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A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a Tennessee based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

Truths About Living With a Blogger

February 12, 2016 by Courtney 34 Comments

Oh, boy. Not sure if there is any other way to introduce today’s blog post. I’m serious. So not too long ago, Claire Brody (who I couldn’t adore more) invited me to be a part of a Valentine’s Day Spouse Q & A. And because I love her I immediately said, “Yes!” But I guess what I was really doing was saying yes for my husband and subsequently curling up into a little ball in the corner wondering what he would say about me. There is a straight up honest blog-hop going on today featuring responses from the husbands speaking truths about living with a blogger. Uh-huh. Yep. This ought to be good.

floral and gingham date night

A bit of back story to these responses: Ryan has been on an intense week long business trip in Washington DC. Needless to say he has had a lot on his plate. And in true blogger fashion, this was our text exchange:

Courtney: How did your meeting go?

Ryan: Great. I’m super tired. Such a long day.

Courtney: I bet. Hey, you have some homework. Can I have this back tomorrow? Cool?!

Ryan: Wait. Are you serious?

Courtney: Uh-huh. Love you.

Ryan: I am only doing this if you don’t edit. At all.

Courtney: Whatever. That’s fine. Thanks, babe. (thinking. . . oh, crap!)

And here it is. The unedited version of what Ryan has to say about life with a blogger. Ok. One edit. I deleted a saucy comment. My parents read my blog. And apparently he is a man of few words (or just really busy).

Truths About Life With a Blogger

How involved are you with Courtney’s blog?

R: I’m an intern in the photography dept. (I’m assuming it’s an internship, as I’ve received no compensation).

white coat

C: Truth. He does take most of my fashion photos and he is always so nice about it. Even when I am super cranky. He’s a great intern.

How often do you read the blog?  Are you an avid reader or do you see enough at home?

Every day, though some days it may be more of a browse.

How much time does Courtney spend on her blog? What are her hours like?

I’d say about 5 hours per day of actual computer/prep time, and styling, and 19 hours/ day of subconscious planning.

Are you the cheap manual labor or is there hired help for that?  In other words, does Courtney use you for your handy work?

R: I’m the cheap labor, for sure

a thoughtful place butler's pantry

C: Cheap labor and he just did this butler’s pantry for us. He’s pretty darn talented. And you can’t beat free.

Describe Courtney’s style.

Traditional with a contemporary edge.

Describe your style.

R: Pre-ATP I had a lazy boy, a desk from Ikea, and zero wall art. What style is that? Seriously though, now that I’ve been exposed to design a bit more, ATP and I have the same aesthetic.

C: On our very first date, he came to pick me up and I complained that our toilet in our apartment was broken. He rolled up his sleeves on his button down and proceeded to fix it. Handy and cute. Total turn on.

How often does your home change?

Small changes daily-weekly, larger changes quarterly.

How many different sofas have you had since marrying Courtney?

Only 3. Still have 2.

How often do you offer decorating advice?  Does she consider your opinion?

I’ll only speak up if something is really egregious to me, so if I say something, she’ll usually go into a spiral of self-doubt.

What’s your favorite room in the house? Why?

Our living room. It’s what I picture when I think about our home. It’s beautiful and cozy, and filled with great memories.

fall home tour a thoughtful place

our living room

What does it really look like behind the camera?

ATP is a bit OCD, but as with any home, things can get a bit messy and chaotic. When the mess reaches critical mass though…look out.

What is a project that you hate but have never voiced (or maybe you have)?

Our first tile project was terrible. So much work for such a little space! It was our children’s bathroom, and it took about 500 hours, give or take.

children's bathroom reveal

see more of our children’s bathroom makeover

Do you know of Courtney’s blogger friends?  If so, who’s your favorite?

Yes! How could I possibly pick a favorite when they’re all so incredible?? 😉

What’s your favorite aspect of Courtney being a blogger?  Least favorite?

It has been a really great outlet for her creativity. Least favorite: time commitment.

What are your household chores?

We are pretty good about sharing duties all around, but she generally cooks, while I clean up afterwards.

What’s something about Courtney that her readers might not know (but she would be okay with you sharing)?

R: She was Valedictorian of her high school (and she snores like a wild animal).

C: Really with the snoring? Listen, Ryan sleeps so soundly he would never even hear me even if I did snore. And this seems like a good time to tell the baby monitor story. When our first born, Riley, was an infant, I had gotten up a couple of times in the  middle of the night and heard her crying again. I kicked Ryan and asked him to please go comfort her.

R: Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Ok. (totally groggy)

He proceeded to pick up the baby monitor next to the bed (from which you could hear her crying) and walked around our master bedroom repeating, “Shhhhh. Shhhhh. Shhhhh. It’s ok.” into the monitor. Over and over.

C: Ryan. She’s down the hall. In her room. Not in that box.

So you see what I mean. Snoring schmouring. He wouldn’t know.

What does Courtney REALLY want for Valentine’s Day, and what are you getting her?

R: I honestly feel like we celebrate Valentine’s Day everyday. That’s not a complaint, we’re just really fortunate to have that kind of love and passion after 15 years. That said, I like to turn it up a bit for V day. She never wants or expects anything, but I plan on serving breakfast in bed, flowers, a card with a letter to her, perhaps some jewelry, and a massage. It’s sappy, but she really does deserve it. This woman does a lot for me and our family!!
C: You are forgiven for the telling everyone I snore. Love this adventure when are on together.
us
gray8
And there it is. A few words from the hubby. I have to say that his being gone all week made me even more cognizant of just how lucky we are to call him dad and husband. I am very very blessed and I couldn’t love him more. I also know that I am a pain in the you know what when it comes to blogging much of the time but I so appreciate how supportive and understanding Ryan is. He knows it’s my passion and let’s me roll with it.
There are such awesome bloggers lined up for today’s blog-hop. I haven’t read these yet either so I can’t wait to see what the hubbies all have to say! The complete line up is below!
A Blissful Nest | A Thoughtful Place | Addison’s Wonderland
Bliss Ranch | Burlap and Lace | Claire Brody Designs
Cuckoo 4 Design | Design Post Interiors | Dimples & Tangles
Dream Green DIY | Driven by Decor | Emily A. Clark
House of Hipsters | Just a Girl and Her Blog | Life on Virginia Street
Our Fifth House | Primitive and Proper | Style Your Senses
Swoon Worthy | The DIY Playbook | The Makerista
Have a great Friday, everyone. We are looking forward to a long weekend spent with family over here.

Filed Under: blogging, personal Tagged With: personal

Related

Comments

  1. Bliss says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:20 am

    What a sweetheart he is! But I need to know do you really snore?

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:16 am

      He is a good guy. And is that really important? I mean there are so many other things we could chat about. 😉

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Duran says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:41 am

    Oh the baby monitor story made me laugh!! What a sweet guy and so supportive! It’s amazing how many hubbies said the time we spend on our blogs is the thing they least like – guess it comes with the territory! Great answers 🙂 xxx

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:14 am

      And I think I spend way more than time than he said but do most of it when he is at work! I think we we are all cut from the same mold, right?! The passion makes it seem like just a hobby. And seriously. . . the monitor story is one for the history books. So fun doing this with you all.

      Reply
  3. B&C @ DIY Playbook says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:46 am

    These made our day!! Haha thanks for sharing =) Have a great Valentine’s Day… breakfast in bed sounds ah-mazing. =)

    Reply
  4. Carrie says

    February 12, 2016 at 5:10 am

    So adorable…I laughed out loud at your exchange in the beginning 🙂 Also, my hubby probably doesn’t know what the word “egregious” means—BRAVO!

    Reply
  5. Claire Brody says

    February 12, 2016 at 5:45 am

    Oh man, you two are hilariously adorable. Ryan should consider taking his photography internship to the next level…. I’ve always thought your fashion shoots were done by a professional!!! Happy Valentine’s, you two!

    Reply
    • Sue says

      February 12, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      He actually won an award in college for his photography…
      he wouldn’t brag about that, but I can as his mother. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    February 12, 2016 at 5:56 am

    A guy that will fix your toilet on your first date ? What a keeper! 🙂 Loved reading this, Courtney. You guys are sweet!

    Reply
  7. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:34 am

    I was dying over the “snores like a will animal” and “19 hours/ day of subconscious planning” comments! I think I never stop thinking about my blog. It’s always on my mind and I’m not sure if it’s good or bad.
    He is talented! That pantry is a dream

    Reply
  8. Barbara M. says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:15 am

    You have one sweet man!

    Reply
  9. Mallory says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:21 am

    OKay you guys are BEYOND adorable!!!! Almost spit my coffee out over the monitor story!!! LOL!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:21 am

      Girl! It was even funny at the time when I was desperate for sleep. The guy is useless when over-tired. But I love him dearly. Let’s do a double date soon, mmmmkay!?

      Reply
  10. Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:22 am

    Um that killed me. The snoring?!! I am surprised my husband did not say something like that!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:20 am

      So sweet of him to mention that, right?! I mean not that it is true or anything! xo

      Reply
  11. natasha {schue love} says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:27 am

    SO cute C! And I know Ryan wanted to say that I am his favorite! 😉

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:19 am

      Of course you are!!!! He gets so shy about these things 😉 LOL. Love you!

      Reply
  12. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:07 am

    You guys are the sweetest! I was cracking up at the baby monitor story! So fun to see the blog from his side of things!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:18 am

      It was seriously so funny. And yet so tragic at the same time. Such fun reading all of these today. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend xo

      Reply
  13. Leslie Moore says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Happy Valentines Day to you and your sweet family, absolutely love this darling post ❤️

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      February 12, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Thanks so much friend. So blessed to have known you all of these years. Love you.

      Reply
  14. cassie @ primitive & proper says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:30 am

    ok the valentine’s answer- you guys are truly lucky!!! and i snore like you, too…. for what it’s worth. it’s just part of the beauty sleep routine. the monitor story is HILARIOUS. you guys are one talented and meant to be couple!

    Reply
  15. Caley says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:20 am

    This is so cute – and he is so supportive of your blog! That baby monitor story is priceless x

    Reply
  16. Jenny says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:29 am

    I loved this post! I think it speaks to your trust and love for one another to let him respond unedited. This is why I read your blog. I love your willingness to be real and vulnerable sometimes. I hope you have an awesome Valentines with your amazing hubby!

    Reply
  17. Beth of designPOST interiors says

    February 12, 2016 at 11:33 am

    That baby monitor story kills me! Yeah hush about the snoring 🙂

    Reply
  18. yettie says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    Popped here from Emily Clark. Love your answers and your style aesthetic. For the record, even with video evidence, I refuse to believe that I snore 🙂

    Reply
  19. Jan says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Heartwarming way to start the St. Valentine’s Day weekend. Thank you, you’re wonderful kids!!!
    (I’m an old neighbor of Ryan’s in Ridgway…) (And seriously, old. I graduated with Ryan’s Aunt Mary Aiello!) 😉

    Reply
  20. Shannon Smith says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    LOVE this! So sweet. You guys are hot. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Kris {Driven by Decor} says

    February 13, 2016 at 8:39 am

    Aww…he’s a keeper! Love how proud and supportive he is of you! And I was cracking up at the “critical mass” comment – that’s so me too! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!!

    Reply
  22. Jenny says

    February 14, 2016 at 4:35 am

    Loved the baby monitor story! This was a ffun post to read.

    Reply
  23. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    February 14, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    So sweet!!

    Reply
  24. Ashley @ Fancy Ashley says

    February 15, 2016 at 5:31 am

    This is so cute! I love it!! I am cracking up at the snoring comment! But, the baby monitor story is hilarious too!! XO!

    Reply
  25. Tiffany says

    February 16, 2016 at 10:21 am

    What does ATP stand for? And sorry if I missed an explanation. ????

    Reply
  26. caycee says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:23 am

    Oh man now I love Ryan even more!!! Now lets up that trip for you guys to come and stay with asap!!!

    Reply

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