Blooming in January, Really?

I stepped outside for a little bit on Sunday and noticed something a little odd hanging out by the fence:

In January!  I know we've had some warmer days lately, but daffodils, really??  It was a lovely little surprise. 

By the way, this pic is from my new personal photo a day project I've been doing. I'll share the details later this week.  What kinds of personal projects have been inspiring you lately?

A Little Something Pretty

I've been putting off my next post because there is so many more things that need to go on the To-Do list that I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and exhausted and I haven't even started!!  Let's all pause for a moment and look at something pretty.

Source: isleofviewblog.tumblr.com via Aimee on Pinterest

This is such a warm and cozy room.  I love some many things about it, but let's talk about that spectacular wall of art. I have the beginnings of another art wall in the hallway just off the kitchen that is a crazy mix of styles and color.  I still need more stuff to fill it out but as with most things in my house it's a work in progress.  The image above is such a wonderful inspiration because it shows how disparate pieces can really work together. But it also reminds me of how important the magic of finding just the right pieces that will actually work together is.  I might even be inspired to hang another frame or two.  

What's inspiring you lately?  I seem to have lost my mojo and wouldn't mind a creative shove in the right direction.

Making My To-Do List, Pt 1

It occurred to me this morning that just because I think of things to blog about that DOESN'T been that they have actually been blogged!!  And it's been over a week.  Not blogging can be a slippery slope of continuing to not blog.  It's time to actually write down some of the things swirling around in my head.

What I've been thinking about are all the projects, large and small, that I'd like to do around the Reslus Arms.  As I mentioned earlier, thinking and doing are not the same thing.  But if I make a list that is a start to the doing, right?  So here I go with some of the around the house projects I'd like to accomplish in 2012 (because it's January and we should all make these kinds of lists at the beginning of the year)

1. Organize the Linen Closet

via Martha Stewart, of course

Well, almost all the closets really, but the linen closet needs it the worst.  I need to purge a lot and better organize what I have.  I'll be honest through, no matter how hard I try I can't fold a fitted sheet to look as nice as Martha's.  It is definitely not a skill I have.  Next I'll need to hit up the coat closet, which has it's own set of problems. And I'd also like to tackle the office closet and my Lady closet but I don't want to get too head of my self.

2. Finish the Guest Room!

 

 

Source: fieldandsea.tumblr.com via Aimee on Pinterest

 

After the big switch in the house more than 6 months ago our tiny guest room has acted as a holding area for other rooms during the move, Christmas gifts & wrapping, my growing stockpile of knits that need to be blocked, etc.  Basically, it's currently functioning as a walk in closet for the rest of the house.  I'm determined to make it functional and beautiful before the next time we have houseguests (I think I have until March)  Thankfully, now I have a deadline I can now work towards.  Here's what I need to do:

• repaint the room - it was dinged up a bit when we moved the office out.  That means actually selecting a paint and then painting it.  After looking at the swatches below for months I think I'm going to paint it my favorite white (Benjamin Moore's White Dove).  Is that a cop-out? Maybe.  But I also really like white and think it will make for a nice little guest room

• Line the drapes and hang them - though I found them way back in September and I've purchased the rods AND I think I have enough lining material in my stash I still need to do the work
• Make a headboard - I've been waffling about the style of the of the headboard mostly based on my patience and skill level.  Should I attempt what I really want, pushing the boundaries of what I know I can do myself

            or should I stick with something a little more manageable and still really pretty?

Source: houzz.com via Aimee on Pinterest

• repaint the bedside table, hang some art, find lamps,etc - finish up the room.  There are some big things to do in that little list but I'm getting tired of writing and I know you're getting tired of reading this.

I'll continue the list next time (and maybe even the next time! It's a long list)   In the meantime I'd love to hear your thoughts about which direction I should go with the headboard.  Help me make that decision! 

2012 is Here

the cattle barn at my Grandparents over Christmas

Happy New Year to you all.  My new years plans were dashed by a sick stomach.  And while I was home alone with the puppy and my knitting trying not to be sad about missing out on all the festive fun (Congrats Emily & Robb!!!) I started making lists in my head of all that I wanted to do in 2012.

We have packed away the Christmas decorations and now I feel compelled to clean out the closets and the office.  I'm starting a new year long photo project (and I will finish it this year!!) and will be starting a new knitting project with my friend Leslie. There are things to be hung and put away.  There are projects to plan. I am hopeful about myself and my work in the year ahead of me. 

Welcome to 2012 friends.  I hope you find it a great one!