Organizing the Entry

 One of the things I'm working on this weekend at the new house is organization.


Right now, we are still shuffling boxes, emptying boxes, breaking down boxes and sobbing because there are still so many boxes.  I'm finding that many of these boxes are full of things that simply don't fit into this ranch house.

The first organizational project that I'm working on is the entrance to the home.  The current layout of the house doesn't really have a designated foyer.  The front door opens right into the living room and the entry closet was actually removed by the previous owner.  This leaves us with a 24 inch hall closet to house enough outerwear to get a family of 4 through a Canadian winter. 

We need a 'for now' solution to this problem.  I have stolen the closet space from the small office you can see through the french doors in the entry.  It is also a small closet but it does fit all our extra jackets and outerwear.  And I'm planning to work with the teeny 24 inch closet this weekend.

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I will be outfitting the inside with a rod (not sure why there's not one there already?) and some hooks, etc. to help corral our everyday coats and bags.  I also plan on using an extra expedit bookshelf we have to create an entry organization system or 'landing zone' to corral all our stuff.  

Here's a little inspiration:

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Stay tuned!

xo Meg

It's officially time for some happy around here.  And nothing says 'happy' like a well organized space.  Ok, it might not be everyone's version of happy, but it's mine.

  We are actively searching for a new home now.  We are looking in a different neighbourhood with a different architecture.  The homes are mostly back splits or side splits with large lots and mature trees. Along with this different architecture comes a space that is better organized for the way a modern family lives.  Larger bathroom vanities, closet and storage spaces, and a garage.

I love this amazing broom closet.  A place for everything and everything in it's place!

Pull out organizers under the sink - great idea Martha!

A pegboard in the closet to hang belts and jewels.

 Most people don't have a garage in our current area.  A garage would be a huge deal to us, since we currently have a storage rented where Jay keeps his large tools and extra materials.
   I really love the idea of an organized garage space - for all the sports equipment, tools, bikes, recycling, not to mention the car!

Just looking on the bright side.  House hunting is actually pretty fun.  We aren't in any hurry since our house was just listed and hasn't sold yet.  That means we can take our time in making the decision.  

xo Meg

Happy Holiday List Progress

I'm still working away on my Happy Holiday List.  But I'll be honest, some of the deadlines have already been missed.  I'm a bit disappointed about this but I know I still made a good start, and am getting things ready way earlier this year than usual.

• I have to get the cards done for this weekend, cause we're going to this family party and I'd like to be able to give them out then.  That means the photos need to be completed and the cards put together.  I think I'll still be on time with those.
• I didn't bake any cookies last week.  I really planned to but the week just got away from me!  I'm going to try and get them done this week too.  I like having them for hostess gifts, parties and quick last minute presents.  I also still need to get the packaging for them ready.
• I went on a big shopping trip this weekend.  I did get many of the items on my list checked off but there are still more to do.  Because of Black Friday, many of the things I needed for the kids were sold out.
• I still need a wreath for my front door.  I gave up on the lights, since Jay is working a lot right now and our house is really, really tall.  I would need the giant ladder and am getting tired of harassing Jay to bring it home from the jobsite.  If they actually get done, that would just be a bonus.  

I'm just trying to keep it real for you.  I put a lot of pressure on myself to meet these deadlines and frankly, it's a fail.

I don't want to let that ruin my holiday spirit though.  After all, it's about the fun of doing all those things anyway.  I really have enjoyed working on the list and I'll keep going, even though I may have been unrealistic about the timelines.

Happy Monday!

xo Meg

My New Holiday Strategy

Ok, it all started when I read Angie's post about how she gets ready for the holidays in November so that she can really enjoy Christmas with her family during December.

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I am traditionally a last minute Christmas gal.  I usually cram baking and shopping and parties and wrapping all into the last week or so before the big day. Madly scribbling off Christmas cards and enclosing photos printed at the last minute.   It makes me feel stressed for most of the month of December.  You know, worrying about getting it all done and that something will fall through the cracks.  

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The reason this usually happens is two fold.  First, I am a procrastinator.  I run on high adrenaline, getting stuff done at the very last second.  It only makes sense that this would spill over into my yuletide strategy.   Second, my boy's birthday is November 28th and my hubby's is the 29th, so I'm usually working on something for them right up until the first of December.

one of my christmas crafts, via

However, just as Angie inspired me to organize my back to school strategy, she has inspired me to re-think my Christmas strategy.  Basically, the idea is that if you get all the administrative details of the Christmas season done in November, you can really enjoy all the festivities that happen in December!  Makes sense, right?


Here's all the things I need to get done, and my timeline for their completion!

You can watch my blog to see the progress of some of these holiday projects.  I'm linking up to this fun party, that I saw on A Thoughtful Place:

 Maybe you'd like to join up too?

Happy Friday!  My kids are home because it's a PD Day at their school.  That means a houseful of my own and a few spares.

xo Meg