Let Me Explain: My Work/Life Balance, My Blog, And How My Brain Works
I want to explain my work/life balance, how I decide what to blog about each day, and how my brain works. If you’re wondering where this is coming from, it’s coming from comments that I tend to get on a regular basis. Those comments go something like this. “I don’t care about this information. Just show me what you got done on your closet.” Or, “Can you just finish a project before you move on to something else?”
I’ve been blogging for 17 years now, and for most of those years, I’ve been blogging about my DIY projects. My DIY journey started when we were living in our tiny little condo located by Baylor University in Waco. During those first years in the condo, I also had an interior decorating business and was decorating for clients. That was my full-time job, and like most people who have full-time jobs, my own DIY home projects were done on evenings and weekends. And then Matt’s health started to decline to the point that I could no longer keep scheduled meetings with clients, or I would get a frantic phone call from him in the middle of an installation in a client’s home, and I would have to rush home to help Matt. Life was stressful then.
So I eventually stopped working for clients altogether, and I turned my DIY projects and my blog into my full-time work. It was convenient since it allowed me to stay home, and I loved the work I was doing, but that was my life. My entire life was working on projects and helping Matt. That was it. I had no life outside of our condo.
I don’t know how many of you were around back then, but at some point, I took on a major DIY project for a couple who wanted to hire me as a decorator, but I explained to them that I was no longer doing that. So instead, they basically handed over their house to me (a house that they were not living in) and they let me DIY the heck out of their house. I completely DIYed their bedroom, bathroom, family room, and kitchen. I loved that project so much. It was fun and challenging, and because it was a non-standard decorating project, with them living out of town, I had free reign in that house. I could work when I could (when Matt’s health allowed it). I could come and go as I pleased. I could work as long as I needed to, even into the evenings. And I could drop everything and go home at any moment if Matt needed me. It was kind of a dream job getting to DIY on my own schedule with free reign and with other people’s money.
But again, that was my life. All my life consisted of was working on that house and taking care of Matt. And because the toll of Matt’s MS on his health was all new to us back then, it was stressful. But because his MS wasn’t as advanced as it is now, I could spend long stretches of time away from him. So I was working about 10-13 hours a day. Like I said, it was my life.
I remember during that time, I challenged myself at one point. I had a “one project a day” goal. In other words, my challenge to myself was to start and finish one project every single day. During that time, I cranked out the projects. And they weren’t small projects, either. For example, I built a factory cart-style coffee table in one day, start to finish. And then the next day, I would do a similar project start to finish. And the next day. And the next day. So during that time, as I was cranking out the projects, I was also cranking out the blog posts, with one brand new DIY project after another.
That was really a great time for my blog. All of those projects in such quick succession really helped to build my blog, build my audience, and get my blog “on the map”, virtually speaking. But it was absolutely exhausting. And I cannot even stress this enough. It was my life. I had nothing outside of work and Matt. Living that way was very isolating.
When we bought this house, I continued with that schedule for a long time. And it became even more challenging and more isolating as Matt’s health and his ability to do things on his own continued to decline. Instead of working on someone else’s home for long stretches each day, I was working on our house for 10-13 hours a day. And again, that’s all my life consisted of. So once again, I was able to get projects done relatively quickly. I did a full down-to-the studs demolition and rebuild of a kitchen almost completely by myself in five months, including moving/widening doorways, removing a wall, etc. And I followed that with a complete down-to-the-studs-and-floor-joists demolition and remodel of a bathroom almost completely by myself in about the same amount of time, including moving and widening a doorway and doing all of the drywall and concrete board myself. It was my life. Matt and work. Work and Matt. That’s it.
Today, things are very different. There’s no way I could have gone on like that forever. The blog was doing great. Building my audience was great. The income was great. But the work was exhausting, and the isolation was sucking the very life out of me.
In 2020, the world changed. The isolation became even more pronounced, and I determined to make a change. I realized that there had to be more to life than work. My life needed an outward focus. I needed to find my people. My community. So I made it my determination to do exactly that.
And in the last few years, my life has changed drastically. My focus has gone from work and Matt to Matt and other people. That’s not to say that my work isn’t important. I still spend a lot of time working. But things take longer now, and I don’t crank out those finished projects as fast as I used to. These days, if I’m in the middle of a project, covered head to toe in dust and caulk, and I have a goal of what I want to finish by the end of the day so that I can blog about it the next day, but then a friend calls and invites me to dinner, I’m going to choose dinner with a friend over finishing the project just so that I can have progress to share in a blog post the next day. Time with a friend comes first. Sharing progress on my project can wait another day.
And that is my life these days. My projects don’t get done as fast, and I’m okay with that. In place of working 10-13 hours a day, I try to get a few hours in each day and prioritize time with people. I have friends I love dearly. I have my family who I prioritize two days a week. And as always, Matt is my top priority each and every day. I still try to get as much done on projects as fast as I can, but I’m just one person, and I can only do so much. And people will always take priority in my life over projects.
But back to 2020. During that year, like millions of other people, I really struggled. Not only did I struggle to get things done, but I struggled with my blog as well. I struggled to show up on the blog regularly. And then I got an email that really shook me out of my self-focused mindset. I don’t remember what it said exactly, but the person basically said, “Kristi, where are you? We need you right now! We need your blog posts right now!”
And in that moment, I realized that yes, people need a little bit of time out of their hectic lives and the craziness of this world to focus on something fun and maybe even frivolous. So that’s what I’ve determined to provide — just a few minutes in your lives each day where you can put the craziness of the world and your hectic lives out of your mind for a bit and read about a fun project or a fun (or crazy) idea I have. I look at my blog these days as not only educational (I hope) when have a project to share, but also as a few minutes of entertainment in your lives where you can get a glimpse into my brain where I always have about a thousand ideas swirling around in there.
So I won’t always have projects to share. I won’t always have progress to share. Feeling like I can only ever share progress on my current project is pressure I refuse to take on anymore. I can’t live that way. But on those days when I really don’t have any progress to share, I always have ideas or thoughts I can share about a future project or some other random idea I have swirling around in my brain. That’s what I can provide, along with a few moments out of your day to get your mind off of your hectic life and be entertained by the projects or thoughts or plans of a crazy DIYer in little Waco, Texas.
But for those of you who only want to see progress on my current project, here it is. I got the island top painted white and ready to marble…
And I got most of the drawer slides attached to the drawer boxes…
That would have made a very boring blog post all on its own. And why did I not get more done? Because Wednesdays are about family and community. People over projects. But when I have enough interesting progress to share on my current project, I’ll always prioritize sharing that information over anything else. When I don’t have enough interesting progress to share, you’ll get something else that’s currently swirling around in my brain, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not focused or that I’m jumping around from project to project. I just means that I’m only one person, I can only do so much, and I just need more time.
EDITED 7/6/25 TO ADD: I want to stress the fact that many years ago, I decided that my blog would be dedicated to topics of decorating and any other home-related topics, with a few personal posts thrown in. I decided, no matter what’s going on in the world, this would not be a place where I talk about politics, current events, etc. Even right now, on July 6th, 2025, there are terrible things going on in my state with the flash flooding in the hill country areas of Texas causing deaths of many people, including children. It’s tragic and heartbreaking as we watch the search for these people unfold.
But I don’t talk about these things on this blog. Why? Because we all have plenty of outlets for that information, and plenty of other more appropriate outlets (friends, family, community, church) where we can discuss these issues and share our thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. And I go back to my firm belief that we all need at least a few minutes in each day of respite from the craziness, sadness, and chaos in the world around us. Please don’t ever take my silence on these things here on the blog to mean that I’m unaware or don’t care. Don’t take that to mean that I haven’t been glued to the news to keep up with what’s happening in this most recent flash flooding in my own state, or to keep up with other national and world events. Don’t take that to mean that my heart isn’t breaking or that I haven’t cried tears over the unbearable pain that people are experiencing.
All it means is that I take my job even more seriously — my job to give people those few minutes in each day of respite from the serious, hard, challenging, sad, painful things, and a few minutes to give their minds, their hearts, and their emotions a moment to rest and focus on something that isn’t emotionally, mentally, and psychologically taxing in the least, as is actually, if we’re being honest, quite frivolous in the bigger scheme of things. I think we all need that, and that’s a small way I can contribute — a few minutes of respite and entertainment each day.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Brqvo, Kristi! I remember those times. (I discovered your blog right at the time you bought the gouse, before moving in.) i noticed since a few years ago a change in the tone of your blogs. There is a new dominant streak and it’s a streak of joy. Also, your love for your people, Matt above anything else, is really obvious. Your newish balance makes your blog more alive and a joy to read!
Happy birthday, dear virtual friend!
Sorry for the typos!
Rock on, Kristi! I love your blog.
BTW, first encounter with your blog was when I found your post regarding building and upholstering a headboard back at your condo. I started reading your blog regularly 2010 or 2011.
I think I started following your blog around the time you were starting on your kitchen. I missed your posts when there were fewer during COVID. I was glad to see it when you began posting more regularly again. I’m the designer of my own homes (we move A LOT) and you have given me so many ideas and so much inspiration over the years. I’ve always wished I had the skill, space, tools and knowledge to build things. I don’t, but at least can live vicariously through you. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us. It matters. We would really miss you if you weren’t here.
So happy that I joined your crazy DIY world shortly after you started working on your house. I so look forward to reading your blog and seeing what you accomplished the day before. I know Wednesday is family day and you absolutely deserve the socialization. You truly show your love for family, friends and pets (even outdoor ones). I am so happy to be part of your blog, you are the only one I follow.
May you and Matt have a blessed day.
Thank you for this post Kristi! My partner has Parkinson’s, which disabled him. I can’t leave him for longer than a couple of hours. This is my life now – working full time from home and taking care of him. And I don’t know how long I can go on like this. Maybe one day I’ll find something that would make it easier.
I am praying for you Valentina 🙏🏻
My heart goes out to you. I’m 72 and am full-time caretaker for my husband who has swiftly advancing Alzheimer’s. If I had a full-time job like you, I would lose it! LOL! Just know that you’re not alone, although I’m sure it feels that way. Kristi’s blog inspires me to do small projects when time allows! Glad you are here! God Bless!🩷🙏
That’s part of what I love about reading your blog entries, you feel like a person having fun working on their house and sharing their knowledge (in a very thorough, informative, and helpful way), and not like a business-blogger pushing sponsored products every project (where they’re probably lying about how good they are). It’s more engaging, more relatable. I’ve yet to come across another home/DIY blog that has the same vibes. Also how entitled is it to say stuff like that to you?? It’s YOUR blog lol. I love hearing about the extra side stuff.
Well said. I can’t compare to other bloggers because yours is what I read daily. I don’t care what you post. It’s always interesting. Jumping around on projects is how creativity works. Otherwise you will slip into a boredom coma and so will we. It’s your blog. Do it your way. I love it!
I 💯% understand your points considering life priorities. I am the primary caregiver to my husband with Parkinson’s. I always look forward to your posts no matter what the topic. I love your no fear attitude. We chose to move a thousand miles away and now live in a condo so I have very limited project opportunities and no new friends and limited family to distract myself. You’re filling that space right now. You’ve got your priorities right. Keep it up!
PS…if you look closely at a lot of diy projects, you can see what a poor job has been done. Not yours. Perfection every time. Thank you for that .
I was my husbands primary caregiver for 12 years. He also had PD and died this last December. We too moved to a condo. Although the river view was beautiful, I was miserable there after he died. I had no yard and no place to do any DIY projects. I am now in a very small house with a very small yard and am much happier. Kristi provides a bright spot in my life as well. My prayers are with you and your husband. It is not an easy road, but I was fortunate enough to be with him on his last journey. It was a privilege to be with him.
I started following you just as you finished the last couple of projects in the condo and bought the house. I often wondered how you did it all and took care of Matt. I noticed the change in the blog and was honestly relieved when the blog took a good mix of projects, thoughts “swirling in your head” and references to Wednesday lunches with family, church gatherings and friends. Everyone needs a work life balance and I am relieved and so happy that you have found one. I am one of those who look forward to your daily blog, regardless the subject. You keep on being you and your readers will keep on reading and appreciating how open you are to sharing not only your projects but also a part of your life with us. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of Matt. God bless you and Matt my virtual friend.
I read & enjoy your posts EVERY day, no matter the topic. You do you, don’t worry about the rest.
Thanks for the daily inspiration you are to us! May God’s richest blessings continue for you and your family!
I have read your blog since the apt. You amaze me and I have learned a lot from your posts including it’s okay to change my mind, redo things, and do it how I like vs what others think. I love reading about your day to day and how your mind thinks. We are the same age and I don’t know how you do it all. You are amazing.
Kristi, you are a wonderful person and a DIYer, but to heck with those who are impatient to see what you have “done.” Those of us who have followed you since condo days know how you work, and we are fine with your thought process and results. When you have them finished, we rejoice with you.
I wish you and Matt a beautiful, blessed rest of the week and weekend.
That sounds like a much healthier lifestyle and one that won’t lead to burn out. Kudos to you for recognizing your need for more than Matt and work. I am sure Matt is much happier as well.
I’m pretty new to your blog and the life of Kristi but I have to admit that you have me hooked ! I love your bright and beautiful designs and your use of colour. I love meandering with you through your ideas and trial runs. I love all of the details you provide on how you diy something. But most of all, I love that you share it all: the ideas, the progress, the missteps, the second thoughts, your personal trials and tribulations, your good days, your bad days. You show the world your human side and help your readers understand that no one is perfect, that it is ok to try and have a set back and then get back up and try again.
Yours is the only blog that I read but I know that there is no one else out there like Kristi !
I can never understand individuals who climb in someone else’s sandbox and then bitch about the way the owner is creating in said sand. If the visitor is just there to see sandcastles being created and does not understand that smoothing the surface can be an outcome as well, then skip days when castles are not being done or just push off and find a different sandbox that suits them better.
What an analogy! I read your every post and sometimes they do not thrill me to bits and sometimes they make me think and sometimes they make me rejoice at the progress you have made on a project. I really enjoy the reactions from your other readers too because they expand my views in ways that would not have occurred to me by myself.
Ignore the nay-sayers, you owe them nothing!
Okay, 2020 is in the past, gone forever, so no need to worry about it. This is 2025, that is what I am interested in.
It is hard to keep up when you jump from one project to another, without finishing the first. It is even worse when more than 2 projects are being worked on!
If you would rather I find another blog, of which there are plenty, to read in place of yours, I can do that!
Some people are just wired that way….one thing at a time. I know my husband HATES the shows that start out in the middle of something and then jump back in time to before that period to lead back up to that period. And I love them. If it bothers you, you just don’t look at it. Just open the posts that are a continuation of the project you want to follow. I think she has the posts organized by room, too, so you can go to that room or project and just read through those in order.
Are you under the impression that this entire blog is written solely for you? Why are you making these statements, just to irritate or get a response out of Mrs. Linauer? If this is so very difficult for you to “keep up when you jump from one project to another” perhaps you should go elsewhere.
Bye
I really think if you’re so linear that you can’t follow, it may be time to move on. I can never understand people like you who think YOU have a right to tell other people how to do things. This is Kristi’s blog, to share what SHE does! I don’t even do DIY, but I love her blogs so much that I’ve been reading/watching her for about 12 years. What %who gives you the right to tell ABYONE what they should/shouldn’t do on their OWN blog?
Fat finger typos 😁😁
I am replying to you Marigene as we all read and share thoughts here. You clearly state your feelings concerning the blog and then turn around and asking Kristi if she would rather you chose another blog more to your liking. I feel like that decision falls on you, either you benefit reading the blog, even it is not all to your liking, or you make the move. Peace to you
Hi Kristi: LOVE your post today! And I am so glad that you have found a good work / life balance. I have been following you since you were working on the hall bathroom, shortly after you moved in. In the past, there have been times when I was really worried about you working too much and expecting too much from yourself. As an analytical person, I have recognized (and been glad to see) that you need to have posts that sometimes show progress and sometimes convey plans or simply processes and products that you have found useful and learned through your years of experience. I think it is not only realistic to provide of variety of post topics but it also gives both you and us readers opportunities to ponder on things and think on how various topics might relate to our homes and circumstances. Of course, you should always do what you feel are the best choices for you and Matt, in your home, and that goes for your time as well!! I so look forward to your daily posts and this work / life balance seems to provide much consistency with your post. All work and no play makes Jane (and Kristi, and Linda, and etc.) a dull and exhausted girl. And your blog is NOT the slightest bit dull. Thanks for what you do and sharing it with us all!!! You rock!!
Dearest Kristi…! I have been w/You since your “Apartment Days”! You see at the time I too had a MOST WONDERFUL Husband with failing health. He too HAD been a most amazing DYIer…and me his ever enthusiastic assistant and cheerleader. And we looked so forward to your every post….He with total admiration and me with total understanding of your “Role in life”. … he has been gone now….almost 10 years… but my “connection” of similarities of that time with you remains the same…. And whatever you need to “fuel” your “Engine” are so “right” and beyond deserving for you to give yourself…
Thank you for emphasizing relationships over products, Kristi. It’s a breath of fresh air to hear someone reminding us that life isn’t in the stuff, i.e. tasks, productivity, etc. And we all have our limits. Keep up the good work, especially the work without tools.
It is so nice to know you are human! We all have “stuff” to deal with each and everyday and we all have priorities. People that criticize you, I just dont understand them! So thankful for you sharing your DIYs and your life with us, your way. ❤️
Work/life balance is good. 🙂
It must be difficult to write an entire blog post about not a huge amount of work finished, but I do appreciate the small advances because they inspire me to do a little of that’s all I can do.
I know we both watch Garden Answer, and I think the secret behind her popularity is that every day is like a little before and after. So that’s why I enjoy your blog too – even the painted top and drawers with glides are a before/after or progress marker.
Kristi, I have always been in awe of your energy and drive, especially with your situation with Matt. Nobody can imagine what being a Caregiver does to your life unless they have been in your shoes. I was a caregiver to my husband for almost 20 years including doing dialysis at home. And I am an experienced RN. Lots of stuff got pushed to the back burner. Now a widow, I am always thrilled to see your blog posts. You have inspired me to do so many things myself. I was always a DIYer but your example has prompted me to dive into projects I wouldn’t have, otherwise. BTW, I do not follow any other blogs besides you! I don’t do podcasts either. I do look at other websites that you point out but I am not invested in anybody else’s work. Never forget that there are a whole bunch of people out here who love you and your work. We outnumber that one scumbag that has been aggravating you! Block him on your phone and computer (FB) and you can forget his/her sorry ass!
I read your stuff first when I get a new post! Good for you that you’ve set your priorities correctly – people over projects, Matt over everyone else. How much time each project takes will not matter.
Thanks for doing what you’re doing – I love that you tackle hard things. Can’t wait to see the finished closet, the bedroom and especially the new kitchen! Keep on, Kristi!
Thank you Kristi. You made me smile.
My morning routine typically begins with clearing out my email, and this morning, I was absolutely thrilled to see a new A2D post waiting for me! After tidying up both my personal and work inboxes, I couldn’t wait to make my coffee and sit down to read your latest.
It’s like you’re blogging just for me every single day – I seriously look forward to your posts! I’m not even a DIYer, but your projects always inspire me, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing all your progress updates. Sometimes, I save a few posts to binge-read, making for a fantastic long catch-up session. Thank you for creating such wonderful content!
Kristi, you still amaze me with your talent, energy and grace. I think you move faster than lightening. Your dedication to your husband, family and friends is beyond commendable, it is truly selfless and a testimony to us all. I cannot thank you enough for all of your words, I look forward to them every day, and without fail, you always hit the right note. I am the main caregiver in our family, as it is I who has Lupus and my big, brave and strong husband of almost 40 years gets to watch me slowly succumb to this disease. I can no longer juggle so many things at once, but I am slow and still steady enough to close the finish line, just not as fast as I would like. Thank you for being you, and I hope that you can take comfort in all of us out here in the “ether” that you can feel our love and support for you and your family.
Love and Blessings to you and Matt, and your family!
I’m so glad you’re here. I love reading your blog and seeing all the amazing projects you take on—it’s truly inspiring. It gives me hope that when I have a home of my own again, I’ll be able to take on projects too.
Kristi, I remember the first of your posts I read (and I might have mentioned it before): your yardstick vent cover. It was genious and I was intrigued. And I got to read every one of your blog entries ever since and have always loved them. I often share them with my husband and we both talk about you as if you were a friend (which in a way you have become!). I have used several ideas by you over the years (smaller ones, though 😉 ). Your authenticity makes your blog so wonderful and readable (and I, too, only read yours, no other blogs) and relatable. The latter, because you show all the failures along the way and all the ways to the beautiful results as well.
I am happy for you that you opened your life and have a bunch of friends and family who you prioritze over work – that is the best way to be happy and content. May you continue doing all that you do with joy and enthusiasm for a lot longer!! Thank you for taking me/us on the ride – lots of love from the other side of the ocean!
I consider each blog post, whenever about whatever, such a gift that I get to enjoy! Glad you’ve reprioritized your work-life balance.
I found you during your condo days and intend on keeping your blog in my list of favorites. I think I’ve watched every post and look forward to the next. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and projects.
While we have quite different styles you never fail to inspire me to keep working & make my spaces my own. Seeing you tackle so many different types of projects has given me courage & confidence to try things & to use those power tools!!! It’s so sad to see how entitled people have become & how often you have to remind them that you’re an actual person that is doing this by yourself in real time. I hope you know how many of us there are that appreciate what you do.
Bravo!! I like your style! It suits my style just fine! ….A very long time follower!
I found you when you were working on the Harlequin laundry closet at the condo. That is still my favorite project! The idea that a laundry area can be pretty. Yes, I look for your post everyday. Yes, I was worried during the “C” years. But, not because you were not producing content. I was so worried for Matt. As a nurse I saw first hand what could happen to someone with a diagnosis like MS. I am so happy that you are thriving with Matt in your beautiful home. Enjoy life and talk about it here if you like. An old friend you have never met will be happy to hear from you.
Sheila F.
Well said.
I’ve been reading your blog since your condo days. Honestly, there have been times in my life when your blog has absolutely sustained me. It just gave me a few minutes a day to read about something I love…home diy, design and decor. My daughter was a little girl when I first started reading your blog. I remember her saying, “are you reading Condo Kristi again?” Then when you moved, she started asking about “House Kristi.” She is now 25 and we still talk about and read your blog together. 🙂 Your blog has been a breath of fresh air and a nice place to visit for years. I used to hate it that you seemed really isolated. And, when you started talking about your church group coming over on Wednesday nights / having lunch with your family on Wednesdays…I was SO glad for you!! You seem happier. Your writing is happier. And, your work has not suffered one little bit. Blog what you want, when you want. I’m glad that you are enjoying your life and that you are sharing it with us! Blessings.
You do you girl! I for one totally get your crazy life, and just wait on you when you show up! And I know you’re researching help for your upcoming projects too, so do what you gotta do!
I have followed you since your condo days. I look forward to each and every post, whenever it works for your schedule. I don’t care if you decide to jump to another project or stick with the one you are on. I only vocalize what color or style I would choose if you ask for input, knowing full well what you decide will be perfect. Your house is full of color, looks so pretty, and your attention to detail is unmatched. I hope you always take time to enjoy your life with Matt, and your friends and family. Time is the one thing we cannot get back. I will be here whenever you post. Thank you for the joy you bring to my life.
Hi Kristi… like many others I have been following your posts since you and Matt bought your current home, and you started on your kitchen, many years ago now. I too love colour rather than the current trends. Your thought process, research skills and ability to show your followers the steps required to get the same/similar results are expertly done. I too do not understand other individuals who do not know how to just scroll on if what they are seeing is not to their taste/speed of progress!! Also like many others, your blog is the only one that I follow… all the way from Australia. Keep doing what you do best!!
I love your blog, with all the talent and skill you have, and hearing about your journey with Matt. One thing I’d like to implement is a fine system that would work like this: you know that if you exceed the speed limit in a car, you are at risk of a fine, and if you don’t pay, you can lose your license. I would like all OPs to have the power to “fine” trespassers of good manners and common sense, and when they write something insulting, none-of-their-business, or critical of someone else’s work, the OP gets to collect a fine, and retain the right to banish the idiot, I mean, the wrongdoer for ever. You are appreciated!
Thanks for all that you do and share on your blog. You are a bright spot in my day and I feel like a part of the Kristi virtual community when I read the positive comments on your posts. Seeing people supporting you and each other speaks volumes about your blog and the tone that you set.
Like many others you have inspired me (at 68) to do things in my home (Kitchen backsplash, pantry remodel, accent wall in bedroom and closet remodel).
I do hold you responsible for my addiction to power tools (lol) which I justify purchasing because I am saving so much money doing it myself.
Thanks for showing us you are human and giving insight into your very real life.
I love this so much. I started following you when you were living in the condo. My mom was dying of cancer. My sis was fighting cancer. I was working fulltime and driving between cities. Your blog meant so much to me. A bright spot in the day from a strong capable woman that wasn’t daunted by what life was throwing at her. Thank you! Thank you!! And I love your approach to design.
Well shoot! For me it’s the hefty dose of Kristi brain swirlings that makes your blog very unique and keeps me interested all these years. I only do small DIY projects, my style is not very similar (though I like a good dose of color) and progress reports on building complex things are not so interesting to me. I like to hear the individual thought processes for how and why!
Kristi,
You are my inspiration. In 2009 l bought a house that has been totally updated from the roof down. It’s a 1982 double wide that is now a “real ” house. I lived here for 3 years and the second year my life went to the worst l could imagine. I lived it for another year. When l could no longer live alone l rented my house and moved 40 miles away. I followed you through it all. My friend had a building she wasn’t using and l turned it into my art/sewing studio. That was a very healing time for me. I was teaching art which kept me out the house. At 7 years she put her house for sale and l moved back to mine. The renters had all but destroyed my house and the separate apartment on my land. The garage was beyond use. It has taken me 3 years to make my house livable again. I’ve lived this last 3 years with what would Kristi do as my go to when over Whelmed at times. I grew up watching my Dad build our house a section at a time so l had knowledge of lots of wood projects. Now my house is almost done. I need new sheets rock in the hall and the baseboards done. My garage is great. The apartment is a total lost. I don’t know how to tell you how much your blog helped me and inspired me to keep going. You kept me going for these last 3 years. I’m sorry this is so long. I just wanted you to know what you and your blog had meant to me. At 75 now friends are amazed at what l’ve accomplished in 3 years.
Thank you so much.
Kristi~
What I love about you and your blog is that you’re a real person going through real life and you’re taking us along on your journey. There is no facade, which I appreciate. There were many very good comments and I enjoy reading them all. You’re the only blog I follow because you keep things real. I love reading the comments from your followers as well because they open my mind up to different ideas and suggestions. It’s very easy for me to block out the naysayers. Thank you for being you.
I, like you, sometimes pause one project and move on to another. If I can’t make a decision on something, I step away for a bit and work on something else. I figure at least I’m getting something done! I know it drove my dear, belated friend crazy! We all think and work differently. I love that you are so honest and open sharing your work and your family with us. I’m sure there are days that you may question why you do it; especially when you receive rude or harsh comments. I look forward to reading your posts each day.
LOVE THIS…
YOU ARE SO REAL….!!!!!
Bravo Kristi! 👏 thanks for sharing that. I’ve been following you since the condo and enjoy ALL your post. YOU ARE SO BRAVE to share your life the way you do and are so inspirational ❤️ It is one reason I follow you. You are real and genuine. Especially, in this instant gratification, “edited” world. When you share your struggles and thinking process, that’s REAL life, imperfect and full of trials sometimes. So, thank you! It makes me patient with myself and has helped me to grow in many ways.
I like your ideas and how meticulous you are with everything. I love your blogs and updates about the projects you doing to your house. I found you by accident cause i was looking on how to build a little bookcase and surprisingly you had a video for that. And then i kept looking through your youtube channel and i kept finding cool stuff that you have built. Like that chevron table that turn out awesome but i wasnt going to build cause it is time consuming. Your blogs and emails are an adicction for real.
Hi Kristi, I too follow one blog faithfully…yours. I’ve been with you since your condo days…but after the ‘yardstick vent cover’. I’m going to try and look that one up.
I love watching you do up your home. I’m not a DIYer. Just wish I was. But you have encouraged me to use more colour, and to redo it if it is too bright (bright yellow is really, really bright!!) I am a proud Canadian and in Canada you are a star! Thank you for everything! God bless. Linda P.S. If you ever wanted to do a blog on your fur babies that would be fine as well 😁.
I enjoy the slower pace. It seems like you have more time to reflect on your design choices and include us in that process. It’s very insightful!
I love the current pace of your blog. You could even move slower and Id be content! You do everything SO MUCH FASTER than I can get things done! I have a lot of other responsibilities (a lot of people in my life!) that come first. I love that you are so relatable. I too have a million ideas swirling in my brain, I love being able to customize every project I do… I get SO much from your blog! Thanks a million for sharing!