Dining Room Curtains

Darling cafe curtains meet our needs for light filtering and privacy

The tensions rods were less than $5 each at Target and the fabric was crazy on sale. I think each curtain needed about 2 1/2 yards of fabric.

Thank you MOM!!!!

They turned out just as I imagined, only better! I really wanted to see the trees out the top of the windows, let light in, yet have a sheer separation from the road. It is so much more comfortable with some privacy. And the cats can get up underneath and sit on the windowsill. And all five are up!

So excited to have a cute pendant chandelier in here one day. Too many other projects to address first, of course.

Empty Counters

What item doesn't belong?

It's really a gift to be able to have a fresh start and another opportunity to tidy my house from move-in to live-in. Since we moved, I've been very deliberate about setting up the kitchen to be functional. For the first time (maybe ever!), I have a clear vision of what's going to work for us. 

I've put all the food we use daily under the assigned prep area and the dishes above. It's close to the fridge and I've been quite surprised how easily John's lunch goes together now that everything is really close! It's SO fast!!! Not only is each item within reach, but with a clean counter, I'm not struggling to make a sandwich. Wow, it's made preparing his lunch (before bed) so easy!

I read on online someone who doesn't store anything on her counters and since we moved, I've been making that my rule. WOW, it really helps me keep the counters clean! My brain isn't distracted with what's supposed to be there, helps me focus on keeping it empty and crumb-free! I'm in SHOCK what a game changer this is for me.

Love the prep area

All the dishes we USE are in the cabinet, clean counter, drawers contain what we USE most (ziplocs and silverware) with pantry type food below (bread, tortillas, nuts, cereal)-everything within an arm's reach!

No, felines are NOT allowed on the counters!!! Oreo couldn't help himself and you see him above getting cozy with the freshly prepared Italian sausage! He even has a guilty look on his cute little face. Bad kitty!!

Rhythms of Life

New sheets

We are starting to get our rhythms regulated! Routines and patterns are starting to emerge as we settle in. New (and old) chores abound and with that, of course, new tracking sheets! I edited the old shopping list and meal planning menu to match the new rainbow color-coordinated routine/chore sheets. Oh, I think I love forms and spreadsheets too much!

These look nice on the fridge and it gives us a starting point from which to make changes and tweaks.

Really exciting as things are starting to fall into place. I have a very long list of things I "need" to be comfortable. Items like hooks, decor, curtains, blinds, shelves, a medicine cabinet, over the toilet cabinets like we had at the old house (love those!), more bubble bath, clipboards, dining room decor (I have it picked out!), and new stuff that will have to wait (like a bed).

Hard to believe we're soaring full speed into the holiday season...kinda mind boggling that Thanksgiving is right around the corner.