The Big Clean

Lisa Sherry in Lonny Magazine

The above image is really only relevant to this post in that I would rather be cozying up in a lovely nook with a book than doing anything that I'm supposed to be doing.  I love the black and white spotted pillow, the small framed portrait to keep you company, the way the shelves are styled and the blue and white jar against the black walls.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to get it together.  Because despite the image of organized bliss that I portray (what? no?), I, in fact, have nothing together.  As I write this post I'm trying to move my Christmas decorations into their respective boxes with my mind.  I'm also trying to will my laundry to do itself.  None of it's working for me.  The following are images that inspire me to get it together and get organized.  They're all from my new Pin Board appropriately titled Get It Together.

I once read an interview with Charlotte Moss where she was asked, what is ugly.  Her response, bad housekeeping.  Gulp!  Soo in an effort to get my life and my house together, I'm going to share with you a giant list of things I'm going to clean out.  I figure if I put it out there, y'all can hold me accountable.  I mean, I'm not going to do any of it today obviously ;)

Laundry Room Cabinets 

Utensil Drawer 

Junk Drawers 

Pantry 

TV Shelves 

Under the Sink 

Spice Cupboard 

Refrigerator 

China Closet 

Guest Bedroom Closet 

Playroom Closet 

Coat Closet 

Linen Closet 

My Closet 

Edward's Closet 

My Nightstand 

My General Side of the Bed Area 

Make-Up Bag 

Master Bath Drawers 

My Dresser Drawers 

Den Bookshelves 

Edward's Cabinet in the Kitchen 

Edward's Dresser 

Edward's Changing Table 

Bed in Edward's Room 

Oy Vey! I'm exhausted just typing that.  Hopefully, I can cross one of these off every two days or so and be finished by spring.  Baby steps y'all.  Let The Big Clean begin! 

Organizing Bliss

Windsor Smith 

I'm a machine. I finished organizing the dreaded desk area where papers go to die! (before and afters below) Now it is time for me to tackle the coat closet in our entryway, where coats and shoes go to die.  I couldn't find any pretty inspirational images of coat closets so I've given you one of my favorite entryway pics from Windsor Smith.  I wish I could just hide everything in Hermes boxes. Wouldn't that be fab? Yes, it would be.  

So here's the before and after of my desk area.  It's not perfect, but it's better.  

Before (ugh soo embarrassing!)

After

As you can see I put up a bulletin board and covered it with canvas and trim, so I could display all of the beautiful invitations I've been receiving lately. I also have a binder with files for my husband, my son and me for miscellaneous stuff that has no place, but we feel the need to hold onto. A chair for the desk will be happening soon.  I have to make sure it's not something I will constantly run into.  Anyone who knows me will tell you that I can walk into a room and right into a table.  I'm spesh. I finally framed my blue and white ginger jar print from Annechovie.  Her stuff makes me happy.  I have some of my favorite things on that desk: blue and white, pretty invites, my little munchkin and my handsome husband with the little munchkin.

Ok, real talk y'all.  It's a little weird showing pictures of my home on my blog that has inspirational images of my dream home.  I have such a high standard for what I want to share on here, and while I'm very happy in my home right now and consider myself very lucky, I can't help but feel a little unworthy of my own blog. Which is really, really silly, right? Right. Enough silliness.

Have a lovely weekend y'all! 

Nook Love

Today's inspiration comes to you via The Enchanted Home, who currently has a fabulous post on bookshelves.  This was one of the images, and I just couldn't resist reposting it.  It reminds me of my Grandparents' house for some reason.  

Brooks & Falotico via The Enchanted Home

So I challenged myself yesterday to re-organize what used to be a wine glass/margarita glass/coffee mug/measuring glass turned baby bottle cabinet, and, guess what, I did it! I know it's a small step, but it's a step nonetheless.

Before 

After 

I threw all of the miscellaneous little things that I don't really use but probably should keep into this cute little bag leftover from the baby gifts I received. 

I decided to keep the baby spoons in the adorable blue and white Winnie-the-Pooh toile mug given to us by The Suze.  Also, how cute is the airplane spoon? 

I'm so affected by my visual surroundings that even having a pleasing sight when I open my cabinets can make the difference between a good day and a bad day.  Now that I'm feeling all smug and super-organized, I'm going to tackle a slightly bigger project: the ever-cluttered kitchen desk area. It's like a Venus fly trap for all of our stuff. This might be a two-day project only because we have another gorgeous day today and I don't want to spend the whole day indoors organizing.