About

Heyyy!!!

I’m Courtney Harder

Your go-to girl for a lot of excitement

I use a lot of exclamation marks because I am an excitable person! While some may find my enthusiasm over the top, others think I’m just right. I’m really excited you’re here!!!

I’ve dreamed of starting a blog for so long, but I kept putting it off for various reasons. The biggest reason was my fear of what people would say about me.

However, my perspective changed last year when my husband and I lost our business. We tried our best to love and serve the people around us, but in the end, we couldn’t control everything. Our industry collapsed, the economy took a huge dive, and ultimately, God had other plans for our lives. During this challenging time, people said extremely hurtful and terrible things about us, attacking our character. That’s when I realized I couldn’t live my life fearing what others thought of me because even though I was trying my hardest, you can’t please everyone.

It was honestly a transformative experience, and I told God that I would start my blog if we didn’t lose our house. MIRACULOUSLY, we ended up staying in our home, so to fulfill my promise, I started the blog the very next day!

I know that this is a brief and condensed version of my story, but I want to be truthful about why I finally decided to start this blog after many years. God gave me a heart for online discipleship around 2018! I have always been extremely passionate about growing in the Christian faith and seeing others grow and mature as well. As you can tell from the variety of topics on the blog, I have a passion for many different subjects!

Along with my desire to grow in Christ every day, I believe that our everyday lives provide numerous opportunities to walk in the Spirit and become more like Jesus. The Bible tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). While our relationship with God is the most important aspect of life, our interactions with people come next! The way we engage with others is in day-to-day life. That’s why I discuss a wide range of topics—to relate to as many people as possible and to share the love of Christ.

I have had the privilege of designing, remodeling, and decorating homes for several years. In twelve years, we have moved eighteen times! I love being a wife to my husband, a mom to my five kiddos, and a friend to all. When I met my husband, I was a single mom. I know what it is like to struggle. I know what it is like to be overwhelmed and alone! But Jesus saved my life in an extreme way. I was on the verge of death, and He pulled me out of the trenches, cleaned me off, and gave me a new purpose.

I genuinely love life! I get excited when people gather together just to hang out. I prefer a casual atmosphere, so please feel free to be yourself and engage with the content. My hope is that you will be inspired to live a joyful life and motivate others to do the same.

Get to Know Me

coffee order

black

where are you from?

austin, texas

Favorite album

of dirt and grace

Favorite TV Show

downton abbey

life goal

helping one million people!

favorite day of the week?

monday

favorite place to visit

savannah, georgia

favorite architecture style

gothic

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FAQ

My husband is known for coming up with the best nicknames! When I was trying to decide a name for the blog, he said, “You should call it Harder Knocks after your last name, and because you have overcome so much adversity.” I loved it instantly! My hope is to help as many people as possible overcome their own ‘hard knocks’ and live life joyfully with reckless abandon to God.

Honestly, the number of times we have moved, the number of Airbnbs we have stayed in, and my natural propensity to “zhuzh” wherever I am have given me an eye for design and a talent for decorating. My first remodel opportunity was with my sister and brother-in-law. After moving back to Idaho, I wanted to decorate my sister-in-law’s living room. She had lived in the same house for over 15 years and never established a home design or style. I collected pieces for a few months and then surprised her with the makeover. After a few months, they had an opportunity to remodel their kitchen. I learned SketchUp and presented a few different design options to them. After choosing one, we got to work to make it a reality. After that, I had several more opportunities for renovations and a garage conversion! Now, I am designing tiny homes on wheels. I am so grateful to my SIL for believing in me and providing me with the first opportunity to design and remodel her home.

I began dabbling in Christianity in December 2011, but I committed my life to Christ in April 2012 and have never looked back! I started reading the Bible immediately, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, my entire life changed—so much so that people who had known me for years started to ask what had happened to me.

I am not a licensed nutritionist. All of my meal prep, meal plans, and food-related content are based on common knowledge, general internet research, and personal practice. You should always consult with your doctor or a qualified health professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. Use discretion when following the meal plans or advice provided, and understand that individual nutritional needs can vary greatly.

I am not a certified personal trainer. All of my workouts, accountability groups, and fitness-related content are for inspirational purposes only. You should always consult with your doctor before starting any new routines. The creator disclaims any liability for losses or damages that may arise from the use of this content. Always use discretion when following any meal plans, dietary advice, or exercise program.

What topic are you interested in?

Design
Mom Life
Faith