Have you guys ever had one of those moments that is so exciting and unexpected that it makes you feel like you’re living in a dream? Something happens that just seems way too good to be true and you can’t believe it happened to YOU. Well I had one of those moments recently, and today I finally get to share it! You guys, our cozy little DIY reading nook was featured in the summer issue of American Farmhouse Style Magazine. LOOK!
Soooo crazy, right?! When the editor of the magazine reached out a few months back and asked if they could use this photo, I jumped at the opportunity. Of course you can! Take all the photos you want nice editor lady! This is actually the second time our home has been in a magazine (you can read about the first time here) and both times now it feels like a dream. I mean, it’s pretty darn surreal to pick up a magazine in the middle of the grocery store and see your home. I was out shopping for groceries this weekend and saw it on newsstands for the first time. I just kept saying over and over, “is this even real life?” I snapped this photo standing in the store–jaw hanging wide open and baby belly looking large and proud.
I realize there are a zillion bloggers that have had their homes featured in magazines, so I’m really nothing special here, but to me this is pretty unbelievable–even if it is only one photo. And of all things, THIS project which was the very first DIY we did when we moved into this 1980’s fixer upper in the summer of 2015. It was my DREAM to create a reading nook in our living room out of that empty, useless closet space. I practically begged my handy father-in-law to help bring my vision to life. And thankfully he agreed. This all happened before LVN even existed, but this particular project was the starting point for so many things. Here’s a progress shot of the nook going into place:
And here’s the finished project:
You can see the full project in this post.
Seeing our little nook in American Farmhouse Style Magazine encourages me to keep dreaming and keep trusting my gut when it comes to my crazy visions for our home. This project symbolizes so much for me and the fact that it’s in this magazine is the icing on the cake. I’m just shaking my head as I type this post because I really can’t believe things like this are happening. The way God has scripted my story with this little 1980’s fixer upper and my beloved blog has been incredible. To say I’m grateful would be a massive understatement.
I want to encourage you today to chase after whatever dreams you have brewing with everything you’ve got. Whatever it is that you want, wherever God is leading you, I say go after it with full steam ahead and don’t let self-doubt slow you down. Sure, it definitely won’t be easy. And you’ll probably spend a lot of late nights feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, but I promise you that hustle pays off. Hard work always wins out. And if you’re doing what you love to do, that’s all that really matters anyway. Believe in yourself enough to go for it. You never know what will happen. One day you might just pick up a magazine and see your living room smack-dab in the middle of it. Then you’ll celebrate with ice cream.
Big, giant hugs from me to you all. I’m so very grateful for your support! xoxo
Oh my goodness …. you must be over the moon! Bravo and keep moving in your gift.
Thank you Marilyn, God is good!
That is awesome! Way to go, Sarah! I’ve always thought your home was beautiful, like pictures in a magazine, and this just proves it!
Thank you Pat, it’s definitely surreal to see our nook in a magazine!
Congratulations on a job well done..all the rooms in your home should be in there! Keep doing the awesome things God has set you on the path to do!
Thank you Jana, I’ll keep following His lead!
Wow!! How exciting!! I just recently started following your blog and just love it. I wanted to thank you for all of your positive encouragement. Just last night, I was having some major doubts about a business I am going to start. It will be one that will eventually help moms be able to make a decent amount of money and be able to stay at home with their children (my goal). I know your words were Divine and just what I needed. Thanks again….. you are such a blessing!
I’m so glad this post came at the right time for you Keri! Sounds like you have some big goals. Keep going, keep working hard, and believe in yourself–that’s the most important part!
Congrats!! Your home is amazing and you are so cool to share with us!!
Thank you Cissy, it’s my pleasure to share it with you lovely people!
I’m so happy for you! I love the way you decorate! great job ????
I bought that magazine yesterday and what a surprise even for me to be leafing thru and on page 27 I come across a familiar name and picture……..so excited for you. I can only imagine how it must feel to be acknowledged for something that is such a passion for you. Congratulations.
Yay! I’m so glad you found it JB!
I know you must be thrilled! Congrats!!
This is super awesome!!! I love reading your blog and all the inspiring and encouraging (but still keeping it real) posts! Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful day!
I really appreciate that Anna, thank you!
I would think a magazine would have to have permission to picture a persons home. So they didn’t even notify you ?
I should have mentioned that Judy, they did ask for permission first. A few months ago actually. Thanks for bringing it up, I went back and edited the post to make that more clear!
Congratulations! This is awesome and well deserved! Thank you for sharing so many great ideas with all of us!
So happy for you, Sarah! & you are special & it’s very very cool! Congrats! Xx kim
Aw thank you Kim, you are too sweet!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you ????
Thanks Nikki!
Congratulations Sarah, you’re an inspiration to all your subscribers!!!
Thank you so much Elaine!
Congratulations, I look forward to your site and ideas every day.
Thank you Jonita, that means so much to me!
Wow! What a beautiful dream come true. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. Lots and lots of hugs xx
Thank you so much Angela, big hugs to you!
I will go out and get me a copy of that magazine! I think your handy father-in-law should feel pretty good about his work, too.
*Smiles*
Oh yay! I hope you can find it Pamela. And yes, that handy father-in-law is very proud!
Oh my golly, did you NOT get to sleep the day they asked you?! How exciting! Honestly, I think they should do your entire house…all of it is adorable and totally magazine worthy!
Haha, YES! It definitely felt a bit like Christmas when they asked. God is so good, I certainly don’t deserve it. But thank you for all your support and kindness, you are such a sweetheart Cindy.
Congratulations! It all looks so beautiful.
Thank you so much Dianne!
Congratulations! It is a nifty little nook.????
Thanks so much Lisa!!
Congratulations! That’s fantastic! God loves to delight us!
Thanks Faith! God certainly gives me way more than I deserve.
Sarah, congratulations. That is so wonderful for you. ????????
Thank you Doreen. It definitely feels a bit like a dream!
That is so cool!!!
Thanks Donalee!!
I am SUPER excited for you!!! Oh my goodness that is so amazing. You totally deserve it!
Thank you SO much Brandi!
That’s so awesome Sarah! I’m not surprised that they wanted to use your nook, and think they should do a whole spread on your home! All your hard work is paying off, what a huge blessing. Congrats!
Oh wouldn’t that be cool?! I can’t imagine getting a whole spread in a magazine. Just another dream to add to the list, right?! Thanks for all your support and encouragement, you are awesome Brenda!
So dang happy for you, Sarah!!!! Seriously! God is so good!
Thank you sweet Julie! And yes, GOD IS GOOD!
You go Mama!!! How super duper exciting!! You have such a creative gift. You’ve been a blessing in my life.
Aw thank you Sherry! You are definitely a blessing in my life as well!
Fantastic and so well deserved! Bet you wanted to squeal out loud in that grocery store! Something tells me there’ll be a few more shots Ina few more mags before long! I had one of those frustrating nights trying to make technical things happen on this new blog I’m working on…..it’s only you and my friends and family keeping me going and sane actually!!????????x
Oh you know it Helen, I was one happy lady in that grocery store aisle! Thank you so much for all the support and kind words, it means so much to me! And stay tuned, my blogging series starts TOMORROW! 🙂
Sarah..THAT’S JUST SO FREAKING COOL!!!
I love that reading nook and I think your whole “Little Vintage Nest” belongs in a magazine…cause it’s just so darn awesome!!
All I can say right now is WOOOHOOOO!!!
Congratulations, I’m so excited for you (and you definitely deserve it!!)
Thank you so much Sherri! It definitely feels a bit surreal. I really appreciate your kind words, you are awesome!
Oh my word, that is just the best news , im so happy for you. Thats just awesome.
This post put such a smile on my face today. Way to go!!!
Thank you so much Teresa, it’s definitely surreal!
GOOD JOB, GIRL!!! Enjoy this moment, because you deserve it!
Yay!!! I’ve always loved that little book nook of yours. Congrats friend!
Thank you sweet Chelsea!
Congrats mama!!! Youvso deserve it. Your home has always stood out from the crowd and I’m so glad it was recognized in such an awesome way! Ice cream spoon cheers to you ????
Thank you so much Kate! I really appreciate that. It was just a small feature but still so cool!
OH, Sarah!! What. dream come true!! I’m so happy for you, and proud of you, my friend!!