Take this time to reflect on your many memories and make new ones. Fill your home with the things that make you smile. Many of my ornaments remind me of past Christmases.
I add lots of candles and lights. It just makes the short days less daunting and my home more cozy. The flicker and glow will add warmth.
I fill my space with lots of greenery. The fake stuff right now. If we didn’t heat with wood, it’d be easier for me to keep the live stuff from turning to a pile of needles. If you do use the real stuff, make sure you soak in water before you put out. It’s also recommended to spritz it frequently, but be cautious with the furniture/wood it’s around.
I read the other day about how the winter solstice is supposed to be a time to slow down and reset. After a busy year, take the time to come inside and reflect on it. If anything, at-least sit and enjoy the lights on your tree.
Enjoy this time of year and make new memories!
]]>When we purchased the shop, I always knew I wanted to do something with the apartment upstairs. We always had so many other irons in the fire and never got around to it. This past winter, we decided it was time. We tore out the old chimney, hoping to add a bit more space. We also choose to take down all the studs, that had been put up, before we purchased the building. It was laid out for 2 bedrooms but things were completely uneven.
Now that were are down to a blank drawing canvas, I still envision 2 bedrooms and a large bathroom. A fair size kitchen and a spacious living room. I know that most people will only being one night, but I want their time in space, to be comfortable. I also know, our small community is in desperate need of an Air BnB.
I’m leaning towards a 1940’s farmhouse theme. We already have a large porcelain sink, that I plan to incorporate into the kitchen. I also have an old Hoosier cabinet, I’d like to put into the kitchen area. I see leather club chairs in the living room. Comfy, queen sized beds, in the 2 bedrooms. I would love to do a large, claw foot tub in the bathroom, but I know that’s not exactly practical.
Our project is no where complete, but my vision will only get better as time passes. I hope that our little apartment, can feel like a retreat for all that stay. As we complete stages, I hope to share them with you. And if you’re ever in the area, I hope you can stay with us!
Here in Northern Iowa, it seems the wind blows, All. The. Time. I’ve learned to add bricks or rocks, to help hold things down. Adding rocks to the bottom of your planters, not only add weight, but are also good for drainage. I set a brick on the legs or base to my washtubs, birdhouse, or wagons.
If it’s not the wind, then it’s the sun. The sun, can bleach things out, quickly. I look for cushions and pillows that are made out of fade resistant material. Make sure they’re washable, as well. A plastic chest, is great for storing your pillows in, unless you have room to bring them into your garage, when not in use.
Flowers, oh man can I buy flowers like it’s nobody’s business. I buy sun lovers and shade plants. When buying flowers for your planters, it’s always a good idea to know what is going where. I buy lots of red geraniums to pair with white and (blue) purple flowers. I love the combination. Ferns are my favorite to hang from my porch. I use bright colors in my pots that go out along my flower beds. Living amongst corn fields, I like to think my acreage is a bright spot, between them.
Do you have flower beds? Do you fill in with garden gnomes, birdhouses, or just fun junk? My flower beds are overflowing with garden stakes, old tricycles, benches, birdhouses, grinding wheels, and fun rocks. Adding some whimsy to your flower beds can play on the illusion of fairies living amongst your blooms.
Do you plant a vegetable garden? There’s something fulfilling about growing your own veggies. If only it’s tomatoes. We always plan a huge garden and then summer activities get in the way. Sweet corn and green beans are such a great treat, in the middle of a Midwest winter.
Whether your outdoor space is an acre retreat or a balcony in Manhattan, you can make it yours. Add color with flowers, an outdoor rug or the fabrics of your pillows. Invite your friends to enjoy drinks or maybe a BBQ. Nice weather is almost here, remember to utilize it, before winter comes around again.
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Each half of our shed is 40 feet by 42 feet. We have 4 walls, basically. Being limited on space, I’ve learned to go up. I use the 14 foot ceiling height, to my advantage. I have large pieces of furniture but I’m able to go higher yet. I have a very large, tobacco basket. I’ve turned it, to look like a diamond. I’ve placed a eucalyptus wreath in the middle. I use a corn husk wreath in the fall and of course, a evergreen wreath at Christmas/winter. I have a large wood sign, thick, chunky barn pegs and long shelves, that I utilize to fill up the space.
Large, open spaces have become very popular. If you have cupboards, or lots of décor, you hang, this may not be for you. Clean, open spaces are not for me. I enjoy my collections and displaying them. They always say, 3 or more are a collection. Grouping your items together, make a larger impact.
Since we only have 4 large walls, and some smaller walls that separate our bathroom, kitchen, and laudry area. I’ve had to become creative on creating “rooms.” I’ve used many of my cupboards to separate our spaces. I may have bought a few more, for this justifiable reason (insert chuckle.) I threw down a chunk of extra carpet from our old house, in the living room. I’ve hidden extension cords under pieces of furniture, as all our outlets are on outside walls. I’ve created extra room by putting a butcher block, as an island in the kitchen.
Storage is a huge issue, as I feel everything is on display. With no doors to close or a closest, to stash things a way. I’ve learned to stash all kinds of things in drawers and behind cupboard doors. I put extra baking dishes and cookie sheets in a wooden trunk. I store extra towels under our tv in our bedroom and also in a dresser over in our guest room. The trunk, I use as a coffee table, holds all the blankets we use while watching tv. My seasonal items are stored in totes up on a shelf, that’s 10 feet above our kitchen/bathroom/laundry. It’s quite the ordeal to things down for the changing of the seasons. It’s usually a family affair.
I am very thankful that we have had the option of living in our shed, I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to having a house, again. I know the things I never thought about, when having a house in the past, are definitely a priority, in the new house. Along with a few other wants.
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