Almost Half Way Resolution Recap

Well it's almost mid May and I thought it would be a good time to check in on those resolutions since I know that next month will be getting to be a bit busy with Maeve... So...

I resolved to:

Get Organized

Read More

Love More

Have a Baby

Pray More

Find My Happy

Lets see...

I feel like I've made progress on the get organized but not feeling like I'm there yet.  My house has been slowing being cleaned out, and slowly purged... and by slowly I mean SLOWLY.  But hey, progress is progress.

My favorite things to help with this -- my ACCOMPLISH notepad, Google Drive, and my Planner.

I have not read more...  I have read 1 book which means I'm 4 months late.  haha.  I'd like to grab a few quick reads and get those done, so stay tuned on this one!  Instead I've been Netflix Binging... #itsaproblem

Love more.... hmmm.... I'm not feeling like this has been happening... or maybe it has but I just can't see it because stresses of life are still getting the best of me.  I'm still liking the idea of this and I feel like I'm most giving of myself during the holidays... Love projects at the moment are - myself, surprising my parents with patio furniture,  working on free events through Maeve, and loving on my family.

Next up, have a baby.  Well wouldn't you know it, I was preggers when I wrote that and didn't even know.  I'm due October 3rd.  Yay.  And good timing to have some holidays off!  Hoping everything goes well this time around -- I'm more nervous this time around but so far so good!

I have not prayed more.  I often think I should, probably why I made it a resolution.  However, do you ever feel like no matter what you do you are always getting shit on?!  Well that's me right now... kind of in a funk of it.  I feel like I work hard, I try to make things work, I try to make things happen, I take care of everything, and I just get crapped on constantly.  I'm struggling with this these days... maybe more on the blog soon.

Since the above is kinda wonky, I have not found my happy. I know what makes me happy - being creative and having clean spaces! hahha.. But seriously, the clutter makes me anxious.  However, my life at the moment doesn't allow for me to be creative all the time... Real life gets in the way.  I just feel like finding my happy is going to mean A LOT of changes that I'm not sure I have the strength to tackle.
So there's the recap of the goals... I always feel like life gets in the way no matter what so maybe if you accomplish 50% of what you set out to do that year, you are on the right track, right?!

What I'm Reading :: Make It Happen

So I'm on a creative entrepreneur kick these days.  With trying to get Maeve off the ground and coming off (slowly) from actively selling Stella & Dot, I've got business on the mind. 

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A while back, I fell in love with Southern Weddings, where "they encourage couples to plan a meaningful beginning to married life."  There was something catchy about their charm and the adorable write-ups.  I continued to follow... Then I noticed some monthly posts from Lara Casey, their publisher & editor-in-chief.  I fell in love with her desire to create beautiful settings, help women create goals, and attain them. 

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Skip forward a few years and while I was still following all this, I saw someone else I followed had gone to the Making Things Happen Retreat.  I thought, I must go. I didn't.  It's expensive.  So I will save up and one day will make it there.  But I bought this and set the goal to just go and do things!  

And last year, I joined The Influence Network so that I could attend The Influence Conference and go to a special members only presentation by the one and only Lara Casey.  I didn't go.  For some reason I freaked out and decided not to go.  However, I'm still a member of The Influence Network and loving it this year.  Reading, listening, taking it all in until September when I can join everyone at the conference!  Note:: Make Business Cards! 

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But... Until then, yes all that back story had a point... I've been doing anything and everything I can to make myself a better person and entrepreneur.  So when Lara Casey mentioned somewhere that she had this lovely little book called Make It Happen, I was in.  THEN -- it got better!  The Influence Network offered the book to members for FREE by doing an Influence Book Club.  Umm... Yes please! 

So...
Needless to say I'm reading this book.  And because I read slowly or just don't have time typically to read, I'm taking it one chapter at a time.  Unless we at Homeland Security get furloughed next week then I'll be finishing it sooner!  But it's great.  

Books & Breakfast

I almost find myself reading it out loud.  There are parts where she asks you questions and others where she asks that you say something out loud or that you write down notes.  It's very interactive and very deep.  It makes you think.  It makes you want more.  It makes you feel.  It's quite wonderful. 
Definitely check it out!


 

Fifteen in '15

I'm hoping to get a few things accomplished in 2015 as well as changing the way that I do things too.  Having shut the door on 2014, I've realized there were many fun things that happened, things that could have been better, things that could have been worse, and things I didn't get to do that I wanted to.  I'm hoping for 2015 to be a great year.  They all are in their own ways, but I'm hoping for big things to happen from working hard and playing hard this year. 

And these are the things I'm going to do or change to make sure that those big things happen! 


1. Get organized
My house feels like chaos most days.  Whether it's the kitchen or the playroom or the bathrooms, it feels like nothing really has a true place.  Part of that is clutter so I must let go.  Part of that is not picking up so I'm going to make sure we are picking up spaces before leaving them - no more leaving messes for tomorrow (at least not as often).  And I'm going to utilize the spaces we have. 


2. Read 10 books
I think I read 5 in 2014 which is huge for me.  And yes, 3 of those were on tape, but I don't care, it counts!  This year I'd like to read at least 2 "self help" books like Think and Grow Rich, Handsfree Mama, and Lean In.  I'd also like to read a few that I've seen the movies for - Gone Girl, Labor Day, Unbroken.  I haven't seen all those movies, but I will.  Then I'd like to read a couple historical pieces - maybe about a president or a war or the holocaust.  Those all intrigue me.  And some fun ones.... If I Stay, The Help, Boy Snow Bird, & Crazy Salad.  While searching for books I came across this list of 40 books to read before 40... Scroll all the way down and check it out. 

3. No TV days
Or maybe just like half tv days... I tried this a couple times in 2014 and it was so nice, but getting everyone to shut down is the hardest. I love just sitting around playing playdoh with music on the in the background.  I feel like these happen most often during the holidays, but I'm going to try to incorporate them into my schedule more often. 


4. Travel
We are starting 2015 off with a bang and going to Disney in January.  I'm hoping for a few other trips here and there even if they are short.  I'd love to get out to NY again to visit our friends, a Chicago trip is a must this year, and maybe a West Coast trip to visit friends too.  I would love to go somewhere we've never been, but not sure if that's in the 2015 cards so I'll take small trips here and there... even to state parks around us to walk & play! 

5. Maeve
Maeve is my labor of love and I'm going to hit it hard in 2015.  We are doing our first bridal show in February and are hoping to make some contacts there as well as some bookings.  I'd love to secure a spot where we can host our craft nights with local artisans, allow for rentals of our space for bridal and baby showers, and have a more consistent schedule.  I'm hoping for the best!  Working super hard on this baby and soaking in all that I can from wedding industry buffs to make this happen! 


6. Finish 4 house projects
The other day I made a list of projects I'd like to complete around the house.  They include... my island, the kitchen cabinets, the pantry office, the banquette cushion and many more... To knock at least 4 of these out would be awesome.


7. Set cleaning Days
In an effort to alleviate entire Saturdays of cleaning, I'm hoping to do certain small tasks on certain days.  Getting myself to stick to this will be the hard part. 

8. Work on Blogging Better & Take Better Pictures
The blog.  My love.  My release.  I'm hoping to make it more "me" in the next year to make it feel more on purpose rather than an afterthought.  This will all fall into getting more organized and blocking out time. 


9. Exercise & Walk Dogs
Our entire family needs more exercise.  The dogs included.  Even if just walking them for the evening after supper it's going to happen.  My personal exercise goal and I know I've said it before is to be consistent and participate in a mini-marathon.  If I know people with ginormous asses that can do this, then I can do it too.


10. Learn to Sew
But seriously.... Learn.


11. Pay off Debt.
Debt. Is. Killing. Me.  I can't wait to get all my debt paid off.  I'll feel so much lighter. 
S A V E S A V E S A V E S A V E S A V E
I've already printed out 2 plans and I'm totally sticking to them... as long as I can!

12. Block out my time better and Handsfree Time
I'm seriously going to do this.  Even time to play with Ella will be blocked out.  It's the way to go I feel like.  The way to balance.  Which is what I need. 


13. Follow Through with things I say I'm going to -- like these goals
Yes.


14. A Family Photo Every Month
I did this 2 years ago and I love them.  It's hard to remember, but it's very fun to look back on. 


15. Attend Creative Blogger Conferences
I'm hoping to attend at least 2 this year.  One will be Influence Conference because it's in Indy.  I talked myself out of it last year and I've been kicking myself ever since.  The other I'm looking at are the Bloom Workshops and Pursue.  I'd love to attend Making Things Happen, but I'm not sure it's in the financial cards this year.  I'm also looking at going to Haven with a friend.

So there are the 15 things I hope to accomplish or change in 2015!  If you read it all it's actually a lot more than 15 things but I have 365 days to accomplish. 


What are you planning on changing, resolving, or doing in 2015?

Maeve Update

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving...
Ours was quick and full of food.  We were ready to be back home though.
Something about sleeping in your own bed.


But this weekend we will both be in other beds as we are travelling -- Mr K to Toronto for hockey and myself and Ells back to the Fort for a Maeve Event and a cousins wedding. 


I thought it might be a fun easy day to update you on how things are going with Maeve.  If you are new to the blog Maeve is my baby... My business venture.  It's a labor of love that I run with my sister and mom out of Fort Wayne.  We specialize in renting vintage and vintage inspired pieces, mostly furniture, for events. 


I realized thanks to timehop, that just last week was 1 year ago that we started.  Since then we've collected LOTS of pieces, made new friends, and rented to a few along the way.  It was more of a hobby and "feeler" year... trying to see if she'd fly... and I'm thinking she will SOAR!  #powerofpositivethinking


This weekend we are ramping up for the Vintage Fair where we'll have a vignette set up for a holiday photo shoot.  Using our new Mantle and light blue wingback chairs, I'm hoping to score some flannel blankets, garland, and do a few DIYS before Friday if I'm lucky!  I'm working on making it look something like this... with our mantle... minus the florals on the top.

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And add a few chairs to the mix and some flannel... Flannel is key.






After the holidays we will be looking to secure a space for our storefront.  There we'll host craft nights, rent out for showers and parties, and meet with clients.  This way we can show them much better the pieces and services we offer.  I'm actually also looking into for the meantime renting to my Indy friends.  As long as the pieces will fit in my car or are already down here, I can rent out to local friends and continue to grow our presence in the market. 




February will be our big month as we are going to be in our first Bridal Show.  I'm very excited for this and it really has to be just about perfect.  I'm working on it already and trying to work out the details of our space.  I love the use of space in these booths... I am hoping to figure out something similar that looks good and entices people to stop by and check us out!

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And this idea too...


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Then there are the things I'm learning... I'm learning things all the time!  Day in and Day out! 
Learning that you have to be on top of people sometimes - like realtors.
I've been taking Goal Setting Classes, Mentoring classes, business classes, blog classes and Planathons!  It's been a whirlwind... and I'm loving every second of it.  I wish it could be my full time job!  I'm also hoping to attend a few seminars, workshops, etc to learn from the best in this industry! 




With that being said, my goals for 2015 are a bit lofty... probably...
(1) to find a storefront
(2) to have 4 rentals every month
(3) to have 8 out of 12 months sold out craft nights
(4) to be featured anywhere
(5) to remain debt free
(6) to find a truck
(7) work on advertising
(8) Be a better blogger




I don't think those are all of them, but we are doing ok right now.  This past year we had 4 rentals which sounds like not much.  But you have to start somewhere... And I think we have had happy customers which is the best! 


*Can't wait to see our pieces soon in a catalog...
*We were just used by @housesevenblog which you can see on her instagram or on ours too!  @maevevintage
*I used the same piece for my family pictures - the best part about this business!
*We rented two pieces to 2 weddings this past spring! 




I'm hoping that 2015 will be our big break year.  Where we break out of the shell that we are currently in and mature into a blooming business.  I am so excited everyday that I work on Maeve.  It makes me happy.  It makes me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile and it feeds the creative in me.  I cant' wait to see what 2015 has in store for us as we embark on this journey and I continue to follow my mini motto...

30 Before Thirty (In Less Than 60 Days)

Happy Monday Blog Hogs!  I hope you had a lovely weekend!  It was a bit chilly here, but still beautiful out and Mr. K and I were able to get some landscaping (very little) projects done and we went to a park both days and rode the carousel there both days which Ells loves... and I loved that we had time to do it!  Hockey is kind of on a break which has allowed for more "family" time which has been nice!

But last week I realized that I am turning 30 in a bit... like less than 60 days... and while nothing is wrong with that, I just felt like I needed to try to do some things - some fun thing, some boring thing, some "me" things - before the time comes! 

So I came up with this list...

30 Before Thirty --- For me.

1. Participate in a race
2. Travel somewhere we haven’t been
3. Go to a concert
4. Treat myself to a massage - 5.3.14
5. Weekend Getaway with Spouse
6. Have a Garage Sale or Take things to Consignment!  Clean House!
7. Get a facial.
8. Go on a girls trip
9. Reorganize a space in the house completely
10. Start a Summer Tradition
11. Make a fitness goal and achieve it!
12. Get out of Debt
13. Visit a State Park
14. Visit a National Park
15. Host a Brunch
16. Try a new restaurant
17. Get at least 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep
18. Go to a professional sporting game
19. Unplug for a weekend
20. Volunteer somewhere - 5.2.14
21. Learn how to take better pictures.
22. Write in Journal once a week for a month.
23. Have a date night.
24. Go to a drive-in movie.
25. Go to the FW Zoo.
26. See a play
27. Have a picnic
28. Go to Chicago
29. Get a Haircut & Style!
30. Finish Divergent Series… haha

Not sure how it will go, but I'll try to update each week!  So far, since May 1st, when I thought of the idea, I've done 2 things.  I had a massage, and I volunteered somewhere.  I feel like we did so many things this weekend, but really we ate and went to the park - hah.  So now, to go through the calendar and see if I can get all of these done before June 25th!

I think I can do this... we plan on Taking Ella to see Mary Poppins at Beef & Boards - a dinner theater here - and we will be going to the zoo soon in Fort Wayne because it's all we can talk about lately!  I'm a little more worried about things like sleep, Chicago, Drive-In (because I don't know of any around here), and a race because I'm just not sure if I'm (1) ready or (2) will be able to find one! 

We will see how it goes!  Maybe I can accomplish one today! 

Happy Monday!

Fourteen in '14

So here we go again...

I feel like we just did this!  But I guess it was an entire year ago. 

And yes.... I do know it's February... I'm late as usual. 

I might soon be changing the name of this blog to Last Minute Mama!

No, but seriously...

2014 is all about Making Things Happen!

This year things will be happening!  It's about doing things BETTER and being BETTER! 

(1)  I will get organized.

*My life feels like chaos right now... switching cars back and forth with Mr K, running to and from things for Ells, being a single parent most of the time, and all this snow has gotten me down.  I think getting seriously organized will help with my stress.

 

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(2) I will read more books.
*I'll make time in my schedule for reading.  Maybe before bed some days or afternoons on others but I'm determined to make this a priority. Here's my list so far:
Labor Day, The Fault In Our Stars, The Hands Free Mama, A Classic of some sort.



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(3) I will have "no TV" days. 
*I'm thinking Monday.  I don't really watch anything and I think it would be a nice way to start the week.  Maybe "Music Monday" instead...

(4) I will use my time more wisely.
*Getting organized will help with this.

(5) I will keep a clean household.
*So far this is not going so well...

(6) I will have a successful first year with Maeve.
(more posts on this to come)

(7) I will hit Star Stylist (with Stella & Dot) 7 out of 12 months this year!

(8) I will finish at least 3 house projects--
Wood Floors
Painting Cabinets
Landscaping

(9) I will be a better blogger-- better posts, better commitment, better content, better timeliness.

(10) I will get back in shape -- exercise 3-5 days a week, eat healthier. 

(11) I will walk my dogs at least 3x a week.

(12) I will try to have more enjoyment in my life.

*Participate or attend more things that are for ME.

(13) I will be a better friend. 

* I have friends all over the world at the moment and I'm the worst at staying in touch.  This year, I will attempt to be better at that. 

 

(14) I will save more money. 

*I think we all say this but I'm sick of money issues so I'm going to rid out my closets and save more! 

 

Ok, 14 for 14... I think that will work. 
I'll keep you posted and we shall see how it goes!

Any goals you are bound and determined to keep this year?

LAST CHANCE THIS WEEK FOR DOT DOLLARS

This is the last week that you can earn Dot Dollars for July with Stella & Dot! 

Make sure to get your orders in by June 30th! 

Shop now at www.stelladot.com/abbyk.

Also, the following bags will become available for pre-order sometime TODAY -- and will ship to your doorstep early July!  They are likely to sell out again so make sure to keep your eye out or send me your info and we will get you one before they are gone again! 

Order here: http://bit.ly/14dwI3p

I'm about 2 shows away from my goal this month so if anyone is intersted in doing a quick catalog show (6 days open), let me know!  :)  It's an extra $50 this month when your party hits $500+!  You'll love accessorizing you summer wardrobe with Stella & Dot! 

I appreciate all the support you give me in my small business venture with Stella & Dot!  I'm shooting for Star this month -- a promotion that only 2 others in the state of Indiana hold right now... and I'd be the 3rd.  I'd love to hit this promotion as well as get to go to the Invite Only Red Shoe Affiar at our National Conference next month! 

If I make it, I'll post on here and let you guys help me pick the RED SHOES that I'll wear!!!  And send all those who helped me (by purchasing or hosting a show) a little special something of thanks! 

xoxo,



*Share this with your friends who love accesories and I'll be forever grateful!*
www.stelladot.com/abbyk

2013 - The Year of Doing!

It's that time of year again...
Time to make promises to yourself you won't keep.  Time to make resolutions for a better and healthier lifestyle.  Time to Start things and hopefully not stop them... Here's to a year of GOOD resolutions. 

So here's how I see 2013...

Catching up on Debt...
*This past year was a little rough...

We brought Ells into the new world = increased cost
We hired a sitter = increased costs
My husband works in sales = decreased funds
I quit skating = decreased funds

You get the idea...
So when it came time to pay the bills and go buy groceries and purchase baby necessities, it was a little tight in 2012. I'm hoping for a little bit looser 2013. 

So how am I going to make that happen?

1. I plan to make sure we are always using coupons...
2. Maybe to shop more a Kroger?  They seem to make coupons better, although I think their prices are higher sometimes.
3. I plan to stock more money away. Not sure how this will happen just yet... maybe not EVER touch my Stella $.
4. We plan to combine our accounts -- already started. And yes, 2.5 years later is an OK time to do that.
5. We plan to pay off some CC debt by working smallest first the Dave Ramsay way, while not completely following this plan.

We Shall see...

Family Dinners...
*We usually eat at the coffee table.

Not anymore.  Whenever Ella is awake and we are "cooking" a meal, we will eat at the table.
This also means that the table must always be cleaned off -- it sometimes becomes a place to put things until they get to their real home.

Taking Care of Home To-Dos...
*This means finally crossing off some things that have been on my to-do list since FOREVER.

1. Banquette -- This will happen this summer. ($250-$500)
2. Paint Cabinets -- This will happen this summer. ($200)
3. Repaint Living Room/Kitchen -- This will happen this summer. ($100)
4. Redo Hall Bath -- Spring (>$100)
5. Living Room Floors -- Summer/Fall ($200-$500)
6. Fence -- Summer ($1000)
7. Redo Bricks In Front of House
8. Brick Sides of Driveway ($75)
9. Plant 2 New Trees ($150)
10. Organize (FOR REAL) Garage ($100)
11. Replace Light Fixtures (?)
12. Organize & Build-In Closets (?)

All of this will cost about what I have in parenthesis (so I will soon be selling my life on craigslist, ebay, and the street corner to pay for these things)...   It could be another tight year... Ugh.

Due to all of the Above
Make My Husband More Handy...
*Enough said.

Read More...
*Kept up with this better last year and will make sure to continue. 

Just need to get a list together but at the top is finishing The Casual Vacancy.

Sleep More...
*That means go to bed earlier.

I go into work at 6am and usually don't make it to bed until 10:30pm or 11pm which doesn't make for bright eyed and bushy tailed Abigail.  Goal is to be in bed by 9:30 (which has pretty much happened lately).  I figure if I get myself there I'm likely to fall asleep soon after.
Again, we shall see....

Enjoy Life...
*With all the struggles that came with last year, I hope to make this one more enjoyable.  If I follow my goals above, it should be OK.  I might have to sell my life on Craigslist to pay for a sitter every now and then, but I want to enjoy more things... I saw this today on Centsational Girl and really love it.

Another 12 in Twelve...
*This was fun so I think I'll try to do it again.  Maybe I'll try to take better photos... That would be a good resolution.

Learn to use my camera correctly...

Finish Ella's 1 year scrapbook...
*AHHH... by her first birthday!  I have about 22 days to accomplish this... wish me luck!

Finish Ella's Dollhouse...
*By her Birthday party as it's a part of the theme.
We shall see how this goes... I just need to set aside a few hours to make this happen!!!  But things keep getting in the way...

Travel More...
*We have friends all over the country and never go anywhere! 
We will be coming to visit soon -- friends in Colorado, Cali, NY, Tennessee, Michigan...
I'm carving out weekends here and there...

Blog with more committment...
I'd like to one day run a successful blog.  Where people like to come and visit, where people read interesting things, where I talk about REAL things and CRAFT things and DIY things and HOME things... I want it to be a place you want to come... me included. 

I guess after looking at all this I better get better with time management as I have set out a lot of things to keep on top of!  Luckily 2 of these to-dos will be done in the first two months!  But I better get going!!! 

Happy 2013
What's on your resolution list?
xoxo,

"I RESOLVE" Revisited...

You know when the new year starts and you have all these dreams and ambitions and you are ready to conquer the world with you own two hands and aren't going to let anything get in your way or stop you because you are going to be bigger and better and everything you've always wanted to be THIS year?

Well, I think it's time to revisit my ambitions for the new year of 2012 since we are over 6 months in...

Let's see how my world conquering is going....



I am reading more books... by more, I think I'm at 3.  I've read Hunger Games 1 & 2 and have just stared 3.  I have also read a small book that I can't remember so it must have been good.  I feel like I finally have time to read so I've made a list. 

To Read List:

Mockingjay - started

What Remains - Carole Radziwill

Wife 22 -

New JK Rowling Book in Sept.

Brothers - a book about JFK and Robert I have at home

Most of the others I have done somewhat or am working on doing still...

I have had a rough few months with my non-sleeping baby.  Between her teething and her constipation, sleep has been little so some things have fallen to the wayside, blogging being one of them. I am going to get back on track for the 2nd half of the year!  I promise and I promise because I have so much to do and finally time to do it!  YAY!!!

I am using more coupons --- when I cut them.  Bahhahaa!!!  I wish that I could just have certain types of coupons sent to my phone and then when I got to the register I could just scan my phone to see if anything applies to what I'm buying... anyone know of an app like this?  I don't know if there is one because it's basically me doing no work besides setting up my preferences at the beginning.  Bahha...

I'm working on 12 in 12 too, but this is probably going to end up more like at least 6 for 12.  Although, I think we have 5 at least.... So I could probably get back on track and have 10 for 12.  I'm guessing we'll have the following -- August 18th (an outdoor concert), September 5th (a wedding), October (Halloween), November (Thanksgiving), and December (Christmas).  So that should be 10 for 12... we shall see.  I think this will be fun for Ells if we continue to do it every year... and we'll have a ton of family photos! 

And the gym... my non best friend.  I will be honest.  I have not set foot in the gym this year.  I was running outside and then it got hot and then I was doing Pilate's inside and then my back started bugging me so I've started to run again.  We did just change our gym memberships so I'm hoping we'll be able to get back into the swing of things... I found a much cheaper deal so long as we can figure Ells into the mix.  But with my recent jump into Weight Watchers, I will need to keep up the activity... So I can swap those points if I ever figure out how...

I am going to be honest... these are the things I have not done:

• Go to church
• Get Mr. K a new car
• Pay off debt and save
• Blog Monday through Friday

I will try better the 2nd half.  I must do better.  I need to conquer the world... or at least all my goals!  And I feel they are attainable... I think.

Revisiting Home Goals 2012 - Progress?

Ok, so it's been 6 months now and I'd like to share what has happened at our house since January! 
Basically a whole 'lotta nothing. 

I've been working on decluttering my life. 

So....

Kitchen
Goals were to build in banquette and paint cabinets. 
Progress...  None.
New picture though... (could be the same, but it isn't)

Living room
Goals were to get new floors (hardwood), add new furniture, and redo current furniture to work better in there. 
Progress... Some. 

I've changed the furniture layout, but not really much else.  I'm working on getting a new sofa table and I have an idea of something to around the TV and I'm hoping it works!



And let's not judge the baby blanket.



I am still really in love with this idea (below) that I posted back with my goals. But for now, the pack and play must stay... could possibly move.



Loft
Goals were to CLEAN UP and declutter!  Check and check!  Well, I've done a lot to the loft as far as "getting rid" but there are still many decorating things to come. 

Progress... Some.

We painted, sold the ottoman, ikea chair, and bookcases.  We'll keep the current sofa until we can get the sectional I want up there.  I'm probably going to reuse a current furniture piece as the TV stand and we'll redo the current "pink" chair in a coordinating fabric... once I get it all together.  But, it does look A TON better than before! 

Master Bedroom

Goals... A lost cause!

I hate our bed, dressers, end tables, everything!  None of it works! 

Progress... Some.

I've rearranged it back to how it was previously and have repainted it to a gray pottery barn color.  I think the blacks work better with this color, but I want to get an upholstered bed/headboard,new dressers, and a chaise for by the windows.  I also want to do new art in there... I think all black and white pictures would look neat in a gray room...

Oh, to have this room....

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Or this one...

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So anyways, there's the not much progress.  Remember, we did have a baby in February so we've done a decent amount I think for the time frame (not really, but I'll keep telling myself that). 

Still on the decor to do list:

Kitchen -
Banquette
Paint Cabinets
Add light fixture

Living Room -
Art behind TV
New Sofa Table
New Floors

Loft -
New Sectional
Paint TV Stand
Reupholster "pink" chair

Our Room -
Upholstered Headboard
New Dressers
New Art
Repaint bedside tables

Off to do some work...

I RESOLVE 2012

Read more books -

Already starting this one on the right foot!  I've been reading The Help and attempting to read it nightly.  It's a long book, but I'm sure I can get through it.  Then I have The Hunger Games on my To Read list as well as some home decor books.  I always start out right with this goal and it fails as the year gets busier and busier.  I just need to make sure to make time.  And find GOOD books.  Any suggestions?

Go to gym religiously -

By religiously, I mean 3-4x a week.  I think that is doable.  I hope it is.  This baby weight is going to have to come off ASAP!  Someone at work told me that I should make a new years resolution to lose weight because once Baby Girl comes, that will be a check!  haha... I laughed.  I think the gym should still be involved. 

Go to church -
Mr K and I are not that religious.  We both grew up Catholic, went to church, went to Catholic schools and then stopped going to church.  With the baby, we'll need to start going again, but finding a church that you like and that you don't feel like they are shoving God down your throat is hard.  I'm hoping we'll be able to find one to work for us. 

Pay Off Debt & SAVE SAVE SAVE -
Enough said?  I'm thinking about trying the Dave Ramsey system.  I was reading over at Thrifty Decor Chick (who I occasionally run into at Goodwill's around town - she has no idea who I am) that they paid off some crazy amounts of debt!  I'd love to do that.  I can be poor for a while, right?!?  I can be poor now to be secure later right?  I think yes.

Blog Monday through Friday -
Goal - To give you GOOD posts Monday through Friday.  I'm sure this year will be filled with many baby posts and I'd like to offer a DIY of some sort once a week.  I'll have to get my creative juices flowing for this one.  There are so many things to do around my house though that I don't see it being a problem. 

Use more coupons -
This is starting ASAP.  I need to do better with our money.  Coupons to me need planning so I'm going to try to get organized and set up a time on the weekends whether it be Sunday a week prior or Sunday for that week to get to clipping and planning the weeks foodies. 

Keep house cleaned up -
Mr K and I are those people who let clutter hang around until someone tells us they are stopping by.  Oops!  I've been working on this lately.  It's a part of the nesting thing I'm told.  But our house has to be more organized and cleaner!  I was working on using a cleaning calendar I found on the blogosphere, but I might have to start in Feb. 

Mike New Car -
I'd love sometime this year for Mr. K to get a new car.  His car will be paid off come March and we'll need something dependable that's not going to continue to cost me a fortune.   And with Baby Girl arriving soon, I want her to be in something safe.  Problem is that Mr. K LOVES his car (minus the troubles it gives us on occasion) and he thinks it's completely safe.  This will be a hard sell because we could use the money to pay down some debt as is a goal from above. 

12 in 12 Family Pictures -
I got this idea from Rachel over at Running Backwards in High Heels.  The idea is to take a family picture every month of the year!  I love this idea... although it means that I'll probably have to take the time to make myself look presentable again!  Ugh to that!  And it probably means that our January picture will either be with baby or without baby and if it's with then our family photo for that month will be me in my pretty labor and delivery get-up!  Oh well, everyone has that picture, right?!? 

Oh yea, and we'll be having a baby!  That's a big one, right?  Probably should have added that one in... oh well, it's a given. 

And please, hold me accountable!  :)

2012 Home Goals

Here is our home:

Here is what our home will be someday...

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Setting my sites too high? 

Ok, maybe more like this then...

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Or, I could live in the house I used to live in... with a family as a nanny...



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Not turning that first home into these others, but more like moving there... or somewhere close to there within the next few years... maybe there will be another stepping stone house in the middle... we shall see... Anyways, I digress...

For now though, I have a few goals for my current home.

Taking the kitchen as it currently is from this...







To this...



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By changing the cabinet colors to white or gray and adding a banquette to the corner.

This was on my 2011 Home Goals, but we just got sidetracked apparently.  We'll attempt again in 2012.

Taking my current living room from this:

To something ala this...



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By possibly getting hardwood floors, adding new furniture, and redoing some of the furniture currently living in the living room.

Taking our loft as it is now from this:

I know, crazy mess - please don't judge!

To this...

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By adding some built-ins for storage and display.

By getting all new furniture as we don't have anything but hand-me-downs and furniture from our first "house" together... Long Story.

By actually decorating it!

Taking our Bedroom from this:

To this...



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Or this...

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By getting some grown up furniture to actually tie the look together.

By working on an actual color scheme and plan for in there.

Taking the outside of our home from drab (as is currently):

Wish I had a non-snowy picture!

To fab...



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Our yard really only goes about 13 feet from the side of our house.  We have a side yard.  I'd like to do something like that above for the side yard area. 

Front yard something like this:



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By updating the landscaping and redoing the brick planter

Adding a fence

Adding a patio to drink my Saturday and Sunday morning coffee on during the spring, summer, and fall (and heck winter at this point)

Wow... am I taking on too much? 

I'll just keep telling myself

One thing at a time...

One thing at a time...

And that's how it'll have to be! 

And I'll be linking up with The Nesting Place on her Home Goals Link Party!