Showing posts with label To-Do List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label To-Do List. Show all posts

Monday, 2 September 2013

First of the Month

September is upon us. That is no joke. It certainly has hit this household with a BANG. Perhaps your household too? School back in session? A weather shift? New job? Do share!

Roberts two weeks home with us are up - already! He was off to the airport bright and early this a.m. Leaving home before three. Blah. He has a long day ahead. Actually, a long two weeks ahead of fourteen twelve hour work days back to back. My hero. Thankfully he is a trooper and plays the tough guy when he leaves so that I don't get too down in the dumps. But I know the time apart if difficult for him too. How could it not be? Being away from my bossy britches and our two sweet boys. Finley is getting so big, much too quickly. And Moe is, well Moe. Well worth missing!

Surprise Flowers for Sweetness in Roberts Absence

The other factor in September bringing the BANG is Sarah. My dearest, sweet friend Sarah who came to spend the summer with us here in Pictou County has no time left. Sadly, September was the inevitable mark that signalled our time together coming to an end. Having her here these past months has been above and beyond helpful to me.  And of course, as per usual, the memories we have made, mostly silly, will be added to the stock pile of those that came before. Good friends are few and far between are they not? And though I may be sad today, thankfulness will return soon enough. Until then...I will welcome my sadness with hot coffee and try to see the good.

The good, in my books, being the change in weather September brings. Let's clarify that I welcome each season with open arms but the Fall has a particularly warm place in my heart. The change in the air, that crisp cool breeze, sparks flames in the neighbourhood fireplaces spilling out 'the smell' of fall. Moe will have no problem getting his walks in this month. It is a compilation of everything: The smells. The leaves changing colour. The wardrobe switch. Scarves! Boots! Wool socks! Can I hear an amen?! The craft possibilities. Oh, and the desire to spend more time inside. At home. Doing projects...and puzzles. If that doesn't give you the warm fuzzies you need to get yourself check out. Scoot. You must be a sicky-head!

Finally, September brings me back to my monthly list of goals. Another good. Perfect timing with all those once near and always dear to me taking off. Productivity tends to be the key to upbeat moral. I had given myself a very basic list of to-do's for August because I know myself and how distracting the sun can be. Overall, I think I played it by the book but let's take a closer look:

  • Priorities
    • Rob - Enjoy time together as a family, a couple, and individually - Check! We did just that! Lots of time just us as a family. We went out on at least two mini dates just the two of us. Robert got out golfing five times! And I had a few solo hours working on the blog as well as two afternoons out with Sarah.
    • Finley - Give him every moment I can - As a mother I don't think I will ever feel that I have done enough in this department but that sweet boy is most certainly loved. No question.
    • Moe - Walk twice a day {Exception: if we go to the beach or have an off leash play} - Now to  be honest Moe didn't get out for many official walks but he was one busy dog. He went everywhere we did and enjoyed every moment to the point of exhaustion. 
  • Personal
    • Reading - *Anything. As long as it is enjoyed - Check! Instead of pressuring myself to get through an entire book I relaxed and enjoyed several magazines as well as many of my favourite bloggers!
    • Get Fresh Air - Walk, Run, Play... - Check! Literally every single day! Rain or shine we were out and about.
    • Water Intake - 6 to 8 glasses daily - Just about. I'm up to roughly five. 

So that is me. Well us. How did you make out in August? I would completely understand if you strayed from your plan - hot weather is hard to overcome. But September may be whistling a different tune! Will you challenge yourself? Or give yourself a break on the list front to get settled back in to the reality of life after a summer of bliss?

To break up the writing overload - A pic of my sweet boy over the weekend!

Hmm...what to do? What to do? Originally, I was thinking jump in head first in all categories. But when I look at my calendar and what we have coming up in the next few months I am second guessing myself.  Let's go with a middle ground:

  • Priorities
    • Rob - Enjoy time together as a family, a couple, and individually.
    • Finley - Give him every moment I can. Then a little more!
    • Moe - Walk twice a day.
  • Productivity
    • DIY Projects - 8 to 10. *Anything. Dig in!
  • Personal
    • Reading - *Anything. As long as it is enjoyed.
    • Get Fresh Air - Walk, Run, Play...
    • Water Intake - 6 to 8 glasses daily. 

How is that? I am feeling good about it. Keeping the focus on what really matters and upping the anti in the productivity department since it was lacks last month. Wish me luck!

I'm sending luck and motivation your way! What are you hoping to get up to? Do tell!

Thursday, 22 August 2013

Master To-Do List

Here it is - for those of you who enjoy a quality list as much as I - the good, the bad, and the ugly that is our home. 

Those of you who check in with us on a regular basis may have noted the lack of productivity around here as of late. I'm not exactly sure what has come over us - but likely a combination of the summer heat, regular engagements, company, and misdirection on the project front. The last one there is all me. 

You see, I had hit a road block of sorts. Unable to see the progress we have been making and not sure what to tackle next. So we stood still for a while - which is quite honestly one of my least favourite things to do. A solution was needed pronto. So alas, I returned to my original concept of Planning to Plan but made a super sized version - each space in our home photographed as is with a corresponding list of to-dos. Beyond that, I created a colour coordinated legend for easy tracking and updating, as well as links to those tasks that we have already completed.

And let me tell you, it feels good! Real good! As if planning future productivity is as good as starting the projects themselves. *Not to get too far ahead of myself. It is reassuring to see that some progress has in fact been made in amidst the daily labours of love and living life. And though, admittedly it is embarrassing to put my house out there for the world to see in such a rough state {I mean, have you seen those blogs out there with the glamour show room houses?} it creates a sense of motivation to work toward a look that I myself would covet in a magazine or online.

So do take the time to peruse the photos and lists below to see what we have ahead of ourselves. Or - let's be honest - just scroll through the photographs and see that good, bad, and ugly mentioned above. Either way, I do encourage you to sit down after the fact and write up your own master list of to-do's. It is a fantastic way to measure your progress, set forth a reasonable budget for upcoming projects {selecting a balance of small and larger endeavours}, keep everyone on the same page, and accountable to productivity from time to time. No need to get stuck standing still!

___________________________________________________

Legend
  • Blue - To Do
  • Red - To Buy
  • Green - Seasonal
  • Purple - Long Term
  • Black - Completed 
  • Grey - Link to Project



Living Room
  • Area Rug {10x12}
  • Curtains {Make/Buy}
  • Paint Holes from TV Mount
  • Entertainment Unit {Built In/Vintage}
  • 2 Chairs
  • Coffee Table/DIY Ottoman 
  • Lightbulbs for Ceiling {Dimming}
  • Desk Area {Built In/Vintage}
  • Built In Bench Beneath Window
  • Cushion and Pillows for Bench
  • Shelving Solution {?}
  • Toy Storage {?}


  • Second Hand China Cabinet/Dresser
  • Runner for Infront of Sliding Door {5 ft 68 in}
  • Curtains {Make/Buy}
  • Paint Map Frames Grey
  • Seasonal Art for Frames {Current}
  • Paint Black Shelf in Organization Area
  • Frame Organization Area {Rearrange/Change}
  • Build Over ETS Unit
  • Vintage Item to Makeover as Bench



Kitchen
  • Backsplash
  • Shelving Above Fridge
  • Countertops
  • Organize Large Island Drawers
  • Organize Miscellaneous Drawer
  • Silverware Organizer
  • Fix Cracked Tile
  • Mat for Beneath Sink
  • Rearrange Countertop Decor
  • Coffee Station


  • Shelving/Storage
  • Built In Cabinet
  • Small Piece for Beside Toilet {Storage}
  • Counter Decor
  • Mat
  • 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
  • Shelf for Large Laundry Baskets {From Garage? Paint?}
  • Retractable Hanging System for Diaper Drying {Hang}
  • Door Label {Hang}
  • Mat
  • Cute Step Stool
  • Beach Towel Storage
  • Window
  • Clothesline Hook Up



Upper Staircase
  • Paint Frames White
  • Wipe Down Walls and Steps
  • Touch Up Paint
  • New Light Fixture
  • Print Photos
  • Hang Frames
  • Bins for Steps
  • Label Bins



Lower Staircase
  • Paint Railing
  • Change Hardware {Spray Paint/Buy}
  • Art 
  • Paint Inside of Door to Garage
  • Paint Touch Ups



  • Caulk Around Door to House
  • Redo Floors
  • Fix Door Opener
  • Organization Solutions {Use Vertical Space}
  • Moveable Work Bench
  • Clean {Windows, Doors, Floors, Shelves}

Utility Room
  • Deep Freeze



Den
  • Roman Blinds
  • Storage Solutions for Toys, Movies, Etc. {Built In Shelving}
  • Decor for Ledge
  • Art
  • Side Tables/Fabric Boxes
  • Pillows

Lower Level Bath
  • Flooring
  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Vanity/Sink
  • Mirror
  • Storage




Lower Bedroom
  • Remove Tape from Knobs and Walls
  • Roman Blind
  • Headboard
  • Side Tables
  • Lamps
  • Built In/Vintage Office Space or Seating Area
  • Second Hand Chair
  • Bedding



Lower Bedroom Closet
  • Built In/Pre Bought Shelving Unit
  • Frame Around Cubby
  • Divider/Door



Upper Landing
  • Art
  • Mat
  • Shelving Unit



Upper Bath
  • Shower Curtain
  • Repaint
  • Framed Art Work
  • Hooks Behind Door
  • Small Piece for Beside Toilet {Storage}
  • Hang Frog in Shower
  • Mat
  • Towel Storage



Spare Bedroom

*Planning ahead if we were to have another babe: Girl - Her Room. Boy - Turn this room to a shared boys room and Finns current room to a home office/craft space. If boy, the basement bedroom would not need to act as office space and could have a cozy seating area.

Until then, it will remain as is I believe. Unless inspiration strikes.








Master Closet, Bedroom and Bath
  • Shelves in Main Closet
  • Sort and Organize Clothes and Purge Old
  • DIY Accessories Display
  • Build and Fabric Headboard and Base
  • Queen/King Mattress 
  • Area Rug
  • Paint Black Furniture
  • Paint Side Tables
  • Art
  • Lamps
  • Chair
  • Wash Walls in Bath
  • Art
  • Mirror
  • Storage Unit
  • Hanging System for Towels
  • Bench {?}




  • Stain Front Step
  • Remove Railing Out Front
  • Build Flower Boxes
  • Fence
  • Lower Back Deck/Stone Pad
  • In Ground Fire Pit and Stones
  • Cement Driveway and Path
  • Plants Lining Driveway
  • Pressure Spray House
  • Take Wreath Hook Down
  • Paint House Foundation
  • Paint Front Door/Screen
  • Screen Door
  • Pressure Spray Compost Bin
  • Box in Beneath Back Deck
  • Exterior Table, Chairs, and Umbrella
  • Chairs for Fire Area
  • BBQ
  • Build in BBQ and Cooler
  • Patio Furniture
  • Expand Front Garden and Mulch
  • Clothesline
  • Dig Down Back Garden 
  • Stain Retaining Walls
  • Fill Back Garden with Plants
  • Paint Mail Box
  • DIY Herb Garden
  • Raised Garden Along Back Fence

And that is all she wrote! My house in a nutshell. *I feel like I have shared all my dirty laundry with you today. Feel free to jump on the band wagon and send some photos or links of your before spaces my way. I'd love to see them and hear from you - house glamazons and beginners alike!  

And for my records, did you find this approach motivating to create your own list? Or perhaps just overwhelmed? Everyone is different in their approaches, so I welcome you to share your system and how it works for you.

Can't wait to hear from you soon.

Thursday, 1 August 2013

First of the Month

Gracious me it is August already!

Which means it is that time again to review last months to-do list and see how we made out. 

How did you do?

Here is mine. Some good. Some great! Some epic fails. 

Family Time {Momma is behind the Camera}
  • Priorities
    • Rob - On track! We set time aside to enjoy time together as a family, as a couple, and individually.
    • Finley - On track! We managed to get together with friends for him to play with at least once a week.
    • Moe - On track! When we weren't away on vacation {which he was free the ENTIRE time} he was walked twice a day and played with in the yard some. Spoiled pup.
    • Our Home - On track! I owe this success mostly to Organization Palooza but no matter, i'll take it. 

Organization Palooza Spells Productivity
  • Productivity
    • DIY Projects - Check {ish} *None of the premeditated projects were done.
    • Organization - CHECK! *My entire house was touched by Organization Palooza. Every single item has a place of its own now. Success!
    • Home Town - In motion. *We did go to the cottage but instead of working we relaxed to the fullest. However, we did have many a discussion about future projects which led to a list. We plan to return soon and get to work.
  • Decisions
    • Will - Still here. We have not made any progress on this front yet again.
    • Banking - Check. *This is an add on because it wasn't on the list be we started and completed it this month. We set up savings accounts for Mr. Finley for the future. A job well done.
  • Personal
    • Reading - Still here...  *I'm failing in this department. I may start counting keeping up with my favourite blogs as reading time.
    • Yoga - Fail. I didn't make it out even once.
    • Water Intake - Progress. I am up to 4 - 5. 

And there you have it. Reality at its finest.

It is nice to see progress in some areas. Especially to see that I have focused on what is truly most important - My Family! But taking time out for myself seems to be trending as low importance in the scheme of things so that needs to be addressed. 

Hopefully August is the month to turn that around. To help with that I am going to set myself up for success by condensing my list. Take a look.
  • Priorities
    • Rob - Enjoy time together as a family, a couple, and individually.
    • Finley - Give him every moment I can.
    • Moe - Walk twice a day {Exception: if we go to the beach or have an off leash play}
  • Productivity
    • DIY Projects - 4 to 6. *Anything.
  • Personal
    • Reading - *Anything. As long as it is enjoyed.
    • Get Fresh Air - Walk, Run, Play...
    • Water Intake - 6 to 8 glasses daily. 

I have a feeling this is going to be a good one!

What about you? What are you focusing on this month? What are your personal and productive goals?

Can't wait to chat again soon! Drop me an email or comment to share or discuss your monthly lists. Or anything for that matter!

Monday, 8 July 2013

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!

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

First of the Month

It is a new day. A new month. Which means it is that time again to take a look at our monthly to-do lists and see how we have come along.

If you are just catching this list making for the first time do take a look at last months list here. Or if you have been following along but have yet to make a list of your own, July may be your month!

It is not something to panic about or cause stress. Gracious me, I am sharing with all of you and can't be sure I fully accomplished anything in June. But, I have found that a general personal list is a great way to hold myself accountable and challenge areas that would other wise be ignored. And the duration of one month fits the bill - not too short that I am scrambling to get things done all at once but not too long that it is forgotten.

Last Month's List in Review:

  • Priorities
    • Rob - I am on track to be successful with this goal but would not say it has been achieved. Although, if I ever reach the point that I am done working on this relationship we could be in trouble...
    • Finley - Also on track. Trying to keep the balance between house work, blog work, and play time. I tried including him in the work rather than scrambling to accomplish everything while he slept this month and it was great. Everything took longer but he enjoyed being involved, I think, and we still had our one on one time on top of that.  
    • Moe - We are certainly headed in the right direction. Every night lately I seem to have a very tired pup on my hands! *This is easier when Rob is home for some reason. I hope it continues.
  • Decisions
    • Will - Complete No. Boo.
  • Personal
    • Me time - Baby steps. I took some time to myself in the smaller sense - a yoga outing, coffee on the deck, a walking date with Moe, etc. But it will happen for sure in July because we are booked for a night away tomorrow...
    • Reading - A book has been opened and half read so I am doing better than last month.

Well that wasn't too bad. It is nice to reflect and find that progress was made in some areas.

I am guilty of forgetting, or possibly overlooking, the good things and progress. Instead, I find myself dwelling on the bad or lengthy list of untouched projects still to be done. Robert often accuses me that I don't stop and enjoy the beauty we create in our home because as soon as it is done it is on to the next.

Keeping myself in check with this monthly list has been a great way to keep things in perspective. Has it been helping you in any areas other than productivity? Or if you are going to give it a shot this month what do you hope to get from it?

Now for July:

  • Priorities
    • Rob - Enjoy time together as a family, a couple, and individually.
    • Finley - Plan weekly/biweekly play dates outside of our Fridays with the twins.
    • Moe - Walk twice a day {Exception: if we go to the beach or have an off leash play}
    • Our Home - MUST keep on top of the cleaning. Put the Rewritable Cleaning Schedule to full use.

  • Productivity
    • DIY Projects - 2 to 4. {Perhaps rolling bins and pillows for Finley's Room, firewood bin for the garage, or art for the Laundry Room and/or Upstairs Bath...}
    • Organization - 3 to 5 Spaces. *Garage. *Master Closet and Bath. *Main Bath. The possibilities are endless...
    • Home Town - We are hoping to get down to the cottage Roberts next time home. If that is the case, I would like to do some work at our family cottage. And Im certain I will be unable to keep my mother and her scheming at bay any longer.
  • Decisions
    • Will - Still here. Robert and I need to sit down and work out the details.
  • Personal
    • Reading - Continue. Complete a book??
    • Yoga - 3 to 4 times. The general 'take time for yourself' hasn't been as effective as I had anticipated. Instead of actually planning and taking the time I would deem things as 'personal time' after the fact. So specificity is my newest approach. 
    • Water Intake - 6 to 8 glasses daily. Since I stopped nursing a few weeks ago I have cut back on my water intake and replaced it with coffee, coffee, coffee. Not good. So if I put this out there I can be held accountable. 

And there you have it. Some items on my list are basic, others more specific. But I truly find having it written down and there to check in on and record the progress will make a big difference. Give it a try and see how it works for you. 

I'd love to hear any feedback you can offer. If you are giving this a try along with me. Or a different version you have done for some time. How it works for you. What good you have taken from it. I love hearing from you. Wether it be in  the comment box below or via email.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Chat soon.

Saturday, 1 June 2013

First of the Month

Today is the first of June. Time again to re-evalute life as I know it.

Does the beginning of a new month have a similar affect on you? Or am I the only duck in that pond?

I don't know what it is about a new month on the calendar but my mind just seems to automatically adjust to an anxious planning mode and get all jittery insisting I evaluate my decisions, priorities, productivity, and personal goals. So here I sit in the sun alone with my busy thoughts - while Mr. Finn takes his nap.

I did do up a little list of goals a while back and shared it here. It looked like a-so:
  • Walk Moe twice a day. 
  • Shower, Dry/Straighten Hair, apply Makeup three times a week. 
  • Try a new recipe once a week. 
  • Read a book 

Wow my life is exciting when I look at this list! Ha. But the good in life really does seem to be found in the simple things - at least that is my experience.

What is on the agenda this month?
  • Rob - {Priority} While he is home I need to be intensional about giving him time to himself {aka golf} as well as plan a night for us to go out for a few hours without the babe. After the kids grow up it is just you and your partner...
  • Finley - {Priority} I need to be more intensional about my time with him. These moments with him as a babe are fleeting. Stop and enjoy them Momma.
  • Moe - {Priority} Walk him twice a day. {This one stays on because it has not become habit yet.}
  • DIY projects - {Productivity} 3 to 5 projects. While the weather is nice it is the time to open that garage door and get to work while the warm air blows through my hair.
  • Organization - {Productivity} Zero in on 1 to 3 areas in the home that need to be more functional.
  • Just in case - {Decisions} With Robert travelling so much and a few trips on the dream board it is important we get things in order for Finley in case something were to happen to us.
  • Me time - {Personal} Its been a long time coming, Finley will be a year old this month. I need to let go and get away for a night by myself. *Maybe...
  • Read a book - {Personal} Still on here. I dont even know if I have picked up a book since last month...Guilty. But it will happen with all my new material. {For those of you following me on Instagram you already caught a glimpse of my loot!}


Now I showed you mine. You show me yours. Lists that is!

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones constantly aware of your direction and able to balance everything along the way. Or you may fall into a weekly, monthly, bi-monthly planner like me. And to those of you who go with the flow and only set goals on milestone birthdays and New Years, I tip my hat to you. Whatever your planning habits are I'd love to hear about them! What are you striving to achieve this month? Big or small.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Chat soon.

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