The final topic is finding balance as home bloggers or what I prefer to call it: The Great Juggling Act.  How do you decide where to spend your precious time when you have a family and relationships or another job and a life and you still want to grow your blog?

Last month I invited four bloggers I greatly admire to be a part of this series to kick off the new year, and I need to publicly thank them for their enthusiasm to sign on.  These four seasoned bloggers have been pulling it off for a long time with style and grace, and I think we all want to know their secrets.  So let’s hear what they have to say on these questions and then I’ll offer my two cents.

What are the ways you manage the responsibilities of home life and blogging?  What time management tips can you share?

{Nester}: The more Nesting Place has grown, the more help I have. It’s as simple as every day math–if I add something in, I have to take something else away. So, for our family, in this stage of life it means that I do my grocery shopping online and then pick it up, I have a housekeeper twice a month to do all the stuff I neglect, my husband stays home one day a week to help homeschool our boys ages 10, 11 and 14 {they are in a University style school where they are home two days a week}. I can only do that because Nesting Place makes enough money to justify all those things. Two years ago, I couldn’t spend as much time online because I had to clean toilets and grocery shop and homeschool younger boys and procrastinate billing people. My family knows that Nesting Place is a business {that I LOVE} and my husband is my biggest supporter and encourager.

I also have an assistant who is Nesting Place’s ad manager/president of giveaway day/organizer of Nest Files/conference companion. Without Caroline, I wouldn’t be able to focus on the stuff I’m good at and love to do as much because I’d be busy avoiding billing people for their ad space. I wish I would have hired her years ago. I’ve also written a few posts at (in)courage about how my husband encouraged me to follow my passion {you should follow yours too} and how I use my 12 work days per month if you’d like to read more. And for laughs, here’s a fun In Her Shoes post I wrote for Effortless Style about a "typical" day in my life.

{Sarah}  “When you start out blogging (whether writing one or reading them!) it kind of sucks you in…you’ll sit down at the computer and then find you’re still sitting there two hours later. :) If you aren’t careful it can really affect your productivity and family life. I figured out how to balance the projects, the blogging and the business side of everything with some time (and a supportive spouse!).

You know what, scratch that. I still don’t have it figured out. It’s just more figured out than when I started.

I feel like a slacker when it comes to my blog more often than I’d like to admit. I often feel like I need to post more, but I just don’t make the time. My kiddo only goes to preschool a few hours a week, so until he goes to kindergarten next year I want to dedicate as much time to him as I can. But blogging is my "job," and the best job EVER. I love it, so I dedicate time to it and my projects as often as possible. I don’t follow a particular schedule — I just work on projects when I can and I pretty much always blog at night. I’m a late owl so that’s my time to get work done on the computer. And I cannot express how much my iPhone has changed my life — it sounds silly, but I can get SO much done at random times, even at home. It’s so much easier to answer emails, jump on Twitter or check out a few blogs here and there throughout the day.”

{Jennifer}  I have found that it’s very hard to balance a blog, particularly a creative blog based on tutorials, with family and personal time. There’s always more I could be doing to make my blog better, answer emails, improve a project, etc. A couple of years ago I kind of burned myself out, working non-stop, and that was before I was making anything at all from my blog.

Now, I have found a few ways that have allowed me to keep my sanity and remain married. (1) I’ve organized my to-do list for my blog by time of day – I do certain things during certain times of the day. I check my email early in the morning. I do all of my projects during the day and take pictures in the afternoon. Then, when my kids are home from school, I take time off until they go to bed. At night, I edit my pictures, write my posts, and do more email. (2) I’ve also found that having a blog calendar is super important. I plan my months in advance. That way I can buy the supplies for many projects in one trip. I’m not scrambling for last-minute projects. (3) Also, if you can get ahead in your blog, spend one day a week writing your posts, and then set your blog to auto-post them. For social media, tools like HootSuite can schedule your Twitter and Facebook posts in advance – you can queue them for later posting.”

{Marian}  “This is a constant struggle for me, as I’m sure it is for all busy people. I try to use every minute to the fullest and constantly check my priorities versus how I’m spending my time. I wrote a post last year where I shared all of the keys to my productivity.  It all boils down to the fact that I love what I do, I can do it while I’m home with my kids and all of the hard work is paying off, so I find a way to make it work. It sometimes means the laundry is a little out of control or we order takeout for dinner or I’m up later than I should be, but most of the time it’s manageable. I think the best time management tip I can give is to say “no” when you need to and let go of things that are sucking up your time and aren’t worth it.”

Wow ladies, it seems we all suffer from that same struggle to juggle it all and your insight is so encouraging.  Just about every day of the week I feel just like this gal:

If only I had more arms like her… then I could do it all!  Do you find yourself saying that?  If only I had what she had, then I could do it all too.  That’s a misconception.  Truth is, no one person can do it all, we all have limited resources and only 24 hours in a day.  That’s why I love these four ladies, they’re so honest about the fact that we all struggle to try to do as much as we can in the time we have and they’ve made some very smart choices that work for them. 

Jennifer is right, there is always more we could  be doing, but should we?  No. Like she said, it leads to burnout when you take on too much.  I love Nester’s tip about getting help if the budget permits, and how important it is to have a supportive spouse. Sarah’s smart phone is a major time saver for her and I agree, it’s a helpful tool for hopping onto Twitter, Facebook, or returning quick emails.  Marian impresses me too, with her abilities to manage home life and all of her growing opportunities.  Accepting a little chaos in our lives, and letting go of perfection is so important. 

When it comes to my own juggling act, I basically stick to these five rules.

1.  Prioritize.  The most important thing in my life is my family and my relationships.  I believe my blog should always come second, so I schedule meaningful family time every day.  Like Jen, I take those hours when the kids are home from school in the afternoon to be with them, get them started on homework, start dinner, and if time permits, use my phone to catch up.  I don’t sit down on the computer until after dinner and usually after the kids go to bed.  It’s important to pinpoint your priorities and focus your time there.

2.  Know when to say No.  Think about what you want for your life and your blog and stick with that plan.  Don’t say yes to every opportunity or social media outlet just because it sounds good at first glance.  You’ll spread yourself too thin and then you’re no good at anything.  Like Julia, resist the pressure to do what other bloggers are doing.  You don’t need to follow the pack, you set the rules, you budget your time, you decide what works best for you.  I agree with Marian so much on this point.  Not every opportunity that comes your way is meant for you and knowing when to politely say No is so key. 

3.  Develop a system.  Find a way to be organized that works for your lifestyle. I put together a Command Central binder so I have all my household information in one spot. I also find it’s helpful to plan your projects and posts ahead of time and to use an editorial calendar. Keep drafts of a few ideas stored in your blog so whenever you blank or have no project in the works you can turn to those.  

4. Set Your Pace.  Writing a blog is a more like running a marathon, not a 50 yard dash, you must set your pace, whether it’s one or five posts a week. I wrote a little more about my choices and daily schedule in this article on balance and blogging last year, and still follow those guidelines.

5.  Take care of yourself.  Get a good night’s sleep, daily fresh air, and feed your body well.  Get your hair done, go to the movies with a friend, and live a little, it enhances your life and often gives you stuff to write about you wouldn’t ordinarily find if you were sitting in front of your computer all day.  When all else fails and you do feel overwhelmed, take a nap, a hot bath, check out for a day, go exploring, and come back when you’re ready.  One thing I’ve realized is that readers are patient and understand that you are human.  You will get tired and you will run out of creative ideas, but that’s okay.  Inspiration and energy will return only after you’ve cleared your mind and rested your body.  The readers will wait for your next post whenever that may be. 

One of my favorite authors Shauna Niequist puts it even more succinctly, we just need to make these choices:

Present over perfect.

Quality over quantity.

Relationship over rushing.

People over pressure.

Meaning over mania.

To read the four previous posts in this ‘Growing Your Blog’ series follow these links:

Authenticity at Nesting Place

Making Money Blogging at Thrifty Decor Chick

Building a Community & Social Media at Tatertots & Jello

Photography & Styling at Miss Mustard Seed

What about you?  Do you share the same struggles to juggle it all?  What tips can you share for better time management or finding that balance we crave so much?  And did you enjoy this series?  I’d love your feedback.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, get out and spend some time with the people you love in your favorite places eating your favorite food. 

Cheers,

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2011 taught me that I have a voice, how to pace myself, how to better juggle home and work, how to take things one day at a time.  It taught me that I need to ignore the naysayers and keep negative people out of my life. How to shed the crippling fear of failure, how to just keep going even when there’s no motivation, and how to let the little things go.

At the same time, it’s also important to look ahead, to make plans, to seize the opportunity to fine tune ourselves and set realistic, achievable goals. You may be a New Year’s Resolutions person and you may not.  Personally, I embrace the idea of self reflection and the desire to improve yourself.  What better time than the start of a new calendar year to declare your goals and pursuits for the future.

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My resolutions for 2012 . . .

Better Health.  I tend to reach for a glass of wine at the end of the night for relaxation, and I think that habit, and less outdoor activity than usual, is the culprit for those extra pounds that have crept up on the mid section.  Me no likey. 

So now I’m drinking tea at night instead.  As a newbie, I’m looking for recommendations for decaffeinated teas, so I welcome yours. My stepdaughter is so thoughtful she heard me planning to make the switch and bought me this tea kettle for Christmas. She knows me well, I like things clean, bright, and simple. . 

Also, I’m back in my running routine and I just might run another half marathon this year… this one motivates me greatly.  

More of the Mister.   Did you know I’m married to a real estate appraiser and broker with over 25 years experience in real estate who knows everything there is to know about buying a home or getting it ready to sell?  Wow, that sounded like an infomercial. Well it’s true. The mister is a wealth of information, and you’ll see his expertise appear here more this year.  Oooooh, a real estate column!   

Skill.  My sister got me Photoshop Elements for Christmas (again with the thoughtful gifts) and since I’ve been working on a dinosaur version of Photoshop 7 for a few years, I’ve been frustrated with my lack of talent with that software. I’ll be installing and practicing on the latest version soon, and maybe have a few tricks to share with you as I navigate the software, stick with me.  Also, I really need to learn how to sew a proper button hole, and call me crazy, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to juggle, is that wrong? 

Risk.  Ah, here’s an important one.  I have something in the works now which I truly believe in, but it is a risk for me to take.  But I believe in taking risks. Taking risks can lead to great success or utter failure but I’m prepared for whatever comes. More on that next month, but it’s something I know you’ll all enjoy and I hope support. It’s something I’ve envisioned for awhile and I’m devoting a lot of time, energy, and passion to behind the scenes ~ I’ll have more to share in February.

Lucias Art on Etsy

Email and Accounting.  I’ll be frank, I’m just awful at both.  I try, I truly I do, but my business paperwork could be more organized and my inbox is a mess.  There are remedies for this, they come in the form of an assistant and bookkeeper (and Quickbooks which I recently discovered). I’d like to be better, but this may be one of those situations where I just need to delegate. 

Home Improvement & DIY.  Oh yeah, that!  Well I do have plans to remodel that hall bath, to finally build a potting bench, to finish the courtyard paving, and to adopt another house, like the Alma Project.  I have other crafts and gardening ideas and cooking experiments too, all doing a happy interpretive dance in my head, as soon as I get them choreographed and executed, you’ll see more. 

Grow.  Looking back on 2011, I realized that I accomplished most things because of a ‘can do’ attitude and that continues into 2012.  Whatever the subject, wherever I go, I just want to keep experiencing and discovering and learning more and more.  It will all make a series of great stories to tell my grandchildren.    

Chill.   The pace of a DIY blog can be exhausting and this girl does get weary.  It doesn’t mean I’ll stop, I’ll just be better about taking a break when necessary. Some days I’ll have a new project, craft, or recipe to share, but be forewarned, other days will be simpler reflections on things I notice, things I love.  I hope you’ll continue to read along, whatever that is!

Simplify.  The greatest goal of all, and I know one shared by many.  Simplification and organization are the major themes for all of us in January, mine too. I’m paring down everything from my magazine subscriptions to my wardrobe.  You might see some posts on how I sort my junk drawer or what’s in my makeup bag.  Riveting!

And that’s the great thing about blogging – the fact that it holds me more accountable.  Professing these goals to the world might just mean they’re more likely to happen, right? 

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Don’t forget, the five part ‘Growing Your Blog’ series starts today at Nesting Place ~ hop on over for reflections on the importance of authenticity in blogging.

What are your resolutions to improve your life this year?

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2011 has been quite a year, and I can honestly say, one of my favorites if not most favorite ever. The ability to create, build, and write about what I love is a dream come true for me, and the list of people to thank who have made it possible is a mile long so I shall save it for more personal correspondence. 

But I cannot say goodbye to 2011 without publicly thanking all of you who visit and subscribe, who link and comment, who tweet and share your projects and stories with me. It means more than you know when you connect with me the way you do, whether it’s on Facebook, through link parties or comments, or in private emails. I cannot get enough of a marvelous DIY project, great makeover, or stylish creation and witnessing all the amazingness that is out there among this talented DIY and home decorating community literally keeps me up at night. I look forward to continuing this crazy fun blogging journey in the new year with all of you and I can assure you it brings much excitement!  

So tonight let’s toast to all of the success, health, happiness, and harmony that 2012 will bring to us all.  To kick off the new year, I’m excited to be a part of this great series starting on Monday featuring some of your favorite bloggers.

The Blog Hop will begin on Monday at Nester’s place and the five of us mentioned will be sharing our insight through the week on topics from monetization to photography to finding balance. The series continues on Tuesday with Sarah, Wednesday with Jen, Thursday with Marian, and Friday with me, I know you’ll love it! 

Wishing you all very Happy New Year !!

xo,

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I’m so looking forward to the traditional meal we prepare every year, and the opportunity to spend the evening with family and friends. Today is a day of reflection and relaxation and I plan to savor every moment and morsel from the stuffing to the pie to the conversation around the table. I’m wishing all of my American friends the very same as we celebrate on this holiday.         

Cheers to good food and great memories!  Safe travels too. 

xo,

Oh, and Happy Birthday to my baby brother Nate today. How cool to have your birthday fall on Thanksgiving, he gets his own personal pumpkin pie all to himself.  Awesome.  

images: 1/2/3/4/5/6

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The longer answer, and what I wish I’d explained much better, is that DIY projects give me a sense of accomplishment. It makes me feel good to design and create all kinds of things, whether I’m crafting or cooking, styling or decorating. Frankly I’m just one of those people who likes to dream up things in my mind and then make them with my own hands.

I’m not a fine artist or an especially skilled carpenter, but I love working with paint and building things and that makes me a creative. It took me over 30 years to finally acknowledge that fact, but then I realized I possess many of the attitudes of creative people. I believe in reinvention, perseverance, and I have an ongoing curiosity about how things are made. 

There’s always a calculation I make before undertaking any DIY project. Do I have the time?  Do I possess the skill?  Will taking on this project teach me something new?  How much money will I save?  Will it look good in the end?  If you’d asked me ten years ago whether I’d tackle a staircase remodel or install a new stone patio, my answer would have been “Do what?  Heck no.”  How did I end up taking on those projects?  Because I’d read how others had gone before me, I was inspired, and had the desire to learn how.

As a creative, it’s important to surround yourself with people who share your passion so I feed off of the inspiration and knowledge that comes from others in the DIY community. When I read about other creatives using their hands to build something amazing, I can’t help but feel admiration for their skills and DIY savvy, which is why I began the ‘Best of the Blogsophere’ series so many months ago. Not everyone has the time, inclination, or skill to take on major DIY projects, and that’s fine. But I believe those skills can be learned if the ‘can do’ attitude is there.

It frustrates me when I hear people say “I’m not creative.” I don’t agree with that. Every person possesses the innate ability to be creative. The naysayers simply have yet to tap into their creativity. Perhaps they lack confidence. Perhaps they’re afraid they won’t be any good. Mostly I think they just haven’t tried. We’re all creative to one degree or another, it just has to be discovered deep within. Life hasn’t been the same since I tapped into mine. 

That’s my long answer.  What’s the short answer to the question, “Why do I DIY?”

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Do you see yourself as a creative person?

Why do you or don’t you DIY? 

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Doesn’t that sound weird? And a little premature? It does to me, but I was reminded yesterday that Thanksgiving is four weeks away, and Christmas is eight weeks away, which is just a little frightening. 

Isn’t it crazy how the time between Halloween and New Years Eve goes by in the blink of an eye. Cah-ray-zee! I love this season more than any other but it always seems so rushed unless I make serious efforts to plan ahead. I wrote an article on holiday housekeeping last year as a reminder that I need to start pacing myself in October and get to planning.  I revisited the topic again over coffee this morning and thought I’d share.  Here is a condensed version of last year’s article with a few tips for holiday housekeeping:  

I was at Michaels today and noticed already Halloween is on clearance and the flashy Christmas decorations are all on display. And it’s still October. This is no surprise, it happens earlier every year, but there’s still that moment of “O.M.GEE, it’s almost Christmas!" that makes my head spin. I’ll look on the bright side and interpret all those sparkly ornaments as a nudging reminder that the holiday season is about to descend with all of its magic and mayhem.   

In the last few years, I’ve learned (the hard way) that this season is far more joyous the better prepared I am, so I’m taking some steps in the next two weeks to brace prepare myself for the frenzy:  

1. Swap out the Wardrobe.  I still need to put all the summer attire away in baskets and clear out the shelves of any summer footwear (me thinks it’s this weekend’s project…)  I find having a closet consisting of only cold weather clothing helps me keep it cleaner and more organized.  As the temperatures drop, the entire family will be needing to keep their toes warm.  Matching up all the lonely socks is a laborious task that I would gladly trade with anyone who needs something painted.  Any takers?  :D

I typically store my summer clothes up high in baskets on a shelf, but my mom swears by those vacuum bags, the ones where you suck all the air out and you can get ten sweaters to reduce to the size of one.  I haven’t bought any yet because they’re pricey, but as I understand they’re worth if for the closet real estate they provide. 

2. Prepare for Overnight Guests.   We’ve had guests every weekend since September and there will still be many more. It’s great to open up our home to friends and family, but this means they all need pillows to sleep on and blankets to keep them warm.  It’s time to take inventory of our linen closet to make sure there is enough clean and comfy bedding for colder winter nights. 

3. Stock the Pantry and Freezer.  We cook a lot, we bake a lot, and we drink a lot of wine, amen.  Stocking up now on staples now like sugar, flour, pumpkin pie mix, spices, and even garbage bags will help to avoid those holiday crowds at Costco that I dread. It’s also time to clean out our freezer in anticipation of buying bulk items to store from poultry and pot roast for colder evening meals.   

4. Winterize the House.  Around here, we get a lot of rain, which means it’s time to clean gutters and make sure downspouts that are directed away from house to avoid flooding the foundation.  Ah the joys of home ownership, right?  So much darn work!  We also need to weatherize a drafty door, check the furnace and change the filter, turn off the sprinklers, and cover the patio furniture. 

5. Inventory the Winter Outerwear.  With growing children, we’re always in need of new coats, boots, hats, etc.  Thankfully, we have friends who often donate jackets or rain boots to us when their kids outgrow them cause winter wear gets costly quickly. What’s your favorite source for quality affordable winter gear for kids?  I’ve shopped Lands End in the past, are there any other great sources?  Also, anyone know of a clever way to ‘label’ your kids outerwear, other than a Sharpie? 

6. Make a Holiday Budget and Stick to It. This is the most important thing of all, and admittedly the one I struggle with the most.  (Especially when I spied some “must have” sunburst mirror mini ornaments at a local Christmas shop, I die!) But since I dread a big credit card statement in January showing all those little extras that I failed to account for with poor planning. I’m convinced with a budget in place, I’m less likely to spend carelessly and more likely to be smart with my money. 

7. Get Ready to Gift Wrap. One of the reasons I built a gift wrap organizer was because of the disorganization I felt with all that gift wrap! With a small zone dedicated to a few rolls of wrap with ribbon, tape and scissors there is far less stress and having all the wrap ready to go is a huge time saver.

8. Start to Gather Gifts Now.  I think it’s smart to start shopping for Christmas gifts in October, and the purchases are made easier when I keep a small list in your purse or wallet of all the people you need to buy for.  If the plan is to make homemade gifts, oh boy, I’ll need to budget even more time to gather supplies and dedicate those few hours to crafting with enjoyment rather than under pressure. 

There is always the benefit to getting the shopping done early by avoiding the crowds and impulse buys, but then again those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals get better every year!  Which do you prefer, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?  Me thinks I prefer the latter since it can be done in my pajamas. 

9. Decorate With What Exists.  Isn’t it true how tempting all of those brand new holiday decorations can be?  It’s all so sparkly and pretty and wonderful, however I think it’s important to inventory what already exists in your stash and try to make it work somehow.  If the budget permits, then by all means, supplement with some new seasonal finds, ornaments, and accessories.

10. Prepare for Hours Spent Indoors, but…  Colder weather always makes entertainment challenging, especially with daytime hours spent indoors so having plenty of games, books, and art supplies around keeps boredom at bay. 

However, when the kids start climbing the walls, I’m one of those parents that dresses them warmly then pushes points them outside to the puddles or piles of snow. My parents made us do it, so it’s the least I can do to pay it forward. The reward for all that outdoor play is soup and hot chocolate all around which is one of the very best things about winter, right? 

All images via Country Living

Hey busy ladies, how do you prepare the looming holiday season?  Do you take it one holiday at a time, or are you already planning ahead for them all?  What’s your best kept secret for surviving this fast approaching holiday season?

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On September 9, 2001, we boarded a plane bound for Puerto Rico.  We originally had plans to spend September in New York City but switched our plans earlier that month and decided to visit New York City later in the fall instead. 

I distinctly remember going through security at the San Francisco International Airport and both of us noticed and commented that the security agents weren’t paying attention to the items under surveillance, they were more interested in their own conversation.  It was disturbing, but all we could do was shrug our shoulders and continue on our vacation.

Then came September 11th, 2001.

We’re west coasters, but that morning we were on east coast time having arrived in Puerto Rico two days before.  That morning, I went to the hotel’s workout facility, placed my headphones on my ears, and started my run on the treadmill.  I looked up to see the television in the corner of the room and saw what looked like an airplane that had hit a tall skyscraper.  I thought to myself Hollywood was trying to market another blockbuster movie with an airplane that hit a building and it was some sort of evil character involved.  I kept running on the treadmill.  It never crossed my mind that it could possibly be real. 

People began to gather around the television.  At this point, I recognized it was the World Trade Center in New York City.  The other hotel guests were pointing and commenting, and wondering how an airplane could possibly have hit the building.  It wasn’t a Hollywood movie, this had actually happened.  I hopped off the treadmill and headed back to our hotel room.

I walked into the room to see my husband watching the same video on the television.  We, like so many, wondered how this could possibly be happening.  Then we watched the second plane hit and our jaw dropped.  For several minutes we were speechless.  I turned to look at my husband.  He turned to looked at me.  I said, “Who could do such a thing?”  He said, “It’s Bin Laden”. 

Then the Pentagon was hit. Then the World Trade Center buildings fell, one after the other.  We, like all Americans, were horrified, petrified, in shock.

That morning we were scheduled to check out of our hotel, but we sat by the television until the afternoon still unable to understand what had just happened.  That evening we checked into a new hotel, and sat by the television for days, just like the rest of the country.  We weren’t on vacation anymore, we were mourning the incredible loss of what we had witnessed. 

The airports were closed for several days and we were unable to leave until September 15th.  We flew back home through JFK airport, still in fear and shock that our country had been attacked.  

Later that fall, we visited New York City as planned and the wreckage of the World Trade Center.  Words cannot describe the feeling of watching the embers still burning months later. Today marks ten years, and the pain, anger, and sadness still remain.  Yet I am proud of the heroism of so many citizens on that day, proud of our country’s resilience in the wake of this horrible tragedy, and so proud to be an American.

Where were you on September 11th?

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There are plenty of people who don’t care to shop thrift stores.  Perhaps they dislike or are afraid of used goods, or their local thrift stores carry nothing but useless junk.  I’ve seen my share of thrift stores that carried mostly unusable items, but I’ve also scored a few finds in thrift stores that could be resold for hundreds of dollars.  It all depends on the particular store, they’re all so very different.  I’m asked now and then for my best advice on thrifting, so I thought it time to put them all in one place!

Here are a few of my tips for shopping thrift stores:

Stay Focused.   When you find a great thrift store, it’s like shopping in any second hand forum.  Your visit can quickly turn into ”Hey that’s cute” or “Oooh, I like that too!” and before you know it, your tab has climbed higher than you planned, and you’ve brought home things you don’t really need.  Before you walk through the door, remember what you’re there for.  Stay focused on your needs and your budget.    

Know The Sales Days.  Find out when your local store has sales and show up early.  My local St. Vincent de Paul has furniture sales when they have too much in stock (typically after a big donation weekend) so I’m in the habit of stopping in every Monday or Tuesday to see what’s new.  My mom loves to shop at the Goodwill on Tuesdays when anyone over 55 gets a 25% discount.  She’s found so many designer labels and even items that are brand new and have never been worn, you just never know what you’ll find!  It pays to know when your local store offers discounts. 

Seek that Diamond in the Rough.  Shopping a thrift store can be hit and miss, and you never know what you’ll find inside, it just depends on what is in stock on a given day.  For me, this is the most exciting part, searching through the real junk to discover a great find.  It’s that treasure hunt that keeps me coming back time and again. 

Typically, the good stuff is buried under the bad.  Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and shuffle things around to find something worth buying.  Also, keep in mind that time is money.   Always consider the time and cost of refurbishing a piece.  If it is one that will need to be completely restored, stained or painted, factor in that time and energy into the purchase price. 

Full Inspection.  Give anything you contemplate bringing home a full inspection.   Often, the staff will have already weeded through the donations for stains, rips, or unusable items, nevertheless, take the time to thoroughly inspect the item.  With furniture, pull every drawer and open every door.  Look for signs of quality construction, like solid wood and dovetail joints.   

Be Willing to Walk Away.  Half the time I enter a thrift store I see absolutely nothing I could use.  I see pieces I could refurbish, but I (try to) resist the urge to bring them home if they serve no purpose.  I’m an avid thrifter and my friends know it, so I always have a list of things I’m looking for, for me or for them.  After a quick scour, if I don’t see it, I walk out and come back to shop another day. 

Beware the Cooties.   So many people freak out at the thought of bed bugs, mites, or strange odors.  This concern is legitimate, as there have been outbreaks of bedbugs in many urban areas, so always take precautions.  If you bring home fabric, be sure wash it in hot water to kill any germs.  Resist the urge to buy anything upholstered you’ll sleep or sit on unless you plan to have it professionally cleaned or reupholstered before you bring it into your home, and examine every piece of furniture for any signs of infestation or decay.  If your furniture find has an odor, perhaps due to a previous life in a smoker’s residence, there are several remedies.  Baking soda, white vinegar, witch hazel, Borax, and Murphy’s Oil Soap all help neutralize odors in second hand furniture. 

Shop Without Kids.  Just like any treasure hunt at a flea market or clearance sale, kids have a little patience, so if you intend to hit a few stores, leave those little ones at home.  That said, I think it does set a good example to take kids to thrift stores now and then (which I do sometimes) so they learn the benefits, but must most of the time I go alone.  I find I can’t spend the time I need searching for the good stuff if I have to attend to their wants or keep my eye on their every move. 

Ask For a Lower Price.  I am never afraid to ask for a lower price.  The key is to talk to the manager on site, not just any clerk working in the store.  If you’re a regular, chances are they will give you a discount.  If not, the good news is you’re money is going to a worthy cause and you are already getting a deal, but it never hurts to ask, so be brave and just do it.  But be nice!  If you’re a frequent thrifter, then the sales staff will recognize you.  Be as nice as you can be, ask their name and remember it.  When they see you walk through the door, they’ll treat you well and sometimes give you a better deal.  I asked my friend Rhoda, a thrifting expert, for her best tip.  Her advice?  “Go early, take cash, and don’t be afraid to bargain!” 

Purge Often.   You know how it is, both retail and second hand purchases can quickly clutter your home, so get in the habit of purging your home often of the things you don’t use or need and donate them to your favorite thrift store!   Just this month I rid my house of clothes we’ve outgrown, and other unused items like TV trays (I’ve made a pledge we won’t eat in front of the TV), leftover toddler toys, and unused electronics.  Drop off your donation at the back door before you enter the front door.  

No doubt there are items sitting in your home that you could easily donate.  Thrift store donations are tax deductible, so be sure to ask for a receipt. 

Think Creatively.  If there ever was a tip to embrace, this would be it.  Whenever I enter a thrift store, I see things for what they could become, not what they are.  Take this coffee table I recently spied for $15 at my local Goodwill.   This table has the potential to be a completely amazing bench ~ imagine it upholstered with new foam and fabric and those fantastic legs given a fresh coat of paint.  Completely stunning in an entry, and one of a kind too!

Have a vision every time you thrift!   To quote my friend Mr. Goodwill Hunting,  "Be able to look beyond what you see and have vision for what something can be.  You can mix thrifted lamps and a side board with Pottery Barn lamp shades, and still have a well edited look.” 

image: Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Most thrift stores are for charity and are run by churches, noble causes, or veteran’s groups, and most people assume thrift stores exist to provide goods to the poor.  However, many thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army actually exist to raise money for their organization.  When you buy from them, you support their cause, and you also help the environment by keeping a few things from ending up in landfills.  That’s a feel good proposition we all should support. 

Now here’s a peek at my latest thrift store before and after: 

I followed the same steps as I did on this green nursery dresser, but here’s a recap on how to paint furniture.

1) Remove all Hardware.  Before priming and painting, be sure to remove knobs and pulls.  

2) Clean and Scuff.   With the use of a bonding primer, there is no need to sand your piece to remove all traces of varnish, but giving the entire piece a onceover with a medium grit (80 – 120) sanding wedge for 5 to 10 minutes helps to remove any lingering debris and also preps your surface for priming.  Wipe down when complete.

3) Cosmetic Repair.  Fill any scratches or dents with a sandable and paintable wood putty.  If you are moving the location of your knobs or hardware, now is the time to fill those existing holes.  Sand smooth when dry. 

4)  Prime.  Bonding primers are essential for a lasting paint job, and there are several primers on the market, both water and oil based versions.  I use Zinsser ‘Cover Stain’, an oil based formula, because it adheres to glossy surfaces (even laminate) and blocks any stain from seeping through and affecting your future paint color.   You can choose either a spray version or brush on version.

Keep in mind, using a brush on formula requires you clean your brush with mineral spirits or paint thinner, so consider using a throwaway paintbrush for the primer coat.  Tip: oil based paints will come off your hands with vegetable oil, no need to use harsh chemicals on your hands. 

5)  Paint.  One your primer is dry, apply two coats of latex paint.  For the best paint job, invest in a quality angled brush.  You can use a roller for quick application, but you’ll need to follow it up with a brush, especially in nooks or tight places.  I also recommend a paint conditioner called Floetrol, which extends your drying time to eliminate drag and minimize brush strokes in your paint.  It’s inexpensive ($7 to $9 a bottle) and a little goes a long way, find it at any specialty paint store. 

7)  Add Hardware.  If you’re adding modern knobs or pulls, measure their precise location and use a drill bit to create new holes. 

8. Protect your Hard Work.  Use a water based protectant as your final step, which helps eliminate any stickiness that can result from using latex paint, and also protects your paint for years to come.  I recommend either Minwax Polycrylic or Varathane Polyurethane formulas, you can find them in brush on or spray applications, in both satin and gloss finishes.  Make sure you avoid any oil based polyurethanes, they are designed for stained furniture, and will yellow or amber over time. 

Follow these steps and you’ll have a custom piece in a weekend!

Before:

After:

What’s your latest thrift store score?

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I am thankful for my five year old boy, because only he can explain to me the significance of the pink ninja hostage situation happening atop this Jenga skyscraper.

I am thankful for oranges because they look pretty on trees, and they are a key ingredient in one of my favorite cakes. You can find my recipe for orange cake in The Lettered Cottage E-zine, including the easy trick for making those fancy shmancy curls with orange peels.  

I am thankful for the miracle of my garden in bloom which reminds me everyday I am so blessed.

I am thankful for that young college kid that showed up on my door, twisted my arm, and made me sign up for a bimonthly delivery of local organic produce, because now I really love beets. 

I used to think beets grew in cans, which is why I never ate them.  Turns out, they grow in the ground, and when cooked, they have a wonderful earthy flavor.  I’m obsessed with serving them over mixed greens with goat cheese.  Obsessed.  And I’m quite sure I could dye cloth with the juice, which is why I like them even more. 

At this moment, having visited the archives, I am very thankful for babies with boxes. 

And the end of the oak trim and carpet on those stairs.

I am thankful today for the Mother’s Day gift I bought for myself from The Vintage Pearl.   ”It’s perfect, how thoughtful!” I keep repeating to myself. 

While on the subject, I am so thankful for these sponsors:

The smartest, most affordable way to hire your own decorator:

The best solution for upgrading your builder mirror:

All of your vinyl and canvas art needs found here:

For all questions related to your wardrobe, Jennifer to the rescue:

The best designs for modern stencils:

Beautiful custom hand stamped jewelry:

For the art of organizing your home:

For all your personalized stationery and invitation needs:

Your source for all things vintage:

I am also thankful for these fine bloggers who referred a lot of traffic my way this past month.  If you haven’t visited these ladies (or sites) you should, they all inspire me. 

With a margarita in hand on this Cinco de Mayo, I toast to you.

Thrifty Decor Chick

The Lettered Cottage

Apartment Therapy

Nesting Place

320 Sycamore

Hooked on Houses

The Inspired Room

Better After

One Pretty Thing

Miss Mustard Seed

My Sweet Savannah

Bower Power

The Art of Doing Stuff

Southern Hospitality

Isabella & Max Rooms

Now to celebrate this holiday with some fish tacos and that margarita. 

Adios amigos. 

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Hey Kate, I’ve been in a slump lately, feeling overwhelmed and not at my creative best.  Wondering do you ever feel this way?  Where do you go to get inspired?  ~ Shannon

Hey Shannon, yep I go through those ‘dry spells’ too, usually when I’m tired, stretched too thin, and pulled in too many directions.  We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and information, where distraction is inevitable and focus becomes difficult.  Also, we all have responsibilities that can keep us from a few hours of creative time.  Everyone goes through creative slumps, but no worries.  I have a few tricks I use to get inspired, then it’s always back to the drawing board. 

Here are a few of my favorite ways to kick start creativity again: 

Visit Etsy and/or Big Cartel.  I am always amazed at the skills of the artisans in these two forums for handmade goods.  An afternoon spent browsing the designs on Etsy or Big Cartel is sure to inspire you, and also introduce you to a few designers that will quickly become favorites.  

Clay flowers by St Jude Creations; Love Birds by Vintage Green Limited; Cake Stands by High Tea for Alice.

Pinterest.   Are you a Pinhead?  I am!  Last year, I heard about this site through a few blogs, so I sent my request for an invitation.   Months went by and I hadn’t heard from them, and I was completely bitter that my request for an ‘invitation’ wasn’t accepted, and I began to feel inadequate.  What’s wrong, why not me?  Then I did a search of my inbox.  Hello?  It was sitting right there. 

Pinterest is an image driven virtual pinboard where you can mix and mingle with like minded peeps by following them, and also ‘pin’ your favorite ideas.  There are a lot of sites out there that can be time sucks, but this one happens to be a favorite place of mine to spend 5 or 10 minutes a day.  Someday, I’ll figure out a way to catalog my favorites on my own site, but for now, Pinterest is the place to be!  

Print & Online Magazines.  There is so much room inspiration to be found in the galleries of established decorating sites, or on the pages of online magazines.  Some of my favorites are Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Style at Home, Elle Décor, House and Home, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, Lonny, Rue and Adore.  Visiting these sites also introduces you to the hundreds of brilliant professional interior designers and their portfolios.

Bookstores.   Every month or so, I schedule a few hours to head to a bookstore with a coffee in hand, and I make a beeline for the architecture, design, and do-it-yourself departments.  Often, I’ll spurge on a new text I’ve been eyeing for awhile to add to my growing library. 

Blog Hop Around Your Favorite Niche.   Blogs are quickly replacing print magazines in a lot of ways because they offer instant access to unique voices and individual creativity.  My favorite way to start my day is to sit down with a cup of coffee and read blogs.  I love seeing what everyone else is up to, and I don’t have to wait for the ‘latest issue’ of a print magazine to arrive in my mailbox, I simply open my reader.  Reading blogs gives me great ideas, makes me laugh or teaches me things I didn’t know.  Blogs are another way to get inspired, be part of a community, and live vicariously in each other’s lives.

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Retail Therapy.   I don’t mean go out and run up your credit card, I mean grab a ‘To Go’ beverage and take an hour or two to window shop or browse the inside of some of your favorite stores, just to see how other designers are using color, texture and pattern to create interesting vignettes. 

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Flea Markets + Antique & Craft Fairs + Art Galleries & Museums.  Talk about creativity on adrenaline, when you go where the dealers and artists are, you are sure to find inspiration among the collectors and most creative people in our world.  Take a few hours on the weekend to browse an antique fair or art gallery, it always works for me!

Take a Class.  So often, the key to increasing creativity is to learn something new.  Look into the courses offered in your area, whether it’s painting, sculpture, cooking or photography.  Educating yourself with basic skills on a subject matter enhances your ability to expand on your innate creativity. 

The Great Outdoors.  Fresh air and exercise always works wonders for me.  Whether it’s hiking nearby, going for a run, exploring a new destination near or far, or driving to the coast to feel the sand between my toes, getting away from the computer and exploring the outdoors is always a place to witness amazing color and texture, and rediscover your creative voice and energy.

Decluttering.   Cleaning out a room is a sure way to clear the mind.  Purging your home of what is meaningless, and storing away life’s real treasures will give you room to breathe again.  Try it!  Take on one cluttered space in your home, remove anything that isn’t meaningful or beautiful, and let it be.  Clutter is a creativity blocker, so once you get rid of it, the clouds part, and you’ll find your mind is clear again to create. 

Don’t Fear Failure.   This is my story for this past week! I’ve had a few craft/idea fails, nothing to write about, but each one of them taught me what not  to do.  I accept that, and move on.  I channel my best Scarlett O’Hara and say “Tomorrow is another day”. I’ll just keep creating and something good will come from my efforts eventually!

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Take Time Off.    It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of having to write or create something fabulous every day, but be wary of adopting that attitude, it will stress you out and leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated or inadequate.  

Very few artists, designers, and bloggers have the ability to knock it out of the park every single day, so don’t compare yourself and your abilities.  Quality is always better than quantity, so take the time off to recharge and replenish your creative abilities in order to produce your best work.  Sometimes you just need a nap and a fresh start! 

Where do you go when you are in a creative slump and crave inspiration? 

What are your favorite sources?

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