2012 Home Goals…

With the new year comes new motivation. I like the feeling of having a fresh start. Time to re-visit all of the 2011 home goals that I did not accomplish (remember my last post?)

While thinking about this post, I am reminded of a riddle I first heard from a friend when I lived in Texas.

Q:  How do you eat an elephant?



A:  One bite at a time!

You must eat an elephant one bite at a time ~ African Proverb

The meaning of this proverb is powerful. A large goal can be accomplished by taking many small “bites”. When the distance of where I am now to where I want to be seems a bit overwhelming…I often think about this proverb and say to myself “one bite at a time”.

That said, my 2012 Home Goals may feel elephant in size but I will accomplish them bite by bite. Here is my list and some inspiration photos to whet your appetite…

Bite One: mini kitchen makeover…

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I chose these inspiration pictures for the gray and white palette they all use. Luckily, I already have white cabinets with white corian countertops, so the changes I will be making with be mostly cosmetic. I plan to strip the old wallpaper, paint the walls gray and add a new light fixture. I love the quatrefoil design on the backs of the barstools…a possible DIY project to add the the list!

Bite Two: family room window…

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Again, a relatively simple goal here. I already have beautiful white wood framed windows in my family room. I plan to add some homemade panels to the sides and hang a woven wood roman shade like the photos above.

Bite Three: master bedroom facelift…

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In lieu of the major re-model project this room needs (read – original 1967 tile on the bathroom floor!) I will be updating with a new color palette. I love the mix of gray and taupe as shown in the photos. These colors create a sophisticated, serene, peaceful mood which is perfect for our master retreat.

Bite Four: walk in master closet…

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Who doesn’t want a closet like this?!? I am in the enviable situation in that we have an extra bedroom next to our master bedroom upstairs. Did I say “extra” bedroom? Yes…I did!! The plan from day one when we moved into this house – 8 years ago – was to make this extra bedroom a walk-in closet. As a result, it currently holds all of the overflow from our regular master bedroom closets. On the downside…it also holds all of the overflow from the rest of our house. You know the “junk drawer”? imagine that times 100!! Luggage, furniture, home décor, project supplies…etc., etc., etc.

So this will be my most ambitious project yet. To get the room to look more like my closet inspiration photos, first step – add shelving, drawers, and wardrobe cabinets, to hold all of our clothes, shoes, and accessories…

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Then fill it up…

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You can see more of my inspiration photos for my closet and the other project listed above on my pinterest page here.

Well…4 bites in and I am already feeling very FULL!! I think this is a good start to the list of Home Goals I have made for myself this year. I will be doing my best to accomplish this list…and posting progress pictures as I go along. Please check back often…

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Word of the Year...

Apparently,the new twist on making a New Years Resolution is to pick a "Word of the Year".
After reading several of my favorite blogs regarding this new tradition I have decided to try it on for myself.



I have been making a New Years Resolution LIST in my head for the last week now...thinking about all of the things I want to get done. There are projects to begin, projects to finish, ideas to bring to reality and so much more rambling around in my head. The idea of finding just one word to focus on is actually very appealing.

My 2012 Word of the Year is...accomplish.

The Merriam Webster official definition for accomplish; to bring about, to bring to completion, to succeed in reaching.
I like the sound of that! This word inspires me to perform to the best of my ability in order to achieve whatever it is that I commit to. I will also strive to inspire others to accomplish all that they wish to achieve.



I approach this new year with excitement and enthusiasm. As I set forth on this new adventure with my blog and design business, I look forward to fullfilling my creative side. I also look forward to working with and meeting new people...and perhaps helping them to accomplish a project or goal.

Thank You to the friends and folks who have been reading so far...and welcome to all the new visitors that stop by. I appreciate your support and feedback!

Please share your Word of the Year...



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Poinsettias in January?

My indoor Poinsettias are still looking pretty good…but I am bound and determined to “de-Christmas” my house this week so I need to find a way to work them into the January décor.

The obvious quick fix is to change out the pot…and perhaps add a little burlap since I happen to have both on hand.

Inspired by the cute burlap ruffle bows on my dining room wreaths shown in this December post, I decided to add a similar look to my plain terra cotta pot.
I cut two strips of burlap, making sure they were long enough to go around the top of the pot when gathered – a good rule of thumb is to make sure the length is at least twice the circumference of the top of the pot. Then pulled the center thread in each to create the ruffle…

Now, simply hot glue your ruffles to the top of your terra cotta pot…and you have a whole new look!

I also added a twine tie, just to finish it off. Now with a couple of other details…plaid table runner, a couple of boxwood topiaries, and some daisies from my backyard…I have a pretty new table scape for January!

Now to get back to cleaning and taking down the tree!

How do you like to decorate after Christmas?

Linking up to - The Shabby Nest, tatertots & jello, Simple Home Life, Finding Fabulous, Chic on a Shoestring, be colorful