21 Days: No Television

I turned 34 last month.  It doesn't phase me to get older, but there were changes I wanted to make before I turned 34 that weren't realized.  (Well, for that matter before I turned 30, 31...sigh)  At the beginning of the year I was feeling I needed a shake-up of my routine and my habits.  Now here it was March, and nothing had really changed.  I was actually fed up with the fact that a lot of the goals I had set for myself in the past year went largely unrealized.  Yes, there is life's unpredictability, but I felt as though anything and everything could throw me off track.  I think it boiled down to no longer trusting myself to keep my word to myself.

Thanks to invitations by friends, the first weekend of March was active for me.  So we happened to not watch any TV that weekend.  Plus my husband was out of town.  I was also reading several articles about time management.  That night, I decided something's got to give.  I got up and unplugged the TV.

And I haven't watched it since.

I know I'm not the first person to do this, but for me I felt TV had become a habit and a filler.  I was in the habit of turning it on first thing in the morning to 'wake-up' the house.  I was in the habit of watching it and having the sound when I did chores.  And it had become habit to use it as a filler when I was tired or wanted a break.

What I Learned

The most interesting thing I learned was that, for the most part, I didn't miss it.  I thought it would be hard, so I unplugged the TV so that if I accidentally walked over to turn it on, it wouldn't come on. It's now been over 21 days and I think I've had three times when I felt like I really wanted to watch TV.  Once on a rainy day that would have been nice to cuddle up in front of the TV.  Once when I was really tired during the day and actually just needed a nap, which I took.  And just this past weekend, I thought it would be nice to sit with my family and watch a movie, but we turned on music and danced instead.  I almost watched TV by accident at a friend's house during a hair appointment.   She handed me the remote to choose a station, but I couldn't remember the channel numbers to the stations I normally watch!  And then I thought, "Oh yeah, you aren't watching TV!"  Instead I picked up the book I had brought to read.  Overall, I really didn't miss it.

I also learned that without the TV on, I can think much more clearly.  There's no distraction.  There wasn't an option of turning on the TV when there was a lull in my day.  Which led to me realizing that...

Turning off the TV was a catalyst for accomplishing so many other things!  I finished at least half of my spring yard work before it was actually spring!  I completed some home projects that have sat unfinished for months, and even started back exercising.  One of the articles I was reading suggested making a list of tasks you want to accomplish, and breaking down larger projects into a smaller task list.  For me, list making is key to getting more done in my day.

How It Has Affected My Family

In the past, I've had the idea of cutting off the TV for a month.  I would run it by my husband and he wasn't such a fan.  This time, I didn't tell him.  But I also didn't try to force it on my family.  In fact, I didn't talk to them about it at all.  But surprisingly they didn't really request the TV much either.  When my husband got back from out of town he asked was the TV broken, but I just told him it was unplugged.  He generally watches TV shows on his tablet and I think he said once, "Is the TV still unplugged?"  I wonder if he realizes how little actual cable TV he watches.

With The Bub, I think he requested TV once when a friend came over.  Literally, by the time I walked over to plug it in, they had run off to play something else and forgot about it.  We did go see one movie in a theater this month.  But, I have been really surprised at how easily he occupies himself with other things.  I did also try to encourage play by putting quite a few of his toys in a basket so that he could easily see them, instead of keeping them in storage ottomans.  Many of the playroom projects I am working on (that I'll be sharing soon!)  have been to encourage him to play more rather than sit in front of a screen--be it TV, a tablet, or video games.  I don't feel this battle has been won (he's sitting here on the tablet right now), but there is progress.  TV and video games are no longer his first request many days.

What's Next? 

I picked 21 days because it's been said that it takes 21 days to change or set a habit.  I still have many areas I want to progress in, but this has given me a boost of confidence in myself, that I can stick to something.  I don't think I will permanently eliminate TV, but I did realize that there wasn't anything that I really wanted to see.  Most of the shows I really used to enjoy watching no longer air on TV, and I had turned to a lot of trashy reality TV to fill the void.

I have been trying to figure out what next; what is the next catalyst to change.   I am thinking of something health related, perhaps to eliminate soda, or maybe 21 days of real food, no processed food.  For me personally, I think that will be a much harder challenge, but perhaps when I reflect back on letting go of TV, this time I will be resolved to stick to my guns.

Have you ever eliminated something from your life?  Was it temporary or permanent?  I would love to hear your suggestions on a healthy diet change/elimination.  I will be back to share another project from the Playroom Makeover.  Enjoy your weekend.

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The Playroom Makeover-{Part 3-'Chalk' it Up}

Chalk it up to getting motivated.  The chalkboard is finally up and this chunk of empty wall space has finally been put to good use!

Prior to this chalkboard, we had a folding one from Ikea.  I like it because it folds up, doesn't take up a lot of space, and it holds paper.  (Actually we still have it, and use it for 'plein-air' painting, aka splatter painting, which is too messy for indoors.)  But I thought it would be neat to have a full-length chalkboard that was versatile enough to also be used in a dining room to list out a menu, or in an office to list out the week's tasks or schedules.

I did build it for the playroom, but it's been hanging out against this wall for months, out of the way of foot traffic.  (This is the wall I've planned to put up the book ledges on.)  I wanted to finally seal the wood to protect it from chalk dust and water, and hang it on the wall, so there would be no chance of the little people knocking it over.  They move pretty fast!

 I opted for a satin wipe-on polyurethane, taped off the edges, and applied three coats with a soft cloth.  This gave it a nice sheen and should protect the wood trim over time.

To hang it up,  I first needed to install D-hooks on the back.  

I screwed one hook into the frame, eyeballing that it was about six inches from the top.  Then used the level to mark that the other hook was the same distance down from the top.  Marking the holes, I predrilled, then screwed the D-hooks in.

Then I held the chalkboard up to the wall to see how high I wanted to mount it, coming down six inches to account for where the hardware was on the back.  

The easy part is the wall anchors that I used.  There's no drilling and no plastic anchors to plug in.  You just screw these directly into the drywall.  They live up to their packaging!  And they can hold up to 40lbs each.

Once these were screwed in, I hung the chalkboard up by the attached D-hooks.  Unfortunately it was crooked, or it looked slightly crooked.  The chalkboard was hung level, but the door frame wasn't quite plumb, I suppose. The bottom of the chalkboard was about 1/4"closer to the door frame than the top was. 

REALLY? It's just not possible that something would go perfectly smooth I guess.

To remedy this, I removed both screws and drew another level line about 1 1/2" up from the previous one.  With these anchors, I couldn't screw in directly beside the previous hole.   Then I screwed the left screw in about a quarter of an inch above the level line this time to account for whatever wasn't plumb there. And then rehung the chalkboard.  

I am loving this corner of the room now!  We keep the chalk and eraser in the little black box on the table next to the sofa for easy access.  Although the Bub's favorite thing is to put wet hand prints on it.  Go figure. 

But...I am having second thoughts about which wall it should be on.  Looking back at the picture with it leaning against the wall, I really like it there, plus there's an outlet behind there so I could put a picture light above it!  Plus, it's next to the desk in the room.  

So what's your opinion?  Should I leave it here or mount it to the other wall next to the curtains?  Just for reference, the current wall is visible from the front door, whereas the other wall is tucked out of sight.   Whatever is on this wall, you'll see when you first walk in.  And if I move the chalkboard, the book ledges will go here...loaded with kids books.  My husband says leave it.  Let me know what you think.

If you're interested in building your own chalkboard, check out this post from last year.  I'm off to patch a couple of holes...well maybe I should wait.  

Update:  I renamed and updated the blog and have moved to a new location!  I hope you will come check it out for the latest posts!  

Come see Oak House Design Co.!

Linking up with Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style.  

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The Playroom Makeover {Part 2-Refinishing the Cedar Chest}

The first project is completed!

Getting back to this makeover I wanted something relatively simple to get the ball rolling.  I decided to tackle repainting the cedar chest because the room didn't feel cohesive having different colors on all of the tables.  This yellow chest has been glaring at me for months!  With the major colors for the space being the greenish-gray, cream, navy blue, I wanted to use one of those for this piece.  This chest sits on top the the green/cream chevron rug and in front of the chocolate-gray sofa, so I wanted it to coordinate well with both pieces.

I settled on a cream color and planned to distress the edges to allow a bit of the wood to peek through.  The painted portion of this piece was the look I was going for.

Pottery Barn Distressed Josefa Trunk

I had a quart of cream oops paint in cream that I decided to use. The color is Valspar 7002-12 Quail Egg in a Satin Finish.  I wiped the chest down with damp cloth, gave it two coats of paint, then distressed the edges with sandpaper. At this point the cream color was looking a bit stark compared to the cream tones of the rug and wall.  So I dug into my paint stash and found some glaze I had left over from a previous project.  

The smoky brown color of this glaze toned the cream down perfectly!  It's the Ralph Lauren Aging Glaze in Smoke AG03.  I bought the glaze from the now discontinued Ralph Lauren paint line at Home Depot, but I believe there are some independent stores that still carry it.


I also know that the top of this chest will receive heavy use, so I sprayed it with 3 coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane in a satin finish.  I used it last year on an outdoor table I built, and it has held up well outside over the winter while being uncovered.   So I think it should do well on an indoor piece.

So here it is before:

And after:

And in the room after being refinished:

It feels more fresh and crisp having the color changed on the cedar chest.  I'm feeling motivated to finish up some other projects.  Up next is to get the chalkboard on the wall.  I will be back tomorrow to show a pretty easy way to hang it on the wall.  

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The Playroom Makeover {Part 1-The Plan}

I have been planning to makeover The Playroom since relocating it to this space.  Originally it was a living room, but we never used it.  Later, it became the dining room, but now it serves as the playroom.  I like that it's here because it makes use of a room that previously went unused.  Two, it gets great natural light after school, the time when it's most likely to be used on a daily basis.  And three,  it's near the Bub's room, so toys and books can easily be moved between the two.

The plan for the makeover is to make the room a space that inspires free play.  Kids(and adults too) so easily watch TV and pick up tablets and video games.  I would much rather inspire play and creativity with books, toys, and art supplies.   I've had several ideas floating in my head for months and pinned on Pinterest.  I thought it would be neat to mock up the design plan and show you my thought process.

Here's a breakdown of the design plan:

1.  The Restoration Hardware Knockoff chalkboard that I made a few months ago will be hung in the playroom.  I've just had it leaning against the wall but want to make it safe from falling.  I also plan to build a mini floating shelf to hold the chalk and eraser.

2. I want to add floating shelves like these from Ikea for book storage in lieu of a bookcase.  I plan to DIY some by tweaking a great tutorial I found online. 

3.  Having a homework and art station will allow supplies to be out at all times to encourage creative expression.  The thrifted desk I refinished last year will be put to good use.  The photo above is from And George blog.  I am debating whether to paint the desk black to allow it to contrast more with the wood tones of the blinds, but we'll see.

4. Stripes have already been painted on the wall in a greenish-gray color.  They are a custom color I mixed to match the chevron rug.  But it's a close match to Sherwin Williams 6164 Svelte Sage, kind of a muted green with gray undertones.  The base cream color on the wall is Sherwin Williams 6140 Moderate White.  The cream appears very beige on the website, but it's a very light, creamy white in real life.  

5.  The existing chocolate-gray velvet sofa and the Nate Berkus chevron rug (which is discontinued) will remain in the room.  Although the rug stripes look blue on the design board,  they are actually green.  But navy blue will still make an appearance as the major colors of the space are a greenish-gray, cream, navy blue and brown.  I was going to repaint the red table on the right, but I think I will remove it to open up the corner.  There's an interesting story to how we got that sofa.  I will have to share it with you, but it involves a toddler, an ink pen, and leather!

6. The yellow cedar chest pictured above came from my grandmother.   I love that a piece from my son's great-grandmother will be repurposed as his own.  I'll be repainting it in a lightly distressed cream color to help it better coordinate with the existing color scheme of the room.  Coincidentally, my sister was telling me a story about a safety hazard with old cedar chests.  Children can get trapped in them because there is no release mechanism on the inside to get out if they hide inside.  So I've already removed the inside clasp for safety.  Thankfully I was using it for fabric storage and it is filled to the brim!  I  could definitely see the hazard after she told me about it and couldn't believe it hadn't crossed my mind before.  I just wanted to share that in case anyone else has an old cedar chest.  The inspiration one, shown on the design plan, is from Pottery Barn.

7. I can envision a gallery art wall above the sofa after relocating the existing seafans artwork.  The scale of the seafans seems a bit off with the height and scale of the wall.  The constellations wrapping paper from Paper Source will be the starting point of inspiration.

8. Finally, I'll add burlap drapery panels like the ones above from Ballard Designs for the windows.  I need to add lining and actually sew the burlap panels that I have hanging up currently.  Right now they are just lengths of fabric clipped to the drapery rings. {Gasp..does anyone else do that?) 

I believe that is all, and most certainly, it is enough.  It's almost spring time, the perfect time to get started on projects!  I'll be back to share my progress.  

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The {Best} Use of Limited Space

Do you ever feel as if you don't have enough space in your home?  Or are you like me, and have rooms in your home that have changed over the years?  I think it's easy to say to ourselves we don't have enough space.  But I wonder if often it's a matter of not making the best use of our space.



I say this because I am in the process of redecorating and tweaking the above room in my home for what is probably the fifth time in about 12 years.  Now, I don't necessarily mean going out and buying all new furniture, but rather changing with the way your family lives.  In that sense, I think change can be good.

Over the years, I feel like I have discovered my style and finally know what I like.  I also feel like I am continually learning how to make the best use of our limited space.  As an example, for years this space was a formal living room.  Except we hardly ever used it.  

Later, my tastes in colors and palettes changed, so the wall color changed, draperies were added, but we still hardly used it. 

A year or so later, I decided to turn this room into a dining room, to make way for a playroom in the dining room in the rear of the house.  Of course, the playroom couldn't be in the front of the house, right? (At the moment, all I can find is this pic from a party, but you get the idea.)

And then I realized the back of my house was chock full of sofas...and that I could actually put the playroom wherever I chose.  I also realized that I have to make the best use of my limited space and squeeze out as much functionality as possible.  Instead of being a seldom used 'formal living space', it is slowly becoming The Playroom.  Which gets used quite frequently, I might add. 

I say becoming, because even though I have made some cosmetic changes like adding stripes to the back wall, adding a rug,  I want it to be as functional as possible for a playroom.  

If you are feeling as if you don't have enough space, take another look at your home.  See if there is some space that can be put to better use.  Base it on your family's needs and not on floor plan dictates.  If you would like help in doing that, email me for a consultation.  I'll be back to share my ideas for the playroom.

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Organized Pantry Ideas

Lately, I have tried to cut down on the amount of processed foods I buy.  But still have a few favorites like Doritos for my taco soup and taco casserole, marshmallows for hot cocoa, and microwaveable popcorn.  I can't give those up!  Those are three staples you are likely to always find in my pantry along with some more healthy things like black beans, brown rice, and pasta.

Since I know I am going to eat these things, I would like to be able to store them when I catch them on sale without having to look at a lot of packaging.  So, I thought this pantry featured in the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Ideas did a great job of organizing the pantry so that you don't see a lot of the packaged goods.  Along with decanting into containers, I think using baskets can be a great way to store packaged goods.   I love the way this pantry is organized!

Better Homes and Gardens also has a video with tips for how to get this same look for your pantry.  I don't know about you, but I am feeling like doing a little organizing!

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