My 2012 is off to a fully Spruced year (so far, so good). After all the outside holiday lights are carefully stored away for use next year and all of our interior Christmas decorations have been gone through, sorted, organized, edited (very important!) and again stored away for next years use...WHEW!!...it's then time to get down to the other list of "To Do's". This year, we decided first on the "To Do" list was pressure washing then painting the exterior of our home. That done (awesome) lead to all of the windows being cleaned inside and out. That lead to a complete over haul; cleaning, organizing of our garage (this chore seems to be an ongoing project at our house for some reason). Next, we turned to the inside. First on the list was a cleaning out of all clothes and coat closets. Amazing the things we found to donate. All in great condition but as with most people, way too many things that were not being worn and hopefully found their way to people who may need or want these articles of clothing, shoes, purses, etc. and actually put them to good use. After that chore, I tackled our spice cabinet and our very large pantry. Everything was taken out, all surfaces wiped clean and then re-organized. Lots of items tossed out. I do not like to waste but lets face it, there's not much you can find to do with expired spices or even those items that you have not used and see at no time soon doing so. Just toss them. You'll feel better with a clean slate and getting rid of those items taking up space. Less is more. Next on the agenda, interior painting. First, our kitchen (same exact Benjamin Moore color-Bridgewater Tan as it is now...just refreshed), then our back guest room then our master bedroom (both BM-Affinity Harmony). I will then have all of our bedrooms painted the same exact color which I have come to love over the last few years. A nice , clean, neutral color that blends wonderfully with most any color of bed linens. After those rooms are finished we are starting a HUGE project (two actually). We are having our master bath basically gutted AND one of our guest baths shower re-tiled. Thank goodness the floor tiles in this second bath are in great shape and still in style so the only thing needing help in that room is the actual shower walls and floor). Of course this means new shower enclosures too. Going with the frameless style this time. Once we have survived those major projects (fingers crossed) we then will tackle our dining room and formal living room walls paint color. I love to paint so this will actually be a stress release for me. I'll need something to look forward to after having all the workers in our home for the two bathroom remodels (I am NOT good with workers in our home...actually, who is?). I've been told this will take 3 weeks maximum for both baths. I'm counting on 4 to 5 weeks from start to finish. Let's be realistic, things always come up so it's best to add a little cushion so I'm not going crazy (and making the workers crazy) when they are still here on week 4. I love checking each project off of our "To Do" list as we go along. It's a great feeling of accomplishment AND the end results are so rewarding as well. In these trying economic times, we are all spending more and more time at home. It's a win/win! Every project brings more value to our home and more value to our way of living as well. Good luck with your "To Do" list this 2012. If it seems too overwhelming, just start small. Choose a weekend or a week night and just jump in. If you need help with ideas or getting started (or getting finished), call SPRUCE. We love everything home and garden related and are happy to help you in your ventures to get SPRUCED for 2012! ~Happy Sprucing |
 |
|||||||
 
|
|
 |
|||||
    |
|||||||
