2012 to do’s [and why this post is stressing me out]

Seriously.  Just thinking about this post has been stressing me out …

Let alone writing about it  … I couldn’t even get started until my husband placed a ‘Happy New Year Bloody Mary’ in front of me …

Writing this down feels like I’m setting myself up for an epic fail.  Actually, more like multiple epic fails ...

Let’s face it, I made a ‘mini’ resolution last month to complete my son’s teen room makeover before 2012 … and, well, it’s not done.  Not even close.  Fail.


So on to my dreaded ‘set-me-up-for-failure’ 2012 to do list:



#1 - Sam’s Room.  On the plus side – with the exception of paint – I’ve purchased all the materials, fabrics, and furniture we need.  On the negative side – with the exception of paint – I’ve purchased all the materials, fabrics, and furniture we need.  The room is stuffed with old and new.  Can somebody please post something on craigslist?

#2 - Powder Room.  This project is 90% finished … and has been so since the summer.  I’m not sure why I continue to turn a blind eye to this …


Yep, that wallpaper once covered the entire room – floor to ceiling.  I removed it about 8 years ago but when we replaced the ugly ‘Hollywood’ makeup light strip, we found this underneath.

Oh, and then there’s this …


That’s the molding that will turn the cheesy mirror into the classy mirror.

It’s all primed and painted and cut and is a perfect fit … it just needs a bit of Power Grip, painter’s tape and patience ...

...but I can’t attached the molding until I tackle that strip of wallpaper ...


#3 - Board & Batten.  The living and dining room will be given the full board and batten treatment.  It’s a big project.  One that Mike will need to help out with.  Lots of measuring …  and measuring … and measuring again.  Getting boards cut to size.  Trimming.  Caulking.  Priming.  Painting.  I’m exhausted just writing about it … and please don't tell Mike how exhausting this project will be ...

#4 – Molding Fake Out.  We have wimpy molding.  Wimpy crown.  Wimpy baseboards.  Before I can board & batten, I need to figure out a solution for beefing it up.  Cheaply.  Easily.  Without removing the existing molding.  The Yellow Cape Cod has a clever idea for a crown molding fake out that you can find here.http://www.theyellowcapecod.com/2011/10/31-days-of-character-building-super.html

... I just need to figure out how to fake out the baseboards …


#5 – Master Bedroom.  Paint chips, paint samples, and fabric swatches have been stuck to the wall for two years now.  Okay, more like three-to-four years now.  I have all the fabrics … and plan to make do with our current furnishings with some tweaks and paint and yardsticks here and there …

The biggest hindrance is this …


Yup.  The dreaded vaulted ceilings.  I’m more than a bit intimidated at the prospect of painting that ...

#6 – Family Room.  To say this room has been ‘well lived-in’ would be an understatement.  It needs a major overhaul.  New area rug.  New hand-made slip cover. New ottomans.  New drapes. A desk area for me and the kids …. and on and on and on …

#7 – Daughter’s Room?  She’s caught the decorating bug that has overtaken our home and wants a redo … Not sure if that will happen in 2012?  I’m gathering ideas on Pinterest ….

#8 – Kitchen Revisited.  What?  Am I crazy?  Didn’t I just repaint the kitchen cabinets?

Oh, and the finished basement could be a perfect work space for me.  The kids no longer game down there … just needs some paint … and a work table … and …

… and don’t forget the laundry room … it’s all basement-y yucky and a disaster zone …but maybe I could make it something amazing ....?

And what about the original basement? It’s old and has low ceilings, but has drywall and could be a storage and/or major project workspace … you know, a place for me to re-paint the kitchen cabinets ...

And what about setting up my Etsy shop .... ACK!

Can you see?  See?  See how easily I can set myself up for failure?

I need another Bloody Mary …