please save me from my to-do list

Does anyone else have the perpetual habit of adding unnecessary tasks to their already extremely long to-do list? To the point where you know it's a bad idea but you just can't stop your hands from typing/writing things down? Allow me to playback the last conversation that went on through my head while driving to work today:

WHAT?!?!?! Who does this?!?!?! I go to cross one thing off the list and end up with 10 more tasks in its place. I'm a cutter by way of my to-do list. And what really kills me the most? I don't actually have to do any of this stuff. Ok, maybe clean up my apartment. It is looking a little gross. But other than that, nothing else should really have a spot on the list. Nothing. My bedroom looks fine. The lamp and nightstand are fine. The whole setup? Completely fine. But for some reason, they continue to show up. I pause for one second at work and BOOM. At least two more things on my to-do list. I'm heading home for the day and WHAM. At least four more suddenly appear. It's to the point where I have 7 different to-do lists (categorized per room/theme, duh) with 71 items listed. Yep, you heard me. Seventy. One.

Another fun fact about my to-do list is that I rarely check anything off. I add it, I make all these unrealistic plans to knock everything out and then I spend the rest of the time either 1) making up excuses for why I can't complete it or 2) looking at the list and thinking "man, I really should get on that". It's sick I tell you. S-I-C-K.

Take today. I tasked myself with 10 (TEN!!) different tasks despite having volleyball games at 7:25 and 8:25 tonight (both about an hour long). And it's not even like they're quick and easy or in dire need of completion:

Condense accessories on dresser?!?! What does that even mean?!?!

Which brings me back to the original question asked at the beginning of this post:

Does anyone else have the perpetual habit of adding unnecessary tasks to their already extremely long to-do list?

And, as if my long winded rant doesn't clue you in enough, I'd also like to know:

Do you have any tips or tricks for maintaining a realistic to-do list and preventing you from wanting to pull your hair out?

Consider this my SOS.

abstract painting by Ben Will Studio via etsy

The scoop about vacation home living rooms.

Remember how I mentioned my parent's new "beach house" project way back here? Well, as of last week, that was the only progress made to-date (eek!). But since then, I've been inching my way through coming up with an overall color scheme, floor plan and artwork list for the entire space.

[Note for the fellow nerds: I then cross referenced the idea with the list of furniture and accessories my parent's already have to create a room plan, materials list, DIY list and budget - properly sourced and tabbed in a giant Excel workbook. I know, awesome right?!]

While I won't show you the entire plan just yet, I do want to cover off on some points for what will be the most used space in the vacation home... the living room. After spending some time at other vacation homes, I've been lucky enough to gather a good arsenal of tips and tricks for what creates a good one and am planning on keeping those in mind when pulling together my parents'.

Per usual, I haven't shown any of this to my mom yet (love you, mom!) but am pretty confident she'll agree with majority of the content below. And yes, we are still going with the Hamptons Chic theme which I know most of the example photos below don't feature. Tough day on Google images and pinterest.

1. Have an abundance of seating all positioned for conversation. First, you never know the size of the entourage members of the family (AKA my brother and I) are looking to host at a vacation home. Second, it's always easier to edit seating than it is to create some. Third, always arrange furniture for conversation and entertainment vs. zoning out in front of the TV only. For example, make sure someone sitting on the sofa, has access to a group of people that may be playing cards at the kitchen table. For those playing a game at the coffee table, make sure there are some seating options in case someone else needs to pull up a chair.

In the case of my parent's spot, it will likely be a lower-backed sectional with a couple chairs hidden in corners with non-neck-hurting visuals of the breakfast nook, patio and front door.

brooke giannetti

twolia

2. Have easy access to a variety of entertainment options. Want to play Euchre? We've got cards. A board game? We've got Monopoly. Need some dice? Coming right up. The best way to make sure the vacation home gets used as often as possible is by assessing all of the possible options for ways to entertain someone and then making sure all of those options are readily available in the house. And not only available but extremely accessible - as in, no one wants to search for something they don't know is there.

I think what we will likely do is balance the bulkiness of the sectional with some stacked floating shelves and rattan baskets for storage. This can be arranged next to the TV to create an "entertainment center" and house everything from a deck of cards to a vintage Guess Who game. Are you... Bernard?

[note: I can't find an example of what I'm thinking and therefore need to sketch it out to see if it will work. For now, here are some cute TV stands that offer the same storage without the bulk.]

ebay

tv stand showcase

funky junk interiors

3. Take it easy on the nick-knacks and living things. Of course, this is pending how much time you're actually planning on spending at your vacation home. Naturally, if you head up every weekend, there is a little more flexibility. But if you're only planning to use the space every couple of months, minimizing the amount of excess decor is crucial if you don't want to spend the first day of your vacation dusting and throwing out dead plants. Instead, aim for accessorizing based on functional uses only and adding personal touches with hanging photos vs. tabletop ones.

This is going to be, by far, the largest challenge for me considering my giant infatuation with chotchskies. Luckily, my mom hates them and has no problem telling me when it's too much (phew!).

[note: Ok this was VERY hard given Elle Decor's standard of "a photograph isn't complete without a living thing in it". So, pretend the obviously stylized vases aren't in these pictures to see my point.]

design style guide

house to home

sb first house

Progress update on my bedroom.

My bedroom is almost complete so I thought I'd post some pictures to show the progress to-date, along with a nice and LITTLE to-do list for the remaining odds and ends. The two things I'm already well aware of? Yes, Ruby is in every picture (couldn't get her to move, the ham) and yes, the photos aren't great. One of these days I'm going to have my BFF Michelle either show me how to take pictures or just have her take them all for me (lol) so you guys can actually see what you're looking at.

So sorry in advance for the poor quality. But who really cares, right? It's Friday!

I restained my childhood dresser (DIY coming later) and featured some simple accessories help tie the white mirror into the composition. I am absolutely obsessed with the way this all came together and am trying to use this as the standard for mixing old and new things throughout the rest of my room.

This is the area that still needs some work. Still wondering about the curtains and the headboard wall. I like the dark curtains because they refuse to let any morning light into my room but think I need a darker brown to match the bed pillow and dark stained furniture. I also think I'm going to remove my most favoritest picture and try to find a spot for it elsewhere (sigh).

I LOVE my wall of pictures. It's a montage of empty frames, family, friends and places I've been - mostly in white. I kept a few (literally, three) frames their original color because I love them that way, but may just bite the bullet and paint white to match everything.

Hi, Ruby.

Another shot of the to-do area but with the cute dresser included. I'm planning on getting a RENS rug for some added texture and visual interest. And notice the "new" yellow nightstand? It gave the room a much needed dose of color and I hope to have a post on that DIY project later next week.

And then there's this. The gross closet wall. So gross I didn't even want to show you. As you can see, I have a huge box of a TV that will eventually be replaced with a cute little flat screen one to take away some of the bulk. I've also sprayed the necklace rack yellow, matching the nightstand, to give the wall some kick. But it's still pretty blah and is in desperate need of some life.

So what does the to-do list look like?

• replace curtain rods with ones in the living room (get new rods for living room)
• get new curtains (must block out any and all morning sun)
• get one (may two) RENS rugs for in front of dresser and maybe closet
• remove picture from above headboard (and maybe put on closet wall by jewelry corner?)
• must get flat screen TV (and rid of those bunny ears!)
• get white full length mirror for picture wall (replace black one)
• accessorize/brighten closet wall (plan tbd)

Meet the app-credible Easy Note.

WARNING: I am going to get really nerdy on this post. Those too cool for school, please proceed with caution. For those that love making lists as much as I do (obsession mentioned here, here, here and here) kick back and prepare for your mind to be blown.

Ready?

There is a FREE app out there, Easy Note, where you can make multiple lists and keep them in one place.

Wait, there's more.

You can color code the folders, add deadlines and even include notes or pictures for reference. I mean, my heart literally skipped a beat when I stumbled across this in the App Store. Here's a list of features - all narrated by me as if experiencing it for the first time - just in case you aren't quite sold on how incredible this app yet.

Here it is on my main screen.

And look, it shows I have 9 to-dos today!

Then I can check to see from WHICH LIST the to-dos are in ,

showing in red are the ones that are due (or overdue) as of today.

What's that? I can assign a folder A COLOR?!?!

Don't mind if I do.

So let me just view my to-dos by folder...

OR by all to-dos. nbd.

[note: please stop judging the amount of overdue to-dos I have]

Oh, I need to add another to-do?

Let me just jot down some notes, give it a priority

AND a deadline that I will (apparently) later break.

Still need more reference?

No problem, let me just ADD A PHOTO.

Wow, what. a. rush.

Again, my apologies for the exuberant amount of nerdiness that came out with this post. But as you can see by the amazing capabilities, I couldn't help myself. Now, go! Download it!

The secret project progress unveiled.

I can finally reveal some of the progress made on the secret project I've been working on over the past few weeks. While it's not finished-finished, I thought I'd share my five favorites of the space to-date along with some insight into the looming checklist (read: my favorite part) that still needs to be completed. 

But first, a HUGE thanks to the Schullers for being patient, taking some chances and getting their hands dirty.


SIDE NOTE: My apologies for the poor photos. I'm hoping to take better ones as soon as I remember to bring my real camera. And maybe get some photography lessons from my other BFF, Michelle. And maybe get a new camera.


#1: The sitting room stencil work. 
 
I am officially IN LOVE with this room. Yes, it was the room with the most challenges (featured here and here), but I think that's why I'm most proud of it. With the room being smaller, narrow and filled with windows and doorways, it was just screaming for something to tie it all together. Meaning, the room needed something to make it feel more like a room and less like another hallway to the kitchen. To do this, we chose a taupey color (Benjamin Moore's Cedar Keys) to accent a pillow choice and the same white that the kitchen was painted in (Benjamin Moore's Simply White). While I second-guessed it at first (no idea why), all four walls were stenciled (with option 6), bringing the entire room together and making it a prominent eye-catcher as soon as you entered the house.

With the new floor plan, 5" white baseboards, some strategic bookshelf accessorizing, a wall shelf display and (maybe) a new light fixture, it's going to be the sitting room of all sitting rooms.

#2: The vaulted morning room ceiling.

Ok, so I didn't exactly love climbing up the ladder to actually paint the space BUT I did love that the vaulted ceilings allowed for a more dramatic wall color without closing in the space. For this we chose a bright blue (Benjamin Moore's Lakeside Cabin) that complemented the new wood floors and the family's already-owned bright white kitchen table and leather chairs.

Some simple artwork, a refinishing project for the already-owned chest (still TBD), a new light fixture (still TBD) and some minimal table accessories will complete the look.

Oh, and removing the kitchen stove and refrigerator. That'll help a little too.

#3: Dave's mad carpentry skills*.

 *with special thanks to Barry the Sander (get it?)

As mentioned in an earlier post, it's always best to keep the number of focal points in a room to one. So, to do this, we needed to combine both the fireplace and the entertainment center onto one wall (previously split into two). This required some handy work I was definitely not up but Dave graciously took on.

The walls were painted a warmer dark-but-not-too-dark gray (I can't remember the name right now) that brought out the richness of the new wood flooring and brought the whole downstairs together. The hallway was also painted this color to encourage continuity and create a sense of flow throughout the space.

The end result? A susinct focal point that will soon include some shorter Billys (also loved by Go Haus Go), a photo display and some accessorizing. An added bonus? A whole extra wall to place seating along and absolutely zero glare on the TV from the windows.

#4: The striped bathroom.

Mentioned in an earlier post (complete with how-to), I am very fond of little, tiny bathrooms filled with busy patterns and bright colors. So, when I saw that the Schullers downstairs came complete with a teeny, tiny bathroom I got really excited. We chose some bright aquas (Benjamin Moore's Florida Keys and Waterfall) and decided to give the space some vertical stripes, making it seem bigger and brighter.

Keeping the same fixtures in the space and adding a small amount of artwork will finish the look.

#5: The soon-to-be modern-yet-classic kitchen.

Now this is the spot I consider to be the most in-progress. First, we blank slated the kitchen by painting it white (Benjamin Moore's Simply White). This was vital to the downstairs design as the kitchen is the center point between all three rooms (morning, family and sitting room). This allowed us to break up the monotony by painting the other rooms three different colors without making the space feel too disconnected.

So what's next? A subway or glass tile (still TBD) back splash, some brushed nickel cabinet knobs, brushed nickel drawer pulls and eventual addition of an L-shaped island/breakfast bar that will (hopefully) be painted a complementary blue to the morning room, further connecting the two spaces.

I know what you're thinking. The cabinets could be painted to further modernize the space. However, 1) I kind of like the contrast between the dark floor and light cabinet finish and 2) I think the knobs and pulls will modernize them enough to look updated, especially with a new back splash and (eventual) painted L-shaped island/breakfast bar.

And thereyouhaveit! That's the top secret project mentioned in some previous posts and the latest thing I dove head first into. I hope that the Schullers are equally as happy with the space and can't wait for the next part of the project... accessorizing.

Oh, and my favorite part, making the final to-do/buy checklist which is already in progress because I couldn't wait any longer to start making.

Voy a Puerto Rico.

Countdown: 1 day until Puerto Rico!
I am so unbelievably excited for this upcoming trip I can't even stand it. I mean, it's to the point of not being able to concentrate on anything else but the fact that, at this time tomorrow, the boyf and I will be on a plane heading there. And even though I am crazy excited, I have (true to form) still somehow managed to procrastinate packing. I've made the list (I LOVE lists), purchased all the supplies, started laying out what seems like everything in my wardrobe, all of which have yet to make it into the suitcase.

That said, I was originally going to write about what I packed and how I was planning to style my way through Puerto Rico. But, since absolutely zero of this has been nailed down yet (and likely won't until later tonight!), I thought I'd feature some photos of Old San Juan to kickoff our upcoming departure. As you can tell, the Italianate architecture is making me drool already. Enjoy!

big huge labs

wikimedia commons

md shots of the day

cervantes boutique hotel

gopuertorico.about.com

countryside tours

petchie (of course there's a Starbucks)

Swapsies.

I've made one final change to the bedroom which happens to be the last one I can make until I save up enough cash for the finishing touches listed below. As mentioned here, I was really not liking the hutch originally placed in my bedroom. It was boring, it overly matched the dresser and it was too clunky for the space. The challenge remained however, that I needed every ounce of the space the hutch provided to store clothes and TV equipment. Yes, I'm aware I need a flat screen but again, not until I save up (or I put on my Christmas list).

To fix, I've switched out the hutch with an antique tall dresser I used way back when I was a kid. Originally, I'd asked for my mom for it when I was in desperate need of a storage vehicle for housing all of my arts and crafts. After pacing in and out of my craft nook and bedroom for what seemed like ages, the idea finally dawned on me. Now, each piece (I'll show the hutch in a later post) fits the space allotted for them much better and the tall dresser helps incorporate some much needed visual interest and darker wood tones to balance out the rest of the furniture. To that end, below is my final to do list that I'm either out of money or completely terrified to finish (minus the picture frames which will likely be finished this week).

TO DIY
- stain short dresser darker (frame only)
- spray paint all darker picture frames on wall a lighter color (copper, silver or white)

TO BUY
- FLAT SCREEN TV (and cable!)
- two (2) rugs: faux fur or jute?
- two (2) sets of curtains: white on white pattern + accent color?
- tailored or box pleated dust ruffle
- curtain rods: or steal from living room and replace those?

Slackin' off, makin' lists and paintin' chairs.

If I had to summarize the reason for my slacking off with this blog, I couldn't. The excuses vary from great weather (yes, that one time last week) to terrible sinus headaches to crossword puzzles to Janet Evanovich. What can I say - it doesn't take much to get me sidetracked.

Anyway, I did make some progress on my room these last couple of days. I figure I'd make my to-do list and show off my latest DIY. For those that don't remember the before and progress shots (featured here and here), this is what I am working with as of today. Being the giant list maker that I am, I've completely nerded out and categorized (yes, categorized) my list into three sections: to buy, to find and to DIY. As you can see, I haven't quite made up my mind on some of the pieces.

First up... the chair. I love the shape but it's definitely the wrong color. To do this, I first taped and covered the silver metal (couldn't figure out how to dismantle).

Then I picked up a can of glossy white spray paint that was made to specifically work on plastic. From there, I sprayed evenly, taking small breaks in between coats, until completely covered. And voila! The perfect "new" chair for an otherwise empty corner.

Total investment: $4 (Krylon glossy white spray paint for plastics)