Pinterest is just the sort of site for me. I keep paper inspiration journals with all sorts of ideas gleaned from magazines, binders full of clipped recipes, and notes on my phone of the various websites I want to visit or apps I want to check out. But the truth is, Pinterest seems taboo and I have purposely stayed as far away as possible. Oh, I've peeked at it a time or two and almost felt guilty or naughty doing so. It's the sort of thing I could loose myself in and spend more time finding and pinning ideas than actually executing (making, baking, sewing, trying) those ideas! But the time has come my friends - time to embrace Pinterest and practice some self-discipline when it comes time to set aside technology and get my hands dirty with a project. So here I go - with whatever nap time is left, I am off to create some boards on Pinterest. Wish me luck! Maybe I'll see you around as I'm looking for fun stuff to pin. ~J.
P.S. If you haven't checked out Houzz, you should. They have a website and an iPhone app. Addictive! I've had an ideabook going in Houzz for a while...maybe that's why I have courage to step into the land of Pinterest! So many great ideas, so little time...
Showing posts with label redecorate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label redecorate. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Redefining
I'm not hopeful I'll get this entry completed, but I'm writing anyway. I process life verbally, and the opportunity to do so lately has been limited, so I'm feeling the need to BLOG about life even though little bitty boy will be awake from his morning nap soon. He's 9 months old in a couple of days, inch-worming across the floor and eating solid foods, so I guess I can't really call him little bitty much longer!
I think I can describe what I'm trying to process by saying I sense the dawning of redefinition in my life. I've been here before - crawling out of the cocoon that I seem to sink into while my babies are infants. The cocoon is a warm, cozy place where I dwell with my little bitties and my husband while we figure out what it means to us to be a family of 4. It's a place where everything is muted and a little surreal. Winter in MN, albeit a mild one, intensifies the effect. Frankly sometimes it feels more like a cave that I'm clawing out of, but I prefer to try to think of it as a cocoon, because changes happen in there, and something new is born when I emerge.
So much of parenting is about the kids, the KIDS KIDS KIDS. But the parents are part of this equation too, right? It's hard to carve out time for your marriage and yourself, although everything I've ever read says that you can't be a good parent if you don't. I really struggle with balance in my life regardless of the kids, tending to be the person who likes to give my all to everything and everyone. So it's even more difficult finding balance when a new little person is so entirely dependent on me - especially when I love providing all that little person needs! I love being a mama!
This time around I am not working outside the home steadily as I was with our first child so it makes balance even more challenging. I don't have the built-in distraction from home life that I had in working outside of the home 3 days a week. I also don't have the built-in "me time" to get my hair done over lunch, go shopping, get a coffee with a coworker, or be in charge of my own schedule for an entire 9 hours!! I am a slave to the twice-a-day nap schedule and the preschool drop-off/pick-up schedule and the eating/diapering schedule. I've given in to skipping make-up most days, showers some days, and focusing more on play dates than grown-up dates (because finding babysitters is hard work and expensive!) It's tough to find the energy to do something for myself or with my spouse after dinner is done, the kids are in bed, and we've both been on the go all day. Particularly when I'm not well rested in the first place and I know it all starts again in 10 hours. At that point, the hubby hits the video games for a bit and I play some word games on my phone while I watch a cooking show. Does this provide the balance I'm seeking? No. Have I figured out how to change it? No. Does it bug me? Yes.
Now before you go thinking that I'm ungrateful for this time at home with my kids, rest assured that I know what a blessing this time is with our kids, what a blessing it is to have a supportive husband and to have made financial decisions that allow us to live off of one income for now. In the big picture of life I KNOW it's a good thing, I love our kids more than words can express, and I'm thankful, but I still find myself struggling some days. I'm reminded of the song that says, "I've looked at life from both sides now." As with most things in life, the grass is just as green on the other side. It's excellent to be home with my kids, not racing out the door most mornings to get to a meeting, but it also means I struggle a little more to see Joy through the process of having a new baby in our life.
Back to the cocoon - while I'm in it and struggling to sort through all of the stuff I've written about above, my house takes a nose-dive. The "creep" starts to win because we're not constantly picking up after the preschooler, tackling the mail, staying ahead of the dog hair, making decisions that can wait until later, or taking the time to do things right the first time. As I said, there isn't a lot of sleep during these times and that complicates matters because the little things seem bigger. Also, the social schedule is light while I'm in the cocoon - it has to be in order to survive, but it leaves me feeling disconnected from the friends and family who are truly my sustenance and lifeline. At the same time, being in the cocoon changes my perspective on what was important before; which things, relationships, attitudes, and goals are worth my attention in light of the new little person into whom we're investing so much. The new perspective is the first hint of redefinition.
It feels good to start breaking free from the cocoon. It means I'm tackling the stagnant corners and drawers of my house that need attention, and it creates an intense urge to simplify. (Garage sale coming in April!) Redefining in this way brings me peace best described by a quote from The Diary of Anais Nin,
I'm also planning to do away with our red wall and entryway after 8 years in favor of a beachy, pale, blue green from Farrow and Ball called Pale Powder. Our trip to Key West and a Costal Living magazine for the flight home inspired me. Of course this means sewing some new pillow covers, adding some new home accessories, and moving things around. Being home full-time means I am completely immersed in my house and fully aware of the impact it has on my mood, attitude, comfort and LIFE. Time for a change, time to redefine the space in which we dwell!
We finally ventured back to church last weekend. It's time to renew our relationship with Christ and the church, and some redefinition will certainly be part of that process.
I feel like our whole family is redefining the way we interact with each other; in the way we parent the older child, our habits, our communication patterns. Change is never easy, but it's a redefinition that's worthwhile. It's one that continues ALL THE TIME but feels highlighted now that we're hyper-aware of everything, having just emerged from months inside of the cocoon.
Although I feel like I've only written about the tip of the iceberg, this is where I must stop (and I think you get the picture anyway.) It's time to get back to doing the business of "a-day-in-the-life" instead of writing about it or thinking about it. Thanks for reading! If you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear about any redefinition going on in your life. Until next time...~J
I think I can describe what I'm trying to process by saying I sense the dawning of redefinition in my life. I've been here before - crawling out of the cocoon that I seem to sink into while my babies are infants. The cocoon is a warm, cozy place where I dwell with my little bitties and my husband while we figure out what it means to us to be a family of 4. It's a place where everything is muted and a little surreal. Winter in MN, albeit a mild one, intensifies the effect. Frankly sometimes it feels more like a cave that I'm clawing out of, but I prefer to try to think of it as a cocoon, because changes happen in there, and something new is born when I emerge.
So much of parenting is about the kids, the KIDS KIDS KIDS. But the parents are part of this equation too, right? It's hard to carve out time for your marriage and yourself, although everything I've ever read says that you can't be a good parent if you don't. I really struggle with balance in my life regardless of the kids, tending to be the person who likes to give my all to everything and everyone. So it's even more difficult finding balance when a new little person is so entirely dependent on me - especially when I love providing all that little person needs! I love being a mama!
This time around I am not working outside the home steadily as I was with our first child so it makes balance even more challenging. I don't have the built-in distraction from home life that I had in working outside of the home 3 days a week. I also don't have the built-in "me time" to get my hair done over lunch, go shopping, get a coffee with a coworker, or be in charge of my own schedule for an entire 9 hours!! I am a slave to the twice-a-day nap schedule and the preschool drop-off/pick-up schedule and the eating/diapering schedule. I've given in to skipping make-up most days, showers some days, and focusing more on play dates than grown-up dates (because finding babysitters is hard work and expensive!) It's tough to find the energy to do something for myself or with my spouse after dinner is done, the kids are in bed, and we've both been on the go all day. Particularly when I'm not well rested in the first place and I know it all starts again in 10 hours. At that point, the hubby hits the video games for a bit and I play some word games on my phone while I watch a cooking show. Does this provide the balance I'm seeking? No. Have I figured out how to change it? No. Does it bug me? Yes.
Now before you go thinking that I'm ungrateful for this time at home with my kids, rest assured that I know what a blessing this time is with our kids, what a blessing it is to have a supportive husband and to have made financial decisions that allow us to live off of one income for now. In the big picture of life I KNOW it's a good thing, I love our kids more than words can express, and I'm thankful, but I still find myself struggling some days. I'm reminded of the song that says, "I've looked at life from both sides now." As with most things in life, the grass is just as green on the other side. It's excellent to be home with my kids, not racing out the door most mornings to get to a meeting, but it also means I struggle a little more to see Joy through the process of having a new baby in our life.
Back to the cocoon - while I'm in it and struggling to sort through all of the stuff I've written about above, my house takes a nose-dive. The "creep" starts to win because we're not constantly picking up after the preschooler, tackling the mail, staying ahead of the dog hair, making decisions that can wait until later, or taking the time to do things right the first time. As I said, there isn't a lot of sleep during these times and that complicates matters because the little things seem bigger. Also, the social schedule is light while I'm in the cocoon - it has to be in order to survive, but it leaves me feeling disconnected from the friends and family who are truly my sustenance and lifeline. At the same time, being in the cocoon changes my perspective on what was important before; which things, relationships, attitudes, and goals are worth my attention in light of the new little person into whom we're investing so much. The new perspective is the first hint of redefinition.
It feels good to start breaking free from the cocoon. It means I'm tackling the stagnant corners and drawers of my house that need attention, and it creates an intense urge to simplify. (Garage sale coming in April!) Redefining in this way brings me peace best described by a quote from The Diary of Anais Nin,
"When I cannot bear outer pressures anymore, I begin to put order in my belongings...As if unable to organize and control my life, I seek to exert this on the world of objects."
Yep, having a new baby certainly leaves me unable to control and organize my life, so this quote helps me explain the intense urge to go through our things!
I'm also planning to do away with our red wall and entryway after 8 years in favor of a beachy, pale, blue green from Farrow and Ball called Pale Powder. Our trip to Key West and a Costal Living magazine for the flight home inspired me. Of course this means sewing some new pillow covers, adding some new home accessories, and moving things around. Being home full-time means I am completely immersed in my house and fully aware of the impact it has on my mood, attitude, comfort and LIFE. Time for a change, time to redefine the space in which we dwell!
We finally ventured back to church last weekend. It's time to renew our relationship with Christ and the church, and some redefinition will certainly be part of that process.
I feel like our whole family is redefining the way we interact with each other; in the way we parent the older child, our habits, our communication patterns. Change is never easy, but it's a redefinition that's worthwhile. It's one that continues ALL THE TIME but feels highlighted now that we're hyper-aware of everything, having just emerged from months inside of the cocoon.
Although I feel like I've only written about the tip of the iceberg, this is where I must stop (and I think you get the picture anyway.) It's time to get back to doing the business of "a-day-in-the-life" instead of writing about it or thinking about it. Thanks for reading! If you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear about any redefinition going on in your life. Until next time...~J
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Other G of Summer - Garage Sales
Good morning! A week has already passed since my last post; so much for sharing garage sale finds a day after I shared our garden progress. But then, if you can't do as you please with your blog, in what area of life can you enjoy such freedom?! Tra, la, la, la, la. This seems to be the theme of summer. *big grin*
On to the meat of the post! With the end of the week upon us and the prime garage sale days it brings, below are a few of my favorite finds from the summer. But first, a little background - my mission in 2010 is to renew our home, brighten it up, and change our furnishings from "Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel circa 1999" to something more eclectic and casual with vintage touches sprinkled in. I jokingly told our neighbor I'm on a mission to sell or consign every "new" piece of furniture we own in exchange for something comfortably used. Along the way I'm incorporating fun fabrics, lots of ticking stripes, vintage light fixtures, and slip covers (for now - I'd love to replace our couch etc.)
You've seen the perfect little desk from a farmhouse yard sale earlier this summer, and the makeover of the $2.95 thrift store find, so here's the $5 table from my return trip to July's estate sale. Ta-da! The crock, books, and milk bottle holding the massive hydrangea are all garage sale finds as well. I love this new corner of my dining room - much better than the tacky fake ficus tree that sat there for the past 4 years!
On to the meat of the post! With the end of the week upon us and the prime garage sale days it brings, below are a few of my favorite finds from the summer. But first, a little background - my mission in 2010 is to renew our home, brighten it up, and change our furnishings from "Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel circa 1999" to something more eclectic and casual with vintage touches sprinkled in. I jokingly told our neighbor I'm on a mission to sell or consign every "new" piece of furniture we own in exchange for something comfortably used. Along the way I'm incorporating fun fabrics, lots of ticking stripes, vintage light fixtures, and slip covers (for now - I'd love to replace our couch etc.)
You've seen the perfect little desk from a farmhouse yard sale earlier this summer, and the makeover of the $2.95 thrift store find, so here's the $5 table from my return trip to July's estate sale. Ta-da! The crock, books, and milk bottle holding the massive hydrangea are all garage sale finds as well. I love this new corner of my dining room - much better than the tacky fake ficus tree that sat there for the past 4 years!
Here is the $2 side table discovered at a neighborhood sale displaying the $1 quilt I found at the same sale. I'm ashamed to say I've paid more for a glass drawer pull like the one on this table before! All the table required was a little scrub down, and it was ready for use!
Finally, here are before and afters of the $5 chandelier that replaced our heavy black Home Depot chandelier. It took some serious clean-up, reshaping, and 2 cans of "Canvas White" spray paint, but it looks great! I only wish our Nikon was fixed so I could've gotten better pics. (note: the little pink sticky notes are to mark which arms need re-wiring, as only 3 lights work for now, so turn a blind eye as I have. Patience is NOT my middle name so I'd rather enjoy it as is for a while until my hubby has a chance to work on the wiring.)
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| Before |
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After |
There have been so many other treats and treasures from garage sales, estate sales and yard sales this summer. I love it. I love that it keeps the items someone else is done with out of our landfills. I love the opportunity it's given me to teach O about money's value, spending it, and making choices about what we want. Finally, I love the thrill of a gorgeous discovery and figuring out where it will fit into our home. Happy hunting!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wonderful Wednesday
I have the good fortune of a true day off every other Wednesday. I don't work and our son O goes to preschool (daycare actually, but he's in the preschool room so that's what it's called.) Today is that wonderful Wednesday of which I speak. Usually I quarrel with myself about what to pack into the day. I should exercise, get groceries, run errands, craft, start a big sewing project, reconnect with a friend, organize something, and the list goes on.
Today I awoke knowing how I'd fill my day. About a year ago I started changing the main bathroom decor with the seasons (an idea that came from my good friend Mandy.) You see, I absolutely love to reinvent a space and see fresh, new change in my home. The bathroom is a small enough space that with neutral walls and tile, I can change the other elements, like artwork, towels and accent pieces, to give the room a whole new feel. As most of you are, I am ready for SPRING so it's time to oust the baby blue accents and black & white photos of our family playing in the snow in favor of something more cheerful. After that, I may sew a couple more pillows for our couch as part of my larger living room redecorating project. (BTW, I got my third and final slip cover on the couch last night. I picked it up at Target for a steal since it was repackaged. I shrunk the first slip cover I'd gotten, so it's now on the loveseat and the loveseat slip cover is on the chair. It all worked out beautifully!) So share with us - what are you doing to welcome spring?
To close, I'm posting a picture of the belt I worked on embellishing last night. I used an idea for frayed circles from the book Fabricate by Susan Wasinger and some of my beloved button collection. It's a work in process but I suspect it will end up on my newly created Etsy shop, SprinkleofJoy.etsy.com. Perhaps as the first item!
Today I awoke knowing how I'd fill my day. About a year ago I started changing the main bathroom decor with the seasons (an idea that came from my good friend Mandy.) You see, I absolutely love to reinvent a space and see fresh, new change in my home. The bathroom is a small enough space that with neutral walls and tile, I can change the other elements, like artwork, towels and accent pieces, to give the room a whole new feel. As most of you are, I am ready for SPRING so it's time to oust the baby blue accents and black & white photos of our family playing in the snow in favor of something more cheerful. After that, I may sew a couple more pillows for our couch as part of my larger living room redecorating project. (BTW, I got my third and final slip cover on the couch last night. I picked it up at Target for a steal since it was repackaged. I shrunk the first slip cover I'd gotten, so it's now on the loveseat and the loveseat slip cover is on the chair. It all worked out beautifully!) So share with us - what are you doing to welcome spring?
To close, I'm posting a picture of the belt I worked on embellishing last night. I used an idea for frayed circles from the book Fabricate by Susan Wasinger and some of my beloved button collection. It's a work in process but I suspect it will end up on my newly created Etsy shop, SprinkleofJoy.etsy.com. Perhaps as the first item!
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