Wishful Wednesday #18: Laundry Rooms

As crazy as this sounds, I dream about Laundry Rooms. Probably because, one of my favorite household chores, is doing laundry. I like the way the laundry soap smells. I enjoy fluffing and folding. I adore organizing. Color coding, is a must! Getting things clean, just makes me feel better.

 

I once, held up a building site, because I wasn't happy with the laundry room. No lie! You can ask, this guy. He thought I was nuts! But if we were going to do it. It was going to happen the right way. And so, I made sure, all our needs were met.

 

These days, I just want a pretty space, to do laundry. I'm living with my Momma. Who knows, for how long. She still needs me. And my life, is apparently, still on hold. For who knows, how long. And I have this need, to nest. And make things perfect. And pretty.

 

All of a sudden, our laundry room, is super tiny. Well, it's always has been. But lately, it feels worse! And I need a pretty space. Something that is organized. And light. Something, that makes me smile.

 

Which is not our current situation. Currently, I want to run away. Every single time, I look in there, it depresses me. And although most of the pictures I'm going to show you, are a far cry...from what I can achieve. I can still dream. You know, in case I decide to make the permanent move...back to my hometown...

 

First of all, I adore the storage, under the counter. Because honestly, it's like sorting your laundry daily. And it's out of site. I also like this counter space. Perfect for folding!

I've ALWAYS wanted a sink, in the laundry room. Do you know how many clothes, I hand wash. And the bathroom sink, just isn't the place to do it. I want a sink...

I LOVE this light and airy feel! Oh, it would be amazing! We have one small window. Around noon, we get the most light. But I do like, the counter again. More...the space underneath. Those bins pull out, and it's another way to sort and store dirty laundry.

Wouldn't this be perfect? An indoor hanging area. For all those items that need to be hung to dry. Come on, my family can't be the only one...that still hangs clothes. Either they freeze in the winter. Or smell like smoke, because one of our neighbors, is burning weeds outside.

Oh, and I adore the open shelving. It would be perfect, to store toilet paper, paper towels, and the likes. Currently, I try and hide everything in a closet. Or a cabinet. I like this idea.

And to have a place, to hang everything up. Perfection! I once had a Mud Room. And a Laundry Room. It was the life! I liked having a place, to hang my gym bag. Or kick off my shoes. It made, the rest of the house work. I miss that!

My Mom and I, have been talking about shelves like this. For over a year now. Her Laundry Room, is about this size. Maybe a foot wider. And it's a square shaped room. But it's a small laundry room. And it needs to be more functional. I hate having to chase pups in there. Only to run into bottles of laundry soap...

This whole system looks AMAZING! I really adore it. A place for everything. And most of the items, are well hidden in some sort of basket. Bonus, that there's room for cleaning supplies. Currently, ours are stored in the hot water heater closet. Not the best!

This would be the dream. Am I the only weirdo that likes to do laundry? I mean really, it's more like LOVE!!! Just a few short years ago...a certain Mr. would find me in the Laundry Room. All the time! We had a rather large Laundry Room. With a comfy couch. It was my hangout. Fresh, light, and so inviting!

And really, I can't say anything bad...about this space! I like the décor, the layout, and the storage. It just looks so functional. My little sink and all! Really, this inspires me, to throw everything out of my Mom's Laundry Room. And start all over...

I also adore this idea. A nice table. Functional cabinets. To store all those large pieces...that we don't use all the time. You know the ones. When you are entertaining. That is also a big problem for us. Too many large pots, serving platters, and the such. I guess that's just part of being from a large family. But this would be a nice solution.

So many great ideas. Honestly, it makes me want to start all over. In my Mom's house. She is in major need of storage. And functionality. And just making the space, look pretty. It's been a while folks. We still have walkers, shower bars, and other items that we needed for my Dad...all over the house. Tucked between the washer and dryer. Hidden behind the couch. It's time, to make the space for my Mom...

Oh, and this picture. It takes my heart. I adore that chandelier. It wasn't long ago, that my Dad and I, were hanging one in my Laundry Room. Back home. You see, he bought me a chandelier for my Dining Room. Later on, I'd find a more perfect version...and we'd move the other one...to the Laundry Room. Because no girl, can have too many chandeliers. At least in my book.

I think a Laundry Room should be functional. And beautiful. And a place, that you are happy to walk into. That's probably why, I don't mind doing household chores. I try and make all the spaces, beautiful. It puts a smile on your face. It doesn't have to be fancy. Maybe a fun color of paint. One wall, with a fun detail. A cute light fixture. Something. Anything at all. Remember, you only live once! ❤

Wishful Wednesday #5: Wellies

Wellies. Rain boots. Rubber boots. Galoshes. Garden boots. Whatever you call them, I LOVE them! Always have. And probably always will! There is something about them, that brings a smile to my face.

I first remember wellies, when I was a small kid. I used to help my grandpa, with his big garden. It was a HUGE task! My grandpa, was in his 80s, lived in the mountains, and insisted on a big garden! So all 6 years of me, would go help him. And he always insisted, we wear our rubber boots.

My grandpa would put on his overalls, plaid shirt, and rubber boots. He bought me a pair, at K-Mart. They were bright yellow. And I'd put them on, with my little short set. And we'd head out. We'd work on the garden for hours. Praying before we did work. Working hard, until lunchtime. Then we'd sit under a tree, and eat lunch, while listening to Paul Harvey. We did this every single day, during the summer. Afternoons were for relaxing, playing, and feeding the animals.

Then when I went to college, and had my own HUGE yard to manage, I went back to my wellie ways. I went to Target, and bought me a pair. With hearts, all over them! Every single time, I worked in the yard, I wore them. My neighbors thought I was nuts! 110 degrees, yoga pants, and wellies. :)

In October 2014, my Dad might have convinced a nurse to help him. Order me a pair of blue wellies. From his hospital bed. Just because! And I LOVE them! I might have started wearing them, because it sprinkled outside. Then when the snow hit. Now, I just wear them because, well I want to. With jeans. To the grocery store. Yup, I'm that lady.

And I wanted to share my love with you. It doesn't matter your price point. There is something out there for you! Promise! Yes, we probably all dream about the expensive ones. But there are more affordable pairs. That are so fun to wear!

This first pair, is more affordable. $40. From the Gardener's Supply Company. Definitely a gardener's type of wellie. A little fun and funky. Last week, they had the perfect polka dot pair. Sadly, they are now sold out!

Can we stop? For just a moment, and take them all in! Navy. Pink. Polka Dots. Hello lover! These are amazing! The Joules Molly Welly, are $58 at Back Country. They are currently having a sale. And I am really struggling, to not buy these! Seriously, they are sitting in my cart right this minute.

They are a nice classic, navy color. With just enough pink, to make them fun. And interesting. Those polka dots, they have my heart! No questions asked! And the little buckles, give the boots a sense of charm. Grace. And luxury.

These boots, I've seen a variety of styles, that are a close match. At all price points. With a little more pink, a slightly larger buckle, maybe a bow. But these are the ones, that keep calling my name. Again, a Joules product. This time, found at Target. For $75.

Like I said, I saw a variety of similar boots, from $20-200. It just depends on your taste. And where you decide to buy them. But honestly, these stripped boots, would be timeless. And would add just a bit of whimsy, to any outfit! I wouldn't mind getting a pair, for Love Day!

This next pair is also from Target. They are fun and funky. Love those little chickens. Makes me think, of all the time, I spent with my grandparents growing up. Working on the garden, feeding animals, and having fun! This pair is also by Joules, and comes in at $75.

The last pair, is by far, the most expensive. At $150. But is probably the best made pair, of the bunch. Hunter boots. Oh my goodness! Looking at their website, just makes me happy. So many pretty colors! Thundercloud, this lavender color, is my favorite! Maybe I'll win the lottery or something...

These are similar to the ones my Dad bought me. Except mine are dark blue. And, cost a fraction of the price. He got them on some deal, on one of the various "Morning Shows," we used to watch. But they are super comfy! And so warm! They also go, with just about anything in your closet. I may have worn mine, with a Summer Dress, this past Spring. :)

My only suggestion is, find some fun socks. Long socks. Boot socks preferably. But I feel this way, about any pair of boots, that you might throw on. Your feet will stay nice and warm. And dry, in a pair of wellies.

And don't just look at the price. I say this all the time. Shop your local stores. Go where you usually go to shop. I've purchased wellies, at Target. And K-Mart. Both for around $20. I've shopped e-Bay. And found some good quality, brand new wellies, for $15. I've purchased them online, at various stores. With online coupons. For anywhere between $20-200. They are all amazing!

Yes, I might have a wellie problem. It might have taken me, a week, to write this post. I kept getting distracted, by the endless possibilities! But really, they are a fun addition, to any outfit. At anytime of the year. And honestly, at any price point.

Go out. Take a look around. And buy a pair. They're not just for working in the yard. Or rainy days. Heck, pull on a pair of shorts, or your favorite summer dress. And add a little fun, to your outfit! ❤

Wishful Wednesday #4: Moving to Florida

Just the other day, I was hanging out at home. Waiting to hear from a doctor I work with. And my Mom. So pretty much, wasting some time. Did you know, the TV choices at 8AM, are not very good. I mean, I would normally gravitate to GMA or Home and Family. But I was wanting to watch a movie or something. Because I knew it was going to be a while, before I'd leave home.

So I was scrolling through the channels. And I saw it! The HGTV Dream Home! How had I missed it? How had I not seen the special already? You see, HGTV, the Travel Channel, the Food Network, DIY, and FIY are my jam! I'm usually watching something off of, one of these channels.

It was something about this year's home. I don't know. Maybe it was the design. Maybe it was the location. Maybe it's because we've had a very tough year. But I was so into this home!

We'll start with the kitchen! It's ALWAYS going to be my favorite room. In any home! Just look at it. Waiting for me, to get in, and make a mess. I'd LOVE to cook in this space! I could see family and friends, sitting around the island, as I bake and cook.

This living room, just screams, "curl up with your favorite book!" I can see myself, reading, blogging, or even crocheting, all in this space. Starring out those windows. Just look at this view!!!

The master! Wow! Everything about this space, is just wow! I mean, you can take a look at the pictures. But watching the show, gives you such a better view.

I will admit, the color wouldn't be my first pick. I'm more a lavender, lilac, or grey kind of a gal. But this room really is stunning! I'd love to wake up, in this bed!

The master bath, is AMAZING!!! This picture doesn't do it justice! I mean, the bathtub alone, is calling my name! And the little balcony, would be so amazing too! My dream bathroom.

This is the balcony off the master bedroom. This sold me. I'd move to Florida in a heartbeat! I mean, it doesn't get much better than this!

The last few years, have been beyond a challenge. For myself, and my Mom. If only, we could win something like this, it would be a new beginning. A place for us, to reconnect. To begin again. To recharge those batteries. And to try and figure out this life, without my Daddy.

I guess a gal can dream. And I guess I can sign up to win, every single day. And I can get on my knees and pray. This little piece of heaven, would be amazing! I mean, I didn't even show you the property! It is even more beautiful! They even have a dog house! Our pups, they would even have a place to chill.

So I can dream. And on this Wishful Wednesday, this is what I'm wishing for. Not just for the home. Because it really is stunning. And much more, than I'd ever really dream of. But for the calm of my mind. To really have the time, and place, to recharge. And get my life, back on the rails.

The last year has definitely been a tough one. One that has had, so much tragedy. So much hate. So much hurt. A little piece of heaven, would just do this soul, some good. I can wish, and I can dream. ❤

Wishful Wednesday #2: Lavender And Grey



There is no doubt in my mind, that the last few years have been tough. And I've just been surviving. All of it! There was once a time in my life, that I lived in "controlled chaos." I think most college students can say that. Medical students for sure!

 

You know, you have a certain control, over most things. But life is still very chaotic. Busy at the very least. But you control things. I CONTROLLED so much! My home was definitely one of those things. One that I kept very organized. ALL THE TIME!!!

 

I've always looked at my bedroom as being one of those places. One that was a sanctuary. A place that I controlled. And limited people to. It was my soft place to land. My place to unwind from the world. It was my safe place.

 

Over the past few years, my bedroom lost all of that! All of the magic was sucked out. All of the security, disappeared. And well, this is definitely a rebuilding year. One that is set to be magical. To put our lives back in some sort of order. And continue moving forward.

 

My bedroom is going to be the first place for me. It is my childhood bedroom. But resembles nothing, from my childhood. Other than beautiful woodwork, soft lavender carpet, and a completely incredible window seat.

 

You see, when I moved out, all those years ago, I took all my belongings. Then a few years into me being on my own, my parents' ceiling collapsed in their bedroom. And my old bedroom became theirs. Oh, there was also a remodel of the entire back side of our home. That meant a new closet, and all my parents' old furniture. My oldest brother, lived with my parents briefly. Then I came home.

 

Honestly, it's felt like a foreign land, ever since. So it's time for a change. I'm looking for something new. With a nod to the old. A bit of a celebration, of beautiful workmanship. But I'm looking for peace. And I turn to my favorite color, lavender. And my new modern favorite, light grey...

 

I like the idea, of some dark pieces. Either metal or wood, to anchor everything on. We're planning on taking my parents' old furniture to their mountain home. And I'm currently looking for a metal bed frame. And accessories.

Tufting! Oh, how I love thee! If' I could find a small loveseat, or even a chair like this, I'd be in heaven! I've literally, been on a hunt for a piece like this, for at least 8 years! I'm not lying. Let me know, if you have seen something similar.

I really like the idea of some sort of texture, on the bed. In terms of bedding. I've seen something similar to this, at Target. In both a light grey and white. I'm leaning towards white. Because when else can you have white bedding? Maybe it's just a single girl thing...

This entire palette...colors, textures, finishes, accessories, shapes...it's what I'm dreaming about! Something simple. Yet peaceful. With a touch of glamour. Something just for me. A single girl's dream!

I'm really leaning towards a smaller bed. Currently the room has a queen sized bed. I'm thinking more a full. Because I'd like a seating area. And more simple layout. This to me, makes for a serene look.

I'm also a fan, of long drapes. Something simple. Yet modern. Something that can be opened during the day. To allow the beautiful sunlight in. But something beautiful, for privacy in the evenings. Like I said, I have a large window seat. And I quite often, like to sit and read there.

If I could possibly find a headboard similar to this one, it would be magical. But I just don't see that happening here. Just my thoughts completely. But I really do love this furniture!

To be 100% honest, I've had this picture saved for years! When I first moved out of my parents' home, I wanted my living room to be like this. Then reality hit! I was a broke college student. Paying my mortgage and tuition, was way more important. Also, my nephew lived with me. I don't think he would have like the idea.

But I've kept this picture for a very long time! I've considered, many times, painting the walls to my office lilac. I've looked at similar pieces. And every single time, I've backed out. I'm not sure why. It just happened.

I mean, my bedroom at my home, is currently a deep purple. Deep! Mostly because I was working crazy hours. And needed to come home to a dark room. I needed my rest. But secretly, I ALWAYS dreamt of a room like this!

 

Lastly, would be this picture. All the feminine touches. Those little things, that turn a room, into a little piece of heaven. You know, the finishing touches, that turn a house, into a home. That's what I'm looking for!

I guess, I just crave, a little piece of this world, that is mine. That I can make into a comfy, safe, and peaceful place. With things I enjoy seeing, smelling, and touching. Life has been so crazy, that I just want a place to relax,

And for me, this color palette just has all of that! It's serene, peaceful, and honestly, one of my favorites! I'm not sure how long, I'll be living with my Mom. But I want a place that is mine. 100% reflective, of the woman I am today. As selfish as that sounds, how many other times in my life, will I have that shot? Probably not many. Because really, could you see a man living in a room like this? ❤

Wishful Wednesday 24: North Pole Breakfast 2014

There are a ton of things I wish for in life. 90% of them, are not material items. I wish for things like a loving man, to share my life with. Really share it. All parts of my life. I want kids. I've wanted ninitos, since before I can remember. When I was little, I would dream of having a dozen babies! And living on this guy's grandparents' Ranch. Crazy, huh!

But I'm nearly 32 years old. I'm the primary caregiver of my Dad. I have left 99% of my life behind, to care of my Dad. The man that I thought, hung the moon, stars, and heck...the entire sky! My Dad who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer...not even 6 months ago!

I used to dream of my "Prince Charming." My Dad walking me down the aisle, in my perfect white dress. To have all those babies. And to create the most AMAZING life!

But in all reality, even prior to coming home, to take care of my Dad...my life was not on "that track." Not at all! I didn't have a man to love...that shared in my life 100%. Not one that came home with me, for holidays with my family. I was not close to marriage. And what seemed like a million miles from parenthood.

And no matter how much, I felt that hole in my heart, I couldn't find my way out. I'd set up wonderful days with my friends ninitos. We'd bake, decorate, and sometimes deliver treats. We'd have big sleepovers at my home...20 little girls and me. Tia was dearly outnumbered! But I LOVED it! We'd play dolls, bake, watch princess movies, play with my shoes, dance around my home, do lots of crafting, and comb each others hair.

It was not always rainbows and puppy dog tails. Heck no! I think we can all remember the day, that 5 boxes...not containers...of sprinkles made it into my carpet. Or the night I had 1 little bitty girl, throwing up all over the place...and 15 more, fast asleep. There was even that time, when the fire ants attacked 3 kiddos in my care.

But my heart still yearns for those things I dreamt of, as a little girl. Babies of my own. A husband to share this life with. And fun traditions, that would be for my family.

And then I read Andrea's blog last week. And I literally cried! Right there in the middle of the infusion room. With my Dad's oncologist looking at me, like I've totally flipped out. I didn't just cry. I balled! Because that life, that I've always wanted, seems so far away! And this post, reminded me of everything I've given up in this life...

 

Honestly, this is the sweetest little tradition! Something that I did with my own Goddaughters, years ago. Setting the scene for the holiday season. A morning full of fun, laughter, and cheer! And as much as this post, made me cry...I feel good.

 

Why? Because one day, I hope to get back to this life. I hope to make it even better. I want to be an amazing mom like Andrea. To have fun holidays. To teach my kids about God. To show them the love, that I've carried my entire life...just for them.

 

I'm not sad this week. I'm hopeful. I feel like I have this little wish, planted deep in my soul. And I know one day, God has a plan for me. Whether my life is shared with my own kids, or with the ninitos God sends into my path. My little cousins, nieces, nephews, Goddaughters, friends. And as fun as this looks...this year for me, is all about grace. I'm learning to be happy with the little things in life. And how to file these little gems, away for a time that is not so chaotic. So touch and go. God is great! And I know he has a plan for me. I will leave it all up to him. ❤