DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' it real" and sharing our stumbles.  Today is no different pals.  Today's project could be summarized as follows:<br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>BUDGET:</b></span> Too much, probably could have purchased something new for less<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>TIME:</b></span> Felt like 82 Hours<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>NUMBER OF TRIES:</b></span> 3<br /><br />But hey!  Third time is a charm right?  And everything that didn't go right over the course of the past five days, all worked out in the end.  In fact, I think all of the frustrations and errors ended up creating an outcome better than I had hoped! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" /></a></div><br />That's right.  This post was initially slated to go live on Friday.  But by Friday, I was still gazing not-so-lovingly at this pile.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />One thing we have been missing since removing our kitchen wall is some sort of a command station.  Previously, it was hidden on the side of our fridge and was a spot to place cleaning checklists and calendars.  Sometimes in decorative frames, sometimes just with magnets; it didn't really matter how cluttered it got because it was not visible to anyone but us.  <br /><br />The newer kitchen layout doesn't offer the same clutter catching corner, so this time around I wanted to create something much more intentional and attractive.  For quite awhile, I have had it in my mind we would create something similar to <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1064603/entryway-organizer-how" target="_blank">this</a>.  I liked the idea of having a place to put up notes, calendars, memos, etc... as well as a temporary mail holder and hooks for keys.  So much function in such a small amount of space!<br /><br />Above, you can see my original plan was to utilize an inexpensive cork board purchased from Target, a decorative towel bar, cup hooks and Command Strips.  I covered a similar style cork board to create <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/11/master-bedroom-refresh-how-we-saved.html" target="_blank">a jewelry zone in our closet</a>, and I really liked the outcome of that project.  I figured I would do the same for the side of our fridge, but I never found a fabric I liked well enough and the proportions of the cork board were all wrong (too wide and not tall enough).<br /><br />So after thinking of ways to make it work, I decided to scratch that idea all together.<br /><br />Then, I recalled we already had made <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/project-teal-chalk-it-to-me-again.html" target="_blank">a pretty menu board</a> in our old kitchen about four years ago.  I dusted it off, and was excited that the size was much closer to what I had in mind!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The only problem was that the chalkboard portion was not functional other than for writing (could not be used with pushpins or magnets) and I didn't love the painted finish.  I really wanted something with a wood tone and knew I would be able to add some metal sheeting to make the board magnetic.  <br /><br />I began researching stripping techniques (whooooah fellas, I am not talking pole dancing type moves here) and went out to purchase the necessary supplies to remove the painted finish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I quickly remembered I had painted this board two different colors at two different times.  And I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it took me hour after hour to remove the memo board paint.  I followed the directions on the can and from YouTube tutorials to a T, yet the wood had absorbed some of the blue and it wasn't coming out.  I scrubbed.  I tried to curse the paint away.  I put all of my muscles into it and got it as bare wood as I could.  Over four hours of wood stripping later and I decided it was ready to take a new stain color.<br /><br />Let's just say that after sanding, staining and giving it a coat of poly, it was so far from the look I was after, I was ready to scrap this entire project all together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />But I am not a quitter.  Knowing that <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">we need to get our acts together</a> and work on time management and household responsibilities again, this project just HAD to get done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" /></a></div><br />So back to Home Depot I went, and I picked up 1/2" inch poplar boards in both 3" and 4" widths (actually, as you can see above, I picked up a few different options but below is what we ended up using).  A total of 18" wide and 40" tall, we set out to DIY a frame for the magnetic sheet metal.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The idea was to add a small ledge to hold incoming mail and catalogs.  Plus, it is a cute little added detail.  We measured out the notch, used a square to draw straight lines and a jig-saw to cut it to fit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />When it came to stain options, I tried out the Special Walnut I had planned to use, and I was happy with the outcome just by dipping the rag, blotting it on a scrap piece of wood and rubbing it over the poplar boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />To tone it down a smidge and add a little extra dimension, I brushed on a little Weathered Oak.  I really liked the outcome of the two combined.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />After I stained the frame boards, I followed up with a coat of poly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the stain and poly were drying, we began cutting the sheet metal.  This was a very long and tedious process, given the size of the piece we were working with.  We purchased a 2'x4' piece of steel sheet metal from Fleet Farm; it is important to make sure the type you are purchasing is actually magnetic.  To get it to our desired size, we measured and then used a tin snips to slowly cut along our lines (bending and rolling the excess side away as we cut).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the piece was cut to size, I rolled on two coats of deep charcoal paint as well as two coats of clear chalkboard paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />After everything was dry, we began assembling the frame.  To give us a little stability while we worked, we used our staple gun to connect all of the frame pieces at the corners.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Using some heavy duty construction adhesive, we ran the glue around the entire backside of the frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />We then placed down the painted sheet metal, pre-drilled and screwed the sheet metal into the wood frame around the entire perimeter with 1/2" wood screws.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" /></a></div><br />After we flipped over the assembled memo board, I noticed that the construction adhesive was oozing onto the painted sheet metal.  In an effort to remove the glue, all of the paint began scratching off with it.  Sigh...<br /><br />So, I fake smiled as I hand scraped the entire magnetic sheet clean to create a blank slate (a now completely assembled and framed out slate).  Another blessing in disguise, I was out of the deep charcoal color, so I went to my paint cabinet to begin experimenting with alternative options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mixed our current wall color with white to lighten it and also tried mixing it with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">our coat closet color</a> to darken it.  I liked the darker option best.<br /><br />This time, I taped things off and painted two coats of white primer onto the steel sheet metal with a microfiber mini-roller.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once dry, I followed up with two more coats of the custom mixed paint color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love the lighter and brighter effect vs. the deep charcoal I originally had selected.<br /><br />While all of this was happening, we also had to address the long towel bar rod.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" /></a></div><br />The way <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40213839/" target="_blank">the rod from IKEA</a> works, is that it fits between the two holders on either end, and is then capped off for a finished look.  To shorten the rod, we easily cut it with a plumbing pipe cutter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" /></a></div><br />I knew I wanted the rod to be gold to balance out all of the polished nickel and stainless steel that we have been adding lately, so I got out my primer and aged brass spray paint (same method I used for <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/iheart-kitchen-reno-getting-handle-on.html" target="_blank">the hanging pendants</a>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" /></a></div><br />After the rod was sprayed, it was still a little lack-luster against the stained wood frame, so I followed it up with a coat of gold Rub-n-Buff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the new paint color was dry, we continued to finish up the frame by affixing the top piece of moulding and the lower shelf with our brad nailer (I may still add the clear chalkboard paint down the road again once the new paint is fully cured).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the final step in the assembly process was to add a few gold cup hooks to the bottom portion of the frame to hold our keys (pre-drill and then screw-in the hooks tightly).  It is important to select hooks that will not poke through the back side of the frame and scratch your wall surface when hung.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The entire thing is a bit heavy, so I picked up two packages of 16 pound rated Command Strips.  Following the directions on the package, we wiped everything down with Isopropyl Alcohol prior to affixing the strips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" /></a></div><br />Level, stick, press, hold, press, run, pray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ready to see how lovely she finally turned out, multiple days later?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Like I said, so many blessings in disguise and it turned out so much better than I initially imagined.  So very excited about the magnetic feature, I went to my fabric scraps and button making kit and whipped up a few colorful magnets for the new board!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And although the board will ultimately hold daily mail and our calendars/schedules (working on those this week), I couldn't wait to give it a test spin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The wood tone turned out so lovely, and I really like how the new color plays with everything else we already have going on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the hooks at the bottom add such a sweet and special little detail to the entire project.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the rail does its job at holding mail and magazines in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" /></a></div><br />I purchased some strong magnets from the hardware store and affixed them to the bottom side of the buttons with superglue.  They can hold through multiple layers of paper so those also get a thumbs up from me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" /></a></div><br />Plus, they really just make the board happier!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" /></a></div><br />So there you have it!  Now that you have learned from all of <i>our</i> mistakes, it shouldn't be too hard to actually DIY one of these beauties.  And total cost was approximately:<br /><br /><ul><li>Wood: $12.00</li><li>Sheet Metal: $30.00</li><li>Stain/Paint: Had on hand, approx $4.50 for small stain and $3-4 for paint tester.</li><li>Rail: $9.00 </li><li>Hooks: $3.00</li><li><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Command-Large-Bath-Picture-Hanging-Water-Resistant-Refill-Strips-4-Pack-17206B-ES/205520080" target="_blank">Command Strips</a> (optional): $10.00</li><li>My Happiness: Priceless</li></ul><br />This was definitely a turning lemons into lemonade type of story.  And also an "If at first you don't succeed; try and try again" process.  So happy we stuck it out!  And I am also smitten that it turned out to be something that I enjoy looking at.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now to get back to the rest of our weekly <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait-No-More" challenge</a>, I still have so much to do before Friday.  I am so excited to see what you all have been working on as well!<br /><br />

DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' ...

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UHeart Organizing: A Summer Ready Mudroom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seasonal changes are always welcomed, but I tend to get most excited for the arrival of spring and summer (hello warm weather and pretty lawns!).  Not only does the climate change significantly each season, but our lifestyle changes seasonally as well.  How we utilize our home and our systems are all impacted by the type of weather and activities that correlate with specific times of the year.  With the first day of summer right around the corner, are you prepared for trips to the beach, parks, the longer days and sporting events?  I know I had to get our baseball bleacher bag all stocked up again a few weeks ago. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Megan, of <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, is also getting into the summer swing of things.  Although I think she has one of the most amazing mudrooms in all the land, I really appreciate that her tips can inspire and work for anyone (mudroom or no mudroom).  Here she is now to share how she has made a summer-ready home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM09JtxlKrf5zP3IzDfI7P0N4a-71_52kxFrUZX5dUXKsbflYbEEu6O_tf_D4o-12eUAzN9yNzxL0ZRYXF00S4kwf6JuElKjVUgSdCj7RTaAAeMh0v60g2b7iNF1t99CZBUfrwKvGIBE9/s1600/SummerMudroomHeader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM09JtxlKrf5zP3IzDfI7P0N4a-71_52kxFrUZX5dUXKsbflYbEEu6O_tf_D4o-12eUAzN9yNzxL0ZRYXF00S4kwf6JuElKjVUgSdCj7RTaAAeMh0v60g2b7iNF1t99CZBUfrwKvGIBE9/s1600/SummerMudroomHeader.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hi friends! It's happy summertime over here since our 5 year-old just got out of school for the summer.  He'll be starting kindergarten next year and he told me that he's ready, having worked so hard in Pre-K4!  I swear, these times with our kiddos are so precious and I seriously want to bottle this current age.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We don't have any major summer vacations or trips planned this year, but in Houston it is super hot and humid, so we will be making multiple trips to the local swimming pool.   Having everything ready to go in a portion of our mudroom makes impromptu pool trips easy.  Welcome to our hardworking  summer <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2012/04/our-mudroom-gets-update-envelope.html" target="_blank">mudroom</a>! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gTqRTwsQgQbGI3B1RpIu-_Vw4c4QHZigvG_KuvILKwPJYdKRSzGJJTz0_YMiyC9sLl9b10EMf1pQgEKc9lpgJF0Y95alqJP4QrHkWn9E2tGj49oCK6Y9VdBqLLsSZyIrpl6Bq20vuOj/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5gTqRTwsQgQbGI3B1RpIu-_Vw4c4QHZigvG_KuvILKwPJYdKRSzGJJTz0_YMiyC9sLl9b10EMf1pQgEKc9lpgJF0Y95alqJP4QrHkWn9E2tGj49oCK6Y9VdBqLLsSZyIrpl6Bq20vuOj/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.269.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/09/painted-mudroom-door-sherwin-williams.html" target="_blank">light blue door</a> shown above leads to my garage, so bags and pool supplies are appropriately stored here for quick grab and go.  Everything from our insulated picnic basket, towels, sunscreen, koozies, and pool toys are kept in the upper cabinets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQrlSdsV0Bdqsbt1QoohVAahuKrbjMfaIB9-BhLG6atQHxv7YRUxMFY5JX3WRWfTgJjM9v1aheNF1lTwmmdN67oAXggu9sz5cvKPxJCK9uYlQYQRsZS3U_Zeq3xwP-2VfKpwgcKevadwh/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQrlSdsV0Bdqsbt1QoohVAahuKrbjMfaIB9-BhLG6atQHxv7YRUxMFY5JX3WRWfTgJjM9v1aheNF1lTwmmdN67oAXggu9sz5cvKPxJCK9uYlQYQRsZS3U_Zeq3xwP-2VfKpwgcKevadwh/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.284.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the cubbies below, we store flip flops in a woven basket that I picked up at Target.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpsltmtP4JVTIdaEn2htiR6KPwN5JTRbhojsAcZopOSJrGP-9t2SXnzyNl9IyxvfnrVAzObApr4zE9L4Nfv-2uzuhrTyizQQ6TmO0Y4MyMkP1Yv-EdO3T3mbV6rnUD0bDPaSTv5DRh59M/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpsltmtP4JVTIdaEn2htiR6KPwN5JTRbhojsAcZopOSJrGP-9t2SXnzyNl9IyxvfnrVAzObApr4zE9L4Nfv-2uzuhrTyizQQ6TmO0Y4MyMkP1Yv-EdO3T3mbV6rnUD0bDPaSTv5DRh59M/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.258.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This giant pool bag is too big to use as an everyday tote, but for the pool, it works perfectly.  I picked it up at a local holiday fair last year and this year I'll have to pick up a few as gifts.  It would be super cute with a monogram too.  I keep sunscreen, an extra pair of sunglasses, my son's goggles, a hat for us both, and a few squirt guns in there at all times so they're never forgotten.  Other things like towels,  change of clothes, snacks, floaties, and magazines can be piled in too and still fit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1bIlJGIpODmLukfG-22lWxGPoY_uIl946BHJ2LZHa9exNpDaqAVgcK5ywlWuJEISzYJ0VI__IskAixMEqM21JZZFQKBR9jJn1MdTcR2qiQ50ArAfwe_JMLiQJ6Cs8RkWIRxfcpAT9shQ/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1bIlJGIpODmLukfG-22lWxGPoY_uIl946BHJ2LZHa9exNpDaqAVgcK5ywlWuJEISzYJ0VI__IskAixMEqM21JZZFQKBR9jJn1MdTcR2qiQ50ArAfwe_JMLiQJ6Cs8RkWIRxfcpAT9shQ/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.251.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The key to keeping our shelves organized is not having too much stuff.  As much as I'd love to buy new colorful beach towels, the ones we have suffice, especially since our pool supplies towels.  We mainly take these towels (that we've had for years) to the beach or use them in our own backyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my son likes to bring his own cartoon towel to the pool, so we do bring one of those for him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8hndfxNveWYyUglP6FMrxVfrFQF0XrD9bPeE5dhVQPkvdRSxBF42tXDKqzrDyi2Frw1S-JTjW8BoMbUyPwYVJ1vtE0CZz6kDPSS-dvaRhaq3n4Wo1V2T97u-O7Fct11CNTtqgLb63xpx/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.31.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8hndfxNveWYyUglP6FMrxVfrFQF0XrD9bPeE5dhVQPkvdRSxBF42tXDKqzrDyi2Frw1S-JTjW8BoMbUyPwYVJ1vtE0CZz6kDPSS-dvaRhaq3n4Wo1V2T97u-O7Fct11CNTtqgLb63xpx/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.31.23.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-IB4vMfWm8a_h11MsRQavVz_2_f2ONiGWfIGcHV0rIhAjFzKEaIPHVy0ViOTWFTn1YYVXTQSO0fnXPPawa9Zzrl3cZSVuXmqxT-1G_wSXwdUgvTCfIhoY1KWeOYyEgE6XMWUp_LIpGxo/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.30.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-IB4vMfWm8a_h11MsRQavVz_2_f2ONiGWfIGcHV0rIhAjFzKEaIPHVy0ViOTWFTn1YYVXTQSO0fnXPPawa9Zzrl3cZSVuXmqxT-1G_wSXwdUgvTCfIhoY1KWeOYyEgE6XMWUp_LIpGxo/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.17.30.26.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My label-loving self had to create a couple cute tags for the sunscreen and koozies, but it was easy with my label maker and pre-cut tags from my craft store.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQOXnMQo1jU3G-X9dRzdu94ozo-ivBl90ZIFrNnlTjBg_hXts-tlldPKWDkoOJ9G-3V4TBIQMCaiFqAvZGBsSEDQab3oE6nVdOy3H48Flte28u_jToEbQSMA0xBCAofByplzieEKQwbIa/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQOXnMQo1jU3G-X9dRzdu94ozo-ivBl90ZIFrNnlTjBg_hXts-tlldPKWDkoOJ9G-3V4TBIQMCaiFqAvZGBsSEDQab3oE6nVdOy3H48Flte28u_jToEbQSMA0xBCAofByplzieEKQwbIa/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.240.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOVygyFG66W6l03e-SYxdzudZJh6nmM6QqX5z7G1h-u7pklaYV_oIBJ0YVNx44vVB1VpUQIy28u3_cSED3561XMulxWwFw0SeD9sHyJQaDCHXbl1HKx1xvtAYNAUmVxptHcHKUzx5mxhN/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOVygyFG66W6l03e-SYxdzudZJh6nmM6QqX5z7G1h-u7pklaYV_oIBJ0YVNx44vVB1VpUQIy28u3_cSED3561XMulxWwFw0SeD9sHyJQaDCHXbl1HKx1xvtAYNAUmVxptHcHKUzx5mxhN/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.248.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QU9pM-FX5nz-B6GkzTT-CHootE6mvVTKN8Ws4pkcDkGoIpng0vKEyyp8buBbFXWEI-sO6FQCrh-PmaoFeunYzK56RlJ_G7Zf3SE_sVUEBM1Ixtui1OU7Bt5YNm37rX-FLj6NZfA5FvW4/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QU9pM-FX5nz-B6GkzTT-CHootE6mvVTKN8Ws4pkcDkGoIpng0vKEyyp8buBbFXWEI-sO6FQCrh-PmaoFeunYzK56RlJ_G7Zf3SE_sVUEBM1Ixtui1OU7Bt5YNm37rX-FLj6NZfA5FvW4/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.245.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This summer, my son is signed up at a few different day camps that he can go to each week (although he doesn't have to go if we decide to stay home).  He'll also resume swimming lessons since he still needs help becoming a stronger swimmer.  We'll be starting with an everyday for two-weeks class to give him the most exposure and water time.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To keep track of these summer activities, I made a sign in PicMonkey (free online photo/design editing tool) with clip art and fun fonts.  You can see more of <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/03/creating-graphics-in-picmonkey.html" target="_blank">how I use PicMonkey here</a> if you need a tutorial.  I also printed out our <a href="http://www.honeywerehome.com/2014/07/summer-fun-bucket-list-fun-things-to-do.html" target="_blank">Summer Fun Bucket List</a> that we created last year.  It was awesome to see that James can actually read the list now!  He has worked hard in PK4! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWmH1shROx7AjkDJ09f7eX3auHagIRaJC1kyn8DkhUcVew384Dih6AiHuQl1g2cbwvg83Jow5eaObBNnqJzMtQWBl3RfS2yN9d3UIr0RazI82VQNdVzbZh5QjX0TaMR0Pfj1DV63hJbqX/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWmH1shROx7AjkDJ09f7eX3auHagIRaJC1kyn8DkhUcVew384Dih6AiHuQl1g2cbwvg83Jow5eaObBNnqJzMtQWBl3RfS2yN9d3UIr0RazI82VQNdVzbZh5QjX0TaMR0Pfj1DV63hJbqX/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.71.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgzvpXC3GO7OOpnB6zRICE0OkYn3SR1q8Y6xRyaUD5H7yXB2Ou-ieoqhpS8CzfnbV9Yeae-qxyp1yJAgk0NzhdsuVh9zPuRlfjAcADLpNKxAdp6vyIyzJ8-0GzGyr6wDHdFIkx1lY191x/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgzvpXC3GO7OOpnB6zRICE0OkYn3SR1q8Y6xRyaUD5H7yXB2Ou-ieoqhpS8CzfnbV9Yeae-qxyp1yJAgk0NzhdsuVh9zPuRlfjAcADLpNKxAdp6vyIyzJ8-0GzGyr6wDHdFIkx1lY191x/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.241.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My trusty laminator will help keep the pages from tearing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRetUehNJzHadihdNE0eeQgk2HvPnlHUoh-8WILCBIvm8KChjSSJeLf6e8f5bmVv8PoQc84HN9_l_H1e5xI2eKDK9ed-z0yChBEnFsUHr4LrvWw4QdlaYprleUbvtDP0ODChIbzLcEJYY/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRetUehNJzHadihdNE0eeQgk2HvPnlHUoh-8WILCBIvm8KChjSSJeLf6e8f5bmVv8PoQc84HN9_l_H1e5xI2eKDK9ed-z0yChBEnFsUHr4LrvWw4QdlaYprleUbvtDP0ODChIbzLcEJYY/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.243.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I originally planned to hang these signs inside the cabinet doors, but our doors are so high, they would've been hard to read.  I opted to place them on the wall near the door and figured keeping them at my son's height is more appropriate anyway.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FRk1693wwFNIVxz90glGNRFa4aU4hrs_l9P26GlTnQkQ8RbX8Cq0iO2H8vSXlKjjHRJQTfLrtH_QbM_fTiwL_XgQLwl-2aruYYfFgFRIPKSSY3eXXoYjQVYVN1XetKDDdMuJgttwAnIs/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FRk1693wwFNIVxz90glGNRFa4aU4hrs_l9P26GlTnQkQ8RbX8Cq0iO2H8vSXlKjjHRJQTfLrtH_QbM_fTiwL_XgQLwl-2aruYYfFgFRIPKSSY3eXXoYjQVYVN1XetKDDdMuJgttwAnIs/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.282.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Washi tape is practical for hanging since it won't take the paint off the wall, but also adds a fun pop of color to the space!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS5jNlwUoLW3kIYEkEa0-aAw7-Ze1_ycPhSSi3H1uK4YIEhHJ4YxTuwGhP4uFOjfYYJcNFyM4WSZekmDLgK9h6Lu6LKShPsy5UNM1L0I2-KEsHe1NLFO0yk6xKWHqeXmuyuKBpU_PBYrF/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS5jNlwUoLW3kIYEkEa0-aAw7-Ze1_ycPhSSi3H1uK4YIEhHJ4YxTuwGhP4uFOjfYYJcNFyM4WSZekmDLgK9h6Lu6LKShPsy5UNM1L0I2-KEsHe1NLFO0yk6xKWHqeXmuyuKBpU_PBYrF/s1600/Summer+Mudroom.275.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think we are off to a great start to our summer!  I hope you have a lovely summer too!  Big thank you to Jen and all her sweet readers for letting me stop by and share our summer mudroom with you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">______________________ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+150.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJEAh3k2QjFF2rcnDEXMcr0ZxRR__clJKjliNJotDyGs8UflAlhrTBeu2soBVU9U_rxto40AGxbI8ocVx1Fo9fdFFXlEfK30ofWlfsaBpt9AmcBXypEhmPxEsv3sUJuxONSFG1wngCSYa/s1600/Megan+Circle+150.png" /></a><i>"My name is Megan and I am a lawyer by day, design and decor lover by night, and Mama to the sweetest 5-year old boy you've ever seen.  I'm passionate about fitness (and chocolate!) and could not live without my relationships, girl talk, and my morning coffee.  I've been blogging for four years over at <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Honey We're Home</a>, sharing my love of keeping things organized and beautiful at our house.  My efforts to live in the moment and cook more are an adventure in progress."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

UHeart Organizing: A Summer Ready Mudroom

Seasonal changes are always welcomed, but I tend to get most excited for the arrival of spring and summer (hello warm weather and pretty law...

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Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge!

I have come to a point where I need to take back our home.  And I keep trying to figure out how to get to the meat of this post without it sounding like we are:<br /><br /><ul><li>Slobs</li><li>Lazy</li><li>Whining</li><li>Lame</li><li>Un-motivated</li></ul><br />When it fact, that really has never been our style.  Although we will forever have problem spaces lingering, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to stay on top of our home.  Whether it be with cleaning plans or meal plans or organized kits and caddies galore, our systems have been years in the making.  Our goal is not perfection; our friends, family and neighbors have definitely seen our home in a tornado-esque state... We just love to find ways to make our routines easier (and our home prettier).<br /><br />But wow.  Over the course of the last five months and being knee deep in a home renovation, we have somehow lost our way.  It is amazing how quickly we can fall out of our routines, create piles, and let our daily chores slide.  And not having storage in the main areas of our home for many months, has had a trickle effect to almost every other room in our home.  The moment we took down our wall and tore apart our kitchen, not only did we remove a few systems that we heavily relied on, we also shifted our priorities.  Suddenly everything else could wait and getting our kitchen / living room finished was more important.  It feels as though we are always focusing on some sort of project or running here and there.  And when we have a few spare seconds, we want to spend them with the boys, not cleaning or doing more house chores.  Always a balancing act right?<br /><br />Well, it has gotten to a point that the kids have forgotten what their daily responsibilities are and I can't seem to focus on a single thing due to all of the chaos going on around me.  I have always been one to thrive when my surroundings are clean and clutter free, so as the months have gone by, my drive has slowed down.  I am totally, completely overwhelmed with our home.  There, I said it.  I already feel better.  Say it with me?  Just saying it is the first step.<br /><br />I decided that I don't care that the kitchen still needs trim and the spices need to be labeled.  The rest of the house needs my attention.  It is time to take back control of a few spaces that have been controlling us, and our moods.  I am not waiting any longer!  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3l0LrQpDJpGVsielnDw6LXmhhOfIx1T8VO-woECSP0age7LQebTIDucAJDOFUO_SIUl8I9Rlj8d58SWDv2wcw6WmYBgDuo8lNXcbd0oSZgjXtOlUbu9qYmOPDQa3n913iZu5v5aeVgYe/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3l0LrQpDJpGVsielnDw6LXmhhOfIx1T8VO-woECSP0age7LQebTIDucAJDOFUO_SIUl8I9Rlj8d58SWDv2wcw6WmYBgDuo8lNXcbd0oSZgjXtOlUbu9qYmOPDQa3n913iZu5v5aeVgYe/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_Header.png" /></a></div><br />For the next four weeks, I am going to tackle our top four trouble areas.  And I am not talking about the garage, which definitely has seen better days, I am talking about the spaces we use all of the time and have a real impact on our days.  <br /><br />Will you play along with me?  Do you have an organizing project you have been putting off?  Are you in an organizing slump? <i>(cough, <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/uheart-organizing-handy-craft-station.html" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, cough)</i><br /><br />Although I typically look for some sort of motivator when it comes to organizing a drawer, closet or entire room... this time, my motivator is quality of life!  Not crafting or painting or listening to an audio book while I sort.  Those are the perks, but not the drivers this time.  But that doesn't mean I can't find ways to make it fun, stay on track, and be sure that I achieve my goals.  So I put together a printable to get myself started.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8y5k1uUkBDP32xV_LWI_STUwAa4hd6M8a1Td8xaRDajuj089-ljlBAVwmuwnLgnekRWUCvnOcVNUbCP9FtFhFmSX2fYnnhyphenhyphentWh7zy4d9iCFcop8eiXmmx8dN3k4bUYhzc4MvJjm18bLH/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8y5k1uUkBDP32xV_LWI_STUwAa4hd6M8a1Td8xaRDajuj089-ljlBAVwmuwnLgnekRWUCvnOcVNUbCP9FtFhFmSX2fYnnhyphenhyphentWh7zy4d9iCFcop8eiXmmx8dN3k4bUYhzc4MvJjm18bLH/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />And because I plan to bribe you all to organize with me, <b><i>I am giving you this printable for free <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6ccw426rjtyehhgk4lt9nkrd87842ag7" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl-KnMaBhT6DugZGVLdOaa282MyIo3FSwRMz0MRuXFNzDNRJp0jSOZeIG-yrKuAZ0WG6dyeHc9nz3TmeFdBj0u3PYkoWmxsV22nUGc3p49TjYnPV5NTthdfU7lAJQOnhrRTys5CwH_gF/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPl-KnMaBhT6DugZGVLdOaa282MyIo3FSwRMz0MRuXFNzDNRJp0jSOZeIG-yrKuAZ0WG6dyeHc9nz3TmeFdBj0u3PYkoWmxsV22nUGc3p49TjYnPV5NTthdfU7lAJQOnhrRTys5CwH_gF/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Let me just say it was fun designing a printable again.  It has been far too long.  It was a nice way to ramp up for the next Planner release!  Moving on...<br /><br />Using the form is really straight forward, but I thought I would show you an example of how it will help with each project I take on over the next few weeks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboUWGSDXFdUYt5cK4V_dwLkt8SM3KF2Lz1cBE24t8XCdvE9p7sFLZz63hvGPNujg-6hq5tefw-ds_GkZXKobSyH-u0ul4wZclQ0OQutWCnLMWOX0o8Prpye7HsFGnGu9If8ZicKzaR7Nu/s1600/Example560.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboUWGSDXFdUYt5cK4V_dwLkt8SM3KF2Lz1cBE24t8XCdvE9p7sFLZz63hvGPNujg-6hq5tefw-ds_GkZXKobSyH-u0ul4wZclQ0OQutWCnLMWOX0o8Prpye7HsFGnGu9If8ZicKzaR7Nu/s1600/Example560.png" /></a></div><br />My first step was to identify my four biggest problem areas.  I selected the following:<br /><br /><ul><li>Master Bathroom</li><li>Master Closet</li><li>Both Vehicles</li><li>Daily Schedules/Papers/Time Management</li></ul>  <br />The example shown above is filled out for our Master Bathroom project.  An important part of the process was also to set some sort of a due date goal.  Because I want to tackle a new space each week, I selected the first Friday as my due date to complete the space.<br /><br />Before just diving in, I really want to reflect on why the spaces got so bad.  Sure, a lot of it is because we have just been too busy to maintain them.  But I also questioned whether it is because we are just not utilizing our existing systems, or if the existing systems are truly failing us (and most of the time it is both).  It is important to recognize both the good and the bad here; list out things that are working, and think about those yay-areas as you also reflect on what is not working.<br /><br />Now that I know what is not working, I can start coming up with a plan for the organizing project.  Things like addressing my make-up storage and dealing with too many un-used toiletries.  And of course, each project always starts out with a good blank slate, a deep cleaning and a purging of clutter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt204j14DdKDDwpJycwPgFYSjsHM5EXZVPKXuJNXsXD7zxRGeoRhite1ko0Ci8U8oVt_hWNG5h21ZO8frcbYGL20vMriVudLJAOfDmuI-x8mi6ySrTi8OogdcNlRWbGc2zjOz2E4ZqHn7H/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt204j14DdKDDwpJycwPgFYSjsHM5EXZVPKXuJNXsXD7zxRGeoRhite1ko0Ci8U8oVt_hWNG5h21ZO8frcbYGL20vMriVudLJAOfDmuI-x8mi6ySrTi8OogdcNlRWbGc2zjOz2E4ZqHn7H/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />There is also a section on the printable to list out any organizational and storage needs.  This is a good time to think about items you already own, what you can easily DIY, and what you may need to purchase.<br /><br />And last but not least, give yourself some realistic goals to strive for over the course of each week.  It is a busy time of the year with kids getting out of school, nightly sports and picnic dates at the park.  So match up the Project Planner Printable with your personal calendar and utilize the space at the bottom of the form to schedule in your organizing tasks.<br /><br />There!  Not so bad!  We have already recognized and planned!  We are halfway there!<br /><br />And because things are about to get real, and we are going to be ruthless, I got out my handy sorting signs!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ltgoLkQSqachA59T-8J1jDpz5b5zaBqcNejy1PchRMOCCmXWqvvRRACjyUbdp3s8dzuvtYSxX59eC9B9a57i5GaERJqJheMVlBwnwZVX0E-MU-8hgwGQC8gnu5U8A6FJwfFwfce3BXdd/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ltgoLkQSqachA59T-8J1jDpz5b5zaBqcNejy1PchRMOCCmXWqvvRRACjyUbdp3s8dzuvtYSxX59eC9B9a57i5GaERJqJheMVlBwnwZVX0E-MU-8hgwGQC8gnu5U8A6FJwfFwfce3BXdd/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />I printed them, cut them, glued them to colored cardstock and pushed them through my laminator.  Now, I can just clip them to any box, bin or basket during a good organizing session.  Did I just hear that you would like a set for your organizing sessions as well?  <b><i>You can download the Sorting Signs for free <a href="https://app.box.com/s/6anxypu95du1d7cjlanpz2fo5t9y79yj" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b><br /><br />And if you are looking for more printables to help during the sorting, donating and decision making process, you can find <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235619769/donation-printable-guide-instant?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">my Donation Kit here</a>.<br /><br />Now for the REALLY fun part!  My goal is to share my personal results with you each Friday.  When I do, I am going to provide a place for you to link your project back to me!  You don't need to have a blog to play along, you will be able to link from Instagram as well as other photo sharing sites.  And remember that I said I was also going to bribe you to participate in this challenge with me?  Because sometimes our own messes aren't motivation enough, I am going to use random.org to select one person from the link party each week to win a $50.00 Gift Card to one of my favorite organizing-friendly stores <i>(no need to participate each week to win)</i>.  Not sponsored, just my personal way of saying THANK YOU for hanging out with me.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-IXFFCvKt7hl2yK9R2Y8b4rriVuJidQMBGFIN9zbnHKVWyiXzzmvswBhyphenhyphenp_7paBbO7ejjaDRAT-VA-Eck7iEALnTIT62X-IqOXRUURY3vyqVBntifhQoCxmunvdBKrUeQXAeifdXKM4p/s1600/GiftCardsWinMe.png" /></a></div><br />The fun starts next week!  I am not sure which space I will tackle first, but it is on!  I can't wait to see what projects you all select.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu85jmOQUpRp3bLgfbUx8aRKjPzmB1-LGq-flddOmHovXsIjov8vFczK77BF3hWy6yHzyGuNR4ge-BvTuudpWLvmcj53NTzNstVRAiGNYlnrVNvvepqhRFN4hXSCEnEY577r44l8TtHV0/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu85jmOQUpRp3bLgfbUx8aRKjPzmB1-LGq-flddOmHovXsIjov8vFczK77BF3hWy6yHzyGuNR4ge-BvTuudpWLvmcj53NTzNstVRAiGNYlnrVNvvepqhRFN4hXSCEnEY577r44l8TtHV0/s1600/Organizing_Challenge_Help_Kit_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />So get out your sorting bins, print off your worksheet and labels and get ready to tackle the organizing projects you have been putting off for far too long. Your "Monica" closet is calling your name! You in?

Four Week "Wait-No-More" Organizing Challenge!

I have come to a point where I need to take back our home.  And I keep trying to figure out how to get to the meat of this post without it s...

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