I’m still here! Let’s catch up!

Friends! I’m here! How are you all?!?! I thought it’d been 3-4 weeks since I last posted…wrong! More like 7! Good grief! I guess that’s what happens when your family takes back-to-back trips and your kiddos are home for the summer and you’re building your business… all good things but good gravy! #badblogger  And I celebrated a birthday… it was a big one you guys… I’m officially closer to 40 than 30 now. #doh  #wheresmywrinklecream #butifeel21

Let’s catch up! Did you guys have a good 4th of July?!  It rained all day here but we still ‘grilled and chilled’ with our neighbors and had a great time celebrating the holiday! I barely decorated for the 4th this year…

I threw those 5 little star pillows in my cubby and called it a day. So not me to not decorate more but the holiday snuck up on me! And I may have bought our holiday pies from Wal-Mart… just saying.  #keepinitreal

This summer I’ve continued to gobble up book after book on all things related to organizing. I seriously can’t get enough! It’s always a good day when the library emails me that my book came in! The most influential book I’ve read lately is this guy…

Organizing isn’t always just about our stuff – it can also be about our time. This is a must read if you’re struggling with getting your “to do” lists done! It’s all about tackling your most difficult or most important task FIRST – especially if it’ll take the longest or if it’s the most intimidating. I’m a big list maker – it helps me remember what I need to accomplish on a certain day and it feels good to physically check things off that list!  #boom   But sometimes I’m guilty of tackling the easy things first… I like the sense of accomplishment in checking several things off quickly and with little effort, but I found that the most important task sometimes got left to last and then wouldn’t get done!

I’ve been experimenting with the “Eat That Frog” concept this summer. My 2 main summer goals are:

1. Soak up the summer magic & memories with my boys! e.g. pajama days, homemade popsicles, bike rides, swimming, “dates”, movie nights… they’re 5 & 8 and my life is about to change BIG TIME in August when my baby starts Kindergarten.   #wheresthekleenex   I realize I’m in a honeymoon stage of parenting and I’m trying hard to Soak. It. Up. #mywholeworld #lovebeingaboymom #timeslowdown

2. Start & launch my Professional Organizing Services website!

I’ve allowed myself 1 hour each morning to work on my professional organizing website and other new business tasks. During that 1 hour my boys are either still sleeping or they’re watching a morning cartoon after breakfast. Then they’re ready to start the day and mommy has already made some progress towards her “frog” – the thing that can easily NOT get done if I don’t do it first thing! Depending on your stage in life this can look different for everyone, and it’s not a “one size fits all.” The concept is the same throughout the book but the author, Brian Tracy, shares several different tips & tricks to choose from! LOVED it. It’s helping me accomplish my goals.

Here are 3 other books I’m about to return to the library and I’d highly recommend them all as well!

The book on the right by Peter Walsh was a wonderful book about family and downsizing… a great read if you’re thinking about a move to smaller square footage… or if you’re faced with the loss of a loved one and need to make difficult decisions about their treasures and belongings… this can be a daunting task, especially when you’re grieving, and this book touches on all the steps of that process in such a loving and thoughtful way.  Do you guys have any organizing books you’d recommend? I’d love to hear!

Okay… in other exciting news… I’ve discovered a new favorite color you guys! ‘Chateau Gray’ from Annie Sloan’s chalk paint line is such a pretty gray with the softest green tones! So yummy! It’s a great neutral.

I’d been contemplating painting the buffet in our dining room for awhile. It was pretty but the dark wood tones were competing with the dark wood tones in our family room.   #openfloorplanproblems

Here’s the “Before”…

And here’s the “After”…

It was a labor of love but I’m glad I did it!  3 coats of chalk paint (4 to the top) and 2 coats of Polycrylic for sheen & protection. I opted not to distress or antique wax this piece since I was all about getting rid of the dark. Now the 2 different woods aren’t fighting! Yay!

Did you spy the coffee mug in that shot? 😉  Just noticed that! Ha!

Please forgive these really terrible pictures but here’s another piece I added some ‘Chateau Gray’ love to recently!

“Before”…

“After”…

 

I’m totally digging the mid-century vibe of this piece. I opted to leave the drawers and hardware alone. So fun!

And more random fun… check out this beauty… we were playing in the backyard recently and the boys started shouting, “There’s a rainbow cloud!” And they were right!  #hadtoshare

‘My Happy Place’ booth is still rockin’ & rollin’! Lots of blues & greens & whites happening in my space right now. And they’ll be some Chateau Gray beauties coming soon! 😉

I’m sneaking in a few organizing clients here and there on the weekends currently, and in late August I’ll start taking clients during the week – on Mondays, Thursdays, & Fridays.   #imexcited! #organizingmakesmehappy #fabulous&functionalplease   I can’t wait to “reveal” my new website to you guys! It’s still very much a work in progress but it’s getting there!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a blessed week!   :)/Sarah

 

Speaking my dreams out loud

Hi guys! I’m sorry it’s been ghost town on the blog recently! I’ve been working hard behind the scenes and was able to share some tidbits on Instagram and Facebook, but not so much on the blog! #doh! #goodproblems

Over the past month I wrapped up another functional & fabulous pantry for the sweetest family, restocked ‘My Happy Place’ booth twice, purchased a website for my organizing business, revamped my office, hosted my “diaper buddy” (BFF since birth!) and her darling family from Colorado, watched my baby graduate from Pre-K, and squeezed in a date night! #davidnailconcert #woremycowgirlboots

There’s me and David! Sadly that’s my attempt at “big hair” for the concert. Ha! Clearly I need to practice!

Here are the ‘My Happy Place’ booth goodies I’ve been working on… I’ll be forever grateful for this little booth! It’s been a creative outlet dream come true that helped me drum up the courage to keep following my passions! #moreonthatlater

Want to see a ‘before & after’ of those pretty frames? Okay  🙂  Just don’t tell my hubby that I painted in the kitchen again! #shhh

 

So fun right?! I like to look for a mix of classic and unique shapes. It’s amazing what a little love and chalk paint can do!

Oh ‘My Happy Place’ booth… I do love thee! Do you guys want to hear my little story of how speaking my dreams out loud helped make them happen? I’m just getting started but lots has happened over the past year and a half!

I’ve been shopping at antique malls for over 10 years, and I. Totes. Love. Them.  #obsessed  I’ve admired antique booths for their uniqueness and have found so much inspiration from them. My entire home is filled with antique booth treasures. I’ve always dreamed of having my own booth someday!

In December 2015 I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I’m always reading organizing, time management, & decorating books because I’m cool like that. 😉  Our home was already decluttered and organized (because that’s my jam) but I love learning about how others do it! Have you guys heard about this book? It’s been on the New York Times bestseller list in recent years. It encourages you to only keep the things that “spark joy” when you touch them – everything else goes bye-bye. She recommends that you go through your belongings by category and in a certain order. She claims that if you go through your belongings and only keep things that truly “spark joy” then you’ll never have to organize again. Boom. She also said that if you “konmari” your home it frees up brain space, and her clients go on to achieve greater happiness, have better relationships, start new businesses, etc! I decided to give it a whirl.

I got rid of a ton more than I thought I would! 2 weeks after I completed the experiment I told my hubby, “I’m going to open an antique booth.” He said, “Great babe.” The next day I walked into the antique store in Spring Hill and inquired about available booth space to rent. 2 days later I signed the contract and it was on! I had an absolute blast picking a booth name, curating treasures, painting, creating a Facebook page, etc. I was SO SCARED but also so invigorated. Spring Hill is a small town… everyone will know if I flop… I decided to be brave. #yolo #noregrets  I made a sale on my first day – a light green and blue birdhouse with subtle hints of gold and perfectly chippy paint #phew! #thankyouSpringHill!  It’s been such a fun ride and so much more than I envisioned. I’ve met the best people and am extremely thankful for this new circle of friends!

About 6 months after opening my booth customers, friends, neighbors, and co-workers started to ask my advice — decorating and organizing advice. And then they started to ask if I do interior decorating and professional organizing. Well, I haven’t but I’d love to! The booth opened up doors to my initial passions all along!

I have always loved organizing and am constantly amazed at the power being organized has – it affects everything! (saves mega time & money, alleviates stress, makes a happy home, etc!) That’ll be a whole other blog post! #staytuned  I’ve always wanted to help others be organized but wondered do people do that? Is that a real thing? I never spoke it out loud because I thought maybe it sounded strange? But all of the sudden I was being approached about doing what I’ve always wanted to do! So I started researching – professional organizing is a real thing you guys! I told my hubby, “I want to be a Professional Organizer and an Interior Decorator.” He said, “Great babe.” I practiced on some friends’ homes – to see if I was good at it and to see if this was really what I wanted to do. It gave me confidence and made me realize this is real! This is what I want to do! I registered my business name, ordered business cards, opened a business bank account, started this blog, etc! It was on! #pinchme!

I’m convinced that the “konmari” experiment freed up some brain space that allowed me to spend time thinking about my dreams, and then go for it! I’ve officially been taking clients for 8 months now and I’m hooked. I love the interior decorating AND the professional organizing, but I’m feeling called to focus on organizing. I’m so glad I did both – organizing and decorating so often go hand-in-hand!

Next up – I’m joining NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers)! There’s a whole world of “my people” out there who love what I love! Conferences, continuing education, networking… it’s on! I’m so thankful for this journey and for all of you! And to my hubby for being so incredibly supportive and for surprising me with the camera that started this blog! #10yearanni #xoxo

So what I’ve learned throughout this process… speak your dreams out loud! Be brave. You got this.

What are you passionate about? I’d love to hear!

 

Big Boy Bedroom

Happy Friday!!! #inserthappydance  Hope you are well! Do you “Spring Clean”? I don’t follow an official cleaning schedule, but I find the warmer weather and sunshine gives me the urge to really deep clean our home in the Spring. And inevitably that turns into lots of little projects around the house! I was deep cleaning my oldest’ room recently and he begged me to rearrange his room. His bed was pushed against the wall because he was 4 years old when we moved into our home. But now he’s 8!!! #what?!  Moving his bed somehow turned into a mini makeover!

Come on in!

 

We kept his bedding and purchased a new headboard and 2 side tables. Have you ever purchased anything from Overstock.com? It was my first time. Their prices are awesome. And they always have free shipping and coupon codes for additional savings! #toogoodnottoshare  I wanted something that would grow up with him without feeling too babyish or too grown up. We chose a navy linen headboard, and matching side tables. The top of the side tables tie in with the wood tone of his large book shelf.

The lamps are from Target. #myotherhappyplace   They’re smaller scale than the space calls for but I was worried larger ones would be too easy to tip. My two boys like to “slumber party” and have “reading parties” in this room on the weekends. #mywholeheart   It’s been nice having 2 lamps for 2 boys!

Here’s a close up of the headboard…

And the side tables…

I love distressed finishes in kid rooms! If a race car accidentally crashes into the furniture it just adds to the character of the piece! #iheartcharacter

I made the swag above his bed with stock paper and twine I had on hand. It took less than an hour and ended up being my favorite part of his new room! The bedspread is where I pulled the colors from and they’re throughout his room.

 

 

The rest of his room got a deep cleaning and purging. We opted to remove his dresser and come up with a different system in his closet.

 

We’re hanging almost everything now. #gamechanger #nomorewrinkles   The 3 drawer unit holds jammies and shorts. The green boxes have been great – 1 for undies, 1 for socks, & 1 for undershirts. The baskets on the highest shelf hold clothes to grow into — hand-me-downs from family and friends, and of course my garage sale finds. #obvi

Behind his closet door is our dress up stuff.

Isn’t it funny how cleaning windows and baseboards can morph into a little room update! My little guy loves it! #worthit

Does cleaning turn into projects for you, too? Or is it just me?!

Thanks so much for stopping by My Happy Place blog! Happy Easter weekend!!!

20 drawer gem

Hi guys! How are you? I hope you’re well!  🙂  Do you like going to antique stores? Perusing an antique store with a hot coffee in hand is just about my most favorite thing in the world… it’s such a delight to my senses! I love everything about them… the smells… the stories… the inspiration… the one-of-a-kind treasures to be discovered. While making a lap through one of my favorite antique stores last week I bumped into this guy.

I know right?! Hello handsome! So nice to meet you! You’ve probably noticed I have a thing for pieces that are decorative and serve a purpose. #functionalandfabulousismyjam

This guy is totally speaking my language. Wood. Vintage. Original hardware aged to perfection. Storage. Working drawers. Perfectly imperfect. Character!

The previous owner used it for nails, screws, etc. The paint splatters are a mix of white, grey, and green – 3 of my favs. The previous owner and I have things in common – we both like organization and earth tones!  🙂

Check him out!

I considered staining him darker or painting him, but I opted to use some Old English (because that’s what I had on hand & the wood was really dry) and some good ol’ elbow grease. I think he’s charming as is! And the Old English simply brought back his luster. Can you tell which drawer I tested the Old English on below?

I removed all the hardware to give them a good cleaning, vacuumed the drawers, and buffed the entire piece in Old English. Then I added off white labels to those glorious label plates!  #melovey

Drum roll please…

Ta-da!  🙂  I’m having fun filling him up with all things related to My Happy Place biz… booth stuff (price tags, chalk paint, twine, etc.), organizing stuff (label maker cartridges, receipts, etc.)  Isn’t it fun when you find a piece that speaks to you?!

I used Old English on a crock top recently, too. It’s amazing how it brings the wood to life!

In other news… did you see my recent turquoise treasures on Facebook and Instagram that I delivered to My Happy Place booth? I never get tired of turquoise! Do you recognize the before picture in the after? #upgrade #chalkpaintrocks

Let’s see… what else… I’ve been busy per usual!  🙂  I had an absolute ball organizing another pantry and laundry room last week for the sweetest couple. Here’s what I purchased for the space and a fun little “after” peek!

And we’re redoing my 8 year old’s room a bit which led to a good closet cleaning. The new headboard just came in so I’ll share his new room and closet system next! I shared his matching hangers on Instagram… they’re totally not necessary to achieve an organized space but they make such an impact visually I always recommend them if there’s room in the budget. Dollar tree sells great hangers!

One more fun rambling to share… have you guys ready The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines yet? I just borrowed it from a friend (because I was #144 in line for the copy at the library! #whoa) and devoured it in 2 days. Such a fun read and inspiring book about love, family, life, and doing what inspires you. It really resonated with me. I highly recommend it!

Thanks so much for stopping by as always! Have you found any gems lately? What pieces speak to you? Happy Monday! 🙂

Soft Surroundings Create Calm

Good morning friends! I’m super excited to share my new “soft surroundings” with you guys! It’s no secret I have always loved organizing…for a gazillion reasons. But since I’ve started helping clients organize I’ve fallen Even. More. In. Love. with it! #organizingismyjam  The impact an organized home or space plays in one’s life is powerful you guys! #lifechanging  Think about an organized fridge for example… this makes making lunches a breeze – which makes your morning run smoothly – which makes your family start their day off on the right foot – which then affects your mood & productivity – which makes for a good day – and then you spend less at the grocery store because you know what food you have – and then making dinner is enjoyable! It’s a domino effect! I’ve been reading book after book about organizing – it’s fascinating! #thelibrarianknowsme

I realized recently that some of my favorite spaces are not only organized, but they’re quiet. Today’s world is fast-paced, busy busy, and loud. #amiright?  If I can make our home less loud in addition to organized, functional, and happy then I’m all for it. It quiets my mind which can be hard to do! Another domino effect! Soft (quiet) surroundings create calm… ahhhh… #namaste’

Our little laundry room is a happy space but I wanted the inside of my cabinet to be softer. Here is the “Before” – complete with goopy detergent running down the sides of the Tide. #ick #alwayshappens

I decided to decant all of the products we use…this allowed me to remove the loud labels and plastics . It’s visually more quiet and no more goopy bottles!

Yay!!! So much softer!!! I already had the “Stain Remover” jar (which holds OxiClean) – I just removed the more ornate label from the sides. The tall and narrow glass jar with cork lid is from the Target dollar spot – it was $3 and holds our bleach. The 2 large jars with spigots hold our softener and detergent. They’re beverage dispensers! I added a little water to the Tide to prevent any possible clogging of the spigot. I’ve been doing laundry with this setup for a week now and it’s been GREAT! The jars are sitting on 2 wooden bowls turned upside down. The jars are from Kirklands, and the shelf liner is from the Dollar Tree! #dollartreerocks  Have you been to Kirklands lately? Their ‘Homestead Living’ line is darling! The set of 2 jars was $39.99 and I had a $15 coupon. #obvi #iheartcoupons

On the top shelf I put our Woolite in a vintage Mason jar, our scissors in a cute little pail I had on hand, and the white bin holds our laundry bag we use for washing stuff animals.

Here come some pics!  🙂

A side by side comparison!

Making a space quiet in addition to organized creates such a calm & soft surrounding, and also allows me to make a space decorative! Organized + Decorative + Quiet = yes please!!! Do you have a space in your home that’s loud? That could be made softer and more functional? The domino effect of soft surroundings is totes Ah-mazing!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂 🙂 🙂

xoxo – Sarah

Tidbits, current color obsession, & symmetry at last

Helloooo friends! How are you??? How about this crazy February weather??? I found myself online shopping last week for swimming suits! What?!?! Pool season is over 3 months away but the 75 degrees of warmth and sunshine were confusing my brain! #alsoorderedajillianmichaelsdvd #imnotpoolready

Per usual I’ve been busy…let’s see… oh! Big day tomorrow – ‘My Happy Place’ booth 1 year anniversary is tomorrow! So fun! As a customer appreciation and celebration, everything in ‘My Happy Place’ is 20% OFF! The sale started 2/20 and goes through tomorrow. Here’s a peek! (Please forgive the vintage 4S phone pic quality!)

I can’t believe it’s been 1 year! I’m so thankful that I took the leap! #yolo  There’s a fun little story behind what gave me the courage to open my booth – it’ll be a full blog post coming soon!  Here’s the link to ‘My Happy Place’ Facebook page if you want to hear me get all sentimental… and see more cute treasures!

https://www.facebook.com/myhappyplacespringhill

Teacher Appreciation is this week at our elementary school. We have the BEST teachers! Teachers. Are. Amazing. Period. Here’s what ‘My Happy Place’ donated for a teacher prize!

Between wrapping up a client master closet project, planning my boys’ birthday party, teacher conferences, a real date night (big step for us – we hired an awesome babysitter!), & feeding my kids…doing laundry… etc. (ha!)  I have found little pockets of time to freshen up our home. Here’s the color combo I’m feeling big time right now…

Ahhh… the soft duck egg blue color on the left has been my accent color for about 3 years now and I’m having fun inserting some jadeite and indigo blue into the mix. I’m also playing around with small splashes of coral for spring!

I played musical trays and moved this cream one into the kitchen so the jadeite and indigo really pop.

This is a close up for my favorite kitchen towel (from the Pioneer Woman line @ Wal-Mart)… I should probably snag a few more..

This beauty was in my pantry but now she’s front and center on my counter. She deserved some attention! She holds stamps, envelopes, return address labels, bills, etc. Isn’t it amazing what moving things around can do? It gives things a new life!

I received these gorgeous Jadeite lid canisters for Christmas and I heart them so mucho! I gave my pantry a spring cleaning and found a home for them.

This step stool was in our master closet but she came down to the pantry to join the blue party.

And just for fun… look at these darling kleenex boxes from Aldi! They’re in my color palette! #anotherreasontolovealdi #aldirocks

I spy some jadeite and indigo happening… just a few tweaks here and there.

Okay – this is exciting you guys… 3 years ago I bought a lamp at Target for our bedroom. Immediately after I bought it I decided I needed two. But they were sold out. And not available online. And there wasn’t another one in store within 100 miles. #sadface. I checked on and off but they never carried them again. I got over it (kind of).

I recently ran into Kirkland’s and right inside the front door was a display of lamps that matched my Target lamp from 3 years ago!!! WHAT??? I couldn’t buy that thing fast enough…

Yay!!! I have a thing with symmetry… it makes me happy. #zenful #symmeticalatlast

Lastly, I recently discovered that my label maker (the Epson 400 – she’s totes awesome) makes a gold lettering option! Whoa. Mind blown. I’m having fun using it for clients and myself! 🙂 We have 3 soap dispensers in the kitchen (hand soap, dish soap, & germ-x) so I added some bling lettering to each! Please ignore the cracked grout! #honeydolist

Oh! And I’ve been having fun putting together a Spring/Easter collection for ‘My Happy Place’ booth to be delivered later this week! Here’s a sneak peek!

And that’s what I’ve been up to! Have a wonderful week friends!!! xoxo, Sarah

P.S. I’ve been getting lots of questions about my organizing services. Yes! I’m officially taking clients! 🙂  I’ll be updating my Organizing Services link soon! (And a website separate from the blog is in the works). I am currently limited to weekends only until August. My 4 y/o assistant and I are cherishing our Mommy days before Kindergarten starts this Fall. #insertuglytears #hesready #imnot  The best way to reach me is via email @ myhappyplace.springhill@gmail.com   Thanks so much!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Love @ 1st sight shelf

Hi guys! How are you? I’ve missed you! This week started off strong with a fun find I’m going to share today, but quickly started kicking my tushy… think broken iphone and brutal sinus infection! Doh! But a dear friend saved the day by mailing me their old phone and I’m on antibiotics now – things are looking up! #friendsrock #thankful #iheartmy4s

In our master bedroom there’s a corner where I have a little desk with shelves and I’d been debating about creating a gallery wall around or next to that piece, but I decided to look for a bookshelf to corral my pictures and treasures instead. I’ve learned that I like to change things around every few years constantly, and shelves allow me to do that without filling millions of holes in the walls! #menolikeyspackle

Here is the “Before”…

Please excuse the mess! #keepinitrealz   I measured the corner and decided I needed about a 30″ x 60″ or so shelf – and not too deep as to not cover the electrical outlet or feel too massive. I imagined a cream or greige – lightly distressed. I was open to a piece I could paint. #obvi

Monday was 60 and sunny (too nice to stay inside and do chores!) so Will and I went hunting for the perfect shelf. And we found her right out of the gate! And she was on mega sale! It was meant to be. #boom #loveatfirstsight #justwhatienvisioned

I was a little worried the 2 soft white pieces might clash if one was warmer than the other but decided it was worth the risk because the measurements, finish, and price were perfection. You guys! They’re meant to be together! #BFFs #reunitedanditfeelssogood

I gave her a little cleaning and then came the fun part! Filling her up!

Yay! Just what I’d envisioned! I’ll play around with styling the shelf a bit more – I have a few more photos to incorporate and I need to balance things better, but I couldn’t wait to share!

Our master is a quiet retreat of blues, greens, grays, and creams… the room was styled around these pillows. I’ll share the entire room at some point – she’s almost finished!

Here are some close ups just for fun!

The wall piece was a fun find a few months ago. I know… another cubby piece… but this one has rectangular cubbies! #canthelpmyself #theyremyfav

And I’ve had the wreath forever… it was actually a Christmas wreath originally. Classic greenery and twigs minus the Christmas ornaments makes for a beautiful year round wreath!

I’m loving my little corner! Isn’t it so nice when you find exactly what you’re looking for?

And lastly I just have to share this magnet I found at the Dollar Tree you guys! Maybe you saw it on Instagram? I’ve been a fan of the Dollar Tree for years but lately they’ve really stepped up their game! A dear friend was talking with me about faith the other day and when I saw this I had to get it for her! The trendy wood slice + meaningful quote = had me at hello!

As always – thank you SO MUCH for stopping by My Happy Place blog! Have a great weekend!!! 🙂

 

 

 

Laundry can be lovely

Hi from my couch!  Blogging from my “office” this morning… heated blanket – check… lots of coffee – check!  🙂  Lots of fun things happening in my little world this week! #busybee  We’ve had birthday parties and sporting events, and I’m co-hosting a baby shower this weekend! And I’ve been L O V I N G this adventure of professional organizing you guys! Not like “Yes, I love it” — more like “I LOVE everything about it!!! I love meeting with clients (new & repeat) and getting a glimpse into their world to create a plan custom to them that will help them wherever needed. It’s really such an honor to be asked into someone’s home. I’m humbled every time. And each project offers a different challenge. It’s so fun to use and share the tips & tricks I’ve studied and used in my own home for years. It’s personal and rewarding. It’s creative. It’s helping others. It’s FUN! I just love it!!!” #iheartorganizing #organizingismyfavorite

And I wanted to say THANK YOU for asking me into your homes and for referring me to your family and friends! I tackled a super fun toy nook around the New Year and now I’m working on a fabulous master closet and a salon suite! #mycuprunnethover  #somebodypinchme!

If you already follow me on Instagram you’ve seen these labels and my “kid drawer” – I’ve been posting on Instagram almost daily! I’m getting a hang of this social media stuff slowly but surely!  😉  Be sure to follow me!  🙂  myhappyplace_springhill

These are the custom labels for the toy nook I recently organized. #labelsrock

And here is a picture I shared of our “kid drawer” in my kitchen. About a year ago I created this drawer at kid level so they could reach their cups and bowls. #changedmylife

Okay! To the topic of the day – laundry! Do you enjoy doing laundry? Or despise it? I usually don’t mind too much. I’ve always enjoyed doing the laundry for the kiddos. Mine isn’t so much fun, but laundry in general is less painful when my laundry room is organized and a happily decorated space. Dare I say it’s even enjoyable at times? Want to see my tiny laundry room?!

Here she is!

Come on in!

This shelf is pretty much all decorative. The white washed box on the lower left is functional – it holds our dryer sheets. I used to use the tin with the #25 for coins and other goodies I’d find in pockets but that doesn’t happen too often so now it holds vintage clothes pins. The decorative goodies are a fun collection of things that bring me joy – gifts from family & friends, garage sale finds, and a few laundry quotes just for fun.

That cute little chalkboard is a garage sale find and the washboard is from my mom. I added the magnet to the washboard because why not!? #totesadorbs

I love this little ladder! It’s from my MIL and it holds a “Laundry” bin (that I found @ America’s Heartland in Spring Hill before I had my booth!). It’s where I throw our dirty kitchen towels into almost every night. It keeps them corralled and ready to toss in with our loads of other towels.

Want to see inside the cabinet? I feel like we bond a little more each time I show you inside one of my closets or drawers!  🙂

The little basket holds extra dryer sheets and the laundry bag I use for washing stuffed animals. The little pail holds a pair of scissors and a bleach stick. The scissors come in handy often! The “Stain Remover” label is just for fun – it’s where we keep our Oxi-Clean. I ordered the label online – let me know if you want the source and I’ll track it down for you! And how cute is that little scoop! I got that for $3 at Bella B in Overland Park. #itmakesmesmile #laundrycanbelovely

The lower cabinet holds extra laundry supplies and a garbage can.

Behind the door I hung hooks for hang drying. I scored that at a garale sale for 50 cents and had planned to paint it, but I found that I actually really love the raw wood. It’s slightly aged and pretty as is!

And that completes the tour of my tiny laundry room! She’s small but mighty.  🙂  I fold the laundry in the laundry room on top of the dryer as soon as the dryer stops, and then put the clothes away immediately. I found for me that if I put them in a laundry basket that they’d stay in the basket for at least a day or 2. #truth  This method has been working well for me. What are your laundry tips & tricks? Do you do anything to make doing laundry more lovely?

Fun side note – we’ve started celebrating the coming of Valentine’s Day in our house. We have little mailboxes where we can leave each other little signs of love – a chocolate or a note… I found this cutie in my mailbox from my little guy this week! #mywholeheart

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Friday friends! xoxo, Sarah

Happy New Year! My word for 2017 & some ramblings…

Happy New Year friends! 2017! Woot woot!  🙂  I love the fresh start the new year brings… it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the past year, and to make new goals for the upcoming year. And with that comes a new pretty planner and thoughtful “to do” lists!   #ilovelists #istillhaveapaperplanner

As I’ve been taking down our Christmas decorations and spring cleaning in January I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want 2017 to look like. #deepthoughts

Have you ever chosen a WORD to represent your year goals? I never have but I’ve admired the idea for a while. So I’m joining in and after weighing many options I’m going with “ENERGY” – and I love it! It means many things to me… protecting my time and energy for what matters most… to me that means family, friends, health, home, & work that brings me joy.  It means doing things that fill my cup and give me energy… to me that means doing things I love, helping others, exercising, eating right, and sleeping enough. I LOVE LOVE LOVE organizing and decorating… I can work on a client project for 6 hours straight or organize my basement all day and it energizes me! Same thing with exercising… isn’t it amazing that working out and using energy actually gives you more energy? Along with protecting my energy and doing things that give me energy, I’m going to work on cutting out energy zappers #byebye

Random decorating update… our TV broke and our new one (thank you Black Friday) is mounted on the wall instead of on a stand on the mantle! Hello more mantle decorating space! I love you! So my “Gather” sign found a new happy home.  🙂

Okay, I have to share what Santa brought me… a new label maker!  #upgrade  It’s totes awesome you guys – tons of font options! I always go through our home in January – it’s my favorite time of year to organize… it’s cold outside… we have to find new homes for our Christmas goodies… might as well do a refresh and start the year with a clean and organized home!!! I’ve been having fun putting this little guy to work! He’s the EPSON LW-400  #merrychristmastome

And I just have to share this sweet moment I caught on Christmas Eve…

My boys looking for Santa’s sleigh… be still my heart.

And lastly, here’s a sneak peek of some scrumptious organizing goodies delivered to My Happy Place booth last week that I shared on Facebook. Be sure to follow me! 🙂

Facebook: myhappyplacespringhill

Instagram: myhappyplace_springhill

 

Cheers to making 2017 whatever your heart desires!!! xoxo

Christmas Home Tour

I’ll be honest… I’m a little nervous to show you my home decorated for Christmas! Eeek! I follow several fabulous home blogs and their home tours are da bomb dot com. Like professional photographers and legit awesomeness – magazine worthy type stuff. My refurbished but new-to-me Nikon and I realize we have a lot to learn! But here goes nothing – we’re friends so I know you’ll still love me no matter what right?  😉

Shall we start at the front door? Grab your coffee and come on in!!!

Here’s ol’ trusty  – my most favorite piece to decorate seasonally…

…simple… sweet Santa mugs from my mom years ago, blue wooden beads, and little glass ornaments. I’ve had the wooden “Merry” and “Christmas” forever – they find a new niche to decorate every year!

And to the left in our entry…

a very special bell to our family.

Here’s the view up from the entry…

That garland had me at hello 3 years ago. Simple and timeless and *sparkly*! But sparkly comes with a cost – a cleaning cost! Glitter everywhere! #itmakesmyvacuumsparkly

Here’s the dining room…

I kept the dining room very “winter” – I’ll keep the wreath and table centerpiece up long after Christmas has come and gone.

And on into the family room…

I left just about everything out on the shelves that I usually have out, and sprinkled lots of wooden snowflakes and large ornaments here and there.

 

The bottle brush trees are a new addition this year. I bought the white one on clearance at Target last year (I know – I love a good Target clearance sale – do I sound like a broken record?! Ha!) and the gold one at the Target Dollar Spot this year. I removed their plastic bases and gave them a little trim to fit them into their tree stands! Hello fabulous old door knobs! You make the best tree stands!

This cross stitch Kristopher Kringle is MY FAVORITE! I just love him! The frame is old and unique, and the Santa is perfection to me. Sweet sweet sweet. Someone put a lot of love into making him. I found him waiting for me at a garage sale last summer for $4. It was love at first sight.

A family keepsake rocking chair that I’m obsessed with and a bright red poinsettia are front and center. Did you guys know Aldi sells poinsettias? Yup – they do – and they are $3.75! #yesplease #iheartaldi

Our chairs got some new pillows and our musical nativity has a place of honor at kiddo level. It was a special wedding gift to us 10 years ago and we adore it.

 

To the right of the chairs we keep our Christmas books…

And to the left of the chairs is my favorite furniture piece with a simple winter swag and “Ho Ho Ho.”

Heading into the kitchen there’s a mistletoe that my boys avoid going under.  😉

And here’s the kitchen! #shouldhaveusedmyflash

I’ve always wanted little wreaths and finally found some a few years ago that didn’t break the bank… they were on clearance #obvi  and tied together as a set of 3 to hang vertically. I simply cut them apart to become individual wreaths!

On top of my little cart is our Christmas card holder.  I keep our cards out until February – we love to look at the pictures and cards from family and friends – and then we use it for Valentine’s Day! I love that *Red* from Christmas so easily transitions into Valentine’s Day!

Here’s the view to the little mudroom hallway that leads to the half bath…

Our elf’s name is Snowflake. The boys love to wake up and find his new spot every morning. He changes spots almost every morning.  😉  The advent calendar is a big hit with the boys, too. It’s filled with little chocolates, candies, and coins and helps us count down until the Big Day.

The wall shelf in our half bath got a little winter & holiday love, too.

Do you see the little snowflakes peeking out from behind things? One of my favorite ornaments broke last year #sadface  but I thought the little broken pieces still looked cute!

And last but not least – Papa’s special sled found a home in our upstairs hallway.

So there you have it! Our home is ready for Santa and family. Simple…rustic…farmhouse-ish…classic… with a lot of family treasures and traditions mixed in. Thanks so much for stopping by you guys! It means so much to me! xoxo

Have a very Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year! xoxo