graders at a high school in the middle of no where. I currently live in Zephyrhills, Florida (yes, the place that makes the water…) but am originially from Orlando. I spent pretty much all of my life in Orlando, and only moved to Zephyrhills in the past year to be closer to my job. I’m currently engaged to my high school sweetheart and we’ll be getting married this November (and before you ask, no, we’re not getting married on 11/11/11. lol). We have 2 cats, whose names are Periwinkle (my niece named her after the cat in Blue’s Clues) and Cruz. No kids – let us get down the aisle first, geez! 🙂
2. I try to visit everyday. You’re the second blog I check in my afternoon when I get home from work. But, now that I have this cool RSS feed app on my phone, it alerts me to when you post, so I only check whenever I get an alert.
3. Getting a little personal, huh? Then again, you give us all the personal details in your life, so it’s only fair, right? Um, I’ve only kissed 2 men in my life. The first wasn’t until 10th grade, and the 2nd is my fiance. 🙂 And as for the quirky detail… um…. that’s a tough one. I guess I would say that I’m probably one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet. I could seriously live off of mac & cheese – and my friends & family say I make the best mac & cheese they’ve ever had (which I think is hilarious because it’s only the blue box kind…). Another quirk, I love to play board games. I was never your typical 18-20 year old when I was in college – no drinking binges for me. My idea of a good time was sitting around a table playing board games. 🙂 Oh, and I have 12 nieces & nephews all under the age of 9. 🙂
4. I’d probably say that the 2 things I love the most about your blog are (1) the home decorating tips and seeing the changes you do to your new GORGEOUS place and (2) watching your adorable little boy grow up. Sometimes I feel like I know your family as though they were part of my family. I know that seems weird
5. Random question…. hmm…. I should probably come up with something good, but sadly my brain is currently being effected by migraine medications….. Um, how many people have you kissed? Do you think you guys will ever get a family pet? And, lastly, I know you talk about faith occasionally, but how do you guys keep the faith alive in your marriage? I find sometimes the fiance and I get so wrapped up in “life” that we forget to focus on what’s truly important. Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
P.S. Your blog is amazing. I only hope that one day I can inject as much personality into my blog as you have. I find it’s a great outlet, but sometimes I worry about what people think (maybe it has to do with being a teacher and the fact that my whole life can be put under a microscope for being a “public figure” in the community.
I’m Meg, 22, and just returned to the Philly area after graduating with a degree in elementary and special ed. So as much I hate the post-grad job search, I love that it means I’ll get to be a teacher and work with kids every day! I’ve been dating my boyfriend for a little over two years, and though I don’t have any pets, it’s my goal to become best friends with boyfriend’s dog. By the way, it’s totally working.
I visit once a day, sometimes twice just in case there’s a bonus point. In the middle of writing a term paper or lesson plan in college, Bower Power laugh breaks were the best!
Um, can I just say that I love the term lip-slut? I am fully passing that one on to all my friends. I think my number is around 13? Maybe 14? I don’t feel like counting them up, since the only one that matter is the one I’m kissing now. And as for my quirk, I’m with Leah, who commented up above — I cannot roll my r’s for the life of me! It made life tough as a Spanish minor, especially when I studied abroad in Chile. My professor Claudio made me do spanish tongue twisters every day, but they never helped. “Tres triste tigres trigaban en el trigal” and yelling “ROD-RI-GOOOO” over and over!
Like I said, you make me absolutely crack up, but besides the laughs, I love your before-and-afters and pictures of your beautiful baby!
As for a question for you (though I hope you answer your own questions as well), does your boyfriend call you his girlfriend? Or has he promoted you to wife?
1. My name is Katie (great name!), I’m 25, working as an admin assistant but still trying to figure out what I want to do wit my life. My husband, 3 kitties and I live just outside of Grand Rapids, MI. No human babies yet but we have faith that God will give them to us some way or another. We bought a house almost 2 years ago and love it! Is nice to know that we never have to move again, unless we wan to of course.
2. I’m an avid RSS subscriber so I get to read every post and pop in to check comments every once in a while.
3. I have kissed two boys: the first one and then my husband. I found a good one quick and am not letting him go! One strange thing about me is that I really hate feet. It’s mostly the toes and it doesn’t matter if they are mine or someone else’s. Gross! I once burst out into tears when someone tried to wash mine on a mission trip!
4. I love the DIY projects around the house and I’ve really really enjoyed watching things start to come together in your new house.
5. I can’t think of any questions right now but that’s mostly because it’s almost 90 degrees inside my house! I don’t know how anyone living further south than us makes it through the summer.
1. Laura/25/Engineer/Wisconsin/4 month old boy named Calvin/married/Dog named Chuck
2. I visit daily via good reader feed
3. Probably 15 people….I feel dirty! My quirk is that scratching inside my belly button makes my toes itch. I have no explanation for this!
4. My favorite posts are random Bower family awkwardness. I love hearing about your lives because it makes me feel normal (not because you’re crazy – because I feel less alone in my own awkwardness). 🙂
5. What’s a “typical” day in your life like?
1. Stephanie, 28, married with 17month old twin daughters. I live in eastern NC and run a small business.
2. You’re on my reader, so I catch new posts. Sometimes I’ll remember something fabulous and go back through the archives in search of it.
3. I have kissed many, many boys. I had to for comparison purposes. How would I know my hubby is a great kisser if I had nothing to compare him to?? My quirk is that I pick up accents VERY easily. Obviously, I sound like a North Carolinian now, but I can sound British, Jamaican, Canadian, midwestern, or yankee depending on who I’m spending time around.
4. Home posts FTW. And awkwardness.
5. What is your biggest insecurity?
Hey Katie, where in ON you from? I’m in Mississauga.
1. Hi there! I’m 23, technically single, but have a wonderful boyfriend of 3.5 years and we live with a cat named Sir Winston Cat Churchill and a rolly polly mutt named Chloe just outside of Washington, D.C.
2. I am a at-least-two-times-a-day-er of your (and Sherry’s) blog. Actually, in the name of honesty, I just refresh every hour until there is something new! I’m totally obsessed (slightly embarrassing to admit outloud…err…online) and have more than once said to a friend “I want to be friends with them!”.
3. Random details: I’ve kissed ten boys and I’m totally sticking with that number. Number 10 is a winner. Weird fact: I make up the most bizarre nicknames for my pets. I have been known to call my cat Pokemon…or Yo Yo Meow…or Monsieur Kissy Face because he gives so many kisses. Chloe is often affectionately referred to as “my little sausage” and Schnitzu (don’t ask, I have no idea how I got there…it just works well in my annoying baby voice). I also am obsessed with cooking and anything history related (I’m getting my PhD in history).
4. Favorite part of the blog has to be the home details, but also the shopping recaps. I am in awe of your deal hunting prowess and constantly aspire to improve my thriftiness. I also love babies so the pictures of Will definitely elicit more than one “awwww”.
5. As a new member of the blog world, I struggle with wanting to share and being a total scaredy cat that I’ll end up with a stalker (and not the good blog kind 🙂 ). So for the question: How do you balance safety with sharing?
1. Danielle, 17 years of age, Bible camp counselor, reside in NH, no children, single, 1 doggie & 2 kitties.
2. I’m an EVERYDAYER! 🙂
3. One person has been smooched by me
4. So many quirks. haha. I love the way a bathroom smells right after someone takes a shower. So clean!
5. Home posts are my favorite! (and I like when the photos include Will in them!)
6. I just want to know about your faith, I am a new, young Christian and I absolutely adore the fact that you are open about Jesus on your blog. I also adore you and Jeremy, I cannot wait to meet the man that God has planned for me, it is encouraging to see and hear about your marriage!
1. I’m Janet 36 (yikes when did that happen?) Currently a married (12 years) stay at home mom to one, who has some special needs, named Will too, short for William. We have one dog Remi (short for Remington) who is a German Shorthair Pointer (think LLBean dog), and one cat Barely orange and superior of course.
2. I’m an everydayer (that isn’t a word, but I like it.)
3. Geez okay let me think……I’m going with a real deal kiss here…hmmmmm six. Is that slutty or too prim? I’ve been married too long to know. One quirk….. okay well don’t tell anyone, but I love me some sci-fi. Not in the dress up and have posters and stuff, but secretly I know the numbers of the star ship enterprise or the name of the guy who tried to shoot Han Solo in the cantina. Scared yet. Please don’t tell.
4. I really love the house stuff, then the baby stuff (his name is Will so its a given he’s a cutie) and then the photog stuff. I wish I could take better photos, but that semester in college of photography is a distant memory.
5. How did your BFF friendship with Sherry from Young House Love develop from a blogs to true friends?
I love this kind of thing! Er, ok, so I guess that makes me quite egocentric :/
I’m Fiona, 19, and I live in England but am originally German/Scottish and have lived in Florida. I consider myself simply a European! I’m on a gap year, unemployed (WHICH SUCKS) and will start Uni in the Autumn.
I check every day, in the afternoon/evening as part of the blog run. The blog run can at times consist of 100 blogs, but at the moment it’s just you, YHL, simply breakfast and Delightfully Tacky.
People I’ve kissed is a grand total of one. It doesn’t stress me – I went to an all girls school so there wasn’t much kissable talent, and anyway, I’ve got loads of time to get my lip-sluttiness on.
I love going through security in an airport. I just like the process of emptying your bag of laptop, make-up, metal, of taking off shoes and belt, and of going through the scanner secure in the knowledge that it will not beep – but I feel like I’m the only one! Everyonee else is just grumbling.
My favourite part of the blog is the photos, especially of Will. I love kids, and watching him grow is amazing. I just wish we could see little video clips of him!
One question… hmm… what was your first word?
1. Sharon/26/IT Consultant and I work from home/Living in Las Vegas for my husband’s job but hopefully moving back to the east coast very soon/ no kids yet/1 dog, Douglas
2. I’m definitely an everydayer, enjoy reading your posts and look forward to them
3. Kisses? 3..I think, 3 memorable ones at least 🙂 Quirk: Love the Real Housewives. I watch every season, read their blogs, basically can’t get enough
4. I love the home posts the best, but am always entertained regardless of the topic — don’t change!
5. Random question: What are some of your new favorite wardrobe items? I usually have a lot of the things you put in your wishlists (or agree completely) and was wondering if you have any new favorites
1. Liz / 25 / Accountant / Indiana / Currently living in sin w/ my bf of 5 years / 2 cats, one pup, and 2 bunnies
2. I’m a subscriber on Google Reader, so I read whenever you post.
3. I’ve kissed 8 people, I think. And a random quirk would be that I have two different colored eyes. And I love cold spaghetti o’s (eating them hot actually grosses me out).
4. Blog detail – I like the random awkwardness most. Followed by home stuff. I enjoy looking at the photography pictures but can’t relate much in regards to the technical details you sometimes post.
1. Jennifer, 24 years, teacher, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, no kiddos, married with one brat cat
2. Visit daily (PS: Saw Jason Statham in Vegas last summer)
3.Kissed 3 boys. And one quirk… I always get cucumbers on my sub at Subway and then pick them off and eat them before I eat my sub.
4. I love the randomness. I never know what to expect!
5. How do you feel about Winnipeg getting the Atlanta Thrashers?
1. Erin/27/Social Studies Teacher/Live in Northern Michigan/Baby Liza is due in September/1 pup named Whit.
2. I read pretty much every day — thanks for the comic relief 🙂
3. You’re really going to make us count…IDK…maybe 15-20. It took me awhile to find the right guy and make him my hubs.
4. Quirks…probably a lot. I’m a little OCD about papers being in neat piles on my desk in school and at home. I love quoting movie lines.
5. I really enjoy all your posts – although I’ve been going over some of your photography ones lately as I just got my own Canon Rebel XSI…weeeeeee.
6. Question: Hmmm, well after learning I may not have a teaching position next year, I’m considering the route of stay-at-home mom, but I’m nervous. Suggestions??
hahah laughed at Sam and Ella like food poisoning, was this purposeful? just curious 🙂
Colleen/NJ/Top Secret/married / dogs and a cat that believes she’s a dog/ no kids yet
Google reader tells me when there is new hotness on bower power.
3/I am a weirdo magnet. Really.
I love it all, especially the bacon.
Please darling 1. Use survey monkey next year so that our answers don’t stay on the inter webs forever and we can go into more detail and two- be my BFF you are so awesome.
1. Heather/30/Office Manager/NJ…but originally from PA. No Kids…2 cats.
2. I visit everyday- except on the weekends. But- I honestly don’t comment much, cause if I did, it’d be obsessively!
3. I kissed like maybe 10 people….and as for my quirk, I’d have to say that it’s my love of yard sales…I have a 6th sense…when to stop, and when just to drive by slowly. I’m even converting my bf. He asks to go now!
4. EVERYTHING. I read your story…the meeting, the wedding, the kid…and I honestly feel like I know you personally.
5. Will you be my bff? 🙂
1. Amanda. 25. Stay at home mom. Statesboro, GA. One 16-month-old girl (she kinda looks like Will to me. Awkward.). Married. Two furry dogters.
2. I stop by when I notice there’s a new post! You’re on my blogroll. 🙂
3. I don’t kiss and tell. But if I did.. five. Eek. I’m inappropriately quirky. I embarrass the hubs often. I don’t have a filter.
4. I like Before & After DIY projects. And cute pics of babies! And your love of bacon.
5. When’s the next baby due?!
Hey Katie,
I’m Brooke; 25 years old; Hairstylist; live in NC; Married; and have a little girl, named Paisley, who is turning 1 one on Sunday; I also have two daschunds/beagle mixed
I stalk your blog. Seriously. I visit at least twice a day. I love reading your posts, no matter how random they are! I sometimes wish you would let us in on hardships, or struggles you face, so that I am not dying of jealousy! Is that selfish? I’m pretty sure it is. Sorry Katie!
Only kissed 3 guys; Met my hubby when I was 17 on a blind date; My quirk is I cannot, refuse to eat leftovers or anything that is not sealed. If I open a chip bag, I only eat out of it once, when its first opened. Crazy huh? I have no idea what my deal is.
I love everything about your blog. I feel like I know you! In fact, when I score a great sale in my area on something, I think of you and for a brief second think that I should let you know about it, despite the fact we don’t even live in the same state!!
Random question: Do you ever get scared of putting your whole life on the internet for everyone to see? Or that you have creepers that read your blog? Can you tell I watch lifetime movies ?LOL
1) Valerie – married 4+ years – 20 month old and one on the way – SAHM/perpetual DIYer – we gave up the dog last year when he started growling at me and the baby…I don’t put up with that crap from an animal.
2) You’re on my RSS feed so I know when to check in…but I did slightly stalk when you were due with Will ’cause I love a good birth story.
3) Kissed 2, married the 2nd one. 🙂 And I have a little black cloud above me when it comes to tradesmen/contractors…I think they might be scared of me or something. They won’t call me back (upwards of 10 different contractors THIS YEAR) or won’t show up when they say they are going to. It’s gotten really weird since my money is just as green as the next person.
4) Home posts!!!!!! With occasional baby Will posts ’cause he’s so stinkin’ cute. The photography posts don’t grab me…though I do think it’s awesome you are using your talent and turning it into a business.
5) Random question: Are you planning a VBAC with your next munchkin?
1. Personal details – Hi! I’m Lyndsay and I am from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I am 25 years old and I work as a sales/marketing manager for a luxury wedding venue on the water. I am married to my wonderful hubby (1 year next month!) and we have two orange kitties, no children yet.
2. Reading details – i ready everyday!
3. Random details – I have not kissed many people, definitely can count on one hand :). As for a quirk, those I have! One, I can’t fall asleep without a comforter on top of me. not even a sheet works, it needs to be something fairly heavy, even in the summer.
4. Blog detail – your writing is what keeps me coming back everyday. you make me actually LOL and the way you write makes us all feel like close friends. LOVE!
5. Question – hmmmm…will Will have a bro or sis soon?? you have to get started on the football team!
1. I’m Jennifer, 36, architect in Charleston, SC. Married, no kids or pets yet.
2. I visit your site daily. Found you through Young House Love.
3. Seriously? Who are your readers, kissing 1 person? In their whole life? For real? I must be real lip-slutty. At least compared to everyone on here! Geez, I stopped counting in college (and I didn’t get married until I was 34). When I stopped counting I was well over what ANYONE on here has said. I feel really lip-slutty right now. My one quirk is that I am obsessed with HGTV. I am seriously addicted, can’t stop watching. It’s bad.
4. I love the home posts. My husband and I just renovated a home and I’m obsessed with all things decorating. Hence my weird quirk above.
5. How many people have you kissed? (please make me feel better about myself)
1. Janet, 6 months shy of *cringe* 30, online media buyer, midwest, no kids, cats or spouses
2. I’m generally a weekender but will visit during the week (like today). The petersiks blog brought me here originally.
3. I love watching the shopping channels and can watch for hours but I’ve never bought anything off of them…ever.
4. Home updates for sure. I love seeing the evolution of a room and the different phases that it goes through. It seems like you especially like giving updates when something’s not finished yet and I really like that as opposed to something like here is the beginning and several weeks or months later we see the end.
5. Might be too personal but do you have something in your life like the road not taken and wonder where you would be if you had? Like going to a different school or leaving the state for a job? Mine would be that after college I had the opportunity to go to CA for a job but I didn’t. I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I had.
Thanks for doing this. I love that you were interested in your readers to ask. 🙂
Hi, I’m Steph and I am 27 and I work as a Lab Technician in a hospital in Madison, WI (Where I get to see things like fingers cut off from a lawn mower and at least three boobs a day). No human kids yet, but I do have 2 dogs and a husband who sometimes smells like a dog.
I LOVE your blog, so I try to stop in everyday, but sometimes it’s more like 3 times a week. I’m alwasy very excited for new posts 🙂
I will plead the fifth on the kissing question….I went to college and partied a lot…and then met my husband who is a verrry good kisser. My quirk is that Amish people make me more excited than almost anything…I always bounce in my seat and wave to them like a 3 year-old. I always want to ask them questions, and maybe if I can come and spend the weekend sometime.
I love the home posts and anything Will related 🙂
Where did you work before staying home with Will? Where does Jeremy work?
1. I’m Katie. 28 years old. Married 7 years w/ 1 fat orange cat. No kids yet, but hopefully soon. Live in Kenosha, WI but work in IL in customer service.
2. I follow you through google reader – so, I guess that would be an everyday-er. Or as often as you post. 🙂
3. I’m sure I’ve kissed 20+ boys starting around age 6 (shhh…don’t tell my parents), but happy that the last boy I kissed at 18 yrs old is my hubby. As for quirks, I’ll admit to being a total house stalker. I love driving by houses at night that have no-shades-pulled and all lights on so I can see inside. Yep, definitely nosey. And I hate feet! That pedicure thing you did with Sherry? Nope, wouldn’t happen with me!
4. I love the home posts most – that’s the main reason I love blogland. 2nd favorite would be Bower awkwardness (I mean awesomeness). You make me laugh!
5. Name a few design ideas/colors/schemes that you would NEVER do in your house cuz it just ain’t your thing! Any of Sherry’s/John’s ideas? Hee hee.
1. Amy-35-mom/piano teacher-2 kids-married-no pets
2. every time there’s a new post–I’ve got you on google reader
3. hmmm…..1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Where does that put me on the lip-slut scale? Quirk–I like to have even amounts of food–if I’m eating doritos or M&Ms especially. left, right, left, right.
4. home post–before & afters, and random funniness
5. What actress do you think should play you in the movie of your life?
Hi Katie! I’m Sarah, 26, married without any kids yet..no pets, we live in Durham, NC. (Trying to sell our house, about to move closer to family…San Francisco, CA) I read daily, or whenever you post. I especially love your house decorating/re-painting project posts since your new house is so amazing and I love seeing how much cosmetic changes make a difference.
I don’t know if this is a quirk or not, but I would love to start my own blog, but don’t think I’d be interesting enough. So, I just stalk yours and others 🙂 and rarely even get up the guts to comment. I know…lame.
I think my favorite posts are home posts, though I love seeing little Will grow up. So precious!
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Long time reader- first time poster 🙂
I’m Libby, 20 years old from Australia, I work in administration, I have a wonderful boyfriend, no pets and no kids.
I visit every week-day, sometimes a few times a day to see if a new post is up.
Kissed only 2, met my bf when we were 16 and been together ever since. I don’t really have any quirks besides being obsessed with real estate and decorating, and I do mean obsessed my bf thinks I’m crazy.
I love all your posts. You’re so funny and honest I feel like you’re a friend rather than a stranger on the other side of the world.
Random question? Hmmm, how long till Will gets a little brother or sister?
1. My name is Julie and I work in the Admissions of a college in Northeast GA, My husband and I might be pregnant but it is too early to tell, I am anxiously waiting to find out! We have demon cat named Albus.
2. I read it every day
3. I have kissed one person, my husband! We just found out that we are moving to Turkey in 2 months! So I may be pregnant in a foreign country very soon. (!!!!)
4. I love the home posts and baby posts.
5. Favorite thing about your husband and vice versa.
1. My name is Allyn, sounds like Alan, but I swear I’m a girl. I just quit my job in hell, and am about to start as a receptionist for a new company. I live in Franklin, TN, which is just about the cutest town EVER. No kids. Engaged to a super hottie who cooks like a champ. The only pets are the bunnies who live in our back yard.
2. Your on my Reader, and one of the first ones I check!
3. I’ve kissed two guys. I’m weirdly picky like that. I start getting excited about my birthday months in advance, and squeal about it often (it’s SUNDAY!). Same with Christmas!
4. I love random Bower awkwardness. And picture of Will. Holy ovaries, Batman!
5. In honor of my upcoming lingerie shower, are you a lingerie person?
1. Hello! I’m Jamie. I’m a 23 year old grad student from Dunwoody, GA. Not married, but I have a great boyfriend.
2. I check your blog every day (sometimes even more than once a day if I am bored). I love reading your posts!
3. I didn’t have my first kiss until after I started college, but now I can’t even count up my total kiss count. My weird quirk? I hate chocolate! Makes it hard for my boyfriend to buy me valentines day candies 😉
4. I found your blog through YHL, so I have to say I love the home design posts the most. However, being from Atlanta, I always get excited when you post about places you shop and do around the city.
5. How many people have you kissed??
1. Nicole/25/married/no kids/1 puppy/teacher
2. Everyday! Your on my google reader, but I usually click through to your actual blog because its easier to see your photos.
3. Hmm… I’m not sure how many people I’ve kissed actually! Not that many though! I found my prince pretty quickly. And I have many random quirks, way too many to get into here!
4. I love all your posts. I started reading for the home posts, but I also love to hear about Will/daily life. I’m also breaking into photography, so I enjoy reading about your tips and tricks.
5. It seems like your not as motivated to decorate your new house as you were with your old. Do you see that changing in the near future? I would love to read more about your new house and how you decorate!
1) Hi my name is Laura and I live in Raleigh, NC with my wonderful husband and lab/hound mix Buckley. We have been married for close to 9 months and although we don’t have any kids yet, we would love to have some after my husband finished Divinity school.
2) Like many others I was turned on to you through a friend and added you immediately to my Google Reader, so I catch the new posts everyday at work.
3)Well, the most important one was my husband, but I will mention that I did go to college and was join a sorority… So we’ll leave it at that. My weird thing is that I love any kind of puzzle, jigsaw or crossword or sudoku… anything and I’m going to finish it. Also, I love looking at pictures of basset hounds running, I just sit there and giggle, I would watch that all day.
4) I love seeing pictures of Will, he reenforces the fact that I really want boys (just because I said that, I will birth only girls). He’s cute little-man-clothes just make me smile.
5) I’m sure this has been answered in the past, but what does your boyfriend do? He seems to work from home, and you have quite a nice home…. I wanna get my hubs into whatever he’s got going 🙂
Well, let me throw off the average age…
1. MAC 52 years, Administrator for a Hospital, Texas Married 32 years. ( still above the average age of most of your readers. )
2. I am a once a day, after dinner reader. It’s my reality TV.
3. I only remmeber one ( I am old) , quirk… I like to make up words.
4. I like the random awkwardness mostly. Pics of Will are great.
5. What time of the day, do you usually get our of your pj’s?
1. April.30.outside commercial sales of Tile.Raleigh, NC.no kids.married for 6 years.Nipper (cat) & Abbie (dog)
2.I check your blog daily, you really are my favorite and you inspired me to start my own blog!
3.hmmmm….I’ve kissed 7 people ?? Not too many, met my husband in high school 🙂
My weird quirk, I love baby goats! I squeal in delight everytime I see them. We have two places near our house that have them.
4.Love your home decor post the most & your humor!
5. What is your best recipe using bacon? 🙂
1. Mary/43/Married, a girl named Holly (nine) a boy named Will (seven) and a dog named Rumsfeld. I live in Alpharetta. I work at home as a proposal writer.
2. I visit a couple of times a week. I have about 10 blogs that I read when I am procrastinating or relaxing!
3. I was engaged to my husband 10 days after meeting him and wrote a dating book based on the experience.
4. I like the house stuff.
5. Bravo on three years! Blogging is a big commitment–I did it for 2 years and so admire people who stick with it. It’s a ton of work and time. And I can’t imagine how long it takes to upload all your beautiful photos.
Hi1 This is Lori. I am 48, married and live in Richmond, VA . I think I can speak for other Richmonders when I say to STOP trying to get Sherry and John to move. We want them to stay in Richmond for a long, long time! However, you and your family are more than welcome to move to Richmond! I have two teenagers and a cute Westie.
I follow you on Google Reader and I read the posts in my reader every day.
Not to sound lip-slutty, but I am pretty sure I have kissed a lot of guys in my life. Not bothering to count. However, have kissed only one man in the last 25 years, my sweet husband.
Quirks ?? Nothing comes to mind, probably because I have too many!
Love the home posts…and the Goodwill posts. Would like to see more how you organize things, papers, closets, pantry, etc. Esp love the “hi/lo” posts (not sure what they are called?)
Question: do you ever worry that readers will find out where you live and show up?
Keep up the good work!
1. April.30.outside commercial sales of Tile.Raleigh, NC.no kids.married for 6 years.Nipper (cat) & Abbie (dog)
2.I check your blog daily, you really are my favorite and you inspired me to start my own blog!
3.hmmmm….I’ve kissed 7 people ?? Not too many, met my husband in high school 🙂
My weird quirk, I love baby goats! I squeal in delight everytime I see them. We have two places near our house that have them.
4.Love your home decor post the most & your humor!
5. What is your best recipe using bacon? 🙂
1. Leah/24/married/1 sweet little 3.5 month boy/1 naughty puppy dog/part-time accountant
2. everyday…is it sad that your blog is the highlight of my workday?
3. i’ve kissed 6 people (what can i say…i married my highschool sweetheart)
4. i love your subtle/sarcastic jokes, pictures of will, your photography tips (starting to get back into photography)…heck i just love your blog 🙂
5. how do you choose a style for your house? i feel like i find different inspiration with every blog i find and can’t settle on one style. also, what does it take to make a house feel like a home? we’ve been in ours for almost 2 years and it still doesn’t feel like our “home”
1) Sarah. Twenty-something-ish-not-quite-thirty. Momma. Canada’s Capital City. Married. One sweet baby girl named Eloise.
2) Every day! I love your random, stream of consciousness posts, and I get a kick out of your puniness. Oh, and I totally had to google Jason Statham. He kinda looks like my husband.
3) Hmmm…1? There’s only 1 that really counts 😉 I hate buttons. I do not wear buttons. Ever. The metal kind on jeans are fine. The plastic kind with holes make me nauseous. Evidently this is an actual phobia. Random fact about random fact: My mother counted buttons as a summer job in university.
4) I love love love your photo posts, and I would jump at the chance to have you photograph my little one. I would be so greatly appreciative if you would post, or direct me to a post if one already exists, a super basic DSLR tutorial. Like super basic. Like what the heck an F-Stop is. And why my indoor pictures are always so grainy.
5) Having a little one is amazing, but it can also be super draining. How do you and Jeremy make time for one another?
1. For the sake of anyone out there (previous and current real-life stalkers) that might be Googling my name, let me just say my name is extremely unique and I’m really not kidding when I say that. So I am happy to go by my pseudonym, Urban Wife. I’m in my late 20s and my 8-5 gig involves pushing paper and listening to people. My husband of almost 3 years and I live in FL and don’t have children but do have 2 adorable cats that live at my parents house. I realize that doesn’t make sense but at least we pay child support (buy cat food and flea medicine) every month. Btw, I have a pretty dry sense of humor and sarcasm which is hard to convey online. Be fairly warned. 🙂
2. BP is on my reader and I’m kind of OCD about having unread items in there so I’m an everyday-er especially while I’m at work. Alt+tab, baby. Works like magic every time.
3. There have been numerous kisses but the only ones I remember are the ones from my husband. It’s great to have selective memory for certain things. A quirk about me is that I’m always biting my lower lip. No, I don’t think I’m Bella but my husband swears I’m going to bite my lip off by accident one day because I do it so much.
4. Love it all! I’ve been known to lol out loud at my desk when reading BP.
5. Have you ever had anyone in public recognize you because of BP and is it weird/kinda like being a celebrity/awesome? And a serious question…any tips on how to turn photography from a hobby to a biz?
Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us readers. 🙂
1. Heyo! Anne here, I live in the burbs outside of Detroit, MI (not scary as most people read/ hear about). I will be married 3 years in Sept. I’m 29 but almost 30 in a few weeks GULP!! I’m an art director for an ad agency, designing websites. We have 2 kitties George and Jojo AKA: Boose and Momo
2. I’m and everyday reader, sometime twice a day (office job 😉 ) Your site is bookmarked under Blogs N Such
3. Lets see I’ve kissed 5 whole boys… Blush kinda a late bloomer. As for quirks this is an odd one… I hate little kids singing. It’s not so much kids spring sing, thats just cute! It’s more the star search kinda forced singing. Think off key mini Christina Aguilera.
4. I really enjoy all of it. But mostly the photography and home stuff (oh and WILL so cute).
5. Whens the next little bower coming 🙂 ??
1. What’s up! I’m Stacy, a super busy stay at home mom who is never home : ) My girls, Quinn 7 and Reagan 5 keep me uber busy up here in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia! We have a C-RAZ-YYY boxer named Bo and a beta fish that we regularly forget to feed, sorry Lilly!
2. I hit you and your buds John and Sherry up everyday and may go through weekend with drawls. I just started reading you about a year ago so I go back and read older posts too!
3. hmmm, I was pretty quiet on the kissing front (less than 5) until my junior year in college when my sorority sisters dubbed me the kissing wh***! Yikes, I know. It was only kissing though, no funny business, my lips have been kissing them same boy since my senior year though, my wonderful hubby!
My quirk would be that I love to see cows run…like get super excited, clapping my hands and laughing with delight which makes my hubby laugh at me reminding him how much he loves me which may lead to a lip workout ; )
TMI??? Sorry!
4.I love it all. You are so whitty, I love to see your beautiful house and sweet pics, pretty much you rock!
5. Ok, for real…do you watch 16 and Pregnant? I’m weirdly addicted for a 30 something mom.
If you are ever in the mountain state of WV (and don’t think I’m a weird stalker, trust me I’m not), hit us up. I’ll tell you where the best bacon can be found!
Hi Katie!
I only recently started following your blog, i found your through the wonderful John & Sherry of YHL. Btw i’m so jealous that your are IRL BFF’s with them! hehe
My name is Hayely and im 22. I got married at the start of this year, and my husband and i are currently saving up to move out of the rented house we share with friends, and buy our own place.
We don’t have any babies yet, but we have a cutie little ginger cat named Ollie, he is our baby.
I live in Melbourne, Australia, and wish i could shop at some of the shops you have in the US, but really would never want to live anywhere else other than Oz.
I am currently trying to blog more, i am obsessed with blogs and with home blogs and with homes in general so i thought i would try my hand at it 🙂
Um how many people have i kissed… i did to a tally once when i was about 17 and i think it was at about 15 people lol but that is all before i met my now husband when i was 17. (im no floozy, i didnt even kiss anyone till i was 16! lol)
I have a lot of quirks, i have a thing for white ceramic owls, and i don’t like milk in my cereal, just to name a few.
I love that your blog is real life home stuff, so weather its your cutie pie Will or just some simple home improvements, i love seeing how real people make their homes their own.
I am also in love with your new stripped rug, i have a thing for stripes too 🙂
Now my question for you! Heheh
How did you make your blog so successful? (ie get the word out there about your blog)
Nice to ‘talk’ to you, i hope you’ll swing by and have a look at my little blog.
Hayley xo
Kristen/30/I work in the operations department of a Rural Electric Coop (Bringing power to the people baby! Literally.) I presently reside in a tiny town in northern Minnesota/I have been married for nearly 8 years/2 adorable little girls aged 5 and 2/no pets.
I visit everytime my google reader tells me there is something new.
I have kissed 2 guys. Quirks…I listen to podcasts at work and get crabby when I can’t, I cancelled our cable television because I thought it was too much of a time suck and now I read way to many blogs AND watch all my shows on hulu (go figure), I love fabric but only know how to make quilts with it.
I like everything you put on your blog, but I love when you blog about somewhat embarressing stuff and are totally open and honest about it. Like breastfeeding. I had a horrendous time with breastfeeding and loved that someone else could be honest about how NOT fun it can be and how downright PAINFUL it can be. And of course I love Will. He is so stinkin cute!
I absolutely despise groceiry shopping and meal planning. Got any good tips on how to keep it all organized and a little less time consuming?
1. Laura; 26 (omg, when did I get this old?); I work in marketing for local government; Newport News, VA; No kids and no husband; two cats, but I am not a cat lady
2. Your blog is on my Google Reader, how did I ever live without your hilarity? I picked you up from YHL’s link love in December. I look forward to your posts. 🙂
3. I’ve been a little kiss-alicious in my day. 🙂 I absolutely absolutely could eat yogurt for the rest of my life. I love Chobanis more than naturally possible and frozen yogurt is my favorite. You wanted quirky and that’s what you get. Yogurt. Noms.
4. I like that your blog IS a mix of all things Bower family. The projects, the photography, vacations and milestones … it’s wonderful because it’s YOU.
5. If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life – what would it be?
1. Kate/28/NJ/Married almost 3 years/hoping to adopt a greyhound soon! <3
2. Everyday- thanks to my handy dandy google reader (how did I not know about it until last month?!)
3. Seriously- only my husband. I had been kissed before that but never kissed back because I was really tainted by this book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" and it made me feel guitly. lol My quirk would have to be biting my bottom lip- its a habit I picked up from my grandpa and I just can't kick.
4. I LOVE your home posts- such an amazing house!
Not that you should stop reading this blog, but The Frugal Girl is great for recipes and groceries
Hello!
1) My name is Terri. I’m 34, married for almost two years, and no kiddos yet. We’ve got 3 cats: Sophie, Willy G, and Gus. I’m a bank teller and we live in the middle of no wheresville Ohio.
2)You guys are in my Google Reader so I stalk, I mean read every time you post!
3) Random details: I kissed a few boys in my day but I seem to have lost all memory of the exact number since I first kissed my husband. His kisses are powerful stuff. Let’s see, one quirk about me. I was the first female born on my fathers side of the family in almost 70 years. Riviting, I know but it’s all I got!
4)Home posts and Random Bower Awkwardness are my faves.
5)Random question: would you ever be willing to trade houses with John and Sherry for a week where you get to re-decorate a room in their house using only items already in the house and allow them to do the same to your house?
1. I’m Leanne – married for 2 years this July 4th, 10 weeks pregnant with our first, two cats, one dog, and I work in youth and young adult ministry in Texas.
2. I read every post! When I discovered Bower Power I went back and read all the old posts to catch up. I loved reading your pregnancy and baby posts. You’re on my reader now, so I get each new post on my desktop.
3. Gosh, I haven’t literally counted in years – maybe 10? Maybe this isn’t quirky, but I’m currently in a national commercial for the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure. That’s pretty cool.
4. Honesty, authenticity, and sarcasm. Those are my favorite things in life. 🙂
5. I don’t want to find out the sex of this baby because I want to be surprised. Everyone thinks I’m somewhat insane (although they are all nice and say things like, “Well, that’s interested…”) Yeah, I know it’s not the norm, but it’s what I want right now. If you could decorate a gender neutral nursery, how would you do that? Not too girly, not too busy, not too boy-y. I LOVE your style and LOVE Will’s (former) nursery. Id love to see what you’d do in a gender neutral situation.
1. caitlin- 25, a brand spanking new veterinarian, indiana, married, no kids, one wonderful dog i spoil daily
2. check the blog daily- can’t live without checking!
3. girls don’t kiss and tell! but i sure do kiss my dog a lot! my quirk? i only eat red and purple skittles and leave all the others for my husband
4. i love all your posts, but especially the home posts and updates on the new house
5. what hair products do you use? would love to know what you use daily and when you get all “fancied up”!
1. I’m Karen…32 years old. Graphic designer…but now stay at home mom for a little bit. I’m married for 7 years with 2 kids..and a large Weimaraner. I live in Canada…just outside of Toronto.
2. I stop by every 2 or 3 days…sometimes its longer. But when i do after a while..i read all the posts i’ve missed.
3. I’ve only kissed 2 people! well..one crazy in a night club grabbed me and kissed me (with tongue…GROSSSS!)
A weird quirk about me is whenever I get something new..i like to put it right beside my bed or on my nightstand and sleep with it…HAHA…i’m so weird!
4. I like your writing style the most…you are so funny! I like the random stuff…and who doesn’t love adorable baby/toddler posts?!
5. How do you stay motivated with the blog?
Hi!!! 🙂
1. I’m Chrissy. I’m 24. I’m married (to the hubster, Nate). I am a Kindergarten teacher. We have two fur-babies named Chloe (a 2 year old Jack Russel terrier) and Oliver (a 1 year old Shih Tzu)!
2. Girrrrllll, anytime Bower Power pops up on my feed/blogspot reader thang, I’m here.
3. Baha, I’ve kissed three boys. And I get REALLY excited about snow cone stands. And clearance racks.
4. Home posts definitely! We just bought our first home last summer, so I am CRAVINGGG inspiration. I pinned your old master bedroom on my Pinterest account because that wall of curtains was luscious.
5. How much bacon do you eat in a given week? 😉
1. Aimee/22/Marketing Coordinator/Married 1 year/Live in Sunny South Carolina/No kiddos at the moment but in the process of trying (the “baby dancing” is the best part! lol) 😀
2. I visit whenever my reader tells me you have a new post!
3. The kiss count comes to 5 (I think). Seems kinda low but now that I’m happily married I’m glad my lips haven’t been all over… hehe
You should know that I love baby animals and it isn’t uncommon for me to burst into tears watching Animal Planet’s “Growing Up _____ (Lion, tiger, bear, …)” oh my
4. Love all of the pictures, even though you mentioned they are pretty pesky to get onto the blog. Love seeing you make your new beautiful house into your home.
5. When are you and the boyfriend planning on another little one? Would you like a girl or boy?
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? Alisa/27/Assistant slash Grad student/TX/ no kids yet/ Married/ cutest little pup you ever did see named Wilma
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Every day!
3. too many! Whoops :/ And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I love making button holes with my sewing machine. And I count to make sure semis have all their wheels attached before passing them on the highway. I’m a weirdo
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts!!
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Are you always on time when you’re supposed to meet someone for something or are you always late?
Hello! My name is Joy, 26 years old, married for 6 years and a 20 month old daughter. I’m a stay at home mom!! We live in Gurnee, IL.
I check your blog everyday and read every post and I love it!! My favorite posts are home stuff and random awkwardness. I love how real you are and you’re super funny:) Random quirk: I’m really open and honest so nothing you say will ever offend me!!
Umm, total kisses? Two. Yep, just one other guy (in 6th grade) before my husband. Maybe this should be my random quirk:)
1. Katie, 24, Accountant, Indiana
No husband, no kids, no pets
2. Hourly…? We’ll go with twice a day. I like your posts, so sue me.
3. Two. Random fact: This is the first time I have ever commented on a blog. Ever.
4. I love your home posts. Your style and mine are very, very similar. Also, love the Goodwill posts. After reading about your Hooker book I started frequenting the Goodwill near me. Don’t you know, I’ve bought a lot of good/cheap/cute things there! So, thanks.
5. No questions.
1. Hi there 🙂 I pretty much never comment because I don’t want to clog your inbox with my mindless nonsense! But I’m Ashley…I just turned 27, married to husband who recently entered the Navy & we have no children – just a pup. We were born & raised in St. Louis, MO but will be relocating when we get my husband’s first orders. I taught Elementary school before getting my Master’s in Deaf Education.
2. I’m an every day-er, assuming you post that day.
3. A handful? I don’t recall, but not because I’m a lipslut! One quirk…I hate belly buttons. HATE. Anyone’s, everyone’s, pregnant ones, linty ones, the whole she-bang. (Not the Ricky Martin she-bang, though)
4. I love your candid honesty & hilarious random humor. I like reading about your every day like & seeing Will’s non-sideburned cuteness.
5. What’d you want to be when you grew up? And when will Will (that was two wills in a row, whoa) have a sibling?
🙂
Hi Bowers!
I’m Stephanie, 23, married to my very best friend – Rob – for a year a half! We just bought our first house 6 months ago and we’re working to make it a home. I work at a College and am a grad student studying for my Masters in Counseling. No kids – yet – but Lord willing, someday we will!
I’m a relatively new reader but let me tell you, every time a new post appears on my blogger reader, I’m here ASAP and read the post word for word! (I also may have spent part of my morning off this week reading old posts too!)
I have kissed one boy and I’m proud of it! He was my first kiss at 20 years old and I’m still kissing the same boy every night before bed!
I found your blog/started reading it for the home posts – I love your style and the way your home seems to ooze comfort. But, the more I read, the more I fell in love with your family too!
I have two questions. 1.) Do you like to eat anything on your bacon? I have a friend who eats cream cheese on bacon! 2.) What inspires you?
I’m Kati – age 22.5. I’m a graphic designer in Arkansas. Unmarried, no kids. However, I have a puppy named Ella who is like my child so I guess you can count that….
I visit every time you post something new. You are on my blogroll so it tells me when you update.
I have kissed waaaaay too many people to count but if I had to guess, I’d say 15. Does that make me skanky? And a quirk about me is that I hyperventaliate in airplanes. It’s a serious disorder – everyone looks at me so I avoid flying at all costs because I am usually mortified (after, of course, I get over the I’m-terrified-and-we’re-all-gonna-die phase).
My favorite thing about your blog is your writing. You are so funny! I wish my writing was more interesting. I also LOVE your pictures – I am thinking about taking up photography (seeing as I’m about halfway there, being a graphic designer). So I love hearing your tips because I feel like you are so inspirational!
Finally, one random question…hmmm, that’s a hard one. I guess it would be CAN WE PLEASE BE FRIENDS? I feel like I need someone awesome and funny like you in my life. If not, I guess I’ll just stick to reading your blog every day and pretending to know you.
🙂 Have a good one
Hi
1. I am Kat (Kathryn) and I am your third Australian reader from Sydney! I am 31 and work in marketing. Currently, engaged and getting married in March 2012 so it is the craziness of wedding planning and renovating our home. No kids – but we do have a furbaby (our dog who looks like Hairy McLary in the kids book) called Millie who we rescued from the Animal Welfare League. Needless to say she is very spoilt.
2. I read both your blog and YHL every day as it is good for renovation inspiration and problem solving. They are the only ones I am slightly addicted too.
3. I think I have kissed about 8 people. A strange quirk is I think chocolate tastes better at room temperature and in the morning before breakfast. Although, it tends to taste good all the time. I am also addicted to trashy tv shows too (Gossip Girl, Jersey Shore, Kardashians – you name it I will like it).
4. I like the home posts( before and afters are great) and random bower stuff (like when you show what your must have items are in terms of clothes for the upcoming season).
5. Where does your inspiration come from and how can you tell when a room is “done’?
Otherthan that – congrats on 3 years and love what you do.
WHO ARE YOU?
Lindsay
28 this month, but I simultanously feel both 13 and 60.
Kittery, Maine
No kids (yet, someday though)
Married for 4 years and together for 12 and very proud of it!
My chihuahua is my baby and a cat who’s usually a pain in the *ss
HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT?
About twice a week
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED?
Just my hubby, I’m apparently pretty old fashioned. I’m not quite sure how that happened.
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
Hmmm…. I find tall men (like my hubby) magnificent and I swear like a sailor. Very unladylike.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
I really enjoy the variety. I like how some weeks you’ll take lots of pics of the kiddo and the next you’re tackling a house project. My favs are when you keep it real and show how your rooms are still messy after moving. It reminds me I’m not the only one who can’t always keep up with chores and would rather go have fun than clean the tub. 🙂
IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION…
How often do you clean your house, like scrub and dust and scour? It’s my least favorite thing to do, but I wish everything was sparkling!
I’d definitely live in a hut in Tahiti. I’m totally that girl that wants to frolicking on a beach with little naked babies running around me.
Oh, and I live in Seattle!
Hi! I’m Bri, I’m 31 and a mechanical engineer in Oregon. I’ve been married for 3.5 years but we don’t have any kids yet. We’re quite happy with our fur kids for now, one german shepherd mix and a calico cat.
I have you in my google reader, but I have to click over to make sure the page doesn’t refresh before I’m done reading and I lose your post. So I visit pretty much every time you post something, I really like my daily dose of Bower Power!
I don’t know exactly how many boys I’ve kissed, 10 seems about right. One quirky thing about me is that I count stupid things constantly. I guess I just get bored easily and have to have something to do, no matter how inane!
I enjoy pretty much all your posts, but I love your home posts the most: painting, decorating, thrifting, landscaping, whatever. Love them all!
Did John and Jeremy get their Sprite shirts at the same time or did they (through some cosmic coincidence) both happen to wear them that day? 🙂 Ok, I’m pretty sure I know the answer, I just thought it was cute that they were wearing matching outfits.
1. I’m Alex, 25, Youth Director/soon to be stay at home mom, Chattanooga, married, babe on the way, no pets (unless i wanted to be in the ER every day… deathly allergic to cats and dogs!)
2. I used to visit a few times a week and now you’re in my google reader so I visit whenever I want to comment and about once a week to see the pretty site itself! But all your posts are read daily 🙂
3. I’m turning the question around. I married a man who never kissed anyone other than ME! what an answer to prayer. seriously, he’s the best person I’ve ever known and that’s only the icing on the cake. quirk? i have to make the bed every single day and will often make it when my husband’s in the bathroom so he can’t get back in bed. that’s mean, i know. but there’s just something about a made-up bed.
4. It’s so fun to see the way your family is growing and changing as well as hearing about all the fun projects around your house. Many of the things in my home are due to your blog! I like all the different kinds of posts.
5. How did it go memorizing James? I say don’t give up yet if you haven’t finished. It can take more than a year but is so worth it to have the Word stored up in your heart! Can’t you just picture Will saying it with you in a few years…. 🙂
Jer definitely has a healthy appreciation for what the blog is for me…an outlet, a release, a diary and a place for communication with friends and family. He is very cautious of the things I reveal…and I value that about him. He often tries to decorate and I shoot him down 🙂
I am Melanie 24 married for 2 years and I had to leave my home and family in Texas an move to Alberta Canada (talk about the crazy things we do for love huh?) 🙂 Do random painting furniture jobs. No kids but one yellow lab Maci!
Check your blog pretty much every day although its kinda cool to get behind and have tons of new posts to read… so maybe thats one of my quirks
Pretty sure I’m the only one on here thats only kissed one guy!! My current boyfriend!!
I talk and do weird stuff in my sleep to amuse my husband! The other night I was convinced someone had touched me in bed and was so scared I leapt out and was on the floor when I woke up anyway it was very real and very scary!
Love your sense of humor and sweet sweet Will makes me want to have kids! ( do not read this husband)
1. My name is Stephanie. I am almost 25, and I am currently a receptionist at an animal hospital. I just moved to a new house in Montgomery, Illinois with my husband Josh and our two cats, Oscar and Sadie. No kids yet…hopefully soon 🙂
2. I read everything you post! I just recently started reading a couple months ago, and literally went back and read all of your old posts for like a week straight til I got all caught up.
3. I can honestly say I’ve only kissed one person…my husband. Not very lip-slutty I guess! 🙂 One quirk about me…I like to imagine that inanimate objects have feelings. I’ve been known to walk up and scratch a wall because I think it might itch. Not even kidding.
4. My favorite thing about your blog is your hilarious writing!! I will sit here reading your blog and laughing hysterically out loud while my husband looks at me like I’ve definitely gone insane. I also like to see your creativity in DIYing and photography, and I love funny Will stories 🙂
5. Does your hubby ever think you share too much and feel uncomfortable with how much random people know about your lives?
All taglines are temporary…and I have a new header up my sleeve so stay tuned. And your velvet thing cracked me up 🙂
Hey, I’m Toniette, 26 and married for 3.5 years, stay at home mom to my adorable 10 month old son. Live in Ontario, Canada.
I was only visiting when YHL linked up, and I found myself reading through the archives frequently… so I added you to my reader yesterday 🙂
Only ever kissed my husband 😉
I like reading everything!
And I’m bad at random questions.
Hiya
1. My name is Dannielle (yep two n’s) and I am 28, married and live in Philadelphia but I am a southern born girl. I am a PhD student in Biomedical engineering (not as impressive as it sounds, but people are always impressed…blah). We have a super cute 6 year old dog. No kids, but trying like heck right now!
2. I read daily, your in my Google Reader and I am pretty sure I found your blog a few years back via YHL. I also use your backlog as a reference if I am looking to redo a side table, choose paint colors, etc. Sorry, you’re my interior designer without even knowing it!
3. Ok, here it is. I have kissed 2 boys my ENTIRE life, and the 2nd one married. **I will pause for the ohhhs and ahhhs which always make us gag** Yes, almost 4 years ago I married my high school sweet heart after 7 years of dating 🙂 We (you and me, not me and my husband) actually have the same wedding anniversary. I’ve only commented on your blog once and it was to say “we have the same anniversary”.
4. I love the home stuff…but now that you have Will, honestly i LOVE LOVE LOVE the kid related stuff. It’s like a portal into my future. I enjoy the photography but I will never have those skills.
5. Hmmm. Well, when is baby # 2 coming seems to private….so, how about “When is will going to get a puppy??” (tell him he can thank me later).
My name is Andi (short for Andrea), I am 30, live in Minnesota, married, no pets and our first baby (a girl, Maddie…short for Madeline) was born in February.
I read every day. Or as often as you post. I check my google reader multiple times a day!
More than 1, less than…um 15? I don’t remember my life before my wonderful hubby came along. Only his kisses matter! 🙂 A quirk is I am known to share too much information with people. If someone wants to know the answer to something awkward, they have me ask! 🙂
I love seeing the things you buy and refurbish. I don’t have the vision for that. And I love your writing style. You crack me up!
How did you and Sherry become best friends? And would you ever consider having a back-up BFF in Minnesota…you know, just in case! 🙂
I do not cook every night. Some nights are just fend-for-yourself nights. And some of my easy menu staples are spaghetti & sauce, chili, breakfast food and tacos. Muchos yummy.
1. I am Tina…good to meet you. I’m 27 and I live in land of 10,000 lakes, but more specificallly Minneapolis (a very cool city you should explore when you have the chance!) I got married last August but not kiddos yet! I’m a 1st grade teacher in a Minneapolis suburb and enjoy it for the most part….the summer vacations make me enjoy it even more!
2. I have your blog in my Google Reader so I see your posts new posts as soon as you have posted….I usually read every day, unless the 1st grade rascals don’t give me a moment to sit in silence and read….
3. You want random details?! Well I have actually only kissed 2 people….crazy, right?? Not because I’m a “I won’t kiss until I get married” kinda gal….mostly because I never really met anyone I really felt I connected with enough to go lip crazy….except the one random guy I dated (I didn’t feel crazy connections with him either….I just kissed him because) and my now husband! Also I cannot go through a day leaving our bed unmade. I usually wake my husband up earlier than he needs to be awake just so I can make the bed before work…cause it has to be made a certain way. If I don’t do this, I make it when I get home from work, even if that means its only a few hours before going to bed. It must be made!
4. I just love your realness. It’s just fun to follow you because you seem so down to earth, witty, and fun. You share real life….that’s what I like best about blogs…when I feel like I can somehow (on whatever level) relate. That’s why I’m a sucker for reality TV….no, I’m not like the Real World cast, but on some level, I feel like I connect because I’m just “living life” too….it’s weird, but true!
5. How do you have time to blog so many posts??
Thanks for asking about your readers….I love that….see realness again 🙂 Happy Blogiversary!!
Having a child is definitely a sacrifice. We are not able to just drop off the baby whenever we want…and so this mean that we have to be more creative with date night. Sometimes it’s the little things that make us enjoy time together…like sharing a bowl of icecream.
Definitely Goodwill.
Second place goes to yard sales.
Third is thrift stores in general.
Hmmm okay! Sounds fun:
I am Elz, short for Elizabeth. I hate the name Liz or Lizzie or Beth. I am 21, just graduated from uni and attempting to get a job while buying our first house with my hubbie. 🙂 I work as a Young Adult librarian at the local downtown library in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m not your typical public librarian. I dress cute and make the older women I work with try to as well ha. I have no kids, just my hubbie, Rob. My husband is actually English, I met him on a study abroad trip to the United Kingdom and I brought him back with me. We like to confuse the redneck workers at fast food restaurants by having him make the orders with his accent.
I read every time you post a new post via google reader either on my pc or nook.
This is a bit embarrassing, but I’ve only kissed 4 people ever! A quirk of mine is that I am terrified of cotton balls. Seriously the sound of squishing one between your fingers and the texture makes me gag.
I like anything you write. I enjoy your humor in every post! I prefer home decorating but I like to lol along to random Bower stories.
One question? How do you feel about people who put religion into their blogs? I like that you don’t do this by the by. 🙂
ALL the time.
We are even contemplating hiring out for the jobs that require height fear management 🙂
1. Brittany (my mom swears she made it up – she was going for something real original) . 24. Illinois (no not Chicago) . I’m a florist (well a mathematician florist – but thats a long story) . Zero offspring. Married 2 years (to John Petersik’s doppelganger) . Allergic to everything soft and snuggly.
2. Every day or every other day.
3. I ran out of fingers and toes to count on in high school, but by my senior year was dating my future husband (only I didn’t know that at the time) and he has only kissed one person -me. My quirk would be my love for math. Some people cross stich or sew to stay sane (i mean as a hobby) – I take math grad courses. Even though I love my creative job as a florist, math makes me feel more balanced and intellectually engaged. (p.s. i an also cross stitch and sew but do so out of crafting necessity not really for enjoyment – if that makes sense).
4. I like home posts & DIY.
5. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Hello. My name is Susana, I am in my early 40’s, location of residency right here where you called home Loganville, Georgia. Married with three kids and two four legged kids.
I usually visit blogs every day or every other day, except Saturday and Sunday.
Where I am from we kiss a lot to say hello, to say good buy, so as you put it I am a total lip-slutty.
I am very emotional as my kids call me ” a cry baby” sometimes of the oddest actions, situations or simpler things in every day life.
To tell you the truth at the very beginning, I started checking your web, because I saw Young House Love and it happened that one day they mention your blog on theirs and it seemed silly how similar were your blogs, just different locations. But now I see the similitude you guys being young couples funny and down to hearth.
I don’t have a particular question at the moment, just to tell you that I enjoy your blog and maybe who knows I will recognize you one day on my trips to our Kroger, Home Depot or Lowes, sorry I forgot you are an Ace hardware girl.
I’m not a fan of babies names over the crib. It strikes me as a joke…like the parent needs a reminder of who sleeps there or something…which is very possible with all that sleep deprivation!
Hello Bowers 🙂
1. I’m Rosa, and I live halfway around the world in the Philippines. I’m 34, single, no pets. I’m a lawyer and while I live in a country where having a live-in maid is pretty normal, I live alone, so I’m slowly learning how to deal with my career plus taking care of the house I grew up in all by myself. I’m slowly getting there.
2. I visit pretty much everyday — reading this blog is pretty much part of my morning routine, so imagine how disappointed I am when there’s new post. In the same manner, I’m pretty much bouncing on my seat when I see that there’s a new post (or two — those are good days when there’s more than one to read!)
3. I’ve kissed a lot … including cute babies and Johnny Depp’s picture when I was in the seventh grade. As for the quirk, would you consider intense google stalking a quirk? I’m actually very good at it 🙂
4. I pretty much like everything, especially the stories that go on and on and on. I guess I’m one of those who actually like the bazillions of pics and stories and random jokes thrown in for fun!
5. Will you consider homeschooling the littlest bower?
Happy anniversary! I totally enjoy your blog, and how honest you are about everything 🙂
We went to the pool today! But sometimes we set up the sprinkler, hit happy hour at Sonic or play in the creek 🙂
1. I’m Katie (good name, right?). I’m a 29 year old insurance claims adjuster (as exciting as it sounds – ok, not really) with a 3 year old daughter named Charlotte. My husband and I just bought our first single family home and we’re working on making it our own.
2. I’m a daily reader. Love the posts you’ve been cranking out as of late!
3. Guys kissed – 4. Including my husband. Weird thing – I have a strange fear of hot liquids. I’ll let hot tea or soup get lukewarm before I’ll drink it.
4. I’m a fan of everything you post, but since improving my photography is on my 30 Before Thirty list, I’m especially into your photography posts as of late. I’d also love to hear more about what kind of post processing you do.
5. If you could be living anywhere else, where would that be?
1. I’m Michelle from Iowa. I’m 29 (I always forget if I’m 28 or 29, getting old is hard). I’m a pharmacist who has a love/hate relationship with her job. Married. Mother to a 4 year old Wire Fox Terrier that I love like I gave birth to him.
2. Every other day to daily. Depends on how much free time I have.
3. I’ll tell you if you tell me. 😛 My quirk is that I have a bird phobia…working on it. They just freak me out with their pointy beaks.
4. I, honestly, like almost all of your posts. If I have to choose, I’d go with home stuff and photography lessons.
5. Question – Favorite Britney Spears song?
Oh, I live in Maryland, since I neglected to include that before.
1. Personal details – I am Jessica. I am 26. 2nd grade teacher. I live in Newport News, VA (about one hour from Richmond- my husband [the preacher] actually works in Richmond. We have no kids…but…umm…we’re trying this summer. whew. that’s the first time I’ve written that down. 2 cats.
2. Reading details – I sure am an everydayer. Jason Statham would’ve gotten me here even if I weren’t. holy hottness-yes, with two t’s.
3. Random details – Hmmm…how many people HAVE I kissed? 11 people? So maybe not super lip-slutty? Quirk. There are SO many to choose from…I’m really weird about making up the bed…so weird that I’d rather my husband just let me do it, but last time I was changing the sheets (admittedly, not recently enough) he stood in the doorway while I finished making them up and I shouted, “NO PRESSURE!” and he offered to stand in the bathroom and I said, “That would be great. Thanks.” Yup. That weird. I’m not psycho, but it was REALLY FUNNY if you were here. Also, I don’t like to drink iced drinks out of plastic cups. I like glasses. I also micro-manage at work so that my kids have “testing” pencils that I’ve now made them OCD about so they turn them in AS SOON AS they finish a test, even when I don’t ask to collect them. Love trainable children. Ok. Enough of my weirdness.
4. Blog detail – Um. I like reading you. That sounded so creepy. I apologize. I mean, like, reading what you say. I think it’s pretty hilarious. You kinda write like I find myself thinking…so the jokes really work for me…even when they don’t always work. That’s my favorite. I like the home stuff a lot too.
5. Question – My random question…what did Jeremy’s parents do to keep him from being a weird PK (Preacher’s Kid)? That’s literally my biggest concern about child-rearing in the near future…having weird PKs. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated- haha!
Thanks for the survey. It was like a 7th grade AOL Instant Messenger chain letter away message. Was I the only person obsessively chatting my friends whilst changing fonts/font colors/background colors seasonally? Maybe. That’s why I started a blog that I’m terrible at posting…but at least I like my background? 🙂
I don’t really have any!
I do love Avon’s lip gloss called Plump Pout and Clearasil’s creamy face wash. And I have a big round brush that I love…but other than that, I need help!
1. I’m Mary-Beth (usually just MB), SAHM although we are hardly at home, married to my very hot husband for 4.5 years. I’m 29, have a 1-year-old son named William Henry who is into EVERYthing, and we just lost our second child, a baby girl who died before she was born.
2. I check your blog every day when my little one is down for his morning nap (on the days he chooses to take one!).
3. Quirky habits: I save the Chic-fil-a Polynesian sauce and keep it on hand just in case zombies happen and I can’t get my sauce fix. I should really not share that fact with anyone.
4. I like all of the posts but prefer your Goodwill remixes and tablescapes and the family posts.
5. How often do you and Jeremy spend time with your family and with his family?
P.S. I am so touched by the things you write about Cole. I think your sister is a rockin’ single mom and she must be doing a fantastic job to have such a precious kiddo. Please tell Cole I think he is AWESOME!
1. Zanna. 30. Middle School Teacher. Recent transplant to I-Dee-Ho (all the way from Texas!) Married. Adopting from Ethiopia. Two dogs. Two chickens. And a horse.
2. I’m an everyday reader. Thanks to Google Reader! 🙂
3. I cannot (I repeat, CANNOT) drink a soda without burping. It drives my husband crazy, because you know most people who discovered such a sensitivity to carbonation would probably avoid the stuff when they are out to dinner with new friends or co-workers. THAT happens to be when I actually drink the stuff. And then I remember why I shouldn’t. Urp! Excuse me.
4. Love the random, quirky writing style. And definitely appreciate the picture-heavy posts on redecorating & renovating.
5. Don’t you think Will needs a puppy?! :o) Or a chicken? Or a horse?
No I haven’t but I think it’s an awesome idea!
I guess I still see it as a hobby and not much more. It definitely was weird to get recognized the first time…maybe that is when your hobby becomes more ‘real’!
Hi! I’m Jenn 21, job- full time student graduating in a few weeks, not looking forward to it. right now I live in Tallahassee, Florida but originally am from South Florida. Between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, O babies. No husbands. 1 yorkie named Elizabeth.
2. I visit every time you post and blogger updates about it. sometimes I visit more frequently, you know like when something has a deadline and i’d rather wait to complete said assignment until theres 5 minuets left to turn it in.
3. I feel very lip-sluttly. I’ve kissed a few more then 10 boys. maybe like 11, or 12. What can I say Tallahassee is a drinkin’ town with a football problem. quirk- I don’t watch alot of TV, I prefer to read, you know books, blogs, magazines. But when I do it’s the real good stuff… like Housewives of New Jersey. I love me some Teresa. Girl just has a way with words.
4. I love when you get all random Bower awkwardy, I laugh a lot, but I also really like Will posts. I like the babies.
5. Question- can I be part of you and Sherry’s BFF circle? Second question- why don’t you have any pets?
Maybe!
I have kissed 33 boys. LIP SLUT!
And definitely more kids…we say all the time that if it doesn’t happen biologically then we will adopt 🙂
It has long layers cut into it 🙂 Love the randomness.
We are gonna go nautical meets preppy meets toytown 🙂
Moving out there? Slim to none.
Visiting? Possible.
Backyard makeover? Sounds awesome!
And I am just like you – awkward about the first move 🙂
1. I’m Caroline, 21, living in NC in a long-term relationship.
2. I visit probably twice a week–I hit YHL and this blog as a pair 🙂
3. Probably 15? One weird quirk… I can’t dive! I’ve tried so many times in so many pools and everyone thinks they can teach me how, but it just doesn’t work. Random quirk but it was all I could think of.
4. Although I love pictures of Will and your photography in general, I would like to see more home stuff! I was legitimately excited when you moved and I’d love to know more about the day-to-day little improvements that happen. And before and after shots 🙂
5. How many people have YOU kissed? What would you change about your blog if you could? What would you name a baby tomorrow if you had one (boy or girl)??
1. My name is Susan Stevens. I’m 20, married, and don’t have any children (yet!) I’m a nursing student at Wichita State University in Kansas. We have 3 dogs 🙂
2. I usually drop by every day. It’s been awhile because we just bought a new house out in the country and finally (after almost 6 weeks) have internet again! But I’m all caught up and ready to read some more posts to brighten my day!
3. I have kissed two people….my husband is my high school sweetheart and first kiss, and I had one brief period of “stupidity” as I call it, right after starting college, and we were broken up for almost a month and I kissed one other boy…and still regret it 🙁 BUT we’ve moved on and couldn’t be happier! A quirky thing about me is that I feel connected to you….every now and then when I tell my husband about things on your blog, he has to ask, “Who’s Katie?” lol. I’m not a creeper though, I promise!
4. I’m horrible at finding things at goodwill, so how do you tell the difference between crap and a diamond in the ruff?
1. Amy — 36, mommy of the adorable 9 month old Betsy and two senior citizen terriers, teacher of middle school social studies, and wife of a bass fisherman/chemistry teacher.
2. I’m here several times a week — sometimes that work thing just gets in the way!
3. I’ve kissed 8 sets of lips. Quirk — I’m addicted to Chapstick. When I went to deliver my daughter, I brought four Chapsticks with me just in case I needed them. Yep, it’s that bad.
4. I love how real you are. You don’t pretend to be something that you’re not. You’re open and honest. 🙂
5. How do you manage to make your house look so fabulous while taking care of a very mobile 1 year old?????
Sometimes Jeremy worries about that…but for the most part we live out in the country, we have a beefy alarm system on the house, we own a gun and we are with Will 99.9% of the time…so for the most part, no.
Besides…I think that most people know that if they want to be crazy on me, I can be more crazy back. I’m Italian afterall 🙂
oops, 4. I love home and photography stuff the most 🙂
Thank you….. for asking people to write their quirks. I have been laughing for about 20 mins. The woman that gets excited about running cows? I love it. “I follow neon signs like fat kids follow ice cream trucks” ….. f*cking hillarious.
Oh, and I’m from the Chicago suburbs — forgot to mention that!
I eat cream cheese on bacon too. It’s seriously good. Listen to your friend, its worth trying. Something about the creaminess of the cream cheese and the salty bacon…delish!
Personal details – Elizabeth- 25, Omaha, NE. No kids, 2 dogs that are purebred mutts (seriously, our dog lucy has back legs that are 2 inches taller than her front legs…poor girl…she can run fast though, haha…so many years for unplanned doggie breeding). I work in HR by day and obsess over our house at night.
2. Reading details – Pretty much daily. I love your posts and I check in on my phone…I know I could have them delivered to me via email or reader, but I get weirdly excited when I log on and there is a new post for me to discover. 🙂
3. Random details – Hmm..no idea, maybe 10? I should count that up some day. Weird thing…hmm…I have a lot of them…I come from a long line of pickers. If there is something on sale, for free, in a dumpster, whatever, we have no shame, we’ll happily haul it away. My 86 year old uncle still stops to pick up things he finds on the side of the road. Bunch of weirdos we are.
4. Blog detail – Everything! You seem fairly random, which I look for in a blog 🙂
5. Question – Are you going to be able to read through all these?? there’s a lot of info!
Haha, a demon cat named Albus. That made me laugh for some reason.
1. Kyley, 27, Custom Picture Framer & Horse/Dog Trick Trainer, Pennsylvania, no kids, married almost 3 yrs to my high school sweetheart. I have a loveable Dachshund named Ammo, and two Chincoteague Ponies – Minnow & Boomerang.
2. I’ve got Bower Power in my google reader, so whenever you post I’m eventually here to read it. Usually 5-6 days a week.
3. 6! One of my weird quirks is that I have to leave a small piece/bite of food on my plate after a meal. It’s not that I’m full, it’s just that I have to leave it there – I’ll down a box of cookies right after though! ha.
4. I can’t pick a favorite, I love them all!
5. Humm, I guess my random question would be How come you don’t have any pets? Allergies? Or just not a puppy person? I must know! haha 🙂
1. My name is Meagan. I grew up in Marietta Ga but now live in Birmingham AL. I am 23. I work at a church in bham. single no kids no pets, but I want a dog soooo much, but I can’t afford one.
2. Most days..I check YHL and then click their link over here to check for updates. (and yes I read at work haha).
3. I have never kissed anyone. Thats right, I am 23 with virgin lips and dang proud of it 🙂 just haven’t found a good enough guy to kiss yet I guess…as for quirks well i have to shower at night, I cant sleep if I haven’t showered thats quirky right
4. I really love home posts, but random stuff is fun too. I mean, I looking forward to seeing Will get some sideburns haha.
5. Since you asked us…how many people have you kissed? haha
Kelsey, I’m 25 now, and I didn’t kiss anyone until I was 17 or 18. I’ve added a few more to the list since then, but I just wanted to give you a high five for having a good attitude about saving your kisses for memorable guys rather than randoms =)
Tracy/37/Registered Nurse/Montgomery, TX/3 kids/1 dog, 1 cat, 1 husband
I visit every time you post! My fav posts are your sweet baby boy and decor/diy stuff. Right now I’m really wanting to do pallet wood on the walls. I’m kinda obsessing over it.
Quirk, well…hmmm….I love lowes and home depot and John Deere. Nothing says, “I love you”better than a trip to HD/Lowes/tractor. Oh and I want Metallica played at my funeral. I guess that’s not quirky, that’s more oddity.
I admit I was very lip slutty. Now my husband benefits from it! At least I think he does.
Geez Louise people want to know when your next baby is coming! Will is stinking cute though, I can understand why people want to know. I would rather know what was your very first paying job, like with a real paycheck and taxes and stuff.
1. Shannon, 30. I work in the nonprofit sector in Michigan. Married, no kids, two crazy kitties.
2. I read probably twice a week if I’m on a normal schedule. Less lately because I’ve been traveling a bit.
3. I’ve kissed a lot of people. Oh Lord… my 20s. But things slowed way down the last few years. And a quirk? After several minutes of thinking, I came up with nothing. I’m always really bad at the “tell us something interesting about yourself” questions. Oh wait! Can that be my quirk?
4. Home posts are interesting, and your family is adorable. I just love that your silly and real.
5. Who’s your celebrity crush(es)?
Hi there! I’m Lexie, 33 3/4, married + full time sahm to almost 6 yr old b/g twins, and newly a part time operations manager for a real estate company. We live in the far NW burbs of Chicago and have 2 maltipoos.
You’re on my google reader so I visit whenever you post.
I’ve kissed 6ish people…random college boys at frat parties not included. Randomness about me-I have a TERRIBLE short term memory and detail (like, I’ve scrolled back up to the top at least 5 times cuz I keep forgetting the ?s) but I can remember the most useless random information about people and things from like 10 years ago.
(Excuse me while I head back up to the top)-Oh, I love love love your silly humor but I originally started following b/c of your design awesomeness and your affiliation with the Youngsters.
And now for the random question…hmm, what is your fav blog and why? Not very exciting? Okay, do you want to be super-famous? You’ve been on Nate-which is amazing-but do you, like, ever want to have your own HGTV show?
Sara/almost 25!/graduate student in English literature/married (almost one year!)/Momma to a Yorkie puppy named Wyatt/Hope to become a momma soon soon soon!
2. I visit every time you post! I read your site through Google Reader and leave comments sporadically.
3. I’ve kissed 5 guys in my entire life 🙂 oh, and a quirk about me: I think that horoscopes are a bunch of crud, but I secretly know that I am who I am because I’m a Scorpio!
4. Home posts are the bomb, especially when DIY ideas are offered! But your babe is such a cutie, too, so anytime I get to see pictures of your little one, I’m in 🙂
5. If I were to visit Georgia, what is one must-see city/landmark/restaurant/other that I can’t leave without hitting up?
I love your blog! 🙂
1. Personal details –
I’m Tara, age 33. I am a Special Education Teacher in a Behavioral Support Classroom for students in grades 4, 5 and 6. And on the side I officiate weddings! I live in the little state of Rhode Island with my long-term boyfriend and our 2 dogs and 2 cats. No kiddos yet, but hopefully within the next year (fingers crossed)!
2. Reading details –
I am checking up on your site on a daily basis. Seriously, I get pathetically giddy on my way home from work knowing that I am going to have some “Blog Time.”
3. Random details –
Yup, I admit it, I was once quite the lip-slutty girl. It is just so darn fun! Don’t judge. 🙂
A quirk about me is that marshmallows give me the creeps! If I see one or even think about them too long, I get chills and goosebumps. However, I can handle them if they are stale and covered in sugar (aka Peeps), are small and in cereal or melted in cocoa, or if they are charred to a crisp and squished between chocolate and graham crackers. Oh, and I have to spit down the drain after every shower – don’t know why, just do.
4. Blog detail –
I love how real you are! You tell it like it is and don’t apologize for being who you are. Plus you know how to add that right amount of humor and sarcasm to keep things light and interesting. As much as I am inspired by your DIY projects and home decor, I especially love when you blog about family. I too come from a close knit family with four kids (2 boys and 2 girls) and totally relate to your feelings on siblings and family love. Plus, we are huge bacon fans!!!
5. Question – If you could have any special talent or ability, what would it be and why?
PS – Thank you for introducing me to Pinterest…I am addicted and loving it!!! 🙂
1. My name is Cordia,34, born and raised in Nashville,TN now living in Buffalo,NY for 4 years. I have been married for 11 yrs, have two boys, 5 yrs and 18 months and a 13 yr old stepdaughter. I used to be a Recreational Therapist at a Psych hospital in Nashville and now am a SAHM. My father cowrote “Always On My Mind” (the Willie Nelson song) and many others. I have 3 cats and 1 cockapoo pup.
2. I look for new posts everyday! Love reading the blog.
3. I have probably kissed between 16-20 guys- borderline lip slut,lol!!!
4. I have quite a few weird quirks- I dont like to breathe through my mouth in the bathroom. Something I have done since I was little. Hey, the nose hairs help filter the air!
5. I like reading everything on the blog, from random family moments to the latest room updates and projects. Of course I like the DIY stuff and decorating- that’s what brought me here (well from YHL).
6. I too am jealous of the friendship between you and Sherry,lol! I wish I had a BFF. I’m kind of lonely up here in Buffalo. Question: Maybe you have told this story, but how did you and Sherry meet and your friendship come together??
Hello there! Happy blogiversary!
1 – Maryana,33 architect – Brazil. One daughter (7 months old), not married.
2 – I check on you and YHL every single day… It´s like calling a dear friend to check if they are doing fine (weird?)… First on you and after on YHL … There was a time a while back that you did not post for a long time… the blog abistinence was so severe that I caught myself reading on the box of a washing powder “bower power” instead of “power powder”…
3 – ? Not a clue…:)
4 – I like most of it … Brazilians are not big fans of the DIY planet so it is nice to watch you guys go for it with your own hands… But its also very nice to watch Will grow, watch your skills as a photographer develop…as I said it is like checking on a friend…without having to talk… just listen! 🙂
5 – Who takes care of baby Will when you are working as a photographer ??? I am always thinking about that… I guess it´s because I have a hard time combining my clients with my baby girl…
1. Erika, 26, SAHM, NE Ohio, 4 kids-3 boys (5, 4, 7mos.) 1 girl (3yrs), M to wonderful husband, NO PETS!
2. About 1-2X a week
3. 2 people! Teenage boyfriend-just a quick goodnight kiss (1), and my husband…crazy huh? Quirk: I am a procrastinating perfectionist, I get so stuck in wanting everything perfect, which is unattainable, that I put EVERYTHING off until JUST before it crumbles….seriously I
4. I feel your blog is very relatable–full of grumbles, giggles, decorating, unique
1. Bonnie, age 45, Accounting Specialist, Rural town outside of St. Louis, MO, 2 teenagers, wonderful husband and one dog! Whew…
2. I visit about every time you post but rarely comment. Always feel like you have so many comments to read. Oh, I do like Jason…
3. Random details??? Real kisses or just friendly pecks???? lol I’m getting too old to remember anyone but my husband and since he is all that matters, that is my answer! ONE
Quirk? Well I thought it was a quirk until HGTV made a commercial about it. I make the hubby drive me around subdivisions at night so I can see their decorating styles!
4. I have a DIY blog so your DIY stuff grabs me first and I have learned a lot about photography from you. However, I need to practice what I have learned!
5. What is your favorite music????
I don’t see how you are going to get through all these but I give you high 5 for trying! Keep up the great work. You were one of the first blogs I started following when I learned about this world out here almost two years ago!
1. Rebecca – I was raised as a lady, so I won’t tell you my age, but I will tell you what I’ll tell my kids… I’m older than the moon and younger than the sun. I live in Colorado. I am a domestic goddess with one husband (for 27 years) and 8 children (through birth and foster/adoption), 2 are married, and one has kidnapped by grandchild with hiswife and had the nerve to move to North Dakota. My kids range from 5 to 25. Because I am really into chaos / stimulation / cleaning / whatever we also have 5 dogs….
2. I visit ever day and have for as long as this blog has been up. I have to say, though, that it took me about a year to figure out that you were really married. I’ve never heard a husband refered to a boyfriend, although I have heard explicatives such as animal names, words that can’t be found in dictionaries, and words that refer the mothers-in-laws…. so this is much better, I think.
3. I have only kissed three people in my life – I was raised to save yourself for your husband… sorry, that shows you that I’m beyond an antique, now, doesn’t it? My quirk? I’m from Roswell, New Mexico and I hate it when people say “Do you BELIEVE in aliens?” because the Roswell event happened on my uncle’s land, and I KNOW that it was a weather balloon, and I believe in God. I usually fly off the handle and my kids end up getting the same lecture, over and over, about how people who “believe” in aliens have a false religion, blah, blah, blah, until their eyes roll up in their heads, and steam blows out their ears… whew, I’ll get off that soap box, I’ve got so many I can stand on!
4. I have loved your decorating – you don’t fly off of common sense and decorate like a Turkish gypsy. I also love the Wills stories since I miss my grandchild so very much. I very much like watching you fix up your new home since we closed on our new home on the 22nd of February (my birthday.) Consider doing more of these stories.
5. My question? I’ll ask what your mother would ask…. when are you going to have another baby?
I try to schedule the majority of shoots during hours when Will is napping (he’s a long napper!) or Jeremy can watch him. There was one time that my mom watched him though 🙂
xo – kb
GRRR..can you add my question? It is this: totally not judgemental, just curious:
Why do you, as a Christian, think Halloween, horror, gore, etc. is okay? I was always taught that that fear is not of God—so stay away from it.
1. My name is Katie. I’m 22 and an Interior Designer. I’m married to the love of my life and we hope to have kids someday. We live in Abilene, TX. With our black lab puppy named Wrigley.
2. Everyday reader!
3. A girl doesn’t kiss and tell.
I have too many quirks…like sketching everything.
4. Love the blog, every single post. I’m almost done reading all the old archived posts!
5. Katie B, I know you must get like a million requests a day, but will you be my BFF?
I would be able to breakdance. Like spinning on my head breaking. It would be awesome.
The aquarium is pretty darn cool…but so is Stone Mountain. And I would definitely say to eat at The Varsity. Let’s just say that it is a cultural experience for both your eyes, ears, and your arteries 🙂
I’m Lonna, 27, wife to my hubby, and mommy to 3 little boys (3,2,2.5 months)! I live in a small town out of Portland, oregon, no pets!
Read daily for the last few years! I feel so weird saying that, kind of like a stalker, but I’m totally not I promise!
Boys I’ve kissed =6. Boys I’ve kissed since I was 14=1, I married him;). Middle school were my kissing slut days. Other random, I’m always afraid of being acused of shoplifting even though I’ve never stole a single thing, but still I’m afraid.
I like reading it all. I like when you share about your home schooling, something we plan to do with our kids. And I like that you joke about it, my husband and I were public school kids but our best friends were home schooled and we love to give them a hard time!
Hum, question….gosh I don’t know…did you know that potty training royally sucks big time? Yeah it does. All that poop in your tub, plan in it being in under wear always and the toilet NEVER! Or maybe I’m just the lucky one. And they said that cloth diapering was supposed to help them train earlier… He’s 3.5 people! Ahhhhh! Ok done with the most random rant ever.
1. Carly… 28..Just graduated graduate school in School Counseling, still looking for a job. Canton, MS… Baby girl 5 weeks old… married with 2 dogs 1 cat
2. You are in my google reader. I check it about 1000 times a day. I read same day unless I’m asleep.
3. I’ve kissed approximately 10-15 people…. Quirk= I love fireworks and Christmas lights and zoos.
4. I love it all! For real, I’m not just saying that.
5. No questions.
1. I’m Laura, 28, married, no kids. We live in West Sacramento, CA. 3 fur babies, Duchess teh cat, Duke the dog (not on purpose) & Baron the dot (totally on purpose. We decided to keep the royal theme). I work from home in logistics for a chemical company. totally boring, but it’s flexible, which is good because we move every 3-ish years for the military (my hub’s job)
2. I subscribe on Google Reader. You come up as one of my top 10 blogs whenever you post something new
3. no idea how many people I’ve kissed, but not more than 20 I’d think. I’m the opposite of commitment phobic, always with the long term things before I got married (& that’s gonna be long term too 🙂 )
I love demolition derbies & monster truck rallies. I love the people watching & smashing cars & noise. so fun!
4. I like the house stuff, and the random awkwardness. Always entertaining!
5. What is pickleball? You keep saying you have a pickleball court, but I’ve never heard of it.
My favorite blog is YHL. I also love Under the Sycamore, Enjoying the Small Things, and all the ones in my blogroll 🙂
I do not want to be famous. Absolutely not. I like my life as is…
My dad has lived in Atlanta for 22 years and I’ve never been to The Varsity….
Hmmm…I like Kate Beckinsale. oh you mean guys?
I guess that internet phenom….Jeremy Bower 🙂
McDonalds. I was 12 🙂
33. I wish I could say the same as you though 🙂 I certainly am not proud of all the kisses.
Jeremy is allergic to cats…and we just never got a puppy because we didn’t have a safe area for them to play. I definitely want one though when we have more kids. I want that whole christmas morning moving box experience 🙂
Yup. That is alot of info…alot of delicious info 🙂
It’s not that fabulous yet…and there are plenty of nap times that I scurry about 🙂
1. Hi! I am Kelly. Age 29, Sahm, Ohio, 1 kiddo- age 2 1/2, Married to my high school sweetheart:) 2 dogs, 1 cat.
2. Reading details – I read whenever I see a new post from you in my blog list. Almost everyday.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Oh boy. I honestly can’t remember. It is less than 5, maybe 3? And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I used to be a dental assistant and I have to have clean teeth. I floss at least once a day and I sometimes brush up to 4 times a day, lol. Can’t forget flouride before bed too:)
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST? You are funny and make me laugh. I love your DIY projects, before and afters, your decor style, and what you bought or what you love posts. I wish you did more video blogs!
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. What books are you reading or do you plan on reading this summer? We are going on a road trip next month and would love a good recommendation. I am currently reading one thousand gifts and the ministry of motherhood.
I actually did an old post on this info! Here’s the link.
Thirty & three. Slutty McSlutterson.
And I would change the blog to have more archived projects…better organization.
I would name them Bella…or Leo or Judah.
Yes. and it just happened that way…we definitely want one though!
Yes…and yes…and no 🙂
We see my family at least once a week. Sometimes it is closer to three times a week.
And we see Jer’s fam when they come down (like every other month or so) and when we go up (about four to five times a year). Definitely not as much as we would like 🙁
I think that one is for Jer. I will say this…Jer’s folks are divorced and it really shaped a lot of who he is. I think sometimes it is hard on him to talk about it in general. And I think that if you asked him, he would say that weird kids come from weird parents 🙂
Lucky 🙂
On the water 🙂
Absolutely! It is definitely in our schooling radar…although I probably wouldn’t do it all the way through 🙂
Alissa – 30ish Colorado secretary! No hubs, no kids, no pets (unless you count the random bugs that I find in my bathtub each morning).
I visit almost daily. For some reason, my computer frequently doesn’t like to connect to your site – like it doesn’t load – and then I get grumpy and pout.
Call me a die-hard romantic, but I’ve never kissed anyone; I want to save that first smack for post-engagement. If that’s not quirky enough for ya, how about the fact that I cannot have the TV volume on a prime number? Don’t ask me why, it just bugs me…
I love your bacon-lovin’ sense of humor, Katie. Whether you’re talking about painting or your boyfriend or your munchkin, I just love reading what you write and it makes me smile. That, and you keep things real. Love ya for that! 🙂
What’s something you’re NOT afraid of, even if the stereotype is that many people are?
Will.
That was the easiest question all day 🙂
Colleen, 36 years old, married and 4 kids, stay @ home mom!!! Live in Minneapolis, MN. 1 cat Big B is her name.
Everyday reader!!! I love your posts about your home improvement/decorating!!!!!! Thank you for all the great ideas!!!
Biggest quirk?? Obsessed with garage sales I’m all about letting others pay full retail while I then buy their great stuff for 50 cents!! I have a hard time sleeping the night before a big sale!!!!
Question: Have you felt overwhelmed since you moved into your new home? I was wondering since I thought you would be doing more decorating on your dream home.
I think it’s fine. It’s their blog…and that’s their space to talk about what’s on their mind. And I have touched on religious topics in the past…but I am also of the mentality that people don’t care what you know until they know that you care…it’s hard to have that kind of relationship online. In my everyday life, I do talk about it. It’s a very important part of me.
I don’t have the time. I do it whenever Will is napping and after he goes to bed. And sometimes I do cheat and approve comments during playtime. Bad mommy!
I used to worry about it and kinda feel like a loser, but now I know when it finally happens its going to be pretty dang special (although I will note that I am not waiting to kiss at the alter, I don’t think I’m up for first kiss in front of a crowd haha, it will happen before then, but I would love it if I only ever kiss one person.)
ps I love your blog and think it is really great that you are willing to put yourself out there for anyone to see into your life. I think you are so brave to do that, and I love it. I feel like I have gotten to know you, and Sherry too. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
We met through the blogs and if you paid close enough attention to the comments you would see the friendship begin. Then it became emails and phone calls…then the first visit and the rest is history!
And yes. Officially consider yourself a backup 🙂
Cassie – 28, MN – married with no children, Social Worker
Google reader – so everyday if you post 🙂
Not sure?
Love the before and after decorating shots, party ideas and themes, paint, etc. – and that you call your hubby your boyfriend. Too cute!
Tell us more about your faith life and spirituality…
I think we are definitely going to wait till he’s old enough to understand “PICK IT UP WITH THE BAGGIE!” 🙂
Hi, I’m Amanda Banda. Yes, that’s my real, legal name. I am 22, born and raised in Spartanburg, SC where I currently work at Lowe’s Home Improvement. I have been putting up with my boyfriend for 3 years and 4 months. No kids or pets, just an adorable nephew that I love to pieces..beyond belief!
I have been reading everyday for a week, so far. It was a dream come true when I found the link to your blog via YHL (which I am also amazed by!)! Considering my boyfriend and I just purchased our first home and I love your sense of style and interesting (but awesome) personality…I will be glued to your blog everyday. Sounds kind of creepy, I know.
I have kissed a grand total of seven people in my wonderful 22 years of life. Even thinking about some of them make me cringe! Anyway, my quirk would be that I am obssessed with my handwriting. Anytime I write something and I don’t like how it looks, which is way too often, I will rewrite it no matter what it is. From a note to myself to a message to my boss. I am insane!
I love everything about BP! No lie, I am stalking your archives because I can’t stop reading! I’m a little sad that I’m just now discovering your blog!
What is your guilty pleasure(s)?
Yup. He gets to censor the blog every once in a while 🙂
1. My name is Adri, I’m 23, living in Sacramento, CA but originally from out in the country (about an hour from where I live right and man, do I miss it! But moving for school was a necessity). I’m a student assistant at a state agency and this fall I’ll start as a graduate student in English composition. My eventual goal is to teach at community college. No kids (though on occasion I have been known to refer to my 4 younger siblings as “my kids,” haha!), single, and no pets.
2. I’m subscribed to your blog via Google Reader so I read almost every post.
3. I’ve never kissed anyone (on the lips at any rate, which I assume is what you mean). Still haven’t met a man worthy of receiving my first kiss 🙂 I have many random quirks but one is that I get very excited about the use of language! Whenever I hear someone use a word or phrase that is new to me or being used in a new way, I’m always tempted to stop them and ask about it (sometimes I do if the person is a close friend, but more often I simply look it up on the internet or file it way to ask my linguistics professor about at a later date).
4. The home posts are my favorite because they’re what brought me here, but I also enjoy the other things 🙂
5. What is your favorite novel and why is it your favorite?
Crazy coincidence. Both came down that morning with them. It was awkward and hilarious.
I got the first chapter down before giving up. I do want to do it one day…but it might take me my whole life.
I really appreciate the insight…and certainly don’t want to pry in on yo bf’s business! But I do thank you. My parents are divorced and I have all kinds of crazy from that…not the kind that requires drugs (yet?- haha) but definitely the kind that makes my poor Pastor have a Bethenny-Jason (do you watch Bethenny Ever After? maybe THAT should’ve been my question) moment where I’m saying, “I DON’T WANT TO BE THE CRAZY ONE FOREVER!” hahahaha.
Thanks again! 🙂 When I come visit my sister in (near-Atlanta)GA, don’t be surprised if I email you and ask you to lunch! The insight into your life makes us all feel like we live on your doorstep! 🙂
Deena/36/Married/Alberta, Canada/SAHM/1-3yo daughter (I sent you the picture of her standing in our fridge) 2 cats and 1 dog
I subscribe to you in Google Reader so I read every single post. You are in my top 5 fav blogs.
I’m not sure how many boys I’ve kissed, too many to count unfortunately! My biggest quirk would be that I am able to pick up anything with my toes.
What do I love about you? Hmmm… EVERYTHING! I love the house posts, I love the Will posts, I love your smile-it always makes me smile, and the fact that you love bacon AND Jason Statham, but just so you know, if I get him first I’m not sharing!
1. My name is Katrina, I’m 26, I’m married and a stay at home mom to two sweet little girls (ages 3 and 8 months). We live in the Seattle area and no pets!
2. I read your blog and the young house love blog everyday while I’m feeding my baby. 🙂 I actually started reading your blog when I first had my baby, since I was spending so much time sitting and nursing. It was so great to have something to read while I was just sitting there, or awake at 3am with the baby, and I’ve been obsessed ever since!
3. I actually have only kissed one person in my life, and that’s my husband! In highschool I didn’t want to just date to date, I wanted to wait until God brought me the one He had for me. And He did! Hmm..one quirk, that’s hard cause I have a lot, but I like to cook, but meal planning stresses me out and I get all crazy about it. Sometimes we’ll go a week and I’ll find other excuses of why we should go out to eat, or just have popcorn and cereal for dinner. 🙂
4. I really like all your posts. I love reading about the home stuff, and the photography posts are awesome too cause I’ve been really getting into that myself, and even the personal stuff is fun too. I guess as a stay at home mom, it’s nice to read about other people going through the same thing.
5. I can’t think of anything that I want to ask you, so here’s a random one; whats your all time favorite movie?
1. Michelle/26/Arkansas, a.k.a. the Dirty South/Married for 3 months, woot woot!/Retail Store Manager for my dad’s small chain/1 pet, Miss B, she’s my baby since we don’t have kids and will be 5 years old this year! Whew, time flies!
2. Every day! Love your writing style (you use lots of !! and crack my bootie up!) and design style!
3. The kissing thing…okay, shamefully around 50–ish **runs and hides behind sofa** I had WAY too much fun in college, haha! As far as quirks go, I have a “thing” for sweets. My hubby makes fun of me because I would take ice cream over steak any day! I used to get in trouble for not finishing my dinner and being gung-ho when dessert came around! Yep, I said it…gung-ho! 🙂
4. I love your home posts (obviously, I’m interested in your design style) and awkward “real” posts. I love when I realize people are PEOPLE. Human. We all make mistakes and none of us wake up with our hair perfectly styled and our homes in perfect order.
5. Favorite cocktail? Favorite date-night activity…okay, not THAT…like movies, dinner, etc.?
hilarious! I totally did that with my first baby, but couldn’t with the second. I made myself be a little more creative.
1. Amanda/31/stay-at-home mom/Orange Park, FL/2 yr. old son/married for 9 years/no pets
2. I love your blog and visit at least once a day, sometimes multiple times to see if you have posted anything else.
3. How many people have I kissed? I guess 4, but I wish I hadn’t kissed anybody except my husband. In hindsight, kisses are just too special to give to just anybody!
I’m not so sure there is anything quirking about me. Maybe you should ask my husband.
4. I love, love, love your blog! You crack me up! I love your randomness and your sense of humor. I feel like you are one of my nearest and dearest friends, and I keep my husband caught up on what Katie is doing. Recently we were in Atlanta, and I even told my husband that it was possible to run into in IKEA. I would have been so excited to see you. You are my own personal DIY celebrity! I love your posts about Will and your family. I also have a little boy, and your posts about Will remind me of my little monkey. I also love your house posts. I can’t believe what you are able to do with so little money!
5. You have mentioned in the past about working with your church youth group. My husband is a youth pastor, so I’m curious if you are still involved with the youth and in what way?
1. Shyala.24. Advertising copywriter. Colombo, Sri Lanka that’s right I’m oceans away ☺. No kids. Engaged. Doggie.
2. Almost everyday.
3. We’re generally conservative people, so I’m gonna skip this one ☺
I’m secretly a tomboy.
4. Love the kids photography. I have a nephew and a Canon Rebel so trying to get as many cute pics as possible before he grows up. Also I love the home posts because my Dad’s an interior designer so I like all things pretty.
5. Would you ever visit Sri Lanka?
Q: WHO ARE YOU?
A: I’m April, a 26-year-old former missionary kid who is now living in her host country (Japan) as an adult with her husband and soon-to-be-born baby boy (due August 3)! My husband works at an international school as an IT guy, and I work part-time in the cafeteria by running the register. Trying to find a little more income though… online job? Photography business? Not sure yet. As for pets, sadly, our apartment forbids them (and even if it didn’t, I’d want a cat but my husband is allergic, so we’d probably still be sans pets).
Q: HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT?
A: You’re on my Google Reader, which I check several times a day. So, I’m definitely an every day-er. There are a lot of blogs I really like, but my favorites are yours, YHL, and Chez Larsson. House Tweaking is inching up there, though. But I get the most excited when yours or YHL’s blog updates. I just love how your personalities shine through what you write.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED?
A: Two—a boy in my class during middle school and the man who became my husband. I wasn’t very popular with boys until I reached college (not like I had a makeover so I’m not sure what changed), and during my freshman year my at-first-friend-then-boyfriend and I became attached at the hip, and married a week after graduation, 3.5 years later.
Q: WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
A: I am nutso about punctuation. I know I’m crazy obsessive so I’ve managed to tone myself down in public, but in doing this survey I couldn’t help but notice you use two spaces after every period. Sorry, but that’s a faux pas! Two spaces were the norm back in typewriter days. But in this age of computers where they automatically give a little extra space to a space-after-a-period, just one space needs to be typed. (Disclaimer: No matter how anal I get about punctuation, I’m not perfect. Case in point, I use waaaaay too many commas on a regular basis and have to go back to delete a bunch after.)
Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
A: I really like your home posts… they’re my absolute, hands-down favorites, and why I added you to my reader in the first place. I *love* seeing you transform your space, especially if it’s a cheap or clever (outside the box) update. Gives me hope about my own home. And I like the random that’s-so-Katie posts because I like your personality. Also, the occasional baby gear posts (like about your cloth diapers, etc.) are appreciated, too. I understand wanting to respect privacy, but I wish I knew a little more about your family—more about Jeremy (we know a lot about Will, ha ha), your parents, his parents, your other family members, etc.
Q: IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER.
A: Kind of detailed, but… I live in a furnished apartment. I’m allowed to replace stuff, but it would be out of pocket and we can’t afford to purchase furniture we won’t be able to keep. So, I live with what we’ve got. However, none of it is my style. And the worst problem isn’t their look anyway—it’s that they aren’t scaled to the space (too big for our tiny apartment, so it’s hard to rearrange the layout). What’s the best way to deal with this? We don’t have a lot of furniture, it’s just all very big, so if I take pieces out we’ll run out places to sit, etc. Maybe this is too difficult to answer without photos. Oh well.
1. My name is Chloe Eloise, i’m 22, currently looking for full time graphic design job while working at a book store and i’m currently living in Toronto, Ontario!
2. I visit everyday! I got your link from Sherry’s blog and fell in love with yours as well!
3. I have kissed 5 or 6 (haha) people. My weird quirk is that I secretly wish I was the next Mrs.Duggar. I just want a bazillion kids but know that it’s a crazy idea but for some reason I’m set on having my own army.
4. I think you’re hilarious, I love your humour and pics of your cute little Will. Also I love, obviously, the decorating posts with some awesome DIY tips.
5. If you could live in any other country then the US where would it be & why?
I’m so sorry for the loss of your little girl. 🙁
1. Betty (ok, that’s just my nickname). 29, Speech-language pathologist, Spokane, WA (the state!), Married, no kids yet, and one giant dog named Dudley.
2. I read every time a post is in my google reader!
3. Hmmm….I’ve kissed 8 people. And my one quirk would be that I only like to eat 1/2 a banana at a time. So I always slice the banana in half and hope that my husband will eat the other half.
4. I like your home and random posts the best….your sense of humor always makes me laugh!
5. How much time do you spend blogging and/or looking at other blogs?
1. Paul/26/The Netherlands /Just a aquarium as pets/ No kids and not married (yet)
2. Every day visitor, since i bought a house was looking for ideas to make it feel like home (instead of a vacation apartment). Then i found YHL and your blog, been visiting them both every day since then.
3. You can count the number with one hand.
4. The home posts, just as a source for inspiration.
5. No questions, just keep blogging 🙂
1. My name is Kristen, I live near Seattle, Washington and I’m 26 (almost 27 – eek!). I’m married with no kids but 1 super cute kitty named Sookie. I’m a buyer in the aerospace industry.
2. Everyday. Sometimes more than once a day because I like to re-read your posts or show my hubby something I liked.
3. Hmm, I’m too lazy to count all my past kissing mates but I’m guessing around 20. I’ll share two quirks – I have a scar on my finger that makes my fingertip look like a butt crack. And I can’t deal with eye drops. Ever see the Friends episode where Rachel has to be tackled so they can give her eye drops?! That’s me.
4. Home posts, home posts, HOME POSTS!! I love your style so I get really excited about the home posts. But I also love all the random Bower posts.
5. Hmm, what’s the silliest thing you’ve ever convinced your boyfriend to do?
1.My names Georgia, I’m 23 (24 next month eek) live with my fiance who is going to be husband on the 30th september in vegas baby!!! I live in the uk in a flat (apartment) with our 2 dogs diesel and vincent… Totally named after vin diesel lol
I work for enterprise rent a. Car and I do photography in my spare time.
2. I read the blog everytime it pops onto my RS reader on my blackberry. I’m a geek like that.. Or I come on for ideas for photography, or home diy etc
3.Hmm I’m lacking in this dept. I have kissed 3 people technically 2 don’t count, as 1 was when I was about 10 and we did it as a dare (yuk) and 2 I was so drunk and only 15 in a club…
But my fiance is the main man!
My quirks.. I’m more quirky than normal. I buy mc donalds cheese burgers and take the burger out and fill the bun with french fries… And I’m vegetarian. I only like cheese grated, I don’t like to drink milk unless I have a hangover, I don’t like water in my eyes, I still sleep with a blanket thing…. I’m not ashamed of it either as its snuggly! Oh and I’m scared of the dark ( bet u cudnt see that one coming after the blanket comment haha)
4. I love all kinds of posts, except – giveaways that are not applicable for people who DON’T live in the usa 🙁 booo. I love will posts, home posts, jeremy posts, your updating ur wardrobe posts, love a bit of fashion!
5. Do you realise how lucky you are, would you change anything in your life right now?? ( Amazing husband, son, HOUSE that’s totally a mansion lol, family, blog friends, health etc )
Jessica/26/PA-C/Okie… from muskogee (not really, but it rhymes)/single…blahblah
e’erday
well practice makes perfect…right??…i can’t close the door orf a car until its starts, even if I’m the backseat passenger…can we say weirdo!
home post with lots of katie hilariousness in them!
would you vote for sarah palin?
1. Kristin. 38. IT Specialist. Gold Coast, Qld, Australia. 1 son, 3 yrs. Married 9 years. No pets yet (except the geckos that live here!)
2. Every day. I subscribe, but sometimes I come to check as well just in case feedburner hasn’t delivered it yet 🙂
3. I am a toootal lip slut… but you gotta kiss a lot of frogs to get your prince! My quirk (more of a secret really) is that every morn my husband makes me a cup of tea while I lie in bed, and then I take about 3 sips and pour it down the sink when he’s not looking… I just ask him to do it so I get the extra 5 mins in bed while he makes it!!! Lol…
4. Love home stuff. Before and afters. Great writing style, so funny. Random posts and family stuff.
5. I started reading the comments but just got overwhelmed with the sheer amount and all the questions you already have there to answer, so I’m letting you off the hook 🙂
1. Ali, 26, ESL teacher/Master’s student, Seoul, South Korea (from US), single, 1 adopted pup I got when I first came to Korea 4 years ago
2. 3x per week… found your blog through Young House Love
3. I don’t know how many people I’ve kissed, to be honest. haha Too many? I dunno. A weird quirk? Um… I have to do things in a certain order (in the shower, preparing for bed, etc), same order of actions everyday.
4. I like the home posts.
5. No questions right now. 🙂
Hiya
1. Corinne/28/Married for four years with a sweet baby girl (who I can hear has just woken up, better go get her) for the last 10 months/SAHM/Dog.
2. Every day.
3. Just 2! Boyfriend at 18 then 21 (he was the keeper)/ I’m obsessed with pallets, everywhere I see them on the side of the road I’m like oooooh oooooh oooooh that would so make a great….(insert random piece of furniture)
4. Home stuff and family stuff.
5. Think you have enough questions.
1. Marlene- I’m 28, Göteborg, Sweden. Studying towards a high school teacher degree in french, living with my boyfriend of six years, waiting for the proposal, no kids yet and I prefer snuggling with other peoples pets rather than having my own.
2. I visit your blog every day, gotta have some lovely distractions from schoolwork! I love you sense of humor, your always make me smile! (And also, my heart skipped a beat upon reading the name Jason Statham, I’ve got a “mild” crush on him!)
3. My lip-sluttines has resulted in me kissing 15-20 guys, how did that happen!?
Random fun fact: I’m obsessed with stocking up the pantry with useful goods; schampoo, flour, anything really, only to get really stressed out by the sheer amount of stuff and then I try really hard to use it all up and I won’t rest until my cabinets are near empty again. By that time I get the urge again to fill everything back up…
4. I like all your blog posts, my favorites are the interior design related and all the things you build and redo. You how-to-series have taught me a lot, every time a create a vignette I think of your posts. Also I love the photography tips you give, the random family posts, you crack me up!
5. No question from me, only I ask you to keep up the good writing and to keep taking amazing photos! Please never stop blogging!
1. Hi, I’m Lisa! I’m turning 28 next month and I have a home in CA with my boyfriend of 9 years. Even though we’ve been waiting on actually getting hitched, I still consider myself an old married lady. We don’t have any kids yet (but I’m sort of going baby crazy since my best friend just had her first), but we have a sweet Beagle furbaby named Rocky.
2. I read your blog everyday! I first started reading because of YHL, but then I became a totally addicted lurker. I’ve been checking in everyday for about 4 months now.
3. I’ve kissed 5 people. That may be pretty low, but I am lucky that it only took four people before I found my hunky man. One quirk about me is that I am a food masochist. I love spicy food! The hotter the better. If it makes me feel like my tongue is on fire, then it may be my new favorite food.
4. The thing I love most about your blog is your honesty and refreshing sense of humor. It doesn’t matter what your post is about; it is sure to amuse me no matter what. That being said, I love seeing your home improvements and anything related to your family. Your expression of love and appreciation of your family inspires me to love and appreciate what I have.
5. What do you hope people learn/take away from reading your blog? Did you/do you ever feel fear of judgment or misunderstanding?
1. Tina, 14 and quite clearly, not married and no kids.
2. Every other day
3. Hum..I have to have my closet doors shut at all times…a little OCD I would say ahaha and I have a strange adiction to Iced Tea.
4. Your posts about your thrift finds, and posts about Will.
5. I don’t really have any questions, but do comments count 😉 ? If they do, then I love your blog and you are so funny!!
1. I am a 26 year old biologist in the DC metro area, and mom to two boxers with a real baby on the way! Married to my sweetheart for almost four years 🙂
2. I read through Google Reader, so I read what you post on the day you post it. That probably turns out to be most days 🙂
3. Whew, I dunno. Maybe 15?I dated 6-7 of them seriously and the others must have been feelers 😉 My quirk is that I enjoy cleaning and keeping a tidy house. Most people don’t believe our house is always put together, but it is.
4. I like a mix. As a “soon to be” mom, the cloth diaper posts and tips on toys and stuff are interesting reads. I originally (many years ago) came for the home posts, but I do like the mix. I would say I especially love your makeovers and showing the process of room updates.
5. I can’t think of anything right now…
Hey Katie!
1. I’m Beth, 31, married in Baltimore with 1 kid – Sarah (16mons.) and 1 on the way!
2. I get your posts daily in my email and read nearly all of them. I have to go to your actual blog for the pictures because for some reason the pictures don’t make it in the email. 🙂
3. I don’t really know how many people I’ve kissed — could be around 30! 🙂
Quirk… hum… this is pretty funny but my husband and I are practically nudists in our house. We sleep naked, and generally walk around naked a lot. We’re trying to figure out exactly when we have to start where clothes around the kids — but I think it’s coming very soon!
4. Posts I like are generally the house posts — I really like your style a lot. I really like the striped rug you just got for your family room . 🙂 In general all the posts I can relate to because we are in the same stage of life. 🙂
5. Have the negative comments stopped or at least calmed down? It made me so sad when you were going through that.
I’ll chime in..I’m in Listowel
1. I’m Alison and 30 years old. I’m a first grade teacher and 11 school days from changing my career to full time stay at home mom. I live outside of Boston with my three-year-old son and husband. We’ve been married for just about 6 years. We have 3 cats and 1 dog. It’s quite a full house.
2. Reading details- I follow you through google reader and read the blog every time you post. Sometimes during lunch at school or those 3am mornings when you just can’t sleep.
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? I lost count. Since married only 1.
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
I care way too much what people think about me. Because of that I’m a bit surprised that I started blogging.
4. I adore your sense of humor in your writing. It keeps me reading and you always know the perfect time to throw it in. I started reading blogs to help decorate my home (I’m clueless) and over time have become really into other mom bloggers so I do enjoy your posts about family.
5. Question –
Are you and Sherry up for adding a new friend? Do you know how many readers would love to join you two? You could totally do a Paris Hilton style BFF contest. -And for the record I only watched one episode of that “reality show.”
1. Sarah/24/Analyst at a government consulting corporation/Married to an Army doctor/Kids? Not yet…kinda need the husband to come back from Afghanistan for that one… Moved into our first home a year ago and have spent this deployment up to my ears in paint, caulk, and sawdust.
2. Whenever I happen to check google reader and see a new post.
3. Just one, my husband, but I’ve kissed him a LOT :-). Quirk? I like decorating and remodelling my home, but anytime we’re out hiking and camping I dream about surviving out in the woods full time: “I could build a shelter there and run a trap line there, and oh look, there’s a patch of blackberries over there…” At least we can get out in the wilderness on weekends.
4. Probably the home posts since we’re working on our own, but I like that you mix it up.
5. Someone already asked the home schooling question, so I’ll go with: Any favorite books?
1. Sarah/26/Health Scientist at CDC in ATL, but live in Douglasville/Married/No kids, but 2 dogs
2. I check every day or so for updates…..I think I found you from the Young House Love crew. And I want to insert my opinion that Clara and Will are the cutest couple around…..seriously….way better than Brangelina 😛
3. I think I’ve kissed only 2 people in this world….my husband and a boyfriend in middle school (cause that counts, right? LOL)….I never really dated in high school…I was too busy loathing the experience….and then I met my hubs right before freshman year of college started. And as for my quirk, let’s see. I’m a bit of an overzealous planner…..like if something is going to be happening in months, I’ll start figuring out logistics WAY too early. For example, we have a trip planned to Seattle at the end of August, and I’ve already made my hubs go into the attic and pull down my backpack so I could measure it and make sure I can carry it on and avoid the airline luggage fee….I’ve bought groupons for things to do while there, baseball tickets to see the Mariners, booked our hotel about a month ago, and our flights too. I like to not leave things till the last minute, but I sometimes think I annoy my husband with my desire to do things so far in advance. 🙂
4. The main reason I check out the blog is to see your home stuff. Especially now with the new house and all the “fixing” you are doing on the cheap (or cheap as possible). I need the ideas. We’ve been in our home for 2 years and I’m still not pleased with it….mostly because I can’t decide on paint colors so everything is still beige. However, I thoroughly enjoy the Will pics, and your random Bower awkwardness…..it makes you seem more like me!
5. Hmmm….I’m not sure I have a question…..oh wait, maybe I do (and perhaps this is answered on this blog somewhere): How did you and Sherri from YHL meet/find each other? Was it just internet luck that you found their blog or vice versa, or is there some magical place where you all find BFF love, like online dating but for super awesome blog ladies to find friends doing the same thing? 🙂
Thanks for sharing your life with us! I know I enjoy being a lurker and observing it all from a safe distance.
1. Hi! I’m Liz. I’m 30 years old and live about 20 minutes south of Boston. My fiance and I just bought our first house together to share with our 8 month old son, James. We got engaged January 2010 and then found out I had a bun in the oven about a month later. Whoops. We’re busy with our little man and getting settled in our new house – maybe a fun, casual wedding next year – or whenever we have a free weekend.
2. Jason Statham = delicious. I visit your blog everyday and often reference old posts when looking for answers to decor questions or photography tips. (I just got a new Canon T3 and am working through all the functions.) I have your subscription in google reader and get too excited when I see that a new post is available. Yeh, my 9-5 is brutally boring.
3. How many people have I kissed? Eeek. I lost count after 6th grade. So, I guess I’m a major lip slut. Personally, I don’t have any weird quirks but everyone else has tons of them.
4. I love every topic you share – home stuff, photography, randomness, etc.! Keep ’em coming. I appreciate your humor and honesty – and how you aren’t prissy and stuffy like a lot of other blogs out there. (I also love your comment replies – especially to the not-so-positive comments people leave!)
5. I know everyone loves sharing their personal finance info so…how much loot do you make off your blog? If that’s a little much, how much time do you dedicate to blogging each day/week?
1. Ashley/32/stay at home mom but a CPA in my previous life/ New Jersey/one 6 mo old baby girl/Married/no pets
2. I visit whenever a new post shows up in my google reader. I usually read all posts through google reader, but I did click through to your actual blog occasionally
3. I’ve only kissed 9 boys and that includes my husband. 3 of those were REALLY good kissers.
My quirk is that I’m scared of dogs – all dogs big and small. I am convinced that one day a dog is going to come up and bite my achilles tendon. It’s totally irrational, I know, and I often joke that I want to walk around wearing soccer shinguards backwards to protect myself from this inevitable bite.
4. My favorite posts are the home decorating posts and the Bower awkwardness. You always have great ideas for decorating, and the awkwardness is just plain funny.
1. Céline, 31 years old, psychomotor therapist, Paris (France), engaged, no kids, one cat
2. Every day through Google Reader
3. 13.
One of my quirks? I actually wrote down the names of the boys I’ve kissed to remember them all (I have been kissing the same one for the past 10 years) and… on that list one of the entries is: “cuban boy” … I don’t seem to remember his name, maybe it’s just that I didn’t like kissing him much
Another quirk? I’ve been engaged for 2 years now and I still refer to my guy as my sweetheart or my love, I don’t like the word fiancé… not sure I’ll be such a fan of the word husband. So I like that you refer to your guy as your boyfriend.
4. Home posts (I discovered your blog through Young House Love) and the awkwardness 🙂
Thanks for the laughs and the home decorating ideas
Happy Blogiversary Katie!
1) Deb, 32, Enviro Scientist, Perth Western Australia, no kids, 9 years defacto (hate that word), 1 spoilt cat.
2) read a couple of times a week. I save them up and then gobble a few posts up at once.
3) 6. Fireworks make me instantly happy, even on tv.
4) I like the home posts but your awkward/awesome-ness is the reason I love the whole thing
5) No questions, just love what you feel like sharing with me and my laptop (all the way across the globe)
1. Sarah L/35 (Yikes!)/IT professional/Saint Paul, MN/No/Married/1 cat named Cooper
2. I have BP on my Google Reader which I check constantly throughout the day (big benefit of being in IT is being on the computer a lot)
3. Excluding nephew, parents and pets, that number would be 1. My lips are apparently very chaste. I too love the auto auctions for the people watching more than anything else. We go a couple of times a year and I pack a lunch and everything. Yeah, I’m cool like that. Of course, the last time we went to a car auction, the only thing we left with was a pair of vintage his and hers Schwinn bikes. It was the glittery red hand grips that really did it for me.
4. I’m a big fan of the home posts and can’t wait to see how Will’s bedroom turns out and what you do for lamps in the living room (why are there no floor outlets?).
5. Umm . . . What is your daily skin care and make up regimen? Because, seriously? You look great!
1/ My name is Jessica. I am 27 and work at an ad agency in Columbus, Ohio. No kids, no hubs, just a BF and my cute little dog Tobie.
2/ I check up on you 1-2x a day through the week and refer to you and your family by your first names (like were all BFFs) to my co-worker who also checks up on you 1-2x a day.
3/ Shamefully I have lost count. It’s probably around 40 or so. Whoa mama! Quirk: I love me some awkwardness. Awkward boys, awkward moments, awkward randomness. It makes me laugh. And I LOVE to laugh.
4/ I like that you are so real. (and the random bower awkwardness, DUH!)
5/What is the most random/awkward comment/request you have ever received on your blog. One that just really sticks out in your mind…
Diane/36–but in my head I am totally 22!/Editor/Pennsylvania
Married, one little boy who walks a fine line between awesomeness and terrible two year old!
2. I visit when my google reader says there is something new to read.
3. I don’t know how many I have kissed, I do know though that I kissed a lot of “frogs” before I found my husband!
Quirk…well there are lots of them. I eat my M&Ms in order by color (red, blue, orange, brown, yellow, green.) I don’t know why I do it, I just do.
4. I love the home posts and also the randomness, your kid is a cutie! I love that you are down to Earth and relate-able. I admire your “can do” spirit!
5. How do you get so much done with a little one around and how do you keep him from messing with your decor?
Amy-33-Pittsburgh, PA-Teacher (4th Grade)
Married to a Financial Advisor-Stephen (waiting for him to make the big bucks!)
Have two girls- too close together (31 months old and 7 months) LOVE the fact I had two girls, hopefully they will be best friends.
1 dog- Lola the golden retriever. LOVE her!
EVERYDAY- I check multiple times aday, just in case you post twice.
I kissed too many to count. LOL…
My one quirk is I get bored very easily.. my mind is always wondering.
I like everything…. but I would love to see more cooking posts….. more organization ideas… and every once in a while a religious post would be awesome!
What do you get jealous about??? I get jealous that you get to be friends with Sherry and vice versa….. I live in Steeler nation and always think if you are in town, and not too weirded out, we could meet somewhere near Heinz Field!
1) My name is Lindsey. I am 29 years old, live on the outskirts of Memphis in the country and I am a stay at home to 3 of the most wonderful children. I am married to the most wonderful man and we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in April 2012.
2) I am an everyday reader who reads every post and talk about them to my husband, friends, and sister-in-law (who told me about your lovely blog).
3) I have kissed one and only one person and of course that would be my husband.
4) I love your whole blog whatever the post may be……but if I must chose I guess it would be your home posts. They give me tons of inspiration!
5) Can’t think of a question for you!
Hiya! I’m Wendy, I’m 30 (ahh!) and live in Mid Michigan. I have 3 kids, a shih-tzu/pom mix, and a super super boyfriend. I’m an office manager which means I sit behind a computer all day and read blogs 😀 I mean, I WORK. Yeah, work.
You’re going to think I’m psycho. I have you in my Reader but if I see you’ve posted, I click over to the blog. I need the full monte. And sometimes -because you make me laugh so much- I just type your website in to see if there’s an update. I think that means I’m lazy. Or a stalker. Whatev. You and YHL are my faves!
I don’t kiss and tell 😉 Weird quirk…ummm, I’m sort of addicted to spreadsheets. And post-it notes. And lists OMG am I ever addicted to lists. Is there a support group for this? Side note: my super super boyfriend buys cars at auctions and fixes them and sells them. Maybe we should be bffs. What, I sound psycho again?
I like the home stuff and the random stuff. Photo stuff intrigues me but I don’t have a clue what it all means 😀
Random question….I got nothing. It’s too early.
1. Hi! I’m Julia. I’m 28, married and have 2 kiddos (3 1/2 and almost 2) We live in St. Paul MN but I’m from Georgia (one of the reasons I like your blog!)
2. I suppose I’m an every once in a while, it depends on how busy I am with above mentioned family members!
3. No comment! 🙂
4. Probably the home renovation stuff….
5. Question – Sorry too early!
1. Personal details – Karen, early 30s, live nearby outside of Atlanta. Married with no kids of my own, but a wonderful stepdaughter. 1 dog, 1 cat.
2. Reading details – I subscribe via Google reader, and I read everyday.
3. Random details – Kissed a bunch of boys. I’m not sure I have a weird quirk, I’m boring like that.
4. Blog detail – Love the home posts. Love your home and love seeing how you transform it on the cheap.
5. Question – Can I come hang out with you? (Said in the least stalkerish way possible.) 🙂
1. Laura. 26. Communications. The Great Mitten State. No kids, but we have one dog who is, for all practical purposes, a child. Married.
2. I check everyday and usually relay the new info to my hubby…I’m still trying to decide if he appreciates it or not.
3. Less than 5 people have touched these lips. However if we’re including elderly great aunts and uncles (who always aim right for the lips for some reason), then that number is much higher.
I will give you a quirk of my husband because it recently came up and I find it funny (and annoying): when putting back on outlet covers after recently painting, he informed me that the screw had to be positioned so the indentation line was perfectly horizontal. Apparently he’s made sure all the outlet/light covers in our house are like this. Sometimes I just have to smile and nod with him…
4. I enjoy the house stuff the best, followed closely by adorable Will shots. Can’t wait to see how your deck turns out, as we just power washed and stained ours last week. I’m still picking out splinters.
5. I’ll go super generic with my question and ask what your favorite movie is?
1. Mary, 26, Boston, Research Assistant, No Kids, No Marriage, No Pets
2. I look for posts everyday. There was also that one Friday night that I didn’t feel well so I went through a bunch of your archives.
3. Kissed: .5 (Yeah….) Quirk: Just one? Really? Hmm… I think that organizing (and then reorganizing in some cases) is relaxing. I love organizing things. Unrelated: I can’t wait for the day that I can paint the walls in my living space (stupid renting apartments).
4. What do I like: I love your descriptions of how you decorate/arrange your space to work for your family (e.g. including a play table for Will). I also like reading about the Random Bowerness. The renovations/redecorations/before-and-after are also fun. Basically: things with pictures.
5. Question: What was your favorite class in college? What’s your favorite book?
1. Kristen/accountant/26/Austin,Texas/married/one boy who is 17 months old/2 crazy dogs!
2. I visit multiple times per day, just in case you post more than once. 🙂
3. I love everything about your blog, which is why I visit so often. Of course, I love hearing about Will, since I have a little guy close in age.
I am Sherri. 40. I do IT for a major public University. I live in GA, have 2 kids 1boy/1girl. I am more happily married now, after 13 years, than I was in the 5-7 year range. I have a bin of worms for vermiculture. They are definitely pets.
I subscribe via GoogleReader so when you publish, I read it. Usually same day since GR is embedded in my iGoogle page so it’s always in front of me.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? More than 15, less than 50.
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I don’t like to have my feet touched.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts
I might add, what I DON’T like to see is your negative comments about your body. You have a lovely shape and appear fit enough to chase a busy toddler. If your hypothetical future daughter talked about her body the way you have, you would call her crazy so don’t do it yourself.
1. Hello! I’m Misty, nice to meet you 🙂 I am 31, married (4 years), my job is NOT a professional blogger (sad), I have a chihuahua named Mya, no kids, and I live in a small town just outside Kansas City.
2. I’m an everyday reader, although on particulary slow days at work I check in more than once…just in case you were feeling extra energetic and wanted to post more than once. You never know…and sometimes I get lucky!
3. I’ve kissed 3 people. Yep, that’s it. I got lucky and found my husband on the third try.
I can sing the alphabet backwards (or just say it backwards really fast if speed impresses you more). Why? Because I decided that I needed a cool “talent” one day and so I sat down and memorized the alphabet backwards.
4. I like it all, but if I was forced to put them in order it would be: home post, random Bower stuff, photography. Your home is beautiful and I can’t wait see how it evolves over time! I love your sense of humor most of all though – and the kind/funny way you tell people to (politely) keep their opinions to themselves. (yes I know I shouldn’t put my baby on a tractor, but we’re rebels like that!)
5. Any chance you want to make a visit to the midwest and redo a room in my house? You name the room and I’ll let you fix it up! I’ll help, you just have to provide the design knowledge. Or if you’re really up to it the outside of my house (deck, landscaping, choosing a paint color…) could use a little Bower touch as well!
Happy Blogiversary!!!
1 – Katie, 36, Durham, NC, CPA, married, 2-kids (girl and boy), no pets (yet)
2 – Probably at least 4 times a week. These kids and the job seem to get in the way of my blog reading…geez!
3 – kisses…i lost count…i was keeping track of other things and that WAS under control 🙂
4 – I love the decorating posts!
5 – Two questions: 1 – What does Jeremy do for a living? 2 – Has anyone told you that you look like Britney Spears? ok a brunette, Britney Spears living a healthier lifestyle but still. I actually met you when you were pregnant and that’s when I first noticed it. Not pregnant, the similarity is not as pronounced somehow, but it’s still there for me.
1. Kelly/26/Fundraiser/Kennesaw, GA/No kids yet/Married/ No pets
2. I am a google reader fan, so when you update I visit!
3. no idea, but the best kiss is my hubby! I love post it notes, they make me smile
4. I love the home posts, it’s my favorite part
5. Are you all going to get a pet?
1. I’m Leann Andrews, 28 years old, living in Salta, Argentina. We are missionaries with the southern baptists (although we’re from New Mexico so the”deep south” is still kind of new to us). We have two kiddos- Parker Douglas-4 and London Kate- 1 1/2. Parker recently got a baby turtle as a gift.He’s small and requires little to no attention. I mean, I already clean up enough poop from my kids, I don’t need to add a big pet into the mix!
2. I’ll be glad to get this off my chest- I’M A DAILY READER- Whew! I said it! No, but really, I subscribed on yahoo reader so it pops up telling me when there’s some new fun stuff written. And Jason Statham, when will he take a roll in a romcom? Could he do it??
3. I don’t know how many I’ve kissed…maybe in the 20’s? In the last 7 years, only 1, my husband. He’s happy with that answer!
One quirk about me- I am obsessed with “Friends”. I think I’ve watched the whole series through at least 10 times!
4. I love the home posts! My favorite is seeing how you make a space look SO different, and dreamy! Other than that, Will, of course, but the photography stuff. I love photography, but this girl still needs a little help here and there!
5. Have you ever ridden in a helicopter? Have you ever read the book, “captivating”? If you haven’t- GO GET IT NOW!!! Would you ever want to visit South America? You already have a place to stay in Argentina!!! (Seriously, you really do!)
1. Danielle, 31, Accountant, Philly burbs, Marrie, 16 month old little girl, one goldfish.
2. I read everyday. I found you through YHL & love your blog!
3. I think I’ve kissed ten people. I’m very quirky…I like doing dishes, but hate washing the silverware. I like doing laundry, but hate matching socks.
4. I love your blog…you’re real and you aren’t afraid to admit it! I love that you let your faith show. You inspire me to try harder- to juggle all life throws my way, to take more pictures of my daughter, to attempt that next home fix and to sit back and be happy with everything you can accomplish!
5. Question – How did you shape up after Will’s arrival? Can you please give us busy mom’s some dinner ideas? Have you ever considered a reality show? I’d watch!
1. Danielle, 31, Accountant, Philly burbs, Marrie, 16 month old little girl, one goldfish.
2. I read everyday. I found you through YHL & love your blog!
3. I think I’ve kissed ten people. I’m very quirky…I like doing dishes, but hate washing the silverware. I like doing laundry, but hate matching socks. I aspire to be an NFL referee!
4. I love your blog…you’re real and you aren’t afraid to admit it! I love that you let your faith show. You inspire me to try harder- to juggle all life throws my way, to take more pictures of my daughter, to attempt that next home fix and to sit back and be happy with everything you can accomplish!
5. Question – How did you shape up after Will’s arrival? Can you please give us busy mom’s some dinner ideas? Have you ever considered a reality show? I’d watch!
1. Marianne, 35, 3 kids, married, live in Tennessee, 1 chihuahua that is loved more than any dog should be and several hunting dogs and 2 horses.
2. Visit everyday
3. only ever kissed 2 people. wow that sounds pathetic.
4. Love the home posts and the awkwardness. you are too funny katie! wish i knew you in real life.
5. Ummm, what kind of car do you drive? i’m car shopping.
1. Jessica/26/magazine editor/Iola, Wisconsin (population 1,298!)/none yet, but hopefully in the next year or so/married for almost 3 years/2 dogs and 4 cats (yes, our house is a zoo)
2. I am another guilty of visiting multiple times a day, just to check for a new post! 😀
3. Probably around 10? Now that I’m an old married lady, it’s hard to remember and I prefer not to. 🙂 One quirk about myself is that I’m constantly fighting the inner worrier in me–no, not warrior, worrier. I think I got it from my mom. She and I both carry the worry gene. And I know that if I let it take control, I would end up with some serious anxiety and probably become a hermit.
4. I really like everything about your blog and think it is a great mix of home, photography, family, etc!
5. Do you ever regret living in the South? Like, maybe around winter or Christmas? I only ask because my husband and I have been talking about moving from Wisconsin to the Carolinas in the next few years. Other than missing family, that is my only concern. While I am not a fan of the feet and feet of snow we get, I think I’d miss just a little snow. 🙂
1. Hi! I’m Miranda. I’m 21, living right outside of Philadelphia, PA. I’m a firefighter! No kids, not married, two adorable miniature dachshunds named Frankfurter and Johnson 🙂
2. I’m here every day! I miss reading when you don’t post on the weekends.
3. Random details – 8! Ahh! I love going to storage locker auctions. So much potential!
4. Blog detail – Random Bower awkwardness, fo sho! But I love reading whatever you write. You have such a way with words!
5. Question – Are you going to get any pets? A dog, a cat, African Dwarf frogs? And what would you name a dog?
LOVE your blog!!
1. Personal Deets- I’m Chelsea, aged 25 (the age I want to stay forever!). I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 fur babies: Copper & Penny are our pups, and Kitty Bug is, well, obviously a cat. We live in Macon, GA (but are originally from northwest GA). I’m an AA with a marketing degree who hopes to be a stay at home mama in a couple of years. 🙂
2. Reading Deets- I’m a cheater, aka a Google Reader user. So I usually check my blogroll every day, but I’m not reading from your homepage.
3. Random Deets- At what number does one become a lip-slut? In my entire life (including those kindergarten playground smooches), I think it’s about 7ish? My hubby and I started dating in 9th grade, so that greatly cut my number down and hopefully keeps me out of the lip-slutty category! And as for my quirk… I can cross just one of my eyes. It looks disgusting. I like to sneak up behind group photos and make the one-eye-crossed face in the background. Photobombing at its finest.
4. Blog Deets- I really enjoy your home posts & photography posts (you are SO talented!), and of course the Random Bower awkwardness sprinkled in is the cherry on top. Your blog/writing reads very “real life” to me and that’s why I love to read it.
5. Random Question- Well, you’ve already been asked a ton of questions (and goodness, there are some tough and personal ones- yikes). And honestly, the first question I thought of was “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” (Correct answer: Hey you dang woodchucks! Quit chuckin’ my wood!) Ok, all kidding aside, here’s a brain buster for you… what’s your favorite color?
1. Sara / 30 / Indianapolis suburbs. In the process of building a dream house with my boyfriend/best friend. I work in finance. We have three cats that we’re constantly trying to find new homes for. Anybody want one?
2. You’re in my Google Reader that I compulsively check throughout the day, so it’s safe to say that I’m reading your new posts pretty soon after you hit Publish!
3. Man, you’ve made me wish I’d kept track of the people I’ve kissed. I have no idea! But just one for the past six years – I suppose that’s what matters. Random quirk: I need 10 hours of sleep a night. If I don’t get it, I’m a mess. Lord help me when we have children.
4. I love the Bower awkwardness which really isn’t awkward at all. 🙂 I love that you’re real people, mostly. And the fact that you have smashing taste in home decor makes you all that more special!
5. What did/do you want to be when you grew up?
1. My name is Jessica, I am 23, married for almost 3 years now. I am an executive admin assistant, I live in Austin, TX. I have no children or pets. I will soon have a puppy,but not yet.
2. I follow you through Google reader, so every time you post I read it.
3.I have kissed two people, made out with a hott blonde dude, then only my hubby.
4. I love everything,but especially the decor,photography, & you amazing sense of humor.
5.What is the number one thing you wish you knew the first time you bought a house.
1. My name is Lindsey and I’m 32 years old. I live in Fairhope, Alabama. I am currently a Software Sales Executive. No kids, but I do have a 4 yr old yellow lab Avery and a 10 year old cat Ozzie. They actually look so much alike it’s creepy.
2. I subscribe via email, but they don’t normally come until the middle of the night. So once I wake up I see there is an email and I anxiously wait until I get to work and pull up your website so I can read the post from there. It is part of my normal morning routine.
3. I can’t even remember how many people I’ve kissed. I’ve been with the same man for almost 12 years so my memory is shot as to what happened prior to him. My random fact is that I totally want an RV and I think the hubs thinks I’m kidding. So when I travel for work every time I pass a RV lot I take a photo and text it to him. I know texting and driving, but its and RV lot. We could pack up the fam and tour North America!
4. I love your blog, it is the first blog that I read every day. You make me laugh and I can relate to you and your sense of humor ( I have a similar one). I’ve learn so much from you on all fronts. Crafts, DIY, photography and family randomness, sometimes the randomness is the most insightful.
5. When starting your blog did you just take a “fly by the seat of your pants approach” or did you do research before you started and during the process?
As a side note – I am amazed at how many people have kissed only a small handful of people. I thought I would stand out like a freak, but it seems there are many people who are in the under 10 club!
1. Amanda /22
Student & a manager at a movie theatre
Atlantic Canada
No kids, not married, 1 cat — her name is Trinity
2. I love this blog a lot, and I would read it every day if I could. But I can’t, because some times it doesn’t load. Which then I start hyperventilating and begging for my internet to cooperate 😀
3. How many people have I kissed? HAH! These are reasons Katie, why I love this blog & you. Can we meet? Like for real. I’m a fun girl, I promise. And that number would be … 10.
One quirk eh? Can it be that I say eh? And I’m Canadian, and that’s so cliche.
I get excited when I say something and it rhymes. I’ll actually scream “HEY THAT RHYMED!” even if it’s in a store full of people I don’t know and I’m talking to the chip aisle. Which would mean that I’d be talking to myself … and yes I do that. I’m not ashamed.
4. How real you are. And the photos. Your photography skills are amazing. I’ve always loved photography, but have never got up the guts to go out there and buy a camera. You know, a good one, one that doesn’t have “point & shoot” written all over it. Or maybe I just don’t know how to use it properly … and the camera isn’t the issue.
5. I think I’ve asked you three questions in this little thing, so you can, or can not (as you please) answer those.
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU?
Erica/33/Marketing & Communications/Iowa/2 kiddos/Married to my best friend/1 dog
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT?
I am subscribed to your blog in my Google Reader, so every time there is a new post I am ON IT like fat on bacon! 😛
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? 5
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
Oh boy – I probably have MANY. I am obsessively organized, but I’m also scared of the dark! 😛
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
I love everything about your blog. However, the thing that got me addicted to your blog is how you are so open/honest/REAL! Topic-wise though, I especially love the home makeovers/renovations. You inspire me! (Having a bit of Will cuteness thrown in is an added bonus.)
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it 🙂
How do you get Jeremy motivated and to do so many projects? 😉
On a side note, Katie – your blog is the first one I look for in my reader and I get so excited when you have a new post. You have no idea how many people you inspire!! Keep it up girl!
1. Emily/25 TODAY woohoo!!/Social Worker/Baltimore, MD/No Kids/Newlywed/No pets
2. I check in a few times a week 🙂
3. I think my kissing tally is up in the 20s, that I can remember. My quirk?? I know how to fly a hot air balloon. My (hippy) parents are both balloon pilots, so I definitely had some different experiences and learned some weird stuff as a kid.
4. I love your humor and how you “keep it real.” I love your home posts because your style rocks! Also love any gratuitous Will shots 🙂
5. Your hair is so long and beautiful!! How often do you cut it/how do you maintain it?
1. Jolene, about to be 29, from TX, one yorkie, no kids yet, married, finance job
2. every time i see it’s been updated
3. one (seriously); met my husband-to-be at age 17 and never looked back
4. i like the home/decorating/diy posts and the family posts (will is a cutey)
5. will you move to TX so we can hang out?
1. heidi/40/office at university/Western NY/4 sons/married almost 17 years/1 boy cockapoo
2. RSS feed – so whenever you post I read it.
3. I am a total lip slut. Can not count that high. (But in the last 18 years it’s only been 1.) Weird fact is I have vertigo so ladders are a problem. Also, looking at the ceiling for too long makes me dizzy.
4. My favorite are the home posts but without the general life stuff I may not have stuck around. The personality keeps me coming back and reading vs skimming.
5. Too many questions have already been asked and I haven’t had enough coffee.
1. Cindy. 45 but no one believes I’m that ancient. Olathe, KS (raised in Iowa). 2 sons, 2 stepsons, 2 stepdaughters! Finally married to the kindest man alive. No pets right now, but I’m a dog person.
2. I visit multiple times a day, both at work and at home. I had a dream about you in May that I keep meaning to tell you about.
3. I have kissed more guys that I can count. My friends and sister and I liked to kiss boys when we went away on girl trips. Luckily my husband is the best kisser EVER, so I’m golden.
I make the best fish face of anyone I have ever met.
4. Apparently I love all things KB – home posts, your photography, your beautiful self and your handsome boys. I like reading the cross-posts between you and YHL. I guess what ultimately keeps me coming back is your humor, your sweetness, and your genuineness. (Is that a word?)
5. If we ever came to your area on a trip, would you let me treat you to lunch?
xo
1. Marcia, 31, Attorney (but I want to be a stay-at-home mom, a photographer, a house flipper, and a blogger), Birmingham area, no kids yet, married for 10 years, no pets (but I want a Labradoodle)
2. I visit every day if I can.
3. Kissed – Under ten. Quirk – I’m a germ phobe!
4. I like everything you post (and the variety).
5. Question for you – I would love to know a run down of the photography equipment you use and what you like and don’t like about it (camera, lenses, flash accessories, software, etc.).
Hi I’m Margaret from New York. I’m 33 (I think, lol!) and have been married almost 4 years. No kids and 1 dog Sydney whom my sister and I adopted before I was married so we sort of take turns with keeping her, yes like dog custody, hee! I work in the finance world and I’ll let you in on a secret…I’m not good at math or numbers!!
I check your blog daily. I have only a few blogs I check on a daily basis at work to take a few mintues to destress. I love your photography tips as well as the make over stuff you do 🙂
I’ve kissed no more than 10 guys. I have a lot of quirks but I guess one that everyone knows me for is making pom poms. I make a lot of them! I’ll sit and make 20 a nite if I have the time. I get crazy obsessed with making them. My husband has banned me from making them in the house a few times, he says the yarn particles get in his mouth, lol!
Random question: Did you ever play MASH when you were younger?
PS: I totally love Jason Statham 🙂 I tell my husband when ever we watch one of his movies “You are my Jason Statham.” I guess it doesn’t hurt that he really does look like him 🙂
1. Naomi, 32, Post-doctoral researcher at a university, Ohio, Married with a 16-month-old boy.
2. I visit every day.
3. I’ve never counted the kissers. I love festivals.
4. I love the decorating ideas, photos, humor, and references to bacon. Nursing for 12 months drained all of my energy. Reading your blog reminded me that DIY projects are possible. I’ve finished so many projects since I’ve started visiting your site. Thanks!
5. Have you ever tried chocolate covered bacon? I think it would be de-lish.
Why were you homeschooled/who decided?
Do you ever write a post and save it for a “rainy day” or do you immediately post the post?
Haha, love it!
1. Sandi/25/Academic Study Lab Coordinator/Lake Charles, LA/No Kids/Married (Monday is our 2nd anniversary), 1 Dog (Chipper the Morkie)
2. I visit daily and when I get bored at work I surface around y’all website for project and inspiration.
3. I have only kissed 2 guys. I get over excited when I get to spend time with my husband and puppy having out at the park.
4. I love that you are honest and open. Whether it’s the good things or the bad things you post everything. I love seeing what y’all are doing with y’all new home as well things y’all did in y’all past home. Your photography skills are amazing and I’m secretly very jealous! I have been trying to convince my husband for about 2 years now that I NEED a SLR camera! He obviously hasn’t bought into that yet. And your random blogs…well those are just amazing to!
5. What do y’all look for in houses and how do y’all always find the biggest/baddest one around? Again, slightly jealous!
1) Meredith. Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa represent!). Single, no kids or pets (le sigh). 29 years old. Lawyer (kind of—it’s complicated so we’ll keep it simple and leave it at that).
2) I subscribe so I read when you pop up in my feed reader. 🙂
3) Ummmm…3? I think? I don’t know, not much of a lip slut but if we’re counting like elementary school kisses, then probably more…I was a bit forward under the age of 10. Random quirk: I play competitive Scrabble. That’s right, it exists.
4) I’m not too picky—my fave-faves are probably Goodwill finds. Least faves are yard/exterior, mostly because I can’t bring myself to care about a YARD. (Anybody’s. Including mine. Officially adding “will handle all yard work” to my “things-I’m-looking-for-in-a-husband-list”).
5)Hrm. How do you like living in the South after having been raised in Jersey? I say this b/c I was born in WI, went to college on the East, and came running back to the Midwest—I feel like I could NEVER leave, this is my region. Georgia vs. Jersey seems like a big switch.
1. Kelly. 27 years old. part time campus pastor. VA. 1 baby @ 2.5 months old. married with a dog (or 2nd baby).
2. I subscribe via Google reader. And I usually read every day (or when you post, slacker.) 🙂
3. Kissing: hmmm…I’d rather not say. I didn’t really become a Christian until college, sooooooo… Random: I just got a phone call from my husband that our dog has a snake bite on her foot. Actually, scratch that. I got a text message. I then screamed and called my hubs. Why would you ever text something like that? But I think she’s okay, just licking the paw. She’ll go to the vet later today to make sure.
4. Blog detail – I love your awkwardness and stories. Such as your birth story, recent vacation story, and visit with the Petersik’s.
5. Question – I didn’t know that you met the Petersik’s through blogging! I would love to have a post about how you guys met (maybe talk Sherry into sharing her side too?). I guess that’s not a question…
1. Jenny/27/Fundraiser/Atlanta – But moving to Charleston, SC in 2 weeks… weeeee!/no kiddos/Married/no pets yet, workin on the husband for that one. hehe.
2. Google reader, so pretty much every or every other day.
3. Oh lordy, you caught me. I have kissed many a boy in my day, but now my lips belong to my hottie of a husband 🙂 As for the quirk, hummm, I have a lot! haha. The first one that came to mind, while boring, is that I am very particular about where dishes go in the dishwasher. If my husband puts them in “wrong” I will rearrange the whole thing! I just want to be able to fit the most possible dishes in there at a time, can a girl blame me?
4. I love your photography stuff and baby stuff the most (even though we have no baby and I’m neither pregnant or ttc. I love the low budget goodwill find makeovers too!
5. Did you have any fears about motherhood before you became a mom and did any of them come true or were they completely irrational?
1. Personal details – Sarah/39/Accounting/Fairfield County, CT/kids age 6 and almost 2 – (re)married for almost 3 years … and widowed (damn cancer!) for almost 5-1/2 years
2. Reading details – Probably almost an every dayer or every other dayer. Should I know who Jason Statham is…. I’m just learning about Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. Thought I was up to speed with knowing who Miley Cirus was but my 6 year old keeps me cool and up to speed. Have I missed something with Jason Statham?
3. Random details – OMG – do I dare admit on a blog that I was a total lip slut in my younger days. I used to have a list but I’m seriously hoping that I threw it out or it got thrown away because there are probably close to 100 people on that list and I would never want my daughters to see that. In the past 11 years though, its only been 2 though… does that redeem me from lip sluttiness and make me a born again lip virgin ; ) And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? When I hear of a good sale, my heart starts racing and I get super excited and shaky!
4. Blog detail – Love your writing style, photography, Will stories and decorating style… love it all!
1. Amanda M. 28, financial aid officer, New Wilmington PA. Married for almost 6 years… geesh seems like yesterday, yet so long ago. **Oh, yea, and he’s a hottie** Son, Gunner age 6. Daughter, Layken age 8 months. But thanks to your photo editing amazement, you already knew that! With FOUR 4 legged BOXER kiddos… Bella age 4, Tucker age 1, Bayley age 1, and Remmington age 5 weeks. And we currently have a litter of 6 that are 5 weeks old… were in sheer heaven.
2. Daily! Hello, is there any other way?? Seriously, and honestly, cut off my pinky finger if I’m lying… cause I’m not… Bower Power is the 1st blog I go to and read. and you were the 2nd blog I discovered when I found the blog world. What a way to start. I’ve been a reader for about 5 months, and have gone through the archives and read.every.single.post.+
3. Um, ugh. Well, let’s put it this way… I’ve only kissed one person that truly matters and I snagged him up. There have been (a few,ok maybe a little more) others, but only one that matters.
Chapstick is my crack. Seriously, my drug of choice. On the plus side, it’s hella cheap compared to drugs. I don’t like drugs… just chapstick.
4. You would be better off to ask me what I don’t like most about your blog… that would be easy to answer… a big FAT nothing! Keep it coming Bower Power!
5. And I’m curious to know how the friendship with YHL evolved from just blogworld friends… even though I know numerous people have asked. Perhaps a future post??
And will you please do a day in the life of “Katie Bower” post? Pretty please?
1. Christy, 31, Admin Assistant, Forest Park, IL, 9 month old baby girl Sophia, married, 1 fat dachshund named Oliver
2. I am SO an everydayer….I love your blog and never miss an entry!
3. kissed 3, I am addicted to thrift stores and garage sales…I can’t go a day with out thinking–what is someone donating/selling that I am missing today!?
4. Random Bower awkwardness. Actually..I just really enjoy the honesty and normalcy that you put into your posts. I always feel like I could be your best bud.
5. I cant even think of any questions that haven’t been asked….makes me a bit boring I guess.
1. Hey Katie, I’m Whitney. I am an almost 30 (what?!) mother to Canon – 16 months old – and wife to Craig. I work at a computer all day and dream about photography. We live in Pensacola, FL and dream of living in a place with 4 seasons. I also have one cat that still hasn’t gotten over the fact that I brought two boys into the house with us. (He’s very jealous)
2. I visit your blog everyday (usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon) while at work. See? I don’t actually want to be here. 🙂
3. I don’t know how many guys I have kissed. I kind of went a little crazy in college after going through a rough time. No worries, I am back where I am supposed to be now. A random fact about me is that ever since my son decided to become obsessed with Blue’s Clues, my head is swimming with songs from the dvd’s. ALL. DAY. LONG.
My name is Amanda, I am 26 and living in a Twin Cities (MN) suburb in sin with my boyfriend of just over a year. We don’t have any kids, but recently adopted a hyper Shiba Inu/Rat Terrier Mix who is now almost 6months old. His name is Chewie (or Chewbacca), since my man is a big Star Wars fan. I work in the sales and catering department of a hotel in Minneapolis.
I have your blog on my Google Reader and read whenever I get home (because of the work firewall, I can’t see your pictures when I’m at work )
I’m not actually sure how many people I have kissed, more than 5 and less than 20, maybe? One of my quirks (there are MANY!) is that I HAVE TO read a magazine backwards. The back page always gets into the content faster rather than starting with 15 pages of ads. I’ve even tried to break myself of this habit, and it just feels wrong!
I came for the home posts, but I stay for all of it. I like that we get to know your family and you rather than just seeing what you do with your home.
My random question may not be interesting, but something I am curious about (and is somewhat relevant to your blogiversary!). I have a blog of my own (me-and-serendipity.com) that I’m slowly building and improving upon. I do enjoy writing, but it’s really just my family and friends reading right now (as far as I know). They don’t comment much, and I think comments would be a great way of keeping me motivated to post often. Just knowing that people are actually reading and I’m either doing things right or wrong would help. So, long explanation into this question: assuming that you started out with a small following like most blogs do, how did you grow your audience?
1. Hey Katie, I’m Whitney. I am an almost 30 (what?!) mother to Canon – 16 months old – and wife to Craig. I work at a computer all day and dream about photography. We live in Pensacola, FL and dream of living in a place with 4 seasons. I also have one cat that still hasn’t gotten over the fact that I brought two boys into the house with us. (He’s very jealous)
2. I visit your blog everyday (usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon) while at work. See? I don’t actually want to be here. 🙂
3. I don’t know how many guys I have kissed. I kind of went a little crazy in college after going through a rough time. No worries, I am back where I am supposed to be now. A random fact about me is that ever since my son decided to become obsessed with Blue’s Clues, my head is swimming with songs from the dvd’s. ALL. DAY. LONG.
4. This is a hard one. I actually love it all, but since my love is photography I am going to have to go with that. Oh, and your random family posts. That little Will is just too precious.
5. I am looking to try to start a (very small) business for photography, however I don’t really know where to begin with prices. Do you have any suggestions for this? I don’t want to charge a lot, because I want people to actually enjoy the experience without worrying about money. We do enough of that in everyday life!
Hi Katie!
My name is Elizabeth, I’m 27 (28 in a couple weeks. eeek, I feel old). I’m married and have a dog, Maggie and 2 cats Pickles and Pepper. No kids yet… I live in Raleigh, NC and work in Labor and Delivery at a local hospital. I love greeting new babies every day!
I’m a lip slut. 35 total. Was I the only one to had to stop and count? 🙂
I’ve been a long-time reader. I never miss a post. I squeal with every new one. I will read some posts to my hubby if there’s something entertaining (which is often) or inspiring (again, often). He’s come to call you “the hot girl from Georgia”, so that’s how you’re referred in our home. Hehe 😀
Here’s my random question for you. My husband and I want to name our first girl Katie. Just Katie, not short for Katherine. Did you ever mind that you’re name wasn’t shortened for anything? I worry our kid will think we were just lazy and didn’t want to give her any options for nick-names. I know, it’s a little OCD to think about that, but there ya go. It’s me.
Katie, I have to tell you, thank you so much for sharing your life with strangers. I feel like you’re a friend of mine. I enjoy getting to know you more with each post. So many times over I’ve laughed with you, cried with you, shared the tiniest of triumphs and simply enjoyed your company. Please keep up the fabulous work, friend.
Happy Blogiversary!
Elizabeth
1. I’m Jill. I’m 30, live in a suburb of Dallas, TX. My husband and I still newleyweds, so no kids, but we do have an English Bulldog named Zoey who is the love of our lives.
2. I read your blog pretty much everyday. I found you through Sherry. I love your style and love procrastinating at work so your blog helps me accomplish that.
3. What a fun question! My BFF and I once made a list of everyone we had kissed back in college. But that was about 8 years ago so I don’t really remember. I would say maybe 10ish? Hmmm, one quirk…I think I’m pretty quirky so I’m sure I can think of something. Maybe it’s that I LOVE the Kardashian sisters. A little embarrassing, I know, since I’m 30, but I can’t help it. I have a major girl crush and want to be BFFs with them.
4. My fave topic on your blog is house stuff: decorating and DIY projects. Second would be family stuff. Will is about the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen.
5.What’s your favorite guilty pleasure tv show?
1. Hi there, Katie! I’m Susan (“Suz” for short) & I just moved to Gainesville, Florida from Chapel Hill, NC (my hubby & I have a thing for college towns….actually….he’s a dental student so we’re stuck in them for the time being). I’m 26 and am a CPA…. No kiddos or pets yet. Gotta get the hubs out of school before we embark on those adventures!
2. I read whenever a new post pops up in my GoogleReader…so I come here as often as you post.
3. I’ve kissed 4 boys in my 26 years…. but for the last8 years, I’ve only locked lips with my hubby. Random fact…. I am passionate about a few things…. ONE – organization. TWO – the outdoors (vacation for us is camping & hiking for a couple of weeks…last summer we camped for 2 weeks in Alaska!) & THREE – personal finance (especially for my 20-something peers who seem to be clueless in this area!)
4. Home posts & photography! Though, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m nosy & love the family/personal posts just as much!
5. I’ve got the baby bug BAD…. I’ll be 30 when my hubs is out of school & I’m worried that if we wait until he’s done & try for the (big) family we want then, we’ll have troubles… How’d you figure out what was the “right” time for you? (Sorry -super personal, but whenever I’m reading blogs & see babies, I wonder how old the mommas are, if they had troubles getting preggo, etc. etc….. I told you I was nosy!)
hilarious! i’ve never thought about it but you’re right is extremely odd. too funny
1. Well, my name is Rebecca and I’m 28. I work in Denver as an Event Planner. Although I grew up in San Diego and went to school in Syracuse, NY. Denver is a happy medium. And this is where my husband and I live. No kids yet, furry or human.
2. I read every time you post. You’re in my Google Reader (it’s a wonderful thing) and I read at work, when I’m bored. Which is a lot. So the more posts the better! It helps my day go by faster. No pressure.
3. Do you count Mom, Dad and family members or are you strickly talking about non-family? I’ll go with the non-family: Four. A quirk about me… I like weird smells. Like the smell of new tires or the cleaning solution the car repair place smeared all over the inside of my car. I was on a high for quite a few weeks until that smell died out. Even the smell of hot tar on asphalt when it’s been baking in the sun. Weird I know.
4. I love pretty much all your posts. The house posts make me want to do stuff to my house and wish I had a place like yours. I think I enjoy your self-effacing writing style the most. And I can’t get enough of Will. Probably because I have baby on the brain. He’s so cute.
5. If you were in a band, what instrument would you play and what would your band name be?
Love the blog!
I guess we subscribe to the ‘there’s never the perfect time’ theory in having kids…you will never have every single duck in a row. So that being said, we did the hypothetical question thing…”If we were to have a kid right now, would we survive? would we love them? would we attempt to be good parents?” And since we could say Yeswithoutadoubt to all of those, we pulled the goalie and let the chips fall as they may!
Guilty pleasure? hmmm…I love me a Jersey Housewife…or Bachelorette…or MacGyver 🙂
haha! Actually my mom thought that she was being original for giving me Katie instead of Kimberly or Katherine or Katelyn. And no…I love my name, I think it fits me and it is funny to have a story that goes with it 🙂
haha! Actually my mom thought that she was being original for giving me Katie instead of Kimberly or Katherine or Katelyn. And no…I love my name, I think it fits me and it is funny to have a story that goes with it 🙂
Oh and I have nicknames…Kate, Kade, Kitty…Disco Inferno….
1. My name is Rebecca and I’m 28. I work as an Event Planner in Denver. Although I grew up in San Diego and went to school in Syracuse, NY. Denver is a happy medium. I live there with my husband. No kids yet, furry or human.
2. I visit every day. You’re in my Google Reader, so every time you post, I read it. Although I do check a lot when I’m bored at work. Which is a lot. So the more posts, the better. It makes my day go by faster!
3. I’ve only kissed four guys. Random quirk: I like weird smells. Like the smell of new tires, or the cleaning solution the car repair place cleaned the inside of my car with, or hot tar on asphalt on a hot day. I get a weird high. Weird.
4. Love the home posts. It inspires me to do stuff to my house that I’ll never get to. I also like the random stuff. Can’t get enough of Will. He’s too cute.
5. If you were in a band, what instrument would you play and what would you name your band.
Love the blog!
1. I’m Jenn, 21, I live in Toronto, Ontario with my boyfriend. No kiddies, no puppies.. yet.
2. I visit every day, even on weekends hoping you slipped in a weekend post.
3. Hmm, I’m pretty lip slutty, I’ve probably kissed over 20 guys.. The majority of this was ninth grade when I went boy crazy and kissed just about anyone with lips. There’s like a billion quirks I have and since yours involved motor vehicles I will tell you my vehicle related ones. Whenever I hear a siren, (which is a lot when you live in the city) and I see the cars pull over for the ambulance, fire truck whatever I cry. Happy tears though, I just get so touched that everyone goes to the side to help these men save lives quicker. Even though it’s the law I think its super cute.
4. Random posts, home related post, photos of your adorable will. (which is my little brothers name and I call him willie, he’s 19 I don’t think hes too fond of it.)
5. Do you still think John is gay? (from yhl obviously)
1. Hey! I’m Ashley, 24 (25 in 9 days woohoo!), I work for a law firm full time and do freelance graphic design on the side, live in Austin, TX and LOVE everything about this city! (come visit!), 0 kids and not married-live with a sweet roommate, my roommate has a dog (which pretty much could be a child).
2. I read the blog every time you post. Every morning when I get to work I check my Google reader for new posts (yes, quite the zzzzz type of job) Started following you after I stumbled across YHL’s blog.
3. I’m not too “lip-slutty” I’ve kissed 4 boys – which mainly just comes from dating the same boy since my senior year of high school. How can I choose just one quirk? I HATE the sound of tooth brush bristles. It gives me goose bumps like fingernails on a chalkboard. Ahhh just thinking about it makes me shiver. I’ve used an electric toothbrush since I can remember just for the fact that you can’t hear the bristles…. Also, I LOVE filling out forms. You know, like at the doctor’s office. I LOVE it, seriously. Maybe it’s because I just like talking about myself or that I’m super Type A when it comes to lists and organization and forms. I don’t know. It’s weird.
4. What do I like most? I LOVE Bower awkwardness especially with your humor. It kills me. So funny. I love knowing about people’s lives… and what better way to understand a person than by their awkwardness.
5. So, on the subject of awkwardness… What is one (or more!) of you most awkward/embarrassing stories?!? I gotta know!
I think it all depends on you and your clients and your area. You might want to look at a bunch of photography businesses in your area and base it off their prices. Also, since you are just starting out, take into consideration the fact that you are portfolio building and NEED clients…so less right now is more for you.
1. Cait, 24, married, graphic designer/image editor, live in North Florida with no kids and two dogs.
2. Daily. Sometimes/usually multiple times daily, just in case.
3. I’ve kissed… 6? I think. I had to count, but I might be forgetting someone. As for my quirk? I hate the dark. Hate it. Like, leave a light on somewhere down the hall to make me feel better. And I have to have all the curtains and blind completely close as soon as it gets dark outside. Maybe it stems from the fact that I’m a complete wuss and get creeped out easily (although I LOVE shows like Criminal Minds, so… weird).
4. Home stuff, photography AND random Bower awkwardness. I like it all (in the least creepy way possible).
5. Did you always know you wanted to have kids? Sometimes I think I want 4, somtimes just 1, and sometimes I don’t want any! At least my husband is usually in the same frame of mind as me about it all.
1. I am Jess. I am a 27 year old stay at home mom to my one year old son. I live outside Boston with my husband and our cat. Before my baby, I was a social worker.
2. I visit at least once a day. Your site is the 4th one in on my bookmark toolbar.
3. I’ve kissed a few people, but my favorite (sorry hubby) is slobbery open mouth baby kisses.
4. I enjoy the house stuff, but I come here for the random Bower awkwardness. I love how imperfect you allow yourself to be. It almost makes up for how amazing your mansion is.
5. I’ve got nada.
1. Nora, 22, graduate student (starting a big girl job as an auditor in September!). I’ve lived in Boston for the past four years but the BF and I just moved to our first house the suburbs in MA. We’re not married/engaged but we’ve been together for five years. No pets and kids but he just told me I could get a kitten when I finish grad school/CPA. I think I’d rather get a dog, though.
2. I visit as much as I can. Right now, I’m supposed to be studying but I need a distraction. I just started blog reading at the end of our house search and you’re one of my dailies!
3. One! I hate milk. I love ice cream, cheese, etc, but I always think milk is spoiled thanks to my little brother constantly leaving it out at home. I had to switch to soy milk so it stays fresh, cold, and mine.
4. I love your house posts and your family posts. I love that you blog with such emotion and detail. 🙂
5. What did you do for a job before you and Jeremy met?
I can’t wait for the answers to all the other questions!! Make a post of your favorite!
Good question! I guess one of the many embarrassing situations would be the time I was in college trying to impress a boy. One chilly night, we were sitting on a bench and I tucked my knees up into my sweatshirt. Yes I looked like Dolly Parton. I guess the back of the shirt got caught on something because my back was still cold, so I leaned my ball of a body forward to fix it and I nosedived off the bench. Then I started rolling down the hill. My battered forehead and skinned knee were not as hurt as my ego!
Yes…John is gay. That is why he does it with his wife Sherry who is a woman.
p.s. why did you say ‘still’? I never thought he was before….
OMG, love that song. “This is song about a girl named…LUCKY.” My college roomie and I sang it ALL.THE.TIME. So glad I have found someone else who appreciates the awesomeness of it.
When I met Jeremy I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar….
sorry that was song lyrics.
Actually I was working as a waitress at Bahama Breeze. Then I quit (not a good environment) for a job at a reinsurance intermediary. I would tell you all about it but then I would bore you to death.
1. Kyle (Female) – 27 – Development Manager for a local not for profit – Currently living with long time boyfriend – We have one pet, Talis our high maintenance gray cat
2. Gosh, I probably read each post the day you post. So that makes me an everydayer. Sometimes I even tell my bf things like “Oh, I learned that from my gal Katie.” I also say the same things about John & Sherry.
3. Hmm, maybe 20 or so different people… but definitely all boys ;). I’m a master at quirks. I hiccup randomly, I call hiccups hickies, I talk crazy fast and therefore supposedly swallow air which gives me the hickies.
4. I’m a big fan of home posts, I love rearranging and finding a good deal, and you Katie are a queen at both. I also like random Bowerness.
5. I know you review every photo you put up… But how do you never manage to have one super crazy one? You know how you look at a photo and realize that someone looks possessed or you have like 30 chins. I guess I’m not very photogenic.
My whole life I knew. I always said that I wanted four…and I still do. Although now I know what that means!
1. Personal details – My name is Kelsi. I blog @ ModernMomRedefined.blogspot.com. I’m 23, just graduated from Arizona State with my BA in Special Education…. looking for a job like a crackwhore needing a fix. (bad comparison? perhaps). Live in Arizona and hoping to move sooner than later since I crave 4 seasons. I do have a 4.5 year old son who has Autism and Seizure Disorder (to name a few of his major diagnosis) soo he’s an only child for now. I think a classroom full of ED kids is easier than raising your own child with special needs. I’m thinking about getting a dog to raise to be an Autism Service dog. Beneficial AND like a sibling that he asks for daily (Last night, he was asking for a baby in his sleep). Too cheap to spend 10k on an already trained dog, so training myself make sense to me. =) My relationship status: complicated (or so my facebook says). Were engaged and now we are trying to figure out where we fit. Not the funnest of times…
2. Reading details –I’m an everyday lurker. Sorry for the lack of comments I send… I make comments in my head but then get too busy to post. My son likes to color on my walls any chance he gets, so yeahhhh…. sorry. But I do lurk and love!
3. Random details – Hmmm.. kissed no more than the amount I can count on my hands and toes. Quirks? The only thing I can think of is that I am a serious pen-clicker. It bugged my classmates/professors worse than a fly in their ear. I’ve also developed this weird thing that I do every morning when the fan is on my face and it makes me feel like I’m impersonating a bunny rabbit.. how they scrunch up their nose… because the wind on my face drives me bunkers…. ok, I’m stopping while I’m ahead.
4. Blog detail – Love the photography tips. DIY tips… anything I can take back with me to copy, I’m in. Plus, I adore how you have some mad skill at decorating tables. And taking pictures. OH, and your wardrobe style? SO my style. So I love it whenever you post your season moodboards for clothes. Because I buy like 80% of what you post. serious. that tankini? I wear like every day (hey, I live in AZ…. swimming daily is a must). And those green chinos? have in white (not as brave as you, but yeah). You’re like my personal shopper. Love it (especially because I’m too cheap to hire one but too busy to find cute clothes myself).
5. Question – Does Jeremy ever get annoyed with the time you put into the blog? My fiance/ex/boyfriend… whatever you call him, I don’t quite know… gets SO annoyed. Any tips on that one? I feel bad blogging during the day with my son up….
I just wanted to second that. I didn’t kiss anyone until college. You’re not alone. Don’t be embarrassed… be proud of that!
1. Kyle (Female) – 27 – Development Manager for a local not for profit – Currently living with long time boyfriend – We have one pet, Talis our high maintenance gray cat
2. Gosh, I probably read each post the day you post. So that makes me an everydayer. Sometimes I even tell my bf things like “Oh, I learned that from my gal Katie.” I also say the same things about John & Sherry.
3. Hmm, maybe 20 or so different people… but definitely all boys ;). I’m a master at quirks. I hiccup randomly, I call hiccups hickies, I talk crazy fast and therefore supposedly swallow air which gives me the hickies.
4. I’m a big fan of home posts, I love rearranging and finding a good deal, and you Katie are a queen at both. I also like random Bowerness.
5. I know you review every photo you put up… But how do you never manage to have one super crazy one that slips in? You know how you look at a photo and realize that someone looks possessed or you have like 30 chins or its just awful. I guess I’m not very photogenic.
1. My name’s Meg, 27, a graphic designer in Boston but originally from Maine so I will never be a “Masshole”. Been with my bf for 8.5 years (9 in September). No babies, just our sweet fur baby Bromley, that we adopted in April (he’s a lab/newfie mix and the sweetest thing ever!)
2. Read everyday! You’re on my RSS feed so I check all the time.
3. I’ve kissed I think 10? I all depends on how far you go back…like are we counting primary school dumb kisses?
As for the one quirk…I love the smell in CVS. Don’t know what it is, but it’s weird and I’ve accepted it.
4. Love the home posts because we’re currently renovating our first home together…it’s a 100 years old and let me tell you. It’s full of surprises.
5. Question: Salty or Sweets?
On a scale of 1-10…I’m a 9.5
Jeremy’s number 33! EEK!
1. I’m Amy. 32 years old living in the Cleveland, Ohio area (but originally from Pittsburgh- go Steelers!). I am in Human Resources and am in the process of starting up my own business as a wedding planner which I now do part time for fun. My husband and I are expecting baby #1 in about 8 weeks! No pets, but neighbors have a horse rescue farm and we watch them out our back window. Does that count? Haha
2. I visit every day/time I see a post pop up in my reader. Lots. I wait for your posts. You complete me.
3. I made a list of people I’ve kissed while bored at work. I stopped when I got to 40. College was fun. haha. Speaking of lips, I am a seriously good whistler. For real. I also love karaoke and can win money at contests. I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo’s with contest winnings once.
4. I like it all. Photography, home stuff, your sense of humor, hearing about parenthood, etc.
5. How did you get back in shape after baby? Our first baby is due in August and I’m already thinking about it.
I know I’m a day late but you asked us so nicely to comment so it felt like I would be a total jerk if I didn’t… here goes nothin’.
1. Nicole – 26 (and a half) – Customer Service Rep (aka sit in a cubicle for 8 hours and read awesome blogs like yours and occasionally pretend to work on something important when the boss strolls by) – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – No kids yet – Been dating my beau for 3 years – I play step-mommy to my man’s 90 pound German Shepherd/Great Dane mix named Sasha. Yea, she’s huge, but really just a big softy.
2. I visit your blog Monday – Friday because let’s face it… I thoroughly (thank God for spell check because I can never spell ‘thoroughly’ right) enjoy your witty banter (and of course gratuitous pictures of Will) which definitely makes my day fly by much faster and keeps my spirits high when people calling in at work are less than friendly.
3. Ok first off, I love the phrase “lip slutty”… might be stealing that one for my personal use. So let’s see, including my first kiss (which was in kindergarten, don’t judge me!) I’ve kissed approximately (plus 4… carry the 2…) eleven-ish? Wait, does spin the bottle count? Make that fourteen. ish.
As far a quirks go, gosh, I’d say one of my weirdest one is that I always take my shoes off in the car. Unless I’m wearing sneakers because that’s just way too much work… but let’s be honest, it’s rare that I’m wearing sneakers. I’m pretty much an “all flip flop, all the time” kind of gal. It’s a Florida thing, I guess.
4. As I mentioned earlier, I love your writing style. I went to school for English, so funny bloggers get me all giddy inside. You and Sherry at YHL pretty much crack me up on a daily basis. Then when I read that you guys were friends… and it all made sense. But back to the question, what was it again? Oh yea, what I like about the blog. I love when you give tips on photography. I have a borderline obsession with photography (well more so admiring other people’s skills), however, I have a 7 year old Cannon Powershot that somehow survived college at FSU and takes terrible pictures because I’ve dropped it more times than I can count. But bless the little guy because he somehow still manages to pump out some decent shots for me from time to time. So bottom line of all my rambling = keep doing what you’re doing, Katie! It all rocks my socks 🙂
5. I never considered myself to be crafty in any way shape or form. I used to think I was pretty much decoratively-challenged. Through trial and error, I’ve gotten much much better but I think my main issue is not being able to visualize what direction I want to go in a room before I start getting my hands dirty. For example, how did you see past the blood-red painted bathroom and pepto-bismol colored pink in Will’s room to come up with a plan of attack?
Sorry for being so wordy… but I got way too excited about this survey thing! Happy Blogiversary!
1. Christine, 22, Long Island NY. Just graduated with an accounting degree, looking for a job! Been with my bf for 3 years 🙂 we have 2 crazy kitties. Both girls, one is a fat bully, the other is a skinny scaredy-cat.
2. I visit every weekday. Usually check morning and night!
3. I have kissed 3 boys. My quirk is that I’m obsessed with Ikea. I love the smell as soon as you walk in, I like eating in the restaurant, and generally just wandering around pretending it’s my house… I guess it’s not THAT strange but members of my family think otherwise, ha.
4. I really like decorating posts but also love little details of your life (sounds creepy). I first started reading when you were in the middle of telling Will’s birth story, and I was totally drawn in by your writing style and honesty.
5. As for a random question….. what is currently your favorite song/artist?
HAHA! Just laughed out loud. SUCH a great embarrassing story! Hilarious… Thanks for sharing!!! and Happy Blogiversary!!!
Hi Katie! I’m Sabrina, 29, I live in Brazil with my husband Daryl and I’m a civil engineer. Daryl and I are originally from Texas and we just got married in October last year. Kids will be sometime in the future.
I check your blog every couple days from work. I started reading yours and YHL when I couldn’t figure out how to decorate our little apartment here in São Paulo. I have learned a lot.
I’ve kissed 4 boys. My most visible quirk is that I’m an incessant hair-twirler. I’m still trying to break the habit.
I love photography, so I love seeing your photos and learning how to take better photos. I also love hearing about life in the US since I get homesick from time to time. You would laugh at the things I miss! Being able to get on the road, take a long trip and see dolphins a whales? That is stuff you only get in the USA. Also IKEA. I so wish there was one here.
Anyway, my question is about photography. How do you achieve that over-exposed effect on photos? It would be great if you could just show an example photo and list all your settings and how you determine them. I’m at the level where I’m trying to use more manual but still get frustrated with my slowness.
Thanks for your daily cheer!
1.) Sarah, 30, Mother/Wife/Staff Accountant, Westminster, CO, 2 sons ages 11 and 6, married to my best friend Jeremy, 3 dogs, 1 bearded dragon, 6 fish.
2.) I sheepishly admit that I visit multiple times a day hoping for new posts and to read archives. Hopefully you don’t find that too stalkerish.
3.) My lipslut ranking is 10(ish). That is how many I can remember.
Quirk about me: I LOVE Wheel of Fortune. I play along and get REALLY irritated when the contestants buy a vowel right before they solve the puzzle, I mean, come-on!
4.) I love all of your posts. I love the pictures of Will, they remind me of when my boys were little. And I love your photography posts too, I have a secret desire to be a professional photographer and we got a nice camera for Christmas that I like to take zillions of pictures with so your tips and tricks really help me out. They also make me a wee bit jealous that I am not as talented as you. And your home reno posts help me see the potential in our home. I also want to thank you for your refreshing honesty, sense of humor and overall great writing style.
5.) Random Question: If you ever come to Colorado would you like to meet up for lunch? Maybe you could give me some photography pointers, we could to Goodwill and I could meet Will.
1. Jordan, 19, still live at home with my family near Vancouver, BC, Canada. MOA student, and work at a bakery on the weekends. Not married, no kids, a pet cat named Triscuit.
2. I visit everyday, which sometimes I feel weird about, but at the same time, I don’t want to miss something.
3. I’ve kissed one person- my boyfriend of almost 2 years… a weird quirk about me? I’m very jumpy and get scared easily, and have been known to instantly hit the floor when something really loud scares me…it can be quite embarrassing since it happens before I even realize I’m doing it 😛
4. I don’t know. I like everything. Photography, house decorating- I’m trying to gather as much inspiration now for when I’m eventually married and have a house… but hopefully you’re still blogging then 🙂
5. Hmm… Favourite movie growing up?
1. Kristen/ 24/ Communications for the Illinois Senate/ live in central Illinois/ married/ 1st baby due in December/ 1 dog that will need a new home come December (she hates kids!)
2. I visit Bower Power daily (m-f)
3. Not sure on the amount of guys I’ve kissed. I’m just happy to be kissing my husband only now 🙂 | I really like the smell of basements, especially the basement in my parents’ home.
4. I enjoy the home posts; I love your style. Also, when I found out I was pregnant I read through Will’s birth story. It is simply beautiful. I was crying at my desk. Thanks for sharing 🙂
5. Has anyone ever told you you look like Brittany Spears? Before you are offended, I’m talking about pre-crazy Brit. When I look at the photos you post I always think that.
Christine you are not alone 🙂 I totally feel the same way about Ikea. Every time I go there it’s an outing for me. I’ll spend 6+ hrs “hanging out” in Ikea. Totally crazy but oh so fun!
My name is Gloria. I am 31, a SAHM and I live in the Denver, CO area. I have 4 kids, 3 boys and 1 girl. (and no, we weren’t trying for a girl, and yes, we would’ve stopped at 4 kids either way). I have been married for almost 11 years to my high school sweetheart. We have a dog and some fish.
I visit your blog every time there’s a new post.
I’ve probably kissed about 10 people, but for the last 14 years, I’ve only kissed 1 person! My weird quirk is that I have to take eggs out of the carton symmetrically. I start at the outside and work my way in. So if I have to take four eggs out of the carton, I’ll take the two ends ones off of each side.
I like the DIY posts, especially the ones with before/after pictures. I suck at decorating, so I live vicariously through you.
Random question: I’ve heard you talk about your dad being a pastor and you’ve mentioned Jesus and some Christian books before. I was wondering…..are you a Christian? Do you go to church regularly? I’m a Christian myself and I love that in your blog you’re not ashamed to mention God.
Thanks so much! Yeah, I am doing freebies right now with family and friends to build my portfolio (and continue learning).
Thanks for reading all of our comments and responding. We all really appreciate it!
My name is Megan. I live in a small town in North Florida called Crawfordville. I am 22 and married. I work for the State as a Computer Programmer. No kids yet, and we have to cats… Tacoma and Prius.
I visit every morning during the week!
I think I have kissed maybe 8 boys LOL man that makes me feel super kiss slutty! Weird quirk about me…hmmm… I don’t like cabinets being opened or drawers!
I love everything about the blog!!
Have you ever been to Crawfordville? 🙂
1. Meghann, 31 (agh!!) I live in California in the east bay of the bay area. Love it here and have lived here all my life (except the 9 months when my family moved to Colorado Springs, CO to start a church there). I am married to my high school sweet heart and we will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this year and 16 years together. LONG TIME. We have 1 little girl who is 2.5 and our pets include 2 cats and one dog. I am a work at home mommy… love that I am able to be home with our little one.
2. I read your blog everyday. Unless you dont post something.. LOL
3. Kissing.. well only one guy… my hubby. he and I met when I was 15 going on 16 and have been together ever since…I actually like that I have only kissed one man. Makes it that more special to me… other random things.I am the oldest of 4 kids in my family and the oldest of 16 grandchildren.. to say that I am bossy is an understatement. 😉
4. I love your blog. I love how you write and seeing pics of your growing family and the changes you make to your home (s). I cant wait to see how the new house evolves. I love the photography… makes me want to take more pictures!
5. no random question but a thank you for your honestly and hilarity. It often makes my day.. especially when I read and its after dealing with my 2 year old and her snottyness… thank you!
1. Cheryl/29/Engineer (computer kind)/DC area/1 kid (boy :))/married/no pets ( I grew up with them, but have no desire to have one now)
2. Daily/whenever google reader says there is a new post..love your blog!
3. kissed – 4 that I have no relation to, french kissed – 1 (hubs only)
4. Hmm…I like it all – I think the variety is what makes it great. I do miss the occasional cooking posts of yore – gave me some good ideas for quick meals to add to my stash.
5. What’s the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning? (And I’m going to ask another, do you know how inspiring/amazing you are??)
Oh my gosh, Sarah… I thought I was the only one who did that! My mom thought I was nuts when I was younger. I actually slightly injured my back rearranging my room in the middle of the night all by myself a few years ago. Now I try to just stick to reorganizing bookshelves, drawers, and the like until daylight when I have my husband’s help with the heavy stuff 🙂
(ps. #4? I totally feel the same way sometimes… and then I think to myself how creepy that sounds, but I can’t help it. I guess it’s hard to NOT feel a connection to those who have similar interests & tastes as ourselves… that’s my excuse anyways lol)
-Amy-
1. Leah, 26, Washington state, recently engaged (!!), no kids, 1 adorable beagle who is sometimes known as the terrorist
2. Every work day at least once, sometimes twice
3. I think 5? I was a wanna-be lip slut who was too shy to actually act on it. A weird quirk would be that I firmly believe that belly buttons are the grossest things ever. Also I know every word to “Ice Ice Baby”, although that’s not so much a weird quirk as an awesome ability.
4. My favorite is the awkwardness/hilarity that you inject into every post. I just love your sense of humor and writing style. Oh and your decorating style is pretty good too 🙂 I like coming to one website and being able to laugh and be inspired at the same time.
5. This was the most random question I’ve ever been asked at a job interview, and it kind of applies here too – If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be?
1. Kate, 27, Architect, Tennessee, no kids yet, married, no pets
2. Everyday
3. Probably around 10 guys. As for quirk, I know I have several, but right now I can only think of my slight cleaning obsession. The more stressed I get at work, etc, the more I NEED our house to be clean. That’s kind of a boring quirk. Sorry!
4. Love the home posts and photography how-to posts. I really want a nice DSLR, but am trying to wait until we have a baby to get one.
5. What would be your dream vacation? What is your morning routine? What do you typically eat for breakfast?
FYI: I keep getting database errors when I try to go to your website
1. Diana, 24, Design Consultant (ie I just sell furniture at a locally-owned store while my husband finishes flight school but I do have a degree in Interior Design), Meridian MS but originally from Memphis TN, no kids- and hopefully none for a few more years, married for a year and a half, and one wonderfully spunky water-loving 2 and a half year old black lab.
2. I basically visit every weekday. It’s on my igoogle homepage, so if it’s new I’ll check it out.
3. Five. I was pumped in high school that I could high five my number. Lame I know. And yes that means I knew my husband in high school because he was number 5. Quirk- I like to pick and peel things. Peeling paint, sunburned skin, split layers of my finger nails, etc. Very often I’m fighting the urge to pick and peel my husband like a monkey cleaning its young.
4. I like posts with pics of Baby Bower, especially when I can tell if he has his sideburns yet …or not. And basically random Bower awkwardness.
5. Besides bacon, what is your favorite thing to cook? your favorite thing growing up that your mom used to cook for you?
1. I’m Lauren, 28 from PA. I work part time from home but I will be a SAHM in September (currently baking our first 🙂 ) I’m married with one dog and a fish.
2. I read as often as your posts show up in my Google reader 🙂
3. Umm…3? I’m definitely not that lip-slutty. I think my quirk is that I’m pretty much incapable of talking to babies/dogs in my normal voice. It tends to annoy people and can scare small children. I also love auctions although I’ve never bought anything at one. I guess it seems exciting to me?
4. I love your blog because you are very real about your life and I like your decorating style. I’m also getting into photography and you encouraged me to embrace my Canon’s manual mode. So basically, I just love the whole thing 🙂
5. I really can’t think of anything because other people already asked you the baby and pet questions….maybe I’ll come back with something later.
1. Tiffany/25/Accountant/Prince Edward Island (Canada)…beautiful scenery (Google it and check out the pics…Even Reg and Kelly loved it here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere’s else/Married for 2 years/No kids
2. Everyday (sometimes even 2x!)
3. Not many, I have kissed about 7 guys (these lips are locked down…haha).
4. I read your blog because you are just so cute (husband=boyfriend, I adore that), I love your home decor posts, but I love that you add stuff about your everyday life. Keeps it real!
5. I got nothing!
I’m Amy, from Alabama, I’m 42 and I work for a doctor in Birmingham. I have a 16 year old daughter (only child), and 1 yellow lab named Ginger (awww).
2. I visit every day and sometimes on the weekend. I LOVE YOUR BLOG, your humor, your relationship with Jeremy, precious little Will and reading all about your hilarius life.
3. I have kissed 3 guys. I know I’m strange…I was shy when it came to LOVE…and married my high school sweetheart, so there! My quirk is…I ALWAYS have a song going through my head and my toes keep the beat to it…ALWAYS…this morning it was Billie Jean…why I have no clue..
4. I honestly love everything about Bower Power. You are so funny and sweet and I kinda knew you were pregnant before you told us…yep womens intuition 🙂 Love the Jeremy and Will stories and pictures. That nephew of yours is absolutely ADORABLE. His smile is so precious and seeing him and Will be such buddies warms the heart…WOW. Love all the home improvement stuff. You have such a gift of decorating. Love the colors you use!
5. Will you take my daughters senior pictures in 2013 for a reduced loyal blogger fee? Haha! Keep entertaining us KB!!! Hi to Jeremy and Will!
1. I’m Caryn, age 26. I’m a graphic designer for a small studio in Knoxville, TN. No kids yet. Married to a graphic designer for another studio. And we have one Jack Russell Terrier mix named Rosie.
2. Most definitely an everydayer reader. What can I say, I’m hooked!
3. Amazingly enough I have only kissed my husband. He’s the only guy I dated and the only one I kissed. My quirk? You should probably ask my husband as he’s bound to rattle off many. He’d probably say my covering any and all lights when I’m trying to sleep, even if they are super tiny like on the smoke alarm. My favorite quirk though would be that I’m obsessed with children’s books. I collect them, read them, talk about them, dream about them. It’s a serious obsession.
4. Oh boy, I don’t know what it is that I like most. Probably your extreme honesty, corny jokes, very “stream of conscious” writing, adorably photos and stories of Will…. I also love your photography. It’s enjoyable to read a great blog with awesome photos.
5. Hm… I can’t think of a decent question, especially after scrolling through your previous comments. So take a break on this one. Keep up the great blogging!
1. I’m Ashley, 27, stay at home mom from western NY but living near Boston MA for now, married, no pets but a betta fish 🙂
2. I visit from my reader every time you post! Been reading for at least 6 months or so.
3. Haha– I think 5. My quirk… might not be too uncommon but I CAN NOT go to bed unless the bed was made. I can’t sleep in a messy bed!
4. I love your candid hilariousness. I also love that you love Jesus but can still be silly and sassy!
5. Question– how do you have such perfect teeth??!!! Love your blog Katie… you are definitely shining! 🙂
And I have 2 kids- my daughter is 2 and my son is 7 months 🙂
Hi, Katie!!
1: Amy, 28, pharmacy tech @ Target (not what I wanna be when I grow up, but it pays the bills for now & the discount is totally worth it!) I’ve been married for 2 & 1/2 years, we live in our first home just outside of Athens, GA with our “zoo” of 2 Chihuahuas (Penny & Sophie), 1 inside cat, 1 outside cat, and numerous other local kitties who have decided to adopt our garage. I just can’t say no to a hungry animal… it’s an inherited sickness.
2: I visit everyday. Even on weekends when I know there will be no new posts… just in case you feel like surprising us 😉
3: I don’t kiss & tell! But only because I couldn’t tell you if I wanted to… I just never kept track 😉
I have many quirks, but by now as I’m sure you’ve noticed, I can be ridiculously long-winded. But only when writing, commenting, giving directions… not so much verbally or in person. I guess I just want to make sure whoever is reading has all the details they could ever need (and then some!) and that I’m not being misunderstood. And just for fun- I can’t sing to save my life, but I constantly make up/reword songs… about EVERYTHING.
4: What DON’T I love here!?! But I do have a soft-spot for the decorating/DIY posts… my style is similar to yours & you’ve really inspired me to shop at places like Goodwill, find something old & ugly and turn it into something beautiful for my home. Oh, and I love the randomness in your writing. Our goofy humor is not widely understood so it’s nice to know there’s another girl out there, somewhere, making a random poop joke 🙂
5: Just wondering… Have you been recognized out & about in public and what was that experience like for you?
…’cuz, we live kinda close by & I have an irrational fear of seeing you somewhere and either A) embarrassing my husband by forcing him to duck & hide behind shelving or whatever while I squeal & whisper “That’s Katie Bower!!” or B) embarrassing all involved by saying “Hi” and introducing myself. Possibly with aforementioned squealing.
I also live in Columbus! My comment is about 20 below yours.
1. WHO ARE YOU? I’m the girl that thinks of the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland when she hears that… Candace, 27, Cancer Protocol Coordinator, Wheaton MD (right outside DC), no kids (WANT), live-in-bf (who is torturing me by keeping ring-popping-questions to himself), and 2 greyhounds, 1 leopard gecko & 120gal fish tank.
2. I’m a Google Reader girl (or “greader” as my friends & I call it), so I read whenever I see a new post and have a spare second. On the zero-to-stalker scale, I am a solid “creepy”.
3. How many people? Seriously? Do you WANT me to feel like an amnesiac? Good green galloshes, college was f-u-n. But all innocent. I swear. Prob 30+? I think? I’M LIP-SLUTTY!!! OOOOooooo for shame. shame.
Quirk- too many to count; but I LOOOOOVE weird-o baby animals. No, not “look at the adorable otter”, no. None of that. Give me aardvarks, hippos and (best of all, this is my desktop background always) BABLY RHINOS! Love love love. My bf says baby hippos look like poo.
4. I love your pictures (I mean, duh, photography is what you DO and you do it well!), but I say that in a total understanding of the headache that is uploading, editing, and then uploading to web for blog pain that you go through. That’s my big hindrance too! I do love the home renovation, and in particular renovation on a budget (everything from building your bed to small spray-painting Goodwill finds. Ps. my Goodwill is tiny. No fair.)
5. Hmmmm, a Question….. what’s your biggest musical guilty pleasure? A particular song? Artist? Genre? Can you not stop singing ABBA? A sucker for Fiddler on the Roof?
1. My name’s Sophie, I’m eighteen years old. I’m in my senior year of high school and I live in London, England. (Thankfully) no kids, but my family have six cats. Yes, six. It’s pretty crazy (:
2. I’ve been to your blog a few times before through John & Sherry, but I’ve only started seriously reading today! I added your URL to my Google Reader about an hour ago.
3. I’ve not kissed anyone! Oh, yes, I’m a late bloomer. But no need to worry. You can worry about me when I’m forty and I’ve still never kissed anyone. One fact about me – well, it’s not very interesting, but I really want to live in the US when I’m older. I’m off to college in September to train to be an elementary school teacher and then after that I really hope I can get a green card to live there, it’s my ultimate dream and it has been my whole life.
4. Well, so far, I love the house posts the most because both your old house and the new one are GORGEOUS. But my favourite thing about you is that you don’t seem to label yourself with a specific genre. You post what you like about your life, which I think is really awesome because so many people are too scared to do that.
5. Okay… One random question – what would you have called Will (who, by the way, is FREAKING ADORABLE) if he’d been a girl? (:
xx
1. Personal details –Vica, 28, work at a boring accounting firm. I live in Decatur, Ga. Married, 10 month old daughter and fur son Roger. Here are some other crazy details. Our house was built in 1942 and is a 3/2. We are only the 3rd owners. I grew up in a town in FL that got Rodeo day off from school every February and went to Florida State University. Go Noles!
2. Reading details –I have you on my Google reader so I can read every post you put up, as soon as you put it up.
3. Random details – I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours. I can fall asleep in any moving vehicle including sleeping through plane take-offs and landings. I have four things signed by Bobby Bowden in our house and one thing signed by Charlie Ward (we are a little FSU obsessed).
4. Blog detail – I like that it’s a good mix of everything (vague enough for you). I also find your disclaimers funny or maybe I find the fact you have to put in disclaimers funny. I can only imagine that is because people are way too vocal about what they think you should and shouldn’t be doing. CRAZY PEOPLE!
5. Question –I really can’t think of anything to ask, that you haven’t already shared. You are an awesome blogger like that. But I do look forward to meeting you at our photo shoot in August
1. Katie / 28 (29 in 2 days) / Married / work for the federal govt but I’m ready to be a SAHM / Oregon / No kids yet, 2 cats
2. I subscribe in a reader so I read every time you post. I found your blog while looking for tiling tips. And our first tiling job (the shower) was successful. THANK YOU!
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Too many. I lost count in college after 3… in one night 🙂 I can say with reasonable certainty that its probably under 50. But I am definitely not the other kind of slutty 😉
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I hate wrinkled sheets. I don’t iron them or anything, but if I can feel little folds with my feet I have to get out of bed and pull the sheets tight, even if the hubby is sleeping. He thinks I’m nuts.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I love the posts about your home. I also like to hear about your family and like someone else said, I stick around because of your humor.
Questions for you: What DIY task to you love and hate the most?
For example, I love the yard work because its instant gratification. I HATE prepping walls for paint. Its tedious and you don’t see any difference.
1. Kellie, 31, Cleveland (Tennessee), married, no kids, 1 cat
2. I have you on my Google reader so I check every day 🙂
3. I have only ever kissed my husband. We were very young, high school sweethearts but we have actually known each other since I was 4 and I had a crush on him my whole life. In fact, I still do 🙂 A quirk? Oh, I have many! One is I hate to talk on the phone. I will do almost anything to avoid it!
4. One of the things that drew me to your blog is that you are funny. Seriously, I laugh all the time. But my favorite posts are anything house related, especially DIY since it’s exactly what I’m into.
I love that Tracy groups her 3 kids together and then throws the husband in with the dog and cat. Hahaha!
1. Kimberly, 27, Associate Manager (I sell chocolate), Seattle, single w/BF of 3 yrs, no kids, no pets (hopefully a cat in October when the BF and I move into a house).
2. I read your blog daily via Google Reader.
3. Uh, I have never counted… somewhere around 10, +/- 5. My weird quirk is that I’m slightly obsessed with penguins. I almost have a panic attack when I see one on tv or on a billboard advertisement or some other random place – who know what would happen if I ever see one in real life.
4. Honestly, I love everything you do. I’m a fan of your Goodwill posts and finds (I have Goodwill envy – the two in my area suck) and just general home posts. Love your photography (I just purchased my first big-girl camera yesterday, a Nikon D3000) and especially your insight into taking good pictures. And, Katie, your humor is great! 🙂
5. Okay, so this is totally random, but I guess that’s the point – you posted about Stone Mountain on John and Sherry’s visit and I’m somewhat of an outdoors kinda gal. Do you know how Stone Mountain was created? Being from the PNW I guess I have a skewed idea of Georgia. I thought it was relatively flat there.
I love painting artwork. It’s weird but I do. And painting walls is sortof like that so I guess that is my DIY fav. My least favorite is sanding drywall. It makes me sick just thinking about it.
We would have named him Bella 🙂 Now we are just saving that name for a little girl one day.
1. Nicole/30 as of last week/Durham, England via Atlanta, Georgia via Bakersfield, California/married/no kids or pets (yet)/English teacher
2. I found you (and YHL) through a blog roll on a college friend’s blog. Your husband looks just like someone I went to college with, so I thought it was actually him at first. 🙂 I stop by a few times a week.
3. How many people have I kissed? Um… (counting) 8, including the hubby. Kissing is one of my favorite pastimes. A quirk? I lick my gum wrapper before chewing. In first grade we learned about habits, and I was bothered that I didn’t have one, so I decided to make licking gum wrappers mine, and it stuck. Yeah, weird.
4. To be completely creepy, I totally feel like we’d be friends in real life if I still lived in Georgia. I like your pictures and your humor… but really I’m dying to see what you do with Will’s room. I’d be trying to slit my wrists with a butter knife if I were him.
Keep it up, and happy blogiversary!
Hmmm…probably Disney songs. And some Pussycat Dolls. And some old school Britney & Xtina & NSync. With a dash of 80’s thrown in 🙂
1. Lynette/31/RN/Minnesota/not yet/Married/2 basset hounds, Lady and Oliver
2. You are in my Google Reader, so I check everyday.
3. Ohhh, uhm…let me think…20 and that is a very rough estimate. I love all things related to budgets. How to pay things off to saving. Excel spread sheets and all. I love to pretty them up with color!
4. I love it all! If I didn’t I would take you off of my reader. Just like FB, I delete blogs that I don’t like or that I get annoyed by. In fact, you are in my “favorites” category. I most often read yours first!
Yup…it’s happened a handful of times and everytime is different. I love it though. I do have an irrational fear of being recognized though without makeup on in my 1980’s Umbros and the reader being all like “WHOA that’s scary”. I seriously love meeting readers. I think that might be one thing I love about doing photography…some clients are readers and we have the best chats!
Oh my teeth are far from perfect. My wisdom teeth starting coming in after I had my braces off…you can imagine the crampage. So now my front ones overlap a bit. It’s no biggie cause as my grandma said “the best accessory is a smile!”
Consider yourself officially given a 10% off coupon 🙂
My mom made this crazy delicious and uber healthy bread. She actually ground her own wheat and everything. It was sooo good.
And my favorite thing besides bacon would have to be chocolate chip cookies. that or deviled eggs.
Erg Kate – sorry. Host issues.
My dream vacation would be Italy. Or Tahiti.
Our morning routine is like this: hear baby cry. ignore baby. coerce Jeremy to get crying baby. Take Will downstairs & feed him. Check blogs while neglecting baby. And we typically eat scrambled eggs & toast, or oatmeal, or mini pancakes. Nothing fancy. Sometimes I throw a english muffin in there to spice things up 🙂
I was asked if I would be willing to tell people that I was 29. I was 24 at the time. Weird.
And I would be a kitchen table. I like people around me a lot and I am pretty functional…and sometimes dirty 🙂
I thought “Adult diapers would be so useful if you didn’t want to get out of bed”. Random I know.
And thanks 🙂
No but it sounds like a fun place…especially with cats named Prius 🙂
It’s a combination of pingpong & tennis played on a smaller court…we think. We have never actually have played it.
Yes 🙂
That is a really interesting question…
To me, fear is not necessarily evil. The bible says to Fear God. Fear is sometimes what drives us to Jesus. And doing something in spite of fear can help us grow as Christians. When it comes to Halloween…I view it as a costume party time. A time to stretch our imaginations. And I like being spooked sometimes…it makes me feel alive. So I experience it for fun…not as a time to revel in gore or the evil parts that some people do. I could probably go into more detail but I got loads more questions to answer!
And I will tell you what I tell her….when God gives us one 🙂
I love 80’s music and early 90’s pop…and random stuff too like Garth Brooks and the old Britney!
Not creepy at all 🙂
Yay! I’m glad, haha
Yes. And Yes.
We are bible believers through and through 🙂
Haha. Who’s that?
Seriously though…all the time 🙂
Loved Goonies. And Indiana Jones movies. Pretty much anything my big brother liked 🙂
My current favorite has to be Say Hey (I love you) by Michael Franti & Spearhead. Will and I dance to it in the kitchen 🙂
Lol Umbros!!
I think alot of what I do comes from photoshopping stuff together. And the way I get a plan is usually thinking…what can I do with paint? It’s cheapness at it’s finest 🙂
Not really weird. I guess I try to be myself no matter what…and no matter who is reading. Yes there have been times where my mom is like “Katie please tell me you didn’t write that…” but it’s me. Sometimes I am inappropriate. And you will find your voice. It took me a long time to find mine 🙂
I don’t really have a routine…short of washing my face & brushing my teeth. I guess my only musthaves would be Clearasil creamy face wash and Avon’s Plump Pout lipgloss. Other than that, anything goes.
To be honest…things are gonna be different. And even though I am back at my prebaby weight, my body is new and strange. I think breastfeeding helped a bunch and so did walking a little a few times a week.
SWEET!
Sometimes…but he knows that this is my hobby. I liken it to mountain biking for him. Maybe your man is really craving some quality time?
Maybe you could write him a song with your crazy skills 🙂
If you’re anything like me, every time you make a quick run somewhere lookin’ like a hot mess, you run into someone you know or even better- someone your husband knows & feels the need to introduce you to. I’m not sure who I feel more sorry for… me, them, or him? Well, if I ever do see you & you’re sportin’ the ‘Bros, I’ll try & leave you be. But, I said TRY. I make no promises.
We are hopefully gonna be preggo this year…but we’ll see!
Having good friends that share our views, reading the bible together every night and praying regularly are all simple ways we do it.
1. Christine / 36 / Physician Assistant / Married with two little boys – Henry (4) and James (4 months) / we live in a suburb of St. Louis, MO
2. I check the blog everyday. I have only been reading for a few months – I found you through YHL.
3. Guys kissed – maybe 4. I met my husband when I was 15 and we were married at 24.
I love watching mixed martial arts fighting and boxing. It makes me feel like fighting. I am the most mild-mannered person too – it surprises everyone.
4. I like it all too! But mostly the house stuff I guess, and the kid stuff too. LOL. Easy to relate with 2 little boys now.
5. When do you come up with your house ideas? Do they just take form or do you really plan out every detail – and when? Do you sit down to do it, or think about things cooking dinner? We are redoing out kitchen and I am so tired of making decisions, I just want it to look nice. I can’t imagine always thinking about something to do to the house.
Stacey. 24. Marketing Associate/Event Planner. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Married. No kids as of right now but hope that will change in the REALLY near future. Fish, but I think of them more as art than pets most days.
I probably check 2 or 3 times a week. I have my 3 blog rotation (which also includes YoungHouseLove).
Only really kissed one, and that’s my hubby. Lots of pre-junior high kisses but they don’t count. I’m a lip-prude apparently. And my quirk, hmm, I’ve never really grown out of bubble gum. Still chew it all the time and LOVE bubblegum ice cream and bubble gum milkshakes.
Favorite posts… I like the variety, honestly. But my FAVES are the Will related ones… makes my ovaries hurt and feel better all at the same time.
Random question: Have you ever venture north of the 49th parallel (aka Canada).
We have a 2008 Nissan Armada.
haha.
I walked, breastfed and drank a lot of water.
Dinner ideas – hmm…I’m a big fan of restuarants…so I try to copy a lot of meals based on what is served in my favorite places to eat. Sometimes that means sandwiches 🙂
TVshow? Um no. You don’t want all of this stretched out on television.
1.) Ali/27/RN/Colorado/ a 1 year-old boy/married/ a maltese named Turbo
2.) You are in my google-reader.
3.) I have kissed 4 people. I waited until I got engaged to kiss anyone. That engagement didn’t end up working and then I got a little lip-slutty until I meat my hubby. Weird thing–I like to pop my husband’s zits. Don’t judge 🙂
4.) I love EVERYTHING! Seriously, you may just be my all-time fav blog!
5.) What is your favorite Bible verse?
1. I’m Angella! 28 in Conyers, but soon to be Covington GA. Married with a 10 month old son. One “special” Chihauhua.
2. I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and have been hooked, I’m a daily reader!
3. Um I think I’ve kissed 3 people, hah. I met my husband in high school, so that’s 12 years with him, never dated much before, I was a little weird back in the day! Quirk…I have to wash my dishes before they go in the dishwasher – or the world will explode with dishy germs, I dunno but it drives my husband crazy.
4. I love the house posts and every day life posts. We’re in the process of trying to buy another home (foreclosure, what an horrid process!! 3 weeks since our offer!!), so the design aspect is motivating!
5. Has anyone approached you IRL because they recognized you from the blog? If not and they did, would that freak you out? We had planned a trip to Stone Mountain same time you guys were there, so mad we decided to be lazy. 🙂
No.
No…but I’ll definitely look into it!
And yes! I’ve been to Peru (loved it)…so if I’m ever in Argentina, I’ll look you up!
One day. We kinda want a puppy one day when Will is a little old enough to handle the pooper scooper 🙂
Jeremy works in sales for Equifax.
Yes – I get it a lot. And I think she is gorgeous…so I’ll take it 🙂
Heehee…I wish 🙂
1. Michelle/25, just kidding almost 29/Bridgman, MI/married 4.5 years/waiting on pregnancy any day now/no pets but love me some outside wildlife like birds and squirrels, etc
2. you’re in my Google reader, i “found” you through Sherry’s blog a couple years ago and instantly loved you. you two give me DIY confidence!! with a little spray paint and some modpoge, i can do anything! secretly, your blog is my fave now since hers has 1.756 million comments everyday (but don’t tell her that, i still love her!). :o)
3. kissing: i plead the 5th. quirky thing: um, i tend to gasp dramatically when something surprises me. example, my hubs and i are driving in the car, i bend down to grab something from my purse and my sunglasses fall off my head. me: gasp!, hubs: what happened?!, me: oh i just dropped my shades. :o)
4. i love the diy, decorating, thrifting (FAVE!), designing stuff. i also love Will cause he’s a cutie. if i had a cool camera, i would LOVE your photog tips (i tell everyone i know with a camera that they need to read your blog) oh and i LOVE your randomness and how you always share from your heart. and i love that you love Jesus. just sayin. :o)
5. we are first time home buyers but haven’t bought anything yet (we’ve been looking for a year now, made a few offers but nothing’s worked out). so my questions: (1) have you felt “buyers remorse” with either of your places and how long did it last? (2) at this moment, what’s your fave thing about your new place?
ps: happy anniversary!
My favorite class was probably childhood growth and development. I find that kind of info very interesting. And my favorite book…besides the Bible…is Alice in Wonderland…probably. I just love how imaginative it is to a seven year old (that’s when I first read it).
Hmmm….probably Braveheart. Or Empire Records. Or Bandits. or anything with John Cusack.
Sure! Anytime 🙂
I get jealous about other girls having tons of close couple friends. We just don’t have that many that live nearby. And when I say many…I mean none.
Hi Katie,
1. My name is Carolyn, I’m 31 and just celebrated (literally, on Sunday!) my 1 year anniversary! We don’t have kids (yet!) or pets (yet!). I’m an analyst by day, but during every spare moment I’m finishing up my doctoral dissertation – defense date is a month away! My hubby and I live in CT.
2. I read everyday/every post – I just started reading about 3 months ago, but have been a fan since day one! I have your blog along with many others in my Google reader, but for some strange reason your blog and YHL I have to read from your actual site. I kind of keep tabs during my lunch hour to see “is there a new post?” So, yeah, that’s also a little weird fact too 😉
3. I have no idea how many boys I’ve kissed. Yeah, no idea. I even sat here trying to figure it out and yup – I’m a lip-slut! But hey, I had to kiss a lot of frogs to find my prince!! And it was worth it – he’s quite a prince 🙂
A quirk about me: I get extremely competitive with board games. True story: I once told my husband to “put on his game face” during a particularly close round of CRANIUM. And I was totally serious. Yeah, it’s not pretty!
4. You’ve got a great blog! I really love all the house stuff. Even just the little tweaks. It’s very inspiring and fun to see how you do it all. I also LOVE the photography stuff. After I finish my dissertation, my new hobby is going to be photography so I bookmark a lot of your tips and tricks 🙂 But 100% your personality shines through and I think that’s great! I truly appreciate everything you share! Thanks for being such a great lady!
5. Since I’m a future photography (by hobby, not by trade) do you recommend any books/websites?
Well, Will is a fantastic napper. Night time…not so much…but the kid takes some mean naps. And we are teaching him NO TOUCH very early. Plus I use the ever popular distraction method quite often.
Hmmm…one time someone asked if I liked poop. It was awkward.
I use Clearasil creamy face wash every day…and that’s about it. Nothing regularly enough…just random stuff in my bag that was on sale.
Thanks though!
I make roughly $700 a month on the blog. That’s before taxes so cut it in half for my end result. Not much but enough to cover the blog expenses and then it pays for about two fillups 🙂
I usually spend about two hours a day toward blogging stuff and about 2 hours toward photography stuff.
We actually read each other’s blogs without knowing it. And then we commented and linked and eventually I got the hoo-ha’s to email her and invite her down! From there we hit it off! The rest was magical blog history 🙂
I love this old set of leather bound fantasy stories….it was Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, etc…I will always cherish those lovely books 🙂
haha! We are both always up for meeting new friends 🙂
No…they are always there. I think of it as payment for all the positive uplifting encouragement we get 🙂 Honestly though, I would take a hundred negative comments for all the great stuff I’ve gotten from you online friends 🙂
I hope that people just take away that there is a girl out there that loves life. She may be politically incorrect and offend others…but dang it if she ain’t having a good time living life. And I don’t fear it anymore. I am who I am. (Popeye quote!) and I make mistakes. that is okay in my book.
It matters who she was up against. I believe in voting based on candidate experience/track record and their personal beliefs 🙂
Sure I would change things. We need a new tv and family would live closer…but otherwise I know that I am blessed 🙂
One time I convinced him to get highlights. And when I say ‘get’ I mean ‘let me give him’. Let’s just say I am no hairdresser.
Close to three hours every day. I’m a slow reader 🙂
Canada…because it is the closest to my grandparents 🙂
Well…sometimes a big item can be modified to be multi-functional. Like a coffee table that is turned into an ottoman. Then maybe you could get rid of other stuff that is taking up too much space?
Sure! I’ve seen it on an old episode of Amazing Race…would love to see it 🙂
We were…and this past year we weren’t. The youth group at our church has a policy that says we can’t bring Will because it changes the dynamic of the activities and the group…so I couldn’t participate again. Jeremy still helps out when he can though.
1. Jen, 32, banking, FL, no kids, not married (know any single guys?!?!), no pets
2. Visit 1-2 times a week. Sometimes 3 if I’m bored at work
3a. Kissed more than a handful of guys, but never on the 1st date.
3b. I always, always fluff the pillows when I get up off a couch–even if it’s not my couch
4. Your blog is fun, I like the mix of posts
5. Drawing a blank on the ?’s.
Congrats on your blogiversary!
Hmmm…I like anything fruity 🙂 and I like things that are low key…like walking in a park or picking out fruit at a farmers market. It’s weird but anything that is given a label is fun to me.
1. My name is Rosalyn, I am 36, I work as a Program Administrator for an Engineering firm, live in Chicago (not the burbs), trying for a baby, engaged, 1 cat – Shoes.
2. I visit your blog every day, sometimes more if I am following your photo tips, or DIY tips, or if I just want to see how cute Will is…
3. I have kissed lots… and have lost count (Yikes, I am a lipslut). One of my quirks, is when my fiancé travels for work, I do not cook for myself and just eat popcorn for dinner or cheese and crackers or salsa and chips.
4. I like all the posts… DIY, family photos, photo tips, everyday stuff, milestone stuff… I usually chuckle at something you write, it what makes me come back.
5. My question is “What state do you want to visit, that you have not been to already?”
Happy 3 years!
I would love to go to Montana…or Alaska…or Hawaii 🙂
Oh you have not seen the archives. There are plenty of crazy photos in there 🙂
Breastfeeding HURTS. Like worse than labor. And that you can do it. Even when you think you can’t. You can.
It’s just like I said…I won’t do it forever. I don’t know when it will come to a blissful end…but it probably won’t be out of the blue 🙂
1. I’m Susan. I live in the D.C. area. I’ve been married for two years. We don’t have any kids and we’ll never have pets (I’m not an animal person).
2. I visit about every other day.
3. I’ve only kissed two people. My quirk is that cake / brownie / pie type desserts must be cut straight. It really bothers me when someone snitches a forkful of dessert. I don’t mind the snitching, I mind the non-straight line. If I want to snitch a piece, I take a really long, really thin piece with a knife.
4. The thing I like best is that you’re real. We would be friends in real life, I think. In terms of content, I like home posts best. I have no decorating or DIY skills but I really like seeing yours!
5. What’s your favorite novel?
1. I’m Cami. I’m 26 years old and a scorpio. I like long walks on the beach and food. Bahaha Okay I’m cracking myself up. I’m 26, I love in Colorado, and I’m a financial advisor. No babies yet for the hubs and I. We do have two cats and a dog though, which keep us more than occupied and entertained. As a matter of fact, my dog is making Chewbacca noises as we speak….erm, write.
2. I’m an every day-er. I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now. And I’m pretty sure that we could be best friends. And Sherry too. Because I love you both in a non-weird way.
3. Two – the hubs and the boyfriend before him. Umm…one quirk. I can pop out my left thumb, left hip, and right ankle. Weird.
4. All of the above. It’s fun because it’s something different every day and I feel like you seem so normal in your posts. Writing like you talk (or I imagine you talk) = muy bueno.
5. If you were one of the kids on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which goodie would have done you in? I’m pretty sure I’d be the fat kid who fell in the chocolate river.
Holy bananas, KB, you have a lot of reading to do! I can’t believe I’m filling this out for a 2nd time…it means I’ve been reading your blog for at least a year and that is an accomplishment given my short attention span. 😉 I often talk about you and your Jer to my Jer like we go way back and I saw you yesterday. 🙂
1. I am Emily, I am 26, I am a Producer (of online video commercials) living in Rochester, NY with my fiance, Jerry (to be wed 10.8.11), with our “kids,” Eddie (dog, at least 10 years old – adopted old man) and Quinn (cat, 1 year next week – adopted brand new).
2. You actually made me find out what a “Reader” was and were my first subscription (along with YHL)! I check multiple times a day since my work can get either a little boring or a little maddening from time to time and I need a mental break.
3. I’ve kissed 3 people. My first (ever, oh geez, this is embarrassing) was another girl in the 5th grade on a dare. My second kissed like a lizard (are you picturing that?! Gr-oss!) and my third is my soft lipped husband to be!
I think only my Jer knows this quirk of mine and it’s kind of hard to explain…I’ll try anyway. When I drink anything, I have to move it in front of my teeth after I sip and before finally swallowing it. Do you follow? 🙂 I didn’t even notice I do this until Jerry pointed it out.
4. I love the home posts – you’re style is awesome and you show how doable home improvement can be – LOVE that. Random Bower awkwardness is also awesome. Having followed your blog for so long…we’re basically related and Will is my adorable sideburn free nephew. So sweet. Also, I was SO excited when I ready that Lori got engaged to Boots! You guys are better than a TV show *GASP* and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get a little peak at some of the wedding goodness coming up!
5. What is your absolute dream job (besides photographer and Mama – congratulations!)? Or…if you had to leave the Atlanta area, where would you move? Or…what is your favorite recipe? Or…how did you teach yourself photoshop? Just reading the manual? I’ll stop there…but I could go on. Maybe I should comment more? 😉
Congratulations on year 3 and here’s to the next! 🙂
-Emily
1. Hi! I’m Sara /25/6th grade teacher/St. Louis, MO/Living in sin with my boyfriend of 5 years/no pets
2. I visit Bower Power at least once per day, more if there are multiple posts. You are in my reader so I can just click on over when I see something new.
3. Definitely lip-slutty…I think my number would be around 35 mostly from some college fun. But I can definitely say I’m not the other kind of slutty! A quirk of mine? I put A-1 steak sauce on almost every type of meat- steak, chicken, pork…it is my preferred dipping sauce.
4. Blog detail – I like home posts the most but you are hilarious so I will read just about anything you post.
5. One random question….a student recently asked me this…if you were a fruit, which one would you be?
1. Theresa, 32, Paediatric nurse, Perth, Australia, 2 kids (for now), married, no pets (unless you count the kids, and sometimes you can!)
2. I visit whenever you post, my reader tells me.
3. I’ve kissed-I dunno, its early and I’m tired, I can’t count, lets leave it at not too lip slutty Quirk-I can’t sleep in more than a tshirt and underwear, I get too hot, which means when I get up to the babies in the night I freeze but if I wear anything else I get too hot and toss and turn.
4. I love the home posts, decorating and stuff. We’re about to start building our 2nd home and I can’t wait to decorate it. The awkwardness is good too tho.
5. umm..nup, I’ve got nothing to ask.
Happy anniversary!
1. My name is Claudia, I am 26 and married for a year and a half. We own a farmhouse in northeastern PA with one dog and one cat. No kids yet, I finally decided to borrow your idea and let him be the one to decide to have them (honestly, I think it will speed things up.)I work an office job but am much happier creating.
2. I am an every dayer. An every other dayer only when sick, tired, or on vacation.
3. I have only kissed a handful of people. Really, no more than 8 if you count peck on the lips from inebriated friends. And my hubby is the only one that made (and still makes) me weak in the knees. My quirk? The sound of people chewing with their mouths open makes me want to stab them. I realize this indicates some therapy. I’m working on it.
4. Honestly, although I love your home improvement posts, the ones that hit me the hardest are when you talk about how real you are, how grateful you are, and how small events can be so humbling. They make me humble too.
5. You made a comment once about being interested in guys and you parents yanking you out to homeschool you (I’m paraphrasing.) Was that true? I think mine secretly wanted to do that to me from the day I hit 7th grade!
P.S. Jason Stratham on top? Yes please!
1. My name is Melanie. I am 26 and married to my awesome hubby J. We live outside of Los Angeles. We don’t have any kids but are currently TTC. Our dog is a practice child 🙂
2. I check out your blog around 3 days a week. I would read more often but my computer at work won’t show any of your photos.
3. Ok this is so random that you would ask about the kissing! Just today as I was driving home from work I was realizing that I have forgotten how many boys I’ve kissed- and their names! Yikes. I blame it on aging. I would guess less than 20? But I’ve only done the deed with my hubby, so that counts for something, right? Yay for being a virgin at my wedding! A weird quirk about me is that I have a TV crush on Detective Eliot Stabler from Law & Order SVU.
4. Home stuff, baby stuff, random stuff!
5. Which did you like better- Jars of Clay’s self titled debut or dc Talk’s Jesus Freak? (I assume you listened to Christian music in the 90’s?)
1. Personal details –
my name is rachael. i’m 27. i work at a major retailer as well as attend college. i’m a single mama to a little -almost- four year old, luke.. and i have FIVE dogs. yes, and apparently i’m crazy.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT?
i visit on the daily. but your site is sometimes hard to load on my computer so then i go to my cell phone while i’m at work.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
i’ve only kissed 7 people. hey, that’s good! i’m 27 with a kid. i missed some steps. a quirk is that i collect garden gnomes a la amelie (the movie) and owls. because i like em. (although i’m terrified of pigeons)
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
i like pictures of your house. i started watching a little after will was born. his room was amazing, by the way. i enjoy your photography as well. i live in ga too and i scheduled you to take some pics of my kiddo but we got the months mixed up and i have yet to reschedule!
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it 🙂
umm.. what does your husband do for a living? i know he works from home mostly but what is his job title?
Hiya KB, what a cute idea this is, but you sure have your work cut out for you! Here she blows…
1. My name is Amanda, I am 25 and 5 months away from being engaged. Is it too soon to be posting that all over the inter-web? I have worked for the local electric company in Interior Alaska for 7 years and I have 3 fur babies, Guinness, my calico cat, Sheeba, my German Shepherd/Heeler, and Regan, my lab/pit. I currently own 2 homes and have rented one for the last 1.5 years. Hoping to sell this summer because I’m not looking forward to being a landlord for another Alaskan winter :oP
2. Every day follower here! You’re on my favorites list on my work computer and I check every morning before I start my day. You’re like my coffee for the day.
3. I’ve probably kissed around 20-ish boys…maybe more (sheepish grin), but I ended up with the 6th guy I kissed. That includes even the little kid kisses! One quirky thing about me is that I don’t like odd numbers, especially on the radio in my car. Really question my sanity at times…
4. I like it all!!! I’m looking forward to seeing your new house projects, but I’ve got baby fever something fierce and it absolutely melts me to see those little crossed feet and those big round eyes of that gorgeous little one of yours.
5. Rather generic question: What do you do on your girl’s nights out? Are you a bunco fan? Glass of wine with the girls? Or do you retreat to a quiet place for a book and sweet tea?
1. WHO ARE YOU? I’m 31, I work in higher education, live in Delaware, no kids, married, 2 dogs (Visit my blog 🙂 )
2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Often.
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Umm… it’s been a long time. I’ve been with my husband since we were 18. I don’t even know. WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I hate mayonnaise. I mean, really… I abhor it. I’m a major foodie and I love to cook (and eat), but don’t bring me any mayo!
4. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts – I agree with many of your decor choices, even if you are more creative than most “normal” people :). I also appreciate photography posts, you’re very talented!
5. Question – How long did you live in NJ because you have quite the southern accent! (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)
Hi Katie! Looks like I’m a little late to the party, though I definitely read your blog everyday!
1. My name is Crystal, I’m 27 and I live in Melbourne, FL. I got married to my wonderful husband in October of last year. We’re the proud parents of a German Shepherd (Kena aka the sweetest girl ever) and our mutt of a kitty (Deuce who’s an ornery little bugger). I do office work, but I’m an aspiring SAHM. We’re hoping to start trying for a babe at the end of this year!
2. See above 🙂
3. Err.. I’m a bit of a lip slut. Maybe 20, maybe more? But in my defense, I didn’t have my first “real” kiss til I was almost 18 so from 18-22 (when I met my hubby) I had a lot of making up to do. My weird quirk: I LOVE lemons. I eat lemons with salt. I can drink lemon juice (like the fake stuff) with salt. I should add that I love salt too. I add salt to everything. I add salt to salt. And surprisingly? I have really low blood pressure (so lay off, hubby!) lol
4. What do I love here? Everything! I found out about your blog through YHL and started reading for inspiration. I absolutely love your style! I stuck around because you just crack me up! So I would say you being YOU.. keeps me coming back. Keep it up!
5. Random question, huh? Umm, ok.. how many pairs of shoes do you have? And are they mostly heels, flip-flops, sneakers, ballet flats, etc?
Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? I’m Shannah…age 31. I work as a government contractor/very part time blogger in Washington, DC. My husband and I live way out in the suburbs in a town called Aldie, VA. I have 2 kids: Hailey (3.5) and Ethan (10 months). We have one 4 legged baby named Honey who is 9 years old.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? I visit almost everyday…it started when I was bored at work one day.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Haha…if we aren’t counting babies/families (i.e. not really in the “lip slutty” category), I think my number is like 15.
And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I LOVE crab legs. Seriously, it isn’t just a like to have them every now and then type of thing. I could probably eat them every.single.day.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I’m a big fan of the home posts because I am currently working on updating my house. Your photographs are pretty amazing though.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. If you could pick anywhere in the world to live (money no object), where would you live and what style house would you choose?
1. Chelsey 24, stay at home mom,
I’m from Joplin, MO (yes the massive tornado hit town)
I have 1 sweet lil 9 mnth old boy
Married for 2 years and have a crazy mixed linx outside cat name raz-dang-o
2. Check your site everyday! Along with Sherrys!
3. Yeah….uhmmmm I don’t know my lip sluttyness, It’s under 10 I’m sure…oops….anywaysss I’m like a kid in a candy store at Lowes, Sutherlands, home depot. Not that I know how to use many tools or what saws cut what I only know the basic level drill screwdriver ect.. but when I get into stores like that I could spend the entire day just looking and finding out what you do with everything.
4. I LOVE the home posts and the ones about Will Your photography ones just make me jealous haha. My son recently broke my camera so the jealousy has just gotten worse and it was just a point & shoot even. How I would kill for one like yours.
5. What type of music do you listen to? Fav bands, singers?
Congrats on year 3! Hope theres many more to enjoy!
1. My name is Amy, I am a 28 year old massage therapist. Married with two dogs, and I live in north GA.
2. I check in every day.
3. I’ve kissed five people. I met my hubby in high school so my kissing people window was quite short. As far as weird quirks, um, I can’t sit through a movie. I can sit through lectures and boring sermons but put me in front of a movie screen and I get super antsy.
4. I love home posts and awkwardness. I like the family/baby posts a lot too.
5. Did you ever do commercials? There is one commercial that I swear is you every time I see it.
You might also like:
(1) I’m Shannon, 31, from NJ (Exit 3). Married with two doggies (yorkies named Mario & Mia). I’m an assistant controller with a local asphalt company (fancy-schmancy title for saying that I ‘oversee the accounting department’).
(2) I stop by 4-5 times a week; so yes, I’m a blog stalker
(3) I’m not exactly lip slutty – I’ve only kissed 6 guys (unless you count those ‘spin the bottle’ pecks in the 6th grade, then the number goes up). Random quirky thingy about me – I have to clean (like spring cleaning) the first weekend of every month. My husband thinks it’s OCD, but I just get all excited to clean – oh and I love the smell of bleach!
(4) Love all home related posts and random bower akwardness.
(5) You have said that you were from Jersey – do I dare ask “what exit?” (and are you like other New Jerseyans who get offended by that question – I do, but I still had to ask).
1. I’m Lila & I blog at sweet and lovely crafts (I know you didn’t ask that part, but I’m telling you anyway) I’m 30 years old with two adorable kids (says the impartial mother), Claire 3 years, and Simon 1 (May 18).
2. I’m a new reader, adding you to my list of blogs to read everyday. You’re hilarious, and our babies and nearly the same age. Are you on pinterest? I should probably look over your blog before asking that. I’ll be spending the evening reading past posts.
3. My quirk? Whenever I’m the passenger in a car I twiddle my thumbs. I don’t know why.
4. I love your writing style- that’s my favorite part. But I also love photos tips!
5. How the heck did you have time to do three posts today while watching a baby- nevermind answering all of these questions?! Maybe you don’t sleep…
I love the smell of bleach too 🙂
Question 1 – Hi! I’m Clare, 24, from Virginia. Married for 9.5 months and have 3 babies – 2 cats and a pit bull named Nixon. I work as an academic advisor for an online university.
Question 2 – I’m an [almost] everyday-er. I subscribe to you through Reader and will wait until you post about 2-3 times and read them all at once, at work, on a very tiny window as to not get caught!
Question 3 – I have kissed…too many people! The term make out slut definitely applied to me in college! AND one weird quirk is that I am inexplicably obsessed with Mark Wahlberg.
Question 4 – Family/baby posts, bower awkwardness and home stuff
Question 5 – One question….. What is your favorite animal?
Jessica, 23, Edmonton, Alberta (Canada!), Married 2 years, no little people yet…
I have you on my Google Reader and you’re one of the firsts I go to read everyday! I like hearing about your new Dream Home… And sometimes wish it was mine… And sometimes think about how I would decorate it if it were mine…
What did you do before you had Will? Will you go back to work or are you going to be a SAHM?
Hey Katie.
1. I’m Sarah, 27 from Ottawa, Canada. I’m engaged and about to tie the knot in a month, eek! No I’m actually very excited!! I’m a kindergarten teacher and so far no kids.
2. I stop by anywhere from 2-5 times a week.
3. I’ve kissed about 10 guys and I guess my one weird quirk is that I follow a lot of different blogs but haven’t gotten around to starting one myself! I feel a bit badly about being a stalker and not a shower!
4. I love all your posts – one of the reasons I love your blog is that you keep it interesting, no same old, same old!
5. Have you ever ventured up to Canada? If so where, and what did you think?
Hi Vica! I’m in Decatur, too! Small world 🙂
Oh gracious. Four hundred and something something comments? There’s no way you are reading all of these, is there? Yet here I go commenting anyway because I’m a pretty big fan of the old Power of the Bower nature.
1. Molly, 26, Attorney, 1 kiddo a month or so older than Will, Texas, Happily married with a dog that belongs to my husband–NOT to me. The dog and I are not besties.
2. I read every day or every other day.
3. I kissed quite a few boys in middle school. I was a kissing machine. As far as the quirk? I am obsessed, no really–obsessed–with those Liberty Tax Dancers. Really, anyone with a sign on the side of the road who shakes their moneymaker. Mattresses holding signs that say “50% off sale!” dancing all around? Lady liberty grooving out? Jiffy Lube technician with a “half price right now!” sign? Yep, I’m sold.
4. I’m mostly a fan of the fact that you don’t seem to have a filter. Now don’t you dare take that as an insult. But really, the whole “cock fighting” comment on the video? The other random quips that make me think, “Did she REALLY just say that on the interwebs?” Yes, it makes me love you dear Katie Bower. I love that you are really, truly yourself. Or maybe not. Maybe that’s not you at all. What do I know? But I do like it nevertheless.
5. Do random people ever recognize you places and come and ask you if you are THE Katie Bower?
1. WHO ARE YOU? Laura/25/4th grade teacher. I live in Austin, Texas with my husband (3 years in November) and my crazy two year old dog-child, Addi.
2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Right now I read multiple times a day (I am a teacher who has the summer off, YEA!), trying to read your blog from the beginning. I am thoroughly enjoying your blog! I enjoy your sense of humor and your ability to talk about pretty much anything on here. I will probably read it every couple of days once I’ve caught up and am back at my actual job.
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? 8 guys, but I have given many people, especially family members kisses on the check.
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
I randomly shout words across the house in song…I think I just wish my life were a musical.
4. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I really enjoy pretty much everything. I love your house posts, but the photography is fun too. Since I have been reading from the beginning I just read your posts about Will’s birth and they made me cry; the beauty of Christ in it all was amazing and I’m really glad you shared it. So, yes I love the Bower awkwardness posts as well.
5. IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER.
Random Question: Where all have you travled (states/countries)?
House question: Do you use laytex or oil based paint to paint over your baseboards (where they oil base previously)?
I’m Amanda, 25, married, no kids. one dog (Boxer) whom I love DEARLY and I work for a College in Minnesota.
I read on my Google reader and so “visit” every time there’s a new post.
Random details? You’re funny. I’ve kissed 9 boys…including my husband. Is that a lot? Hmm. And that doesn’t count family. And quirks…well, I get excited about EVERYTHING. Camping? Yes. New garden hose? Yes. Finding out what was stinking up the fridge? Yes, yes, yes. But I think it’s a good thing.
I LOVE your photography posts. As an amateur myself, I enjoying learning from someone with more knowledge. And I love when you teach us how to do stuff on Photoshop, too. Beyond photography I’d say I like everything. Love the home posts and you have such a funny, entertaining voice in your posts that even reading about your everyday life is hoot. Keep up the good work. I’ll be SUPER sad if ever you find that the blog doesn’t have a place in your life anymore. But happy for you, of course, that you got what you needed from it.
My serious question for you would be this: how do you prioritize projects and how do you get your boyfriend on board? My fun question would be this: what animal do you think you most resemble (either in looks or in personality)? If you could choose to be any animal, would it be that one or would you pick something else? Oh, and how did your whole family end up in Georgia. You said you were a Jersey girl. Did you all move down when you were still living with your parents?
1. I’m Lindsay! I’m 27 and I live in Georgia (Hi neighbor!)! I gave up the corporate work life to be a stay-at-home mama to my baby girl who is now 17 months old! We have a dog (Trudi) and two cats!
2. I’m a google reader person. I rarely visit blogs in person since I don’t sit down to the computer much (I mainly read via the ipod touch).
3. Kisses… 4? Yeah, I think that’s right. First kiss at 18, and first kissed my hubby at 19. I guess I had one kissing year and then settled down… haha. Quirky thing about me… I can’t keep surprises from my hubby. I gave my hubby his father’s day gift last night. Oh well, it’s our “thing”. He gave me my Mother’s Day gift a week early.
4. I like your humor. It makes me laugh out loud. You are fun and honest and I like your “weirdness”. And your photography is beautiful! So happy that you start a business… and half tempted to drive your way to have your take family pictures… would that be creepy? I’m always on the back side of the camera you know how many pictures we get with me in them too.
5. A random question for you… hmmm… I am so bad at thinking of these. But I did want to say thanks for recommending 1000 gifts… just finished it and love love loved it! So, i guess that can be my questions… what are some gift God gave you today?
chubby baby hands giving high fives.
that extra roll of toilet paper within reach.
friends from afar encouraging me on the airwaves.
I had a job as a reinsurance intermediary…which is quite hard to explain…and I am going to be a SAHM probably for the rest of my life 🙂
I have sortof. We went to Niagara Falls for our first anniversary…and it was awesome.
I really like turtles, pigs, horses, penguins…you name it. It’s really hard to name a single fav.
Pretty much. I stayed up till two 🙂
I was born in Cherry Hill and then I lived in Pemberton and then in Tabernacle. All south Jersey 🙂
haha…no 🙂 That’s funny though.
I like 80’s music & some tunes from early 90’s. Oh and some country…and pop…and a little bit of soft rock. Pretty much anything goes 🙂
I love country farmhouses…big ones with wrap around porches and loads of land. In the middle of nowhere 🙂 That sounds absolutely dreamy to me.
Probably close to 50. And they are all different. A lot of flats/flip flops though 🙂
Till I was in fifth grade. The first ten years were in Jersey 🙂
I don’t have girl’s night out. Sounds like a blast…maybe I should try to get in on that 🙂
He works for Equifax in sales.
Hard to compare…but if I had to choose…DC Talk. Can’t help it. the album was so darn catchy!
No…my parents decided to homeschool me because they were already homeschooling my brothers. It just seemed like the natural progression for all four of us to be home 🙂
That is awesome! 🙂
Probably a kiwi. There’s not a lot to me…and I’m kinda weird sounding…
National Geographic photographer.
Chattanooga.
I love cream cheese stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon.
I just tried it all out…every single little button. And I watched a lot of youtube videos.
Chocolate river for sure. I probably would have sucked that thing dry though 🙂
What qualifies it to be a novel?
Sure! I always feel like we paid too much. I figure that is the Goodwill effect 🙂 And my favorite thing is the land. I love our lot. I love the woods and the creek and the garden. I love the trails in the back and our new neighbors.
I don’t really prioritize. I do projects based on what I have on hand and what I have time for. And then…I think I resemble a penguin in personality. They mate for life…and they are fiercely hardworking for their families. And they like to have fun 🙂 And I like being a little bird that can’t fly 🙂
Yup – we moved down when I was 5th grader.
I’ve traveled all over the continental us. It’s kinda hard to list…every state east of the Mississippi and a lot west too. I’ve been to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Peru, Eleuthra, and Canada. And I would use oil based so that I wouldn’t need to sand 🙂
1) Alright, my name is Laura (which you can probably see from the “name” field); I am 28 and from Minnesota. But I have family outside of Atlanta, so I like to pretend I am your neighbor (not really though – I promise I’m not a creepy person).
2) I am not a google reader or a subscriber, because I like to be surprised when I stop by if there will be a new post or not. I swing on over a probably 3-5 or 7 times a week. I just started reading your blog a month ago. I was at a women’s leadership team meeting at church and someone was talking about your blog and then someone else was like, “oh! she just posted about rosebushes!” and it was all very exciting. So I googled your blog, but accidentally spelled Bower like Jack Bauer, so it took me a while to find you. oops!
3) To answer your question honestly, I will just say that perhaps I should have starred in a certain movie instead of Drew Barrymore? (don’t judge me. I realize it is lame). Other important things about me: I once went on a date with a boy because he had a pet kangaroo. And I once swam in coffee. And sometimes I feel like the pied piper because a) I played the piccolo in high school and b) children seem to follow me wherever I go.
4) I really love it all. I think my favorites are threefold: photography-ness, randomness, and just your witty sense of humor in your writing. Your style is just so readable and enjoyable.
5) How did you and your boyfriend meet? Also, what is your favorite color?
Haha…yes…I’ve been asked before…and I completely freeze like I have no idea what to say!
Basically I try to learn from every different website and forum I come across. I don’t recommend any in particular. But I do tell people to read Learning Exposure (I forget the author)…it’s great for beginners!
Sometimes thinking about it makes me feel weird. But in general, no.
I know a couple old clients from work used to read…and they were very supportive and told me all the time that they loved seeing the other nonprofessional side of me. I guess I figure that I am going to be a SAHM for the rest of my life…so I don’t fear future employers reading about my quirks!
Wonder woman…she can fly right?
Yup…and I’d see lots of the world and visit my grandparents all in one day!
No denomination…just bible believers through and through 🙂
I love normal smells…laundry detergent, baby fresh from the bath, cinnamon rolls, flowers.
And my weirdest favorite is men’s deodorant.
Only to see Niagara Falls…so….sortof 🙂
Maybe! I’ll have to see what Lori is planning…but I think she is leaving the cocktail hour up to me & my mom 🙂 Maybe an inspiration board is just what we need!
Yup…five or so times now…and I’m totally flattered and shocked at the same time. I sometimes forget that people other than my mother reads this blog 🙂
One of my current favs is Psalm 63:3. Short and sweet. And I really like the entire book of proverbs. And James. And 1st Corinthians.
Only to see the Niagara Falls…never anything norther of there…although I would love to visit one day…hopefully not in the dead of winter 🙂
Nope…just happens. Sortof like a weird evolution. I don’t plan any details…most times I see something that makes me feel inspired, I just use that….but no…no real house plans.
Are you asking about how the rock was created…or how the carving was created? We have flat parts but for the most part, it’s rollin hills here in the northern part of GA.
Sure!
Sometimes I do it with the camera settings but sometimes I do it with post-processing. I might be able to accomodate your request sometime 🙂
Oh honey…there are plenty in the archives. Just gotta find them.
I’d be the drummer…mostly because my singing voice stinks. And the band would be called The Resurection….or something like that 🙂
Absolutely 🙂
My mom & dad still both work full time…so it seems unfair to ask them to watch Will. And we don’t have any other family in the area so we end up watching our own kid. THE NERVE! 🙂
Something that surprised me was how early Will’s little personality came out. I swear at one week old, he was fighting to be in charge. No joke. That was a big shock to me…especially since he didn’t how how to be in charge of breastfeeding 🙂
Nope. Jer is definitely going to stay a behind-the-scenes kinda guy. One time he did a video when he talked with me…but only because it felt awkward to be alone. It ended up being awkward anyway 🙂
Sure. It seems like we have a bunch of thirds…so we’ll be one big happy group 🙂
Jer was number 33…my lucky number actually!
Sure and if I’m ever in MI I’ll look you up 🙂
There are tons of sites out there with great advice. My piece? Google. And read.
Not really. I guess since it is all online, I feel very normal still. Normal in the most weird way possible. And yes, consider us officially real life buds 🙂
We want four bio kids and then I want to adopt too. I would love to have tons of kids. I always thought that 🙂
PUT THE BOOK AWAY. I seriously probably had baby books surrounding me at all times hoping that I could find the answer in them…it was great for learning but sometimes the book will not have a solution. When it happens, just put it down and learn how to breathe.
Maybe! It’s still a ways off…so we’ll have to see what happens…
I talk about it alot but rarely does that deliciousness touch my lips. And when I say rarely…I mean only once a week 🙂
I would totally be banging those drums. And the band name would be fierce…like Tom Selleck and the Weirdos. Something awesome.
1. My name is Meg, i’m 20 years old and live in San Diego. I’m majoring in Interior Design and Point Loma Nazarene University…I’m single, no kids and I have a 6th month old golden retriever puppy!
2. Oh boy, I’m a loyal one. I definitely visit at least once a day, but often times two or three times…I like to look at your archives too!
3. I’ve never been kissed…I had a standard for my self in high school that I wouldn’t date..plus my selection was none to slim, and I guess I’m just really picky waiting around for the guy of my dreams 🙂 …and i guess that’s a pretty big quirk…but lets see, I am really good with my money except when it comes to shoes and random house accessories… sometimes I’ll go therapy shopping at Homegoods or I’ll sit in my closet and just try on a couple of my favorite heels…i know its weird but they make me feel good haha 🙂
4. I love everything…I love hearing about your family, seeing your photography and the house…that is probably my favorite, because I get so many of my ideas from you!
5. Where did you find the ring exchange poem that you and Jeremy recited at your wedding? I love and want to use it! And do you watch any tv? if so what are your favorite shows?
I just want to let you know that I absolutely love your blog and what you have to say. You are funny, and clever, and I want to have a blog like yours someday 🙂 Happy Blogiversary!
I don’t know! Most of it was just organic. I believe in writing a blog like the ones I like…finding your own voice and your own shtick. And then putting it out there. If nobody reads, well, it was for you anyway, right?!
I’ll definitely put them both on the docket!
Oh sure! They were crazy overwhelming…and they still are! But in the end, what does a kid really need? A little love, some food, someone to tell them to not stick their tongue in the outlet. If you aren’t afraid of parenthood, you aren’t near ready 🙂
No dreams but I do often wonder if it really happened or I just imagined it all!
And I love those reality tv shows. Anything where people have to perform, lose weight, or fall in love 🙂
Just keep truckin!
Probably getting knee surgery. Boring and painful, I know…but I still need it.
After every shower?! OMG that seriously made me LOL… that is definitely a quirk! Too funny!
Haven’t been to the new one…it’s past the little guys bedtime. Maybe I’ll get a chance this summer though!
I like creepers…no need to prove otherwise 🙂
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? Melanie, 31 – Elizabethtown, KY I’m currently a student/housewife but temporarily on a break due to pregnancy complications and strict bed rest. I am 30 weeks along with our first baby, a girl who I am trying to get to stay inside for at least 5 more weeks. I have my 5 lb. rat terrier named Daphne Sue, to keep me company.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? I pop over from Google Reader whenever you have a post, so sometimes I am a multi-time-a-dayer although I don’t comment because I’ve always been a little gun shy – I mean really it took me 2 days to get ballsy enough to post now.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Somewhere between 5-10. That freshman year of college is a little blurry. And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I have a “Friends” quote or analogy for almost everything…in fact that could be what keeps me from making friends IRL.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? To be frank, I like it all in and of itself. I am a photography junkie, although I am on the dark side rockin’ my Nikon, so I enjoy those posts a lot, but I think the thing that I love most about your blog is that you are so real. A lot of times bloggers sugar coat and seem so perfect that I immediately feel inferior lurking in their world. Your blog is so very honest and unpretentious and I really do feel like I am getting caught up with a friend when I read your posts. I’ve been stuck in bed for 10+ weeks and after a while, the friends stopped calling and visiting, so it’s really been refreshing to read your posts and feel somewhat connected to life in the real world, even if it isn’t mine. So just in case you ever wonder if your blog has benefited anyone, you can rest assured that it has.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. You have the choice to hang either a framed velvet Elvis or a Dale Earnhardt oil painting in your home. Which do you choose?
PACI!
We still have the one that they gave us at the hospital. Also, Will loves the little owl Lovie that a reader gave him (I think Jessica gave it to him)…and he doesn’t sleep without it 🙂
Stone Mountain is great…the price is perfect and your boys could climb to the top for free 🙂
Hopefully sometime next year! But it’s one of those things that you never know 🙂
Haha…sure! I always look for a shopping buddy 🙂
I consider dating Jeremy an adventure. And so was renovating the house. But we also went on an Adventure excursion on our honeymoon which was pretty cool 🙂
I shy away from yellow. I think it is because my mom used it alot. She liked gold undertones. And I am generally not a fan of that crazy mixnmatch of modern lucite with antique stuff. Just not my cup of tea.
Crunchy chicken taquitos. Frozen cheesey deliciousness 🙂
I guess I don’t feel like we are in the public spotlight. Is that weird?
Well to be perfectly honest, we aren’t big beer drinkers. Now if you said vodka and red bull, we would be there in Dallas in a heartbeat 🙂
33! And it’s ironic but that was also my lucky number. I guess I was savin that last one for my future hubby 🙂
Probably when I invited her down to visit. She and I started emailing and we both just hit it off from there!
1)Hola! My name is Marivel I live in Los Angeles, CA, I am 30, Married and have a presious little boy, no pets cause me nor my husband want to pick up the poop:) I am an account representative.
2.) I visit your blog everyday as well as Sherry’s. LOVE THEM!!!
3.) Kisses..I would say I can count them on one hand 🙂 Quirk, I am a clean freak.
4.) I love all of your post, I would love for you to take family pictures of mi familia… so come on down to Cali for a visit!!
5.) Question, Need help decorating my son’s nursery, If I send you a picture of the room I am working with will you give me ideas?
1. WHO ARE YOU?
I am Liz! I live in Cumming, GA and I am a stay at home mom to a 4 year old daughter. I have been married for almost 5 years. I grew up in Lilburn, GA but went to school in Snellville and it’s so fun to see you reference places I’ve been going to forever! My Mother-in-law and one of my brothers lives in Loganville so every time I visit I’m tempted to run into a Goodwill to see if you’re there or if there are any good finds – the Goodwills you frequent seem to be so much better than the ones by me!
2. HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT?
I visit pretty much everyday, but I almost never comment. I’m a lurker. And I’ve been reading for about a year but I keep forgetting to subscribe!
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
If you don’t count the girl I kissed in first grade (and then consequently got strep throat from!) I’ve kissed 4 people! And I don’t think I can stop at just one quirk! I have a thing for Birthdays – seriously I think I should throw a birthday party everyday! I do probably tell my husband “Happy Birthday!” pretty much everyday. Yes, it’s weird. One of my favorite things to do with my daughter is turn the music up really loud jump/dance on my bed – although she always just ends up laughing and telling me I’m crazy. Also, I hate public restrooms and avoid them at nearly all costs. And yes, I have trained myself to hold my pee for a very. long. time. Okay I should stop – all of this stuff is so completely random 🙂
4. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
I like everything! One thing I love about your blog is that your life reminds me so much of mine! I grew up around where you live, and my parents live in Chattanooga so we go there a lot too. I love the posts about Will, especially the ones where he has no sideburns. My daughter just turned 4 and she STILL doesn’t have sideburns… although I guess on a girl you wouldn’t call them sideburns – but whatever. I love the home stuff too. We bought and moved into our new house just as you guys were moving so it was great to see how you’ve gone about figuring out how to set up your new house.
5. IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER.
Will you come photograph my daughter?? You take amazing photographs of kids! I’ve been meaning to try and set up an appointment but it always seems like I always have something going on! Hopefully I can get around to it in July!
1. Marianne K./ Nikiski, Alaska. 6th grade teacher. 1 8 month-old-daughter. Married, dog and chickens. It’s a homesteading life, but for our generation. 🙂
2. Reading details –I visit a coupla times a week. It’s fun to get a glimpse into your life.
3. Random details – Kissed? 8, including my first kiss in the band storage room in 8th grade (before American Pie came out.) Quirk: I’m crazy about color. I remember every hotel’s color scheme I’ve ever stayed in (I think.)
4. Blog detail – I really like the home posts. It’s fun to see you try different ideas.
5. Question – Got none. Thanks for your humor. I appreciate the way you write. Keep it up!~
1. Sara/ 27/ Registered Nurse/ Southern Cal/ 0 kids /1 husband /0 pets (Would love a dog, but it may be awhile since we once had an aquarium which proved to be too much work for us!)
2. I try to read everyday! I get excited when there’s a new post!! I only started following you this past year, so I even read through the archives to get caught up.
3. It’s somewhere between 12-20. Not exactly sure because I can’t remember if some of the guys I dated in highschool got to the kissing point. And that’s not counting the pecks that me & my fellow swimteam buds all gave each other when one of the guys decided that kissing was harmless so why don’t we all kiss each other (alcohol may have been involved, and yes- we were way to close after all those hours of practices together).
My quirks: I get a lil’ nutty if the kitchen or living room is messy before I go to bed. Lucky for me, my husband quickly helps me clean up to prevent the crazies. Also, since swimming from 1st grade up through 4 years of Div. 1 college, I HATE my broad shoulders. It’s been awhile since I graduated & quit swimming, so they have shrunk but I still refuse to do exercises that will work them too much!
4. I pretty much love all of your posts, from decor/DIY to family/Will. I wouldn’t mind if you did some beauty stuff. On a side note (and not to be offensive to anyone out there, as I know people get crazy when God is mentioned), I also like that although you mention religion once in awhile, you don’t shove it down my throat. It’s obviously your choice what you put on your blog, but just wanted to let ya know I appreciate that.
5. I think I once read that you don’t wash your hair everyday, which is totally cool with me (I do it every other day). But what about when it’s really hot & humid? I visited Georgia once in the summer & I was seriously sweatin’ my head off with the humidity. Maybe you’re acclimated though. And you look great, did you do anything specific to get any baby weight off, and was it easy/hard?
P.S. – I just wanna say thank you for providing such a lovely blog for me to read at the end of a long day!!
1. Janke / 29 / I work in an accounting department / the very North of Germany / married to my soul mate since May 2009 / no kids yet but 3 furry kids (cats) and a horse
2. Since I found you through YHL I come to visit every day! Yep, I’m officially hooked. I’m still trying to catch up in older posts, your first house was fabulous, too!
3. Weeeeeeell, it might be around 25 guys I kissed. I think. I might have deleted some of those from my memory irretrievably though… ;o)
My quirk? I always leave a sip or two in my glasses. And I do stop eating when I’m full even if there’s just a little piece of food left. Like one frie or something. Drives my husband nuts.
4. Ah Katie, I just love all of them. Random Bower awkwardness is especially fun, but I also love all those awesome pictures of Will, anything house-related. You name it, I read and love it.
5. To me no family is complete without a pet. Any pets planned in the future? Your backyard is DEFINITELY big enough for a dog!
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! It makes me smile everyday!
1. Tisa, 37, Stay at home mum, Brisbane Australia, 3 girls aged 20, 15 & 8, de facto, 1 cat named Luna.
2. Read thru blogger every day, click through for more details occasionally, know who Jason Statham is!
3. Kissed too many people to count, more than 40! This includes my mum. Quirk- I get excited about other people getting excited. I get really passionate and excited about stuff to the point that everyone I know starts doing it too. Then suddenly its not that great anymore. I’ve stood on the top of an active volcano (terrifying but great) & I also recommend that if you are gonna have a food fight don’t use cheesecake.
4. I LOVE the random Bower awkwardness combined with home stuff. The cute Will stuff is great too.
5. What is the most random question the other commenters have asked?
1) Nicole/24/I work in human resources and live in Johannesburg South Africa/Married my high school sweetheart when I was 22/no kids just yet 🙂
2) I’m so an everyday reader! I just love reading your blog, you’re so inspiring and ridiculously funny-you always put a smile on my face 🙂
3) Um i don’t know if anyone would believe this, but I’ve only ever kissed one guy and that’s my husband! So not a lip slut at all! and a wierd quirk about me?? I’m wierdly neat, if I think of something that’s out of place, I can’t even relax or just watch TV, I have to go sort it out. Ugh-it’s annoying actually!
4) I love it all here on Bower Power. Your mad photo skills, your amazing home posts and i adore the random Bower awkwardness 🙂
5) I don’t have any random questions, but just wanted to thank you for your awesome REAL blog. It really does make my day 🙂
1. Alicia/28/Charlotte (from Atlanta)/married (3.5yrs)/Nanny (product of the economy, used to be a Landscape Architect but now cant find work)/2 dogs: Sundance & Cisco/no kids yet but hoping to have on in about 7 months 🙂
2. I’m a 2-3x/wk visitor. but only because i will get sucked in if i check my blogs too often! 🙂 when i worked in an office i definitely read everyday!
3. When I was in high school I kept a journal and wrote down the names of every boy (and occasional girl) I kissed. I would have to climb into the attic to count but I would guess by now it is somewhere between 25-30 so apparently I am pretty lip slutty. But my husband is definitely the last guy I kissed! My weird quirk would be my OCD. i am not clinically diagnosed but i organized my closet by color and sleeve length and fold everything a certain way and organize our DVDs in alphabetical order etc. My husband thinks Im crazy. When I worked at starbucks in college I had all of the tea organized by color (to make it easiser and quicker to find) my co-workers thought it was funny and would move a box or two around and time me to see how long it took me to figure it out. 🙂
4. My favorite bower power stuff is the home stuff. But also the baby stuff. I love your style and always check here for ideas and such. But its also cool to know about real life stuff. Challenges with husband and baby. House gets to be a wreck and you cant get it organized. Believe it or not we all think we are the only ones who deal with that and it’s nice when someone else puts it out there.
5. Random question: How rural are you since you moved into the new house? and do you find it challenging to meet up/hang out with friends and do fun stuff? My husband wants to move further out. I am from the Druid Hills area of Atlanta and now live 3 miles from downtown Charlotte and I feel like I would be so isolated. I mean I guess they have Hobby Lobbys and Targets everywhere now but what about the great parks and music and stuff?
1 – Belle / 28 / Landscape Architect / Australia / Happily married / 2 furry kids & 2 chickens / No human children just yet.
2 – I check in every day for new updates. Due to the time difference, your posts are usually up by the time I’m on the train to work in the morning. I’m THAT girl laughing out loud on a silent, overcrowded train :o)
3 – 16 or 17 I think… I’ve always regarded kisses as one of life’s delicious gifts. They’re only given to one person these days of course.
Among many of my idiosyncrasies, the funniest one would be that I’m allergic to mint chewing gum. I can almost fart the alphabet after eating that stuff. I also have a very male sense of humour :o)
4 – I love that you write about life as it really is – juggling family commitments, exploring other creative passions, moving house, having a modest budget and still creating a gorgeous home. You have a very warm and witty writing style that keeps me coming back for another installment. So keep up the good work!
5 – Besides DIY/decorating/photography, do you have any other hidden passions that you’d like to explore one day?
Kimberly, Stone mountain was a granite intrusion. It is pretty tall compared to the surrounding area but katie is right. Northern Georgia is VERY hilly. It is the tail end of the appalachian mtn chain. The beginning of the Appalachian Trail starts in GA. My husband and I did a hike in NGA that was only 13 miles but had to be done in two days because the elevation change was so great you couldnt do it very quickly. Southern Ga however, is very flat. They call it the sand flat sometimes and there are lots of pine forests. Might be too much information for you but I have been to Seattle and it is amazing but definitely very different from GA.
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? What is your name? Age? Job? Location? Kids? Marital Status? Pets?
My name is Robin, I’m 33 and I’m an interior designer for a local builder here in Augusta, GA. I’m married to my sweet husband, Don and we have two kids, Kye (10) and Emmaline (2) as well as our pound puppy, R.D.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Are you everydayers? every once in a whilers? or never-ers and only answering this because you googled “Jason Statham” and are bored at work?
I usually check in every day.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Seriously. I need to know how lip-slutty you all are. And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? Mine is that I get weirdly excited about auto auctions. When I see the sign that states “AUCTION TONIGHT”, I shriek at Jeremy like I just won a million dollars. I have never been to one. It’s just that the cars are going to be bought…I’m very excited for them…yes, I’m thrilled for the vehicles. weird.
Is it so awful that I really don’t know how many people I’ve kissed. I’m going to venture a guess at two dozen. Is that a lot? I have an attraction to orphan chairs. Show me a single lonely chair, especially a worn down antique and I’m smitten. I have a rule, if I find one that’s less than $30, I’m allowed to buy it. This counts whether I have a place to put it or not. Does that make me a hoarder?
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts? Photography stuff? Random Bower awkwardness?
I like all of it. I think it’s a good mix. I’m really excited to see what you do with that HUMUNGOUS (sp?) new house of yours. There’s so much there to work with and I totally loved your recent bathroom makeover. Very nice!
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it
No questions, keep up the good work. I love to read your blog!
1. Emily / 24 / Lives in Warsaw, IN but born and raised in Jacksonville, FL / Dad’s a GA boy / newlywed / no kiddos / Work in a cubicle for a large orthopaedic company / Closing on my first house in 2 weeks!
2. I am an everyday reader…well, everyweek day. Your blog along with some others are like my morning paper. Who cares what is happening in the world and who is fighting who…I just wanna know what DIY projects I can start the next weekend! 🙂
3. Kissed one boy in Jr. High, 2 in High School and my husband = 4 total.
4. I love reading your blog and seeing all your house posts. I also love reading your vacation and personal posts too. Your little man Will is just too much for me to handle! So so so cute! Err..I mean handsome!
5. No random questions that I can think of now…humm…wait! Plans for a pool in the future?
Well hello fellow Columbus-ite! Nice to virtually meet you 🙂
My biggest insecurity is probably my midsection. The spare tire is just plain gross.
Awesome! Thanks so much for the reply!
1. I’m Liane, 25 years old, and I live in Western New York. I’m married and just gave birth to my beautiful baby girl Evelyn 7 weeks ago. No pets here. 🙂
2. I follow your blog through my Blogger feed, so I visit your blog to read everytime you post.
3. *blush* I have only kissed my husband, we’ve been together since I was 17. And a wierd quirk that I developed while pregnant and just can’t shake is a serious addiction to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. It was like a pregnancy craving- I HAD to watch every night, and yell at the TV when I knew the answers. Now that baby’s here, I’m still tuning in to Pat, Vanna, and Alex most nights. 🙂
4. I enjoy your home decor posts and baby posts the most. I’m also getting into photography, so your tips in taking good photos of kids are good too.
5. How many kids do you think you and Jeremy will end up having? And when are you going to have another?? 🙂
1. 33/Australia/doctor but SAHM at the moment/married/one son aged 20 months/one naughty cat
2. once in a while- mostly to lust after Will’s nursery
3. i have no idea (more than 10, less than 20) (probably)
4. The home decor stuff, especially the NURSERY!!!
5. I wrote something very nosy and probing here, but actually it;s none of my business, so I;’l let you off this one.
1. Morgan, 30 (eek!), from Minnesota. Married, no kids yet, but we have 4 furbabies – 2 dogs and 2 cats. No, they don’t co-exist peacefully.
2. I think I check in every day or two, especially during the work week. Need something to keep me goin’, you know?
3. OMG, I have no idea. Like a hundred? Who knows. College was fun!
4. I love them all! Though the Bower Family awkwardness is always pretty enjoyable. I’m loving your decor ideas the most though, and am getting inspired by them.
5. Pets?
1. Megan//24//I work as a staffing specialist BUT will be starting clinicals VERY soon for Dental Hygiene//I live in a town called Hicksville (not kidding)//no kiddies//in a relationship//no pets
2. I am here literally everyday. It’s in my routine as soon as I get into the office
3. I have kissed my fair share of people. I’d say more than 10? – Yes I am lip slutty :)//I hate touching cotton balls or toilet paper when my hands are wet or right out of the shower. It seriously gives me the heebie jeebies. ha
4. I love you DIY stuff and the randomness. I find myself laughing out loud, on my computer, in a full office, looking crazy.
5.How did you start to DIY your things? I feel like you have the perfect ideas for things….where do these perfect ideas come from. Weird I know. 🙂
1. Elizabeth/30/Raleigh/0 kids/Married/Mizzou (our surrogate child) is a 3 year old, 10 lb Maltipoo. Cutest little guy in the world!
2. I visit every week day. During work hours. Gets me through the day!
3. Kissed – Can I just say I read like the first 20 responses and it seems all your readers are such wholesome girls! I was thinking oh my gosh I’m sooo bad! I honestly could not tell you how many. I like boys, I like kissing boys and I had fun flirting in college 🙂
Quirk – Wow I have a lot. Maybe what I call my movie bubble….like when you see an AWESOME movie and you are leaving the theatre and you feel like you are on cloud 9 and you think you ARE the character (or at least I do). And it usually lasts the whole car drive home. And then it’s gone. Of course this feeling usually comes from chick flicks.
4. I love everything about your blog (Will, all the pics, home stuff) but most importantly I love READING your blog. I love that you call your husband your boyfriend. I love your sense of humor. Reading your blog makes me feel like I’m talking to you. We are like on the same level. I get you and it’s like you get me (which is impossible since you don’t know me but you know what I mean).
5. Random question…..hmmmmmm….what is your typical weekend like?
I’m Sharon from Wisconsin. I’m a 30 year old accountant – wow that sounds bad! And yes, I’m that exciting. I got married last fall and for right now our “kids” consist of 2 adorable kitties and a horse. I originally came across your blog via YHL, but your style and jokes have got me hooked. Your humor and great photos keep me coming back a few times a week to check out anything new.
You really want to know how many people I’ve kissed? Let me try to take a tally in my head quick…well, that brings me to my quirk. I suck at math in my head. You read that right. I’m an accountant but I can’t add two big numbers in my head. That’s why God invented calculators!
I have to admit that I love your writing style (you crack me up most days) and your photos are beautiful. Plus Will is adorable. A Shakespeare hand? Really? Is anything cuter? Well maybe the photos of Will with his future bride Clara are cuter, but not by much! I also like your home photos and seeing how you transform a bathroom the color of bloody meat to a classic and bright space. We bought a home last year so ideas on how to make things fresh without a ton of cash are greatly appreciated.
Here’s my question for you – When you walk into a new house (which you did not so long ago) what do you tackle first when you have a guest bathroom painted the deepest purple imaginable so that it reminds you of a bat cave every time you walk past it, you have a guest bedroom that has a palm tree mural, and there are weeds 6 ft tall out in your flower beds?
You rock Katie Bower! Happy Blogiversary and cheers to many more!
1. 32 y/o, teacher, Florida, married, no kids, my plants are my pets 🙂 My friends sometimes call me “The Plant Lady” (y’know, like “The Cat Lady”… anyhoo….) Onward:
2. I visit every day, usually. If I’m really busy at work, I catch up on everything I missed on the weekend.
3. Four. O:-) That is an angel halo over that smiley. One quirk? Well, maybe not a quirk, but I was home-schooled, too. I liked it; did you?
4. What do I like most? Gimme a break. EVERYTHING. You could blog about dog doo-doo and it would be great. Wait…have you? Blogged about dog doo-doo, I mean? I really like your decorating style. My favorite thing in your whole repertoire is that set of upholstered green chairs. I believe you should devote one photo-gallery-style post just to those wonderful chairs. Maybe with Will in different poses on/under the chairs. 😀
5. One random question: Does it bother you when those snarky annoying ppl rant about you using too many plastic bags…or buying a house that is too big/expensive/perfect etc….or about using reclaimed wood in Will’s old nursery…or whatever else they $%^& about? You are always polite!
1. Kelly/29/Government Relations for a Non-Profit/Dayton, OH/1 kid, 1 year old-Grace/Married/2 dogs-Penny & Desmond
2. I visit almost daily… I love Google Reader and the fact that I can read it on my phone… It’s usually how I end my day or start my day depending on how tired I am and/or if I fall asleep before finishing all of my blogs! Which, to be honest, I usually fall asleep before I get to yours because I have this thing about saving my favorite things for last and BP and YHL are my two absolute favorites, so BP and YHL usually get read in the morning!
3. My lip slutty count is 8. I have an irrational fear of birds and sidewalk grates. I was super uncomfortable when we visited San Franciso because there seemed to be giant birds everywhere and they were not afraid of people. And there was a sidewalk grate about every ten feet. Some of them covered the entire sidewalk causing me to literally walk into the street to go around them. Have I mentioned that I regularly embarrass my husband?
4. I just really love the way you write… I laugh everytime I read a post. I am also obsessed with bacon, have a child that was born just weeks after Will, and I enjoy DIY and photography so I really feel like I can relate to you and the things you experience.
5. I’m curious, do you think you’ll homeschool Will?
Thanks for making me laugh and keeping me inspired!!!
1. My name’s Elyse, i just turned 28, i work from home doing sales/admin work, live in texas, have 1 boy and another boy on the way (due august) i’m married and we have a house 🙂
2. i usually check once a day… hehe there are 4 blogs i check every day and yours is one of them
3. hmmm i’ve probably kissed 15-20 ppl? i’m not sure…
4. i think i like the home posts the most, but the randomness and photoshop tutorials are nice too. it’s a good mix!
5. having a hard time thinking of a question… so none for now 🙂
in this post you touched on the subject.
in the area where you posted questions that you wished/wanted readers to ask you. so because of the other questions you wrote there, i figured it was a question that you had wondered your self.
https://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2009/05/inside-this-young-house/
one can only assume.
haha! Now I get it. I was so confused. And the reason I asked that originally is because that is something people used to write on message boards just to be mean. Sherry told me that one as well as that people claim they were brother and sister! Weird.
1. My name is Emilie, I am 27, married with two dog-like cats, live in Tennessee (with chagrin), and soon to be a SAHM of my first!
2. This is my first visit ever! I linked over from YHL, which I have been reading obsessively for over a year now. If I have any accuracy in anticipating my own actions, I have a feeling I will now be checking this one daily as well :o)
3. I’ve kissed maybe 10ish people? I’m not slogging through memories to try to remember, but that seems reasonable. Something quirky about me… When I was 5 I was fitted for shoes at a store, and discovered my right foot is a half size smaller than my left. That created a downward spiral of feet-centric and right-side-of-my-body-centric OCD habits that have haunted me for YEARS. Many of them have petered out, but I still have to make sure my right side is overly compensated so it feels “even” to my left. And I definitely can’t walk across a painted crosswalk without putting my left foot between the lines, and my right foot directly on them. Even if the lines are too close together for normal walking comfort, and I look like a freak, either by taking baby steps or gigantic line-skipping steps as I cross the road.
4. Don’t know yet, but I love a good mix of things. Photos definitely. Eye candy is always appreciated. With having a kid on the way, I definitely appreciate a cutie-pie. House stuff is good too. Style, art, thrift store finds, you name it. I think I’m pretty much your and Sherry’s ideal fan :o)
5. How about, what is your most sinful indulgence? The one that makes you weak in the knees and drooling just thinking about? :oD
1. My name is Lorilyn, I am 26, I work two jobs (a boring reception one and a fun giving-girls-private pitching lessons one), I am in Portland, Oregon, no kids to speak of (that I know of…), married, with a dog and a precious kitty.
2. Every time my RSS feed tells my email that there is a new post. My RSS feed is how I sneakily read all my favorite blogs at work. And no, I don’t have the slightest feeling of guilt about it.
3. Oh no… Probably around 15 boys. I remember one from college that we were done smoochin’, my face all around my mouth was soaking wet. Worst. Kisser. Eva. My quirk is that I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading Fantasy novels (Not like erotica novels, like books about magic, like The Chronicles of Narnia). When people make fun of me for it, I tell them to shove it. I waste entire weekends (even sunny ones) with the curtains pulled shut snuggled in bed reading.
4. I really like your decorating posts, just because your taste is off the chain. I also love how you aren’t afraid to show what a hot mess your house is sometimes, because my house is always a hot mess. Mostly because we are in constant state of remodeling and there is dust everywhere always. And it kind of smells weird in there too. I actually checked out a book at the library that teaches you how to clean your house because I am always at a loss of where to start.
5. Riddle me this… How long has it taken your decorating style to evolve to the point that you think it became defined? Like when you said, “AH HAH! THIS is MY STYLE! I am only on year one at my house, and it feels like I’m just floating in a décor twilight zone. It’s like I’m on the brink of breaking through with what my style is, but not yet.
nooo, i LOVE john and sherry almost in a scary way.
everyone thinks my sisters boyfriend is gay, he just throws out that vibe until you get to know him. which obviously i have not had the chance to with john. *sad face*
1. I’m Esther, I’m 23, I’m French, but I currently live in London, I’m a business analyst in an airline, happily unmarried, no kids, no pets.
2. I visit everyday in a way since I read all your posts on my rss reader.
3. 2. Yep, I’m not a very wild woman!
My quirk? I can touch my nose with the tip of my tongue. I can actually do more on (or in) my nose than just that with my tongue, but that would be too disgusting to describe on a blog. 🙂
4. Home posts!!! And photography tips.
5. If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be?
1. Bee is my family nickname and what I go by ’round these parts. I’m 25, married, no kids, no job (stay at home wife?). In a previous life I used to teach special ed. We live in the God-forsaken lower Mojave desert in California, but I’m from Austin, Texas and would love to get back to Texas some day.
2. I usually drop by every or every other day, right after YHL.
3. One, my future hubby. I would have kissed more if given the opportunity, but I was a homeschooler and the only boys I ever liked were super-shy nerds, so there you go. Every single piece of art in my house is made my me or the hubby, even though neither of us is an artist.
4. Home and kid related posts are my favorite.
5. How would you describe your homeschool experience and do you plan to at least try homeschooling Will?
So funny about the disappointed Tech dad. My boyfriend is so tied to Tech that he actually boos at people wearing UGA gear (btw we live in California).
1. Janet, 36 (37 in 7 days), freelance graphic designer outside of ottawa, canada, 2 kids, married and a dog
2. I read every post in Google Reader.
3. Kissed? Hmmmm… more than 10, less than 20. Quirk? I love coffee and can obsess about my need, my love on a daily basis but I think iced coffee is one of the most disgusting things evah!
4. Love the home stuff first, then personal.
5. Question? How did you and Jeremy meet?
I’m Meredith – 31 years old. Attorney, Ohio, 1 little boy – 6 months old. Married.
You’re in my google reader. I read every post. I check my reader several times each day.
I am definitely lip-slutty. I have no count for the number of boys I have kissed. Eek! My quirk is my ocd – self diagnosed. I sort my m&m’s by color, and then eat each pile in rainbow order until each pile has the same number of m&m’s. After that, I eat one m&m from each pile in rainbow order.
I like the home stuff the best. Your new home is beautiful! I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
When would you like Bower baby number 2 to come along?
I’m Stephanie I’m 32 I’m married and have 3 girls (7, 5, 2) and one boy (10 mo) and 1 cat. I had 3 chickens in your first survey, but sadly they went to chicken heaven. Really. Like a farm instead of our backyard. 🙂 I’m a stay at home mommy who homeschools and tries to keep up with all the housework 4 children create! I live in Temple TX which is kinda by Austin.
I visit everyday. Usually. Start at yhl then come here! 🙂
I guess I was a lip slut in jr high/ high school cause I have no idea how many I kissed, but as an adult I have only kissed one- my handsome hubs. My quirk- I can stick my whole fist in my mouth. Impressive, I know. Oh and I eat peanut butter every. Single. Day. It’s a staple.
I love the home posts. I don’t comment much because our computer is broken so commenting On the phone is a pain. Ps I LOVE your new rug!!!
Hmmmm- If I ever visit Atlanta (my step sis lives there and so does one of my bridesmaids so it is a possibility!) can I plan a play date with you?! 🙂 lol!
Fresh cut grass! And I too, love the smell of campfires.
1. Jenny, 27, interior designer (at IKEA) in Hannover, Germany. Single without kids or pets, but I really want a cat named Frankie! Oh, and a boyfriend might be nice, too 😀
2. I pretty much visit every day, except for the past two weeks cause I just moved and then was away for work this week. Catching up…
3. I think I’ve kissed 10 or so people. On the cheek doesn’t count, right? As for a quirk, I can’t stop buying kitchen things. Be it cookbooks or bowls, I just can’t say no. While unpacking boxes last week I found six matching bowls that I don’t even remember buying! Will that make me stop? Probably not 😀
4. I really like it all! The home posts, photography posts, random post… and of course cute pictures of Will!
5. Random question: If you could only shop for home- and decorating-items at one store for the rest of your life, where would you shop?
Love your blog Katie! If you ever plan on visiting Germany let me know 🙂
1. I’m Bridget/23/Northern Kentucky/High School Teacher and Youth Minister/no husband, no kids but 1 pet- a Holland Lop bunny named Seamus.
2. It’s an everyday thing, I collect ideas for my weekends and flea market shopping.
3. I have kissed 1 guy, back in high school. I’m super quirky but the quirk that’s most obvious is that I collect lawn gnomes, real lawn gnomes. Real lawn gnomes have red hats, poser gnomes have any other color of hats. I have 27 red hatted gnomes. Perhaps that’s why I haven’t kissed a guy in almost 7 years…haha…
4. I love your stories- you are hilarious. I love your ideas and your spunk. I also love how you slip in Jesus- I’m a big fan.
5. Random Question- If bacon fell off the planet, what would you replace it with?
They’re good for your mental health! 5 gf’s of mine and I do something called Wine & Whine. On a rotating schedule, once a month, one of us is responsible for making dinner and finding wine pairings to go with the meal. They’ve somehow turned into themed events and we do silly things like Italian Mafia, 50’s Housewife, and Prom themes. Love them and love those friends o’ mine 🙂
1. Kamaila, 28 year old, SAHM, Currently Toronto, Canada but will be moving back to Queens NY very soon! daughter born May 10th 2010, Engaged, No pets yet!
2. I am an every dayer
3. I dont remember how may guys I have kissed, I am sure its not a lot, just a really bad memory….I have to sleep with a blanket even when its really hot. And I love learning about people
4. I like the how to’s and your spunk! your very funny
5. How many ppl have you kissed?
1. I am Esther, 27 and live in Seattle, WA with my husband and our puppy Bear. I work in the hotel industry.
2. I visit every time a new blog shows up on my Google reader! Love reading your blog Katie 🙂
3. I have ever only kissed two people in my life. First boyfriend and now my husband! I would say my one quirk is that I always have to clean up the living room when I wake up in the morning, put the dishes away and tidy up the bathroom after my husband has used it. It drives me crazy coming home after work to a messy house. Also, I love watching those crazy Real Housewives shows. New Jersey is my all time favorite.
4. I love the Random Bower Awkwardness!! Anything and everything. You always do a good job keeping things exciting and fun with all the pictures.
5. When do you plan on having another kid!?
Me too! I love my husband’s Old Spice deodorant! I always love when I get a smell 🙂
Its sad that in this day and age, a man who likes to decorate and doesnt have huge muscles is automatically gay. Very, very sad. It seems alot of women would be very lucky to have someone like John, who is obviously very much a man. Supports his family, is with his wife & daughter ALL the time, and obviosuly loves them from the very depth of his soul.
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? What is your name? Age? Job? Location? Kids? Marital Status? Pets?
I’m Emily… 24, married, and mom to our amazing 3-month old son. 🙂 We’re currently in Lexington, KY, where my husband trains racehorses, and prior to pregnancy/birth, and after our wee one is able to relax on his own long enough for me to do so, I re-train off-track racehorses to be hunter/jumpers. 🙂
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Are you everydayers? every once in a whilers? or never-ers and only answering this because you googled “Jason Statham” and are bored at work?
I actually just now clicked over to your blog thanks to a link Sherry posted on YHL. I’ve been an obsessive reader of theirs… and from what I’ve read of your blog thus-far, I think I’ll be coming back here quite often as well! 🙂
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Seriously. I need to know how lip-slutty you all are. And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? Mine is that I get weirdly excited about auto auctions. When I see the sign that states “AUCTION TONIGHT”, I shriek at Jeremy like I just won a million dollars. I have never been to one. It’s just that the cars are going to be bought…I’m very excited for them…yes, I’m thrilled for the vehicles. weird.
I have kissed… 4 people. Not including pecks on the cheek and Euro-greeting smooches. And a random quirk? My husband will tell you I have about ten million (I do)… but one to share… I quote Monty Python in both daily life and business dealings. It just comes out… and clients tend to either “get it” and laugh or stare blankly and re-consider signing the cheque they just wrote. 😉
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts? Photography stuff? Random Bower awkwardness?
I’m already in love with your photography prowess. 🙂 As a life-long photography fiend, I love seeing a blog where photography is present, and it’s actually GOOD (so many people these days think they’re hot sh*t just because they bought a DSLR. Talent is talent, people!)
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it 🙂
Do you buy the whole muffin, or the muffin tops at the bakery? ((Since everyone knows the tops are the best bit.))
Hi Everyone.. someone replied to my “survey” post (I think it was “Jen” if I remember correctly..) and asked where in Ontario I am from, I tried to reply but it was on that day that BowerPower was acting up!!! haha.. so to answer…
I live in Midland, Ontario… 2 hours from Toronto!!! 🙂
I thought the same thing about John! Because of the way he talks. Had I never viewed their videos, I would’ve never thought it. One time my husband overheard a video & asked me if John was gay. Maybe it has to do with where we live? In Cali, when I hear men who sound like John, they turn out to be gay. I used to live in Utah & had 2 gay friends (both ex-Mormons) there who talked just like John, and another who didn’t. Assumptions can be bad but we make them easily based on our life experiences! And you can only hope people live and learn.
Thank you, April! Me, too, but I know she made heaven that much sweeter.
1) Lily, 26, married for almost 3 years, no kids, 2 mutts.
2) I check a few sites on google reader everyday, and yours is one of them. (Also one of the ones I generally enjoy the most.)
3) 7. I looove doing impressions (of people, animals, random inanimate objects), but I am horrible at them. I even realize while I’m mid-impression that I am nothing like who or what I’m trying to emulate but I carry on.
4) I love so much about your blog; cute baby pictures, photography tips, I love your sense of humor… but most of all I relish the before and after pictures you do. For example you had a post about changing the garden in your new house, and I absolutely loved it and referenced it when thinking about how to tackle my own.
5) Has anyone been critical or mean about any of your posts? How do you respond to negativity?
Thanks for your answer…I would disagree, but thats not to say I don’t love your blog!!! Keep up the good work!
1. My name is Rachel. 27/Nanny for 2 families of 3 kids on different days and a part-time Mary Kay consultant/Married, 1 daughter 15 months (close to Will’s age right?). Many allergies keeps me away from pets which is sad.
2. I definitely visit every day.
3. I have kissed 6 people including the hubby. Random quirk is that when I want to improve myself I do it in year long spurts. I spent a year being single in order to focus on my relationship with God before I began dating my hubby and currently I am spending a year not eating sweets: http://commontomoms.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-sugar-for-you.html
4. I like it all! and I love how you keep it real and are not ashamed when life is messy or crazy. I could take a little lesson from you 🙂
5. Besides wanting to be your BFF like everybody else 🙂 Have you ever thought about helping other people with how they decorate their house as an extension of what you do on the blog?
You are awesome Katie! Your blog is such an encouragement to me as a fellow new mom/wife/self-proclaimed decorator of home 🙂
1 – Megan, 28 (almost 29) years old, married for 5 years, together for almost 9, and one 2 year old daughter. I will be starting my own classroom this fall – teaching ART! 🙂 I am the proud pet momma to two dogs (one mutt and one chihuahua), two cats, two frogs, and fish. I live in Central Missouri.
2 – I visit every couple days, sometimes every day if I have time.
3 – I’ve kissed 6 guys. One random thing – I love the little things in life – the toad that jumped across my sidewalk during the hail storm today made my day. I am now going to make him a toad hut!
4 – I love the house stuff but also love seeing the photography.
5 – One question…ummm…honestly can’t think of one after reading the others!
600 responses??? You are so not reading this but here goes…
1. Personal details – Jill/30/Accountant/Michigan/1 beauty/Married quite happily 🙂
2. Reading details – I have you in my Google Reader and honestly not sure how I found you – I think you were in someone’s blogroll. Anywho, I catch up on your posts a couple times a week!
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Um, let’s just say that I am not very lip slutty at all. And I have been kissing the same guy for 13 years now (note my age and gasp now…) And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I still sleep with my “sheet” that I have had since I was 2. It was the fitted sheet that was on my crib with planes, trains and automobiles on it (I think my parents wanted a boy…) and now it is a tattered mess that every day I consider throwing out and every day I cannot do it and happily snuggle up to it.
4. Blog detail – Probably the random stuff. You say the funniest things like when you were talking about Will and Clara playing and him mauling her. You have a way with writing stories about your life without being boringly detailed – you know exactly the right amount of detail to give!
5. Question – How much time do you spend per day on this blog? Including anything related to it – e-mails, choosing and uploading photos, reading comments, all of it…
I am Kelly. I am 38, which after perusing the contents of your comments appears to make me a member of a small minority. (Anyone else feel REALLY OLD when they realized they were almost old enough to be a mother to most of the commenters???) After three years of un- and sporadic employment I know work as an Associate Financial Representative for two different Financial Advisors and while it’s not my passion I do enjoy it. I’m in Richmond Virginia with your BFF Sherry, which is actually how I found your blog–I grew up in the neighborhood near the Petersiks, and have read their blog since the early years. Found a link to BowerPower and added it to the RSS feeder! No kids–I was a nanny for 15 years though, so I raised plenty of others. Engaged years ago, smartest thing I ever did was call it off. Mother to Cat named Pete inherited from that former engagement, and a new Puppy called Levi that seems to enjoy trying to destroy my home. Which is why I love reading your blog (and Sherry’s too :)) as it gives me budget friendly ways to repair and freshen up!
(Hang on, I have to scroll up and read the questions again to figure out what I missed….)
Ah. Men. Not enough to be called a lip-slut, but maybe enough to be called a lip-tease? As I have grown older, though, I have gotten pretty darned selective as to who gets the honor. I am not the super neatnik or OCD cleaner, but I am very particular about how I fold my sheets. My father taught me how when I was 9 and everyone looks at us like we’re nuts. I will not allow anyone to ‘help’ me fold the sheets because no one gets it right–except my dad. (Same goes for towels–I have been known to refold the entire closet after someone has ‘helped’ me put them away.) Oh, and blue jeans. Same thing. There IS a right way to fold these things people!!!
Since my quirk is about random household items, so is your random question. Does toilet paper have to come off the roll from over the top or from under the bottom?????
Thanks so much for all your hard work and for all you do to entertain the masses!!!
1- Tracy, 37, 1st grade teacher, Baltimore, married for 12 years, no human kids — 1 dog (we’re getting another puppy next Friday), 1 cat, and 1 beta fish.
2- I visit daily — I never miss it! I’m always a little crushed when there isn’t a new post.
3-I’ve been with my husband for 19 years so I can’t really remember…..15? My quirk is I love Bollywood-style dance routines. I also love organization: all the storage spaces in RVs/boats, cup holders & misc. storage in cars, and I LOVE it when a purse has lots of purposeful pockets.
4-I love the home stuff, family stories, and your random posts.
5-How in the world did you find that house? I LOVE it!
Guilty pleasure? Anything where people have to lose weight, enter competition, fall in love or make a bomb outta pocket lint…okay that last one is just MacGyver 🙂
33…yes…and we pray/read/worship together. It’s the small things that keep us on track…just reading a chapter a night and telling each other what stuck out. And having some friends that are encouraging to us to seek Christ. That kinda thing really helps.
haha…yeah he calls me his wife. I have not yet been promoted to trophy wife though 🙂
1. Tamara/24/Environmental Specialist/Florida/ No Kids/Married/1 big Black lab named Remington!
2. Everyday 🙂
3. 3. I live to eat, not eat to live!
4. I love your humor, decorating style & photography! And pictures of your hot hubby and adorable baby boy make it even better 😉
5. I don’t have a fun question on hand but I’m looking forward to the others that you get!
*my name is johanna, im 28, i’ve been married for almost 8 years to my high school sweetheart. we have 2 amazing little girls- baylie is 4 and dylan is 19 months. we live in southern cali. i am practically a stay at home mommy (i work 2 days a week at a grocery store). we have a husky/sheppard/lab named Elway (yes, like john….thank you hubby) and a cat named Stinky (she can blame herself for that one)
*i check the blog everyday. i love everything about your blog. i’m really into trying to ”really” decorate our house so i love those posts but i love a post about Will just as much, kids are such a blessing and it’s fun to hear about other’s experiences. but i LOVE your wit. you crack me up. i literally laugh out loud. i love sarcasm, somewhat innapropriate humor (ok, even REALLY innapropriate humor) and still being a woman of faith (you remind me alot of myself….conceited much? 😉 haha)
*kisses huh? like even the awkward 7th grade peck or just the ones of the french persuasion?hmm, if we’re talking the latter that would be a whopping 2! like i said…married my h.s. sweetheart….disgusting i know.
*i guess i would ask you….how many kids do you guys want? are you trying for #2 yet? and what would your DREAM job be?
*weird about me….um i thoroughly enjoy popping zits and picking scabs…gross huh? i just cant help myself. ok, that’s just embarassing.
*question #2…are you actually reading this? 😉
Kinda boring actually. I don’t leave the house everyday so you can imagine there is a lot of playtime and eating time and tv watching.
Jessica – We could get together and talk about Katie behind her back. A Bower party without the Bowers.
I guess that depends on when I get pregnant, huh? I will say this…we want to have a bun in the oven this year…and you guys will definitely know when we do!
haha! That’s my answer 🙂
I am inspired by everything. Television shows, magazines, catalogs, a sunset, Will’s pajamas…it is in everything and nothing is new. And a room is never done in my book. And yes, this statement drives Jeremy CRAZY.
I’m not as awesome and funny in real life as I am in type…so do I still qualify? If so, then YES!
Sure 🙂 It’s official.
ALWAYS late. Even when I am on time…I end up being late. It’s a chronic hereditary illness.
Absolutely. I’ll do anything for free food 🙂
We would love to have a dog one day…and I would love to name it Bare Naked Lady. call her lady for short 🙂 except when my mom is around….heehee.
Just as a color? Probably an aqua with a purple stripe 🙂
I wanted to be a girl that wore a pencil skirt and matching jacket. Seriously. I saw those giant shoulder pads in a JCPenney catalog and thought…that is what I want to be when I grow up. A girl who wears suits.
That neighbors do matter.
haha…it was totally random and still is 🙂 I have no idea what I am doing half the time.
yes…yes…and yes 🙂
There are a lot of things…I wanted to have a job where I wore matching suits…I wanted to be a teacher and a mom….I wanted to be a doctor later in life….and at one point I thought that being best friends with the tooth fairy would have been awesome.
Hopefully Will will have a sibling at some point next year 🙂
Just pepper…but I’ll definitely have to try the cream cheese thing. My favorite recipe is cream cheese stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon…so I can definitely see how it could be delish!
We were just readers who featured each other and then commented back and forth. I invited her down here…a few hundred emails later, they came, visited and we just hit it off! Ever since we talk each week on the phone and try to visit each other at least twice a year.
You know…that’s what I love about theology…the opportunity to see things differently and still love the same God. It just goes to show that He loves us by giving us such unique minds!
I plan on reading Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. It’s not big…but I’m not much of a reader…
ooohh…this one is tough. I’m not afraid of sticking my finger in a fan. In fact, whenever I see a fan on, I really want to stick my hand in there. It’s kind of a sickness.
I bought my rebel last year also, and in addition to reading the entire manual (totally out of character for me ) Pioneer Woman has some great blog posts about starting out and explaining aperture and all that. I’d totally recommend look that up 🙂
Well…I feel overwhelmed with the cleaning aspect. But I knew from the get-go that we would be doing less decorating straight outta the gate. I even warned everyone to not get their hopes up!
Well, we are christians. We believe the bible. We love Jesus. And we try to serve Him in our actions, thoughts, and words with a spirit of love and thankfulness. It’s really quite simple!
Guilty pleasure?
Pedicures…I only get them about once a year…and feel totally indulgent when I do 🙂
I would have to say that Alice in Wonderland…because the first copy I ever read sucked me into this crazy world that knew no limits. Sometimes I feel very Alice-y.
I kinda have three – Braveheart, Bandits and Empire Records 🙂
I’ve always been well aware of certain ‘reveals’. And we knew from the get-go that we would need to be safety aware since we were showing stuff we had in our house…like televisions, bikes, etc….so we have an alarm…and a gun (yup, we are packin’) and in general we don’t give out our address.
It was sortof one of those crazy things where we hit it off in person. I think it was not something that happens everyday…but just like on online dating sites…you’ll just know when you see them in real life.
Hi!
I love the stuff from Canvas…but I just got these fabric flipflops from Target that I love. And I love JCrew tshirts…they just fit real good and still look cute after I wash them a bunch.
SUCKS! I hate it…but Atlanta just can’t seem to hold onto a sports team!
It’s just like a real job…except with less sleep. So you kinda have to make your magic, ya know? Like plan special things…breakfasts out, playground visits, chalk day! Stuff like that gets me through the tasks of everyday….
I guess a little. But I think that the creepers should be warned that I am Crazy…like I will shoot you and bury you in my backyard without losing a wink of sleep crazy….seriously. Sometimes I watch thriller movies and tell Jeremy all the mistakes that the killers are making. He loves when I talk during the movies like that…
I hope that I can…but in all honesty, I am only planning for a whatever it takes kinda mentality. It worked with Will and I am beyond blessed to have a healthy baby boy.
haha! I don’t want a football team…maybe a basketball team…but football teams have like forty people, don’t they?!
And hopefully we will be preggo this year…
I read your rant to Jer about the single smoochers…so funny. And I’ve kissed 33 boys. How’s that for lipslut?!
Not really thought of it like that…I guess I feel so blessed to be where I’m at with who I’m here with that anything else would seem like a daymare!
Nope. We celebrate here in the cold even without the snow. And we always get a light dusting…so I don’t feel like it’s something we would forget what it looks like or something like that. Besides…I’m not really a fan of being cold.
That is exacty what I want too.. Ideally I would love 4 biological and 2 adopted… but of course, who knows what the future holds.. and I suppose I should start with one…
Haha
It’s called intercourse 🙂
1. Personal details –
Hi! I’m Amber, 23 (going on 24 in August), I’m a professional photographer (specializing in weddings and lifestyle portrait photography), I was born in Jackson, TN (have lived all over) and am now settled in Memphis, TN with my husband of 4 years and 3 furry, lazy dogs. We’re planning on having children very soon, but none yet.
2. Reading details – Every couple of days, I check you + YHL + enjoying the small things, and a couple of other blogs + web comics!
3. Random details –
I’m not completely sure how many people I’ve kissed, less than 20 more than 10 I think. Um. A weird quirk? Well, i’m a freak. I have super sensitive hearing (like, I would swear dead people talk to me, haha) anyway, yea, I’m also mildly obsessed with zombies and disney. 🙂
4. Blog detail –
Home posts, I get so much inspiration from ya’ll + YHL! <3
5. Question – Oh, no question. Except. This is hilarious. Spell "IHOP" out loud, then say "ness". I know, juvenile….but it's always hilarious and I figured after the video on YHL you'd get a kick out of it! Also, what's next on the home improvement plan? I so want to know! Also, want to help me finish up my kitchen? My DH and I started a month or so ago, and haven't had the time to finish it up…so the beadboard is half finished. So sad. 🙁
I get it cut about twice a year…when I’m feel extra generous to myself to splurge on a $15 Great Clips visit…and I wash it, sometimes dry it with a blow dryer…sometimes not, and throw it in a pony tail. Then I repeat that every third day or so 🙂
haha! Um no.
5D Mark II Canon camera
Rebel XSi Canon camera
18-55mm Canon lens
f/1.8 50mm Canon lens
f/1.4 50mm Canon lens
24-70mm Canon lens
Love them all. The 1.4 is obviously better glass than the 1.8 but it was more expensive. And the Rebel was a great starter camera…no complaints about the Markie-Mark. And the 18-55mm lens was the stock lens that came with the Rebel…so it was perfect for me to learn on. The 24-70mm is just my favorite when it comes to getting down to business. I have it on the camera body 90% of the time.
I still play it 🙂
No…
My mom decided and it was because she was already homeschooling my brothers.
And yes…I sometimes save posts but 99% of the time, it was just written 🙂
I look for my ‘list’ (which is probably different for every person out there)…and we found our house on Zillow…so I highly recommend it 🙂
I think it all depends on who is there. A state is just a location, right? It’s the peeps that are surrounding you that make you feel at home!
And since my family was here with me, I felt right as rain 🙂
It’s really not as dramatic as you would think. We just commented on each other’s blogs…and one day I emailed her inviting her down to GA. Then we emailed a bunch while planning a visit. After we met in real life, we just hit it off. It’s kinda boring if you think about it 🙂
We met on a blind date. And my favorite color changes every second. This second it is probably aqua with purple polka dots.
I made it up! And yes…my favs are reality tv, anything funny like The Office, Seinfield, Friends, and some old goodies like MacGyver & the A-Team.
I would love to help…but there are just not enough hours in the day. Maybe Layla over at The Lettered Cottage can help – she’s amazing!
Love to! Email me and we can try to set something up 🙂
i have a niece and nephew sam and ella… but there is a kiddo in the middle so we try not to say it like the bacteria. but we all laughed after that happened the first time!
Ali, 23, Lead Technical Assistant, Fulton, NY, 0 kids, Married (2 1/2 months!), 1 rescues puppy, Reuben
I visit at least once a day. (Jason Statham is my hubby’s man crush lol)
I’ve kissed 7 boys.
Color makes me giddy, anything that is rich, proud and bright I need. I want. I literally have a geek out no matter where I am.
I really like the photography that is probably my favorite.
Hmm…question….do you play any instruments?
I’m Elisabeth . I’m 32. A Journalist. I’m a British Girl Married to a Connecticut Boy currently living in Palm Springs. We have 3 Daughters.
I’m an EVERYDAY-ER!!!
Too many to remember *whole face goes red* *can’t look husband in eye whilst typing*
I’m a Vegetarian but my weakness is Bacon. It’s the smell. It draws me in.
I love it all. Keep doing what your doing. Cause you’re great at it.
One Question – Where do you find most of your inspirations from? Pinterest, Other Blogs, or are you just immensely creative?
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? What is your name? Age? Job? Location? Kids? Marital Status? Pets?
Erica/20-something/Chemical Engineer at CITGO Refinery/Chicago Suburbia/Married – maybe kids soon!/No pets
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? Are you everydayers? every once in a whilers? or never-ers and only answering this because you googled “Jason Statham” and are bored at work?
Every day I check for new posts. When there are none, I shed a tear. I love your blog because your house is so cool, your decorating is so versitile , and you love the LORD! (Me too!)
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Seriously. I need to know how lip-slutty you all are. And WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? Mine is that I get weirdly excited about auto auctions. When I see the sign that states “AUCTION TONIGHT”, I shriek at Jeremy like I just won a million dollars. I have never been to one. It’s just that the cars are going to be bought…I’m very excited for them…yes, I’m thrilled for the vehicles. weird.
Maybe 8? I think less than 10.
I love “So You Think You Can Dance” with all of my heart!
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts? Photography stuff? Random Bower awkwardness?
I mostly like decorating stuff. But Will is cute too.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it
Do John and Sherry love the Lord like you do? They never write anything about it, but I secretly hope that they do!
All the best!
Yep! After we decided on Ella’s name, we couldn’t not name him Sam.
1. Liz Cannon, 29.5 (ahhhh), ICU nurse, Denver, 1 kiddo on the way (also ahhhh), married to a wonderful guy named cameron, 2 dogs: Hans the 3-legged wire hair pointer griffon & schnoozeberry the 8 year old mini schnauzer.
2. I read everyday, but not while at work b/c they block your blog… I am not quite sure why, it’s not like it’s porn; BUT i can read YHL at work. Weird.
3. geez, how many people have i kissed? guess 25-30. LIP SLUT!
I HATE with a passion wooden spoons, like i CANNOT touch them. Like when you got ice cream in elem. school with those terrible spoons, can’t do it. BLAH.
4. my fav. posts are before/afters & things you like to use for the babe.
5. this isn’t a random q, but if you ever come to denver you HAVE to go to a breakfast place called Snooze. Let’s just say it has the BEST bacon I have EVER eaten in my life, and I also got french toast with CARAMEL-BACON sauce for the french toast. HOLY CRAP it was so good!
Okay fine, a question… would you eat that (I know you would).
1. My name is Lauren Beutin. 33yo (almost 34!), Married to my honey, Duane for 6 years. Two Kids: Barrett, 4 and Kate, 2. I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Central Florida.
2. I visit your site pretty much daily. You’re on my favorites list, so it’s pretty easy.
3. I have kissed 9 guys (I had to write it down!). and my husband is by far the best one! 🙂 Something quirky about me…well, I have elf-shaped ears. No lie. My Mom says that when I was born, the nurse said “that baby looks like dr spock!”. And my Mom cried. Really sad, but a little funny. 🙂
4. Um, I’d have to say it’s tie between the before/afters and the posts where I feel like I’m in the back seat of your car or sitting on your couch just hanging out and observing your life. Oh! and I love the behind the scene ones.
5. OK, so here’s one I’ve been curious about for a while. We are also a single income family, but we’re the reverse. Duane has been a SAHD for 3.5 years and I’ve been the worker bee. So, I’ve been really curious about the new house. For us, it’a little scary venturing out financially, because we only have my one income. Has it been a huge change since you upgraded? Have you been able to get your cable back? How has your overall budgeting changed? I guess that’s 3 questions.
p.s. I just had a thought…when you decide to retire from regular blogging, you could always do a monthly guest post on YHL! Ya’ll could be like Oprah and Gayle! (hee, hee I just had a mental picture of Sherry with that giant Oprah hair)
1.Name :Emma, Location: North Cackalacky! Age: 25 Job: HR Director, Live with my husband Andy and our ridiculously bad dog, Tullah
2. I visit your blog erryday, yo. I love it! It is 2nd only to YHL!
3. I’ve only kissed 3 pairs of lips…one of which is my husband’s – kind of a borefest there I suppose, or maybe I know what I like? Whatev. :-)Random: I am also a McDonald’s vanilla ice cream cone addict – I would construct a sculpture out of them in my home, but I’d eat them all – before they melted even. It’s that bad. Other desserts? Eh. My husband says they taste like air and sugar – I think he’s mean for trying to put my frozen treat in a corner.
4. I’m partial to the Home posts – especially those involving thrift store finds, because I am obsessed with the idea of decorating my home with awesome pieces that I found/found and made awesome! (and sometimes re-donating later due to lack of motivation or just one too many white something-or-anothers.)While I know moving must have been a HUGE undertaking for you, I am selfishly excited because I cannot wait to see all of the amazing things you do with your new spaces – and I still refer back to your old ones for tips and ideas.
5. Can I clone your kid? He’s ADORABLE. That sounded creepy, let me re-phrase: Can I have your kid? haha, that’s better. (Seriously, I think your family is wonderful in a not-so-creepy-but-blogger/reader admiration sort of way).
I’m a non-finisher-drinker too!! Now I pour the extra water (if it’s water) into plants. Ha.
5. I agree!! Smell is VERY important. I read that and thought, “Well, a guy’s smell is one way to know if I like him or not.” (as in, LIKE like him)
ooooo I like this question!
1. I’m Kelly and I am 27. I am a CNA hoping to go to school to be a PA. My husband and I live in Grand Haven, MI with our bunny rabbit. No kids, yet, but I think the cute pics you post of Will have helped convince my husband to start trying to make a cute baby of our own.
2. Bower Power is on my Reader and I read everyday (especially at work).
3. I have kissed 3 people. My first kiss was in kindergarten and I leaned over at a water fountain and a little boy kissed me. I slugged him in the stomach.
I have all kinds of quirks, but I love reality tv. Nothing is more attractive to me than a show about complete trainwrecks. LOVE IT.
4. I originally started reading for the house stuff and I love how funny you are. You say things that I would probably say. But Will Bower has stolen my heart. When you posted a picture of him in a Steeler shirt, I squealed. I want a Steeler loving baby too!
5. So I am a fellow Steeler fan (I grew up just outside Pittsburgh). How did you become a Steeler fan, being that you are from Jersey and Georgia?
Second question: Have you been to the Coca-cola museum? I think it might be my husband’s favorite place on the planet.
1. Andrea/28 for another month and a half/teacher (writer/artist)/Virginia/No kids (except my students)/ Single (Do you know someone??)/currently no pets (uh, except my students)
2. I’m a weekend reader, and sometimes weekday if I get a chance. Although, with summer vacation coming up, I might turn into an everydayer!
3. 15ish? When I was little I used to think I was constantly being filmed – like in the movie The Truman Show. Instead of having imaginary friends, I would teach my imaginary audience — the viewers at home — how to do something or convince them to buy a product I used. I would do toothpaste commercials in the mirror when I brushed my teeth, for instance.
4. Your sense of humor and voice when you write.
5. a. How did you decide to take the leap to making photography a business venture for you? How did you pick printers (like, do you have someone who prints your photos)? How do you decide to price your work?
b. What are your favorite flowers?
c. See question above in #1. Ha.
1. Barbara, 27, doctor (radiology intern), northern Bavaria/Germany, no kids, married since December, 3 snails (yes, that´s weird)
2. two – three times/week
3. one – my hubby, quirk – does speaking and throwing fits like a five-year-old at home when I had a hard day at work count?
4. decorating stuff, your authenticity, everyday life
5. just because I can´t think of any other question right now and because we´re visiting Atlanta on our honeymoon this August – any great places to see or things to do while we´re there?
1. Victoria/Vicki, 24, a little town north of Houston, TX, photographer and high school substitute teacher (LOVE both of those jobs), no kids, never been married, but have had at least one serious long-term relationship
2. I read new posts as they come out, or I read a bunch at the end of the week if I’m busy..
3. I’ve kissed a bunch of guys. Probably 15-20. I was very boy-crazy in high school, so there! 🙂 And, I rarely drink water. I try, but I’m not a big drinker anyway (including soft drinks/alcohol/etc), so I hardly ever finish a drink.
4. I’m a photographer, so I like the photography posts. I also like randomness. I love your sense of humor..you always make me laugh til I pee myself.
5. Um…how do I get in touch with your brother??? Haha. Please don’t hold my kissing number against me. 🙂
I can’t believe you are going to read all of these responses. Good Luck!!
1) Jessica/27/elementary teacher/Montgomery, AL/married on the same day as you – Oct. 6, 2007 in a Maggie Sottero 🙂
My husband is in the Air Force and we move around every 3 years. I’m originally from Maryland
2) New reader thanks to Sherry’s recent post about you on Young House Love.
3)I’ve kissed 10 people I believe. Not sure if thats lip slutty or not 🙂
I love even numbers! My wedding date had to be on an even number and I was a little bummed that it couldn’t have been on an even year. The volume on the car radio has to be on an even number. Same with the air conditioning or heat. I am really hoping to have my first child on an even year (2012, cross your fingers!)
4) We just bought our first house which was built in the 1920s. So we have a lot of decorating/renovating to do. I love those posts the most. I also laugh out loud at your humor and ‘random bower awkwardness’
5) No questions. Just keep writing your awesome blog!
Ooh, fun!
1. Amanda. 26. Veterinary technician from Michigan. Married, no kids, two dogs, one cat.
2. I visit several times per month (or any time YHL references you and I go “OH YEA! Must go read!”
3. Umm… maybe 4. And do I have to narrow it down to ONE quirk? All right… I guess it would have to be that every time I hear “Oh, that’s so gross” I have to go look. Have to. It’s a common thing in my profession (or at least in my workplace… maybe we’re all strange?).
4. While I do enjoy the random Bower awkwardness, I have to say that my favorite thing is home stuff. LOVE it.
5. What’s your favorite thing about your new house?
1. Heather S./25/Nurse/Richmond, VA ( about to move to Raleigh! ahh) No kids… but I REALLY want 2 boys and 2 girls. No pets 🙁 but I definitely want a bunch of those too! Married! yes and LOVE it! I used to have turtles but they are high maintenance.
2. Reading: Every Day! ( im obsessed!) but you already knew that
3. I guess I am odd. I guess ive kissed about a handful of guys… hmm a quirk about me… I sometimes think of how you and I are one day going to meet and I am going to be your 2nd BFF! ( yes very quirky)Oh and I could go to Target every day and find something new id like to buy.
4. Blog detail – I love the RANDOMNES and pictures of Will
5. One random question… Next time you visit Richmond to see Sherry can we meet for coffee? 🙂 PUH-LEASE!!!
1. Hi! I’m Elizabeth. I’m 23 and I’m a college student. I’ve been married to my husband Jay for 2 1/2 years and we live on a farm in NE. For pets I have a dog, 3 cats, and some chickens! And a baby raccoon that we are nursing back to health. We also keep bees. They’re not really pets, but I figured they should be included too!
2. I usually try to visit every day or every other day. Depends on how busy I am!
3. I’ve kissed 4 guys. 2 of them were in high school, one was my first “real” boyfriend in college, and the last (ever!) is my husband. One quirk. That’s a hard one. I don’t really know if this is a quirk or not but I love to be scared! If I’m home alone I will go out and rent a couple of scary movies and watch them by myself. In the dark. Not like the gore scary but more like the messes with your head scary.
4. Blog detail – First of all, I love how you write. It’s like your talking to us rather than just talking at us. My favorite would have to be the before and afters. I love seeing the transformations happen! I also love your little photography lessons.
5. Question – I know I’m like 2 days past when you wrote this, but how do you find time to write and how do you figure out what you are going to write about? Does it just kind of come to you?
1. Personal details – WHO ARE YOU? What is your name? Age? Job? Location? Kids? Marital Status? Pets? My name is Megan and I’ll be 24 next month! I teach middle school in Texas. I’m married and have been for about 2 1/2 years. We don’t have any human children but we have a dog named B.
2. Reading details – HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT? I use to be an everydayer but then I got really busy but I’m a several times a weeker.
3. Random details – If you’re really interested in the kissing details, I’m not sure how many people I’ve kissed. Other random detail, I think asian babies are the cutest babies ever. When I’m out somewhere if the people I’m with see an asian baby they point them out to me so that I can wave and say “aww!”
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? Home posts!
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. What are you favorite names for future baby Bowers?
Haha, just the kind of great answer I would expect from you. But now that you mention it…I totally agree!
I worked as a reinsurance intermediary. Long weird job. And Jeremy works for Equifax…and no he can’t change credit scores 🙂
Sherry & John actually have a much different style than I do. Sure we like some similar things…but in general, she is much more modern and chic than me. I only wish I was that stylish. And some of the things that just ain’t my thing…hmmm…expensive stuff. That’s one 🙂
Maybe someone like Isla Fisher or Drew Barrymore. They would have to go brunette…but I think that they nail that awkward girl pretty good 🙂
Your guess is as good as mine. Hopefully sometime next year!
I can’t name just one. So I’ll name ONE of the MANY…I love that he is hardworking. If I ever thought that I could work harder than my man…well, I would feel manly. And Jeremy says my sense of humor…
Oh yeah! I’m a hot mess in Victoria’s Secret!
33…totally bad huh? College & post college did me in.
I think that we have the same motivation…it took us a long time to do things in the old house too…but ya’ll didn’t see that because we started the blog about a year and half after we bought the house!
He works in sales for Equifax and is very dedicated. Even though he works from home, I rarely see him during the work day…it’s funny because sometimes when he comes in for dinner, I say DADDY’s HOME! like he’s been gone all day 🙂
There is a recipe I make that uses cream cheese and chives and then stuffs it into chicken and then wraps the entire thing with bacon and then you add cream of chicken soup over the entire thing. It’s like this melty bacony slice of heaven.
About noon. And it’s sometimes not at all 🙂
Not really…I think most people would be curteous enough to know better…and the crazies are probably a little scared of the queen bee in the mothership of crazy.
I didn’t really shape up…nothing is toned. It’s all an illusion. And dinner ideas….hmmm…grill some chicken…it goes in everything. Quesadillas, soups, wraps, etc. And no tv show for me…I’m a behind-the-protection-of-the-computer type girl.
Velvet Elvis all the way! Long Live the KING!
I’m not really a sweaty girl…so I don’t get wethead easily. I do get heat headaches from lack of perspiration…so it all evens out. And the baby weight really did come off easily…but I was breastfeeding…and I’ve heard that really helps.
Oh yes…we definitely want a dog one day…but we would like one of those Christmas morning moving box moments!
I really liked the Elvis or Dale question 🙂
We are pretty far out there…and yes, it is a challenge anytime you move into a new place. I am definitely trying to find new friends in this area though.
Maybe tackle a triathalon? Or maybe learn yoga or pilates? Or perhaps learn to play guitar. Something artistic…like painting…or sketching humans. 🙂
We would love to have one. I dream about it everyday. I do not however dream about the maintenance 🙂
We want four….at least. And we would love to have another one next year but it’s not really in our hands, ya know?
We wish 🙂
I google a lot. That’s where a lot of inspiration comes from.
We are pretty boring…usually Jer tries to mountain bike and we tackle a project and spend some quality family time together. On Sunday we go to church and usually hit up my parents for free lunch 🙂
I like to tackle the stuff that makes the most impact first. Like painting. It makes a world of difference!
1. Chrissy Henry, I’m a 30 year old insurance coordinator for a local clinic. I live in St. Cloud, Minnesota. I am not married, and have no kids… but I do have the cutest little dog ever named Zoey. She is like my child.
2. I check in on your blog about 2 to 3 times a week. I think I have been a fairly regular reader for about a year now.
3. I can’t say that I have kept track of everyone I have ever kissed… But I would estimate 15 to 20. I am totally OCD about weird things! For example I can leave a pine of folded clothed in the laundry basket or even on the floor for weeks and not think twice about it. But all of my drawers are perfectly organized and you had better but that chap-stick back in the EXACT place you found it.
4. My favorite blog posts are the ones that include home/decorating stuff and Bower random awkwardness. It is always nice to know that there are other normal people in the world who are random and weird just like the rest of us. 😉
5. What is your most favorite item in your house?
Sure it sometimes bothers me…but I try to remember that we are all different and have unique viewpoints, interests, scale of importance…and believe me, if someone is flat out rude, I can pull out my kick-butt stick pretty fast 🙂
Maybe, we’ll have to wait and see!
Probably dark chocolate m&m’s with almonds. I could eat a whole bag. Either that or alone time…I would love to have a date night with Jer one day 🙂
It changes everyday. I think my decorating style is very similar to the way I dress…kinda all over the place. But in general, I am a preppy girl who likes color, old accessories, and a relaxed and chilled out kinda feel.
1. Personal details – My name is Candace…my family calls me Candie for short and I am a graphic designer. I have my own company, Rock Candie Designs, LLC. (www.rockcandiedesigns.com & http://www.rockcandieblog.com) and I also work for a television station. I’m 27 years old, no kids yet, but I’ve had a boyfriend for 2.5 years. I live in Fort Lauderdale, FL but my heart belongs in my hometown of Buffalo, NY.
2. Reading details – Every single day! Each morning I log onto your blog and Sherry’s and I just can’t get enough!
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? My boyfriend and I affectionately tell each other that we are the only people that we’ve ever kissed…so, lets keep it that way 😉
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I am obsessed with weddings, yet somehow I’m not pushy with my boyfriend. I just love watching them on tv- I cry everytime and I mentally note all of the decorations, invitations, etc. Its where I get most of my inspiration for my graphic design.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I love all of your posts. You are a girl after my own heart and I wish that I knew you in person. Your humor reminds me of the way that my cousin and I are together. We quote Friends all day and laugh and laugh.
5. Question – What are some ways that you would suggest to make a blog grow? I haven’t had mine for very long, however it seems very daunting just trying to get everything off the ground. Help! Maybe you’d even be willing to email me? Like a mentor/therapist? lol [email protected] (kidding about the therapist part! haha!)
Cordia- I was born in Buffalo and have spent practically my whole life living in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Buffalo is such an amazing city with amazingly down to earth people and there are so many things to do. If I could blog full time and quit my day job, I’d move back in a heartbeat! I just love it so much. Cherish it! 🙂
I am Christina, 26, living in Phoenix, AZ (but after 18ish months, it still doesn’t really feel like home). I’m a travel counselor and married to a handsome man. We have two dogs, a Springer Spaniel and a Chorkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie mix) and for now they are our only children.
I am an everydayer. Which makes me feel like maybe I really need to work on developing a 3D social life 🙂
I really have no idea how many people I’ve kissed, but it’s more than 15 and less 20. And my random fact is I “cricket” (rub my feet together repeatedly) every night before I fall asleep. And now I feel a little awkward and uncomfortable that I shared that. Oh well. But one of my dear friends does the same thing…so there are at least two of us in this world. But she’s Canadian…
In the beginning it was the home posts, and then it grew to Random Bower awkwardness, and then the peek into your family life, and I have most recently enjoyed your photog tips.
And my question is how lip-slutty were you, haha? 😉
HI! I’m Colleen. I’m 45 (which I can barely stand to type. I don’t feel 45). I like in a 1920’s home in Rochester NY with my husband, 3 daughters and mutt of a dog. I am a special ed teacher and wannabe decorator (designer). Only problem is I don’t have any talent!!
I pretty much check in everyday. I read blogs about other people doing nice things to their house instead of cleaning my own.
My quirk?…I guess you could call it a guilty pleasure….I love Howard Stern. Yup. I grew up in the NY area and started listening when I got my first real job. My husband surprised me with Sirius when Howard went there. He has been getting me to work for 23 years.
I really like the home posts. I love that you share where you purchased items. I’m somewhat paralyzed when it comes to redecorating around here, and it motivates me to see others “Just do it”.
No questions. I’ll just read everyone elses.
1. Alissa/ 22/ Teacher/ Chicago/ Married/ No kids/ 1 French Bulldog, 1 cat
2. Every other day
3. Oh my! I was very lip slutty throughout middle school and high school so I don’t know! I shout out inappropriate, dirty jokes at the worst time (like ‘-Insert name- gave this movie 6.5 inches up’ for when the movie was only good due to the female eye candy)
4. Everything
5. Would you be friends with someone who doesn’t believe in God? (I don’t and just want to know my chances)
I don’t know why says I have two names! My name is Jazmine not Alissa!
I totally agree with you with the antique and lucite. I don’t really like lucite in general. I agree with you, and not decorating with colors you grew up with. I kind of like doing my own thing. Thanks for the reply! 🙂
1. Deanna, 26, teacher of elementary special ed or middle school, depending on the year. I live in Newark, Delaware, no kids, not married, have 2 cats, but that’s the limit before I turn into a cat lady. 🙂
2. You’re in my blog reader, so whenever you post, I get to it within a few hours. 🙂
3. I’ve kissed one guy who I dated right after college. I remain well-preserved and waiting… 🙂 A weird quirk is that I check my online banking at least once or twice a day, sometimes more. Somehow I missed my calling as a financial advisor, friends tell me. I just love managing it and sending it places.
4. I like the home decor and minor improvement-type posts most of all, since that’s what I’m able to accomplish right now – although when the time comes to do the major upgrades and make the major purchases, you and Sherry will be right there with me when I reference your prior posts. 😀
5. What’s your most anticipated upgrade for the new house?
Hi! My name is Tanya, I’m 32 and I am currently a stay at home mom to our 3 kids(Megan, 6, Gabby 4, Marty 2). Although, I recently started working one day a week as a medical assistant for an eye surgeon. I live in Kelowna, BC, Canada.(you have probably never heard of it, but it’s really such a beautiful place). I’ve been married for almost 11 years!!
I pretty much read your blog everyday!! I really enjoy reading it.
Believe it or not, I’ve only kissed one guy…my husband! He was my first and only boyfriend. And I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.:)
I love everything about your blog…I love the home improvement stuff as well as reading about your family, etc. Keep it up!!
Who has been the most influential person in your life???
Probably an old kitchen table. There is no place I like better than being surrounded by lots of kids and family gatherings. And I’m nothing fancy…totally functional though 🙂
Lifesaving. And I think it all depends on where we are at in the future and if we feel like it’s right for our kids at that time.
We met on a blind date…Jeremy’s brother Torrey gets the credit for that one 🙂
Ideally it would be a boy next April…but we sortof can’t just order one up 🙂
1. Hi Katie. My name is Bethany. I am 29 1/2 (ahh!) I live in Littleton, CO and am 19 weeks preggo w our 1st! (Double AHH!) I work full time at a church as the Music Coordinator. I am NOT a pet fan. I don’t want the pet hair in my house. Can’t keep the rest of my place clean… why would I want to add something that makes more messes???
2. I read every couple of days. I should try to see if it’s possible to get the blog updates emailed to me because I always go back and make sure I’ve read every post. 🙂
3. I must admit… and my husband knows it… that I’ve kissed too many guys to count! Doesn’t that stink? I regret it. My very 1st kiss was on the steps at church. UGH! Such a rebel and now I’m already planning to make sure our children are not so kiss crazy like both my husband and I were.
I have a lot of quirks! I watch gas prices and get really upset it I see a cheaper gas price after I’ve already filled up the tank. We also share 1 car between my hubby and I… that’s a weird quirk. There are lots of others…
4. I like everything about your blog. That’s probably dorky to say, but it’s true. I wouldn’t spend as much time reading it though if I didn’t like everything. I mostly love your writing style. Just the honestly and openness you share. It’s SO refreshing. I am a really honest and open person myself and I can get really frustrated by people that are “political” or not up front. You’re so vulnerable and are willing to share about yourself and that’s what makes your blog so great. And you’re hilarious! (Sorry… that all probably sounds really cheesy… but I don’t know how to say it any other way! LOL!) I also love it that your sweet “boyfriend” reads your blog! How supportive! I LOVED the video you 2 did last year on your anniversary! That was fun to “see/meet” you in person!
5. I would love to know how you became a believer. I LOVE your story about getting engaged and getting married. You’re story may be similar to mine… in that I became a Christian at age 4 and my entire family are all Christians. But I think it’s always neat to hear.
Oh yippy! Now I can comment and I won’t feel like a stalker 🙂
Buffalo can be a great city. All I really have are my husband’s family, and lately we dont really seem to spend a lot of time together anymore. I befriended my husband’s friend growing up (he’s gay so we hit it off immediately with our decorating hobby), but he’s busy working and is now busy fostering two little boys with his partner. Seems no one has time to be a good friend between kids or work. I have kids, but wish I could get out more for more “me” time. I am down to earth, funny and silly, but shy at first. It’s hard to find people that are my style for some reason. So here I sit, reading my favorite blogs daily and doing projects around the house.
1. Michelle. 28. Civil Engineer turned stay at home mom! South Florida. I’m married and have a 3 month old beautiful baby girl, and 2 large fuzzy maine coon cats.
2. I follow you via Google Reader, so I read your posts every day! I actually go to your blog once a week or so to comment, like I’m doing now!
3. I’ve probably kissed 10 guys?? Quirk… I LOVE singing the harmonies to songs: hymns, alma maters, folk songs, children’s songs, and every song! Does that count as a quirk?
4. I have recently been really interested in your photography posts, because hubby convinced me to get a DSLR before baby came. BEST MOVE EVER. We’ve taken some adorable photos of our baby, and we’re just learning how to use it. Keep the photography tips coming!!
5. Okay so this isn’t a question, but just a comment. I was in “Atlanta” for my cousin’s graduation memorial day weekend, and stayed with my uncle in Loganville!! We were driving to Suwannee, and drove right past the exit to Stone Mountain park. I was just thinking, I wonder what there is to do there! I might have to visit next time. Also, I might hire you to take some family pics next time I’m up there as well!!
1. Hi Katie, I’m Alayne. I’m 34, live in Leesburg Virginia. I’m a stay at home momma to 3 little ones, ages 4, 3, and 17 months. No pets (our beloved 16 year old Dalmation dies 3 weeks after my youngest was born, and I can’t wrap my head around having another pet right now.
2. Reading details : I read every post, so when you post, I read 🙂
3. Random details – I have only ever kissed 4 guys, and am proud of it.
One of my quirks – I won’t eat cheese that has been in the fridge for more than 3 days. Seriously, when I open it I write the dat on it with a sharpie. After 3 days, if it hasn’t been eaten, it goes in the trash. Wasteful , I know, but when it comes to cheese that is how I roll.
4. Blog detail – I like the home posts (decorating, thrifting, etc.) the most. I do love your photography posts (specifically how to use your camera type posts) as well.
5. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things you want to do with your house (the upgrades, the maintenance, paiting, etc.) that you don’t know where to start? How do you decide what gets done and when?
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it
Hi Katie!!
My name is Sara and I live in Boston, MA with the hubs, my 16-month old son, Griffin, and our yellow lab, Baxter. I am a stay-at-home mama. And, I am 29.
Started as a once-a-weeker, morphed into an every-other-dayer, and now am a full fledged every dayer (most times twice)!!
Sadly, I am lacking in the lip-sluttiness department. I’m going to go with 15, but I may have added a few in there just for good measure:) Hello Brad Pitt and Gerard Butler;)
I love all your posts, but I especially love the ones where you say funny, messy, real stuff about what it is like to have a baby, a house, and not always (ever??) be able to get stuff done. It makes me laugh because I feel the same way!
My quirk – I have a thing for stinky cheese. I. heart. it. The stinkier the better. Yes it smells like feet, and yes, I still love it.
My random question: What is the first piece of furniture you redid and do you still have it?
Sure! I love play dates 🙂
Ooohhh hard one! Probably Pottery Barn. Or Target. That’s a tough one.
Don’t say such an awful thing Bridget! And if such a horrible thing happened, I guess I would replace it with cheesey mashed potatoes 🙂
Thirty and three…my lips got around 🙂
We plan on having one next year but you know how that goes with ‘plans’!
I don’t visit bakeries very often…but I imagine that if I was buying a muffin, I would probably buy the entire thing then eat just the top 🙂
Oh yeah. LOTS of times. Pretty much every post it seems gets a little bit of negative Nancy. And I just think that it is a blessing to be able to have such a diverse crowd. Everyone definitely has a right to their own opinion and I just feel like I have an opportunity to throw a joke out there to break the tension 🙂
I wish I had that kind of extra time but I am no interior designer and don’t want to be one…but there are plenty of other folks out there that do that kinda thing and do it really well!
Writing & picture uploading takes about two hours. And emails, comments, deleting spam takes about an hour. It takes me about another hour to read my blogroll. And then photography editing takes me another two.
So total about six hours everyday is dedicated to ‘my other job’.
Over the top.
Except recently I discovered Will is less likely to unroll the entire roll if it’s from under the bottom…so I could be swayed to switch 🙂
Zillow 🙂
We want four kids…maybe more if we are lucky. And we did pull the goalie. My dream job is exactly what I’m doing…so maybe I could just add an assistant that would work for free 🙂
And yes 🙂
My list is
1. the True Value To-Do list…
2. get ready for my sisters wedding
and I wish I could…if only there were more hours in the day!
I actually use to play the violin. I was pretty decent too up until I quit. Then I took up the guitar in college. Forgot everything now. And last year I started piano lessons with my mom…but I was really bad…so I stopped. I think I might try again though. I love the idea of playing anything…but my fingers don’t seem to cooperate.
oh boy, aint that the truth!
I think a lot of it is just something I see somewhere (whether it be magazines, catalogs, or online) and then I try to figure out a way to cheap-a-fy it.
I don’t comment on any friends or family members religious beliefs because I really don’t feel like it’s my place….I don’t want to put words in someone elses mouth! You might just ask them!
Oh yeah I would eat that! Sounds delish!
We did change our budget. No we don’t have cable…but we do have the free basic channels and free Netflix (Jeremy sweet talked the lady!). And we try to not eat out as much or buy things that can really add up (like for us it is clothing). We also are rethinking the entire two car situation. We really only need one and it’s smart to sell earlier than later. As far as the rest of the finances go, it does require a switch in thinking but I believe that in the end, we will be happier because of our major investment here.
Aww thanks. And if it ever becomes legal to clone…sure. Although I heard that with animals the clone puppy is like totally psycho. Just a rumor 🙂
My entire family is from south of Pittsburgh. And my uncle even works for them…so it’s like a family affair. And YES! It’s cool, huh? Gotta love the Beverly (that’s an inside Coke Joke!)
WoW! Great Job! I absolutely love it! would you mind if I used it someday?
I just had so many people ask me to do it that I started dreaming about taking the leap into doing for people I didn’t know. Bada boom bada bang.
I chose MPIX…just because it’s well known for being a decent lab and affordable.
And I priced my work according to the fact that I am still building my portfolio and the local photographers in my area and the demand.
My favorite flowers are probably peonies…or hydrangeas…gardenias are amazing smelling though 🙂
The Aquarium! Downtown! CocaCola Museum! Stone Mountain!
Love them all!
Heehee! Email me and I’ll see what I can do 🙂
The light. The land. The privacy. Oh and I love having a laundry room on the first floor instead of the basement 🙂
Sure 🙂
I wish it was random…but it’s not most of the time. I have in my head a number I try to hit each month of different posts. I try to switch up the photography/family/shopping/home stuff posts so that I’m not three months behind on something. I wish there was a way I could actually post more…
and Will is a champion napper so I try to do all the biz stuff then 🙂
Actually Jeremy & I were talking about naming all the boys William. That way it gets passed on 🙂 And I like names Jer doesn’t…like Leo, Judah, and Valiant. He likes Benjamin. And we both like Isabella Ann & Sarah Katherine. We like fancy names 🙂
Good question. I really like the family yearbook I made this past year. But the most favorite is probably my camera. I love that dang thing because of all the memories I’ve captured with it.
Comment on other people’s blogs. Read and link to other people’s blogs. I have no idea. I suck at this kinda thing.
Hey Cricket, I’ve liplocked with 33 dudes. Lip-sah-lutty.
haha! Maybe you subconceincely want to be named Alissa 🙂
And yes. I am friends with a lot of different kinds of people with a lot of different world views.
One day we hope to have a pool. That will be a crazy good day 🙂
My mom. Easy. She is also the person that I’ve faught with the most which is funny because now she is like my best friend.
I was saved at 3 years old. I remember it too…and I was crying and scared that it might hurt. I was frustrated that I couldn’t explain with words what I was thinking and my mom basically grilled me because she wanted to be sure that I understood what I was saying. It was a very real experience for me…and I have never doubted or felt the need to reconfirm my faith like it didn’t happen or something like that. And although I know I was saved, I still struggle with the everyday faith…that ongoing learning and serving. I’ve made plenty of mistakes…but in the end, I still love me some Jesus…and hopefully that love is reflected in me.
It’s a deal! Stone Mountain is a great place for pictures (hint hint!)…
Oh sure. And usually my mom is like JUST DO SOMETHING! She is my inspiration when it comes to getting stuff done. If she had a blog, it would blow your mind how much she gets done in a single day. And I’ve tried recently to do one room at a time…that kinda didn’t work…so now it is just ‘do anything!’. No plan…just do.
Hmmm….first piece of furniture that I redid was something for my mom (I think I was eight)…so that probably doesn’t count….I guess the first one I redid for me was the black bookshelf that held our dishes in the old house kitchen (it’s now in the guest bedroom). I had bought it for cheap, got a shelf cut at Lowe’s, painted the entire thing and used it in my college apartment. I still love it to this day!
Hi Katie!
I am Aparna and I live at Bangalore, India.. I am 25 and single and am an engineer.I am not really a pet person
I must admint I am new to your blog.I came across your blog thro YHL and I love it!
Been following you the past week
Ha ha.. just 2 in the lip sluttiness department!
I love reading just the favourite parts in my books over and over..
Question for you: How often do you vacuum??
1. Details, Sharin, I’m 32, I live in Pine Mtn, Ga (over by Callaway), I’m a wife/ mom (nurse, worship leader, etc. ) I’m married w/ 3 kids 7/girl 2/boy and 3months/boy, we have 1 annoying cat Black Diamond, BD for short.
2. I’m an almost every day reader, (when hubby is home with the computer, otherwise I would probably be blogging too)
3. I’m not too lip slutty, I’m under 10, and only one famous person but that is a whole other story. Weird quirk, I tend to start a sentence in the middle of a conversation (for some reason most of it is in my head and I tend to forget that people don’t read minds.) That and I’m obsessed with all things garden and house related ( We’ve been restoring an old family farmhouse for almost 3 years. )
4. Love just about everything on the blog, I can’t lie I sometimes skip some of your photography posts but not all.
5. Random Question? When we get a little closer to a move in date ( ie we have bathrooms and a kitchen…) would you come down and help me decorate??? Bring Sherry with you!
Hi Katie.
1. My name is Elisabet, I’m 30 years old, I come from Iceland but I live in Denmark now. I have a boyfriend, been together for 6 years, we have no kids and no pets. I am a lawyer, but currently out of job, the market here is tough!
2. I stop by your site every day! And due to time difference I sometimes drop by 2 or 3 times a day to see if you have posted something. I should be calm and just check in the late afternoon, but I am too impatient/excited to wait !
3. Goodness, I honestly don’t know how many guys I’ve kissed (forgot to keep a list hehe) but I would guess around 20. My quirk is that every item in my life has its own place, so I hardly ever lose stuff, which is kinda nice. I also have a routine in the shower. If I don’t do things in a certain order I always feel like I forgot to do something, e.g. use the conditioner or wash my face. Weird, I know.
4. I like everything about your blog, all the posts. I love how open and honest you are, you keep it real, I find that so inspiring. And your style is also great!
5. My little random question is: Have you ever travelled outside of the US? (and I don’t mean Canada)
1. My name is Anna, I am 29. I work at a family business. I live outside of Philadelphia. No kids yet, but we are trying 🙂 I have a beautiful dog named Mystic and a turtle named Geoffery.
2. I love your blog and check in at least once a day. You rock!
3. I do not kiss and tell 😉 I love food. All things food: gardening, prep, cooking, photography. It is all about the food.
4. I have never seen a post I didn’t enjoy.
5. When is baby #2?
1. Hi! I’m Leslie and I am a fellow GA peach 🙂 I live in Acworth/Kennesaw with my husband and two cats.
2. I just started following you in my google reader after linking from YHL and realizing we are in the same state!
3. There are so many quirky things about me, I just can’t think right now. I do think I have some OCD in all seriousness. I am one of those ‘things have to be put away the ‘right’ way in a logical (to me) place’ and I have to check and re-check that I have done something like lock a door or turn off the faucet if I don’t specifically remember doing it.
4. I have enjoyed going back and looking at your home posts. That is what interests me and what I write about on my own blog as well.
5. What is your most favorite Goodwill in GA? So far, mine is a toss up between the one in Holly Springs and the one in Woodstock:)
1. I’m Mallory. Married to Jon two years ago. I’m 24 and I live in Oklahoma (by Air Force, not choice). No kids for a few more years – but I do have Calvin and Duke. Cat and Dog. I’ma full time blogger (not my personal blog – a wedding blog. A big wedding blog 🙂
2. I’m an everydayer – sometimes twice a dayer. Just in case you want to reward those of us who check in extra with a later curfew or extra allowance.
3. I’ll tell you this: I have kissed one person twice today. And that’s all you’re getting on that. My most random quirk (besides being the neighborhood pogo sticking champ when I was younger) is my obsession with water. I am no swimmer (strictly doggy & froggy paddle) but I love all things coastal. Decor, water, weather, whales, lobsters, sailboats, stripes (does that count?) Love it all. I get Coastal Living and I’m sure my Oklahoma mailman is dying to tell me that Oklahoma has no coasts.
4. I love it all, but my fave are home posts. For now. Unless you want to through in some coastal posts 😉 Oh and here’s something to admit. I don’t want kids for a few more years, but every time I see a new picture of Will, I just neeeeeed one. So I like/dislike Will posts too. More like than dislike. It’s more like I like them, my husband dislikes them 😉
5. Ketchup or Mustard on your hotdog?
1. Cheree. 30. Freelance Graphic Designer. Hollywood, AL. Baby #1 on the way. Married. 1 dog.
2. I totally blog stock you.
3. I have only kissed my husband. Crazy, huh? I ran my first half marathon at 12 weeks pregnant and climbed a mountain at 16 weeks pregnant.
4. I like the home posts best. You and YHL are the reason that me and hubby are planning on using cloth diapers when baby gets here.
5. What’s the hardest thing you have ever done?
1. I’m Kate, I’m 29(for two more months) 🙁 I’m a returning student, office manager and waitress! I live in Upstate New York. I don’t have any kids…but two awesome dogs, Carson and Wojo. I’m in a relationship.
2. I’m a Monday-Friday reader…obviously my day job is really busy.
3. I used to be a little bit of a kissing-ho. Like, I can’t remember how many. Maybe I over-indulged in kissing at college. Is that so bad?! My weird quirk? Well I have self-diagnosed ADD. I can’t help but pick everything up and look at it in the market checkout line…Magazines, gum, candy bars…it drives my boyfriend nuts!
4. I love it all! The photos are great and you’re a fantastic writer.
5. Do you do anything for work besides blog? When did you start blogging? I think you should do a ‘day in the life’…I’m thinking of starting a blog, but I don’t know what I’d write about or where to start!
Eileen/26 (tomorrow!)/Admin Assistant/Lilburn, GA/None yet/Married/2 dogs (Marley and Abby)
2. Every day at lunch!
3. 8 – not sure if that qualifies as lip slutty, but I kiss my husband several times a day! Hmm, a weird quirk? I am 90 years old on the inside. I love to knit, crochet, quilt, craft, bake and cook. It’s really weird. But I do those things well, so I joke that I should have been a housewife in the 1950s.
4. I love posts about DIY home stuff – so much fun! And posts about your son, because he is adorable!
5. What is your favorite dessert?
Personal details – I’m Mary, I’m 24. I’m a third year law student in Florida. No kids or pets of my own, though I love both. I technically live by myself but some nights I live with my boyfriend (scandalous).
Reading details – I probably drop by every couple of weeks and skim everything – then read the entries I’m interested in.
Random details – I think I’ve kissed about 30 people. Only one for the past year and a half! 🙂 Quirk – I rub my eyebrow when I’m stressed. Never consciously.
Favorite thing here – definitely home decor and furniture stuff. I love looking at pictures of rooms in your house – how you arrange things, different colors/patterns playing off each other, etc. I also like your humor – that’s what keeps me coming back.
Random question – Do you keep an agenda/planner – if so, what kind? Is it by hand or on the computer/smart phone?
Thanks 🙂
1. Personal details – Steph/28/Director of Marketing/Central PA/0 kids/3 years married/1 fiercly loyal mutt
2. Reading details – pretty much everyday (just yours and YHL :))
3. Random details – Lip-sluttiness: Not exactly sure – probably 10-15ish. Or zero as the hubs likes to think 🙂 Quirk: I analyze and overanalyze and re-analyze everything I say/type. I remember conversations from 10 plus years ago and think, “Put my foot in mouth again then…” and then replay the conversation in my head saying something quick and witty instead. I always like that outcome better.
4. Blog detail – I like everything – I think it shows you’re a well-rounded person.
5. Question – What service do you use to randomly select winners to your giveaways?
1. Amy/26/Stay at home mum to my 5month old daughter (who has a huge crush on Will – sorry Bean)/Sydney, Australia/married for 2.5 years (together for 7.5)/no pets
2. Every time you pop on my google reader + sometimes more (if i’m looking for home/photography inspiration)
3. Too many that I don’t want to re-live by going back & counting! Ha. I used to watch Antiques Roadshow on the treadmill everyday (when I had time to work out everyday). Hardly motivating but a weirldy fascinating show. Of all my quirks I have no idea what made me think of this one.
4. Love the home posts & the photography (especially of your littlest man).
5. How did you learn Photoshop? Did you take a course or are you self-taught? That program fascinates & scares the pants off me at the same time!
Girl crushes totally count! I thought of another question. You said something about the pressure on Sherry to make her living from her blog, and I wonder… do you work? I assume, by your statement, your blog isn’t your living, but do you have a top secret non-blog job? It’s always weird to hear about how your fave bloggers do other stuff too.
1] Ashlee/25/SAHM/Lenexa, KS/2 Kids(Boy-5 & Girl- 9mnth)/Married 7 years
2] I just found your blog( I just found YHL two months ago and went all the way back and read them all and after catching up with the Petersiks I noticed how much they mention you and your blog so I checked it out!) I read it daily(I’ve actually spent the weekend doing nothing but reading your blog from the beginning!)
3] I’ve kissed 5 maybe 6 people…
My quirk- I eat candies in like colors…they taste better that way!
4] I love all the posts! Your humor is hilarious to me so its all amazing!
5] Whats your favorite guilty pleasure movie? (i.e. I <3 Twilight and Harry Potter! Im prolly the oldest person in line for the midnight showings=] )
1. Hi Katie! I’m Stephanie, I’m 31 and I like long walks on the beach…oh, wait, wrong profile. 😉 I am happily married (almost 3 years) to my love, Colby, and we have a cat named Boston. No little ones yet, though, practice makes per-fect! 🙂
2. I read every day…sometimes more than once. I’m a newbie…and I’m addicted. Like, you now rival Diet Pepsi for my most coveted addiction. Is that creepy? You remind me of my friends…none of whom enjoy DIY and decor, so I’ve made you part of my “friend” group.
3. Hmmm, I counted 13…lip slut, oops! I’m a preacher’s kid…kissing is all we were allowed to do! 🙂 My quirk is I can’t wear any piece of clothing more than once…no matter how long I wore it. It makes laundry no fun, but it’s me.
4. I like it all. We close on our house 6/24, and it’s our first home, so we are psyched. I love seeing everything you guys have done from the big to the little decor ideas. I’m open to it all. I think you’re a very talented photographer so I like seeing your pictures as well. And awkwardness runs through my veins, so it’s like being right at home.
5. If you could suggest ONE absolute-must-have-you-would-die-without tool, what would it be? We are going to have to add slowly, so I am looking for the most bang for my buck with our first power-ish tool.
1. Personal details – Hi Katie! My name is Briel. I’m 31 (almost 32) and I live in Los Angeles, though I’m from Northern California. I work as an administrative assistant and I also do pet sitting. I’m single and on the lookout for a great guy. 🙂
2. Reading details – I read you through google reader so whenever a new post pops up I usually read it that day. Occasionally it will take a few days to read any accumulated posts.
3. Random details – HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Hahaha I have kissed only 4 people and it’s been way too long since the last one! 🙂 WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? I always try to have the volume (tv, radio, etc) on an even number.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE? I like pretty much whatever you post.
5. Question – Do you and Jeremy plan on having another baby any time soon (or at all)?
1. Laura, Santa Clarita, CA (aka North Los Angeles), 31 yrs old, 1 husband, 1 daughter, 3 jobs…teacher, behavioral therepist, AVON Lady (want a catalog??!!?? :)) 2 dogs, 1 kitty, 2 snakes…too many!! 🙂
2. I visit your site on a very regular basis…you’re on my igoogle home page! 🙂
3. # of people I’ve kissed…a few…i had a pretty wild few years after college, and one quirk about me…i have a weird thing about eating things with a wacky/weird/gross texture. It makes me gag!
4. i love the random Bower stuff and all the house details (inspiration for when i have a fixer to fix!)
5. how did you decide to make your blog what it is…how do you get all the spons0rs, and get paid to do what you love?…i’d like to turn my families blog into something like that, but need the niche to get into
1. Mary Kate, 19, Northeastern student. Boston! No kids, one boyfriend, one puppy.
2. Every single day (right after YHL!) and sometimes multiple times.
3. Kissed one person (my boyfriend).
Quirk…I read the same blogs in the same order every day. A little obsessive-compulsive.
4. I love it all! But favorite is probably the renovation/house stuff…I loved the tours when you guys moved.
5. How did you get started doing the bridal modeling?
1. Jacqui, 28, working at a university, no kids, single, one cat who is almost 13 (Ebony). I live in Melbourne, Australia.
2. I subscribe via Google Reader and Bower Power is definitely one of the first feeds I read, even when I’ve got 1000+ unread items like I have right now!
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Hmmm…enough to not be a good girl, but few enough not to be a bad girl 😀
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW? My eyes tear up whenever I sing out loud…it’s literally a physical reaction, and by the end of the song I look like I’ve just sat through The Notebook, even though I’m feeling great! It’s been a thing ever since I was a kid…
4. Hmm I have to say I love it all! But probably home stuff, especially before and afters are my favourite.
5. What are your favourite blogs to read?
1. Sarah/PR consultant+MA student in French/Paris/29/married to a fab dude+consultant who is also doing a master’s degree here in France/missing our dog back in MN/. After selling our home in the U.S., we are loving *renting* a very well-furnished home. So nice to be light on our feet and ready for adventure without having all of the house “stuff” (in storage – who knows if it will ever come out!). Your blog is fulfilling my need to think of house-y stuff, so thanks! 🙂 Love collecting ideas for our next place.
2. Got hooked a few months ago and now i check almost daily. Look what you’ve done to me!
3. Can’t claim lip sluttiness. Sorry to disappoint. I can only think of 5 right now! Quirks: Have to wash my feet before going to bed every night. Addicted to air-popped popcorn with shredded extra-sharp cheese and golden raisins. And more that I am not willing to throw into a public forum! 🙂
4. Love your sense of humor. Love your home posts and really interested to see where you take things in the new place. But also love your family posts/mentions. Excited to hear more about your sister’s wedding, too! The balance you strike now between Home/Will/Weirdo posts is fab. Don’t mess with it! It feels very genuine. And although I am a huge grammar and spelling snob, I find your little spelling ‘quirks’ totally endearing. I actually kind of look forward to them – definitely keeps things real.
5. Hmmmm… Q1: How involved is Jeremy in this crazy Bower Power blog? Are you a complete one woman show while he does his own work or does he play a strong behind-the-scenes role? Q2: We have a lovely home in France, do you want to come visit? 🙂
Unsolicited: Not sure if it is because I’m out of the country, but it usually takes me 2-3 clicks before i can load your blog without an error message. I can usually sneak in via the “about us” page and get to the home page from there, but it can be annoying. Happy to help troubleshoot if you ever need a foreign test-lady, tho.
Even though I am now much more of a “city girl”, the country has a lot of appeal. I grew up in a very small town (for awhile my nearest neighbor was several miles away and we couldn’t see their house!) and love to go back for visits. My mom always dreamed of the big wrap around porch too but oddly, chose a ranch instead when they built their new house.
1. Sarah/34/chemist/Washington/married/1yr old daughter/no pets
2. I just started reading the blog today. I found you from YHL.
3. 13. Is that slutty? I felt kind of dirty counting them all, I can’t even remember some of their names. Oh my. Weird quirk= sometimes when I’m talking to someone with an accent, I start to talk with one too. I’m not trying to make fun of them or anything, it just happens.
3. Your sense of humor is what kept me reading when I came over from YHL.
4. Question? I don’t know how blogs work for the bloggers. Do you get a notice when someone leaves a comment? Even on something really old? or is it pointless to comment on things that are not recent?
1. Tracy/28/multimedia designer/Southwest MI/baby boy who will be 1 in july/married to H.S. sweetheart for almost 5 years/2 cats Peaches and BeeZee
2. Pretty close to everyday.
3. three..oh crap…I mean four. I tried to forget the most horrible first kiss ever. I literally had to wipe the slobber off of my chin. One quirk…I absolutely adore squirrels. I even modified a bear costume so I could turn my baby into a squirrel for Halloween. But I didn’t do squirrels for the nursery, because hello, that would have been too obvious. 🙂
4. The way you write. It is hilarious. And also that you are a christian and aren’t afraid to share your faith. Plus you realize that it’s possible to be funny and sarcastic and know about reality tv and be a christian at the same time. Oh and the romantic way you talk about your boyfriend. Really just all of it.
5. Can you just come live at my house and take beautiful pictures of my baby all the time?
1) Ashley; 27; I have a few jobs… office manager and designer for my husband’s construction company, parttime insurance agent, and mom. My son is 6 months old and a ham. Seriously, we should have named him Ham. No pets or other kids, unless you count my husband. We live in Vermont.
2) When I can, which is every couple of days.
3) What, I’m supposed to count? Heck, I can’t remember if I turned off the coffee maker this morning, let alone how many people I’ve kissed. Maybe 10? What quirks… hm… I like looking in windows at night, if peoples lights are on. Sounds creepy, but so not like that. I have NO interest in the people inside – I want to see how the houses are laid out and how they’re decorated. And then I nit-pick about how they could improve it. My husband (also named Jeremy) indulges me by encouraging this obsession.
4. I like the house stuff, and the Will stuff. House stuff because it’s what I do also and the Will stuff because it’s like a forewarning of what’s to come with my son. Plus the awkwardness. Love the awkwardness.
5. So I saw these bacon wrapped filet mignons at the grocery store… ever tried one?
Also, I think you look like Princess Kate. Do you ever get that?
The kitchen? Like two to three times a day. That baby is messy.
And the rest of the house, I try to ignore. I think I’ve vacuumed it maybe once.
Yup! Loved it.
I’ve been to Peru, Dominican Republic, Eleuthera, Grand Cayman, and Mexico. But I’d love one day to go see the rest of the world!
You’ve got me! I have no idea. It’s hard to order those up you know!
I love the one in Snellville! But probably because it is close to our old house 🙂
Mustard all the way. It’s my favorite condiment 🙂
Breastfed. Hands down. It’s hard in every sense of the word. Emotionally, physically, lack of sleep, hormones…everything.
I am really a SAHM first and foremost. I do work on the blog when the Tinkler is napping…and I do photography on the side.
I started blogging three years ago…hence the blogiversary 🙂
and I’ll definitely put it on the TO-BLOG list!
There’s this chocolate thing at Bahama Breeze that is TO-DIE for. My favorite. I also love Dippin’ Dots 🙂
Sortof…my calendar is on my computer…my phone is for reminders, and my to-do lists are on paper scattered throughout the house 🙂
I use Random.org.
Self-taught. It’s hard but you would be surprised what you can learn on YouTube 🙂
I am a SAHM. Plain and simple. My darling boyfriend brings home the bacon. And my little income comes from blogging and doing photography…which pays for a very little bit but buys me great joy 🙂
Hilarious!! Love your humor!! 😛
1. Emily, 25, SAHM, Harrisburg PA, married with a 2 yr old boy and 1 month old baby girl, 1 dog (german shepard/devil mix lol)
2. I visit usually daily, sometimes every few days.
3. Does spin the bottle count? Yes? Shoot. Then it’s like, 8, maybe 10… that’s more than I thought! And quirks, I have none. Yeah, right. If I HAVE to pick just one… wow, I’m gonna regret this but… I really love to pick my kid’s noses. gross right? I usually use a tissue (and a nasal asperator for the baby), but I’m gonna be honest, not always. I guess I’m a bit of a neat-freak and a perfectionist, so getting those orafaces super cleaned out makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. lol yes, gross indeed.
4. I probably came first for the DIY tutorials, so I love me some of those. But I also really appreciate the photography info. And the silliness. I love the silliness. All the little jokes you toss in make me lol.
5. Geez, way to put the pressure on, Katie. I can’t think under such pressure! Ok Emily, you can do this, think, think… ummm, which bear is best? haha, I have no idea.
1. My name is Trista, and I am 24. I am employed by the Girl Scouts as a volunteer/girl recruiter. My husband and I are also youth pastors in a suburb of Birmingham, AL. We don’t have kids…yet. But we do have a JackChi named Yoda
2. I have your blog on my Google reader, and I read it every week day except for last week when I was at Girl Scout camp and missed the ENTIRE blogaversary…sad day.
3. I’ve only kissed 3 boys, so I don’t guess I’m too lip slutty. I’m a pretty quirky person overall, but I do make really funny faces all the time without meaning to. My wedding photographer told me after my wedding that she’d gotten some “great” shots of me.
4. I visited your site originally for the home/DIY posts, but the “Random Bower awkwardness” kept me here. You are an entertaining writer, and I love reading everything you write. I usually hate when bloggers write about their vacations, but I couldn’t wait to read the end of your Florida post. Also the Birth Story was A-mazing. Thank you for sharing.
5. Have you ever had a Goober Burger? My husband saw Andrew Zimmerman eat one on Bizarre Foods. It’s a regular hamburger with mayo and…peanut butter. I haven’t been able to make myself try it yet, but my husband loves them now.
1) Charise/28/technical editor/Columbus, OH/married/no kids/no pets ever (bad allergies!)
2) Every couple weeks or so, when I do a massive catch up.
3) Hmm. I met my number is at least 30. Freshman and sophomore years of college involved lots of random kissing. In fact, my friends called me the “makeout queen”, as I could usually be counted on to be kissing some boy by the end of a party, but they (the friends) knew that was as far as it would be going, hah! So yes, I am a kissing slut.
4) I love your how-to home project posts the best.
5) What is the most favorite thing you’ve ever bought for one of your homes?
awesome… only 5 months til I get to find out if it will be my hardest thing.
1. Erin / 25 / arts administration / Athens (about an hour from you, turns out!) / No kids / married / One yorkie mix, Chewy (Chewbacca) 🙂
2. I subscribe via Google Reader, so I usually stop in every few days.
3. I have never kept a rosemary plant alive, even though I’ve read NUMEROUS articles about how they’re the hardiest herbs available. But I’m trying again, and I’ve kept my current plant alive for a whole week now!
4. I love the house stuff the best, especially your Goodwill-excursions-turned-beautiful-house-treasures posts.
5. Do you ever get lost in your new house? 😉
1. Katie, 26, Coastal NC, Married with 1 furkid
2. You are definitely in my reader so all my updates are in one place and I don’t miss any posts!
3. Despite meeting my now husband at 16 (and dating him since then) I was somehow able to squeeze in kissing about 8 boys. I was well on my way to being a lip slut. My weird quirk might be that my handwriting is never the same. I have to write with a ruler to stay consistent. I always have neat handwriting but need a ruler to make it look like “mine”
4. I love your writing style. you crack me up! I think I also love how you can see an empty room or random Goodwill stuff and turn it into something awesome. Vision is something you have that I lack and that my fellow-Katie is why I am a reader 🙂
5. I’m a natural Katie, nothing longer or shorter. No nicknames….. Have you always been “Katie” – is that your legal name?
1. Kristin/26/admin. assistant/student/Washington, DC/married (no kids, yet)/new homeowner!
2. I read it pretty much every Monday-Friday when it’s slow at work (our secret!). I read it on Google Reader, but often times end up going directly to your blog!
3. 7? Quirks…. that’s a tough one since there are so many!
4. I love the DIY home projects and your style of decorating. It is definitely inspiration for my own new home!
5. How long does it take you to put together a room? I am so impatient to “finish” the looks of my rooms, but I know they take time ; )
YEARS! A room is never finished in my book. I think you just gotta find a spot that you are happy and then if you want to tweak later, go for it.
DUH! Blonde moment!…only I would ask when you started blogging on the blogiversary post! YIKES!
ME TOO! My mom thought that she was being so creative. She had never met someone that just was a Katie. Hence. And I’ve yet to meet a natural Katie older than me…so maybe she actually was being creative in a sense.
haha…no…but one neighborhood kid did and starting crying 🙁
Decorating thing? Because I don’t think I could choose just one. Maybe the round white mirror for above the old fireplace. Or the Pottery Barn shelves that held my china (so versatile). Or perhaps the white deer head that I put in Will’s nursery. I have no idea. My things are like my children – I love them all equally 🙂
Whoa. And no, I’ve never had one…but I might be able to convince Jeremy to try it. He loves burgers and PB sandwiches…hmmm…
Maybe the Koala. Only because Cole said so 🙂
1. Kim- Age 25/Albany, NY/Boring cubicle job/Married with a 14 month old son, Will.
2. I visit every Mon-Fri 🙂
3. Way too many…I was a bit of a kissing whore in college 😉 haha. Quirk? I eat with a divided plate, I can’t stand my food touching. I know, its weird.
4. I love the DIY projects, photo tips, and your witty sense of humor!
5. Random question: What would we be surprised to know about Sherry and John over at Young House Love?
I love this response, and you’re right, it’s very simple 🙂
Yep my mom thought she was being “creative” too and she hated shortening her name her whole life so she didn’t want me to do that either. I love meeting “another one” haha 🙂
Ha! Gets ’em every time!
hmmm….maybe that Sherry hates cleaning out paint brushes. Like HATES. And she wants to throw them out after one use but can’t because it conflicts with her green-ness. Oh and John is probably funnier than me & Jer & Sher combined. Yup…it’s true.
No fair. I want to come.
Hi Brynne, this is Jennilee. I don’t mean to be a creeper, but my husband is a total beer snob! His hobby is home brewing (at least once a month with two of his friends), and he is always on the search for different beers to try. All of us wives are supportive–mostly in the tasting aspect 😉 Too bad we live so far in MN, or we would totally sign up to be beer snobs with you! P.S. I think it’s rad that you want to design beer bottle labels. You should totally do it.
1. Lauren, 29, NGA (not too far from you!), meter data management during the day (fun :-\ ) and graphic designer/blogger/blog stalker at night! Married for 2.5ish years, no children or pets yet. New house 1.5ish years ago that we’re in the process of making a home 🙂
2. I check for updates through my “favorite blogs” section of my blog.
3. Eekk…I dunno…10ish? Quirk…hmmm…I always run up the stairs skipping every other step. I guess it’s a subconscious workout? But since moving into our house, we have more steps and my brain can’t seem to process the last few, so I tend to stumble towards the top….about 90% of the time.
4. I enjoy the DIY because it inspires and motivates me to do something! Of course I’m at work a lot of times when I see the posts and when I get home I don’t have the energy to do anything.
5. Do you want to join me and my friend at Goodwill this Saturday? 🙂 Also, you mentioned in an earlier response that you wanted friends in your area. Here I am! 🙂 Lastly, do you ever work out or have a routine? You’re a great size!
Just once before.
It must be the dark hair…because heaven’s knows her body is NOTHING like mine 🙂
xo – kb
Oh yeah…they are AMAZING.
I wish…I hear MI is beautiful this time of year!
It works differently for different setups. My new reader comments go into moderation…which basically means I have to approve them before they go live. Now if someone has left a comment before that was approved, then they are basically just get automatically approved. EXCEPT if a post is over two days old…then it goes back into moderation no matter who wrote it. That way I never miss a comment 🙂
Jeremy does the grunt work. Like he helps me tackle the Honey-Do list…and sometimes I give him a special blog assignment…like getting me a new Flip camera or feeding me. But in general he is like every other hubby out there…he works his job, he comes out of his office for lunch, he joins us for dinner…and does house stuff on the weekends. It’s amazing how totally average we are.
And YES! I would LOVE to visit sometime!
I’m Janet, 38 – another one of your “senior citizen” crowd, but I promise you that when you’re 38 you won’t feel old, you’ll feel exactly as you do now at your younger age. (Well, that is until you try to get up off the floor from playing with the little ones and THEN you’ll feel old!) but I digress… I live in Kansas (no Dorothy jokes please, and no, I don’t own any red sparkly shoes). I get my paychecks from the corrections system, 2 kids, married and we have a schnauzer that has anti-social personality disorder. He doesn’t like people.
I’m a daily reader, so nice of you to enable your blog to be delivered to my inbox like that. I either read it first cuz I can’t wait to see what you posted about today, or I save the best for last. Either way, I know I’m gonna enjoy it, I’m gonna laugh and there will be some too cute pic of Will.
I’m loving everything about your blog and the randomness of the posts. Kinda matches my own thought process, as I always have 100 things going on in my head at once and you never know what you’re gonna get! Keep up what you’re doing. It’s all good!
Kiss count? No idea. Remember the good ones and repress the memories of the bad ones and tell your therapist never to help you remember! (ok, I joke about the therapist). My quirk? Ha. If I’m out at night and I see one of those giant spotlights waving around in the dark… You know, those giant flashlight beams? I have to go find it and see what’s there. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt and it drives my husband batty, but the kids love it and secretly, I think the husband wants to see what it is too, but he’ll never admit it. We’re in Kansas so I know the chances of a red carpet gala are slim, but still. Last time, the spotlight was at mcdonalds for no apparent reason. No sale, event, giveaway, nothing. I think someone there found out about my quirk and set me up to see if I’d take the bait. I did. There’s probably a YouTube video if it out there somewhere…
Ok, and I would have a dozen random questions for you, but… I have a hobby of doing needlework… Samplers and such. I could stitch your baby’s name a hundred different ways and be super excited about each one… Do YOU have a crafty hobby besides the photo/blog stuff? Are you secretly doing macrame when Will naps, or scrapbooking pictures of bacon? Or, is there something you’d like to take up? (ok, technically, two questions but same topic and relevant to each other).
Oh, and think about taking a photography road trip… Travel and see America with your family and all us devoted blog readers outside of Georgia will give you more photography business than you can handle! Besides… How will Will grow up to be a well rounded individual if he never gets to see the worlds largest ball of twine?? I’m just sayin…. 🙂
Heehee…yes, that’s right…Will definitely needs to see that 🙂
And a hobby…hmmm…I love sports but I can’t play them due to a bum knee…I used to collect stickers…but never really used them…so now I have a giant box of random stickers. I like to bake when I’m bored…and put on tons of makeup when I’m sad. Yeah that last one scares Jeremy. He knows what’s up when I walk out of the bathroom looking like a drag queen. I know how to knit and scrapbook and arrange flowers and make candles but it doesn’t excite me. I like Painting! Like pictures…but I’m not very good. Same with music. So I guess, no, I don’t have any hobbies besides photography/blog stuff.
I keep cracking up about people’s pets! Someone’s devil cat and the schnauzer with antisocial personality disorder, etc.
1. I am Jill, I’m 25, I live near San Francisco, I’m about to have a nephew (due July 20th!!!!!), I’m recently married (Christmas Eve), I have one extraordinarily entertaining cat, and I wish I had a dog. I am a part-time “Communications Associate” (I write emails, newsletters, web content, etc.) for a non-profit that raises money for community college students. I’m also a part-time construction student (meaning, I follow my mom’s workmen around, ask a zillion questions, and then try to replicate their advice at my condo, which is currently gutted).
2. I visit your site maybe once or twice a week. And I visit entirely because you’re funny. And, to a lesser extent, because all your waxing on about Will (and all the photos of him) lets me indulge in thinking about how I will get to wax on and take 8,000 photos of my upcoming nephew.
3. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU KISSED? Four people! When I was 5, I had a boyfriend at day camp, we kissed on the lips twice in the “library” (a corner with a bookshelf). Turns out, I peaked early, and I didn’t kiss anybody else until I was 21 and went on six dates with a very nice/hot/impressive/smart man I met on match.com. Our last several dates were mostly just kissing. Also when I was 21, I friended an old elementary school classmate on Facebook, and he and I got to talking, and then we fell in love, and I kissed him lots. Also when I was 21 (it was an extremely eventful year for me), after I’d broken up with my first love, I met a hot Russian boy on match.com. He’s now my husband and by far the best kisser of the lot. 🙂
WHAT IS ONE QUIRK ABOUT YOU THAT I NEED TO KNOW?
If you give me a backrub, I’ll tell you just about anything. Also, my default state is really very happy, which is just lovely.
4. Blog detail – WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST HERE?
Random Bower awkwardness, for sure. I’m here to hear you talk about Jeremy’s panties. I’m actually the least interested in your home improvement stuff (although that’s why I found your blog in the first place), because you spend more time explaining how to do what you did than making with the funny.
5. Question – IF YOU COULD ASK ME ONE RANDOM QUESTION, NOW IS THE TIME I MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER. Go for it
This isn’t a question, but I am deeply looking forward to Will’s getting old enough to be totally embarrassed/awkward about how you betrothed him to Clara Petersik. I trust you will take and post many pictures of teenage Will & Clara sitting as far away from each other as possible and looking in opposite directions while whistling.
1. Austyn/26/RN/Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Student/Birmingham, AL/Married/ 1 baby boy / 1 dog
2. Reading details -I used to check in every day, but with my schedule, it’s more like 1-2 a week now, but I still look at every post.
3. Ha! You are so funny. 10.
4. Home and family posts.
5. I’m too tired to even be clever. I just want to say that I love your random funny bits and always get a smile when I read your blog.
1. i’m tara. i’m 25, married and don’t have any kiddo’s. i’m an administrative assistant at a college here in joplin, mo. my husband and i have a puppy named echo – we didn’t choose her, she started hanging around outside our house and before we knew it she was snuggling with us on the couch!
2. you’re in my google reader, so i check your blog pretty much every time i log in!
3. two. and i’m not sure what’s quirky about me… i collect international starbucks mugs, thimbles [my collection was passed down to me by my great-grandmother], the letter “S” and most recently, globe/map collecting!
4. i love seeing your home, and especially hearing your thought processes as you plan rooms. i enjoy the fact that you share your family moments, and also photog tips.
5. if you could give me five little-known tidbits of advice about blogging, what would they be?
1. Pictures are important.
2. Don’t be afraid to be you. You’re the best one.
3. Be the blog you want to read.
4. Stats are just that.
5. Blogging isn’t living…don’t confuse the two.
i hear ya on the free lunch. isnt it weird how no matter how old we get that never gets old?!
1. Katie/21/Nurse/Delaware
Married, baby boy on the way, and 2 very crazy kittens named Mango and Victor
2.Visit almost every day.
3. ummm 2 people. One was a very bad experience when i was 13. And the next guy was my husband. yeah, the first time was REALLY that bad. LOL!
one quirk–i think im the only good driver in the world. and proceed to inform anyone who is driving me that there are red lights coming up, cars in their blind spots, etc. as you can imagine it drives people nuts. poor hubby.
4. i love before and afters. especially stuff you get at goodwill and repaint/repurpose.
oh and the cute will photos:) im into photography too!
5. were you really nervous about giving birth?
ehh i guess i have babies on my mind!
I think I had a stomachache for several hours after trying Beverly. 🙂
1. My name is Leslie, I am 25 (really 26 but everyone in my life and I have an agreement that I get to hold out at 25 haha!) I live in Charleston, SC with my husband, Justin, of almost a year who is in the Coast Guard and our sweet maltipoo Maggle.
2. I am a new reader- via YHL- and read daily, but am just catching up now! Love you guys!
3. Kissing details… I’m gonna say its in the teens SHAME I can’t recall…HI MOM hahaha–
Weird thing about me is that I have ALWAYS wanted to get my car weighed on the interstate where the mac trucks have to pull off to check their freight… I don’t know why but it’s like a magnet! I am pretty sure that one day I am just going to pull in like an out of body experience…look for it in the news!
4. ALL OF THE ABOVE- the awkwardness is exactly my type of humor, and the house renovations and photography are right up my alley! Love it!
5. Where is your favorite place to shop for clothing? I love your style!
Ummm…YEAH!
Hello! It’s a human coming out of a hole in your body! You’d have to be crazy not to be nervous!
Love lots of different places…right now my favorite is Canvas (by Lands End). But I find just as many cute things at JCrew, Target, Gap, and Old Navy 🙂
Love it, I’m animal obsessed too. I pretty much think all animals are cute 🙂
1. Jennifer Spadaro, 26 I’ll be 27 next month, stay at home mother, NY, 1 daughter almost 7 months old. Married to the guy I had the biggest crush on. 2 yorkies Pepperoni & Macaroni (both boys)
2. Reading details – I visit a couple times a week, but I read the posts I missed.
3. Random details- Probably kissed about 12 boys. And not all of them were magical Quirk-I dont drink but I’m so much fun people are always asking me if I’m ok to drive…umm I’m sober…this is just my personality people! And I get really excited for costco, BJ’s, my family never shopped in those stores growing up, so I am literally a 3 year old at disney land, I want to be 14 gallons of stuff ive never even tried!
4. Blog detail – I like the house stuff, and the akward funny stuff. You are a great writter you always make me laugh.
5. Question – Do you think once this house is completely decorated you’ll want to move onto the next house? The reason I ask is because I decorated my home now, and I am so happy living here, we’ve been here for 2 years, but part of me is just dying for a whole new home adventure. I plan to decorate slower on the new house so I dont get bored. But I am a to do list maker and a get er done girl and when things look not to my liking I want to fix them fast!
It’s a small town right near the beach and just outside of Tallahassee! I love it! 🙂
Another thing that bugs me is spelling errors LOL that was supposed to say TWO cats! 🙂
1. My name’s Mary Beth. I’m 32 and I’m an instructional designer at a community college – I help faculty take existing courses and put them online for elearning. I’m in North Canton, Ohio. My daughter Sydney will be 7 months on Saturday (EEK!), and I’ve been married nearly 8 years. I also have a shih-tzu named Wendel. He is 12 lbs. of fury. (Fury and furry. Furry fury.)
2. I subscribe to you in my Google Reader, and I read your blog there whenever I have some spare time. It’s more a once-in-a-whiler type thing, but don’t take it personally. I don’t have much spare time (Obviously, since it’s like 3 weeks after you posted this and I’m only now reading this blog).
3. Kisses? Seriously? I have to sit here and think back on all the icky guys from high school that I adored and then the other ones from college that were supposed loves of my life at the time but really were just terrible experiences? Ugh. It’s more a depressing quality than quantity here. Maybe a dozen? A quirk about me is much easier. You know how your skin gets all wrinkly when it’s been wet too long? I hate the feel of wrinkly fingers touching wrinkly fingers.
4. I’m more into the DIY projects and home decorating, and I love seeing your son. You’re a great photographer, but I’m not interested in learning how to take nice pics/photoshop them. I probably should be, but I’m not.
5. I can’t think of a question. How lame is that? (And that’s my question!)
4.
Not lame!
and I love your quirk 🙂
1. Personal details – My name is Alison and I’m an American living in Auckland, New Zealand. I’m originally from Idaho but lived in Seattle before moving here seven years ago to be with the love of my life. We are now engaged (it took him a REALLY long time to get his ducks in a row) and getting married in the U.S. in September. We plan on moving back there next year, but until then, I am fully committed to adding to your international readership. I am 29 years old and I am a fundraising manager for a non-profit. I have one pet dog (a german shepherd ex-guide dog named Lyddie), one cat named Ruby, and then we always have one guide dog puppy in the house. We are currently raising our seventh guide dog puppy, a black labrador named Wilson. I adore him!
2. Reading details – I visit every few days, rain or shine.
3. Random details – I was always so shy around boys growing up so I have only kissed two boys!!! I feel like such a prude compared to some. I’m pretty sure that low of a number qualifies me to be a nun! As far as one of my many quirks, I know every word to the movie “Little Women” — the one with Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, and Kirsten Dunst.
4. Blog detail – I love all of your posts, particularly the home renovation stuff.
5. Question – Do you plan on having any pets one day?
Oh absolutely – in fact I was thisclose to bringing home a kitten the other day. Of course, I know my darling boytoy would kill me because he’s highly allergic to cats…and Will might try to maim it…but the point is, I was close. One day we’ll probably get a dog 🙂
I just now saw this, but yes, we should totally be friends 🙂 I think there should be a support group for wives-of-homebrewers. I hated beer when we got married, but I have definitely come around. But it’s not exactly something I have in common with a lot of girls around here 🙂
1. My name is Kristi, I’m originally from Vermont, but currently live outside of Boston, MA. I am 32 (wow-when did that happen?) and married my best friend 32 days ago! (32 and 32!??! What a coincidence!) We are currently on the hunt for the perfect house that is totally livable, but also has plenty of DIY opportunities to make it our own!! No kids yet (but have a plan….) One kitty who I got back in college named Mac Daddy, we call him Mac for short, and we also call him the bunny terminator. Literally, he terminates any living bunny within a mile radius of our house. 🙁 My job is ridiculously boring so we don’t need to talk about that – but once we buy the perfect place, my goal is to open an in-home daycare!
2. I am an everyday reader. I mean, I literally click on your link, which is book marked, about every 2 hours to see if there is a new post (See reference to boring job in question 1). But I am seeing this thing that other people are writing about alerts when you post!? I must check that out.
3. I am totally and completely embarrassed by the number of guys I have kissed – I dunno 50? What’s that saying? You have to kiss many frogs before you find your prince? (See reference to newly-wedded husband in question 1.)
What is my one quirk? Oh gosh – have so many – I guess my biggest is not being able to go to the grocery store without making a huge production out of it or without making a list! I have the WORST memory ever and I can’t just walk into a store and remember what we are out of, what we need and what we are almost out of. Grocery shopping is a process that starts with cleaning out and organizing the fridge and cupboards (ie are these leftovers still good?), writing out a menu for the week of lunches, dinners and trying to figure out if we can afford a meal out, are we entertaining that weekend, etc? Then I have to check the flyers to see where the best sales are and check my coupons to see if I have a coupon for anything on my list. Then actually get to the grocery store. I may or may not drive my hubby batty with this one!?
4. What do I like most about your blog? Am I lame to say that I love everything? I think it is the perfect mix of southern charm meets lovely family meets funny-as-all-get-out girl, sprinkled with awesome photography, the cutest little boy and amazing DIY and decorating info! I originally started coming here for home/DIY tips and have stuck around because of your charm and sense of humor!
5. Two questions – which I might be a bit premature in asking both: But do you plan on homeschooling Will? And wanna be friends?
1. K. 44. SAHM. Dallas. 2. Married. 1 Dog.
2. A few times a week.
3N/A
4. I only come for the home stuff. Sorry, I don’t really read the other stuff (hope that doesn’t sound rude).
5. N/A
1. Hi! My name’s Tamsyn, I’m 30 (yikes!) and I live in Brisbane, Australia. I’m happily married to the Man of my dreams, we have a 18 month old toddler, one dog and one cat – all boys. I’m a part-time project manager and part-time SAHM. We’re really hoping our next baby will come along soon, but so far we’re not having much luck.
2. I have you in my google reader, but almost always end up clicking over anyway so that I can read people’s comments or pin images I love 🙂
3. I have kissed 24 boys, I don’t mind having a high number though because all that kissing led me to Mr Right :). My quirk? Sean (my husband) often comes to bed later than me and without fail I will sit up in bed, say something random to him (like, the cat is on the floor and I need to take the bin out) and then fall straight back to sleep. For years I didn’t believe him, but then he filmed me 🙂
4. I love all your posts. I skim lots of blogs, but not yours 🙂 Your blog is one of my all time favourites!
5. My question is: Have you ever been to Australia and if not, do you plan on coming out here for a holiday one year?
I have never been to Australia – but we would LOVE to visit sometime…we are somewhat obsessed with the idea actually.
1. Hi, I’m Olivia, I’m turning 21 at the end of the summer. I’m still in school… I finish my undergrad in May and hopefully have three more years of law school afterwards (fingers crossed). For the summer, I’m working in HR at a big aeronautical services company.
I like in Ottawa, Canada (Yep, I saw Will and Kate TWICE this weekend!) No kids, not married, have a family dog at the parentals’ place.
2. Pretty much every day but I never post anything.
3. 15-ish? … My quirk is you. Reading your’s and Sherry’s blog as regularly as I do is a pretty weird thing considering I can’t implement any of the DIYs. Also, I have a baby names list that’s 60-names strong and drool over anything wedding-relating. It used to freak out my boyfriend until I told him he didn’t have to come to my wedding if he didn’t want to and that was the end of that.
4. I pretty much like it all – but in particular, wedding stuff. And pregnancy pictures. Or before/after pics of room reno’s.
5. Come to visit Canada (Fine, that’s not a question, but still. I’ll treat you and Sherry real nice, promise.)
I don’t know if you get notified of comments way after the post was posted but I wanted to participate on this one so I’m gonna 🙂
My name is Megan, I’m 28, I live in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I am not married, but have a cute 3 year old son, Preston (feel free to steal his name for a subsequent child – I’m aware the name is awesome 🙂 No pets. We actually live with my parents (working on getting out) because I recently finished grad school. I work as a Marriage & Family Therapist – I’m just building a practice now so technically I’m mostly a stay at home mom. I have also dabbled in a bit of photography for $ but didn’t keep it up during grad school.
I check your blog probably 2 or 3 times a day. I only found your blog a couple of months ago so after I read your daily post I’ll get lost reading old posts and such. I love your before and after posts and bargain hunting posts – I am not good at waiting on things to find a deal or even figure out how to Goodwill hunt for things – but I’m learning 🙂
I think I’ve kissed around 13 people. I hope I don’t need to kiss too many more before I find my prince charming 🙂 But if I do I guess I’m ok with that, kissing is fun. My weird thing is that I get embarrassed for other people ALL THE TIME. No joke I cannot be around other people having an awkward moment without feeling embarrassed a little bit. Its ironic because I love quirky and awkward people but if they’re doing something I think is even a little bit embarrassing I get all awkward and embarrassed. So weird.
I love looking at your photography page too. You have grown a lot as a photographer and that is amazing. I have been taking pictures for something like 3 years (you know in an artsy photographer kind of way) and I’m not sure I see as much improvement. So GO YOU!
What intimidates you most about parenting? What stages are you nervous about that are coming up for Will? Like transitioning to toddler bed, potty training, teaching him to dress himself (not sure why that would make you nervous but who knows).
Intimidates me most? Hmmm…probably the fact that I am leading by example…yup, that’s super intimidating…that he is watching and going to copy all the good and the bad things I do. And stages I am nervous about…probably teenagehood. that one scares the beejees outta me.
xo – kb