Ta da!
OH MY GOODNESS, you guys, my book actually looks like a real book! It has a cover! And it is SO CUTE! Behind the scenes for like the last year and a half of my life I’ve been writing THIS book! And the truth is, this book has been a work in progress my entire life because I’ve lived it. I just didn’t know it would be a book.
Between the pages of this cover, I’m sharing my house stories (the awkward, the humorous and the lessons learned), my heart for the home, my journey to contentment with what I have. I share all the ways I am inspired every day to embrace gratitude and to pour love into the home and life right in front of me.
I can hardly believe all my words will be in a book, but seeing that cover makes it all the more real! The book is due to be out on March 31, but you can actually pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! And I guess in the book world it’s helpful to us if you are so inclined to order early :). Eek!
I’m just finishing up book two (of eight), which has been a fun one, I can’t wait to share more on it as soon as I can. I’m also in the process of writing the third book already (crazy, right?) that will be a big huge full color photo book with ideas and all sorts of tips and encouragement for the home and it will be out next fall, just in time for our fall nesting! I feel like I need to pinch myself that this is all happening!
Meanwhile, in a related pinch me now moment, remember a year ago when my kitchen was being photographed for Better Homes & Gardens? Well, I almost forgot about it, too. But a few weeks ago I got an email from the editor who gave me the happy news that my kitchen would be appearing in this November issue of Better Homes & Gardens, which will arrive in mailboxes shortly! YAY!
And not only that, but they invited me to share how I love the home I have by featuring a few projects we’ve done around our house! I’m so honored to have the opportunity at Better Homes & Gardens. They’ve been so wonderful.
Go check out my post (it will be live sometime today!) on Style Spotters for BHG and if you get a chance to peek at the magazine or buy it on the newstand, let me know! I haven’t seen it yet myself so I can’t wait to hold it in my hands. If you have the digital version of the magazine, I think you can even hear an interview with me about my kitchen, so, lucky you heheheheh. {rolls eyes}
Thanks again for all of your support (and patience with me in being slow with my posts sometimes, I’m trying but I am sometimes fumbling to stay on track!)! You all are the best. Really.
Rejoicing with you!! Oh, Melissa, I’m so happy for you. Your success is well-deserved. Love the book cover, and I know I’ll love the book inside it. And now I can’t wait for my November issue of BH&G! :)
Thank you sweet Richella, I’m so humbled to have such wonderful women in my life that are always there to cheer me on and encourage me. You are one of them, so thank you! xoxo
Congratulations Melissa! Everything you do turns out beautiful and you’ve always been so friendly. That’s what makes a really great blog, in my opinion.
Thank you Stacey, I would say it is the real friendships that form that make a big difference in a blog. I love the conversation and connection, without it blogging would not really be all that awesome! :-) I love the wonderful circle of people that I’ve met and SO appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you Stacey!
Very exciting – congrats!! (Did you draw the cute, cute cover?)
No, I didn’t! The awesome designer at the publishing company designed the cover for me. I was SO happy, it really felt like she captured something fun and fresh and fitting for this blog :-)! Thank you, Barbara!
I agree, the book cover is amazing! Congratulations!
I am so excited for you Melissa – I wish I could buy your book today. It is going to be hard waiting until March.
Thank you Diane! :-) It’s hard for me to wait until March! Ha!
Warm congratulations, Melissa! I will certainly be picking up a BHG as soon as possible. Keep writing!
Thank you, my most loyal and faithful blog follower through the years :). I will keep writing because people like you have been kind enough to keep on commenting and reminding me there are REAL PEOPLE out there. That really helps, so thank you for the encouragement.
No Melissa…YOU are the BEST!
For years now, you have been inviting us into your home and helping all of us to believe that we can make a beautiful home with what we have. Thank you!
I am over-the-top excited for you. What a great example you are of seeing God’s blessing in your life by faith, faithfulness, and hard work.
I’ll be stalking the magazine stands for the new issue!!!! WooHoo!!
Congratulations!
You ARE extraordinary!!
Thank you sweet lady, I always appreciate your sweet words and kind encouragement to keep on keeping on! You are wonderful, thank you. xo
Wow, Melissa, you’ve had a LOT going on! And so many exciting things, too. I’m thrilled for you. The book cover looks great, and I can’t wait to see the new BH&G when it hits my mailbox. I’ll be watching for it! :-)
Thank you Julia, it’s been so fun! I am grateful for all the neat things I get to do just by blogging about what I love. Glad to have met fellow bloggers like you who do the same and have become friends in the process! :-)
Congratulations…That is so amazing! You’re an inspiration to all.
Thanks so much Teresa, I appreciate your kindness as always! xo
Oh wow, congratulations!!!!! This is so exciting.
Thank you, Marty! :-)
Congratulations, Melissa! I’ll be sure to look for the November issue of BHG. So exciting!
Thanks Lynda :) I appreciate that.
Amazing and wonderful news!! Congratulations! Would love to pre-order your book!! Where do we do that? Happy for you! Favorite blog!
Yes, you can preorder at booksellers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble! :-) Thanks so much! I’m adding the links to the post so it’s easier to find.
Oh Melissa it is darling!….It couldn’t happen to a nicer woman. Happy Day to you! Can’t wait to buy a copy!
Thank you Teresa! I’m so glad you like it :). I appreciate you! xo
What wonderful news…very happy for you! The Lord has certainly showed his favor on your life…for such a time as this. I’ll be watching for the November BHG issue too. Can your book be pre-ordered on Amazon? Have a wonderful weekend! Warmly, Gracia
Thank you Gracia, I do feel so humbled by my opportunities and blessed to do what I love! Yes, you can pre-order on amazon! I’m adding the direct links to the post to make pre-ordering easier. Thank you so much for your kind words and support, it means so much to me! xo & blessings.
Oh wow I just absolutely adore that cover, so beautiful and fun!!! Congratulations!!
Thank you Laura, I’m so happy with how it turned out! The designer really captured the blog and the message so well. Thanks for your kindness and support! xoxo
How nice that the book cover actually “looks” like your home! Good to hear about the BHG article…I’ve been wondering about it for months. When I received my October issue I thumbed through it quickly, looking for your home. When I didn’t see it, I thought about it, and believed you wouldn’t be in the November or December issue because those issues would be devoted entirely to holiday pictures and articles. So, I am happy to hear this news! I cannot wait to see my November issue.
I thought so too! I love that the designer captured so much of “me” in the cover. Thanks for watching out for the magazine, I’m so happy the kitchen will finally be featured! :-)
Oh, BTW…how do we get an autographed copy of your book?
I’m certain I can arrange that :-)! Thanks Karen!
what a darling cover, congratulations! can’t wait to pick up BHG and see your smiling face, and of course your lovely kitchen :-)
Thank you sweet lady, I’m glad you like it! Thanks for your comment and always encouraging words! xo
Yay you!
Fingers crossed my BH+G lands in my mailbox today!
I’ve always longed to see in person all that goes on with a home photo shoot.
Those people are just wizards at what they do, aren’t they?
Yes, they were amazing! I was in awe. Thanks Kay!!!! I hope your issue comes soon!
Fabulous. Congratulations! I think the world can really use a book about finding contentment right where you are. I know I can!
Thank you Helene, I agree. I’ve always been told to write the book I would want to read and that is for sure what I wanted to read :-).
Congratulations! What a fabulous compliment to be included in a magazine! I will definitely look for it when it comes out! The book cover is cute and I’m sure it’s going to be a good one to read!
Thank you Liz!! I hope you find the magazine and thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you like the cover!
My 2-year-old grandson found this page on my ipad. He kept touching the umbrella, wanting it to do something like on his games! I really like the book cover — looks like the blog! Hmm, I’ve never pre-ordered a book before; maybe now is the time. Congrats and best wishes!
Ha! So funny. Maybe I should have the cover turned into a video game. My son is 14 and would like that even at his age! HA! Thanks so much Carolyn! :)
I love the cover of the book it is so you. Pre ordered it already, now going to scout out BH and gardens issue. What a exciting time for you if the book is anything like your blog you are going to be a hit all over again. Hope you included stories about JACK and Lily. Love this blog it makes my day when my days are not so good. CONGRATS. :)
Thank you, Joanne! I’m happy to be a part of your life in this small way and so thankful you are a part of mine, too! xo
OMG your book looks AWESOME! I just love the cover and can’t wait to read it from start to finish! Melissa, you are my personal hero! Throughout all these years, since you started the Inspired Room in 2007, you have been there to bring hope, inspiration and sunlight into my home. I also want to tell you that my husband has a one-year-contract for work. The timing could not have been better. Please know that I treasure the email pep-talks you have sent me to keep going. Your blog and you are a blessing to all of us. It certainly makes me feel that even the small things I do to make our home a little nicer, brings joy into the lives of my family and friends. Girl, you rock!
Genevieve! You are such a sweetheart. I’m so proud of YOU and your book! I’m thrilled that our paths have crossed and we’ve been able to be an encouragement to each other in this crazy online world. I’m THRILLED that your husband has a contract for work! HALLELUJAH! I know what a long road that has been. I hope things are looking up for you guys. I’m just so grateful for your kindness to me and appreciate YOU so much. xo
Congratulations on the book! Yay! Can’t wait to read it. Your blog was one of the first that I ever read consistently and I’ve so appreciated your pretty & practical tips and your attitude toward your home.
I actually wrote a free eBook this year called The Homemaker’s Manifesto: Loving the Home You Have (I promise I didn’t know about the title of your book–great minds..? :)) and I link to your site in it. It’s such a fantastic resource and I know your book will be too!
So we’re clear, I was calling your site a fantastic resource, not my free eBook ;)
Thank you, Jenn! :-)
I’m so excited for you, Melissa! You have done so much with your blog and other writings to be an encourager and excellent teacher, it is wonderful that you can now reach an even wider audience.
Thank you so much, Elaine :)
CONGRATULATIONS Melissa! You are so deserving. I am happy for you and your success. I will be ordering your books as well as picking up the magazine to see your article. God is Good!
Yes, He is. Thank you Tamela! :-)
I love to visit your blog and I love your home design. I’m very happy for you and your book project! Thanks for mentioning Alexandra Stoddard, too. I’ve enjoyed reading her books recently. I even love the design and feeling of your website – somehow you even managed to make that cozy.
I have to mention, though that I’ve been having a difficult time navigating your blog lately on my iPad. Scrolling is weird, links are broken. This is the first time I’ve been able to comment in a little while. I hope it’s fixed but I just wanted to mention the problem while I’m actually able to in case it’s going to happen again.
Thank you for letting me know! I’ll mention it to my coding person and see if he can figure out what’s happening! I’m sorry you are having trouble :). Thanks for coming by and your kind words!
Hi Melissa, I am so excited for you! I can’t wait to get your books. I subscribe to BH&G so I will be looking forward to reading November’s edition. Congratulations! So inspiring!
Thank you, Judy :), I appreciate your enthusiasm and kind words
SO SO SO Excited for you!!!! OH my gosh, I will be one of your first purchasers!!! You inspire me and I want to be like you when I grow up!!
Ha, thanks so much Susan ;-) !!
Melissa, I’m so very happy for you. For the name and true-to-it-ness of your blog, for the book which I will pre-order shortly and for being featured in BHG – can’t think of a better place – a down-to-earth mag for real people and featuring a wonderful down-to-earth woman who, if all her readers knew her address, would wake up every morning to lines around the block wanting to stop by her home for a tour and several cups of coffee. I’d for sure be one of them. Tons of congratulations!
Aw, thank you so much! That sounds like a lovely morning :), I’d love to share coffee with you all! Thank you so much Sandy, you are an encouragement to me!
I just read your post, smiling the whole way, with tears. SO HAPPY AND THRILLED FOR YOU! Melissa, you literally inspired ME. You gave me a context into which I could put my feelings about color, proportion, and “home happiness,” the knowledge and vocabulary to express myself within my home, and the certainty that it’s not only okay to enjoy all the processes that comprise “decorating,” it’s deeply satisfying and meaningful. All since I found your blog some years ago. I’m very thankful that you opened your world for me to find. SO MANY CONGRATULATIONS!!! — P.S. Your own name on a BOOK–that is one of this life’s highest achievements; again, so happy for you!
Louise,
That was the sweetest most encouraging comments. It means SO MUCH to me to know that this blog has encouraged you so much. It is quite an experience typing into this white space and just imagining that there are real people, true friends, out there who understand what I’m saying, who love the things I love and who are inspired to love their homes as I am inspired to love mine. You have no idea how much it means to me that you have taken the time to share your thoughts and to encourage me, it is wonderful to know you are out there! Thank you so much.
Oops, I just wrote a really good reply but I think it’s lost due to no name/email. The Reply at end of your comment seemed to imply it wasn’t needed. Perhaps I’ll get it written again, perhaps not–the day calls.
This is fabulous news, congratulations!! I can’t wait to read your book! xoxo.
Thank you Tara!!!! :-D
Beautiful cover! Can’t wait to read it!!!
Thanks so much Kristen! :-)
Such a cute cover for your book. Congrats! I subscribe to BH&G and will be anxiously awaiting the November issue :)
Thank you Dawn :-)
So proud of you! This is exciting! Congrats!
Thank you Kim! To think where I would be if you had never featured me… :)
How exciting! Blessings being poured out to overflowing! Enjoy!
Michelle
PS can’t wait to get my next issue of bh&g! :-)
Congratulations, my friend! So happy for you and all the hard work you’ve put into your blog and helping others. Can’t wait to see NOV issue + love the book cover! xo
Congrats, Melissa!
Of course, I’ll look for the magazine and you know I’ll get your book too.
What an adventure. You’ve worked hard all these years and you deserve the success. Have fun with all of it.
Ooooops, I forgot to add that the cover art on your first book is adorable.
So excited for your BHG! Can’t wait to see it! Also the book cover is amazing! :)
Melissa, Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you and heading right over to Amazon to pre-order what is to be the first installment of 8. All of these wonderful things, couldn’t have happened to a more genuine person. Woo hoo!!
Yep! I will be buying your book! :D The only clean and fairly organized space in my home is the loft library. I have a huge crush on all things books and your book will make a fine addition to my collection. Come to think of it, I think I have only two DIY books. Fancy that. lol
Many, many congrats on your book and second one! I love the cover for the first book! If I still lived in Seattle, I would totally coerce you to meet me at SB at Pike Place and have you sign my copy. Ha! ;)
How exciting, Melissa! What an incredible journey for you, can’t wait to see your first book (of 8!!). Wow, that must feel so good. Very happy for you, it is well deserved, you’ve worked hard.
happy tears!!!!!!!!! SO SO happy for you! And proud to call you friend – sweet, talented girl!
so so so awesome!!!!
I know this is a rather old post but I am just now getting to it in my inbox. I have been wondering when your kitchen would appear in the magazine. I am so happy to find it will be soon. Happy for you. I can’t wait to get it, my mother in law passes hers onto me as she reads them. Looking forward to reading your book! Hugs!
I never really comment, but just had to after seeing your house in BHG….so awesome!!! Beautiful!
How exciting! The book cover is charming. Congratulations.