An Orderly Palace

Are you the kind of person who can't be comfortable in a room until it is cleaned, organized, and generally spotless? Some people just can't relax until the chaos is non-existent. I am not that kind of person... which I am thankful for, because with two kids, clutter seems to create itself. Yes, I prefer things picked up and orderly, but I can deal if they're not. I am, however, greatly affected by a room's esthetic- if it is not put together right, or decorated in a cool way, I feel antsy until I fix it. It is worst in my own home. Since moving to our new home in Redding, I have not really designed the kids' room how I would like it. There's a few dolls on some shelves, but it's mostly a room with a crib, toddler bed, cubby toy storage, and toys. My Mom gave Muffin this great Uppercase Living sign, so I decided to run with the castle theme. Totally works for a girl and a boy, right?

So I designed and made a castle pillow for Muffin's bed, to start. This makes me feel slightly better about their room. Next on the agenda: sprucing up some old curtains, finishing a keepsake shadowbox for each kid, and whatever else I can think of! I'm pretty sure I can't paint, so I have to be a bit more creative with color. Anyhow, the castle pillow gives me hope!
For the castle part I used fabric samples that I've had for 6 or 7 years. I didn't allow myself to buy anything new for this project, and I love how it turned out! It makes me happy when I can use something that I've had for a while. This cute fabric was just asking to be used!

As I write this post I am looking around my room feeling a bit disgusted with it all. Pictures un-hung, projects half-done, clutter begging for a home (or the garbage can)..... I suppose it's the collateral damage of a busy family. Does it really have to be this way? I think not. We seriously clean our room every day, or sometimes every other day, but it seems to get right back there every day! And honestly, when I have one hour or less of kid-free time in the day, and am faced with the choice to organize my desk, or do something fun (project, watch a show, play a game with a house-mate, or sleep), for sanity's sake I often choose to do something fun. But enough is enough. I've decided, operation beautify is officially under way. Time to get my Palace looking how I want it. I have no idea how long this will take, but it will happen.

So farewell for now. I am going to kick off operation beautify with a nap. ;)