Thursday, December 7, 2017

Making A List And Checking It Twice

At the end of a very busy wedding season I started compiling a list of things that needed to be done around the house. 

The crazy thing is, every time I crossed one thing off the list I added two or three more!

Isn't that always the way? One thing leads to another....and another....and so on. 

Some of the time I managed to take photos to share with you all. 

Of course, I was so busy crossing things off the list, I wasn't on my computer very often, so the blog posts and visits have been few and far between. 

But I'm here today to share what I've been up to - it's been a busy, busy month!

The biggest project that was accomplished was updating the doors.  It felt so good to get the doors painted (finally!) and the color is so bright and welcoming, it made a huge difference. After they were painted, the new storm door was ordered, and it is at long last installed and completely finished. 

Thanks, Sweetie! He did such a great job, and believe me, there were challenges galore with getting this door installed. 

I'm so happy with the final result - it really makes for a warm welcome home!

Here's where we started, way back when. 


And here's my welcoming main entrance now - what a difference!


I can't take a photo straight on now....not without you seeing my reflection in the glass, anyway! Sorry about that, but either way you can see what an improvement this is! I love, love, love the new storm door, and so do the pups! They can see what's happening out both this (kitchen) door and also the other door to the deck. They love to watch the critters at the feeders!

Other than the doors, there has been touch up painting done here and there, new curtains installed, the center island sanded down and refinished, and lots and lots of cleaning and organizing. 

The pantry was in bad shape, no doubt. It was truly a mess. 


It was absolutely a disaster. I basically had to take everything out, spread it out all over the kitchen, and start over. 

It was a big job and took a good chunk of time but it was a necessity at this point. 


So much better, and I can actually find everything now....plus I know exactly what's in there!

Whew, that's a relief. On to the next project. 


The junk drawer had to be reorganized. Again, everything came out, the drawer was washed out, and all items organized and put back in. A bunch of stuff went straight into the garbage....or was returned to where it should have been in the first place. I think every home has a 'junk drawer' - it's necessary to keep things running smoothly to have certain items at your fingertips. Mine is now under control once more....at least for now!


Next up? The utility room and my workbench. When I'm working on a project, this space can become messy real quick. Sometimes it sits that way for a while...and things get piled on top, and it gets out of control. 

I like when it's neat and ready for the next project. I'm kind of anal, no doubt, and really like things to be neat and organized. 

My daughters like to tease me about it, they just don't get it. Some day they will, I hope!


Right outside the utility room is my 'office' if you can call it that. It's nice to have the space to keep files and office supplies but I rarely ever spend any time in this space. Would you? There's no window, you're just looking at a boring wall, it's certainly not my dream office space. 

It had become a dumping ground over the summer, with all sorts of paperwork and miscellaneous stuff just piled on the counter, waiting to be sorted. Plus there was a MOUNTAIN of filing that needed to be done. Well, it's all done now, the space is clean and organized, and I actually don't mind as much when it's necessary for me to spend time down there. Some day I do plan to make the space prettier, but I haven't had the inspiration just yet. 


Also in the lower level is this area that I always knew I wanted to turn into a gift wrap station. I had started getting it to that stage a while back, but then my older daughter  moved back home and guess where all this stuff ended up? In the utility room, along with everything else. Well, my daughter now lives in Rhode Island, and I have slowly been cleaning and reclaiming my space, as time allows. It's taken some time, but I'm getting there....slowly but surely!

I love having all my gift wrap supplies in one spot with a clear counter up above for wrapping - and I got this all set up just in time for the Christmas season, perfect timing! I've been wrapping my Christmas gifts a little at a time, and it's made the whole process much more relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, again, I know exactly what I have and what I need to pick up! Note to self....pick up tissue paper! 


Outside, the gutters had to be cleaned out, which involved me getting up on the ladder again, which is never my favorite thing. You do remember how terrified I am of ladders, right? Well, Sweetie helped so much by doing the highest gutters on the biggest ladder, which was a tremendous relief! 

While we had the ladders out I decided to get my fraidy-cat butt up on the roof and clean the skylights. They hadn't been done since I moved in, back in April of 2015. It was time! I'm so glad to have those two projects done for another year, whew!


Back inside, the linen closet outside the guest bath got a little freshening up. It wasn't too bad, it just needed to be tidied up a bit. I found these super cute 'organize' bins on Sierra Trading Post, and they fit perfectly. For some reason, that one shelf isn't tall enough to fit the other bins, but that's ok - these cute bins add a little whimsy and make me smile when I open the closet. It's the little things, you know?


In between all the projects being done, there have been many wonderful meals made with the last of our garden produce. We enjoyed the last of the tomatoes that were ripening on Sweetie's windowsill with some great fresh mozzarella just the other night. Isn't it amazing that we are still enjoying garden fresh tomatoes in December? I shall miss them so much, it will be July before we see them again - sad!

Meanwhile, where were all my helpers while I was working my butt off sorting and cleaning and making our cozy home cozier?


The Monkey had no intention of crawling out of bed to be of any help, that's for sure!

Let's face it, owning a house is a lot of responsibility. There's always something that needs to be done, and at times it can feel rather overwhelming. I find it most helpful to make a list as it keeps me accountable.  I'm also very blessed to have such a good sweetie in my life, who likes to tackle projects and is not only a sweet and handsome man, but a great help to me as well. That's what being in a good relationship is all about....even though we each have our own homes, we are there to help each other out when needed. 

Now, if we could only get the babies to start picking up their own toys at the end of the day that would be amazing! Hey, maybe we can even get my daughter to keep the lower level clean and tidy - now THAT would really be amazing!!!

Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? After all, it is the season of miracles!

44 comments:

  1. Well, look at how tidy all of your spaces are. I need to do some of those exact same jobs...junk drawer and pantry anyone? And look at you on that roof! You are one brave girl!

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    1. When I lived on Long Island I used to be up on my roof ALL THE TIME cleaning my skylight, Kim! The roof was much flatter (California Ranch style home) and I was MUCH younger!!

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  2. You have finished some good jobs, Debbie! I have so much organizing to do...

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    1. There are still a few trouble spots, Linda. My potting shed never got cleaned up at the end of the season....the garage needs a good clean out....the closet under the stairs that my daughter thinks is a dumping ground....I could go on and on!

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  3. Oh my word, you really have been busy an everything looks fabulous.

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    1. I'm sure glad I got all that done, Marty, because now I'm laid up with a bad back and completely useless!

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  4. The monkey under the blanket just about made me lose it. Hahaha
    Lisa

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    1. She's often completely hidden, Lisa - we'll be looking for her and then realize the blanket is breathing!! :)

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  5. Girl, you are working hard but you always do. I would have to pass on that skylight...in fact we had one at our first house and it never crossed my mind to crawl up there and clean it. You'll enjoy having your pantry all tidied up for the holidays. We need to do ours too. :)

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    1. I can't say I'll be doing it very often, Stacey, but it did feel good to get the layer of grime off it, for sure!!

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  6. That's a lot of organizing! Feels so good when it's done, doesn't it? I like things neat and tidy, too. My basement is my problem area.

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    1. My lower level is a problem area also, Melanie, but only because my daughter lives down there and she does not clean the same way I do, that's for sure!

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  7. It's looking great, good for you tackling and completing so many projects! It's always worth it, isn't it? I'm about to tackle our linen closet as well...wish me luck!

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    1. You'll be happy once it's done though, that's always the reward for a big job like that!!

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  8. Boy! You have been busy...and it all now looks so neat and clean. I love the new storm door! I climb ladders to wash windows...but my feet have to stay on the ladder. No way could I climb up on the roof, like you did. My fear is stepping from the roof back down to the ladder. Yikes!! You have such a pretty home. All your hard work really shows.

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    1. I admit I sat near the edge of the roof for a few minutes trying to figure out exactly how I was going to get back on the ladder, Henny!! It was definitely out of my comfort zone but I'm glad I pushed myself and got it done!

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  9. cracking up at the doggie feet I see!
    Love your home! It's always so fun after you get done re-organizing and tidying up isn't it!

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    1. It always feels so good, Ellen! I walk around and open doors and check out all the spaces I worked so hard on and feel a great sense of accomplishment!

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  10. Well done! All the hard work pays off. Now just get the spoiled pups to help out ha ha!

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  11. How cute little Monkey under cover!!!! Your pantry looks awesome. I have to do mine after the holidays.
    Love the new door really makes a big difference.
    xoxo
    Kris

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    1. The doors really did make such a big difference, Kris - they add a spot of sunshine on a cloudy day, that's for sure!

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  12. How brave you were to get up on that roof!!!! I have cried over helping my DH on roof projects! He would gently encourage me and I did it. But, now that he's no longer here, I won't be doing any roof jobs. I sure miss helping him with projects around here though. Working together was wonderful and you are blessed to have your sweetie.

    I don't like ladders either and bought me a nice 'Gorilla' ladder and love it. I'd like to get a taller one for jobs that are a bit higher.

    I am wanting to get more organized and your post is really an inspiration. Thank you.

    Happy Christmas holidays to you and yours ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I have a ladder like that, too, Lorraine - that's the big giant scary one that I hate getting up on!! The ladder is great....it's ME that's the problem, I'm definitely afraid of heights and ladders scare me to bits!!

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  13. I love your life, Debbie! Whoa to getting up on that roof, but you look like a real champ up there! So glad your busiest work season is over, and now you can continue the fun busy of home. I had to re-organize my kitchen and bath in Jan, right before our updates and renovation. Feels like the kitchen pantry already needs another overhaul, as I make my lists for Christmas Eve dinner, we're getting trees trimmed hopefully in the next week or so, and need some brick repairs as soon as spring comes (which means scheduling now). Yes, a house is a lot of responsibility.
    Lucky you to still have tomatoes! Yum, that looked delish.
    I'm with Monkey, just want to curl up under a blanket and have someone take care of me whenever I whine, how about you? ;)

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    1. That sounds like a great plan, Rita, no doubt!! Monkey has the right idea!

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  14. All of those things that you have accomplished are all done in my home....in my mind!! I do have some major cleaning/organizing to do and you have inspired me. Not till after Christmas though :-)

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    1. I think between the dogs and the woodstove I'll need to do a major cleaning when all the decorations come down, too, AnnMarie. It never seems to end, that's for sure!

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  15. I LOVE that cheery yellow door! You have inspired me to start digging deep into drawers and closets.

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    1. Thanks!! And I'm so glad I inspired you! When I need to get some motivation to get up off my butt and get some stuff accomplished I will often bounce around blogland checking out everyone's beautiful homes - helps get me up and moving on my own!!

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  16. You have completed all the jobs I think of at 3:00 a.m. when I can't sleep. I admire your energy! Your door is just beautiful. I'm sure the pups love their window on the world. Ooh, fresh tomatoes...look delish! Always enjoy my visit to your home. xoxo

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    1. Maybe you need to keep a pad and pen next to your bed and write those things down, Donna - once they are written down it's harder to ignore them, at least in my head!

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  17. Love all the organizing you have done. Come do my house! LOL I am not good at organizing! Nancy

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    1. I do try to keep a very neat and tidy home, but those 'trouble' spots definitely get out of hand at times, Nancy!

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  18. It always feels good to get things organized and cross things off the list. I really need to clean out the two closets. I don't have a pantry or linen closet, so can't organize that. As much as you cook, you really needed an organized pantry! Love that yellow door!
    Brenda

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    1. You're so right, Brenda, I really do. I try to keep up on the pantry as much as I can, and also the cabinets where I keep some canned and jarred goods. If I know what I have I can plan meals better.

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  19. What a difference a door can make! I love the new color and the new storm door.
    Looking at your before pantry and after makes me want to get up from the computer and get mine organized! Thanks for the nudge I always feel so much better when things are organized. I hear a few closets calling my name as well. This is why I enjoy coming to your blog for a visit, you inspire me! :-)
    Take care
    Jeannette

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    1. That's a really nice thing to say, Jeannette! I also find inspiration from bouncing around blogland - when I see all those gorgeous homes I get the urge to get up off my butt and 'fluff' my own nest!!

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  20. I recall the door post when you were considering what to do. Great choice; it looks wonderful!

    As to the rest of this post you have been a busy lady and I am glad to hear that "Sweetie" is ok in regards to helping you with some things as Iremember that he'd had some troubles awhile ago ( I think that it was with his back ? )

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    1. Sweetie is in better shape than me these days, Deb! My back has been out since the weekend, today's the first day I'm starting to get some relief. And yes, he had back surgery...I was praying I wasn't going to have to do the same!!

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  21. You accomplished a lot! I really like the before and after shots - very inspiring. Being organized is so important. It's frustrating to have everything be in constant chaos. I need to put some organization tasks on my to-do list too.

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    1. I'm feeling pretty organized right now, Leigh....well all except my desk at work, that's a nightmare!!

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  22. Wow, you have really been on a roll girl! We have been super busy as well. Got new wood floors and then repainted all the trim and baseboards white. Whew! Glad that's done!! Actually, still need to paint trim in master bath, but nobody but us sees that. It'll wait till after the holidays. I need to do my pantry and master closet too. Yours looks fabulous! I did clean under the kitchen sink and put down some cute vintage shelf liner. A womans chores are never done! lol!
    hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. Good for you for overcoming that fear of ladders. :)

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    1. Ooohhh now you have me adding one more thing to my list - under my kitchen sink could use a tidy up and some cute shelf liner, thanks for the nudge, Jann!

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