Featured on the cover of Romantic Homes Magazine!

I was surprised with a wonderful gift this Christmas — a photo on the cover of Romantic Homes Magazine!

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I wrote an article last fall, knowing it would be in sometime this coming winter/spring, but was shocked to see it in the January issue and also on the cover. Inside, I was even more surprised to have 16 pages. I literally burst out in tears when I saw the magazine on the rack at Walmart. 

Those of you who know me, know exactly how much this means to me and why. I have worked SO very hard over the last five years of blogging, and it has been an uphill battle. Literally no budget, a small house, not being part of any blogging networks, and trying to stay true to myself have made things harder, but have also paid off in the long run. 

I have to say a huge thank you to those of you who have stuck with me, encouraged me and continued to visit. It’s because of you I didn’t just quit a long time ago. I think I have something unique to offer, and I try to stay true to that. Why? Because I think people need to know that spending a lot of money at a big box store or jumping on every pinterest trend is not what makes a warm and inviting home, but being creative with what you have, or can find, will always work better in the long run and be so much more fulfilling. 

I do love writing and photography and have more articles and photos coming in a couple different publications this coming year, and I could not be more excited for the amazing opportunity to share something different. Thank you, thank you Romantic Homes for the feature and thanks FAR readers for hanging in here with me:-)

44 Comments

  1. Unknown
    December 21, 2015 / 7:14 pm

    Congratulations Anita! I found you through Country Woman magazine and I thought your kitchen was very unique with family treasures. I like your philosophy about how you describe your home. Traditional ( family heirlooms ) with a Mid Eastern vibe. The saturated colors, like your Pink, fabulous! Very welcoming and thank you for sharing your home, a piece of Heaven.
    Kathleen in Az

    • Anita Diaz
      December 22, 2015 / 5:17 am

      Thank you Kathleen!!

  2. Unknown
    December 21, 2015 / 8:39 pm

    This reminds me of our walk with & in Christ. Sometimes it can be a struggle staying true to who you are called to be in Him. Some days are an uphill battle. Yet, if you stay on course & keep walking in the light, you will be rewarded greatly. I am blessed & thankful that I was led to you & your blog. You have inspired me for so many different reasons. I cannot think of someone who is more deserving for this recognition. I am praying that this is only the beginning for you, my friend. Merry Christmas to you & yours!

    • Anita Diaz
      December 22, 2015 / 5:17 am

      So true, Krista! Thank you:-)

  3. Dewena
    December 21, 2015 / 9:52 pm

    When my husband brought in the mail last week and I immediately looked at Romantic Homes, I started squealing, "That's Anita's home" as soon as I saw the bed. I was so happy it was such a full article with lots of pictures and message. And then to read that you had written, styled and photographed the article…wow! Terrific work! Congratulations to you,
    Dewena

    • Anita Diaz
      December 22, 2015 / 5:18 am

      Thanks Dewena! I squealed some too!

  4. Southern & Style
    December 21, 2015 / 11:04 pm

    I am so, so proud to be a reader of your blog! Your home is absolutely beautiful and inspires me daily to create a warm and inviting space on a newlywed budget! Congratulations on this accomplishment, you deserve it!

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    • Anita Diaz
      December 22, 2015 / 5:19 am

      Thank you Jordyn!!

  5. Patricia M.
    December 21, 2015 / 11:28 pm

    Congratulations! What a sweet blessing to begin the New Year! Krista, I loved your analogy and totally agree with your sentiment. Merry Christmas!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:07 pm

      Thank you Patricia!

  6. Unknown
    December 21, 2015 / 11:35 pm

    Congratulations Anita! Well deserved!
    Dorene@ Seasonal Chapters

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:07 pm

      Thank you so much Dorene!

  7. Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane
    December 22, 2015 / 12:14 am

    Congratulations Anita! A well deserved cover indeed! Your home is beautiful and your pictures are always stunning. You so inspire me. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!
    XO Barbara

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:08 pm

      Barbara, thank you so much! I hope people are inspired:-)

  8. Joanie McLaughlin
    December 22, 2015 / 12:40 am

    I saw that magazine too and knew immediately it was your bedroom. Sixteen pages. How exciting!! Couldn't happen to a nicer young woman.

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:09 pm

      Oh Joanie, thank you so much:-) It's a dream come true for sure!

  9. Mimi
    December 22, 2015 / 1:06 am

    Congratulations Anita! What an inspiration you are to all of us! Mimi xxx

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:09 pm

      Thank you Mimi!!

  10. Arell
    December 22, 2015 / 2:04 am

    Congratulations!! I love your blog precisely because of your creativity. I don't have a lot of $$ to spend on fixing up my home and you are my inspiration!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:10 pm

      Oh Arell, thank you!! 🙂

  11. Shirley@Housepitality Designs
    December 22, 2015 / 2:30 am

    I am off to get my copy tomorrow….I used to subscribe to RH, but for some reason let it lapse….I cannot wait to get the copy….it looks amazing!!!….Congratulations Anita!!!!…so very well deserved!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family! and what a great Christmas present!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:11 pm

      Thank you Shirley!! Yes, it was just the best present:-)

  12. Bonnie
    December 22, 2015 / 2:41 am

    You are very talented and have worked hard too! Congratulations. Well deserved.

    Have a Merry Christmas.

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:11 pm

      Thank you Bonnie! I hope your Christmas was blessed:-)

  13. Cindy Lou
    December 22, 2015 / 4:24 am

    Congrats ! Merry Christmas!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:12 pm

      Thank you Cindy!

  14. Donna
    December 22, 2015 / 6:47 am

    what an accomplishment! Congrats!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:12 pm

      Thank you Donna! I am still in shock!

  15. Sandi Magle
    December 22, 2015 / 10:45 am

    Amazing—-Looks like a wonderful spread, I will try and find it…the special issues disappear so fast. Grins and MERRY Christmas–Happy New Year! Sandi

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:13 pm

      Thank you Sandi! Hope you were able to find it. They went fast around here, but maybe they did not put as many out.

  16. The Decorative Dreamer
    December 22, 2015 / 1:00 pm

    Thats so cool, and a perfect fit for your style too. Congrats!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:14 pm

      Thanks Mary!!

  17. Lisa
    December 22, 2015 / 2:35 pm

    What drew me in, and got my attention … at first … was the area you live in!!! We absolutely love this area of the country , and have been visiting and vacationing there ( Smokies… Waynesville.. Maggie Valley, Tn.) for probably 30 years or more!! 🙂 But … oh my goodness.. when I really started watching what you were doing with your beautiful home and also, the history behind your blog posts.. well … I am hooked!!! Merry Christmas to you and yours…. looking forward to 2016 posts!!! Congrats on the "cover"… Just beautiful!!!!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:15 pm

      Oh wow, so you can appreciate the beauty here in the mountains:-) We love it too so much! Thanks for reading!

  18. Sofia89
    December 24, 2015 / 4:37 pm

    Congratulations! I knew the cover photo of Romantic Homes was from your home the second I saw it in my mail! Your home is beautiful and "real"…collected and authentic. I also choose not to follow the trends, and I decorate from the heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:16 pm

      Yes, yes, yes, Sofia, that is it exactly!! Thank you so much and I hope your New Year is blessed!!

  19. At Rivercrest Cottage
    December 25, 2015 / 2:56 am

    Wow, you are awesome! Not only that your home is featured, but that you're talented enough to write it yourself. Merry Christmas…as I said before, your home photos always make me think of coming home.

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:17 pm

      Thank you, that is exactly what I hope people feel–welcome and at home:-) Hope your Christmas was merry!!

  20. Adrienne
    December 26, 2015 / 6:26 pm

    Congratulations, Anita. This is a well-deserved honor! I saw the magazine – in passing – one day recently and I was 'drawn' to the cover photo. Never dreaming it was you! I am going back TODAY to get it and read more. I love seeing how you've pulled simple things together on a budget to make your home such a comfortable, inviting place to be. You are an inspiration.
    ~Adrienne~

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:18 pm

      Thank you Adrienne! I hope people are inspired:-)

  21. Linda
    January 1, 2016 / 2:36 pm

    Oh, Anita! CONGRATULATIONS! I share your thinking on making a house a home.
    I'm going to run out and find that copy today! Romantic Homes is a longtime favourite.
    HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

    • Anita Diaz
      January 7, 2016 / 3:18 pm

      Thank you so much Linda:-)

  22. Sandy
    January 12, 2016 / 8:56 pm

    Wow! Congratulations! You've changed over to a more Boho vibe for your home. I love it!

    • Anita Diaz
      August 31, 2016 / 5:06 pm

      Thanks Sandy, so much!!