We may not love the cold weather so much, but we do love some of the things that go hand in hand when it’s chilly outside. What’s better than some cozy layering pieces to stay warm, a great read while you’re stuck inside and an oh so delicious cup of hot cocoa to go with it?
1. Start by pin-pointing exactly what in your space isn’t working, what needs to go and what needs to be updated and/or fixed. I’m not talking about a major renovation here! Simple updates/fixes might include: organizing or rearranging a space; adding more personality and color with a coat of paint; or getting rid of an old piece of furniture and replacing it with something newer and of higher quality.
One of the first things on my project “to-do” list is our guest bathroom. There really isn’t anything horrible about it, but its a little out-dated and not really our style. I wanted something clean and sleek and something welcoming for guests.
2. Once you’ve identified the issues, start looking for inspiration and ideas for things you like or that would work in the space to fix the problem. As many of you already know, Pinterest is the #1 place to get great inspiration! I also like to look through different clips from magazines that I am always saving (ex. Do It Yourself, HGTV magazine, Better Home and Gardens). When using Pinterest or whatever else you use for inspiration, have a separate board/folder for each room to keep everything organized and easy to access.
3. Now that you know what direction you want to go in and some of the things you would like to get, start complying a shopping list and figuring out how much everything is going to cost.
Here is the board for the guest bathroom.
4. Lastly, figure out which project or space is at the top of your priority list and start there, working you’re way down the list until everything is eventually done.
I like doing things this way because a) I have a clear vision of where I want the space to end up, and b) I can get things I actually want by taking the time to look around for the best deals even if it means getting things a little at a time. Sooner or later you’ll finally have the space you’ve always wanted that works!
Now just a few things to keep in mind:
Maybe the inspiration for your space would cost a lot more than you would like to pay, no worries! There is always something that looks similar or gives the same feel for a lot less if you’re willing to take the time and look around. Another option is to do it yourself.
As I mentioned above, having a laid out plan takes away the stress when it comes to buying the pieces and materials for the space your are creating; however, the big lesson is having PATIENCE. One thing I am still struggling to learn is that it’s not always realistic to have everything now. Over time a beautiful space is created.
I hope this post has inspired you to go tackle some of those awaiting projects! As for me, I already have the walls painted in the guest bathroom and plan on finishing up with the rest in the following weeks! Make sure to check back for the after photos!
I would love to hear some spaces you’ve wanted to revamp or projects you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet and what you’re plans are!
Linked To:
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/100-share-projects/
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/01/220th-penny-pinching-party.html
http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2014/1/14/what-we-love-wednesdays-22
It’s a new year and it’s time to whip your wardrobe into shape and finally say good-bye to those things you’ve been holding on to for years. You know, those items just sitting in your closet that you see every day when you go to get dressed but never pull off the hanger for one reason or another? Maybe it’s your favorite pair of pants that don’t fit anymore but you hold on to them with the hope that one day they’ll fit again. Or perhaps it’s a shirt that doesn’t quite go with anything else in your wardrobe, but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of it because (even though it’s been years) one day it might magically go with something.
When cleaning out your closet, be truly honest with yourself. If an article of clothing falls into one of the categories listed above, get rid of it. Don’t allow yourself a lot of time to rethink your decisions. Cleaning out your closet can be hard in the moment; but believe me, it is so liberating when you are finished and you’ve freed yourself of all that negative clutter!
To reiterate what we have been talking about, let me share a few brief examples of clothes that were difficult for me to let go of and why I finally did.
Example #1: I bought this skirt almost 5 years ago. I fell in love with it the moment I saw and just had to have it. Before I thought much about it I bought it and took it home to hang in my closet. The problem is that it did just that…sit in my closet. I’ve always loved this skirt but have never really found anything I liked to go with it. I’ve worn this skirt a total of 6 times, none of which have been in the last 3 years. Needless to say it was time to finally let it go.
Example #2: This basic button-down shirt was a more recent purchase of mine. I bought it about 6 months ago because I wanted one I could wear and/or layer with other pieces in my wardrobe. I bought the first one I tried on in Target. It only took me several wears to realize that this was a big shopping mistake. First off, the shirt altogether was a bit too long on me which made it bunch up at the bottom when I walked or sat down. The sleeves were also too long so I could only wear it if the sleeves were rolled up. And lastly, the material was thin which caused it to wrinkle easily and loose shape when I tried layering it with other pieces. It was a literal fail; but I guess I kept holding on to it hoping that one day I’d try it on and it would magically be everything I hoped it to be. Instead I came to terms that is was a waste of my money but a good learning experience. This too is in the giveaway bag.
Linked to:
http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2014/01/hit-best-shot-link-party-2.html
Everything else I already had on hand. Now all I need is an office chair. Any ideas? As you can also see, I’ve been fabric shopping. I’ve found some great pieces to start my first collection with!
And, if you’re not already completely overwhelmed with all the new and exciting things going on over here, I have a few more to add. First, is my new blog title and design. I’ve decided to changes things up because (get ready for my second surprise) I have added a new partner! For all my previous followers, you can rest assured that the Stripes and Polka Dots blog will produce some of the same great content as before but be twice a better! But for now, I’d like everyone to get to know my new teammate.
Another weekend has come and gone. I can’t help but think that time is getting away from me these days. It seems like the older I get the more time seems to speed by! Anyway, to start off my weekend I came home from work Friday evening to a clean house, dinner in the oven and a babysitter lined up for date-night. Pretty amazing right?! After almost four years of marriage, I think my husband is starting to really understand my love language. Needless to say, it was just what I needed after a long week.
With Veteran’s Day now upon us there were some pretty amazing sales over the weekend so a friend and I went out to find ourselves some great deals. Really we just hit up JC Penny because I’m addicted to their clothes and prices. They were having their biggest sale ever (which I believe is running through today) with almost everything on sale plus an additional $10 off when you spent $25. My wardrobe is pretty much complete but I needed a few more items to finish it off for fall/winter. The plum colored opaque tights and gray sweater are among my most recent buys from JC Penny. And I’ve got to say, I’m loving them…especially with my new ankle boots that my amazing mother-in-laws spoiled me with when she was here a couple weeks ago!
Sweater: JC Penny
Colored Opaque Tights: JC Penny
Pencil Skirt: Gap Outlet (old)
Boots: Gift
