laundry room facelift

As a mom of three boys, I spend a LOT of time in the laundry room!  Above is the new, clean version I get to enjoy!  Below is the only before picture I have, and this was taken after I painted the walls, they were brown.  blah.

I always look around and feel like there is so much to do, that I can't ever complete any of it.  The truth is, I can!  It just takes a little time and imagination.  So I knew I wanted white, as the wood looks old and not so clean.  The yellow counter top is awful, but I wanted this project to be nearly free to do, so I decided to chalkboard paint the counter!  It turned out awesome, and I can write notes on it, or let the kids have fun!  I bought white valspar paint and primer in one, so I did not need to sand the wood first.  I painted the trim, cupboards and door.  It took 3 coats of paint.  I found this cute sea foam green crate at a garage sale.  

I will probably keep it stocked with borax and washing soda for my laundry soap.  Over 4th of July weekend we spent time with family on Leech Lake in northern MN, while at the beach I collected drift wood, with this idea in mind.  My father in law just about died laughing when I screamed "jackpot" from the other end of the beach.  The long piece is perfect for hanging things to dry or to throw a quilt over.  The little piece is perfect with hooks in it.  The sign is from grace & salt.  They do beautiful work, check out their shop, proceeds go towards their Ugandan adoption.

I made this growth chart for my boys, and love how it turned out.  If it is possible for me to make, I will, it just means more to me and my family that way!

I still need to get a new wash tub and tall faucet for this room, but without it, the cost was FREE, as I had all the paint in my garage left over from other projects.  Amazing difference with no cost.  I love projects like that!  Now onto the kitchen, new floor, painted walls, and a farm style table Jeff is making for it.  That project will be a little more.  

a solo trip to Charlston

My beautiful friend Suzi got married on June 21st in Mount Pleasant, near Charlston SC.  I went solo to this trip and really enjoyed a peaceful getaway and being at a wedding never disappoints, especially when the reception venue was right on the water!  Here are a few photos from my three day trip!  I loved photographing these two beautiful girls, they were a friend and the niece of the bride.

It was a beautiful trip, I missed home, but being away also makes me appreciate home more, and it gave me time for quietness and rest.  I like to step back and reflect on my life, what I can do to better it for my family and how I can take action on things I want to do.  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  What a beautiful trip it was.

Make time for yourself {a floral workshop}

When you hear someone say, make time for yourself, you may think pedicure, massage, or read a good book.  I love all those things too of course, but I feel we need to make time for our creative minds more, instead of pinning amazing ideas on pinterest all day, let's get out there and do these things we desire to do.  A few weeks ago I attended a floral workshop with munsterrose and  wit & delight at The Comn in Minneapolis.  I was so looking forward to an evening doing something that I usually wouldn't and even better learning to create, so I can continue to follow my dreams.  We had delicious cocktails and cupcakes, then learned how to arrange and care for Minnesota flowers.  

above are photos I took of my arrangement.   Here are some photographs that Melissa Oholendt took for the attendees.  

If I can choose "me time" things like this will be what I choose.  It filled me up and made me feel so happy.  I hope you can find something to do to make you feel that way to!