January 2013 – Page 2
I‘ve declared my love for Project Life on this blog before. The system is so simple to make your own and gosh, there is so much inspiration out there! I’m always keeping my eyes open for new things to try. One of those great “why didn’t I think of that?” ideas was on this page from Michelle Wooderson:
I love the little chevron bag tucked into the 3″x4″ pocket and knew I had to try it myself! Here’s my version:
I added a little story about my middle son and tucked it right into the envelope. I imagine someday when he looks back over the albums, he’ll discover a note just for him. So fun.
Still need to add in the rest of the journaling, but my pen ran out! Please share if you have a favorite brand! I found my bags from Hannah’s etsy shop, Bahana Splits Boutique. She has tons of options and I know I’ll be back for more colors and styles.
Linking to The Mom Creative and all those crafty Project Lifers today!
Welcome to Day 1 of my Pinspiration challenge!
Today’s project deals with a topic my home is lacking: organization. I was on a roll with my systems and “everything has a place” mentality in the old house. But since we moved back in September, I’ve felt like I’m back at the very beginning!
So I started in the nursery. As much as I’ve told her it’s just not allowed, my sweet baby girl is growing like a weed and quickly outgrowing her newborn wardrobe! Sadly, it was time to organize and pack away. I needed a system that didn’t take up lots of room and was easy to distinguish sizes.
A quick search to my Pinterest boards and I found these:
Free storage labels from Joelle at inBloom Studios
Charlie found her storage bags at the Dollar Tree, but I picked one up at Five Below, since it was more convenient. (Amazon has a similar bag) My process was incredibly simple. I went through her closet, her dresser and the growing pile of outgrown clothing on her changing table and threw them all on the floor. Then I organized by type/outfit and folded.
Can you tell this girl has been spoiled??
The last step was to pack them away. Too easy. Why do I procrastinate on the easiest projects? And bonus! Her 0-3 month things only fill up half of the bag, so I’ll have room to add her 3-6mo clothing when the time comes.
Feels so good to have that project checked off the list…and two pins actually completed!
As I shared last week, my word for 2013 is intention. So what’s a better way to embrace it than to start the year off with a challenge? For the next six weeks, I’m going to try to complete 30 different things from my Pinterest boards.
Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come at the Big White Farmhouse:
— Experimenting with new packaging from my “Gift Wrapping Ideas” board
— Cooking dinner ideas from my “Yummy Food” board
— Trying out new techniques in my Project Life album from my “Recording Life” board
— Reading books from my “Book List” board
— Decorating my office with ideas from my “Home Office” board
— Getting crafty with my kids with my “Kiddie Crafts” board
And lots and lots more! I’m so excited to actually get some use out of my Pinterest account and more excited to share the adventure with you. Check back here on Monday for Day #1!
New year, new home, new goals! I really enjoyed brainstorming and working on my home goals last year, so this is what 2013 hopefully has in store:
1. Paint, Paint, Paint!
In the past four months, we’ve made a little progress in our Crayola House (that’s my sarcastically affectionate name for the 12+ crazy colors the previous owners painted). On the list: the rest of the first floor, dining room, both boy rooms, and the basement. I’m going for a calming, neutral palette with hints of blue/grey.
2. Finish the nursery.
I’ve made the inspiration board, now to do the work!
3. Put some art on the walls.
Because the color was so bad, I have hesitated hanging anything until new paint goes up. I’m really looking forward to adding more of our personality to each room. A place for the kids’ art, family pictures, and a gallery wall are all on my to-do list.
4. Create two bedrooms that my boys will love. They are requesting Avengers and Batman-themed rooms. I’m hoping to create a classic room that grows with them, while still honoring thier wishes. Should be a fun adventure!
What do you have planned for your home in 2013?
{photo via Lime Lane Photography}
ETSY SHOP.
One of my goals this year is to sew a dress for my Little Miss. After a little research, I think I’ll be purchasing my pattern from Little Lizard King. She has great reviews! I still haven’t decided, but my favorites are this, this and this.
ON MY TO-DO LIST.
This post on cleaning up your Pinterest boards lit a fire under my behind. I’m joining in the #cleanupyourpinterest revolution…you should too!
TUTORIAL.
Have you ever seen a ticker tape quilt? Amazing, right? I love that it can use the tiniest scrap and create something that is one-of-a-kind. But wow…I just don’t think I have the patience, though this tutorial for the same effect on canvas may convert me!
MUST READ.
Julie’s post called “The Itchy Sweater” was beautifully written and I know it will be so helpful for other mammas struggling in the same area. Further proof that you should never judge when you’re out and about. Be sure to check out her follow-up post for a resource list.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
I’m participating in a 365 Project with A Beautiful Mess. Since 2013 will be the first year in our new home, I’d love to document the process of making it our own. Not sure I can keep the pace, but I’m sure going to try! You can follow along with me on my Instagram feed.
BOOK.
I’ve heard good things about The Light Between Oceans: A Novel…have you read it? I think it may be next on my list.
January will be about…
- HEALTH. Losing the baby weight. Focusing more on health than the number on the scale. Easing into eating less processed foods and more fresh ingredients. Getting active and finding an exercise routine that works.
- PLANNING. Working on a post-holiday routine that works for every member of this family. Figuring out how to add a few fun extras into our homeschooling week.
- CREATIVITY. For both me and the kids. Simple crafts, home improvement projects and more!
Happy New Year, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are entering 2013 energized. I’ve missed this blog so much and I’m so happy to be back!
As much as I’d like to smile and tell you that life has been perfect around here…well, I’d be lying. Adjusting to life with four children has been very different than I expected. I was prepared for the sleepless nights, the extra laundry and even the colic. It was all the rest that threw me for a big loop.
For awhile, I struggled with the idea that I was just a big, huge failure. My house was full of clutter. I was doing the bare minimum with homeschooling (certainly no extra fun stuff!). I was behind on chores. I wasn’t losing any weight and my clothes were all too tight. My kids were watching too much TV. We ate out way too much.
To summarize: handling a newborn was a piece of cake. Juggling everything else? Failure with a capital F.
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that it took about three months for me to learn to give myself some grace. Instead of constantly beating myself up for being inadequate, I ‘ve started to celebrate the small victories of every day. It really was a Christmas miracle, since I’m definitely my own worst critic! And while I’m still nowhere near “Super Mom” status, I feel like I’m back on track. I feel like I’m closer to being the kind of mom I know I can be.
This time in my life has taught me a valuable lesson: if you really want something, you have to work for it. This can be for everything from making dinner, to desiring an organized home, to starting a new business. You have to prioritize the time, money and resources. You have to commit. Instead of living in a cloud of “somedays” and “maybes”, you have to dig deep and follow through.
That’s what I want for 2013: to live an intentional life. I want to be intentional with my family, my home and my dreams. I plan on using this space here on the Big White Farmhouse to document this new adventure. I hope you’ll come along!
Here’s to a new year of being more of who God created us to be.