Friday, February 25, 2011

Before and after

I had so much fun yesterday with the Small Thing at Home Sanctuary. If you have never visited Rachel Anne, please do as you will never regret.

Yesterdays Small Thing of Before and After invited us to do some Before and After tasks around the house. I made 8 changes in my home, but I forgot to take pictures of most of them. Still here are a few.

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It looks so much better after I took my powder room mirror and put it on the mantel together with art work made by my 6 year old daughter and 15 year old cousin.

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Aren’t my girls talented?

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My dining room is finally pulled together again. The frames to the left is our school area. One shows Norwegian vowels, one English sight words, one Norwegian with English translation, one a Norwegian song and one just words we are currently working on.

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My kitchen always ends up being a mess. It is our command central and I spend at least4 hours in there every day. Would think I kept in cleaner and nicer then…

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I had someone help me clean the kitchen. She was so excited to get to do the dishes that she did them three times yesterday.

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My youngest daughter got a doll stroller for Christmas. One day she decided that she wanted a ride in it. It was not made for her and it ripped. I didn’t feel like going back to the store to return it just to get one with just as bad fabric back again. So I repaired it.

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I really like drop cloth. It is strong and versatile.

We also re organized all of their toys in their bedroom. Re organized drawers in their bathroom. Removed a too big mirror from the powder room. Removed a dining room table that was being stored in the living room.

All these little changes made such a huge difference in our house. As I am sitting here today I am planning on continuing making small changes here and there. I think my bedroom is up next for a small change.

Thank you so much for visiting me and I hope you go visit some of the other Company girls and Rachel Anne.

Have a good weekend.

14 comments:

Diane said...

I love your before and afters! So cute that your little girl was excited about doing dishes! After almost fifty years of doing them by hand, I don't get quite as excited as she does!

The artwork is darling - I especially like the smile painted on the unicorn!

Why are you learning Norwegian (I'm still wandering around your blog - are you or your husband from there?)? Best time for us to learn is as kids - I pray they will pick up on it quickly!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Well, kudos to you, loved all your changes. You've been a busy gal doing all that. But, isn't it amazing what a huge impact little changes can make in our homes.

Blessings for a great weekend!

Milica said...

Great before and afters! You've inspired me to keep going with my own! The artwork you displayed is really wonderful! I could use some talent like that! Painting intimidates me! Love to see kids helping out! My little kids think chores are great fun (for now at least!)

Lora Maria said...

yea! it looks great! so glad you said "YES"! :)

Jen said...

Great before and afters! You girls were busy! I always like to have my dining table cleared, not always easy. Like a little island of calm!
Thanks for sharing you pictures! Have a wonderful weekend!

Karen said...

Wow, I really like your mantle! Such a big difference, it's amazing what a little rearranging will do. And your kitchen help -- such a great idea. I'm sure your daughter thought it was great fun and that's what will get kids to help.

Forgetfulone said...

Your dining room looks fantastic! Great job in the kitchen, too. Hope you have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

That is great! Little things can make a big difference sometimes! Woohoo! Keep it up.

Kathleen T. Jaeger said...

Yay! Great job and the before and after projects.

Kristin said...

Way to go girl! Your before and afters really made a difference...thanks for stopping by Living Graciously. I hope you have fun dreaming in gold this weekend :-)

Rachel Anne said...

WOW! Great before and afters! I especially love the mantel and dining room. I can't believe your girls' artwork - very talented! This was definitely a fun Small Thing - I'm so impressed with your results.

Love, Rachel

secondofwett said...

You sure did a lot Marianne! It's great to be able to make such positive changes in our homes isn't it...It's a good feeling!

Unknown said...

These are awesome! I so wish I had taken before and after shots of the guest room that I redid recently. I love the original artwork that you have -- lots of talent in your family!

One More Equals Four said...

Wow! You were super productive. I have been TERRIBLE at small things this month, but when I see posts like this, I know how badly I need to get back on the wagon! Hope you have enjoyed your sanctuary this weekend!