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The Nesting Place – Giveaway

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It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful!

My friend, Myquillyn Smith  (The Nester) recently sent me a copy of her new book The Nesting Place.

I briefly flipped through the pages but set the book aside.   I was in the middle of a project, covered in sawdust and paint and wanted to shower and snuggle up in bed to read it later that night…but after a long day of work I promptly fell asleep.  Maybe tomorrow…or Sunday…

The Nesting Place - Giveaway

I finally got to a stopping point on my four projects and was finally so tired from trying to push through and get them all done that I went to bed early one night (like 7:00 early) and read…

and read…

and read!

 

I thought this was going to be a design book.  I’ll give you a little spoiler — it’s so much MORE than a book about design and decorating.  WAY more!

Don’t get me wrong.  I love design, decorating and DIY – I basically eat, sleep and drink thinking about it.  BUT, I lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the flood of “pretty images” that are so easy to access – and no matter how many times I swear off the internet I find myself jumping online during a necessary coffee break.

I have a serious love/hate relationship with Pinterest!  Great place to go for inspiration with literally thousands of images at the ready – all leading to a source where I can find the tutorial or even MORE images.   It’s difficult NOT to start feeling inadequate in various aspects of your own life.  Home, body, hair, makeup… food (meals I cook for my family look NOTHING like the perfectly staged photos where I found the recipe).  Eventually I start feeling overwhelmed by the flood of unrealistic images.

Maybe that overwhelmed and inadequate feeling is part of the reason it took me so long to finally read this book — that was written and given to me by a sweet friend!

Maybe my subconscious was like, “pretty picture overload — overload!”

 

I can tell you that The Nesting Place is the perfect CURE for overload and feeling overwhelmed or inadequate and not just in your home, in any area of your life where you might be feeling those feelings.

Design and decorating are certainly covered, money saving tips, do it yourself project ideas, where to splurge and where to save…all those things are covered.  Myquillyn walks us through how to be a purposeful imperfectionist, how to repurpose and most importantly:  how to embrace the home you are in rather than waiting for…perfection.

 

I’m sure 50 could read it and come away with 50 different perspectives.  It’s that kind of book.  I took what I needed from it.

This is what I needed:  I am far from perfect.  My home is far from perfect.  My skills, talents, efforts, family, body, hair, makeup, dinner preparation and presentation  … are far from perfect.

And I am totally cool with that!

 

I’m giving away THREE copies of  The Nesting Place.  

If you win — Congratulations!  If you don’t win — spend the $12.99 and buy a copy.

You will be glad you did!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must have a USA shipping address to qualify.  The giveaway will end This Sunday (May 11 – Mothers’ Day).

 

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Comments

  2. I would love to win because I’m just now starting to embrace “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” and I know this would help me on the journey!

  3. All my favorite bloggers are raving about this book! I can’t wait to read it!

  5. I’m a perfectionist. After reading your review, I hope to glean some helpful information for that part of self that could use some straight forward advice. Also, this is a great give-a-way your having.

  7. I’m all about “good enough” home style these days. 😉 I remember the friends with perfect houses growing up, and we had no fun playing there. The houses we could have pillow fights with the couch cushions and roller skate in the basement – THAT was where we wanted to be!! 🙂

  8. Sounds like good book to encourage loving the space you’re in. Would love to read it!

  9. …been hearing lots of great things about this book, would love to add it to my collection!

  13. I think her declaration years ago that “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” set a lot of people free! I just love her perspective!

  14. I totally understand how overwhelming pinterest can be and I could use a break from ‘perfection’.

  15. I have a problem with perfection. Maybe this would give me perspective to get over that bump.

  16. I’ve been seeing this book floating around blogland, and I’m intrigued! I’m not in a place where I can do much to my home (I rent) but it’s nice to figure out what I can do to make my temporary home feel a little more like mine!

  17. I am obsessed with pinterest for inspiration – but I agree and could certainly use a dose of “love what you have” and want to learn how to embrace my house and it’s quirks and make them beautiful!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  19. Ironically I just found her blog a few days ago when I stumbled across her robins egg blue armoire. I had to know the exact color and then the clicking never stopped. I’m excited to read her book.

  20. I need help learning to be happy with what I have. We are building a new house and I am a bit absorbed with trying to make everything absolutely perfect.

  22. This sounds great. Everyone could use a little self empowerment. But, give yourself a little credit. Since I’ve started reading your blog i’ve come up with 8 major projects that I’ve somehow decided I could do myself! Totally empowering!

  23. I’d love to win a design book that not only inspired me, but also didn’t make me stare around at my own house in dismay. We’re all striving to be better; it’s hard not to compare someone’s step 38 to your step 2.

  25. Gah, I have the same love/hate relationship with Pinterest. It drives my husband crazy because everytime I make a decision, I question rather or not it’s the “right” decision. I’ve been following the Nester for awhile and I’d love to have a copy of her book.

  26. I keep hearing lovely things about the book, and I really love Myquillyn’s blog. Nevermind the fact that she shares a name (though not the spelling) with my most favorite (read: ONLY) sister-in-law. I have a really hard time spending $ on myself, what with 3 boys, The Man, and a classic car always needing something!

  27. It sounds like a really interesting read. So many books say “look what I’ve done”, but never tell you how they did it! This one sounds like it just may be the “cure” for that.

  28. I have been dying to get my hands on this book! Would looove to win!!

  29. Would love to read this, I think everyone needs to learn to embrace imperfection!

  30. Didn’t get a chance to enter the paint gun but you better believe Im entering this one 😉 I need all the design help I could get!

  31. A book that teaches you how to be a purposeful imperfectionist? Count me in!

  33. I totally agree with you on the perfect pictures. I love down to earth decorating books!

  35. I tend to do too much stuff…pictures would help the helpless like me …lol

  37. I would love to win because I could share this with my MOPS group!

  38. I am an apprentice carpenter and in 2001 when my Dad went to be with The Lord I inherited his workshop! I loooove woodworking. I inherited this from my dad and try a lot of projects. I accidentally stumbled on your site and am in awe of your huge island! It inspires me to do the same. I love your passion to build and take on anything and love that you give freely! God Bless u!

  39. We are building a new downsized house and are calling it The Nest. I would love to win this book and place it on my coffee table for guests to read- after I read it, of course! Love the cover, and the thought of not having to be perfect to be beautiful- perfection!

  40. I’d love to win so maybe I can place all the bargains I find at Goodwill.

  41. Sounds like a great book with realistic advice. If I don’t win, I’ll buy.

  42. I would love to read a realistic book about decorating and more! I get so overwhelmed looking at my house sometimes… Plus, we are expecting our third boy in August and our house really is a “nesting place” right now!

  43. I purchased her book, but would love to win one as a gift for someone else. Down to earth is the best phrase to describe the book. I like it a LOT! It’s worth the purchase, whether or not you win.

  44. It sounds like this book has a message I need to hear. I have a horrible perfectionist streak that I’m trying hard to tame.

  45. I’m getting a divorce after 34 years of marriage and I’m going to have my own place to decorate without any additional input. I’d like some, from a non-verbal source! lol

  48. I love design books that give you more than just a picture that is so far out of reach for a family!

  50. My husband and I are planning to build a house next year. I’ve been busy remodeling our current home but don’t know how to start from scratch for our new home! I’m hungry for any and all inspiration!

  51. I am truly DIY inspired by EVERY blog and Pinterest image I see these days. But it makes me feel so overwhelmed, I don’t know where to start! I would love to win this book, but will buy it based on your review ( I trust your judgment) if I don’t get picked. I think a book with projects and insights about everyday living, tips etc., would be a welcome change from Pinterest (which I love). Thanks for opportunity to win!

  52. I need so much help with my DIY projects. The ones I have tried are definately fails!

  54. Perfection and “must be gorgeous” thoughts plague me, so put me in the queue please! 🙂

  55. I would love to win. I think it would provide a lot of insight into helping us out in our individual homes.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  56. The Nesting Place sounds interesting and inspiring. I appreciate the chance for a copy of this book. Cheers.

  58. There are times when absolutely nothing goes right with my DIY projects. I normally take a step back and try to think what did I do wrong? Maybe its not always me that did something wrong. I am sooo new to the whole diy world that I am sure with more experience and knowledge something just might go right.

  59. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I loved your review but longed for more so I scooted over to Amazon.com and read some of the “verified purchase” reviews. (I ignore the others with the idea they are friends/family/publisher employees, etc with biased views). The Amazon reviews are wonderful and so, now, I am excited about reading her book.
    Additionally, I was unfamiliar with her blog so now I have more to read. lol Thanks!
    ~Christina
    PS I do hope your back is back to feeling good again.

  60. Just the kind of book to help with my own love/hate relationship with Pinterest! Thanks for an opportunity to read it.

  61. Sounds like a great book, I am just starting out on my DIY path (I got an Ikea drill from Mrs Santy this Christmas!) but am also weary of the constant pressure in the media to be perfect in every way. I’m not perfect, my house isn’t perfect but it’s my home, my baking isn’t perfect but my mother always says “it’s the taste that counts not the looks” and I agree.

    It’s a pity Ireland isn’t part of the US post service! :p

  63. oh my gosh
    that is totally me! we just got back from a month long cruise and the need to start diy-ing was overwhelming
    help ! i’m an addict

    but where to start so i went in a different direction and started classes in quilting (like i need something else to do)

    yesterday i looked around my house and saw 3 different projects started but no where near finishing, attempting to finish, or thinking about being finished….i was like a junky needing a fix but not able to decide which drug to use

    ur right ! i need a good book
    d

  65. This book sounds great! I feel you on the whole “picture overload.”

  66. I have been thinking a lot lately about why I always feel the need for my home to look like magazines, Pinterest etc. I totally need to get out of that mode and into a simpler one of what’s best and most functional FOR me and my family while still being lovely and creative. This sounds like the perfect book!!

  68. I have follow her blog and love it! I have seen several other bloggers featuring it as well! This is the same spot I am in… itching to make everything better… yet no budget to do so. I so desperately want to learn how to be ok with imperfection!

  71. I agree with you on so many levels. It is easy to start projects and plan more and more… and even to accomplish some/most of them. Sometimes it is just nice to read about someone else in a book and imagine doing it… Fortunately, I haven’t been overwhelmed by Pinterest because I haven’t yet started trying to do any/all/most/some of the projects I have pinned. Much too busy pinning! Thanks for the chance to win this book. It does look worth buying if I don’t win. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  72. I want to win because every blog I read seems to be raving about this book.

  73. 5 months ago my husband bought our new house while I was still in our old home across the country. We were so looking forward to being in the same state again once his permanent job came to be. But he bought a house that has so many things that need to be fixed. Either because it is plan ugly or it is just breaking down from time. The house has reveled more things every week. I am feeling so overwhelmed with the project list that I find myself stalled. Your description of The Nesting Place just hit home. Maybe it is just what I need to balance the possible solutions with the reality of what is

  74. I would love to win but seeing as in uk don’t think there’s a snowballs chance lol. I l love your blog it’s a great inspiration x

  75. My husband and I are on our 4th house and each time seems to come with far more DIY projects and boy are they time consuming! Would love to win this book!

  76. Your blog frequency and content is an inspirational and informational resource. Keep up the great work.

  77. Perhaps this will be the push I need to stop worrying about perfection and just enjoy the process!

  78. I reeeeeeeealy need to get out of the “I cant do it perfectly so I dont even try” rut I am in…….and this sounds like the cure!!!

    Xx

  79. I too get overwhelmed by interest perfection. It would be refreshing to read a book that is not reflective of perfectionism….

  80. I actually already ordered a book but if I win I will just gift mine to someone else!

  81. I just bought a house with my partner, and we are both consumed with the Do All The Things mentality. It’s terrifying. A little dose of reality would be helpful.

  82. Well, being recently divorced, moving into a new home, and having to do extensive renovations on my new home, I find myself styling my space to reflect myself. I don’t have to ask anyone else’s permission, or input on ANY of my decisions. It’s a ME nest!

  83. Mostly I’m just curious. You seem really pumped about it. We’re just starting this world of DIY and I spend a lot of time coming up with projects.

  84. I can definitely relate to the “pretty picture overload” idea. There are so many beautiful pictures on your blog, Pinterest, and other websites. It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea of trying to having everything perfect. The idea of being a “purposeful impressionist” sounds nice.

  85. My husband and I are setting up a bedroom for our soon to be our adopted 10 year old daughter and Pinterest sure can made the process exciting but overwhelming. This book sounds like a great way to get a dose of reality and reassurance that nothing is perfect; she’s going to love it no matter what

  86. I would love to win because we are about to move to our second home (after one year of living in this apartment) and in all of my excitement about decorating a new home, I often lose focus of the wonderful things Nester says. I get overwhelmed with Pinterest perfect images and forget to enjoy the process of making our home imperfectly-perfectly ours!

  87. I’m not a reader, but this book sounds very appealing! We recently moved into our “forever” house and I haven’t done much to it because I don’t know what I want to do or where to start. Hopefully this book could help me add those finishing touches throughout our house.

  88. Hi Sandra,
    I love to read. I love reference material. I have so many magazines and books about DIY but none on decorating. Oh wait, I have one book about color schemes. We completed a major renovation 2 years ago on our home but I am still decorating. I don’t want clutter, just want everything to feel good where it sits. Very hard for both me and my husband. We would appreciate the help the book offers.

  89. I would love to win this book. Being happy with one’s self is so very important and so many people miss that. My house, my family, my life is not perfect, but I like me and where I am. And it took awhile to get there. Have a great mother’s day.

  90. Oh I love her philosophy on appreciating where you are and loving the space, no matter the limitations. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

  91. We’re building a new house and I could definitely use all the inspiration in this wonderful book!

  92. I agree wholeheartedly with you on the live/hate relationship with Pinterest! I totally feel what you mean when you say that this book has an ability to calm and inspire you in more than just your decor life, also. I could totally use that!

  93. I’d love to win because I need some inspiration to get out of my rut with our home – I’m totally stalled with any fresh decorating in this old very imperfect house we call a home!

  94. I need help with design, I don’t have much talent in that area and it helps to see another’s ideas.

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