The 1st Annual (and by “Annual,” I mean “Only”) BooMama Blog Tour of Homes is going to be Friday, July 28th. And if you’re thinking HUH? WHA? NUH-UH!, let me explain.
About a week ago, in this post, I confessed that I find it impossible to read someone’s blog without picturing her house. And in the comments, Shannon and Carol were all, “Hey, why don’t you organize some sort of home tour and host it here?”
To which I said, “Um, okay!”
Because while I am incapable of an original thought, I am TOTALLY capable of following instructions. Plus, I’ve been trying to think of a way to help direct some “traffic” to some of the newer blogs I’m reading, and if we have enough people participate, this should definitely do that.
So here’s the plan.
First, you’ll have to get the word out on your blogs. Feel free to use the button at the top of this post; just load it as a small image because the resolution isn’t great (hey. I tried). And make sure you link to this specific post, or people will end up going straight to the main page and wondering what in the world a blog open house has to do with my latest lengthy post on “Project Runway.” Or potty training. Or how I love Jesus.
You just never know around here.
Second, participating bloggers will display five pictures (or more, if you want) of their homes on Friday, July 28th. I’ll set up one of those Mr. Linky dealies here so that everyone can be listed in one central location.
Third – and this is the most important part – this exercise (should we call it a “blogtacular”?) has two purposes: 1) to give people some insight into the “real world” of the bloggers they read and 2) to demonstrate grateful hearts for our homes – whether said home is 50 or 5,000 square feet. God gets all the glory regardless. Can I get an “Amen”?
So here are some guidelines:
1) I think it’s a good idea to refrain from large, sweeping shots of your house’s exterior. You never know who’s reading, and too many identifying features probably isn’t wise. Especially if your house numbers are involved. Since I don’t want anyone to be victimized by a Ring of Thieves, I think it would be neat if everyone’s first picture was a shot of their front door. And if there are numbers on your door, then you can either blur them in Photoshop or take your chances with the Ring of Thieves. :-)
2) Second photo = show us where you blog. Show us where the magic happens. The BLOGGY magic happens. My word.
3) Third photo = your main living area. Show us the place where your family hangs out.
4) Fourth photo = your kitchen. It is, after all, the heart of the home. And we’re not going to compare countertop upgrades or somesuch nonsense…just show us where you prepare meals for your family. Or where you unpack fast food bags for your family. Whichever the case may be.
5) Fifth photo = your choice. Could be a bedroom, or a playroom, or a favorite spot outside.
And you can post more pics if you like…but five seems like a good number because those things I listed are pretty standard. I for one could not post a picture of my butler’s pantry with a wet bar, because you could look high and low and never find those things in my house. :-)
So, it looks like you have about two weeks to get your house like you like it. But for what it’s worth, I can pretty much promise you that you’ll see toys in the floor in my pictures – because that’s how we live around here. A spotless house lasts about .483 seconds. In other words, don’t be afraid to show us the real deal.
I decided to make this a one-day “event” as opposed to something ongoing because there are so many rotating memes right now; I didn’t really want to start another one. And since Jules’ Everyday Things is on Fridays, you could tie that meme into this one and spotlight one of your favorite everyday items in your house.
Spread the word, y’all! And remember, this extraordinarily detailed information will give you something to post one day when you’re struggling with writer’s block. SERVING THE PEOPLE AS ALWAYS, I am.
And seriously: humble gratitude for what God has graciously provided…that’s what we’re after. And if there’s a neat story about how you found your home or how long you’ve been there or how God moved mountains so you could get there – by all means share.
As my mother-in-law would say, “This is going to be MORE! FUN!”
Let me know – in the comments or via email – if you have any questions. And if you’re interested in participating, let me know that in the comments, too – I’ll email you the button code to make it easier for you to use it.
Hi
I found your link to this on Kentucky Gal’s page. Sounds like fun. I will check back for the code to be part of the link.
Amen, sister- rofl … bring on the code!
(I wonder if I can write off the cleaning crew, the really BIG one, I’m gonna need)
I’m very interested!! Send me the code and I’ll send everyone your way. Thanks for organizing this whole thing!!
Oh, perfect timing! My hubby cleaned the kitchen last night, and it’s still clean. I’m gettin’ my camera. Send me the code!
Sounds fun, I’m in….and I’ll try really hard not to get countertop envy. It might be a stretch, but I’ll try :)
Looking forward to it.
Hi Boomama! I’ve seen you ’round in the comment sections of our mutual cyber-friends and thought I’d stop by and say, “hi!”
I like this idea. If I can find more than 45 uninterupted seconds :) to read your instructions again, I’ll do it!
Oooh! EEeek! OUCHIE-WA-WA!
You’ve called into use Bloggy muscles I’m not sure I have! Post photos? Done it once. Get them from my widgetal (cheap=widget) camera onto the Ancient WANG? Have to wait for my darling TechnoHubby to have a moment available.
I want to look at y’all’s (two apostrophes in one word looks wierd) houses, and I can always use incentives to spruce up the hovel, so I’m going to really try.
Super groovy idea, Boo. Wonder if I should move the ’78 Buick off the cinder blocks in the front yard so as not to tip off the Ring of Thieves?
this is a pretty cute idea. I’ll have to get to work on it.
This is a great idea! I am however new to blogging and am having trouble linking the image to your post Boomama. Can anyone help me or at least point me in the right direction. Look forward to the 28th!
I LOVE it! I’m in. Send me the code!
I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT! When I saw the title I thought, tour of blogs, or actual home? It’a both! Great idea…wow, I started to give you nickname by using the initials of your blog name, but decided you might not appreciate being called that. Okay, Okay, I’m done.
I would love to see everyone’s homes, That would be awesome because I do always wonder. I however do not think anyone would get a big thrill out of seeing the inside of a mobile home lol. It is however homey. I cant wait to see everyones!!
Im excited
Sounds like fun! You’ve even given us time to clean! Whether or not I do that, though, is up for grabs. We’re going camping next week, so who knows?
OH! and this dialup should be a thing of the past by then. I’ll actually be able to look at everyone elses houses.
Sounds fun! I’m in.
Sounds like a fun idea! Thanks for all your hard work. :)
Count me in and send me the code, please, BooMama. I’ll try to get the place raked and shovelled out by then. :-) If you’ve read my latest post you know I’m in the midst of pickling (there’s that word again!) canning and freezing, so I’ll have to try to get some pics in between bouts. Like maybe when “ye olde pile of cukes” is not the most eye-catching feature in my living room/dining room. :-)
I’m totally interested in participating- I’ve been wanting to do a “cribs” style thing of my house for my blog for a long time now, so this is great! I’d love the code for the button if you’ve got it! thanks a bunch!
Amen, sister!
Love this idea! And for the record, I’m not creative either- you’ll see that with the house pictures- but I can follow orders too! Thanks for taking this on!
Oh, and can I have the code too?
this is such a great idea. i’m loving it! last night, awake while everyone else was sleeping in our hotel room, i was frustrated to not find hgtv on our tv. it was thursday night and i knew i could find house hunters on that late.
this is going to be fun. i’m giddy.
HIT me with the Code MAMA!! I am ready (mostly!) I LOVE this idea!
I got behind on my blog reading (I sub you on Bloglines) so have spent the last little while catching up on your posts this week. Can I just say that it is awesome how much you verbalize my life/thoughts? Yo write just the way I think! I live a ways below Atlanta, practically your neighbor. :)
And—You. Crack. Me. Up!
I LOVE IT!!! I’m SO in! Can you please send me the code as well?
Hmm. Interesting. I’m just getting out there into the branching out of my little blogspace thing and meeting others.
This sounds like fun. Besides I’m one of those people who look in other people’s windows when we drive by. Not always good but always “interesting”. So, I’d love to see everyone’s cozy homes.
Count me in.
Count me in. Great idea. I can just hear the “ding dong” from House Hunters!!!
I’m up for it, though being in a rental makes our walls a bit bleak colorwise.
BTW- what Project Runway post? I am so addicted to that show.
What a fun idea, Boo. Send me the code please. I can’t wait to put “homes” to the names I’ve been following. And I can already see by the number of comments rolling in, we’re all going to be sitting at our computer for hours that day. The great thing for me is that Friday is the one day of the week I have all to myself. Can’t wait. You’re a genius. :-)
Oh, I’m definitely interested in participating! This sounds so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!! Send the code my way and I’ll get it right up on my blog!
My post today (July 14) is for you! ;>)
This is a great idea. I love that #2 is a picture of where we blog. I will love being able to picture everyone at their computer. Please send me the code for the button. Thanks!
Count me in. I can’t wait to “spy” a little and see if my mind’s images are even close to the real world!!!
Send me the code, please. I’ll be out of state that day, but I think I can manage to participate nonetheless. What a fun idea! :-)
Ok, I;m a little sheepish, but I’m in. Can you e-mail me the code at brihudhanna AT yahoo Dot com? Thanks for the fun!!
Yikes, I’m already nervous!!
Love. It.
What a great idea! I am excited to participate. And I would love to promote it on my blog with its two readers.
Our RV is our home–can we still participate?
Love the idea!
been checking out your blog lately (i’m new to this stuff) and love it! this is a super cool idea and i always need an excuse to clean my house. so send on the code! thanks!!
Count me in. Love the idea. Wonder how UK home and US/Canada homes are different – think we shall find out!
Oh girl! What a great idea, I am so definitely IN!!! I posted about it on my blog just now, so hopefully others will follow the link, and click on over! Can’t wait!
This looks like a lot of fun! Count me in! I came over from Lindsey’s blog!
Interesting idea! I’d have a lot of cleaning in the office to do, there’s no way I could live with myself if I posted a picture of that disaster!!
This sounds like such fun :-) I copied your icon, uploaded it to my post. When you say you’ll send me the code, am I needing something else? If so please send me and I’ll try to figure out what the heck to do with it. It doesnt take much to baffle me. If all I needed was the icon, I managed that and am looking forward to being a part of it.
LOL arent we just like nosey woman wanting to know what each others houses look like??? You really out did yourself Boomama this is a BIG hit….
This sounds like a lot of fun and I would like to participate…I would like to see nuthin but bloggin homes on that day on every blog I look at…ohhhh…this is gonna be so much fun!!!!
:-D
I think I might like to join in…fun idea! :)
Boomama Im trying to get some of your humor to rub off on me, go look at the plug I wrote for the tour,lol
Dang! Now I’ve gotta’ move just to participate.
oh bother! I am so illiterate with this computer I could try for two weeks straight I’m afraid and never connect/get a code/get a pic up here so I’ll just watch I’m afraid but would love to invite you all in if someone knows of a good tutor for me! hehe . . .perhaps my 13 year old. . .I’m just one of those girls who loves to read but anything technical has to be “showed me up close and personal” still looking forward to it though.
I think I could do this!
Ohhh, sounds like fun. Stating to clean now! :-)
Hi Boo Mama – not sure if I’ve commented before. A fellow blogger recommended one of your posts about changing templates (Randi). And hurrah I’ve changed mine and it looks proper pretty!! So thanks for that.
Secondly I would like to join in this, it looks like fun.
Blessings. Sarah
Good morning BooMama:-) Just heard about this and definitely want to participate so count me in!!
This looks like a bunch of my favorite blogs – count me in and please send the code. Thanks.
I’d like to participate, it’ll give me a chance to show others the renovation hell I’ve been living the past year.
I’ll take the button. What a fun idea!!
Hi BooMama,
Read about this on Diane’s Pea’s and Tammy’s. I’ll try this too!
Jeana sent me over. Count me in!
I love the idea, I’m definitely in, send that old code my way :)
I am so in!!! I can’t wait to invite everyone in to my humble, humble home! I love company! What a great idea ya’ll!
Hi,
Thanks for your email and instructions. I did it! You’re all linked to mine. It’ll be fun.
Thanks again for your help.
Rena
I am not sure how to send you the pictures?
I am not coputer savy yet? =)
Can you tell me how or point me in that direction?
Thanks
Suzie :))
I may just have to join in the fun.
0:) Amber
What a great idea! Please send the code, and I’ll be happy to post the link!
Blessings,
Mrs. C
I’m late coming in, but I’d love the code, too. Shoot, I’d even want “the code” if I didn’t know what it was for; this all sounds very cool and mysterious if you read only the comments and not the post–like a hunt for the Holy Grail, or something :)
Fabulous! Count me in, Boo! Please e-mail me the button code at mdmnelsonatgmaildotcom.
Thanks!
Chilhead
What a great idea! I’m in!
Email the code to:
rayzerbacks6 at hotmail dot com
What a great idea. I’m in. I will post it on my blog tomorrow. If you get a chance, can you email me the code. Thanks.
What a fun idea, send me the code and I’ll do it too ;).
Ah, if anyone needs help blurring those numbers or something, I’d be willing to do it if you don’t mind sending me your photo ;) – Lisa @ lilduckduck.com without the spaces.
That sounds like a great idea! Please send me the code.
What a fun idea! If I break out the snow shovels right now, the house might be clean enough for photos by then! >:)
.Hey- why not- this must be keeping you extremely busy!
Count me in. :)
Bests,
okay. I’m in.
Hello from Australia what a great idear I am a new blogger and would you believe I put a few photos of my kitchen up on my blog just this last week to show people a little about me.
Your idear is fantastic however I just need to be a looker this time as we are packing up everything (almost!) to start our renovations! yuk!
In your busy day could you take a moment to look at my blog and tell me how you think it is going……..just a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister having some fun!
best wishes to you
Sounds like a bloggy fun thing to do. Thank goodness for angle shots (to hide the clutter) : )
I’m in! Sounds like fun and I just might get some decorating tips!
I WANT TO POST HIS ON MY BLOG..PLEASE SEND ME THE CODE…I’M SO EXCITED..JEN
I just wanted to be commenter #77!
Oh, and send me the code or can you just add it for me morning at breakfast????
Just me again- from 7 comments back
Filled out my url- to give a homepage. :)
Okay…. have never done anything like this before (new blogger and all), but since you spelled it all out and I don’t really have to think, I’m in! :)
Code on…
Yes please!! Send me the code.
Well, I guess this means I have to clean my house (or at least portions of it), but… I’m in!
This is PERFECT! Great idea….
Finally! I’ve seen your name SO many times (especially on Bread Crumbs (Janna)), and have been meaning to come over & check out your blog…for months!!!
Now, thanks to Beck over at Frog and Toad Are friends, who sent me the link to this wonderful idea…I’m here! I’m here! =)
This is a great idea! Count me in! You may very well see some of our house in all of its toddler glory! =)
BTW, I love your blog design. Very retro chic! =)
I am oing to post a link to this sometime tonight, BooMama. I think it is a great idea!
fantastic idea, boomama! i’m in!
Sounds fun!! Good incentive to get my house in order! I already have pictures of many rooms from my Tackle It Tuesday posts, I just need to get a few more…
What a fun idea. I would love to participate!
yikes,can’t even begin to read all those comments but if you’ll send me the code I’d really like to try to do this! love love love houses.
take the hubby and tour new construction models all the time just for fun!
this is a great idea! count me in.
I’m in!
Picklish sent me…I am going to try to do this but here’s my problem. I am not sure how to put the Button on my sidebar. I mean, exactly how to do that..(I’m kind of technically challanged…)
I think this is a great idea and you are so smart to think of it!
Great idea!!!
I would love to participate please send me the code and I will make an entry over at HSB.
Blessings,
Trixi
Phil.4:8
I am so in…What a fantastic idea.
BooMama..I’d like to put the code for the home thingy in my Post…THAT I jnow how to do..(lol)…I really think this is suich a fun idea!
My email is myrtillo1984 at yahoo dot com
Thanks so much!
Thanks to Pickalish, I’m totally in. Sounds like a blast. I’ll get a post up tomorrow. See you friday!
Wow, I am comment 97! This is a great idea. I am going to try to get it done.
I’d love to do it.
Thanks!
Okay, please send me the code. I want to try this out too. Good ideas, because you know I was thinking of doing the whole house outside shot.
Oh! This is so not fair! I won’t be home until late at night on the 27th. Hubby’s at the house, though. Maybe he’ll get it all nice a spiffy and photo-ready for me? Or maybe he’ll actually take the pictures and post the post in my blog so I won’t have to do an all-night post-a-thon to get it done?
Nah…I’m afraid I’ll either not participate at all, or it will be a get-real glimpse as to what my house looks like after flying off to go my sister’s house and returning home to see what life would be like for my husband if he were a true bachelor.
Argh!