Eat. Sleep. Decorate.: Goals

Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2015

Our New DIY Industrial Coffee Table

This post is a long time coming. I started this project with my brother and dad a few months ago and we finally finished before the holidays. I just haven't made time to take pictures and share with all of you. Some of you might remember that a coffee table was one of my 2014 Home Goals. We did finish in 2014..so I am making that count!

We have been living without a coffee table for our entire marriage. That is almost 10 years people! I really liked having an open space in front of our couch, but never realized what I was missing until this beauty came along.

Now we have a place for our drinks, snacks, feet....whatever! This table is so sturdy that we can literally stand on it to change a light bulb or dance the night away without worrying about the damage our hefty selves might cause.

My brother built the wood top out of reclaimed wood from an old pub in downtown Raleigh. He planed the wood and sanded it down to create a smooth surface.

My dad and I designed the metal base and welded the pieces together with heavy duty steel. I am working on a tutorial to share with all of you over the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned!

I added a few coats of clear polyurethane to bring out the color and knots in the wood and to give it a durable surface with no worries of water stains. I also sprayed the metal with a clear coating to protect it from rusting in our humid NC weather.

I absolutely love how the table came out. It really gives our living space some texture and life. I love combining different styles to create a space that I want to spend my time in.
So much meaning and hard work went into this piece. I can't wait to have it in the family for many many years. A HUGE thank you to my talented brother and father for helping me create a memorable piece. I loved spending time working on this with both of you!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

House & Personal Goals for 2015

Now that all of the decorations are put away and company has left, I have had some time to reflect on the past year and create some goals for 2015. I am more of a goal setter rather than a resolution maker. For one, I feel as though I can never keep my resolutions and then I feel discouraged and quit. A goal seems more achievable for some reason. So here we go...you must keep me accountable this year my friends!

1. Continue on a Path of Healthy Eating:
John and I really eat pretty healthy and try to create a healthy routine around here. It has been a bit hard since being pregnant because of my lack of energy. I know that I will continue to feel more and more tired and have even less energy when the babies are finally here. So I would like to put aside a couple of weekends to create some healthy freezer meals for those days when I am not in the mood to cook. This will alleviate the impulse to run out and grab fast food. Do any of you have some great tasting freezer meals to share? Do Tell!

2. Breathe:
This past year has been a crazy one and this year is going to get even crazier by doubling the size of our family. I couldn't feel any more blessed and excited, but with more responsibility comes more anxiety. I have approximately four months (maybe less) to get everything done before babies arrive. I need to put life into perspective. I may not get EVERYTHING finished that I would like. Do babies really care? No. Are they going to live in a happy and healthy environment? Yes.
So one of my goals is to take time to Breathe. To sit down in the mornings and start my day with daily devotions and prayer. To stop and smile every time I feel those babies moving. To look around my home and see the good things...the things that bring me joy. To meet friends for lunch dates. To rest when I feel I need a rest. To spend quality time with my husband. To be present and Laugh!

3. Learn Something New:
Besides diving into "how-to" baby books, I want to learn something new! John got me some online interior design/decorating classes for Christmas and I can't wait to dive in and start learning some new tips and tricks to share with all of you. I would also like to up my game when it comes to taking pictures. I will soon have two models to practice on daily, so I want to put my learning cap on before they arrive. Oh and this might sound a little funny....but I have always wanted to learn how to use some serious power tools. I am determined to take some lessons from my dad and brother on using an electric saw so I can build something...anything! So here's to a year of new endeavors!

1. Baby Nursery:
Well if this one isn't obvious! Ha! Since we were on the waiting list for adoption a year ago, we have already started working on the nursery a bit. The walls are painted, light fixture hung, closet stenciled and organized and dresser bought.
With the surprising news of being pregnant with twins, we have had to revamp a little. This room is quite small at only 11'x10', but we were able to figure out a layout that will work with two cribs, a dresser and glider. Can't wait to share the plan and updates with you all next week!

2. Office/Guest Room Revamp:
So since we are going to have quite a few visitors over the next year, I wanted to update our guest room and give it a fresh vibe. I am thinking new paint on the walls, some wall sconces, new bedding and a bench at the end of the bed. The walls are still builder's grade and I really haven't done much to create a cozy guest space over the past few years. Time for a change!

Guest room in the current state:

On the other side of the room is my little office nook. I have enjoyed having this space to write my posts, get a little real estate work done and have plenty of space for organizing files, etc. Now that I have slowed down a bit with real estate, I don't need quite as much shelving space, but I am finding I need more desk space. It would be great to spread out my projects and get a possible second screen for creating mood boards and editing photos.

Here is the current state of my small office space:

I recently bought this desk and can't wait to get it set up and put to good use! I am envisioning something like this with some skinny shelves against the smaller wall and a large mood board for ideas and organization:

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3. Finish Master Bathroom Projects:

Last year was the start of updating our bathroom with just a bit of lipstick. In other words we painted the walls and vanity to update the builder grade space. We added a large piece of artwork and an oriental rug to give it a bit of character. This year it is time to finish adding some touches!

Current State of Bathroom:

First up....adding some floating shelves behind the toilet. I am thinking some industrial looking shelves like these from restoration hardware. The only difference....dad and I are going to DIY them!

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I would also like to frame the plain mirror and add a window treatment to give the room a little color and texture. I found this tutorial on how to make a faux relaxed roman shade. I might have to try my hand at this as well!

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As you all can see I have just a few projects to finish as well as take on motherhood x2 this year! I am trying to be realistic and know that not everything will be accomplished in 2015, but am looking forward to trying to reach some of these goals.

Do you make New Years Resolutions or Goals? What is one thing you are hoping to accomplish in 2015?

Friday, January 3, 2014

Goals for 2014 {House & Personal}

Now that the crazy holiday season is winding down, I have had some time to reflect on the past year and create some goals for 2014. I am more of a goal setter rather than a resolution maker. For one, I feel as though I can never keep my resolutions and then I feel discouraged and quit. A goal seems more achievable for some reason. So here we go...you must keep me accountable this year my friends!

1. Create a more healthy lifestyle:
Even though the Hubs and I are fairly healthy, we can always do much better! I want to make the time to cook more, eat out less, drink more water, add more veggies and fruits to our diets and continue to exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle also consists of getting enough sleep. We are so at fault with falling asleep on the couch and then dragging our ugly selves back to bed in the wee hours of the morning. It is time to get consistent sleep before we have a little one and then will be getting NO sleep!

2. Take Time To Read:
Because blogging isn't my full time job, you can often find me finishing up projects late at night, catching up on reading blogs, pinterest, facebook, etc. till I go to bed. Even though I love interacting with all of you on social media, I need to take time off of technology at night and start reading books! I have started two of them over the past couple of months and haven't finished because I get so easily distracted with my iphone, TV, movies, etc. This year I will read more with all Technology turned Off!

3. Contentment & Patience:
Let's be honest here...we all struggle with these two words. The first one troubles us when it comes to contentment with ourselves, our home, our jobs... We compare our life with others around us. I am at fault when it comes to my home. I think Pinterest is to blame for this one!! I see gorgeous homes, fabulous outside spaces, huge homes with bonus rooms, finished movie rooms, etc. I need to find contentment with what I have right in front of me. There are always people that are going to have more than I have and people that are going to have less than I have. I am one blessed women and I need to be able to see all the blessings that surround me each day.
Oh Patience...where do I start...Ha! I have had to learn patience through our adoption process this year. I know I am going to need even more patience as we head into this new year. The unknown is the hardest, isn't it? Patience with my husband and with others is another one I need to work on. Taking the time to stop, breath and listen will help me immensely this year.

My house goals might be a little more specific, but they are also going to depend on when a little baby might enter into our lives. I might not get as much accomplished depending on the timing of life. But...isn't that always the case!?

1. Master Bathroom
If you remember I shared my plan for updating our master bathroom a few months ago. Nothing fancy and great, just some paint, a tile back splash around the tub, some floating shelves for organization above the toilet & framing the already existing mirror above the sinks. Well I did get to painting the bathroom and vanity...and well....that is all folks! So this year I will finish those other tasks and I can't wait to see what just a few minor additions can do in that boring space!

2. Master Closet
I did tackle creating a space to hang my bags, organized all my shoes and even made an inspiration board for my outfits. However, this closet is still in need of major organization. Since the Hubs and I share this smaller sized closet we need to add a lower rack for hanging pants and some drawers for socks, underwear, etc. I am thinking of something like the picture below. The Container store is having 30% off this month...so I might have to get going on the closet space asap!

I am also going to try and organize our sweaters and jeans, that are on the top shelf, with some square shelving from target. As long as I can rig the shelves in place, I think it is going to be amazing and I will be one happy girl.

3. DIY Coffee Table
We have been living without a coffee table for about 5 years. Yup! I think it is time that we have a space to place our coffee cups, magazines and accents. My brother inherited some reclaimed barn wood last year and I have been bugging him to make me a coffee table. Well...for my birthday in September he did assemble the top wood piece together. Now it is my turn to give it a little top coat of polyurethane and have my dad help me weld some legs to the bottom. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
I am going for a similar look like this:

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4. Built-Ins

I have always wanted to do something to add a little character in the living room area looking into the dining room. I finally figured out that I want to add built-ins around the passageway like the picture below. This is going to be a bit pricey and I'm crossing my fingers that my brother can help us out with this project. I need to start saving my pennies...now, but won't it be amazing if I can pull it off?

via BHG

5. Entryway

If you have been following me for sometime now you have seen our small entryway undergo some changes like the molding, paint, stripes, artwork, etc. Well I am ready to change it up just a bit again. Right now we have this furniture piece that has hooks for hanging purses & coats and a bench below to hide some of our shoes.

I have loved this piece and it was really useful when we lived in our town home a few years ago. But, I am going to try and search (or DIY) a console that I love. I think it will help me be little more organized and a better use of this small space when you enter our home. I am thinking a couple of ottomans underneath the console will also act the same as shoe storage and a place to sit and put on boots. Below are a couple of ideas I have in mind:

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6. Nursery

This one I am most excited about! Since we don't know when we will be chosen, I have been taking my time with the nursery. I almost don't want to jinx anything. Do you ever feel that way with moments in your life? I need to slowly work on it bit by bit because once that baby enters our life, I won't have as much time to make the space beautiful. I will be sure to share with you some updates soon! If you missed out on all of the fabulous nursery design boards...you can click on over Here, Here, Here and Here! I will be sharing my own design board with all of you and how I incorporated each one of the guest post designs in my plan.

WOW! That seems like a lot to tackle in 2014 and I didn't even mention all the little DIYs that will be going on around here. But as usual I will be keeping you posted on the progress of our home. I also want to share some quick and easy organization tips as the year rolls on. If your house isn't organized, then it is often hard to figure out how to decorate your space! I will share what works for me and will continue to share some Reader Redesign's to keep you inspired!

How about you?.... After all, this blog isn't just for me to talk on and on about my home and space....what would you like to see on Eat.Sleep.Decorate. this year? I would love suggestions from my fabulous readers! Please leave a comment or shoot me an email at: eatsleepdecorate@gmail.com

Thank you for keeping me accountable in 2014! Here's to an amazing year ahead!

XOXO

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2013 House Goals

It is that time where many make their New Years resolutions to be healthy and fit...am I right? Last year my resolution was to get ORGANIZED! I seemed to do pretty well with the organization of my Laundry Room, Linen Closet, Pantry, DVDs, Entryway & Under the Kitchen Sink. I still have a ways to go with the master closet & garage, but don't worry there is always this year!!

Along with keeping up with organization around the house (which is always a constant battle), I have put together some of my own House Goals for 2013 to keep things freshly decorated around this place.

#1: Updating the Hubs Home office......

Those of you who have been to my home recently have seen a few updates since this picture. I am planning on taking over this dungeon and making it a fun yet masculine place for him to work.

#2: Building Shelves above the passageway from the family room to the dining room

via BHG

I love the look of these built-ins. Not only do the look aesthetically pleasing, but they are very helpful in organizing books, toys and knick knacks. I am hoping my brother will help me build these this year!

#3: Gotta do something about this BLAH.... Bathroom!

This is my master bathroom. I have probably never showed it to you before and there is a reason. It is BORING! Nothing is happening in here. I know what some of you are thinking..... you have a great size bathroom with 2 vanities, a soaking tub and a stand up shower (you can kind of see the shower in the mirror). It is a good size bathroom and it fills our needs, but it really just needs a little sumthin sumthin.

I am thinking a good coat of paint, maybe some wainscoting and we definitely need to frame the mirror!

#4: DIY Twin Headboards for our guest room

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I have been wanting to try my hand at DIYing headboards and 2013 is the year I will try. I never said I would succeed, but I will TRY!

#5: Tackle the Master Closet...YIKES!

Yes it is a bit scary at the moment. And....this is pretty organized for us. For a "newer" built home this master closet is actually quite small. I have to put all of my dresses and suits in the guest closet and John has to put all of his suits and sweaters in one of the other rooms. It is just crazy! What are we going to do when the kiddos come....hmmm.

I do swoon and even cry over California Closets, but they are just not in the budget this year. I am going to try and lift the shelves that are already in there a little higher and then have my brother help me build a bottom bar for our skirts and pants. I am still trying to figure out what to do with my ~~ridiculous~~ small shoe collection!

#6: Last but NOT Least.....the Garage!

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Oh my...to have a garage so clean and organized. I am not sure what I would do with myself...I might even sleep in there!

We have moved offices 3 times within a year and a half, I resigned from teaching full time two years ago and my parents moved down to NC this past summer and gave me all of my barbie and doll stuff! All of that happened within 2 years and we haven't made the time to go out there and actually go through my teaching stuff, barbies and office files. Once I would get ahead, something else would get dumped into the garage.

So... I need YOUR help to keep me accountable for going through everything in my garage! I will spare you a picture for today, but don't you worry because I will be back very soon with some "before" pics of the garage. I will conquer the garage if it is the last thing I do in 2013!

Well those are the larger house goals for 2013! I am sure I will have many little DIYs around the home that will help inspire you or make you cringe...one or the other.

Have you made some resolutions or goals for 2013? Do tell!

Tomorrow is Friday...yep!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top Projects of 2011

Welcome to a New Year and a fresh start!

As I was thinking of my goals and plans for 2012, I had to stop and take a step back at all I have accomplished on this little ole blog over the past 5 months! Is that all you say...Just 5 months?? Yup...and I have loved every minute of blogging. It is my outlet and my therapy. It is a way to connect with others away from the busy business world.

So here is what I was up to in 2011:

Top 10 projects of 2011 (based on google's stats and your views)!!