Sortin' it out.

PSSSST...I'm no longer blogging here!

You can now find me at

www.acottagegirl.com

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Hi.

As you've noticed, I haven't posted any real makeovers, decorating tips and/or mishaps, or crafty projects.

That's what I really want this blog to chronicle, but this week I was pretty overwhelmed with trying to shovel out the house. Had a lot of 'poor me' moments, frustrated with all my stuff, trying to make it work, feeling supremely stupid that I can't even take my own advice....then came Haiti.  Brought some much needed perspective.  So I can't decide where to hang my great-gramma's rose plates....at least I have a wall to hang them on.  I felt pretty shallow in the face of such devastation and misery.  I adjusted my attitude (and donated some moola):

flickr

Anyway, my bedroom is just about done, so I hope to show that to you soon.  I also have several pieces of furniture that need a little paint love, so I'll be doing some before and afters. And, because I'm me, I'm contemplating switching up some wall colors in a few rooms....'cause that's how I roll.  Haven't completely settled yet, but I'm getting closer.  Rearranging decorating doohickeys around the house too.  Spending lots of time evaluating my 'likes' and 'loves'.  Sometimes I'm so ridiculously fickle.  I'm sure I'm the ONLY one who struggles with that. *snort*

Thank goodness I have the 3 Big Questions to keep me on track, set my boundaries, and save my sanity.

Ok class, repeat after me:

1. Can I see my family in this room/style/environment?

2.  Is this doohickey/style have a 'timelessness'?

3.  Do I already have enough furniture/accessories to pull this off within my budget?

Other considerations:

~Will it play nicely with the other rooms in my home?

~Does it incorporate my LOVES mostly?

For the record:

My loves.... vintage/antique furniture either painted and chippy or with an original pine stain,

bhg

                                                                          my mama's house

natural elements and vintage or textured fabrics,

my cottage

unknown

my collection

faded florals in mostly neutral or muted colors,

my pillows

and eclectic gatherings of furniture and accessories,

unknown, but prolly bhg or country home

aqua accents with soft browns, tans, and taupes.

From House to Home

coastal living

Cottage coziness and vintage appeal, 

vintage simple

country living

Farmhouse simplicity and function.

country living

My Likes:

Stuff I'm moving away from, even though they continue to tease and tempt me.....shabby chic clutter and 'glamour' accessories, bohemian style, too much white furniture, 'pottery barn' trendy.  I'll still have a hint of these things here and there, but they aren't the priorities.  Here are examples of what I mean:

A tad too much clutter, though very cute:

country living

Little less bling, more vintage farmhouse simplicity:

country living

 I'm considering having an inhouse garage sale for friends and family next month too.  I hope by then to have weeded out the furniture and decor that no longer fit with my new list of Loves. Many of the pieces I've showcased here on the blog will prolly go the way of craig's.  I just need to make room for my LOVES. 

So there you have it.  I'm in the thick of it, taking a look at my entire home, trying to make it work using what I have.I'm anxious to share with you all the things I hope to accomplish in the next few months.  I'll prolly need your opinions too....

BTW, I can't believe I hit 400 followers!  I think I need to host a giveaway in honor of that great event, what say you?  I'll be making some new soap this weekend (hoping to take pics of the process for anyone interested in giving cold process soap from scratch a try).  Then again, I might surprise you. 

Thanks so much for spending time at cottage instincts.  You keep me motivated to get stuff done, and hopefully I can encourage y'all in your decorating pursuits along the way. Or at least make you laugh.  Even if it's at me.