I’m not sure when I’ve been more excited to share something with all of you. My house and Christmas tree made the cover of the Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas Magazine! *mic drop*
Let’s backtrack a bit. As I mentioned on IBC late last year (or maybe early this year), the folks at Better Homes & Gardens asked if they could come to my home to shoot my space for the 2017 issue of Christmas Ideas Magazine.
After doing a happy dance and catching my breath, of course, I said yes and invited them over.
Side note: I don’t in any way want to sound braggadocios about all of this. This recognition of my work was and is a momentous time for me, my career, and this blog so I have practically been bursting at the seams with excitement, wanting to share the news with you.
It feels like a dream to be asked to be a part of this magazine since it has long been a favorite Christmas publication. Each holiday season I can hardly wait for this special interest issue to come out. During the past several years, BHG has featured bloggers’ homes. Bloggers who I’ve met, bloggers who I’m friends with, and bloggers I’ve followed with admiration. Being part of this group means more than I can ever express.
For this particular shoot, BHG wanted my space to be decorated differently from what I shared on the blog. Therefore, after Christmas last year, I had to take everything down and redecorate. Thankfully, decorating for Christmas is truly one of my favorite things to do so I didn’t mind. In preparation for the shoot, amidst lots of other things that were going on, I baked a batch of my Sweater Weather Cookies, repainted my wood bead garland, redecorated three trees, and more.
Around the second week of January, Nicole, the design director from BHG arrived along with Adam the photographer and his assistant, Jason.
They were at my home for about two days and ended up shooting about 20 photos for the issue. For the most part, they shot everything as I had set it up. Nicole (the design director) would tweak things to make sure they looked good in the photos, but other than that, the styling was all mine.
During the shoot, Adam took a picture of the tree that was near my office. (This one here.) After shooting the tree, Nicole mentioned that it could make a great cover image. I immediately was all a flutter inside. Like, total freak out. They even did a mock up with the magazine’s logo. However, I was told that the cover has to go through consumer testing, focus groups, and more. So it might not happen.
Well – spoiler alert …
… my tree made the cover of the issue!
That’s it. My tree. My home. On the cover of a magazine. I can retire now, right?
To go along with the cover image, there’s a Q&A piece in the magazine on how I decorate trees, where I get my inspiration, and so on.
The magazine also features a 10-page spread of my home. It walks you through my living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and upstairs hallway. It also features some DIYs such as my beaded garland, Sweater Weather Cookies, painted trees, and concrete ornaments. It is a true reflection of what an Inspired by Charm Christmas looks like, and I couldn’t be more pleased.
I can’t show you everything from the magazine, so you’ll have to pick up a copy or just flip through the issue the next time you’re out shopping. The magazine should be available at many retail stores in your area. I’ve seen it in several grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, and Barnes and Noble.
A big shout out to Nicole, Adam, and Jason for all your work at my home. Also, thank you to Cathy and Lacey (the writers of the articles) for sharing my Christmas story.
Now, I hope this doesn’t sound too corny, but I thought it’d be fun to give away copies of the issue. So, I’m giving away 10 copies of the BHG 2017 Christmas Ideas Magazine to 10 lucky IBC readers. As an extra little treat, I’ll even include some other holiday swag with the magazines.
Also, if you would like, I’d be happy to autograph the magazine for you. That may be a totally weird offer, but I’m putting it out there because I’ve already had a few folks ask. However, I’m happy to send you the issue without my signature, too.
To enter to win, use the form below. (Those viewing this on a blog reader may need to visit the actual post by clicking here.) Simply enter your email address in the form for a chance to win.
This giveaway is open to readers worldwide. You must be 18 or older to win. Void where prohibited. This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm ET on Friday, November 10, 2017. The winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.
Good luck to all.
Finally, because I can never say it enough, thank YOU for embracing me and my work. Without you, my wonderful readers, opportunities like this would not happen. I remind myself of this every day. I am so lucky, honored, and blessed that all of you are part of my life.
You constantly give me hope, encouragement, love, and support, and I will be forever grateful. Whether you’re new to Inspired by Charm or have followed from the beginning, (In January, IBC will be 9 years old!), I love you, too.
Wishing you happy reading and lots of holiday inspiration!
Check out some of the projects featured in the magazine below:
Congratulations! So exciting!
So happy for you. Your work is so deserving of the attention. YAY!!!!!
Wow!!!! You SO deserve this…the photos are beautiful and you are so very talented! I’ve never commented before, but I have enjoyed your work for several years. I am absolutely CHEERING you on with many other appreciative readers!
Wow what an honor – congratulations!! I have been following your blog for a couple of years now, and your trees have been just gorgeous every year. Having one of your gorgeous trees featured on the cover just goes to show that your trees really are stunning. It would be super fun to win an autographed copy of the magazine – thank you for the opportunity!
Congratulations on the well deserved recognition. I have enjoyed every image in your blog. I always see something that sparks an idea, especially the holiday images. It is so generous of you to share your home with all of us.
I truly understand your excitement and heart all a-flutter! congratulations!
Congratulations!! I hope that the next time you doubt yourself or your talents you will pull out this issue and realize that is YOUR tree on the cover and YOUR home featured in BHG…then re-read all these comments on your blog and believe in yourself. Such an amazing accomplishment and so very well deserved! Gorgeous cover…I can’t wait to sit down and pour over the whole feature!
Congrats on the magazine cover! I can’t wait to look at it. Thanks, too, for sharing your talents. You’ve inspired me for my Christmas decorating this year 🙂
Michael, WOW, congrats. This is so cool and looks gorgeous.
Love your blog, corny or not a signed magazine by you is AWESOME! Thanks for the giveaway! #keeprocking 😄 #crossingfingers
I can’t tell you how happy I am for you! You work so hard and it is much deserved as everyone has said!. I CAN”T wait for the trees this year….no pressure!! haha Cheers!
Congratulations- you totally deserve it! I dream of my home being as beautiful as yours someday. I’ve admired your style for several years now.
Such a beautiful cover and congratulations!! I enjoy reading your blog for new ideas and I think you truly enjoy your readership!
Just wow! Your home styling is so right on! I’m thrilled for you. This honor doesn’t surprise me at all. You have excellent taste and an eye for the sublime! Congratulations!
So excited for you and so happy you always give shout-outs to all the great Pittsburgh places you are discovering! You should open and cool Bed and Breakfast here!! As if you have the time!! HA HA
How exciting for you Michael. I’m sure you will see a significant uptick in your readership as more people are exposed to your unique, creative and fun way you see and decorate your world! Congrats and Happy Holidays!!
If you got it flaunt it!!! pat yourself on the back it looks fantastic!! and it is nice to get recognized for all your work and love you put into your home.
The tree is a beauty! Congratulations, What a feather in your cap. You should be very proud.
Congratulations!! That is awesome.
I am SO proud of you! I actually picked a copy up last week and it was your inspiration (and cover tree) that made me not put the issue down until I looked through the whole thing! So happy for you!!!!!