January Sanctuary - Day Four

Projects were light today since I didn't get home until after 9:30pm. But, progress nonetheless:


1. Cleaned out two more kitchen drawers (utensils and a random miscellaneous drawer)

2. Earlier today, contacted two upholstery shops. I think the prices came in too high... it might be best to just retire my old couches and shop new. I'd rather reupholster (the greener choice), but the couches are 10 years old and the price is just too high. Still considering my options...

3. Replaced the rug in my kitchen

4. Ordered canisters for flour and sugar


On a roll and looking forward to what my home will look like at month end (even if it is a mess today!)

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful."
      - Mark Victor Hansen

January Sanctuary - Day Three

My drawer project worked! The drawers and contents are all back in place, more organized than ever. Navigating the kitchen is already easier.

1. Replaced drawers and contents
2. Cleaned out one additional drawer
3. Cleared off top of fridge (again, I've been meaning to do that for ages)
4. Stopped junk mail delivery using this site http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm (what better way to reduce clutter, simplify, and be more green than stopping junk mail?)

I worked all day and biked to work (22 miles round trip), plus these projects, so I know I'll sleep good tonight.

Signing off until tomorrow's project...

January Sanctuary - Day Two

Tackled a major project today by reinforcing 4 large kitchen drawer bottoms. All the drawers were sagging, and one had been stuck closed for a year (how terrible that I let that go this long!).

Supplies from Home Depot:
1/4 inch plywood
Guerrilla Glue
Brush for glue

Supplies from home:
Clamps
Feinmaster saw
Water (to prep for glue)
Gloves (to avoid having my fingers stuck to the drawer permanently)
iTunes (Freedom and Death; the Cure; Arcade Fire)
Heavy books to stack on top of drawer while glue set

Cut plywood to shape of bottom drawer, dampened wood, applied glue, set in place, and weighted it with tons of books. Glue dried in 2 hours, but I'm leaving weights in place for 24 hours to ensure glue is permanently set.

Exciting to finally finish this project and I can't wait to have all my drawers back and easy to open! The process was made easier with a few calls to my Dad who gave me perfect advice.

Forgive the photos... they definitely aren't pinterest quality yet...

January Sanctuary: Day One

My goal is to complete a project every day in January to create an inspiring living space. I have a list of projects that range from simple to complex, free to expensive, and quick to time-consuming.


Here we go....

Day One...

1. Researched furniture upholstery places (I've been wanting to do this for two years!). Took photos of my two couches, and will call for quotes on Tuesday (when businesses reopen after the New Year).

2. Cleaned out my spice cabinet that was overcrowded, unorganized, and totally uninspiring! Researched online and found a new solution for my spices that creates color in my kitchen, helps organize everything, makes a new shelf available, and will hopefully make cooking easier. I ordered the tins and created the labels. Now, just waiting for the tins to arrive.

Helpful links:
http://www.tipjunkie.com/16-diy-spice-rack-designs-diy/comment-page-1/#comment-310185
http://akainteriordesign.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/diy-alert-spice-rack/
http://www.custommagneticspicerack.com/applause

Here is the photo that inspired me... 

Click here for my finished spice rack.

3. Cleaned out two more kitchen cabinets and created a new plan for my entire kitchen layout.

I'm excited and inspired! It feels good to be working on projects that I have "meant to do" for so long!

March - Napkins No More

This month I committed to using only cloth napkins at home and at the office. I completely stopped using paper napkins and paper towels. I thought this would be I M P O S S I B L E. I was a napkin maniac, often taking a stack of napkins at each meal. In hindsight, why did I do that??

This was so much easier than I thought it would be. Once I had a stack of cloth napkins ready, it was simple. Now I have a separate laundry basket for my napkins and dishtowels, and it's EASY! I'm embarrassed I hadn't converted to cloth sooner.

2013 Update: I'm still completely on cloth napkins and dish towels at home and at the office. I haven't purchased paper napkins or paper towels since December of 2010! Love it!