Welcome!

I'm Ann Marie. I started this site in 2009 to document our home life and renovation. Our first home was a rural farmhouse built in 1937. It had white siding, I pictured it with black shutters, and our blog name was born. We've since moved two more times, most recently in 2017 to a gray house with blue shutters.

My husband Doug and I have have seven kids, ages 11 to 1. I do the writing, photography, and social media work for the blog - he takes my renovation & DIY ideas and helps bring them to life.

Our current home was built in 1910 and was listed as a tear down property. I walked up the steps and nervously thought "this is it, this is the one." The whole house needed a full renovation, yet was in liveable condition with a great, walkable location.

Our site focuses on simplified living, decluttering, and enjoying everyday life.

Many of us feel the pressure to be perfect, I want you to embrace your imperfections and realize they are perfect in their own way. You're not alone, you're not crazy, and you are enough just the way you are.

I believe creating a beautiful home is important. It doesn't have to involve spending a lot, hiring things out, nor does it need to wait until after your children are grown.

I also believe that so many of us think we need more stuff to be happy, when that isn't the case. I did a decluttering challenge called 40 Bags in 40 Days first in 2009, and it felt so freeing. I wanted others to join in. I created a facebook group, word spread, we went viral a few times, and this year will be the 10th year of hosting the challenge.

Through our 40 BAGS IN 40 DAYS decluttering challenge, we've changed hundreds of thousands of lives. You can read more about the challenge here, or join our 40 day e-course here. The next round starts up February 17, 2021.

 

If you'd like to stay up to date and follow along in real time, join me on instagram: @whitehouseblackshutters