Progress

Well, the painting's done. At least the portion I was working on. We have moved the educational efforts upstairs. I'm still not overwhelmed with love for our new digs, mostly because I'm still feeling cramped. I do have some ideas to spread us out a little bit, and I can't blame feeling frazzled only on the room. Homegirl and Thing Two are doing plenty to frazzle me when it comes to school. I'm sure we'll adjust in time.

So here's what I've got so far. I haven't done much in the way of decorating yet. I've been focused on just getting things organized for now.

I made this from scrapbook paper and yarn.

Forgive the double watermark. I'm learning a new photo editing program. I don't have the patience right now to fix it.

I have an idea for this long hallway space that would help us spread out a bit. Thinking of a built in counter-ish type desk along the wall over those storage doors, big enough to work on but small enough to not overwhelm the narrow space.

I also have some ideas for this plywood wall we built to keep children from falling over the balcony. I'd like to cover it with something, maybe wallpaper, fabric, canvas, chalkboard...haven't narrowed it down yet.

There's still more to paint over the stairs. There's always more to paint. This will probably be the hardest section.

So much orange. And there's always stuff on my stairs. I hope I'm not the only one.

So, that's the progress report. It's getting there, and I am thankful that the landing at the top of the stairs is big enough to work with.

I'll leave you with some shots of the flowers Seth got me for Valentine's Day. Love the coral color, and I thought my oversized jar would make a really cute vase. 

Gotta get working on Homegirl's new room. After all that horrible attic painting, it will feel like a piece of cake!

Ahhh, fresh

My sister is my dealer.

It all started with a little Christmas gift, and now I'm hooked.

Every so often, I find myself running low on my addiction, and I let her know that I need more, and next time she sees me, she hands me this:

Doesn't it look scandalous?

I've had this in my car before and been kind of paranoid about getting pulled over.

Although, one whiff, and any officer would know that they have no reason to arrest me.

This is mostly baking soda, but my fabulous sister (who has been a whiz with essential oils for years now--ya know, before they were trendy) mixes up a brew for me. The blend is always different because we never write down the recipe. But I like that it's different. Usually, there's lavender in there, because that's one of my favorites. Sometimes there's some citrusy scents or woodsy scents. It's always a surprise.

I use this stuff mostly on my rugs. I spread it around, leave it for awhile, then vacuum it up. Leaves them smelling fresh and clean.

This time, I went with a different approach.

Since I was washing my sheets anyway, I spread some on my naked mattress and let it sit for a few hours.

My room smelled amazing. At least for a couple days. It made getting into the freshly bleached sheets even more compelling that night.

And, it's inspired me to make my bed. For two days in a row.

That's something.

Baking soda's great on its own for freshening up carpets and upholstery, but add a couple drops of essential oils and it takes it to a whole. 'nother. level.

P.S. A couple sprinkles of this under the seats in your stinky old van...good stuff. Especially when it's hot outside.