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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

Phew! Can you believe that 2012 is over already? We are gearing up for an unbelievably awesome 2013 filled with lots of fun and exciting things for this little blog (we’ll share those with you tomorrow!), but we thought we’d take some time to round up our favorite projects from each month in 2012. Take a look, let us know what you think, and pin it if you like it!

January
Monica’s Fav: I loved going green in 2012!  Not really in the earthy-crunchy way, but by adding a pop of color to my collection of ornate frames.  These Green Granny Frames had a fun impact on my dining room!
Jess’s Fav: I breathed some new life into our New and Improved Entryway by adding a striped accent wall and a big gallery wall.
February:
Jess’ Fav: This project injected what can only be called Stencil Happiness into my kitchen renovation. Thanks to an awesome stencil from Royal Design Studio, my kitchen now has style for miles!
Monica’s Fav: I took a bit of a risk and got personal with all of you by sharing my  Game of Love Perfect Valentine’s Gift.  You ladies sure loved it, because it became our #1 post of 2012! Stay tuned for this year’s version- it’ll be on the blog on Monday!
  
 Since 2012 was a leap year, I get to add another for February! This post went live on 2/29 and it’s such a time saver in our house!
lunches intro
 March
Jess’ Fav:  This Giant Shaped Frame is by far my favorite project from 2012! I’m pretty sure there is no better way to dress up your wall for this crazy low price. This is a big impact project, people.
*I also have to nominate this one too! Jess and I had no idea how successful this project was going to be when we created it- we sure love Staples Prints! -Mon*
Main Pic
Monica’s Fav:  I love the BIG impact my Chevron Wall made in my kitchen.  It’s packed with personality and was pretty easy to paint!
DSC_0093
April
Jess’ Fav: My hubs and I surprised my daughter with this Playhouse Loft Bed for her fourth birthday. It was totally worth it, because she and my son play in it all the time. I’m all for a DIY project that keeps the kids happy and occupied! *wink*
Monica’s Fav:  My  Front Door got a major face lift with a super cool color and house numbers that are so my style!
Add numbers
May
Jess’ Fav: We started our kitchen renovation in December and were finally ready to do the big Kitchen Reveal in May. Of course, I’m still tweaking it, but this room makes me super happy. It’s filled with tons of DIYs like painting the cabinets, stenciling the wall, making a fabric shade pendant light, painting color-blocked curtains and adding a fab rug.
Monica’s Fav: Warm weather meant it was time for some outdoor projects! I loved how simple and inexpensive these DIY Planters were.  Even now, they have winter pansies and look great on my front porch!
Color Block Planter
June
Jess’s Fav:  I love the ability to customize things and this Fabric Floorcloth
let me create the perfect mat for my entryway!
Monica’s Fav: Jess and I completed our Super-Fab Guest Room Makover .  We loved everything from the shutter headboard, fun accessories, and of course the houndstooth stenciled wall!  We also had a blogger’s dream come true when Young House Love featured our makeover!
Houndstooth Stenciled Wall
 July
Jess: My son turned 2 this month so I showed you how I made his custom invitations using digital scrapbook paper and picmonkey. How to Make Custom Printables
became one of our top posts- you guys obviously love free things! 🙂
Monica’s Fav: While we were busy finishing up our patio project, I also worked on an  Outdoor Furniture Upcycle
 
August
Jess’ Fav: We took our house exterior from boring to awesome by painting the front door and shutters. Hello Curb Appeal!
Monica’s Fav: August was when I pulled off a birthday surprise for my hubs with a Garage Mudroom Makover  I’m still loving the organization and how it’s actually functional for this family of 6!
September
Jess:  It’s a tie! I just can’t decide between Stenciled Faux-Tile Fireplace &  Planked Wall with Exposed “Stud’ ShelvesBoth of these guys transformed the room and I’m in love with them!
 Monica’s Fav: I went a little outside the box with my Shut the Front Door – Foyer Update.  It’s still one of my favorite things in my house.
October
Jess: Our dining room has been slowly undergoing a transformation and my refinished dining table fits perfectly in the new space! Refinished Dining Room Table
 Monica’s Fav: In October, we had our DIY Patio Reveal!  It was a HUGE DIY project, but we saved tons of money doing it ourselves and the end result was pretty awesome!
November
Jess’s Fav: I love Mr. Berkus and didn’t think he would mind me knocking off one of the items from his new line- the Rope-Wrapped Hurricane Vase. Want to know a secret? I like mine better. 🙂
Monica’s Fav: During a road trip to visit one of my best gal pals, I whipped up a  Fireplace Makeover in her new house.  It’s a super-simple way to get rid of that brass fast!
 December
Jess: This project was honestly a surprise to me. It came out so much better than I ever thought it would! The Wood Slice Wreath is the perfect winter decoration.
Monica’s Fav: Just in time for Christmas Jess and I made this  Illuminated Silhouette Art.  It looked great next to my Christmas tree, and now I’ll be swapping out the silhouette for a lovey-dovey Valentine’s quote!
One thing that stands out to us the most this year is how thankful we are for YOU! We so appreciate your comments, emails and faithful visits to our blog. Here’s to another crazy, fun year!


jess&Monica

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The comments +

  1. So many great projects gals! So happy to have met you in person this year, love following your DIY journey. 🙂 Happy, happy 2013!

  2. I can’t decide which one is my favourite…they are all amazing! Thanks for all your inspiration.
    Debbie 🙂

  3. MMP's Mommy says:

    I loved all of these projects!! We, well my husband really, followed and made the farmhouse table, it is FABULOUS!!! So glad I found your blog, looking forward to 2013:0)

  4. SO many awesome projects! My absolute fave was the fireplace remodel you did for your friend though. I’ve always hated our fireplace so after seeing the gorgeous outcome I immediately did my own!! And it looks fabulous! So thanks for the ingenious idea. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year!

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