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Meaningful Spaces

A journey in creating a meaningful home

Archives for January 2019

Deep Cleaning Series THE LIVING ROOM

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DEEP CLEANING SERIES-How it works

Each month we will tackle one space in our home, I’ll attach a check list so we can stay on task.  When you finish the room (that means you’ve done everything on the checklist) send me a quick email and let me know you’ve finished. Those that finish will be added to a drawing for a price.

For those that complete each of the rooms during the series you will not only have an amazingly clean and organized home at the end of the challenge, but you will also be entered to win a grand prize!

LASTS MONTH WINNER

Before we get into this month’s room I want to announce last months winner.

Last month we kicked off the series by tackling our kitchens. I think anyone who was able to finish the kitchen deep cleaning check list is a winner! It took me all month to complete, little by little I crossed tasks off. Boy, does it feel good now that it’s done!

The winner of the $50 HomeGoods gift card is…Caroline!!! Caroline check your inbox, I just sent you an email. 🙂

THIS MONTH’S PRIZE AND HOW TO ENTER

Once you’ve completed all the tasks on the deep cleaning worksheet, send me an email letting me know you’ve finished.  Make sure you’ve subscribed to my blog, only subscribers will be eligible to win.  This month I’m giving away a $50 gift card to Target.  If you don’t have a Target near you it will be $50 to your local equivalent.

The room must be completely deep cleaned on or before February 28, 2019.  I must be notified you’ve completed the challenge by 9pm EST on February 28, 2019.  Winner will be announced and notified by March 2nd, 2019.

Open to US and Canadian resident’s only. 

Let’s Clean Our Living Rooms

Jute Rug | Blue Rug

Last month we tackled one of the hardest spaces to organize and clean. This month I wanted to work on a room that get’s just as much use but was a little less of an intense project.

Here are some details on each of the areas we will be tackling.

DeClutter

Decluttering always feels good. This section is self explanatory. We have a huge built in media cabinet and I can’t wait to purge and declutter this piece.

Deep Cleaning Fabrics

We spend a lot of time on our couches but how often do we clean them? Don’t forget to vacuum and flip your cushions.

If you have washable slip covers and/or drapery, wash them. If you don’t and need to spot clean, I found THIS GREAT ARTICLE.

Windows and Walls

I have a pet peeve, it’s dirty window tracks and sills. If you want some techniques to get your windows clean from top to bottom GO HERE.

Additional Tasks

When you are cleaning your floors, be sure to roll up your rugs and clean under them.

Make sure you send this post to anyone you know that wants to get organized this year!  Don’t forget to come back and let me know you’ve finished.   Now let’s get going!XO-Laura

After you’re all done with the checklist come back here and leave me a quick message below to be entered into the $50 Target gift card drawing.

I’m so happy we’re tackling our homes together! Ask me any questions in the comment section and let me know if you’re joining in this month.

XO-Laura

Deep Cleaning Challenge Update

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HOW IS THE KITCHEN ORGANIZING GOING?

Checking in to see how everyone is doing with purging and organizing their kitchens.  We started this challenge at the beginning of the month, ALL THE DETAILS HERE. You will find your checklist and the easy instructions on how to enter to win a $50 gift card to HomeGoods in that post. 

I have received several emails from readers letting me know they’ve already finished all of the items on the checklist-each time I open an email I’m just so thrilled.  I have done most of it and will finish the remainder over the next two days.  
If this is new information there’s still time.  Just jump right in, it may be a few long days but it’s doable!  

At the end of this post, I’ll announce which space we will be tackling in February.  Today I want to share a few products that I used to organize the kitchen that have made a big difference.

POTS AND PAN STORAGE

We have a large cabinet under our range that until now had not been organized properly!  I’m happy to say with the addition of two product it is so much more functional and organized. 

I mounted a lid organizer (it actually came as a pack of two but I only needed to mount one).  They can be mounted to the inside of the door, however with all of the lids it would have been a decent amount of weight and I wasn’t sure I wanted to put strain on the door.  

I also found a frying pan organizer at Target that I LOVE!  Before they were in the cabinet next door, and I was constantly riffling around to find which pan I needed. 

CASSEROLE DISH ORGANIZATION

Another area that I’ve gotten under control is the casserole dishes.  Instead of stacking them they are now separated by this organizer and much easier to access. 

I couldn’t find the exact one I used online but I’m linking one I think is even better.  It’s adjustable and has top reviews.

SPICE CABINET

I took the time to go through each and every spice.  I have had my spice jars for years, the labels were worn, and I made new labels with my label maker.  I used the largest font and am so happy with the result, it makes grabbing spices quick and easy. 

PANTRY ORGANIZATION

The last space that needed some serious attention was our pantry. I will save you from the full tour but wanted to share a shelf organizer that I added.  

In my search for risers to use for our cans and jars it took a little hunting to find one that is deep enough to hold the large cans and large sauce jars.  I’ll link the one I ended up using below.

In the kitchen purge I did find an old can shelf, and in effort to save money, I’m using it for the jars.  I like the can shelf so much more because it’s a little deeper and is adjustable.  If I wasn’t watching our budget I would have ordered two.

 

NEXT MONTH’S SPACE

DRUM ROLL PLEASE……. Let’s tackle our LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM. The kitchen is a huge challenge to tackle so let’s take it a little easier in February! Don’t worry we will have plenty to organize, purge, and clean but it most likely won’t be quite as much work as our kitchens.

Friday I will send out the new checklist for February and announce January’s winner!

As soon as you finish the kitchen checklist don’t forget to leave a comment below or email me to let me know. That’s how you will be entered to win the $50 HomeGoods gift card!

Tackling the kitchen together has been so fun. If January was busy for you and you weren’t able to join in this month, I’d love to have you join in with the February challenge!

XO-Laura

DIY Entry Table

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This post kicks of a new series, one of my goals this year is to share more DIY posts,these posts will include all the details so you can build your own furniture piece. A few months ago I built a table for our entry way-it took one afternoon from start to finish and I’m excited to share the step by step with you today.

TOOLS NEEDED

  • Miter Saw
  • Kreg Jig
  • Drill

If this is your first woodworking project or if you’re not familiar with a Kreg Jeg-watch this VIDEO. In my experience it has made woodworking so much easier as well as providing the opportunity to make tighter joints. You will need to purchase and be familiar with a Kreg Jig for this project.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • 30″ Table Top
  • (2) 2×2 Furring Strip Board
  • Small Can of Special Walnut Stain by Minwax
  • Small Can of Weathered Oak Stain by Minwax

I ordered the table top from HERE. It’s a 1 1/2″ Baltic Birch Plywood top with a diamter of 30″ .

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STEP 1-cut your wood pieces

  • Cut (4) 30″ pieces
  • Cut (1) 26″ piece
  • Cut (2) 12 1/4″ pieces

Using your mitre saw make a 7 degree angled cut to each end of your 30″ pieces. For each piece make sure you reverse the angle on the opposite end.

STAIN ALL WOOD PIECES

I’ve experimented with different wood stains and I really love the combination of Min Wax’s Weathered Oak and Special Walnut. You can practice on a piece of scrap wood to get the combination that you like. For this table I wiped on a coat of Special Walnut, waited 30 min. and wiped on a coat of Weathered Oak. The stain color will vary depending on the raw color of your wood. I tried to pick the lightest pieces out of the pile. Stain color is really your personal preference.

ASSEMBLE THE TABLE BASE

Use the Kreg Jig and use it on one end of each of the 12 1/4″ pieces. Once the holes are made attach these pieces in a cross formation to the 26″ piece. See photo below.

Before you start attaching the legs to the base. Take each 30″ piece and write with a pencil “top” and “bottom.” The bottom will be the end, that when leg is attached to the table base, the angled cut is sloping towards the middle of the table. That may sound confusing but see the picture below.



Once you’ve determined the top and bottom of each 30″ piece-you will use the Kreg Jig to drill holes on the end of each piece that you’ve determined to be the top. The holes will be drilled on the side that will face towards the inside of the table. (See two photos below)

Now that you’ve drilled the Kreg Jig holes on the top inside portion of the legs, you are ready to attach the legs to the base.

Attach each end of the table base to the four 30″ leg pieces. I used wood screws to attach the legs. Take note of which way the angle slants as you attach each leg. The angle should slope towards the center of the table. See pictures below.

Once each leg is attached to the base, attach the legs to the table top. You will use the pre-drilled Kreg Jig holes to attach.

Measure from the edge of the table to the legs so you know the base is centered on the table top.

STAND BACK AND ADMIRE YOUR TABLE

All you need to do now is flip your table upright and admire your handiwork. This table was my first solo wood working project. I was able to do it start to finish, by myself in one afternoon. If you’ve been interested in wood working or furniture building this is a great beginner project!

Please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll walk you through it. Happy wood working!

XO-Laura

Looking Back at 2018 and Goals for 2019

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LOOKING BACK AT 2017 & GOALS FOR 2019

It is important from time to time to look back at the past and take in the wins and the losses.  The new year is the perfect time to reflect on the year that just ended and plan and dream for the year ahead.  I love doing this here on the blog, it helps me see what content you’re enjoying and what I should do more of.  Here’s a round up of the top blog posts of 2018.

Top Blog Post– How-To on Styling Bookshelves

 My book shelves have always been a favorite here.  We purchased them from Overstock years ago, and unfortunately they are no longer carrying these exact shelves. Last January I did a post on how I style shelves and that turned out to be my most viewed post in 2018.

Top DIY Post–DIY on Printing and Buying Large Art

During the makeover of our HOME OFFICE last spring I waited until the last minute to figure out art for the space. So I had to get creative and find away to purchase and print art quickly and inexpensively.  I loved the result and followed up with a blog post with all the details.

Top Recipe Post–Easy Vegetarian Enchiladas

I’ve been a lifelong vegetarian and I’m glad that you don’t mind when I share easy vegetarian recipes.

Favorite Reader Purchases

This was a fun category to look back on I based this on the number of clicks and purchases.  I’m sharing below the top 6 and it is an eclectic mix of decorative items as well as an item from this years holiday gift guides and a dress from my What I’m Wearing On Repeat series.

GOALS FOR 2019

I’ve really thought about where I want to go with the blog, it’s a big time commitment, and I want to make sure the content I’m providing is helpful and informative.  Here are three areas that I want to expand on this year.

DEEP CLEANING & ORGANIZING SERIES

I kicked of the year with this series and we are working on our kitchens.  In case you missed it you CAN GO HERE for all the detail.  I’m really enjoying getting my kitchen clean and organized, below are a few items I just ordered to help with the process.

MORE DIY POSTS

I’m exited to share more detailed DIY posts this year.  First up will be the details on how to DIY this simple table.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

I think a lot of times thanks to Pinterest and Instagram we can sometimes be mislead, we see such beautiful homes that have every detail and finish done to perfection.  In reality most of us, including myself, have a home we love but is a work in progress.  Our home was built a little over 20 years ago, we are the second owners and have lived in it the past 8 years.  We’ve done lots of projects through the years to make it feel more like home, and we have many more to do.  I’m excited to explore ideas on how to work with the house you have and do an interactive series where we can tackle some trouble spots together.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?

Those are just a few ideas I have, but I’d love to hear from you.  What are some specific things you’d like to see this year?  Please leave a comment below and let me know.

Here’s to a fantastic 2019-

Laura

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