Today is the last day to vote in the 48-Hour Challenge. The timing of the challenge was a bit crazy (coinciding with my ninth month of pregnancy), but Brandon and I took it on and we’re so proud to have been a part of it. Thank you to Better Homes and Gardens for asking me to be a part of the challenge, and thank you to the other participants: The Cottage Nest, The Home Garden, The Wood Whisperer, and of course my friends over at This Young House. We were thrilled to be in such wonderful company, and the other four projects were all incredibly inspiring.
Here’s a look back at where we started…
And where we ended…
And during the process we went from a married couple to a family.
Thank you too, all of you, for your support throughout the whole process. There were times when I thought I was in a bit over my head (*ahem*, porch painting), but the end result and your thoughtful comments made it all worth it. And I truly appreciate those of you that took time to vote for us, whether it was once a day, once in a while, or just once. Thank you.
Kariane
June 12, 2009 at 2:36 amGood luck to you! This is it, the final day. I believe your redo is the TRUE winner. You took it above and beyond, ultimately creating the real challenge for the other participants, out doing YOU!!
Liesbeth
June 12, 2009 at 2:50 amHi there!
I’ve been voting almost everyday; anxiously awaiting the results after the vote.
I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!!!
Good luck!
Groetjes from Belgium,
Liesbeth
Aussie_Mum_plus_cats
June 12, 2009 at 2:52 amGood luck, crossing everything for you. Think I’ve just put in what will be the last vote I’m allowed. All the best from Australia.
madeleine huttenback
June 12, 2009 at 3:53 amI’ve been voting every day too! I really want this for you guys! You deserve it.
madeleine
Sanja
June 12, 2009 at 4:13 amI’ve been voting for a month now, first thing in the morning. I think that your project was the most complex one, containing lots of great ideas, creativity, work on each of those mini-projects and effort in general. And obviously people have recognized it, too.
May you spend the bonus in health, love and happiness, making many more lovely things.
Greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina :)
Sarah
June 12, 2009 at 6:44 amI visit your blog all the time. You’re so very inspiring! Your daughter is beautiful, as is her nursery, thanks for sharing. I voted a couple of times, I hope you win, you deserve it!
Reese
June 12, 2009 at 7:03 amI just voted and have been voting for the past month when I first discovered your blog. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Thanks, —-Reese
Caitlin
June 12, 2009 at 7:45 amI’ve been voting!
Good luck, though I agree with the poster above, the true winner is your porch, as it’s lovely now!
A married couple IS a family; growing the family just adds to the love.
RisaJ
June 12, 2009 at 7:47 amI’ve been trying to vote everyday….this is so exciting. I can’t wait to see the end results.
Denise
June 12, 2009 at 7:57 amIt’s been a pleasure to read your blog and vote daily during the 43 days of the 48-Hr Challenge. Your distinctive porch design is uniquely “You”, and just keeps getting better and better! Thanks for sharing this special time in your life with all of us.
Leah
June 12, 2009 at 8:03 amI’ve been voting every day! I love the transformation you’ve made. You have been inspiring me all spring to make the outside of my house a more lovely place!! Good luck!
Bonnie
June 12, 2009 at 8:05 amGood Luck! I tried to vote as many days as possible and just put my last one in today. Looking forward to the results!!!!
Laurie
June 12, 2009 at 8:08 amI’ve been voting most days, I think you have the best overall design, its the most personal and really reflects you :) GOOD LUCK! I can’t believe the lead you have now, rightfully so :)
Emma
June 12, 2009 at 8:11 amI have been anxiously voting every morning while waking up over my cup of tea. Tomorrow I hope to be able to read the news instead of voting, and to be able to rejoice in your victory! :)
Dave
June 12, 2009 at 8:22 amYour porch turned out very nicely and I know with the new baby you can make good use of the prize! Congratulations on both accounts! Thank you for the link. :)
Dave
Eva
June 12, 2009 at 8:39 amI have voting every day since two weeks ago…. YUPIIIII!!! You’re winning!!! I hope this will end up with…. ejem… congratulations for your wonderfull child, your lovely porch and…. tomorrow more!!!!
Best whishes from Spain! Eva.
Susan - Jubilee Furniture Co.
June 12, 2009 at 8:52 amJust voted – as I have done every day. I not only appreciate your wonderful design sense and incredible spunk (tackling this project in your 9th month of pregnancy!), but love your grace and kindness too. You are one classy lady.
kristen_verity
June 12, 2009 at 8:59 amBeen voting! Pleased to see you’re in the lead! Fingers crossed for you!
Diane
June 12, 2009 at 9:04 amHaving been recently pregnant for the first time myself, all I can say is you have my undying respect forevermore for tackling that in your 9 month, and I’ve been voting accordingly. Good luck!
Danielle
June 12, 2009 at 9:09 amGood luck to you! I just love the painted rug you did!
Kristina
June 12, 2009 at 9:36 amHi Nicole, long time reader, first time poster. I voted every day. You did an amazing job–on the porch and Eleanor. ;) Good luck!!!
Alysia
June 12, 2009 at 9:49 amHi! My husband and I have been voting for your space!! Good luck! I am nervous about the results. Best of luck.
Alyssa
June 12, 2009 at 9:54 amI love your porch. I liked Sherry and John’s too, but your transformation was just incredible. You even inspired me to paint a jute rug in a similiar pattern, which made my own home a little lovelier. So – I felt like I owed you a few votes! Fingers crossed for you…
lb
June 12, 2009 at 10:24 amI’ve been voting every day for you guys! Your porch really is lovely and you did such a great job. I can’t imagine painting a floor nine months pregnant! You and Eleanor have many years of girlie decorating fun ahead of you!
Aunt Jane
June 12, 2009 at 10:35 amWhat a lovely story you have given us. Life really is a project, isn’t it? Congratulations to all three of you! Little Eleanor will learn about the love, creativity and perseverance of her parents.
KatieO
June 12, 2009 at 10:36 amyou’re my idol. I’ve put my vote in, for you, every chance possible! So excited to see the voting results!
meredith k
June 12, 2009 at 11:04 amgood luck, nicole! i have been voting for you almost everyday for the last few weeks… the painted rug is my favorite parts of your challenge entry ;)
jo
June 12, 2009 at 11:27 ami voted for you almost every day (i’ll admit i forgot a couple of times.) you deserve it!
christy
June 12, 2009 at 11:28 amGood luck! I just voted. I hope you win!
:::Lyzz:::
June 12, 2009 at 11:34 amI voted everyday and glad to contribute to your current lead. Good luck and hope you guys win!
pj
June 12, 2009 at 11:38 amcount me in as a fan! love the porch and admire your sense of style. good luck!
amy purple
June 12, 2009 at 12:03 pmI hope you guys win, you’re almost 1,000 votes in the lead. I’ve been remembering to vote!
Elena
June 12, 2009 at 12:09 pmNicole, I love your porch, your site and the way you have conducted yourself during this whole process. You truly deserve to be the winner (even though I do love TYH site as well). Therefore, have voted daily! Cant wait to see what you do with the winnings!
Tracy
June 12, 2009 at 12:30 pmGood luck, guys. I voted too today and I hope you guys win the prize, you deserve it. Your work is excellent!
puck
June 12, 2009 at 12:44 pmi’m sure we have all been voting! i know i have.
good luck!!!!
robin
June 12, 2009 at 1:04 pmgood luck! can’t wait to hear you’re the winner :O)
Cindy
June 12, 2009 at 1:55 pmGood luck!! I’ve been voting for you!
Jen
June 12, 2009 at 2:10 pmi’ve been voting everyday. i really hope you guys get it! :)
Carolina Avellaneda
June 12, 2009 at 2:32 pmI voted everyday. It’s 3:30 pm…21341 votes…I think you should start celebrating!!!
Anonymous
June 12, 2009 at 2:49 pmI second what Caitlin said. . . A married couple is a family. Many in the world make you feel otherwise, especially when you are childless not by choice.
Jessibee
June 12, 2009 at 3:09 pmI have a terrible memory but somehow I have managed to remember to vote for you everyday! Good luck guys!
mina
June 12, 2009 at 3:20 pmyou deserve the win, I’ve been voting daily!
Jill
June 12, 2009 at 3:47 pmHi from New Zealand (in mid-winter). I love what you have done with your porch, and your whole house. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing it with us.
Jpoo
June 12, 2009 at 3:51 pmYou guys deserve to win!! Perhaps baby Eleanor will get that new window for her room after all…..
Ash
June 12, 2009 at 4:15 pmI really like what you have done with your porch except for the green and white divider. I don’t see it’s purpose and find it takes away from everything else.
Just a comment not an attack.
Abbe
June 12, 2009 at 5:25 pmI just got my vote in. I hope it puts you over the top!
C
June 12, 2009 at 6:04 pmI’m still in awe that you painted that porch while 9months pregnant! It brings to mind a very Morrocan or even Indian traditional ethnic style. Resort style- fabulous.
Katie
June 12, 2009 at 6:18 pmI put my last and final vote in! I hope you win! I think you deserve it the most. Good luck!!
btw – noticed your twitter update… I am glad you are ok and that everything is ok or is going to be ok… That’s a scary thing to hear.
melissa copeland
June 12, 2009 at 7:08 pmi made my last vote today.. you were winning.. good luck!!
Mim
June 12, 2009 at 7:47 pmI voted for the last time today and there isn’t that much time left! Keeping my fingers crossed that you keep your lead :)
Jo
June 12, 2009 at 8:01 pmI’ve voted every day – all the best from Australia!
Jennifer Rea
June 12, 2009 at 9:40 pmGood luck! It looks like you are winning!
French furniture crazy
June 13, 2009 at 5:57 amI love your porch. It’s a nice place for you and your family to relax. Charming!
Susan - Jubilee Furniture Co.
June 13, 2009 at 7:40 amJust checking in to see who won – before leaving for work – and linked to the BHG site and you could still vote – so I did (for you of course! I would imagine they will discount any votes after midnight), but by voting it showed the totals for each of the contestants – and you were in first place with 22,437 votes! Gosh, sure hope that’s true and if so congratulations!
Denise
June 13, 2009 at 7:56 amDitto Susan, here! I’m a bit confused by BHG’s lack of detail with the contest at this point. Surely they will update their voting page (as in halt the vote counter) and announce a winner today! Glad to see Nicole still in the lead.
Melissa
June 13, 2009 at 8:12 amLooks like you won the challenge! Yah!!! I can’t wait to see what other projects you come up with!
Emma
June 13, 2009 at 8:14 amMe too, Susan! It makes me anxious that we can still vote – what if the Richmond couple suddenly pull a thousand people out of their sleeve? Go Nicole!
msmezzo
June 13, 2009 at 8:57 amJune 13 and I am still voting! fingers crossed
Denise
June 13, 2009 at 9:23 amNicole, since I noticed TYH congratulating you on Twitter I’m going to follow them in offering my Congrats! I’m a huge fan of TYH, too (John and Sherry are awesome), still your lovely porch had my vote from day one!
danielle
June 13, 2009 at 9:35 ami voted! keeping my fingers crossed for you guys…what paint did you use for the porch? i am wanting to paint ours, but am unsure what paint to get.
robin
June 13, 2009 at 11:12 amcongratulations!!! you did it :O)
Shalini
June 13, 2009 at 12:11 pmHi Nicole, I just checked to see if the results were declared on BHG.com but I don’t see the contest being closed and they still allow you to vote. Wonder why?
Alysia
June 13, 2009 at 12:24 pmI still voted today! (June 13th)…not sure if they closed the voting or not. But you were in the lead by 200 or so. Oh my! What a close race.
Diane
June 13, 2009 at 1:14 pmActually, you are ahead by 1,112 votes. I am still voting out of fear that BHG is messing up and that other competitors will pull 1,000 voters out of thin air (as someone mentioned above.)
Lucitebox
June 13, 2009 at 1:33 pmHi Nicole! I’ve been pulling for you (and voting for you) throughout the contest. I hope you win! I was just able to vote at 1:32 CST.
Brittany
June 13, 2009 at 2:29 pmSo I went to the BHG website just now (6/13) and was still able to vote.
teresa
June 13, 2009 at 4:11 pmJust voted again! Hoping you win!!!!! That painted floor is just killer.
Clara
June 13, 2009 at 4:50 pmI voted again 2day too!!
Sara
June 13, 2009 at 10:13 pmQuick, quick, quick! You can still vote today, the 13th! I just tried it!
Jolie
June 14, 2009 at 7:13 amWho won?!?!?!?!?!?!
msmezzo
June 14, 2009 at 9:03 amJune 14th, still voting. Can anyone say “hanging chads?”
Laurie
June 14, 2009 at 9:11 amVoted again today! What the heck? Still in the lead though, WOOT!
Sarah
June 14, 2009 at 9:21 amI was able to vote again today!! I hope you win, i love your awesome porch!!
Diane
June 14, 2009 at 12:04 pmYou can vote, but the totals haven’t changed since Friday night. So I think the votes are no longer being counted. So, you’ve won!! I’m convinced! Whoopee. I want to see the bathroom remodel (and E’s window, of course) Can I have both?
amy purple
June 14, 2009 at 1:26 pmi’m still voting til it’s not letting me!
Danielle
June 14, 2009 at 2:02 pmHave you won? I thought the contest ended June 12th. Let us know! I really hope you won!
Emma
June 14, 2009 at 2:28 pmI am doing what Amy does and will keep voting until BHG changes the voting website!
April-Living The Sweet Life
June 14, 2009 at 2:56 pmCongrats on your sweet new baby. I love the color pallet you chose. Pinks & lime greens are a prefect summery combination.
Amy
June 14, 2009 at 3:26 pmVoted again today! Are they going to announce it soon?…..
Ann-Kristin Iversen
June 14, 2009 at 6:27 pmHey!
You guys did a great job! The transformation looks really good. I bet you’ll enjoy some long summer evenings on that porch;)
Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Norway!
Tommy Bahama Bedding
June 15, 2009 at 1:11 amYou did such a great job – the porch looks amazing :)
Lucesita
June 15, 2009 at 2:53 amMmmm! I think you won!!!yu hu!!!i’m so happy for your family!!!blessings to all
Amanda
June 15, 2009 at 5:22 amOoh, I think you won! Yay!!! Congrats :)
Making it Lovely
June 15, 2009 at 7:13 amI haven’t received any official word yet, but it certainly seems so!
mrs.lee
June 15, 2009 at 8:17 amCongrats!!!!
http://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com/
Denise
June 15, 2009 at 8:32 amI just watched the trailer for the movie Away We Go. Hope it comes to a theater in my area!
carol
June 15, 2009 at 11:53 amI hope you won, I’ve been voting almost everyday for you :)
Allison
June 15, 2009 at 12:20 pmUnofficial congratulations!
Mrs Limestone
June 15, 2009 at 1:14 pmCongrats!
Rija
June 15, 2009 at 2:07 pmCongratulations! Well-deserved and now maybe some of your home improvement to-do list can be achieved :)
Sanity Fair
June 15, 2009 at 2:49 pmSO cute! You did a great job – good luck!
amy purple
June 15, 2009 at 5:30 pmWhen will they let us officially congratulate you? Until then, unofficial congrats! Freaking awesome!
Brandie
June 15, 2009 at 6:53 pmCongrats on the win! You seriously deserved it!
Laurie
June 15, 2009 at 7:13 pmWow, when will the winner be announced? Unofficial congratulations until then!
Lucesita
June 15, 2009 at 7:19 pmWuuuuu Huuuuuu!!!! We won!!!! I mean you won but I’m soooooo happy for you guys….Much blessings…
Blondie
June 15, 2009 at 11:54 pmYour family is so cute! Which is why I voted for you almost every single day! LOL Good Luck! I hope you guys win!
Allyn
June 16, 2009 at 12:00 amCongratulations on the challenge, and on your beautiful baby girl! I really enjoy your blog. I just bought my first home and in decorating it I often look to your site for pictures that inspire me to reach for some beautiful looks and ideas. thank you!
Tracey
June 16, 2009 at 3:40 amCongrats on a beautiful daughter & a beautiful winningpatio too!!!
Well done to you both!
k8
June 16, 2009 at 9:35 amyay! i’m so happy you won the challenge. mainly because i am excited to see what you do with $5,000 and your darling home.
always an inspiration nicole, always.
Nicolette
June 16, 2009 at 2:19 pmYou really have nothing to worry about. The house looks great, including the porch. I look forward in seeing more great works from you!
Nicolette
http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com