Top Priority Inspiration

The order is merely by necessity.  Our current craft/exercise room is really my giant closet so if I'm organizing that it makes no sense to stuff things into our bedroom closet. I think I need to do these two simultaneously.  Plus, I'm on an Ebay/Craigslist selling kick so I figure I better go for the gusto and clear it all out.

Top Priority

Closet
CHALLENGE: I was recently pregnant and I no longer work although I plan to go back.  The problem is that the whole "toss if you haven't worn it in a year" doesn't apply when you were just pregnant. I also don't really know how much maternity to get rid of...just in case ;).  Same problem with work clothes. I have TONS of jewelry and shoes.  Half should be purged but the other half should be displayed beautifully and easy to find.  Our closet is huge and there is so much space that is not utilized.  MINIMIZE and ORGANIZE!!  I have no desire for bells and whistles here right now, just simple organization.

I absolutely love the jewelry case on the lower right hand.

Craft/Exercise Room
CHALLENGE: I'm not crafty but I like to collect craft items.  I am very into fitness so I must have a home for my giant treadmill, bench, and weights.  There is only a small window in the room and I want to use it to the most advantage.

I LOVE this color combo but my husband would never let me do lilac in any of the main rooms so this may be my only chance to use it.

Marlow's playroom/extra living room
CHALLENGE: It's easily viewed by guests and needs some interest, but it's a playroom so I'd like some whimsy.  I'm looking for a lived in, casual feel with natural textures and calming palette....but I'd also like it to transition well from her teal and pink nursery : / and the grey and lilac craft room..not sure how to achieve that yet.  It's an open area between the two rooms.  The biggest challenge is that my inspiration doesn't really go well with the rest of the house but I still love it and I'm working on a compromise of design.

The area has a pretty large window so I'd love this midnight blue in the room somehow. 

Completely in love with the natural textures here.  I absolutely envision a trunk of some sort in this type of wood for toys, extra seating or maybe even a coffee table.

Dining room
CHALLENGE: Working with the current wall color.  The size of the room makes more furniture difficult. There is no window. I really need items for the wall.

This is the current color wall color in the room which I don't love but I think I can work with it by adding some yellow/gold with white or green accents.

Phew... there.... all my ideas for the top priority items are finally out now it's time to get to work!

Back to Basics

8 months later.... let us return to our regular programming.

Update on the patio.... it's still in progress... the end.  It's just a little frustrating of a project to go into detail on. 

As the chilly weather and baby illness keeps up cooped inside, I'm beginning to get a little nutty over our decor plan.  My number one problem is that no room in the ENTIRE house is finished.  Every room has been started and every room is an ongoing project and every room is driving me nuts :).  Forgive my ongoing rant of how I plan to tackle this.  I feel like I'm on a diet and I have to tell someone to hold me accountable.

I'm the ultimate clutter collector.  I have everything against me.  I'm way too sentimental about possesions, I'm a perfectionist so if I can't do something exactly as I see it in my head then I let the fear keep me from even moving and I'm a bargain hunter/impulse buyer.  This is all a recipe for major disorganization.  So back to the drawing board I go.  First, I have to assess what we've completed, what's in progress, and what needs to be done.  Then I must re group and get my inspiration flowing again.....Then I must PURGE and maybe actually start a project.  Seriously if anyone has tips on finishing a room I would love to hear it.

I recently purchased the Domino Book of Decorating which I love!  The steps are so encouraging. 

Top Priority
Organize our closet
Organize my craft/exercise room
Set up Marlow's playroom/extra living room
Complete the dining room

Still on my radar...
Entryway - stripes/wallpaper accent, hooks, baskets, new rug
Living - lighting (tall lamp), basket or accent tables, hang art
Kitchen - light over island, chalkboard
Bath - finish bathroom vanities, new lighting
Office - reading chair, tall lighting, rug
Nursery - rug, shelf

One day we will...
Add wood floors
Add molding accents
Add a sofa and rug in our bedroom

Time Flies

I think we never really realize how swiftly the days seem to pass until you have a little one.  I mean I always thought things were moving quickly but now I have this visible evidence staring me in the face everyday.  I just cannot believe it.

Yesterday Marlow was having an unusually tough time getting to sleep.  I thank my lucky stars for my superstar sleeper but she just did not want to nap.  For the first time in a very very long time I held her until she fell asleep.  It was one of the most wonderful and treasured moments.  I couldn't put her down!!  I don't think I've held her sleeping since she was only a few weeks old.  I loved her sweet little face.

We had such a big weekend of milestones.  She's said mom about twice in the past few weeks but now she's officially screaming out for her momma.  It melts my heart :).  She's all prepped for Thanksgiving and is currently trying her luck at some turkey for lunch and dinner.  Her favorite is apple cranberry turkey. 

Life has been so full and exciting that I'm guilty of not taking enough time to relish it all.