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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

Sorry guys, no DIY project today, but I thought I’d share a little bit of what’s going on in my world.  We know you guys love project inspiration here on the blog, but we’re always hearing from many of you that you like the real life stuff too!
So, the big news in my world is that I’ve Retired!! Yup, 31 and Retired!
As of last Friday I’m no longer working in education- it feels strange even to type that!  I gave my notice that I wouldn’t be returning to the cyber school where I’ve worked for the last 5 years.  Let me tell you that it wasn’t an easy decision…
Here’s how it all went down… starting in February, Jess and I began working for Knock It Off and the network was super awesome about my commitment to finishing out my school year.  We worked almost every weekend from Feb.-June and we worked really long hours.  I knew I was falling head over heels in love with our show and wanted to make it my full-time job! Who wouldn’t want to work with their BFF, doing what they love, and getting paid to do it!  Here’s the catch… do you know how many people think it’s totally legit to talk about how many shows fail??  A LOT.  So, I was torn, take a risk and pursue this once in a lifetime opportunity or play it safe and just keep teaching.  It sounds like a no brainer, but when you have 4 kids to think about, it wasn’t easy.
Thankfully, the shows’ producers were giving us nothing but positive feedback and finally Eric and I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and give 100% to this crazy new venture of Knock It Off!
Can I tell you how relieved I was once I made the decision??  It was like about 2000 lbs off my shoulders.
Being a TV show host was never in a million years something I thought I’d do, but life doesn’t always work out as we think it will.  God has some crazy, whacked out plans.  I have no idea where we’ll be in 5 years, but I’m secretly hoping Jess and I will be in a 5th Season of Knock It Off! 🙂
Making a major life change can be scary, but we only have one shot at this life and I feel like with the support of my awesome family and friends this new venture is going to be awesome.
For now, I’m just so relieved to not be working two full-time jobs! Major props to my amazing husband and kids because the last three months took busy insanity to a whole new level.  We’re enjoying the simplicity of one job and spending a whole lot of family time together.
So, that’s what’s new in my world.  
Have you ever had to make a crazy, life-changing decision? 
Do tell!  

 

 

PS- Oh, I also bough a MAC this weekend- I’m loving it! Thanks to all of you that gave me input on Facebook! 
 

 

PSS- One of our favorite Sponsors, Moo&Puppy is having an amazing sale starting this weekend.  She’s where we get all of our awesome digital papers from! Make sure you check it out- start thinking of patterns you might want in the fall for back to school, Halloween, and then Christmas of course! 
 

Click HERE to check it out! Sale starts this weekend! 

 

 

The comments +

  1. Jesse Bodine says:

    Congratulations, Monica!!! Your show is going to be fabulous and people will watch because I mean who wouldn’t want to watch you lovely ladies! 😉 So happy for you friend!

  2. How super exciting! Can’t wait to see the show!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

  3. Christina says:

    I’m so excited for you!! I had an early retirement last year at age 26, and I can tell you that there is life after an education career (and I kind of love it…haha!) Excited for the fun things you have ahead of you 🙂

  4. Cindy says:

    I just found your blog today, watched a Teaser on your new network, and read he first line of your retirement an felt disappointment. Which I then felt happy that you are retiring from teaching to follow your dream. I can’t wait to watch your show!

  5. Anonymous says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  6. Laura says:

    Congrats! I haven’t been by in a while because work is crazy but finally had the time today. Had no idea about a show. I’m in Raleigh NC, just checked my Time Warner Cable listings, and they dont have that channel!! We’re a big market they need to carry it here. I have 2000 channels of &^%$ and very few do we watch, but that’s another rant all together. I am thrilled for you and I hope it all goes really well.:)

  7. […] I quit my job- I still think I’m kind of in shock that I left education and now host a TV show.  Seriously, What the What?? […]

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