Book Review: The Nesting Place

I've been following Myquillyn's blog, Nesting Place, for years now. She's one of my absolute faves, so when I heard she was writing a book as an extension of her blog, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. Honestly, I wasn't sure what the book would be about (and if it would be any different than her blog), but I figured that since I loved her style and her writing, I would love the book too. Turns out I was right, but there's much more to it than that.

The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful (affiliate link) went above and beyond my expectations. It is way more than just another decorating book, it's her story - a story that includes both the beautiful and the ugly. She tells of how her family went deeply into debt (and got out), moved a ton, had children, etc., and somehow, in the midst of that crazy, she began to figure out how to create a beautifully imperfect home she loved. She also writes about how she learned to be content with the home she has now and how to fight the temptation to long for things she can't or doesn't have.

But this isn't just a book about her and a few tips on making a home purdy (though she's got some good ones!).

She invites us to join her in this pursuit. In our own homes.

Her mantra of it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful is something she wants us to embrace along with her so that we can enjoy our homes, take delight in the process of making them into places we love, and be free of the pressure of perfection. She talks about how fear of failure is often what prevents us from diving in and just going for it in decorating our homes. Sure, mistakes will happen along the way, but mistakes have a way of helping us get to know ourselves and our styles. Myquillyn also urges us to resist worrying about what others may think and to simply try. Take chances. Learn. Once you start turning your home into a place you love, you'll find yourself wanting to invite others into it. Ultimately, our homes are supposed to be comfortable, inviting places where people gather - be it family, friends or new acquaintances. I don't know if that's something you've thought about, but it's something I really, really desire for my own home. I want it to be a place my family loves and a place where I can foster community whether it's in a tiny, rented apartment, or a big, sprawling house.

When I finished the book you know how I felt? Empowered. Ready to take those chances. A renewed passion to make the home I'm in now a place that I love. And you know what? We're not even living in a home that's ours right now and I still felt that way. Being content with where I am is a big step for me!

If what I've written about today is something you want for your own home, I urge you to go get this book. Like, yesterday. Do it. You won't regret it.