What I've Learned in 2011

What, to soon?  No way! I know it is only February 3rd, but I feel like I have already learned a valuable lesson in 2011.  So all that says to me is this is going to be a good year! 

Warning: There are no pictures in this post just me sharing and preaching, a little.  But I just can't stop myself.

Since I have begun this journey, and this blog, I have heard a lot of the same sentiment from my readers and friends.  Comments are often along the lines of "how do have time to do this stuff" and "I have always wanted to do that but just don't think I know how."  What I am hear to say is this was EXACTLY me 6 months ago.  I loved design.  Actually I mostly loved other people's design.  I admired and envied their ability to take on a project and make it happen.  I admired their vision and ability to make it come to life in their home.  I admired the fact that they were doing what I always wanted to do myself. 

When I moved to Madison I came to have more time at home.  Not "more time" mind you just more time at home.  My life as a stay at home mom is just as busy if not more busy then when I was working full time, but now more of that time is spent within my own home and I felt like I was being handed an opportunity.  The opportunity to make one of my dreams happen. 

I started by reading.  I read blogs daily about women who were decorating, painting, crafting and making their homes beautiful all on a budget.  And over time my mindset switched from wow they are totally amazing (in an unreachable kind of way) to wow they are totally amazing and I can do this stuff!  So I tried.  I read and researched before I started anything.  I learned as much as I could to boost my confidence.  I made sure I didn't invest to much money in my first project so if it was a disaster then no huge loss and I jumped right in.  And it wasn't a disaster it was a huge success.  And now my family eats dinner at it every night which is SO gratifying! 

What is my point...my point is YOU CAN DO THIS!  Weather it is design or photography or writing or crafting or cooking you can do this!  Don't ever tell yourself "I just don't know how" like I always did.  You can learn how, that is what the Internet is for!   And YOU DO HAVE TIME!  You can steal an hour here and there.  You can work on a project at night once the kids are asleep.  Your husband CAN give you an hour on Saturday to work in the garage.  Projects might not happen at light speed but they will happen.

You are smart, creative, passionate and worth the time.  And in the end your entire family will win with a happier, more confident you...not to mention a beautiful home to boot!

I have found such meaning and passion in decorating my home and writing this blog.  It gives me creativity and connection every day.  And without that I would be missing out on something huge.     

The Next Project

I have been on a long search for the perfect curtain solution in my daughter's room and I have finally found it!  At first I envisioned a cream curtain with a bright pink vertical panel on the crib side.  One for each window which would nicely frame the bed.  But as I started looking for fabric I just wasn't finding what I wanted and started questioning my original plan.  To many vertical stripes???  So then I bought a few curtains at Target...and then returned them.  Not what I wanted either.  Next I went to JoAnn's and found a beautiful paisley pink and green fabric that was to die for, but so was the price.  Time to move on again (but I will still dream of that gorgeous paisley).  Today I went to Hancock Fabrics and was giddy when I walked into a 40% off sale.  Yippee!  So the search came to an end.  Green, pink, no stripes and perfect for a game of Twister...

Now as I have mentioned before, my sister-in-law is the go to sewer in the family.  She has made beautiful quilts and curtains and I have always envied her ability to use a sewing machine.  (Read - I have NO IDEA how to even turn one on.)  So once the purchase was made I immediately sought out her advice.  She brought up the no sew method that some of our favorite bloggers use at YoungHouseLove.  I had also thought of this but now that I have a professionals approval I am going for it.  Sherry and John have used this method many times and swear by it so I am going to give it a try.  You can read more about it here.

I have also been thinking that I would love a growth chart for the back of Bean's door to bring in more color and pattern and to follow her as she grows.  Have any of you ever made a growth chart?  I found this website and think I may try it out.  Look how cute these are!

You know what, one year ago I would have NEVER considered making this.  I was 100% a want something, go out and buy it kind of girl.  But now I have a new found love of making things personal.  And even if it doesn't turn out perfect, which no doubt it wont, it will be hand made from me to my daughter and that is way more valuable.  (At least that is what I am hoping my daughter will think when she is 13!)