I don’t know when exactly I started reading Nester’s blog. I want to say that it was five or six years ago, and when I got to meet her in person at a conference a couple of years after that, I remember thinking, Well. She is just as warm and funny and endearing as I thought she would be.
I love it when that happens.
Myquillyn (that is her real name, though personally I default to “Nester” just about every single time) has such a knack for creating spaces that breathe, for decorating rooms in ways that don’t feel stuffy or overwrought or unusable. I cannot even tell you how many times I’ve gone to her blog in search of inspiration, and a few years ago, when Sister was decorating her newly re-built first floor (it was wiped out in the 2010 Nashville flood), we talked about Nester and her ideas like she was an old friend who would’ve totally gone to all the Nashville-area Home Goods with us if only she hadn’t lived a couple of states away. What I remember more than anything is that Nester’s laid-back, easy, no-fuss approach to decorating made Sister feel less overwhelmed about getting her house back in order, and that, as my mama would say, was such a blessing. No joke.
Well.
This past Friday I spent most of the day trying to finish some writing that I started over a month ago, and by the time I got home late Friday afternoon, I was ready to put on my pajamas and crawl under some covers and watch TV. But then I noticed a cardboard box on the kitchen counter, and when I opened it, I found this little gem.
I told myself that I’d look at it sometime Saturday – but curiosity got the better of me, and I started to read. An hour later I was still sitting at the kitchen table (I hadn’t even changed into my pajamas yet), and I had to force myself to put down the book. Early Saturday morning I picked it up again, and except for about five minutes when I set it down so that I could hang a print in my foyer (the book inspired me to not put it off for one more second), I kept on reading until I finished.
And here’s the thing (I said this on FB yesterday, so forgive me if you’ve read that already and I’m repeating myself). I typically don’t read a lot of home decor books, mainly because I get intimidated and overwhelmed and my perfectionistic side just can’t take it. But Nester’s book is inspiring and honest and gorgeous and real. I actually felt a little sad when the book was over – but then I looked up at my own house and saw all sorts of totally imperfect possibilities. That made me smile.
So. Just because I love this book to pieces and want to share it, I’m giving away three copies of The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful. Nobody asked me to do this; I just want to do it because Myquillyn has created something that’s unique and oh-so-special – and I really do think it’s going to be so meaningful to the people who read it. Since the book releases next Tuesday, I’m going to make this giveaway a pretty quick one so that you still have time to order for release day if you don’t win. If you’d like to enter, just leave a comment on this post and tell me your absolute favorite thing about the place where you live.
I’ll use random.org to draw for winners Wednesday night and notify them ASAP via email.
Y’all are going to love this book!
This giveaway is now closed. Winners will be notified via email.
I love the octagon-shaped sun room that my late husband added on to our house just for me. It’s my special place, and no matter where I sit, I can see the beauty of nature as it travels through the seasons. Thank you, God, for such a beautiful gift.
upstairs laying on our green couch in our open bonus room….it’s just so comfortable!!
Love our family room… a lot of laughter and life happens there.
I love my covered porch and back yard. Will miss it when we move.
I love my sunroom! It is a cheery, bright color that I never thought I would pick! It is also quite cozy!
My favorite thing about where I live is the family that pops in and out of the house (think business trips for hubby, college, new apartments).
I love the gallery wall in my living room that includes a book wreath, dayspring plate, and a painting we had hanging at our wedding reception!
I love that my house is old (100 years+) and imperfect. I looked at dozens of perfect, new houses before finding one with character and a life of it’s own.
I love a wall in my living room that is covered in crosses. This was a trend several years ago- and may be out of style now (I’m not sure) but I still love it!
I love the ten acres my home sits on. I’ve been transforming it to include multiple flower beds–it is my own garden of Eden that gives me exercise and a way to express my creative side. I feel blessed!
My favorite part about our home is everything but if I had to pick just one thing it would be the kitchen because this is where we cook all the family meals and do everything at, school work on the table, play games and eat holiday meals at.
I love that my home is where our large family gathers often for chaotic get togethers and makes me remember the truly important things about a home!
The fireplace. My husband painted the bricks a really pretty cream color and I love the way it stands out against the dark wood paneling in our living room.
I love my home because of the sounds that fill it, the snuggles that take place in it and the Love that makes it “home.”
I love my kitchen island. It’s where life happens at our house.
She’s my favorite decorating blogger:):)
My favorite thing is it is cozy!
monk5 at charter dot net
I love my bedroom–lots of light. Also the fact that I have no neighbors is pretty awesome.
My front porch. Always shade to sit outside and enjoy the weather.
My favorite thing about our house are the 3 wooden typography hangings I had customized with sayings that are special to my husband and me including a phrase from ‘our’ song a totally romantic line he said to me when we were newlyweds. I smile every time I see them!
Our sunroom, so bright and relaxing in there.
From my kitchen window I look out on a beautiful field, a river and mountains. Right now it is the prettiest color of green. I can’t help but slow down a bit when I look out that window.
My favorite thing about my home is enjoying all the changes we have made as we have redecorated each room. We have lots more to do but it is coming along.
I love all of the memories made in our home! I also especially love the coziness and the big front porch!
My home is comfortable and inviting.
I really like how new the house is that I share rent for. Our landlord bought a fixer-upper a few years ago…and fixed it up!
My favorite thing is my family, of course. I also love that we’re south facing, lots of sunshine coming in the windows (and melts the snow off the driveway for us!)
I love that my house is comfortable. Usually neat, but not fancy. You know you can kick off your shoes and put your feet on the coffee table:)
My favorite thing about the place I live is when we bought the house almost 2 years ago, the master bedroom was painted the perfect colors to go with my bedding and decor. The house had a comfortable feel from the beginning.
My favorite thing about my house is my bright yellow dining room. When the sun shines in the big windows it’s so cheery :)
My favorite thing about our house is that my people are here. My husband and I have lived in 5 houses in our 11 years of marriage, but we moved into this one when our eldest was just barely walking, and he’s 7 now, so this is where our all of our babies have spent their sweet little years. (Whoa… what a run-on!)
My very most absolute favorite thing about where I live?? The people I live here with. Hands down. I only say that because there was a time that I really hated living where I do and I think I have come to realize that where ever they are, that’s my home. We moved here and it was very hard and I struggled terribly. But I am in a much better place for sure… and can see beauty in our home (even while house hunting!).
So one of my favorite things about the house? Probably that we have an open home concept. I do like that the main living areas aren’t all closed off and we can be together often. I also really like that we have a large field behind our house, making our small yard seem much bigger than it actually is.
I would LOVE to win this book! I’m going to purchase it but would love a copy to give to my mom for mother’s day! My favorite place in my home right now is my master bedroom coffee station and reading nook!
I’ve just moved and I’m loving putting thing together in new ways in our new house. Would love some ideas from Nester!
There are many things that I love about my house….its location, floorplan, cozy fireplace, large kitchen which opens to a large family room, etc. The thing I love the most though, is that it’s big enough for my daughters and their families to all visit at the same time. I love having everyone together in these walls.
I love that our house was my house first. That I lived in it as mine and it was perfectly me, and that now that it’s ours, it is perfectly us. There’s nothing fancy or stunning. It’s just us.
My favorite thing about our current house is that it is so peaceful. I call it my “thin place.” (it’s a term from Celtic spirituality.)
Thanks for the chance at a give-away.
My favorite things in my house:
1) my family (husband, son and 90 lb puppy)
2) our master bedroom
3) the empty spot on the table I have for a new book!
The thing I love most about the place I live is that it houses my family: myself, my husband, and our preschooler. It’s also an open door for my stepdaughter and stepson when they’re home from college and school, and their friends and significant others, as well.
The very best thing about where I live is……..my people. But a close second would be my bed.
Because most days my people make me very tired.
The best part of our home is my family. But if we’re talking about things… I guess I never thought about it. Maybe for now, my favorite thing is the old piano I bought from a friend so I could finally start taking piano lessons at age 36. My fav room is our remodeled kitchen, which went from being 8′ x 6′ to about 8′ x 15′.
I love the view to the outside.
Hi! Love, love LOVE your blog. My very favorite part about where I live is the people I live with. I love my sweet family and would love this book. Thanks!
The best thing about my house is the already put in flower gardens …absolutely charming!
Sounds like the perfect book for a perfectionist like me! : )
I live in a small apartment with my family in the middle of a huge city in China……a far stretch from the small West Texas town where I grew up. I love that I can create smells and tastes that remind me of my “home” and nourish my hubby & two little ones but also that we have an opportunity to embrace this amazing culture and create our own memories that will always be “home” to my girls.
It’s where my people are.
And of all the states i’ve lived in (7 so far), this is the one that feels the most like home.
The brick arch doorway to the den is my favorite thing. Just love it.
My favorite thing is that with 2 teens and 2 young adults living at home still there is always somebody awake and there is always somebody asleep…and that’t no lie!! Oh yeah, and the kitchen is open 24/7 as a result!!
My favorite thing about my house is that the dining room is big enough to extend my dining table all the way! Lots of people around my table makes me happy!
Just yesterday I was thanking God for the park across the street from our apartment complex. It has windy walking paths, several ponds, and lots of trees.
I love the view looking out of my bedroom window.
I love the exterior of my home; it’s a 1900 farmhouse and has so much character, and whenever I drive up to it, I think, “That sure is a beautiful house! I’m so thankful I get to live in it!”
I love my home because it’s where we raised our five children and share memories and love.
What I love the most about my house is this is where I brought my babies home, which I never thought would actually happen. We are a week away from moving, because of relocation, and I am struggling to say goodbye to this place. This book will definitely be helpful in our new home.
The best thing about my house is that it is within walking distance
of my two daughters families.
But also, it is very cool that it is over 100 years old and sometimes
I like to think of all the other people and the history of my home!
With four little ones and my hubby and I in a three bedroom home, I am always looking for ways to utilize space and decorate efficiently. This book looks like a lovely read!
I just love that my house is where my family is and we’ve made great memories. I’m not a very good decorator or very organized (wish I was both), but it’s where we live, grow, make mistakes, and have fun!
Our house has an open layout, which I love for hosting parties and playdates and dinners!
I love our round kitchen table. Lots of talks, smiles, and good food served here!
We are blessed to live in a parsonage provided to us by our church family. Even though it is not exactly what I would have chosen for my home, I do love my little nest. I am grateful for this home; and even though it really isn’t mine, the people who live here are. I can make this home what I want it to be by pouring my heart into my little people first, and THEN into my home. I love that the nester has reminded me so often about the importance of contentment.
I love our location. We live on a quiet court with a big yard where I can let my kids go out and play with no worries. The three year old can even go out as long as the 5 or 8 year old are out, too. We’re also 3 minutes from my parents. It’s such a fabulous change from our last home where we were 30 minutes from my parents with a small yard on a busy commuter road.
I love my home but I love the view and my screened porch above all else.
I love the openness of our home. Even if we are in different rooms I can see everyone and it feels like we are together!
I have always said that we can’t have nice things while we have all of these kids, but we are almost out of the Little Baby stage which means I should try and start to care. My favorite place is my front porch, because the outside has already been nicely decorated by God, and He does good work.
I also live in a rental house right now, much like the Nester’s story. I think my favorite thing are my neighbors! You can’t replace neighbors when you move, so it will be a sad day to leave this place.
My favorite thing about our house is all of the natural light in the kitchen. It just makes mornings easier and more pleasant to see the light pouring in!
My favorite thing about where I live is family! I love to be there with my own family, but our home is very special because my great aunt and uncle lived there when I was growing up, and they were like a 3rd set of grandparents to us. It’s simple, messy, and sometimes a little crowded, but it holds a lifetime of sweet memories. It could use a little inspiration from the Nester, though….love her blog (and yours!).
I love the Nesting Place and her message. Can’t wait to read the book.
My favorite thing about my home… sitting on the deck on summer mornings, drinking coffee and reading while the dogs play and sniff around in the yard.
I love my sunroom!
I love living in a small town and my neighborhood. My kids have plenty of children to play with and they just go from house to house.
I love my house so much girl . . . I mean, I love that it’s a safe-haven in the neighborhood and chock-full of kiddos all the time. But also, whew, that sometimes it can double as my own sanctuary and space of respite from those very kiddos. . . .
Anyways, so many comments friend :-) you’re too popular, which means my odds of winning arent awesome but still . . .
My favorite thing about my 704 square feet cubbie home is my soft, warm brown velvety couch. My 22 year old daughter and I sit there after we get home from school and work, and we talk about every subject under the sun. We laugh, cry, disagree, debate, tell jokes, study for midterms, pray and entertain company, all on our big comfy couch.
My favorite place is looking out the kitchen window to our backyard while washing dishes…or just looking out that window over a pile of dirty dishes:)!
I live in an old farmhouse, and have been slowly tearing out walls and opening up tiny spaces. I LOVE my newly opened up kitchen, as I can see the living room and my chickadees playing. And i LOVE the Nester’s blog. It makes me much more hopeful about my cluttery, silly space we call home. <3
I love the the fact that my husband and I each have our own walk in closets. :)
Is it too late?! I love that I can look out my window and watch deer, hawks, bunnies, coyotes (!) and even turkeys amble by…it’s like having a zoo in my backyard.
I have been a reader of Nester for awhile, also. Lovely home and attitude. Her blog is how I “stumbled” across your blog. My favorite spot at my own home is my back patio. It’s quiet and relaxing. It’s far from perfect, but I feel good when I’m out there. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
My porches, that hopefully will get some staining done this year!
I love that it’s an old Craftsman style home that we reclaimed from the 50s – 70s decor and colors and now it fits us like a glove. Even my teen kids’ friends call it “cozy and homey.”
I love living on a cul-de-sac
My favorite thing about our home is that when we added on a big addition several years ago, it was with the thought in mind that many wonderful times would be had with friends, family and God in that big area. That is exactly what has happened. We are very blessed! :)
My quartz countertops that you never have to seal,and our tile backsplash that my husband & I designed and installed all with our own two hands. It got pretty bad when contratctors would not even call you back about installing a backsplash or wanted insane amounts of money so we decided how hard could it be? So we spent a weekend tiling and grouting and we are so pleased!
My favorite place in the house is the playroom downstairs. I love that there is now a place in my home where it’s ok for the kids to pull things out and make a mess without throwing me into fits.
I love that my house is my childhood home. Even though my parents are gone I can see them everywhere. My house has always been the place to go recharge and renew from anything the outside world could throw at me.
I love that this is the first house I bought and I’ve owned on my own. And it’s a classic.
What a treat this has been to read what people love about their homes–as much about the people as the place itself. I love that my home is just the right size for our family of 4 and that every space gets used. I’m looking forward to reading Nester’s book; thank you, Sophie, for introducing me! :-)
I love my bathroom. It’s a place of respite for me! :)
My favorite thing about our home is the pantry. It has drawers. :)
Its a new space and that means a blank canvas.
Can’t wait to Nester it up!!!
Love everything about our home!
The backyard with creek and woods, with lots of deer and birds to watch and take photos of!
I LOVE my kitchen…it is the heart of our home. It is ample enough to have 3 cooks
in it at one time. Although it needs an update/upgrade…..it is not perfect but perfection
is over rated and with time it will get there and be more appreciated. I love the Nester
and hope to win her book….thanks for your generous spirit.
I am newly out of college, and live around a wonderful community of friends! Very thankful!
My bedroom is my place.
I love that it truly is home…familiar comforting,warm and enviting…I hope that comes across to everyone that visits,but I feel it …my stuff , my spin on decorating . I love it thru and thru , outside as well ,love that yard. I am so thankful for my home , be it ever so humble.
I love the beautiful simplicity of the little cottage on a farm that we are renting right now, and getting to make it a home with my husband.
My huge windows in the livingroom!!!nester is so inspiring!
I love the people who live in my home and the endless possibilities for decorating it to be inviting and warm and cozy :)