START FRESH!

Happy 2013 Everyone!  Thank you for checking out our first blog post of the year!  As you can see by this being the first post of the year (on January 17th!), I've been super busy in these first two weeks. This year, I would like to inspire you to get out there and create a home you crave!  Whether you achieve that feel by doing your own DIY projects, getting outsider help, or a combination of both-- this year make it YOUR year to get organized and beautiful! Don't Settle for anything less!

The perfect way to start fresh is by creating a Vision Board! This will help to remind you of your goals for the year ("get office organized!" or "lose 10 pounds!").  If you haven't written down your goals for 2013, now is the perfect time to get started!  

STEP 1:  Start by finding a spot in your home for your vision board to live, preferably in a spot where you will see it everyday.  Measure the spot to determine the size of vision board.  

STEP 2:  Decide whether you want to DIY your own vision board or purchase one at your local office supply store. There are different types that can work for this purpose:  cork board, magnetic dry-erase board (like mine shown above), or cork wall tiles for a collage look (placing a large frame bordering the outside of the tiles will give it that finished look). Boards purchased range from $25.00 to $200.00-- bulletin being on the low end and magnet boards being on the higher end and the bigger the board, the more it costs.    

BULLETIN BOARD

CORK TILES

MAGNETIC DRY ERASE BOARD

STEP 3:  If you decide to DIY yourself a fancy board, here's a few helpful tips to get it looking as good as you are imagining.  

• First, you'll need a frame.  You can grab a cool frame at your local thrift store and sand/paint it or leave as-is for a vintage look. For those of you who want a large size vision board, (larger frames are more costly even at the thrift store) you can find an old dresser mirror that belongs to a used bedroom set. Just remove the wood supports, lightly sand and paint it the desired color or leave as-is.  Another option is to create your own. Go to the trim area of your local hardware store and pick out your favorite pattern and size.  Have them cut it to size and then you can assemble the frame with wood glue and by carefully nailing it together. 

• To create a magnetic dry-erase vision board, you will need to purchase Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer or a similar product for around $20.00, Rust-Oleum Dry Erase Paint or similar product, and sandpaper.  Use the backing of the artwork frame or the backing of the mirror for your board.  If the backing is no good, you can grab inexpensive panel board at your local hardware store and have them cut it to size.  Start by painting the backing with the magnetic primer and follow directions for application.  The texture might get a little lumpy. If so, you will need to lightly sand in between coats.  You will need to paint 5 to 6 coats to get the proper magnetism strength.  You will then need to paint approximately 2 LIGHT coats of dry erase paint, sanding in between if needed until smooth.    

• For a bulletin board look, you will need to purchase wood glue, a disposable foam brush, and a roller (if you don't already have one) from your local hardware store. Take the backing of the mirror, picture frame, or purchased panel board (already cut to size ) and place the cork tiles starting from the upper left corner over to the right and down to the bottom. Trim any overage. Place the tiles aside, making sure to keep up with the layout. Apply wood glue to the back of each of the cork tiles and spread evenly with a disposable foam brush. Then apply wood glue to the backing and spread evenly. Place the glued side of the cork onto the glued side of the backing, following your layout pattern. You will then roll the surface of the cork with a roller, such as a rolling pin, to remove any air bubbles. Place something flat and somewhat heavy onto the cork to keep it adhered to the backing for 24 hours, or until glue is completely dry.

• Insert the board material you would like into the old mirror, empty picture frame or DIY'd frame and Voila! You have yourself the start of a great Vision Board!    

STEP 4:  You will need to determine your goals and aspirations for this year.  Make a list of things you want to do...(travel, learn a new sport, lose weight, get organized, find a man, live in the country)...whatever those might be. 


STEP 5:  Go grab yourself a handful of magazines.  You'll want to make sure they are relevant to your goals and aspirations:  If your motivation this year is to travel, get a few Condé Nast mags or if your goal is to redesign your home, grab a few Elle Decor mags, for example.  


STEP 6:  Go through the magazines and cut out photos that remind you of your goals.  For example, if you would like to travel more, cut out pictures of beautiful cities or landscapes or even of folks climbing mountains.  You can also grab great quotes and sayings that get you going or even write your own.  Just as long as you're inspired--Nobody has to get it but you!

STEP 7:  Get your fasteners:  magnets or pushpins, depending on your board.  Fasten the images or quotes you cut out or wrote onto your vision board.  The arrangement of your pictures can be spaced out or tightly fit together- just as long as you can see each one.  

STEP 8:  Hang your Vision Board!  Grab a hammer and nail (or drill and screw) and hang that baby up (or rest upon a shelf as shown below).  Then step back and admire the wonderfulness that is YOU!  A little pat on the back never hurt anyone.  :)

There's a saying we have around here (from Henry Ford):

"Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right."

We know you CAN!  Happy 2013!