Spring Fever

The sun is starting to poke through the clouds, and the snow is melting fast. I'm getting the itch to pack away our coats and hats and so looking forward to opening our windows and letting the Spring air in. I've definitely caught Spring Fever, and it shows.

I've been trying to declutter...as always. It seems like a constant battle in my house. I've been busy donating old clothes that don't fit, trying to find new storage solutions for toys and blankets. Cleaning out cabinets and throwing out products I haven't used in a year. I've been pinning away at Pinterest and even convinced Rick to allow us to buy a new couch. (I keep telling him I saved him a lot of money by negotiating a couch instead of a new house. He's not buying it.)

You see, for a while no, Rick and I decided we would put our condo on the market this spring and try to move out the suburbs by the end of 2013. We made the decision based on some financial reasons, family planning reasons (no, I'm not pregnant!) and because I'm desperate for more space, more storage and a yard for Maizey to run around in. This has been our plan for months. Then I had dinner with some girlfriends a couple of weeks ago and came home and told Rick I changed my mind, I'm not ready to move out of the city. I feel too young, I love our life here right now, and I can suck it up and live without a basement or attached garage for another year. So we're staying put for now, and I got a new couch out of the whole deal.


So, let's start with my spring cleaning of the guest room:

We are so lucky that we have a very special visitor coming to stay with us for a little while, so I needed to freshen this space up, clean out the closet and give her some room to feel at home. This room has been my dumping ground since we moved in. The closet was stuffed with everything I couldn't find another space for.

Before

After

The window "shades" were pillows stuffed in the window frame to keep the light out. Seriously, how tacky are we!?

Before

After

And the artwork, well, that's for a whole different post. When Rick and I moved in together, he told me he really felt attached to this one piece of art he owned. An old friend painted it for him, so it seemed sentimental, and I let him keep it. (I don't even know who this "friend" is. He could very well be imaginary). I hung it in our guest room with the door closed so I didn't have to look at it. A couple nights ago, I asked Rick, "who was it that painted it?" and he mumbled some name which I've already forgotten, and told me we could retire the painting. So, in its place I did some crafting and put up a little something to inspire our guests to always feel the love.

Before

After

Onto the living room... for some reason, I've never managed to bring this room together in a cohesive way that makes me feel proud to have guests over. It's been five years of living here, and we've tried various arrangements, bought new furniture pieces, sold old pieces, and repainted. And still, it was a hot mess. Our couches were mismatched, uncomfortable and torn apart from Maizey. We have picture frames, books, toys and so much clutter hanging around, it causes me a lot of anxiety.

(On a side note, I am self-diagnosing myself as Organizationally BiPolar because I go through spurts where I can't organize enough, and then times when I let papers pile up and drawers get stuffed to the point you can't open them)

This pretty much explains it: 

Anyway, here's what our living room looked like before:

And here's how it looks like now:

Two of my favorite new pieces of storage! 

Okay, let's keep it real. This is what it really looks like:

It's still a work in progress, and frankly I think a home should always be. Otherwise, it's a hotel. We still have tons of toys scattered around and too many picture frames on every surface. But this is my home, not my staged house.

I can hardly believe it's been five years that we've lived in this space. It's funny how you become so attached to a space because of the memories that live in the walls and floors of each room. Despite my desperate desire for more space, I get a twinge of sadness thinking our time in this home is drawing to an end. I'm definitely feeling the urgency to make some new memories in here that we can pack up with us when then time is right. I believe strongly, though, that time isn't quite now. And I'm pretty darn thrilled about that.

Photo Wall

I've been VERY bad at changing the photos on our photo wall downstairs. Some of the pictures in there are classics (i.e. from 1987) but others are just a bit dusty. In fact, I didn't even have a picture of Cam down there.

So when I saw this on Pinterest, I was inspired.

I started my search for a frame and found one at JoAnn fabrics for $29! Tip: framing stores will put out custom made frames that people ordered but never picked up or ones that they no longer need at ridiculous discounted prices. The frame I bought is a custom wood frame measuring about 40" x 25".

I then searched for contact paper instead of wall paper so it could be easily removed, and I bought six white 5x7 frames from Target. After printing out the pictures, hanging all the pieces (it took about 30 minutes total!) our new photo wall was complete:

BEFORE

AFTER

Close up of contact paper and frames...

I am very pleased with how it turned out. It's clean, simple and makes me smile every time I walk by it. I think I may take a short break from Pinterest projects. In fact, I hear the laundry, and dishes, and floors, and countertops... calling!

The Interest in Pinterest

I posted this a while ago showing how Pinterest inspired me to re-do our bedroom decor a bit. Well, the Pinterest craze has exploded. I've always been one who enjoys a craft project. I love moving furniture around in my house, changing photos and their locations, and finding new purposes for old things. So, it's no wonder Pinterest has me hooked.

Most people's complaint about Pinterest is that they spend hours "pinning" ideas onto their boards that they never end up creating. I, on the other hand, now have some time on my hands since Cam's nap schedule is all sorted out, and I have found myself itching to get crafty.

I started with Cam's room. I was not in love with the wall decor in there and saw this and this on Pinterest and used the two ideas as inspiration. I loved the idea of putting a quote up on Cam's wall that he could look at each day (when he eventually learns to read!) that reminds him of how much he is loved and how special he is. Even when he's sent to his room for being in trouble, and even when Mommy and Daddy are frustrated with him because he's doing this...

... I want him to be able to look at these words and remember he is adored. So, here's what I came up with:

I used Mod Podge and tissue paper to cover a canvas.

I then adhered a quote onto the dried canvas.

 It says, "You are more beautiful than you know, More talented than you think, and More loved than you can imagine"

This project was super easy and I would definitely do it again to add a pop of color in another room.

Once that was completed, I decided Mod Podge was awesome! I started searching for other projects to use the tub I had bought, and came upon a list of ideas for using Mod Podge. One of which was to make coasters (which our house desperately needed!!).

For this easy project, I bought 4x4 white tiles at Home Depot (each $0.16), two pieces of scrapbook paper and shellac spray. 

And here's how the coasters turned out!

We've been using them for a couple of weeks now and they have held up great. They're pretty, durable and you could really go wild making these. You could personalize them with pictures, monogramed paper, tissue paper for bright color, etc. etc! I will definitely be making these as gifts because of the endless possibilities.


Next up... this photo wall in our downstairs hallway!

Feeling Inspired

Now that Campbell is a sleeping super star, I've found myself with time to accomplish things around the house. I spent last week cleaning and organizing closets, pantries, drawers, the fridge, freezer and so much more! By the end of the week, I gave myself permission to sit down while Cam napped one afternoon and I joined Pinterest. If you haven't joined yet or don't know what it's about, it is essentially a website where you can collect ideas and inspiration for your home, style, kids, and really anything you can think of. I have been browsing and "pinning" for a couple of days now and got bit by the crafty bug. My brain started swarming with ideas to re-do every inch of our house. I feel inspired to organize and create, and it feels good! I got a little out of control with showing Rick all my ideas this weekend, and  he has quickly decided he does not like Pinterest.

Well today, Cam and I went to the craft store and picked up a few things for my first project. I've been wanting to re-do our bedroom for a long time. I've never LOVED how it looked. We still don't have a bed frame, our drapes are really cheap (and cheap looking), and we've had either a dog crate or Pack n Play in one corner for the last two years! So, this was the first room I wanted to start to spruce up.

Last week, Rick made a comment that he thought we needed a new duvet cover because Maizey had really roughed ours up. He didn't realize his comment would lead me to run to West Elm where I've been eyeing a duvet cover for a while now: 

 Since we still don't have a bed frame, (anniversary present perhaps?!), I wanted to put something on the all above the bed to simulate a headboard of sorts. So I picked up some fabric, three 12x12 pieces of plywood and a staple gun and came up with this:

I'm thinking I may even add another row of three. I have to sleep on it :)

I used some extra fabric to cover an old pillow that Maizey destroyed... I need to actually hem it together, but I just wanted to see how it would look, and I think it goes nicely with the bedding!

 
I'm fairly pleased with how the bedroom is coming together. It's such a nice retreat now that Cam is sleeping in his own room!

Spring Cleaning and Home Improvement

Okay, I really think Spring is here. I really do. The trees are blooming, kids are playing in the park, and people are shedding the layers of fleece and wool.

I got the Spring Fever yesterday and decided to do some minor home improvement projects. Cleaned off the patio and replaced the chair cushions with something a little brighter and cheerier...

Planted pretty flowers (which I hope I can keep alive this year!)

Rick put together the new chair I ordered, and I have to say I love it!

And, I found a steal at HomeGoods where I bought a little cabinet to put in our bathroom. Installation date to be determined...


We ordered a new sectional sofa for the deck that should arrive next week, which I am psyched about. We do so much outdoor entertaining during the summer, I can't wait to use it!

Happy weekend all around!

Day 89: McSteamy

As we get older, it becomes more challenging to buy gifts for everyone in our family. None of us need anything and most of us feel silly making wish lists. This year, I had one thing on my birthday wish list. A hard floor steam cleaner.

This winter has been brutal on my floors. Maizey tracks in more salt and snow than anyone could possibly imagine. Our floors, as lovely as they are, happen to be the very special type of wood that shows every smudge, fleck of dirt and eyelash that falls. Throw me in the mix, and you can imagine how many times Rick has come home to me on all fours scrubbing the floors. I used to make fun of my mother for scrubbing our tile kitchen floors with a toothbrush and bleach. I totally get it now, Mom. Please accept my apologies.

Lucky for me I have some fabulous sisters who so generously bought me this lovely steam cleaner. I was a bit skeptical at first, and I have to say, I still can't really understand how pure steam can sanitize my floors. Nevertheless, my floors were in dire need of a good cleaning yesterday and I decided to put my new present to the test. Literally. I cleaned one half of my floors with my old school rag and bucket of soapy water. The other half was met by the steam machine! I was pretty amazed and see a lot of steaming in my future.

If this supposed blizzard does indeed come through tomorrow, I may spend the day trying to figure out how to use the handy tool to create a steam facial! Or maybe a steamer for wrinkled clothing? Oooh the possibilities!!

Day 84: The Gift of Giving

I really love giving gifts to people I love. Truly, I do. Don't get me wrong -- I would never send back the Marc Jacobs purse my mom bought me last year or the Judith Ripka earrings I was blessed with this Hanukkah. But, I really love that warm and fuzzy feeling of giving the perfect gift.

Well, yesterday I did some good giving. Really good giving. You see, our area rug has evidence of puppyhood that I'd really rather not remember.  I've been eyeing this new rug for some time now, and have resisted the temptation to purchase it until it was "the right time." Well yesterday just felt like the right time. So, I bought myself an early birthday present. And all I have to say is, Happy Birthday to me!

Day 82: Go Green!

Don't fret, Rick.. I'm not talking about Michigan State. I'm talking about coming to terms with the fact that chemicals are bad and I need to start cleaning with more safe and healthy products. I have taken a lot of steps to make our home more environmentally friendly -- recycling, replacing light bulbs, buying organic foods, and using less paper goods. But I've had a hard time letting go of my cleaning products.

I can admit that I am a clean freak. I get a sick kick out of scrubbing floors and Windexing windows. I love the smell of clean, but I've known deep down for a long time that that "clean" was pretty harmful. I've tried all natural products before, but my house never felt sanitized and it bothered me. I knew I had a few hours in the house to myself yesterday, so I went to Target and bought some Mrs. Meyers cleaning products that claim to be safe and healthy for your home, but supposedly actually clean as well. I threw out my Pine Sol and Magic Erasers, and after two hours of ceiling to floor cleaning, I am convinced you can actually have a clean home without it smelling like a chemical plant.

Nevertheless, I couldn't come to terms with getting rid of my Windex just yet. I'm just not ready to part with that one of a kind, streak-free shine. Baby steps, right?

Day 51: The Joy of Being Lazy

I'm not usually one who stays in bed all morning. I consider myself a morning person and I'm usually quite antsy by 8 am to get out of bed and get my day started. Not yesterday. Another peaceful, relaxing day of winter break fell upon us, and I decided to cherish it before the hustle and bustle of family vacation begins. Maizey and I decided we didn't feel like getting out of bed yesterday morning, so we didn't. We just snuggled and cuddled under the covers and turned on the Today Show. I didn't stress about getting up to finish the errands that needed to be run or the phone calls that needed to be made. We just lay there and enjoyed the company of each other and Matt Lauer. It was a blissful morning, and I feel energized and ready to tackle the trip to Florida today to spend the weekend with the Voticky clan (well most of it). Vacation, here we come!

My snuggle buddy. Pure deliciousness.

 

Day 49: Home Sweet Home

It's amazing how productive one can be when they aren't working full time. I feel spoiled that I get two weeks of vacation, but trust me, these days are not wasted away. After catching up on some much needed sleep this weekend, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer my Monday. I spent two hours cleaning my house from top to bottom this morning. I mean hands-and-knees scrubbing the floors, washing every towel and piece of laundry that has been neglected, and Windexing every window. It was therapeutic cleaning. The kind of cleaning where you can't stop once you've started.

A long-shower-and-many-errands-knocked-off-the-list later, I curled up on the couch and continued reading The Help (I can't put it down!) Maizey's pretty pooped from a long day's work...

Day 28: Home is Where the Heart Is

Today was one of those days. I was chilled to the bone in my classroom and couldn't warm up. I felt cloudy and groggy from waking up at 5 am for the first time in 5 days after taking a sleeping pill for the first time ever. My muscles hurt from my hacking cough that makes people stand ten feet away from me. The Tire Pressure Low light was flashing at me this morning on my drive to work. My pinkie toe was poking through a hole in my sock all day. It was just one of those can't-catch-a-break days.  I just wanted to come home and find comfort in a cup of hot chocolate, my favorite throw blanket and a snuggle with the pup. It's amazing how an hour at home with a candle burning and music playing melts the day's frustrations away.

Tonight I am declaring a Thanksgiving-break-extension. No grading papers. No checking email. No stressing about work. I hereby grant myself one more night off. Cheers to that!

Guess I need to pour myself another cup!

Days 12 & 13: Weekend of Bliss

This weekend has been one of those unexpectedly perfect ones. It was the perfect combination of spending time with friends and family, eating delicious weekend food, getting things knocked off my to-do list, and some much needed "me time" (i.e. shopping). After a couple hours of sleeping in, Saturday began with an inspiring cup of coffee and a trip to Target. When I got home, I was inspired to organize our closets downstairs. Two hours later, I managed to get Rick to get rid of 20+ clothing items that a) he hasn't worn in years, b) don't fit anymore or c) I thought were hideous. You have to understand that Rick comes from a family of "collectors". They aren't the creepy hoarders you see on TV, but the Mathews family is wired to hold onto things for as long as possible. This means when I show Rick a shirt that I think is ready to retire to the garbage, his most likely response is, "but I wore that shirt the day Michigan won their first game of the season in 1991." Three garbage bags full of clothes later, our closet looks like Mary Poppins swept through and sang a catchy song while the clothes folded themselves neatly.

The day ended with some old friends eating fancy tacos and drinking fruity margaritas. Perfection.

Today is even better than yesterday. Today the sun is shining. Football is on, the laundry is done, and we are soaking up the last few hours of weekend-ness. After a delicious Sunday brunch, I went to see my favorite niece. She gets cuter every time I see her. Today was no exception. She was sitting up and eating rice cereal like a big girl, and of course, she was well equipped with hair accessories.

There was too much happiness going on this weekend to narrow it down:

The finished product. Let's see how long this lasts...

Pretty in pink and oh-so cute

New shoes (don't they look happy??)

Thank you, weekend. I will miss you. :)

Day 6: Clean Sheet Day!

It's the best day of the week. It's not Friday. And it's not Saturday. It's not even the unexpected day off from work. It's Clean Sheet Day! I love Clean Sheet Day for so many reasons. I love the smell of laundry in my house. I love peeking downstairs throughout the day at the freshly made bed. I love the minute the clock strikes 9:00 that night (at which time I find it reasonably late enough to climb into bed!). There is nothing more refreshing than crisp, white sheets on my bed. I can't wait for bedtime tonight (only 8 hours to go!)