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! Your photos totally deserve to be in a magazine. They’re always beautiful just like your projects. I’m excited for you!!
Well deserved recognition! Your work is fantastic! Your styling is so gorgeous and inspiring. It’s great to see your talent recognized by BH&G.. So happy for you!
Awesome accomplishment; thanks for your inspiration! From someone who hasn’t had a Christmas tree in years since the kids moved away, it makes me yearn to set up a tree, turn on Christmas music & have fun decorating. But realistically it won’t be this year, as we are moving in late December…maybe a goal for next year!
It’s great to have a goal. And you can still crank those Christmas tunes!
xo Michael
Insert big happy dance for you! Congratulations to you… keep inspiring
Michael, you arent bragging! What a great recognition of your work. Of course, we already knew how talented you are by following your blog! Headed out to buy my yearly copy now. I really love the photo with the teal, gold and fur pillows….so festive!
Thank you, Jae! Enjoy the magazine!
xo Michael
Congratulations, Michael, this is well deserved. Cheers, Ardith
so cool and amazing and beautiful! Congrats! I just love your blog and creativity!
Congrats, Michael. Your creative talent and hard work really shine here. Thank you, as we, your readers, are the lucky recipients. Am so happy for you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful Merry Christmas.
You are too kind, Kevin! Thanks!
xo Michael
Already bought the issue Michael because of your tree on the cover!! Felt like a proud sister also! It’s a beautiful spread and kids if you don’t win a copy, it’s worth every penny!
What took them so long!!!! Notice I had to get in line to congratulate you!!! I can’t say enough about your talent, and you so deserve this. Congratulations!
This is something you should be very proud of! This will make a very prestigious addition to your portfolio. Onward and upward!
I am so happy for you! Congratulations! You are so very talented and creative so I am not at all surprised that you made the cover. I am going to pick up a copy of the magazine on my way home from work today. The perfect way to spend the weekend! BIG BIG congratulations to you!
Oh so happy for you Michael! Love your ideas and recipes! I hope this “happy” will continue to excite you throughout your career!
Cover is beautiful! Congrats and now I have to go buy a copy 🙂
So happy for you…last year when I saw your tree I knew it was the one I had to have. And I posted a comment that I wound up going and getting one after Christmas. Now, even more, I cannot wait to get it out and decorate. BIG congrats to you…both last years and the magazine cover tree are spectacular!!! KUDOS
Congratulations Michael! You have such talent and I’m so happy that you were recognized for it by such a classic magazine! Way to go!
Michael,
So very happy for you! I had found your blog just this past year and after two moves in two months I lost you. Extremely happy to have found you again and with such great news. I have one question – when it comes to your holiday decorating, do you use the same year after year or do you completely start from scratch? I mean same tree – all new ornaments or same ornament as well, just redone? Can’t wait to take the time to catch up on all your posts.
Maureen
Maureen, As a blogger I feel the “need” to do a new tree (or trees) each year. However, I do try and reuse ornament and decorations whenever I can. If you look through my holiday home tours, you’ll see some of the same things but used in different ways.
xo Michael
WOW!! Congrats!! Love the red.
Can’t wait to pick up a copy.
xo
BRAVO Michael! And may I be the first to wish you a merry Christmas!
Congratulations Michael – what an honour. I have only recently become aware of your blog and thoroughly enjoy it. I now just opened my e-mail and was excited to see a post from you with such great news. I have a 3 hour layover in New York City on a flight from Florida to Buffalo in a few weeks and am going to spend the time pouring over every inch of the BHG Christmas issue. Can’t wait to see the rest of your fabulous ideas.
Kathryn