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Bower Power

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My Version of a Naughty Video

Blog Info· PERSONAL

This month was HUGE for me as a blogger.

HUGE.  like if I was Paris Hilton, this month would be my naughty tape.

Don’t worry mom….there is nothing like that of me out there that I know of.

Seriously though…this month feels like a catalyst to extreme fame.  Joking but I do feel really special.  It’s like I’m the Bachelor’s Tierra and these are my sparkles 🙂  Let me explain.   I have had a great number of wonderful things come from this blog.  Things that make me feel validated.  Things that make my head spin and my face get flush.  Things that literally make me need to lay down on the floor just to recover.  Three big deal things happened this month and I still have to fan my face just thinking about them.

First…I’d like to say, I love me those Petersiks.  I know a lot of you have met them and gotten a glimpse into the awesome but seriously…the awesome only gets bigger when you know them better.  They have the biggest hearts and the best work ethics and the most creative and kind spirits that I have ever met.  Jeremy and I always leave them feeling so thankful that we have them as friends.  Which leads me to my point…their freaking amazing book.

In the past month I got the chance to celebrate a huge milestone with them…their last signing stop for their first book.  I was that friend that told them that it wasn’t good enough to just get them to scribble their names in the book at our house.  I wanted the full fledged fan experience…because at the end of the day, I am just that.  their biggest fan.  (I know some of you may argue that point but I’d like to point out that I was photoshopping my head on their friends bodies before you were born.)

And while I was at the event getting my favorite DIY book with the NEW YORK BEST SELLING AUTHORS to sign my own copy, I met some of the most amazing people.  Now let me tell you, I was really taken back.  I kinda wanted to pass out afterwards.  Half pass out, half perform la maise breathing.  It was just so freaking incredible.

 

(photo via yhl)    (photo via Augusta Kirsche)

First of all, over the past five-ish years I think I have met six people who read this blog that aren’t directly related to me.  And even those folks sometimes deny knowing me.  True fact, my mom once did this to a friend of mine at church.  Flat out denied that I was her daughter.

So to meet hundreds of folks that were SO freaking sweet and at least pretended to be a reader?!  Unbelievable.  I am still reeling from it.  Part of me thinks that most of them still probably don’t know who I am…and they probably thought they were standing in line for the photo booth or refreshments or the exit.

 

I got to meet fellow Pinterest Challenge hosts – Erin from the Great Indoors and Sarah from Ugly Duckling House.

 Fellow @[106687025881:274:Young House Love] and @[509630775737059:274:Bower Power] fans will appreciate these! Thanks to John, Sherry, Katie, Jeremy and little Weston for a fun evening! Blog writers and readers are some fun people :)

And I got to put some faces to names…in this case…the names are Katie and Katie 🙂  and give long awkward hugs to girls that are pregnant.  Hi Alie…your baby will be in good arms – I should know 🙂

YHL-8

(photo via Her Split Ends)

Overall, I was shocked and so so overwhelmingly happy.  Meeting everyone that night was literally such a big deal for me.  So yeah…awesome.  And it would have never happened without my gracious friends, John & Sherry – so a really big and public thank you to them.  I was embarrassed and overwhelmed and everything in between….but most of all thankful. 

Secondly…and I might loose all bowel control saying this outloud….I.am.in.a.magazine.  OH EM TO THE GEE TO THE MAX.  That’s right.  Some folks might think that bloggers are all over magazines…and some are…but not me.  I have never even been asked until recently.  Good Housekeeping called me up and asked for some more info on our sitting room and foyer.  Of course, I died on the floor and had to be carted off in a gurney.

 

While I was in Pennsylvania, my Mummum and I stopped at the stop to pick up a decadent cake for my Pappap’s 85th birthday and I saw the latest issue of Good Housekeeping came out.  It was so very special to me to share that moment with her.  She even bragged to the checkout gal that her granddaughter was ‘in the book’ and then she tapped Dr. Oz’s face about five times  🙂

Of course, I am beyond thrilled to have anything written in a magazine.  Especially a magazine I actually have a subscription to.  It’s just beyond words.  Plus, I feel like it is very “me”…the navy and green and turquoise are something I’ve been using for years in my home so it feels very comfortable and happy. 

Last but certainly not least, we hosted our first photo shoot this month.  I can’t wait to tell you all the nitty gritty about it…but basically, the folks at The Tile Shop wanted to take pics of our kitchen and use them for marketing this summer.  It was just the motivation that Jeremy and I needed to get the room done (and I can not wait to tell you all about it….once I find my external harddrive power cord so that I can empty space off my computer so that I can download the pics from the big day off my camera.  seriously.  I am a mess.)

I was ridiculously nervous.  I emailed and texted Dana and Dusty to get the lowdown on how it all happens and I quizzed them to settle my nerves.  And when Megan and Brian got here, I got to introduce them to fried okra.  Yes…Megan and Brian are models and playing the part of me and Jeremy in this photoshoot.

Kidding.  But I would be so up for Megan to be my body/face/hair double 🙂  Oh heck, I’d take Brian to be my double too 🙂

It was amazing to be here to see them shoot.  I am so excited about the pictures.  I am even more excited to share the rest of the kitchen…it is my absolute favorite room in the world right now.  More soon…I promise.

Now can you understand why I need to lay down?!    It’s just been one gigantor month of the most flattering and thrilling experiences.  I can only liken it to that feeling that you get when you just drank a Mega Gulp of ice slushie.  It’s delicious…it takes your breath away…and you have to squeeze your head because the brain freeze…in this case, that’s called shock and awe.

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  3. I think you are underestimating yourself! As soon as we (and by that I mean pretty much everyone at the YHL Atlanta event)walked in the door, everyone’s first question was “oh what’s that line for?” (except for the tall people who could see over the heads of others). And absolutely everyone was excited!! Also, there were conversations going on in the line outside about whether or not the Bowers would be there too and everyone was really hoping! I would guesstimate that a solid percentage of the people there were just as excited to meet you, Jeremy, and Weston as well as the Petersiks! (My mom didn’t know who you were, but she didn’t know who John & Sherry were either until I dragged her along and let her peruse my book while we waited in line, so I think that’s fair). So don’t go underestimating your blogger fame – you’re pretty freaking awesome (and I especially love that you’re in Georgia so I can steal shopping/thrifing ideas!) 🙂

  4. I’m a Katie also (wooo) who reads your blog, and LOVES it. You’re awesome, girl. Praying many more good things come your way!

  5. SOOOOO excited for you Katie!! What a month! You deserve it! With all the hard work you pour into this blog, and how much we all enjoy it….well, I’m just so happy you’re being recognized beyond the hoards of comments we all leave 🙂 🙂 Happy for you!

  6. CONGRATS Katie!! SO happy for you. You are freaking fantastic and funny and amazing!! I love reading your blog and hope we get to see and hear tons more!!!

  7. My husband and I are far enough from our personal laid off experience to say this and not feel nauseous, but isn’t it funny how things work out for the better? Could you imagine doing all that without Jeremy around? So glad you were able to have his support! God has certainly blessed you. 🙂 Lots of virtual love to you.

  8. WOW!!! Congrats to you and The Boyfriend. Your kitchen looks fabulous… love the shelves.

    🙂

  9. Congrats on all of your success, Katie! It is well deserved. It was a very pleasant surprise to see you at the YHL book signing! All of us girls from Her Split Ends enjoyed meeting you, Jeremy and baby Weston! You guys were so sweet and hilarious! I’m the one that looks like Weston’s pediatrician 😉

  10. WOW, Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! Can’t wait to see the photo shoot pics…

    And – Ummm, Hellloooo… Didn’t you know you were famous? I nearly pee’d my pants seeing that you were at the book signing in ATL. I was lucky enough to meet you all. It was amazing and so much fun!

  12. Such a great post!! I would say hi if I saw you in public, I wouldn’t deny reading your blog, it’s AWESOME!!! Congrats on some fun opportunities!! And I’m going to Target to get that magazine too!!

  13. I know I don’t even really know you , but between yesterday’s post and today’s, I’m just so excited for you that things seem so good for you right now! My mom gets Good Housekeeping. I’m totally stealing her copy!

  14. Oh, Katie! You should know that I have been a huge fan of yours for well over a year now! Don’t discount your popularity one bit. I love reading your blog and enjoy you pure honesty and wit. Many times I break out laughing hysterically at my desk at work. Your a talented, funny writer and hope some day to see a book by you on my shelf. You deserve all the all good fortune!

  17. Congrats on such an awesome month!!! I love me some John & $herdog. I got to meet them during the book tour and now my life is complete. Your Mummum is so adorable. 🙂 Haha did your Mom really deny that you’re her daughter? That must be where you picked up your sense of humor.

  19. I swear to Goodness Gracious that reading your blog makes me happy! You get giddy, then write about it, and then I get giddy reading about it.

    I’m proud of you (without having anything to do with your successes–does that make me a freeloader? lol)

    Congratulations on your great month Katie!

    Abby

  20. What a month! I’m so happy for you Katie! You deserve every bit of this. A magazine, what an amazing deal. It still amazes me where blogging can take people. Oh and I didn’t comment yesterday but I’m so happy that ended with some positive news. I was so worried where that post was going! But, I wanted to mention that my hubby travels for work, like right now he’s gone for about 40 days straight…no, he’s not in the military, his profession just sends him all over the world. While I know he loves it, I’m left here with two boys who are 2.5 and 9 months, so I understand what you may be thinking about being a single parent most of the time. Just know that it gets easier and you’ll get a great routine down with your boys. I’m not gonna lie, some days I wonder if I’ll make it until lunchtime, but it’s such a rewarding feeling at the end of the day when you can look back and see all that you accomplished:) ill be thinking of ya!

  22. Hi Katie,

    Just wanted to let you know I follow your blog! (I am currently 7 months pregnant and have been enjoying your blog as a guilty pleasure at work on my RSS feed 😉 ). I chuckle each time I read. Well most of the time. You’re post about Jeremy’s job loss made me cry (I blame the hormones!). You are so incredibly openrealaccessiblehumble and honest. I am positive that more than half the people you met were not pretending to follow the blog, but love you as much as I do (which means they love you as much as one can love another woman who you does not know that you read her words and find inspirationcreativitymotivationlaughter in them – I’m not a stalked I swear!). I found you from John & Sherry’s blog, and as I’ve stated enjoy reading yours very much. I never ever comment on blogs as I like to be the anonymous internet blog reader type. But just felt compelled to comment this morning. We have been dealing with some rather stressful renos on our home (we’re currently living at my parents! and have been for over a month now) and at 32 weeks pregnant your blog has definitely helped me both gain perspective and allowed me to stick my head into another world and just laugh right along with you. I think it’s incredible how God works, and also how you can include your faith in your blog understatedly, in a way that speaks to how great He is. Just wanted to offer up some encouragement this morning and let you know how you’ve impacted me. (I’m going to grab some tissues now! Doesn’t help that I also just finished watch Hart of Dixie, sheesh!) Have a great day!

    – Lisa Perez (Calgary, Alberta, Canada BTW)

  23. Congratulations, Katie! It’s great to see all your hard work paying off.

    Speaking of hard work, I was wondering why you now approve all your comments manually. I remember you used to have some system set up (I think the first few comments from someone had to be manually approved, but after that they were automatically approved). Not trying to tell you how to run your blog — I’m sure you have reasons for the change and only you can decide which works best for you. It just sounds so exhausting, caring for a newborn and a toddler, doing DIY stuff, writing blogs, and having to approve every single comment. (I’d take the lazy route and let the comments automatically post, then read them later when I have time. But then, I’m also too lazy to have a blog, so what do I know.)

  24. Congrats on your big month! Your blog is fantastic and you deserve the recognition!

  25. Congratulations on all the wonderful! So jealous I couldn’t be at the last YHL signing to meet you!

  26. First off, I wanted to say that I LOVE your blog. I found your blog through YHL and so happy that I did. Your house is beautiful! I’ve been following for a while, before you were even pregnant with Weston, but I’m a silent reader. I’m learning to actually start commenting on blogs. I met John and Sherry at their sign in Washington (my home) and they really are awesome. I’m sad that I couldn’t make it to the Atlanta stop and meet you as well. How ironic that I ended up in Atlanta in late February. I would have loved to meet you! I guess I just wanted to say, thanks for being awesome! :] And congrats on your magazine! I hope to one day fulfill that dream as well.

  29. I feel giddy reading all this. So happy for your beautiful family. You are amazing! This post is great after the lay off one, and I’m happy Jeremy got a job 🙂

  30. Hi Katie,

    Now I am SO excited to read the Good Housekeeping that just came in the mail yesterday! 🙂 My boyfriend is always impressed that I have been reading these “famous” home blogs for years (YHL, DesignSponge) and now he can add you to the list!

    Best,
    Ashley

  31. What a month!!! WOOWW!!! You deserve everyone of those awesome happenings this month! You’re SOOOOO talented. and one of the best writers ever! Serious! I love reading your blog.

    …how AWESOME is that to be in Good housekeeping! Just awesome!!!! Congrats!!!

  32. YAY!! That’s all so exciting! And also that might be more limes than one household would ever need. Are those a photo shoot prop or do you have some delicious recipe up your sleeve that you need to share with us?

  33. Katie,
    You are amazingly talented, real, and homeschooled- you deserve it! I’d take a trip to Georgia just to have you sign my copy of YHL’s book-seriously

  34. I’m so glad to see all of this happening for you, Jeremy and the boys! You’re one of my very favorite bloggers and you deserve the success. I love how honest you are and how you’re not afraid of a good “that’s what she said” joke, because that’s real life (at least for my friends).

    I hope more good things are on the horizon!
    Ryan

  35. Yay Bower Power Blog/Family!!!

    I randomly picked up Good Housekeeping on Sunday and was THRILLED… and a bit shocked, how did you keep it a secret?!… to see you featured in House Pride 🙂

    I woke my husband from a deep slumber to tell him KB (that is your name in our house, cause I pretend we are friends) was in Good Housekeeping!

    Congratulations!

  36. YOU DESERVE IT! You work hard on your blog for your family AND readers! Love how open and honest you are, I hope you continue to enjoy success so we can keep reading!

  37. Congrats on the Good Housekeeping page! Your house is gorgeous and it’s no wonder they wanted it in their mag! 🙂

    PS: those photo shopped pictures of Sherry are awesome and hilarious!

  38. I actually didn’t want to say it was gonna happen unless it really did! In fact, they said it was gonna come out in the March edition and I even drove all the way to the store to see it before waiting for my copy in the mail…well…it wasn’t there. So I figured it was scrapped for something better. April made my month 🙂
    xo – kb

  40. Haha….I laughed at that too. It’s a prop. It is like one of those sarcastic sites that rags on the West Elm styling for gigantic bouys next to a bottle of wine. I gave them all (well I did keep three) to my mom – she makes key lime pie from them 🙂
    xo – kb

  41. Yes. My friend Amy saw her at church and said “oh hi! You are Katie’s mom, right?” and my mom was all like “no.” and then later I found out and cracked up 🙂
    xo – kb

  43. Brittany! The one that my head is leaning on! That cranium is so heavy that it needed a place to rest I guess 🙂
    xo – kb

  46. Honestly though, if I saw you in a grocery store I’d probably scream and drop the carton of eggs I’d be holding. You have serious celebrity status. You keep it real, are incredibly talented, and an amazing writer. You deserve all the success coming your way! Congratulations!

  47. Congrats! I was just visiting my mom & reading her copy of GH & there was your house! I was excited all out of proportion.

  48. Congrats, Katie! I’m so glad that things are going well for you and your family (both for today’s post and yesterday’s).

  49. Hooray! I am so excited for you! I’m going to get a copy next time I’m at the store. Congratulations, Katie Baconator!

  54. Congrats on an awesome blog month! I have a feeling that the GH page is just the first step toward your magazine-world domination.

    And…

    Is it terrible to tell you that I got all excited when you started off talking about the YHL book tour because I thought you were going to announce that you had decided to write a book? Because I’d be first in the pre-ordering line for that one! And it would sit right next to my YHL book, of course.

  55. OHMYGOD!!! I’m so excited for you guys (running out in search of the magazine immediately after work)!!! Truth be told I actually considered driving to Atlanta from Baltimore for that book signing JUST on the off chance I’d get to meet you. Huge fan 3 years and counting and you even inspired me to start my own blog about my house/life-related adventures post-college. Which has about 3 followers that aren’t directly related to me. So thank you! 🙂

  56. Wahoo! Go Katie, go Katie, go!
    My husband (eek ive been married 2 weeks and its still so awesome to say that word) works at The Tile Shop in Richmond. He may or may not help la familia de Petersik in some tile selections from time to time! 😀
    Your kitchen is b-e-a-utiful! Congrats on all the amazing thigns this month. Many more to come!

  57. YAY! I read my magazine yesterday and saw that you were in it and got so excited! I think I said something (out loud and to myself), “Aw, Katie. That’s awesome!” Thought you would appreciate that!

  59. I am not surprised that you had a mega month. Remember in January when you blogged that you were going to “get it together?” I think all of this awesomeness is a result of that brave declaration.

    Good for you! (And with 2 babies and a husband to boot!) Work it, girl!

  60. I wondered when you’d blog about the appearance in Good Housekeeping! I saw it and SCREAMED out loud in excitement! That’s awesome! Happy for you.

    Now about that book signing stuff- hopefully we’ll meet you at your own signing someday!

  61. Katie, I don’t normally comment on blog posts in general, but I felt like I absolutely had to comment on this one. You are one of the most inspirational people I “know”. I’ve always enjoyed your blog and think you are so real and personable. I’m so disappointed that I wasn’t able to make it up to the YHL book signing because I wanted to meet both you and the Petersiks. Sadly, a trip to Atlanta from Columbus, GA isn’t the most convenient on Thursday nights. I truly wish I were able to meet you because I can identify with you so easily, and just wanted to thank your for being so real on your blog. You deserve all the happiness and success in the world 🙂 And you know that I will be running to the store to by your issue of Good Housekeeping!

  62. Katie, OMG – thanks for the shout-out!! It was so awesome to meet you, Jeremy, and Weston – I promise the next time our paths cross that I will get out something at least slightly intelligible, ok, maybe that’s too much to hope for — how about I promise not to only say that my name is Katie 🙂 Congrats on Good Housekeeping – just added it to my Target shopping list! (Your Mummum is absolutely adorable, BTW!) And, no surprise on The Tile Shop wanting to photograph your kitchen – it looks amazing – y’all should be really proud!

  63. So amazing! Congratulations on your many successes! May they ever continue. 🙂

  64. OMG, your famous!!! Congrats! You all must be over the moon with excitement with everything that has happened so far in 2013…Can we say Best Year EVER! and double OMG…I totally went to school with your beautiful Model Megan…I thought she looked familiar when I first saw the pic and then I read the next paragraph and Ah ha…I knew it was her! Huge Congrats to you and Shout Out To Megan and Stillwater, MN!! Woot Woot!

  65. Oh and now that I look at it…I think Brian is from Stillwater too, he sure looks familiar…Yeah, we’re a pretty talented little town…Swing through if your ever in the Twin Cities area.

  66. Katie,
    Congrats on an AWESOME month! So happy for you!
    I read your blog every day and rarely comment, but just wanted to let you know that you definitely have more than 6 readers and we’re definitely not pretending to read your blog! 🙂 I wish I could have been down there in Atlanta to show my support in person, but just know that you are constantly supporting, inspiring, and entertaining tons of us every day!
    Going to go look for your magazine today!
    XO

  68. Katie,
    I’ve only been reading your blog for a few months now, but I have to tell you that it’s one I look forward to reading the most. Your honesty and enthusiasm are so refreshing! I’m so happy that all these wonderful things have happened to you and wish you continued success!!

  70. That is amazing! Congrats all around 🙂

    I think if someone called me up and said they wanted to use my house in a magazine, I’d probably yell at them for prank calling and then hang up LOL!

  71. Katie! I was just at the store last weekend and saw the latest addition of GH and picked it up like I always do…. then to my surprise you guys were in it!! I couldn’t believe it!! So happy for you guys!! I’m a long time fan of your blog! Congrats on all the success!!!

  72. Congratulations, Katie! You deserve it! How special it was for your mummum to experience this moment with you that you will forever treasure!! Love your blog! Love your family! Love you! Best of luck with all that you and Jeremy endeavor!

  73. Katie, you deserve all the good things that have come & are coming your way. I wish I could be your real-life friend. You are hilarious & down-to-earth & I admire that very much. Your kitchen is my favorite room in the whole workd right now too!! I want to paint my kitchen cabinets & add that tile back-splash to my kitchen. I even have my husby convinced of redoing the kitchen too. I thought you were going to say that you decided to write a book in this post. If you ever do, can I pre-order the manuscript please?! Have you ever done any speaking at women’s events or churches? I think you’d be great at it! I’d book a ticket to come see you in a heart beat. I promise I’m not a weirdo. Maybe a little weird, but not creepy weird!

  74. Wow! Congrats!!! I hope you continue to have such successes and excitement!! It’s fun to watch these types of things happen for some of your favorite bloggers.

  75. I absolutely love your blog. That said, I had decided to not renew my Good Housekeeping subscription because I never seem to get around to reading it anymore. HOWEVER, this month when I opened it for a quick look through and saw your page I was so excited. I loved it and renewed on the spot. I love your house and seeing it in a magazine was like seeing an old friend. Congratulations! I am so impressed with all you do.

  76. You are hilarious. I had big plans to bring you a slab of the best bacon to the YHL signing knowing you’d probably be there, but then I looked in my freezer and I only had two packs left and no plans to hit up the Farmer’s Market to get more in the near future, and I’m pregnant and need my bacon (don’t worry, it’s nitrate/nitrite free people)! Anywho, after waiting in line in the cold to meet J&S at 8 months knocked up, I just didn’t have it in me to stand any longer but my BFF and I really wanted to meet you! So, anyway… just some more flattery for your day. I get your humor and I like it and that you’re as real as they come, and we would be friends if we knew each other, for sure. 😉 Enjoy your success!!!

  77. I absolutely love your blog and your family. When I am very busy, your blog and YHL are the only two that I read. Please keep writing and keeping it real. I bought the Good Housekeeping magazine the day after you showed it on Instagram. And when your life gets less hectic, please write your own book!

  79. HUGE congratulations and of course, of course, you had a photoshoot and were in a magazine and have a million people wanting to meet you. 🙂 And what perfect timing too with everything you just shared yesterday. So happy for you!

  80. WHAT? No video. Kidding, sort of. 🙂

    So proud of you! And is it me or is Dr. Oz a silver fox? I mean not as hot as Dr. Drew but he has got something going on there.

  83. Congrats, Katie! Such awesome news. I can’t wait to pick up a copy of GH.

    Also, I’m dying laughing over the post you linked to about voting for YHL!

  84. You can thank YHL for this blog reader. After reading a post theirs about of a crazy fun visit (the Goodwill store video I believe) I had to read that Bower Power blog. And I kept reading each week. Glad things are going awesome!

    A reader from Texas.

  86. You completely underestimate yourself. You do so many amazing things and are open and brave enough to share your life with the world. I literally had a dream last night that we were friends and designed a room when I was in Atlanta. (I know I sound crazy, but in a loving, friendly way) I can completely imagine how many people were excited to not only see you are the signing, but actually get to talk to you in person. Things are moving up from here. In the end March will be a month of growth and change for both you and Jeremy.

  88. So Awesome! I have just started reading on a daily basis via Young House Love and I think you and your family are amazing and I wish you all the best!!!!!

  90. Girl….how can you think no one reads you? I am 54, a teacher, a mother of 3 young adults, and wife to a workoholic. I sit down with you every single day after school. I can’t wait to see the boys and laugh at your witty language. I get depressed when you don’t post. It’s a sick addiction I’m confessing here. I think I want to be you- to live my life over again. I miss homeschooling, having babies, being young. Yep, I live vicariously through you. So don’t blow it. The pressure is on. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Please give the boys a kiss from me- you know the kind that old, gray aunts deliver at family reunions? Yeah, two of those, please.

  92. Congrats KB! You totally deserve all the awesome things happening for you! And I’m totally jealous of all the ATL book signing peeps who got to meet you and your BF! I’ll be picking up a copy of Good Housekeeping at the grocery store tonight! 🙂

  93. You deserve the amazing month, your blog is a daily read for me & it’s deserves it’s success!

  94. So awesome! It does sound like a very exciting month. Wish I had been at the YHL signing you turned up at!

  95. Ok, first, I totally thought you typed, “I had a big mouth” LOL. Reader of the year over here.

    In all seriousness, I am super excited for you! I will look forward to receiving my April BHG even more now!!!

    Jenn (hailing from Sandy Springs)

  96. Okay. Seriously. I pretend we’re friends in my head. Like we’d catch up, eat bacon, play some weird board games and then watch bad reality TV. I would LOVE to meet you, and I don’t understand how you don’t have people stopping you every single day to tell you how awesome you are!!! If I lived closer, I would probably friend stalk you. You know, not in a weird way…. Can that be in a not weird way? Whatever!!

    You’re amazing, I’ve been following you for years and I’m not going to stop any time soon! I’m not surprised you’re in a magazine – you deserve it!! CONGRATULATIONS!! Keep up the good work!!!!

    Your friend in bacon,
    Amanda

  97. Congratulations on the magazine! It is so nice to see a blogger I have followed for such a long time be succesful.

  98. Ah! I just got the magazine in the mail and haven’t had the chance to open it. Can’t wait to now! So happy for you guys!

  99. Katie it is no coincidence that all these uplifting things happened right around the same time you and Jeremy were going through a hard-ish time at home ( tell him congrats on the new gig, BTW)! GOD IS GOOD, sister! God is so good. Happy for you. Sending virtual hugs and sparkling celebratory beverages… Xoxox

  100. Congratulations, Katie… you worked hard for these achievements, and you deserve the successes that you earn for yourself 🙂 You got here by being you and having talent to share.

  102. Katie- Don’t sell yourself short, girl! You have been successful and blessed, not by accident. God does provide,as you said yesterday and sometimes abundantly. God also puts people in our lives for a reason and works it for His purpose. He, in return, expects us to be thankful and trust Him(which is evident with you.) Also, it was so exciting to see you in Good Housekeeping. I felt like it was something that happened to a close friend of mine. That’s how your blogging family feels about you. That’s awesome about Jeremy getting a job. How far does he have to drive?
    Hope it’s closer.May God continue to bless you and you family.

  107. I just have to say that I love you to internet friend pieces! Seriously. You underestimate yourself. I love your blog because you are so very real and honest. That is so refreshing, so thank you. If I lived anywhere near you believe me I would do that high excited scream if I saw you walking down the street and treat you like a real celebrity because in my mind you are. You give people like me inspiration to be better wives, future moms, awesome DIYers and most importantly to look inside ourselves and realize it’s not scary to be honest with yourself and those around you. My hats off to you Katie Bower! Thanks for being all that and more.

  110. I was so thrilled to meet you at the YHL book signing — you were so sweet and funny (and everyone really was excited you were there!) Your personality and great self-deprecating humor are one of the things that make your blog such a pleasure to read. Congratulations on all your hard-earned success and your fantastic month!

  113. I JUST saw the Petersiks in my April Real Simple..so cool!! And mega pumped to see you and my favorite room of your house (so creepy) in good housekeeping! You are amazing

  114. Katie!
    I’ve never commented before but found you through YHL and have been reading for well over a year. Two years? It’s been awhile!
    I was reading my GH and saw that page. Before I saw your face I saw the table arrangement and thought, “Man, that reminds me of Katie Bower’s little nook” and then looked down and there you were!
    Yay! You’re in the big times now girl!
    You wrote a really beautiful post about the layoff and I appreciated your final comments on the lessons it taught you.
    I’ve been a single mom for seven years and when I got layed off four years ago, I was out of work for 18 months while I looked for work in a small town and finished graduate studies. On the one hand, it was a blessing to get to be a stay at home mom, but it was terrifying. Looking back, I wished that I would have just taken a deep breath every day and tried to enjoy it instead of being so stressed. But that’s hard to do when you don’t know how long it will last and your savings go down as your debt goes up. I’m still climbing out of the hole I dug.
    What you wrote really resonated with me on several levels. I think it’s good that you wrote the post after Jeremy got his new job – had you been blogging all the way through it you may have written things you would regret in retrospect.
    Yay for GH and I hope this next year is rich in all the best ways for the Bowers. You lead a very blessed life. I appreciate that you are honest about your faith here; it encourages me.
    S

  115. Love this post if for nothing else that you referenced Tierra’s Sparkle. Kind of makes me want to photoshop my face onto your body…but you haven’t posted a tutorial for that yet. Congratulations on the magazine and on Jeremy’s new job. Thanks for continuing to post and for giving me something to look forward to reading while I’m getting through the day at my sucky job (in addition to yhl and bachelor spoilers #keepingitreal).

  117. I switched back because I was starting to miss comments…like they would go through and I wouldn’t know it. I just feel like they are too important to miss. Every comment goes through…so I’m not really moderating anything in the traditional sense…just more like I want to read each one.
    xo – kb

  118. Nope. I am a crazy speaker…like inevitably I break down and cry. I don’t care if the topic is neutering squirrels. It’s tear fest. And I am speaking this summer at Haven…so we will see how that goes.
    xo – kb

  120. My hubby was laid off after 25 years with a company when it was bought out. He eventually went back to school to get a teaching certificate. Luckily I was able to move to full-time in my job and supported my family of four for four years ( did you like my triple four!) he is happily teaching now but those four years were tough. The sense of responsibility was huge for me. God watches over us doesn’t he? I’m happy for your family and congrats to your hubby.

  121. This is what makes reading your blog such a pleasure every time- That you don´t know how awesome you really are. You made my day….again. Congratulations! You deserve it!

  122. I was so, so happy to see you in my magazine! I know I don’t really know you, but felt like- oh, there is my internet friend.
    I have never commented, but read your blog all the time and love it! I love that you are so honest and real- it makes me inspired that people who do those awesome things are really like me. I adore that you just put it out there and don’t try to pretend that everything is all sunshine and roses, while still keeping a good attitude and putting your family first.

  123. you deserve every last bit of these accolades and great feelings! Congratulations and revel in it 🙂 so happy for you!

  124. So Katie…..you’re sayin if I photoshop my head onto Jeremy’s body in a photo of the two of you, you won’t be creeped out? I mean besides the fact that it’s a woman head on a mans body…oh no, but wait….you already did that. So, nevermind…the question still stands. 🙂

    You’ve had a year of ups and downs…but mostly ups, big ups. I’m really really happy for you!

    xo Chrissy

  125. This is wonderful! I sort of stalk this blog because I don’t know you but identify with so much that you write about. So. Much. So, it is fun to see great things happen for you! Your style is crisp and fresh and GORGEOUS. You and Jeremy deserve the accolades. You house is practically edible it is so good.
    Revel in it, woman!

  126. Bonjour

    Excuse my english, i am your foreign reader…
    i already knew you were a star, i read your posts every day from France !!

    Congratulations

  129. After reading this, I felt like it was only fitting to come out of blog stalking and let you know how much I appreciate your blog…your honesty, your humor, your love for your boys:) I’ve probably been reading your blog for over a year. When you announced your pregnancy with Weston, we had just found out we were pregnant, too…our due dates were 2 days apart. For some silly hormone induced reason, I felt this made us kindred spirits…high five for fertility! That’s where the similarities end…I had a tiny 6 lbs baby girl 3 weeks early and you had a whopping 10 lb baby boy who knows how many days late (I’m sure you don’t need reminding). Anywho, congrats on the magazine and I look forward to silently stalking you in the future:)

  130. Katie! I’m so happy for you! It sounds like 2013 has been a whirlwind for you and your boys, but looks like everything is working out REALLY well! I’m going to pick up a copy of the mag and I can’t WAIT for more details about your kitchen redo marketing! 🙂 Congratulations, Katie.

  131. You deserve it all. And I’m sort of shocked that this is the first magazine that’s come calling. I mean, they must have been trying and just had your old number or something. Seriously.

    Congrats on all accounts!

  132. Oh stop being so adorably humble. At Haven last year, I was peeing my pants to meet you (“the babysitter”), Sherry (& John!), and Ana White. And all three of you girls were gorgeous and gracious.

    I can’t wait to run out and buy the magazine! HEE!

    And that’s exactly what I said when you posted the Tile Shop hotties on your FB page, “Are they your stand-ins?” haha

    Congrats on your big month. 2013 has been a wild ride for you!

    xo

  134. I was reading my Good Housekeeping Magazine on Tuesday night, and when I saw the picture of your foyer, I said, “That’s Katie’s house.” WHAT?!? That’s Katie’s house! So … I went back and read the article that came with, which was so good. It’s just so funny that when I saw it, I recognized and knew it and it all seemed perfectly normal to me. Here’s to more BIG months!

  136. So very proud of you, Katie! You are incredible and those people in line most certainly knew who they were waiting to talk to, I would’ve been right there with them!

    Thanks for always being such a humble, gracious blogger!

  137. Yeah Katie!! That’s awesome. The magazine spread looks great and the kitchen is gorgeous!

  138. So I must say–I was reading Good House Keeping just now–sitting on my back porch in the sun, sipping a cocktail, and I turned the page and saw an awesome navy blue and green themed room–my favorite colors and so I began to read. All of a sudden I saw “by Katie Bower” and I shouted to my husband, I know her! But then I quickly had to explain that I don’t truly know you, but I feel like I do. I have followed John and Sherry’s blog for a few years and through them came to find your fun and quirky blog with your beautiful family. So anyway, I just wanted to pass along a big ole CONGRATULATIONS for an awesome achievement! You deserve it! Cheers and happy writing!

  140. Congratulations on making it in the magazine! That is the real deal!

    Im especially glad your foyer was the area of interest because I remember a while back some interior designer made a comment and said that you had an odd decorating style or something of that nature in regards to the way you decorated your foyer? And I think asked why you had a basket of blankets in your foyer?

    This is a great big “IN YO FACE!”

    Congrats again – I love your blog and your house!

    PS – I used your tutorial on how you re-did your kitchen table and I just finished one of my own. Is there a way I can send you the before and after pics?!

  144. What a great year for you!! I have been reading your blog for about a year and a half now (found through YHL) and you always keep me entertained in a spit-milk-out-of-my-nose type of way. Keep up the amazing work!!

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