I'm not sure where I first came upon this book, "The Nesting Place" by Myquillyn Smith,
but man am I sure glad I did!
Lately I've been craving beauty in my home but I usually end up like one of the people she describes: I walk into a store and am so totally overwhelmed by all of the choices in front of me that my head starts spinning and I end up walking out emtpy-handed because my brain ceases to function.
After reading this book, I've come to realize this happens to me because 1. I don't have a clear vision in my head of what I am trying to accomplish and 2. I walk into a store and start thinking about EVERY room in my house.
No, no and NO! What I need to do is to narrow it down to one room and then walk into a store with a loose vision of what I'd like to see happening.
The subtitle of this book is "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful". That is so empowering. My favorite passage of this entire book has to be this one,
"Excellence is working toward an attainable goal that benefits everyone, while perfection comes from a place of great need - usually the need to avoid criticism and gain praise and approval from others. We like to tell ourselves that we are insisting on perfection for the betterment of those around us. But really, insisting on perfection is a self-centered act."I personally don't get stalled out by perfection (which is quite obvious if you saw my home!) but I know people who do, so this quote really sunk in. I also like the definition of excellence she gives; working on an attainable goal that benefits everyone. What a great goal to strive for in our life as well as our home!
I've seen this book popping up on various blogs and I have to laugh because it seems to have inspired the same effect in everyone...taking risks and doing something different. I had Ms 15 yo read the book, too, since she's interested in interior design and she likes to change up a room every now and then. She's just as excited to get going as I am.
The other day, after having both finished the book, we ventured into a resale shop that I've wanted to check out for awhile now. When I first walked in, I felt that familiar head spinning feeling coming on but then I reminded myself to calm down and just browse, thinking only of the room that we decided to redo first...mine and the hubby's bedroom.
Hopefully soon I can show you what actually happened by the time we left that store...
If you're searching for ways to spice up your home and make it beautiful, even if you have little or no money, even if you rent, then I would suggest you get this book. It is a great read and full of helpful and encouraging ideas.
affiliate links included.
God Bless!
