Pull Your House Together {Blank}

Happy Monday Friends!
How was everyones weekend? Get up to anything exciting? Do tell!
Ours was hot! Quite literally smoking hot. There was a heat wave as far as Nova Scotia weather goes. Which typically I would be delighted with because I am all about some heat but Mr. Finley was down and out with a bug Friday through Sunday and the heat only made it worse. We spent all day Saturday and most of Sunday tucked away in the basement until I mustered up the gumption to venture out for a dip at a friends pool with the neighbours. 
And can I just say this weekend was the first time since Finley was born and we started cloth diapering that I regretted the decision. Heat wave and excessive bowl movements are not a great combo. Just putting it out there! *My apologies if that grossed you out. But consider that mild because Robert receive a photograph via text of one of them! I have been told I am overly comfortable with discussing bodily functions. But some times a bathroom tale is too good to be kept to oneself. Blame the three brothers for that philosophy.
So now that you are up to date on Finn's regularity. In other news, Robert is back off to work. That's a big thumbs down. And I know I say it quite often but let me repeat: time needs to slow down. Honestly, pump the breaks! Ever since common-law started working West my life seems to be tracked in blocks - Robert home and Robert away. Time seems to fly when tracked in this manner. Not my favourite to say the least.
Goodness I am rambley. {I officially deem rambley to be a proper term} And since I already seem to be playing the blame game today Ill stay on track and attribute these shifty wave lengths to the disaster that is my home. Logical. Wouldn't you say?
Summer time is wonderful! Absolutely splendid. Delightful. Darling. The hot weather drags me by the ankles out the door and will not take no for an answer. House cleaning is never a good enough excuse. Which is why my home finds itself in the state it is today, and has been for the past month - epic disaster. If you don't believe me, take a look:

Fridge

Laundry Room

Garage

And there you have it! My actual dirty laundry. Apparently I have no shame.
But don't worry! I don't show you these terrifying imagines to instil fear or a sense of defeat. No. 
Instead, I share this reality to motivate. Likely you, or someone you know, have a space or two in your home that could use some organizing to increase function and prevent a build up like I have on my hands. And those problem areas need to be addressed. Not only will it make an immediate difference in how you feel about your home {and hopefully clear my fuzzy mind} but will also help you enjoy those beautiful sunny days with ease as you come and go.  
Of course my go to solution is a list.

1. Fridge
2. Main Floor Bath Linen Closet {aka. Hodgepodge Storage}
3. Laundry Room
4. Garage
5. Master Closet
6. Spare Room Closet

Short and sweet.

But beyond that simple list lies major work. Because I am going to tackle each one of these spaces in the upcoming days to help them work with me to make our lives run smoother. And hopefully prevent them from looking like the above ever again.

Who is with me?

We might as well work together to motivate and hold one another accountable.

Have you made your list? What spaces are you going to tackle this week? No matter how big or small, each area you target will help make a difference in the grand scheme.

So write it down friends and lets hop to it. From those frightening jobs that you've been putting off for months/years to the small yet annoyingly messy areas you just haven't gotten to: That deep freeze that has been ignored. Scary. The 'junk' drawer. Craft/Scrapbooking supplies. The utensil catch all drawer that seems to be eating things. Filing. Linen Closets. The Garage. Seasonal decorations stashed away in a hurry. The medicine cabinet. Pantry... An endless list of possibilities.

Do share your list below or via email so I can help hold you accountable. Then send along your progress. Ill try to keep you posted as well via Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.

Happy Organizing!

Portrait Ready

After yesterdays post I was above and beyond thrilled to have shared a sneak peak of the sketches my brother Garry did of Finley! So I ran with that motivation and was able to get them framed and hung to share with you today.

But before I get too carried away with what I did you probably want to see the real work that was done. So here are the before and after shots:

Arn't they fantastic?!

Garry is my youngest brother. *I actually introduced he and his little family here. And the guy has always been artistic for as long as I can remember. He comes by it naturally - my mother is insanely talented in that department as well - but has dedicated countless hours to better his craft. And has it ever paid off! The detail and shading in his work have evolved significantly. And honestly every time I see something new from him it is even better than the last.

The best part of having such talented family members, besides showing off on their behalf, is selfishly calling in favours! I try not to push my luck too often but every now and then I can't help myself. But can you blame me? I would have an entire room of family portraits a.la. Garry if I could! Or is that creepy? Slightly. So perhaps a combo of his sketches and Mothers landscapes. Done and done.

Now my first task was to decide where to hang these beauties. I considered exchanging them for the maps in the dining room frames but my mother talked me out of it. She said family portraits where inappropriate in an eating space. Touché my friend! *Ill have to think up another solution for there yet. Not to mention there are four frames there and only three portraits. A pickle indeed.

I also didn't want to tuck them away in a room that they wouldn't get proper show-off time. 'No one puts baby in a corner...' Everyone know that! So I settled on the space between the front living room windows. It looked like a.so before:


As much as I love the gorgeous photos I had there, taken by our neighbour and talented photographer Janine, I decided it would be the perfect spot for Garry's work. *But have no fear! I plan to do a full wall of framed photos climbing the stairs and those prints will most definitely be included.


After selecting the spot the rest was gravy. They were put in the pre existing frames, plus one. Then after moving the hooks, and adding a third, they were hung and levelled.

I left the frames and mats alone for once - no paint in site. But do hear out my reasoning because I am only thinking ahead.

There is still a lot of work to be done along that wall. I plan to have common-law build me a window seat/bench that runs the length of the wall with storage beneath. Then there will be curtains added for texture. And I am mulling over the idea of built-in book shelves flanking the windows... few. And once that is all said and done, those lone frames will be just the ticket to completing that space. Then there will be lots of time to consider a splash of paint, texture, or who.knows.what to make the artwork pop.

But until that day comes, we will thoroughly enjoy the talent and gift my brother shared.

Chat soon.

Outside our Casa

In Mondays weekend update I mentioned we had tackled a few outdoor projects but didn't get into them because there is such thing as information overload. So today was going to be the day to get filled in. Until I remembered some of you have no sweet clue what our home looks like from the outside. Not ideal. And giving you a 360 tour as well as running through the projects would bring us right back to where we started - information overload. Drats.

But alas there is a solution. Let's go ahead and take that tour. Followed by the plan of attack for our outdoor space in list form {Remember Planning to Plan? It is still going strong around here}. Then we will reassess.

Deal? Deal!

Bienvenue, Welcome to the front exterior of our home!

We built this little lady two years ago and she is one of our pride and joys. We loved the unique floor plan, the large windows, attached garage {hum - Rob}, and the neighbourhood she sits in.

But let me fill you in on a little something I learned. A new house = a lot of work. Please let me clarify that I am in no way insinuating that a new house is more work than an old. No. What I mean is a new home is more work than I had envisioned. Because its new. It should be done and good to go, right? Wrong-o! People say that when you own a house the work is never done. That is BANG on sister! There is always something to do. And with a new home you are the first in line to get things started.

The exterior is no exception. My list is like a mile long {which you'll see in a second}. But everything out there seems to cost so. much. money. And we are on a budget, sadly. Rob has to remind me to slow down. One thing at a time.

From this side angle you can really see the height this gal's got! Though she may be tall and square, we think she has potential.

Rob and I took a stab at the gardening last year and put in that front flower bed. For our first time we were quite pleased with ourselves but it certainly needs a little love again this year.

And alas, her hind end. I sure have some explaining to do back here. We have big dreams on a low budget with two do-it-yourselfers behind the wheel. That about sums it up.

First the positives. My Mam and Robert stained the deck last summer and we were pleased with the outcome {I was preggo so got to skip that doozy}. You can just barely see it there, and I forgot to get a better angle sorry, but up to the right of the photo off of the garage is a flower box that Robert built for me. He also put up the retaining wall. Both of which have held up well! Finn would offer up a 'clap clap' for that!

Now to address the ugly. We wanted a space to put chairs and a purchased fire pit. A place to gather and relax. Fail. The stones just didnt do the trick. It is not quite big enough and remains on the list. Also, that Moe does a real number on our grass and it too needs some serious attention.

Speaking of lists. Now that you have an idea of what we are working with lets see that ever daunting list of to-dos.

Outside:

• Paint Foundation
• Stain Front Step
• Remove Railing from Front Step
• Build Flower Boxes {Supplies}
• Fence {Supplies}
• Plan & Build Back Lower Deck/Stone Pad {Supplies}
• Dig Out & Build Fire-pit
• Cement Drive & Path
• Dig Side Garden Along Drive {Boxwoods}
• Pressure-spray House 
• Pressure-spray Compost Bin
• Screen Door {Hang}
• Paint Front Door & Screen
• Build Box Around Stones Beneath Deck {Sand/Stones & Supplies}
• Table, Chairs, & Umbrella
• Chairs for Around Fire-pit
• BBQ {Build in?}
• Patio Furniture
• Expand Front Garden & Mulch
• Dig Down Back Garden 
• Stain Retaining Wall out Back
• Plants for Back Garden
• Stain Side Box
• Repaint Mailbox
• Planters {Flowers & Soil}

There you have it as it currently stands. Im mulling over different ideas everyday however, that may weasel their way on. What does your list for outside look like for the summer?

So now that you've seen the house and have an idea of where we want to go with it, lets quickly check out the most important thing we did over the weekend to help our lady out. At least in my opinion.

I have been saying {maybe even nagging} ever since we moved in that we needed to paint that darn foundation! It was literally a pain in my side. It was just. so. ugly. But as things do, it went unfinished. Which is why I insisted that it be the VERY first thing we do outside on the VERY first sunny day.

To refresh your memory of what it looked like before. Blah!

The application was straight forward. Just pull back the rocks, dirt, or whatever is meeting up at the foundation. If it is wet allow drying time before applying paint. Then go for it.

We went with a colour match for our siding, which they should be able to do at any hardware store. It  took a few tries but we were please in the end.

I got the process started but Robert did end up doing most of the work. While I watched Finley...

Who ended up eating dirt anyway! Officially mom of the year here.

But take a look. After two years of waiting, look at the difference a can of paint and a patient man can make.

We will call it quits there and pick up from here soon.

Cheers!

Measuring for Success

Can you find the commonality between the photos below?

{Modern Living Room}

{Lakeside Bedroom}

{Floral Bathroom}

{Chic Lounging}

{Living Large}

Okay, okay. Yes, technically there are many commonalities. Fine, whatever.

But for our purposes today there is a single correct answer. And the prize goes to...Area Rugs! {Or Mats, if you prefer.}

Now that you know what you were looking for, I would encourage you to scroll on up and take a second look. Because not only does each space have an area rug but, in my humble opinion, they are also well suited in size and proportion as well as pattern/colour - a difficult feat.

Lets be frank - area rugs are expensive! However, they are an investment worth taking because they are a key component to a complete and successful space. A well fitted area rug sets the stage for everything on and around it - it literally grounds a beautiful space. That being said, like love, a good area rug is hard to find {at least in these parts}. I am committed to finding just the right one for each of my spaces that will live and be loved for many years to come.

When that day arrives, I want to be prepared. So, I have devised a little plan so that I can be 100% confident to pull the trigger. Care to take a little looksey?

This is a photo of my entryway floor and all its glory. {I know you cant help but admire that cushion and slipcover! Learn all about it and associated drama here.} As much as I love the natural feel this little   mat has to offer, it just isn't big enough to do the job I require of it. When we have company, or anytime Common-law is home, shoes and their mess end up all around but not on this tiny guy. But, there isn't an excess of space for a humungo-jumbo option either. Solution? 

How do you feel about this size? 

Taping off different size options will give you a feel for what you really want and can realistically accommodate in your space. {This goes for mats/area rugs to furniture placement/size and everything in between}.

Just slightly bigger than what we currently have, a mat the size of the tape {5x4} would be just that much more efficient.

The process is quick and easy. Just put your measuring tape down to the length and widths that look and feel right to you, then lay the tape. You could even try two sizes at once if there were question {or debate} and can easily lift the tape to move if you are not satisfied right away.

Another option is newspaper or fliers. Just as quick. {Though not as efficient in my experience when trying two or more shapes and sizes at once.}

How do you feel about an area rug this size for our living room {Do ignore its lack of splendour. It is a work in progress}? It would be a biggy - coming in at 10x12. But in my mind this size and a neutral pallet would really have a huge impact on this space. 

Im going to leave the tape down for a while to really get a feel for the size. Ill move the furniture around to see if various layouts would still fit within the boundaries. Keeping in mind that this area rug is an investment piece and will be with us for a long time, I will also consider the furniture that I would like to incorporate down the road: Two chairs in loo of the love seat. A different coffee table, this one is actually Finn's craft table {the wee chairs are downstairs}. And a window bench {which I tapped off to have a better visual}.

I recommend you do the same. Plan ahead so that you do not have any regrets after such a large and costly purchase.

Keep in mind, Common-law arrives home on Tuesday. He will most likely have a smaller/cheaper area rug in mind. The beauty of the tape - once he adds his dimensions within, he will prove my point for me. I'll keep you posted!

Chat soon.

Laundry Room In Motion

Can I just say that I am love love loving working on to-do lists for each space in the house {which I set in motion here}. Not only is it motivating us to get to work on little projects we have been putting off for what seems like for-ev-er but my mind is getting a well needed break. Up until now I have been mentally cataloguing everything we need and want to get done around here and let me tell you that is absolutely exhausting.

Another result of the list making is that I am now all over the map but in a logically controlled way {which is in fact possible in my little world}. Usually I start one project and work away at it until completion. The problem with that has always been that it would take forever and a day and I would get frustrated along the way. By the end it would have become a chore rather than the fun adventure originally intended. 

And honestly, I live in Pictou County {enough said really}. I can't just run to the store and get everything from my list exactly as imagined. It takes time to shop around and find that perfect item. I am hoping that this new approach will be just the ticket to a happier me and lovelier {questionable term} home.

That being said, I have moved on to listing up the Laundry Room. Here is the to-do list {thus far}:

Laundry Room

• Paint Touch Ups
• Baskets for Upper Shelf
• Organize Items in Baskets
• Make Label Tags
• Add Hooks to Long Wall (3)
• Art/Charts for Hangers
• Frame 'Purple' Poem {Hang}
• Gather Containers/Bins/Bottles & Organize
• Make Labels for Large Laundry Baskets
• Clean Grout & Floors
• Retractable Hanging System for Diaper Drying {Hang}
• Door Label {Hang}
• Mat
• Cute Step Stool

A do-able list I would say. 

Now to help you get an idea of the space.

We have done some work to the Laundry Room since moving in. Originally, it was completely unattractive and impractical, housing just the machines themselves.

Ta-Da! Fancy Eh?

*That is the only photo I could find from before. I can't imagine why!?

Since then, I drew up a rough plan of what I wanted to see in the space to make it more functional. Robert set to work and created a space that is everything I wanted. Simple, clean, efficient and potentially attractive.

Laundry Work Station

Likey? I hope so.

Robert built the shelving system for between the machines and then a tiled, easy to clean, countertop above. It is a perfect height for me to do the folding and ironing. Above he added a shelf and hang-bar for air drying. *The top shelf is a touch higher than I would have liked ideally but I had to keep the length of Mr's shirts in mind. Also, if you are building a new house, I would recommend purchasing your washer and dryer early on so that your plumber knows how high or low to place the box - it is an eye sore to avoid if possible.

I can't say enough how wonderful it is to have a helpful man around to bring my hairball schemes to life. 

*Here are a few more angles to the small space so you have a better idea of what we are dealing with. 

Now you have an idea of the progress we have made in the laundry space and have seen its bare bones. We will put the to-do list to work and see if we cant bring it to life with some practical organization {and some pretties of course}.

Happy Monday All!

Hodgepodge Friday

Alas, my planning session did not go exactly as originally intended. Does anything?

The good news, however, is that the original plan {which I set out here} was in fact a decent one and is going to work fantastic for us - eventually. The process of getting everything down and organized is just going to take a tad longer than I had originally anticipated. And truthfully, I am just not as patient as I seem in writing! {Enter giggle here - hehe} Therefore, since I have Common-Law around for a few more days I thought I'd put him to work and tackle a few simple projects while I work away at organizing my sporadic thoughts and plans.

So what I can offer you on this bright Friday afternoon is a glimpse into the hectic hodgepodge that is our home. {Honestly, who am I kidding? Our home can be summed up as a hectic hodgepodge on a daily basis! And it's Friday, so it's ok! Right?}

My 'Medium Black Book' of lists & lists & more lists

Simple Approach: Black-Space, Blue- To Do, Red-To Buy 

Tabs make it quick and easy to add a task to any list when it comes to mind.

I'll share my 'Front Entry' list with you today because that is where I have put Robert to work already. {Too predictable?} But as I complete each list I will add it with a 'before/as is' shot so you have an idea of what we have to work with.

Front Entry

• Organize Seasonal Items {Rotate Out}
• Touch Up Paint Left of Door
• Clean and Seal Grout
• Wipe Down Walls
• Touch Up Baseboards and Closet Shelf Front
• Change Sliding Door 'Knobs'
• Build Second/Higher Shelf in Closet
• New {Bigger} Bins/Baskets & Organize
• Bins for Second Shelf {w/ Lids}
• DIY Trunk Cushion {Supplies}
• Make Label Tags for Baskets/Bins
• Hang Hooks on Left Side of Closet
• Colourful Mat {Measure}
• Make Pillow Covers for Seating {w/ Leftover Fabric}
• Main Wall Decor {Art? Mirror?}
• Develop a Place for Mail, Keys, Etc.
• Make/Buy Welcome Sign/Wreath 
• Shoe Mats for Closet
• Umbrellas
• Screen Door
• Paint Front Door/Screen {Supplies}

Phew! That is it - for now.

*I have written down literally everything that I would ideally like to accomplish in this space {and will do the same for every other space in our home}. The reality is that it will take years to accomplish everything; if we even stay in this home long enough to make it through all of them. But the lists are intended to be goals with dreams incorporated. Why not dream a little {or a lot} along the way? What could it hurt aside from our budget?

And a peak at whats first up on the agenda...

Before

We hauled everything out!

And now Robert is working on one of  those items from my list!

Naturally, I am tickled pink with our productivity. I hope you are inspired to get to work on something this weekend too! 

* I just had to share that Robert and I got out on a hot date to the movies this week and saw Olympus Has Fallen with Gerard Butler {whom I love love} and it was fantastic if you are into action films! Four thumbs up!

Date Night Cheeses!

Happy Friday!

Planning to Plan

My mind is in a kerfuffled state. As is my house.

That is always the case for me while recovering from an illness. My mind is trapped in a heavy haze as my house is held hostage by the forever lingering 'Dust Bunny' - he lives with us all year, not just at Easter, and is in fact much more frightening than he sounds. But the key is not to get ahead of myself. The only thing worse than getting sick again is being sick with my house turned upside down.

Solution = Planning.

In loo of actually getting started on a project right away I thought I might plan to make a plan. Genius - I am aware! {We shall see if I can follow through with this planning and not put Robert to work...}

So I will find a comfortable perch from which to observe and take a novels worth of notes to be combined with my already lengthy 'to-do' list.

The likely nook to cozy up in and get to work.

The strategy is simple {in theory at least}.

1. Make a list of each space in {and immediately outside} of the home.
2. Breakdown everything to be done in or purchased for said room.
3. Prioritize the tasks listed in step two {priority deemed by value added to our way of life, resale value, and financial feasibility} 
4. Green light! 

This planning process is new to us. We are typically impulsive when it comes to getting started on a project around the abode. Which is strange actually because Robert is a very 'play by play' planner and I can hardly make a decision in any other area of life no matter how big or small. But when it comes to getting things done around the house well, 'What should we do today Allison?' was only asked a few times before Common-Law learned his lesson.

What about you? Whats your approach to getting tasks done around the house? Are you impulsive, a heavy planner, or somewhere in between? I'd appreciate any help I can get!

Keep an eye out for the outcome of this 'planning' step. I could surprise myself but most likely will surprise you with having the power tools or sewing machine out!

Happy Wednesday!

Pantry Project Set in Motion

Allow me to introduce you to the disaster that is my pantry.

From the outside it looks harmless but that most certainly is not the case...

Ahhh....I know I know! I am a fraud! This is my shameful equivalent to Monica's locked closet on Friends.

To be fair, the pantry is one of those spaces in the house that I just haven't prioritized. It is just a glorified closet after all. NOT! Even as I make these excuses to you and try justifying the shamefulness that is this mess I know deep down they just are not true. 

I love love love (mentally sounding at random like an Ace Ventura Pet Detective voice...) things to be well organized while still appealing to the eye. I mean, who doesn't really? Don't answer that. Let's pretend that everyone agrees with me on this subject. Which then means we can all agree that even a glorified closet can be a space one wants to spend time in. 

My pantry however, is clearly missing the mark on all of the above. Does anyone else find themselves wanting to run in fear of being sucked in never to be recovered? Because those are my exact thoughts every morning while trying to scrounge up a coffee filter. I spy with my little eye...

Which brings us to the plan of attack for remedying this awful 'Situation': 

• Source storage bins and containers of various shapes and sizes
• Sort, categories, relocate and purge
• Create a clear labelling system
• Add colour and texture

*Just to be clear, cutting back on dishes is not an option (Robert or anyone of like mind)

So, that gets us pointed in the right direction. Before we start emptying out the loot and have it bombard   every nook and cranny of the rest of my house, we have a  few smaller projects to work on in order to make this project a success.

Does anyone else have a space like this in their house that needs a once, or twice, over? I hope I am not the only one.

See you soon!