Some Progress and Some Packing

The view is slowly improving around here. 

Slowly.......

Is it wrong that I am so liking these unpainted?

The decorating is happening slowly too...

And that's okay with me.  And yes, I will have to move it all in a few months to paint.

When it's a space where there was nothing before, it's nice to have things slowly evolve.  It gives you and the room a chance to breathe -- to sit with something and feel if it's right.  

It gives you a chance to place things with intent and meaning, not to just to fill the void.

And now on to my shallow side --- some vacation outfits. :)  

Got this at JCP last September, with fingers-crossed that I'd have a vacation night out with my husband sometime to wear it.  Not my normal go to style -- this says vacation-date night!

This is closer to my normal style except for the Maxi skirt.  When I was out shopping at Kohl's this week for tank tops, I tried this skirt on.  Being short, I have to be careful about maxi skirts -- but this is so comfy, it fit like a dream, and with the fold over waste band, I can adjust the length so I can wear it with flats.

Another Maxi?  After just typing I don't wear maxi's?!  What is it about vacations that makes me want to take chances and dress outside my "fashion box"?  What I love about this skirt, that you can kind-of see from the picture, is that it's shear.  There is a short lining inside that hits me about mid-low thigh.  I also love the embellishment on the grey tank, so much so that I took a second picture.

I was loving all the different tank tops they had at Kohl's.  These 2 are perfect for layering.  I'm excited to wear this out to dinner!

This -- this is more my typical fashion box.

Hoping to get some more pics posted before I head out!

Have a great weekend!

Sharing with: Remodelaholic, Jennifer Rizzo, Common Ground, Nancherrow, Imparting Grace, Liz Marie, By Stephanie Lynn, Thrifty Decor Chick, Shabby Nest

Vacation Packing

We are getting ready to go away for Spring Break.  

Vacation money is not easily found when you're building a house.  And it goes against my nature to pay $25 getting a suitcase to our destination. 

I am going to pack for 11 days using only my carry on and my personal item. 

I am?

This bag doesn't look as big as I remember.  There isn't room for any I might wear this.

We're going some place warm so most days will be spent in bathing suits and flip-flops at the beach.  And there is a laundry facility where we're staying so there will be an opportunity to do a load or two.  But there will be a few outings and nice dinners out.  Short of wearing several layers to the airport, or abducting one of my other family member's suitcases, my only option is to plan and edit.  And then probably edit again.  And then probably try and convince my 9 and 12-year-olds they can share a suitcase.

I did this for our last vacation, 2 years ago, and it worked pretty well.  I did end up having a couple items I didn't wear, so I think, I hope, I can do better this time.  

I thought I'd spend some time sharing my packing process.  Like all other things I do, it happens over the course of a few days.  A little here, a little there.

I pick out all the items I think I might wear,

and over the course of a few days, put outfits together, even trying them on so there are no surprises. This is what I'll be working on and sharing this next week.

Now off to do a million jumping jacks in preparation for that bathing suit. 

Inspiration Overload

There are so many things competing for my attention now a days.  Sometimes it's hard to know what to focus on, or even how to focus on it all.  I did get some things started during my organizational journey.

#1. A cleaner closet.  Not 'cleaned' as in done.  Just cleaner.

#2. Stair treads.  Stained and installed.  Check and check.  

#3. Mudroom light bulb replaced.  That was a big one.  Oh, and mirror hung.  

#4. And this is a big one....Pretty is coming back.  

Things are coming together.  When I look around I see so many possibilities, so much inspiration it makes my head spin.  Of course, so much work as well, but let's focus on the positive.

These days the ideas and inspiration seem endless. I must have caught a case of spring fever. 

Sharing with: Thrifty Decor Chick, Nancherrow, Imparting Grace, AKA Design, Shabby Nest, Common Ground