The Office Update

I'm done!

Not great but I'm over it!

 A few art books.

A touch of Eagle Lake.

The Office

As you may recall this is what the office started out looking like.

Then it went to theses...

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To be honest, I still don't really like it.  Especially since it doesn't even look like an office any more.  Ahhhh...I'm not sure what I'll end up doing. 

My First DIY Project

I was trying to keep myself busy and awake at 3 AM, so I decided to get started on my first DIY (Do It Yourself) project.  Adam and Carolyn are spending the night with us on Saturday evening and I needed to spruce up the guest bathroom a little. 

I have this old silver looking jewelry box that I've been wanting to use for guest soap, shampoo, etc.  

 The problem after seven years of use is that the top was broken apart and the inside was looking pretty rough. 

 Yuck!

Feeling inspired by all the DIY blogs that I have been reading, I decided that I could totally put the old jewelry box back into use with a little TLC.  

First, I cut a few pieces of cardboard 

and wrapped them with the only non-Christmas paper that I own. 

I tried gluing the paper to the cardboard but it started wrinkling.  So I stuck with wrapping.  

 Then I used my handy-dandy glue gun to secure the cardboard inside the box.

 Just to provide a little extra pressure while drying 

I put some dominoes in the box for a few minutes. 

 Next, I found two nails that fit inside the lid and using pliers I bent the edges down.  

Lastly, I removed the dominoes and filled the box with a few hotel toiletries for our guests. 

I didn't have anything to seal the inside paper with, but as long as it stays dry I think the jewelry box made into a toiletry kit should work just fine. 

Playing In The Kitchen

The Inspiration 

The Reality

A few years ago I bought these three plate hangers at a Junior League Bargain sale for $0.10 each. It's such fun to finally have a chance to use them. 

First Purchase - $14.99

Get Excited!!

A shower rod

I've had the off white panels since my very first apartment in 2006 but haven't found a need to use all SIX of them at any other apartment since then.  So I thought well why not put them to work?  So I bought the $14.99 shower rod at Home Goods and... poof my curtain panels are back at it.

Before

After

Pretty huh?

Unfortunately, the panels are an OFF-WHITE color and all my towels are STARK WHITE.  I guess I'll have to go shopping again, darn.  : )

Don't worry I'm thinking about adding a little color to the bathroom.  So the towels will not be any shade of white.  Promise.

Trying to Organize - Before and After (sort of)

Because I love seeing the before and after shots on other blogs I've decided to show you a few before shots and after shots.

Well actually that's not quite true.  This whole moving, organizing, and decorating thing is going to take me a while.  So I'll show you where I am currently via the DURING shots.  Then hopefully, eventually, some day, if all goes well you can see the AFTER shots.

Living Area

BEFORE

DURING

 DURING

 I know it doesn't look a whole lot different
 but this is a process. 

Kitchen

 BEFORE

DURING

The main thing I want to point out is that we actually have free space. 

Office 

 BEFORE

 DURING

DURING

DURING


Master Bedroom

BEFORE

DURING

DURING

DURING

Master Closet

BEFORE

 DURING
Jacqueline's side

DURING
David's side


Guest Closet

BEFORE

DURING - Phase 1

DURING - Phase 2

Guestroom

BEFORE

DURING - Phase 1

DURING - Phase 2

I'm crossing my fingers that it won't take me a year to get everything organized and I will be sure to include the AFTER shots as soon as I get there.

Getting Settled

Well it certainly didn't take us long to start filling the place up.

 A look at our future guest room

and guest closet. 

Organization is a process