Up for the Challenge

And what a challenge it will be… I can barely waddle down the stairs these days. Still, even with a baby that’s due in nine days (yikes!), Brandon and I are always up for a good project. That’s why we’re thrilled to be participating in the Better Homes & Gardens’ 48-Hour Challenge!

The 48-Hour Challenge

We asked five of our favorite home and garden bloggers to create clever weekend projects for outdoor living, using $500 in materials from The Home Depot. Throughout April, they’ll be blogging about the process, from inspiration and design to shopping and building. In May, we’ll post the finished projects, and you’ll vote for the most creative. The person who created your favorite will receive a $5,000 bonus!

Is that exciting or what? I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do with the front porch, so we’re going to work on it for the challenge! We’re going to create a little dining area and a separate lounging/relaxing area. We’ll be using plenty of green (since I’ve been obsessed with it lately), and of course I’ll have to bring in at least a little pink.

You can head on over to Better Homes and Gardens to check out the other four bloggers that are taking part. I was excited to see that John and Sherry from This Young House will also be working on their front porch — how awesome to be participating in this challenge with friends! I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the finished projects.

Of course I can’t wait to share more with you, but for now you’ll just have to wait and see… And wish us luck!

Comments

27 responses to “Up for the Challenge”

  1. Manda Avatar
    Manda

    Surely you get a handy cap being 9 months pregnant! Good luck, I can’t wait to see all the results!

  2. kim de montreal Avatar

    Ohhh, this is so exciting for you guys. And so great since you’ve been talking about your ideas for the front porch for a while now. I can’t wait to see how it looks.
    Good luck and have fun!!!

  3. Denise Avatar
    Denise

    I like Option 2 for your front porch. With your baby due to arrive soon, I can see you spending many hours on your shaded porch cuddling your little one. You’ll want a really comfortable lounge chair, some fabulous pillows, a side table and maybe somewhere to prop your feet! Congratulations. Can’t wait to see what you put together.

  4. Ivory Pearl Interiors Avatar

    I can’t wait to see the results!

  5. Joi Avatar

    How fun! I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!

  6. John & Sherry Avatar

    Right back atcha, Nicole. We are so pumped that you’re a part of the challenge too. We’re really excited to see what you, Brandon (and baby B) come up with!

    xoxo,
    S & J

  7. Jasmine Avatar

    That’s SO exciting! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see how everyone does (but I hope you win, shhhhh!).

  8. robin Avatar

    how fun! hope your wood flooring is well sealed in case your water breaks while you’re out there! i do love the idea of the front porch being more loungey rather than dining like. can’t wait to see what you do! good luck :O)

  9. Erin Avatar

    Good luck! I’ll be rooting for you. I think you’re crazy, but I admire your drive. :) It will turn out fantastic!

  10. Robyn Avatar
    Robyn

    oooo, I’m so excited you got selected! I can’t wait to follow this and good luck! I am in your corner for sure…

  11. Michelle Avatar

    HOW FUN! Don’t over do-it. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

  12. moderneve Avatar

    i am really looking forward to everyone’s great ideas. husband and i are about to embark on our very own backyard landscaping challenge. budget: $400 cash from our garage sale this weekend and a $300 home depot gift card leftover from christmas. can’t wait to be inspired!

  13. pearllinds Avatar

    How cool – I’m so jealous!!! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with. And I’m so excited for you and Brandon – babies are the best!!

  14. nifty&thrifty Avatar
    nifty&thrifty

    What an honor to be chosen by BHG! I can’t wait to see how you and the other contestants stretch that $500 budget. It’s nice to get ideas about budget friendly projects. I’m sure your porch will turn out great! Are you still looking for a porch swing? I think that’d be a must-have with the new baby!

  15. luuvely Avatar

    congrats! i cant wait! :)

  16. Fiona Avatar
    Fiona

    Go, you! Between you being a little go-getter about to deliver and Anna at Door16 working like a fiend, you bloggers shame me! Good luck!

  17. Victoria Shields Avatar

    Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

  18. Making it Lovely Avatar

    The weather is just not cooperating with us… SNOW! We had hoped to do the project over the weekend, but it was too cold!

  19. Jess LC Avatar

    I can’t wait to see what you came up with! I also like the couple from This Young House, such a great project for you all!

    Good luck!

  20. Melanye Avatar

    I can’t wait to see the results too! What a fun project!

  21. erin Avatar

    Good luck! I can’t decide who I want to win more, you or John & Sherry. If it’s either of you, it will be awesome.

  22. heather{dot}com Avatar

    What a fun idea! I can’t wait to see how it goes!

  23. leslie rogers Avatar

    Congratulations! I am sure you’ll come up with something wonderful!

  24. courtney Avatar

    I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I love following your blog. You are so inspiring.

  25. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    LUCK!!!

  26. Dave in Home and Garden Avatar

    Good timing regarding the home and garden offer as the northern hemisphere is coming into spring now, except you’ve had snow!

    And good luck with the baby!