Well, today is a happy day because we are giving away three of my favorite books of the summer: The Nesting Place by the Nester (Myquillyn Smith)
A little background: The Nester was the first home décor blog that I discovered almost 6 years ago. I honestly couldn’t believe that there was someone else that loved to go to yard sales and thrift stores and make a beautiful home on a budget and she had made a blog of it!
She told us that it was okay to rip and hot glue fabric, expensive custom made curtains were not necessary, and to go ahead and paint that heirloom dresser. I have been hooked ever since and she was a major inspiration for this blog. Quite honestly, when her book came out, I wondered how she would be able to write about anything that I hadn’t already read on her blog because I feel like I “know” her so well. But it is was full of new perspectives and stories with the same undertone that her blog is built on: “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
What I love about it:
* a good story. She tells about each of the 13 houses that her family has lived in, how they got into some major debt and had to move a lot, and how she learned about embracing the unknown and imperfections.
* beautiful experiences, quotes, and pictures that tell her story of realizing what home is meant to be: “instead of seeing imperfections as thorn in my decorating flesh, I want to open my eyes and see them as signs of life.” –pg. 62
To stop apologizing “…I realized that when I apologize for my home, I’m declaring to all that I’m not content. That I’m silently keeping score. That I put great importance on the appearance of my home and maybe, just maybe, I’m doing that when I visit your home, too.” p.61
* defining the true purpose of your home. p. 67
* for women with opiniated people in their lives p.89
* every house has a redeeming quality – “the best way to start creating a beautiful home is by being grateful for what you already have.” p. 111
* how Anna Nicole Smith and visitingTanzania helped her come to reality about what home was meant to be. p.182
* and just some good, solid money saving tips for decorating and furnishing your home. p. 125
It is the #1 Best Seller in Interior Design
on Amazon, read the other reviews if you are still on the fence! It is just a book that will change your perspective on home and perhaps on life, no matter what circumstances you are in.
on Amazon, read the other reviews if you are still on the fence! It is just a book that will change your perspective on home and perhaps on life, no matter what circumstances you are in.
We’re giving away 3, just tell me in the comments why you would love this book, and make sure I have a contact email for you.
I hope you love is as much as I did.
Happy summer reading!
We just moved into a new home and it needs some personal touches and I'm struggling to make it feel like home. I have virtually no money to do it too!!
ReplyDeleteWe moved into our new house about two years ago. Since then I have started changing my mind about my style--and I need some help and guidance to fulfill the changes I would love to make...
ReplyDeleteI adore the Nester, too! I would love to see what wisdom she shares in her book! Thanks! -Sarah G (sgebhards@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI could really use some good advice about loving what I already have and making those things more beautiful. We just started a new business, and so I am always on a tight budget...would love her tips on creating beauty in my home for less! And it sounds like it would be a little self esteem boost too! :-)
ReplyDeleteI got it from the library and have loved it too! We've lived in our home for a year and I'm full of the 'buts' that she talks about. I'd love to have my own copy to reference!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. I have a long home decor shopping list a very limited home decor budget, so I love Nester's advice. She always broadens my perspective. You are also a huge inspiration.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think I lived in the same apartment complex as your hubbie in college. Continental?
I would love this book! I am always apologizing when people come over to visit. I need some help feeling more comfortable in my imperfect home.
ReplyDeleteHave loved her blog for some time. Need new perspective for my home, where it is and where it needs to go!
ReplyDeleteI am waiting to read this from the library and would love a copy of my own. I am striving to find my own style and learn what works for my family instead of being concerned about what other people might think.
ReplyDeleteNesting Place was one of my very first blog reads too. She has given me lots of inspiration & motivation!
ReplyDeleteI am a mum to three (fourth is due is a few weeks!) young munchkins and I feel often constrained by time, energy, budget, and the question of durability & washability. ;-) I've appreciated how Nester has taught me that "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" (that saying applies to SO much more than simply decor for me!!) and would LOVE to have a copy of her book!
ReplyDeleteDwight.b.elizabeth@gmail.com
I need more help to learn to be satisfied with what I have instead of what I don't have. Love your blog! c.j.robison@att.net
ReplyDeleteOur house is small compared to those of our friends and I must admit that I suffer from the "grass is always greener" syndrome, spending too much time wishing our house was bigger, grander, newer, etc. Of course when I step back, I am always grateful for what I have but I think if I were more confident in my decorating skills, I wouldn't feel so insecure about the size/age of our house. I'm sure this book would help both with my decorating and my perspective!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for decorating ideas that stretch my dollar as far as possible! Sadly my library doesn't carry this book.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win The Nesting Place for a few reasons: the high recommendation from you, I can't get it from the library, and the quote you shared--wow!- “the best way to start creating a beautiful home is by being grateful for what you already have.” We moved into our home about 2 years ago and I haven't done much yet because of a fear of messing it up and being indecisive. Myquillyn's book looks gorgeous and like a gentle, budget-friendly approach to starting where you are now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read her money saving tips for decorating a home. It sounds like a wonderful book and also one you could refer back to time and time again. :)
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness! I've been wanting to purchase this book and have yet to do so ~ winning it would be awesome! Like you, I was so excited years ago to stumble upon a blog by someone who loves thrifting!! Thanks so much for a chance to win :) Suzanne ~ ssawyer@hallandgreen.org
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about this book so I would love to read it. My husband and I bought our first home about three years ago. I'm trying to make this a place we can feel comfortable in but also has great style and decor on a budget. It's challenging to say the least! Looking for all the wisdom and guidance I can get. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read The Nesting Place. I have lived in my home for 18 of the last 30 years of marriage. Some of my rooms do not feel "finished." I think reading this book would give me a fresh perspective on the house we call home. We have many guests stay with us through the year (some even stay when we are not there!). I would love to have guests rooms feel homey and welcoming when a tired guest comes to stay. Thank you for giving away three books. I'm sure whoever receives them will be blessed.
ReplyDeleteI am usually satisfied with my space until I walk into someone else's. I would love to read The Nesting Place for tips on making our home ours without being cookie-cutter. The wise word of learning to be grateful for what you already have gives me confidence that this is a great book. I could use the money saving tips for decorating as well.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the Nester's blog. I would love this book because I am often stuck due to perfection issues in my decorating and I love her style. swbamartinezatgmail.com
ReplyDeleteI too have follower the Nester for many years. I would love this book. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI would love this book! Our 50's ranch has been an continuous round of never-ending projects for the last 12 years. I would love to have some help with a perspective change. Thanks for the give away. jillijohnsonatmsn.com
ReplyDeleteWe are at the beginning of a major remodel and would love Nester's book for some much needed inspiration. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love getting new ideas, especially that are financially smart. I'd love this book!
ReplyDeleteI just moved into a new house - new new new - and I'm struggling with the urge to do it all (now!!). Some thoughtful perspective (and pretty picutres) will surely help guide me on my road to making this house into my home. nancy (at) firchow (dot) com
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and love The Nester. I am starting to remodel my kitchen with a tight budget. Would love a copy of this book! I have heard wonderful things about it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book. I love the comment expressed by a reviewer on Amazon: "This is an invitation to love the home and the life you're in, rather than wishing for something more or something different." A book with this kind of philosophy appeals to me. Thanks for doing the giveaway and introducing me to her blog. Vicki P.
ReplyDeletevicki24_7mom@msn.com
I would like to read this book for inspiration on decorating my house on a budget. I get a little down in the dumps when I read certain blogs that seem to have unlimited amounts of money and time. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletechlorens@yahoo.com
I just heard about this book yesterday on Jen Hatmaker's blog. She converted a nasty old outbuilding on the property of her farmhouse into a gorgeous home office....and was inspired by The Nester's book. Check out the blog: http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2014/07/09/beforeafter-pics-of-my-new-office-and-my-muse. I'd love to have my own copy of this book because according to Jen, "The Nester gives you such permission to just try something, for heaven's sake. Just put it up, just paint it, just layer those two rugs, just use that weird signature piece. She somehow takes the fear and hesitation out of it all and makes you want to throw forty unrelated pieces on your feature wall and hang hats on a set of antlers. Why not? We're not curing cancer; we're just making pretty rooms that we love." I need a serious dose of "permission" in order to stop feeling paralyzed when decorating my own home!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book. I have lived in my home for 17 years and have been afraid to change anything because I am afraid it will not be "perfect". I have slowly started to make changes, and could really use ideas that don't cost a lot as I am on a limited budget. Thank you for the book giveaway! I love your blog!
ReplyDeletecmoore1001@cox.net
I am in the process of moving into a new home so I'm sure that I can benefit from her wisdom and advice! I have read her blog for years too so I also worried that maybe the book wouldn't be anything 'new'--so glad you addressed that in your review!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are downsizing from a large home in Texas after thirty years to a condo in Chicago. We are ready for many changes and pretty rooms. I think this book would be a huge help.
ReplyDeleteLast year we moved into a house that is twice the size of our previous home. I am having trouble filling the spaces and, well, just getting over myself when it comes to decorating! I think this book would help with both things!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE this book! The Nester is fantastic at making things beautiful even when you're in the middle of it all! And since we're still working on our foreclosure home, I'd love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love what she said in the recent series you all did where she talked about refinishing furniture. She said to start out small then take bigger risks as you get more comfortable. We just did that here and it was fun and I'm ready to learn more!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book and use it to inspire some summer decorating. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read the book. Followed the Nester for years and love her unique way of decorating. So inspirational.
ReplyDeleteI would love to own this book! Her blog was one of the first I found and I fell in love with her style. :o)
ReplyDeleteTania
This book has been on my wish list but just isn't in my budget right now. I adore Myquillyn and love her perspective on life.
ReplyDeletecarolinagirl 1993 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would love to have this book as it sounds like she and I share the same perspecitve on decorating our homes. I am in the middle of renovations and could use some guidance and wise counsel from Myquillyn. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Vicky
I've been following the blog for years and need some help in making my own house a perfectly imperfect home.
ReplyDeleteI love reading books and tidbits on how to make my house a more peaceful, beautiful and sweet place to call home.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing pretty stacks of books in everyone's blog posts. I'd like to copy that look, but this also looks like a great read!
ReplyDeletePerfect timing - I have been feeling a bit low since seeing a neighbor's lovely, welcoming home the other day and I'm not sure where to start...especially challenging with homeschooling 5 munchkins! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you ~ Susan
seroberts72@hotmail.com
I have been dying to read this book but I am at the end of a very long waiting list at our local library. We are actually moving our family into a smaller and older home tomorrow because of its awesome location for raising our two boys (huge fenced backyard that backs up to an elementary school on a dead end street!) and I'm struggling to come up with a vision for a house where I am overwhelmed by the limitations it gives me.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted this book since first hearing about it out on the blogs. I love the way Nester does home keeping. I enjoy going back through old blog posts but want to feel the book and pages in my hands so that I can really pour over each page.
ReplyDeletecreech03atcoxdotnet
DeleteI have long admired and followed the advice of Nester when it comes to decor and life in general. I wish I'd rushed out for a copy of the book when it first released, but I'm in the hectic baby-raising years and barely get my Feedly feed read, let alone a hard cover book. =) But I promise I'd make time for this one if I were blessed enough to win the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with perfectionist issues and the nester has really inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing from real people with real budgets about practical ways to make a home more beautiful. I think the Nester embodies that perfectly.
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness! We've lived in our home for over two years, and my husband has been traveling most of that time. He's finally going to be home more often, and I'm trying to truly create a home now. So exciting! And, let's be honest, The Nester is fabulous! :) nineringcircus@att.net
ReplyDeleteI need help to get over perfection and make my house a home. tjsmom@conwaycorp.net
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book! We moved about two years ago and there is so much we need to do and I struggle daily with feeling like I am failing because I need to do this and that. I think this book would be a big help to me.
ReplyDeletekmassey04@gmail.com
I need to fall in love with my home, a.k.a. decorate it. Right now I'm too fearful of making a mistake
ReplyDeleteI think I need to read this book! I am always nervous about having people over, ( or heaven forbid dropping by unexpectedly). I need to see my house for the warm loving home that it is and all the good things it has given us.
ReplyDeleteLet me first say that I follow your blog as well as Nesting Place. As a matter of fact both blogs are on my favorites toolbar! Being on a non-existent decorating budget requires lots of creativity. I love reading blogs that inspire me to try something new, or get really creative on the cheap. I really would love to have "The Nester's" new book as I have been super curious about the secrets she has to share in her book vs. what I read on her blog. I hope you consider sending me a copy! lisaahedrick@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteAs a baby boomer who inherited much of my furniture and never replaced, this book could prevent my home from reminding me of an old people's home or even my grandmother's.
ReplyDeleteI need it
I would love to win this book for my son who just built his first home! bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com
ReplyDeleteThat looks great - I would have loved to win it!! I am always looking for new home decor ideas. I'll be back to read more in the future.
ReplyDeleteinterior-decoration
Those quotes spoke to just me! Especially being content with what you already have. Moving around a lot and feeling like nothing is "mine" or feels like home. Would love this book to help me have purpose and pride in my home and myself.
ReplyDeleteI would love the book for inspiration! Great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI haven't changed a single thing in my house since we moved in 6 years ago. I'm in need of some fresh inspiration and motivation.
ReplyDeleteI have also been reading her blog for years. She is so real! I would love to have her book.
ReplyDeleteBarb Ockomon
Rdhocko1@sbcglobal.com
I've been a Nester fan for a while now, she had great style! It's the inspiration I'm certain I need to get through a few projects. Especially considering I'm procrastinating partially because I'm trying to gather the 'perfect' things and I could use her encouragement that it doesn't have to be perfect and I know whatever I do at this point will be more beautiful than it currently is! :) Thanks for the opportunity! erinpro8@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this, perfect for our upcoming beach vacation.
ReplyDeleteMcmtino@aol.com
Would love to get some ideas on what to do. I have never been much of a decorator...
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to buy this book but haven't yet - I'm a long time Nesting Place reader too and have learned so much from her. She has definitely influenced my style and I've learned that doing SOMETHING regardless of how big or small is so much better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteI love a writer that tells me to never apologize for my home. Such wonderful advice!
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of Nesting Place for some time and would love to read her book. trm69ks@aol.com
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy your blog ( LOVE It's A Wonderful Life) and this book sounds perfect....making a home is the most important thing...so you can come home and go "ahhhh". agyjay@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to win and read this book! It sounds like what I have been trying to do with our home over the years!
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my wishlist! I love her inspiring blog and I need to learn to decorate more loosely and less perfect. Also her debt free life is what I am aspiring towards. Thanks for the great giveaway! Rawtruegrit at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteLove her! I'm sure her book is awesome! Maybe I'll get lucky! kayladoh@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love this book - I have followed nesting place for years - love her!
ReplyDeleteI would love this!!! Moved into a new house and need some ideas on how to make it more "homie feeling".
ReplyDeleteI'm getting married in two months and will be moving into our very first place (which we still have yet to find)! Since we're young and just starting off we're on a pretty tight budget and I am excited to make whatever small apt we rent into our HOME. I know DIY and imperfection will be a part of that and I can't wait to start! This book would definitely give me some great direction and ideas to get started!
ReplyDeleteheatherleighblock@gmail.com
DeleteI would love to read this because I love getting ideas from people who are more creative and talented than me. And I probably worry too much about things in my house that need to be changed but I don't have the money or the know-how to change them!
ReplyDeleteMrandmrsa5 at yahoo dot com
DeleteThe Nester! She's amazing! She's so thrifty, insightful, and positive. I would love this book because it would benefit my home. :)
ReplyDeleteI just moved for the 6th time in 5 years and my budget for decorating is sooo little. We will be in this house for 3 years so I am excited to decorate and would love the help!!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing! I would love to have this, since I know NOTHING about decorating and need all the help I can get! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteJust the book to add to my collection. Can't wait to be a winner. Always need decorating tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Would love to win a copy of this book. We just moved to a new state to a fixer upper and I am yearning to make it feel like home.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteThe Nester was also one of the first blogs I found and I would be really interested to see her book
ReplyDeleteI am a pastors wife and will always live in a temporary home. I would love to hear how she does it. It would be a great read I am sure
ReplyDeleteLOVE The Nester!!! I am truly blessed and ready to start celebrating and loving the home we are in now, flaws and all!
ReplyDeleteThe whole book sounds lovely, but I am really curious as to what she says on page 89 about women with opinionated people in their lives! :)
ReplyDeleteWe just went from living in a home we own to renting. It really changes a lot of things when it comes to decorating. I am also a big fan of the nester. I would love a copy of her book. preston_rachel at yahoo
ReplyDeleteWe've been in our new house for 3 months now and everything that I loved in our old house just doesn't seem to work anymore. I still love most of my things but I need to find new ways to display and enjoy them. We sold our old house before we found a new one and lived with my in-laws for 4 months. They were wonderful to us but it is just not the same as having your own space. So I would love to get some inspiration to start making this house our home (setshimmer@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love her blog and would enjoy having so many of her great ideas at my fingertips to read over and over!!! I'm in the process of redecorating several areas of my house and sure could use her help!! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway :)
ReplyDeletesally.puckett@yahoo.com
I would love this book! It looks like it has some great ideas to update my home. I love her blog. I desperately need some inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI've been married for a year and still working on turning my husbands bachelor pad into a home for US. I have to keep reminding myself that change takes time. I would love to win this book to give me some ideas!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win because I'm beginning to feel discontent with my home and need some inspiration to fall in love with it again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway, Melissa. I'd love to win the Nester's book. I'm interested in reading it, but am "thrifty" so I've been hoping to win a copy from a blog. And today (for three more minutes) is my birthday! :-)
ReplyDeleteI´d love that book cause I´m sure it would inspire me and give me hope to make my home one day a perfect home.
ReplyDeletemmyheartishere@gmail.com
Would love to see what ideas this book might have for using things I already have in new ways
ReplyDeleteAs I approach 50 this year, I find myself rethinking choices I made when I was first married. Most of our furniture has already been reupholstered once and is now sporting holes and tears. (We flip the cushions and drape throws creatively to hide it!) It is time to make some choices. However, we have one child in college and another in high school and no money for new furniture. Knowing that "it doesn't have to be perfect to be lovely" gives me inspiration to either make things lovely again. Or to upcycle thrift store finds. I have wanted to read this book, but the library has not yet ordered copies. Please pick me!! I can put this book to good use!
ReplyDeleteI also love her philosophy on life, decorating, mothering and being real!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win this appealing book. I appreciate the Nester's philosophy on creating a home.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part about the book is when I see someone recognizes beauty beyond a price tag. If only everyone viewed each other with the same depth of insight! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMoved into my new home two years ago - still trying to make it "mine". Would love to win a copy of the book.
ReplyDeleteWe just moved into our new home 7 months ago and there are still boxes to unpack! I sure could use some bargain design inspiration. Kmg_14 (at) hotmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteWould love to have this book! Love The Nesting Place!
ReplyDeletekkrisdan28 at aol dot com
This would be the perfect book to take with me for some summer reading under the umbrella! I constantly have my nose in some kind of home decor, crafting, flea market style magazine, so this would be right up my alley. Love your blog and your inspirational quotes - I have many of them on the bulletin board in my office :)
ReplyDeletemorning.glorys@yahoo.com
I am just starting to learn (at 49) that is is okay to not have a perfect home and it is more important to entertain and live than to have a perfectly clean house. I would love to read this book for more inspiration and encouragement. I would also like to share this book and wisdom with my girls who are just getting homes of their own. Thanks for the opportunity to win! kbender@esu7.org
ReplyDeleteI would love this book as I think it might be therapeutic for me. I'm going through a divorce right now with my two little ones and thought at this point in my life I would be in a beautiful home I owned with my husband instead of considering downsizing my rental to be able to hopefully stay home with my babies. I'm realizing in ways I never thought I would that it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
ReplyDeletemy email is haley.molyneux(at)gmail.com
DeleteI would love this book because I have been a perfectionist all my life and have realized somewhat in my 30's that life cannot be perfect. You have to give everything to God and he will know what to do with it. I think that includes your home as well. This book sounds like it would be a great source of encouragement in that respect. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'd love to have a copy of Nester's book in my personal library! I love, love, LOVE the pictures and of course her sound advice on making your home beautiful on a dime! Even my husband loves her designs because she decorates with deer antlers - ha! So when can we expect a 320 Sycamore book? :)
ReplyDeleteOops - I forgot to enter my email. It's runfastrunraz at hotmail dot com. Thanks!
DeleteI don't know if this giveaway has ended, but I'd love a copy of this book! It sounds very inspiring. We are renovating our house and it just takes such a long time to do it all ourselves that maybe this book would help motivate me to keep going and loving our home. mestu09 @ gmail . Thanks!
ReplyDelete"instead of seeing imperfections as thorn in my decorating flesh, I want to open my eyes and see them as signs of life.” –pg. 62
ReplyDeleteHands down my absolute favorite quote. When we browse blogs and other homes it seems to bring us down rather than lift us up. I believe we are missing the point. Our homes are where we live our everyday lives and raise our children. More than the way they look, it's the way we live inside that matters. An imperfect house is one whose owner puts the importance on her family and raising her kids with a strong foundation. This book sounds right up my alley! It would be my very first design book and I'd love to have it! Thanks for your consideration. (schillil@hotmail.com - Lisa)
i always love seeing how people decorate their homes, and i love how they don't have to be perfect!
ReplyDeletejessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I always love getting a fresh perspective on how to look at home decorating and organizing
ReplyDeleteto stop apologizing - amen!! :)
ReplyDeleteerincyoung (at) yahoo.com
Oh how I hope the contest isn't over! I'd love to win a book. I need all the help I can get with my 3 bedroom, townhouse rental that is being run by 3 boys & a large man child.
ReplyDeleteI just love the whole idea of making a house your HOME. Making it yours. Thanks for the chance to win! :)
ReplyDeleteamyjones2144@yahoo.com
We're just finishing major home renovations to repair structural issues and I'm so in need of doing so many things to our home, but don't know where to begin for some of it.
ReplyDeleteJess.white05@gmail.com