Today is a very good day. So good that I’m posting TWICE heheh! (you can find my other new post here).
Seven years ago this July, I started a “blog.” All by myself, in my room. I didn’t think about how to start, I didn’t know how to blog, or what to post about to attract readers. I didn’t even know what a blog was supposed to be like. I didn’t have a strategy to be the best, or have Pinterest or eye-catching graphics or any other social media effort to pin or share my blog posts to get traffic and attention.
It was just me and my computer screen writing my heart out to … well, nobody.
Pretty soon a few people who I didn’t even know started commenting. I was shocked. And happy. There were real people out there! I had maybe three readers and I was happy with that. Then in time I had maybe ten, twenty and thirty readers. Over and over again for seven years I posted words and pictures on this blog. I have shared the ups and downs of life and decorating projects going on at my home for people I didn’t know on the other side of the screen.
But, you know what? You have become FRIENDS! KINDRED SPIRITS! It’s really like I DO know you, like we have coffee together every morning. You’ve encouraged me when I’ve tried new things and spread my wings. You’ve laughed at my lame jokes. You didn’t laugh too loud when I had decorating flubs or embarrassing moments. You cried with me when I cried. When I’ve had opportunities or successes you’ve cheered me on. And you’ve gently encouraged me to keep on going when life was tough. True friends are like that.
So today I owe YOU all a big thank you … because YOU are out there being your awesome selves and greeting me every day. Because of you, I am just as happy and content to share coffee with you every morning as I was back in the day of three readers. Because you are still out there cheering me on, supporting me and believing in what I do here, I received some very good news today. Exciting news!
Readers voted The Inspired Room into the # 1 Readers’ Choice Decorating Blog at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine. HOLY COW! That’s crazy!!!!
I was REALLY honored to be included in the TOP FIVE Better Homes & Gardens Editor’s Favorite Decorating blogs last week. That was pretty cool!
But there is something extra exciting and touching about being voted as the top Readers’ Choice decorating blog — Better Homes & Gardens.
There are so many great blogs out there and I am by no means more awesome, of that I am sure, but it is nice to receive an honor nevertheless. I was definitely double checking my eyesight when I got the email! WHAT? THEY LIKE ME? (and BIG congrats to all the winners in every category, such great blogs!)
So, thank you.
From the bottom of my heart. From the bottom of my family’s hearts. From the bottom of Jack and Lily’s hearts.
WE ADORE YOU.
And because we adore you, here is an awkward cell phone selfie of us that we took after we got the news. See? We all look pretty happy, yes?
Yea! Congrats to you! I am thrilled that you won (it must have been my vote – ha). Your blog is the first that I ever followed and it even “inspired” me to finally start one of my own. Looking forward to many more years, Susie
Thank you Susie :-D that means a lot to me!… And I’m so glad you were inspired to start a blog! YAY! xo
I’m so thrilled for you, Melissa! You are certainly my favorite Interior Design blogger; I love your approach to home life. Congratulations!
Aw, thanks Elaine! :-) xo
OH FRIEND!! THIS NEEDS ALL CAPS!! SO wish I was closer and I’d be bringing you chocolate and flowers and cake and french fries and hugs!!
Thrilled for you. You bless so many and while I know you aren’t someone who does this for the recognition, so glad you were recognized because you DESERVE IT!!
THANK YOU JEN!!! You know, if there was never a blog, I would have never met YOU. How sad would that have been? I would have missed out, for sure! xo
okay, so I’m all brimming happy… teary happy. Crazy happy.
We all love you, Melissa Michaels, so can the internet take you out to lunch today and all cheer together??
xox
(P.S. My phone alarm still goes up and your name pops up and did I mention that I love you? )
Ann. Now I’m crying. I adore you. Thank you, love. xoxo
Hi Melissa! Congratulations!
Congratulations Melissa. Your win is truly deserved. What I really like best about your blog is how easy it is to read and look at and that the content is always something I truly want to hear about…so I guess that really does mean it’s like chatting with a friend.
It seems like some other blogs, while the content can be interesting and the pictures pretty, aren’t quite as cohesive. I have to work a bit harder to take away something from them. Perhaps their page set up is more difficult to navigate. Perhaps their writing style isn’t my cup of tea. But when I sit down at my computer to check out what Melissa has to say today, I feel like I’m having an electronic chat with a pal about something that is going on in our lives…It’s interesting, fun, and brightens my day.
I hope you continue to enjoy what you do to keep us entertained for many, many years to come.
Well, thank you Karen!!! I’m glad you’ll stick around because I plan to be here a very long time too! :-)
Congratulations! This is not only exciting, but well deserved! Congratulations once again.
How fun and amazing! I have followed you for ages and am so happy for you! Way to go!
Congrats to you! You have been on my blog roll for a long time, always enjoy stopping by for coffee:)
Deepest Congrats! I enjoy continuing to drop in from time to time … you get my creative juices flowing!
;-}
Thank you Linda, I always appreciate your comments :-)!!!
Congratulations! I’m pretty new to blogs and have only just found yours, but my word am I just eating your posts up! It really is a gorgeous place on the internet, your posts are so lovely and inspiring and your home is just incredible!
I can’t wait to keep following you and see what happens next! x
Well thank you Zoe, you are very kind. I’m glad you are here!! xo
Congratulations Melissa!! So well deserved!!!
That picture is not awkward IT’S CUTE! all 4 of you! And there’s a reason you made it to the top, missy. It’s because you are genuine, fun, and your pores even sweat out AWESOMENESS. OK, maybe thats over the top but you get the idea.
Congrats, Melissa! Reading your blog is like swapping stories over a cup of tea. You’ve got awesome style and such a gracious tone–this is wonderful news indeed!
Muy Congrats!!! What a delightful day last September when I googled for pix of console tables with art and correctly proportioned lamps, etc and one of the images that came up was from your 09/17/13 post “5 Designer Secrets {Cozy Dining Room}”. Exactly what I needed and after saving the pix to my Ideas folder, attracted by a delightful logo, I went back to investigate further and found you. Only about 6 months of following you, but I do feel like a friend and I do love sharing a cup of coffee in the morning. And one of the things I love best is that, as large as your group of followers has become, you are still able so often to respond personally. That really is like chatting with a friend and it’s so special. Absolutely love that the doggies are actually smiling as much as the humans in your selfie.
Aw, I appreciate that Sandy!! Blogging just wouldn’t be the same without lovely ladies like you to chat with!! xo
You’re welcome! It is always a pleasure. Oh, and hearty congrats!
Vee, one of my favorite readers from back in the day :-) Thanks for sticking around, it’s always a happy moment to see your comments!! xo Thank you!
Awesome news! Congrats, Melissa. Well deserved :)
Thank you Emily, you are very sweet and supportive and I appreciate you and admire YOU so much!
You certainly deserve it Melissa. I haven’t been following along for too long, but I’m always so at ease when I read your posts and you seem like such a fun easy-going person that I would certainly have coffee with :) And I just adore your style. I ran into Diane from In My Own Style yesterday and we were talking about blogging and how crazy it is how long we’ve been blogging (I’ve only been at it 4 years in May) but STILL, that’s a long time. And to see how much you have accomplished – kudos to you and I’ll share a latte with you (virtually of course) to celebrate :) Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Holly! And yes, so many years to still be blogging! Congrats to you on nearly four years! That’s awesome!
congrats!!! well deserved!
Thank you Cassie :-)
Congratulations!! Im so happy for you!!
Aw, thank you Renee! :-D I appreciate that.
Congratulations! That is awesome news. You are an inspiration:)
Congrats, Melissa! I can’t think of a better person for them to name. Excited for you!
Congratulations, Melissa on a well deserved win! Although I don’t comment often, I do check in with you every day and I can truly say that not only are your rooms inspiring but you are as well.
To one of the sweetest, most gentle, humble women I know……..a heartfelt congratulations to you my dear friend!!!!! I can’t think of anyone I would rather have this happen to THAN YOU!! You have worked hard, you have been yourself, you have shared your heart…………so enjoy this honor. It is SO deserved, and I just love you to pieces! So SO SO very proud of you!!! Hug your family for me, and scratch Jack and Lily behnd the ears. :o)
HUGE congratulations, Melissa!! So well-deserved! Your blog was the first decorating blog I started reading and I still check every day to see if you’ve posted. Thanks for both the decorating and blogging inspiration!
Congrats!! The first time I stumbled on to your blog I knew it was a winner! And it’s been on my reading list since that day!! Now go celebrate you deserve it!!! ~Kathy
WELL deserved, no question – congratulations, Melissa!!!!
Congratulations! The dogs look ecstatic!
Congratulations! I recently started reading your blog and I simply love it. So well deserved! :)
So well deserved! Your blog was the first blog I ever read. I was scary obsessed (I’ve toned it down to a respectable admiration) . I, too, was inspired to start a blog shortly after discovering you nearly 2 years ago. You’re talented, and real, you have an amazing, timeless design sense. <3 congratulations! <3
Ha!!!! That made me laugh :-D. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, it means a lot!! xo
I have only been following for about a year but I just love your style and your house. I voted for you! So thrilled you won Melissa :)
Cheers,
Nat
congrats! I’m so excited for you! I love your blog ! You deserve it!
So exciting!! Congratulations love all your posts! Great job!
Yours is the first blog I check every morning during coffee, so yes… it IS like having coffee together! I love your decor ideas and your courage to try new things. You inspire me to try new things in my own home.
But most of all? I really check in to find out what Jack is doing. And to see what kind of trouble he’s gotten himself into. And to see if there’s any funny business going on with his partner in crime, the Lovely Lily
I’m so very happy for you…truly….it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. Thank you for an inspiring site to come to. Thank you for being real.
Happy Day to you! Now go do something fun!
So glad I ‘discovered’ your feelgood and inspiring blog on the internet… Congratulations, you’re a well deserved winner.
Greetings from The Netherlands!
Hey Melissa,
Congrats on the win!!! I found your blog sometime ago by mere mistake. I really like your humble spirit that is inspirational..I also think Jack and Lilly help your cause. They are adorable…You keep a really nicely decorated home and that is so cool. I have a lot of ideas but, time times life get in the way of completing it. Well ladies all I can say is a lot of people along with myself, think you are the bomb!! keep up the good work..:)
congratulations! so glad you won and hope it does great things for you.
This is great news Melissa! Congrats and well deserved!
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed your blog for quite some time…your style is very appealing to me and I always look forward to seeing what your doing now to get some ideas ! Plus, your dogs are very cute! :-)
….and I did vote for you!
Congrats!!!! I had a tear in my eye reading your blog this morning with my coffee. Your words expressed how genuine you are and it is no wonder you have so many people following you. Besides those two dogs OMG. So continue on your journey and may the best always be ahead of you. :)
You so deserve it! We adore YOU and all the inspiration you give us :-)
WooHoo! Congratulations. I am bustin’ my buttons for you.
This month marks eight years of blogging for me. The relationships formed over the years are amazing.
Congratulations! If it weren’t for you, my kitchen would look very different and I doubt I’d be as happy with it! You rock and are so deserving! THANK YOU!
Congrats! You do inspire!
Melissa,
Congratulations on the award from BH&G!
As an interior designer who hasn’t even hit her own first year anniversary, this is quite an accomplishment!
I am very proud of you!
Congrats !! New to this blog thing. But love yours.. first time to comment, but was so thrilled for you !! Have a happy day and enjoy your success !!
WINNING! CONGRATULATIONS!
I love how you described the relationship between you + your followers.
The words were very heartfelt.
Congratulations! You deserve it! You were one of the first blogs I ever read and I keep coming back because of your wonderful writing, beautiful photos and inspiring posts!
Sending you big hugs from Florida!
~Kim
Congratulations and you deserve the recognition. Having read your “beginnings” I am feeling hopeful that down the road I will have a few readers too LOL Time for some Celebrating! Love the selfie!
What exciting news and much deserving award. Your blog is refreshing and your loveliness is evident by your selection.
I’m so happy for you, Melissa! You truly deserve the honor. I look forward to your posts in my inbox each morning following my online devotion and always with a cup of coffee. (: I appreciate your easy style, your genuineness, and friendly spirit; and always the inspiration. Congratulations!
Congratulations! I absolutely adore your blog! The Inspired Room is actually the first blog I’ve ever followed and you have inspired me to start a blog of my own!
Congratulations Melissa! Pretty neat knowing I have a friend out there on the west coast (I am back here on the east coast, Pa.) and a sister in Christ! I enjoy your blog and am very happy for your win! Wishing you many more blessings! Michelle
I am one of the people that loves your blog and you should be so proud of your accomplishment. Congrats. Terry
Woo-hoo! Congratulations! So happy for you! Well desired! :D
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! I’m proud of you. You inspire me in many ways, and I do feel a kindred spirit with you too! I pray that God will continue to bless all you do and make your way prosperous!
Congratulations!!!!! I follow you closely, because I have no decorating knack…none. I could put 5 different styles in one room and wonder why I didn’t end up with the “texture” that everyone else talks about. One post at a time you are helping me learn and grow in this area. Thank you for taking that leap 7 years ago.
Congratulations. :-)
April
Congratulations! That is wonderful. I’m a fairly new reader to your blog, but I’m sure you have put a ton work into achieving this honor. Enjoy!
Congratulations,Melissa! A few years back I stumbled onto home blogs by accident and came upon your blog.I could not believe my eyes when I saw the kitchen in your last house.I must have looked at it hundreds of times!I’m now a devoted follower and want you to know that your home is truly”inspired” andI look forward to many more beautiful and practical ideas.Because of your post several years ago,I removed the cabinet doors in my galley kitchen and it feels like a huge weight lifted! Thank you again and again.Annette
Congratulations!
You have inspired me when my own ispiration tank has been empty and you continue to do so.
I love that you are a fellow Pacific Northwest Girl, although I am north of the border but I still feel kindred.
Enjoy this moment, this day and all that are to follow!
xoxoxox
Congratulations! You certainly deserve it! I know you put a smile on my face daily and give me incentive to organize and decorate my space. Thank you!
Congratulations, Melissa! You SO deserve it! I’m proud that a local NW blogger won. Yours is the only blog I subscribe to, and you’re a perfect example of what a blogger should be. (We met at Seattle West Elm a few months ago) Congrats, keep up the good work!
Congrats, Melissa! I have subscribed to your blog for a few years and love it! You are so humble, honest, and real about all things — which make your easy to relate to and a fun and INSPIRING person to follow!
Blessings!
Betsy in Colorado
Congratulations Melissa! I’m not surprised at all that you won; your blogs title alone says it all. You inspire me and obviously many others on a daily basis. You should be so proud of your many talents. I’m happy and excited for you. :-)
Congratulations on your well deserved honor!
Congratulations! Love your blog. Inspiration every time I open your page. Thank you so much.
Congratulations, Melussa. You really do deserve it. I have read all your blog posts. They make me laugh and inspire me. Well done.
Congratulations!! How inspiring!! I am at the begining of my journey and am so delighted that you started out just like I am too!! I have only stumbled on your blog of late and love it! I will be following you from here on…so exciting!!
Congrats! I don’t comment much but I follow you faithfully and you deserve it girl!! Kudos!
Thank you so much for your comment Ginger, I really appreciate you hanging out here (even quietly!)! :-D I love just knowing you are out there!
“Congratulations” !! You have a GREAT BLOG and I have been a faithful follower since I found you … a few years ago !! Yes, we read your words and laugh and cry with you … just as any “good friends” do !! Keep up the “blog” please … even though the big world has taken notice of you … you’ve always been Number ONE with us !!! Many Blessings as you “journey on” … and we follow along !!! “Thank you” for sharing your heart/home/family with us openly and truthfully … we’ve been there too … You go girl !!!
That means so much to me, lovely ladies like you are the reasons I have enjoyed blogging so much! It’s so nice to have friends to journey with through life. THANK YOU! xoxoxo
Congrats! What a great day for you and your family! I love your blog. It’s fun, interesting, relates to everyday people, and is always encouraging. You do a great job!
Oh My!! So very very excited to hear the good news!! I am thrilled, and you deserve it so very much!! I celebrate with you! Beautiful!! Thank you for all the beauty you share and all the inspiration!!
Congratulations to you! I’m happy for you!
Congratulations!!! I love your blog and your inspiring words. You deserve the award. Like your decorating too! Many blessings to you and your family.
So happy for you! Congratulations! Job well done! To God be the glory!
I am so happy for you and so happy my vote picked you..it’s like winning the lottery for both of us! Your blog is so inspiring, just like it says and so real…it’s me. Thank you. And, I bet its a lot of others, just like the comments show. Keep inspiring us.
Congratulations, Melissa! So well deserved for such a lovely person….so glad you took the risk and started blogging! I’m the one who “stole” your lighted branch idea for my mantle this past Christmas! And since retirement, I have been re-imagining how we use our home and have been slowly making some plans. Recently I have been sidelined by being asked to design the nursery for my first granddaughter (I have 3 grandsons) – what a joy! Thanks for the inspiration and just the friendly “voice” – please stop by for coffee, you are most welcome anytime!
Congratulations, Melissa! A year and a half ago I barely knew what a blog was, but since starting my own blog and becoming an avid home decorating blog reader, yours has become one of my favorite places to visit. Always wonderful inspiration here! I wish you many more years of success!
Jeanette
Oh, Melissa, I am so very happy for you….your blog is probably the first one I followed. I have found so many practical ideas and new ideas and inspiration from it…besides, I love the dogs!!!!
Diane
Yes……. I have my coffee with you each and every morning!. I love your blog!!!!
Many Congratulaions! Keep up the GREAT work!
Congratulations. I just recently found you via The Nester…I think. It’s easy to see that you love what you do, but there’s something very gratifying about being recognized for your work isn’t it. You so deserve this. P.S. I voted for you.
Hello! I am one of your newer followers – just wanted to add my CONGRATULATIONS on your award!!! That is so awesome!!! (clapping!!)
Congratulations! I have enjoyed reading your blog for several years.
Always fun when someone from my neck of the woods wins something.
Congrats to you!! What an accomplishment…yay!! That is so awesome and I have to say – you are very inspirational, and pretty darn great!
SO happy for you, friend. Well-deserved and proud of you! Can’t wait to see what’s up next for you! xo
Congratulations! You deserve it. I know I voted for you! I can’t wait to see what you tackel next. You are an inspiration to a new blogger… ME!
God Bless. Victoria
bhttp://www.dragonfliesandthistles.blogspot.com/2014/03/kitchen-progress.htmlless.
Congratulations. Love your blogs. You got my vote.
Extra Enormous Congratulations for a well deserved honor!!! Your blog is beautiful, containing fresh ideas and interesting content. You give us glimpses of your family life and let us know y’all are real, normal folks but focus on house and home content. I’ve loved The Inspired Room since the first time I discovered it. You Go Girl!! Continue your good work and may your blessings be unending.
Congratualtions! So well deserved. Always look forward to your post each day!
I find your blog to be filled with endless inspiration and I always crush on your home and style. This couldn’t be more deserved. A huge congratulations to you!
Congratulations! You most definitely deserve it!
You continue to inspire me in blog land and through the simple act of commenting to me and following my simple little blog long ago. So many of the big name bloggers won’t even bother with those who don’t have large followings or influence.
Your kindness was very encouraging and very much appreciated :)
Congratulations Melissa. I’m happy for you. I think I have been with you almost from the beginning! I feel like I know you too. See ya tomorrow with my cup of coffee! God Bless :)
Oh, this is fabulous news, in fact I am doing a happy dance from afar in your honor! I so appreciate you sharing your 7 yr journey. It encourages me as I am only 1 yr into mine and feeling like you did “just the computer screen and me.” Sure hope I can keep it going for 7 yrs.
Yah-HOO! Congrats girl, that’s awesome! You deserve it, you have a beautiful blog♥
~Linsey
I am normally the mouse hid in the cluttered corner, but I came out to say “CONGRATS!” and keep up the great work!
Hey woman…this is awesome!!!!!! So proud…keep up the great work. Lylah
I googled best decorating blogs on the internet and yours came up….lol. congrats.
Hi Melissa,
I’m so happy for you! You have such a wonderful blog. I got the courage to order my beautiful bamboo blinds for my kitchen, dining room & living room (open floor plan) from your blog! I did it myself and saved over $2,000 because of you! You rock!!!!! And your dogs are adorable!
Congratulations!
Kelly
Melissa,
Congratulations! I have to say that of all the blogs I read, and there aren’t too many, you show your passion by the consistentcy of your posts. I enjoy learning about home decor and all that goes with it. It does get frustrating when you go on a blog site and the person hasn’t posted in 4 or 5 days, or a month. But what I know is that it isn’t something they feel passionate about. And I know that even when you go away for a bit, there are guest bloggers and blogs ‘ in the can’.
Just something to think about b/c some of us are in this situation, I’d like to see a few posts on getting your house ready to sell. There’s a lot of conflicting info out there. How do you go about choosing an agent? Some agents are very apathetic and don’t say what would be good changes,cost effective ones, to make. I mean at the end of the day, your house has to be just the kind someone is looking for. Anyway, there’s many places one could go with that.