Tackling the Office

So you might of read of few post before but our office needs a little love. In the past few months we have collected most of our childhood keep-sakes since our parents did some spring cleaning. Dave and I haven't really wanted to take all of our memorabilia but if we didn't accept our parents gifts, they were going in the trash. We couldn't do that to bunny, Pongo and every stuffed Florida Gator imaginable! With all of our stuff in one room, you can image what it might look like. 

Yup, its a big mess! Our office is more chaotic now than what is shown in this picture because we had to remove everything out of the closets to paint their interior. Here is one closet that Dave rebuilt while I was baking and anticipating the paint job soon to come.

We've devised a plan! We want the office to have multiple functions, not only will it be an office but it will also be a work out/reading room. Dave came across the idea of putting the desk in one of our closets. 

FYI-Guys we caught him in the act--Dave was browsing Martha Stewart! when he found the closet idea--I told you everyone loves martha, she's so crafty! But its a great idea, none the less. I had already purchased the Lack shelves from Ikea so we've a step ahead of the game! We intend on building a table top ourselves because our current desk is too wide to fit in the door frame. Dave and I are still gonna have to make a special trip up to Ikea anyway for a few more products for the closet converted office project. This time, I think I'm gonna drag Dave to Ikea so he can see this glorious store in his own eyes! **Ikea has not paid me to be a spokesperson, I do that of my own free will** Here is what is on my shopping list: magazine files, cork-message board, boxes with lids, swivel chair, and some sort of drawer unit on casters.

      

As for the rest of the room, we wanted a space that we can use as a small workout area. The only way that I can stay in-shape and not become a fluffy wife is working out to my Yoga Booty Ballet DVDs. If you like to dance, it definitely for you! I have a spare TV and DVD player and will fit nicely on the bookshelf. Our love seat will provide a great area to read or just rest. Dave has a banjo that he has been wanting to learn how to play and this place would be great for him to practice.

Hopefully this office will be functional and peaceful. A good place to work on many projects from arts and crafts to learning the "art" of bluegrass. Maybe I should purchase some earplugs on my next trip to Lowe's so I'll be ready!

Scrumptious Cookies!

On Sunday, I made some great cookies while Dave was working in the office. I found the recipe on Smitten Kitchen. Here is the recipe:

Oatmeal, chocolate chip, & pecan cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
1 cup quick-cooking oats
2 cups chopped pecans
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment or a Silpat (nonstick baking mat). Using an electric mixer, beat the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla, and beat until well mixed, about three minutes. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in a separate bowl. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter with the mixer on low speed. Once the flour has been incorporated, add the second half. Stir in the oats, pecans, orange zest, and chocolate chips. Drop the dough, by the tablespoon, onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and cool the cookies on a rack. Store at room temperature in a cookie jar or other airtight container.

They turned out great, although as a request from David, I did not add the fresh orange zest. Lately I've been in a minor baking mood especially since I've been trying to avoid some of our home projects, such as painting our crown molding or organizing our office. But we've devised a plan for the office. Stick around and check it out! 

Dancing Jamz!

Hello Peeps! Not much is going on on the home front. We are finally getting around to painting our office closest but thats about it. I've been on a music kick for a while now. Here is what I'm listening too. It makes me wanna dance all over the house! 

Painting & a mail station

Here are some photos of our mail/message station in the kitchen. We mounted a plain cork board and I also create a magnetic chalk board which we hung on the side of our refrigerator. My mother-in-law had an old frame that she wasn't using so I took it off her hands. I first painted it with some left over paint then I removed the backing, replaced that with a thin aluminum sheet which I had painted with chalk board paint. 

 

On the other side of the kitchen I saw some great prints off etsy and thought to myself, "I could do that!" I used watercolor paint, I changed up the color some of my inspiration but I think they turned out great! Purchased some cheap-o frames from target, and then done. It only took a day. Pretty crafty!

 

Decorating in Stages

Good morning! So I haven't been able to do a post lately because I've been extremely busy at work, you know end of the school year deadlines and everyone needs a project done now. And my summer isn't going to be too relaxing either, we have several projects going on and our communication and marketing team is gearing up for an exciting fall! It been really great though, good to be busy. But to be honest, Dave and I haven't done much to the house since we've gotten the kitchen in order. I've been doing some projects here and there, but I haven't finished any of them! We've been saving up just a little more to do the floors. After that we will be able to move our entertainment area into the den where it belongs. Our living room is beginning to shape up a little more; we only have just a few boxes now! 

 

 

I still would like to move around some things. The bar-hutch will have a 'pop' color painted on its backing, and maybe a black wash over the entire piece, and then I want to move the bar-hutch where the television is. I'm still torn on the color. That will decide the mood of the room. I also have a console table that I need to refinish which is currently in the den just waiting for me! Dave and I really want hardwood flooring installed to replace the carpet because I don't know if you can see all the stains in the photos but they are pretty noticeable in person.

 

See only just a few more boxes! Our dining table is pretty much crap. We don't even have chairs to match it! We've hung the Ikea shelves and I'm still trying to design a layout for the shelves. Try to obtain that effortless-thrown together look but still tasteful while maintaining an interesting look. I'm probably just thinking too much about it! I loved the shelves so much I just purchased two smaller ones for our office. I'm starting to dread our office project. We have lots of stuff to go through and hopefully some re-arranging too. Of course I wish I could wave my magic wand, if I had one, and "poof" it would all be done to my liking! So for now we are decorating in stages to try to make our home feel like home. Now I'll leave you will a horrifying photo of our office. Maybe I can get Dave to paint the closets for me this weekend! Keep your fingers crossed! We also gotta remember to see your moms for Mother's Day! One busy weekend!