the good, the bad, and the ugly: the closet reveal

Alrighty, well it took a lot longer than I had hoped, but it's finally done! Our closet makeover project is finally finished!!

Long story short, we downsized big time (master closet- wise) when we moved into this house. The condo before, had a decent sized walk-in, that even accomodated a 6 drawer dresser.

This is just PART of my half in the old condo...

Unfortunately, the new closet is tiny, and has a window... which means we've lost a whole wall for storage! Also, Cory's dresser didn't fit, so he became 6 drawers short for storage!! We knew we'd have to do something to make the new closet work - there were only 2 wire shelves in there!

Here's what we did:

1. PURGE - We went through everything when we packed up (gathered 3 large garbage bags), and then again when we moved in (another large box). For the meantime, we stored our off-season clothes in the guest bedroom.

2. DETERMINE STORAGE NEEDS - Cory prefers folded storage; I like hanging storage, but I have double the amount of clothes to begin with. We already had an 8-drawer dresser for me (purchased a year ago), but he needed something to replace his lost drawers. We really needed more than just the two shelves; perhaps we could work with the one good feature of the space - height??

3. DETERMINE BUDGET - Since I lost my job for 3 months this year, we were no longer able to afford to hire someone to outfit our closet - this was going to be all on me! We determined that since this wasn't going to be our "forever" house, it made no sense to spend a ton - we also wanted to re-use as much as possible (which was really just two white Rubbermaid wire shelves.) Thankfully, we had factored in storage needs in our moving plan, and a gift card burning a hole in our wallet!

4. TAKE MEASUREMENTS; GO SHOPPING - This was actually the most stressful part for me!! We did this project in two parts : folded storage; hanging storage. But despite having a clear picture in my head, and what I thought was a great little shopping list... we had to return to the store more than once for parts ( I blame this mostly on the fact that we were matching 2 different brands of closet organizer together, and a little bit my carelessness!!)

I mentioned doing two stages: Hanging and Folded. The folded came first, because quite simply: we needed to replace Cory's dresser, and I was sick of looking at his three large boxes at the foot of the bed. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to replace our nightstands!

Since we purchased a very large mattress last year, the tables we had, just weren't cutting it. They were too small, too short, and the drawers stuck. We had the space, so we made the decision to purchase small dressers to use as nightstands. Thankfully, they were exactly the right size and height! We went with Ikea's 3-drawer MALM dressers in black/brown . We also got a 3rd one, to put in the closet, giving Cory back his 6 drawers. I also gained 3, which was nice.

Next up, was the hanging storage. I had really gotten used to a two-level hanging system, so we decided to build up. My plan was to "simply" move the shelf I had now, up closer to the ceiling, and then add another row of shelving (3/4 the length to allow for an unobstructed dress-hanging area) underneath.

Unfortunately, I hadn't properly taken into consideration the hardware - the "clips" were actually anchors!! So we were left with LOTS of large holes:

Thankfully, my man is no stranger to fixing messes and he had those holes filled in no time. Sanding and painting took place the next night, and those babies weren't even noticeable!

Then came the addition of a lower shelf for me, and a top shelf for him! Ta-da! A quick clean up and I was re-loading in no time!!

Overall, it's still a closet, and the transformation probably doesn't look all that different.... but the difference it makes in storage in UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Absolutely worth the wait!

bits and pieces

I had planned to take a ton of awesome pictures this past weekend at the lake, but then when I saw Brian had brought his big, beautiful, fancy camera, I sorta stopped taking them, intending just to steal his, since everyone wanted to borrow it.....

I always do this, and regret not having my own pics! Anyhow, here are a few bits and pieces I managed to get the first afternoon!

Mini-Progress

Well, I had fully intended on having a BEFORE and AFTER shot of the completed Closet Organizer Project... but alas, as is always the case, this project is taking far longer than expected. Unfortunately, I didn't do enough research about the pieces that I bought, and forwhatever reason, didn't assume that what was already IN the wall, were anchors. Not just screws.

Plus, in an effort to do a project correctly, we decided to rip all the old stuff out, and fill, patch and paint things now, instead of when we move and need to sell the place :) So, here's a progress shot, to let you know how things are going.....

Just kidding, it's looking great!! Essentially, we could have finished it all tonight and filled 'er back up! But in the effort to preserve our clothes and do a good job, we're letting things dry properly!

So we managed to get the old shelf from my side of the closet raised and installed. Plus, we're just giving the patch job some time to cure, so it can be sanded and painted tomorrow. Then, it will be easy-peasy to install the remaining two shelves. A little clean-up, and we'll be back in business.

In the meantime, my clothes have been relocated to the office closet. Cory has taken over the bed in the guestroom. Plus, the floor in our bedroom is covered in every accessory imaginable!! There are shoe racks, upon shoe racks of shoes! Purses, scarves and belts surround the perimeter of our bed!! I sure hope neither of us need to get up in the middle of the night, or there will be trouble!

In addition, I actually managed to get a couple loads of laundry done, charge my ipod, downlad my weekend pics, reply to a casual job posting, and I went thru all my shoes from the closet. I hope to sell quite a few pairs that have yet to be worn!!

Tonight: we Cory is going to finish sanding and painting the patched wall in the closet. Then all we need is to hang the last two shelves!

I've gotta start on that birthday surprise, and get crafting!

Plus, I'm gonna go thru my clothes before I put them back in the closet and see what else I can get rid of!

I've got a walk planned, and lots of other good stuff! Stay tuned!

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mini break

I didn't get anything done this weekend. Not one thing. But I did do some relaxing. I got a last minute invite to hit up a friend's "cabin" for the weekend. Despite the fact that Cory wouldn't be able to make it, I decided to tag along.

So, you can imagine my surprise when we got there, and I was welcomed into a home that was bigger than my dad's house... on the lake.... with a very large yard!

Yes, this isn't so much a cabin, as it is a "lake house". It was beautiful!!

I've yet to get our pics downloaded, but here are a few that I took on my cell phone:


So, in addition to laying around on an airmattress, and lounging in my lawn chair, I can say there were no bright ideas had, no projects started or finished, and certainly no cleaning! It was a nice little break.

In fact, the only thought I think I had the whole time, was how badly I wanted a place like it, of my very own!! I even had cory come out late yesterday, so that he could see for himself what I was seeing! Needless to say, you can bet, we're gonna be looking at property for next summmer lol!

We also had Jarrett & Ashley over for dinner last night afterwards, and got them introduced to Hung & True Blood so I think we might have turned them into fans!

Today: started out not so good! I got in my car, and headed to work, only to turn around immediately, when my car let me know that my tire was flat! Not low, but FLAT!! Luckily, Cory was off, so I stole his car, and he's going to get mine fixed for me!

I've cancelled my training session tonight, and decided to cancel them indefinitely, until I can get something done about my bum knees! I'm ok with that though since I still have to finish 2 weeks worth of laundry, finish the closet project, download the weekend's pics, figure stuff out for the surprise party I am planning, learn to use Photoshop Elements , make some greeting cards, decide if I want to take a job opportunity, set-up an activity for this weekend's get-together with Rebecca, plan a dinner date, buy a bday gift, and work on 2 very special cards!

I'm sure there's more.. but that's all I can think of!

It's another beautiful day out, and I'm relishing them, cause they'll be few and far between soon enough!!

Enjoy!

a little good, and a little bad!

So I was in full " hey it done" mode last night! I headed out around 7 and returned the blinds. Good. I also caused a scene and swore and yelled. Bad.I ended up not reordering the right size.More bad. Instead. I decided to wait, save up and get them thru the expensive company that won't disappoint. Good.

Next stop was home depot. I returned my item and picked up what I needed and stuff I needed, but hadn't thought of. Good. I then stopped at walmart for " just the essential groceries" I left 104 dollars later. Good and bad.

By then it was getting late, and then I missed my turn and had to take a new road. Bad. I then missed my turn again and ended up in the next town. More bad! Finally, I got home and it was late and there was not any point in starting the clost project! Bad.

I Got some stain chips last night, so we are working on choosing colors for upcoming projects!

So, despite my good intentions, the universe is out to foil my plans.

I've also made the decision to go back to working part-time for a little while, in addition to my regular job. We just really want to get ahead finally, and start working towards saving for the basement and landscaping projects slated for next year.
Good and bad.

It was a difficult decision to make, but it is necessary, and doesn't have to be forever. Now, the only problem is finding something. I'm over qualified for everything, but it'll be a matter of working around my schedule and finding something I like.

Despite the money, I am opting against waitressing. I did that for far too long. I just want something, quiet, like a cashier or evening reception deal. If you know of anything, please let me know!

In other news, it's the weekend. I still don't know if I will be heading out to the lake or staying home, but either way, I will have lots of pics
Over the weekend.

Have a great one!

hope

I received some bad-ish news this weekend. I'm admittedly a little terrified, but I have hope that things will work themselves out.

7 years ago, my mom had a heart attack. Well, technically, what she had was angina, but regardless, it was pretty serious.

I was not home at the time, but apparently she wasn't feeling well and went to lay down. She knew something was wrong and told my dad to call an ambulance. When the paramedics arrived, they didn't think it was serious and told her she was having a panic attack from stress. They didn't want to waste their time taking her to the hospital.

Being the type of person who never complains nor feels sick, mom knew something was definetly wrong. She had my dad convince the guys to take her in, and boy was she lucky she did- she coded twice in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

She ended up having surgery to have a stunt put in, to keep her passage ways open, and the recovery was slow, but mom pushed it, and went on to resume her life as she had.

Two weeks ago, while visiting, I noticed mom was a lot more tired than she had been. She also needed to take a lot more breaks and use her nitrogen. When I asked her about it, she said she had been having issues lately. I convinced her to see her doctor when she got back.

When I spoke to her on Sunday, she let me know her doctor is concerned she has angina again. She has a referral for a specialist here in the city, but no idea when that is. I am really worried that she will have to have another surgery and terrified for her.

She has decided that it is time to Make some changes, and her doc has put her on medicine to help her quit smoking. When we spoke last, she was down from 2 packs a day, to just 3 a day! She is very proud of herself and anticipates that she will be down to 0 when she visits us next for her doctors appointment!

At 57 years old, my mom is making a difference that could very well save her life. I know it can't be easy for her, and I'm very supportive and have the highest hope for her!

This is a far departure from my usual posts, I know. But I needed to post this for myself, as well as to put the awareness out there that smoking will get you in many more ways than just cancer.

My mom is 57, and I worry that she won't get to see me marry, or have children. I worry constantly that she'll be alone when something happens, and that terrifies me.

So please, please, please... The next time you think about having a smoke, think about my story! Smoking really could kill you!