Turns out, a themed collection of awesome blog posts in a single location is one of my new favorite things. (Along with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.) Friends, I had an excellent time looking back at 2013 with you and reflecting on ways we've all grown. Thanks for all who participated. (See here if you haven't read yet.)
But now, it's time to more forward. We know where we've been. Where are we going?
Welcome to the "In 2014, I Hope to ..." Link-Up Party! This is a place for goals, aspirations, dreams. We're setting agendas here. Developing game plans. Thinking big!
Well ... let's see what you've got! Can't wait to be inspired.
http://goo.gl/vLuky5
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
January 10, 2014
December 27, 2013
Lesson 152: In 2013, I Learned ... LINK-UP PARTY IS ON!
Welcome to the very first Link-Up Party ever hosted here at I Don't Have a Clue ... But I'm Finding Out! I am so excited to introduce you to such a fun group of bloggers.
What you'll find here is a collection of posts authored by various writers, reflecting on the lessons they have learned this past year.
The style and content of each writer is unique, so take some time and persue the collection. The hope is that you will learn from their experiences and be inspired by their examples. It is eye-opening to consider how others have spent their last twelve months.
We hope you enjoy exploring these posts, and perhaps, you'll make some friends as well!
Thanks so much for coming by! Now let's party like it's 2013!
http://goo.gl/fuvd4I
What you'll find here is a collection of posts authored by various writers, reflecting on the lessons they have learned this past year.
The style and content of each writer is unique, so take some time and persue the collection. The hope is that you will learn from their experiences and be inspired by their examples. It is eye-opening to consider how others have spent their last twelve months.
We hope you enjoy exploring these posts, and perhaps, you'll make some friends as well!
Thanks so much for coming by! Now let's party like it's 2013!
http://goo.gl/fuvd4I
October 12, 2013
Lesson 114: House Highlight 6: Quirky Weird or Quirky Cool?
Artsy friends. Today, I rearranged furniture and painted stuff.
I need your opinion.
Is this arrangement "Quirky Weird" or "Quirky Cool"?
Thanks in advance.
Lesson Learned: I'm not sure if I've learned my color lesson yet. HELP!
I need your opinion.
Is this arrangement "Quirky Weird" or "Quirky Cool"?
Thanks in advance.
Lesson Learned: I'm not sure if I've learned my color lesson yet. HELP!
October 07, 2013
Lesson 109: Developing Transferrable Skills (Making Time at Home Matter)
Click, click, click. Move the mouse. Click. Oh, that looks interesting. Click. Hmm, dead end. Back to the beginning.
Click, click. Really?!?! Click. Cool. Back to the beginning.
Click.
Click.
Click.
How much of your day is spent clicking around the internet trying to find something to amuse your mind? Something to look at? Something to read? Something to laugh about?
Be honest.
Probably a lot of time.
Though I have found a surprising sense of purpose since coming home full-time (no more seminary) and though there are lots of productive tasks to accomplish during the day, I still find myself click, click, clicking around the internet.
I don't think all clicking is bad. If you didn't click,you would never read my blog.
Thank you for clicking over here!
But, I have recently been thinking, what else could I be doing with extra time? Or rather, how can I make the time I spend doing my daily activities (including clicking) more valuable?
One suggestion I've recently heard is to spend that time developing transferrable skills.
What is a transferrable skill?
Transferrable skills are skills that serve a variety of purposes in many aspects of life. They are practical and tangible, and the more you have, the more marketable you are as a person.
Examples of transferrable skills include: public speaking, organization, management, interpersonal relationships, efficient budgeting, event planning, presentation, writing, and networking.
It all sounds so business-like, but even as a stay-at-home mom, I (and you) have the opportunity to work on a regular basis in all these areas.
Public speaking: Practice reading your children's bedtime stories well. Effective storytelling is a powerful tool. Take small opportunities as they arise. Introduce a speaker at church or teach a Sunday School class. Consider every chance you get to speak in front of a group of people important.
Organization: Do I really need to flesh this one out?
Management: Menu-planning. Manage your family with thoughtful scheduling. What is the proper amount of commitments for your family during the week? What can you all handle as people and still function with excellence? Delegate chores. Even the littlests ones are capable of some responsibility.
Interpersonal Relationships: Call your friends. Ask smart, thoughtful questions on play dates. Take advantage of car rides to either call someone or talk to your kids. Pursue your husband.
Efficient Budgeting: Talk with your husband about finances. Know what is coming in and where it is going. Do some research about finances, saving, financial planning. Spend and save your money well.
Event Planning: From birthday parties, to neighborhood dinners, to church functions. Help in these areas.
Presentation: Work on making things look pretty, whether its your dining table centerpiece, your garden or your webpage. Aesthetics are of some importance.
Writing: Blog. Journal. Write letters or emails. Force yourself to use proper grammar (at least occasionally). Read well-written material.
Networking: Follow-up with people you meet. Be intentional in the places you regularly frequent whether with your deli girl, your UPS man, or your child's teacher. Make eye contact and talk to people. Go to mommy groups and talk to people. Ask questions and listen to answers. Offer your skills and services when they are relevant to a need.
This is just a small sample of ideas. Other skills that are transferrable include cooking, musical talent, photography, and gardening.
The point is that your time matters. Clearly being a mom is important and fulfilling, but some people (including me) really need intellectual stimulation. This doesn't mean we need to leave our homes. We simply need to be thoughtful and intentional in them.
So my advice: click, click, click ... with a purpose. And if you find nothing interesting, turn the computer (or phone) off and consider working on developing a transferrable skill.
Lesson Learned: There are a lot of worthy skills that I can be honing during my time at home.
Click, click. Really?!?! Click. Cool. Back to the beginning.
Click.
Click.
Click.
How much of your day is spent clicking around the internet trying to find something to amuse your mind? Something to look at? Something to read? Something to laugh about?
Be honest.
Probably a lot of time.
Though I have found a surprising sense of purpose since coming home full-time (no more seminary) and though there are lots of productive tasks to accomplish during the day, I still find myself click, click, clicking around the internet.
I don't think all clicking is bad. If you didn't click,you would never read my blog.
Thank you for clicking over here!
But, I have recently been thinking, what else could I be doing with extra time? Or rather, how can I make the time I spend doing my daily activities (including clicking) more valuable?
One suggestion I've recently heard is to spend that time developing transferrable skills.
What is a transferrable skill?
Transferrable skills are skills that serve a variety of purposes in many aspects of life. They are practical and tangible, and the more you have, the more marketable you are as a person.
Examples of transferrable skills include: public speaking, organization, management, interpersonal relationships, efficient budgeting, event planning, presentation, writing, and networking.
It all sounds so business-like, but even as a stay-at-home mom, I (and you) have the opportunity to work on a regular basis in all these areas.
Public speaking: Practice reading your children's bedtime stories well. Effective storytelling is a powerful tool. Take small opportunities as they arise. Introduce a speaker at church or teach a Sunday School class. Consider every chance you get to speak in front of a group of people important.
Organization: Do I really need to flesh this one out?
Management: Menu-planning. Manage your family with thoughtful scheduling. What is the proper amount of commitments for your family during the week? What can you all handle as people and still function with excellence? Delegate chores. Even the littlests ones are capable of some responsibility.
Interpersonal Relationships: Call your friends. Ask smart, thoughtful questions on play dates. Take advantage of car rides to either call someone or talk to your kids. Pursue your husband.
Efficient Budgeting: Talk with your husband about finances. Know what is coming in and where it is going. Do some research about finances, saving, financial planning. Spend and save your money well.
Event Planning: From birthday parties, to neighborhood dinners, to church functions. Help in these areas.
Presentation: Work on making things look pretty, whether its your dining table centerpiece, your garden or your webpage. Aesthetics are of some importance.
Writing: Blog. Journal. Write letters or emails. Force yourself to use proper grammar (at least occasionally). Read well-written material.
Networking: Follow-up with people you meet. Be intentional in the places you regularly frequent whether with your deli girl, your UPS man, or your child's teacher. Make eye contact and talk to people. Go to mommy groups and talk to people. Ask questions and listen to answers. Offer your skills and services when they are relevant to a need.
This is just a small sample of ideas. Other skills that are transferrable include cooking, musical talent, photography, and gardening.
The point is that your time matters. Clearly being a mom is important and fulfilling, but some people (including me) really need intellectual stimulation. This doesn't mean we need to leave our homes. We simply need to be thoughtful and intentional in them.
So my advice: click, click, click ... with a purpose. And if you find nothing interesting, turn the computer (or phone) off and consider working on developing a transferrable skill.
Lesson Learned: There are a lot of worthy skills that I can be honing during my time at home.
September 17, 2013
Lesson 99: "A Meal Plan" Series Totals
So, friends, do my meal plans make you want to eat or want to cry?
Yes, as you can see from these simple lists, the food Mark and I eat is pretty plain. There is not much concocting going on, just a lot of olive oil and pepper.
Oh yum! I love those two ingredients!
There's also a lot of fruit, veggies, and grains. Yum. I love all those things too!
If you follow this plan exactly, in a four week span, you will have eaten:
- 28 bananas
- 12 eggs
- chicken twice (in soup and caesar salad)
- pork or beef once
- bacon once (in a salad)
- salmon once
- pizza once (or some other going out to eat option)
As I said in the original post, this is meant to work as a template. The goal is not to follow the plan meal for meal every single month, but to use the suggestions as a guide. So perhaps, instead of pasta with sauce, you make lasagne one month.
The overall plan helps demonstrate that not every meal needs meat. The four week cycle incorporates a mix of rice, pasta, and potatoes. Finally, the whole simplicity of the plan is meant to be a reminder that food, is food, is food. We need to eat for nutrition and for energy, but there is nothing wrong with simple meals.
If you've missed a post:
Intro to "A Meal Plan" Series
Dinner Week One
Dinner Week Two
Dinner Week Three
Dinner Week Four
Seven Days of Breakfast
Lunch for School (no nuts)
Lunch for Home
Hope this series has been helpful, and if it hasn't been ... find a food blog to read!
(You may like these posts by my friends, Jenni or Lauren)
Happy Meal Planning ... and Happy Eating!
Lesson Learned: Having a guide for meal planning can help cut down on food costs (by preventing waste), foster diversity in week to week eating, and encourage creativity to experiment within its perimeters.
Yes, as you can see from these simple lists, the food Mark and I eat is pretty plain. There is not much concocting going on, just a lot of olive oil and pepper.
Oh yum! I love those two ingredients!
There's also a lot of fruit, veggies, and grains. Yum. I love all those things too!
If you follow this plan exactly, in a four week span, you will have eaten:
- 28 bananas
- 12 eggs
- chicken twice (in soup and caesar salad)
- pork or beef once
- bacon once (in a salad)
- salmon once
- pizza once (or some other going out to eat option)
As I said in the original post, this is meant to work as a template. The goal is not to follow the plan meal for meal every single month, but to use the suggestions as a guide. So perhaps, instead of pasta with sauce, you make lasagne one month.
The overall plan helps demonstrate that not every meal needs meat. The four week cycle incorporates a mix of rice, pasta, and potatoes. Finally, the whole simplicity of the plan is meant to be a reminder that food, is food, is food. We need to eat for nutrition and for energy, but there is nothing wrong with simple meals.
If you've missed a post:
Intro to "A Meal Plan" Series
Dinner Week One
Dinner Week Two
Dinner Week Three
Dinner Week Four
Seven Days of Breakfast
Lunch for School (no nuts)
Lunch for Home
Hope this series has been helpful, and if it hasn't been ... find a food blog to read!
(You may like these posts by my friends, Jenni or Lauren)
Happy Meal Planning ... and Happy Eating!
Lesson Learned: Having a guide for meal planning can help cut down on food costs (by preventing waste), foster diversity in week to week eating, and encourage creativity to experiment within its perimeters.
July 28, 2013
Lesson 87: House Highlight 4 (My Rainbow Reading Room)
I've rainbowed my bookshelf. It gives me such a sense of peace to see our volumes arrayed in glorious color organization!
The color has exploded off the shelves and into the room itself.
We have Red.
Orange.
Yellow.
Green.
Blue.
and Purple.
These colors do not live alone.
Oh no.
They have plenty of colorful friends.
Lesson Learned: Color makes us happy!
July 20, 2013
Lesson 85: House Highlight 3 (Cleaning Out ... Again)
Recently, my home mind has been thoroughly saturated with thoughts of getting rid of things! Our new house has way more storage, and yet, I am on a mission to keep all these closets usable.
Thus, I have been filtering my online time away from decorating blogs and magazines, and focusing more on reading over again and again, "You have enough. You have all you need. You should probably take another carload to Goodwill."
In the past four months, I have read this entire blog! Rachel first encouraged me to donate back in April. Since then, I have continued to be inspired by her.
Bye, bye stuff I never use or wear!
Hello, breathable closets!
(Probabaly should have folded the extra towels before taking the picture!)
Look at all the unfilled space in the kids closet! It makes me so happy.
I'm showing you these pictures, because I personally get really motivated by looking at pictures of empty closets. My normal cleaning out routine begins with reading a few Small Notebook posts which is almost always followed by some purging!
My friends have helped as well with posts here and here. Stephie's post is more recent. But Amanda's post is over a year old. Her images stuck in my mind, and I remembered to link y'all to it. This is to prove that it is helpful to see visuals (at least for me) to bring on the clearing out!
Of course, every closet in my house is not perfect! I have a really hard time sorting toys.
Alright, enough of my closets! Go get rid of something!
Lesson Learned: Seeing empty, organized closets helps to motivate me to clean out my own.
P.S. Written An Hour Later:
I was so inspired by my own pictures. After posting this blog, I went and cleaned out a little more!
Somehow, there is always more!
Thus, I have been filtering my online time away from decorating blogs and magazines, and focusing more on reading over again and again, "You have enough. You have all you need. You should probably take another carload to Goodwill."
In the past four months, I have read this entire blog! Rachel first encouraged me to donate back in April. Since then, I have continued to be inspired by her.
Bye, bye stuff I never use or wear!
Hello, breathable closets!
(Probabaly should have folded the extra towels before taking the picture!)
Look at all the unfilled space in the kids closet! It makes me so happy.
I'm showing you these pictures, because I personally get really motivated by looking at pictures of empty closets. My normal cleaning out routine begins with reading a few Small Notebook posts which is almost always followed by some purging!
My friends have helped as well with posts here and here. Stephie's post is more recent. But Amanda's post is over a year old. Her images stuck in my mind, and I remembered to link y'all to it. This is to prove that it is helpful to see visuals (at least for me) to bring on the clearing out!
Of course, every closet in my house is not perfect! I have a really hard time sorting toys.
Alright, enough of my closets! Go get rid of something!
Lesson Learned: Seeing empty, organized closets helps to motivate me to clean out my own.
P.S. Written An Hour Later:
I was so inspired by my own pictures. After posting this blog, I went and cleaned out a little more!
Somehow, there is always more!
June 18, 2013
Lesson 76: House Highlight Two (Displaying Samara's Treasures)
New babies are special. So special that whenever one is born, all the people that this baby will grow to love, shower baby with sweet and sentimental gifts.
And who is mother to decide which gifts take top priority, which clothes get worn sixty times instead of one, which stuffed rabbit becomes the irreplacable "lovely"? Should baby not be presented with every option, encouraged by equal interaction with each gift, and then, allowed the freedom to gravitate towards her preference?
This was my mentality when Samara was born. In fact, in her first nursery, I was so attached to every one of her gifts (and the givers) that I felt obligated to display the lot.
Y'all this is sentimental shelf of items. A beautiful custom knit hat courtesy of my college Bible study leader. A painting from my sister-in-law with flowers made out of ribbon from her wedding. A homemade sock monkey, given to me by a woman from my home church who has known me forever! And this is not a Target sock monkey. This sock monkey was actually made out of socks!
Truth be told, I could tell you the story behind every single item in this picture, including the source of every blanket in the pile.
So special.
But seriously, how long do you think the shelves stayed this neat with a baby around?
Maybe an hour?
I know for a fact that ceramic green cat on the top shelf was broken by an internet repair man not long after this photo was taken. I was not happy (as I had asked Mark to move everything before the guy got in there for this very reason, but I do not keep a record of wrongs.)
Not only is this type of shelf stuffing impractical, it is so busy, as in cluttered. When is the baby supposed to breath?
Her dresser top wasn't much better. #somanysmallthings.
As time passed, I edited a bit.
Brakables were elevated out of reach. Everything eye-level and below was usable and indestructible.
However, I still had trouble decluttering the dresser top. This set-up even survived a move.
For a while.
You may come to find a major theme running through these House Highlight posts ... a lesson that I am still learning. It is simply that less truly is more. I have read numerous articles discussing how when it comes to gifts, it really is the thought that counts. Be grateful to your gifter, but do not assume that every single knick knack needs prime viewing real estate.
It is ok. Let it go.
When all was said and done, the white shelf got ousted altogether. It was originally a hutch for a white desk, that I bought at a yard sale for $7. (Using a hutch as a bookshelf, without the underlying piece may or may not fall into the weird category.)
Samara's dresser top ended up looking like this. (I apologize for the split pictures. Turns out I do not have a straight on shot.)
Closest to Samara's bed is a reading lamp and two frames with fun, bright photos in them.
On the far side, a globe taken from my grandmother's farmhouse sits, which is intended to help Samara understand her small place in the grand scheme of the world. (A mix of mission and Montessori?) The piggy bank is a gift from her uncle and is actually used for savings!
Sidenote 2: We still have the sock monkey. He just doesn't sit on the rocking chair.
And who is mother to decide which gifts take top priority, which clothes get worn sixty times instead of one, which stuffed rabbit becomes the irreplacable "lovely"? Should baby not be presented with every option, encouraged by equal interaction with each gift, and then, allowed the freedom to gravitate towards her preference?
This was my mentality when Samara was born. In fact, in her first nursery, I was so attached to every one of her gifts (and the givers) that I felt obligated to display the lot.
Y'all this is sentimental shelf of items. A beautiful custom knit hat courtesy of my college Bible study leader. A painting from my sister-in-law with flowers made out of ribbon from her wedding. A homemade sock monkey, given to me by a woman from my home church who has known me forever! And this is not a Target sock monkey. This sock monkey was actually made out of socks!
Truth be told, I could tell you the story behind every single item in this picture, including the source of every blanket in the pile.
So special.
But seriously, how long do you think the shelves stayed this neat with a baby around?
Maybe an hour?
I know for a fact that ceramic green cat on the top shelf was broken by an internet repair man not long after this photo was taken. I was not happy (as I had asked Mark to move everything before the guy got in there for this very reason, but I do not keep a record of wrongs.)
Not only is this type of shelf stuffing impractical, it is so busy, as in cluttered. When is the baby supposed to breath?
Her dresser top wasn't much better. #somanysmallthings.
As time passed, I edited a bit.
Brakables were elevated out of reach. Everything eye-level and below was usable and indestructible.
However, I still had trouble decluttering the dresser top. This set-up even survived a move.
For a while.
You may come to find a major theme running through these House Highlight posts ... a lesson that I am still learning. It is simply that less truly is more. I have read numerous articles discussing how when it comes to gifts, it really is the thought that counts. Be grateful to your gifter, but do not assume that every single knick knack needs prime viewing real estate.
It is ok. Let it go.
When all was said and done, the white shelf got ousted altogether. It was originally a hutch for a white desk, that I bought at a yard sale for $7. (Using a hutch as a bookshelf, without the underlying piece may or may not fall into the weird category.)
Samara's dresser top ended up looking like this. (I apologize for the split pictures. Turns out I do not have a straight on shot.)
On the far side, a globe taken from my grandmother's farmhouse sits, which is intended to help Samara understand her small place in the grand scheme of the world. (A mix of mission and Montessori?) The piggy bank is a gift from her uncle and is actually used for savings!
That is it.
In defense of my pre-country self, the view seen through Samara's new window is breath-taking. An object displayed in front of it clearly loses when one looks out! In the original, dirty apartment complex, such views were not accessible.
A few rules I have come to live by when displaying small items:
1. Love it. Seriously, if each and every item does not make you smile ... put it in the closet! It is not worth it to feel irritated every time your eyes graze that lovingly bestowed, horribly ugly keepsake. (Do y'all actually get angry, or is it just me?)
2. Think about size and height. I have no further tips concerning this, but visual balance is key!
3. LESS IS MORE. When trying to decide what to put on a surface, always start with nothing. I recently read that there is beauty in a blank wall, and not only do I thoroughly agree with this statement, I think the same can be true about a particular piece of furniture, mantel, or shelf. Sometimes nothing looks best! If it needs something, add carefully, slowly. Every single item must be necessary.
4. Particular to Samara's room, I like to tell her the stories behind her treasures. Where or whom did it come from? On what occasion? What was her reaction? After all, regardless of how beautiful I want the space to look, it is her room, not mine!
Additional tip for gift givers:
Mothers often have a very specific vision for what they want their baby's nursery to look like. Though many gifts are well-intentioned, I personally find it best to steer clear of nursery decor gifts (unless something is requested on a registry), because ... well, the new momma may feel obligated to hang your lovingly handstitched toucan tapestry over her crib, but in reality, it's not quite what she was picturing when she chose a quirky bird theme.
I know. You think that what you have chosen is the exception. (Not to be overly forward, but) ... it's not.
Back to everyone else:
There is a hard line to draw between a cluttered surface and a hotel-like (boring) one. You want your space to be warm, personal, and welcoming, and yet, managable.
Clearly, this is all amateur advice. I'm just sharing where I've ended up.
Lesson Learned: I've said it twice already. Less is more! It can still be special.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sidenote:
The rocking chair in the final picture has also been edited. Different
quilt, less pillows, and sadly, no more sock monkey.
June 08, 2013
Lesson 75: House Highlight One
Two days after graduation we moved.
We used to live here.
Now we live here.
You may recognize this new house from my terribly emotional goodbye posts to the best neighbors in the world. We mourned their loss for a year ... but, well, it's been long enough and now we live in their old house!
We literally picked up our stuff and moved it across the yard. No real packing was involved, just some loading up of clothes baskets followed by immediate emptying.
This is the third house Mark and I have occupied during our almost five years of marriage. (We also lived in a Swiss hostel for four months and in my childhood bedroom for six.)
From the start, I have loved to decorate our home! My daily thought process has typically gone something like this. "This room needs better lighting. Get out of bed, Katherine. I am so glad I bought this rug. It's super bright. Brush teeth. Baby's crying. Man, I love Hudson's nursery. The blue is perfect. Banana for baby. The furniture in this kitchen nook is not positioned correctly. I need to read for seminary. Maybe I'll just see if there are any sales at Ballard first." And on and on.
The first day after Mark and I finished seminary, I let out a sigh of relief and said, "I can finally decorate in peace." (As if two children have no bearing on my time.)
This new house is by far the biggest we've ever lived in, and it has the nicest bones. Most of the downstairs has its original hard wood flooring, which is stained a beautiful dark brown color. There is molding all around the ceiling and the windows are framed nicely. Every wall is painted a dark beige (which would not be my color of choice), that we are learning to work with it.
Though it's only been two weeks, much of the house is in order already, and I really like the way most of it looks. All this redecorating (and actually liking the product) has gotten me reminiscing about our past houses. From the start, I never wanted a Target / Ikea looking house. Both of these stores have actually improved in the past few years, but when I first started decorating, they were so generic! My greatest fear was a boring, Target house. (No offense if you like Target. To each his own.)
Thus, I tried to be creative, interesting, colorful, and so on.
As a result, I have done some really weird things to get the look I wanted at a price I could afford! Mark can attest.
I've decided to start a weekly series called "House Highlight" in which I focus on some small aspect of one of the homes we've lived in, including the current one. Some will be highlights which I consider great triumphs, strokes of genius, if you will. Others, well, will just be weird, cautionary tales, ideas for you to steer clear of.
I think it's going to be fun.
Lesson Learned: When it comes to decorating, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again!
We used to live here.
Now we live here.
You may recognize this new house from my terribly emotional goodbye posts to the best neighbors in the world. We mourned their loss for a year ... but, well, it's been long enough and now we live in their old house!
We literally picked up our stuff and moved it across the yard. No real packing was involved, just some loading up of clothes baskets followed by immediate emptying.
This is the third house Mark and I have occupied during our almost five years of marriage. (We also lived in a Swiss hostel for four months and in my childhood bedroom for six.)
From the start, I have loved to decorate our home! My daily thought process has typically gone something like this. "This room needs better lighting. Get out of bed, Katherine. I am so glad I bought this rug. It's super bright. Brush teeth. Baby's crying. Man, I love Hudson's nursery. The blue is perfect. Banana for baby. The furniture in this kitchen nook is not positioned correctly. I need to read for seminary. Maybe I'll just see if there are any sales at Ballard first." And on and on.
The first day after Mark and I finished seminary, I let out a sigh of relief and said, "I can finally decorate in peace." (As if two children have no bearing on my time.)
This new house is by far the biggest we've ever lived in, and it has the nicest bones. Most of the downstairs has its original hard wood flooring, which is stained a beautiful dark brown color. There is molding all around the ceiling and the windows are framed nicely. Every wall is painted a dark beige (which would not be my color of choice), that we are learning to work with it.
Though it's only been two weeks, much of the house is in order already, and I really like the way most of it looks. All this redecorating (and actually liking the product) has gotten me reminiscing about our past houses. From the start, I never wanted a Target / Ikea looking house. Both of these stores have actually improved in the past few years, but when I first started decorating, they were so generic! My greatest fear was a boring, Target house. (No offense if you like Target. To each his own.)
Thus, I tried to be creative, interesting, colorful, and so on.
As a result, I have done some really weird things to get the look I wanted at a price I could afford! Mark can attest.
I've decided to start a weekly series called "House Highlight" in which I focus on some small aspect of one of the homes we've lived in, including the current one. Some will be highlights which I consider great triumphs, strokes of genius, if you will. Others, well, will just be weird, cautionary tales, ideas for you to steer clear of.
I think it's going to be fun.
Lesson Learned: When it comes to decorating, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again!
August 31, 2012
Lesson 42: The Van Vlake's ... and The Sovereignty of God (Van Vlake Series)
As you know, Mark and I are in seminary at RTS in Charlotte, and as you know, our dear friends and neighbors have recently moved.
What you may not know is that we met the Van Vlake's at RTS in Charlotte. Marcus was in both Mark and my classes, and Shelly and I attended women's functions together. For a year and half, Marucs was our classmate.
It was at RTS that Marcus recruited Mark to move to Clover. Now, I don't want to say that what Marcus wants, Marcus gets, but ... !!! He would say it was all according to God's will.
We would agree.
Growing our friendship with this family has renewed our sense of perspective as far as seminary is concerned. Though Marcus began as our classmate, in the past year we have seen him graduate with his MDiv, study for and pass all his ordination exams, and become ordained as a minister of the gospel in the PCA. Praise God!
A week ago, he baptized Hudson.
What you may not know is that we met the Van Vlake's at RTS in Charlotte. Marcus was in both Mark and my classes, and Shelly and I attended women's functions together. For a year and half, Marucs was our classmate.
It was at RTS that Marcus recruited Mark to move to Clover. Now, I don't want to say that what Marcus wants, Marcus gets, but ... !!! He would say it was all according to God's will.
We would agree.
Growing our friendship with this family has renewed our sense of perspective as far as seminary is concerned. Though Marcus began as our classmate, in the past year we have seen him graduate with his MDiv, study for and pass all his ordination exams, and become ordained as a minister of the gospel in the PCA. Praise God!
A week ago, he baptized Hudson.
August 29, 2012
Lesson 41: Samara's Best Friend (Van Vlake Series)
Can you picture anything cuter than two little girls, who know six words apiece, hollering back and forth to one another from their front porches in nothing but their diapers?
Well, start with that, but then imagine when the excitement becomes too much that they have no choice but to flee the porches and meet in the middle of the yard to squeal and poke each others' faces a while.
Such was the beginning of the friendship of Samara and Rosie.
Well, start with that, but then imagine when the excitement becomes too much that they have no choice but to flee the porches and meet in the middle of the yard to squeal and poke each others' faces a while.
Such was the beginning of the friendship of Samara and Rosie.
August 27, 2012
Lesson 39: Girls ... This is the Most Important Post You'll Ever Read (Van Vlake Series)
Was it the title that made you click on the link?
I hope so, because what it says is true. This is really important.
If you've been reading for a while (or if you simply read the subtitle to the blog), you should know by now that I am "on a journey from grown-up adolescence into full-fledged adulthood." If you are wondering what that means, read here.
If you are on a similar journey, I sincerely have some of the most important advice you'll ever hear. (I understand this is debatable).
Find a friend, who is a woman, who is TEN years older than you!
I hope so, because what it says is true. This is really important.
If you've been reading for a while (or if you simply read the subtitle to the blog), you should know by now that I am "on a journey from grown-up adolescence into full-fledged adulthood." If you are wondering what that means, read here.
If you are on a similar journey, I sincerely have some of the most important advice you'll ever hear. (I understand this is debatable).
Find a friend, who is a woman, who is TEN years older than you!
August 26, 2012
Lesson 38: Paradise Lost - Introducing the "Van Vlake Series"
"Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters." Dave Matthews Band
When I look out my front porch, this is what I see.
If I turn slightly to the left, I see this ... the home of the world's best neighbors.
Or it was ...
until they moved.
When I look out my front porch, this is what I see.
If I turn slightly to the left, I see this ... the home of the world's best neighbors.
Or it was ...
until they moved.
August 24, 2012
Lesson 37: Pinterest in Print (Back to School Series)
In the spirit of "Back to School", I have purged my closets. Bags of unworn clothes and dusty home items are in the car headed to Goodwill. After multiple moves and numerous spurts of redecorating, I don't have a huge emotional attachment to unused things anymore. I'm so happy to get them out the door!
But, there is one thing that I have a really difficult time just throwing away. Magazines.
I love magazines! I love looking and relooking at them! I also like having them available for guests to look at, because guests love looking at them!
Unfortunately, in my "Back to School" cleansing, I realized that my magazine hoarding had become a problem.
But, there is one thing that I have a really difficult time just throwing away. Magazines.
I love magazines! I love looking and relooking at them! I also like having them available for guests to look at, because guests love looking at them!
Unfortunately, in my "Back to School" cleansing, I realized that my magazine hoarding had become a problem.
August 22, 2012
Lesson 36: The First Day of School (Back to School Series)
Today marks the beginning of the end.
Lord willing, just nine short months
from now, Mark and I both will cross the stage at Christ Covenant
Church to receive our seminary degrees. I get chills just thinking
about it. Sometimes I cry. The Lord has been good to bring us this
far.
I've always loved the first day of
school. In elementary school, I would lie awake all night, wondering
who else would be in my class, if my teacher would be nice and how I was
going to fare with the year's difficult task of say, learning cursive.
I would envision my outfit over and over. A “cool” girl, who was one grade older, lived across
the street. Whatever she had worn the year before on the first day of
school, I would wear the next year. I distinctly remember a floral
silk blouse and matching shorts with white Keds one year.
August 21, 2012
Lesson 35: An Update on the Lazy Couponer (Back to School Series)
As you know, I am a self-proclaimed lazy couponer.
Here's a brief recap of the rules of lazy couponing:
1. One main couponing website: SouthernSavers.com
2. One main store to shop from: Harris Teeter
3. One main source for coupons: newspaper
4. Cut all you would buy if it was free.
5. Plan your trip and shop.
Though the original post was called "The Lazy Couponer," recently it would be more accurate to label me a super lazy couponer. I hadn't cut my weekly inserts in over four weeks!
Here's a brief recap of the rules of lazy couponing:
1. One main couponing website: SouthernSavers.com
2. One main store to shop from: Harris Teeter
3. One main source for coupons: newspaper
4. Cut all you would buy if it was free.
5. Plan your trip and shop.
Though the original post was called "The Lazy Couponer," recently it would be more accurate to label me a super lazy couponer. I hadn't cut my weekly inserts in over four weeks!
August 20, 2012
Lesson 34: A Meal Plan (Back to School Series)
West End. The best college dining hall in the entire country.
I know you very loyal graduates of universities other than Virginia Tech are mentally arguing with me right now. You can stop doing that. If you look here, you will see, that the years I attended VT, West End actually was rated the #1 dining hall by a variety of sources.
Aside from their lobster and prime rib options, West End had an addicting pasta station. Seriously, I think there was crack in the fettuccine alfredo, (along with three portions worth of noodles and a billion calories).
It was a dismal day at the end of every semester when I realized my Hokie Passport (our student id's) was out of dining hall money and I was on my own for food.
I distinctly remember putting globs of peanut and jelly onto a plate (no money for bread), mixing it around, and eating it with a knife.
I didn't even have a spoon.
I know you very loyal graduates of universities other than Virginia Tech are mentally arguing with me right now. You can stop doing that. If you look here, you will see, that the years I attended VT, West End actually was rated the #1 dining hall by a variety of sources.
Aside from their lobster and prime rib options, West End had an addicting pasta station. Seriously, I think there was crack in the fettuccine alfredo, (along with three portions worth of noodles and a billion calories).
It was a dismal day at the end of every semester when I realized my Hokie Passport (our student id's) was out of dining hall money and I was on my own for food.
I distinctly remember putting globs of peanut and jelly onto a plate (no money for bread), mixing it around, and eating it with a knife.
I didn't even have a spoon.
August 19, 2012
Lesson 33: Introducing the "Back to School" (Back to School Series)
Last week on "I Don't Have a Clue", I got on a series kick. I posted five times about decorating with the color white. You can start the series here if you missed out! I apologize to my readers (Paul) who do not care at all about decorating with the color white. Perhaps direct your wife in my direction?
This week, I've decided to continue to take the themed route. Mark and I are beginning our fall semester of seminary on Wednesday. This means that we have spent the last week preparing and planning!
Mark's tasks included changing our water filter (we're on a well), getting internet installed (our neighbors moved), taking our 4-runner for an oil change, fixing a turn signal, ordering an immersion hand-blender off groupon (he wants me to make soup), registering Hudson for a birth certificate (a few months late), and compiling our reading lists.
My tasks have been much more important!
I tackled formulating a meal plan, completing back to school shopping, scoring as a lazy couponer, and organizing a very important portion of my house! This and more is what you have to look forward to this week, along with some reflection hitting around Wednesday! If you prefer the more written posts, this is your day!
To get us in the right mindset, what do you think of when you think of going back to school?
Lesson Learned: If I pick a theme, I am able to stick with it for more posts. I am not convinced I want to go the series route always, but I'm experimenting right now!
Keep Reading!
This week, I've decided to continue to take the themed route. Mark and I are beginning our fall semester of seminary on Wednesday. This means that we have spent the last week preparing and planning!
Mark's tasks included changing our water filter (we're on a well), getting internet installed (our neighbors moved), taking our 4-runner for an oil change, fixing a turn signal, ordering an immersion hand-blender off groupon (he wants me to make soup), registering Hudson for a birth certificate (a few months late), and compiling our reading lists.
My tasks have been much more important!
I tackled formulating a meal plan, completing back to school shopping, scoring as a lazy couponer, and organizing a very important portion of my house! This and more is what you have to look forward to this week, along with some reflection hitting around Wednesday! If you prefer the more written posts, this is your day!
To get us in the right mindset, what do you think of when you think of going back to school?
Lesson Learned: If I pick a theme, I am able to stick with it for more posts. I am not convinced I want to go the series route always, but I'm experimenting right now!
Keep Reading!
August 17, 2012
Lesson 31: White Disclaimers (The White Series)
Hi. I hope you enjoyed this week of white as much as I have. If this is your first day of white, I suggest starting here and reading through the series!
I want to make a few closing remarks regarding white in your home.
1. I did not recommend using white as a paint color for your walls! Though I am not totally against white walls, I think they are very hard to work with. It's almost as if your canvas is too big. If you do opt for white walls (or are stuck in a rental where you can't paint), I can make a few suggestions, but not hard and fast rules. I've found that dark furniture works as a very nice base. Then, you can use white accents and they should pop.
Friends, feel free to offer advice in the comments section for our white-walled readers!
2. I would not suggest using the whitest of whites! I read somewhere there are more shades of white then any other color. I would say, utilize the spectrum of white. The problem with starting with the whitest of whites is that everything else will look dirty in comparison. The last thing you want is to walk in your front door and think, "oh my goodness, I need to wash everything" simply because you chose an overly white bed skirt.
3. Make white work for you! The idea that I am putting forward is that the color white can be used as a tool to allow you to experiment in a million different ways in your home without driving yourself crazy. Let it be just that, a tool. I'll warn you. White can easily become an obsession, especially for those of you with very busy lives. Though some people can really make total white work through a variety of textures and shades, I think that it is extremely difficult. Thus, for all you amateur decorators out there, like me, use it to highlight the things you love!
Lesson Learned: White is awesome! It can be used in a variety of ways and serve a variety of purposes. It is also a subject that five consecutive blog posts can be written about!
I want to make a few closing remarks regarding white in your home.
1. I did not recommend using white as a paint color for your walls! Though I am not totally against white walls, I think they are very hard to work with. It's almost as if your canvas is too big. If you do opt for white walls (or are stuck in a rental where you can't paint), I can make a few suggestions, but not hard and fast rules. I've found that dark furniture works as a very nice base. Then, you can use white accents and they should pop.
Friends, feel free to offer advice in the comments section for our white-walled readers!
2. I would not suggest using the whitest of whites! I read somewhere there are more shades of white then any other color. I would say, utilize the spectrum of white. The problem with starting with the whitest of whites is that everything else will look dirty in comparison. The last thing you want is to walk in your front door and think, "oh my goodness, I need to wash everything" simply because you chose an overly white bed skirt.
3. Make white work for you! The idea that I am putting forward is that the color white can be used as a tool to allow you to experiment in a million different ways in your home without driving yourself crazy. Let it be just that, a tool. I'll warn you. White can easily become an obsession, especially for those of you with very busy lives. Though some people can really make total white work through a variety of textures and shades, I think that it is extremely difficult. Thus, for all you amateur decorators out there, like me, use it to highlight the things you love!
Lesson Learned: White is awesome! It can be used in a variety of ways and serve a variety of purposes. It is also a subject that five consecutive blog posts can be written about!
August 15, 2012
Lesson 30: White ... and Children (The White Series)
Post number four. If you have faithfully read one, two, and three, you are probably convinced (at least on some level) that white is a good thing for your home.
But, I can hear you screaming through the internet wavelengths, "Katherine, white is not practical?"
Unbelievably, I agree with you. My house is often full of dirty footed, sticky fingered, snotty-nosed, chocolate-milk-spilling creatures as well. And kids come in sometimes too.
(Ha ha. Get it. The first person described was my husband. It's funny.)
Why in the world would you ever invest any money in anything that will inevitably be soiled with a variety of culprits, daily?
I'll briefly remind you.
1. To create for yourself a more restful home.
2. To highlight fun and exciting prints and colors.
3. To bring a cohesive look to your room.
So, what's a mom to do? Can we have our white and our kids too?
I say yes. Here, I'll list just five potential kid-friendly ways to incorporate white into your homes.
1. Lamp shades: Lamps bring light. Light is bright. Why not use white?
2. Curtains: White curtains allow for whatever paint color you choose to really pop. They also coordinate well with every paint color. Thus, if you change your mind, you don't also have to change your curtains. This set I got from Ikea for something stupid cheap like $15 a panel.
3. Matelasses: According to dictionary.reference.com a matelasse is "an embossed, compound fabric woven on a dobby or Jacquard loom." Or more simply, a light quilt. I highly encourage a white matelasse as a part of every bedroom scheme. They work perfectly as a covering for the majority of your bed, allowing for fun, decorative pillows at the top and a patterned duvet at the bottom. Also, like the curtains, they can be used in multiple ways as layers.
They work for mamas because ... you can put them in the washing machine. And, most of the time, you can probably bleach them! No fear of smudgy hand-prints here. Marshalls or Home Goods usually has a variety of these for about $30.
You may remember this picture from this post.
4. Shower Curtain: Nothing says, "so fresh and so clean, clean" like the shower. Why not make your shower a power (rejuvenating) hour?
Note: White works especially well in a small bathroom ... like mine.
Notice that the white shower curtain does not mean that the bathroom is necessarily boring. The dhurrie is very colorful. The yellow stool is a pop of fun. Finally, the monogrammed A personalizes the space.
Also, a white shower curtain does not necessarily have to mean that it's totally white. Look at my friend Amanda's post where she discusses buying a new shower curtain. It's actually very colorful, but it has a white base and looks awesome!
5. Accessories: Not quite ready to make new staple purchases. Why not try a little white here and there to get a feel for it? Porcelain picture frames are totally classy. White candles, hand soaps, throw blankets, and dishware are also simple and practical purchases that can put a little white in your heart, I mean home.
So how 'bout it, do you think you can get white right?
Lesson Learned: There are strategic places to incorporate white into a room without having it cause World War III in your home.
Keep Reading!
But, I can hear you screaming through the internet wavelengths, "Katherine, white is not practical?"
Unbelievably, I agree with you. My house is often full of dirty footed, sticky fingered, snotty-nosed, chocolate-milk-spilling creatures as well. And kids come in sometimes too.
(Ha ha. Get it. The first person described was my husband. It's funny.)
Why in the world would you ever invest any money in anything that will inevitably be soiled with a variety of culprits, daily?
I'll briefly remind you.
1. To create for yourself a more restful home.
2. To highlight fun and exciting prints and colors.
3. To bring a cohesive look to your room.
So, what's a mom to do? Can we have our white and our kids too?
I say yes. Here, I'll list just five potential kid-friendly ways to incorporate white into your homes.
1. Lamp shades: Lamps bring light. Light is bright. Why not use white?
2. Curtains: White curtains allow for whatever paint color you choose to really pop. They also coordinate well with every paint color. Thus, if you change your mind, you don't also have to change your curtains. This set I got from Ikea for something stupid cheap like $15 a panel.
3. Matelasses: According to dictionary.reference.com a matelasse is "an embossed, compound fabric woven on a dobby or Jacquard loom." Or more simply, a light quilt. I highly encourage a white matelasse as a part of every bedroom scheme. They work perfectly as a covering for the majority of your bed, allowing for fun, decorative pillows at the top and a patterned duvet at the bottom. Also, like the curtains, they can be used in multiple ways as layers.
They work for mamas because ... you can put them in the washing machine. And, most of the time, you can probably bleach them! No fear of smudgy hand-prints here. Marshalls or Home Goods usually has a variety of these for about $30.
You may remember this picture from this post.
4. Shower Curtain: Nothing says, "so fresh and so clean, clean" like the shower. Why not make your shower a power (rejuvenating) hour?
Note: White works especially well in a small bathroom ... like mine.
Notice that the white shower curtain does not mean that the bathroom is necessarily boring. The dhurrie is very colorful. The yellow stool is a pop of fun. Finally, the monogrammed A personalizes the space.
Also, a white shower curtain does not necessarily have to mean that it's totally white. Look at my friend Amanda's post where she discusses buying a new shower curtain. It's actually very colorful, but it has a white base and looks awesome!
5. Accessories: Not quite ready to make new staple purchases. Why not try a little white here and there to get a feel for it? Porcelain picture frames are totally classy. White candles, hand soaps, throw blankets, and dishware are also simple and practical purchases that can put a little white in your heart, I mean home.
So how 'bout it, do you think you can get white right?
Lesson Learned: There are strategic places to incorporate white into a room without having it cause World War III in your home.
Keep Reading!
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