inspiring food for thought...

open cabinets/shelving:

stove side:



pantry/meal planning:



small lamp and glass storage:



upgrade ideas:



color inspirations:

some inspiring details...


a beautiful moment:

grass cloth paired with beaded board/board and batten:
(whatever we go with here will be continued into the mudroom/dining room/office area... also why many of the pics look so familiar)



graphic accent wall:




to dos...

1. purchase and have new front door and storm installed (swap rh for lh opening to improve traffic flow and accessibility for moving furniture in and out of the house)
2. paint doors & trim
3. hang key box/rack left of door above light switches
4. prime and paint ceiling
5. install grass cloth wallpaper
6. install beaded board/ board and batten wall treatment in a stepped design to mimic the stairs
7. paint and install chair rail & crown moulding
8. find frames and print blk&wht photos of kids to fill the stepped wall treatment space
9. remove spindles and install brackets to simplify stair wall
10. assemble collection of mirrors on opposite side of stairs
11. install light fixtures (entry & top of stairs)

some inspiration...

great laundry inspired wall art:

smart drying racks:






appliance art:



wordy dressers:

Some inspiration...

Moody wall color (helps disguise tv and create cozy feel for the space):

Pops of color (in an otherwise neutral space):

1. Scrape & prime ceiling and transition.
2. Install wallpaper, beadboard, crown & trim.
3. Paint it out. (wht)
4. Paint walls (MSL ?Monk's Cloth and Molasses)
5. Paint trim work (blk/brn)
6. New sheer @ window.
7. Pillow covers to continue pops of color.
8. Wall gallery w flatscreen TV.
9. Install ceiling fan.
10. Find a floor lamp (corner of sectional)... OK this one is a maybe, cuz I can't decide if we really need the additional lighting or not. There are times I'm sitting on that side of the room itching for some decent light to read by, but hubs thinks it's just more wasteful spending.
11. Paint side table & media cabinet (blue-ish/aqua-ish/teal-ish/green-ish)... yeah haven't quite got the color pinned down yet.

First some inspiration for the taking in...
striped walls:

magazine rack where the sink is now:



an accent wall:

1. Remove old flooring (tile & grout is cracking from too much subfloor movement).
2. Move door to side wall (opening into mudroom space).
3. Build new wall where door was (accent wall).
4. Paper the ceiling (w faux tin wallpaper).
5. Paint and install crown (creamy wht).
6. Paint stripes on 3 walls (except accent/sink wall, creamy wht).
7. Install new flooring.
8. Paint vanity & wall cabinets (blk/brn). 
9. Paint trim work & door (blk/brn).
10. Install sink/vanity (swap faucet w full bath).
11. Lighting.
12. Accessorize.

We have so many things to accomplish before we can put our house on the market.
Just typing them out as a frame of reference when life gets chaotic and my recall inevitably fails me.
............................................................................................................
OK maybe that wasn't the greatest idea of where to start. I won't even share it right now. It's simply too depressing ATM. Being so busy with life and letting things slide for a few years, doesn't help when you need to get things accomplished in a specific timeline.
...............................................................................................................
I think I have a better approach to getting started and not demotivating ourselves in the process. I'll start making lists of what needs to be done room by room. Print each one out and tape to a wall in that room.

Then I'll start putting items on the calendar for each of us (DH, myself & older kids) to work on. That way, we can cross things off as we get them accomplished and the workload won't be so terribly overwhelming for any individual family member. I'll combine the room lists into a master list just as an overall frame of reference moving forward with our progress.
.................................................................................................................

OK yeah, that's so much better!!!

of a new to us HOME...
2 Car Garage- 1st bay used for outdoor equipment/ woodworking/ paint space, 2nd for dad's car, (future add man door)

Mudroom- paint/paper, has wet bar area (maybe convert to a kitchenette), add closet next to kitchenette?, add cubbies/benches, hooks, shelves/baskets, organized drop zone just inside door on garage wall, new flooring (same as kid kave), redo rad cover & build into a bench w mirror above, add shelving to under stairs storage area


Guest Room- for DH's mum down the road, carpet (flor) over current flooring, paint/paper to her liking, remove doors from closets & add curtains to coordinate with her bedding


Powder Room- painted/stenciled (maybe add a corner shower later)


Cold Cellar- paint, stow: deep freezer, potatoes/onions, beverages & cold foods for gatherings

Kid Kave- carpet removed/ new vinyl laminate hybrid flooring, paneling painted/ vertical stripes (wht/ pale greige), FP painted/stained (mid greige/wht) w woodburning insert, copper silk curtain panels (have), turquoise pattern sheers, game table, large china cabinet painted, mom's triple dresser painted deep peacock/wht/blk?  for media cabinet, sectional (mid grey slipcovered, washable), toss pillows in accent colors (coppers, aquas/teals, wht), 4 storage ottomans (2 dk brwn, 2 wht/lt grey), slim console table behind sectional large hamper basket for toss pillows, OS chalkboard for game scores w bright frame, OS neutral scrapbook paper enhanced canvas w clips for rotating kids artwork/pics, mixed frame grouping of kids & activities above sectional.






Laundry Closet- fresh coat of paint, rods, dressers, clear bins on shelves, add lighting, shoe cubbies, drying racks

Basement Hall- graphic wallpaper (damask print?) same colorway as main hall to coordinate, carpet removed, steps painted & faux natural fiber runner installed for traction, same flooring at landing as kid kave/mudroom, lower half of dutch door added at top of stairs opens towards bath

Main Hall- remove carpet/ restore wood floor, horizontal striped walls, frame in grand central (communication center long shelf as desk top, shelves above, storage below: recycle bin, trash, file cabinet?) along closet wall
adding curtains that coordinate with gathering room


Main Full Bath- remove wallpaper, paint/stencil?, relocate sink, new vanity (have), replace worn flooring (same as Kid Kave?), mirror, light, shower curtain, bath rug, add linen closet (taken from hall closet)

Foyer- install bar/buffet in closet, hanging hall tree with mirror over radiator, new rad cover, small shoe rack in front of radiator, velvet upholstered bench across with large interpretation of modern art in our colorway

Sun Room/Play Room- armoire/ china hutch painted (cream/aqua/lt olive) against brick wall, low cubby benches lining window walls for baskets of J's toys (double as extra seating/side tables in a pinch), pull out small folding tables & chairs for gatherings (kids drink station, snack foods) (keep stored in laundry/closet), drop cloth/dk choc velvet panels

Gathering Room (living/dining)- carpet removed/ wood floors renewed, paint paneling/mantel, paint TV/gallery wall, faux grasscloth paper front/bk walls, curtains dbl full length at bay over off white sheers, curtains full length at french doors- demi curtains at dining window (linen/dropcloth & velvet PB Stone Blue) over off white sheer roman shade, long couch/ shallow U sectional w storage from Home Reserve, graphic area rug, long wooden console table behind couch/sectional, loveseat/chair & a half,  round table as coffee table (with shelf underneath) w couple of child size chairs, ceramic garden stools as side tables for side chairs, leather chair/non recliner recliner for DH, glass console table as dining table, U cushioned banquette w storage under & new rad cover built in, dining chairs on outside


Kitchen- paint, reconfigure DW/sink, remove angled cabinets & pantry, open doorway into living area, open area above range, add-on peninsula/island behind range, open up wall where pantry was leaving buffet/bar with wall cabinets under, add door to new pantry, line pantry with shelving (both fixed & rolling, baking cart w stand mixer)

Studio-carpet removed/ wood floors restored, paint, rolling shelving rack for scraprack, workstations with storage under & over (on master wall) that wraps in an L master wall to window wall, center island for fabric cutting, wall nxt to closets for kid arts/crafts, cushioned storage bench added to closet for reading nook, take door off closet (maybe hang curtains to cover up shelving storage?)


Cuddle Room- remove carpet/ restore wood floor, paint, area rug, smaller couch, larger loveseat w upholstered ottoman w tray for coffee table, office in closet for hubs, gift wrap station behind the entry door media table/chest w flatscreen TV mounted above between windows, couple pics & tokens from wedding in built in shelving lined w wallpaper, new door to master


Master Bedroom- remove carpet/ restore wood floor, paint, runner rugs on either side of bed, curtains (fabric roman to match) over blinds on wide/side window, shared dresser under wide/side window, tall chest/armoire for bedding in front of alt master door, bench(es)/loveseat at foot of bed, utilize his/her WIC, small nightstands, hanging chandie for moi, vertical swinging wall lamp for hubs


Master Half Bath- remove carpet/ restore wood floor, paint/paper, new vanity (already have), low flow toilet, faucet, mirror & light

Kid Hall- same paper as Basement Hall, same stair treatment Basement Hall

C's Room- remove carpet/ restore wood floor, paint/paper, insulate WIC, floor level furniture for WIC, upholstered headboard, platform for bed, day bed/bookcases


N's Room- paint, light, new bedding, metal accents, sports/gaming accessories, window treatments


H's Room- paint, light, bedding, soccer/classic menswear accessories, window treatments


J's Room- remove carpet/restore wood floor, paint/paper, balloon valances topped w blackout lined curtain panels, painted furniture


Kids' Full Bath- remove carpet/restore wood floor (new floor or paint), paint, open bottom double vanity w dbl sinks, shower curtain, bath rug regrout & caulk tub/shower walls


Shed- Haven't found right inspiration yet...

Time to create a vision board with pics/info & inspiration for our new to us, home-to-be. I've started one on Pinterest. I so Lurv that virtual place!!! My own anywhere binder of inspiration boards for everything I care about or long to get around to one of these days. Need to do some fine tuning/editing since I started it originally for our current home.

First baby step of the year is setting goals.

I've had a very slow evolution back to FLYing. (Yes, a FlyLady-ism.) It's refreshing to be heading in the right direction after so many years at the bottom of my own list. I came away from reading some New Year's posts by fellow bloggers, to realize resolutions aren't the right approach for me/us this year. Our year is going to be undoubtedly full to the brim... quite possibly, very much overflowing. Many changes and challenges are looming on the horizon of our 2012. Pretty sure they'll mostly be for the better, but also very sure, it won't all be stress free.

Someone else coined the term revolution instead of resolution for 2012... yeah, that's much more what it feels like for us. For a revolution, you need a plan. For a plan to be set in motion, we need attainable goals.

1- this is the year I go back to putting myself at the top of my list. yup put the oxygen mask on myself first... daily (it's the only way I'll be able to keep up and motivate my family to lend their helping hands)... hydrate, nourish (body & soul), cleanse...again body (massage/supplements) & soul (prayer & meditation), build-up (setting aside time for working out & to read/write), sleep (making plans & concessions for when lil J obstructs the natural order)... I need my sleep, without it I'm next to worthless.

2- this is the time to re-evaluate and change up routines to facilitate action for the family at large.

3- this is the year of saying NO! No... to extra commitments on our time & energy. No... to excess expenditures. NO... to whining of capable children (including that lil girl inside myself at times). No... to play before work.

4- this is the year of saying YES! Yes... to making the hard decision to better our family (ie: savings before additional technologies and comforts). Yes... to working hard and then playing hard. Yes... to putting health before laziness. Yes... to a brighter future and easier to maintain household. Yes to rewards for hard work and a job well done!

5- this is the year to put reading at the forefront of extra curricular activities for kids & parents (growing our brains a little won't hurt us and may very well help us.

6- this is the year to re-evaluate what's really important to us individually & as a family and put those choices/priorities as the focus.

7- this is the year to figure out action plans with extended family to help family members in need.

8- this is the time to let go of things (that aren't really important) to make way for a lighter/freer life.

9- this is the year to start fulfilling my purpose

10- this is the year our home becomes an organized and well oiled machine that welcomes, envelops, comforts and uplifts each of us, our extended family & our friends.

11- this is the year that we focus on deepening & enriching inter-family relationships and having good times together.

Baby step #1 is done!
Now to print and post them in our home as a constant reminder.

OK... time for a new approach.

I'm realizing that what has worked in the past for me just isn't coming to fruition this time around. It maybe partially because I'm gearing up for summer and school year routines just don't hold much ground for me/us in the coming weeks. Plus, I'm guessing my groove has been off for far too long and finding it is much harder than I previously remember (it's probably been seriously a few years now).
   So here's to out with the old and in with the new. My revamped way to get baby stepping/flying (FlyLady-isms) is to "follow the flow" for lack of a better term/system. I'm following the flow of my family, my time, my energy level, my moods, etc. I know this may sound very wishy-washy to some. But so far, I'm getting much more done with this approach than I was fighting the tide that is real life to reel in more structured routines. Yes, there are still a few routines that have definite structure and need to be that way (dishes, laundry, mail, etc)... however I'm finding that letting go has it's own benefits as well. Ones that I've been in desperate need of without even realizing. I'm relearning to be more adaptable... while in many ways I've gone with the flow for years, I have to admit it's many times been with a begruding mindset/attitude. This is a much better way, if I don't have too much rigorously scheduled/structured routinely, then I'm finding I can lean into my childrens' desires easier and deal better with their moods day to day.

Here are a few examples:
- If I have the time, ingredients and feel like cooking up a storm... then I go with it and cook up several of my meals for the week ahead of time & give myself a few breaks cooking later in the week. It allows for a better use of my time and less stress to those harried nights of shuttling children to their afterschool/spring/summer activities when I don't have my other parenting partner available.
- If I feel like sewing... I tackle a couple projects and deal with the mending pile before, in the middle and after to eliminate one of my growing hotspots in my dining room.
- If I feel like painting... I figure out when and where I can carve out time for prep and then painting and then finishing touch-up work to complete the project(s) I have time to tackle and then I just do it. Benefit... lots of drying time is usually required for things in between steps. So it works great into my schedule much of the time. Now that spring is finally allowing for open windows in the house and our covered porch can house larger paint in progress projects out of little hands way... there will be even more new coats of paint being accomplished.
- If I feel like purging... I run like mad to the closest room and am just being ruthless!!! LOL Seriously though, I think what space needs it the worst & then I just dig in for much of the day. Sometimes that amounts to snippets of 10 or 15 mins here or there throughout my day & sometimes it means I get 3+ hours straight when lil J is taking an awesome nap. Sometimes it's become almost a week long event. We've had many trips of donations work it's way out the door in just the last few weeks with this approach. I also found a great place to part with kid clothing, toys, movies, books, etc: www.thredup.com , it's also a great place to find the like as well when we're in need at a very reasonable cost.
- If I feel like organizing... I decide what feels like it's nagging me the most in regards of disorganization and that's where I head first. Pull everything out and assess (sort/purge/group). Decide what would be the best way to organize based on function above all else (remembering who all uses the space and try and gear it toward them primarily) then try to find ways to also make it visually appealing.
- If I feel like tackling laundry (a very rare day indeed)... then I tackle things like swapping out seasonal clothing; stripping beds/curtains & washing anything else that isn't necessarily "worn" on a regular basis, but is used much; organizing/refolding clean clothing in children's/dh's drawers, maybe even some mending. We do have a regular laundry routine and it includes my children having a day of the week they are assigned to getting their own laundry washed, dried & put away. I do DH's & mine on our days & lil J's on her day usually working in the towel laundry then too.
- If I feel too tired to do much physical labor but my brain is saying I want to organize... then I tackle paperwork... paying bills, menu/meal plan, work on our family household binder, put more together in my control journal, sort pictures, tackle my inspiration files, attack my email inbox, plan things for the coming months & double check everyone's activity calendars against our master family calendar, plan projects I have on my neverending list... etc
- If I feel I'm on brain overload and instead need some manual labor to free my mind... I tackle something like mowing the lawn, rearranging furniture in a room, weeding the flower beds, deep clean a room or two in the house, put together a trampoline (yeah... for real mowed the lawn & put together a trampoline just this past Sunday... the later with the help of my eldest DD and youngest DS).
- If I feel like I just need to create... then I wait for a time when lil J is down for a nap & elder kiddos are busy, busy and I do whatever I want! It's some true me time that refills me in a way that nothing else can.
-If I feel like I need a break... I take one!!! I now am feeling it's well deserved much of the time... instead of my former feeling cranky, disorganized and that I'm robbing someone/something the time I'm taking for myself.

Key inspiration words/phrases:
our lil' sweetie, daddy's princess, sweet pea, pretty in pink (and/or maybe lilac), whimsy, unexpected, dash of enchantment, mini, sweets for our sweet

Little girl eye candy: