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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Basement Stairway Inspiration

We're currently in the process of finishing our basement. I'm really excited about not walking amongst the cobwebs and spiders to do the laundry anymore! We're getting a bar space, a couch/tv space, a pool table, half bath, laundry room, and an office/shooting space for me! 

I've been taking my time in figuring out the decor. I really want to plan it out and find useful pieces instead of just something to fill the space. 

So for inspiration, we'll start with the stairway, because that entry will set the tone for the basement. We're planning on doing paneling all through out the main room, and a light tan wall. I wanted something very versatile and would match anything. Obviously I want to utilize the space as well, so displaying photos is a must! Here's some photos that get my decorating side turning.


I've been eyeing this star pendent light for what feels like years! So excited to finally have a space to put it. I'm also really loving gallery walls lately. Not sure if I'm going to strictly do photos, or add in some letters or other fun items. 


Here's a photo of the stair case as of tonight. This will be fun to compare some before/afters.

Next up will be some half bath inspiration! Stay tuned!

Thursday, January 15, 2015

2015




2015. 
Wow, I really cannot believe how quickly time flies. I can remember being little and the summers seemed to last an eternity, and now, before I even have time to enjoy it, it's over! Please time, slow down. 

In an effort to preserve time, I've decided that I need to make some changes. I'm the worst with change, but sometimes, things just need to be done. So, 2015, are you ready?



#1. Minimize. 
In all sorts of ways - the amount of t-shirts I own, the boxes of old bills and papers, my waist, and just clutter everywhere. I really hope to simplify and minimize so many aspects of life this year. I need to start with a major clean out. Like, filling the bed of my husbands truck with junk - type of clean out. We have a small modest house, and are currently finishing our basement, and here I am thinking, oh more room for stuff! NO! I'm putting my foot down. I don't want to just fill more space. I want to clean out what we have and move things around.

I love the look of a simple, tidy house. Everything has is place, is easy to find, and organized. I have boxes upon boxes, and bins upon bins. Why am I just putting something in a bin and in the attic or a closet for later? If it's not for a holiday, or clothing for the opposite season, why do I have it? Sure, there are things I will not get rid of - old pictures, notes, momentos, but, I know I have a box of old bills from 2011. I know there's the whole 7 year thing, but let's face it, I'll take my chances and throw it on the burn pile. I can't continue on with all of this stuff!


#2. Organize.
This goes along with minimize, but it's also its own category. I need to take that which has made the "keep" pile and organize it! To a T! I've gotten way to lax with my organization and have let mess consume me for the past few years. I used to be the type of person that couldn't go to bed if there was a sock on the floor. Now, there's about 10, and some clothes, and a purse... eeeek. I need to bring back this crazy clean girl! What happened?!

I also want to get our wedding album done, as well as organize all of my pictures on my computer dating back to like 2006. I want to make up little photo books so I can just flip through them whenever I'd like! Set them out on my coffee table, or on a shelf and be able to flip back through when friends come over.



#3. Push. 
I want to push myself for more. Do more, be more, accomplish more, feel more. Just MORE. Businesswise, I need to get more sections up on my photography website, take my packaging and marketing to a new level. I also want to add more products to my etsy shop, some goodies for the home. I'd like to get myself into a great routine as far as work, exercise, home life. And blog more. I love looking back at old posts, I really want to blog atleast once a week - it's just a little collection of whats going on in life, or things on my mind. A great way to reflect upon the past.

And I want to push myself to not be lazy. I tend to take the easy way out, I need to stop being lax, and become a go getter. No one ever scored a touchdown by sitting in the sidelines, right? Time to get charged up!




#4. Plan. 
I'm a planner. I love planning. I love looking at a calendar and planning out the month. I especially want to meal plan. Minimize (see what I did there?!) my trips to the grocery store, minimize the places that I am running around to, just all in all plan ahead. Make a plan and stick to it! I really want to spend less time running around doing all sorts of things, and way more time at home, enjoying life, and cuddling with my pup!

Those are my resolutions. Sure I could also add the usual, save money, eat better, etc. etc. But, I'd like to try general concepts this year, opposed to one specific idea. 

What are your resolutions? 

Wish me luck! I'll let you know how I do next January!