Hibernating is what I do in January. I nest, and lose momentum on things that I’ve started. I think it’s partially due to trying to piece together our lives post-holiday (post-Santa, post-travels), and also, because it’s damn cold and I can come up with 40 good reasons not to step foot into the snowy backyard if I don’t need to. I’m trying to appreciate it for what it is – a lull in my normally self-imposed chaotic schedule in which I can think about planning out my year and tonight’s dinner, finding a home for that West Elm barracuda, and rearrange the sectional in the living room again to troubleshoot new baby proofing and entertaining strategies.
We’re closing in on two years in this home already, and making an earnest effort towards making it feel “complete” by continuing to furnish and customize features to fit our lifestyle. Maintenance-wise, plenty of things need our attention at some point, like the bathroom with cracking tile ($$$$$) and the unusable fireplace ($$$) and the barn siding ($$), but maybe not this year if we can help it. There will always be intense projects looming on the horizon, and our spring is already lined up with treehouse upgrades and garden plans, so I’m kind of enjoying the prospect of meeting smaller goals for the next few months, and finishing what we’ve started.
I’m working off two lists–one of “simple” tasks that if I were a little more decisive and organized, could be crossed off in one weekend, and one of “hard/annoying/cost prohibitive” projects–and a goal of finishing most of them before adding more to our plates. It’s a mix of DIY and must-buy, encompassing everything from garage doors and beds, dressers and area rugs, amplified storage and children’s play, and a whole lot more. It won’t be the year for blasting through money on decorative throws and new bedside tables (I’m not sure that seasonal pillows are my style anyways), but I might indulge in a new camera if the tax season works out in our favor.
How do you guys hibernate?
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Oh, I so feel this right now only we’ve been in our house for 9 years (whaaat?) in July. Basically, we moved in, spent a lot of money on non-important things that aren’t our style, actually, but a mix of our parents’ styles (yay, young, first time homeowners!) and now that we budget realistically things are stalled. BUT there are still things like thresholds to stain, cabinets to paint, countertops to refinish…basically, no-fun tasks that have been looming and need to get finished in a bad way. Good luck with your list! I know I could use some with mine! ;)
Good luck with yours too – I feel you on the having bought lots of stuff that was actually your parents’ style. It feels good to finally identify with my own style, and I sort of like the trial of curating it to my vision (minus the $$$). Thank goodness for selling at garage sales and on Craigslist :)
PS Cody is SO handsome.
I am loving your living room! IT’s similar to what I have in mind for our new casa. My husband and I are getting ready to embark on customizing our new home, it will def be an adventure!
It’s like you’re in my head! January is always so hard… I struggle to accept the “lull” but damned if I don’t need it. (Also, barn siding, I hear you… I’ve got two more sides of my barn and all the trim to do this year. I think I’m going to just go enjoy the lull now.)