Peace in Small Places

There has been a lot of buzz recently about Spring cleaning tips, organizational ideas, and all that comes along with changing of the season, warm weather, and lighting a fire under our butts to get life back on track once again. But let's face it...it's daunting. I saw an article recently about a 10 "easy" step guide to Feng Shui your home so you were happier and more productive - I practically had a panic attack after reading step one. The idea of carving out enough time to accomplish that step in our current living situation made me sweat!
Kyle and I were talking about the differences between our old house in Durham (about 3300 square feet) and our current rental (about 1500 square feet). You would think that it would be a lot easier to keep clean because it's so much smaller - at least that was my initial impression when we moved in! How wrong was I!! First, with three big dogs (no fenced in back yard anymore) and a toddler, it takes about 30 minutes for the entire first floor to be "destroyed". Then the stress level rises because there is nowhere to send the creatures while you try to pull things back together. I'm still trying to figure out why I try to pull things back together because it only takes another 30 minutes to destroy it all again.
Then, the cabinet space and dishwasher size are both significantly smaller than what we had. If there is one thing toddlers are great at, it's getting dishes dirty and Dablet is going through the "I need a snack" phase...all   day    long. So what has happened? I LOT of purging! And we're going to have a BIG yard sale next month as well. Goodwill has become our best friend, and this time not for shopping, but donating! It's a nice life exercise to focus on what you actually NEED versus things you think you have to have, and creative small space storage ideas! I'm sure that when we move again in September back into a bigger space we will thank ourselves for this time!
But until then - I wanted to share some little ideas I found that made me feel better, and were quick small space ideas! Sometimes you just need a little corner that you can see to get started and be your happy place before you move on to the rest of the chaos!

Give yourself something when you walk in that makes you feel good!

I don't mind doing laundry, I'm not hugely successful at putting it all away once I'm done with it however! Part of the problem is being so worn out by the process - this would make life easier! 

Anytime you can get things onto a wall and off surfaces is a win!

SHELVING!!! It's your best friend in a small space! 

The top picture is an easy find at Target or Lowes, and the bottom one could be installed easily above ANY door! Life is better with functional storage!

All pictures featured here can be found on my Small Space Peace board on Pinterest, along with others!

Happy Spring cleaning!

Family Ties

Happy Monday everyone!
Tomorrow is the start to a new chapter of life for us down here in NC. My mom is moving to the area, more specifically about 3.5 miles away from us, for at least a year. She bought a townhouse on a lake with amazing views the end of April, found a renter for her *amazing* condo in Boston, and will be flying down with her two cats in tow tomorrow afternoon! If you had asked me several years ago if I thought this would ever happen I would have told you you were out of your mind. It is amazing how much family relationships can change over time, and as a parent I realize that the actual relationship between parents and their kids is incredibly important!
Not only will this mean some Grandy/Abby babysitting time (let's face it, it's a perk to be able to go out on a date), another cohort to go on Target and Farmer's Market trips, BUT....wait for it....she has a whole townhouse that needs to be decorated!
Insert giddy excitement and bubbly laughter here!
Sure, she's bringing all of her furniture and decor items, but anytime you change spaces; you need to change your look just a bit!
I am beyond excited to help her do that, and to show you some of our DIY "Mrs. Fix-it" ways to make her current things just a bit newer. For now, here's a room that "screams" my mom!

Photo from Coastal Living

The only thing I would change about this would be the curtains, but other than that the glass jars, fresh blue hydrangeas, old books, comfy couch to read on, creme and blue hues....all my mom!

Also on the inspiration boards this week is the second week of the Wayfair contest on Olioboard! The topic is nurseries and kid's rooms (also the topic of the recent OlioHop), and both Dablet and I have an entry! I'd love it if you would check out my boards on Olioboard and vote for either "Dablet does Olio-Nursery" or "Dream A-Way Nursery" in the contest! Also, check out the Facebook page for a giveaway I have going that ties into the contest!

I hope you all have a great week!