Leave it to Nester to kick my boo-tay in gear every year and get me to put pen to paper and make a list of goals for around the house.  So I did.  Last year, I did alright, met at least 80% or something like that.  This year, I’m feeling just as ambitious.  I’ve got big dreams so let’s take a peek at the *official* CG Home Goals for 2012.

#1  Prettier Powder.  First up, I’m giving our powder room a mini makeover ~ it’s in need of some piz-azz.  It’s been that soft RH Silver Sage color for years but I’m over it. Yesterday I installed some beadboard wallpaper, and I just need to repaint and install the new mirror. Gonna be gorg!

#2  Build a Bench   I’d like to build a long potting bench. I’ve always wanted a potting bench.  I’m thinking of building it with some local resalvaged wood and adding a little sink, it could would fit along this narrow strip of unused space on the side of the house. I could plant and grow and store all things garden right here. 

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The mister and I sat down to look at the fall schedule and with all the soccer games, entertaining, and holiday related events filling up our days, we concluded there are not many weekends available for any more big home improvement projects.   In January, I wrote about all of the home goals we had for our casa.  Today seemed a great day to take inventory on how I did and I’m proud to say I finished a lot of them.  Some will just have to wait until next year, but here’s a quick recap. 

Goal #1 – Replace the kitchen backsplash.  Done!  I was sooooo happy to swap out the yellow fruit plate last winter for a cleaner updated look.  Back in February I removed the old decorative tile and installed plain white tile in its place tile for a more cohesive feel. 

Goal #2: Create a homework and art center for the kiddos.  Yep, finished!  The blank wall in the kid’s play space got an upgrade with the addition of a homework and art station, including a desk, floating shelves, and frames for their artwork.

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Hi, it’s me!  Late to the soiree again (Nester’s Home Goals party), but for good reason!  I spent all yesterday behind one of these:

I’m still an amateur in front of a camera, but so grateful for the patient and encouraging crew.  It was nerve-wracking, thrilling, and educational all at the same time.  But more than anything, exhausting.  I have new respect for anyone involved with video production ~ oh the patience, time, and attention to detail from color balance to lights and sound.  You’ll see all four features unveiled in the spring, I’ll let you know when they’re live!

OK, time for the Home Goals for 2011.  I’m holding my own feet to the fire and I’ll try my darndest to finish up all of these projects around my house. 

Goal #1:  I’ll start with the most controversial change, the backsplash just behind my range.  Not the white tile surround, just behind the range. 

The Mister wants to keep it, but I’m so over the ‘fruit plate’ look, so much so I painted the surrounding yellow tile white because I couldn’t stand it anymore.  I found some coordinating white harlequin shaped tile I want to insert in its place with some pewter accents too, so I’m turning on the charm to coax the hubby into saying goodbye, and cracking open my new Dremel MultiMax to cut that entire section out!  You may think it actually looks good in this photo, but trust me, up close, it looks so painted. 

How do you like the new clock above the mantel?  Picked it up at K to the Mart peeps.  Love it! 

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