Workin' It: Decluttering One Day a Week

Truth: Adulting is Hard. Also true: Decluttering after having a kid- SUPER HARD!

Have you ever looked around at your possessions and thought- do I really need all this stuff? Well that has become me since pretty much the moment my son was born. I feel like when you enter parenthood you just acquire soooooo much stuff, in addition to all the stuff you had before they came into your life. Pretty soon all you have is a house FULL of stuff. Stuff to keep your kid fed, clean and clothed, stuff to keep them busy and happy, stuff to teach them- a whole lot of STUFF.
So I made a decision earlier this month that I would pick one room a week to focus on and declutter the stuff.
How have I done so far? Well- I am 90% done with our bedroom, 90% done with our kitchen, 75% done with our living room and 95% done with our sons room. Overall that's pretty good if you ask me. However- none of these rooms are truly done. I don't know if its just that last 10-25% I just am so tired after working on the room that I give up, or if I just don't know what to do with the remaining 10% of stuff- but its been frustrating me. Have any of you had that feeling?
Next on our docket of cleanup is our Laundry Room, Bathrooms, Dining Room/Spare fun space, Spare bedroom and the backyard. The backyard is really my hubs domain- so I've been avoiding that space all summer/fall, because honestly- it is kinda terrifying at the moment. The Spare bedroom is the other space that I just dread- as it has become the catch-all spot for things that either need to go to the attic for storage or I don't know where to put it. Luckily no one has needed to stay over in our house most of the year- because they'd cry if they walked in there.

So what does the rooms that are *almost* decluttered looking like? What are some of my new found organization? Let me share:

Let's start with my son's room: 95% done
We removed 2 gigantic bookcases out of his room as they were just too big and darkened up the room (not to mention he didn't need that much storage space) and swapped them with 2 cube cases we had downstairs. We moved the big cases downstairs to help our living room with storage. We converted his crib to a toddler bed (don't ask about how that transition is going- as that's a story for another day). His kid-bookcase was moved into his closet and dresser moved to that wall, so now he has a book nook corner where we can sit and read in the recliner. He likes to grab books and hand them to me and then crawl up on my lap to sit and read them to him. I added chalkboard labels to his dresser so we can start to teach him the names of what goes in each drawer. I also then made all his storage containers for use in the cubes to contain all his toys. We are still working on the whole- clean up part of the room from the kiddo. He's kind of a "let's take ALL the toys out first- then I'll decide what I want to play with" kind of kid. haha. Last thing we did was install a baby gate in the hallway. This way he can't get to the stairs, nor the hall bathroom without us, nor the spare bedroom, but he can get to our room if our door is open. That way he can play in his room and I can be in my room without much fuss. He's favorite thing to do though since it was installed is run back and forth between our rooms. haha. All we have left to do is deal with the giant empty wall space behind his bed, and clear out the odds and ends that are at the top 2 shelves of his closet.

Too bad he LOVES pulling his toys out and throwing them everywhere- so at least I *try* to keep his room clean. lol

Now on to my bedroom: 90% done
I first tackled all the STUFF that had become taking space on our floor, as our bedroom became one of those rooms we'd move stuff when company came over- since who's going to go in your bedroom when they visit? (Admit it- you've done that!). Then I tackled my closet. I honestly hadn't gone through my closet of clothes since I was pregnant- so I had a LOT of clothes that didn't fit me then- still don't fit, so was time to pull them. I reorganized by style (Skirts, dresses, tops, jackets, pants) and color (my favorite way of doing my closet). I also moved ALL my jewelry into a over the door mega jewelry case my hubs got me for my birthday in Feb. My only beef with the organizer is it doesn't do well with bulky necklaces (which since I like costume jewelry- is a problem) but I've found places for them. The last major thing on my list for our bedroom was finding a home for my crafting cabinets- which for a period of time after I had my son I moved them into our bedroom because I thought I'd craft in our bedroom (HAHA- yeah- no.). Those babies moved downstairs into our Dining Room/Play area, as that space is going to be a play area for both kiddo and my crafting, as well as dining space. I still have to finish moving a few odds and ends that go in those cabinets (or declutter the cabinets so it all fits) as well as rearrange the furniture, as the flow through the room is all wonky. (Also fix our headboard, as a piece fell off. lol)

The Kitchen: 90% done
This one I feel like I got the most done in. First, I went through our plates/cups cabinets- which took up 3 cabinets. I got rid of random coffee cups and mis-matched items first, and then kept only plastic plates, cups and bowls- since right now my son breaks everything that is glass known to man. (Toddler + breakable= disaster). I then wrapped up our set of glass dishware into a storage box for use in a few years (when he isn't into throwing things) as well as all glass cups. I put our wine glasses on the top top shelf and everything else is everyday use. I narrowed our dishware down to 2 cabinets- freeing up 1 cabinet for food storage. Since we don't have a true pantry, this was crucial. I rearranged the "home" for many of our food equipment that stay on the counters or above the shelves, cleaned up on top of the fridge, as well as put many of our snacks/pack lunch items in a shoe organizer over the door. I also put our sons sippy cups and baby silverware in that organizer too- since it holds it so much better then a cabinet! My main focus for the kitchen was to just get rid of the sheer amount of knick knack kitchen stuff! The last thing we need to tackle is our pots/pans & tupperware cabinets and do a good scrub clean of everything- but overall- almost there!

Snacks and Sippy Cup/kiddo silverware storage for the win!

The Living Room: 75% done
When we moved down the bookcases from our sons room (and 2 of the cubes upstairs) we were forced to clean this room up sooner then on my schedule. Many moons ago we had these bookcases in this same place, but when we moved them upstairs- we put chalkboards on the wall to help with the blank wall space. Now that the bookcases are back- I know I know, those chalkboards gotta go. Anyways- we rearranged the couch to its tradition L shape, put my computer desk in the corner next to it and brought some more cube storage containers for my sons toys that are downstairs. We went through his toys and only kept what fit in 4 containers downstairs along with a few big items that he likes to walk around with (shopping cart & sit airplace)- rest went upstairs to his room. My hubs' computer joined the space of the bookcase, since he always says he doesn't need much desk space or might try a standing desk setup. The top 3 shelves we filled with his books and our records & record player. Bottom 2 shelves are for the kiddo. Only thing left for this room is finishing up the cleanup of my computer desk and attaching a fake fireplace that we acquired from the theater production we directed and was donated by a local church to us personally. I am gleefully excited for Xmas time when it is all setup- stockings- Yay! Also down the line I'd really like to find a better way of hiding cords and making our under-the-couch space not a constant deadzone for our son's toys and cups.

Don't mind my pile of laundry (that has since moved. lol) But look how clean!!!!

Almost there organization wise! Wee!

Once I get more of the rooms cleaned up and organized, I'll pop in and share more. I'll also share with you all the finish rooms if I ever get them done. haha. Organization when you are a working mom is TOUGH. I've only done 4 rooms total in a month and I'm not even done with those 100% yet! So fellow Working Moms & Dads (and even my non-working parents)- sending heart-felt good vibes. We can do this! Let's get Organized one step at a time!
-M

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Updating Living room and Spare Bedroom/Craft room

So, one of my top projects for the year was to change up our setup in our Living Room, and in-turn changing up our Spare Bedroom/Craft Room.

 I am so happy to have more organization in my crafting space now!

First off- it all started with the living room. We both wanted a space to put our computers in here, since we kind of live in this room.

This was the Living Room before:

2 large bookcases on either side of our TV stand (with all our Xmas cards we received hanging).

Slightly low view from the couch.

And here is the living room after:

Yes- that is Grey's Anatomy- my HUSBAND's favorite show. (Not mine- I prefer more sci-fi fantasy shows).

Now all the computers have a spot.

More lighting on this side of the room now...

View from my hubs' seat by his computer.

They had the square organization units at Wal-mart for $37.95 each- each unit has 4 squares- so we got 3 units- so roughly $114 for this setup. My hubs just turns the one chair around while he is on his computer (dual screen with the big screen) and I just pull up a chair to my laptop. The old TV table that was in the center, we plan to turn into a mini bar whenever we remake our shed into "the man cave" that my hubs has been begging to do.It's amazing how low bookcases open up a living room. Now to try and find something to put on that bare wall!

We removed our big 2 bookcases from the living room and moved them upstairs into our spare bedroom/my craft room. This gave me a boat-load of more storage space. I also removed my one drawing table that is broken, and shifted the "sewing space" to where my Cricut was on a mini tv cart. The Cricut is now underneath, since I tend to use it on the floor anyways, when I do use it. I removed the metal rack I had in here (its out in the shed now) so the room really has so much more storage. The desk was moved to the corner, and overall re-arrangement of furniture. I also went through a LOT that was in the closet- throwing out 2 huge garbage bags full of junk. Luckily I had picked up a bunch of red bins from the dollar store in my first attempt at fixing this room up and finally got to use them all!

Craft room Before:

Organized Chaos...

Craft Room/Spare Bedroom After:

Don't mind the Chandelier sitting on top of the bookcase. lol. Things are still a little chaoic and mis-matched furniture, but there is SOOO much more room to walk around now.

Now there is much easier access to the sewing machine and other craft equipment.

I know it isn't as super-fab color-coordinated and pretty as those snazzy home decor magazines, but hey- we're on a budget. Until I can afford to buy all matching furniture and stuff, it will do.

So much more organization!

Paper rack and closet-hidden.

Yay for easier access to the tools I ACTUALLY use next to my craft table.

Eventually our queen sized spare bed will go in this room from the other spare bedroom, but not until we end up having a kid (which we are not even going to start trying till earliest the end of the year).

The Futon setup (and I came across a 2 drawing and a caricature I did when I used to work at Dorney Park (the 3 center ones on the wall) and 2 caricature that old co-workers drew of me (the black and white on the left, and the one on the far right).

It's another spare bed or reading chill spot (and display of my nutcracker collection.)

Next on the order of operations for the DIY home projects- turning our shed:

... into a man cave.

*sigh* Heaven help us. We have to a) clean my closet so we can get better access to our attic for storage, b) clean out our coat closet, closet that holds the water heater and spare freezer, clean out above the laundry closet (so 3 closets downstairs to be cleaned out) and d) fix up the mini side shed for the lawn mower and bikes- all before we even START to make the big shed into my husband man cave/bar. But at least it would get all the "bar" stuff out of our dining room- so I can have a pretty dining room again. Also, luckily our friends like hanging out at our place- so they are willing to help and we already have someone lined up to give us a mini fridge and a mini pool table.
My dreams are to continue fixing up the patio to be a more livable chill spot, but hubs is set on the shed fix up first. We shall see what is in our budget- because I refuse to give up our winter trip for a bar shed.
First things first though- the snow needs to melt. Haha.
Anyways, Have a great day!
-M

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Super Simple Laundry Basket Update

So I found this great wicker laundry basket at the Salvation Army recently (because all "home goods" were 40% off, I got this baby for about $10!).

However, our bedroom decor is anything but brown wicker. So my loving hubs did me the favor of spray painting it black, to match the rest of the black furniture in the bedroom.

I put a dollar store mesh bag as the "liner" inside the basket, and so far, it has served its purpose quite well.

Any simple updates you've done lately? It's amazing how a can of spray paint can make something so much cuter!
Hugs all!
-M

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Mirror Mirror on our bedroom wall: Red mirror makeover

So I have been wanting to revamp this mirror I aquired a few years ago, for ages. I wanted to use the mirror on the wall above my vanity, since the mirror to the vanity broke (unfortunately) and we couldn't afford to get a replacement mirror. Finally I got around to repainting it and putting it up on the wall above my vanity. I decided to put some of my antique hat collection around it (I chose to stick to just the black ones). I'm not 100% sure I like the layout of the hats- maybe I'll do a more "clumpy" arrangement, but for now, it will do till I figure out what I want to do with it all.

I started out with the mirror, in all its cracked and gold glory. I am so NOT a gold person.

Then I masked off the mirror with paper and tape.

Then time for some spray paint!

I found this red paint actually at Family Dollar. I thought this project would be perfect to test out the paint, since the mirror's frame was a cheap plastic- so if it didn't work, no big loss. I also got the mirror for free, so again, if it didn't work- no big loss. Overall the paint wasn't bad. I wouldn't use it if you wanted a good quality gloss or super weather resistant, but overall, not bad for a matte finish indoor project.

Overall I think it turned out nice. It gives some nice pop of color against my black vanity and black hat collection. I just need to update and fancy-up the stuff on the vanity next (like no pink jewelry box). I also want to paint my end tables black, so they match the rest of the furniture in the bedroom. And repaint the scratched up vanity.

(Disregard the baskets of laundry waiting to be put away- reflected in the mirror, or my 80s prom dress for our party, hanging on my closet door. lol)

I think it looks cute- I just might need some more expert advice as to making it really awesome in the room. Since by no-means am I an interior decorator, I would love arrangement advice to the wall decor and vanity setup.
Have a great day!
-M

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LOVE yarn letters for bedroom wall

So after seeing some adorable yarn wrapped letters that people have put together, on Pinterest, I decided to try my hand at making some for our wall in our bedroom.

This was the first time I'd try these, so they are not the absolute best, but they are quite cute. Most I've seen are very 3d, however since mine were just going on the wall, I made mine a little more flat. The heart was the hardest one to do.

I used cardboard leftover from the packaging on a set of 3 picture frames, and cardboard from a beer box. haha (see the beer cardboard on the unfinished heart?)

I used yarn that had some silver sparkle to it (sadly the photo doesn't do it justice on the sparkle factor), but when the sun hits it in the morning, its quite cheery.
For a first attempt I think it turned out cute. Now to figure out if I want to put anything on the sides of it, or just leave the wall as is. Any suggestions?
Have a great DIY day all!
-M

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Craft room-reorganized all red and white

Ok. By no means is my Craft room/office/spare room done. (Is anything ever really done anyway?) But for the most part, it is ready to be crafted in. I'm still in need of a good chair for here (and not use the dining room chair while sitting), but for the most part, it is ready to roll.
Eventually I want to get a different main table and paint the tv cabinet white (and the metal racking white), but for the most part, here is my craft room. (I know, I'm kind of a cluster of styles, but that's how I am).

 (Wendy just HAD to try out the cleared table. She's cute like that)

 I do adore Marilyn Monroe. The TV is a little bigger than I imaged it being- we aquired it from someone from my husband's work. So it kind of looks really big here. lol. I also decided to include some of my antique hat collection (which if you see my house, they are scattered all over the house).

 The gallery wall- dollar store clipboards and the long shelf my hubs made for my nutcracker collection (which only half is shown- I have to get the box out of the shed of the rest of the collection. haha). Also are my SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota) music fraternity for women, music notes.

 I'm happy to have found a spot for my typewriter. yay!

Gallery wall. My favorite part of the craft room right now.

I love red, so I went with red polka dots all over the place.
I know this craft room isn't the most FABULOUS as some peoples, but it serves its purpose, considering it is a kind of small room and my budget was next to nothing.
I do thank my hubs for putting up my shelves. They worked out nicely I think.

Any of you have craft rooms you'd like to share? I'd love to see everyone's way of crafting- mess, organized, or somewhere in between.
Have a great day all!
-M

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Getting settled in our new digs

Sorry I've been so MIA recently, but it has been a super busy month. We've officially lived in our home for over a month now, and things are starting to move along unpacking. Basically I just have a few odds and ends to unpack in our bedroom and my craft room, but for the most part, we are moved in.

Now the house is all decorated for Xmas ;)

(Our fence door- wreath all cute now)

(Our picket fence is all ready for Christmas!)

(dining room table decor- cupcake holder, ornaments, small wreath and diy cakestand)

(Our Xmas tree)

(Our dining room buffet is all set for Christmas)

(Mirrors up in living room- making the light of the tree look so pretty in the reflections!)

So now for some updates- we spent Thanksgiving in Michigan visiting my mom and stepdad, enjoyed seeing the Nutcracker with my mom, watched a Basketball game and took a sleeper train (first time riding in a sleeper train ever) home.

(My mom and I sitting in the Detroit Opera House to see the Nutcracker)

(The beautiful Detroit Opera House)

(Hubs, my parents and I went to a Pistons game- was super close in the end, and quite a good game in the 4th quarter)

(First experience with sleeper car!)

(Was so happy to find a Jamba Juice at the train station- I love these smoothies!)

We also hosted our first gathering last weekend, hosting a cast party (below) for the most recent show the hubs was in- You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. (He played Pig Pen- lol).

Among party hosting, we did get a lot of projects done around the house, making our house a home.

Here is some of the other stuff we did around the house in this past month:

(dressing up the thermostat. lol)

(dining room, thanksgiving/fall decor)

(got new bed)

(little corner in kitchen, perfect for my bar cart and new art)

(I added little pops of green in the kitchen to the silver and black. Works nicely with my bar cart)

(I made this simple kitchen art with silver plastic silverware, a silver frame with black mat, and green fabric)

(Another project I did with sliver plastic ware and a mirror)

(I purchased this cute wreath from a lady on Bucks County Yardsale on facebook. I love it!)

(New dining room table given to us by some friends, Wendy made it her spot to sit right after I added a fall cloth- which now has been swapped out for a Christmas one)

(Our new couch with mirrors put up- the blank space in the center is where our homemade BIG clock will go once we get the clock parts to put it up)

(here is another wreath I got from the one woman online- I love this! It is on our master bathroom door, within our master bedroom- matches our black, white and gray decor.)

(Our first snow at the house)

(Harvest and snow?)

Oh, and remember this old thing?

Well... now it looks like this. All it is waiting is to have done is the middle drawers hardware being put on and baskets purchased/found for the bottom two drawer spots.

I think that's a lot nicer right?

Anyway, so much to do- finish Christmas shopping and making Xmas cards and friend gifts. Hopefully I can get a great deal of this done this weekend. *fingers crossed*

Sorry for the delay, and I hope to post more, now that we are getting settled in the new house.

Thanks for stopping by!

-M

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