So in my first Blog entry I sorta touched on (OSDP) Organizing, Selling, Donating, Purging! I am happy to say that I did my share of organizing my unused/untouched "stuff" and participated in an indoor Yard Sale - my first one for the year! I have to say that it was liberating to say the least. Not only did I get rid of some things that I haven't used in ions, I made $ to fund a few projects while I was at it! $220 to be exact. I KNOW that's pretty good right?!!!!!!!!!! Getting up at the butt crack of dawn - not my favorite thing in the whole wide world, but it was worth a few hours of work (if you consider mindless chatter with strangers while sipping on a coffee work) and one of my friends participated as well, so it wasn't like I sat there twiddling thumbs.
I plan to participate in a few more before our move. Since I live on the East Coast, we don't have the luxury of having garage/yard sales all year round. Typically, yard sale season starts in April and Ends in September when the temps get cooler here. And by the way, I have a friend who is a die hard yard saler. Let me tell you... there is a whole other world of these people out there! They all know eachother from seeing eachother in their "treasure seeking" expeditions. And I am telling you, it's like a sport - these people are in it to win it - that great deal of the day. AND they show up religiously early. I went to set up my stuff at this indoor Yard Sale this past weekend at 6:15 (because they allowed us to come in at 6:30am - it was held at a church gym) and there were people camped out at the entrance. It was all in the low 20's and very chilly. I'd loathed getting out of my electric blanket heated bed that morning and was thankful to have my first cup of coffee. I couldn't have imagined waiting by the front door to buy someone else's trash. Okay, I'm going off on a tangent here...
While I am thinking about it... there are so many things that you can do to participate in Yard Sales or even facilitate one. I happend to find this one through a friend who belonged to the congregation of the church that was having this yard sale. You can ask to participate in those types of yard sales, OR go to your local Community Center and ask to spear head a Community based yard sale. You can pass out flyers, tell your friends, announce it in the newpaper, etc.... and while you are doing all that - you can simultaneously ask for participants to sell their things, making it an even bigger deal. I say this with determination, because I'm not a big fan of having garage sales at my home. While there are some really friendly and normal people, there are also those random, scary/creepy individuals who make you want to set your alarm at night.
I guess my point is... I set out to get rid of some things to start a few projects and get this Blog rolling, and I did it. I have two projects that I am rolling out in the next few days and am VERY proud and excited to share them with you! So stay tuned for those! So I encourage you to take the OSDP challenge!
Catch you on the re-run! - CK
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A New Project on the Horizon...
This will be my first of several projects I'll be sharing with you all. And am so excited to post the finished product, that I can't even contain myself. I have yet to reveal exactly what this "Project" is because I have only purchased my materials, but am happy to reveal those. I found all these items at Lowes, but I assume you can get these at any Big Box store - i.e. Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Etc.... All these products cost me about $30 (and I used my military discount - which I LOVE that Lowes honors).
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| Rust-Oleum - Brown Satin (Smooth Protective Enamel) |
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| 2 Packs of (wood) Flat Phillips screws size: 10 x 3/4 |
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| Six 6 Inch Mending Plates - You can find these in the section where all the door hinges are. You'll need these to attach your planks together. |
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| I bought (2) 1" x 6" x 4 ' boards - Cheap Pine Paint Grade and had one of the guys at Lowes cut them for me into 16" planks - instead of waiting for the Hubby to get home after a long day at work and putting him to work by cutting them for me. The two boards yielded 6 planks like you see below. |
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| You'll see that there is an obvious grain in the wood - I really do like that... because it makes it look rustic and natural and the over-all project just looks better - You'll see what I mean! |
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
ORGANIZE - Part One
I did it. I started to organize. I went through my home office (what became a Christmas decor catch-all war zone during the holidays). I really think this is half the battle when you are trying to minimize what you have and get rid of the things that you don't need - getting to this point where you just do it. Start with one corner of a room and work your way through it.
I get comments all the time from my friends when they come to visit... They think that my home is "perfect" and "kept" and everything is always in place. It is the furthest thing from the truth. Everyone has a dirty little secret - That one room, or the basement where that hot mess is hidden and out of sight. Contrary to my friends, I have one too. I always love those Blogs that show before's and afters and what their homes/work spaces/rooms look like on a daily basis. It connects them to their followers on a normal level and doesn't make them feel like the end result isn't obtainable. So I hope this offers you some hope and inspiration to do something about that clutter and get to that point where you can start projects, finish them, and be proud of something that you made yourself.
I am on my way to getting rid the stuff I don't need so I can start sharing those DIY projects with you!
See! Here is my dirty little secret - the beginning of organizing my mess of a home office. One of two
places I will be Organizing, Selling things from, Donating what I can't sell and then purging the rest. To my girlfriends who would not believe that I am capable of having a messy home - the proof is in the pudding - I am sure there are many of you who can relate (my organized mess):
I get comments all the time from my friends when they come to visit... They think that my home is "perfect" and "kept" and everything is always in place. It is the furthest thing from the truth. Everyone has a dirty little secret - That one room, or the basement where that hot mess is hidden and out of sight. Contrary to my friends, I have one too. I always love those Blogs that show before's and afters and what their homes/work spaces/rooms look like on a daily basis. It connects them to their followers on a normal level and doesn't make them feel like the end result isn't obtainable. So I hope this offers you some hope and inspiration to do something about that clutter and get to that point where you can start projects, finish them, and be proud of something that you made yourself.
I am on my way to getting rid the stuff I don't need so I can start sharing those DIY projects with you!
See! Here is my dirty little secret - the beginning of organizing my mess of a home office. One of two
places I will be Organizing, Selling things from, Donating what I can't sell and then purging the rest. To my girlfriends who would not believe that I am capable of having a messy home - the proof is in the pudding - I am sure there are many of you who can relate (my organized mess):
You thought I was joking about the crayons in my first Blog entry didn't you?
... and the baskets for every season - don't need them!
Organize, Sell, Donate, and Purge
Wondering how a Stay-at-Home Mom of 3 little ones can manage to fund all these projects?
Organize, Sell, Donate, and Purge. OSDP!
I know, it sounds mundane and it's a great concept, but I also understand it can be overwhelming. Have a goal. Think about what you can do with the dollars that you make from selling all your "stuff"!!!!!! Once you establish that, take it ONE.STEP.AT.A TIME. Keep in mind that it isn't going to happen overnight. It happens to the best of us.... We buy things that we think we are going to use, store them, forget about them, and frankly, don't need them. You will feel so much better once you start the process.
I will take you on my journey because it starts this week for me. I will post pictures from beginning to end so you can see that even though I am a minimalist in my home decor, I love a good sale. I may hate the whole idea of too many chach-kies, but when I see a really good deal (you know, like those end of the season sales at Hobby Lobby) it is easy to get caught up in buying things that you don't need.
Thankfully, I had a friend tip me off on a indoor yard sale that her church has every year and they open it up to the public. I'm not a church member, but they allow people to pay $15 to set up a large table to sell their stuff at their annual indoor yard sale.
Okay, I'm going off track here... ORGANIZE. The best rule of thumb is get rid of it if you haven't used it within a year. Chances are, if you haven't used it within the last year, you aren't going to use it the following year. It is just going to collect dust and take up space. And have you looked at your useless stash lately? It is probably an eyesore. I know mine is. Start a pile - you will be amazed how much you have! When you are planning to move like I am, it is really eye opening.
SELL IT! The sooner the better. There are so many place where you can sell your things. My town has a Facebook - Yard Sale page. If you don't have one... you can start one. Mine is great! The first night I posted an item, I sold it. Basically, people post pictures of what they want to sell, people respond on the profile page, and exchange their personal information via private message and meet in a mutually agreed place to make their transaction in a public place (I am not advocating having them come to your home) - not safe, and again... their are some crazies out there. There are a number of other places you can sell your things.... Consignment Shops, Craigslist, Yard Sales... etc... I belong to a Mom's Club and they are a great way to unload your unwanted items. I send an e-mail out to 40 plus members and usually, I have my stuff sold within a 30 minute period.
DONATE IT. Whatever you don't sell after however many attempt(s) you have made, donate it. You can write it off on your taxes AND it is probably going to a good cause. If a charity won't take it... it can probably be tossed/purged.
PURGE IT. DO IT! You will feel soooooooooooooooooo much better. It is liberating and you will feel such a sense of accomplishment. Seriously, do you really need those clothes from 10 years ago that you think you are going to use, 20 baskets for those gift baskets you never put together, multiple containers of dried up craft paint, a box of broken crayons, or reams of fabric your grandmother won't even sew with and wear? We are all guilty of that. Or better yet, watch a few episodes of that show Hoarders and you will feel so much better getting rid of things.
Let's recap. Organize, Sell, Donate, and Purge. Comment and let me know what progress you have made within the next week. I will post pictures, so you can hold me accountable for all the mumbo jumbo I just posted.
Organize, Sell, Donate, and Purge. OSDP!
I know, it sounds mundane and it's a great concept, but I also understand it can be overwhelming. Have a goal. Think about what you can do with the dollars that you make from selling all your "stuff"!!!!!! Once you establish that, take it ONE.STEP.AT.A TIME. Keep in mind that it isn't going to happen overnight. It happens to the best of us.... We buy things that we think we are going to use, store them, forget about them, and frankly, don't need them. You will feel so much better once you start the process.
I will take you on my journey because it starts this week for me. I will post pictures from beginning to end so you can see that even though I am a minimalist in my home decor, I love a good sale. I may hate the whole idea of too many chach-kies, but when I see a really good deal (you know, like those end of the season sales at Hobby Lobby) it is easy to get caught up in buying things that you don't need.
Thankfully, I had a friend tip me off on a indoor yard sale that her church has every year and they open it up to the public. I'm not a church member, but they allow people to pay $15 to set up a large table to sell their stuff at their annual indoor yard sale.
Okay, I'm going off track here... ORGANIZE. The best rule of thumb is get rid of it if you haven't used it within a year. Chances are, if you haven't used it within the last year, you aren't going to use it the following year. It is just going to collect dust and take up space. And have you looked at your useless stash lately? It is probably an eyesore. I know mine is. Start a pile - you will be amazed how much you have! When you are planning to move like I am, it is really eye opening.
SELL IT! The sooner the better. There are so many place where you can sell your things. My town has a Facebook - Yard Sale page. If you don't have one... you can start one. Mine is great! The first night I posted an item, I sold it. Basically, people post pictures of what they want to sell, people respond on the profile page, and exchange their personal information via private message and meet in a mutually agreed place to make their transaction in a public place (I am not advocating having them come to your home) - not safe, and again... their are some crazies out there. There are a number of other places you can sell your things.... Consignment Shops, Craigslist, Yard Sales... etc... I belong to a Mom's Club and they are a great way to unload your unwanted items. I send an e-mail out to 40 plus members and usually, I have my stuff sold within a 30 minute period.
DONATE IT. Whatever you don't sell after however many attempt(s) you have made, donate it. You can write it off on your taxes AND it is probably going to a good cause. If a charity won't take it... it can probably be tossed/purged.
PURGE IT. DO IT! You will feel soooooooooooooooooo much better. It is liberating and you will feel such a sense of accomplishment. Seriously, do you really need those clothes from 10 years ago that you think you are going to use, 20 baskets for those gift baskets you never put together, multiple containers of dried up craft paint, a box of broken crayons, or reams of fabric your grandmother won't even sew with and wear? We are all guilty of that. Or better yet, watch a few episodes of that show Hoarders and you will feel so much better getting rid of things.
Let's recap. Organize, Sell, Donate, and Purge. Comment and let me know what progress you have made within the next week. I will post pictures, so you can hold me accountable for all the mumbo jumbo I just posted.
Hello World!
Hi, I'm CK (I'll refer to myself as such, because there are some crazies out there) and I'd rather not broadcast my name out in the on-line world. Let me preface the start of this Blog by saying.... this is not a Blog about "Going Green"... I am far from an environmentalist (I do drive an SUV, but occassionally buy environmentally safe products, turn off the lights when it isn't dark out, carpool, and recycle/upcycle as much as I can and have been successful at starting my own garden and actually yeilding veggies from it), but if "that" type of green is what you were were expecting to read about.... sorry!
This Blog is for me and anyone who appreciates easy, simple and creative ways to decorate their home incorporating a hint of color (my favorite hue? - Lime Green). My Little Obsession has compelled me to blog about my use of it in our soon to be next home. There is something organic about using the color green, and this obession happend to start with my Pinterest.com marathons during my kids' naptime. I am a lover of this color and it's use with everything from burlap, wood, fabric, canvas, drop cloth material.... anything having to do with home decor in an understated sort of way.
I do have a family Blog (which I share only with my family and friends), a business Blog for my on-line business, and this Blog. I don't claim to be a hardcore Blogger, but I do hope to learn more as this progresses, so bare with me... I'll try and make it interesting and hope to inspire you through my journey of upcoming projects. Join me on this room by room transformation, and love fun-interesting-easy-and useful projects. The next few months will be me gathering and sorting what it is I'll be doing.
I (We) have an impending move in the next 4.5 months, which means.... a new home! Hooooraaaay! I am ready for a change! And the first thing on my agenda is to sell, donate or purge what I already have and can't incorporate in my upcomping projects. Thankfully, there is a Hobby Lobby close by! LOVE that place! I have so many ideas and projects to share with you.... Some borrowed, some borrowed and tweeked and some of my own that I will chronicle in this Blog using the color green.
Now as for my style and what you can kind of expect from me... Let's see, well, Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel/CB2 meets Pier One - Cost Plus World Market with a rustic-modern-mix and part shabby chic - ish style. I am a minimalist - HATE the over-use of chachki's around the house - I mean really, do you need 1000 of one thing? I like things that are understated, yet appealing and inspiring. You will just have to stay tuned! Join me on my step by step tutorials. Feel free to comment and offer any input!
This Blog is for me and anyone who appreciates easy, simple and creative ways to decorate their home incorporating a hint of color (my favorite hue? - Lime Green). My Little Obsession has compelled me to blog about my use of it in our soon to be next home. There is something organic about using the color green, and this obession happend to start with my Pinterest.com marathons during my kids' naptime. I am a lover of this color and it's use with everything from burlap, wood, fabric, canvas, drop cloth material.... anything having to do with home decor in an understated sort of way.
I do have a family Blog (which I share only with my family and friends), a business Blog for my on-line business, and this Blog. I don't claim to be a hardcore Blogger, but I do hope to learn more as this progresses, so bare with me... I'll try and make it interesting and hope to inspire you through my journey of upcoming projects. Join me on this room by room transformation, and love fun-interesting-easy-and useful projects. The next few months will be me gathering and sorting what it is I'll be doing.
I (We) have an impending move in the next 4.5 months, which means.... a new home! Hooooraaaay! I am ready for a change! And the first thing on my agenda is to sell, donate or purge what I already have and can't incorporate in my upcomping projects. Thankfully, there is a Hobby Lobby close by! LOVE that place! I have so many ideas and projects to share with you.... Some borrowed, some borrowed and tweeked and some of my own that I will chronicle in this Blog using the color green.
Now as for my style and what you can kind of expect from me... Let's see, well, Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel/CB2 meets Pier One - Cost Plus World Market with a rustic-modern-mix and part shabby chic - ish style. I am a minimalist - HATE the over-use of chachki's around the house - I mean really, do you need 1000 of one thing? I like things that are understated, yet appealing and inspiring. You will just have to stay tuned! Join me on my step by step tutorials. Feel free to comment and offer any input!
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