I gotta dresser.......

I gotta dresser, I gotta dresser, I got a dresser, HEY, HEY, HEY, HEY!  <<Little Rascals Style>> 

 I found a dresser on Craigslist.  Yes, this is just a dresser.  

That doesn't seem very exciting, but put it together with 

2 of these & paint it with some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint,

 

And I hope to get one of these

Too ambitious??  Yes, possibly.  However considering that the wardrobe system that we wanted to get from Ikea was going to cost somewhere around  $700, we thought it would be worth it.
We'll see....

Have you ever thought you had taken on a project that you thought might be too ambitious??

A list that goes on FOREVER....it seems

Overwhelmed is the feeling I have right now!  Only my fault though since I seem to be all over the place when it comes to projects.  I have several (more like 66) projects either in planning mode, progress mode, or "want to do" mode.  On top of that I began homeschooling our 2nd grader in September.  (A huge blessing! more on that later)

**Can I just say I am so incredibly thankful for such a loving, supporting and incredibly PATIENT husband!!**

I heard somewhere that a brain dump is a good thing to do when you begin to feel overwhelmed.  Well, I am at that point I think, at least when it comes to our quaint way too small home.  At least right now it just feels way too small and by society's standards it is way too small.  However, we decided to make do with it for now.  It really isn't all that bad, besides the bigger the house, the more you have to clean right?  And, I certainly am NOT the greatest at keeping a regular cleaning schedule!  (If you are, please be my best friend and I promise I will teach you how to fold a fitted sheet! )

Anyhoo, here comes the brain dump!!

LIVING ROOM

• Paint frame for chalkboard & hang
• Change or make new lampshades for red lamps
• Put up natural roman shades on windows
• Hang curtains all the way to ceiling
• Paint/stencil bookcase backing
• Artwork all around the room
• Paint back of front door
• Refinish Flooring

KITCHEN

• Replace light above kitchen table
• Make a leaf for kitchen table
• Refinish top of kitchen table
• Sand texture on walls & repaint
• Board & batten in dining nook
• Wood plank ceiling to cover popcorn
• Build cabinet doors
• Replace light above sink
• Window treatment
• Replace kitchen light
• Replace flooring or uncover hardwood (fingers crossed)
• Plan a kitchen update

LAUNDRY ROOM/PANTRY

• Install bi-fold doors between kitchen & laundry
• Cover litter box
• Paint laundry room walls
• Paint shelving
• Matching storage baskets
• Replace back door with one w/ window
• Replace back screen door
• Window treatment

HALLWAY

• Put up trim 
• Prime & Paint trim
• Paint upper walls
• Command center
• Artwork wall
• Wood plank ceiling
• Trim attic door
• Paint attic door
• Replace hallway light
• Repair corner

GIRLS' ROOM

• Finish wardrobe doors & shelves
• Revamp closet
• Make cushion for toy bench
• Repaint
• Book Storage
• Sconces
• New bedding
• Build twin bed
• New window treatment (must be blackout)
• Cord cover for chandelier

BATHROOM

• Wall treatment
• Paint
• Window treatment (tricky b/c window is in shower)
• Flooring
• New vanity
• New toilet
• Kinda just need an all around remodel in here!

MASTER BEDROOM

• Some sort of filing system
• Organize desk area
• Organize closets
• Refinish white side table
• Find a space for a TV

OH MY!  That is one long brain dump and it is only the INSIDE!! (as my oh-so-kind husband reminded me).  Sorry that there are not any photos this time.  I plan to add photos, etc. as I complete each project.  That's all my tired, overwhelmed brain has to offer today!  Happy Friday everyone.

A-ha Moments....Gotta Love Them!

Sunday morning I woke up thinking I was going to tackle my living room in all its craziness.  So far, I have not done anything in there.  (It is only 7:30am though)  I was inspired by Iheartorganizing to gather all my children’s crafts, crayons, paints, etc. into one location.  Can I just say how blessed those of you are that have extra closet space in your homes!  I have 3 closets in my home, all of which are very small, 2 of those small closets(single door) are in the master bedroom (1 for me, 1 for my husband) and the last closet is in the second bedroom(our girls’ room).  Yes, that’s it only 3 closets for us here.  However, I try my hardest to make the best of what I do have and I do have a………..drumroll please……….Laundry Room!   I think I have found the perfect spot next to my dryer for a scrapbook chest I found here, it’s similar to what Jen at iheartorganizing used here except less one drawer. L

It fits perfectly!!

I was able to relocate lots of “fun” stuff to this location in my laundry room! 

All filled & labeled :)

The new drawer break down is: 

1.       Crayons, Markers &  Colored Pencils

2.       Doodling Stuff (spiral stencils, dry erase board)

3.       Stickers & Drawing Pads

4.       Beads & Things

5.       Craft Kits & Supplies

6.       Play-Doh

As I filled this new storage contraption, I was shocked at how many different places I had to go to retrieve the girls’ stuff.   In the laundry room alone, I went to 3 different shelves to gather items.  Some items were in their bedroom on their dresser, some were in the kitchen, and some were even in the living room.  As I gathered, little bells dinged in my head (call them A-Ha moments if you will). 

• How can I expect my daughters to enjoy their “fun” stuff when they have to hunt all over the house to find what they need?

• How can I expect them to consistently put-away their “fun” stuff when it goes in four different places? 

WOW!  I can see so many different positives to making this change!  I spent $54 +tax on the new organizer.  (I had a great coupon!)  For me, that $54 and the time I spent relocating all of the items is priceless!  In the long run, this 1 little contraption will encourage more fun activities with my daughters, lessen the constant nagging to put things where they go and makes supplies accessible so my oldest can entertain herself all while keeping small hazards away from my 13 month old!

An organized home that is functional, beautiful and kid-friendly is my goal!  This was my first step! 

Tell me, if you are on a journey such as this what was your first step??  What tips and tricks have you utilized to make your home a more peaceful place for your family??