We all have those little projects around the house that we put off for one reason or another. I have a list of some that I’m slowly trying to check off. Last night, instead of just crashing on the couch (which is what I really wanted to do), I decided to spend 45 minutes and see how many little projects I could get done that were on my list. I managed to do 3 and I have to say it felt really good to do something productive when I got home. And then right afterwards I crashed on the couch.
Quick Fix #1 – Adding some Function to the Fridge
Our kitchen fridge is quickly becoming a catch all for flyers, notices, invitations, etc and I wanted to find a way to add a bit more function to it.
While picking up some supplies at Staples, I saw this whiteboard decal for $5 from the new Martha Stewart Home Office line. I had originally been looking into making some sort of a blackboard for the kitchen to write down the grocery list or weekly meal plan, but this was even better. I could still have somewhere to write my lists, while saving wall space.
To apply the decal, I cleaned the front of the fridge with some hot soapy water, then made sure to wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry with another one. I want to make sure it was extra clean to help the decal stick.
I lined up the decal and then used a ruler to push out any air bubbles. It went on really easy and the great thing is that it is removable so I can put it to use somewhere else if I’d like.
I love it! Now when we’re out of something in the fridge, I can just jot it down. We can also leave little notes to each other about appointments or any prep work for dinner.
I also made a point to tidy up the fridge and remove any old notices. I’m hoping to keep it up all the time now.
The markers for the board are stashed in the spice racks I made, just to the left of the fridge. I’m still going to add a towel bar to this wall for all our tea towels and to hang up some mitts.
Quick Fix #2 – Hang Up Necklace Hooks and Untangle the Messy Ball of Necklaces
We have lived here for almost 6 months (still can’t believe it) and I’ve never gotten around to hanging up my beloved Necklace Hooks I made last year. Partly it was because everywhere I held them up on the wall, it didn’t quick seem right.
Then I remembered that there is some space above the hooks behind our door and maybe it could work there. These hooks had started to become a catch all for sweaters and jeans we’ve just worn for a day, but I have to admit I was getting sick of that look. Maybe this will inspire me to keep that area cleaner.
I have to confess – I just threw the necklace hooks up on the wall all willy-nilly. No level, just did it by eye and it probably isn’t perfectly level, but you know what, I can live with that. I just had a hammer and two nails in hand and didn’t feel like digging out a level. It happens.
In the end, it worked out great. I love being able to hang up my necklaces again. As I hung up each one it reminded me of all the different ones I have and now I can start wearing them more.
Quick Fix #3 – Hang Up my Valentine’s Day Gift to Garrett
Well, this project was only finished 6 weeks ago, so its not as bad as the necklace hooks, right?
For Valentine’s Day this year, I gave Garrett a framed vintage map of our area cut in a heart. We live in a very old house in a very old part of town, so it was exciting to find this vintage map from around the time it was built, complete with our house number on it! I can see this being a piece that we care around for years to remind us of our first home together.
We have this perfectly bare wall beside our bed that has been just itching for something there. Even Whiskey thinks so. (Please excuse the tissue box. Its allergy season around these parts).
But….now that its up, I have to admit I don’t think I like it there. Its not the right proportion, so maybe it needs a couple more things paired with it. I’m undecided now, but I do know its not coming down until we figure it out. Otherwise it will sit on the bookshelf for another 6 weeks (months? years?).
It was nice to be able to check off a few more things on the list. I’m going to try and keep this up over the next little while and hopefully check off some more! Have any little projects that you’ve been putting off?
That’s exactly what I’ve been up to the last week or so. Just going around the house, tackling all the little mess zones that have been bugging me in the back of my mind. I even did my taxes today! Fun! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one doing the boring but necessary things these days.
Just stopped by your blog and I see you really have been up to all those nitty-gritty projects like me! As boring as they can be, its so nice to get them done and out of the way, instead of nagging on your mind.