Step by Step

Flowers to share on this dreary Wednesday.

While working on yesterdays grout cleaning mission I had quite a little bit of time to take in my lower level surroundings and was less than impressed with what I saw. As one would expect to see in any well lived in home the baseboards in the entry have taken a rather ugly beating, resulting in some less than appealing bumps and bruises.

So taking advantage of the already emptied space and clean floors I set to work. As I gathered all the gear together {white paint, brush, small roller, tray, and painters tape} I kept thinking of how much work it would be for a seemingly insignificant task in the scheme of things. But it turned out to be much less work than anticipated and boy does it make a difference to the space as a whole.

A step by step for quick yet great results:

• I did a quick wipe down of all the baseboards. 
• Then laid the painters tape as close to the board as possible {or wedged beneath where they didn't quite meet the floor}
• Add a second layer of tape to broaden the width you have to work with {*the trick to a speedy outcome because you can allow the roller to go all the way to the bottom with no worries}
• With your brush, paint the top ledge of the board.
• Follow by the roller on the front of the board {this will catch any of the drips from the brush strokes above}
• Repeat if necessary
• Pull up tape once dry

And ta-da, you are done. Just like-a-so. 

Before - One section all scratched and bruised. 

Double width of tape = quick and no mess.

Finish Product. Clean and ready for another year.

 Not much effort put forth, yet a rewarding outcome! {*And while I had the paint out I touched up the doors in the entry as well as the scuff marks on the bottom of the doors off of the kitchen.}

Happy Wednesday!

It's Grrrout!

...Tony? Mr. Tiger?

We are having one of those days. You know the ones? When you feel as if you are being extremely productive yet not actually accomplishing any of the tasks you had originally set out for yourself. Or maybe you know nothing about that. Well la-tee-da for you! If that is the case, I have to accuse you of being perfect and no one likes a goody-two-shoes! *Just kidding - somewhat.

I was planning on putting some pretties together for the laundry room today {its bare bones exposed here} and/or working on making some progress in the front entry {referenced here & there}. However, I seem to have gotten slightly off track on a cleaning tangent - which at our home must always be embraced. So alas the pretties must wait.

A while back, my sister-in-law and I were discussing projects we would like to accomplish around the house and she mentioned the tedious task of cleaning the grout on her kitchen floor. Ever since the grout here at my house has been screaming bloody murder. Today is the day that I give in, get down on my hands and knees, and scrub that funk goodbye. *Come to find out, much easier said than done.

I checked in on what Google had to say on the subject and various options seem to do the trick; some more work than others. Because I have a little person crawling about, though desperately trying to walk, I opted for the non-toxic vinegar option. The aroma would not have been my first choice but the results are satisfying enough. Just pour straight vinegar into a spray bottle, soak the grout, allow to set and then scrub scrub scrub. 

The progress is evident.

Up close and personal with my dirt. Lovely.

I have to admit that since we moved in, going on two years now, I have never specifically cleaned the grout between my tiles. Is that gross? I mean, I do clean my floors don't get me wrong. I even prefer to do it the old fashion way and scrub it by hand. But the grout just kept getting worse and worse. Hopefully today is a turning point because honestly, they look and feel so so SO much better!

Do you have any such tasks waiting to get done at your place? I'd love to hear from you. *First, because I like hearing from those reading. Second, for comfort knowing I'm not the only one out there with a 'dirty' secret {pun intended}. And finally, because Robert will love to know we are not running out of things to do around here!

Just as a side note - but I just had to share - Finley started cutting his first tooth today! Booyah! It has been a long awaited milestone. For months I have been 'that' mother who attributes, better known as blame, everything to Finn teething. But today I can actually say that and be correct! 

And naturally I had to share a little photo of the lamb!

They are small but there!

And...Just because. 

Happy Tuesday!

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!

Pinch of Productivity, Buckets of Fun

What a B-E-A-Utiful weekend we are having!

My apologies for being MIA but the fam and I have been off galavanting here and there and everywhere. I hope the same goes for you!

Just wanted to stop by and give ya's a quick update of our goings on.

First thing Saturday morning my girlfriend Shannon and her husband returned home after a week in Cuba {which I am not jealous about even a little bit. Zero.} and scooted down to pick up Charlie {their sweet pup who had been staying with us and was included in a mini photo-op here}. After seeing him off, which was a devastatingly sad time in Moe's life, Robert got to work finishing up the second shelf in the entry closet {which I alluded to here}. I am rather impressed with that mans Handy Manny skills.

Simple joy to an organizers eyes.

Leaving this as is, we packed up and headed to Truro for the afternoon. We scouted out fabric for a DIY project to start this week for the entry {keep checking back for more} and scored three bigger bin/baskets for the entry closet {which I am beyond excited about! They are so so me!}

This is the direction the entry seems to be taking.
{Still trying to find a pop of colour. Suggestions welcome.}

Upon our return home we did a quick once-over, because we had just left the house as is {which is never the ideal}, and hosted friends for the evening. After the exchange of many a story {some long winded} and the very best from-the-gut laugher we called it a night. A Saturday to be cherished.

Sunday brought with it sunshine once again and we have been out and about - collecting groceries and me falling madly in love with EVERYTHING in the Superstores seasonal section {bring on those summer days and nights!}. 

Now we are off with the neighbours to a local ball field to let the dogs have a 'tear' off leash {Roberts words}. That dog of ours is spoiled rotten. 

Check out his new friend!

I hope you have all enjoyed your weekends as much as we have. Perhaps you have even combined productivity and fun. Enjoy the rest of your day and we shall chat this week - on the flip side! Cheers!

Spreading the love from our home to yours!

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!

Down and Out, Mind All About

'Do you know what we need?' questions Robert.

Naturally I respond with things from my personal 'to buy' list, 'A large mat, chairs, curtain fabric, coffee table...' {And that's just a few items from the living room - which is where I was sitting at the time}.

With ease Robert calmly shakes his head and says with a grin, 'Music. Everyone needs music.' On comes the radio. 

Such a wise man.

{Insert dance party here}

It is Tuesday already. Few. I hope everyone passed a lovely holiday weekend with friends and family. Unfortunately for me, I fell ill with the flu Saturday morning and am still battling for recovery today. As awful as it was for me being down and out in bed, the flip side was rather positive. Finn got to spend the entire weekend with his Pap and they had a wonderful time! This has never happened and it was due time - for both of them. Better yet, for all of us {less the flu}.

Finley is nine months now and this weekend was the first time I spent any real amount of time away from him. I've blamed it on nursing up until now {because people question parenting choices and I have had to explain a time or ten} but it really boils down to my not wanting to be away. This time only happens once and I dont want to miss it. But truly, I could use a break. Not from Finn really, but just time to get away for a while and not think about the zillion things I have to do. Relax.

It makes me feel guilty wanting personal time. Robert works very hard to support us and I get the luxury of staying home. {My regular thoughts go something along the lines of: I mean come on, I'm a stay at home Mom who's job is to love on my sweet baby and mind the house. Whats the big deal with that?} It is difficult to justify rewarding myself when my life as it is should be reward enough.

Well, lucky for me {funny because this luck happened when I was in a haze of sickness} but Robert got a glimpse of what it is like to run a household on your own with a baby, dogs, laundry, cooking, cleaning, garbage, and everything else to boot. And now that he has a better perspective on what I deal with on a regular basis it is easier for me to accept that what I do is in fact important and valuable.

So maybe, after the dance party of course, I'll get back to prioritizing the items on that 'to buy' list as a little gift to myself! Dreaming is a good place to start as far as relaxing goes.

Happy Tuesday All!