Wednesday, March 30, 2016

DIY: How to Create a Cozy Space for Kids Under the Stairs

When we were renovating the basement, creating storage spaces was on our list as a must. Old houses often lack storage, guess folks didn’t have much junk to store back then? Or the more likely answer...renovating basements wasn’t a thing, they just used the basement as a cold cellar and to store their stuff. In any event, the space under the stairs was originally planned to store bins. Bins of seasonal clothes, bins of stuff. However, as the renovation came along I knew that cute little space under there would be a perfect little nook for the minis. We found space in Mr. Fix-It’s work room for the bins and under the stairs would be saved for them.
I shared what I had in mind here.
 
It’s not a big space and literally, the drywall goes up to the steps and then stops. Our contractor sprayed the space with primer and the rest was up to us. Given that the kids won’t want to use it forever, or fit in there forever, I didn't want to spend much. As we began to use the basement, the kids started to use it as a space to build their LEGO. So, it’s become the LEGO nook. Win for us too, because there isn’t LEGO all over the basement…have you ever stepped on one of those pieces!? #$%^

First step was to paint the walls. I used the same colour that we used all over the basement (I had paint leftover in the tin, so why not?). The colour is CIL Tulle White. 
When I saw these mini star decals from WallsNeedLove, I knew they would be the perfect décor to add to this charming space.

They were super easy to get up on the wall. I cut them out and stuck them on the wall with painters tape to get an idea of what the walls would look like.
If you are doing the decals randomly than you don’t have to do this. But, I just didn’t want to stick them to the wall and overestimate how many I had, leaving me with not enough. This way I could also move a few around if I didn’t like the spacing.
(Sorry for the yucky photo, it was hard to photograph without a whole lot of natural light)
 
They came off like stickers and because the stars are little, there were zero bubbles when sticking them to the wall.  The whole thing took about 45 minutes.  Easy, easy.


The space looks really cute when you open the mini door. Props to WallsNeedLove. Easy to use product, inexpensive and great impact. I added the rag rug from Ikea and print to finish it off. A LEGO nook under the stairs is born.
 
 
*This post has been sponsored by WallsNeedLove. Their decals are awesome and they even have removable wallpaper which would be the only way I could convince Mr. Fix-It to add wallpaper anywhere J Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog. 

Keep it Beautiful.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Labeling 101 - Best Label Maker Ever!

Hi, I'm Alicia and I'm now obsessed with labeling.

I remember somewhere around 2004ish my dad bought a label maker and labeled every spice jar we had in the house. I knew at that moment that the organized look of pretty labels made me smile. So, it was time to upgrade that labeler. I wanted one with more options & graphics. Enter in the game changer. Its the Epson LabelWorks-400.

This weekend I was labeling obsessed. Why? Because anytime you label something, you just.feel.organized. From pantries, clothing, spices, kids' everything, to file folders. You name it, you can label it.

I'm impressed with the ribbon and tape that is available for the LW-400. One of my favs is this beige ribbon.
 My baby girl had a birthday party to go to, so I printed out a few sayings on this black on beige ribbon and we stuck it on the birthday present with pink washi tape. It's cute and doubled as a card.
Now that our pantry is done in the basement, there is no need to hear "MOM, WHERE ARE THE SNACKS? For a nice clean look, I used the clear tape to label the pantry.

 I moved over to the toy bins and labeled those too. This label maker has a ton of graphics you can add. It's a good way for the kids to work on their reading and know where to put their toys when it's time to clean up. Well, in theory they'll know, whether they actually clean them up is another story!
There are great fonts to choose from and different sizes. Yes please. I'm always looking for ways to get organized but have it look pretty. Label maker for the win!

Keep it beautiful.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

March Break with Netflix!


Hi guys,

Been awhile. We just returned from sunny Mexico and it was h.e.a.v.e.n. Sun, sand, good food, mucho drinks, happy kids, great friends, relaxed parents = yes to vacay! Have you hit the sunny south this winter? It's amazing for everyone and a great break from the white stuff. Scuze the fuzzy pic. My camera lens was really foggy that day from the condensation.
We arrived home just in time for March Break to begin, so the kids were thrilled to have another week off school. However, what to do with the minis? Definitely some cottage time to chill out and Netflix is obviously on the list. Mr. Fix-It and I aren't the only ones that share the Netflix addiction. Of course, a LEGO-building marathon is in the cards too. It keeps the kids occupied for a good solid 2 hours. God bless those blocks! Netflix + LEGO = perfect kid combo for March break.
Netflix has a couple new shows this month for your block-building March Breakers....

LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One
 

LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship
 
LEGO Bionicles are a big hit right now and a popular birthday present these days. Our baby girl loves to sit with her brothers and make her own mini structures and I think it's great that LEGO is working hard to encourage girls to build. If making some of the blocks pink encourages girls to create their own then I'm all for it. LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship is on our list this week to check out.
While the kids are having their own Netflix marathons this week, Mr. Fix-It and I have already started our own binge. The new season of House of Cards has begun! Ooooh it's so good!!

Shake up your popcorn this March Break, get out the LEGO & check out the new Netflix shows.
 BTW, I've finished the kids' nook under the stairs and can't wait to show it to you soon :)
*I'm part of the Netflix Stream Team and love sharing the latest shows each month with you, and of course, any opinions written here are mine. Netflix rocks and is such a fab addiction!

Keep it Beautiful.

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